House Proceeding 05-12-09 on May 12th, 2009 :: 2:41:40 to 3:01:40
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2:38:50 to 2:41:40( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Howard L. Berman

2:41:22 to 2:41:41( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: standing shoulder to shoulder as we confront today's challenges together, just as we did throughout the last century. i ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the 30th anniversary ofargaret thatcher's historic election and paying tribute to her historical

2:41:42 to 2:42:03( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: achievements and we should reaffirm the enduring partnership and friendship between our two nations. and reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman is recognized. mr. poe: i yield myself such time as i may consume. i appreciate chairman berman bringing this bill before the

2:41:45 to 2:45:55( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Ted Poe

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Ted Poe: house for consideration today. "time" magazine named margaret thatcher one of the 20 most influential leaders of the 20th century. she is the only women to hold prime minister. she is an advocate for democracy around the world and steadfast friend of the united states. this resolution recognizes the

2:42:25 to 2:42:45( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: 30th anniversary of her election as the first female prime minister of the united kingdom. margarethatcher served as prime minister of great britain for 11 years from 1979 to 1990. at that time of her resignation. she was the longest continuous serving prime minister of the

2:42:46 to 2:43:09( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: united kingdom since 1827. this resolution pays tribute to her remarkable professional achievements. she was also leader of the conservative party for 15 years from 1975 to 1990. and was the only woman who hold that post. in the 20th century and only prime minister to win three

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Ted Poe: conservative terms, a testament to her bold leadership. this resolution also recognizes prime minister thatcher's dedicated work in promoting individual rights and free markets th during her time in office, prime minister thatcher fostered the dawning of a new politics called thatcherism which emphasized

2:43:31 to 2:43:51( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: individual responsibity and fiscal and social policies. when she came into office, the state of the economy was deep despair. there were pickets, food shortages and the country had double-digit inflation. margaret thatcher represented

2:43:52 to 2:44:13( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: the end of socialized government and re-institution of the free market philosophy. though plain speaking and sheer determination, she waited city after city to contract out public services to private contractors saving taxpayers $30 billion every year. she denationalized the entire economy.

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Ted Poe: family by family, she taught the nation the importance of living within their means, what a novel concept. three million families moved from public housing and became home earns under her right-to-buy program. home ownership under her administration jumped from 53% to 71%.

2:44:35 to 2:44:55( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: this resolution also recognizes margaret thatcher's robust and principled approach to foreign policy during the long cold war. prime minister thatcher and president reagan were key forces in the collapse of communism undethe former soviet union. as a matter of fact, in 1976, prime minister thatcher delivered such a bold speech

2:44:56 to 2:45:16( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: against communism in the soviet union, that the soviet union army newspaper started calling her the iron lady, and it stuck. the iron lady helped bring down the iron curtain, mr. speaker. finally this resolution acknowledges the special relationship between the united states and the united kingdom fostered by prime minister

2:45:17 to 2:45:37( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: thatcher. under her direction, the united states and united kingdom worked to overcome communism, encourage free markets around the world, curb terrorism and promote democratic and individual particular values. my grandmother used to tell me there is nothing more powerful than a woman who had made up her mind and my grandmother was

2:45:38 to 2:45:55( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: right and margaret thatcher is one of those remarkable women who has led a life by intellectual integrity and she had made up her mind. she has not only inspired women all over the world to aspire towards positions of leadership

2:45:56 to 2:46:16( Edit History Discussion )

but inspired her generation to promote policies that value economic freedom and individual responsility. i'm proud to be the sponsor of and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. berman requests for time.

2:46:17 to 2:46:37( Edit History Discussion )

and if the distinguished gentleman is prepared to yield back the balance, i am as well. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from texas. mr. poe: we have no further speakers. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from california. mr. berman: i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the

2:46:38 to 2:46:58( Edit History Discussion )

question is will the house suspend the rules and agree to house resolution 378. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended -- the gentleman from texas. mr. poe: on that, i request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing

2:46:59 to 2:47:19( Edit History Discussion )

until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 and the chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. . for what purpose does the gentleman from california rise? mr. berman: mr. speaker, i move to suspend the rules and fwre to the resolution, h.res. 171

2:47:20 to 2:47:40( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: as amended. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the resolution. the clerk: house resolution 171, resolution expressing the sense of the house of representatives on the need for constitutional reform in bosnia and herzegovina and the importance of sustained united states engagement in partnership with the european union. the speaker pro tempore:

2:47:30 to 2:52:40( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Howard L. Berman

2:47:41 to 2:48:02( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. berman, and the gentleman from texas, mr. poe, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. berman. mr. berman: yes, mr. speaker. i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

2:48:03 to 2:48:23( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. berman: mr. speaker, i rise in strong support of h.res. 171 which calls for constitutional reform in bosnia and herzegovina as well as su in partnership with the european union. i yield myself such time as i may consume.

2:48:24 to 2:48:44( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: in the 13 years since the signing of the dayton peace accords brought an end to a brutal conflict, the people of bosnia and herzegovina have worked closely with the international community to make considerable progress in building a peaceful and democratic society that is built upon the rule of law, respect for human rights and a

2:48:45 to 2:49:06( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: free market economy. within the last year of the country has taken important steps along the path to euro-atlantic integration, beginning in intensified dialogue with nato and signing a stabilization and association agreement with the europe uniunion. notwithstanding these notable milestones, there are troubling

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Howard L. Berman: signs of backsliding as political rhetoric grows confrontational, reforms unravel and ethnic tensions increase. bosnia seemingly faces the prospect of stagnation at best and a return to violent conflict at worse. while bosnia's future clearly lies in the euro-atlantic

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Howard L. Berman: community, the country must first develop an efficient and effective state with functioning institutions that are capable of making self-sustaining reforms and managing the responsibilities of e.u. and nato membership. h.res. 171 does not prescribe the types of constitutional reforms that are required. indeed, such decisions can only

2:49:51 to 2:50:11( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: be made by the people of bosnia and herzegovina. however, the united states and the european union can help create conditions that are condusive to efforts by bosnian citizens to develop a functional political system. first, the peace implementation council should remain firm in

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Howard L. Berman: its commitment to maintain the office of the high representative until bosnia has definitively met the five conditions and two principles. only then should the office be closed and responsibility transitioned to the e.u. special representative. the recent dialogue among some political leaders that led to

2:50:35 to 2:50:56( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: the adoption of an agreement on the status of one district was a helpful development. hopefully similar progress can be made on state property and other issues. second, the european union should provide bosnia with a clear set of e.u. candidacy and these should include explicit and objective benchmarks

2:50:57 to 2:51:18( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: regarding constitutional reforms that will increase the functionality of the bosnian state. the e.u. should also carefully reconsider its plans for their drawdown or redeployment of its 2,500 member european union force. as the continued presence of

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Howard L. Berman: those troops detours -- deters violence with the psychological reassurance of security. and finally, there is a need for sustained high-level u.s. engagement with the e.u. on the development and implementation of common policies that will

2:51:40 to 2:52:01( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: stabilize and strengthen and herzegovina. they will have an enjoy to the balkans. in addition to working directly with political leaders on the ground, this official could seek to develop a consensus among the e.u. and its member states about the way forward in southeastern europe. the visit by vice president

2:52:02 to 2:52:22( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: biden to bosa, serbia and kosovo next week is an encouraging sign of renewed american interest in the balkans. as he and other seni officials in the obama administration were personally involved in efforts to establish peace in the balkans 13 years ago, they know rsthand the importance of preserving this hard one

2:52:23 to 2:52:40( Edit History Discussion )

Howard L. Berman: stability and the considerable cost of letting it slip away. although the united states and european union are consumed by other foreign policy priorities we must not lose sight of our balkans or waiver our

2:52:41 to 2:53:01( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: commitment to peaceful process across europe. i strongly support this resolution. i urge my colleagues to do the same, and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from texas. mr. poe: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized.

2:52:45 to 2:55:20( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Ted Poe

2:53:02 to 2:53:23( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: mr. poe: chaian berman and ranking member ros-lehtinen for bringing house resolution 171 to the floor. this resolution expresses support for the progress made by the state of bosnia and herzegovina towards stability and greater international cohesion. bosnia has come a long way in the 14 years since the signing of the so-called dayton accords that end the terrible ethnic-based conflict there. while this short resolution

2:53:24 to 2:53:45( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: speaks to much that has been accomplished in bosnia, much work needs to still be done. some would suggest, for example, that the greater constitutional reform within bosnia is necessary for its future growth and its stability for the progress of democracy and tolerance in that country. another important issue confronting the state of bosnia and herzegovina is the burden placed on its economic progress

2:53:46 to 2:54:06( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: by its extensive bureaucracy that is now in place in that country. that bureaucracy reportedly consumes a great deal of that small country's revenues, confronting its economy with serious obstacles to growth. this measure as considered on the floor today does include a short statement that was added after agreement by the majority

2:54:07 to 2:54:27( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: and minority that i believe makes an important point. among its resolved clauses h.res. 171 now specifically calls for continued assistance to bosnia to help it investigate al qaeda activities and those of related networks. that is an important point when we consider the reported

2:54:28 to 2:54:49( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: increase of islamic extremism in the broader balkan region. such repts should serve as a warning that islamic extremists are looking there as a potential launching platform for future attacks somewhere else. i am pleased that the bosnian government is working to address important issues such as these reports of the use of bosnian passports by islamic

2:54:50 to 2:55:10( Edit History Discussion )

Ted Poe: militants. and i am also pleased by reports that some reports that some in the bosnian muslim opportunity have been strong advocates for peace and reconciliation. the call for continued support for bosnia and such important efforts enhances the other important statements this resolution makes with regard to our policy toward bosnia.

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Ted Poe: mrspeaker, many of us would like to ensure that bosnia becomes a greater anchor for stability in the balkans region. this resolution is an important message of encouragement and

2:55:22 to 2:55:43( Edit History Discussion )

Russ Carnahan: support of all people of bosnia as they seek to promote stability, peace and prosperity. i support its adoption by the house and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from texas reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from missouri. mr. carnahan: thank you, mr. speaker.

2:55:25 to 2:57:35( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Russ Carnahan

2:55:44 to 2:56:04( Edit History Discussion )

Russ Carnahan: i yield myself two minut. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman will control the time . the gentleman is recognized. mr. carnahan: i rise? strong support of h.res. 171. i want to thank chairman berman and ranking member ros-lehtinen for bringing this bill to the

2:56:05 to 2:56:26( Edit History Discussion )

Russ Carnahan: floor. i have asked for increased attention in the balkans and especially to the needs of bosnia and herzegovina, a country with a long rich tradition of multiethnic communities living and working together. i asked secretary clinton about this just a few weeks ago when she appeared before the house committee of foreign affairs. i think she too agrees that

2:56:27 to 2:56:47( Edit History Discussion )

Russ Carnahan: there needs to be renewed attention to this country. i hope this resolution is another step toward u.s. re-engagement in the region and offering bosnia the support that it needs. this resolution recognizes the need for constitutional reform in bosnia, herzegovina and highlights the importance of sustained u.s. engagement in

2:56:48 to 2:57:10( Edit History Discussion )

Russ Carnahan: partnership with the european union. as a founding member and co-chairman of the congressional caucus on bosnia from new jersey, i have the distinction and pleasure of growing and vibrant community of bosnian americans in the st. louis, missouri, region, one of the largest area of bosnian

2:57:11 to 2:57:32( Edit History Discussion )

Russ Carnahan: americans. i want to highlight two clauses in this resolution that i think are of particular importance. first, we need to continue our efforts, both here at the iccti to achieve justice for victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide as well as to promote reconciliation among ethnic groups. secondly, that the appointment of a special enjoy to the balkans who can work in

2:57:33 to 2:57:36( Edit History Discussion )

Russ Carnahan: partnership with the e.u., bosnia and other leaders will

2:57:37 to 2:57:57( Edit History Discussion )

Christopher H. Smith: commitment to the region. i thank you, and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: does the gentleman from missouri reserve the baffle his time? mr. carnahan: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the lance of his time. the gentleman from texas. mr. poe: mr. speaker, i yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. smith, ranking member of the subcommittee on africa and global health, of

2:57:40 to 3:03:55( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Christopher H. Smith

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Christopher H. Smith: the health senior commission and co-chair of the house bosnia caucus. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. . smith: mr. speaker, i rise in strong support of h.res. 171, a powerful statement calling for meaningful constitutional reform and strengthened u.s. engagement in bosnia and i want to thank chairman berman for authoring this legislation. i am very proud to be one of

2:58:19 to 2:58:39( Edit History Discussion )

Christopher H. Smith: the co-sponsors. mr. speaker, this resolution makes all the important points on the need for real constitutional reform. it notes that the dayton accords notwithstanding their merits in stopping the war and the genocide quote, including many compromised imposed by the

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Christopher H. Smith: need of quick action to help human rights. everyone involved in dayton -- in the dayton accords understood that intended to be more than a turn get designed to halt the genocide andto act as a bridge towards good governance and a workable constitution. and that time has come.

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Christopher H. Smith: the resolution notes the progress bosnia has made since 1995, and by almost all accounts that progress is truly remarkable. i visited bosnia again in july of 2007 and was deeply impressed by the economic and social recovery that has taken place within the past 12 years.

2:59:22 to 2:59:43( Edit History Discussion )

Christopher H. Smith: on the constitutional arrangements, mr. speaker, the resolution points to the history of strong u.s. support for the legal continuity and territorial of bosnia and herzegovina and notes that the current dayton based constitutional arrangements are neither efficient nor rational. the resolution praises the

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Christopher H. Smith: value of a united multiethnic country and full incorporation into the euro-atlantic community and stabilizing the balkans. mr. speaker, efficient irrational arrangements to unite the multiethnic country and to have it fully incorporated into nato and e.u. means a reform that abolishes

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Christopher H. Smith: the entity voting system so that the vote of every bosnian citizen will be of equal weight. under the current yton-based system, only 22% of the deputies can block any proposed legislation. .

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Christopher H. Smith: in the past 13 years such a super minority has blocked over 260 bills. in the same period, the national legislature passed less than 150 laws. mr. speaker, this is a serious problem. it is the reason that we are here today talking about constitutional reform in bosnia. mr. speaker, as chairman or

3:00:47 to 3:01:07( Edit History Discussion )

Christopher H. Smith: co-chairman for 12 years of the commission on security and cooperation in europe known around here as the helsinki commission and co-chairman of the bosnian caucus and chairman of the house human rights committee for eight years, i have had the opportunity to chair numerous bosnia hearings and offer congressional

3:01:08 to 3:01:29( Edit History Discussion )

Christopher H. Smith: resolutions on bosnia including h. res. 199. my most recent trip to bosnia s in july of 2007 and i joined relatives of those killed, murdered, massacred in the genocide in a ceremony interning hundreds of the approximately

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Christopher H. Smith: 8,000 bosnian muslims who were killed. the ceremony was solemn, it was holy and it was numbing. there was a very powerful speech, a sermon, to all of those who had gathered.