[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 19, 1995)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1468-E1469] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN SUPPORT OF SISTER CITIES ______ HON. JAMES P. MORAN of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 19, 1995 Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the United States Information Agency and their continued funding of the Sister Cities International Program. The USIA is responsible for our Government's overseas academic and cultural programs. They conduct a variety of activities to promote democratic and free market values and to foster international understanding of U.S. policies. The Sister Cities Program is a vital part of this effort. I am proud to demonstrate my support for this worthwhile cause, and as a former mayor, Alexandria, VA, I am pleased to submit for the Record the attached letter from the U.S. Conference of Mayors International Affairs Committee. Sister Cities International, June 17, 1995. An Open Letter to Congress: We, the undersigned Mayors of The U.S. Conference of Mayors' International Affairs Committee, urge our elected Representatives and Senators in the United States Congress to preserve important United States Information Agency (USIA) supported programs such as Sister Cities International that enable us to build bridges with communities overseas. Through programs supported by the USIA, diverse elements from our communities-business, working people, educators, and many individuals and organizations-have forged strong economic and cultural ties with their international counterparts. These vibrant programs have afforded us the opportunity to create people to people relationships which have brought countless contributions to our communities. The special relationships developed as a result of these international partnerships reap tangible returns for the modest resources that are used to sustain them. Across the United States, substantial construction projects, special trade relationships, provided direct access to foreign markets for American goods and services, and increased tourism are just a few of the ways they have boosted our local economies and enhanced international understanding. The lives of our citizens and their children, in their homes and in their classrooms, are enriched by interacting with people from our sister cities. It is important for the people of our communities to gain a better understanding of just how interdependent our world is. For some of our citizens this may be the only exposure they will ever receive to people who live in other countries. We are united in our belief that for many reasons our communities are strengthened when we are internationally engaged. We [[Page E 1469]] call upon you to maintain the modest funding USIA currently receives to support these programs. Sincerely, Patricia S. Ticer, Mayor of Alexandria, VA; Jerry E. Abramson, Mayor of Louisville, KY; Cardell Cooper, Mayor of East Orange, NJ; Susan S. Weiner, Mayor of Savannah, GA; Meyera E. Oberndorf, Mayor of Virginia Beach, VA; Leonard M. Creary, Mayor of Lyndhurst, OH; Kane Ditto, Mayor of Jackson, MS; Mike Johanns, Mayor of Lincoln, NB; Mary Rhodes, Mayor of Corpus Christi, TX; Joseph P. Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport, CT; Saul N. Ramirez, Jr., Mayor of Laredo, TX; Patsy Jo Hilliard, Mayor of East Point, GA; Richard A. Lang, Mayor of Modesto, CA; Raul J. Valdes-Fauli, Mayor of Coral Gables, FL; James S. Whitaker, Mayor of Lynchburg, VA; Jack Geraghty, Mayor of Spokane, WA; Neil G. Giuliano, Mayor of Tempe, AZ; Raul G. Villaronga, Mayor of Killeen, TX; Dennis W. Archer, Mayor of Detroit, MI; Norm Coleman, Mayor of St. Paul. MN; Gus Morrison, Mayor of Freemont, CA; Dr. William E. Ward, Mayor of Chesapeake, VA; J. Christian Bollwage, Mayor of Elizabeth, NJ; H. Brent Coles, Mayor of Boise, ID; Gerald Wright, Mayor of West Valley City, UT; Martin J. Chavez, Mayor of Albuquerque, NM; Chuck Hazama, Mayor of Rochester, MN; Ann Azari, Mayor of Fort Collins, CO; Martha S. Wood, Mayor of Winston-Salem, NC; Charles V. Smith, Mayor of Westminster, CA; Robert A. Pastrick, Mayor of East Chicago, IN; Lynn F. Pett, Mayor of Murray, UT; Charles A. DeVaney, Mayor Augusta, GA; Peter A. Clavelle, Mayor of Burlington, VT; and Charles E. Box, Mayor of Rockford, IL. ____________________