[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)] [House] [Pages H692-H699] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] EXTENDING NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS TREATMENT TO UKRAINE Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1053) to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Ukraine, as amended. The Clerk read as follows: H.R. 1053 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Congress finds as follows: (1) Ukraine allows its citizens the right and opportunity to emigrate, free of any heavy tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration and free of any tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizens as a consequence of the desire of such citizens to emigrate to the country of their choice. (2) Ukraine has received normal trade relations treatment since 1992 and has been found to be in full compliance with the freedom of emigration requirements under title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 since 1997. (3) Since the establishment of an independent Ukraine in 1991, Ukraine has made substantial progress toward the creation of democratic institutions and a free-market economy. (4) Ukraine has committed itself to ensuring freedom of religion, respect for rights of minorities, and eliminating intolerance and has been a paragon of inter-ethnic cooperation and harmony, as evidenced by the annual human rights reports of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United States Department of State. (5) Ukraine has taken major steps toward global security by ratifying the Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Weapons (START I) and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, subsequently turning over the last of its Soviet-era nuclear warheads on June 1, 1996, and agreeing, in 1998, not to assist Iran with the completion of a program to develop and build nuclear breeding reactors, and has fully supported the United States in nullifying the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. (6) At the Madrid Summit in 1997, Ukraine became a member of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and has been a participant in the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program since 1994. (7) Ukraine is a peaceful state which established exemplary relations with all neighboring countries, and consistently pursues a course of European integration with a commitment to ensuring democracy and prosperity for its citizens. (8) Ukraine has built a broad and durable relationship with the United States and has been an unwavering ally in the struggle against international terrorism that has taken place since the attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001. (9) Ukraine has concluded a bilateral trade agreement with the United States that entered into force on June 23, 1992, and is in the process of acceding to the World Trade Organization (WTO). On March 6, 2006, the United States and Ukraine signed a bilateral market access agreement as a part of the WTO accession process. SEC. 2. TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV OF THE TRADE ACT OF 1974 TO THE PRODUCTS OF UKRAINE. (a) Presidential Determinations and Extension of Nondiscriminatory Treatment.--Notwithstanding any provision of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.), the President may-- (1) determine that such title should no longer apply to Ukraine; and (2) after making a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to Ukraine, proclaim the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of that country. (b) Termination of Applicability of Title IV.--On and after the effective date under subsection (a) of the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of Ukraine, title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 shall cease to apply to that country. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California. Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. THOMAS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, this is really an exciting time in which we recognize the continuing maturation and involvement of a new nation, yet a nation of people who have deserved better over many decades and are now beginning to see the fruit of their struggle manifest itself. We are asking today in this legislation to recognize that the country of Ukraine that has entered into a series of agreements with the United States and other countries, and I include an exchange of letters between the United States Trade Representative Rob Portman and myself as chairman of the Ways and [[Page H693]] Means Committee, indicating some certainties as to that agreement, and to anxiously await the comments by my colleagues as we recognize that the Ukraine, through very difficult economic and political transformations, has reached the point of integrating itself into the world economy. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, March 6, 2006. Hon. Rob Portman, U.S. Trade Representative, Washington, DC. Dear Ambassador Portman: I understand the United States and Ukraine have concluded the bilateral negotiations on market access issues related to Ukraine's World Trade Organization (WTO) accession. The Committee has received the confidential documents related to the accord, and I congratulate you and your negotiators on a very strong agreement. The commitments that Ukraine has made related to market access for goods and services, as well as on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) obligations and intellectual property rights, are very important for U.S. exporters and to Members of Congress. It is essential that Ukraine comply fully with all of its WTO commitments. To that end, I write to seek your assurances that you will be steadfast in confirming that Ukraine fully implements all of its commitments as scheduled, and that you will not support its accession unless that is the case. I look forward to moving legislation through Congress to grant permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Ukraine quickly after the bilateral agreement is signed. Unconditional normal trade relations is a basic tenet of WTO membership, and granting PNTR to Ukraine will allow the United States to benefit from the WTO commitments made by Ukraine. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Bill Thomas, Chairman. ____ Executive Office of the President, the United States Trade Representative, Washington, DC, March 6, 2006. Hon. Bill Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thomas: Today, the United States and Ukraine signed a bilateral market access agreement as part of the negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). As we have discussed, this agreement is a significant step forward in our commercial relations with Ukraine. In addition to market access commitments that create new opportunities for U.S. exports, Ukraine's recent efforts to address intellectual property (IPR) and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues are particularly noteworthy evidence of Ukraine's desire to become part of the global trade community. The WTO accession negotiations with Ukraine are proceeding on two tracks: (1) bilaterally to open up Ukraine's markets to U.S. exports and investment; and (2) multilaterally to focus on WTO rules issues that relate to matters such as transparency, agriculture, customs, IPRs, state-owned enterprises, and services. The complete WTO accession package will include: (1) the best of Ukraine's commitments made in bilateral negotiations on market access for goods, agriculture, and services; and (2) Ukraine's commitments to revising its trade regime to adhere to WTO rules. These commitments will be included in a multilaterally agreed Protocol of Accession and Report of the Working Party which are analogous to legislation and the committee report on that legislation. Ukraine must still complete its bilateral negotiations with other Members as well as the multilateral part of the negotiations. We will continue to work with the Ways and Means Committee and others in Congress as we continue these negotiations. Under WTO rules, the Working Party must approve, by consensus, the final accession package before the General Council can approve the terms for Ukraine's membership in the WTO. We will carefully review Ukraine's implementation of all WTO requirements, including market access commitments and SPS and IPR obligations, prior to accession. This will enable us to have confidence that Ukraine is complying with its SPS commitments to us and will comply fully with all of the commitments that it will assume as a WTO member, thus providing the basis for joining the consensus on Ukraine's terms of accession. After the Congress enacts legislation terminating application of the ``Jackson-Vanik'' amendment, the United States will be able to provide permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) treatment to Ukraine. WTO membership for Ukraine means that in addition to our bilateral mechanisms, we will be able to use the WTO to monitor implementation of commitments, and as needed, avail ourselves of the various consultation mechanisms in the Agreement. Finally, should we be unable to resolve our differences, we will have recourse to the Dispute Settlement Understanding. I look forward to working with you and other Members of Congress on Ukraine's WTO accession and PNTR legislation. Sincerely, Rob Portman. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank Mr. Thomas for the manner in which this legislation has been brought forward, in allowing us to vote on the permanent normal trade relations with the Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago, in my capacity as ranking member at the U.S.-Helsinki Commission, I traveled to the Ukraine with my colleague and chairman, Congressman Chris Smith. We made our trip shortly after the historic Orange Revolution, and I was impressed by the commitment of the Ukraine's new leaders to consolidate democracy, promote respect for human rights, and modernize the country's economy. {time} 1200 I also was impressed by the leader's commitment to further integrate Ukraine into the European and Euro-Atlantic community. I am not the only one to have been impressed by Ukraine's efforts. International organizations such as Freedom House have acknowledged Ukraine's progress of recent years in protecting the political rights and civil liberties of its citizens. Mr. Speaker, I believe Congress should demonstrate its support for Ukraine's reforms by approving legislation today that would grant Ukraine's permanent normal trade relation status, and, therefore, take it one step closer to becoming a member of the WTO. The passage of PNTR for Ukraine will also show Congress's support for the efforts of the Yushchenko government to ensure that the upcoming March 26 parliamentary elections will be free and fair. I am pleased that my Helsinki Commission colleague from Florida, Congressman Alcee Hastings, has been appointed as the OSCE PA Special Coordinator for our election observation mission there, and I look forward to reviewing the mission's findings and reports. So far, the pre-election process, while not completely problem free, has been dramatically different from the period leading up to the fraudulent elections of November 2004, which ignited the Orange Revolution. In the 2004 elections, the Ukraine and government instructed the media about how to cover the elections and systematically abused government resources. In contrast, the upcoming elections are expected to be free and fair. Mr. Speaker, I also want to take a few moments to comment on the issues of the underlying legislation we are considering today. The issue Congress is formally considering today is whether to withdraw the application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to Ukraine and thereby grant Ukraine permanent normal trade relations status. The Jackson-Vanik amendment, which was adopted in 1975, was intended to provide a way for the United States to deny trade benefits to countries that are denying the rights of its citizens, particularly religious minorities. Mr. Speaker, in light of the commitment that Ukraine has demonstrated in protecting the rights of religious minorities, I think it is appropriate that we withdraw the application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to Ukraine. Since independence, each successive Government of Ukraine has demonstrated a consistent commitment to defending the religious and ethnic rights of all of the people of the Ukraine. Current President Victor Yushchenko has continued this unambiguous commitment by pledging to bring minority groups together and reconciling historic conflicts. The International Religious Freedom Report of 2005 published by the United States State Department recognizes, ``President Yushchenko has, since taking office, spoken publicly about his vision of a Ukraine in which religious freedom flourishes and people are genuinely free to worship as they please.'' It must be understood, however, that there remain issues of concern, most notably the return of communal religious property that was confiscated during the Soviet era, and the anti-Semitic activities of Ukraine's largest private university, the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management. Mr. Speaker, I have raised both of these issues in recent days with the Ambassador from the Ukraine and from other Ukrainian officials, and I have been impressed by their commitment to address these issues. Ukrainian officials have assured me that the [[Page H694]] government is committed to continuing its effort to return communal property and that the Government of Ukraine will continue to condemn at the highest levels the anti-Semitic activities of the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management and any other anti-Semitic activities. Mr. Speaker, given these concerns, I am pleased that the legislation we are considering today highlights the importance of Ukraine's continuing commitment to ensure freedom of religion, respect for minorities, and eliminating intolerance. Shortly I will yield time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member of the International Relations Committee and our leader in Congress on the issue of human rights, democracy and religious freedom. Mr. Lantos is the leader in Congress of our Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, and I want to thank him for working with me, the Helsinki Commission, and the OSCE as we have battled against the rise of anti-Semitism globally, and particularly within the OSCE states. Ukraine has agreed to certain commitments to fight anti-Semitism, as have all of the 55 participating states of the OSCE. And let me make this crystal clear: today we intend to hold Ukraine to these commitments, including the responsibility to denounce anti-Semitism statements and vigorously enforce hate crime laws and promote diversity and tolerance in school curriculum. I am pleased that section 1, paragraph 4 of the resolution before us references these OSCE commitments. Let me make a personal reflection here. During my visit to Ukraine last year, I visited two monuments, the Ukraine Famine Memorial, honoring the millions of victims of Stalin's genocidal 1932 and 1933 famine, and Babi Yar, where hundreds of thousands of Jews and others were massacred by the Nazis during World War II. Mr. Speaker, it was a moving experience for me to lay a wreath at these sites in the Ukraine. These horrific events were a testimony to the cruelty and intolerance of dictatorships, and I do believe that today's independent Ukraine now understands that respect for human rights and a commitment to democracy and tolerance are the best inoculation against the horrors like the famine and Babi Yar. The United States Government, the Helsinki Commission, and the OSCE look forward to working with a democratic Ukraine as they continue to build their institutions of democracy, establish the rule of law, protect human rights and religious freedom and combat corruption. I commend Ukraine for its progress in promoting political and economic freedom for its citizens and its integration into the global rules-based economy. I urge my colleagues to join me in demonstrating support for the Ukraine's efforts by voting today to grant the country permanent normal trade status. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased by the statement of my friend from Maryland, and am also pleased to underscore the fact that my colleague and friend from California and I will stand together all the time in making sure that the conditions under which we examine and approve normal trade relations follow what should be a model. But, indeed, if you have to make sure it is followed, it will be followed. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the chief sponsor of H.R. 1053, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach). Mr. Speaker, prior to recognizing him, I yield the balance of my time to the chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw), and ask unanimous consent that he control the remainder of the time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Feeney). Without objection, the gentleman from Florida will control the time. There was no objection. Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from California, Chairman Thomas, and his staff for their cooperation in bringing H.R. 1053 to the floor today. Also I would like to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. Weldon, and the other cochairs of the Ukrainian Caucus, Mr. Bartlett, Ms. Kaptur and Mr. Levin, for all of their hard work in helping to generate such a broad, bipartisan coalition of support for H.R. 1053. Most importantly I would like to thank the Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition and all the leaders of the Ukrainian-American community in southeastern Pennsylvania and throughout the country for their tireless efforts in support of this legislation, and commend them on the tremendous job they have done promoting the progress the Ukraine has made over the past few years. During the Orange Revolution of 2004, the whole world watched as the people of Ukraine protested allegations of massive corruption, voter intimidation and direct electoral fraud. They sent a clear message that regardless of these obstacles, they wanted and supported with their votes a pro-democracy, pro-reform candidate for President, Victor Yushchenko. This election highlighted the commitment of the Ukraine people to a free and prosperous democracy, and the country overnight became a role model for the entire region. Since the election, the government has remained committed to broad- based reform and economic liberalization. This commitment was evident most recently on Monday, March 6, when the United States and Ukraine signed a bilateral WTO Agreement on Market Access, a major step towards Ukraine ultimately joining the WTO. H.R. 1053 is another important step for Ukraine as it becomes a partner in the global economy. The bill lifts the Jackson-Vanik restrictions and authorizes President Bush to permanently extend normal trade relations treatment to Ukraine. The United States Congress adopted the Jackson-Vanik legislation in 1974 to halt normal trade relations between the United States and those countries that restricted free immigration, especially for persons of the Jewish faith. Over 30 years later, virtually everyone agrees that Ukraine's record on freedom of immigration and religious freedom and tolerance is good. These restrictions have long been outdated, a fact recognized by the administration in its granting of normal trade relations status to the Ukraine on a yearly waiver basis by the President. Because of this, my legislation will not affect current trade relationships with the Ukraine on a dollar-and-cents term. However, the message we are sending by making this relationship permanent is priceless to the people of the Ukraine. It strongly reaffirms our long-term partnership and support as Ukraine continues down the path of reform and democracy. Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues, the cosponsors of the bill, and the chairman and members of the Committee on Ways and Means for their work in bringing this bill to the floor today. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), our champion on human rights here in the Congress and our leader in the fight against anti-Semitism. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend from Maryland for yielding, for his eloquent statement and for his leadership on all human rights issues that come before this House. Mr. Speaker, like all of our colleagues, I welcome the democratic strides that Ukraine has taken since the Orange Revolution, and I want to note that the country has met the basic narrow condition for lifting Jackson-Vanik restrictions. Jews are allowed to emigrate from Ukraine. But I am very deeply concerned about the larger human rights questions, and particularly the failure to deal with rampant anti-Semitism in Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, the Anti-Defamation League, which monitors anti-Semitic incidents around the world, reports a disturbing trend in Ukraine. In 2005, 164 incidents of anti-Semitism, ranging from vandalism to brutal violence, were reported there, three times the incidents reported in 2004. The principal source of anti-Semitic agitation in Ukraine is the so- called private university MAUP, which is officially recognized as an institute of higher education. It is accredited by Ukraine's Ministry of Education, it has tens of thousands of students enrolled [[Page H695]] at various campuses around the country, and it offers courses in many fields. But despite the apparent claim of legitimacy, this is the worst kind of disgrace to academia worldwide. This so-called university organizes sickening anti-Semitic meetings and conferences and regularly publishes anti-Semitic articles and statements in two widely distributed periodicals. Its so-called president and other faculty members have made it their life's goal to resuscitate and spread anti-Semitism in Ukraine, a country with a disgraceful history and mass murder in that subject. The president of this university, Shchokin, is the head of another organization which also uses its license for purely anti- Semitic activities. One of these institution's most appalling actions has been to court the disgraced and odious American white supremacist David Duke. This ``university'' awarded him a doctorate for a thesis entitled, ``Zionism as a Form of Ethnic Supremism.'' David Duke holds forth in the classrooms in Ukraine on history and international relations. He was also a key participant in a June 2005 conference sponsored by this so- called university entitled, ``Zionism: A Threat to World Peace.'' Other leading anti-Semites in Ukraine were given star billing at that conference, including Holocaust deniers. {time} 1215 Recently the president of the so-called university expressed public support for Iranian President Ahmadinejad's denial of the Holocaust, and approved of his threat to wipe Israel off the map. Mr. Speaker, in meetings with officials of Ukraine and top officials of our own government, I have repeatedly emphasized that I cannot support lifting Jackson-Vanik provisions for Ukraine when the government fails to deal with the issue of anti-Semitism. I have called upon Ukrainian officials to speak out and publicly denounce this vile venom from the so-called university and its president. I am pleased to report to my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, that while this ugly problem has not yet been fully resolved, over the last few months a number of positive steps have been taken by the Government of Ukraine, and that is the reason I am willing to support the lifting of Jackson-Vanik for Ukraine. I would like to mention the most positive actions that have been taken to deal with anti-Semitism in response to the serious concerns that I have raised with both Ukrainian and American officials. The President of Ukraine, Victor Yushchenko, on December 5, 2005, publicly condemned anti-Semitism, and he specifically criticized the so-called university, MAUP, for its systematic publication of viciously and violently anti-Semitic articles. President Yushchenko urged all Ukrainians to join him in condemning all manifestations of anti-Semitism and xenophobia, which he said the new democratic Ukrainian state will not tolerate. President Yushchenko called upon the faculty of this so-called university to respect citizens of all nationalities and religious faiths and to stop rousing national hatred. On January 23 of this year, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Borys Tarasiuk, strongly condemned the anti-Semitic actions of this university. He announced, ``Having exhausted all efforts to convince the university's leaders to drop their unlawful and wrongful actions'', the Foreign Minister broke off all contacts with the university a year ago. The Foreign Minister stressed, ``There is no place for any form of anti-Semitism or xenophobia in Ukraine.'' The Ministry of Education and Science also issued a statement on January 23 accusing this so-called university of violating Ukrainian law. It said that there was persistent noncompliance with requirements of state licensing rules for universities. The ministry's statements said this institution pursued ``activities inconsistent with the status of higher educational institutions in the Ukraine.'' I am calling on the Government of Ukraine to lift the license of the so-called university to function. It is a disgrace to the new Ukraine, and it is a disgrace to the civilized world, and I am looking forward to early action by the Government of Ukraine. On February 16, Mr. Speaker, the Presidential party made a statement condemning the anti-Semitic activities of this institution, noting, ``Inflaming hostility, anti-Semitism and xenophobia by leaders of MAUP is a blatant violation of the rights and freedoms of the people. It casts a shadow on Ukraine, a country pursuing the way of democracy''. Just this past Friday, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Borys Tarasiuk, in a letter to me, said that his government takes anti-Semitism seriously and will deal with it in a bold manner. He said that all governmental departments have ceased cooperation with this institution, that it is becoming isolated and marginalized. Its future is more than vague, in view of the ongoing investigations, said Minister Tarasiuk in his letter. He also stated that formal charges are to be filed in the coming weeks. I look forward to the filing of these formal charges and the lifting of the license of the institution. Mr. Speaker, at the end of my statement, I will insert into the Record the full text of all of these documents. Mr. Speaker, I believe Ukrainian officials are acting in good faith to stop the nauseating and repulsive anti-Semitic actions of this so- called university and its vile and despicable leadership. I will continue to monitor anti-Semitism in Ukraine, and I will continue to work with the officials of the Ukrainian Government to bring this ugly process to an end. I support, Mr. Speaker, reluctantly and with reservations, the legislation before us today to grant PNT status and to remove the Jackson-Vanik provisions from Ukraine. Ukraine has taken important steps forward, and I look forward to working with the Government of Ukraine under the leadership of President Yushchenko in dealing with the problem I discussed. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record here the materials I discussed previously: Ukraine President Condemns Anti-Semitism Victor Yushchenko urged society to jointly condemn all manifestations of anti-Semitism and xenophobia, and claimed that the state would not tolerate them. The President stressed that government should protect citizens of all nationalities and religious beliefs. He pledged that it would consistently fight against national, racial or religious discrimination in our country. ``There can be no national issue in a civilized country,'' he said. The Head of State is worried that anti-Semitism spreads throughout Ukraine. He condemned the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management (IAPM) as an institution that systematically publishes anti-Semitic articles in its publication `Personnel.' Yushchenko said he had left the supervisory council of the journal to protest against this inhumane policy. He called on professors of the IAPM to respect citizens of all nationalities and confessions and to ``stop rousing national hatred.'' ____ Foreign Minister Tarasiuk: MAUP Activities Unlawful On January 23d speaking on national television Foreign Minister of Ukraine Borys Tarasiuk strongly condemned the anti-Semitic actions of MAUP University in Ukraine. He confirmed that ``having exhausted all efforts to convince MAUP leaders to drop their unlawful and wrongful actions'' he broke off contacts with the University a year ago. According to Tarasiuk, ``there is no place for any form of anti- Semitism or xenophobia in Ukraine''. At the same time the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine issued a press-release accusing MAUP of breaking Ukrainian law. In particular it pointed out persistent incompliance with requirements of state licensing rules for universities, failure to abide with legally binding procedures of the State Accreditation Commission etc. The press release qualifies it as ``a general negligence of law and a desire to pursue activities inconsistent with the status of Higher Education Institute in Ukraine''. The Ministry addresses the issue to the Ukrainian law enforcement bodies with request to analyze to what extent the actions of MAUP comply with Ukrainian law. ____ Statement by ``Our Ukraine'' of the Our Ukraine Bloc on Manifestation of Anti-Semitism at MAUP Inflaming hostility, anti-Semitism and xenophobia by certain leaders of the Inter Regional Academy of Personnel Management (MAUP) in MAUP-owned or affiliated mass media is a blatant violation of rights and freedoms of people. It casts a shadow on Ukraine, a country pursuing the way of democracy. A new anti-Semitic article ``Minister of American synagogue'' was published [[Page H696]] in the last edition of ``Ukrainian newspaper plus''. It represents a deliberate xenophobic act towards Ukrainian citizens. The Our Ukraine Bloc considers such activity outrageous and damaging, especially at the time of formation of a free civil society. The Orange revolution displayed Ukraine as a new democracy. Anti-Semitic attacks on the side of MAUP damage Ukraine's image and hamper equal and close relations with its biggest world partners. Atavistic thinking of MAUP leadership might create a bizarre picture of Ukraine as a primitive and nationalistic state. We consider this humiliation of Ukraine in the eyes of the world community inappropriate and strongly urge the MAUP leadership to review their views as harmful and shameful for Ukrainian people. In the beginning of the III millennium there cannot be any place for paranoid ideology in public and political sphere! Representatives of any nation in Ukraine have a right for self-realization and development of their national and socio- cultural identity. There is only one Ukraine for all of us! ____ Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, March 3, 2006. Hon. Tom Lantos, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Lantos: Let me first of all express my deep respect to you as a long-time supporter of my country. Being a part of opposition in Ukraine during dramatic elections of 2004 I was encouraged and impressed by the letters you co- signed in defense of Ukrainian democracy. I also appreciate the unequivocal support of my country's graduation from the Jackson-Vanik amendment you rendered right after the victory of democratic forces in December 2004. It is my strong conviction that the present moment gives a precious opportunity to lay a solid fundament for a reliable Ukrainian-American partnership for decades to come. Let me assure you that Ukrainian Government won't let marginal forces like infamous MAUP University thwart that chance. In December-February President Yushchenko, myself and pro- presidential party bloc ``Our Ukraine'' have strongly condemned the anti-Semitic escapades of MAUP leaders. All governmental bodies have seized their co-operation with MAUP. All political forces denied them collaboration during the forthcoming elections. Politically, MAUP University is isolated and marginalized. Legally, its future is more than vague in view of ongoing investigations (the formal charges are to be filed in the coming weeks). I sincerely hope that you won't see the very existence of this small group of obscurants in my country as an impediment on the way of enhancing Ukrainian-American partnership. Dear Congressman, anti-Semitism is an issue Ukrainian Government takes seriously and deals with in an expedient and bold manner. This is yet another issue on which we are ready to actively co-operate with the United States. In this regard, I would appreciate if we could meet and discuss all range of Ukraine-U.S. issues during my visit to Washington, D.C. on March 9-10, 2006. Sincerely, Borys Tarasyuk. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English), a member of the Ways and Means Committee. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill and particularly to congratulate the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach), who is its primary sponsor and who has carefully shepherded it forward at a very sensitive time in U.S.-Ukrainian relations. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this bill especially when taken in tandem with economic and political reforms made by the Ukraine, as well as the efforts of our negotiators to put together a solid WTO market access agreement. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of passage of this bill on the heels of the other body passing a similar measure under unanimous consent. Just 2 days ago an agreement on market access was signed between the U.S. and the Ukraine. This agreement is an excellent start to fostering a continued growth between our two countries. We recognize that some frictions remain, but this agreement, along with the Ukraine's accession to the WTO, will better enable us to resolve these frictions expeditiously, and in a mutually beneficial manner. Granting permanent normal trade relations, along with steps already taken to make government loan guarantees from the Export-Import Bank available to U.S. exporters to the Ukraine, will significantly increase U.S. investment in the Ukraine. Granting the Ukraine permanent normal trade relations status will not only complement the difficult economic reforms that have been made. It will also support and reinforce the democratic reforms being made by President Yushchenko. It is vital that Congress move forward and reaffirm our commitment to the Ukraine, to its reforms, both democratic and economic. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that each side be given an additional 2 minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Feeney). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Maryland? There was no objection. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin). (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in support of this for the reasons that they have all given. What happens in Ukraine is important for its people, obviously. It is important for its neighbors. It is important for us in the United States, and I think really in the world. Let me just state why I think it is important in terms of its economic and democratic development. Clearly it has met the requirement in Jackson-Vanik as to immigration. Jackson-Vanik was an amendment to a trade bill, and so it is relevant for us to look at the economic and democratic developments within Ukraine. The Jackson-Vanik instrument is our opportunity in the Congress to deal with the accession of countries to the World Trade Organization, and that is why we have withheld PNTR in several cases until we were satisfied in terms of the WTO accession agreements and could participate in the development of those agreements. The U.S. has now negotiated with Ukraine a WTO accession agreement, and it is satisfactory. I think it will be mutually beneficial. I think also it will spark further reforms within Ukraine, both economic and also, I think, help the evolution of democracy within that country. So this is an important moment in terms of the economic role of Ukraine and the evolution of its democratic processes. Let me say another word, if I might quickly, about the importance. We have been working on this legislation for a number of years. In proposals that we have placed on the record, that we have introduced, we have talked about various aspects of our relationship with Ukraine, and various doings within Ukraine, both human rights, how it treats its workers and many other aspects. All of these aspects are not covered in this legislation, but I do think this legislation points out the importance of Ukraine to continue its democratic evolution. There are challenges ahead. I have had the chance to talk with constituents, with the large Ukrainian-American community in the 12th District. And I want to close with this. To echo what Mr. Lantos has said, and others, what happens in Ukraine is important, as I said, not only for its people, but really for the whole world. The Orange Revolution really resounded throughout the globe. It was an important moment for all of us, and so is its progress in terms of human rights and in terms of the elimination of anti-Semitism within Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, so I join in this effort, and I urge that we all support it. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller). Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, as has been discussed here today certainly, the Jackson- Vanik restrictions were made as an amendment to a 1974 trade bill actually to punish the Soviet bloc nations for their despicable human rights record. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Jackson-Vanik restrictions were placed on all of the former Soviet Republics, including the Ukraine. In recent years, the world has watched as the Ukraine has embraced democracy and freedom through their Orange Revolution. The Ukraine has been a great ally in the war on terror. The Ukraine has clearly taken appropriate steps to open their society and economy and becoming an important member of the community of free nations. The Ukraine should be free of the onerous restrictions, because they have met each of the tests laid out by the law. In fact, [[Page H697]] the Ukraine has been granted an annual waiver from these restrictions each year for nearly a decade. Mr. Speaker, my district is home to many people of Ukrainian descent. In fact, southeast Michigan, I believe, has, if not the largest, certainly one of the largest Ukrainian populations in our entire Nation. These people are great Americans. They are great patriots. For years they have fought against Soviet oppression of the Ukrainian people and on behalf of freedom. They now embrace democracy and freedom that has come to their homeland, and they know it is both appropriate and very necessary for this Congress to act on this issue. It is time for us to recognize the friendship of the Ukraine as well as permanently remove them from the restrictions of Jackson-Vanik. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this very, very important legislation today on the floor. {time} 1230 Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) who is a very active Member of the Congress with regard to our relationship with the Ukraine. (Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solid support of this legislation and with deep thanks to the leadership on both sides of the aisle for their work on this issue. This is a critically important piece of legislation, not just for the people of Ukraine but for the people of the world. As a founder and cochair of the Ukrainian Rada-U.S. Congress relationship, this has been our number one priority for a number of years. But going back in my own career as a mayor and former county commissioner, I can recall each January that, with hundreds of my Ukrainian-American constituents, we would assemble and light candles. We would light candles for those people who are being oppressed by the Soviet regime. In working with groups like the National Council of Soviet Jewry, we would make visits into the Soviet Union and go to those homes where people were being oppressed. We understood in a real way the oppression that was being brought by the Soviet leadership. And those candles that we lit each January were to show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, that one day they would achieve independence and one day they would achieve the full equal respect of our country. In the early nineties they achieved their independence. Today they receive the full respect of America and its people, because today we grant them equal status as a trading partner. Ukraine has been working hard to achieve the basic foundation of democracy. They worked hard as a million people stood in the streets in the area of the Maden and stood up to the leadership in attempting to take away the election of the people. They stood tall for the leadership of President Yushchenko. President Yushchenko has continuously called for this action that we take today. And certainly the timing is appropriate because in several weeks Ukraine will elect a new Rada. This sends a signal that Ukraine now has the full and equal respect of the government and of the people of the United States. And it sends a signal to all those other emerging democracies that you can follow the Orange Revolution. Ukraine has been very helpful to us, Mr. Speaker, in ways that we do not often talk about publicly. It was President Kuchma, before Yushchenko, who laid the groundwork with contacts in Libya through his Foreign Minister, Konstantin Greshenko, to assist us in getting Gadhafi to give up his weapons of mass destruction. Quiet discussions among Ukraine leaders were assisting us to achieve what many thought was impossible in Libya. It has been Ukraine and the diaspora in this country that has constantly reminded us of the economic bonds between our two nations. Today we stand tall with the people of Ukraine, and we tell them that we are with them, as we told Prime Minister Yekhanurov when he was here only a few weeks ago. Today Ukraine becomes a symbol for all of the world. Hopefully, we will continue to work with Russia to achieve a similar status before the end of this year. I was encouraged by the comments of our Trade Representative in calling for that ultimate conclusion, once Russia has continued to show success and improvement in their economic relations. To all of our colleagues, I say vote for this issue. Slava Ukraine. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), a member of the Rules Committee, a Member who knows what it is to lose freedom and then regain it. Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Shaw for his kind remarks. I want to thank all the distinguished Members who have made possible this legislation today. I think it is very timely. I had the privilege of visiting Ukraine last December along with Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky and a humanitarian delegation from my community. My community has begun a process of helping the people of Ukraine, especially the sick children who, because of the decades-long environmental degradation, really attack upon the environment of the totalitarian regime, are still suffering and for generations, unfortunately, will have to suffer the consequences of the horrors of totalitarianism in a most unfair way. So humanitarian efforts are ongoing, and I am very proud of that, from my community, to help the people of Ukraine. I was again very impressed and thank Mr. Lantos for standing up today and mentioning an extremely important subject area. I want to point out that in the discussions that we had with President Yushchenko, Under Secretary Dobriansky, I was impressed by how much emphasis she made and the seriousness with which she made arguments that were brought out today by Mr. Lantos. And so I am pleased to see that he will continue his very important monitoring of really the despicable matters that he made reference to, and I certainly look forward to joining him in that monitoring. That said, I think it is important that a friend that has gone through, because of really the heroism of its people, has gone through a democratic transition, and, even after independence from the Soviet Union, was really still living under the undue influence of Russia. I think that those hundreds of thousands of people that took to the streets just over a year ago, they deserve our respect. And the people of Ukraine deserve our respect. And in the same manner in which Jackson-Vanik, I am very proud of, was another way in which the United States stood on behalf of freedom, I think today it is time to remove Jackson-Vanik from democratic Ukraine, to say congratulations for what you have achieved, and to say we will be with you as you further achieve progress in perfecting your democracy and the rule of law. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, let me once again thank my friends for bringing this legislation forward. I want to acknowledge again Mr. Lantos and his strong work on behalf of human rights and fighting anti-Semitism, and Mr. Levin who authored a bill on our side for PNTR for Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record a letter from the Anti- Defamation League acknowledging the changes that have been made by the leadership of the Ukraine, dated January 25, 2006. The Anti-Defamation League is the premier organization fighting anti-Semitism globally. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Anti-Defamation League ADL Welcomes Ukraine's Strong Condemnation of University Fomenting Anti-Semitism New York, NY, January 25, 2006 . . . The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed the statements and actions of the Ukrainian government to condemn anti-Semitism, and specifically one of the country's leading institutions of higher education, which ADL has called a hotbed for anti- Semitic incitement. Ukraine's Foreign Minister and the Ministry of Education and Science publicly condemned MAUP University's anti-Semitic activities and called for ``anti- incitement laws to be effectively enforced.'' In a letter to Borys Tarasyuk, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Barbara B. Balser, ADL [[Page H698]] National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director welcomed his ``strong statement condemning the anti-Semitic actions of MAUP University as unlawful and wrongful and proclaiming that `there is no place for any form of anti- Semitism and xenophobia in the Ukraine.''' The League leaders also welcomed the statement of the Ministry of Education and Science accusing MAUP of breaking Ukrainian law by persistent incompliance with requirements of state licensing rules for universities and failure to abide with legally binding procedures of the State Accreditation Commission. ``We hope the Ukrainian government will continue to condemn such anti-Semitic activities and ensure anti-incitement laws will be effectively enforced,'' Ms. Balser and Mr. Foxman said. A university with 50,000 students, MAUP has made statements supporting the President of Iran's denial of the Holocaust and appeal for Israel's destruction and is a bastion of anti- Jewish propaganda and incitement in the Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Feeney). The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw) has 7\1/2\ minutes remaining. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first of all associate myself with the remarks from the gentleman from Maryland as well as the gentleman from California. I think they expressed very well, as did the other speakers from the majority side, the feeling of the Congress with regard to this resolution. I rise in very strong support of H.R. 1053 which would grant permanent normal trade relations to the products of the Ukraine. Members of the House have the opportunity to show their support for the important economic and democratic reforms underway by Ukraine by affirming their support to the PNTR status. As chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, I routinely observe the tremendous benefits that free and fair trade can have on both countries involved. In fact, many times the economic benefit of trade is a carrot that is held out to encourage movements by countries towards a free and open society. To most effectively continue advocating that countries make these reforms, we must take steps to recognize and reward those efforts to demonstrate the benefits of those actions. In addition to rising in support of this legislation, I applaud the negotiations on both sides for their work on the bilateral market access agreement reached between the United States and Ukraine on March 6, 2006, just 2 days ago. In particular, I commend the strong protections for intellectual property rights contained in the agreement. For example, the Ukraine has agreed to provide 5 years of data protection for pharmaceuticals and 10 years of data protection for agriculture chemicals. I applaud both the Ukraine and the United States Trade Representative, Mr. Portman, for this and I continue to urge the United States Trade Representative to press for intellectual property rights in future agreements, particularly in the discussions with Russia. Mr. Speaker, Ukraine has made strong commitments in this and many other areas. In addition, the country has made tremendous economic and democratic strides. All of us were thrilled to watch actually on television the Orange Revolution and watch it go forward and watch the freedom, the human spirit, rise up in the Ukraine and come to bring them where they are today. Because of this and other matters, I urge my colleagues to support permanent and normal trade relations for the Ukraine and vote in favor of this important bill, H.R. 1053. Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressmen Hensarling and Moore and Chairmen Oxley and Bachus for their efforts to bring H.R. 3505 to the floor today. Regulatory relief is much-needed by our nation's financial institutions, and I am pleased to support this legislation. Since 1989, federal banking regulators have adopted more than 851 new rules and regulations. Regulatory costs, which total $38 billion, account for 13 percent of banks' non-interest expenses. It is time for Congress to provide relief. I am especially concerned about the impact of unnecessary regulations on community banks and small credit unions, which are the types of institutions that serve much of rural West Texas. The regressive burden of regulations has contributed to the decline in the number of community banks and diminished the investments they are able to make in small communities. H.R. 3505 includes a balance of regulatory relief among all types of financial institutions, and all institutions will benefit from the elimination of annual privacy notices when they do not share information or have not changed their privacy policy. There are provisions in this legislation that provide relief specific to community banks, national banks, credit unions and thrifts. I am especially supportive of the much needed relief on Currency Transaction Reports and Suspicious Activity Reports. Last year banks filed more than 13 million CTRs and 300,000 SARs, overwhelming law enforcement with reports. Eliminating CTRs for seasoned customers will save institutions many hours of paperwork and redirect resources to the most useful reports. Focusing resources on transactions that pose the greatest risks benefits law enforcement, financial institutions and citizens. I encourage my colleagues to support the long-overdue regulatory relief in H.R. 3505. Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Resolution offered by Representative Gerlach, H.R. 1053--lifting the provisions of Jackson-Vanik from the country of Ukraine. In December 2004, the world watched as a democratic candidate was poisoned, a stolen victory, and marches in the street by people hungry for freedom and for a better future for their children. The world witnessed true passion. We witnessed people expressing themselves and their will to live freely and democratically. We witnessed people determined to take charge of their nation's destiny and risk all to do so. We witnessed young and old, families and students--all camping outdoors in the blistering Ukrainian cold to protest against a sham victory and demand true elections. What we witnessed was true everyday heroism. While we, the people of the world, witnessed victory--the people of Ukraine lived it by forcing it. By rejecting tyranny and corruption and demanding equality and freedom, they brought about peaceful democratic regime change. As a result, President Viktor Yushchenko has been able to democratically reform laws in Ukraine to bring this country to Market Economy Status. Additionally, Ukraine has continued to bring religious minorities together, restore privately owned property, and condemn anti-Semitic remarks from national organization. As a result of Ukraine's tireless effort to reform, on March 6, 2006 the United States and Ukraine signed a very important trade agreement that would eventually help grant Ukraine access to the World Trade Organization. Now the only piece of the puzzle still left for this fledgling democracy is lifting of the Jackson-Vanik restriction--and permanently granting normal trade relations status with the United States. I am pleased to join with my colleagues and my constituents in support of H.R. 1053 and grant Ukraine PNTR for the hard work and democratic reforms that have been instituted after the ``Orange Revolution'' Let's support this democratically elected government and grant them Permanent Normal Trade Relations status. Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Nancy Kaptur, co-chair of the Ukranian Caucus, and I have been strong supporters of political freedom in Ukraine and have advanced the cause of Ukranian culture internationally and in the United States. Today we will vote ``present'' on H.R. 1053, a bill to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Ukraine. We wish to make clear that this was not a ``no'' vote, but a ``we know'' vote. We know that democracy is on the march in Ukraine. We also know that the conditions for a fully functioning democracy are not in place. We adhere to the principles of a similar bill to life Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik in the 107th Congress, H.R. 3939. However, that bill specified certain conditions be met prior to lifting that reflect the spirit of the law as much as the letter of the law, including that the government of Ukraine-- (1) Adopt and institute policies that remove undue restrictions and harassment on labor organizations to freely associate according to internationally recognized labor rights; (2) Take additional positive steps to transfer places of worship and related religious property for all confessions to their original owners; (3) Establish an independent legal and judicial system with rule of law that is free of political interference and corruption; (4) Commit to providing funding and administrative support for reforms of the legislature; (5) Demonstrate a firm commitment to freedom of the press by prohibiting physical harm and intimidation of journalists through such means as prevention of abuse of tax and libel laws; (6) Adopt and [[Page H699]] vigorously enforce laws to prohibit the trafficking of women and of illicit narcotics; (7) Accelerate governmental structural reform and land privatization policies which benefit ordinary citizens; (8) Adopt a more comprehensive program to protect the environment; (9) Support internationally recognized standards of transparency in monitoring of elections; and (10) Remedy trade disputes involving violation of international property rights, transshipment of counterfeit goods, and dumping of such products as steel into the United States market in such increased quantities as to cause harm to the domestic industry. Despite our high aspirations for the Ukraine, we do not believe that these conditions have been met, although we are mindful that there are people in civil society working to bring these principles to fruition. The Jackson-Vanik requirement for annual review of the trading relationship was originally intended as a way to sanction anti-Semitic regimes. According to the Anti-Defamation League, in a document attached to this statement, that we attach for the Record, at least one university in Ukraine, sadly, is still teaching anti-Semitism in Ukraine. We have both worked to ensure human rights, labor rights and environmental quality standards are including in trade agreements. However, the WTO does not permit trade on this basis. This makes new entrants into the WTO highly vulnerable to the export of their jobs to nations which offer cheap labor and no standards. A transfer of wealth from the great mass of the people of Ukraine to multi-national corporate interests will result unless there are safeguards. Any nation, and Ukraine is no exception, which is heavily influenced by oligarchical interests, could easily be sacrificed. We remain committed to continuing to work with the valiant people of Ukraine and the wonderful groups of the diaspora to lift up the economic, political and social progress of the Ukranian people. We are optimistic about the blossoming of freedom, economic democracy and human rights in Ukraine. Ukraine University Schooling in Anti-Semitism maup: schooling in anti-semitism MAUP is the main source of anti-Semitic agitation and propaganda in Ukraine. It organizes anti-Semitic meetings and conferences, regularly issues anti-Semitic statements and publishes two widely distributed periodicals, Personnel and Personnel Plus, which frequently contain anti-Semitic articles. At the same time, MAUP is a bona fide university--its English name is the Interregional Academy for Personnel Management--accredited by Ukraine's Ministry of Education, with more than 50,000 students enrolled at campuses in various locations. Business, political science and agriculture are among the subjects taught. The anti-Semitic activities are directed by MAUP's President, Georgy Tschokin, and a number of his colleagues. In addition, Tschokin is the head of another body called the ``International Personnel Academy'' (IPA), which he also uses to issue anti-Semitic statements. White supremacist David Duke has close links with MAUP: he ``teaches'' a course on history and international relations, has been awarded a doctorate for a thesis on Zionism and was a key participant in MAUP's June 2005 conference on ``Zionism: Threat to World Peace''. On November 22, Tschokin issued a statement of solidarity with Iranian President Ahmadinejad's threat to wipe out Israel. The statement blended traditional Christian anti- Semitism with anti-Zionism: ``We'd like to remind that the Living God Jesus Christ said to Jews two thousand years ago: `Your father is a devil!' . . . Israel, as known, means `Theologian', and Zionism in 1975 was acknowledged by General Assembly of UNO as the form of racism and race discrimination, that, in the opinion of the absolute majority of modern Europeans, makes the most threat to modern civilization. Israel is the artificially created state (classic totalitarian type) which appeared on the political Earth map only in 1948, thanks to good will of UNO . . . Their end is known, and only the God's true will rescue all of us. We are not afraid, as God always together with his children!'' . MAUP's June 2005 anti-Zionist conference was attended by anti-Semites from all over the region, as well as Duke, French Holocaust denier Serge Thion and Israel Shamir, a Russian Jew who converted to Christianity and is notorious for publishing anti-Semitic essays on the internet. The Palestinian Authority representative in Ukraine, Walid Zakut, was also reported to have attended. MAUP's anti-Semitic activities can be traced back to at least 2002. MAUP's leading figures have been at the root of attempts to bar Jewish organizations in Ukraine and, more recently, a call to ban ``The Tanya'', a classic work of Hassidic Jewish literature, on the grounds that it promotes racism against non-Jews. maup: context and responses At the Auschwitz liberation ceremonies in January 2005, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko declared that his country had adopted a policy of ``zero tolerance'' towards anti-Semitism. Yet over this year, there has been a sharp spike in anti-Semitic incidents, including the brutal beating in August of a Yeshiva student in Kiev, who remains hospitalized in Israel in a coma. Following this attack, 30 Ukrainian rabbis declared: ``Calls to violence against Judaism and Jews are published in the press, freely distributed and sold. On the walls of synagogues, buildings, bus stops and along the road, anti-Semitic symbols appear more and more often.'' Critically, Mr. Yushchenko has done nothing against MAUP, aside from resigning from its Board. Ukraine needs to take decisive action now. Measures could include the following: Invoking anti-incitement laws against Tschokin and his colleagues; the Education Ministry revoking recognition of MAUP diplomas; a statement of condemnation by Mr. Yushchenko and a ban on David Duke entering Ukraine. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1053, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of those present have voted in the affirmative. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. ____________________