US House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Benjamin Gilman (R-NY) rises in support of House Joint Resolution 353, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines flight #007. Rep. Gilman goes to criticize the Soviet Union’s blatant disregard for international law, human rights, and lives of innocent passengers; Rep. Phil Gramm (R-TX) seated in the BG. Rep. Gilman mourns the loss of one of his constituents who was on a business trip. He cannot believe the Soviet’s lack of remorse and callousness, placing more value on their airspace than human lives. Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House stands on the Speaker’s platform and turns to Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI), who yields briefly to “the gentleman from Pennsylvania” who wishes to revise and extend his remarks. Rep. Zablocki then yields to Rep. Bruce Frank Vento (DFL-MN) for two minutes, but Rep. Vento does not appear. Rep. Zablocki then allows Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) to yield one minute to Rep. Joel Pritchard (R-WA).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S House Representative Joel Pritchard (R-WA) rises in strong support of House Joint Resolution 353, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines flight #007. Rep. Pritchard recalls a conversation with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat where the Soviets were criticized for being crude, thoughtless, and willing to lie. Recently in Japan, Rep. Pritchard notes and commends the Japanese for stepping up their defense efforts and believes Russia will pay a heavy price for their actions. Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House stands on the Speaker’s platform and turns to Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI), who yields one minute to Delegate Antonio Borja Won Pat (D-Guam).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Delegate Antonio Borja Won Pat (D-Guam) rises in support of House Joint Resolution 353, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines flight #007. On behalf of the people of Guam, he urges passage of the resolution to show leaders in Moscow that such murder will not be tolerated and calls for those leaders to be brought to justice. Delegate Pat is granted an additional minute by the adult Caucasian Chairman of the House. Pat calls the Soviet claim that they were protecting their airspace an insult to all intelligence and calls for an open and transparent investigation. Delegate Pat remembers former U.S. House Representative Lawrence McDonald (D-GA) calling the Soviets “barbarians”, and how that rings true after his death on flight #007. Chairman of the House turns to the Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) after Delegate Pat’s time expires. Rep. Broomfield yields five minutes to Rep. Robert Michel (R-IL).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Robert Michel (R-IL) comes to the well of the House to deliver his remarks; adult Caucasian males and females seated at the House Rostrum with the adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House at the Speaker’s Platform. Rep. Michel cannot add much to what has been said and the resolution (H.J. 353) is an accurate portrayal of the Soviet Union and its actions in shooting down Korean Air Lines flight #007. Rep. Michel takes the time to advocate for the best informational broadcast facilities in the world, namely Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty, calling for prolonged expansion and funding. Furthermore, Rep. Michel calls for a change in meeting with Soviet delegate officials under the guise of “interparliamentary meeting”. He does not mean there should be no meetings with Soviet officials, but to strip the meetings of that guise.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Robert Michel (R-IL) provides a final word of warning on the Soviet Union. While their actions, shocking and horrifying, have evoked name-calling, it has also instilled fear. Actions like shooting down Korean Air Lines #007 put fear into other nations, worried what else the Soviets are capable of, and who might be next, making people look over their shoulders. Rep. Michel believes the Soviet leaders know this as well. Therefore, those leaders only fear opposing power, and so the U.S., starting with House Joint Resolution 353 must lead the way in opposing the Soviet Union, putting action behind their words. Rep. Michel urges the House to bring up the Armed Forces Military Conference Report tomorrow. Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House turns to Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI); adult Caucasian males and females seated around the House Rostrum. Rep. Zablocki yields two minutes to Rep. Theodore Weiss (D-NY).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Theodore Weiss (D-NY) shares in the anger and grief expressed by the families of those who died aboard Korean Air Lines #007 and Soviet’s role in shooting down the airplane. Rep. Weiss enumerates all the ways the act is a tragedy and a threat to a global peace they are all trying to achieve. Rep. Weiss commends U.S. President Ronald Reagan for the restraint he has shown, but criticizes him for using the incident as leverage in negotiations for a higher defense budget. He will vote for House Joint Resolution 353, but warns against the “rhetorical excesses” contained within the resolution “which can only exacerbate world tensions”. Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House turns to Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI) who yields one minute to Rep. Roy Dyson (D-MD).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Roy Dyson (D-MD) voices the frustration of his constituents who did feel the U.S. response to the Soviet Union’s role in shooting down Korean Air Lines flight #007. Rep. Dyson also notes that he recently returned from a trip with the Armed Services Committee in which they traveled in the same airspace as KAL #007. He wishes Congress could do more than just pass a resolution, but do something that reflects the collective resolve of his constituents. Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House turns to Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI) who yields two minutes to Rep. Bruce Vento (D-MN).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Bruce Vento (D-MN) walks to the well of the House; adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House stands at the Speaker’s Platform, adult Caucasian males and females seated at House Rostrum. Rep. Vento supports the House Joint Resolution 353 condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines flight #007. Rep. Vento seeks answers as to whether navigation systems and flight paths of commercial airliners can be improved. Rep. Vento calls the unwillingness of the Soviet Union to accept responsibility for their actions the real tragedy, which then calls into question the Soviet command system. Rep. Vento calls for an environment of cooperation where problems can be resolved and tragedies can be avoided instead of calling for further armament, such as incorporating the MX missile which would not have prevented this disaster. Chairman of the House turns to Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI) who yields two minutes to Rep. Frank Annunzio (D-IL).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Frank Annunzio (D-IL) walks to the well of the House; adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House stands at the Speaker’s Platform, adult Caucasian males and females seated at House Rostrum. Rep. Annunzio comes out in strong support of House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353) condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines flight #007, but only as a first step. Rep. Annunzio doesn’t buy U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s explanation that sanctions on the Soviet Union are the most we can do without engaging in armed conflict. Rep. Annunzio believes the public wants more than minor sanctions levied against the Soviet Union. Rep. Annunzio lists more actions that can be taken, such as banning U.S. citizens or any member of the House from traveling to the Soviet Union, ceasing all trade, though waiting until the end of the year to allow U.S. farmers to prepare.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Frank Annunzio (D-IL) continues speaking from the well of the House, advocating for all cultural, scientific, and athletic exchange programs should be “eliminated immediately”. Rep Annunzio calls for Russians to be banned from the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Rep. Annunzio believes the U.S. government underestimates the Russians, tricked into thinking that the Soviets will abide by international rules, when reality is Russians are liars, bullies, and murderers. Rep. Annunzio is given one more minute by the adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House; adult, predominantly Caucasian, males and females seated around the House Rostrum. Rep. Annunzio believes that if the Reagan Administration doesn’t take further action, then the House of Representatives should. Otherwise, tragedies like shooting down Korean Air Lines #007 will be repeated. Chairman of the House turns to Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) who yields three minutes to Rep. Phil Gramm (R-TX).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House recognizes U.S. House Representative Phil Gramm (R-TX), who disagrees with critics of U.S. President Ronald Reagan and those calling House Joint Resolution 353 a hollow resolution. Condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007 does not go far enough. Rep. Gramm believes the President has focused the most powerful force on the problem: public opinion. The force of public opinion holds power on the floor of the House, in the U.S., and the world. Rep. Gramm sees the strength of a bipartisan resolution leading to a multi-lateral approach in extracting cost from the Soviet Union for its actions. Rep. Gramm lists the different unilateral approaches the U.S. took in the past to punish the Soviet Union, but the Soviets simply used other nations to achieve its goals. Rep. Gramm believes a multi-lateral, unified approach will bring a firm resolve toward defense and foreign policy decisions against the Soviet Union.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House recognizes Representative Clement Zablocki (D-WI), who yields one minute to Rep. Joseph Minish (D-NJ) who simply stands to support House Joint Resolution 353 and thanks both Reps. Zablocki and William Broomfield (R-MI) for bringing the resolution to the floor. Chairman of House recognizes Rep. Zablocki who yields two minutes to Rep. Thomas Bevill (D-AL), who supports H.J. 353. Rep. Bevill believes the Soviet Union's action in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007 reinforces the idea that they cannot be trusted, tying in Communist atheistic beliefs and urges everyone to vote for the resolution.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House recognizes U.S. House Representative Clement Zablocki (D-WI) who yields two minutes to Rep. Samuel Hall Jr. (D-TX). Rep. Hall walks to the well of the House to deliver his remarks; adult, predominantly Caucasian males, seated or standing at the House Rostrum. Rep. Hall talks about "the nature of the beast on the other side of this picture", identifying "the beast" as a murderer, a liar, and a thug. Rep. Hall almost states how they would deal with such a beast in his part of the country before simply stating they would be dealt with differently. Rep. Hall advocates following U.S. President Reagan's lead, and not for going into "some places halfcocked and doing something we might regret in the future". Rep. Hall has seen this tragedy galvanize public opinion against the Soviets more than anything he's seen since being in Congress, and his constituents fully support the actions of Congress, so something good can come out of this tragedy.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House notes that House Representatives William Broomfield (R-MI) and Clement Zablocki (D-WI) both have thirty-seven minutes remaining in debate time; adult, predominantly Caucasian males, seated at the House Rostrum. Rep. Broomfield yields two minutes to Rep. Robert Walker (R-PA), who walks to the well of the House, briefly yielding time to an adult Caucasian male who rises to support House Joint Resolution 353, and simply wishes to revise and extend his remarks.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Robert Walker (R-PA) believes that by shooting down Korean Air Lines #007, the Soviet Union clearly showed their intent. They ruthlessly murdered innocent people, lied about the incident, and prevented an international search for victims. These actions should be kept in mind when negotiating with the Soviets, and unanimous support of House Joint Resolution 353 will show that the U.S. has learned a lesson from this tragedy. Rep. Walker yields back the balance of his time. Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House recognizes Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI); adult, predominantly Caucasian males, seated at the House Rostrum. Rep. Zablocki yields one minute to Rep. Leslie Aucoin (D-OR), who prepares to speak at the well of the House.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Leslie Aucoin (D-OR) speaks from the well of the House; adult, predominantly Caucasian males, seated at House Rostrum, adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House seated in the Speaker's Chair. Rep. Aucoin condemns the Soviet Union action in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007. Rep. Aucoin demands a full explanation from the Soviet Union, an apology to the world, restitution to the families of the victims, and assurances that steps are taken to prevent this tragedy from ever happening again. He strongly supports House Joint Resolution 353, thanks the bipartisan committee for bringing to the floor, and hopes it unanimously adopted. Chair of the House recognizes Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) who yields three minutes to Rep. Matthew Rinaldo (R-NJ), who quickly asks to have his remarks revised and extended.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Matthew Rinaldo (R-NJ) calls the Soviet Union shooting down Korean Air Lines #007 "barbaric", especially when using a heat-seeking missile to shoot down a defenseless plane. He names three deaths that touched him, personally: Rep. Lawrence McDonald (D-GA), Ray Petroski, and Jim Burn; Petroski and Burn being his constituents. Rep. Rinaldo can hardly believe the statements made by the Soviet Spokesman Andrei Gromyko, defending the Soviet Union's action, and stating the same procedures would be followed in the future. He supports House Joint Resolution 353 and wants U.S. President Ronald Reagan to extract an explanation and apology from the Soviet Union. This topic should be brought up at any every opportunity and forum where the Soviets are present until answers are provided. Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House recognizes Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI) who will yield two minutes to Rep. Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) first asks to revise and extend her remarks before voicing her support for the House Joint Resolution 353 condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007. Rep. Ferraro shares a story of a friend and her physician (of twenty-three years), and his wife who were aboard the plane. She talks of his care for his patients to go along with his pioneering laser beam research for cancer. Rep. Ferraro also highlights leisure activities spent enjoying the ballet, music, and the arts. She thanks the committee for bringing the resolution to the floor and urges its unanimous passage. Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House recognizes Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) who yields two minutes to Rep. Daniel Lungren (R-CA), who asks to revise and extend his remarks.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Daniel Lungren (R-CA) reports that this was one of the top issues at the town hall meetings in his district. The majority supported the actions of U.S. President Ronald Reagan, but many wanted the U.S. government to do more. Rep. Lungren had to explain that the U.S. has to live with the reality that the Soviet Union cannot be ignored. Governments must interact with one another, the U.S. must be aware of the kind of value system the Soviet Union has in place, and the leaders that's produced. Rep. Lungren references past debates on an immediate and verifiable nuclear freeze, and poses the question of how such a thing can be possible when the Soviets make it difficult to verify findings made on the shooting down Korean Air Lines #007, or assist in any rescue mission or recovery of bodies. Rep. Lungren doesn't believe the Soviet people want war, but the U.S. is forced to deal with their government, not the people.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House recognizes House Representative Clement Zablocki (D-WI) who yields one minute to Rep. Charles Bennett (D-FL); adult Caucasian, predominantly males, seated at House Rostrum with Rep. Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) speaking to adult Caucasian male and female. Rep. Bennett, speaking from the well of the House; thanks the committee for bringing House Joint Resolution 353, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007, to the floor; Rep. Ferraro briefly in the BG, back to the camera. He questions whether any kind of verification is possible with a nation "of this nature". He also wonders about a "trigger happy attitude of a schizophrenic country that has so little confidence in its own ability, character, and leadership". Rep. Bennett, after being given an additional minute, questions these things in relation to how the U.S. must form its own defense strategies and policies. He urges the passage of the resolution.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative William Broomfield (R-MI) yields one minute to Rep. Virginia Smith (R-NE). She asks to revise and extend her remarks before beginning. She rises in support of House Joint Resolution 353, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007. She supports U.S. President Ronald Reagan's actions in response to the tragedy, maintaining the grain deal. Though the Soviet Union deserves swift and harsh punishment, stopping the grain deal would hurt the U.S. Rep. Smith believes Britain banning Aeroflot from its airspace is a much better tactic and one the Reagan Administration is encouraging other nations to take. Rep. Smith continues speaking, after Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) and the adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House grant her an additional minute, on the negative impacts previous grain embargoes have had on the U.S. farmer and economy. She yields to adult Caucasian male Congressman who wishes to revise and extend his remarks.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House recognizes U.S. House Representative Clement Zablocki (D-WI) who yields four minutes to Rep. Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH). Adult Caucasian, predominantly males, seated at the House Rostrum; Rep. Oakar walks to the well of the House. Rep. Oaker thanks the heads of the committees for bringing House Joint Resolution 353 to the floor, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007. As well as U.S. President Ronald Reagan, in expressing outrage over the incident, but doesn't think he went far enough. She believes the U.S. can take action where it would not hurt the U.S., but the Soviets - "in their pockets".
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH) expresses disbelief at seeing a popular magazine display many Soviet products, such as their fine coats, caviar, or vodka; though it may seem trivial, she notes that it does provide the Soviet government with currency. She notes the leader of the ferroalloy industry sent a telegram to U.S. President Ronald Reagan earlier in the year "deploring the importation to the United States of Soviet supplied ferrosilicon." She details some of the market prices and steps that were taken to petition the U.S. government to reconsider their positions in the light of national security, noting that now is the perfect time to respond. Rep. Oakar calls for the ban of Soviet ferroalloy. She then yields to her colleague, Rep. Clarence Miller (R-OH); adults, predominantly Caucasian males, seated at the House Rostrum, including the adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Clarence Miller (R-OH) thanks Rep. Mary Rose Oaker (D-OH) for yielding time to him; adult, predominantly Caucasian, males and females seated at the House Rostrum with adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House rising from the Speaker's Platform. Rep. Miller commends the chairman of the committee for bringing House Joint Resolution 353 to the floor, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007. Echoing Rep. Oaker, Rep. Miller calls for sanctioning the ferroalloys coming to the U.S. from the Soviet Union. It is something the President has legal authority to do; more time is given to both speakers. Rep. Oaker reiterates the opportunity presented to the U.S. to do something which is completely within its own national security interests. Chairman of the House recognizes Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) who yields five minutes to Rep. Jack Kemp (R-NY). Rep. Kemp walks to the well of the House.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Jack Kemp (R-NY) speaking from the well of the House; adult, predominantly Caucasian, males seated at House Rostrum with adult Caucasian male Chairman of the House at the Speaker's Platform. Rep. Kemp rises in strong support of House Joint Resolution 353, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007. Rep. Kemp echoes earlier sentiments made by Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) in supporting U.S. President Ronald Reagan's statements and actions which aim to galvanize public opinion and action against the Soviet Union. The President has been "non-bellicose and prudent". Rep. Kemp goes to agree with Rep. Broomfield earlier idea that, in light of Soviet Spokesman Andrei Gromyko's statement in Madrid, the U.S. should consider declaring "persona non grata" at least one KGB agent from the Soviet Embassy in the U.S., and too many are allowed here anyway. Other countries have done this and it would be appropriate for the U.S. to do the same.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Jack Kemp (R-NY) continues speaking at the well of the House on actions the U.S. should take in response to the Soviet Union shooting down Korean Air Lines #007. He professes that he does not want to pursue "one-upmanship". The reality is the Soviet Union is here and must be dealt with. Everyone knows how the Soviet Union behaves, and Rep. Kemp lists the invasions, influence, and human rights violations the Soviet Union has backed or imposed. Rep. Kemp recalls a Congressional delegation to the Soviet Union that he was a part of, bringing up the issue of human rights. Rep. Kemp was told to separate "the soup from the flies". Human rights are not as meaningful to the Soviet Union as trade and economic matters, and improving relations. Rep. Kemp doesn't see this as a reciprocal relationship, characterizing it as "we give, they take". Rep. Kemp requests an additional minute; adult, predominantly Caucasian males, seated at the House Rostrum.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Jack Kemp (R-NY) at the well of the House, being given an additional minute of time by Rep. William Broomfield (R-MI) and the adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House Committee; adult Caucasian males and females seated at the House Rostrum. Rep. Kemp believes that the response to the Soviet Union shooting down Korean Air Lines #007 cannot only be rhetorical in nature. The best thing Congress can do is to support the modernization of the U.S. armament program, negotiate from a position of strength with Soviets at the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty talks, respond with more than rhetoric to human rights violations, and more. Congress must support U.S. President Ronald Reagan's foreign policy toward the Soviet Union with more than just rhetoric. Chairman of the House recognizes Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI) who yields two minutes to Rep. Jerry Huckaby (D-LA).
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
U.S. House Representative Jerry Huckaby (D-LA) thanks Rep. Clement Zablocki (D-WI) for his role in bringing House Joint Resolution 353, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007 to the floor. Rep. Huckaby recounts the purported facts leading up to the plane being shot down: a computer input error took KAL #007 off course, the Russians tracked the plane for over two hours, KAL #007 was ninety seconds from leaving Russian airspace, and the execution order likely came from a Far East command post, not Moscow. Regardless of the errors made, it is inexcusable for a the plane to be shot down. Rep. Huckaby recalls Soviet Spokesman Andrei Gromyko's statement that "if it happens again, we'll do it again", and believes the world must deal with Russia from a position of strength. Rep. Huckaby ends by expressing sadness that U.S. President Ronald Reagan met with Zimbabwe's Premier, after Zimbabwe didn't support the U.S. in the United Nations Security Council Resolution.
U.S. House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.353)
Adult Caucasian male Chairman of the Whole House recognizes U.S. House Representative William Broomfield (R-MI) yields three minutes to Rep. George Gekas (R-PA), who walks to the well of the House; adult Caucasian males and females seated at House Rostrum. Rep. Gekas sees the current exercise being conducted in House being valuable for two reasons. House Joint Resolution 353, condemning the Soviet Union in shooting down Korean Air Lines #007, reflects the outrage expressed by constituents back home. Secondly, Rep. Gekas believes this moment is a valuable record in the annals of Congressional history, as this tragedy illuminates, for the first time this century, the stark differences between a free world and the Soviet system. For the first time, everyone can see, and historians can record, what the U.S. has been saying all along: the free world system is the better way to live. Rep. Gekas has personally recorded the names of the victims into the Congressional Record.