Speech #930150472

Mr. Speaker. I want to announce at this time the conclusion of the bipartisan daily vigil by Members of Congress on behalf of Soviet Jews denied the right to emigrate. This vigil has been continuing over the last 2 months. We began this series of 1minute speeches on September 25. Since that time. 27 Members have delivered addresses to the House describing the plight of a particular Soviet citizen or family denied the right to emigrate for religious or political reasons. I believe our original objectiveassuring the inclusion of the MillsVanik amendment in any trade reform package considered by this Congresswill certainly be realized when we take up the trade reform bill. But. I want to emphasize that I believe the program has had a significant impact beyond the contours of the trade bill. I think the participation of my colleagues in the vigil -and the overwhelming endorsement of the MillsVanik bills insistence upon free emigration have served notice both in Washington and the Kremlin that the Congress will not turn its back on those denied religious or political freedom in the Soviet Union. In light of the recent wave of antiJewish trials and official harassment of Jews in the U.S.S.R.. as well as Soviet support of Arab aggression against Israel. the need for our continued vigilance in Congress is clearer than ever. We in the Congress will continue to be an active voice on behalf of those in the Soviet Union who have been denied their right of emigration and subjected to harassment because of their political or religious views. We will not be content to rely on Soviet assurances of cooperation or a "new spirit" of detente because similar promises have proved illusory in the past. Those members who participated deserve the deepest appreciation of the Congress and the American public for their outspoken strong concern for the plight of those denied fundamental freedoms by the Soviet Union.