Speech #960203370

I was particularly gratified to learn that their long ordeal has finally come to an end. There is nothing more satisfying in public life that the opportunity. one sometimes has to really fulfill a persons dream. Unfortunately. in the area of family reunification involving Communist nations. the dreams of many families are often unfulfilled. I am confident that when the House of Representatives debated the extension of most favored nation trade status for Romania last July. and forcefully raised the issue of emigration in general and the Rauta family in particular. this had a definite effect on the Romanian Governments decision to allow the reunification of the Rautas. I firmly believe that we in Congress must always continue to press for free emigration and respect for fundamental human rights in all nations. It is easy to become discouraged after writing countless letters to foreign ambassadors and heads of state concerning human rights cases and never receiving a convincing reply. It has been 6 long years since Constanin Rauta first attempted to convince Romania to allow his wife and child to join him. But he never let up in his efforts. and nor should we in Congress. The fact that the Rautas are now together again as a family proves that constant pressure on other governments to allow freer emigration can be effective if we are willing to persevere. I would ask my colleagues to join me In wishing a heartfelt welcome toMrs. Rauta and her son and the best wishes for a long and happy life in the United States.*