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89–266PDF 2003

COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN

THE UNITED STATES AND BULGARIA; AND

REGARDING THE MAN-MADE FAMINE THAT

OCCURRED IN UKRAINE IN 1932–1933

MARKUP

BEFORE THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON 

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH CONGRESS

FIRST SESSION

ON

H. Res. 355 and H. Res. 356

SEPTEMBER 9, 2003

Serial No. 108–46

Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations

(

Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.house.gov/international—relations 

(II)

COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois, Chairman 

JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa 

DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska 

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey, 

Vice Chairman 

DAN BURTON, Indiana 

ELTON GALLEGLY, California 

ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida 

CASS BALLENGER, North Carolina 

DANA ROHRABACHER, California 

EDWARD R. ROYCE, California 

PETER T. KING, New York 

STEVE CHABOT, Ohio 

AMO HOUGHTON, New York 

JOHN M. MCHUGH, New York 

THOMAS G. TANCREDO, Colorado 

RON PAUL, Texas 

NICK SMITH, Michigan 

JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania 

JEFF FLAKE, Arizona 

JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia 

MARK GREEN, Wisconsin 

JERRY WELLER, Illinois 

MIKE PENCE, Indiana 

THADDEUS G. MCCOTTER, Michigan 

WILLIAM J. JANKLOW, South Dakota 

KATHERINE HARRIS, Florida 

TOM LANTOS, California 

HOWARD L. BERMAN, California 

GARY L. ACKERMAN, New York 

ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American 

Samoa 

DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey 

ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey 

SHERROD BROWN, Ohio 

BRAD SHERMAN, California 

ROBERT WEXLER, Florida 

ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York 

WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts 

GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York 

BARBARA LEE, California 

JOSEPH CROWLEY, New York 

JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Pennsylvania 

EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon 

SHELLEY BERKLEY, Nevada 

GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California 

ADAM B. SCHIFF, California 

DIANE E. WATSON, California 

ADAM SMITH, Washington 

BETTY MCCOLLUM, Minnesota 

CHRIS BELL, Texas 

THOMAS E. MOONEY, SR., Staff Director/General Counsel 

ROBERT R. KING, Democratic Staff Director 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE

DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska, Chairman 

DAN BURTON, Indiana 

ELTON GALLEGLY, California 

PETER T. KING, New York 

JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia 

THADDEUS G. McCOTTER, Michigan 

WILLIAM J. JANKLOW, South Dakota 

ROBERT WEXLER, Florida 

ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York 

WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts 

BARBARA LEE, California 

JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Pennsylvania 

EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon 

VINCE MORELLI, Subcommittee Staff Director 

PATRICK PRISCO, Professional Staff Member 

JONATHAN KATZ, Democratic Professional Staff Member 

BEVERLY HALLOCK, Staff Associate 

(III)

C O N T E N T S 

Page

MARKUP OF: 

H. Res. 355, Commemorating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations 

between the United States and Bulgaria ........................................................... 2

H.Res. 356, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding 

the man-made famine that occurred in Ukraine in 1932–1933 ....................... 9

LETTERS, STATEMENTS, ETC., SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD 

The Honorable Doug Bereuter, a Representative in Congress from the State 

of Nebraska, and Chairman, Subcommittee on Europe: Prepared statement 

on H. Res. 355 ...................................................................................................... 5

The Honorable Doug Bereuter: Prepared statement on H. Res. 356 .................. 13

(1)

COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY 

OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE 

UNITED STATES AND BULGARIA; AND 

REGARDING THE MAN-MADE FAMINE THAT 

OCCURRED IN UKRAINE IN 1932–1933

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2003

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE, COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Washington, DC. 

The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 4 p.m., in Room 

2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Doug Bereuter [Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding. 

Mr. BEREUTER. The Subcommittee will come to order. Pursuant 

to notice, I call up H. Res. 355, for purposes of markup. The Clerk 

will report the title. 

The CLERK. H. Res. 355, commemorating the 100th anniversary 

of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bulgaria. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Without objection, the resolution will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. 

[The resolution, H. Res. 355, follows:]

2

1

IV

108TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. RES. 355

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the

United States and Bulgaria.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SEPTEMBER 4, 2003

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina (for himself, Mr. BEREUTER, and Mrs.

TAUSCHER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the

Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic

relations between the United States and Bulgaria.

Whereas the United States established diplomatic relations

with the Republic of Bulgaria on September 19, 1903;

Whereas the United States acknowledges the courage of the

Bulgarian people in deciding to pursue a free democratic

and independent Bulgaria and their steadfast perseverance in building a society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a free market economy;

Whereas Bulgaria has promoted stability in the Balkans by

rendering support to Operation Allied Force and Operation Joint Guardian led by the North Atlantic Treaty

Organization (NATO), and by providing peacekeeping

troops to Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina


89266b.AAB
3

2

•HRES 355 IH

(SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to Kosovo

Force (KFOR) in Kosovo;

Whereas Bulgaria was among the very first countries to denounce terrorism and pledge active support to the United

States in the fight against terrorism following the events

of September 11, 2001;

Whereas Bulgaria provided overflight and basing rights at

the town of Bourgas for Operation Enduring Freedom,

representing the first stationing of foreign forces in Bulgaria since World War II, and Bulgaria deployed a nuclear, biological, and chemical protection detachment to

Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF);

Whereas Bulgaria has stood firmly by the United States in

the cause of advancing freedom worldwide during its tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations

Security Council;

Whereas Bulgaria agreed to each request of the United

States and offered overflight and basing rights as well as

transit of United States and coalition forces, and deployed a 500-man infantry battalion as part of a stabilization force in Iraq;

Whereas Bulgaria was recently invited to join NATO and has

shown determination in enacting the continued reforms

necessary to be a productive, contributing member of the

Alliance;

Whereas Bulgaria strongly supports the strengthening of the

trans-Atlantic link and considers it a basis for NATO

unity and cooperation in countering new threats to global

security; and


89266b.AAC
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3

•HRES 355 IH

Whereas the Senate has recently given its consent with 96

votes to 0 for the ratification of the accession protocols

of Bulgaria and six other aspirant countries from Central

and Eastern Europe to NATO, thereby welcoming their

contribution to common Euro-Atlantic security: Now,

therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

2 (1) commends the Republic Of Bulgaria for de3 veloping increasingly friendly and meaningful rela4 tions with the United States over the past 100

5 years;

6 (2) recognizes the continued contributions of

7 Bulgaria toward bringing peace, stability, and pros8 perity to the region of South Eastern Europe, in9 cluding its contributions to regional security and

10 democratic stability;

11 (3) salutes the willing cooperation of Bulgaria

12 and its increasingly vital role as a valuable ally in

13 the war against international terrorism; and

14 (4) encourages opportunities for greater co15 operation between the United States and Bulgaria in

16 the political, military, economic, and cultural

17 spheres.

Æ


89266b.AAD
5

Mr. BEREUTER. I would like to make a statement myself on the 

resolution and then turn to the Ranking Member and also Mr. Wilson, who is here. 

The resolution before us commemorates the 100th anniversary of 

diplomatic relations between the United States and Bulgaria. I 

would like to commend Congressman Wilson of South Carolina for 

introducing this resolution. Mr. Wilson’s efforts have been key in 

recognizing and promoting the important relationship between Bulgaria and the United States. On a personal basis I know how much 

he has had in the way of contact with Bulgarians even long before 

he came to Congress, and it has been a very salutary relationship 

for the Congress as well as for the gentleman, I am sure. 

The United States established diplomatic relations with Bulgaria 

on September 19 of 1903. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Bulgaria 

has promoted stability and peace in southeastern Europe by supporting the NATO-led Operation Allied Force as well as Joint 

Guardian in the Balkans. Bulgaria has also provided peacekeeping 

forces to SFOR in Bosnia and KFOR in Kosovo. 

After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Bulgaria was among 

the very first countries to denounce terrorism and pledge active 

support to the United States in the fight against terrorism. Bulgaria has supported Operation Enduring Freedom and the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, in Afghanistan. Bulgaria 

has supported coalition operations in Iraq and is presently providing 500 infantry soldiers to the Iraq stabilization force. 

Bulgaria was invited to join NATO at the Prague Summit in November of last year and has stood firmly with the United States 

in the cause of advancing freedom worldwide during its present 

term as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security 

Council. Bulgaria has proven to be an active and contributing partner and ally, and this resolution affirms this important relationship 

on occasion of the 100th anniversary of United States-Bulgarian 

diplomatic relations. 

I urge my colleagues to adopt this resolution, and I turn now to 

the distinguished Ranking Member, the gentleman from Florida, 

Mr. Wexler, for any comments he might have. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Bereuter follows:]

PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE DOUG BEREUTER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN

CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, AND CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE

H. RES. 355

The resolution before us commemorates the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bulgaria. 

I would like to commend Congressman Wilson of South Carolina for introducing 

this resolution. Mr. Wilson’s efforts have been key in recognizing and promoting the 

important relationship between Bulgaria and the United States. 

The United States established diplomatic relations with Bulgaria on September 

19, 1903. 

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Bulgaria has promoted stability and peace in 

Southeast Europe by supporting the NATO-led ‘‘Operation Allied Force’’ as well as 

‘‘Joint Guardian’’ in the Balkans Bulgaria has also provided peacekeeping forces to 

SFOR in Bosnia and KFOR in Kosovo. 

After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Bulgaria was among the very first countries to denounce terrorism and pledge active support to the United States in the 

fight against terrorism. 

6

Bulgaria has supported Operation Enduring Freedom and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. 

And, Bulgaria has supported coalition operations in Iraq, and is presently providing 500 infantry soldiers to the Iraq stabilization force. 

Bulgaria was invited to join NATO at the Prague Summit in November of last 

year, and has stood firmly with the United States in the cause of advancing freedom 

worldwide during its present term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. 

Bulgaria has proven to be an active and contributing partner and ‘‘de facto’’ ally, 

and this resolution affirms this important relationship on occasion of the 100 anniversary of US-Bulgarian diplomatic relations. 

I urge my colleagues to adopt this resolution.

Mr. WEXLER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I too want to congratulate the gentleman from South Carolina for taking the initiative 

and filing this important resolution, and I want to thank the Chairman for bringing this bill up. 

As the Chairman stated, this resolution commemorates the 100th 

anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and 

Bulgaria. In addition, the resolution highlights the extraordinary 

achievements of the people of Bulgaria who have successfully pursued a course of democracy, human rights, and free market economy. 

Mr. Chairman, the resolution before this Subcommittee today 

also attests to a robust and deepening United States-Bulgarian relationship. In the war against terror, as you have said, Mr. Chairman, Bulgaria has bravely stood shoulder to shoulder with the 

United States. As an important part of the International Security 

Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Bulgaria has deployed a nuclear, 

biological and chemical detachment unit and provided permission 

for overflight and basing rights for Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Bulgaria has also taken a leading role in assisting the United 

States in Iraq by deploying a 500-person infantry battalion as part 

of a stabilization force. 

Over the past several years, Bulgaria has been a reliable ally 

and strategic partner of the United States. I am confident that the 

unprecedented cooperation between our two countries will continue 

to flourish in political, economic, military and cultural spheres. In 

the meantime I am hopeful that the Bush Administration will 

make every effort to support Bulgaria’s EU aspirations and the full 

embrace of Euro-Atlantic integration. It is in this vein that I urge 

our colleagues to support this resolution recognizing America’s historic relationship with Bulgaria and again thank the gentleman 

from South Carolina for taking the initiative. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you very much, Mr. Wexler, for your statement in support. I am now pleased to recognize for any comments 

he might like to make a statement from the gentleman from South 

Carolina, who is the original sponsor of the legislation. I recognize 

the gentleman for that purpose. 

Mr. WILSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Mr. 

Ranking Member, also, of the Committee and I want to additionally thank both of you for being original co-sponsors of the resolution along with Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, who is the CoChairman of the Bulgarian Caucus. Additionally, I want to thank 

Congressmen McCotter, Blumenauer, Lantos, Engel, Lee, and Burton, who additionally have signed on as co-sponsors of the resolution. 

7

My association with the people of Bulgaria and, both of you expressed it so well, of how Bulgaria has become a strong ally of the 

United States, that it is strategically located in a very important 

part of southeastern Europe which makes it even more important 

to the people of the United States and to the security of all of Europe, and as a new member of NATO it is just extraordinary what 

this will mean for the security of Europe, the United States, and 

the people of Bulgaria. But I can make it very personal in that I 

established a relationship with the people of Bulgaria. In fact, in 

their first free elections that they have had for nearly 40 years, 

maybe 50 years, back on June 10, 1990, I was sent as an election 

observer with the International Republican Institute. Additionally, 

we of course had representatives of the National Democratic Institute, and we served as observers, seeing the end of the Communist 

era and the birth of the democratic era. It was so exciting for me. 

I have never had such an opportunity in my life. I was a member 

of the State Senate at that time, and it was just wonderful because 

I went to what had been identified correctly as the most slavish Soviet satellite existence, and what I found were people who wanted 

freedom, who were competent and talented. I found an environment in terms of an economy that I felt would take off, and indeed 

it has. 

It has not been easy. The transition from totalitarianism to democracy has been difficult, but the people of Bulgaria are prepared, 

and I additionally have had the opportunity to visit the country as 

a participant in a sister city program that we have between Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, and Plovdiv, the second largest city of Bulgaria. Additionally I have worked with the Free Congress Foundation to meet with the members of the National Assembly as they learned how to participate in a parliamentary democracy. 

I have just had wonderful opportunities. I have had the opportunity to host at my home students, municipal leaders, members of 

the National Assembly. When I was elected to Congress, I immediately established a relationship with the very wonderful and positive Ambassador from the Republic of Bulgaria to the United 

States, Elena Poptodorova. She certainly reflects well on the people 

of Bulgaria. Very positive. I have stayed in touch with Stefan 

Stoyanov, who is the Ambassador from Bulgaria to Greece. He has 

been a dear friend of mine. I am so proud of what they have done 

in reestablishing a strong relationship with Greece, its neighbor, 

and additionally maintaining a very positive relationship and respect for the minorities with their relationship with the Republic 

of Turkey. 

It is a real honor for me to again urge support for H. Res. 355, 

which commends Bulgaria for its efforts to promote democracy and 

commends them and recognizes the 100th anniversary of the relationship between the people of the United States and Bulgaria. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Wilson, thank you so very much for your 

statement and the recitation of your personal involvement. We 

need to have someone like you that has that kind of relationship 

with all of the countries that have emerged from the Warsaw Pact 

and from the former world of communism. 

8

I understand that there are no amendments to the resolution. So 

I would entertain a motion to report favorably the resolution to the 

Full Committee. 

Mr. WEXLER. So moved. 

Mr. BEREUTER. The gentleman from Florida makes such a motion. 

The question occurs on the motion to report the resolution, H. 

Res. 355, favorably. 

All in favor will say aye. Those opposed say no. 

The motion is approved. The resolution is reported favorably. 

The staff is directed to make any technical and conforming 

amendments. 

Mr. WILSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you very much, Mr. Wilson. We look forward to the Full Committee markup and then action on the Floor 

under, we would hope, the Suspension Calendar. 

Pursuant to notice I call up H. Res. 356, for purposes of markup. 

The Clerk will report the title. 

The CLERK. Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives 

regarding the man-made famine that occurred in Ukraine in 1932–

1933. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Without objection, the resolution will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. 

[The resolution, H. Res. 356, follows:]

9

1

IV

108TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. RES. 356

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the manmade famine that occurred in Ukraine in 1932–1933.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SEPTEMBER 5, 2003

Mr. HYDE (for himself, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, and Mr. LANTOS) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on

International Relations

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the man-made famine that occurred in Ukraine in

1932–1933.

Whereas 2003 marks the 70th anniversary of the height of

the famine in Ukraine that was deliberately initiated and

enforced by the Soviet regime through the seizure of

grain and the blockade of food shipments into the affected areas, as well as by forcibly preventing the starving population from leaving the region, for the purposes

of eliminating resistance to the forced collectivization of

agriculture and destroying Ukraine’s national identity;

Whereas this man-made famine resulted in the deaths of at

least 5,000,000 men, women, and children in Ukraine

and an estimated 1–2 million people in other regions;


89266a.AAB
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2

•HRES 356 IH

Whereas the famine took place in the most productive agricultural area of the former Soviet Union while foodstocks

throughout the country remained sufficient to prevent the

famine and while the Soviet regime continued to export

large quantities of grain;

Whereas many Western observers with first-hand knowledge

of the famine, including The New York Times correspondent Walter Duranty, who was awarded a Pulitzer

Prize in 1932 for his reporting from the Soviet Union,

knowingly and deliberately falsified their reports to cover

up and refute evidence of the famine in order to suppress

criticism of the Soviet regime;

Whereas Western observers and scholars who reported accurately on the existence of the famine were subjected to

disparagement and criticism in the West for their reporting of the famine;

Whereas the Soviet regime and many scholars in the West

continued to deny the existence of the famine until the

collapse of the Soviet regime in 1991 resulted in many

of its archives being made accessible, thereby making

possible the documentation of the premeditated nature of

the famine and its harsh enforcement;

Whereas the final report of the United States Government’s

Commission on the Ukraine Famine, established on December 13, 1985, concluded that the victims were

‘‘starved to death in a man-made famine’’ and that ‘‘Joseph Stalin and those around him committed genocide

against Ukrainians in 1932–1933’’; and

Whereas, although the Ukraine famine was one of the greatest losses of human life in the 20th century, it remains


89266a.AAC
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3

•HRES 356 IH

insufficiently known in the United States and in the

world: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Rep2 resentatives that—

3 (1) the millions of victims of the man-made

4 famine that occurred in Ukraine in 1932–1933

5 should be solemnly remembered and honored in the

6 70th year marking the height of the famine;

7 (2) this man-made famine was designed and

8 implemented by the Soviet regime as a deliberate act

9 of terror and mass murder against the Ukrainian

10 people;

11 (3) the decision of the Government of Ukraine

12 and the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament)

13 to give official recognition to the famine and its vic14 tims, as well as their efforts to secure greater inter15 national awareness and understanding of the famine,

16 should be supported; and

17 (4) the official recognition of the famine by the

18 Government of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada

19 represents a significant step in the reestablishment

20 of Ukraine’s national identity, the elimination of the

21 legacy of the Soviet dictatorship, and the advance22 ment of efforts to establish a democratic and free


89266a.AAD
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4

•HRES 356 IH

1 Ukraine that is fully integrated into the Western

2 community of nations.

Æ


89266a.AAE
13

Mr. BEREUTER. I do have an opening statement and I want to express my support for H. Res. 356, expressing the sense of the 

House regarding the man-made famine of 1932 and 1933 in the 

Ukraine. I want to commend Chairman Hyde for introducing this 

legislation, and I want to also recognize Representative Sander 

Levin, who is the author of similar legislation, who has worked 

tirelessly over a number of years to keep to the events of this tragedy, to keep them fresh in our mind. 

This marks the 70th anniversary of what many feel was one of 

the most tragic events of the 20th century. Few Americans know 

the story of this brutally oppressive policy inflicted on the people 

of Ukraine by the former Soviet regime of Joseph Stalin. Millions, 

some estimate between 5 and 7 million, Ukrainians died as a result 

of this famine in which the Soviet regime in an attempt to break 

the will of a proud people seized grain, blockaded food shipments 

from reaching the country, and prevented the starving population 

from leaving the region. As more and more information leaked out 

of the former Soviet Union about this tragic event, the United 

States Congress in 1985 established a Commission on the Ukraine 

Famine, to learn more about these events, to bring the man-made 

famine to the attention of the world, and to work to ensure that 

these kinds of tragedies never happen again in civilized society. 

This resolution and the ones which preceded it are a product of 

the work of that commission. The resolution sends an important 

message that the Congress remembers the victims of this famine 

and reaffirms the need for all nations to respect human rights, the 

dignity of man and the rule of law. 

I urge adoption of this resolution and I turn to the distinguishing 

Ranking Member, the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Wexler, for any 

statement he has. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Bereuter follows:]

PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE DOUG BEREUTER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN

CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, AND CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON EU- ROPE

H. RES. 356

I rise in support of H.Res 365, expressing the sense of the House regarding the 

man-made famine of 1932–33 in Ukraine. I want to commend Chairman Hyde for 

introducing this legislation. I also want to recognize Representative Sander Levin 

who is also the author of similar legislation and who has worked tirelessly over the 

years to keep to the events of this tragedy fresh in our memories. 

This year marks the 70th anniversary of what many feel was one of the most 

tragic events of the 20th century. 

Few Americans know the story of this brutally repressive policy inflicted on the 

people of Ukraine by the former Soviet regime of Joseph Stalin. Millions, some estimate between 5 and 7 million, Ukrainians died as a result of this famine in which 

the Soviet regime, in an attempt to break the will of a proud people, seized grain, 

blockaded food shipments from reaching that country and prevented the starving 

population from leaving the region. 

As more and more information leaked out of the former Soviet Union about this 

tragic event, the U.S. Congress, in 1985, established a Commission on the Ukraine 

Famine, to learn more about these events, to bring the man-made famine to the attention of the world and to work to ensure that these kinds of tragedies never happened again in civilized society. 

This resolution sends an important message that the Congress remembers the victims of this famine and reaffirms the need for all nations to respect human rights, 

the dignity of man and the rule of law. 

I urge adoption of this resolution.

14

Mr. Wexler. 

Mr. WEXLER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I too want to speak in 

support of House Resolution 356, which recognizes the 70th anniversary of the height of the Ukrainian famine of 1932–1933. As we 

have said, this famine was one of the 20th century’s greatest humanitarian catastrophes. It was deliberately initiated and enforced 

by the former Soviet regime. The famine, which was man-made, 

was responsible for the deaths of millions of men, women and children. 

As we reflect on this solemn occasion, I believe that it is incredibly important for this Congress to educate the American people 

and the international community about this tragic event and to remember the countless victims. I am hopeful that the anniversary 

of this tragedy in the Ukraine can serve as a reminder of how important it is for the United States today in 2003 to take a leading 

role in promoting democracy, human rights and freedom. We must 

recommit ourselves to ensuring that incidents like famine in 

Ukraine do not happen again and that all forms of intolerance and 

political repression are rejected. 

Mr. Chairman, the occasion of this markup and its focus on the 

Ukraine is an opportunity for Congress to express its support for 

the efforts of the Ukrainian people who are struggling to promote 

democratic principles, a free market economy, and respect for 

human rights. I strongly believe we must encourage Ukraine to 

take difficult steps to achieve its goal of Euro-Atlantic integration. 

Stronger American-Ukrainian relations is in the mutual interest of 

both nations, and I hope our colleagues will join us in promoting 

this effort. 

Thank you. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wexler, I understand you have no amendments so I would entertain a motion that 

the resolution be favorably reported to the Full Committee. 

Mr. WEXLER. So moved. 

Mr. BEREUTER. The question then occurs on the motion to report 

the resolution, H. Res. 356, favorably. 

All in favor will say aye. All opposed no. 

The motion is approved and the resolution reported favorably. 

The staff is directed to make any technical and conforming amendments. 

I thank the gentleman for his assistance today in moving these 

two resolutions and look forward to his help and support when we 

take it to the Full Committee as quickly as possible. 

There being no further business scheduled before this Subcommittee, the Subcommittee is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 4:30 p.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]

Æ