Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I just want to say, Mr. Chairman, I have many other reasons why I express the concern that I have about this resolution, but I will not oppose the resolution, Mr. Chairman.

I only want to caution my colleagues of some of the real sensitivities involved here in the current relationship between Taiwan and China and our relations with both of these entities, which I feel very concerned that we might be only adding more fuel to the fire rather than trying to avert a crisis in the Taiwan Straits.

With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

Chairman LANTOS. I want to assure my friend that his statement in total will be made part of the record.

The question occurs on the motion to authorize consideration of the measure under suspension of the rules. All in favor say aye. [Chorus of ayes.]

Chairman LANTOS. Opposed say no.

[Chorus of noes.]

Chairman LANTOS. The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. Without objection, the bill will be reported as a single amendment in the nature of a substitute incorporating any amendments adopted by the committee. Staff is directed to make any technical and conforming amendments.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman?

Chairman LANTOS. Yes?

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, may I speak for 15 seconds out of order, please?

Chairman LANTOS. Please go ahead for 15 seconds.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.

As I was coming back from the vote, let me just applaud the legislation addressing the question of the victims of the Embassy bombing and the work of the ranking member and the chairman and the increase in the money. These have been victims, public servants of this nation, and I am grateful that we have passed H.R. 2828 I believe the number is.

Chairman LANTOS. I appreciate the lady's comments.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. I look forward to moving forward on the floor. I yield back. Thank you.

Chairman LANTOS. The meeting of the committee is now adjourned.

[Whereupon, at 12:10 p.m., the committee was adjourned.]

APPENDIX

MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR THE HEARING RECORD

PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE DIANE E. WATSON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to start by thanking the Chairman for his efforts to work out a compromise on H.R. 2828, to provide compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998. I believe that the version you have crafted does justice for the families of those Americans who died in the service of their country when al Qaeda attacked our embassies in 1998. Furthermore, it also provides a mechanism moving forward to reassure our diplomats who serve in harm's way that America supports them. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your efforts on this bill.

I also want to address H.R. 2003, the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007. Ethiopia is one of the oldest and proudest civilizations in the world. Sitting astride the confluence of Africa and Asia, of Islam and Christianity, Ethiopia has over the centuries found its diversity to be an crucial asset, even as it poses significant challenges.

Ethiopia's recent history has been marred by political violence. In May of 2005, Ethiopia held elections, which some observers billed as the free-est in the country's history. Unfortunately, these elections still fell far short of the basic standards of openness and transparency. U.S. based groups funded by the National Endowment for Democracy were prevented from observing the elections. When average Ethiopians took to the streets to protest their flawed elections, the government responded with violence, killing dozens of unarmed citizens.

Mr. Chairman, I think there are some key points we need to keep in mind when we try to craft a policy to support democracy in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is not a totalitarian dictatorship. The May 2005 elections were deeply flawed. Even so, they resulted in unprecedented electoral gains for opposition parties. Furthermore, the United States cannot bring democracy to Ethiopia. Democracy is a process that must be and will be-led by Ethiopians themselves. The most we can hope to do is provide assistance to those Ethiopians seeking to bring peaceful, positive change to their country.

Ethiopia is a strong ally of the United States, and we should continue to support Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people. I know that the Ethiopian Government is concerned that this bill somehow represents a break in the strong relationship between the United States and Ethiopia. But I want to reassure my Ethiopians friends that it represents just the opposite. Ethiopia is so important to the United States that I believe the United States must be fully invested in Ethiopia's success. That means that we have an obligation to do what we can to support those Ethiopians who are seeking to change their country, to make it stable, democratic and affluent. I support the balanced approach in H.R. 2003 as an effective strategy for achieving this goal. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

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