Expressing the Sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should not create a national database tracking firearm owners or firearm purchases.

Let me thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding and for your leadership and for supporting and managing this resolution today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 127, a resolution which I have authored for several years recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This resolution acknowledges the important contributions of Caribbean-Americans for the many contributions they have made to our Nation's history and culture.

Let me begin by thanking Chairman Towns, Ranking Member Issa, and the staff of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on both sides for making this a bipartisan effort and for helping to bring this resolution to the floor today.

I would also like to recognize many of my colleagues on this side: Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Waters, Congressman Payne, Chairman Charlie Rangel, Chairman John Conyers, Congressman Burton, and many, many Members of Congress for their tremendous leadership on issues relating to the Caribbean.

Congresswoman Christensen, whom you will hear from in just a minute, from the Virgin Islands, has lead health care reform efforts to ensure that any health care reform bill must address strategies that deal with the disparities in communities of color. And for this, Congresswoman Christensen, Dr. Christensen, we are deeply grateful.

I'd like to also acknowledge Dr. Claire Nelson and the Institute of Caribbean Studies, and all of the other Caribbean-American organizations in Washington, D.C., and across the country, that have worked so hard to make Caribbean-American Heritage Month 2009 a great success.

As a longtime supporter of the Caribbean and a frequent visitor to the region, I am very proud to see us celebrate this important commemorative month for the fourth straight year.

Since Congress first passed H. Con. Res. 71 in February of 2006, the President has issued a proclamation recognizing Caribbean-American Heritage Month every year during the month of June. This year, President Obama issued a proclamation on June 2. Mr. Speaker, I will insert that proclamation into the Record.

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation: Caribbean Americans have made lasting

contributions to our Nation's culture and history, and the

month of June has been set aside to honor their cultural,

linguistic, ethnic, and social diversity.

Generations of immigrants have preserved the traditions of

their homelands, and these traditions have defined our

Nation's identity. Caribbean Americans bring a unique and

vibrant culture. This multilingual and multiethnic tradition

has strengthened our social fabric and enriched the diversity

of our Nation.

Millions of individuals in the United States have Caribbean

roots. Unfortunately some Caribbean Americans were forced to

our country as slaves; others arrived of their own volition.

All have sought the promise of a brighter tomorrow for

themselves and their children.

In their pursuit of success, Caribbean Americans exhibit

the traits all Americans prize: determination, a devotion to

community, and patriotism. They have made their mark in every

facet of our society, from art to athletics and science to

service. Caribbean Americans have also safeguarded our Nation

in the United States Armed Forces.

This month we also recognize the critical relationship the

United States maintains with Caribbean nations. In a world of

increasing communication and connectivity, this friendship

has become even more important. We are neighbors, partners,

and friends; we share the same aspirations for our children;

and we strive for the very same freedoms. Together, we can

meet the common challenges we face.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United

States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by

the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby

proclaim June 2009 as National Caribbean-American Heritage

Month. I urge all Americans to commemorate this month by

learning more about the history and culture of Caribbean

Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second

day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and

of the Independence of the United States of America the two

hundred and thirty-third.

Barack Obama.

People of Caribbean heritage reside in every part of our country. Since 1820, millions of people have immigrated from the Caribbean to the United States. Throughout U.S. history, we have been fortunate to benefit from countless individuals of Caribbean decent who have contributed to American Government, politics, business, arts, education, and culture, including one of my personal mentors, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm from Brooklyn, New York.

Shirley Chisholm was a woman of Bajan and Guyanese descent who never forgot her roots in the Caribbean. She was the first African American and the first woman to seriously run a Presidential campaign in 1972. She was also the first African American woman elected to the House of Representatives. So personally I have to honor her today because I have to say that my political involvement began as a volunteer during her historic Presidential campaign in 1972, and through her mentorship, she strengthened my interest in issues important to the African diaspora both here in the United States and abroad.

During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we recognized the important contributions of people like Shirley Chisholm as well as Alexander Hamilton, Hazel Scott, Sidney Poitier, Wyclef Jean, Eric Holder, Colin Powell, Harry Belafonte, Celia Cruz and, yes, Congresswomen Donna Christensen, Sheila Jackson-Lee and Yvette Clarke and many other persons of Caribbean descent who have helped shape this country. Caribbean-American Heritage Month provides us an opportunity to strengthen our long-term partnerships with nations of the Caribbean community through greater dialogue and engagement, and must not stop with June. From disaster preparedness to trade and energy, education, and the campaign against HIV and AIDS, we share a number of mutual policy interests with our Caribbean neighbors. Last month we were able to address some of these important issues through the Institute of Caribbean Studies' Caribbean-American Legislative Forum, held annually on the Hill during Caribbean-American Heritage Month. At the forum, people from the academic community and the private sector, regional policymakers and members of the Caribbean diaspora were able to meet to better integrate policy interests between the United States and Caribbean countries.

Recent global events, from the sharp rise in food and energy prices to a series of devastating storms and the global economic downturn, have acutely affected people of the Caribbean, particularly our friends in Haiti. These ongoing regional and global crises highlight the need for continuing engagement and involvement with innovative policy solutions with our neighbors. I'm very pleased to see the Obama

administration's recent announcement of increased foreign assistance to Haiti and the President's participation in the Summit of the Americas, held in Trinidad. These are all signs of this administration's fresh and new engagement with the region. Caribbean-American Heritage Month also reminds us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean- Americans in our Nation and provided us with an opportunity to send a message of good will to the Caribbean community both here and abroad. This month also provided us with an opportunity to share in the rich culture of our natives through showcases of Caribbean art, festivals, concerts and films. In my own district in Oakland, California, the Caribbean-American Heritage Association of Northern California celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the people of the Caribbean through a musical concert and family picnic. The association also hosted its Third Annual Caribbean-American Heritage Legacy Awards ceremony, honoring the contributions of Caribbean-Americans to our great country. Just as we should commemorate the achievements of the many diverse communities that make up this great country, the United States Government should continue to celebrate the rich history and diversity of Caribbean-Americans and work each and every day to ensure that the issues of concern to Caribbean-Americans and the nations of the Caribbean are included in our policy debates here in the Congress. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure to honor and salute the Caribbean-American community and to acknowledge their rich and varied contributions to the history, culture and progress of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1369, recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage month. This resolution acknowledges the important contributions Caribbean-Americans have made to our nation's history and culture.

Let me begin by thanking Chairman Towns, Ranking Member Issa, and the staff of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for helping to bring this bipartisan resolution to the floor today. I would also like to thank Congressman Davis for managing the floor and for graciously submitting my statement for the Record in my absence.

I would also like to recognize my colleagues--Congresswoman Christensen, Congresswoman Clarke, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Waters, Congressman Payne, and Congressman Burton--and others for their tremendous leadership on Caribbean issues.

I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Claire Nelson and the Institute of Caribbean Studies--and all the other Caribbean-American organizations in Washington, my home state of California, and across the country that have worked and continue to work to make Caribbean- American Heritage Month a great success.

As a long-time supporter of the Caribbean and a frequent visitor to the region, I was very proud to see us celebrate this important commemorative month for the fifth straight year. Since Congress unanimously passed H. Con. Res. 71 in February 2006, the President has issued a proclamation annually recognizing June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This year, President Obama issued a proclamation on May 28.

People of Caribbean heritage reside in every part of our country. Since before our nation's founding, millions of people have emigrated from the Caribbean to the United States.

Throughout U.S. history we have been fortunate to benefit from countless individuals of Caribbean descent who have contributed to American government, politics, business, arts, education, and culture-- including one of my personal mentors, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm.

Shirley Chisholm was a woman of Ba-jan and Guyanese descent, who never forgot her roots in the Caribbean. She was the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for President.

My political involvement began as a volunteer during her historic presidential campaign in 1972. Through her mentorship, she strengthened my interest in issues of importance to the African Diaspora both here in the U.S. and abroad.

During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we recognize the important contributions of people like Shirley Chisholm, as well as Alexander Hamilton, Hazel Scott, Sidney Poitier, Wyclef Jean, Eric Holder, Colin Powell, Harry Belafonte, Roberto Clemente, Celia Cruz--and yes, Congresswomen Donna Christensen, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Yvette Clarke--and many other persons of Caribbean descent who have helped shape this country.

Caribbean-American Heritage Month reminds us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean-Americans in our nation, and provides us with an opportunity to send a message of good will to the community at home and abroad.

Caribbean-American Heritage Month also provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and share in the rich culture of the Caribbean-American community through showcases of Caribbean art, festivals, concerts, and film.

In my own district of Oakland, California, individuals and organizations celebrate the rich heritage of people of Caribbean descent through musical concerts and family picnics.

In addition to presenting us with an occasion to celebrate the legacy of Caribbean-Americans, this month also provides us an opportunity to strengthen our long-term partnership with nations of the Caribbean Community.

From trade, energy, and immigration to disaster preparedness, HIV/ AIDS and--as recent events in Jamaica have made clear--drug-related violence, we share a number of mutual policy interests with our Caribbean neighbors. These challenges are regional in nature, so we must confront them together and in partnership.

One issue which I think deserves a special mention is the recent earthquake and resulting tragedy that has unfolded in Haiti. Like many of my CBC colleagues, I have followed Haiti's progress for some time now and have visited the country on multiple occasions.

The American people, including Haitian Americans, have responded incredibly to the tragedy just off our shores--and along with the international community we have conducted one of the largest humanitarian responses in history.

Once the cameras are gone and Haiti slips off the front pages and the 24-hour news cycle, it is up to us to ensure that the United States maintains its attention on the plights of the Haitian people.

Last year, I introduced H.R. 417, the Next Steps for Haiti Act, to create a professional exchange program to assign U.S. professionals, particularly Haitian-Americans, in Haiti to provide technical assistance in fields critical to development. Such an initiative would tap into the vast energy and knowledge of the Haitian Diaspora to promote long-term capacity building.

H.R. 417 is just one of a number of initiatives that the U.S. can establish to promote the reconstruction of the country.

The recent tragedy in Haiti provides us, to use an oft-quoted phrase, with an opportunity to ``rebuild Haiti differently.'' I believe that in order to rebuild differently, in a manner that is sustainable and works to end--not promote--Haiti's dependence on foreign aid, we must promote ownership amongst the Haitian people.

It is critical that any long-term reconstruction and development agenda is Haitian-led, that Haitian civil society and the Haitian Diaspora play a central role, and that such an agenda focuses on building the capacity of the Haitian Government to provide basic services and protect the social, civil, and political rights of its people.

Only by empowering Haitians to rebuild their own lives and their own country will we truly ``rebuild differently.''

I would like to end by stating that although the Caribbean faces many challenges, we understand that we must face them together. Despite the often turbulent history between the United States and Caribbean countries, our ties cannot be pinned down to geography alone, or economics alone, or even history alone. The region continues to shape us as Americans as much as we here continue to shape the Caribbean.

So I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure to honor the Caribbean-American community, and to honor the rich gifts that they have given and continue to give this country.

Let us continue to celebrate the rich diversity of this nation of immigrants and recognize that it will forever be the great blessing and strength of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support of H. Res. 1369, which recognizes the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

As a child of Jamaican parents, I understand the importance of recognizing the influence Caribbean cultures continues to have on

the many facets of these United States. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a strong appreciation for the Caribbean values they learned in Jamaica: a strong work ethic and tremendous pride in my heritage. As a parent, I have passed on these same values to my own children, so they will develop a sense of pride in their Caribbean heritage and acknowledge the many roles Caribbean people play in shaping this nation. I whole-heartedly support this resolution that commemorates Caribbean heritage, history, culture and contributions to the United States.

In her 1970 autobiography, Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, credited her success to the education she received while attending school in Barbados. She wrote, ``Years later I would know what an important gift my parents had given me by seeing to it that I had my early education in the strict, traditional, British-style schools of Barbados. If I speak and write easily now, that early education is the main reason.''

This is a nation built by immigrants. From as early as the 17th century there have been individuals from the Caribbean Islands, working here in the United States as indentured servants in the colony of Jamestown, Virginia. They worked in fields picking cotton, tobacco and crops just as the slaves did.

Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well-being of American society since its founding. Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the Treasury was from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. We count among our famous sons and daughters, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B. Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name a few.

Moreover, this is a nation that reaches out to immigrants. None of us will forget the earthquake that shook Haiti to its very foundations in every sense of the word on January 12, 2010. Since then, we have all seen the outpouring of support to the Haitian people and their families on behalf of the American people.

What fewer notice perhaps, are the powerful contributions that Haitians have made to America, its history and its culture. In 1779 soldiers from then Saint Dominique, now Haiti, fought alongside American revolutionaries. Despite the fact that the then slave-holding United States did not look favorably upon an Independence Movement it saw as a dangerous slave rebellion, many historians attribute the Louisiana Purchase partly to the fact that Haitian slaves rose up against their French masters from 1794 to 1801. Haitian born Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable founded Chicago, one of our great cities. And Americans from coast to coast have enjoyed the contributions Wyclef Jean, another of Haiti's sons, has made to our musical culture. Indeed, from history to food to music, Haiti has a long history of helping to shape America.

H. Res. 1369 recognizes the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. Our nation would not be what it is today without these significant contributions of the Caribbean people and we should honor these accomplishments with the passing of this legislation. The contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States and play an important role in the unique diversity that enriches and strengthens our nation.

By passing this legislation we continue to honor the friendship between the United States and Caribbean countries. We are united by our common values and shared history, and we should celebrate the rich Caribbean Heritage and the many ways in which Caribbean Americans have helped shape this nation.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Caribbean countries.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 127) Recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Concurrent Resolution 127 for consideration. This resolution expresses our support for the goals and ideals of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Barbara Lee of California, on May 14, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on June 18, 2009, House Concurrent Resolution 127 enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Since June of 2005, Congress has taken time each year to recognize Americans of Caribbean descent for their significant contributions to American culture and history during National Caribbean Heritage Month.

Beginning as early as the year 1619, generations of Caribbean immigrants have come to America and significantly contributed their rich traditions and culture, ethnic, and religious diversity to our social fabric.

Regrettably, we must acknowledge that many Caribbean-Americans arrived against their own volition--as slaves and indentured servants, whose struggles for freedom continue to reverberate. Many others came to this country in search of a better life for themselves and their children; and today, over 5 million Americans proudly share Caribbean heritage.

Caribbean-Americans have offered lasting contributions to every sector of our society, from public service, science, and athletics to business, education, and entertainment.

Prominent Caribbean-Americans include such historical and cultural figures as Alexander Hamilton--who was born in the Caribbean region-- former Secretary of State Colin Powell; Eric Holder, our current Attorney General; and Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Congresswoman and first African American candidate for President.

Other influential Caribbean-Americans include Harlem renaissance poet, Claude McKay; actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte; and Sidney Poitier, the first African American actor to receive an Academy Award for best performance in a leading role.

Mr. Speaker, these and countless other Caribbean-Americans have made invaluable contributions to our Nation, and it is fitting that we on honor them today. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 127.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield such time as she may consume to the lead sponsor of this measure, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to a cosponsor of this measure, the gentlelady from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Donna Christensen.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Hank Johnson, also a cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I'd just ask all of our Members to support Ms. Barbara Lee, the lead sponsor of this legislation, in support of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, and I ask all of our Members to join her in that effort.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Caribbean- American Heritage Month. As has been pointed out, there have been tremendous accomplishments made by our friends from the Caribbean, and it's only just that we recognize them today for the achievements that they have procured not just for folks of Caribbean descent but also for all Americans. There have been great contributions, and there will continue to be great contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that in this Congress we have a number of folks from the Caribbean, including my good friend and colleague Donna Christensen, whose quest has been on health care for the time that she has been in office. And she is getting ready to have her dreams realized with a good start that we're going to do on health care. Then, not to leave anyone out, but I do want to recognize my colleague and class member Yvette Clarke, who, as a staunch advocate for small businesses, is poised to do great things on behalf of small businesses, and I admire her for what she has done already and what she will do in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 127, recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I would like to thank my colleague Representative Barbara Lee from California for introducing this important piece of legislation, as well as its many other co-sponsors.

I stand in support of this legislation because it recognizes the profound role that Caribbean-Americans have played in the development of this great country. Social scientists call the United States of America ``the Melting Pot'' because of the vast number of cultures, races, ethnicities, skills, talents, and ideas that come together to make this experiment in democracy work. Caribbean-Americans are integral to that process.

Slave laborers brought to the United States from the Caribbean laid the foundation for this country in its earliest days. Today, millions of Carribean-Americans have immigrated to the United States on their own accord, bringing with them their vibrant culture and firm ideals. From beginning the Department of the Treasury and breaking color barriers to changing the sound of Salsa and the Harlem Renaissance, our nation's history is steeply ingrained with the contributions of Caribbean-Americans. Caribbean nations are important neighbors and partners within the global community, playing a vital role in the pursuit of peace and prosperity throughout the world. Caribbean- American poet Claude McKay once said, ``Nations, like plants and human beings, grow. And if the development is thwarted they are dwarfed and overshadowed.'' The United States owes a great deal of its development to the Caribbean, its people, and its culture. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.