Floor Statements

I rise in strong support of the motion so that we can amend the rule and provide for the consideration of a bill that will create over 1 million jobs, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act. The floor schedule of the House has long been determined by the majority leader. Everybody knows that.

I'd hope that the majority leader would therefore represent what is the majority of our Members, 230 Members who cosponsored the bill-- that's not so bad--and schedule it for a vote.

We quite simply can't afford to wait any longer. China's currency manipulation has a devastating impact on manufacturing and other industries across this country. This results in Chinese exports being up to 30 percent cheaper in America. Now you know where the problem is. Now you know what's hurting American industries. Conversely, our exports are being more expensive in China. Estimates vary, but economists believe that this manipulation reduces unemployment by no more than 1 million to 1\1/2\ million.

We are out of excuses, Mr. Speaker. We really are.

We've got support from both sides of the aisle on this. There are over 14 million people unemployed in America. The bill costs nothing to the taxpayer. This is amazing that we're putting something before the House that won't cost us any money. No taxes. The Senate has already passed the bill--bipartisan, huge numbers, margin. They're 235 bipartisan cosponsors in our institution here. This legislation passed with over 350 votes. No excuses, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize and honor the accomplishments and cultural contributions of George Inness and the Hudson River School of Painting, an important artistic movement of 19th century America.

The Hudson River School has many connections to places all over the United States, including my district. Born in 1825 and raised in my home state of New Jersey, George Inness began studying painting as a teenager. Inness became very famous for his style, which combined aspects of the Hudson River School's attention to detail and realistic landscapes with techniques he learned from his time in Europe.

In 1885, Inness settled permanently in the town of Montclair, New Jersey in the Eighth Congressional District. He spent almost a decade painting scenes of Montclair before his death in 1894. Today, I am proud to say that many of these outstanding paintings remain on display in my district in the Montclair Art Museum, which boasts the only gallery in the world dedicated to Inness' work.

The Hudson River School of Painting was the first indigenous American school of painting. George Inness, his colleagues, and the landscapes they created, influenced American art, culture, and the environment. Inness, like other painters of the Hudson River School, was dedicated to accurate, yet powerful scenes that became very important as the environmental conservation movement took shape. Exciting scenes of the pristine American West captured by painters in the School's second generation brought the natural beauty of our nation to all Americans, and led to the creation of Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks by Congress as part of the new environmental conservation movement. Later, these paintings were used to support the formation of the National Park Service.

The Hudson River School painters also helped found one of the most renowned museums in the world. Inspired by the culture of art they encountered on their trips throughout Europe, these painters joined with other business leaders and academics to create the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Many works by the Hudson River School's painters still hang there today, including several by George Inness.

In light of these contributions, I would also like to commend the Architect of the Capitol for choosing two paintings by Albert Bierstadt, ``Discovery of the Hudson River'' and ``Entrance into Monterey,'' for public viewing in the Capitol Visitors Center. These works, representative of the Hudson River School, were found in the House Members' Staircase for many years, and will now be seen by thousands of visitors every day as they embark on their discovery of America's representational democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow Representatives to join me in recognizing and honoring the achievements and legacy of the Hudson River School of Painting, and of one of its most accomplished artists, George Inness.

Good morning.

I come to the floor today in support of H.R. 674, which will repeal a burden on government contractors, particularly small businesses.

I opposed the enactment of the 3 percent withholding when a Republican Congress and a Republican administration enacted it because I knew that it would hurt the economic engines of our economy.

The repeal of this requirement will free up small businesses' cash flow, increasing their ability to add jobs and bid on new projects. This is only a very small part of a jobs plan that could help to reduce unemployment and wage stagnation.

The majority has not allowed a vote on known job-creating measures such as the infrastructure bank or funding for our first responders and teachers, so I would imagine that that's not very important, those items. Rather, the majority has decided to promote their ``False Fifteen'' bills that attack clean air, safe water, and consumer safety. Be prepared, America, to eat poison.

Not only do independent economists state that these bills do not create jobs, a recent report found that the so-called ``economically stifling'' regulatory atmosphere is not as bad as they say. The report says this: ``Obama's White House has approved fewer regulations than George W. Bush at this same point in their tenures, and the costs of those rules haven't reached the annual peak set in fiscal 1992 under President Bush's father,'' President Bush I. You would never think that by listening to the propaganda on the other side of the aisle. We've overregulated--supposedly--and we've caused businesses to spend so much money on these regulations. But again, when we look at the facts, this is not true.

Eat your words. Even former Reagan Treasury official Bruce Bartlett quoted the Wall Street Journal saying, ``The main reason U.S. companies are reluctant to step up hiring is scant demand, rather than uncertainty over government policies.'' So you can grow as many horns as you want onto the President. Once again, look at the facts and the statistics: more regulations at this point when former President Bush was the President, Bush II.

It is ironic that the majority is adjusting health reform to pay for this legislation. You condemn the health act, and then you take the money from the health act to pay for this legislation. That is a Ponzi scheme if I've ever heard one. The majority already voted to repeal health reform, yet to pay for this legislation--which is a separate piece of legislation--health reform must be in place for 10 years. How do you do that? They get rid of the health care act--well, they're trying to anyway--and yet they use every dime for the first 10 years to pay for the bill.

How do you do that? I'm anxious to see how you do this.

Just as their 2012 budget was paid for by health reform savings, and we've discussed this in the budget committee, this bill is again paid for by the health reform which they want to annihilate. If the majority is against the health reform bill, perhaps they should stop making their agenda so dependent upon it.

While I support H.R. 674, we cannot pat ourselves on the back and claim victory that this is a victory for jobs. Congress must do much more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest condolences to the people of Turkey who are suffering in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

A deadly 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern region of Turkey on Sunday, 12 miles from the city of Van and the town of Ercis. Aftershocks have continued to impact the region, making initial assessments and relief efforts difficult.

Over 1000 buildings have sustained damage throughout the region, including homes, businesses, hospitals, cultural institutions, and schools. With a death toll in the hundreds and growing, and more than one thousand people injured, rescue workers continue to work diligently to find survivors.

In the face of such destruction there has been tremendous bravery, and I applaud the rescue workers who are risking their own safety to ensure that every survivor is found. There are currently 2,400 rescue workers involved in the efforts along with 680 medics, 12 rescue dogs and 108 ambulances, according to reports. Aid workers have congregated in the region to provide much needed food, shelter, and medical attention.

My thoughts and prayers are with those touched by Sunday's devastation, especially those who have lost family members and friends. Our hearts and minds must also be with Turkish Americans who are currently attempting to reach out to people in the region. Homes and churches can be rebuilt, but we can never replace loved ones.

The strength and resilience of the Turkish people is evident, and I know that in the wake of this great tragedy they will recover and rebuild.

Mr. Speaker, the United States must stand with Turkey during this challenging time, as we extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the earthquake.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to pause--I know my good friend from California this morning did mention this--to say goodbye to Trish Madson. This was her last day as Chief Journal Clerk for the Congress of the United States. She has been here 44 years, 7 months, and 5 days. This is what you all have to look forward to.

Trish, thank you so much for your service to this institution. You're a real humanitarian, and you're sensitive to the needs of us folks who call ourselves Congressmen. Thank you for your service to your country. God bless you.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the deeds of an outstanding American and public servant, Senator John A. Girgenti, who will be recognized on Monday, October 24, 2011 for his many years of service to his community and to New Jersey's Legislature.

John A. Girgenti was born in Paterson on August 8, 1947. He attended Hawthorne High School then continued on to Seton Hall University. After receiving a B.A. degree in Political Science, cum laude, in 1969, he completed his M.A. in Government and Public Administration from St. John's University.

Senator Girgenti was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1977, and re-elected six times. While in the Assembly he served as Chairman of the Municipal Government Committee and Deputy Majority Leader. As an Assemblyman, John sponsored legislation that created the Victims of Crime Compensation Board, successfully imposing the first ``tax on crime.''

In March of 1990, John Girgenti was chosen by district Democrats to fill the State Senate seat left vacant by the death of Frank X. Graves, Jr. He was sworn into the Senate on April 5th and was elected to his first full-term in the Senate on November 5, 1991. Since then he has been re-elected five times.

During his time in the legislature Senator Girgenti has sponsored many important pieces of legislation that have become law. He was one of the first State Senators to call for enhanced fingerprinting requirements for state employees involved with domestic security following the attacks on 9/11. Senator Girgenti has also fought to update and modernize New Jersey's background check laws so municipalities can identify potential threats before it is too late.

Following the Seton Hall University dormitory fire in 2000 Senator Girgenti was instrumental in putting forth legislation that mandates and provides funding for sprinkler installation in New Jersey college dormitories. He has also sponsored other landmark legislative measures that include Megan's Law, Amber Alert and the Paterson Urban Enterprise Zone Program. The Senator spearheaded the reinstatement of the Paterson Motor Vehicle Agency and was the momentum behind it's re-opening in 2008.

In response to the growing gang problem in New Jersey, Senator Girgenti has helped formulate pragmatic legislative solutions to eliminate criminal street gangs. He formed a ``Gang Task Force'' in 2006 composed of experts from government, law enforcement, education, local clergy and recreation to review and evaluate legislative measures aimed at circumventing gang activity.

The Senator has also fought to create the State Public Safety Interoperable Communications Coordinating Council, which would allow first responders (police, firefighters and emergency workers) to communicate between agencies on a single assigned radio frequency. Senator Girgenti also pushed for increased aid to the New Jersey National Guard.

Senator Girgenti is currently the Chairman of the Law & Public Safety Committee and Vice Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also serves on the Senate Transportation Committee. On April 5, 2011 Senator Girgenti announced that he will not seek re-election to the Senate in 2011. His leadership in the state will be missed by his colleagues and his constituency.

The job of a United States Congressman involves so much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the efforts of dedicated public servants like John Girgenti.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, John's wife Rose, their family and friends, the members of the New Jersey State Legislature and me in recognizing John A. Girgenti's outstanding service to his community and the entire State of New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention to the achievements of an outstanding small business, the Hot Grill in New Jersey upon reaching their 50th Anniversary.

It is only fitting that they be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known. Hot Grill has been a true asset and a part of the community in the City of Clifton for 50 years.

Under the ownership of Domenick Sportelli, an Italian immigrant, and Carmen LaMendola, the Hot Grill has become a community favorite that has drastically grown since its inception in October of 1961.

The Hot Grill started as a small establishment, with one long counter and roughly 20 seats. Thanks to the owners' dedication to quality and commitment to their community, the Hot Grill has undergone several expansions and has attained the ability to accommodate up to 160 customers on its premises.

One of the Hot Grill's accomplishments is its pioneering of the Texas Weiner, which many believe had its beginnings in Paterson, New Jersey. Texas Weiners, hot dogs with chili, have been served for over 40 years at the Hot Grill.

In 1996, Hot Grill celebrated their 35th anniversary and sold 60,000 hot dogs in just three days. Just five years earlier, it took four days to sell the same amount--proof of the business' growth and popularity.

Though it gained fame for its hot dogs, the Hot Grill is also noted for its homemade soups and chilis. Their chili, in fact, travels the world to countries as far as England and Italy.

The owners of this business consider the fact that they have now been serving three generations of the community's residents as one of their greatest achievements. The Hot Grill has been ranked as the ``Number 1'' Hot Dog in the Record Readers' Top 5 Survey, along with other enthusiastic reviews. Furthermore, it has been frequented by a number of celebrity personalities over the years, including the late President Richard Nixon.

The entrepreneurial spirit present at the Hot Grill is an example of the American Dream. Through hard work, they have demonstrated that businesses in our communities can thrive for generations.

Though the job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, few experiences compare to having the honor of recognizing the impressive accomplishments of local small businesses such as the Hot Grill in the City of Clifton.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the City of Clifton, the Hot Grill, and its faithful customers in celebrating the great achievement of this outstanding small business upon reaching their 50th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, Panama will be the only trade deal that I will vote for because they import very little to the United States in the first place. More importantly, this allows for, as I see it, new opportunities for the U.S. gulf and east coast ports. Over 60 percent of the goods shipped through the canal sail to or from the United States. I think they've corrected what needed to be corrected. There is no indication of a loss of American jobs, and I think that's what we should be all about.

As for Colombia, I don't know how anyone could stand in front of the American people and say that Colombia is making progress in terms of stopping the concerted, conspiratorial effort, proven time and time again, of the murder of trade unionists in that country. In fact, there have been no convictions in 94 percent of the cases from 1986 to 2010-- 6 percent of convictions. I don't know how anybody could stand on this floor, Mr. Speaker, and compare the system of justice there to the system of justice of the United States. Some have suggested, well, we have murders here in this country, too. Of course there are. This is an absolute disgrace. We've lost our soul on this deal, no question about it.

Also, a number of multinational companies didn't want the China currency fixed because it doesn't help their big businesses and their purposes. So let's come to the crux of the issue:

If we'd have put together all the promises that were made to the American workers for the past 25, 30 years on trade deals, we would be very, very disappointed. This deal has come a long way, perhaps, since the last administration, but neither party is privy to perfection here. This is not a one-party rap.

I've read every one of these deals as much as I could, and there are good aspects of the deal, but let's take, for instance, that the United States International Trade Commission does not believe this bill will create jobs. Let me repeat that over and over again.

In fact, the updated report they provided to Congress contains a very specific disclaimer that is not an official estimate.

When are we going to stop the hemorrhaging of American jobs? It is part of what we've gone through, both parties, but more importantly, the entire Nation, over the last 4 or 5 years.

Every trade deal does not mean that there are jobs created in this country. In fact, 90 percent of the trade deals have led to a lessening of jobs in the United States of America. So you can't have high hopes, and you don't have the evidence to show it. Let's bring jobs here to this country.

Madam Speaker, I want to challenge just about everything that my very good friend Mr. Camp laid before this House.

First, let's talk about the numbers. The updated report that Mr. Camp referred to in terms of the number of jobs that would be created by this Colombian deal contains a very specific disclaimer that it is not an official estimate.

Additionally, both--any reports estimate that the overall trade deficit will increase. An increasing trade deficit cannot lead to job creation. It's never happened. It will not happen.

And you throw numbers in front of people and you know what? You better know what you're talking about. In fact, given the projected changes, the growth of the United States trade deficit with Colombia will displace 83,000 jobs in the United States of America by 2015, for a net loss of an additional 55,000 jobs. Those are the numbers. I didn't make them up.

So when you think that anytime you're going to parade a trade deal in front of us--and I voted for Peru because I thought it was a great step forward--and think that we're just going to have to believe, anybody's going to have to believe on either side of the aisle that what you're saying is really what the truth is, you're done, you're over. The American people don't accept it. Four to one they don't accept these trade deals that have diminished us.

But the worst part of the Colombia deal is this: since the new President, Mr. Santos, we've had 38 union people killed, family men, teachers, lawyers, shot in the back of the head, wired up on a tree. And one indictment.

You want to bring the Colombian trade deal here--here we go--and make us believe that you're not only going to create jobs, but that these victims are going to be no more. Well, you had an opportunity.

Here's the numbers, Madam Speaker. Here are the numbers, very clear, very succinct. From 2007 to 2010, 51 murders last year, no convictions. Of the 94 percent of the cases, 130 human rights defenders were detained in 2010.

This is an aberration, this is wrong, and the American people aren't going to take it anymore.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. Con. Res. 29, which would authorize the use of the Capitol rotunda for an event on November 16, 2011 to present Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award that this nation can bestow

on an individual. I would like to call to your attention in particular the deeds of one of those outstanding individuals, ``Buzz'' Aldrin.

Buzz Aldrin was born at Mountainside Hospital in New Jersey in 1930. He graduated from Montclair High School in 1946, turning down a scholarship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in favor of the chance to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated third in his class in 1951. I am proud to represent Montclair, and I am sure that the citizens of my Eighth District would agree that Buzz Aldrin is one of our most distinguished natives.

After graduating from West Point, Aldrin received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He flew 66 combat missions during the Korean War, and shot down two enemy fighters during his distinguished service there. Following the war, Aldrin served as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and later earned his Doctor of Science Degree from MIT. In 1963, he was selected to become a NASA astronaut.

On July 20th, 1969, Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon as a member of the crew of NASA's Apollo 11 mission. He was the second human being ever on the moon, following his crewmate Neil Armstrong. He is the first astronaut to both spacewalk and set foot on the moon.

Since his retirement from active duty in 1972 after 21 years of service, Col. Aldrin continues to advocate for space travel, appearing repeatedly on television, in print, and in person around the country. He has helped NASA to develop new training techniques, and has proposed innovative new ideas for manned missions to the planet Mars and its moons. As an author, he has published two science-fiction novels, two autobiographies, and several children's books.

Col. Aldrin has been honored with countless awards and distinctions for his service with the U.S. Air Force, with NASA, and to the country. These awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Buzz Aldrin also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2007. It is fitting that he now be bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal

The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the achievements of brave heroes such as Buzz Aldrin.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the citizens of New Jersey's Eighth District, and me in recognizing Edwin E. ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr. and his colleagues for their outstanding service to this nation in the name of science, education, and discovery.

Mr. Speaker, I want to state for the record that on September 22, 2011, my vote was not recorded for rollcall vote No. 723.

I would like to state for the record that my vote should have been recorded as ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 723, on providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2401) to require analyses of the cumulative and incremental impacts of certain rules and actions of the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes.

Look, we're all Americans. We're not Democrats, Republicans.

You had 5,000 people evacuated in my district. When you see the damage in small towns and large towns, then you can appreciate it. The President came, the Governor of the State, who is not of my persuasion, came. They saw it firsthand. Homeland Security came. Mr. Fugate from FEMA came. They saw it firsthand. The damage is deep, and it's not going to be taken away and remedied within 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years because the ground was so saturated that trees fell without any wind, and are still falling.

Now, we are only one of 51 districts affected in 15 States, and we're talking about over 30 million people. And for the first time since I've been a Member of Congress, the other side, your side, wants to make this conditional, the aid, so that we carve out from either this program or that program, which is immaterial at this point, the money to help these very people.

The estimates are very clear as to how much this is going to cost, beyond our wildest dreams. We don't stop and ask those folks in Joplin, who had a huge tornado, where 160 people were killed, we don't say, wait till we go and rob Peter in order to respond to your emergency.

The fires in Texas--we have never done this on an emergency. This is an absolute disgrace because we're all Americans. We're not Democrats or Republicans.

Why didn't we do this, for crying out loud, in 2001 when we went to war? We didn't say, let's take from this program or that program. That was an emergency. We came up with the money and we sure as hell didn't pay for it, did we? And now look where we are economically.

We're talking about an emergency in our own country here, in our own neighborhoods. We need both sides to come together, and that's why we formed the coalition of Democrats and Republicans. And Republicans are not going to vote for this either. I'm telling you right now. So why don't we come together. They passed a clean bill in the Senate.

This coalition is going to stay strong because America is more important than either party, and we need to help our brothers and sisters who are hurting right now, many that will not return to their homes. They can't. Think about that.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to the achievements of an outstanding individual, Sheriff Richard Berdnik, who will be recognized by the Central of Polish Organizations of Passaic, Clifton and Vicinity on Saturday, September 17, 2011. Sheriff Berdnik has been selected as the Contingent's 2011 Marshal and will lead them in the 74th Annual General Kazimierz Pulaski Memorial Parade in New York City on Sunday, October 2, 2011.

It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known. Richard has been a true public servant, one whose commitment to excellence and integrity has helped to enhance and protect countless lives.

Richard is the son of Bernice and Bazil Berdnik, Polish immigrants who endured the hardship of Stalin's gulags. He is a graduate of both the New Jersey State Police Academy and the prestigious National Academy of the FBI.

Sheriff Berdnik's bravery and involvement in the community make him an esteemed individual among his colleagues as well as the citizens he serves. He has been honored with a number of awards; among them The Meritorious Service Medal he received for his quick and efficient response in apprehending criminals. He is also a ``Life Saving'' Medal recipient, having saved the lives of an elderly person and a child from a burning house.

Sheriff Berdnik is a member of several professional associations, including the FBI National Academy Associates, the New Jersey Honor Legion of Decorated Officers, the Clifton PBA Local 36 and the Passaic County Chiefs of Police Association.

Sheriff Berdnik served as a Police Officer in the City of Clifton for almost 30 years. The knowledge and experience he has acquired has made him not only a great officer, but an outstanding role model to younger police officers. It is his commitment, dedication and ambition that helped him rise through the ranks of the Clifton Police Dept. These same characteristics are what led to his selection as a candidate and his election to the office of Passaic County Sheriff in the November of 2010.

As Sheriff, Richard has been a loyal and energetic leader, and has displayed wisdom and courage in situations requiring strong direction. Sheriff Berdnik demonstrated his leadership during the floods of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. He made Passaic County proud when he recently testified in front of the House Committee on Homeland Security about the need for comprehensive legislation to combat the threat from weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

More than just being a valued leader in the community and honorable public official, he is a beloved husband and father. Richard and his wife, Monica, have been married for over 25 years and have four children: sons, Ryan and Kevin and daughters, Ashley and Alyssa. Ashley is also being honored by the same organization as their Miss Polonia 2011. The Berdnik Family has consistently displayed some of the highest American ideals, among which are courage, determination, and integrity, and I trust he will continue that legacy.

Though the job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, few experiences compare to meeting, working with and having the honor of recognizing the impressive accomplishments of individuals like Sheriff Richard Berdnik.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the Central of Polish Organizations, the County of Passaic, the Berdnik family, Richard's colleagues and friends in celebrating the great achievements of my friend, Sheriff Richard Berdnik; recognized tonight for his leadership, his loyal service to the public and his celebration of his heritage.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday our Nation commemorated the tenth anniversary of one of the darkest days in our history. On September 11th, 2001, we were attacked by foreign terrorists who claimed the lives of 2,977 Americans, including 411 of our Nation's bravest first responders. We mark this occasion not only by remembering those that were lost that day, but also by recognizing the incredible displays of heroism, courage and selflessness that we witnessed.

On this day, more so than any other day of the year, we must put away our partisan differences and come together as Americans for the good of our country. There are many lessons we have learned from the attacks, and much works remains, not only to secure our country, but to repay the debt to those who sacrificed so much on that day and those that followed.

We must be committed to defending our Nation from another attack. Protecting our citizens must be the number one priority of all public servants, and we must never lose sight of this mission. We must be committed as a Nation to stand behind our country's first responders. The heroic cops, firefighters and other emergency personnel who lost their lives on 9/11 should not just merely be commemorated, but in fact their memories should spur us towards making our Nation stronger and safer.

The Eighth Congressional District is only 20 miles from Ground Zero, and I was honored this weekend to attend several ceremonies commemorating the occasion. One ceremony took place at the September 11th Memorial at the Eagle Rock Reservation in Essex County, which overlooks the Manhattan skyline, and was where many of my constituents gathered after the attacks to bear witness to the tragedy. Many of the wounds of September 11th will heal over time, but we will never forget the heroism we witnessed, the lessons we learned, and the redemption the American people earned through our own strength.

In closing I would like to enter into the Record the names of the forty Americans from my district that lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. We will continue to pray for those we have lost but also hold our heads up high to meet the challenges that are still to come.

Cesar A. Alviar, 60

John E. Bulaga Jr., 35

John A. Candela, 42

Lt. Robert D. Cirri, 39

Robert J. Coll Jr., 35

Michael L. Collins, 38

Caleb Arron Dack, 39

Luke A. Dudek, 50

Antoinette Duger, 44

John Ernst (Jack) Eichler, 69

Edgar H. Emery Jr., 45

William J. Erwin, 30

Christopher Faughnan, 37

Harvey J. Gardner III, 35

Barry H. Glick, 55

Emeric J. Harvey, 56

Zuhtu Ibis, 25

Donald T. Jones, 39

Howard L. Kestenbaum, 56

Dorota Kopiczko 26

Franco Lalama, 45

David S. Lee, 37

Kenneth P. Lira, 28

Ming-Hao Liu, 41

Joseph P. McDonald, 43

Craig D. Montano, 38

Robert M. Murach, 45

Edward C. Murphy, 42

Catherine A. Nardella, 40

Ehtesham U. Raja, 28

Stephen Louis Roach, 36

Leo A. Roberts, 44

Marsha A. Rodriguez, 41

Linda Rosenbaum, 41

Daniel Rosetti, 32

Norman Rossinow, 39

John P. Skala, 31

Jennifer M. Tino, 29

Francis Joseph Trombino, 68

Jorge Velazquez, 47

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the Republic of Macedonia's independence. On September 8, 1991, the Republic of Macedonia declared its independence--becoming the only nation to peacefully secede from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In the twenty years since its independence, the Republic of Macedonia has transformed itself into a modern democratic nation that shares the core values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law with the United States of America. These great strides have put the Republic of Macedonia on the road to full membership in the European Union and NATO. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last year, ``The United States is committed to promoting Macedonia's membership in NATO and the European Union, and we will continue to help strengthen Macedonia's democratic institutions in cooperation with your leaders and civil society.''

The United States of America and the Republic of Macedonia enjoy a cooperative relationship across a range of economic, cultural, military, and social issues. As the fourth largest contributor per capita in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan Macedonia has become one of the United States' strongest allies against transnational terrorism. This partnership is lasting and important.

Macedonians have made an impact in the United States, as there are over half a million people of Macedonian heritage in this country. They dedicate their knowledge and skills to public service industries, science, and the arts. I am proud to represent many Macedonians in New Jersey's Eighth Congressional District.

I congratulate the people of the Republic of Macedonia on the 20th anniversary of their country's independence and join the Macedonian- American community in my district and across the United States in celebrating this important occasion.