Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission bill. This past week I joined relatives of victims of 9/11 at Ground Zero. It was one of the places that we held vigils across this country to remind Members of Congress of the human cost of the terrorist attack. Vigils were held in Washington, D.C., New York, Buffalo, Boston, Los Angeles.

We are hopeful that a vote will be taken tomorrow. It will move forward this bill that will make Americans safer.

We ask people to sign a petition and present that petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. I will place in the Record the text of that petition at this point.

December 6, 2004.

Dear Speaker Hastert: These signatures represent the will

of the people. The democratic process must be respected.

Congress must be allowed to vote.

The ``9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementations Act''

is supported by the

9/11 Commission, the President, the Senate, and the majority

of the members of your House.

Listen to the voice of the people.

Signed,

Carie Lemack, Mindy Kleinberg, Lorie Van Auken, Patty

Casazza, Carol Ashley, Mary Fetchet, Linda Lewis, Kathy

Wiesniewski, Beverly Eckert, Bill Harvey, Charles Wolf.

Speaking: Abraham Scott (lost wife Janice Marie); Beverly

Eckert, Stamford (lost husband Sean Rooney); Mary Fetchet,

New Canaan (lost son Brad); Carie Lemack, Boston (lost mother

Judy Larocque).

Not speaking: Carol Ashley, Long Island (lost daughter

Janice); Kathy Wiesniewski (lost husband); Charlie Wolf (lost

wife Kathy); Lorie Van Auken (lost husband Kenneth); Mindy

Kleinberg (lost husband Alan).

The holidays are a particularly difficult time for people who have lost loved ones, Thanksgiving and the holiday season. I am very, very hopeful that the hard work of these families in support of changes that will make America safer will be allowed for a vote in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Chian Federation, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Since its founding in 1974, the Chian Federation has educated and empowered the Hellenic American community to exercise their rights and fulfill their obligations as American citizens. The Chian Federation has a strong record of advocating human rights and striving to promote democratic ideals. The members of the board of this outstanding organization are: Alexandros

Doulis, President, Stavros Haviaras, Executive Vice President, Mike Frezoulis, First Vice President, John Monogioudis, Second Vice President George Arnitsis, Executive Secretary, Kalliopi Volikas- Theodoropoulos, General Secretary, Nikolaos Papagiannakis, CFO, John Stoupakis, Treasurer, Kostas Potamousis, Assistant Treasurer, and Elsa Tsartsidou, Director of the Federation's Cultural Center. In addition to its political objectives, the organization takes pride in its dance group, cultural events, website, magazine, business card exchanges, food, clothing and toy drives, Senior Citizens' breakfast and lectures on topics ranging from archaeology to health care.

The Federation's accomplishments extend beyond the borders of the United States. On Chios, The Chian Federation has financially aided nursing homes, environmental groups for reforestation of the island, the Korais Library and the Office of the Repatriated Chians Organization, in addition to making substantial donations to the educational and health systems of Chios.

In 1977, the Chian Federation established the Homeric Award to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Hellenic community. This year's Homeric Award recipient is Stamatios M. ``Tom'' Krimigis. The former Head of the Space Department of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Dr. Krimigis' research interests include the earth's environment and magnetosphere; the sun; the interplanetary medium; and the magnetospheres of the planets and other astrophysical objects. He has been Principal Investigator or Co- Investigator on several NASA space missions, including the Low Energy Charged Particle Experiment on Voyagers 1 and 2 and the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorer, a collaborative program that created the first man-made comet on December 27, 1984.

Dr. Krimigis is the author of more than 370 academic papers; was awarded the NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement in 1981 and 1986; and has received more than thirty NASA Group Achievement Awards for his work on the Voyager, AMPTE, Galileo, Ulysses, Cassini, and ACE projects. Dr. Krimigis has also been a member of the National Academy of Sciences' Space Science Board; Chairman of the Board's Committee on Solar and Space Physics; a member of NASA's Space Science and Applications Advisory Committees; a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the American Physical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science; an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; and trustee of the International Academy of Astronautics. He received the International Academy of Astronautics Basic Sciences Award and the AHEPA Academy Prize, both in 1994. At the World Space Congress in 2002, he was presented with the COSPAR Space Science Award, the highest honor that the worldwide space science community can bestow. In November 2004, he was presented with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Lifetime Achievement Award. He has participated as member or Chairman in many national and international conferences in space science and space systems management, has delivered more than 1,100 talks on these topics, and has lectured in major conferences and National Academies in all five continents. The International Astronomical Union in 1999 named asteroid ``8323 Krimigis'' in his honor. The President of the Hellenic Republic awarded Dr. Krimigis the Gold Cross ``Commandeur de l' Ordre du Phoenix'' in 1997. Also, the American Hellenic Institute honored him with its ``Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award'' in Washington in 1998.

Dr. Krimigis has often testified before Congressional Committees on issues of Space Science and Technology and has been a member or chairman of many advisory committees for the U.S. government. He is often quoted in national and international media on space science and technology issues, most recently on the Voyager crossing of the heliospheric termination shock and the Cassini orbits of Saturn. His work on Voyager has been featured as front-page news in the New York Times three times and has appeared in many other newspapers and magazines throughout the world. He is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in Frontiers of Science and Technology, Who's Who in Technology Today, Personalities of America, American Men and Women of Science, Men of Achievement, International Who's Who of Contemporary Achievement and the Dictionary of International Biography.

Dr. Krimigis is truly a man ``axios'' (worthy) of the Homeric Award and I offer him my best wishes for many more years of outstanding achievements.

I ask my colleges to join me recognizing the Chian Federation and its honoree, Dr. Tom Krimigis.

Mr. Speaker, I first rise to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) for his many years of service to this body. He worked selflessly for the people of Texas. He led the Democrats as the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and as the ranking member on the Committee on Rules with great distinction. He was outstanding, a mentor to many of us, and we will miss him deeply. But wherever the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) and Kathy go, I know they will continue to work for the people of Texas and for the United States of America.

I also thank the appropriators, especially the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), ranking member, and the chairman. And I would like to really thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), who I understand this is the end of his term, for his steadfast help to New York after 9/11. He has been there through our darkest hours. I even remember on 9/12 calling him and saying that the police and fire needed phones, and he shipped them down to New York that day. He has done a great deal of support for New York in a bipartisan way, and my constituents and city are deeply grateful to him and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey). We thank them and we will miss him.

Mr. Speaker, I also rise in very strong opposition to the anti-woman, the refusal law, the Weldon gag rule which will undermine and roll back a woman's constitutional right to choose. I would like my colleagues to put this in perspective. This is the 209th action striking at and chipping away at a woman's constitutional right to choose since the Republicans took control of this body; and I find it outrageous the way that they are disregarding the State, local, and Federal law.

I will end by saying that women will suffer, our health care system will suffer, and the Constitution will suffer. I urge my colleagues to vote against expanding this provision to hospitals and clinics.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report for the Individual on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA.

When the IDEA reauthorization passed the House in April, I voted against this bill because I was concerned that the House bill did not provide the assistance students with disabilities deserve and I had real concerns with the way the House bill sought to discipline disabled students.

Thankfully, the Conference Committee worked in a bipartisan manner and worked for what was best for our children with disabilities. I am pleased that this bill seeks to finally meet out funding goals by increasing authorization levels for grants to States. These new levels are set to fulfill our commitment of providing 40 percent of the national average of educating a child.

Even though I am pleased with a lot of what is contained in this conference report, I still have concerns about some of the provisions.

I don't want this bill to be the next ``No Child Left Behind Act''--a bill that has great promise, but a bill that Congress and the President fails to fully fund. The gains in this reauthorization will be for naught unless this Congress backs up this bill with the appropriations necessary.

While changes have been made to the original House bill, we need to make sure that the Department of Education does the enforcement necessary to make sure students are not punished for behavior that is caused by their disability. I think we should all agree that under no circumstance should a child be punished for the behavior that has been caused by their disability.

This bill goes a long way to ensuring all students the education opportunities they deserve. I expect that this conference report will pass by a wide margin. I ask my colleagues to remember your vote today when it comes to actually appropriating funding for this bill. Today we make a commitment to disabled students across this country, let's not forget them during future votes on educational funding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Greece for its outstanding performance as host of the 2004 Olympic Games. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and as the House Member privileged to represent Astoria, Queens, one of the

largest and most vibrant communities of Hellenic Americans anywhere in this country, I join with all of my Caucus colleagues and fellow residents of New York's 14th Congressional District in saluting the people of Greece. On October 29, 2004, the Hellenic community, together with many friends, convened in Astoria's Athens Square Park to recognize this outstanding accomplishment.

While it has been nearly three months since the Olympic flame was extinguished in Athens, the memory of how wonderful the 2004 Summer Games really were remains with us. The Athens Games attracted the largest American audience ever for an Olympic competition held outside the United States. The impact will be felt worldwide for generations to come. To me it was always clear that Greece would be an excellent host for the 2004 Olympic Games. Greek hospitality and warmth is renowned throughout the world. Thus, it is no surprise to report that the Greek people proved the naysayers wrong by hosting an impeccably organized and safe Olympic Games, an extraordinary world event in which the athletes took center stage.

For three weeks in August, the people of Greece welcomed the world to participate in a competition that allowed countries to set aside their political differences for a brief time and to come together in the spirit of peace and sportsmanship. Wanting to help make the 2004 Olympics a great event for visitors many volunteers, including those from New York City such as Andreas C George, Katherine George, Vlasis Anastasiou, Julia Anastasiou, Helen Skarla, Katerina Papaioannou, Joanna Savaides, Irene Aindili Kalliroe Argenas, Yeannis Kaltsas, Spilios Gianakopoulos, Elizabeth Bogiatzi, Marika Gianakopoulos, Argyris Ignatiades, Stephanos Pavlides, Ieanni Michaelides, Theodora Ziongas, George Costacos and Zacharoula Karyammi, gave generously of their time and energy. While they were there, the volunteers were able to see Greece's beautiful historic and natural treasures, ensuring that they would remember forever their experience in Greece.

On October 29th, the members of Hellenic cultural and civic organizations, Greek Orthodox churches, constituents and friends joined together to pay tribute to Greece for its extraordinary showing in the Olympics. The organizations represented included the Federation of Hellenic Societies and its members: Grinion Benevolent Society; Daughters of Roumeli Society of New York, Inc., Society of Diplatanos, Saint Marina, Inc., Nafpactian Brotherhood of New York, Galaxidi Brotherhood Eanthe, Thermopyles Phiotidos, the Laconian Brotherhood ``Mani'' Inc., Calavrytan Fraternity, Geros Tou Morea, Inc, Society Vryseon Anavretis, Pankerkyraikos Association, Kephalos, Society of America, Ithacan Society, ``Odesseus'' Ithacan Society, ``Odesseus'' Aesculapian Thessalian Brotherhood, Inc., Society of Epirotes, Pyrrhus Benevolent Society, Inc., Society of Epirotes Ladies Auxiliary, Souliotissaithessalonikian Society Society of Kastorians, Pontion Society of Kastoria, Inc., Panthracian Union of America, ``Orpheus'' St. John Theologos Society, Pan-icarian Brotherhood, Mytilenian Society of America, Pan-lemnian Philanthropic Association ``Hephaestos'' Inc., Gnomagoras Nisyrian Society Inc., Zoodohos Pighe of Andros Society, Cretans Association, ``Omonoia'' Cretan Women's Association, ``Pasiphae'' Syllogos Kreton ``Minos'' Pancyprian Association, Inc., Greek Cultural Center Inc., Northern Chios Society of ``Pelineon'', United Pireotes of America, Aetoloakarnanian Mutual Society, Mutual Aid Society, Aigioton Vostitsa Epidavrou Limiras Association, Inc., Pan- eliakos Society of New York, Kalamata Society, Ltd., Aristotelis Society of Halkidikipansamian Brotherhood ``Pythagoras'' of New York, ``Labrys'' Cretan Youth Organization of New York, Pontian Society ``Komninoi'', NY Greek American Folklore Society, Inc., Greek American Folklore Society, Inc., El Greco Society of Visual Arts, Inc., ``St. Demetrios'' Naupaktias Brotherhood of America, Greek American Homeowners Ass., Society Agiogalousion Amerikis, Greek-American Labor Council, Greek Society Elatousion of ``St. Stefanos'', Syllogos Noumou Magnisias ``Argonaytes'', Benevolent Association of Calamatahellenic Veterans Society of Greater New York, Inc., Panhellenic Organization ``Martyrs of Kavo Melanios'' Othoni Society of USA, Inc., Association of Logastra, Inc., Hellenic Organization of University Graduates of America, Philoptohos Adelfotis Arahoviton Nafpaktias Olympiakos Fan Club of NY, USA Greek and American Retirement Club, Pankritiki Enosis Athlitismou, Inc., Pan-Grecorian A.E.K. Fan Soccer Club of USA, Inc., Greek-American Mothers Association of USA, Omilos Metanaston Karitsis Messinian Benevolent Association, Hellenic American Educators Association, Gnomogoras Nisyrian Society, Inc., Benevolent Society of Athanasios Diakos ``Apostole'', Association Magoulioton of Spartasyllogos Patrinon Kostis Palamas and other prominent organizations, including PSEKA, Athens Square Park Inc., American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, St. Paul Soc., Pan Dodecanese Society of America, Krikos; Eastern Orthodox Lawyers, Pan Macedonian Cultural Center; the Modern Greek Studies Center; the Hellenic American Medical Society; Euro-American Women's Council and the Pan Erikoussa Society of America, as well as our friends in the Greek press: National Herald, Hellenic Harmonies, Hellas News, National Greek TV, Hellenic Times, Estiator & Greek American Review, Antena, Aktina, Eseis Magazine, Maria Papadatos Show; Orthodox Observer, Hellas FM, and Mike Zapitis Hour.

The millions of Americans who watched the Games achieved a better understanding of the Greek people, their warmth, generosity and graciousness. These Olympics helped solidify the reputation of Greece and the Hellenic people for abundant hospitality, or ``filoxenia''. Greece has earned our gratitude and sincerest congratulations. ``Axie!''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise to pay tribute to Greece for giving the world a spectacular 2004 Summer Olympics.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of Harris Levy Fine Linens, a business in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. Harris Levy has flourished since its modest beginnings 110 years ago. At a time when many small businesses struggle to compete with franchises and larger companies, Harris Levy has thrived by inspiring the trust of its customers.

Harris Levy Fine Linens began in 1894 when Harris and Ester Levy started selling tapestries and yard goods from a rented pushcart. Five years later, they were able to move their business to a nearby basement and in 1930, they finally purchased a lot at 278 Grand Street, where their store is presently located.

Early in its history, Harris Levy established itself as a pioneer--at a time when most stores relied on importers or wholesale suppliers, it chose to import its own goods. In those days, Harris Levy would sell its imported bed, bath and table linens at cost and derive its profits from the sale of the wooden crate in which the fabrics were shipped.

Today, Harris Levy's fourth-generation owners continue to adhere to the core values with which Harris Levy started his business more than a century ago. The company insists on setting reasonable prices for its goods, striving not only to make a profit, but to maintain its customer base and supplier networks, as well. Harris Levy's owners also take great pride in the dedication of their employees, all of whom have been with the company for more than fifteen years.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that my distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to this outstanding family-run business, which has established itself as an integral part of the Lower East Side neighborhood. I wish

Harris Levy's owners and longtime employees many more years of success.

Mr. Speaker:

A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches

pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering

their true sight, restore their government to its true

principles. It is true that in the meantime we are suffering

deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war and long

oppressions of enormous public debt. If the game runs

sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck

turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning back

the principles we have lost, for this is a game where

principles are at stake.--Thomas Jefferson, 1798, after the

passage of the Sedition Act.

These words of Jefferson ring particularly true at this moment. Principles are indeed at stake--basic principles of standing up for fiscal integrity, keeping our promises to American workers, and leaving the next generation free of crushing deficits. The majority has abandoned these principles, but we will not let them be forgotten. The futures of our children and our grandchildren are at sake.

We are here to vote on the administration's demand for an increase in the debt limit of $800 billion dollars. This is the third increase in the debt that this administration has demanded in its first term--for a total of $2.1 trillion, the largest debt increase in our history. This administration has spent recklessly and immorally, driving the deficit each year to a new record.

Democrats know how to reduce the deficit--and so did Republicans, in earlier years. When I came to Congress in 1992 we had a deficit of $290 billion. Yet, after 8 years of bipartisan policies of fiscal responsibility we ended President Clinton's second term with a projected 10-year surplus of $5.6 trillion.

After only 4 years of this administration's irresponsible spending, we have a 10-year projected deficit of $2.3 trillion--a free fall of almost $8 trillion dollars in only 4 years. How much worse will it get before we can restore the government to its true principles?

Having been chastised by all the financial ministers of Europe this week for allowing the U.S. budget deficit to get to this point, Secretary Snow said today that the budget deficit is the administration's highest economic priority. I challenge the administration to put its money where its mouth is.

If the administration meant what it said, it would urge Republicans to join Democrats in reinstituting the pay-go rules that enabled us to reduce the deficit under President Clinton. We had bipartisan support for these rules for 8 years--because they work, and because they represent the necessary and responsible course.

If the administration meant what it said, we would have a strategy to pay down the debt held by China and other Asian countries before they acquire a stranglehold on our economy and can dictate our fiscal choices.

If the administration meant what it said, we would not be here debating a further increase in the debt limit while the Secretary has already raided the Civil Service Retirement Fund.

For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must bring government back to fiscal responsibility. Any vote on increasing the debt limit must be coupled with a vote to reinstate the pay-go rules.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Junior Achievement of New York as it celebrates its 75th anniversary of educating young people about business, economics, and free enterprise. On October 18, 1929, ten visionary women and men created an original organization exclusively dedicated to providing a broad appreciation of business to young boys and girls throughout New York City. Since its inception, Junior Achievement of New York has worked vigorously to help every student in the five boroughs of New York and on Long Island appreciate the value of education, and understand the free enterprise system.

In its distinguished history, Junior Achievement of New York has inspired nearly two million kindergarten through twelfth grade students. This inspiration has been achieved through the dedication and energy of more than 65,000 volunteers from the corporate, education, and civic sectors of the New York community. Junior Achievement volunteers are amazing individuals from large, medium, and small businesses, from high schools, colleges, and graduate school programs. They are devoted parents, accomplished retirees, and caring members of the communities where the students they teach live and learn.

Junior Achievement of New York has facilitated and continues to create business-to-school partnerships. These relationships create meaningful experiences that bring the real world into the classroom and forge valuable relationships between successful professionals

and future business and social leaders. Thanks to volunteers' educational consulting, Junior Achievement of New York has been able to deliver dynamic, innovative educational programs that motivate, inspire, and equip young people to succeed.

Junior Achievement of New York's programs prepare students for the workplace by encouraging exceptional academic performance, developing employability skills and providing career education. The programs are designed to foster students' desire to complete their education and instill in them an understanding of the vital link between staying in school and becoming productive citizens. Furthermore, the programs enhance students' abilities to attain the core skills and competencies necessary for success in today's workplace and marketplace. Junior Achievement of New York's curriculum serves as a building block to help achieve the goals of the New York City and State education systems and produce bright, motivated entrepreneurs to build a better future for the city and State.

I salute Junior Achievement of New York, its mission and the commendable volunteers, teachers, and students who have been a part of its 27-year history. On its platinum anniversary, I applaud the impact this educational organization has had on the students of New York. Moreover, I confidently endorse the future success Junior Achievement of New York will have as it continues to inspire young people to be successful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of the 23rd Street Association, its president, Sharon L. Ullman and the Association's 2004 honoree, North Fork Bank, on the occasion of the Association's 75th anniversary celebration and award luncheon. The 23rd Street Association is an outstanding organization that addresses community concerns and fosters a wholesome environment for those who live and work between 18th and 28th Streets in Manhattan.

The 23rd Street Association was formed in 1929 by 22 local businesspeople to improve environmental conditions and promote economic development in Manhattan. Today, the Association addresses a broad range of citizen complaints and concerns by working closely with local community boards as well as city, state and federal government agencies. The Association is also actively involved with local police precincts to improve area security and prevent drug sales, theft and other crimes. Whether purchasing and planting over 200 trees from the City Parks Department or working with the New York Department of Transportation to improve traffic conditions, the Association's commitment to community service has been exceptional.

One of the Association's most notable achievements is its Campaign for the New Madison Square Park, which raised more than

$11 million to revitalize the park with art shows, music, children's programming and improved grounds maintenance. I am proud to say that with the Association's help, Madison Square Park has truly become an oasis in the heart of Manhattan and a source of pride for those who live nearby.

The 23rd Street Association's president of 10 years, Sharon L. Ullman, has been an instrumental part of the Association's success. Her dedication to public service is truly inspiring: Ms. Ullman served as the Warden of Madison Square Park for four years, has been a longtime board member of the Associated Blind and the Gramercy Park Block Association and has received community service awards from Concerned Citizens Speak and New York Mayor Rudolph Guiliani. Ms. Ullman was also named one of the top 100 New Yorkers by New York Resident magazine.

The Association's 2004 honoree is North Fork Bank, which will be represented by North Fork's Senior Vice President, Carl M. Gambino. The Bank's 15 New York City branches are vital elements of our community, employing more than 250 New Yorkers and managing more than $1.5 billion in assets. Mr. Gambino, who was born and raised in Greenwich Village, has served as the director of the 23rd Street Association, the New York City Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the East Village Business Association. Mr. Gambino is an inspiring humanitarian and business leader whose Christmas Toy Drive and financial counseling initiatives have greatly benefitted New York City children.

Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the 23rd Street Association, its president, Sharon L. Ullman, and its honoree, North Fork Bank.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of Empire City Iron Works, the oldest and largest steelmaker in New York City. For the past 100 years, Empire City Iron Works has played an integral role in developing New York's distinctive urban landscape. At a time when many of its competitors are struggling, Empire City's specialized service and ability to adapt to changing market conditions make it a model for new businesses in the region.

Empire City Iron Works was established in 1904 by Leopold Heffner, an ironworker who immigrated to the United States from Austria. Early in its history, Empire City produced cast iron frames and covers for coal- delivery holes installed in New York City sidewalks, some of which remain to this day. During World War II, Empire City's employees worked diligently to provide supplies to the U.S. Navy, constructing ammunition boxes and gun racks, as well as watertight doors for ships produced in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In later years, Empire City made enormous contributions to New York City's power grid, one of the most reliable networks in the country. In cooperation with Consolidated Edison, the company built almost every power plant in the New York metropolitan area.

Today, Empire City Iron Works furnishes and installs a wide range of metal products including steel pan and ornamental stairs, structural steel, railings and walkways. On occasion, it works directly with artists, cutting and fitting pieces to create sculptures according to the artist's specifications. The company has also undertaken a number of high-profile projects in recent years, such as the extensive renovation of the Museum of Modern Art and the construction of the first new building at the World Trade Center site. With projects ranging from the Time Warner Center in Manhattan to the Atlantic Center Mall in Brooklyn, Empire Iron Works continues to thrive; at present, it has more than 75 employees at its factory in Long Island City, Queens.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that my distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to this fine company and its exceptional work in New York City. I wish the management and employees of Empire City Iron Works another 100 years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of Abraham Lazar, a great American and longtime resident of New York. On Sunday, November 7, 2004, Abraham's many friends, family and colleagues gathered in his current hometown of Lake Worth, Florida to celebrate his 80th birthday. Birthdays are a time for reflection, and I feel that it is fitting to pay tribute to this truly remarkable man. Abraham Lazar served his country with distinction, both in the U.S. naval service and in civilian life. I am privileged to be able to share some of his more memorable exploits with you.

Mr. Lazar and his ten brothers and sisters were born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and graduated shortly after the United States entered World War II. At the age of seventeen, Abe enlisted in the Navy and quickly established a distinguished service record.

Abe served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of battle. Mr. Lazar participated in the Battle of Peleliu, a struggle for a tiny airstrip amid the Palau Islands of the Western Pacific. Despite the island's small size, the battle for Peleliu lasted nearly two months and claimed more than 12,000 lives. Allied forces ultimately prevailed and captured the island, but Mr. Lazar was severely wounded in the battle. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice.

Abe received another Purple Heart during the war, this time for his service in the Atlantic. I understand that Mr. Lazar's landing craft was sunk in the North Atlantic by a German U-Boat. Abe was forced overboard, and the fleeing submarine strafed his life raft with gunfire; despite these incredible dangers, Abe managed to survive, spending nearly twelve hours in open water before he was rescued. For his heroic service, Abe was promoted to Chief Motor Machinist's Mate, one of the highest ranks to which an enlisted sailor can be named.

After the war, Abe attended New York University and received a bachelor's degree, with honors, in engineering. In civilian life, Mr. Lazar worked with noted scientist Wernher von Braun to develop the Pershing missile system and was also employed by the Bulova Corporation to design and manufacture missile timing devices. Mr. Lazar is currently enjoying a well-deserved retirement in Florida, where he lives with his wife of 56 years, Anita.

Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in honoring Abraham Lazar's lifetime of service to our nation. I'm sure that Abe's family, longtime friends and colleagues will join me in wishing him many more years of happiness. Happy birthday, Mr. Lazar.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) for yielding me this time and for organizing this Special Order to highlight the outrageousness of the administration's demand that Congress raise the debt limit for the third time.

Remember, my colleagues, when President Bush took office, the administration said that the debt ceiling would not be reached until 2008. But, instead, the majority has led the country so far into debt that we have had three huge increases in 4 years. The last raise, only a year ago, of $984 billion was far greater than any in United States history.

Remember, in February of 2001, the Bush administration was predicting that the publicly held public debt would be paid down to $1.2 trillion by 2008. In its latest midsession review this summer, the administration itself was now projecting that the debt would be $5.5 trillion in 2008. In fact, the $800 billion increase the administration now demands under threat of default would raise the debt ceiling to $8.2 trillion and give the administration the greatest increase in debt of any administration ever. What a terrible distinction. What an appalling legacy for future generations. And under President Bush's policies, the CBO and other economists predict that the debt will continue to rise to at least $14 trillion and as much as $14.5 trillion in the next 10 years. What have the Republicans done to our economy?

Remember, when President Bush took office, the CBO was projecting a 10-year baseline budget surplus of $5.6 trillion. A surplus. That was the result of President Clinton's policies that paid down the deficits and reduced the public debt. But after only 4 years of Republican leadership CBO is now projecting a cumulative 10-year deficit of $2.3 trillion. That is a swing of almost $8 trillion after only one term. Dare we ask my colleagues how bad will the next term be?

The budget deficit reached a record 3.5 percent of GDP this year. As a share of GDP, the deficit is larger than it has been at any time since 1993. And let us not blame the war on terrorism. This is the direct product of their fiscal policies, the President's tax cuts that have left this Nation reeling.

In the private sector, there is a bipartisan consensus that the deficit is killing the U.S. economy. Last week, the Wall Street Journal released a November survey of 55 prominent economists on what the top priorities of the President should be in his new terms. These are conservative folks, financial leaders in our country. Their top item was narrowing the budget deficit.

I quote from Peter Hooper, a former economist with the Federal Reserve Board, ``If we do not get a narrowing of the budget deficit, it will slow the rate of the growth of the economy.''

It is not just our financial leaders in this country that are worried. This morning, the Associated Press reported that a pressing concern of the EU finance ministers at their meeting this week is the U.S. budget deficit and the resulting weakness of the dollar, which was at a record low today against the Euro. The ministers called on the U.S. to reduce its deficit and said that action, not just words, were what is needed. But what do we get from the administration? An increase in the debt ceiling, the largest ever in the history of the country.

Secretary Snow responded that the deficit was, ``unwelcome.'' Unwelcome? We are not talking about an unexpected dinner guest but a monster of this administration's making that our children and our grandchildren will have to suffer under and will have to pay for.

Where has the administration been as the deficit has continued to mount? A recent paper by William Gale and Peter Orzag of the Brookings Institute put the situation very clearly: ``The United States has never before experienced such large, long-term financial imbalances. Sustained chronic deficits will gradually reduce national income and living standards and carry with them the risk of a financial crisis.''

A recent New York Times editorial spelled out what this financial crisis might be.

This is extremely troubling, and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) touched on this very eloquently earlier. Almost all, 92 percent, of the huge increase in publicly held debt that has occurred in this administration is held by foreign nations, with Japan and communist China the two largest shareholders. In particular, China has almost tripled its holdings since Bush took office and now holds almost $175 billion in United States treasuries.

The Treasury figures which came out this morning show that China is one of only four nations that is buying significant amounts of U.S. debt, increasing its holdings by close to $20 billion since the beginning of this year alone. The Chinese are not buying our debt to advance freedom and democracy. They are buying it to advance themselves at a competitive advantage. By maintaining the dollar at an artificially high rate against the Chinese currency, they keep the price of their products low in the U.S. In other words, our budget deficit enables the Chinese to hold down prices of Chinese goods and makes them more competitive in the U.S., at the expense of U.S. companies.

In short, the American taxpayer is subsidizing Chinese manufacturers, and the American worker is paying the salary of a Chinese employee.

But what if the Chinese changed their minds? What if they dumped those Treasuries? Perhaps because, as the Times suggests, and I quote, of ``dismay over the United States' long-term fiscal disarray'' or for whatever reason they feel would advantage them.

That is not an unrealistic scenario. Recent articles note that the Chinese policy of pegging its currency at a fixed rate to the dollar has been creating great imbalances in that country's economy and putting pressure on the Chinese government to let the dollar fall. Then we would have a crisis. Dumping dollars would almost certainly cause an abrupt spike in inflation and interest rates.

All I can say is that these economic policies are dangerous. I came to Congress in 1992 and we had a $290 billion deficit, as the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) pointed out. In 6 years, we had what was projected to be a huge surplus. Under this administration, we have lost that surplus. They have created the largest deficit in history, and they are now calling to increase the debt ceiling to the largest amount it has ever been in the history of this country. And who is buying that debt? China is the prime purchaser of that debt. This is not a valid policy. It is wrong-headed.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce legislation, the ``Preventing Sexual Assaults in the Military Act of 2004,'' along with Representatives Ellen Tauscher, Diane Watson, and Ed Towns, which would appropriate such funds as are necessary for fiscal years 2005 through 2007 to eliminate the backlog in processing DNA evidence, to ensure that testing takes place in a timely manner, to provide an adequate supply of forensic evidence collection kits at all domestic and overseas U.S. military installations, military academies, and theaters of operation, and to ensure that at least one military medical personnel member, who is trained as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE), is on duty at all times in the health care facility at a military academy, domestic military base, overseas military base, and theaters of operation, except where a memorandum of understanding is issued between the military installation and a local civilian hospital.

Rapes and sexual assaults are far too common in both civilian life and in the military. As the April 2004 report issued by the Pentagon

states, among other findings, current DoD policies and standards do not focus on sexual assault and ``the military services'' policies lack integration for effective prevention and response.''

This legislation will help bring justice to the victims and survivors of sexual assault by ensuring that DNA evidence is used to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice. Additionally, it will provide servicemembers who are raped with the necessary medical care.

As our soldiers are fighting for those who have long been denied basic rights, we should do everything possible to ensure that we are protecting their rights, too.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Disaster Area Health and Environmental Monitoring Act with my colleagues Representatives Tim Bishop, Shays, Serrano, McIntyre, McDermott, and Schakowsky.

During a disaster our first responders heroically rush to the disaster area with little regard for their personal safety in hopes of saving others. We owe it to them to at least monitor their health when it has been put at risk. Unfortunately, no such program exists. There is no better example of this than what has happened in the aftermath of 9/11.

Today, more than 3 years after 9/11, there are literally thousands of individuals who are still sick as a direct result of their work in and around Ground Zero. Included in the sick are police officers, firefighters, volunteers, residents, and area workers. Despite a clear need, there is still no one in the Federal Government in charge of caring for these individuals, there are no coordination among programs established to screen these illnesses and there is no Federal program that provides anyone with any treatment. This is why we are introducing the Disaster Area Health and Environmental Monitoring Act. This is the companion to S. 1279, which was introduced by Senators Voinovich and Clinton in the Senate and passed by unanimous consent.

The Disaster Area Health and Environmental Monitoring Act would create a standard for a monitoring program following a disaster when the President determines a monitoring program is needed. This monitoring program would be set up to screen the health of affected individuals. By creating a coordinated monitoring program we can provide valuable information to affected individuals and we can assure our first responders that we will continue to care about the health affects after the disaster. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mim Kelber, one of the bright, shining lights of the women's movement. Mim passed away this summer, leaving a legacy of extraordinary activism and passion for social justice. Best known as Bella Abzug's best friend, soul mate and speechwriter, Mim was also a much-admired activist and leader in her own right.

I had the privilege of speaking at her memorial service on August 17, 2004 where I said, ``This weekend the world lost one of the great feminists--Mim Kelber.

A labor journalist, freelance writer and activist, Mim devoted her life to improving the world she lived in. Together with her great friend, Bella Abzug, Mim encouraged women to use their political power to ensure their rights.

There is not an American woman alive today who does not have more rights, command more respect or enjoy more opportunity as a result of their work together. Mim and Bella broke through barriers, shattered glass ceilings and woke people up.

Mim was a consummate organizer, a terrific writer and a true idealist. As co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus, the Women USA Fund, the Women's Foreign Policy Council and WEDO, Mim worked to bring other women together to work to achieve common goals.

As an author, Mim helped draft a roadmap for women to follow in fighting for our rights. She wrote part of Bella's unyielding call to arms, including the Contract with the Women of the USA. Mim used her pen to help people change the way they looked at the world and how they lived their lives.

Whenever I wanted to organize women to pass the ERA, to fund UNFPA or to bring women together for any cause, I would call Mim. She was a source of inspiration for me. A veteran of many of the old battles, she always had good advice about how to fight new struggles.

It is incumbent upon all women to keep her spirit alive and to further the irresistible momentum that Mim helped foster. May we long remember her contributions.

To honor her memory, I want to insert into the Record some of the other loving tributes

made by family, friends and colleagues that day:

Her daughter, Karli Kelber: ``I am so proud to be Mim Kelber's daughter. She was a great speech writer and she also gave many speeches--some in this very room. She was very modest. She would have been amazed by the number of people here today. She could have written for Presidents though unfortunately none of the presidents in recent history would have been worthy enough to read her words.

My mother spent her life working to make the world a better place. She had so many great ideas, especially for organizing women. She would often lament, ``If only the men could stay home and the women could run things.''

She hated religion, blaming it for so many wars. She often told me to remember that there were more good people than bad people in this world. She believed in the golden rule. She also warned us that happiness was not a constant state of mind--although she wanted her daughters to be happy all the time.

The consummate reporter, she was always asking questions. She taught me the five ``w'' questions at an early age and her sharp editing skills helped me through high school and college--if only she could have edited this speech!

She educated me to care about others. To help make a difference. The lessons started quite early. She was pregnant with me when she was called to the House Un-American Activities hearings in Washington where she took the 5th Amendment. She then named me after a very famous Karl.

Women's Strike for Peace and PTA politics were a constant in my childhood. She took my sister and me to countless peace demonstrations. And then there was Bella Abzug's strong influence on our lives. I was incredibly proud of the powerful speeches my mother wrote for her and mesmerized by the way Bella spoke. There was always hope in the air despite so many setbacks--and the victories were exhilarating.

Those were exciting times for my mother yet she told me that her happiest days were raising my sister and me in our Clark Street apartment across from the Brooklyn Heights promenade. She had a deep love and admiration for my father. She was in awe of his constant energy and determination and would often exclaim, ``Your father is really a remarkable man!'' That he is. And she adored her five grandchildren.

The peaceful world she envisioned has not yet come to pass. After witnessing terrorism from her living room window, in despair she told me, ``We worked so hard--we always thought that things would get better.'' She labeled herself ``a realist'' yet her whole life was guided by an optimistic activism. Although her last days were a painful struggle for her, her intellect and political astuteness would often shine through. She was constantly composing letters to the editors in her head.

Katherine Hepburn, my mother's favorite actress, who was a true feminist, said, ``I have no fear of death. Must be wonderful, like a big sleep. But let's face it: it's how you live that really counts.''

My mother leaves behind a legacy of social activism and love. She had a real vision of the way things could be and she taught us never to give up--and mom, we never will.''

Bella Abzug's daughter, Liz Abzug: ``First, I want to send my deepest condolences to Mim's family and her friends.

Mim knew my mother, Bella Abzug, for 60 years. They were classmates at Walton High School in the Bronx. They worked together at Women's Strike for Peace in the sixties--pro bono, of course--and when my mother ran for Congress, Mim was tirelessly there for her, from the first campaign to the last.

In 1971, when my mother was elected to her first term in Congress, she named Mim as her executive policy assistant and speech writer. Mim chose to work out of New York instead of Washington because she didn't want to be separated from Harry and her children.

In 1980, Mim and my mother co-founded the Women USA Fund and in 1990, they cofounded Women's Environment and Development Organization, WEDO. Along the way, they co-authored many, many publications. Just to name a few--Bella Abzug's Guide to Political Power for American Women; Women and Government, New Ways to Political Power and Gender Gap which they dedicated ``To our daughters and to young women everywhere, the future leaders of our Nation.''

In other words, Bella Abzug couldn't have gotten along without Mim Kelber. I remember these lively discussions they had together, these great debates that were often loud--at least on my mother's part--and I think each inspired the other.

My mother often told me that she thought Mim was brilliant. From everything we've heard here today, I think it's obvious why.''

Harold Holzer: ``I first met Mim Kelber on a Monday morning in March of 1975--at Bella Abzug's Congressional offices at 252 Seventh Avenue. It was more than 29 years ago . . . a lifetime, really. But it seems to me, and probably to many of you, like yesterday. A yesterday when, unlike today, hope really did seem to be on the way.

I can still see the configuration of our office with vivid clarity: Bella and Dora Friedman in side-by-side offices, usually arguing. Sylvia Epstein and her constituent services operation to the south, although she was always available to come around the corner, for arguing. And to Bella's North--in a bullpen setting with steel and frosted glass walls that only rose five feet off the floor, sat Mim. An island of isolation and serenity. Tranquility and concentration in the eye of a hurricane. And right outside Mim's enclave was what passed for the press office . . . namely, me. Arguing.

But not with Mim. In fact, for 2 years I don't think I ever saw Mim's face for more than a few minutes every day. That's because her back was always to me. What I saw was her blonde hair, her head rigidly facing her desk against the wall, as if her gaze could not be torn away from the paper before her, no matter how loud the distraction. Her concentration was awesome. I've never seen anything like it before or since. What I heard from her direction was the constant clatter of her electric typewriter--remember that familiar sound in the days before computers? Rhythmically, rapidly, relentlessly, from 9 in the morning until 6 at night, when she would calmly board the Lexington Avenue subway for Brooklyn Heights to claim a bit of peace until the next morning.

Even more remarkably, not only did those words flow quickly--but also flawlessly. It's hard to imagine--these, after all, were the days before we could move paragraphs, re-arrange words, and correct errors with the mere press of a button. But Mim had a computer operating in her head when Bill Gates was still a baby. She would pause from time to time, but for what only seemed like a second--then would come another clatter of the keys and another flood of words.

The office had its own particular assembly line. Speeches and statements flowed from Mim's electric typewriter to my desk for adaptation into press releases--while an office worker faxed a copy on to Bella in Washington--page by laborious page. Yes, those were also the days of the dinosaur fax--complete with chemical smells.

Somehow we got it done. And inevitably, almost routinely, by the time Bella rose to speak-on the floor of the House, on the campaign trail around the state, and later around the world--the magic of the words were filtered through the singular personality and passion of her lifelong soul-mate. And the result made history.

I wasn't there to observe the development of the dynamic synergy that bound these two great women together. By the time I joined the assembly line, it was well-oiled, honed by years of practice, give and take, debate, a little fighting, and lots of passion--the fire and ice, yin and yang, of a partnership that inspired, challenged, and ultimately changed the nation. I simply had the privilege, for a few precious years, to observe it, promote it, marvel at it, celebrate it. And see some of its more hilarious manifestations, too.

Once, during the Senate campaign, Mim had prepared a 20-page speech for Bella to deliver in Buffalo. But Mim had also written a 20-page speech to deliver a few nights later in New York. Bella liked both of them--she didn't know which to use--and then hours before we were ready to leave, she demanded that Mim write an entirely new speech, based on the best of both. Mim's reply was simple: ``Forget it Bella.'' They exchanged words. Bella screamed. Mim shouted back--in her own way. Then she simply turned and left. Bella's response: ``I'll do it myself.'' Then she added: ``The quiet ones always get you in the end!''

We were late: she grabbed up the two speeches and took them with her. We flew to western New York--Bella, Maggi Peyton, and me--she was holding the two speeches, still trying to figure out what to include and what to cut when we took an elevator up to the top floor of a Buffalo hotel. But when the doors opened, a huge gust of wind blew into the cab and all the papers went flying into the air and settled slowly to the floor. Bella said to us: ``Pick those papers up and give them to me.'' We handed her 40 pages, which she simply shuffled together in no particular order. That night Bella Abzug gave two Mim Kelber speeches in one--and you know what? It sounded fine. Happily, Bella ran out of gas about two-thirds of the way through, or she might have spent the entire campaign there.

Bella is gone now. 252 Seventh Avenue is a luxury co-op--a far cry from the place where Dora couldn't leave animal crackers in her desk overnight without the mice eating them. But Bella's memory burns bright. And Mim's words live on-in every thought inspiring the hope for a saner world--the world of peace and equality to which she gave such articulate vision.

The quiet ones will get you in the end. And Mim's quiet--her quiet dignity, tirelessness,

eloquence--got us right in the heart--in the beginning, for the duration, in the end, and always.

One day, Mim walked out of the office-after an upheaval of a fight with Bella, accompanied by slamming doors and angry words--the full deal--about something quickly forgotten. But ever the professional, before she left Mim took her latest speech and practically threw it on Bella's desk.

Bella erupted. She pounded her fist on the table, took off her hat and slammed it down, and only then picked up the pages and started reading. She turned one page, then the other, grew silent, then looked up and smiled and said: ``There's no one like Mimi.'' As usual, Bella was right.''

Mim was a source of strength and inspiration to thousands of women who heard her words or followed her career. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Mim Kelber, a brilliant strategist, eloquent writer, and faithful friend.