Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I am having back surgery, which will require me to miss votes the last two weeks of July. I will be returning, stronger and better than ever, to do my work for the 4th Congressional District of NY when Congress reconvenes in September.

Yesterday, I missed two votes. Had I been present I would have voted.

Rollcall No. 593, on Approving the Journal, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 594, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 607, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 595, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2245, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 498, on agreeing to the DeLauro of Connecticut Amendment to H.R. 2997, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of the congregation of Notre Dame in New Hyde Park, New York to commemorate its remarkable contributions to the community. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Church of Notre Dame has been an influential and beneficial entity in New Hyde Park and beyond. Through a wide-range of programs, Notre Dame and its congregation have served their community with persistence and openness. For this, the Church and its congregation, both past and present, are deserving of recognition.

The Church of Notre Dame and its affiliated school do much for the community. Over the past half century, thousands of students have acquired the skills and focus to live meaningful and productive lives while attending Notre Dame. These students, drawing on their education at Notre Dame School, often give back to their community as a part of Notre Dame's congregation and beyond. In addition, the Church itself runs many programs that aid the local community. Reaching out to others in New Hyde Park and providing for both its congregation and those in need, the Church has and continues to provide important services and opportunities for the community and has remained a place of both worship and hospitality. Activities such as food drives, educational seminars, and support groups, are just a few examples of programs sponsored by the Church for the benefit of its congregation and community. As Notre Dame celebrates its 50th

anniversary, it is a great time to reflect on all the positive work its congregation has done in New Hyde Park over the past half century and to look towards a future of continued public and spiritual service.

The work of this Church and its congregation is inspiring to us all, and I am immensely grateful to them for all that they have accomplished. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Congress for their extensive contributions to society.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor James C. Kernan Jr. for his contribution to both our government and local community. Through his commitment to serving others, Mr. Kerman has affected the lives of many, both nationally and locally. For these reasons and many others, I believe he is worthy of recognition.

As a dedicated member of United States Army, James received numerous accolades commemorating his outstanding bravery. Among his many distinctions, James was awarded the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star. After leaving the Army, Mr. Kernan continued to serve his country by enlisting in the Army Reserves. For years, James would travel from his home on Long Island to Utica, NY to train at the Elihu Root Army Reserve Center. Once again, James excelled, earning five separate Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals. I am proud to honor James for his 26 years of service in our Armed Forces.

Mr. Kernan's exemplary dedication does not end with his military record. Prior to his retirement in January, James spent thirty-five years as an employee of the Internal Revenue Service. Throughout his tenure, he was promoted through the organization, and received thirteen distinct awards for his accomplishments.

Apart from his lifetime of public service, Mr. Kernan is an invaluable asset to his community. While raising his two sons on Long Island, James, and his wife Ruth, organized countless fundraisers and community events. They dedicated themselves to parent associations, the Our Lady of Victory Elementary School, and the Notre Dame Convent, and accepted the presidency of the Trinity Parents' Club at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School. Mr. Kernan's life's work is a testament to his commitment to developing a strong and healthy community for his children and others, James even acted as a volunteer referee for local little league games. Our children represent our future, and James has touched the lives of generations to follow.

The work of Mr. Kernan is inspiring, and I am grateful to him for all that he has accomplished. It is the through the efforts of individuals such as James Kernan that our nation remains strong and prosperous. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Congress for his contributions to society.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I missed one vote. I would have voted as follows:

Rollcall No. 365, on agreeing to the Hodes of New Hampshire Amendment to H.R. 2847, I would have voted ``yea.''

I have an amendment at the desk.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

I certainly want to thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz and Ranking Member Aderholt for letting this amendment come through today. I appreciate all the work that has been done, and I am not going to speak long on this to save time.

I want to thank my lead cosponsor of the Civil Rights Oral History Project, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, himself a civil rights hero, for all of his help in developing and generating support for this program.

All I'm going to say is that I thank everyone for working together to make sure that this amendment comes through. What has happened was--it has passed in the House before. Money had been appropriated for it. But unfortunately by a technical change, there was a delay until the year 2011. We have so many people around this country that are advancing in age who have the history of the civil rights movement, and obviously in the last few years, we have seen some of the great civil rights leaders, unfortunately, die; but it's also those that were the housewives, just the ordinary citizens that really also made a difference.

I would like to thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz and Ranking Member Aderholt for their help in moving this amendmendment forward and congratulate them for their hard work on crafting the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.

I also want to thank my lead cosponsor of the Civil Rights Oral History Project, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, himself a civil rights hero, for all of his help in developing and generating support for this program.

Mr. Lewis was at the forefront of the battle to end segregation and his contribution to ensuring equality in our country cannot be overstated.

I know I speak for all of my colleagues when I say that we are honored to serve with him and grateful for all that he has done and continues to do for all Americans as a steward of justice and equal rights.

We are fortunate to serve in Congress with several other influential civil rights leaders and I would like to extend a heartfelt ``thank you'' for their sacrifices and commitment to the cause of freedom.

The fight for civil rights was one of the most significant social and cultural movements in our nation's history.

H.R. 586, the Civil Rights Oral History Project Act of 2009, was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on May 12th.

It would permit the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Museum to jointly create a comprehensive compilation of audio and video recordings of personal histories and testimonials of individuals who participated in the Civil Rights movement.

It is important that we begin to fund this project now, so we can document the stories of those brave men and women who fought in so many ways to ensure equal rights to all Americans.

Another year is too long to wait.

Unfortunately, with each passing year, our nation loses more and more of the people that played major roles in the American Civil Rights Movement.

Over the last few years, we lost Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Mrs. Rosa Parks, and we will continue to lose more courageous Civil Rights pioneers.

Thankfully, their stories have been well documented in the historic record, but there are many others who have already passed or whose memories are fading.

While we know so much about the lives of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, our colleague, Congressman John Lewis, and Thurgood Marshall, it is important that we learn about the everyday people of all races who took a stand during a pivotal time in our nation's history.

Many leaders from all walks of life put their lives on the line to make it possible for all people to live freely and have the same fundamental rights.

The workers in Memphis that went on strike and marched in protest with Dr. King, the students that held sit-ins at lunch counters in the south, the thousands of people that marched on Washington and witnessed the ``I Have a Dream Speech'' and the millions of Americans that stood up and worked in their own ways to make our country a better place for all people.

In my Congressional District, there are many important leaders who fought to ensure equal rights for all Long Islanders.

Brave Americans like Irving C. McKnight from Roosevelt, Mr. McNeil from Hempstead, Mrs. Iris Johnson from Freeport, Fred Brewington from Malverne and so many others.

These people are the heroes of the civil rights movement and we need to make sure that their stories are woven into the fabric of the American story.

Without their efforts many of the freedoms we take for granted everyday would not have come to pass.

It is vital that future generations know and understand the struggles and challenges of those that paved the way for us to live in a free nation.

This legislation stresses the importance of capturing the memories and deeds of the Civil Rights generation and will give us a unique insight into the experiences of the people that were really on the frontlines of the civil rights movement.

This bill is based on the successful Veterans History Project and will create a joint effort between the future National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Library of Congress to collect oral histories of the people that were involved in the civil rights movement and preserve their stories for future generations.

The legislation authorized $500,000 for fiscal year 2010, for the purpose of carrying out the project, jointly between the two agencies.

I know that the bill was signed into law late and I appreciate the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee including language in the bill indicating funding can be used for ``activities for the Civil Rights Oral History Project.'' However, it does not appropriate an actual amount.

My amendment simply specifies that $250,000 would be directed from the salaries and expenses account to begin implementing the project in fiscal year 2010.

The amendment would guarantee a specified amount be used by the Library of Congress for this project.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and take the time to acknowledge the contributions of those great Americans who fought to make our nation a more fair and just place.

With that, I yield to the gentlelady from Florida.

Thank you.

I yield to the gentleman from Alabama.

Thank you.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I missed one vote. Had I been present, I would have voted on the following: Rollcall No. 337, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2325, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1300 Matamoros Street in Laredo, Texas, as the ``Laredo Veterans Post Office,'' I would have voted ``yea.''

Offered By: Mrs. McCarthy of New York

Amendment No. 40: Page 101, after line 20, insert the

following:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Winston Spencer Waters II, a senior at Elmont Memorial High School. Winston was named a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search Competition, becoming the first Elmont student to be named a semifinalist in the competition.

The Intel Science Talent Search is America's most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. Each year 300 students are selected as semifinalists nationwide. Winston's project, ``Separating the Roles of HIF-1a and HIF-2a in Tumorigenesis through Downregulation of HIF-2a by RNA Interference.'' This project studied Von Hippel Lindau, or VHL, disease which is a form of kidney cancer. Winston was selected as a semifinalist from over 1,000 students who entered projects into the competition.

This is a remarkable achievement for Winston, for the Elmont Memorial High School and for the entire Elmont Community. Winston has not only excelled in science, but has worked hard to remain a well balanced student. As President of the senior class, member of the Future Business Leaders of America and the Math, Science and National Honor Societies, he has certainly been able to accomplish that goal.

As a Member of the Committee for Education and Labor, I commend Winston and congratulate him for his dedication to his education. I would like to wish him the best of luck as he prepares to attend Harvard University in the fall, where he plans to study biomedical sciences and engineering as well as economics or finance.

Madam Speaker, it is with pride and admiration I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Winston Spencer Waters II and his entire family.

I thank the gentleman for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday a terrible tragedy happened right here in Washington, D.C. It's sad when we see that there are people in this country that have so much hate in their hearts, and it's sad that this person went out to try to kill as many people as possible and being at the Holocaust museum.

Stephen Johns was there to protect the people in the museum, and he lost his life. He lost his life being a hero, by trying to save as many people there as possible.

Mr. Speaker, each and every day, there are killings; there is hatred that leads to these kinds of killings. It's got to stop. We can stop it here in Congress if the American people would actually put their voices a little bit higher and tell their Representatives the violence needs to stop. Violence on every level is totally wrong. Violence to innocent people is totally wrong. We need to do a better job in stopping the hate in this country.

I rise today in support of H. Res. 529, the resolution condemning the violent attack yesterday at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

My heart goes out to the victim's family.

This innocent man was going about his workday and his life was taken in a despicable act of violence.

But Steven Johns' selflessness and heroism saved the lives of others who could have been caught up in the violence.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum serves as a powerful rebuke of the violence

and hatred that resulted in the loss of millions of lives during World War II.

Yesterday's events there serve as a painful reminder of the importance of combating violence in any form.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has educated millions of Americans about the horrors and hate crimes of the Holocaust.

Sadly, yesterday, the Holocaust Museum became known for another tragic hate crime.

Hate crimes and hate groups are on the rise in our Nation.

Hate groups have terrorized too many Americans.

This horrible act also serves as another example of the need to end gun violence in the United States.

We need to make sure that we do everything we can to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The suspect in this terrible crime was a convicted felon and should never have been able to get his hands on a gun.

Too many of the wrong people have access to guns.

We are seeing more and more of these senseless crimes take place.

The rate of gun violence in this country is totally unacceptable.

There is something that we can do.

We can pass sensible gun laws in this Nation that will save lives.

We need to keep guns out of the hands of the people that can do the most harm with them such as convicted felons and the mentally ill.

We also need to close the gun show loophole, which allows people to buy guns without any background check at all.

And Congress should pass my bill, the No Fly No Buy Act, which prohibits people who are on the TSA's ``No Fly List'' as known or suspected terrorists from purchasing guns.

We can never prevent every gun death in this country, but we do have tools that can limit gun violence and would be effective now.

I urge my colleagues to work together with me to make sure that we do everything we can to limit gun violence in this country.

Please support this resolution so that we can send a strong message that hate and violence will not be tolerated by this Congress.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I missed three votes. I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 311, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 1736, the International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2009, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 312, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 1709, the STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 313, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 420, Celebrating the symbol of the United States flag and supporting the goals and ideals of Flag Day, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Herman W. Horowitz for his remarkable contributions to society. The bravery displayed by Mr. Horowitz throughout the liberation of the French Republic during WWII and his continued community activism are certainly deserving of recognition.

Recently, Mr. Horowitz has been awarded the French Legion of Honor, France's highest award in commemoration of his wartime efforts. As a member of the Seventh Armored Division, Mr. Horowitz displayed the bravery and patriotic sacrifice that eventually led to the war's end. For these efforts, nations around the world are grateful, but for the French citizens who Mr. Horowitz helped to liberate, his sacrifice will always be especially remembered. As Americans, we also have cause for particular gratitude as Mr. Horowitz's efforts helped to bring a close to a war in which so many American lives were lost.

In addition to his wartime efforts, Mr. Horowitz has remained active in his community. Retelling his wartime stories during speaking engagements at local schools and institutions, Mr. Horowitz has kept his dedication to service very much alive. In addition to these contributions, Mr. Horowitz has been extremely active in his volunteer efforts at the Holocaust Center in Glen Cove, N.Y. Throughout all of these efforts, Mr. Horowitz has continued to embody the spirit of service to his community, nation and all humanity that he displayed so many years ago across the Atlantic. The selflessness displayed by Mr. Horowitz, throughout his life, has made his continued service and community contributions so remarkable.

The service and contributions of Mr. Horowitz is surely inspiring to us all, and I am immensely grateful to him for all that he has accomplished. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Congress for his extensive contributions to society.

I thank my chairman for allowing me to have these 2 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise my voice in opposition to the Coburn amendment to H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights.

Our economy is in trouble, and millions of consumers are hurting under the pressure of staggering credit card debt.

I am proud to support the hard work of my colleague, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, who has championed the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights, which will make the practice of credit card companies fairer, help dig consumers out of debt, and get our economy going.

But I am incredibly disappointed that this well-meaning bill has been hijacked and used as a political tool to ram a provision down the throats of Americans when they need our help to address more pressing issues.

Adding an amendment that will allow loaded guns into our national parks to a bill that is designed to help American families during an economic crisis shows an ignorance of the seriousness of our Nation's economic crisis and a disregard for the needs of its consumers. This amendment should not be part of this bill.

Our national parks are among our greatest treasures. We are blessed as a Nation with some of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes and open spaces in the world, and every year millions and millions of families from all walks of life travel from far and near to enjoy these amazing resources. When families are out experiencing the wonders of our lands, the last thing they should have to worry about is a threat or the possible threat of gun violence.

With the Coburn amendment, we are putting families at risk, which is wrong. And the method being used to push the bill is equally troubling. Are we going to have all of our bills coming over from the Senate with gun legislation on them?

I urge my colleagues to vote against the Coburn amendment and vote for H.R. 627.

Madam Speaker, I rise today tb recognize the students, faculty and staff of the Willow Road Elementary School and congratulate them upon being honored with the Exemplary Reading Program Award from the International Reading Association.

Every year, the International Reading Association recognizes outstanding reading and language arts programs at all grade levels. One school from each State is given the Exemplary Reading Program Award based on the priority of literacy in the curriculum.

Willow Road Elementary School promotes literacy and focuses on improving the students reading, writing, listening and speaking, devoting a large chunk of the school day towards reading. As a result, the school has been a finalist for the State award for the last two years before finally winning the honor this year.

As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, I understand the importance of literacy and recognize the benefits of encouraging our students to start reading at an early age. The future of this country is its children; however, their success would not be possible without the work of the teachers and administrators who dedicate their lives to their students. The teachers and staff of the Willow Road Elementary School are the back-bone of the reading program and I thank them for all that they do on a daily basis.

Madam Speaker, it is with pride and admiration I offer my congratulations and best wishes to the Willow Road Elementary School.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Sonia LeRoia Russell for her contributions to both society and the arts. Through her poetry, Ms. Russell has impacted the lives of many, both locally in New York and throughout our nation. Her recent work commemorating the election of President Obama has been widely cited and read. For these reasons and many others, I believe that Ms. Russell is deserving of recognition.

An esteemed author, poet and publisher, Ms. Russell has enriched the community within which she lives through her sustained contributions to society. Through these numerous contributions, Ms. Russell is proud to both represent and actively participate in the large, influential and diverse African American community in New York and beyond. In addition to her successful poetic, publishing and writing ventures, Ms. Russell gives back to her community in various other fashions. Formerly, Ms. Russell held the presidency of the first poetry ministry with the Holy Unity Baptist Church located in Queens, NY. In keeping with that trend, Ms. Russell is currently ministering poetry at the Living Water Church in Harlem, NY. Writing and orating for special events, Ms. Russell lends her strong, poetic voice to her community. In addition, Ms. Russell is also a member of the Music & Fine Arts Ministry where she writes and sings songs for the choir. Further, Ms. Russell also writes poetry for important community events, such as weddings and anniversaries. Ms. Russell's recent work commemorating the Presidency of Barack Obama and the African American struggle for civil rights and equality has been well received and further exemplifies her continued efforts at serving her community in lending her important voice to contemporary issues.

Our country, built on the premises of equality, freedom of speech, and a vocal citizenry, needs talented individuals like Ms. Russell in order to fulfill these founding principles. In addition, the arts, in general, play a vital role in our society, enriching our communities and inspiring our youth to confront their future circumstances in creative and innovation ways. For her efforts in both vocalizing the experiences of her community and county and in stimulating the arts, I am thankful to Ms. Russell.

The work of Ms. Russell is inspiring, and I am grateful to her for all that she has accomplished. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Congress for her contributions to society.

The following is the aforementioned poem authored by Ms. Russell entitled ``Inauguration Poem for President Barack Obama'':

Inauguration Poem for President Barack Obama

I laid my head down and sleep stole my thoughts

And I drifted like a disembodied soul

I began to see figures moving slowly in my haze

And I heard a familiar refrain remind me of my role

softly--``It's been a long time coming''

So many before me who paved the way to today

Many lives who unknowingly touched mine

So many died before their work saw fruition

Many who stood on that freedom, faith, line

softly--``And I know change is gonna come''

``Not in vain,'' I hear them shouting, ``hold on fast.''

``It's not for skin that we are striving, but for equal eyes,

Equal tongue, equal ears, equal image, equal time!''

Now there's no more lamenting that we can't rise

softly--``There's been times that I thought I couldn't last

for long''

I watched with suspicion many take up the cause

As we were beaten down, lifted up, then given our cross

I watched behind the fine lines of others sacrifice

As we were being defined by the way we handled loss

softly--``But now I think I'm able to carry on.''

Frederick Douglass was the first black man to aspire

He was on the ticket as vice President to Victoria Woodhull

Their 1872 Equal Rights Party did not make it to the top

But the ink was spilled and all felt the inevitable pull

softly--``It's been a long time coming''

And the people sang, ``Run Jesse run, keep hope alive,

Don't let Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have died in vain!''

There are spiritually, mentally, and physically scarred folks

Who don't believe this country can look upon them without

disdain

softly--``It's been a long time coming''

America watched a people stand tall against oppression

Strong men holding signs reminding doubters ``I am a man''

Then time convinced some that this was not the case

Until a new sign was held up that insisted, ``Yes we can!''

So as I rose up from my dream and allowed reality to sink in

I saw a man of African, and white American descent

Representing all people of America as a spiritual, patriot

On the values and principles that this country was meant

softly--``It's been a long time coming''

And I cried as I remembered the ghosts of my dream

Those who believed and had faith that change would occur

Those ghosts spanned the ages of time before Christ

And had more to do with prejudices and fear than mere color

softly--``It's been a long time coming''

Now let us pray that God lights and directs the path

Of the one whom we the people chose to lead us

Let us pray that the ghosts of the past will always remind

him

And that Jesus will strengthen his resolve and his purpose

softly--``And I knew change was gonna come''

And it did, yes it did

God bless you and keep you President Barack Obama!

--Sonia ``LeRoia'' Russell.