Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of writer, journalist, former commentator and dear friend Leon Earl Wynter who passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the age of fifty-seven. Born in 1953, Leon grew up in the Bronx, New York and was fond of saying that he arrived ``just in time for most of the things that mattered; the space race, the triumph of the civil rights movement, disco, cable and the Macintosh computer''.

He described himself as ``first a Christian, then American and black by way of his Jamaican heritage''. He is survived by his daughter Grace Alexandra, his mother Sylvia, and his brother Stephen. Leon left behind an abundance of those who knew him personally and loved him, as well as those who knew him professionally and respected him. Leon created a legacy of friendship, a body of work to be proud of, and a life time of vivid memories of those of us who have been privileged, like me.

Leon had an extraordinary career, which began in commercial banking, and continued in journalism as a Washington Post staff reporter in 1980. At the Washington Post, he covered education and racial change in suburban Prince George's County, Maryland. He later joined the Wall Street Journal's bureau in 1984, and covered the federal banking beat on Capitol Hill, as well as federal telecommunications and technology policy. He then created and wrote a monthly column for the Wall Street Journal called ``Business & Race''. He considered the title alone as a victory, and he wrote it for ten years, from 1989 1999. In his twenty- years as a journalist, essayist, commentator, speaker and an author, Leon develop into an acclaimed voice on the racial and ethnic transformation of American identity.

As a sought-after public speaker in business, Leon shared his expertise and perspectives with strategic marketers at Time Warner, Pepsico, GlaxoSmithKline, Cox Cable and the Strategic Research Institute. His commentaries on race, pop culture and life were frequently heard on National Public Radio's ``All Things Considered''. Leon published dozens of essays in newspapers and magazines, including the Wall Street Journal, Savoy, Washington Post, and New York Newsday, among a few.

In August 2002, Leon realized his goal in life after publishing his first book, ``America Skin: Big Business, Pop Culture and the End of White America''. In 2007, Leon helped co-write my memoirs, ``And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since.'' Later, Leon would begin a new career with the Harlem Community Development Corporation where he served as Director of Communications.

Leon was known by many as one of the Valley elite, a committed Christian, professor of journalism, an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, an enthusiastic blogger, an evolving musician, a lover of Public Radio, a tireless debater, and someone capable of great passions. He once wrote, ``I'm just in time to discover that life is not about being current it's about being present with God for my child and my loved ones''.

Mr. Speaker, in celebration of National Black History Month, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembrance of my dear friend, Leon Earl Wynter. If you knew him, these are the facts and the celebration of his life. If you did not know him . . . you missed something very special.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Black History Month to recognize the prestigious Third Annual 2012 Harlem Fine Arts Show at Harlem's historic cathedral, The Riverside Church. The Harlem Fine Arts Show, HFAS, is one of the nation's largest and most prominent collections of works, paintings, photographs and sculptures by both established and emerging African American artists from around the world. The HFAS always takes place during National Black History Month and this year's exhibition kicked-off with a Diversity Prep Youth Day/Fine Arts Exhibit and Opening Preview Reception on Friday, February 3, with exhibitions on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5.

Created by Dion Clarke, the Harlem Fine Arts Show was built upon the tradition of the long-established Black Fine Arts Show, which for fourteen years was the premiere show for exhibiting modern and contemporary art and highlighting some of the most diverse and exciting contemporary popular art. As stated by Mr. Clark. ``Our event is one of the largest collections of African American art ever assembled for a fine arts show, representing more than 100 artists--a dramatic reminder during Black History Month of the tremendous contribution of African and Caribbean American artists to the global fine arts landscape.''

This year's theme, ``A Global Celebration'' shines a spotlight on artists around the world. The HFAS will feature the art produced by African Americans within our community and from around the world illustrating shared ancestries, injustices, and shared pride. Our Afrocentric art provides a deep sense of connection between generations of Americans and events they may have only heard about. The art of our people demonstrates the struggle, the pain, and the hardships we have endured, and celebrates the joy, the accomplishments and achievements of our past, present and future.

The three day global celebration will showcase the explosion of culture that began with the Harlem Renaissance in the early nineteen hundreds and will include contemporary artist exhibitors and nationally renowned regional galleries. The Harlem Fine Arts Show is pleased to have John Martin, a seasoned exhibition designer of the JP Martin Group, bring together the artwork of some of the most accomplished and influential American artists of African and Hispanic descent.

The renowned photography of James Van Der Zee (June 29, 1886 May 15, 1983), a prominent documentarian of Harlem, New York from 1915 to 1960, will be among the featured artists who also include:

Herold Alvares, a Haitian artist born without arms due to a congenital birth defect who began painting at the age of eight, who teaches art to disabled children at St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Stacey Brown, a visual artist whose creations on glass are inspired by his background in graphic design, with flowing shapes and

contours that express contemporary and edgy artistic style, whose work has garnered acclaim from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Decor Magazine, and BET's hit reality show, College Hill.

Frank Frazier, a Harlem native whose art career spans over 50 years of perseverance and inspiration, whose genius works depict everything from antagonistic war to jovial jazz concerts.

George Nock, a self-taught artist and former running back with the New York Jets and Washington Redskins, who has distinguished himself among the greatest sculptors of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries through his highly original bronzes.

Kerream Jones, whose work possesses a multifaceted and timeless quality that has led this prolific artist to receive commissions from Verizon Wireless, Pepsi, Upscale Magazine, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, the City of Chicago, and various non-profit organizations.

Gwendolyn E. Redfern, a North Carolina native and multi-talented artist who expresses life experiences through her pottery, painting, and mixed media collages.

Najee Dorsey, Founder of Black Art in America and a mixed media artist whose work pays homage to a cast of colorful characters, folk legends and heroes, as well as critiquing aspects of contemporary times.

In accordance with HFAS's commitment to our young scholars, the show will host Diversity Prep Day to give students the opportunity to explore the visual arts, mingle with the artists, and participate in a Youth Information Fair by the show's sponsors and partners.

Mr. Speaker, let me congratulate along with Founder Dion Clark, this year's Mistress and Masters of Ceremony, Barbara Smith and Dan Gasby for your ongoing contributions to Black and American culture. On behalf of my colleagues and a very grateful nation and in celebration of National Black History Month I salute and recognize all of our participating Harlem and world renowned artists and exhibitors of the 2012 Harlem Fine Arts Show.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Black History Month to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Boyer Lodge No. 1 of the Free and Accepted Masons Prince Hall Affiliation of New York City. February 16, 1812, marked the birth and beginning of Prince Hall Freemasonry in the State of New York. The Charter was issued by Peter Lew, Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

History notes that Boyer Lodge No. 1 was named after Jean Pierre Boyer, a native of Saint-Domingue, who was born around February 15, 1776. He was a courageous soldier and leader of the Haitian Revolution, who served as a General under Toussaint L' Ouverture in the Haitian War of Independence against the French Government. Jean Pierre Boyer served as the fourth President of Haiti from 1818 to 1843, and managed to rule for the longest period of time of any of the revolutionary leaders of his generation. He reunited the north and south of Haiti in 1820 and also invaded and took control of Santo Domingo, which brought all of Hispaniola under one government by 1822. Under President Boyer's leadership, Haiti declared independence from France in 1825, becoming the only free Black nation, then in existence.

As stated by Worshipful Master Carlo Smith-Ramsay, ``The daring price that our ancestors paid to boldly and audaciously decide to become Freemasons at a time in history when men of color were not entirely free men and the laws of the land provided them very little protection is the reason why we should humbly and reverently celebrate our Bi- centennial Anniversary of Boyer Lodge No. 1.''

President Jean Pierre Boyer recruited freed American blacks to immigrate to the Republic of Haiti, using advertisement opportunities in newspapers, promising free land and political opportunity to black settlers. He sent agents to black communities in the United States to convince them that Haiti was a sovereign state and open to immigration only for blacks. In September of 1824, nearly 6,000 Americans, mostly free people of color, migrated to Haiti within a year, with ships departing from New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Unfortunately, due to the poverty of the island and the inability of President Boyer's administration to help support the new immigrants in the transition most returned to the United States. Boyer ruled the island of Hispaniola until 1843, when he lost the support of the ruling elite and was ousted. He was later exiled to France where he died in 1850.

Since its founding, Boyer Lodge #1 has met continuously for One Hundred and Ninety Four years. In 1826, The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts helped further expand Black Freemasonry in New York State by the Chartering of Celestial Lodge, Rising Sun Lodge and Hiram Lodge. On March 14, 1845, further progress was achieved when Boyer Lodge #1, Celestial Lodge #2, Rising Sun Lodge #3 and Hiram Lodge #4 convened and erected Boyer Grand Lodge of New York. Thus becoming, ``The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York.''

Prince Hall Freemasonry derives from historical events which led to a tradition of separate predominantly African-American Freemasonry in North America. It consists of independent Grand Lodges, which are considered regular by the United Grand Lodge of England. Prince Hall was born in 1735 and was a tireless abolitionist and a leader of the free black community in Boston. Hall tried to gain New England's enslaved and free blacks a place in some of the most crucial spheres of society, Freemasonry, education and the military. He is considered the founder of ``Black Freemasonry'' in the United States, known today as Prince Hall Freemasonry. Prince Hall formed the African Grand Lodge of North America.

On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall was made a Master Mason in Irish Constitution Military Lodge No. 441, along with fourteen other African Americans: Cyrus Johnston, Bueston Slinger, Prince Rees, John Canton, Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiler, Duff Ruform, Thomas Santerson, Prince Rayden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Forten Horward, and Richard Titley, all of whom apparently were free by birth. Prince Hall was unanimously elected its Grand Master and served until his death in 1807. Most Worshipful Grand Master Prince Hall is considered the first black community activist of his time, who made many appearances before the Boston City Council and Massachusetts Colony Legislature. Prince Hall had a passion for learning and education and operated a school in the basement of his home. He also lobbied tirelessly for education rights for black children and a back-to-Africa movement. Many historians regard Prince Hall as one of the more prominent African American leaders throughout the early national-period of the United States.

The Prince Hall Lodge, formerly known as the African Lodge is the oldest fraternal organization in the country and has been a leading influence in the lives of black men in America. During the abolitionist movement, African American churches and the Prince Hall Lodges emerged at the forefront of the struggle. As stated by Most Worshipful Grand Master Reverend Dr. Gregory R. Smith, ``In essence, and more often than not, members and church members were one and the same. This was the case with both Lattion, who was the First Worshipful Master of Boyer Lodge and a member of Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and James Varrick, the first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and charter member of the Boyer Lodge.''

Both the church, particularly the Mother AME Zion Church, formerly known as the ``Freedom Church'' and the Masons played prominent roles in the Underground Railroad. Many Masons were captains and conductors on the Railroad and Mother Zion earned its ``Freedom Church'' name by being one of the major stops on this complex network, which contributed to the freedom of more than 100,000 slaves. Today, the Mother AME Zion Church is the oldest existing African American institution in New York--and Boyer Lodge is the oldest lodge in the Prince Hall fraternity and the third oldest African American institution in New York State.

Mr. Speaker, let me join my fellow brethren and a very grateful nation as we celebrate during National Black History Month, the 200th Anniversary of Boyer Lodge No. 1, the first established Lodge of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Let me congratulate and recognize Worshipful Master Carlo Smith-Ramsay, leader of Boyer Lodge No. 1 and our 55th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, Most Worshipful Reverend Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, 33 deg., EdD, DMin, MBA, MDiv.

Madam Speaker, I cannot fully express my sadness over the death of my dearest friend and Congressional Black Caucus Colleague Congressman Donald Payne. Today his constituents in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, our Colleague in Congress, people across America and around the globe mourn the loss of a great man, leader and humanitarian. Donald was a champion of the lesser among us who saw wrong and fought tirelessly to make it right.

Donald sought to give every child a quality education and a fair chance at success no matter where they came from. For over 23 years in Congress, as former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Member of the House Committee on Education, he advocated for low-income students across our nation. Moreover, as a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Donald worked passionately to restore democracy and human rights in Africa and throughout the world. Donald and I shared a vision in giving Americans from all walks of life the opportunity to serve and represent our nation abroad. His most recent accomplishment before he passed was the creation of USAID's Donald Payne Development Fellowship Program. Thanks to Donald's efforts young Americans will have the opportunity to continue Donald's legacy of promoting peace and compassion to the rest of world.

I will deeply miss my brother Donald Payne whose kindness and commitment to humanity will forever be remembered. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to honor the life of Una Mulzac, a small business owner and political activist from my district. Una was a civil rights leader and an active educator in her community.

Born in Baltimore on April 19, 1923, Una inherited a fighting spirit from her father, Hugh Mulzac, who became the first African American to command a ship in the United States merchant marines. In 1961, Hugh's political beliefs were investigated by the House Committee on Un- American Activities.

After graduating from Girls High School in Brooklyn, Una worked as a secretary at Random House and developed a strong passion for publishing. She combined a love of books with a commitment to political activism, and moved to Guyana in 1963 to open a bookstore and to help with the revolution. While in her store one day, Una was severely wounded when a package containing a bomb exploded, killing a colleague.

Una eventually returned to New York, and in 1967 opened Liberation Bookstore in Harlem to promote causes aimed at ending South African apartheid. Her establishment quickly became a Harlem landmark, and provided the community with a vast collection of literature. For four decades, Una was an inspiration to the people of Harlem and her bookstore became the destination for generations of people interested in race. On one side of the door to her bookstore, a sign stated, ``If you don't know, learn.'' On the other side: ``If you know, teach.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the life of this very honorable woman. She is the definition of a true Harlemite, and her presence will be missed in my district.

Well, I think I have some good news. Most Americans believe that when the Congress does not do what they want to happen that they can wait until Election Day, and then they remind us that we let them down. Certainly, I remember when this unemployment compensation and the holiday for taxpayers, as well as the payment of our doctors, was coming up a couple years ago, and it was almost Christmastime. Democrats really thought that, because of the Republican majority, and because they just felt that unemployed people getting compensation meant that they wouldn't look for work, or that they weren't paying enough taxes, or that they didn't want to deal with the question of the doctors--but still, after all of this battle, when the American people spoke up, they didn't wait until Election Day. They got on the phone. They called their House Members, Republicans and Democrats. They called everybody to say that they could not afford a sharp increase in their payroll deductions.

So, do it again, because it really works. You're going to get these extensions. All you have to do is call and demand that you get what you deserve.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of National Black History Month and to recognize the lifetime achievements of my good friend, Harold ``Harry'' George Belafonte, Jr., an American and International Hero. Black History Month is an appropriate time to pay homage to Harry Belafonte and his amazing, incredibly impressive, inspiring and historic renowned career, which began at the age of 19 in the United States Navy during World War II. After taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, his career soared as an actor, musician, singer, producer, and civil rights and humanitarian activist. Due to Harry Belafonte's lifetime achievements our nation and the world are far better.

After the Great War, Harry attended and graduated from The New School for Social Research in New York City. Harry began appearing in jazz clubs, cabarets, and soon began recording his wonderful pop, folk, and world music albums. His acting career took off after his 1953 film debut in Bright Road. Many movies and performances later, Harry Belafonte received a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway performance in John Murray Anderson's Almanac. Although he was acknowledged for his talent, it wasn't until he played a lead role in the film Carmen that he became a true star. Harry was able to use his new popularity to boost his album sales and create a need in the United States for Caribbean music that had lacked before. He then went on to win an Emmy for his special Tonight with Harry Belafonte, and was bestowed the honor of first African American producer.

With Paul Robeson as his inspiration, Harry took art and activism to new levels. During his 43 years of fame, Belafonte worked against social injustice. Throughout the civil rights movement, he advised and served as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s confidant and he worked to provide for King's family. His dedication led Harry to be blacklisted during the McCarthy era, like many other civil rights activists. He bailed King out of the Birmingham City Jail and raised thousands of dollars to release other civil rights protesters. Harry managed to mobilize the Hollywood community, finance Freedom Rides, support voter registration drives, and help to organize the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered an inspiring speech. Harry went on to serve in President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's administration, as cultural advisor to the Peace Corps.

A true humanitarian Harry Belafonte is best known for his landmark music collaboration, ``We Are the World,'' which joined many musicians--including songwriters and producers Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian--together. USA for Africa was able to use this song to help raise millions of dollars to help relieve famine in Ethiopia. Harry continued his work by becoming UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador in 1986. Harry carries on his incredible work by supporting causes such as HIV/AIDS and cancer research and educating children.

Harry was an outspoken critic of apartheid in South Africa, and he and Arthur Ashe Co-chaired Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid, which played a major role in international sports boycott against South Africa. In 1988, Harry released his first album of original material in over a decade, Paradise in Gazankulu. The album contains ten protest songs against the South African former Apartheid policy. He was the Master of Ceremonies at a reception honoring African National Congress President Oliver Tambo at Roosevelt House, Hunter College, in New York City. The reception was held by the American Committee on Africa, ACOA, and The Africa Fund. Today, Harry is a current board member of the TransAfrica Forum and the Institute for Policy Studies.

Following his appointment Harry traveled to Dakar, Senegal, where he served as chairman of the International Symposium of Artists and Intellectuals for African Children. He also helped to raise funds, alongside other artists in the largest concert ever held in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1994 he went on a mission to Rwanda and launched a media campaign to raise awareness of the needs of Rwandan children. In 2001 he went to South Africa to support the campaign against HIV/AIDS. In 2002, Africare awarded him the Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award for his efforts to assist Africa. In 2004 Harry went to Kenya to stress the importance of educating children in the region. Harry has also been involved in prostate cancer advocacy since 1996, when he was diagnosed and successfully treated for the disease.

On June 27, 2006, Harry was the recipient of the BET Humanitarian Award at the 2006 BET Awards. He was named one of nine 2006 Impact Award recipients by AARP The Magazine. On October 19, 2007, Harry represented UNICEF on Norwegian television to support the annual telethon--TV Aksjonen--in support of that charity and helped raise a world record of $10 per inhabitant of Norway.

Harry is additionally known for his visit to Cuba which helped ensure hip-hop's place in Cuban society. According to Geoffrey Baker's article ``Hip hop, Revolucion! Nationalizing Rap in Cuba.'' Harry, in 1999 met with representatives of the rap community immediately before meeting with Fidel Castro. This meeting resulted in Castro's personal approval of the incorporation of rap into his country's culture. In a 2003 interview Harry reflected upon this meeting's influence:

``When I went back to Havana a couple years later, the people in the hip-hop community came to see me and we hung out for a bit. They thanked me profusely and I said, `Why?' and they said, `Because your little conversation with Fidel and the Minister of Culture on hip-hop led to there being a special division within the ministry and we've got our own studio'.''

On October 17, 2011, HBO Films released the documentary, Sing Your Song, which details a close look at the life of a patriot to the last and a champion for worldwide human rights. Told from Harry's point of view, the film charts his life from a boy born in New York and raised in Jamaica, who returns to Harlem in his early teens where he discovers the American Negro Theater and the magic of performing. From Harlem to Mississippi to Africa and South Central Los Angeles, Sing Your

Song takes us on a journey through Harry Belafonte's life, work and most of all, his conscience, as it inspires us all in a call to action.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you, my colleagues and a very grateful nation as we celebrate National Black History Month to recognize the achievements of the world's humanitarian, and Harlem's beloved, Harry Belafonte.

Mr. Speaker, today Members of Congress and others will see a thousand women of color visiting all of our offices. They call themselves the Delta Sorority. Here the leadership is provided by Judge Fudge as they come close to celebrating their 100th anniversary.

They have a legislative agenda, a community agenda, a civic agenda; and one of the things that they like to point out is that today we recognize the terrible epidemic of AIDS and HIV problems we have with blood. We hope that we learn to educate more people about the danger of AIDS, that we provide better treatment, and even better than that, that we avoid it by having preventive measures so it doesn't happen at all.

Also on their agenda is making certain that the payroll deductions for working poor people are extended, as is unemployment compensation, which is not only fiscally, but morally, the right thing to do, and that we pay our debts, pay the doctors who serve the aged.

Mr. Speaker, throughout February we recognize the lives and events of black pioneers who have made our country a truer Nation of equality for all. Born in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance I am honored to come from and represent a congressional district that has such a rich black heritage. Through civic participation and urban culture Harlem has forever shaped our Nation's history. It has been home to intellectual luminaries such as Langston Hughes, W. E. B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington, and classic musical performers like Harry Belafonte, Billie Holiday, Marian Anderson, Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald. On the stage of the Apollo Theatre, legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington played their way into history. Spirited veterans like Tuskegee Airmen Lee Archer, Dabney Montgomery and Roscoe C. Brown, pilots during World War II, flew military aircraft with distinction.

This year we especially honor black women who have been trailblazers and leaders in the fight for racial equality and women's rights. Their leadership, patriotism, and artistic expression have enhanced and inspired countless lives. From leader of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, to American poet and Revolutionary War patriot, Phillis Wheatley, journalist Ida B. Wells, the great educator and presidential advisor, Mary McLeod Bethune, and mother of the modern Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks--black women through protest and perseverance have stood as a symbol of strength and pride in the face of injustice.

I must also acknowledge women like Dr. Muriel Petioni and Dr. Barbara Ann Tier, visionaries known for their service and unwavering commitment to the health of our community.

I am a proud sponsor of the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act to honor the life and legacy of my dear colleague and first black woman elected to Congress in 1969. I am also a sponsor of resolutions in Congress honoring notable figures such as Madam CJ Walker, Ron Brown, Constance Baker Motley, Percy Sutton and Ray Charles.

Black history month is a time to learn about the achievements and contributions of blacks in our great Nation's history. During February, many community organizations are combining their efforts to host several events and exhibits. I encourage all to participate. Let's show our gratitude for the great contributions that blacks have provided to create the freedoms and opportunities we have today in America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of my colleague and fellow New Yorker, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who will not be seeking reelection. As members of the New York Congressional Delegation, I have seen firsthand the contributions Maurice has made to the people of the 22nd Congressional District, New York State and our entire nation.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Congressman Hinchey rose from humble beginnings to serve in both the New York State Assembly and the House of Representatives. As an important member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Hinchey has created good paying jobs, invested in New York and America's infrastructure, protected middle-class families, championed for local farmers and has been a great protector of our environment.

I wholeheartedly thank Congressman Hinchey for his service, leadership and friendship. He has shown inspiring strength and resolve in battling cancer while upholding the highest level of commitment to his constituents and country. I wish Congressman Hinchey both health and happiness during the next chapter in his life.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I rise in recognition of the historic International Day of Human Rights and the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that passed on December 10, 2011. It was a day that recognized the momentous efforts made in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly which declared that the citizens of the world have basic and essential human rights. This effort was in reaction to the immediate aftermath of the crimes against humanity in World War II. This noble accomplishment made by the international community established the fundamental freedoms of humankind and worked not only to cultivate, but also continuously protect international peace.

The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights signified an international commitment to preserving and building the foundation of human rights, which serves as an enduring resolve for advocates around the world. 2011 was a historic year that recognized the momentous actions of global protestors trying to rid themselves of tyranny and move towards democracy. Met with forceful and dangerous opposition, these protestors stayed the course and fought for what they believed in.

In June of 2011, I met with Iran180, a multi-cultural and multi-faith organization established with the goal of addressing the human rights violations and aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapon development. I, alongside several members of the New York delegation presented an award to Mr. Ahmad Batebi, a student who was involved in the July 1999 protests against the Iranian government at Tehran University. He was arrested, tried in closed-door proceedings, was sentenced to death and spent eight years being tortured in prison until his escape in 2008. Since then, Batebi serves as the chairman of Cyber Dissidents where he continues to advocate for human rights and democracy.

Mr. Batebi is an inspiration to all people, especially to those living under oppressive circumstances. We have to stand up and fight for what we believe in order to achieve freedom and liberty without living in repressive conditions.

The uphill struggles to promote and protect human rights have been expanding in my beloved district, from the efforts of the NAACP, Amnesty International, the American Citil Liberties. Union, the Human Rights Campaign, Alianza Dominicana, and several other outstanding organizations that continue to be a cornerstone in my Harlem community for people who would otherwise not have the essential civil liberties of participating in the political process.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in expressing the utmost gratitude towards the work of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the numerous organizations that fight diligently for to preserve our fundamental principles of humanity. We must work tirelessly to ensure that all Americans and around the world exercise the same basic human rights.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fortune Society on their continued success. I recently had the honor to support the Fortune Society's partnership with City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice in their effort to provide technical assistance and training to other reentry services organizations. Thanks to their hard work, countless more inmates will transition back into my community with the prospect of a better life.

Under the excellent leadership and vision of Chairperson Ms. Betty P. Rauch, the Fortune Society is doing far more than providing those who have dealt with the harsh realities of incarceration. Their advocacy inspires them and gives them the means to live a positive life in which they can become valuable and contributing members of our society. Furthermore, I would also like to congratulate the Fortune Society on the numerous grants they were recently awarded.

For over 40 years the fortune society has been working with people with criminal records. Today they serve approximately 3,000 men and women annually at three primary New York City-area locations including West Harlem in my Manhattan Congressional District. Thanks to their dedicated and experienced staff of professionals, the Fortune Society is able to successfully offer: Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI), drop-in services, employment services, education, family services, health services, housing services, substance abuse treatment, transitional services such as the Rikers Island Discharge Enhancement (R.I.D.E.) program, recreation, and lifetime aftercare.

I look forward to seeing all that the Fortune Society accomplishes in the coming year. I will continue to serve them proudly and support them in their great cause.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a founding Member of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus to recognize the importance of promoting awareness for the sight-stealing disease known as glaucoma. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States, which currently afflicts 2.2 million Americans and over 60 million people worldwide. In addition to affecting the elderly who are commonly at risk, glaucoma is especially prevalent in black and Hispanic communities. Blacks are 17 times more likely to go blind from glaucoma, compared to whites of similar age.

Glaucoma, one of many eye diseases that can lead to blindness, is caused by damage to the optic nerve that sends images to the brain. The scariest aspect of this condition is that there are no perceivable symptoms or physical signs--hence referred to as the ``silent thief of sight.'' Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma yet.

Fortunately, glaucoma can be treated early before it worsens by attending regular eye-screenings to detect symptoms. That is why the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus, a bipartisan coalition since its founding in 2000, is dedicated to advocating awareness and treatment across America. Thanks to the subsequent creation of our active partner in the field, the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, 10,000 free annual treatments are conducted nationwide with a percentage referred to follow-up specialists. The Foundation was originally funded by private sector grants, but its success now garners funding from government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I encourage my fellow Americans to take advantage of free screenings provided by the Foundation across this great nation. In Congress, I will continue to fight potential budget cuts that would obstruct advances in medical research directed at finding a cure for glaucoma.

Mr. Speaker, I came to this empty Chamber to discuss the issues of jobs and also the unemployment compensation extension, as well as taxes.

As I neared the well, I heard one of our esteemed Members condemning the President for persecuting religion in a very broad and general way and then later more specifically in talking about the Roman Catholic Church. It would seem to me in a place like the United States of America, which was actually formed on the basis of freedom of religion, that such a serious accusation against the President of these United States should not be to an empty Chamber.

This is such a serious allegation that it would seem to me that it requires

and demands a bipartisan view to see exactly what the churches' or religious leaders' complaints are because I have one, too; and that is, at a time when this country is facing a fiscal, as well as moral, obligation to the most vulnerable people among us, I see the battle between the haves and the have-nots, the 1 percent and the 99 percent.

I hear the disputes as to whether or not the capitalistic system is fair, but I always took the position that the capitalistic system is an invitation of how Americans and others can invest and make money; and the question of compassion, the question of taking care of your own, the question of illness and jobs and the social issues of today, that it was the Congress that had the responsibility to deal with that rather than to be condemning those who seek to get returns on their investments.

Having said that, let's take a look and see what issues are biblical, what issues are in the Mormon faith, the Muslim faith, the Buddhist faith, the Jewish faith, Protestant and Catholic. It seems to me that throughout every one of these texts, there are things that say that we have a responsibility as human beings and God-fearing people to protect the vulnerable. It is abundantly clear, even in the story about the Good Samaritan. It is also a mandate that when someone is sick that we have a responsibility to assist them.

Certainly, when we talk about Jesus Christ in Matthew where these wealthy people are attempting to get into Heaven and Jesus tells them he was hungry, thirsty, unclothed, in jail, and they didn't do anything to assist him and they said that they don't remember Jesus ever coming asking for anything. Then of course the international world-famous biblical expression is that it wasn't how you treated Jesus, the Son of God, but it was how you treated the lesser of our brothers and sisters.

I think everyone would agree that whether you want to accuse the President of being the food-stamp President or saying he wants to bring socialism to the United States, all of that rhetoric doesn't hide the fact that the poorest of the poor now are suffering more than the people that caused this fiscal crisis.

If we are going to do something about the deficit, we just can't say we've got to cut spending, especially when that spending is exactly for the people that the spiritual leaders have made vows to protect.

Oh, we don't call it the sick and the disabled and the uneducated, but we do call it Medicaid; we do call it Medicare; we do call it Social Security; we do call it education; and we do call it the ability to get a job so that a person can have not only the income for his family to be able to have the dignity and respect it deserves, but we also have to recognize that from an economic point of view, it is the people who are in the middle class who are slipping into poverty that makes the difference. I hope that people will give serious thought to the accusation.

Recently, the President of the United States indicated that he will be sending legislation to the Congress in order to get America back to work. He also indicated that he would use the powers of the executive branch where there was no cooperation from the Congress in what he was trying to do. There's an old African saying, that is, when two elephants fight, only the grass gets hurt. I would certainly hope that the leadership in the House and the Senate take the President up on some of the offers that he has made to educate our young people, to make certain that those people that are about to lose their homes are able to keep them, and to see that we get the type of incentives from manufacturers to have jobs here rather than overseas.

I am certain that those people who watched the Republican debates were missing one thing, and that is jobs. America wants to get back to work. It wants its dignity, it wants its kids to be able to get an education, and it wants to restore the middle class.