Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I'm joined in this amendment by Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Ms. Waters of California, Mr. Watt of North Carolina; and what it actually does is to prohibit the implementation of the Public Housing Community Service requirement that those people who live in public housing are required to put in a certain number of community service hours.

Nowhere do we have where people who find themselves in public housing have to be mandated to do certain hours of volunteer work. Indeed, there's no funds available to enforce this mandate.

The housing authority in the city of New York and other housing authorities around the country think this is a worthless addition and vindictive that is put into the bill.

It does not require section 8 and other people who are recipients of public housing to do this. We have been successful in having it delayed. It should be repealed. We just have not got around to reviewing the entire legislation.

It's not effective. It's not working. It's really an insult to people who donated so much to their country and their community who find themselves in need of housing subsidy, to be mandated, more or less, to provide public service when those people who are able to do volunteer work are doing it anyway.

So I reserve the balance of my time.

How much time do I have remaining?

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano).

Mr. Speaker, I say this to my Republican friends that I sincerely wish we had a better balance of parties in this House and in this country. I sincerely wish that the things that we were debating would not be the rich against the poor, but it would be what we could do collectively to make this a stronger country, better educated, better health care, things that we can do to secure us.

It would seem to me that when issues like this come up, that America--you can bet your life--that the minority party, if it concerns the poor, if it concerns people that need some help, if it concerns health, if it concerns education, we can almost depend that they would be walking lock-stock in opposition.

Some of the reasons that they give would appear to be meritorious. But why is it that we always find the opposing party wanting to penalize, wanting to punish, and wanting to show that they have no compassion for those Americans who are less fortunate than themselves?

I do hope that we can find some middle ground, not just to punish the Wall Street activists, which clearly that's rhetorical; but that we can find some way that we can offer something so that the Republican Party would be able to get rid of this terrible stigma they have somehow thrust on them, that if it means compassion, if it means energy, if it means giving a hand out and a hand up, that we can depend on their support.

I rise to claim the time in opposition.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Well, judging what the attitude of the gentleman from Arizona believes is national, Federal, or something that should make us proud, I am a little reluctant to debate with him because he has a different idea than I and other Members have.

But I can tell you this: That in the great City of New York, we had immigrants come from all over the world. We have Chinatown, we have Little Italy, we have the Lower East Side, we have the Jewish community. But we also have a place called Washington Heights, and in my opinion, that's where the Statue of Liberty should be, because so many groups came there, raised their kids there and moved to other parts of the city and the country: the Irish, the Italians, Jews, Catholics. But somehow the Dominican Republic is the last one that's had its people come to New York and to America for a better way of life. Unlike most ethnic groups, they didn't have their own Murphy theater, they didn't have a place to go to. They didn't have museums, they didn't have a cultural center. And so it was the community that got together with the not-for-profits. We went to our mayor, we went to our governor, and they came to me. So it was the city, the State and the Federal Government that said, We should anchor a place of culture where kids can go after school, where we have sports, gymnasiums, poets, health care, and some place where the Dominicans can say that in a great country and in a great city and in a great community, they had a place anchored.

So they brought all of these not-for-profits together. We were able to raise money from the private sector, the property was given to us by the city, and we were very, very excited and hoped there would be a place where every Member of Congress, when they have a chance to visit the great city of New York, will say, Show me your city. And we'll take you straight to Alianza Dominicana, and show you that this is the quality of beauty, of culture, that we would hope that you would enjoy as we have so many other centers and museums that we would attempt to show off.

I would want my country and this Congress to be a part of that, and that's why I proudly support this allocation for that purpose.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I object to the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I want to thank Chairman Conyers and Mr. Smith for allowing this bill to come on the floor. I want to congratulate Chairman Conyers and Sam Johnson, who served in the Korean war, for participating and making this become a reality, and Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, as well as Diane Watson and Peter King.

In 1948, millions of young people throughout these United States joined the military. We, some of us were sent to Fort Dix in New Jersey, and from there we went to Fort Lewis, Washington, to join the Second Infantry Division, the only division, actually, that was trained all over the world in order to be the one combat-ready division.

Sometime in June of 1950, we were alerted that the North Koreans had invaded South Korea. Most of us didn't even know where Korea was, but we were prepared to fulfill our responsibility as infantry people.

The 24th and the 25th divisions were stationed in Japan, and they were immediately sent to South Korea. The truth was that the North Koreans had driven them to the tip of the peninsula to such an extent that, when we arrived in July, there was some question as to whether or not we could land; but we did in what they called the Pusan Perimeter. We fought from that perimeter to the 38th parallel. As most of you know, General MacArthur landed at Icheon, and we had completely surrounded the enemy as we knew it, and moved up far beyond North Korea until we reached the tip of that peninsula, which was the Yalu River, which separated South Korea and North Korea from China. It was then that the Chinese entered this war and completely surrounded us and the entire Eighth Army.

We lost so many, so many American lives. So many Americans were captured. So much pain was caused to so many families and to so many communities. Now there are only 2 million of these veterans who are left, and 1,000 of us die every day. Notwithstanding the fact that in my lifetime, for most of it, I've known nothing but wars and that this one is just referred to as the Forgotten War, it just appears to me that this is the most painful because so many veterans have never really received the accolades for the sacrifices that they have made. Their families have suffered so much.

So this is just a small way for America to be able to say that we don't know how many conflicts there will be for which we will have to call on our young people to defend our great Nation or the principles for which we stand, but I think this is the least that we can do to have our flag to commemorate this so-called armistice that took place on July 27 so that we will know that, in the hearts of all Americans, there were people who made these sacrifices and that America is thankful for it.

So, Mr. Johnson, I appreciate the fact that we have brought this to the floor. I do hope that the veterans who are left who fought in Korea and, more importantly, that their families and communities know that our Nation is saying thank you.

I rise today to speak on my bill, the Korean War Veterans Recognition Act. This bill is important not only to our nation's commitment to defending freedom across the world especially in these times of global conflict.

I would like to thank Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Lamar Smith of the Judiciary Committee for their work in getting this bill to the Floor today. I also want to thank the original cosponsors: Chairman Conyers and Sam Johnson, who both served in the Korean War, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Diane Watson, and Peter King.

This straightforward bill honors the 6.8 million Americans who served during the Korean War period, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, by adding National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27th, to the list of dates on which our American flag should be especially displayed.

By recognizing the Armistice Day--the day on which the Korean War unofficially ended, ensuring South Korea's independence and democracy-- this bill promotes an annual reminder of the sacrifices made by our military men and women during the war period, including the 54,246 U.S. deaths and more than 8,100 POW/MIAs in the three short years that the Korean War lasted.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize and thank Patrol Borough Commander, Assistant Chief Raymond Diaz of the New York City Police Department who for the last 15 years and a total of 24 years has served my Congressional District with much CPR--Courtesy, Professionalism, and Respect.

The history of American law enforcement is a tale of triumphs and tragedies. Since the first night watch established in Boston in 1631, police officers, the men and women in blue who serve and protect our citizenry, have laid their lives down while serving the public interest. Never having worked in law enforcement, I can see that police work is often dangerous, with long hours, impossible weather, and for not a whole lot of pay, frequently dealing with the worst elements of our society. It has always been my considered opinion that all Americans owe a debt of generosity to our honest and hardworking police officers and the chiefs they serve under for all that they do.

As a thirty-nine year veteran of the New York Police Department, Assistant Chief Raymond Diaz embodies the true spirit of ``New York's Finest.'' He has served and protected my District with great distinction and his tireless dedication to Upper Manhattan and his fellow officers under his command is quite admirable. Assistant Chief Diaz's life long dedication of service in the line of duty should serve as an example to all.

Assistant Chief Raymond Diaz was appointed to the New York City Police Department in January 1970 and began his career on patrol in Manhattan's 1st Precinct. In January 1972, he was reassigned to East Harlem's 25th Precinct where he served for nine years. After a number of assignments in Brooklyn and Staten Island and promotions to the rank of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, in May 1994 he was assigned back to my beloved East Harlem as the Commanding Officer of the School Safety Division.

Upon Chief Nicholas Estavillo's historic ascension as the City of New York's first Latino Chief of Patrol in June of 2001, Diaz was selected to replace him as the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan North which encompasses my entire Congressional District. As the Commanding Officer of Manhattan North, Assistant Chief Diaz supervised over 2,400 police officers and over 200 civilians in the 12 Manhattan precincts north of 59th Street.

Assistant Chief Diaz is ``True Blue;'' one of the finest products of my district who came up through the struggles of life. He was born in East Harlem's Metropolitan Hospital to immigrant parents. His father Amador immigrated from Chile and his mother Helena from the Ukraine. Due to a family illness, Assistant Chief Diaz and his younger brother Jay were separated from their parents and raised in foster homes through the Catholic Home Bureau.

Upon graduation from his school, Assistant Chief Diaz joined the United States Marine Corps where he so valiantly served as Corporal in the Vietnam War. As a result, he was the recipient of two Purple Hearts. After joining the Police Department, he attended college night classes and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Assistant Chief Diaz is also a devout family man. He has been married to his wife Lynn for thirty-seven years and is a proud parent of a son, Carlos.

As he is re-assigned to the coveted Manhattan Borough South Command, I congratulate Assistant Chief Diaz on his advancement, and I'm certain that he will continue to serve the communities of the new command with the same leadership, professionalism, and admiration of those he so valiantly served in my district.

So Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing my good friend Assistant Chief Raymond Diaz for all his contributions to my district and the city of New York. He is truly one of New York's finest and I wish him well.

Madam Speaker I rise today to pay tribute to the hard working individuals in the Office of the House Legislative Counsel, and to applaud their work on behalf of the House of Representatives.

This marks an historic day in the Office of the Legislative Counsel, as we celebrate the retirement of Mr. Pope Barrow, after decades of hard work, and welcome the leadership of the new Legislative Counsel, Ms. Sandy Strokoff.

Members of the House of Representatives have a long relationship with the Office of the Legislative Counsel. We rely on their technical expertise, historical knowledge, and attention to detail as we work on legislation to better our country.

Their body of work, and their devotion to making the laws that the people of this country live under intelligible and coherent, contribute greatly to our lawful society.

My Committee in particular, the Ways and Means Committee, quite possibly has had the longest relationship with the Office. Many of you may not know that over 90 years ago, when the Office of the Legislative Counsel first opened, the dedicated attorneys in that office drafted revenue provisions exclusively.

Over the years, the Office has grown and hired attorneys with an extremely extensive and expansive breadth of knowledge in almost any area you can imagine. I think every Member and staffer in this body would agree that it is impossible to overestimate our reliance on their judgment and professionalism as we do our jobs.

Pope Barrow first joined the Office of the Legislative Counsel in 1968. A quick calculation will show that his tenure has spanned almost half the existence of the office--a testament to his commitment and dedication to his position and this body.

Mr. Barrow rose up the ranks in the Office of the Legislative Counsel, starting as a Law Assistant, followed by promotions to Assistant Counsel, Deputy Legislative counsel, and finally, in August 1997, attaining the position of Legislative Counsel.

Forty-one years after he first joined, I congratulate Mr. Barrow on his lifetime of achievements, not just in the legislative world, but also in his commitment to preserving and enjoying our Nation's whitewater rivers. I wish him the best in his retirement, and I hope he can continue to satisfy his adventurous spirit for years to come.

In this transition, I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Ms. Sandy Strokoff on her historic appointment as House Legislative Counsel. Ms. Strokoff is the first woman to attain this position, which is quite fitting during these exciting times filled with so many ``firsts'' for this great Nation of ours.

Ms. Strokoff also presents a long history with the Office of the Legislative Counsel. She first joined the Office in 1975 as Assistant Counsel, rising to Senior Counsel in 2000, and today, achieving the title of House Legislative Counsel.

Over the years, she has built a vast portfolio of legislative experience, but in particular, her expertise in international trade matters has been invaluable to me and my Committee Members.

I would like to congratulate Ms. Strokoff on her achievement, and let her know that I look forward to the work I and my staff will do with her office in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a consummate performer, Michael Jackson, a man whose music bridged racial and generational divides, whose generous charity combated global poverty, whose kind and gentle spirit endeared him to millions. Thousands of people gathered outside the historic Apollo Theatre in my district last week, standing for hours to enter an at-times raucous, at-times somber memorial to the late singer. Along with Rev. Al Sharpton, film director Spike Lee, and Apollo President and CEO Jonelle Procope, I joined a packed crowd of Jackson fans on the very stage he began his career in 1967, winning the Apollo's Amateur Night contest with his four brothers, the Jackson Five. We were there because his singing and dancing remain unmatched. We were there because he was as much an institution in our community as the legendary theatre we sat in. We were there because, all over this world, his love and warmth should and will be maintained.

As a young boy who dreamt big and often, Michael Jackson sustained a decades-long career he began as a child in Gary, Indiana. He is a testament to young people everywhere that dreams are worth pursuing-- regardless of their size or scope. In this America, all great things are possible. He grew up before us all, adapting his style to match each passing decade and leaving a series of catchy, easily recognizable hits along the way. Jackson's music captured our imagination and never let go. His records are gifts he has left us and our posterity as remnants of a time that will live on in American history.

As a person of color, who came to be highly regarded by Americans of all colors, he opened the door for other minorities to dare to achieve big. His music and dance moves were welcomed into living rooms across the country, without regard to his race. It was a harbinger of great things to come--Tiger Woods remains the best athlete in a sport not known for its diversity, the Top 40 Billboard charts feature a mix of Black and White musicians alike, and last January, we inaugurated this country's first African American President. His legacy eclipses its impact on the recording industry, the entertainment business, or even Hollywood--his life taught us an important lesson about race, about hard work, and about ourselves.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to enter into the record an article published in the New York Carib News newspaper on June 23, 2009, titled ``Eric Holder Restores Key Immigration Right, Access to Attorney'', written by Tony Best. The article applauds Attorney General Eric Holder's swift action in reversing the past Administration's move to deprive individuals facing deportation with the right to an attorney.

As this Administration moves towards immigration reform, it is important that we articulate that we are a nation that was founded on immutable rights, and these rights should not be limited to those who have the great benefit of US citizenship. Everyone who stands before a judge in our country is afforded the right to an attorney and why should an immigrant be excluded from such due process?

It is understood that immigrants are not granted all the same protections that citizenship guarantees, but the integrity of the immigration proceedings are compromised when an individual does not have the ability to assert themselves through the benefit of counsel. Cultural and language barriers already place many immigrants at a disadvantage when standing before a judge and it is important that we offer these individuals the benefit of legal counsel to represent and assert their rights.

I am pleased to hear that the Attorney General will be drafting a new order on this policy to recognize the need to give immigrants the capacity to be fairly judged.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memoriam of my dear friend Elizabeth Louise Allen, who departed this life peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2009. Known to all of us as, Betty Lou Allen, she had been a guiding force at The Harlem School of the Arts since she became Executive Director, and eventually President after Dorothy Maynor, the school's founder, retired in 1979.

Betty Lou was born on March 17, 1927, in Campbell, Ohio, near Youngstown. Her father worked in the steel mills; her mother had a thriving business taking in laundry. Betty grew up in a neighborhood which was mostly made up of Sicilian and Greek families, and where she was introduced to the opera and its music. From the neighbors' windows, she could hear the broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera house every Saturday from their radios.

Betty lost her mother to lung cancer when she was 12 years old. After many turbulent years, that began with her father, and later in foster homes, where she was treated badly and unfairly, Betty moved into the Youngstown Y.W.C.A. when she was 16 years old. She supported herself cleaning houses, excelled in Latin and German languages in high school, and entered Wilberforce College in Wilberforce, Ohio, on a scholarship (A historically black institution, it is now Wilberforce University).

At Wilberforce, Ms. Allen met Theodor Heimann, a former Berlin Opera tenor who taught German and voice there and encouraged her to sing. Soprano Leontyne Price was also a classmate at Wilberforce. Betty went on to earn a scholarship to what was then the Hartford School of Music in Connecticut.

In the early 1950s, Ms. Allen studied at Tanglewood, where Leonard Bernstein chose her to be the mezzo-soprano soloist in his Symphony No. 1 (``Jeremiah''); she was later a frequent soloist with Mr. Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic. Betty made her New York recital debut at Town Hall in 1958 in a program that included Brahms and Faure.

Elizabeth ``Betty Lou'' Allen was part of the first great wave of African-American singers to appear on the world's premier stages in the postwar years. Active from the 1950s to the 1970s, she performed with the New York City Opera; the Metropolitan Opera; and the opera companies of Houston, Boston, San Francisco, and Santa Fe. In 1954 Ms. Allen made her City Opera debut as Queenie in ``Show Boat,'' by Jerome Kern and in 1964, she made her formal Opera debut at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by countless appearances worldwide.

Betty Allen sang the role of Begonia in the City Opera production of Hans Werner Henze's comic opera ``The Young Lord,'' conducted by Sarah Caldwell in 1973. In reviewing the production of ``The Young Lord,'' New York Times' Harold C. Schonberg wrote of Ms. Allen's on-stage performance: ``When she was onstage everything came to life, and everything around her was dimmed.''

Ms. Allen, who also toured as a recitalist, was known for her close association with the American composers Virgil Thomson, Ned Rorem and David Diamond. At her death, she was on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, where she had taught since 1969. She was also the president emeritus and a former executive director of the Harlem School of the Arts.

With the Met, Ms. Allen sang the role of Commere in Mr. Thomson's ``Four Saints in Three Acts'' in 1973; she later participated in the first complete recording of the work. Elsewhere, her roles included Teresa in ``La Sonnambula,'' by Bellini; Jocasta in Stravinsky's ``Oedipus Rex''; Monisha in Scott Joplin's ``Treemonisha''; and Mistress Quickly in Verdi's ``Falstaff.''

Betty Allen has brought so much joy to many audiences of all ages and diversity with her beautiful voice. She has long been committed to nurturing young artists across all disciplines and opening doors for so many African American children who would have never had the opportunity exploit their talents.

From 1979 to 1992 she served as Executive Director and President to her beloved Harlem School of the Arts. Upon her retirement she stayed on as President Emeritus. While HSA was born of the commitment and ideals of its founder, it was Betty Allen who strengthened the foundation of the vibrant and inspiring institution that it is today. HSA honored Betty Allen with the inaugural Betty Allen Lifetime Achievement Award at the Art is Life Gala on Monday, March 9, 2008, and graced her presence at this year's benefit.

In addition to her many years as a leader and master teacher with HSA, Ms. Allen has also taught at the North Carolina School of Arts, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Curtis institute of Music in Philadelphia. She also holds Honorary Doctorates from Wittenberg University, Union College, Adelphi University, and Clark University in Massachusetts and the New School in New York City.

Madam Speaker, HSA President and Chief Executive Officer Kakuna Kerina stated: ``The impact Betty Allen has made as an artist and arts educator is measured in the tens of thousands of lives she influenced in their youth. She was unique in that the standards she applied to herself were the same as the standards she expected of others, and we are better for it. We extend our condolences to Ms. Allen's family and thank them for sharing her with a vast community of admirers throughout the world.''

Elizabeth ``Betty Lou'' Allen is a national treasure and true American heroine, whose artistic talents expanded the boundaries for so many African American children to achieve to be the best in any genre they choose to explore. May God bless all of us for the life of our American mezzo-soprano, Betty Allen.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to praise my fellow colleague, Edolphus Towns, for his outstanding career on Capitol Hill within the House of Representatives, as well as his continuous role as a father. This week, the New York Carib News acknowledged the Congressman in ``Edolphus Ed Towns, Father and Lawmaker'' in an article on outstanding fathers. The article noted his 30 years as a member of Congress and recognized Towns as the proud father of two adult children, Darryl, a New York State assembly member and his daughter Diedre, a Senior Executive with the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company.

Mr. Towns, who is a former social worker and community activist, is a 14-term veteran and currently chairs the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Mr. Towns was born on July 21, 1934 in Chadbourn, North Carolina and earned his bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University. He holds a master's degree in social work from Adelphi University. Prior to serving in the House, Mr. Towns was a teacher in the New York City Public School System, and a professor at Fordham University as well as Medgar Evers College. He is also a veteran of the United States Army and an ordained Baptist minister.

Mr. Towns continues to be dedicated and committed to serving his constituents within the 10th Congressional District of New York, which encompasses a variety of Brooklyn's diverse population. Mr. Towns also continues to be an advocate for adequate public health care, as well as equal access to quality public education and technology and financial security.

As a father, Mr. Towns strived to instill values in his children, as well as being fully invested in teaching them important life lessons by assuring the family spent time and had meals together. Mr. Towns understood the important role that fathers have in a child's life and cherishes the significance of sharing life experiences, which he attributes to his children's success in their personal and public lives. As an example, Mr. Towns and his son, Darryl, are the first African-American father-son team to serve simultaneously in New York public office.

Fatherhood is filled with many joys and challenges, and therefore, I applaud Edolphus Towns for his continued commitment to his family as well as for his public service. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my colleague and I commend him for his leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the opportunities Bronx Community College (BCC) has afforded its students for over half a century. This week, the New York Carib News acknowedged the most recent graduation at the school with a story in its June 23, 2009 edition entitled the ``Spirited Commencement on Historic Field.'' For the graduation, thousands gathered on Ohio Field to watch BCC's graduating class of 2009 receive their degrees. Dedicated to serving its students through academics, leadership, and a commitment to service, BCC has done a remarkable job of producing talented individuals from all backgrounds. Approximately fifty-five percent of graduates are first generation college students and twenty-five percent balance school with work and family lives. Even more significant is the forty-four percent of students who come from households with an income of less than $15,000 per year. Bronx Community College is doing extraordinary things for a culturally diverse population of students, and deserves to be recognized for its years of commitment to this initiative.

This year, BCC graduated approximately 1,000 students who were prepared to enter the work force to begin careers in areas from medical office technicians to students who will receive full scholarships to complete their studies at four-year undergraduate institutions. Not only does such success among its students provide BCC with a strong alumni base, it also sets an incredibly strong example for both youth and adults in the surrounding area who have ever had doubts about their abilities to advance their education. The beauty of this institution is that it cultivates the dreams of those who want better careers and lives for themselves and their families. The Bronx Community College welcomes untraditional paths to education, and provides its students with the resources, motivation, and encouragement to succeed.

The continued pursuit of education and personal advancement even in such challenging economic times speaks volumes to the commitment of the Bronx Community College. This school confirms the validity of such public institutions and deserves to be recognized as a force of motivation in the Bronx community and a source of inspiration for anyone who dreams of succeeding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Caribbean Heritage Month. In New York Carib News' June 16, 2009 edition, the article highlights the important contributions made by Caribbean Americans to both the Untied States and their respective home countries. The article refers to President Obama as having recognized the importance of the Caribbean American community and the enormous contributions it has made to the United States over past centuries. The Caribbean community continues the tradition of offering a vibrant culture, as have so many other cultures that have helped to define our American heritage. It is important to note the contributions made by English, French, Spanish and Dutch speaking nations of the Caribbean, as each of these brings its own cultural aspect to the larger American community.

It is imperative that we note not only the contributions Caribbean Americans have made to the United States, but also the contributions they have made to their home countries. Each year, Caribbean Americans remit billions of dollars per year to CARICOM nations, and maintain a multi-billion dollar buying power, some of which is used to advance the growth of their home countries. The Caribbean Heritage Month celebration that will kick off in Brooklyn is defined by music, theatre, panel discussions, a cultural fair, and other activities

that actively illustrate the culture of the Caribbean.

In the years to come, it is important that the United States maintain a strong relationship with the Caribbean nations. The value that these nations place on growth and economic development, as well as personal advancement are values reflected in American culture and thus show the commonalities that our country shares with these nations. As we continue to cultivate these relationships, let us not forget the wealth of interchangeable benefit such communication and interaction with one another can yield. Caribbean Heritage Month plays an integral role in shaping America's understanding that such nations play in our progress and growth. May this Caribbean Heritage Month designation continue to draw from the unique culture of Caribbean Americans, and be used as a source of influence for continued Caribbean-American relations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 and urge my colleagues to support it.

Listening to the beginning of this debate, I'm convinced that--one of the people on the other side said that our voting today will be well remembered, not by Democrats and Republicans, but by the entire world. We know that we have a crisis. It is a universal crisis; it's a crisis that affects our country and our communities. But the ironic thing about it with the other side, all of their comments have been in criticism of the great work that has been done by Congressmen Waxman and Markey and their committee, the Ways and Means Committee, and those that were concerned about perfecting something to protect the people of this Earth. And just as they will remember the courageous and political forces that were put together to make this great contribution to humankind, they also will remember the negative political shots that have been taken and the absence of any positive program that the minorities have brought forward.

I congratulate our great Speaker for coordinating this effort. People call it, on the other side, ``deals,'' when they don't have any ideas to put forward. But ``deals,'' if it means bringing people together and getting a better bill and moving forward in order to provide a majority, then I'm proud to be on this side of the aisle.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I would be glad to.

I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan, Chairman Levin.

(Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

When the Republican Party becomes the protector of the poor, it's a day that I've been waiting for.

I would like to yield 2 minutes to Mr. Larson, an outstanding leader of the Democratic Party.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts, Chairman Neal.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to yield 1 minute to Mr. Blumenauer, an outstanding advocate of prevention of global warming.

Mr. Speaker, I yield for the purpose of making a unanimous consent request to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

(Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, at this time it's my pleasure to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley), an outstanding member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to an outstanding Democratic leader, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the gentleman from Chicago, Illinois (Mr. Davis) for 1 minute.

At this time, I would like to inquire--I only have one speaker, that would be me, to conclude, so I would like to see whether the other side has more than one speaker.

I reserve the balance of my time.

The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), not a member of the committee but an outstanding Member of this body, I would like to yield 1 minute to him.

I would like to yield to Mr. Fattah of Pennsylvania for the purpose of a unanimous consent request.

(Mr. FATTAH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I would just like to conclude, this is a very historic moment in our Nation's life where we have an opportunity to provide leadership to the whole world to prevent the continuation of the global warming. I wish it had been more positive from the other side that they would have had some contribution to make in order to make certain that our Nation maintains the leadership that it has.

I would like to yield the balance of my time to Chairman Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, with your kind permission.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend a dear friend and colleague, George Albert Dalley, on an illustrious public service career spanning 30 years in federal government, private practice, international affairs, and presidential politics. With a razor-sharp intellect, unmatched mettle and grit, and an undeniable warmth and grace that has made him a beloved figure on the Hill, George returned as my Chief of Staff and Counsel in 2001--his third stint in that capacity--and will this month retire after a successful tenure.

But George is more than just a co-worker to me. We have maintained a personal and working relationship for the larger part of my political life that has proved abundantly edifying and rewarding. The many who have met and been touched by George and his life's work can attest that he is equal parts strong mind and ample heart, a kind soul who cares deeply about the issues of the day and their impact on everyday people--in America and across the globe.

Born in Havana, Cuba, to Jamaican parents in 1941, George immigrated to New York City and became a naturalized citizen, attending the prestigious Columbia University where he earned three degrees: an undergraduate degree, a master's in business administration, and a juris doctorate. He is a member of the Bars of the District of Columbia, New York, and the U.S. Supreme Court, serves as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is on the Board of Directors for the Apollo Theatre Foundation and for Africare as Chair.

Between 1989 and up until he rejoined my staff in 2001, he practiced in the areas of legislative, administrative, and international law. As a former partner at Holland and Knight, he represented the interests of foreign governments--from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua to Senegal, the Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Mali, and Botswana--before the federal government, Congress, and multilateral financial institutions.

He sought to bring economic development to Africa and the Caribbean, working tirelessly to spur private investment in the two regions and working closely with me in securing passage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the enhancement of the Caribbean Basin Initiative. As a founding member of the Corporate Council on Africa and as a former U.S. counsel to the African Business Round Table, he promoted greater understanding of the opportunities for successful investment in the private sectors of African nations.

George played an integral, central role in getting Congress to deny tax preferences to companies doing business in apartheid South Africa-- a move that hugely undermined that government and was reportedly one of the most influential sanctions in bringing that system down.

Aside from his loyal and dedicated service with me in the early 1970s, mid-1980s, and 2000s, George has served in senior-level posts in our government: as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations Affairs, responsible for U.S. policy on human rights and social issues in the United Nations; as an appointed member of the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board, advancing the deregulation of the airline industry in the administration of President Jimmy Carter; as Deputy

Director of the Mondale for President campaign.

He is an unabashed lover of people; of politics, policy and law; and of course, of his beloved New York Yankees. He and his late wife, Pearl Elizabeth Love, were a remarkable and loving couple, having raised two great sons, Jason and Benjamin, who have in turn given George two young and vivacious grandchildren, Lilah Pearl and Reid. George has served this country superbly well over the course of his career, and America is the better for it. His insight and guidance will be missed in my office and in offices throughout the Hill, but his dynamic spirit and sense of purpose we take with us as our motivation and driving force.

We thank him for his incredible service, his devoted friendship, and wish him many blessings going forward.

Madam Speaker, I stand before you today in recognition of CARICOM's participation in the recent Haiti Donor's Conference in April and urge them to take this opportunity to fully embrace Haiti as they transition into a country looking to reach its fullest potential.

I introduce into the Record an article from the NY Carib News on June 16, 2009, where Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, urges CARICOM to provide greater support for Haiti.

Most people would agree that Haiti is at a critical point in its history, receiving unprecedented diplomatic attention with visits from the U.N. Secretary General, U.S. Security Council, and the appointment of President Clinton as special U.N. envoy to Haiti. Now it is especially important that CARICOM live up to its moral obligation and provide Haiti with overwhelming support and commitment.

The mentorship that CARICOM can provide to Haiti at this time is vital to Haiti's development into a country that is self-sustainable. The regional access and cultural commonality that CARICOM presents to the Haitians is one that should not be underscored.

I must acknowledge that the contributions that CARICOM have already made to Haiti are well appreciated, but I am convinced that in this global economic climate, it is especially necessary for CARICOM to reach within itself to offer a renewed commitment to the good people of Haiti.

At this time, I would like to urge CARICOM to look for additional ways to offer support to Haiti and provide them with the mentorship that is key to the country's success.

Madam Speaker, I rise with great sadness as I remember the life of my good friend and former Rangel Staff Alumni, Edwin G. Suarez. As I speak with profound sorrow, I ascend to celebrate a life well lived and to remember with fondness the accomplishments of a remarkable man who, over his many years, etched his name in history as a visionary and innovator who enriched and transformed housing projects and programs in my beloved East Harlem and the City of New York.

Edwin, a man whose life, to a remarkable degree, embodied the reverie of the American dream, was a great man of distinction which reflected his grand Puerto Rican heritage. Born on August 13, 1940, Edwin was a long-time community leader who devoted many years to the betterment of East Harlem. He was born and raised in Manhattan, as the only son of Avelino Suarez and Julia Gonzalez Suarez and dedicated his live to giving back to his beloved city as an urban planner dedicated to doing his part to ensure safe and affordable housing for all.

In his capacity as a housing manager for the City of New York, and with the NAACP as a sponsor, Edwin was able to travel the world in order to confer with his counterparts in great urban centers, including those in Japan, Ecuador, Italy, France, Holland and Scandinavia. He returned from these fact-finding missions with critical information used to improve the various housing projects and programs in New York City's East Harlem community.

Edwin proceeded to touch more lives when he entered the political arena as an elected District Leader of the 68th New York State Assembly District, Part B. He also served as my Special Legislative Assistant and served as my Congressional Liaison to my East Harlem constituents, a position he served with a tremendous sense of professionalism. He went on to serve on numerous community and municipal boards, including President of the Metro North Housing and Development Corporation, and Vice President of the Union Settlement Federal Credit Union.

The death of Edwin Suarez on June 20, 2006, brought immense sorrow and loss to his family and friends, countless community leaders and colleagues in government, and me personally. He is survived by his three children, Darlene Suarez Casey, Edwin Suarez II and Desiree J. Suarez; his only grandchild, Jasmine Suarez Osorio van Wijgerden, and his former wife, Josephine Suarez Reyes. Such a benevolent amalgamation of intellect, steadfastness, and vigor as that demonstrated by Edwin over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others will greatly be missed.

This past weekend, on June 20, 2009, Edwin was memorialized by those that loved and cherished him with the renaming of the Northwest corner of East 101st Street and First Avenue in my district. It is my hope that this act will help preserve the memory of this remarkable man, not only for the benefit of those who knew him but for all who value the promise of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to praise the glorious accomplishments of a true American heroine, Katherine Mary Dunham, who made a place for herself and others at a racially turbulent and unwelcoming time in American history. Katherine Mary Dunham graced the earth with her superior intellect, artistic poise, and philanthropic heart in a lifelong initiative to make better the lives of African- Americans in a time ill-intended to suit such ambition by a Black woman. A manifestation of the American dream at a time when life was often nightmarish for Blacks in America, Katherine Dunham began crafting a life of superior skill and ability at an early age. A published poet by the age of 12, Dunham would pursue writing, the Humanities, and artistry until the age of 96 when she passed. As a student at the prestigious University of Chicago, Dunham studied rigorously as a pioneer in ethnic choreography, which led her to create the discipline of dance anthropology. As she progressed, Dunham became known for her tenacity, bringing to the predominantly European dance stage African and Caribbean dance forms in an ethnic and sensual way. Les Ballet Negre, the first black ballet company in the United States, came to be known as the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, through which dancers toured more than 60 countries on 6 continents between the 1940s and 1960s. Beyond her own personal creative achievements, Katherine Dunham won unprecedented recognition and became the first woman of color to hold the most prestigious positions in dance. Dunham was a dancer, choreographer, and director on Broadway, and the first Black choreographer at the Metropolitan Opera.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Katherine Dunham was an activist with an appetite for the attainment of social justice. In 1967, Katherine Dunham established the Performing Arts Training Center in East St. Louis, Illinois, followed by the Katherine Dunham Centers for Arts and Humanities in 1969, and the Katherine Dunham Museum and Children's Workshop in 1977. Each of these thoughtful, community-center initiatives brought artistic opportunity to less fortunate Black children.

The recipient of 10 honorary doctorates, this famed artist, activist, teacher, and dancer defied historical limitations through her accomplishments in academia and the arts. A conversationalist in Creole, French, Spanish, and Swahili, her dance techniques also spoke a language that propelled her into an international audience that understood and embraced the language her body spoke.