Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today as our nation commemorates the one year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, we remember the 117 victims and their loved ones. Countless lives were affected by this storm, as well as homes, and businesses that were ruined all along Mid-Atlantic shores. Thousands of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents were displaced, and to this day they are still working very hard get back on their feet.

For many, it may still feel like it was just yesterday that Superstorm Sandy made landfall, wreaking havoc along its path. I am proud to say that during the immediate aftermath many people, especially in our congressional district, pulled together to help provide aid to all those who were hit the hardest. There are still many families who have not fully recovered from the damages that were incurred and need assistance. Last year, I, along with members of state and federal legislators, came together to push forward the Hurricane Sandy Tax Relief Act of 2012, which was a big step forward on a long road to restoration. We will continue to work hard to ensure the recovery of all those affected by the storm.

Many thanks go out to the rescue workers and first responders who worked around-the-clock to save lives, restore power, and deal with the aftermath of the storm. I know we are a resilient nation and hope for a swift recovery for all those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Mr. Speaker, I salute and congratulate Sergeant Walter Crenshaw, a fellow veteran, on reaching this milestone celebrating his 104th birthday. As the oldest living Tuskegee Airman, he has lived a truly inspiring life and for that I commend him.

From Mr. Crenshaw's induction into the United States Army Air Corps in October 1942 where he ultimately attained the rank of Sergeant, until now, he has been an example of what hard-work and devotion can do. I am particularly thankful for his dedication to our country in the face of strife racism, paving the way for myself and fellow African- American and minority servicemen. Mr. Crenshaw and the Tuskegee Airmen persevered through racial, military, and political barriers to become the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces, showing that there is strength in unity and support.

A leader is one who knows the way, follows that path, and shows others the course to take. Walter Crenshaw's life is a demonstration of true leadership, and as he celebrates 104 years of life may he take pride in the contributions he has made through his service.

Mr. Speaker, my sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Ike Skelton, a man whose contributions to this country reflected his devotion to service and his love for this nation.

Ike's passing is one that hits close to home as I reflect on the 34 years he spent in Congress, representing the state of Missouri, and building his reputation as an expert in military defense. As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Ike showed a great concern for those who fought to defend, and was recognized by the U S Navy Memorial Foundation for his support of the navy and military during his years in Congress. Offering words of advice, and showing a genuine sense of care for humanity, Ike was a mentor and a friend, advocating for those who dedicated their lives to serve their community and this country.

To lose yet another leader who embodied the spirit of selflessness and compassion towards his work and the people he served, is deeply saddening. Although words cannot help to ease the loss we bear, may we all take comfort in knowing that Congressman Skelton lived a life that will forever be remembered in our hearts.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the passing of one of Harlem's most talented musicians, and a dear friend of mine, the late Gloria Lynne. As I speak with grief of such an overwhelming loss, I join my community in rejoicing a life well-lived and to celebrate the accomplishments of a remarkable woman. At 83, Gloria remained a golden child of Harlem, and with an incredible soul touching the lives of everyone who met her. Her passing on October 15th, 2013 at Columbus Hospital in Newark, N.J., brought immense sorrow to the countless fans of and individuals associated with the R&B, jazz, and pop genres.

Gloria Lynne was born in Harlem on November 23, 1929. Throughout her lengthy career, which spanned more than five decades, her signature resonant contralto could be recognized on more than 25 albums. During her extraordinary life, Gloria Lynne brought great pride to her beloved neighborhood by releasing such hits as her English rendition of ``I Wish You Love'' and receiving a multitude of awards, including the Outstanding Achievement in Jazz at the New York MAC awards, International Women of Jazz Award and having the City of New York proclaim July 25, 1995 as ``Gloria Lynne Day.''

Gloria displayed immense talent and love for her community, participating in her local church choir and winning first prize at the ``Amateur Night'' at the Apollo at 15. As she grew famous she never forgot her hometown, despite sharing the stage with many renowned names, including artists such as Quincy Jones, Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald.

Gloria will be long remembered for her extraordinary voice, charisma, discipline, spirit, and clear purpose which won the admiration of all who were privileged to come to know and work with her during her distinguished career in and around music. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to enjoy her music and observe her example as a personal inspiration.

But most of all Gloria Lynne was a loving mother and sister, and is survived by her son P.J. Allen and her brother John Wilson who now inherit the solemn pride of having known Ms. Lynne so closely.

Mr. Speaker, rather than mourn her passing, I hope that my colleagues will join me in celebrating the life of my friend Gloria Lynne by remembering that she exemplified greatness in every way.

Mr. Speaker, whoever hired the Republican consultants on keeping the majority should be able to get their money back.

I had a thought just a few weeks ago that a small group in this House had such an obsession with the Affordable Care Act and such a dislike for the President that they were prepared not only to close the government, but to attack the integrity of the full faith and credit of the United States. The scorn and ridicule that this caused this Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, because of this strategy to repeal a bill that already had been signed into law and approved by the United States Supreme Court, you would think that no one would want to go anywhere near that again.

But still, we have a bill before us that admittedly has already been rejected by the Senate because we want to remind the American people how totally irresponsible we have been in the past in not only causing our great country to lose $125 billion, not only the job loss, not only the pain and sacrifice that so many people have gone through because they weren't paid for the work that they were supposed to be doing, but to have the whole country call us irresponsible and to have people who loaned us money be uncertain as to our ability to pay it back, and then we want to revisit this with a bill that is destined to go nowhere.

I am a partisan Democrat, but I am more of a patriot, and I hate to see the Republican Party do this to itself because I really think that our country needs another party, not just a Democratic party. I know that individuals don't care about the national Republican reputation, but what has happened here is that the irresponsibility, the ridicule, the insanity of these strategies has gone beyond the Republican Party in the House. It has now infested part of our party, and people are talking about the Presidency in terms of ``bring on the clowns.''

This is embarrassing to all of us as Americans, and especially as lawmakers. This body wasn't created for us to send messages; it was created for us to pass laws.

Mr. Speaker, during the Korean War, almost two million American soldiers, including myself, fought to defend freedom and democracy for a country and people they did not know. Despite the tragic losses and extreme hardships endured by the Korean people and those who fought in their defense, little is known about the war and its aftermath. I proudly recognize the Korean American Film Festival New York (KAFFNY) and its efforts to educate and inform the New York community about the so-called ``Forgotten War'' through presenting new opportunities for intercommunity outreach.

Through their organization, the KAFFNY has brought attention to the Korean Diaspora and Korean-American experience, recognizing and supporting new filmmakers and artists in the community. This year, the KAFFNY explores how the reverberations of the Korean War are still felt to this day and how they are explored in the area of film. Their festival taking place from October 24-26, 2013, commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. It premiers some of the richest and most diverse selection of films on the Korean War, such as the world premiering of ``Fading Away'' by Christopher H.K. Lee, a seven-part documentary based on the account of a 13-year-old Korean orphan who fled North Korea to the South.

Putting their own personal time and resources into promoting films which help connect us to other communities-at-large, domestically and globally, the KAFFNY continues to play a vital role in the Great City of New York, as it works to spread the story of the Korean War, which I and my comrades believe should be referred as the `Forgotten Victory.'

Since returning home from my service in the Korean War over six decades ago, I have witnessed the Korean American community flourish in New York City and across the United States and am very proud of all their contributions to the American fabric.

Mr. Speaker, mental health is a core part of our overall wellness. A commitment to a positive state of mental health is an essential part of keeping happy and healthy. I applaud the efforts of our nation's mental health advocates who are working hard to promote National Mental Health Awareness Week. Serious emotional and mental health disorders are real and treatable--and awareness is what makes that treatment possible.

Our need to address mental health affects every family. There are so many individuals deeply in distress who need someone to reach out to them. That is why I am a proud member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, a bi-partisan caucus dedicated to promoting education and awareness of mental health issues. We here in Congress need to do our part to reduce the stigma surrounding those who are suffering, as well as increasing the availability of mental health services to people who need them.

However, real mental health care starts at home. There are tragic losses that may never have occurred, if certain individuals had better resources to improving their mental health. If friends and families were better able to recognize symptoms of mental distress and act to help their loved ones in need, we could prevent certain incidents that cause great harm to the individual and to the society-at-large. The support of one's community can be paramount in helping to improve the mental health of our nation.

I commend the outstanding work of our community organizations in addressing this problem. Organizations such as the Union Settlement Association, and their Johnson Counseling Center have served the Harlem area since 1895 and promote treatment and awareness for New Yorkers suffering from psychological distress. Other groups such as the New York State Coalition for Children's Mental Health Services, the New York Mental Health Assessment Partnership, and the Children's Aid Society can all serve as models to us for the future. I encourage everyone to support such groups' efforts so that they can better serve our communities, and do away with any stigma attached to acknowledging a disorder and seeking help.''

Mr. Speaker, the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of HIV/AIDS is overwhelming, and contributes to family stress, community breakdown, and lost work productivity. HIV/AIDS has taken a devastating toll on minority populations, particularly the Latino community, which is why promoting National Latino AIDS Awareness Day is so important.

This year's theme is ``Hispanics United to End AIDS,'' highlighting the progress made toward combating the deadly virus and encouraging members of the Hispanic community to

work together to ensure they have adequate resources and opportunities for healthier and brighter futures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Latinos represented 16 percent of the U.S. population but accounted for 20 percent of the new HIV infections and 19 percent of people living with HIV infection. As of 2011, Latinos make up 31.9 percent of New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. Knowing one's HIV infection status by getting tested is critical for seeking early medical treatment and intervention. This also helps prevent unknowingly transmitting the infection to other individuals.

Senator Kristen Gillibrand and I authored a bill, Communities United with Religious Leaders to Eliminate (CURE) HIV/AIDS Act, which will expand educational HIV/AIDS activities, develop policies for providing culturally relevant and sensitive treatment to individuals with HIV/ AIDS, and incentivize payments to healthcare providers to implement HIV/AIDS testing. HIV/AIDS cannot conquer our communities. Let's keep fighting to eradicate this dreadful disease.

Mr. Speaker, I remember eighteen years ago today, watching hundreds of thousands of Black men flood the National Mall in Washington, DC to promote unity and family values that would instill a sense of pride and personal responsibility in the community. Since that uplifting day, I am pleased to say that the Black community has made great strides in achieving the goals of the Million Man March, and honor that effort as we continue to strive for social and economic progress for all.

It was most inspiring to hear many prominent leaders encourage and empower husbands, fathers and sons all across the nation to ``go back home'' and reclaim prosperity and success for their lives, families and communities. Following the March, an impressive 1.7 million Black men registered to vote and many became more active in promoting civil rights. Since then, we have a larger middle class, more college graduates, and more Blacks are holding political offices. Our two-term President Barack Obama is a testament to how far we have come.

While I am proud of what the Black community has accomplished, there is much more to be done. Blacks still face crippling obstacles that make it difficult for them to remain in or join the middle class. At 12.6 percent, the unemployment rate for Black men and women is disproportionately higher than that of the overall population. In addition, the median wealth of Black households is 20 times less than that of non-Hispanic whites. Blacks are still trapped by poverty in urban neighborhoods plagued by drugs, crime and violence.

As we commemorate the 18th Anniversary of the Million Man March, the words and ideas conveyed on October 16, 1995, must continue to resonate among leaders and activists today. As a nation we look not at our differences, but at what we can do to uplift our communities and come together to take pride in all we have accomplished as we improve income equality, equal opportunity and the realization of the American Dream for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, may I make a parliamentary inquiry?

Under what circumstances could a senior Member of this august body protest the shutdown of government at this time?

Well, I am asking from a parliamentary point of view. I don't want to violate the House rules, but as a Member of Congress representing 700,000 people, I feel that I have to scream out in protest as to what is happening to the country and my constituents. There has to be some way for me in a parliamentary way, without violating the House rules, to express myself.

With all due respect, that has nothing to do with my parliamentary inquiry, nothing at all. The rules for unanimous consent do not have anything to do with a parliamentary inquiry.

Are you saying that you are ignoring my parliamentary inquiry? I am just asking.

That is how I started. I could ask the reporter, but I don't want to waste a lot of time on this weekend legislative session. I started asking permission to make a parliamentary inquiry, and that was granted.

Mr. Speaker, I don't want to prolong this, but aren't you talking about a unanimous consent request?

Well, I am talking about a parliamentary inquiry. If you tell me I am out of order for making a parliamentary inquiry, I am not prepared to challenge the Chair, even though I truly believe that you and I know you will be incorrect.

Well, how do you state it properly? I ask: How could I properly state the feelings of my constituents as a member of this august body in a parliamentary way? What could be more parliamentary than that?

So the parliamentary inquiry is not going to be recognized?

Okay, I accept that.

I ask unanimous consent that the Speaker and the Parliamentarian take a good look at the rules of this House so that Members can protest the closing down of the United States Government.

Mr. Speaker, since 1968, America has annually celebrated the National Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of those whose ancestors came from South and Central America, Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean. The start day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15th, is significant because it is also the anniversary of independence for some Latin American countries such as: Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th.

This year's theme, ``Hispanics: Serving and Leading our Nation with Pride and Honor,'' highlights the tremendous impact Hispanics have made in all sectors of our society. It is individuals like Thomas Perez, the country's first Cabinet Secretary of Dominican descent, who reminds us that willingness to work hard can help achieve great success. Secretary Perez is not only a role model for youths in our congressional district, but also an inspirational example of the American Dream.

I am proud to represent a congressional district with one of the largest and diverse Hispanic populations in the country. Our District is blessed to have great organizations that provide very useful services to my Hispanic constituents such as: Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriquena, Institute for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Elderly, Hispanic Federation, El Museo del Barrio, Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, Casabe House Development Fund, Inc., the Dominican Women's Development Center, El Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano, Inc., the PR Dream, Boriken Neighborhood Health Center, Dominican Sunday, Inc., The Dominican Bar Association, the Hispanic Community Organization for Life, El Asociacion Tepeyac de New York, New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, MASA, Acacia Network, Casita Maria, and Comunilife. I am grateful for their continuous efforts to improve the lives of people in our district.

I will tirelessly continue to fight for various issues that are most important to our Hispanic community, such as comprehensive immigration reform which can create a path to citizenship, and provide more opportunities for Hispanics to achieve the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I have enjoyed in this House is sincerity. There's not a Member of this House that thinks the President of the United States is going to delay, repeal, or tear apart the Affordable Care Act; but if there's politics involved, I understand that. I'm a politician.

It just seems to me that if you have a plan, a strategy, and the whole world is saying that a handful of people are destroying the credibility of the Republican Party and therefore taking down the Democrats and the Congress with them--even the President of the United States--then I think it's safe to say it's time to look for some credibility so that we can regain being a two-party system.

So I didn't come here this morning to get arrested, but I did, because there are tens of thousands and millions of people that want to become Americans. They don't want to knock Republicans. They don't want to knock Democrats. They want to be Americans.

Bring up the immigration bill. Let's vote these new, wonderful citizens in, and maybe they can bring some sense to the parties.

Mr. Speaker, on October 10th our good friends in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, will celebrate their 102nd year. Known to the people of Taiwan as Double Ten day since it falls on the tenth day of the tenth month. This is Taiwan's National day and is revered and celebrated with as much excitement and fanfare as we celebrate the Fourth of July here in the United States.

Taiwan has been a strong ally and economic partner for many years; and remains as such today. The two way trade between Taiwan and the United States is around $63 billion per year. Taiwan was the United States' 11th largest trading partner and the 7th largest purchaser of agricultural exports from America in 2012.

Due to this high volume of trade between our two countries, it is in our best interest to see Taiwan remain competitive in the global arena. There are two areas that would help Taiwan in this regard.

It would be beneficial to both the United States and Taiwan if both countries would sign a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA). With this agreement in place, there would be greater protections for investors from both countries allowing these investors have greater confidence.

Additionally, Taiwan should be included in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP is a multi-nation trade agreement which is currently being discussed by countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and the United States (among others) to ``enhance trade and investment''. Since Taiwan is a vital part of the Asian economy and an APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) member, they should be able to join the TPP as well.

Please join me in wishing Taiwan a successful National Day with the hopes that they can remain competitive on the world stage by moving forward with these agreements.

Mr. Speaker, Congress has designated September as National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited condition which affects an estimated 100,000 individuals in the United States and millions globally. While the disease is most common among African Americans, it also occurs in people of Hispanic, Indian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent.

Sickle cell anemia is the most common form of sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a serious disorder in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. ``Sickle-shaped'' means that the red blood cells are shaped like a crescent. They tend to block blood flow in the blood vessels of the limbs and organs which can cause pain and organ damage. Tissue that does not receive normal blood flow eventually becomes damaged. This is what causes the complications of sickle cell disease.

Creating more awareness and education about this disease remains a challenge of changing attitudes and dispelling myths about both the disease and about those who suffer from it. While those suffering from Sickle Cell are living longer, they continue to endure stigma and other psychosocial issues, including stress, that continue to be associated with the disease.

Much of the stigma is based on myths and misinformation. Imagine going to a hospital ER and hearing the term ``frequent flyer'' or ``drug seeker'' to describe someone who has had to return to the ER often for a Sickle Cell Crisis? Imagine being labeled a ``drug addict'' and being looked at as a common narcotic drug seeker because you require excess doses of narcotics as a form of treatment for crisis pain? Imagine being told, ``You should be used to this pain by now!'' These are just a sampling of stories shared by sickle cell disease sufferers.

Persons with Sickle Cell Disease may face this stigma throughout their lives but especially immediately after transitioning from pediatric to adult care when coordination of health care services are limited or non-existent for this population. One way our Nation can make progress in addressing the issue of stigma and other issues related to Sickle Cell Disease is to identify the areas where we can move forward quickly while debating the broader areas of concern.

That is why I urge Congress to reauthorize the Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2013 (SCTA). The reauthorization of this bill will highlight the need to increase awareness and understanding of this disease, promote education and research, provide funding for treatment, new drugs and expand the development of transition services for adolescents to adult health care.

As we consider our strategy toward improving care and treatment for Sickle Cell patients, I believe we must consider the long-term costs of stigma and other psychosocial issues. I applaud Sonja L. Banks, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and the members of the organization for their efforts to promote awareness of this important issue. We must continue to educate ourselves, health care providers, school health nurses, and the business community about the specific and broad aspects of this crippling and chronic disease and advocate for new discoveries, advancements and breakthroughs for Sickle Cell, the most common and oldest inherited blood disorder.

Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. Speaker, is it the Chair's ruling that you cannot rule whether or not a resolution that's agreed to by the House and the Senate does not go to the President? Is that the Chair's parliamentary ruling, that you cannot give us an answer to that basic parliamentary question?

The current proceeding, if I am not correct, involves a concurrent resolution. The whole world knows what is before this House. Is the Chair saying, from a parliamentary point of view, that we can't deal with the issue of an agreement between the House and the Senate? Is that the ruling?

I yield back because I know my friend knows a better answer than that. We've been around a long time.