Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Three Kings Day holiday, which is traditionally celebrated on January 6.

For millions around the world, especially Latinos, the final curtain on the holiday season doesn't begin to fall until January 6, Three Kings Day. From El Barrio through Mexico and the Carribean all the way down to the tip of South America, communities find their own

unique way to celebrate the Biblical journey of Balthasar, Melchior, Caspar.

Like Christmas, it is a day for kids and family, a time to exchange gifts and celebrate life. Surely, it is also a time to remember that acts of kindness and generosity should extend well into the year. Yet, perhaps more than any other day of the season, it is day to remember the potential that we all have for greatness, especially our children.

Balthasar, Melchior, Caspar traveled on the wings of hope, believing that a better future lay in the hands of this humble child in the manger. They did not write him off because he was a carpenter's son or because he was poor. They crossed desserts and overcame hurdles because they believed that despite his present conditions, his future was as bright and limitless as the stars that adorned the sky.

Unfortunately, not enough of today's children are at the center of that kind of investment of time and energy. Despite the tireless work of many parents and educators, far too many are falling through the cracks in schools that are ill-equipped to teach them the skills that they need for work and life.

So on this last weekend of the holiday season, let all of us resolve to renew our commitment to our next generation. The private and public sector must work together to arm our children with the necessary tools that they will need to realize their goals and dreams. The future of this great land rests on their shoulders and how many of them have the opportunity to fully shine and reach their full potential.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to and to honor the recent heroics of Wesley Autrey, the selfless New Yorker who this past week jumped in front of a subway train to save a stranger that had fallen below.

As we begin the difficult task of putting America back on track, we can all draw inspiration from this 50-year-old Harlem father, The construction worker was with his two daughters waiting for the train when he noticed that film student Cameron Hollopeter had suffered a seizure. The Navy veteran and two other strangers immediately rushed to the 20-year-old's aid. Autrey helped stabilized him, sticking a pen in his mouth to prevent him from swallowing his tongue.

Yet, just when it appeared that he was fine, Hollopeter had a relapse and stumbled off the subway platform. With a No. 1 train fast approaching, Autrey made a split second decision to put this young man's life ahead of his own. He jumped down and pinned Hollopeter between the rails, shielding him from harm's way.

In the days since that split second decision, Autrey has been deservingly lavished with tons of media attention and honors. Not surprisingly, the humble Autrey has been caught off guard. He wasn't thinking of the fame or glory. All he could think about, he says, was his girls--six-year-old Shuqui and four-year-old Syshe. He didn't want them to see a man die before their eyes. He didn't want them to witness their father do nothing to stop the blood and the screams that could follow.

He asked himself, how will I be judged? Will it be said that I had the opportunity to help and just sat there to do nothing. His conscience wouldn't let him be still--and neither should any of us.

We live in a time of great imbalance. In the midst of great prosperity, far too many are struggling to just keep their head above water. Far too many are disconnected from opportunity and hope.

We must follow the example set by Mr. Autrey and not sit on the sidelines while injustice and tragedy unfolds before our eyes. We must ask ourselves: did we do all that we could to help our fellow brothers and sisters? What did we do to help better the world?

Wesley Autrey has done his duty. Now it's time to do ours.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, an increase in the minimum wage. It has now been a decade (i.e., 1996) since the minimum wage was last adjusted for inflation. The issue absorbed a considerable amount of attention during the 109th Congress-- but no new legislation was adopted. Over 25 states (including the District of Columbia) have adopted a minimum wage in excess of the federal rate.

The current Federal minimum wage rate leaves full-time workers in poverty. Thirty-seven million Americans live in poverty today--an increase of 5.4 million since 2001. Many of these individuals are full- time, full-year hard working Americans who are unable to lift themselves out of poverty because of the declining value of the federal minimum wage. Minimum wage earners working 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year make $10,712--nearly $6,000 below the poverty line for a family of three.

Today, the value of minimum wage as a percentage of poverty has fallen to its lowest level on record--going way back to 1959. Earnings for full-year, full-time minimum wage work now equal less than 70 percent of the poverty level for a family of three.

Increasing the federal minimum wage would also raise the wages of low-income working families in general, not just those who fall below the official poverty line. Many families move in and out of poverty, and near-poor families are also important beneficiaries of minimum wage increases. In addition, raising the minimum wage will have a positive effect on lives of women and other minorities in this country.

Over one-half of workers paid less than $7.25 an hour lived in families with incomes of $40,000 or less. According to CRS estimates of low-wage workers in families with incomes of $40,000 or less were spouses in married-couple families (with or without children). Some 13.4 percent were single parents. Another 11.9 percent were teenagers. Hourly workers who earned less than $7.25 an hour in 2005 were more likely to live in poor families compared to workers paid at least $7.25 an hour (18.1 percent versus 6.0 percent).

Women were overrepresented among low-wage workers in 2005: almost 7 million of the more than 11 million hourly workers who

earned under $7.25 an hour were women (60.1 percent); in contrast, women accounted for a smaller share of all hourly workers (50.2%). Further, Hispanic women were two times as likely as Hispanic men to earn $5.15 per hour or less.

It also appears that relatively more working women than men might gain from a higher federal minimum wage. An increase in the minimum wage would greatly benefit about 33 percent of African-American or Hispanic women.

Over the last five years, the number of African Americans living in poverty has grown by 1.5 million, and the real median household income of African American families is down $2,676. Increasing the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour would affect more than 2.1 million hardworking African Americans in the minimum wage.

Over the last five years, the number of Hispanic Americans living in poverty has grown by more than 1.6 million and the real median household income of Hispanic American families is down $1,631. Over 2.3 million out of 12.5 million Hispanics employed on an hourly basis--or almost one in five earned less than $7.25 an hour in 2005. Hispanics comprised the largest share of workers paid below $7.25 an hour than they did of all hourly workers in 2005. Raising the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour would have a positive effect on the lives of more than 2.3 million hardworking Hispanic Americans.

Over the last five years, the number of Asian American/Pacific Islanders living in poverty has grown by 243,000 and the real median household income of Asian American/Pacific Islander families is down $2,157. Lifting the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour would have a positive effect on the lives of an estimated 280,000 hardworking Asian American workers.

Over one-half of hourly workers paid below the proposed federal minimum wage were between 16 and 24 years old. A substantial percentage of young workers might be affected directly if the minimum wage increases. Nearly three out of five teenagers paid an hourly wage might see their earnings increase if the federal standard goes to $7.25 per hour.

We must do more to support families living in poverty and those who are vulnerable to falling into poverty. Increasing the wages is an important step toward reducing the high levels of poverty in this nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Walter M. Booker, Jr, jazz bassist who left this world at the age of 72 years and to enter into the Record an article in the Washington Post by Matt Schudel entitled ``Walter Booker, 72; Jazz Bassist worked with Vaughn, Monk.''

Walter M. Booker, Jr, was born in Texas, son of the late Walter Monroe Booker, Sr. and the late Thomye Collins Booker. The family moved to Washington, D.C. when his father accepted a position with the Howard University Medical School and later became Head of the Department of Pharmacology. Booker was drafted into the United States Army in the 1950s. While serving in Europe he was fascinated with the acoustic bass and began to play the instrument at the age of 26.

Known as ``Bookie,'' Booker lived for over 40 years in my Congressional District. He provided the rhythmic foundation for Cannonball Adderley, Sarah Vaughan and many other prominent jazz musicians. His most notable partnership was with the Adderley brothers' quintet, featuring Julian ``Cannonball'' Adderley on alto saxophone and Nat Adderley on cornet. For six years, until Cannonball's death in 1975, Booker served as music ambassador touring the world with the popular group, which pioneered the catchy yet sophisticated style of music known as ``soul jazz.''

Booker played a Viennese bass built in 1792 salvaged from the dusty basement of a German church. He is known for his bowing technique, sure intonation, ability to play high, accurately pitched notes, as well as his animated performing style, often swaying from side to side.

Booker appeared on more than 275 albums before making his first and only recording under his own name, ``Bookie's Cookbook.'' He gave his final public performances in December 2004.

Even though Walter M. Booker passed away on November 24, 2006, his contributions to the world of jazz and the United States of America will continue to resonate through his music.

[From the Washington Post, Dec. 17, 2006]

Walter Booker, 72; Jazz Bassist Worked With Vaughan, Monk

(By Matt Schudel)

Walter Booker, a bass player who provided the rhythmic

foundation for Cannonball Adderley, Sarah Vaughan and many

other prominent jazz musicians, died Nov. 24 of cardiac

arrest at his home in New York. He was 72.

Mr. Booker, who spent his formative years in Washington,

came to the bass at a relatively advanced age, first picking

up the instrument at 26 while serving in the Army. He had

completed two years of medical school at Howard University in

the early 1960s when he left his studies to pursue music as a

full-time career.

Known for his precise, resonant tone, Mr. Booker was

quickly recognized as one of the elite bass players in jazz,

working for extended periods in the 1960s with singer Betty

Carter, pianist Chick Corea, trumpeter Donald Byrd and

saxophonists Sonny Rollins and Stan Getz. He also toured

widely with Washington singer and pianist Shirley Horn.

Mr. Booker formed one of his most significant partnerships

in 1969, when he joined the Adderley brothers' quintet,

featuring Julian ``Cannonball'' Adderley on alto saxophone

and Nat Adderley on cornet. For six years, until Cannonball's

death in 1975, Mr. Booker toured the world with the popular

group, which pioneered the catchy yet sophisticated style of

music known as ``soul jazz.''

Working in several groups at the same time in the early

1970s, Mr. Booker was in one of the last ensembles led by

visionary composer and pianist Thelonious Monk. From 1975 to

1981, he was the bassist for singer Sarah Vaughan.

``They were more than colleagues,'' Mr. Booker's wife,

Bertha Hope-Booker, said of her husband's many associations

with renowned musicians. ``They were friends. All the music

he played, he imbued with something different.''

After moving to New York in 1964, Mr. Booker studied with

Homer R. Mensch, a faculty member of the Juilliard School of

Music who had played under conductor Arturo Toscanini.

Mr. Booker, who played a Viennese bass built in 1792 that

had been salvaged from the dusty basement of a German church,

became known for his bowing technique, his sure intonation

and his ability to play high, accurately pitched notes. He

was also known for his animated performing style, often

swaying from side to side.

``He was a `dancing' bass player,'' said his wife, a jazz

pianist and composer in her own right. ``It was like he and

the bass had this connection.''

Walter Monroe Booker Jr. was born Dec. 17, 1933, in Prairie

View, Tex., and moved to Washington in the early 1940s, when

his father joined the faculty of the Howard University

medical school. (He later was the head of the pharmacology

department.)

The younger Mr. Booker studied clarinet and piano, attended

D.C. public schools and graduated from high school at the

Palmer Memorial Institute in North Carolina. He was a

graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he played

alto saxophone in the concert band.

In the late 1950s, while serving in the Army in Europe--he

was in the same unit as Elvis Presley--Mr. Booker developed

his interest in the bass. After returning to Washington, he

began to play in jazz bands, most notably the JFK Quintet led

by Andrew White, while attending medical school.

In New York, Mr. Booker designed a recording studio based

on the geodesic principles of Buckminster Fuller. His studio

became a gathering place for many musicians who later had

celebrated careers, including Angela Bofill, Nat Adderley

Jr., T.S. Monk, Noel Pointer, Airto Moreira and the jazz-rock

group Weather Report.

In the 1980s and `90s, Mr. Booker worked regularly with Nat

Adderley, pianist John Hicks and, in recent years, his wife.

He also led groups that performed Brazilian music, which he

occasionally played on guitar, and the works of jazz pianist

Elmo Hope, his wife's first husband. In the 1990s, he led

workshops at the New Sewell Music Conservatory in Washington.

Mr. Booker appeared on more than 275 albums before making

his first and only recording under his own name, ``Bookie's

Cookbook,'' for the Mapleshade label in Upper Marlboro in

2000. He gave his final public performances in December 2004.

Suffering from prostate cancer and other ailments this year,

Mr. Booker asked that his bass be brought to his hospital,

where he could play it during his final illness.

His marriages to Yvonne Blakeney and Maria Smith ended in

divorce.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, of New York; two

sons from his first marriage, Randall Booker of Miami and

Russell Booker of Philadelphia; a son from his second

marriage, Krishna Booker, who is a percussionist with Sergio

Mendes, of Los Angeles; three stepchildren, Monica Hope,

Kevin Hope and Daryl Hope, all of New York; a sister,

Marjorie Booker of Washington; two grandchildren; and a

great-grandson.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield 15 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey), who is in opposition to the bill before us.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I concur, Mr. Speaker, with the observations of the chairman as to the content of this bill. Naturally, this is the last day of the 109th Congress, and I do hope that the new majority would at least learn how not to legislate. Most of the Members have no clue as to what is in this bill. This is a late hour. There is certainly far more good in it than bad.

I wish we had seen fit to have been able to get the New York Liberty Bond 9/11 relief converted to a transportation infrastructure, which was stripped from this bill that passed the House before.

There are other things in this bill, and I assume those people who are asking for time will be discussing them.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), a senior respected member of the Ways and Means Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am going to be very careful in the words that I select because I am not certain that the House physician's office is still open, and I just don't want to get overstressed over a parliamentary problem that we are having here. But it is very difficult to understand how the outgoing chairman could be so frustrated that the amendment is coming at this late hour, because we cannot really get an amendment together until we know what we are amending, and I assume that we didn't know that until sometime early this morning at a meeting that took place at a room which I don't know where it exists. So I think that this amendment that we do have deals with an issue that we never expected to be included in the extended bills. And under the parliamentary procedures that we have in this august House and this institution, Members, even if they are in the minority, have an opportunity at any time to raise it before the House. And we hope that we can extend this courtesy for the years that we have to come.

I would like to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman Mr. Pomeroy from the sovereign State of North Dakota.

You may not have received the amendment, but you have received the best wishes from the Democrats on your 65th birthday, and we wish you well.

I yield to the gentleman from California.

We are saying good-bye.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to an outstanding Member who has served this Congress and served the Ways and Means Committee with distinction. And as he goes to raise the level of intellect in the other body, I yield to him on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra), an outstanding member of the committee.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Melancon).

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

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

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

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

I would just ask the chairman whether he is going to be the last speaker, then I can just use whatever time I have.

Well, I reserve. I would just like to be able to close on my side.

Yes.

Mr. Speaker, as we close this debate, I agree it will be a different Congress, and I will sincerely miss the spirited debate from the distinguished gentleman from California who has served the committee and served the Congress and served this country so well. And I am just bothered that he is disturbed about the lateness of the amendment which comes to the floor, but, of course, you cannot amend anything until you get it, and this just came to the floor this morning.

Many of the issues and extenders in this bill are long overdue, and I certainly encourage people to support the bill. But the bill would be strengthened if indeed it excluded the provision that has been debated and will come up in the amendment as relates to the gulf opportunity zone property.

In addition to that, most of us would agree that if there is one provision in the Tax Code, a burden that Republicans, conservatives, Democrats, Republicans, can agree to that should be removed is the alternative minimum tax. Nobody ever intended for these 23 million people to be shoved into a tax bracket that they didn't deserve. And since it is not included in the extenders, for reasons which I don't know, it would seem to me that people would have an opportunity, in this amendment offered by the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts, to do that and, at the same time, strip from the provision the offending provisions as relates to the Gulf States.

And lastly, those of you that were kind enough to support the city and State of New York during the trying 9/11 experience would know that at one time we had passed a provision that would allow us, under the New York liberty bond provisions, to provide a tax credit for the transportation infrastructure. I want to thank the chairman for trying so hard to see that that provision would be included in this bill. But, because of reasons and problems that we have had on the other side, that provision is omitted. However, it will be included in the amendment, and I am convinced that the base bill, coupled with the amendment, would be a better piece of legislation.

I know we have other issues on the floor, and this is not the time to say farewell to the chairman, but as it relates to at least this part of our debate, Mr. Speaker, I will yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to share with the chairman that I recognize his concern that he got the amendment too late. I am surprised that he is opposing it, because I know that the content of the amendment, even though the procedure may not have been exactly as he would like, were things that he had previously supported. So it would seem to me that those of us who support the base bill, the amendment is only offered to improve upon that, even though it just excludes only one provision which is in this, which the gentleman from Massachusetts has spoken eloquently on, and I think even there the chairman would agree that it might be a better bill if that was excluded.

I do hope, as I am voting for the bill, that we might have a chance for those who are here and those who are listening to recognize that 23 million taxpayers are being held hostage by the alternative minimum tax. We have had ample opportunity to correct that, but coming from a Congress that most of us are against the tax increases, it just seems to me would be inconsistent with the past rhetoric, having the opportunity to remove this tax increase, which is certainly what it would be if we don't extend the relief from the alternative minimum tax for all of these people who never were intended to pay this tax.

So I think it would be a good time to show the bipartisanship in being for this substantial tax cut, or at least to prevent a tax increase, if we supported this amendment, at the same time to support the spirit of the reason in which this great Congress came to the assistance--

I have completed. I yield back to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

I am just saying that we in New York thank you for the generosity that you have, and we just hope that it is not taken back by refusing to support this amendment, where we can receive the tax credit for our transportation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. I really think that trade, if done right, is so important to our great country and to the world. The people expect us to be able to use our technology to assist them in improving their quality of life.

And I think that is possible, regardless of whether we are Republicans or Democrats, to remove those impediments that keep us apart because they think in the interest of protecting American jobs, increasing American jobs, helping developing countries, that those are the basic things that, whether you are Democrat or Republican, that you have to believe in.

We have some countries that are in deep trouble in these bills, and in each of these cases we have been able to work out the language so not only are we concerned that we have sound trading policies, but we also protect the environment and protect the rights of workers that live in these developing countries.

For some of these countries, the African Growth and Opportunity bill has provided new and great opportunities that people in Sub-Saharan Africa never dreamed that could happen. The Indian countries, of course, have been successful in getting their people to concern itself with agriculture and fighting the drug trade.

But most of you know, notwithstanding all of the countries that are going to be affected, that all of us have in our hearts a little compassion for the pain that for decades the poor people in Haiti have been suffering. It really amazes me how there has been concern from the textile industry about this little country, Haiti. And I said that God should be so good to the people in Haiti that their exports could be a threat to the United States of America. That is not going to happen. I know that there are concerns that people have, but if there is any country in the world that has suffered, it has been the people in Haiti, the poorest country that we have in this continent and one that the international community has ignored.

It is not just that we hope that this country will be able to pick up the pieces and maintain this democracy, but we hope by showing the United States has an interest and is willing to invest in this country, it might serve as a signal for other industrialized countries to come to the assistance and, indeed, maintain the trade with Haiti that has not only suffered in poverty but has really suffered as demons and military people have exploited them and denied them the opportunity to live in a democracy.

They are on their way back. We hope that the new government will be able to fulfill all the dreams and promises that they have talked about.

But right now I would like to yield the balance of my time to a person who has dedicated his life to public service. He has served this Congress so well over the years. We on the Ways and Means Committee have depended on his wisdom and his guidance not only in trade but in so many other subjects. And now he moves on to the other body, and as I said earlier, his presence in the other body can only increase their prestige and the intellect as he has served us so well here.

Mr. Speaker, with the permission of the Members and the Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland, the Honorable Ben Cardin, and I ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days with which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my special order today.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, I just would like to begin, I guess, where Dan Burton has left off in saying so long to so many Members of Congress that we have worked with. Because there are so few people here, I think it is an indication of how we have legislated in terms of waiting so late and Members having to leave, but I guess the most important thing that I wanted to say is that this legislative body has been very good to me, and I have been here for well over three decades.

Not only did I have, do I have, an opportunity to serve my district and my country in this Congress, but it allowed me to meet and work with some of the most exciting, intelligent and interesting people that I never would have met had I not had the great honor of serving here.

This has been especially true in the last decade where friendships have been very difficult to maintain, one, because of the legislative schedules that have been so different with the small amount of time that we spent here; two, because we don't travel abroad as a Congressional team; but, lastly, and I guess the thing that hurts the most, is that the group became not just friends, what committee, what part of the country you came from, but it was whether you were Republican or Democrat, and that made the difference.

I do hope that the new Congress will have just as much partisanship as relates to the issues that they believe in, but that we will have the Congress that I came to enjoy; that the partisanship would include friendship and would allow people to differ in the ideologies and their political beliefs, but at the end of the day we can say that we still were able to be friends. I really think that we all have to agree that in part, and perhaps a large part, the American people said that in the last election.

I say that because tonight the epitome of how that works is with my friend of long years, Congressman Sherry Boehlert, a gentleman, a scholar, an American, a Member of Congress; a person who loves his district, his constituents, but loves Congress and his country; a person that stood up to Republicans and Democrats for what he believed in; a person who soared in popularity among those people that were concerned with our country, with our environment; and a person that, no matter how strongly he believed or other people disagreed with him, never lost a friend in that process.

We will miss Sherwood. He has fought the good fight. He set an example for all of us. But I think that the best tribute that we can pay to him is that maybe all of us, Republicans and Democrats, would try to find out, how did he do this? How was he able to maintain his convictions, keep his head high, be eloquent in the debate, disagree with so many people, Democrats and even those within his party, and, at the end of the day, everyone is able to say what a true gentleman Sherwood Boehlert is, what a great gentleman he is, and, I am pleased to say, what a great friend he has been.

So I know that because of the depth of his commitment, that he could never walk away from us in terms of commitment. And so as he follows through in an extension of his life and terminates that legislative part, I just want you to know that the entire delegation felt a sense of friendship for him. We will miss him, and we in the New York delegation, and I hope the Congress, will try desperately hard when we are tempted to do what we think our party label would want us to do, that we can remember that some have come here as friends; they can do their job, they can work hard, they can disagree, and, God willing, we can leave as friends.

Mr. Speaker, my failing eyes allowed me not to see my buddy on the floor when I started this talk, and I just want to say personally, Sherwood, you have been a model for me, a model for the New York delegation, and if people had known our delegation, as diverse as it is, perhaps they could go to their delegation and be able to say that, hell, anybody, if we try hard, can be like Sherwood Boehlert.

We will miss you, but I am so glad that I am in the same State, and I know I will be seeing more of you.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit Mr. Boehlert's biography for the Record.

Biography of Representative Sherwood Boehlert

Utica native Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford), Chairman

of the House Science Committee, was first elected to the

House of Representatives in November 1982. He is currently

serving in his 12th consecutive term representing Upstate New

York.

Boehlert has served on the Science Committee since 1983,

and was elected Chairman in January 2001. The Committee has

jurisdiction over all federal, nonmilitary scientific and

technology research and development programs, on which the

federal government spends more than $30 billion a year. The

Committee has jurisdiction over NASA, the National Science

Foundation, and research and development initiatives within

the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of

Energy, and the Department of Commerce. In addition, the

Committee has jurisdiction over civil aviation research and

development and marine research.

Boehlert is a senior member of the House Transportation and

Infrastructure Committee, serving as Chairman of its

subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment from 1995 to

2000. He remains an active member of that Subcommittee.

Boehlert was a founding member of the House Homeland

Security Committee, by appointment of Speaker J. Dennis

Hastert. Boehlert was also an eight year member of the House

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (term limited).

Born on September 28, 1936 in Utica, New York, Boehlert is

a graduate of Whitesboro Central High School and Utica

College Bachelor of Science, 1961). Before serving as Oneida

County Executive (1979-83), he was manager of public

relations at Wyandotte Chemical (1961-83), he was manager of

public relations at Wyandotte Chemical (1961-64) and served

two years in the U.S. Army (1956-58).

Boehlert served as chief of staff for two area Congressmen,

Alexander Pirnie (1964-72) and Donald Mitchell (1973-79),

where he became intimately familiar with the people, places

and issues of Upstate New York.

An avid New York Yankees fan and movie buff, Boehlert and

his wife, Marianne (Willey) Boehlert, make their home in New

Hartford, New York. They have four grown children and five

grandchildren. When Congress is not in session, he returns to

Central New York each weekend to stay in touch with the

people who elected him to represent them in Washington.

The 24th Congressional District includes all or parts of

Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Oneida,

Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, and Seneca counties.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of the 265 people who lost their lives on November 12, 2001 when American Airlines Flight 587 crashed into Belle Harbor in Queens, NY.

November 12 will always be a solemn day in hearts of many, including my own. On that fateful day, when the American Airlines Flight 587 crashed into Belle Harbor Queens and killed 260 passengers and 5 residents, it changed the lives of not just their families, but also multiple communities here and in the Dominican Republic.

There is no rhyme or reason to such events. No amount of time or information will ever answer why it happened. Just two months after the tragedy of Sept. 11, the crash reminded us all of how fragile our lives are and how precious are the moments we share daily with our loved ones.

Leaders and government officials on every level of government have tried to do their best to ease the grief of the families and bring some sense of closure to this tragedy. We have organized economic and social resources for relatives, pressed the NTSB to conduct a thorough investigation, and urged American Airlines to do what is right when settling with families.

There are, of course, still some outstanding issues. Yet today, after a lot of hard work, we will see the unveiling of a memorial that is more than a reminder of an unexplained tragedy, but a beautiful testament to how they lived.

They were like millions of dreamers who come to this land, strapped with hopes for a better life for themselves and their children. These immigrants bring a dynamic energy to this land, achievements that can be seen in every part of society. Yet no matter how successful they are here, no matter how grateful they are to their American opportunities, part of their soul still remain in their homelands.

For thousands of Dominicans, that first flight of the morning--or any flight back to the Dominican--is what they dream about when they are pulling the long hours, working multiple jobs and stretching their paychecks to survive in this city. It is more than their reward for a job well done. It is their chance to enjoy a home cooked meal by midday with those they hadn't seen for months or years. It is their chance to feel complete again--if only for just a couple of days.

It is not easy, but it is a sacrifice that many do daily.

And so, while there is much to be sad about today, we can all take comfort that this memorial will always serve as a reminder of the beauty and strength of the Dominican people. A reminder that the families of Flight 587 have not been crushed by the weight of this devastating tragedy or the adversity that has followed.

A reminder that the spirit of a community did not die that day, but instead, continues to grow and inspire others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my constituents, Wendy Kopp,

President and Founder of Teach for America, who was recently awarded the prestigious 2006 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education.

Ms. Kopp's steadfast commitment to education is evident in her deeds and actions for she truly embodies the ideal that a decent education is the key, not only to the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but also to building self-esteem. In short, education is the receptacle of hope and the door to the American dream.

Kopp's pursuit of educational excellence and equity led her in 1989 to propose the creation of Teach for America. She did this as her undergraduate senior thesis, and has spent the last 15 years working to sustain and further develop the organization. Teach for America is comprised of a national corps of recent college graduates who commit 2 years to teach in urban and rural public schools. Its mission is to help to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our country's most promising future leaders in this effort.

Today, more than 3,500 corps members are teaching in our country's neediest communities, reaching approximately 300,000 students. They join more than 10,000 Teach for America alumni who are already assuming significant leadership roles in education and social reform even though they are in their 20s and 30s.

Kopp serves on the board of directors of The New Teacher Project, and the advisory boards of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and the National Council on Teacher Quality.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Wendy Kopp for her devotion and hard work in the field of education, and wish to extend my congratulations and best wishes to her for much continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall vote 431 on Thursday, September 7, 2006. This vote concerned amendment H. Amdt. 1204 to H.R. 503, the ``American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.'' It would provide that the Secretary of Agriculture must certify that sufficient horse sanctuaries exist to care for unwanted horses before the law will take effect.

I was hosting a crime forum (``Crime in the Cities: America's Mayors Fight Back'') as part of the 36th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference.

Had I been present, I would have voted against this amendment (``nay'').

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of Dorothy Ann Willis Richards, known to us all as Ann Richards, and her lifelong commitment to equal rights, education and full participation of all people in the political process. Ann Richards lost her battle to esophageal cancer, at the age of 73, on September 13, 2006 at her home in Austin, Texas--she was only diagnosed with cancer in March of this year. Following her diagnosis she underwent chemotherapy treatments and was poised to fight her illness with vigor and tenacity just as she fought her personal demons and political opponents.

Ann Richards had a zest for life that was evident and infectious. She made those of us fortunate enough to have known her, smile just at the mention of her name. She was a wonderful public speaker and found ways to intimately connect with real people by tackling difficult issues that affected their everyday lives such as the relegation of women to the home and the exclusion of minorities in the political process.

Ann was tremendously tenacious but possessed a quick wit. She was well known for her zingy one liners and warm sense of humor. She once said, ``I learned early on that people liked you if you made them laugh,'' and throughout her lifetime she kept the jokes coming.

Born in Lakeview (now Lacy Lakeview) Texas in 1933, Ann was first introduced to politics after joining the debate team and participating in Girls State--a program where high school students are invited to the capitol to participate in a mock government. However, before entering politics in 1976, she earned her teaching certificate and taught social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School. This was her life's passion. She once said that teaching was the hardest work she ever did and her commitment to educating youth did not dissipate with age.

Committed to issues of equity and inclusion, Ann spent much of her life championing causes related to the marginalization of women and minorities in particular. She dedicated herself to increasing the role of women in politics. Ann organized training sessions throughout Texas designed to empower women in politics and succeeded in improving the visibility of women in the National Democratic Party. Leading by example, she embarked upon her own political career in 1976 when she ran against and unseated a three term incumbent to become Travis County Commissioner. She would serve in this capacity for four years before being elected State Treasurer in 1982, becoming the first woman to hold an office at the State level since Miriam ``Ma'' Ferguson in the 1920s. Ann became the Governor of Texas in 1991 and continued to champion the inclusion of all people in the political process.

While in office, Ann oversaw a program of economic revitalization that grew the state's economy. As governor, Ann appointed Zan W. Holmes Jr., the first African American appointed to the University of Texas Board of Regents; she redirected revenue from the state lottery to a school fund to support public education; and launched the Robin Hood plan, an attempt to equalize funding across school districts. Through these measures, Ann was successful in changing the ways that both Texas and our country thought about and treated women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and members of the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and Bisexual communities. Ann once remarked that she entered politics to help those who were often ignored by the Texas' male dominated establishment.

After losing the gubernatorial race to George W. Bush in 1995, Ann served in various capacities. She worked as a political strategist and labored on many democratic campaigns, often campaigning on behalf of candidates like Howard Dean. She continued to teach, introducing courses such as Women and Leadership at the University of Texas; worked diligently to establish the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, which will open its doors next year; and lived as an example for all those battling substance abuse. These are but a few pieces of Ann's selfless contributions and they will never be forgotten.

We all mourn the loss of Dorothy Ann Willis Richards. Her words and her deeds, much like her striking silver hair, will long be remembered. Although she was a wonderful cook, she held that title contrary to the prevailing image of the quintessential woman, at the time, she did not want to be known for having

kept a clean home rather she wanted to be remembered for having helped others.

My friend, your wish has been granted. Through your words and deeds you have left an indelible mark on both the great state of Texas and on our Nation.

[From the New York Times,

September 14, 2006]

Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards Dies

(By The Associated Press)

Austin, Texas (AP)--Former Gov. Ann Richards, the witty and

flamboyant Democrat who went from homemaker to national

political celebrity, died Wednesday night after a battle with

cancer, a family spokeswoman said. She was 73.

She died at home surrounded by her family, the spokeswoman

said. Richards was found to have esophageal cancer in March

and underwent chemotherapy treatments.

The silver-haired, silver-tongued Richards said she entered

politics to help others--especially women and minorities who

were often ignored by Texas' male-dominated establishment.

``I did not want my tombstone to read, `She kept a really

clean house.' I think I'd like them to remember me by saying,

`She opened government to everyone,' '' Richards said shortly

before leaving office in January 1995.

Whether or not she succeeded at that, there was no question

she cracked open the door.

Her single term as governor had ended in a 1994 defeat to

George W. Bush, who went from besting his father's silver-

haired critic to the governor's office to the presidency.

``Texas has lost one of its great daughters,'' President

Bush said in a statement after learning of Richards' death.

Two years before she was elected governor of Texas, Ann

Richards electrified the 1988 Democratic National Convention

with a keynote speech in which she joked that the Republican

presidential nominee, George H.W. Bush, had been ``born with

a silver foot in his mouth.''

A longtime champion of women and minorities in government

who was serving at the time as Texas state treasurer, she won

cheers when she reminded delegates that Ginger Rogers did

everything Fred Astaire did, ``only backwards and in high

heels.''

As governor, Richards appointed the first black University

of Texas regent, the first crime victim on the state Criminal

Justice Board, the first disabled person on the human

services board and the first teacher to lead the State Board

of Education. Under Richards, the fabled Texas Rangers

pinned stars on their first black and female officers.

Ron Kirk, the black former mayor of Dallas, said Richards

helped him get his first political internship during a state

constitutional convention in 1974 and later, as governor,

made him secretary of state.

``She set the table so somebody like me could become mayor

of Dallas,'' Kirk said.

She also polished Texas' image, courted movie producers,

campaigned for the North American Free Trade Agreement with

Mexico, oversaw a doubling of the state prison system and

presided over rising student achievement scores and plunging

dropout rates.

Throughout her years in office, her popularity remained

high. One poll put it at over 60 percent the year she lost

her re-election bid to Bush.

Republican Texas Gov. Rick Perry described Richards as

``the epitome of Texas politics: a figure larger than life

who had a gift for captivating the public with her great

wit.''

``Ann loved Texas, and Texans loved her,'' President Bush

said. ``As a public servant, she earned respect and

admiration. Ann became a national role model, and her charm,

wit and candor brought a refreshing vitality to public

life.''

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said Richards

never lost her zest for life.

``I wrote her a note when I heard about her cancer and she

wrote me back a wonderful letter. She was upbeat and positive

and I think she was going to go out with guns blazing,''

Hutchison said Wednesday night.

Richards was diagnosed with cancer in March and underwent

chemotherapy treatments.

Her four adult children spent the day with her before she

died Wednesday night at her home in Austin, said Cathy

Bonner, a longtime family friend and family spokeswoman.

Born in Lakeview, Texas, in 1933, Richards grew up near

Waco, married civil rights lawyer David Richards and spent

her early adulthood volunteering in campaigns and raising

four children. She often said the hardest job she ever had

was as a public school teacher at Fulmore Junior High School

in Austin.

In the early 1960s, she helped form the North Dallas

Democratic Women, ``basically to allow us to have something

substantive to do; the regular Democratic Party and its

organization was run by men who looked on women as little

more than machine parts.''

Richards served on the Travis County Commissioners Court in

Austin for six years before jumping to a bigger arena in 1982

when her election as state treasurer made her the first woman

elected statewide in nearly 50 years.

But politics took a toll. It cost her a marriage and forced

her in 1980 to seek treatment for alcoholism.

``I had seen the very bottom of life,'' she once recalled.

``I was so afraid I wouldn't be funny anymore. I just knew

that I would lose my zaniness and my sense of humor. But I

didn't. Recovery turned out to be a wonderful thing.''

After her re-election defeat, Richards went on to give

speeches, work as a commentator for Cable News Network and

serve as a senior adviser in the New York office of Public

Strategies.

In her last 10 years, Richards worked for many social

causes and helped develop the Ann Richards School for Young

Women Leaders, scheduled to open in Austin in 2007.

Richards said she never missed being in public office. She

grinned when asked what she might have done differently had

she known she would be a one-term governor.

``Oh,'' she said, ``I would probably have raised more

hell.''

Mr. Speaker, next year will be the 200th anniversary of the ending of the trans-atlantic trade by Great Britain, the beginning of the end of what was perhaps the greatest human tragedy in history.

I join the members of the British Parliament and the African Diaspora across the globe in anticipation of the 200th anniversary of the passage of the Anti-Slave Trade Act by the British Parliament in 1807.

For four and a half decades, hundreds of millions of Africans were bought and sold into slavery as part of the transatlantic slave trade while many others lost their lives during the Middle Passage. I believe this anniversary presents America with an opportunity to reflect on this dark part of our history and speak out

against the continued conditions of slavery that millions still face across the globe.

Indeed, as America continues to mourn and regret its involvement in the human rights violations of that time, we must not forget the wonderful legacy of African-American abolitionists such as Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and many others. It was through their courage and determination that slavery ended in the United States.

We must continue to meet the challenge of repairing the harm done to black Americans by the legacy of slavery in this Nation. By so doing, let us remember the connection between policymaking and the need for a more equitable society. Congress must continue to pass legislation which allows for broader access to education, health care, and jobs for minority groups across the country. Much like the fight against slavery, we must strengthen our resolve to fight poverty, crime, and other conditions that many face in the U.S.

This is also a time for us to show a renewed commitment to the African continent, recognizing it as the ancestral home to the Diaspora across the globe. We must remember that millions of people were ripped from their homes, taken on a perilous journey across the Atlantic, and stripped of their culture and language. As a result, the loss of life and potential that Africa endured was a contributing factor to the under-development the continent faces today. We must show our commitment through trade, education, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and poverty in general.

It is my hope that this 200th anniversary will be a way of bringing education and awareness about the rich heritage and culture of Africa embedded in America and the Caribbean through the Diaspora. I look forward to next year's anniversary. It is my hope that in remembering slavery we are reminded that we must never allow that dark history to repeat itself.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring Mary Eliza Mahoney who was the first African-American registered nurse in the United States. She was a visionary, a leader, and because of her dedication and untiring will to encourage future generations, would become an inspiration to thousands of men and women of color who work diligently every day in the field of nursing.

Mary Mahoney's interest in the nursing profession began when she was just a young girl. She worked for fifteen years at the New England Hospital for Women and Children (now Dimock Community Health Center) in Roxbury, Massachusetts as a nurse's assistant, but this would not be her only occupation. She also worked as a cook, a janitor, and a washerwoman. In 1878, at the age of 33, she was admitted as a student into the hospital's nursing program established by Dr. Marie Zakrzewska. Sixteen months later, she was one of four who completed the course.

After graduation she worked primarily as a private duty nurse for the next 30 years all over the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. At the culmination of her nursing career, she was the director of an orphanage in Long Island, New York, a position she held for 10 years.

In 1896, Mahoney became one of the first African-American members of the predominantly white American Nurses Association (ANA). However, recognizing the need for nurses to work together to improve the status of African Americans in the profession, she helped to establish the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN). This was important in many ways. It was because of her inspiring efforts and unselfish devotion to caring for others that helped make it possible for nurses to be received at the White House by President Warren G. Harding. Mahoney also gave the welcoming address at the first convention of the NACGN and served as the association's national chaplain.

Mahoney's life of tending to the needs of the sick ended with her death on January 4, 1926. She was indeed an icon in the nursing profession, bringing to light the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment that nurses put forth everyday.

My sister Frances was a nurse for many years before retiring, and I saw the hard work, the sacrifice, and long hours of commitment that she gave to this notable profession. She made me appreciate even more what nurses do and how they are a vital and valued part of the healthcare industry.

Mary Mahoney advanced the nursing profession and was not afraid to confront issues that affect nurses. She was a woman of superlatively high standards, complete integrity, and boundless enthusiasm for whatever task she took in hand. It was because of the life she lived and her outstanding contributions to nursing, that The Mary Mahoney Medal was established in her honor posthumously by the NACGN in 1936. In 1976, she would be further remembered by being inducted into the Nursing Hall of Fame.

Madam Speaker, let us honor this woman of courage and faith by passing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3127, H. Res. 723 and H. Res. 992 and to call your attention to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Darfur. I join the sponsors of these bills in an effort to express our support of urgent action by the U.S. Government to intervene to stop the genocide which is now occurring. Since the conflict began in 2003 hundreds of thousands of people have died. Nearly 2,000,000 people have been internally displaced, more than 3,000,000 people are dependant on international assistance to survive, and nearly 220,000 refugees are seeking protection in neighboring Chad. And although the UN has deployed nearly 13,000 humanitarian aid workers, the support offered to the region is not enough. In spite of the presence of African Union Mission in Sudan (AIMS) forces, the Sudanese government as well as militia men persists in flagrantly ignoring terms outlined in peace agreements resulting in continued genocidal violence and crimes against humanity. As reported by the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur ``the extensive destruction and displacement have resulted in a loss of livelihood and the means of survival for countless women, men and children.'' Each day hundreds of innocent civilians are killed, raped, and forced to flee their homes. The world is failing Darfur. The United States is failing Darfur.

Despite continued talk of the United States' commitment to liberate people from tyrannical dictators, spread democracy around the world, and fighting terrorism; we continue to tacitly permit the isolation, displacement, and murder of thousands of people throughout the region. We cannot continue to bear silent witness to the massacres. We must act now.

How long will we allow a government which permits attacks and killings of so many of its citizens to refuse aid? How long will we watch as humanitarian aid workers are killed in the line of duty? How long will we continue to talk about genocide without responding? During a subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations House International Relations Committee testimony, Roger P. Winter, former special representative

on Sudan of the Deputy Secretary of State asserted ``Sudan's National Congress Party is controlled by an intellectually-capable, radically committed, conspiratorial and compassionless nucleus of individuals, long referred to as the National Islamic Front (NIF).'' Substantiating the fact that the Sudanese government is responsible for perpetuating the atrocities occurring throughout the Sudan, especially in Darfur, Mr. Winter's comments also underscore the necessity for both the United Nations and the United States to step up to the plate.

Let us be clear. The situation is getting worse and it will continue to worsen should we stand idle. In violation of previous agreements, aerial bombings of villages using helicopter gunships have begun. Twelve humanitarian aid workers have been killed in the last two months and 25 humanitarian aid vehicles have been hijacked. The Sudanese government is still opposing a UN force, and has been threatening to throw out the AU if they transition into a UN force, and members of the Sudanese armed forces are disguising themselves and their vehicles to look like those of the AU. Something must be done to stop these atrocities.

There are several steps that can be taken to begin to address some of the egregious wrongs occurring throughout Sudan, particularly in Darfur. We must work both collectively with other governments as well as independently to enforce the provisions outlined in H.R. 3127, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act including: reinforcing the deployment and operations of an expanded AU peace keeping force; restricting travel of individuals and associates directly responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Sudan; and withholding, from the Sudanese government, profits from and/or related to oil and oil related ventures. Immediate deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in accordance with UN SC Res 1706, and implementation of all previously passed UN SC resolutions such as a No Fly Zone and disarming the Janjaweed militia is needed.

In accordance with H. Res. 723 we must take steps toward improving the security situation in Darfur particularly with regard to protecting civilian life. It is of critical importance that we immediately implement an interim civilian protection force that is both well trained and adequately equipped to protect civilians remaining in Darfur as well as those seeking refuge in Chad. In light of a report by Human Rights Watch we must ensure that cross-border raids initiated by Sudanese government forces and Janjaweed militias are countered by stalwart peacekeeping forces backed by stronger mandates. Similarly, appropriations must be made to support the implementation of these forces as well as to fund the missions of both AMIS and NATO in Darfur.

We must also push for allies and other nations including China, India, Malaysia and Russia to extend their support for the Sudanese government. Echoing the sentiments of H. Res. 992 we must employ a special envoy to facilitate the development of an international peacekeeping force and ensuring the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement among other essential tasks.

Moreover, we must encourage local authorities to exercise their legal right and moral obligation to exercise discretion in how they invest their money. Divesting is one of the many ways that we can send the clear message that we will no longer stand by while hundreds of thousands of innocent people suffer. Lastly, we must ensure that the recently established presidential envoy has a solid, strong mandate, adequate support, and clear channels of communication with the President.

We cannot ignore the great responsibility resting upon our shoulders as a world leader. The people of Darfur can no longer afford to wait. We must hold true to our promises and to our convictions. We must stand up for humanity where human rights are being trampled, thousands are facing death.