Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson who is celebrating his 25th anniversary of active civil rights activities.

As we all know, Rev. Jackson was born in South Carolina and began his activities in civil rights at an early age. He became a confidant to the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and was one of the leading advocates for peace and justice in this Nation.

His successful run for President had America spellbound when he addressed the House. He started Operation Bread Basket, then the Rainbow Coalition. And I would just like for all of us to pay tribute to a great American, Rev. Jesse Jackson and thank him for coming to New Jersey for my election back in the 1980s.

Mr. Speaker, the American people are counting on us to reform this broken health care system. Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs have risen steadily, and the number of families in trouble over health care continues to grow--48 million uninsured, 50 million underinsured. We simply cannot afford to maintain the status quo.

Those who continue to resist a much-needed change in our health care system are refusing to deal with the problems, and they won't go away if we ignore them.

The health care insurance reforms we are espousing will benefit Americans, including those who are already enrolled. No longer will coverage be denied or hikes go for preexisting conditions. Insurance companies will no longer be able to drop insurance when a policyholder becomes sick, just when a patient needs insurance the most.

There will be a positive emphasis on prevention, with vaccinations, mammograms, and colonoscopies that will be covered with no out-of- pocket expenses. In addition, there will be lower premiums for millions of older Americans who will see the doughnut hole go away.

I urge my colleagues to do the right thing and vote for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I an others have spoken at length on the ways that this bill will improve health care for all of our constituents. Another significant benefit of this legislation which has not received as much attention will be the creation of new high-paying jobs in this country. Let me repeat that for some of my friends on the other side of the aisle, this bill will create high-paying, high-quality jobs in healthcare delivery, technology and research in the United States.

First, this bill will create enormous demand for healthcare workers, especially in the area of primary care. Insuring the millions of Americans in this country who currently have no insurance will allow them to see primary care providers and receive the wellness and preventive care they have been denied for too long. This influx of new patients will need doctors, nurses and technicians for their care, while reducing overall healthcare costs because they will not need much more expensive hospitalizations. I support channeling resources that for too long have been used to treat people once they become sick into jobs and services that will prevent people from getting sick in the first place.

Second, this bill will continue the efforts we began in the stimulus package to deploy new health information technologies that better manage both the quality of care people receive and the cost at which they receive it. New health care exchanges and new demands on the health system to provide high-quality and cost-effective health care will create new opportunities and markets for our brightest technology minds. They will be incentivized to create and develop products that will be a win/win for Americans: high quality health care at an affordable price.

Third, this bill will create high quality research opportunities in this country. The Energy and Commerce Committee enacted a framework for allowing biosimilar competition in this country. This new class of medicines will help lower costs and bring competition to one area that is key to the future of our healthcare system. Biotechnology is on the cutting edge of efforts to reducing costly invasive procedures and allowing our constituents to live healthier and more productive lives. The creation of this new class of medicines comes with requirements for new clinical research and testing, especially in the area of whether a new biosimilar can be interchangeable with an innovator's product. This research will create high quality and high paying jobs and it is imperative that we keep this research and these jobs in this country.

We cannot allow these research opportunities to leave this country, and I intend to work with the Secretary of HHS and the Commissioner of the FDA to ensure they stay in the United States.

I do not look at this bill as one of cost or drain on the economy of our country like so many of its opponents on the other side of the aisle. I see this bill as an exciting opportunity to create the kind of jobs we so desperately need in this country while at the same time improving the lives of ALL Americans. This bill will improve health care, create jobs and grow our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I am very disheartened to hear that in our sister country, Haiti, there is brewing a move to impeach the current prime minister, Prime Minister Pierre-Louis.

Prime Minister Pierre-Louis has recently gained a tremendous amount of confidence from the international community. The U.S. President and former President and U.N. Special Envoy Bill Clinton made a historic special trip to Haiti that held out the promise of new investment both to create new jobs and to help the people of Haiti. I would hope that the government officials of Haiti will consider continuing to move the country along in a positive way and move to support the prime minister.

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the memory of Robert Brown, the first African American mayor of Orange, New Jersey, which is in my congressional district.

Mr. Brown is remembered by family, friends, and colleagues as a big thinker, a role model and an excellent presenter. He was born in 1947 in Wetumpka, Alabama, but was raised in Albany, New York, where he was described as a stellar student and athlete. He earned a football scholarship to Central Connecticut State College. After college he moved to East Orange and received a law degree in 1973 from Rutgers University in Newark.

Mr. Brown moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as counsel on the Judiciary Committee for the House of Representatives during the Watergate hearings. He moved back to East Orange in 1976, and served as a municipal prosecutor and as the Essex County public defender before opening a private practice. He was widely recognized for his outstanding oration ability, his skill as a lawyer, and his strong commitment to community service.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his son, Remington, and brother, Raymond.

As friends and family gather to remember Robert Brown, we are reminded of the tremendous difference that one person can make in the lives of others. I know my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring the memory of Mr. Brown and in paying tribute to this outstanding person who meant so much to all who knew him and to the entire city of Orange.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to acknowledge the 74th birthday of my good friend, Ms. Pearl Beatty. Her family, friends and associates have gathered on October 8, 2009, to hold a party in her honor and to wish this incredibly talented woman best wishes. Pearl Beatty has always been passionate about her community and those closest to her want to be sure that she knows how much she is loved and appreciated.

Pearl Beatty never allowed her early fragile health to preclude her from involvement in the things that mattered most to her. Throughout her life, Pearl Beatty has been an active participant in the political process and community organizing. She was also gifted with a beautiful voice which she utilized at Arts High School and with the Sweethearts, a group that was fortunate enough to sing at a John F. Kennedy for President rally. In fact, Pearl Beatty was active in the New Jersey campaign for the election of President Kennedy. Always an advocate for fairness, Pearl Beatty joined me and my brother, Bill, in the picketing of a local Woolworth 5&10 forcing them to hire young African Americans to work at the lunch counter.

In addition to being active in the Urban League and the NAACP, Pearl Beatty assisted in organizing the New Jersey contingent for the 1963 March on Washington. She was also instrumental in the four successful campaigns of Newark mayor Kenneth Gibson, the first African American to be elected mayor of a major eastern city. She represented Governor Hughes at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago and was the New Jersey campaign scheduler for President Jimmy Carter in 1976. In June 1978, Pearl Beatty was elected as a freeholder for Essex County and soon found herself as the first director of the newly elected Board of Chosen Freeholders under the new form of charter change government of Essex County. Ms. Beatty was the first African American appointed as president of the New Jersey Council of Counties and in 1987, she was appointed executive chairperson of the New Jersey State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commission.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Pearl Beatty deserves to be feted at this 74th Birthday celebration. I am pleased to congratulate her and thank her for the many lasting contributions she has made to the Greater Newark community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise with a heavy heart to remember my long time Chief of Staff and friend, Maxine James. Maxine passed away on September 21, 2009, after a lengthy illness. Prior to her retirement last year, Maxine served as my Chief of Staff from the time of my inauguration in 1989. She was an integral part of my career and I credit much of my success to her capable skills. Maxine was the consummate professional who served as my personal advisor and as Staff Developer for my office.

Maxine James was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. She was a long time resident of Newark until she purchased a home in East Orange 12 years ago. Maxine was always interested in being of service to the public at large. During her 15 years as a Community Affairs Department Staffer for Prudential Insurance Company, she served on the boards of directors of various community organizations including Second Chance, a program developed to help ex-offenders and the problem of recidivism; Newark House, a State run half-way house for prisoners and Newark Emergency Services for Families where she served the board as treasurer, vice president and president. During Maxine's tenure as president, NESF opened the first homeless shelter for families. It was while I served an executive at Prudential that I had the opportunity to meet this talented and promising young woman.

Maxine was an extraordinarily gifted woman who volunteered her skills and resources to assist others. She was only the third woman and first African-American woman to join the Newark Jaycees. She used her limited knowledge of campaigns and elections to mount a campaign for the position of external vice president which she won handily. Maxine enjoyed a vast network of friends and associates who will all miss her tremendously. Maxine

was a dedicated and caring mother to her two sons, Brian and Christopher as well as a devoted grandmother to Olivia and Malcolm.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that the Greater Newark Community has lost a visionary and friend in Maxine James. Her family, friends and associates can all be proud of the legacy she leaves behind.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to recognize the Honorable Renee Jones Weeks for her many years of service to the community and to congratulate her upon her retirement from the Chancery Division, Superior Court of New Jersey (Essex Vicinage). Appointed to the Bench on July 14, 1989, Judge Weeks has served in the Family Part, Criminal Part and Civil Part. She has also served in two counties, Essex and Union during her tenure.

Judge Weeks has been actively engaged in various organizations throughout her career. She was a Co-Incorporator of the Garden State Bar Association, Co-Founder and First President of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey and Past Secretary of the Garden State Bar Association. She also served as Vice President of the National Bar Association, President of the Women's Division of the National Bar Association and Financial Secretary, Chair-Elect and Chair of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association.

A graduate of Rutgers Law School in Newark, New Jersey and Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio, Judge Weeks has served on several committees of the New Jersey Supreme Court. She is the recipient of numerous awards and was the first Black Trustee of the Essex County Bar Association. Judge Weeks is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a past Board Member of the New Jersey State Opera and a former Court Liaison to CASA (the Court Appointed Child Advocacy Program).

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Judge Weeks is an excellent role model for women and minorities in the legal profession. She will leave a lasting impact on those who were fortunate enough to benefit from her guidance. I am pleased to join all those in attendance at a Retirement Party in her honor in wishing her a wonderful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, we have nothing but myths and scare tactics to our seniors about health care.

What is one of the myths? Under the health care reform, a government panel, a bureau, will tell you when you can die. Nothing can be further from the truth. It will be up to your doctor and your family. It simply provides reimbursement for Medicare for doing this.

Another myth: health care reform will lead to rationed care. No such thing. We have it now. As a matter of fact, nothing will stand between you and your doctor to make the best decision. Reform actually takes insurance company bureaucrats out of this decision and let's you make it.

What about the myth about health care reform is a government takeover? Just another lie. Under the bill, there is no government takeover of health care. Every American will still be able to choose their doctor and their health insurance plan and make decisions that they want.

The fourth out of these five myths: health care will reform and end Medicare. Untrue. As a matter of fact, it will strengthen Medicare and it will lower prescription drug benefits--take that doughnut out of Medicare.

And, finally: We can't afford to fix health care during an economic downturn. We can't afford not to fix it.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to extend warm greetings and offer my congratulations to Ron Sargent as he retires from the YMCA Retirement Fund. When Ron came to the Newark YMCA 40 years ago, I immediately saw his potential. He was eager to do the job as a well prepared and dedicated employee. During his 40 years in various roles with multiple YMCAs, he has been a credit to the YMCA's programs and we owe him our respect and gratitude for a job well done. It was a pleasure for me to personally work with him during his tenure with the YMWCA of Newark and Vicinity.

As Ron Sargent begins a new phase in his life, I want him to know the dedication and commitment he exhibited during his YMCA career will always be appreciated. It takes a special person to contribute to society in the way of YMCA service. Fortunately, while acting in his different capacities, he was able to make a difference in the lives of many through the programs he was involved in and/or instituted. Ron's effectiveness and creativity led to multiple awards being presented to him and his programs were featured in the YMCA Discovery Magazine. His career with the YMCA has certainly been one of accomplishment and leadership by example. As he is feted at a dinner in his honor on July 31, 2009, Ron should know that his many years of service to the YMCA are true testaments of his character and that his significant contributions will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Ron Sargent has been a true asset to the YMCA and that they join me in wishing him well as he enters his retirement years.

Madam Speaker, like all urban centers, my home city of Newark faces many challenges. We are working hard to improve the quality of life for residents by moving forward in the area of affordable housing and health care, better schools, child care, and services for seniors. We are also proud of the fact that Newark welcomes visitors not only from other parts of our state, but also from around the nation and the world. As we continue our successful economic development efforts, I would like to draw to the attention of my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives an article which highlights the good news for Newark.

Newark at Night: It's Not a Surprise Anymore That the City is Alive

After Dark

(Posted by Philip Thomas, Lawrence P. Goldman and Jeff Vanderbeek/Star-

Ledger Guest Columnists, July 09, 2009)

Not too long ago, something you wouldn't necessarily have

thought of happened in Newark. It was extraordinary.

On a crisp November evening, a sold-out house of 2,800

people filled Prudential Hall at the New Jersey Performing

Arts Center for a stunning concert by The 5 Browns, a family

of Juilliard-trained, young virtuoso pianists, along with the

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

Just down the street, another 19,000 people were doing

something that happens in every

great American city, but hadn't in Newark for quite some

time--attending a major league sporting event; in this case,

a rousing hockey game where the New Jersey Devils skated past

the Toronto Maple Leafs by a score of 3-2.

It was just a few days after the Prudential Center opened

in downtown Newark and it was the city's first test of how it

would move multiples of thousands of people through downtown

streets. Newark passed with flying colors. And it was the

first of many electrifying nights with multiple venues alit

and Newark abuzz with activity.

Just recently, Newark Symphony Hall played host to a

daylong conference on reimagining its future. What became

clear through the day is the unmistakable rebirth of Newark

at night. There can no longer be any doubt. Newark is alive

and kicking up its heels at night and on the weekends.

For quite some time, the Newark Museum and Symphony Hall

were in a lonely vanguard. There was little life in the

downtown core and Newark's lingering reputation from years

past did not help. Too many office workers raced out of the

city at night, almost never touching city sidewalks because

of the hermetically sealed tubes between the towers, the

parking decks and Penn Station.

Happily, though, much has changed in the last decade. Like

Cleveland and Pittsburgh, two similar cities formerly down on

their luck, we have seen real change in Newark and it is

exciting to be a part of it.

Since opening night, NJPAC has attracted some 6 million

visitors, the vast majority in the evening and on weekends.

As we like to say, ``That's 6 million people coming to the

building that wasn't going to be built in the city that no

one was going to come to.''

Similarly, since opening less than two years ago,

Prudential Center has drawn nearly 3 million visitors to

Newark, virtually all at night or on the weekend. As we like

to say, ``That's 3 million people coming to the Rock that

couldn't be built in a city that no one would dare come to.''

In fact, even in the worst economy in three generations,

Devils attendance is up almost 15 percent from their best

year in the Meadowlands. Perhaps more important is how long

their fans are staying--on average over an hour longer than

they did at the Meadowlands. That means they are dining at

Newark restaurants and spending more time--and money--in the

city.

Newark Symphony Hall is poised to experience a resurgence.

The recent conference was a promising start. Its vibrancy is

essential to enlivening the south Broad Street end of Newark

and creating stability for not only the visitors, but for the

people who reside in the neighborhood as well.

This bodes well for the housing and commercial development

that is picking up steam and for continued economic

investment in this part of the city. If Newark is to sustain

its momentum, the entire length of Broad Street must become

the centerpiece of significant redevelopment to elevate

Newark to the next level of visitor interest.

Combined, last year nearly 2 million visitors came to spend

an evening in Newark attending events at the three venues.

But there is more we must achieve.

In Cleveland, for example there are now six successful

theaters in Playhouse Square and the Quicken Arena brought

LeBron James and the Cavaliers from the suburbs to the city.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has enticed tourism from far

beyond Cleveland. What was once a desolate downtown is now

delightful. Hotels, office development and retail followed.

That's what we are aiming for in Newark. We have world-

class facilities. We have fine restaurants--many of them

brand new and participating in Newark's second annual

restaurant week this month--and entertainment venues that dot

the area around NJPAC and the Prudential Center, but we are

not finished.

Cities are meant to be filled with all kinds of people

coming together to celebrate, relax, revel and enjoy one

another. That's now happening big time in Newark today. And

that's very good news for all of us in New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, the American people voted for change last November. My New Jersey constituents voted for change. Now we have a historic opportunity to bring about change as we deal with one of the Nation's most daunting challenges, the need for health care reform for over 46 million uninsured men, women and children throughout our Nation. In addition, we need to help working people and middle class people who in many cases have to pay huge out-of-pocket expenses or have been dropped when facing serious medical conditions.

This debate has been going on for six decades, and the time for action has come. Here in the House of Representatives we have already held 79 hearings on health insurance reform in just over 2 years. We cannot put this problem off indefinitely.

I urge those who stand in the way of progress to either step aside or to join us in coming up with a solution to help mend a broken system.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my thanks to my colleagues, Chairwoman Nita Lowey and Congressman Earl Blumenauer, for their tireless work over the years to make safe drinking water and basic sanitation more accessible to the world's poor.

In recent years, we have strengthened the United States commitment to this cause not only by increasing the amount of moneys for safe water and drinking water and sanitation, but also making sure that these moneys are appropriately spent in the proper countries, in line with the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005.

The continual increase in funding has allowed USAID to hire new technical staff with drinking water and sanitation expertise, to leverage host government involvement, to increase matching funds available to NGOs, and to conduct a range of tested and pilot approaches to increase water and sanitation coverage in individual host countries. It is essential that we continue on this upward trajectory, and I applaud Congresswoman Lowey for making an additional $25 million available for this effort.

Water and sanitation have increasingly played a major role in how individuals interact with one another and how governments govern. Today, approximately 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and an estimated 2.6 billion people live in environments where they do not have access to proper toilet facilities and human waste cannot be properly disposed of.

Chronic water scarcity has fueled instability and hinders economic and social development. In such places as Zimbabwe, Mexico and Gaza, the lack of access to safe drinking water has had detrimental ramifications for the people who live there. For example, over 1.6 million people die every year from easily preventable diseases, and 90 percent of the children are under 5.

I certainly commend Congresswoman Lowey, and I would like to say that is why Congressman Blumenauer and I introduced the Paul Simon bill, and I urge its support.

The lack of access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation affects everything from how food is grown and prepared to the ability of girls and young women to attend school. Water and sanitation is an obvious issue of health but also one of dignity, physical safety and development.

In 2002, the world's leaders gathered together and pledged to halve the proportion, by 2015, of people who lack access to clean water and basic sanitation. The U.S. Congress took this pledge and passed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005. We made the pledge to bring safe and affordable drinking water to the world's poor. Since its enactment in 2005, the U.S. has been able to bring inexpensive potable water to millions of people. While some parts of the world are on track to halve the percent of people who lack access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, some regions like Africa are behind schedule. That is why Congressman Earl Blumenauer and I introduced the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009. This bill is calling for the U.S. Government to elevate the pledge we made in 2002 to a diplomatic and policy priority. It would create offices within the Department of State and USAID and would increase the level of U.S. Government cooperation with local and NGO partners. Most importantly, it would bring first-time access to safe drinking water to an additional 100 million people.

As we, in Congress, debate the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act which will rebuild our diplomatic and development activities, strengthen national security and combat terrorism and address global HIV/AIDS, let us not forget that safe drinking water and sanitation are key to the achievement of these other goals. I thank Chairwoman Lowey for recognizing this crucial fact and increasing our commitment an additional $25 million to $335 million.

Madam Speaker, today I rise on behalf of the 1 billion people who live on less than $1.25 a day and who will most acutely feel the impacts of climate change.

At first glance, climate change is a lot about numbers--temperature rise of 2 degrees, 450 parts per million, a 25-40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, one percent of allowances. The list goes on.

However, climate change is more than science and numbers. At the end of the day, climate change is about people. Climate change is happening far more rapidly than first thought. For the world's poor the climate crisis is not looming on the horizon. It is happening today. The impacts are hitting the world's poorest first and worst--those least responsible for climate change.

Poor communities--individuals eking out an existence on less than $1.25 a day--are the hardest hit and have the fewest resources to adapt. Harsher climate conditions mean these vulnerable communities are facing more severe, more frequent, and more intense floods, droughts, and cyclones--leading to natural disasters and major disruptions in agricultural growing seasons. Climate change is increasing malnutrition as agricultural productivity declines. In Africa, agricultural productivity is predicted to decrease by as much as 50 percent over the next decade. A quarter billion people will be facing water scarcity. The United States will not be isolated from these events. If left unabated, the spillover caused by climate change will be visited upon U.S. shores.

As resources like water and arable land become scarcer, outbreaks of conflict, mass migration, and refugee crises will rise. A recent report released by CARE, UN University, and Columbia University's Center for International Earth Science Information Network reveals that climate change is expected to spur human migration and displacement on a scale never before seen. According to the International Organization for Migration, as many as 200 million climate migrants may be forced to cross borders by 2050.

One man from Niger interviewed for the study said: ``I have been suffering from the rain water shortage, which made the river very shallow and decreased my fish production, which had negative implications on my income. If the situation does not improve, I might leave for another country like some of my friends and relatives did; they left for Nigeria and Burkina Faso and settled there.'' Left unchecked, climate change will force him, and hundreds of thousands like him, to migrate from home.

These negative impacts will be even greater on women and girls. As primary family caretakers, food providers, and health care providers, women will be forced to walk further to fetch ever scarcer water. They will have to work harder to squeeze a harvest out of the earth to feed their families. As the burden increases, children will be pulled out of school--the girl child will undoubtedly be first.

Passing this bill is imperative. It begins our journey of tackling climate change. It begins to assist poor communities in their efforts to adapt to climate impacts. The challenge of climate change is not insurmountable. We know adaptation works--and it can be fairly simple-- though it can also require substantial resources. Development assistance organizations like Oxfam and CARE are allies in this struggle. For example, Oxfam is working with communities in El Salvador to plant mangroves as a natural coastal buffer to protect against severe storms. CARE is partnering with women in Bangladesh who identified duck rearing as a viable adaptive alternative to rearing chickens, since chickens were getting wiped out in increasing flood disasters.

The reality for poor vulnerable communities on the receiving end of the effects of climate change is that the situation is dire. The least developed countries face the brunt of the impacts but contribute less than half a percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is not something of the future, the impacts are already happening. For over 100 of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, international adaptation will be the key that unlocks their commitment to a global agreement on climate change.

Climate change is a study of injustice--those hardest hit by climate change are the least responsible for it. As a global leader, the U.S. has a critical role to play: our leadership can help bring other countries along--we simply cannot tackle climate change alone. As a global problem, climate change requires a global solution based on a shared sense of community. That solution starts here with this bill.

My esteemed colleagues, I call upon you to pass this bill that will begin to provide President Obama with some of the tools he needs to conclude a global climate agreement. While we might focus on the numbers in this bill, let us remember that this issue is really about people everywhere. People matter. The poor matter. Their livelihoods matter. Their survival matters. This bill marks a historic beginning of putting the U.S. back in the fore of global leadership on climate change. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Floyd and Alma Bostick on their 60th wedding anniversary. A celebration in their honor is being held on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.

Floyd Bostick, Jr. and the former Alma Lorraine Webb were married in Atlanta, Georgia on March 28, 1949. This blessed union produced three children, nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. The Bosticks made their home in Newark before moving to Westfield, New Jersey in 1966. Mr. Bostick retired from the Newark Police Department where he was the founder of the Bronze Shields. Mrs. Bostick retired from the United States Immigrations Department as a Special Agent. They still work as entrepreneurs with a specialty in exquisitely designed jewelry.

Mr. and Mrs. Bostick are wonderful, loving people and they celebrate their faith at the St. John's Baptist Church in Scotch Plains where Mrs. Bostick is the President of the Women's Guild Ministry. This couple embodies the spirit of matrimony and serves as role models for younger couples who are striving to have long successful marriages.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in letting Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Alma Bostick's family, friends and congregation know that their 60th anniversary is indeed a cause for celebration.