Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me today to pass S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. This bill is a compilation of over 160 bills intended to protect millions of acres of wilderness and miles of national wild and scenic rivers. It will also establish three new national park units, four new national trails and more. The Lifetime Innovations of Thomas Edison (LITE) Act, which is part of the omnibus legislation, honors the life and accomplishments of New Jersey's own Thomas Edison.

The Lifetime Innovations of Thomas Edison Act (LITE) Act is a testament to Edison whose impact is still being felt today. Congress, in 1928, honored Edison with the Congressional Gold Medal for the ``development and application of inventions that have revolutionized civilization in the last century.'' In 1997, Life magazine named Edison ``Man of the Millennium'' in recognition of his inventions that have transformed modern society, including the incandescent light bulb, the motion picture camera, and the phonograph. The LITE Act will preserve the intellectual and physical accomplishments of Thomas Edison by commemorating his lifetime achievements; re-designating the Edison National Historic Site, located in West Orange, NJ, my Congressional district, as a National Historic Park; and authorizing appropriations to support the site.

The Edison site is actually comprised of two separate sites--Edison's home of 45 years (known as Glenmont) and his laboratory complex. The Edison site houses over five million pages of documents, over 400,000 artifacts, approximately 35,000 sound recordings, and over 10,000 books from Edison's personal library. Like this priceless collection of documents and artifacts, Edison's laboratory complex and home are also historical treasures. With buildings dating back to 1887, the laboratory complex was one of America's first research and development facilities, and is where Edison earned over half of his 1,093 patents. Moreover, Mr. Edison's gravesite is located on the grounds of his beloved Glenmont, a twenty-nine room home built in 1880 that contains original furnishings and other family items.

The LITE Act is critical to efforts to protect the Thomas Edison National Historic Site. The Edison site has enormous historical significance for America and for the world, and is badly in need of restoration. The need for major infrastructure improvements at the Edison site has been documented as early as 1972. Additionally, the site was listed, in 1992, by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the nation's most ``endangered historic places.'' The laboratory complex is currently closed to the public because of an extensive restoration effort. It is estimated that the first phase of the restoration effort will conclude this April and that the laboratory complex will open for public preview some time this summer. Renovations at Glenmont have been completed and the site is open to the public and fully functioning. Plans also exist for a second phase of the restoration project. Currently, National Park Service (NPS) staff are housed in historic buildings under less than ideal circumstances. The second phase will focus on getting NPS staff out of the historic buildings and into office space that better supports their critical mission of preserving Edison's historical legacy.

When the Edison site was fully operational, approximately 95,000 people visited the site each year. It is estimated that the number of visitors will nearly triple when the first phase of the restoration project is completed. The LITE Act would ensure this commitment by re- designating the Edison site as a ``national historical park'' (consistent with National Park Service guidelines) and authorizing appropriations for restoration work. These measures will preserve Thomas Edison's historical legacy, enhance the educational experience of visitors to the site, and hopefully, encourage more private funding for restoration projects.

Although private benefactors--most notably the Edison Preservation Foundation--have generously donated significant resources to restore the site, the federal government's long-term commitment to the site is critical to its longevity and educational mission. This legislation recognizes Thomas Edison's numerous contributions to American society and preserves the Edison National Historic Site as a leading educational, scientific and cultural center.

S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 is a sweeping piece of legislation that will conserve millions of acres of America's splendor for future generations. The Lifetime Innovations of Thomas Edison Act is a small component of the bill but will provide great educational and entertainment opportunities for the people of New Jersey and others who will visit this historic gem. I respectfully urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most serious challenges facing our Nation is the need for health care reform to ensure access to quality and affordable health care for all families.

It is shocking that nearly 46 million Americans in the United States have no health care coverage. Unless we act, estimates from the Congressional Budget Office warn that the number of Americans without health insurance will grow to about 54 million during the next 10 years.

In meeting with health care professionals and with my constituents in New Jersey, everyone agrees that changes in our current system are needed. Congress has already taken some important steps. Working with President Obama, we have enacted into law a much-needed expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, to ensure that the 7 seven million children who currently participate in the program continue to receive coverage.

We also worked to provide $20 billion in crucial funding in the economic recovery package to modernize our health care system through the adoption of health information technology.

Mr. Speaker, we want to see these moves continue.

Mr. Speaker, over the last 8 years, the Bush administration turned our budget situation from rosy to grim. President Bush and the Republican Congress pushed their economic policies as an answer to the prolonged growth that never came. They let budget rules lapse and enacted expensive tax cuts for the wealthiest few, with no offsets.

Now it turns out, instead of spurring long-term growth, these trickle-down policies have cost our Nation dearly. Our economy nationwide and in my home State of New Jersey is in worse shape than ever.

As a result of the economic deterioration that occurred under President Bush's policy, the projected deficit for fiscal year 2009 has reached an unprecedented $1.2 trillion. This deficit did not arise overnight, and out of the blue. President Bush inherited a healthy $5.6 trillion surplus.

And so, Mr. Speaker, we need to bring our country back to fiscal responsibility.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this very important recognition of Black History Month. And let me thank Congressman Al Green in particular for bringing H.R. 83, which recognizes the significance of Black History Month, to the House floor.

Over 80 years ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the men of Omega Psi Phi created Negro History and Literature Week, which called upon the black community to study black history and literature as well as raise awareness about our community's contributions to American history. At that time, the seed was planted. The movement that grew out of the black churches, colleges, schools and community centers flowered in the designation by President Jimmy Carter of February as Black History Month.

For over 30 years, the Nation, and particularly the black community, has used February as a time to shine a light on the achievements that African Americans at every level have made to our community, our Nation, and to the world. The contributions that African Americans have made to the creation and evolution of our Nation, while sometimes glossed over, are so intricately interwoven in the American fabric. To know American history, one must know black history; they go hand in hand. Far too often black history has been watered down to disconnected factoids and pieces of trivia or quick mentions in our schools' history books. We, as a Nation, lost sight of the fact that the accomplishments of African Americans are not ones of disjointed milestones, but ones that have been innumerable, continuous, enduring and diversified.

Dr. John Hope Franklin once recalled a conversation he had with Dr. Woodson where the latter wished for a time----

Where the history of African Americans would be made an integral part of American history.

Well, let me conclude by saying that, in New Jersey, we have been able to have legislation called the Amistad bill, A1301, that incorporates the history of African Americans into the history books and has a commission--it was a bill that was introduced by Senator Bill Payne in 2002--and the history of African Americans is now to be interwoven into the regular history of our Nation. And that's where we should strive for the day where we will not have a separate African American history month, but that the accomplishments of African Americans would be interwoven into our history books.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to recognize the Honorable Betty J. Lester for her many years of service to the community and to congratulate her upon her historic retirement from the Essex County Superior Court bench. I would like to express my personal thanks and voice the gratitude of the many people for whom she has paved the path and set standards of excellence.

Judge Lester holds the distinction of being the first African American female judge in Essex County and the second African American female judge to be appointed to the superior court bench in New Jersey. As a trailblazing woman of color, Judge Lester has built a great legacy in her 32 years of service to the city of Newark, Essex County, and the State of New Jersey.

Judge Lester has served on many committees of the Supreme Court including the Committee to Study New Jersey Bar Admission, the Committee on Municipal Courts, the Task Force on Women in the Courts, the Task Force on Municipal Improvement, and the Task Force on Minority Concerns. She has been a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Essex County Bar Association, and the National Association of Women Judges. On the national level, Judge Lester was appointed as a commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Judge Lester is an excellent role model for women and minorities in the law 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 in wishing her a wonderful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, in commemorating Black History Month this year, it is certainly fitting that the members of the Congressional Black Caucus have chosen to honor unsung heroes, since all of us know men and women in our communities who are laboring tirelessly to improve the quality of life for others while seeking no recognition for themselves.

Let me begin by commending the new Member to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Fudge, for her outstanding work in the short period of time that she has been in the caucus.

As you know, she replaced the Congresswoman from Cleveland, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, whose untimely death left a big hole in our heart and the Congressional Black Caucus. But we are very pleased to welcome her, and she is starting with a sprint. And her experience as a former mayor and active in civic and government affairs throughout her life have prepared her for this task. And so it's a pleasure to share this hour with you.

As we mentioned, it's only fitting and proper that we recognize unsung heroes because there are so many in our community, all through the history of African Americans, whether it was the Underground Railroad, whether it was people at the battle of Bunker Hill, Peter Salem, who killed Major Pitcairn who led the Boston Massacre. We could go on through history, that so many African Americans were unsung heroes, many whose names never appear in our history books.

And we have these living legends today in our community, and that's why I think it's so important that we have an opportunity to mention a few of them in our own district. My district, the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey, encompassing parts of 22 towns and three counties. I will focus on several who live in the City of Newark and Irvington, those who have devoted their time and energy to lifting others up and truly performing labors of love in communities in our Nation.

Our community activist who have had a significant positive impact on my home City of Newark and surrounding communities for a period spanning over 30 years, is a dedicated human rights activist, Larry Hamm, whom I've known and had the privilege of knowing since he was a high school student as a very young man.

He has been described as a forceful and articulate spokesperson for educational needs and aspirations for the students in the City of Newark. And, as a matter of fact, he was appointed to the Newark School Board when he was only a high school student himself, and transformed the local Board of Education to listening to the needs and the ideas of young people. Those who were supposed to be served by the Board of Education and felt they were not being served had an active voice on the School Board. He graduated from Arts High School in Newark, even achieved an outstanding record as a long distance runner, once again, showing the endurance that he even learned as a young person.

He then went to Princeton University. And at Princeton he did not sit on his laurels. He actually organized a student protest against the oppressive system of apartheid in South Africa, successfully arguing that Princeton had a moral obligation to divest its financial interests in that Nation. As you may recall, there was the question of divestiture in South Africa's P.W. Botha-led apartheid government, and there was a move afoot to have governments, institutions of higher learning, other kinds of foundations divest their funds in companies that did business in South Africa. And by having that economic stranglehold on the finances going into South Africa, that was one of the weapons that helped bring down that evil system of apartheid that strangled people of color in South Africa. And Larry convinced the Board of Trustees at Princeton University to divest from South Africa.

After earning his degree, Mr. Hamm returned to Newark and became active in local politics. A district leader and President of the 24th Assembly District, he was the founder and director of the People's Energy Cooperative, a community fuel oil cooperative. As you know, cooperatives tend to help people make affordable the cost of energy, and he did an outstanding job in that position.

Then he served as director of the Community Organization Program of the United Church of Christ, the Commission for Racial Justice. Along with Reverend Ben Chavis, he organized a voters registration drive in Alabama during the 1980s.

He is also known locally for his work this organizing the People's Organization for Progress, called POP, an independent, grass roots political organization that is active in Newark and the northern part of New Jersey. Under Mr. Hamm's leadership, the group works to build unity among community organizations, from promoting access to quality education and affordable health care. He currently is supporting H.R. 676, the universal health care legislation, to protesting racial profiling and police brutality where he's been extremely active in cases in the local communities. He says that a people united can never be defeated, and he says that if there is no justice there can be no peace. And he continually raises the question of police brutality and excessive use of police authority.

He is a wonderful, committed young man. He's always been in the forefront of the struggle for justice and equality. As a matter of fact, most recently, he arranged for five buses to bring 300 New Jersey residents to Washington, D.C. so that they could experience the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. As a matter of fact, he had to come down early because he wanted to be sure that all 300 people had Metro cards. Thinking ahead, he said, rather than have them wait in line that day, he took another day off to come down and had to then purchase them to bring them back so that when his group got here, they were able to proceed in an orderly fashion.

We're all certainly proud of Larry Hamm, and we wish him well in his pursuit of equality for all.

All of us know individuals who are literally doing the Lord's work, and that is pastors and church volunteers who reach out to meet both the material and spiritual needs of those they serve. There are many, many great pastors in our communities, as we know. But there's one young one that I would just like to mention, his name is Reverend Ron Christian, who is pastor of Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington, New Jersey in the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey.

Reverend Christian inspires all of those who find their way to his church with his message of compassion, forgiveness, spiritual renewal and optimism. He holds a special appeal for the young and the dispossessed, coaxing former gang members to give up destructive pasts and, instead, fulfill their God-given potential. Reverend Christian welcomes all with open arms. And he has said that his philosophy is, come as you are; let God worry about the rest.

As a matter of fact, our court system depends on Reverend Ron, because they allow him to run a community service program for young men and teenagers who have had problems with the law. But they send them to Reverend Ron's church to do community service. And he has taken so many young men and has turned them around. Each Sunday, many, many young men come, and women, to give their life to God, who have said they're turning their life around because of how Reverend Ron has inspired them.

He's just a wonderful young man. And not only does he do work here in the local community, but he's gone overseas to Africa, to Liberia, where he's had projects to help over there.

He's just an exciting young man, and he said he's finally pleased that he is performing more weddings than funerals of young people because, as we know in our communities, there is an unbelievable carnage of young people with gun violence. But he is turning so many of those young lives around.

As we talk about these two young men, let me talk about a remarkable woman in my community, Ms. Eddiemae Livingston. Now, Ms. Livingston, you would think that she was as young as Reverend Ron and Larry Hamm, but she was born in 1919 so she is a little bit older.

Ms. Livingston, if you're looking, you said it was all right for me to mention your age once before so I remembered that. And you are a remarkable, 90-year old, and the work that you continue to do is amazing.

It's hard to believe that Ms. Livingston will be 90 this summer. Actually I pushed it up a couple of months because she remains interested and active every day. Early in her professional career she worked for the Federal Government providing family allowances to soldiers families. She wanted to move to Newark but initially was prevented from transferring because of discriminatory laws. After the NAACP intervened, she was able to move to Newark in 1942 where she worked for the Office of Dependents Benefits. Her community service includes working as a counselor for unwed mothers. She worked at various social agencies until retiring from the City of Newark in 1992.

She holds two life memberships and two golden heritage memberships with the NAACP. In addition, Ms. Livingston has been honored for her work at Hopewell Baptist Church, Reverend Geis, where she actually sends donations to students from her church to simply help them with their books and things of that nature. She just has such a big heart.

The North Jersey unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs and the City of Newark has recognized her. Our community was pleased when the Mayor of Newark declared July 13, 2004, as Eddiemae Livingston Day.

Ms. Livingston now devotes much of her time to the unit complex where she lives. And she's active in the tenants council. She was an active supporter of President Barack Obama and was thrilled at his historic election.

She was also a volunteer at the local YM/YWCA where I ran a program for young people when I was teaching. And she volunteered to be a counselor to one of the Tri-Hi-Y clubs at that time. So she is just a wonderful person. I wish her another several decades of outstanding work.

Finally, another outstanding woman who I am pleased to call a friend is Gloria Hopkins Buck, who has dedicated her life to working tirelessly to improve the quality of life in our community. She is well-respected and well-loved for her accomplishments over the years as a leader in service to community, arts, culture, professional and educational organizations, primarily located in the Newark metropolitan area.

Ms. Buck worked for over 25 years with the Newark Public Schools as a licensed clinical social worker and was

among the first nationally to become certified as a School Social Work Specialist. In her early years she was a supervisor of Adoptive and Protective Services, which is now the Division of Youth and Family Services in our State.

Ms. Buck is a former Public Relations Consultant with Rochelle Jones & Associates. She is a founder and former president of First Friday Group, Incorporated, a 20-year old corporate business designed to facilitate networking and socializing among African American entrepreneurs and professionals.

Ms. Buck has served as a Trustee to the Newark Museum Association since 1978, and is presently vice president of the board and a member of the executive committee. She has initiated projects that increase community participation in museum programs and exhibitions. As chairperson of the Community Gifts for the Museum's 1989 Master Plan Campaign, Mrs. Buck helped raise $50,000 in the Black community in 2 days.

She has delivered important testimony before the legislature on behalf of the Newark Museum, one of the prides of our city, one of the most outstanding museums in the country, where people now from New York City come to visit the Newark Museum, and that's really an achievement.

And Mary Sue Sweeney Price, who is the director, has done such a fantastic job, with the help of people like Ms. Gloria Buck. And the overall importance of the arts in culture and contemporary life is something that Gloria Buck continues to push.

Ms. Buck is also a 1976 charter member and chairperson of the Newark Museum's Newark Black Film Festival Selection Committee. Celebrating 35 years, the film festival has been acclaimed the best and longest running festival of its kind in the country. Ms. Buck will serve as co- Chair for the Newark Museum Centennial Committee.

One of the highlights of Ms. Buck's contribution to the arts in Newark and the State of New Jersey was her appointment in 1988 by Governor Tom Kean to the Literacy in the Arts Task Force, a 16-member panel charged with developing a comprehensive plan for arts education within the State's public school system. Many social and civic organizations have been the recipient of Ms. Buck's membership.

She has given 25 years of service as a vice president and member of the board of trustees of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark, and currently serves on the Leadership Council. She led the effort that resulted in the historic decision to legally make girls a part of the Boys Clubs of Newark.

Ms. Buck cofounded the Annual Wine Tasting to benefit the clubs, which has been held for over 20 years. She was a 1982 charter and founding member of the board of directors, New Jersey Coalition of 100 Black Women. For 25 years, Ms. Buck was a member of the governing body of the board of trustees of the New Jersey State Opera. In 2003, she was appointed a commissioner of the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission for a 3-year term by the then mayor of Newark.

Ms. Buck is the recipient of many honors and awards for her work in the Newark community. In most recent years, she was awarded the 2001 Sojourner Truth Award by the Essex County chapter of the National Association of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., and was honored Woman of the Year by the National Council of Negro Women, the Newark chapter. In 2005, she received the Newark Museum's Commemorative Medal Award for Distinguished Service. In 2007, Ms. Buck received the Newark Boys and Girls Clubs' Champion of Youth Award, honoring her outstanding commitment to our youth, community and the club.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring these devoted volunteers who are the glue helping to hold our communities together and the light helping our neighborhoods to shine. We appreciate their service, and in that spirit, we pause this evening to say thanks to all you do. It has been a pleasure to have an opportunity to just shine the light on four individuals who happen to brighten the corner where they are.

Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans across the country, including many in my home State of New Jersey, are losing their jobs, their homes, and their health care. The economists agree that unless Congress acts to stem the tide of unemployment and the disappearing jobs, the American economy will continue to decline.

Chad Stone from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said, ``There is no time to waste.'' Mark Zandi, an economist who was an adviser to Senator McCain's Presidential campaign, said the economic downturn is likely to ``intensify further unless policymakers respond aggressively.'' John Ogg from the ``24/7 Wall Street'' warns the economy ``is going to get worse, much worse'' without this legislation. An economist from California State University said ``without the stimulus package, the downside of this economy won't be arrested.''

Economists are united in the need for this Congress to act boldly and quickly. We must pass an economic stimulus recovery package immediately so that we can begin the long process of turning this economy around and ending the pain so many Americans are feeling all over our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Taiwan on the occasion of their National Day on October 10. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am pleased to send my best wishes to our friends in Taiwan.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is our ally in the Pacific. Although it is a small island nation, it has a growing and progressive economy, providing its citizens with quality education, health care and affordable housing. Also, with its well-educated population, Taiwan is an ideal place for business entrepreneurship. Much of Taiwan's economic prowess is directly attributable to Taiwan's political system.

A vibrant democracy, Taiwan's history of democratization is an important example of how other countries can change. In a little more than two decades, Taiwan has peacefully transformed its political system, from authoritarianism to democratic government, providing a role model for other non-democratic political governments in Asia. Taiwan's successful democratic experience proves that democracy can thrive on Chinese soil.

We hope that in the years ahead, Taiwan and China will reach a rapprochement of sorts. Cross-strait relations are improving every day: There are now charter flights from Taiwan to the mainland, relaxation of China-bound investments, more visas for mainland tourists, and more exchange in many areas. Taiwan's new president Ma Ying-jeou is committed to pursue reconciliation and truce with the People's Republic. President Ma looks for peace and co-prosperity with the People's Republic.

Congratulations to the people of Taiwan and a warm welcome to Ambassador Jason Yuan. Ambassador Yuan is a distinguished career diplomat and will represent his country well.

Madam Speaker, this week marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most important public health achievements in U.S. history-- the chlorination of drinking water. On September 26, 1908, Jersey City, New Jersey began operating a treatment plant at the Boonton reservoir, becoming the first U.S. city to use chlorination to help bring safe drinking water to the homes of its citizens.

Jersey City's groundbreaking work led to dramatic reductions in waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera. Other cities rapidly adopted chlorination, and by 1918, over 1000 cities were using this lifesaving technology to treat more than 3 billion gallons of water each day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, by the middle of the 20th century, drinking water disinfection had helped to virtually eliminate cholera and typhoid fever; diseases that once killed thousands of Americans each year. This has contributed to a dramatic 60 percent increase in U.S. life expectancy since 1900. LIFE magazine has called the drinking water filtration plus the use of chlorine ``the most significant public health advancement of the millennium.''

As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, I am gratified by the progress we are making in bringing safer water to the continent of Africa. This has been a joint effort by our government, non-profit agencies, and the private sector. Earlier this year, the American Chemistry Council and the U.S. Agency for International Development joined forces to help provide safer drinking water to Ghana, Mali and Niger. The groups announced a new two-year, $1.3 million partnership to implement household drinking water programs in communities facing some of the most severe poverty and health challenges in the world. The USAID programs use chlorine-based disinfection and safe water storage techniques to help reduce waterborne disease and improve quality of life. Working with local partners in each country, the programs are aimed at reaching an estimated three million people over two years. A recent World Health Organization study found that household based chlorination is the most cost-effective way to reduce common waterborne illnesses.

Today we celebrate Jersey City's pioneering contributions to a century of healthier lives. I would like to specifically recognize the employees of United Water Jersey City and all the men and women working today to provide safe drinking water for all of us. We thank them for the fact that due to their efforts, we are so easily able to reach for a glass of safe and refreshing water.

Madam Speaker, before this session of Congress adjourns, I would like to take a moment to ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very special person, Ms. Toby Solomon, who was recently selected as an Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

Over two decades ago, Ms. Solomon formed and chaired an adoption subcommittee in order to address amendments to the New Jersey Adoption Statute and other adoption issues. Based on her prior personal and professional experience, she had become aware that adoption was an area which needed both reform and advocacy. The committee she chaired accomplished the task of writing amendments to the existing adoption legislation and getting the amendments passed by the legislature. The amendments to the Statute brought forth a wide range of new and much- needed concepts to the adoption process. Ms. Solomon also founded and chaired the Children's Rights Committee.

Ms. Solomon has been tireless in her efforts to educate other attorneys and clients about the adoption process. Her many contributions include lecturing on the topic and composing articles on adoption in order to educate both professionals and prospective adoptive parents.

Please join me in congratulating one of our unsung heroines from my home state of New Jersey, Ms. Toby Solomon, on being named an Angel in Adoption for 2008.

Madam Speaker, as Americans everywhere are feeling the effect of President Bush's failed economic policies, Senator John McCain has once again demonstrated that if he wins in November, he will not only continue those same failed policies, but he will expand them to the health care industry.

Just last month, Senator McCain, in an opinion that he wrote, said that the health insurance market should be run more like the banking industry has been during the last decade. Can you imagine that?

As you can imagine, this would be a disaster for American families. By creating a deregulated national marketplace, health insurance companies could sell plans that lack even the most basic consumer protections, creating high out-of-pocket expenses and allowing insurance companies to break promises to pay medical bills.

The latest financial meltdown on Wall Street highlights the need for a government to regulate big business. We need a referee on the field. Not only does Senator McCain disagree with that belief, but he wants to take the referee out of health care, leaving all Americans to fend for themselves.

That's not a change the American people can believe in.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me as I rise to congratulate Union Township, New Jersey, on the celebration of its 200th anniversary.

Union Township plays an integral part in Union County and the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey.

Prior to the establishment of Union Township, that region known as Elizabethtown played a fundamental role in the American Revolution. It was the site of the Battle of Connecticut Farms where the British tried to force their way to Hobart Gap but were denied by the strong and resilient spirit of the Continental Forces. This spirit of determination is a testament to the solid foundation on which Union Township rests.

On the 23d day of November in 1808, the State Legislature of New Jersey designated that Connecticut Farms would be separated from Elizabethtown. This new municipality was to be called Union Township.

Since its inception Union Township has been a cultural hub attracting people from all cultures and backgrounds.

Today, the township is comprised of over 50,000 residents and 27 houses of worship. Every year, Union Township holds several parades where people from different cultures can celebrate their heritage through various parades and festivals. The Township will celebrate the occasion with a parade on October 12, 2008.

Union Township is an intermingling of Colonial American history and contemporary suburban living. In 1976 Union Township achieved the honored designation of being named an All-American City. Just this year, Union Township was. chosen by CNN as one of the top 100 places to live in the country.

Union Township again stands out on the national stage because it is home to the world's tallest water sphere. Residents are also proud of their outstanding higher education institution, Kean University, as well as their excellent elementary and secondary school systems.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Union Township and its residents have every right to be proud of the lasting contributions Union Township has made to the State of New Jersey and to the United States of America. I am pleased to congratulate Union Township on its first 200 years and proud to have a significant part of the township in the 10th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to gas prices, Republicans don't have a record to be proud of. For 8 years, Washington Republicans have favored profits for Big Oil while America is paying record prices at the pump.

House Democrats know this country needs comprehensive energy legislation to bring down gas prices and invest in the energy sources of the future.

This week we will vote on comprehensive legislation that invests in renewable energy sources and responsibly increases domestic supply by opening portions of the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling.

In New Jersey, we want this energy package which will provide real relief for consumers at the pump, help end our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of new jobs, and help transition America to a cleaner, renewable energy future.

Mr. Speaker, just talking about an all-of-the-above plan won't help consumers who are pumping hundreds of dollars into their gas tanks every day. We need to pass a Democratic all-of-the-above plan that will help us solve our energy problems.

Madam Speaker, 7 years ago our Nation was struck. And as we reflect on that infamous day, as a representative of North Jersey, many of the victims came from our State. We responded with our firefighters and first responders who immediately went over to New York through the tunnel, by boat, to assist our brothers and sisters there.

I want to say a special word about one of my constituents, Wanda Green, who was a flight attendant on Flight 93 that left my district, my town of Newark, New Jersey and, as you know, was on its way to the Capitol and was brought down by heroic persons on board that plane.

Wanda Green was a flight attendant who switched with another attendant who asked her to take her flight because she had to do something, and Wanda said, all right.

I visited her two college-age children at that time, and we talked about how courageous she was and that they had to live on and move on in her spirit.

And so we are here to express and reflect on that day. To all the families who were impacted, you have our deep condolences.

Mr. Speaker, Americans everywhere are feeling the pain of 8 years of Republican economic policies. Since President Bush took office in 2001, American taxpayers have witnessed the largest increase in spending under any President since the Great Depression. Thanks to a tax policy that has overwhelmingly favored the wealthiest 1 percent, President Bush has been forced to borrow more money from foreign nations like China and Japan than all 42 of his predecessors combined. Through their recklessness, the Republicans turned a healthy budget surplus left by President Clinton into one of the most dismal economic records in history.

Last week we had another reminder that the Bush economy is not producing any new jobs. In the year 2000, the Clinton economic plan created 1.4 million jobs in the first 8 months of that year. During the same period of this year, President Bush's policies have led to our economy losing over 600,000 jobs.

Middle class workers in my State of New Jersey and around the Nation are not only worried about job security, they are concerned about how to get by, when the median household income has fallen by $1,000 since President Bush took office.

We must change and turn this around.