Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Harry T. Pinchback for his long-time public service and commitment to the Brooklyn community.

A descendant of P.B.S. Pinchback, the first African American to become a state governor, Harry T. Pinchback was born and raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. In his late teens, he moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. He and his wife Peggy have been married for 45 years, and they have a daughter Angela and a grandson named Paris.

``Pinch,'' as he is universally known throughout Brooklyn, graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in Brooklyn and would later attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice for two years.

Before entering public service, Pinch first pursued a career as a professional singer and then as a professional baseball player, where he played left field for the St. Louis Cardinal minor league organization.

Back in Brooklyn, Pinch joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1967. He was the first supervisor of the summer youth program for the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn, which took children on recreational and educational field trips. He was also the first supervisor of the cadet program for the 75th Precinct, which was a training program for those who wanted to enter the police force. Pinch was also the first coordinator of the school crossing guard program for the 75th Precinct.

Additionally, he risked his life on the force in several dangerous situations, working on the narcotics unit in Brooklyn and on undercover assignments throughout New York City.

Pinch was also the first African-American selected to the NYPD softball team and one of the first African-Americans selected to the NYPD football team.

After retiring from the NYPD in 1988, he returned to public service, working as a Special Assistant for Congressman Ed Towns, where he still continues to serve.

Mr. Speaker, Harry T. Pinchback has had a long and distinguished career serving the people of Brooklyn, first as a police officer and then in the Office of Congressman Ed Towns. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Rev. Richard A. Hatcher for his exemplary and distinguished service to his congregation, which has earned him the Thomas R. Fortune Pastor of the Year Award.

Rev. Hatcher was born in Slab Fork, West Virginia to the late Letcher and Eva Hatcher. In 1959, he moved to New York City where he met Susie Clarke, who after an extensive courtship would later become his wife. Their union resulted in three children, Kecia, Nicole and Richard Hatcher, Jr.

While devoutly serving in Christian fellowship at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Rev. Hatcher received the calling to God's ministry. After intensive studies at the Manhattan Bible Institute, he became a licensed minister. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Hatcher was ordained. He furthered his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of New Rochelle.

Rev. Hatcher pastored at Bethenia Baptist Church for 15 years. Through his leadership and with God's blessings, the church was able to acquire adjoining property which led to the expansion and renovation of the church, including the installation of new pews, purchasing a new piano, construction of new office space, and creating a learning room for the youth and a room solely designed for prayer. The renovation also included a complete face-lift of the main sanctuary. Weekly bible study and the ``Hour of Power'' prayer service were instituted to further serve as a spiritual base for Bethenia's members.

Although the loss of his beloved wife, Susie, was devastating, it did not weaken his faith or commitment to his calling. On July 9, 2000, Rev. Hatcher preached his initial sermon as Pastor-Elect of Bethesda Memorial Baptist Church. Although it has been only three years, Rev. Hatcher has proved to be a spiritual leader, teacher and motivator. His accomplishments are already numerous. They include getting the day care functioning again, installing a bathroom in the daycare, enlarging the pastor's office, opening a trustee room, and establishing a music room. Marble floors have been installed in the lobby and several of the church's windows have been replaced and upgraded. The Rev. Hatcher also started a Food for Survival and Food Bank Program as well as a soup kitchen, which feeds up to 150 people.

Mr. Speaker, Rev. Richard A. Hatcher has been an exemplary pastor to his congregation, serving as a spiritual leader and teacher for the community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lena Scarborough-Gates for her commitment to the education of our children.

Lena Scarborough-Gates was born in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Brooklyn College where she received her Bachelor's of Arts Degree and Master's of Arts Degree, both in Early Childhood Education. She was accepted into the Assistant Principal's Internship program, sponsored by the Department of Education where she was awarded four supervisory licenses, Principal, Assistant Principal, Education Administrator and Early Childhood Supervisor. She began work on her doctorate degree at New York University.

Lena started her teaching career at the Emanuel Day Care Kindergarten at Emanuel Baptist Church. She then moved on to become Group Teacher at the Faith Hope and Charity #1. After a few years at Faith Hope and Charity #1, she began her career at the New York City Department of Education, Community School 21 as a kindergarten teacher. At Community School 21, she also served as a first grade teacher, Community School Coordinator and staff developer.

She furthered her professional career by moving to Public School 5 as an Assistant Principal. Later, she would become Principal of Public School 5.

Lena is a member of the Antioch Baptist Church where she serves as the chairperson of the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Antioch Music Ministry. She is a member of the Antioch Community Service Corporation and founder of Caring Educators in Action. She is also a member of the Stuy Park Lion's Club International.

Lena is a member of the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble, which has afforded her to travel throughout the country. The Ebony Ecumenical sings as one of its featured songs, a song written by Dr. James A. Forbes, senior minister of the Riverside Church called ``Love My Children.'' Lena, who has a passion for children, says that this song is a tribute to children everywhere.

Lena is married to James Gates and that union has been blessed with twin sons, Jaime Derrell and Jarrarie Darryl.

Mr. Speaker, Lena Scarborough-Gates has dedicated her professional career to educating our children. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Patricia A. Lee for her achievement in expanding a local business, which has served the Brooklyn community for several years.

Patricia A. Lee was born in Magnolia, NC. She attended E.E. Smith High School in Keanansville, NC, and upon graduation, she continued her education at Norfolk State University. In 1970, she earned a B.S degree in business administration.

Soon afterward, Patricia was employed by Allstate Insurance Company as an injury claims adjuster. After working for Allstate for two years, she joined her family's business, the North Carolina Country Store, in Brooklyn, NY, as vice president of Marketing and Business Operations. Her hard work paid dividends, and in 1988, she expanded the business by opening a restaurant, The Carolina Country Kitchen, which has been in Brooklyn for 13 years. The restaurant is now located in the country store.

Patricia is an active member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jamaica, NY. She has also been involved in numerous community efforts including her membership on the 73rd Community Council and the Bedford Stuyvesant Community Planning Board. Additionally, she is a contributor to several block associations and is very active in her community and neighborhood schools.

Mr. Speaker, Patricia A. Lee has made significant contributions to her community through her entrepreneurial and volunteer activities. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Michael A. Olmeda for his commitment to serving his community through active civic participation.

Since 1990, Michael has been a social and policy advocate in the Brooklyn community, focusing on issues of substance abuse prevention, housing development, and senior citizen advocacy. As a member of prominent local and citywide organizations, he has taken an active role in raising community awareness about the problems facing our community as well as working to solve those problems.

For several years, Michael has worked as Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Darryl C. Towns. Serving as a key member of the Assemblyman's staff, he has played an integral role in implementing many of the Assemblyman's annual community service programs, such as the senior conference, the community service awards program, the turkey drive, and the annual toy drive.

As a child, Michael grew up around politics in the Bronx, with his mother's active involvement in Community Schools District 9 politics. As a teenager, he worked with a local group called the National Association for Puerto Rican Affairs (NAPRA), where he learned his way around campaigns, stuffing envelopes, working poll sites, and getting to know the political structure of the Bronx. After a brief tour of service with the U.S. Army, Mike came back to the Bronx to work as a butcher. Realizing this was not his professional calling, he moved to the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, where he met Senator Ada L. Smith. Involved with politics again, Mike's first Brooklyn campaign was with Councilman Martin Malave Dilan.

Since then, he has continued to grow within the political community, managing campaigns for many prominent local and statewide officials. Most recently, he worked on the McCall for Governor and the Fernando Ferrer for Mayor campaign. A recent graduate of Long Island University, Mike hopes one day to work with local community based organizations, implementing programs that demonstrate the importance of computer literacy in our community. Michael has been married to his wife Cecelia for the past 20 years and they have four beautiful children Steven, Racquel, Travis, and Mikey.

Mr. Speaker, Michael A. Olmeda has served his community admirably through both his professional life and volunteer activities. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lewis A. Watkins, Sr. for his dedication to serving his community and the City of New York.

For almost 30 years, Lewis has worked for the City of New York in a variety of administrative positions. During most of that time, he has also dedicated himself to serving Community Planning Board #3 in Bedford Stuyvesant, which represents the largest African-American community in New York City.

Educated, diligent and committed, he was promoted from Youth Coordinator for the district to District Manager of Community Board #3. Mr. Watkins' primary role is to coordinate the delivery of city services and to advise a Board of 50 members who are appointed by the Brooklyn Borough President and City Council Members. In this capacity, he works with residents, block associations, community-based and civic organizations, businesses, and churches in order to best serve the neighborhood. For issues in Bedford Stuyvesant relating to housing, seniors, health care, parks, child welfare, day care, education, transportation, police, fire, environmental protection and economic development, Lewis is the main source of information for the City and plays a key role in solving problems for the community related to these areas.

Lewis received his Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education with a Minor in Urban Policy Science from State University of New York at Stony Brook University. He taught high school for several years but realizes now that city government has been his true calling.

In retrospect, he also realizes that his inspiration for community services came from his role models, his mother, Bernice Watkins and his maternal grandmother.

Mr. Speaker, Lewis A. Watkins has been a dedicated public servant to his community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Darlene Mealy for her commitment to public service and dedication to serving her community.

Darlene Mealy was one of eight children born to Edward and Louise Mealy, in Detroit, MI. She was raised in Brooklyn, NY, and would later attend school at Manhattan Borough Community College. While living on Herkimer St. in 1987, she formed a softball team named the ``Bullets,'' which won three straight championships. Since then, Darlene decided she wanted to be in a position where she would be able to give back to the community that gave her so much.

She is the founder and president of FARR (Fulton St./Atlantic Ave./ Ralph./Rochester Ave.) Community Association, Inc. FARR has helped forge tighter community bonds and a stronger voice. FARR's successes include removing drug dealers from street corners, beautifying the neighborhood, and saving eight members' homes from demolition, which was planned for by the Fulton Park Urban Renewal Plan. Under her leadership, FARR also has been credited with programs for our youth, such as boys' and girls' basketball and girls' step teams, which she has coached for three years.

Her community involvement also extends to her service on the executive board of the Bishop Henry B. Hucles Episcopal Nursing Home, providing an essential service to frail, elderly and physically challenged community residents. She is the corresponding secretary for the 81st Precinct Community Council and a member of the Christ Memorial Church in Brooklyn. She was the former secretary of Unity Democratic Club as well. She credits her mother as her role model in learning values that she lives by today.

Professionally, Darlene has worked for the New York City Transit for 13 years. She now works in the Department of Buses and Technical Services. She is on the executive board of Neighborhood Housing Services that gives homeowners low and moderate loans to improve their homes.

Mr. Speaker, Darlene Mealy's commitment, leadership, innovation, and motivation have brought about a positive change in the neighborhood and community she serves diligently. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, the International Sikh Organization held its annual convention on the weekend of October 10-11-12, 2003, in Houston. The convention laid plans for the expansion of the movement to free Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that declared its independence on October 7, 1987.

The convention was attended by many delegates from all around the United States and Canada. They made plans to expand their office in Washington, which has been an invaluable resource to us here in Congress in getting out information about the oppression of the Sikhs and other minorities by the Indian government. This is good to see. The glow of freedom still burns brightly in the hearts of these Sikh leaders.

The delegates also congratulated Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the International Sikh Organization and the Council of Khalistan, for his tireless work in support of the interests of Sikhs in this country and the cause of freedom for Khalistan. I can say from my personal experience that Dr. Aulakh has worked for that cause with great dedication for several years and he has provided a lot of information to those of us in Congress who are interested in the cause of human rights and freedom in South Asia.

Mr. Speaker, I would simply like to take this opportunity to salute the International Sikh Organization on a very successful convention and wish it continued success in the future. We can support its efforts to bring freedom to the Sikh people, as well as the other captive nations of South Asia such as Nagaland, Kashmir, and others, by stopping American aid and trade with India until human rights are observed and by declaring our support for a fair plebiscite under international monitoring on the question of independence.

I would like to place the ISO's press release on its very successful convention into the Record at this time.

Annual Convention on Khalistan Very Successful--Plans To Strengthen

Office Formulated

Washington, D.C., October 14, 2003--The annual convention

of the International Sikh Organization on Khalistan was very

successful. Delegates from all around the United States and

Canada attended. The convention was held October 10-11-12 in

Houston, Texas.

The convention recognized Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh,

President of the International Sikh Organization and the

Council of Khalistan, for his dedication, vision,

persistence, and commitment to the cause of liberating

Khalistan, the independent Sikh homeland declared on October

7, 1987. Since then, it has been under Indian occupation.

When India became independent, Sikhs were equal partners in

the transfer of power and were to receive their own state,

but the weak and ignorant Sikh leaders of the time were

tricked into staying with India on the promise that they

would have ``the glow of freedom'' and no law affecting the

Sikhs would pass without their consent. Sikhs ruled an

independent and sovereign Punjab from 1710 to 1716 and again

from 1765 to 1849. No Sikh representative has ever signed

the Indian constitution. The Council of Khalistan is the

government pro tempore of Khalistan.

At the convention Dr. Bakshish Singh Sandhu of Pennsylvania

and Sardar Harjinder Singh of New Jersey offered to spearhead

the acquisition of a building in Washington, D.C. to house

the International Sikh Organization's offices.

The delegates emphasized the need for an office in

Washington to protect the interests of Sikhs in this country,

as well as to work for freedom for Khalistan. An example of

this need is the video recently removed from the State

Department website entitled ``Terrorism: A War Without

Borders'' which portrayed all Sikhs as terrorists. Because of

the letter by U.S. Representatives Dan Burton (R-Ind.),

Edolphus Towns (D-NY), and Wally Herger (R-Cal.), the State

Department recently removed this video and its text from its

website. The convention passed a resolution of appreciation

of these Congressmen.

Other resolutions included one asking every Gurdwara to

contribute $500 per month to the Washington office, one

urging Sikhs not to support the various branches of the Akali

Dal, which is under Indian government control, one calling

for young Sikhs to step forward into leadership roles, and

one demanding freedom for Khalistan.

History shows that multinational states such as India are

doomed to failure. Countries like Austria-Hungary, India's

longtime friend the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia,

and others prove this point. India is not one country; it is

a polyglot like those countries, thrown together for the

convenience of the British colonialists. It is doomed to

break up as they did. India is ruled by Hindu theocrats whose

agenda is ``Hindu, Hindi, Hindutva, Hindu Rashtra,'' or total

Hindu domination of every facet of Indian life. An Indian

Cabinet minister said that everyone who lives in India must

be a Hindu or subservient to Hindus.

``We thank everyone who attended this important

convention,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``Their commitment, their

ideas and their support are helpful as we move forward in our

work to protect the interests of Sikhs in this country and to

continue working for the liberation of Khalistan,'' he said.

``We sincerely thank and appreciate the hospitality of the

Management Committee of the Houston Gurdwara. Special thanks

are due to the Council advisors of the Houston area.''

The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since

1984, more than 200,000 Christians since 1948, over 85,000

Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of

Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, Dalits, and others. The Indian

Supreme Court called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs

``worse than a genocide.''

Indian police arrested human-rights activist Jaswant Singh

Khalra after he exposed their policy of mass cremation of

Sikhs, in which over 50,000 Sikhs have been arrested,

tortured, and murdered, then their bodies were declared

unidentified and secretly cremated. He was murdered in police

custody. His body was not given to his family. The police

never released the body of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht

Gurdev Singh Kaunke after SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered

him. Ghotna has never been brought to trial for the Jathedar

Kaunke murder. No one has been brought to justice for the

kidnapping and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra. According to a

report by the Movement Against State Repression (MASR),

52,268 Sikhs are being held as political prisoners in India

without charge or trial. Some have been in illegal custody

since 1984!

Mr. Speaker, the International Sikh Organization held its annual convention on the weekend of October 10-11-12, 2003 in Houston. The convention laid plans for the expansion of the movement to free Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that declared its independence on October 7, 1987.

The convention was attended by many delegates from all around the United States and Canada. They made plans to expand their office in Washington, which has been an invaluable resource to us here in Congress in getting out information about the oppression of the Sikhs and other minorities by the Indian government. This is good to see. The glow of freedom still burns brightly in the hearts of these Sikh leaders.

The delegates also congratulated Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the International Sikh Organization and the Council of Khalistan, for his tireless work in support of the interests of Sikhs in this country and the cause of freedom for Khalistan. I can say from my personal experience that Dr. Aulakh has worked for that cause with great dedication for several years and he has provided a lot of information to those of us in Congress who are interested in the cause of human rights and freedom in South Asia.

Mr. Speaker, I would simply like to take this opportunity to salute the International Sikh Organization on a very successful convention and wish it continued success in the future. We can support its efforts to bring freedom to the Sikh people, and other regions in South Asia by insisting that human rights are observed and by declaring our support for a free and fair plebiscite under international monitoring on the question of independence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Hamilton Pascal for his accomplishments in the business world for which he has earned the Thomas R. Fortune Business Award.

Hamilton was born and raised in Trinidad where he attended public elementary school and later, Burke High School. After graduating from Burke High School, he went on to obtain his license in Electrical Installation from Victoria Institute.

In 1976, Hamilton came to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York. He decided that he wanted to further his education in building maintenance and repairs, obtaining his license as a real estate salesperson.

Wanting to become more involved in civic affairs and learn more about politics in the United States, Hamilton became a member of Unity Democratic Club in the early 1990's. By joining Unity Democratic Club, he became involved with the Men's Council and took an active role in several of the activities held by UDC.

For the future, Hamilton is planning to own a home improvement store along with his son Eric Pascal, who currently resides with him.

Mr. Speaker, Hamilton Pascal has worked to improve his business skills and has shown a genuine interest in becoming actively involved in his community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Hugh Errol Boston for his accomplishments in the business world for which he has received the Thomas R. Fortune Business Award.

Hugh was born to Mr. & Mrs. Samuel and Ruth Boston of Bush Lot, Essequibo, Guyana. Hugh, the fourth of seven children, immigrated to the United States of America in December 1974.

He attended the Anna Regina Primary School and then continued his education by attending Burnette High School. After graduation, Hugh Errol became a member of the Guyana Police Force, where he was employed for four years.

Throughout his years in America, Hugh worked in various enterprises including the construction industry. He also worked at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals as a Quality Control Inspector and a mailroom supervisor at Philip Holtzer and Associates. However, Hugh never lost sight of his goal to establish himself as an entrepreneur. He would eventually realize his goal, opening Boston Shipping Enterprises at 506 Decatur Street, Brooklyn, NY.

He is committed to giving back to the community and has followed his motto of ``making a difference in anyone's life,'' to assist whenever possible. This is demonstrated by his numerous contributions to his community. He built a Church in honor of his mother at Bush Lot in Guyana where he sponsors a Vacation Bible School every summer, providing meals and organizing field trips. He also distributes toys to children at the community block party near his residence. Additionally, he offers part-time employment to youngsters who live within the vicinity of his business.

Hugh is married and is the proud father of four daughters.

Mr. Speaker, Hugh Errol Boston has achieved his life ambition in establishing his own business and has used his success to give back to his community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Roy King for his dedication to his community which has earned him the Thomas R. Fortune Exemplary Service Award.

Roy was born in Georgia and at the age of 6 months he and his family moved to Far Rockaway, NY, where he still resides.

Roy attended public elementary school and junior high schools and graduated from Far Rockaway High School. After high school, he attended Queens Borough Community College, receiving a degree in physical education.

As someone who loves to be around children, Roy applied for a position in security and was hired by the New York City Board of Education where he worked for several years. In 1977, Roy was hired as a counselor for the New York City Department of Social Services--Youth Division where he still works as a child care specialist at the Atlantic Diagnostic Center.

Roy was introduced to the Unity Democratic Club by J.J. Johnson, where he also is an active member of the Men's Council.

He has been a member of St. John Baptist Church in Rockaway Beach, NY for over 20 years where Elder J.D. Williams is the Pastor. He is a faithful member of the Usher Board and the Men's Ministry.

With his wife Anne, Roy has a beautiful home in Rockaway Beach, where they are raising three girls and two grandchildren. All his children and other children around him call him ``Pa Pa''. Roy feels blessed to have his mother and five siblings living in the Far Rockaway area as well.

Mr. Speaker, Roy King has shown that he is committed to his community through both his professional choices and participation in the Unity Democratic Club. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

Mr. Chairman, I stand today to state my continued opposition to the funding of our invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Some of my colleagues have mourned the apparent death of U.S. domestic policy. They have detailed what this $87 billion could provide in this country. If we pass this bill, every person in this country will lose services in education, healthcare, housing, veterans programs, homeland security and social security. This is a fact.

Other colleagues have come to this floor to question our entry into the war, our standing in the world community, our ability to govern an occupied nation and our exit strategy. The Administration has never revealed plans which indicate when we will have done enough, committed enough resources, or restored enough of the infrastructure to leave Iraq. It is strange that a country like America, born out of a desire to shake off British colonialism may now be engaging in a new era of imperialism. I align myself with those who have expressed doubts about the short-term consequence and the long-term wisdom of such a policy.

And while I share those concerns, I am most concerned about the lack of accountability throughout this Iraqi adventure. We have already passed a $79 billion spending bill for the current conflict in Iraq. However, no one here knows how that money was spent. We do not have any accounting of the no-bid contracts, but we do know that the majority of our soldiers are wearing Vietnam era flak jackets. And while we talk about building an Iraqi democracy, we refuse to allow the Iraqis the ability to directly participate in the rebuilding of their own nation.

We do know that the money is not getting to the soldiers and it is not getting to the people of Iraq. So we are obligated as good stewards of the hard-earned dollars of the American people to ask where is the money? Where has it gone and where will it go? No one from this Administration has bothered to answer and if they cannot answer this basic question of accountability, this body--which controls the purse strings--must keep the purse closed. Under the Constitution we have a duty to be responsible for governmental spending. Because this Administration has spent the budgetary surplus left by the Clinton Administration by providing $387 billion in tax cuts which primarily benefitted the wealthy, it is clear that the cost of this war can only be paid by borrowing money. My children's grandchildren will end up bearing the cost of this war. It would be irresponsible to saddle them with a $166 billion burden.

I will not support this resolution. I cannot uphold my constitutional duties as a Member of this House while signing over a blank check to this Administration. It is wrong and your vote should reflect it. Vote no on this supplemental.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our largest trading partners, the Republic of China on Taiwan. On October 10, Taiwan celebrated the 92nd anniversary of its National Day. I wish to join my colleagues in the United States Congress in sending best wishes to the twenty-two million residents of this lovely island nation. I also commend President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu as they continue to lead Taiwan to greater economic prosperity at home and greater participation in international activities abroad.

Just like our 4th of July, October 10 marked the beginning of a fantastic story of economic, social and political success that has culminated in Taiwan becoming a vibrant democracy in the Pacific region. These are exciting times in the history of relations between the United States and Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of the 92nd occasion of the Republic of China's National Day, it is important to remember that Taiwan has a strong relationship with the United States, and we hope this relationship will continue to flourish and grow in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Dr. W.J. Hall in recognition of his forty-two years of outstanding service as Pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church.

Dr. Hall was born August 1, 1928 in Oxford, North Carolina, the only son of four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Grant A. Hall. After attending High School in Oxford, Dr. Hall studied at Temple University from 1947 to 1949. Following his academic work at Temple, he returned to North Carolina where he enlisted in the United States Army, attaining the rank of sergeant. Dr. Hall resumed his academic studies at Shaw University, graduating with an A.B degree in 1957. For the next two years, he earned 18 hours toward a master's degree while serving as the pastor of the Olive Grove Baptist church in Oxford and the Spring Street Baptist Church in Henderson, North Carolina.

In 1961, Dr. Hall was called to the Bethel Baptist Church. Since then, he has completed a Master of Theology degree from the Virginia Seminary and College. Later, the College conferred upon Rev. Hall three honorary degrees including Doctor of Divinity in 1965, Doctor of Humane Letters in 1977, and a Doctor of Laws in 1982.

Dr. Hall is widely recognized for his active civic involvement and several community accomplishments such as the Founder of the Self Help Council, the Omega Neighborhood Improvement Association of South Brooklyn, and chairman of the Bethel Baptist Day Care. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Baptist Educational Centers of Brooklyn and Long Island; the Board of Directors of the Bedford- Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation as well as the Chaplain of the New York City Housing Police and Past Protestant Chaplain of the Holy Family Hospital.

Under the leadership of Dr. Hall, the Bethel Baptist Church has greatly increased its membership and is in the process of erecting a new three-story building adjacent to the church.

Mr. Speaker, Reverend Dr. W.J. Hall has served his parishioners in exemplary fashion and has worked to improve the lives of everyone in his community for forty-two years. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.