Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as you are keenly aware, the Road to Peace for the people of Sudan has been long and perilous. Yet the prospect for a lasting peace may finally be at hand. Negotiations among the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) have been ongoing over the past 10 months under a renewed commitment to peace and with a determination to resolve the important issues that remain.

I observed today, the debate on H. Res. 194 regarding the importance of international efforts to abolish slavery and other human rights abuses in Sudan. Mr. Speaker, I share the concerns of my distinguished colleagues and their desire to see an end to slavery and human rights abuses, be it Sudan or elsewhere in the world. But while we cannot condone or ever forget the past, in my view the

interests of the people of Sudan are best served by focusing on the future and finding lasting peace and stability for the region.

On April 21, 2003, President Bush, in his Presidential Determination Under the Sudan Peace Act, certified that the government of Sudan and the People's Liberation Movement (SPLM/A) are negotiating in good faith. This historic event underscores the government of Sudan's commitment to peace and sets the stage for a negotiated peace agreement and the chance for dignity, prosperity and a better way of life for the people of Sudan, especially for Sudanese children.

Mr. Speaker, there will be those who will criticize the president's decision and who will focus on past history while giving little recognition to the positive events of the past year. The tragedy of such criticism is that it promotes a policy of divisiveness instead of unity which would enhance the prospects for peace and stability to the region. Even more troublesome is that such criticism shifts the focus from the real prospects for peace that now exist. While progress on the peace front has not been without set backs, positive developments have and continue to occur and should not be ignored.

Mr. Speaker, the release of special envoy John Danforth's April 2002 report ``Outlook for Peace in Sudan'' put in motion the events to-date that have helped reestablish the present framework for peace. Following the Danforth report, an important first step towards peace was the signing of the Machakos Protocol, on July 20, 2002, resolving the major issues of self-determination for the south and the separation of state and religion. In September 2002, peace talks resumed under a negotiated ceasefire agreement and in October, 2002, the government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas and to people in need, in accordance with the Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) agreement.

In addition, an addendum to the October 2002 MOU on cessation of hostilities was signed to add new mechanisms to strengthen implementation. Later in February, the human rights group Amnesty International was invited to visit Sudan for constructive dialogue on human rights issues.

On March 4, the mandate of the Civilian Protection Monitoring Team (CPMT) was extended for another year. Later in March, the ceasefire agreement was extended to June 30, 2003. Most recently, on May 1 the United Nations secured the opening of a new corridor in southern Sudan to enhance humanitarian access to the region.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my distinguished colleagues will view these developments as testimony to government of Sudan's commitment to achieving a lasting peace for the benefit of all our people.

While these and other events give hope for peace and a permanent end to hostilities, there are many of my colleagues who remain skeptical.

There remain roughly 90 days before the next ``determination'' under the Sudan Peace Act must be made. I would call on my colleagues to join me in supporting an NGO-sponsored fact finding delegation mission to Sudan and an accompanying report on the findings to assist in fully understanding the current situation in the Sudan with regard to allegations of slavery, human rights abuses and religious persecution.

Mr. Speaker, the situation in Sudan is the product of nearly a half- century of conflict and political divisiveness. While we must never forget the past, the interests of the Sudanese people will be best served by focusing in the future and achieving lasting peace.

We look forward to the day when peace is at hand and when U.S. sanctions can be lifted and Sudan removed from the state terrorist sponsors list. Only then will the people of Sudan be able to receive the benefits of American ingenuity, technology and investment for their sustained growth and economic prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer somewhat belated congratulations to the Sikh Nation on Vaisakhi Day, the anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Panth, which occurred in April. This is a very important day in the Sikh calendar, the birthday of the Khalsa Panth.

The Khalsa Panth was created in a spirit of freedom, and this is reflected in their daily prayers in which they pray for the freedom of the Sikh Nation and the well being of all people. This freedom is an essential yearning of the human spirit and all people are entitled to freedom. Yet merely for trying to be free, the Sikhs have been oppressed by the Indian government, which has murdered more than 250,000 of them since 1984.

Against this backdrop, the Sikh Nation declared its independence on October 7, 1987, creating the new country of Khalistan. This was in a Sikh tradition of self-rule. From 1765 to 1849 Sikh ruled Punjab. They ran an inclusive government, with Hindus, Muslims, and others in high positions.

Now their dreams of freedom are being crushed by the force of 500,000 Indian troops while the Indian government tries to set up Hindutva-- total Hindu domination of every aspect of the political, social, and cultural life of India, South Asia, and the people living there. One Indian Cabinet member was quoted as saying that everyone who lives in India must either be Hindu or be subservient to Hindus.

The Council of Khalistan, which leads the Sikh Nation's struggle to free its homeland, Khalistan, from Indian oppression, issued an excellent statement calling on Sikhs worldwide to use the occasion of the Sikh Nation's birthday to rededicate themselves to achieving freedom for the Sikhs in a sovereign, independent Khalistan. I would like to join in that call, Mr. Speaker. It is time to bring true freedom and democracy to South Asia. In addition, a free and sovereign Khalistan will be an American ally in the subcontinent.

We should declare our support for freedom for Khalistan and for all the other nations of South Asia that seek their freedom. And we should back this up by stopping aid to India until it learns the ways of democracy and self-determination for all peoples and nations. This is the most effective way that America, the bastion of freedom, can stand up for freedom for the oppressed peoples of South Asia.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Council of Khalistan's open letter on Vaisakhi Day into the Record.

Council of Khalistan,

Washington, DC, April 14, 2003.

Vaisakhi Message to the Sikh Nation

Congratulations to the Khalsa Panth on Vaisakhi Day--In Grieb Sikhin Ko Deon Patshahi; Guru Gave Sovereignty to Sikh Nation, Sikh Nation Must

Free Khalistan; Without Political Power, Nations Perish

Dear Khalsa Ji: WAHEGURU

Mr. Speaker, as you know, there are many national groups fighting for their freedom from India. We have been following the struggles of the Sikhs to free their homeland of Khalistan for many years thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan. Now another of the minority nations that seeks freedom from India has opened an office to represent its interests in Washington, D.C. The people of Nagaland are now represented in a Washington office.

I am happy to see the Nagas open a Washington office. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them. Nagaland is predominantly Christian and the Nagas have suffered under Indian oppression for many years. India has murdered over 200,000 Nagas since 1947. They are a separate nation and people from predominantly Hindu India, but they are victims of India's ongoing efforts to establish fundamentalist Hindu hegemony over the entire subcontinent.

Nagaland is entitled to freedom. Freedom is the birthright of all peoples and nations. The essence of democracy is the right to self- determination and this right has been denied to the people of Nagaland just as it has been denied to the people of the Sikh homeland, Punjab, Khalistan, to the Kashmiri people, and to so many other nations living under the boot of Indian repression. It is time for India to start acting like the democracy it claims to be and settling these matters in a peaceful, democratic manner rather than trying to suppress the people and their natural ambitions by force.

The leaders of Nagaland have tried to establish their freedom peacefully through negotiations, but the Indian government has been unwilling to discuss independence with Nagaland. However, they finally recognized the Nagas as a separate people. This is the first step toward the independence of the Naga nation. Democratic India wishes to retain the right to continue repressing the minorities living under its rule.

That is why the opening of an office representing the freedom struggle of Nagaland is so important, Mr. Speaker. The Sikhs have had such an office for a long time, and the Kashmiris have also. The more information that can be put out about the brutal, repressive nature of the Indian government, the more success all of the movements for freedom will have. This will also be a significant boost for basic human rights throughout India, where Assamese, Bodos, Dalits (the dark- skinned aboriginal people of South Asia), Manipuris, Tamils, and so many others are being oppressed and killed for struggling for their freedom.

We can help in this effort. It is time to stop American aid to India until it respects basic human rights and to declare our support for the freedom of Nagaland, Khalistan, Kashmir, and all the oppressed nations of South Asia.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert a list of persecution of minorities in India into the Record at this time for the information of my colleagues.

Persecution of Minorities in India

christians

Over 200,000 Christians in Nagaland have been murdered by

the Indian government.

Since Christmas 1998, Christians have been the favored

target of Indian religious persecution.

American missionary Joseph Cooper was expelled from India

for preaching after he was beaten so severely he had to be

hospitalized for a week.

Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and other states have recently passed

laws banning conversion to any religion except Hinduism.

Recently in Gujarat the government has been conducting a

survey of Christians, asking how long they have been

Christians, how long they have been in India, citizenship,

and other intrusive questions.

Hindu Nationalists associated with the parent organization

of the ruling party have murdered several priests.

Several nuns have been murdered.

A nun named Sister Ruby was forced to drink her captors'

urine.

Hindu nationalists have burned churches.

Christian schools and prayer halls have been attacked.

Missionary Graham Staines and his two sons were burned to

death while sleeping in their jeep by Hindu nationalists who

chanted ``Victory to Hannuman,'' a Hindu god.

A Christian religious festival was broken up by police

gunfire.

sikhs

Indian police have murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984.

52,268 Sikhs are rotting in Indian jails as political

prisoners without charge or trial. Some have been there since

1984.

The U.S. State Department reported that the Indian

government paid over 41,000 cash bounties to police officers

for killing Sikhs. One of these was awarded to a police

officer who killed a three-year-old boy.

In 1984, the Indian government attacked Sikhism's most

sacred shrine, the Golden Temple, and 38 other Gurdwaras

throughout Punjab, killing 20,000 Sikhs.

Human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra was killed in

police custody after he exposed India's policy of secret

cremations of Sikhs.

Over 50,000 Sikhs have ``disappeared'' after they were

picked up by the police. They were tortured, secretly

cremated, then declared ``unidentified bodies'' and secretly

cremated.

The Indian government paid the late governor of Punjab,

Surendra Nath, over $1.5 billion to generate and support

terrorism in Punjab and Kashmir.

Indian forces were caught red-handed trying to set fire to

a Gurdwara and some Sikh homes in a village in Kashmir. Sikh

and Muslim villagers overwhelmed them and stopped them.

Indian forces carried out the March 2000 massacre of 35

Sikhs in Chithisinghpora, according to two independent

studies.

Over 20,000 Sikhs were murdered by the government in the

Delhi massacres of Sikhs while police, on orders, stood by

and did nothing.

The Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Gurdev Singh Kaunke, was

murdered by the police.

The driver for Baba Charan Singh, a religious leader, was

killed when his legs were tied to two jeeps that drove off in

opposite directions.

muslims

2,000 to 5,000 Muslims were murdered in Gujarat last March.

The police stood aside and let the murders happen. They had

no orders to stop it.

According to the Hindustan Times, the government pre-

planned that massacre.

Over 85,000 Muslims in Kashmir have been murdered by Indian

forces.

Hindu nationalists destroyed the most revered mosque in

India, the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, to build a Hindu temple.

India has not kept the promise it made in 1948 to hold a

plebiscite on the future of Kashmir.

others

A Dalit girl was blinded by her teacher after she drank

water from the community pitcher.

A Dalit constable went into a temple to take shelter on a

rainy day and was stoned to death by the Brahmins in

attendance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 208, which recognizes National Men's Health Week. It has been well documented in health-related research that despite numerous advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of six years less than women. Lack of health insurance, cost-prohibitive exams, a paucity of health education information, and even fear all contribute to the reluctance of many men in visiting health care centers or physicians for regular health screenings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have outlined the ten leading causes of death, and all ten of these affect men more than women; more than half of these are due to chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory disease, and diseases of the liver. Between the ages of 45-54, men are three times more likely than women to die of heart attacks, and men die of heart disease at almost twice the rate of women. Cancers of the prostate, testes, and colon also contribute significantly to male mortality rates. Appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) exams, blood pressure screens, and cholesterol screens, in conjunction with clinical examination and self-testing for problems such as testicular cancer, can result in the detection of many of these problems in their early stages and increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent.

The health outcomes for African American men, the population with the lowest life expectancy, are dire. Although heart disease is the leading cause of mortality for men of all racial and ethnic groups within the United States, significant racial inequalities in heart disease mortality among men have been reported for the last 50 years. Recent statistics indicated that the overall stroke mortality rate is 61 in 100,000 for the general population--the numbers for African American men are significantly higher with 87 in 100,000 African American men dying due to stroke. The likelihood that a man will develop prostate cancer is 1 in 6, but African American men in the United States have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world, and their mortality rates owing to this disease are higher than any other racial or ethnic group.

I want to applaud the gentleman from Maryland for introducing this measure and for his continuing efforts in promoting men's health. Educating both the public and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems will have multiple benefits, to include reducing rates of mortality and morbidity owing to chronic diseases. Men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in prolonging their life spans and their role as productive family members will be more likely to participate in health screenings. I urge passage of H. Con. Res. 208.

Mr. Speaker, as you are keenly aware, the road to peace for the people of Sudan has been long and perilous. Yet the prospect for a lasting peace may finally be at hand. Negotiations among the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) have been ongoing over the past ten months under a renewed commitment to peace and with a determination to resolve the important issues that remain.

I observed today, the debate on H. Res. 194 regarding the importance of international efforts to abolish slavery and other human rights abuses in Sudan. Mr. Speaker, I share the concerns of my distinguished colleagues and their desire to see and end to slavery and human rights abuses, be it Sudan or elsewhere in the world. But while we cannot condone or even forget the past, in my view the interests of the people of Sudan are best served by focusing on the future and finding lasting peace and stability for the region.

On April 21, 2003, President Bush, in his presidential determination under the Sudan Peace Act, certified that the government of Sudan and the People's Liberation Movement (SPLM/A) are negotiating in good faith. This historic event underscores the government of Sudan's commitment to peace and sets the stage for a negotiated peace agreement and the chance for dignity, prosperity and a better way of life for the people of Sudan, especially for Sudanese children.

Mr. Speaker, there will be those who will criticize the President's decision and who will focus on past history while giving little recognition to the positive events of the past year. The tragedy of such criticism is that it promotes a policy of divisiveness instead of unity which would enhance the prospects for peace and stability to the region. Even more troublesome is that such criticism shifts the focus from the real prospects for peace that now exist. While progress on the peace front has not been without setbacks, positive developments have and continue to occur and should not be ignored.

Mr. Speaker, the release of special envoy John Danforth's April 2002 report ``Outlook for Peace in Sudan'' put in motion the events to-date that have helped reestablish the present framework for peace. Following the Danforth report, an important first step towards peace was the signing of the Machakos Protocol, on July 20, 2002, resolving the major issues of self-determination for the south and the separation of state and religion. In September 2002, peace talks resumed under a negotiated ceasefire agreement and in October, 2002, the government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas and to people in need, in accordance with the Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) agreement.

In addition, an addendum to the October 2002 MOU on cessation of hostilities was signed to add new mechanisms to strengthen implementation. Later in February, the human rights group Amnesty International was invited to visit Sudan for constructive dialogue on human rights issues.

On March 4, the mandate of the Civilian Protection Monitoring Team (CPMT) was extended for another year. Later in March, the ceasefire agreement was extended to June 30, 2003. Most recently, on May 1 the United Nations secured the opening of a new corridor in southern Sudan to enhance humanitarian access to the region.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my distinguished colleagues will view these developments as testimony to the government of Sudan's commitment to achieving a lasting peace for the benefit of all our people.

While these and other events give hope for peace and a permanent end to hostilities, there are many of my colleagues who remain skeptical.

There remain roughly 90 days before the next ``Determination'' under the Sudan peace act must be made. I would call on my colleagues to join me in support an NGO-sponsored fact finding delegation mission to Sudan and an accompanying report on the findings to assist in fully understanding the current situation in the Sudan with regard to allegations of slavery, human rights abuses and religious persecution.

Mr. Speaker. The situation in Sudan is the product of nearly a half- century of conflict and political divisiveness. While we must never forget the past, the interests of the Sudanese people will be best served by focusing on the future and achieving lasting peace.

We look forward to the day when peace is at hand and when U.S. sanctions can be lifted and Sudan removed from the state terrorist sponsors list. Only then will the people of Sudan be able to receive the benefits of American ingenuity, technology and investment for their sustained growth and economic prosperity.

Madam Chairman, as we vote on H.R. 1950, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of FY2004 and FY2005, I want to draw the attention of my colleagues to an important omission in this bill.

Section 303 of the Foreign Relations Authorization purports to establish an Office of Ombudsman in the Department of State. However, this bill did not create this office. Congress created this office in P.L. 100-204. Congress passed this legislation over 15 years ago based on its findings that (1) the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department of State is dependent on the contributions of its Civil Service and Foreign Service employees; (2) the contribution of the Department's Civil Service employees has been overlooked in the management of the Department and greater equity of promotion, training, and career enhancement opportunities should be accorded to them and (3) the goal of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 was to strengthen the contribution made by the Department's Civil Service employees by creating a cadre of experienced specialists and managers to provide essential continuity.

Created with the Congressional findings in mind, the office of Ombudsman was given the mission to ensure that civil service concerns are identified and properly weighed by decision-makers, make recommendations to management, and work with affected parties to correct or alleviate systemic problems that adversely affect civil service employees, and provide guidance and counseling to employees on work and career-related matters. Additionally, the Ombudsman was given the responsibility of advising the Secretary of State and senior department management on civil service issues to ensure the ability of civil service employees to contribute to the achievement of the Department's foreign affairs responsibilities. Under the original legislation, the Ombudsman reported to the Secretary of State, and participated in all management council meetings to assure that the concerns of civil service employees are presented.

Additionally, the original legislation assured that civil service employees would not be disproportionately affected by reduction in force or other actions which reduce the department's workforce.

Under the rubric of ``establishing'' the office of Ombudsman, the bill before us today eviscerates the office as established by Congress. It gives the Secretary discretion to determine the involvement of the Ombudsman in the senior-level meetings, eliminates the office's focus on civil service employees, and removes the requirement that the burden of personnel reductions not be disproportionately imposed on civil service employees.

Madam Chairman, section 303 of H.R. 1950 destroys the work of a previous Congress without rhyme or reason. It is clear that our civil service employees are a valuable asset. Our national security depends on the work of civil service employees in the Department of State. If we remove the protections afforded by this office, we are sending a clear and unmistakable message that we are no longer concerned about preserving the protections we have afforded them. We must reconsider this ill-advised provision.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the gentleman from Alabama's amendment.

As a graduate of one of our nation's historically Black land-grant institutions, North Carolina A&T State University, I know how important these colleges and universities are to farmers in economically- distressed areas. To reduce the research and education activities by 17 percent and the expansion for extension activities by 10 percent imposes an onerous burden on these institutions and their ability to serve minority students and farmers. These cuts stand in marked contrast to the minimal reductions experienced by 1862 land-grant institutions.

Consequently, I would urge support for the gentleman's amendment which would restore $3.5 million for these colleges and universities. At a time when limited resource farmers are struggling for survival, we should not be undercutting their best educational resource, the extension arm of the 1890 colleges and universities.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the contributions made by Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO) in defending and promoting, the interests of overseas American before the U.S. Congress and presidential administrations during its thirty-year history.

I want to specifically commend AARO for promoting improvements in American nationality laws which would have taken the citizenship of children of one American parent away from them, for seeking tax equity for Americans working abroad, for working to reconcile social security laws by international agreement for US citizens working abroad, and for securing voting rights for US citizens abroad in Federal elections.

On June 20, 2003, AARO's will celebrate its Thirtieth Birthday.

Mr. Speaker, the leaders of AARO throughout the years have worked hard to represent and advocate for Americans living overseas. As such, this organization is worthy of receiving our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Dionisia Amaya-Bonilla in recognition of her service to her local community and her native home of Honduras. Dionisia is proud of her heritage as a member of the Garinagu community, people who are descendants of West African slaves and Arawak Indians from St. Vincent who were deported to Honduras by the British in 1797.

Dionisia was born in La Ceiba, Honduras Central America on February 8, 1933. She came to the U.S. in May 1964, and became an American citizen in 1977. In 1979, Dionisia decided to go to college, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with high honors from Medgar Evers College. Later, she earned a Masters/Advanced Certificate in Guidance and Counseling from Brooklyn College.

Dionisia's first connection with her community was through her church, St. Mathews Catholic Church where she has served for more than 22 years. When Hurricane Fifi struck Honduras in September 1974, many Garinagu, like Dionisia, got together to help their people back in Honduras. In 1990, after another tragedy occurred in the Garifuna community, Dionisia was there to help in anyway possible. This time it was the Happy Land Fire. Her organization, Mugama, which was started a year earlier, named a scholarship fund in honor of a promising young Garifuna who died in the fire.

Dionisia worked for the Board of Education for 16 years. She began as a paraprofessional, and would later go on to teach following the completion of her education. Ultimately, she became a school guidance counselor, a position she continued until her retirement in 1996.

Dionisia's biggest role in the community is being the coordinator of Mugama's education program. Her importance to the community is reflected by how the residents refer to her, with comments like: Mamma, Madre, and Abuelita. Recently, people have taken to call her the ``glue'' of the community.

Dionisia has received many honors in her life as a student, woman and community activist. During her college years, she was consistently on the Dean's List, and as a result, she was listed in the national Book of Excellent students. One of her greatest honors was meeting Isabel Arriola. Ms. Arriola is a Garifuna who survived Hurricane Mitch.

The ultimate honor for her is being able to serve her community by working with Mugama. She says that the Mugama Advocacy Center is a dream come true. Being there daily and helping to empower people provides Dionisia with all of the satisfaction she needs. Dionisia has been married to her husband Alejandro Bonilla for 14 years.

Mr. Speaker, Dionisia Amaya-Bonilla is committed to improving the lives of her community. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Alfred Steiger in recognition of his dedication to improving the lives of foster care children.

Al was born on Marion Street in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, New York. He and his wife Victoria have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of five children, Victoria, Mary Beth, Al Jr., Virginia and Jeffery, and the grandparents of three children, Justine, Joseph, and John. Al and his wife reside in Oceanside and are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Oceanside.

Al joined the New York City Sanitation Department in 1981 and was promoted to Supervisor in 1989 and was assigned to Brooklyn Community Board 8 (BK8) as a field officer on the midnight shift. He conducted field operations in the Crown Heights and Bedford Stuyvesant Community Board (BK3) areas of Brooklyn. He was promoted to District Superintendent of Brooklyn North 5, which is East New York's Community Board 5. As District Superintendent, his responsibilities include keeping East New York cleaned by garbage collection, and the removal of snow during winter. In September 2001, Al became President of the Steuben Association of the New York City Sanitation Department. He also serves as union delegate for Local 444 Sanitation Officers.

In early 1990, Al and his wife felt the need to give back something to the community for all of the blessings they have received. So after filing the necessary documents, they were accepted as foster parents in Nassau County for the Department of Social Services. Since becoming foster parents, they have fostered over 35 children in their care. They were blessed again when they had the opportunity to adopt their son Jeffrey who came to them when he was only 4 days old.

In 1995, Al and Mary saw a need for foster parents to come together to better serve the children for which they were caring. After several meetings, the Nassau County Foster Parent Association was formed and Al was voted in as President. The NCFPA is a not-for-profit organization that has raised thousands of dollars for various functions for foster children. The funds are used to take children on picnics, swimming trips and various other outings. Scholarship and burial funds are also available. As President of the organization, Al goes to Albany once a year to lobby for children's rights and also to attend a conference held by the New York State Citizens Coalition for Children. He feels it is an honor to volunteer in the community where he resides and for the Department for which he works.

Mr. Speaker, Alfred Steiger is committed to improving the lives of children, especially those in need. 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Daniel H. Kahn in recognition of his accomplishments in the field of business travel and for his public service.

Daniel H. Kahn, CTC is a principal of Marketing Solutions Network, LLC. He is a recognized expert in the areas of leisure travel, tourism, corporate travel, and travel and expense management. Dan has held numerous executive and managerial positions in travel management during his 34 years at American Express.

Most recently, Dan was vice-president of Global and Corporate travel for American Express. In this capacity, he was responsible for the negotiations and management of all of the company's contracts with the world's leading travel suppliers, as well as the company's corporate travel policies. On an annual basis, he negotiated contracts in excess of $200 million.

Dan was selected to serve as Deputy Director of the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism. As an Executive-on-Loan from American Express, he was responsible for travel industry relations and fundraising activities for the conference, which was held in Washington, DC in 1995. Dan enjoys favorable relationships with virtually all of the leading travel companies throughout the world.

Throughout his career at American Express, Dan held position of increasing responsibility including Vice President of Consumer Travel, Vice President of National Accounts, Vice President of Sales Planning and Development, and Vice President/General Manager of Destinations Services for the U.S. and Canada.

Dan is active in a number of travel industry and civic organizations. These include the National Business Travel Associations (NBTA), Association for Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), American Society of Travel Agents (STA), and the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA). He is also on the advisory board and a charter member of American Sightseeing International, and on the Board of Directors for the Vocational Foundation, Inc. (VFI), the nation's first job training and placement agency for youth. He is Chairman of VFI's Hospitality program. In his personal life, Dan is on the Board of Trustees of Temple Beth Haverim in Mahwah, New Jersey.

Dan earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Rider College and acquired his Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designation from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) in 1972. He lives in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, with his wife Nancy and two daughters, Stefanie and Jamie.

Mr. Speaker, Daniel Kahn has reached the highest level of accomplishment in business travel. 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Dr. Frank Estrada in recognition of his dedication to serving his community.

Dr. Estrada was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and immigrated to New York in 1951. After graduating cum laude from Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Estrada joined the U.S. Navy where he was honorably discharged with commendation for heroic action and participation in the Cuban blockade. Following his service in the Navy, Dr. Estrada enrolled in New York University, earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He was on the Dean's List for three years. Dr. Estrada earned his M.D. degree from New York University. He has been married for 38 years and has three children and two grandchildren.

Dr. Estrada practices Family Medicine. Since 1995, he has worked with Mt. Sinai Services at Elmhurst Hospital Center as an attending physician to the Women's Primary Care Health Service. In this capacity, he offers direct patient care, supervises direct patient care, and assures that the medical teams provide effective care to patients. In addition to his hospital duties, Dr. Estrada has a private family medical practice.

Dr. Estrada has a deep interest in the evolution of managed care. He is especially concerned with the development of protocols for primary care management in a cost effective system that engenders patient satisfaction as well as staff satisfaction and efficiency.

At this time, Dr. Estrada is actively involved with many organizations including the Urban Health Plan, Inc., where he serves on the Board of Directors; the New York University School of Medicine Alumni Association, where he is the Vice-President; the Spanish American Medical Society, where he served as Past President, and the Queens GYN Society, where he was the first non-ob/gyn doctor to be elected. Additionally, he has been certified by the American Board of Family Practice for 25 years.

Dr. Estrada has also worked with the Chippewa Indians in Red Lake, Minnesota, and spent a year at Brookdale hospital where he served in a variety of capacities. He has also been an interviewer with NYU School of Medicine Admissions Committee and has appeared on radio and television stations for Spanish and English speaking audiences. Dr. Estrada conducts several speaking engagements at local schools and libraries as well.

His most recent awards include the meritorious Service Award by the Queen Health Network, the Citation of Honor for Professional Achievement by the Queens Borough President, the Recognition Award by the U.S. Customs Service, and the Science Award of the Puerto Rican Institute.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Frank Estrada is committed to providing his community with quality and effective health care services. 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize AmeriChoice of New York, which is a UnitedHealth Group Company, for winning this year's Bronze AAHP/Wyeth HERA award in the health plan category.

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, together with the American Association of Health Plans (AAHP), offers this prestigious award to honor those who have made a significant difference in the area of women and children's health outcomes. AmeriChoice received this recognition for significant progress in working to ensure that New York City's youngest, most vulnerable children receive appropriate well care in the first 15 months of life.

AmeriChoice of New York serves more than 90,000 members in New York City, the majority residing in Brooklyn. In 2000, the health plan launched a targeted Well Child Outreach Initiative, designed to increase the number of children receiving five or more comprehensive well child visits with a primary care physician in the first 15 months of life. The goal of this initiative was to meet or exceed New York State's goal for Medicaid plans in this area.

The plan's multi-tiered approach entails four essential elements. The first part is member education and support, which includes telephone calls from multilingual Member Services staff, postcard reminders and transportation assistance to support this initiative. Next, is provider education and incentives, which includes regular patient profile mailings, listing members due for care and quality award payments for physicians whose patients met the well child visit requirements. The approach also provides for significant community outreach that includes partnerships with community-based organizations and other opinion makers to educate members as to the importance of well child visits. Finally, AmeriChoice employs database development systems that monitor physicians and members regarding well child visits and provides real- time information on member compliance.

In two years, the plan has more than doubled the number of children completing the series of well child visits and exceeded New York State's goal of 55 percent in 2000 and 65 percent in 2001. In fact, the plan scored highest of all Medicaid plans in New York City in 2001.

Mr. Speaker, the leaders of AmeriChoice of New York have taken extraordinary steps to improve the delivery of health care services for children. As such, the company and its leaders are worthy of receiving our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of John Sehe Jong Ha in recognition of his dedication to his community and his commitment to world peace.

John's life is best defined by his service to both his immediate community and the global community. John is currently an Ambassador for Peace for the Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace. The goal of the organization is to develop world peace by harmonizing both the spiritual and material dimensions of life. He is also a member of the Global Cooperation Society Club. The goal of this group is to establish social harmony and friendship among nations around the world. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Council on Democratic and Peaceful Unification U.S.A New York Area Councils. The Council advises the president of The Republic of Korea on issues pertaining to the unification of North and South Korea.

John is the CEO of Korean American Senior Citizens Society of Greater New York. He is responsible for overseeing the operation for the benefit of its 2400 members. He is also on the senior advisory council of The Korean-American Youth Foundation. John also serves as president of the Korean-American Traditional Art Development Association. This organization preserves traditional Korean Art and develops talent among the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Korean generations throughout the United States. He is also the chairman of the Greater New York TaeKwon-Do Association. He is responsible for the association's membership of 300 grandmasters.

John has been honored by the Republic of Korea with a Certificate of Official Commendation and a Certificate of Appreciation. Our government has awarded him a certificate of Appreciation as well.

John came to the United States in 1956 and became a citizen in 1972. He began his professional career at McCann-Erickson Advertising, Inc. in 1962. He followed this position as the CEO/President/Producer of Korean Television Broadcasting Corporation of New York from 1974 to 1983. For his last professional job, John was CEO/President of Galaxy Children's Shoes, Inc. from 1984 to 1995. Currently, he is retired.

John is married and has two sons. He enjoys golf, table tennis, and travel. He is fluent in English and Korean and speaks some Spanish.

Mr. Speaker, John Sehe Jong Ha is committed to assisting the Korean- American community in New York and working toward world peace. 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Juan Guillen in recognition of his significant and diverse contributions to his community in the fields of media, business, and arts.

Representing and reaching out to the Dominican community, Juan is currently publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the Dominican Times Magazine, La Revista Offical de Dominicanos. From his office in the East New York section of Brooklyn, New York, he heads the regional, bi- lingual publication, Dominican Times, which targets Dominican- Americans. This publication is distributed in seven states in the northeast and its voice is very influential in the Dominican-American community.

In the world of enterprise, Juan has owned and operated various businesses from 1982 through 2002 throughout Brooklyn and Queens. He has developed diverse companies, ranging from three successful dry cleaning businesses to a fitness club and a retail store for clothing and sneakers.

Juan has also made a contribution to the arts in his community through his independent feature film, ``A Madness in Brooklyn.'' This comedy, filmed entirely on location in Brooklyn, was written, directed and produced by Juan.

Mr. Speaker, Juan Guillen has made several important contributions to his community. 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.