Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my deep concern and stringent opposition to the proposed cuts in veterans health care contained in the President's 2004 Budget. While a tax cut may require us to discuss reductions in many vital programs, there are few cuts that are as unkind as the cuts the President wishes to visit upon those brave men and women who were willing to serve and if necessary die for this country.

Mr. Speaker, this House recently voted on a 2004 budget from the President which will cut funding for veterans health care and benefit programs by nearly $25 billion over the next ten years. These cuts would require the Veterans' Administration for the first time in its history to require monetary payment from those who have already paid with their service to this nation. According to the Veterans' Administration, approximately one out of every two veterans could lose their only source of medical care under the President's budget plan. What should the VA say to a veteran who needs treatment but cannot afford to pay? I cannot believe that we would honor their service by turning them away. And yet, under the President's plan, rejection may be the only response that a fiscally-strapped health care system can give.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the veterans who served this country responded affirmatively to this nation's call to service. We cannot now respond negatively to their call for help.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1463. While it offers significant liability protections to those entities that are responsible for administering the vaccination program, it simply does not provide the protection required by frontline health workers who have been asked to volunteer for the national smallpox vaccination program. More to the point, we have had three recent deaths, which can be reasonably traced to the vaccinations, and several other workers and military personnel have experienced cardiac-related problems after being vaccinated.

All the major unions--Service Employees International Union, American Federation of Teachers, American Nurses Association, International Association of Firefighters, International Union of Police Associations--who represent health workers and first responders, have declared that this legislation fails to provide an adequate compensation program. Thus far, only 14 states have been able to definitely assure workers that workers' compensation programs would cover them. Further, innocent third parties who suffer adverse reactions are not covered by workers' compensation. In the '60's, more than 20% of the adverse vaccination events occurred in secondary contacts. Therefore, the vaccination program poses a risk not only to first responders, but also to their patients and their families.

Moreover, public health experts, like the Centers for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, now question whether anyone with three or more ``major risk factors'' for heart disease, including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol should receive the smallpox vaccine. Given the cost of screening for the above factors, it is particularly troubling that there is no guaranteed funding for medical screening, education or surveillance. Our armed services personnel received personalized education, and free and confidential prescreening prior to the administration of the vaccine. This process resulted in one-third of the potential recipients being screened out of the program. We should offer the same education and screening opportunities to our nurses and first responders.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, even though this bill falls short on a compensation and education and screening program, I remain hopeful that the Emergency Supplemental will at least provide adequate funding for States and localities to administer this program when and if an adequate compensation program is put in place.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to use this opportunity to ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to observe a moment of silence for a great man who is no longer among us, Ebrahim Zakeri. The late Mr. Zakeri was a great champion of freedom that not only helped the Resistance Movement to establish freedom and democracy in Iran, but he also fought for human dignity, global peace, and security.

As the Chairman of the Security and Counter-terrorism Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Ebrahim Zakeri was truly a resistance hero and a symbol of devotion, struggle and selflessness for the cause of Iran's freedom, as well as global peace and security. His mother was also executed at the age of 70 after suffering extreme torture in Evin Prison.

My colleagues in the House remember, that last August, I circulated information about the Iranian regime's nuclear program and the two new nuclear sites that Iran was using to threaten world peace and security. The information was made available by the committee that Ebrahim Zakeri chaired.

Ebrahim Zakeri was an assistant professor in the Department of Communications at Tehran University. He was imprisoned by the Shah from 1972 to 1975. About one year after his release from prison, he was rearrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was among the last group of prisoners to be freed by the people at the time of the Revolution in 1979. He was a candidate for parliamentary elections in Abadan after the revolution that overthrew the monarchy. Despite a strong propaganda campaign against the Mojahedin and ballot rigging, the regime was forced to announce that he received the second highest number of votes in the election.

He then served in different posts at the National Liberation Army of Iran (NLA). Ebrahim Zakeri was a member of the General Command of the NLA and became a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in November of 1992. In 1993, he was appointed Chairman of the Security and Counter-terrorism Committee of the NCRI. Since then, his committee has exposed many of the Intelligence Ministry's terrorist plots, as well as Tehran's efforts to obtain nuclear weapons.

In a word, his 31 years of struggle serve as a lesson and a guide for the young people of his country, and will always be honored by our nation and certainly by my colleagues in the U.S. Congress. I express my condolences to the Iranian people and to the Resistance's President- elect, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi.

Mr. Speaker, for 17 years, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh has been serving the Sikhs in this country and worldwide, first as President of the International Sikh Organization, a post in which he still serves, and later as President of the Council of Khalistan, which came into being when Sikhs declared their independence from India on October 7, 1987. He has been a tireless worker for the rights of Sikhs and other minorities in India, such as Christians, Muslims, Dalits (the dark-skinned ``Untouchables,'' the aboriginal people of South Asia), and others. Many of us in Congress have helped to expose the tyranny and terrorism that India has practiced against these groups and Dr. Aulakh has been a friend and an invaluable source of information to us.

Sikhs are a separate nation and they ruled Punjab from 1710 to 1716 and again from 1765 to 1849. They are working to reclaim their lost sovereignty. They face persecution and terror for doing so.

Dr. Aulakh's efforts and the support of those who back him have been crucial in bringing the Sikh struggle to the attention of the international community. He has worked with us in this House to the true and accurate history of the Sikh struggle and the struggles of other minorities in India. In these efforts he has been opposed by the Indian government, which has spent large amounts of money to counteract his efforts and spread disinformation. They even started a rumor on the Internet that he was dead. He has a tough job trying to achieve freedom for the Sikh Nation against the opposition of the Indian government.

Even in the U.S. Congress, the Indian government has formed the Indian Caucus, which has 139 members, to support India and deflect our attention away from the oppression and terror there. He has done a yeoman job in exposing the brutal oppression of the Indian government against the Sikh Nation which has killed over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984. Another 50,000 Sikhs were arrested by the police, tortured, murdered, and then declared ``unidentified bodies'' and secretly cremated. He has brought to the attention of Congress that even at present, 52,268 Sikh political prisoners are rotting in Indian jails as political prisoners, according to the Movement Against State Repression.

Dr. Aulakh has been tireless in promoting self-determination, which is the cornerstone of democracy. He has been a relentless advocate for the cause of Sikh freedom and the independence of their homeland, Punjab, Khalistan.

Like those of us in Congress, Dr. Aulakh knows and appreciates the privilege of service. Service is essential to the Sikh religion as it is to all religions.

Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to salute Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh.

Mr. Speaker, this evening I rise in strong support of the work that our U.S. Armed Forces are doing in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. However, I cannot support the resolution offered by my friend, Mr. Hunter. I truly believe that war is not the answer to this question facing the world community.

I truly believe that Saddam Hussein is an evil dictator and should not be allowed to oppress his people or threaten the rest of the world. Having said that, I would note that we should have given diplomacy a chance to work and more importantly, given the inspectors a chance to do their job to avert this military action.

As a New Yorker, no one understands the reality of terrorism more than me and the people of Brooklyn; we all lost family and friends that day and were all thankful for the outpouring of support we received from the nation and the world in wake of the September 11th tragedies. Having said that, after seeing my city attacked with my own eyes that day I believe that the actions of this administration are wrong and short sighted.

Once again, Mr. Speaker I stand with our troops this evening, but cannot commend those who would not work with the world community to find a peaceful solution to the problems that face our ever-shrinking world.

Tonight I say thank you to our troops and know that I am praying for their safe return to America, but cannot vote for this resolution because I do not believe this to be a just war.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jessica Elizabeth Wilkes- Mobley.

Jessica is one of Brooklyn's brightest young stars. She is an honor student, having ranked second in her sophomore class at Catherine McAuley High School. Currently, Jessica is continuing her strong academic showing by remaining on the Principal's list in her junior year.

Her lifelong goal of being a pediatrician was furthered by her participation in the June 2002 National Leadership Forum on Medicine in Chicago. Jessica was also nominated as a National Math Award winner and had her biography published in the 2001 United States Achievement Academy National Awards Yearbook. Jessica was also nominated as a United States National Honor Roll Member and Who's Who Among American High School Students. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of the St. Johns University Women in Science Society for Mathematics.

Jessica is a member of Our Lady of Charity R.C. Church where she works with the church elders. She is also a member of Youth Discipleship and the Liturgical Dance Group. In addition to her academic studies and church work, Jessica also enjoys reading and cheerleading in her spare time.

Mr. Speaker, Jessica Elizabeth Wilkes-Mobley is truly a young lady who is going places and who is already an academic success story. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lilly Cox-Kellar for her significant contributions in business, as a community leader and family stalwart. Ms. Cox-Kellar has been a powerhouse of innovation and commitment, her discipline and hard work has led to a record achievement of many ``firsts'' for an African American who opened the doors for so many others.

Just to highlight a few of her accomplishments, Lilly was the first African American to be hired at the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) where she worked as Executive Secretary to the Treasurer. She was the first minority to hold a position with Hirshe, Rotman and Druck, an international public relations firm. As a Human Resources and Benefits Specialist, she was the first minority staff person recruited by Cogan, Berlin and Weill, a major Wall Street firm with a national staff of more than two thousand employees. As Director of Chapter Relations for the National Audubon Society, Lilly was responsible for the administrative oversight of

more than five hundred chapters nationwide. In the majority of these position, she was afforded the opportunity to hire additional African Americans. In addition, to her management and human resources skills, Lilly worked as a housing consultant to First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, Church of St. Mark Episcopal, Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Church, Berean Missionary Baptist Church, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement and Northeast Brooklyn HDFC/Wayside Baptist Church to develop 524 units of senior housing. However, Lilly felt she could do more.

Lilly ventured out on her own and opened LWC & Associates, a housing development consulting firm, which evolved into the current LWC Management Corp., now a real estate management and development corporation. Through this multi-faceted company working primarily with churches and community-based organizations, over $56 million worth of housing has been developed for senior citizens, low and moderate income persons and families, and the formerly homeless. She is most gratified when housing is developed for senior citizens and the homeless. In her effort to promote housing development, she also owns Brisa Builders Corporation, a general contracting/construction manager firm. Her firm is currently involved with 230 units of senior housing under construction in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Lilly, as a person of deep convictions, is grounded in her faith and family. She believes in the spirit of ``community'' and ``having a quality education'' for our youth. She is a lifetime member of the NAACP, committed exclusively to their educational programs. Lilly also shares her wealth of knowledge and information regularly as she develops, directs and facilitates workshops, seminars and other training for non-profit organizations, boards of directors and volunteers. Lilly has also served as a guest lecturer at the Harvard Divinity School, lecturing on ``The Urban Church and Community Development.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lilly Cox- Kellar for her leadership specifically with community based development and the many other contributions to her community. Her endeavors and accomplishments deserve our praise and appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Christine Renee Randall in recognition of her commitment to helping community members gain new workplace opportunities.

Christine was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is the daughter of two educators, the late Julius T. Randall, Jr., formerly a Director of Cooperative Education, and Ann Knight Randall, an Associate Professor of Library and Information Sciences at Pratt Institute.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University, with a major in French and a minor in Public Relations, and received a Master of Business Administration from Hofstra University.

In 2002, Christine joined the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation as the Director of the RITE Center, a community technology center in Brooklyn. The Center provides free and low cost technology training for a broad range of community residents, including adolescents, entrepreneurs, and senior citizens. Its goal is to help clients utilize computer technology for job preparation, entrepreneurship training, research, and communications.

Christine believes that 21st Century technology offers incredible workplace opportunities for community residents. She firmly holds that everyone has the potential to learn these new skills. Christine's expertise in marketing and public relations has already yielded fantastic results for the Center. Through new partnerships and outreach activities, she has helped the Center double its attendance in the past year. This accomplishment has already earned recognition and additional support for the RITE Center and the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board Development Fund.

Previously, Christine worked for the Draft Worldwide Advertising Agency and Madison Square Garden. Additionally, she founded Constant Interaction, a marketing consulting firm. She is a member of the Direct Marketing Association, African Americans in Advertising, and the Howard University Alumni Association.

Christine worships at St. Paul's Community Baptist Church and Concord Baptist Church where her family has long established ties.

Mr. Speaker, Christine Renee Randall is dedicated to 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 Carol Ying in recognition of her dedication to improving the educational opportunities for the students in her community and enlightening them with her teachings.

Born in Jamaica, West Indies, Carol immigrated to the United States in January 1985. She enrolled in the fifth grade at a private catholic school called St. Augustine-St. Francis Xavier where she won an award for the fifth grader of the year. After three years at the school, she wanted to explore a public school and enrolled in Samuel J. Tilden High School. Again, she excelled in her academics and received a PTA award given to the most outstanding high school freshmen. Her achievements at the High School allowed her to graduate within three years and attend Long Island University. She was a Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) student at the institution.

Carol was always fascinated with mathematics and showed exceptional ability in the subject. Although she started out as a Computer Science major, she would eventually change her major to Mathematics Education. During the summer of freshman year, she discovered that she had a passion for teaching mathematics after teaching a class of high school students. Carol was inspired by the many great math teachers she has encountered in her academic career. After graduating from Long Island University, Carol returned home to teach mathematics at Samuel J. Tilden High School. During her seven years at Tilden High School, she served as a dean for a year as well.

She continued to challenge herself by enrolling in a Master's program at CUNY Brooklyn College, receiving a degree in Mathematics Education. Later, she furthered her academic credentials when she earned a Certificate in Administration and Supervision. In the process, her supervisors and colleagues, who saw her capacity as a leader, encouraged her to do more than teach. This inspired her to pursue a position as an administrator.

Carol is currently working in the New York City public school system as an Assistant Principal at South Shore High School. She is also in charge of supervising the Mathematics Department. Carol is very passionate about her job and enjoys working with students and faculty to advance students' achievements in Mathematics.

Mr. Speaker, Carol Ying is committed to increasing the educational opportunities of members 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 Lucy Schwartz in recognition of her passionate dedication to improving her community through civic participation.

Born in the East New York section of Brooklyn, Lucy was the fourth of five children. A first generation American, both of Lucy's parents were born in Russia.

She began her political activities at the tender age of 15, stuffing envelopes for the American Labor Party (ALP). Later, when her family left the ALP to become Democrats, Lucy began volunteering for the Democratic Party.

Lucy attended Thomas Jefferson High School where she met her husband Murray who she married at age 21. Their first son Stephen was born in 1942 and their second son was born five years later.

Concerned about her children's education, in 1952, Lucy started and became the first president of the parent's association for a brand new elementary school PS 273. Before meeting with the school's principal to discuss a possible parent's association, Lucy purchased a Roberts rules and Order book and received a book from the United Parent's Association on how to start an association. These two books became her bibles.

From 1953 to 1956, Lucy was president of the Boulevard Community Center. During her term, she helped form a nursery school. With the help of Meade Esposito, she also started a youth program in the community center. She would become President of this program as well as the Teenage Day camp at Tilden High School. Lucy, with Meade's assistance, was also a major fundraiser for the United Leukemia Society.

Motivated by the lack of street lightening on Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn and after being ignored by the local district leader, Lucy and her friends in the parent's and tenants' association decided to become more politically active. The group decided to form their own Democratic club, called the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club. In 1960, the group had their first political victory when Lenny Yoswein was elected to the New York State Assembly. Lucy became the ``Mother Hen'' of the newly formed Democratic club, mentoring and providing guidance to countless young Democrats, including myself.

The Thomas Jefferson Club has been Lucy's love. She has held several volunteer positions such as the supervisor of the placement of inspectors on polling day, financial secretary, journal chairperson, and chairperson of the annual dinner/dance. In addition to the Club, Lucy also keeps her fellow co-operative owners up to date on current government programs that affect their lives.

When she is not volunteering, Lucy enjoys gardening. She has read extensively on this topic and has developed a green thumb. Wherever Lucy is, you can be sure that there is a green garden growing as well.

Mr. Speaker, Lucy Schwartz has been tireless in her devotion to civic participation and her community. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Phyllis Taliaferro in recognition of her commitment to providing mental health treatment in the community.

Phyllis is a member of a proud African American family of Taliaferros. The most notable of whom is Booker Taliaferro Washington. Since 1898 Phyllis's family has maintained the Lucy Taliaferro Estate in Colonial Beach, Virginia. Phyllis's great-grandmother purchased the property. Prior to World War II, Phyllis's family moved to Baltimore where she was born. Following the war, Phyllis along with her parents and sister moved to New York.

Phyllis is a graduate of Amityville Memorial High School on Long Island. She earned her bachelor's degree at Morgan State University and received her master's degree in Social Welfare at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She has also studied at the University of Ghana at Legon and at St. Ann's Psychiatric Hospital in Rosekilde, Sweden. In the United States, she took post-graduate courses at the Lenox Hill Hospital Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy program and at Beth Israel Hospital. She has held faculty positions in the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical College and at Old Westbury and Euro College.

In her professional life, she is focused on improving mental health treatment for women and children. She runs a group for women called ``He Ain't All That.'' She has been honored by the Visiting Nurse Service, the Society for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and the New York Black Psychologists. She is a Past President of the New York Association of Black Psychologists.

Phyllis is also the executive producer of the ``The Phyllis Taliaferro Show--The Psychology of Everyday Life'' on Brooklyn Community Access Television. Previously, on Starrett City Television, she was a producer and host of ``Perceptions and Insights.'' Additionally, she made frequent appearances on Dr. Jeff's early television show,'' ``A Hipper Shrink'' and Dr. Brown's show, ``Psych on Call.'' Phyllis has had guest spots on several radio shows as well as including ``The Dr. Watkins Show,'' ``The Gary Byrd Show;'' and ``Hit It.''

In addition to her work in the mental health field, she is actively involved in several local civic organizations. She is a member of the National Women's Political Caucus, the Brooklyn Women's Caucus, the National Political Caucus of Black Women in Politics, and the Central Committee for Al Sharpton. She is also a member of Church Women United and the auxiliary at Kings County Hospital.

Mr. Speaker, Phyllis Taliaferro is dedicated to 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 to honor of Lystra Moore-Besson in recognition of her contribution to her family and her community.

Lystra was born to Henry and Alice Moore in Trinidad & Tobago. She immigrated to the United States in 1975 to further her education. In 1980 she graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. After graduation, she pursued a career in banking. She is presently Vice-President and Branch Manager of HSBC Bank USA and holds her securities licenses from NASD.

During her twenty-years in banking, she has received several awards including the ``Chairman's Award for Sales Excellence'' at HSBC Bank USA. She also sits on the African American Diversity Sub-Committee for Mentoring

and Career Development. Throughout her banking career, she has mentored employees and neighborhood youth, both personally and professionally.

Lystra is deeply involved in her community. She has been a member of the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club since 1995. She was elected Treasurer in her first year, a position she still holds. She also serves on the Board of Directors and is the funding co-advisor of the Brooklyn Canarsie Leos Club, which lends its support to the Guide Dog Foundation and the Vacation Camp for the Blind. She is on the Board of Directors of Canarsie By Choice and has supported the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, National Conference for Community Justice, and National Association for Breast Cancer.

Lystra has also lent her banking expertise to the community through various financial seminars in credit, insurance, investment, and homeowners' information. Small businesses have also benefited from her personal counseling and expertise. Lystra has also participated in several civic causes, working with the Office of Senator John Sampson and helping to elect Hillary Rodham Clinton to the Senate.

Lystra is married to Ian Besson. They have three daughters Habika Zwena, Zakiya, and Tabia, and a grandaughter Lystra Daniella.

Mr. Speaker, Lystra Moore-Besson is devoted to serving her community. 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 woman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Jeanette Turner in recognition of her passionate commitment to her community.

Jeanette was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. Educated in the New York City Public School System, she was able to attend college and pursue a career in nursing through the Higher Education Extension Program. She earned an Associate in Applied Science from the Bellevue School of Nursing of New York City Community College and a Bachelor of Science from Hunter College. She also received a Master of Arts in Nursing from New York University. Additionally, Jeanatte has a certificate from the Alcohol Council of New York Education and Training for Historical Approaches and Current Trends to Substance Abuse.

For more than 20 years, she dedicated herself to providing quality health care for veterans while working in patient services at the New York Harbor Health System of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She worked at the Health System from 1977 to 1998. Always recognizing that veterans are individuals with their own unique needs, she emphasized a holistic approach to client care.

Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas B. Horvath, Chief of Staff of the Special Unit, she helped and supervised the implementation of the Mentally Impaired Chemical Abuse (MICA) program. Jeanette was involved in creating all aspects of the program from counseling to job placement. Additionally, she assisted physicians in providing annual physical and psychiatric examinations. Working with the community, Jeanette helped veterans obtain food, clothing, shelter, and financial assistance. Her work with the Veterans Outreach Center made sure that 250 veterans received referrals for veteran's benefits. She also developed a special patient education program and coordinated with the recreational services office to bring live entertainment for veterans, their families, and staff.

Jeanette has been committed to improving the health care of her community in her other professional experiences as well. She served as the Director of Service and Rehabilitation in the Brooklyn office of the American Cancer Society, providing rehabilitation services for families with oncology problems in the tri-state area. At Kings County Hospital, she worked with children in the outpatient pediatric unit, emergency room and on the medical and surgical units.

For her hard work and dedication, Jeanette was awarded the ``We Care'' Award from Kings County Hospital, a Special Commendation Award from the Acting Director of Kingsboro Psychiatric Center, and a Certification of Excellence from Department of Veterans Affairs. Her chief of staff also nominated her for the ``Hands and Heart'' Award. In 1996, She was the guest speaker during African American heritage month at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Ryerson Street Outpatient Clinic.

Additionally, she is a member of several community and civil organizations including the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club Foundation, Joseph Riley-Blacks in Government Chapter, St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, and Order of Eastern Star Chapter 719--Deborah Grand Chapter.

Mr. Speaker, Jeanette Turner has dedicated her life to improving the health care for children, families and veterans in her community. As such, she is more the worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleague to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the Honorable Evelyn M. Dixson in recognition of her dedication to her community and her enormous contribution to her church.

Evelyn is a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church, President of the Cornerstone Baptist Church Federal Credit Union, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Cornerstone's Sandy F. Ray Senior Housing. Always involved in efforts to improve her community, Mrs. Dixson is a past president of the Brooklyn Club of the National Association of the Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. She also served two four-year terms as the organization's president, which had never been done in the history of the organization. Presently, she is an advisor to the Club.

Evelyn is a former member of the Board of Directors of Elected Officials of New York State and a charter member of the Stuyvesant Heights Lions Clubs International. The club made her a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest honor one can achieve as a member of the Foundation.

Evelyn was one of the founding members of the Committee for Medgar Evers College and is a member of the Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Community Advisory Board. The Pratt Area Community Council honored Mrs. Dixson by

naming one of its affordable housing projects in 1994, ``The Evelyn Dixson Houses,'' which are seven newly rehabilitated buildings in Brooklyn.

In recognition of her many contributions and her participation in the improvement of the Bedford Stuyvesant community, she has received numerous awards, including the Thomas S. Boyland Award for leadership and commitment to the cause of Black Americans from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc. She was also honored by Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden with a Certificate of Achievement for outstanding leadership and service. Other awards include the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs' Sojourner Truth Award, the Salvation Army's Humanitarian and Service Award, and the Key Women of America's Church Woman of the Year award.

Evelyn has also been honored by the Medgar Evers College Women's Center, Lions and Lioness Clubs, Friends of Shaw University, the National Council of Christians and Jews, and the Council of Churches of the City of New York.

A former teacher, she also studied at Bank Street College in New York City and at the New School for Social Research in New York City, specializing in Early Childhood Education. Evelyn was also an executive administrative assistant for the Taxi and Limousine Commission of New York City. One of her most outstanding accomplishments of her professional career was being elected to eight consecutive two-year terms as State Committeewoman (District Leader) of the 56th Assembly District. She was also a delegate to the 1980 National Democratic Convention.

Mr. Speaker, with her numerous awards and professional memberships, Evelyn M. Dixson has shown that she is clearly dedicated to 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 today to congratulate Kalman and Devorah Strobel upon their selection to be the honorees at the 24th Annual Dinner of the Young Israel of Avenue J, in Brooklyn, New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Strobel have truly defined community service. Having given generously of their time, finances, and business acumen, our local Brooklyn neighborhoods have truly been blessed to be the beneficiaries of such selflessness.

Mr. and Mrs. Strobel have played an integral role in the success of the Young Israel for over twenty years as well as many other crucial local Jewish institutions. The Strobel's dedication to Tifereth High School for Special Children is only one example of the breadth and depth of their efforts to better our neighborhoods. Their efforts have provided a guiding light into the true meaning of the Hebrew word ``chesed'' translated into English as kindness.

Being of a soft spoken nature, Mr. & Mrs. Strobel have proven that actions speak louder than words. Although never ones to seek accolades for their work, the community and the Young Israel will forever be indebted to them.

Addionally, I wish to congratulate the Strobel's children, Suri, Miraty, Rivky, and Meir Eli, and granddaughter Chaya Leah so fortunate to have Kalman and Devorah as their role models.

May you continue to grace our community with your inspiring presence for many years to come.