Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rev. David K. Brawley.

Reverend David K. Brawley's commitment to the call and demands of ministry is evidenced in his leadership and his availability.

At the age of sixteen, Rev. Brawley responded to God's will and was ordained by Rev. Winifred Pippen of First Baptist Church in Deer Park, New York. He became the Youth Minister at First Baptist, where he maintained his membership for thirteen years.

In 1994, Rev. Brawley began his full time career in ministry at St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, where Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood has served as Senior Pastor for the past thirty- five years. Rev. Brawley served as Dr. Youngblood's Assistant Pastor beginning in 1995, and in January 2008, was named Pastor Successor of St. Paul Community Baptist Church.

During his tenure at St. Paul, Rev. Brawley has served in a large number of roles, including: Coordinator of the Men-in-Training program for the St. Paul Community Board of Elders, pastoral counseling, officiating at sacred events such as weddings, baby dedications, and home going services, community organizing, leading worship services, and as an on-call teacher to the congregation. His organizing efforts play a dynamic role in the church's community development activities where he serves as a member of the Governance Board and Strategy Team of East Brooklyn Congregations, EBC, an organization which has been at the forefront of construction projects that have resulted in over 3000 affordable homes in Brooklyn. Rev. Brawley has been an outspoken advocate for public school reform and has addressed issues such as public safety, housing, and quality of life concerns on behalf of neighborhood residents. Rev. Brawley's community involvement also includes his role as Vice President of E.D.I.F.Y. Communities of East New York. E.D.I.F.Y., which stands for Empower, Develop and Improve Families and Youth, seeks to increase the vitality and value of urban communities by pooling resources and charitable funds.

Rev. Brawley's four principles for a strong, productive ministry are: creating a thriving worship experience; actively engaging in community organizing; edifying God's people; and becoming a beacon of economic development for the community the ministry serves. As a pastor, Rev. Brawley possesses the gifts of exhortation, inspiration, motivation, and encouragement, which he shares in worship services and across the nation at men's conferences, revivals, and youth group programming.

In 2004, Rev. Brawley earned his Master's degree in Theological Studies from the Faith Seminary of Tacoma, Washington. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in ministry at Faith Seminary.

Rev. Brawley resides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife Debra and their two children, Rhonesha and Michael.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Rev. David K. Brawley.

Madam Speaker, let me just say that I'm happy today to be here. And of course Congresswoman Wolf just indicated that he's been working on this for 18 years. And of course I think that the time is right to move this legislation forward.

As chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1722, the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010.

I want to congratulate Representative Sarbanes for his persistence and his hard work on the legislation. I also want to commend Representative Lynch, the chairman of the Federal Workforce Committee, for his help in guiding this legislation through the process. I also want to thank the ranking member on the Republican side, of course, for his work as well.

H.R. 1722 will increase the Federal Government's use of telework. This will make the Federal workforce more efficient and better prepared to handle all emergencies. Telework saves the government money, reduces energy consumption, and increases worker productivity.

This bill passed the House by an overwhelming margin on July 14, 2010. The Senate amended the bill and passed it by unanimous consent on September 29, 2010. It is time for us to send this bill to the President for his signature.

The Senate changes in H.R. 1722 represent a compromise between the House-passed bill and Senate legislation introduced by Senator Akaka. And of course I fully support this bipartisan compromise.

The Senate amendment includes key provisions from the House bill, including language drafted by the ranking member of the Oversight Committee, Representative Issa, and ranking member of the Federal Workforce Subcommittee, Representative Chaffetz. This discussion that led to the compromise we have before us today included Members from both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol. This bill is the fruit of an inclusive and comprehensive process.

I strongly support this bipartisan, good government bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ranson and Lula Smith on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary.

Ranson and Lula both came to Brooklyn early in their lives. Through the past several decades, they have made numerous contributions to the Brooklyn community.

For more than 20 years, Ranson and Lula have been members of the 500 Block MacDonough Street Association. Ranson currently serves as the Block Association President, and Lula currently serves as secretary. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are also members of the 81st Precinct Community Council.

After 21 years of service, Ranson retired from the New York City Department of Sanitation in 1990. He has been a community activist for many years. In 1994 he was awarded by Assemblyman William Boyland and the 55th Assembly District for his work in the community. He received the Exemplary Service Award from the Unity Democratic Club in 1996. In 2006, he received a Community Service Award from the Key Women of America Brooklyn Chapter.

Lula retired from the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services after twenty years of service. She received an award for her service to the Department.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been long time members of Zion Baptist Church, and have been actively involved in numerous ministries. Lula is particularly involved in the Teaching Ministry, and has received a Gold Star Diploma in Christian Leadership Education from the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Additionally, she received an award for her outstanding service to the New York Progressive Baptist State Convention Congress, which she has served for over 20 years. Lula has also served on the Board of Managers of the Brooklyn Sunday School Union, and serves as a Girl Scout Committee Person for Zion's Girl Scouts.

Ranson and Lula have four children, twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on November 27, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the lives of Ranson and Lula Smith.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Najee J. Henderson for his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout.

In earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts, Najee J. Henderson completed a service project that he planned, organized, and provided leadership for. His project involved educating the community on testicular and prostate cancers. In addition, Najee has demonstrated Scout Spirit, leadership, and advanced skills and knowledge in various subjects by earning a number of Merit Badges.

Najee has demonstrated that he is a positive role model, and has provided an example for younger Boy Scouts to follow.

The skills that Najee has acquired through his experience are valuable skills that will serve him well for many years.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements Najee J. Henderson.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to lend my support for H. Res. 1428, which seeks to recognize Brooklyn Botanic Garden on its 100th anniversary, as the preeminent horticultural attraction in the borough of Brooklyn, and its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and education for the City of New York.

Built from a site that functioned as an ash dump in the 1800s, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens have become a preeminent example of the finest urban gardening, and a model for environmental stewardship.

The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens prides itself on a strong commitment to education, community outreach, and scientific research. Programs like Project Green Reach and the Garden Apprentice Program provide a science-focused educational program for over 2,500 K-12 participants annually from Brooklyn's public Title I schools. The program provides youth with unique, hands-on opportunities for personal growth and career development, through learning about science, ecology, and the environment in their classrooms, in their neighborhoods, and right at the Garden.

Its 52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn, New York serves as a premier environmental education site for New York City's youth, a get-away for the 730,000 annual visitors, and an exquisite recreational spot for New Yorkers.

I commend the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens for its numerous achievements over the last 100 years, and I wish them luck over the next century as it continues to serve the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Walter T. Mosley III.

Walter T. Mosley III was born and raised in the Clinton Hill and Crown Heights sections of Brooklyn.

After he graduated from high school, Mr. Mosley attended Pennsylvania State University. He graduated with honors, earning a degree in Criminology with minors in African Studies and American History. He received a law degree from Howard University in 1998.

Mr. Mosley was exposed to community activism and public service at an early age, which had a great effect on his sense of responsibility and ownership of his community. Throughout his life, he has worked to serve the downtown and central Brooklyn community. He has served as an advisor to elected officials on political, legislative, and public policy issues related to local and statewide initiatives. Through this work, he has had the opportunity to work in various capacities, including: legislative analyst for the New York City Council, Chief of Staff to New York State Assemblyman William F. Boyland, Jr., and currently as Special Counsel to New York State Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson.

Mr. Mosley also learned early the importance of developing a broad range of experience in government and politics so that he would be able to give back to his community. He had the opportunity to work on the national political scene in 2004 through work for Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign. He continued this work in 2008 as a Pledged Delegate for Senator Barack Obama.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many contributions of Walter T. Mosley III.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Christian Faith Baptist Church on this, their twentieth anniversary and for their outstanding contributions to the welfare of residents of Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Christian Faith Baptist Church and its congregation have distinguished themselves through many years of service to their community and to their county through their extended ministry.

Created in February 1990 by a small band of believers guided by their faith, the Christian Faith Baptist Church dedicated itself to the mission of being a beacon of faith to the community. Immediately, the church set out to extend hospitality and Christian love to all who came through their doors by establishing a Christian Education Ministry within a month of creation. From their modest beginnings at the Shaw University Divinity School Campus, the church has grown to presently include some 30 ministries.

In 1999, Christian Faith Baptist Church had the honor of hosting the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Ministry Convention, the oldest and largest African-American mission convention. It was attended by over 6,000 people, including representatives from across the United States and the world.

Christian Faith Baptist Church and its congregation have provided spiritual guidance and service throughout the community; this dedication and desire to serve others was evident from the very beginning. The service to the community is evident in the ministries that the church has built and in work such as the Saturday lunches that the Christian Faith Baptist Church has held for the elderly and the needy for the past twenty years.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of the Christian Faith Baptist Church.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.

Founded as a senior college in 1970 by a group of educators and community leaders, Medgar Evers College provides a broad range of education opportunities for inner-city and non-traditional students within The City University of New York.

The college is named for the slain civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers, the Field Secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) who was slain by an assassin's bullet on June 12, 1963 in his native state of Mississippi as he toiled tirelessly to overcome racial segregation and secure voting rights for African Americans. It is that same indomitable spirit that drove Medgar Evers to pursue justice that drives Medgar Evers College to pursue excellence.

Medgar Evers College continues to advance under the leadership of President Dr. William Lawrence Pollard, providing higher education to more than 7,000 students during its Fall and Spring semesters.

Madam Speaker, please join me in saluting the outstanding contributions Medgar Evers College has made to the Borough of Brooklyn and our Nation on the occasion of the celebration of its 40th Founders' Day on September 28, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Virginia Hawkins.

Virginia Hawkins was born on August 29, 1908 in Stanton, Virginia. She came to New York in 1930. She has always been committed to the community's needs and has dedicated herself to helping others, and has heard the call from God to serve her church and community.

She has been a member of the Newman Memorial United Methodist Church under the pastorate of Reverend O.W. Jones for 57 years.

Ms. Hawkins has served as a member of the MacDonough Street Block Association since its inception. She was the first to sign up as a block watcher, and has always demonstrated concern about the safety and unity of her neighbors.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Virginia Hawkins.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ephraim Benton for his achievements.

Ephraim Benton was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is the oldest of seven children, and has worked hard to make a mark on the entertainment industry.

Mr. Benton is constantly developing his own projects, and has already executive produced, written, directed and starred in two short films titled ``Brown Paper Bags'' and ``3 Quarters of Face Value.'' He also produced an animated documentary about the life of President Barack Obama titled ``HIStory,'' and is the founder of two film festivals.

In 2009, Mr. Benton made his mark beginning with a small role in the Academy Award Nominee film ``Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire'' directed by the critically acclaimed Lee Daniel. He then played Shawn in the film ``Shades of Brooklyn Vol. 1'' that debuted on HBO Short Series. Mr. Benton also stars in the award winning indie film ``Inside a Change'' directed by BET Award Video Director of the Year nominee Rik Cordero. He gives a compelling performance as Chris Price, a teenager about to serve 180 days in prison for a first-time offense who discovers that his family is falling apart when his mother invites him home for dinner, and is forced to re-examine his life and how he can bring everyone together for his mother's birthday.

Additionally, Mr. Benton is a member of two community advisory boards and has used his life experiences and success to give back to the community through his non-profit organization.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ephraim Benton.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Demetrice Mills for his contributions to the Brooklyn community.

Demetrice Mills was born and raised in North Carolina on the family farm. In 1971, after graduating from high school, he moved to Brooklyn, New York to find a job and make a better life for himself.

Throughout the years, Mr. Mills has volunteered his time and energy in a number of ways to help his community. He is considered the ``Mayor of the block'' and a source of information. He is the President of the Block Association and a true community activist, always looking for ways to help and willing to speak out for the community on issues of concern.

Mr. Mills has worked in the insurance, manufacturing, and financial industries throughout his career. He was employed by JPMorgan Chase for over 25 years, and is now a retired financial information business system specialist. He has worked in the field of computer information and technology for over 38 years.

Since his retirement, he has dedicated even more of his time to the community by volunteering with a number of community groups. Mr. Mills tries to educate and inspire people of all ages to become involved in their communities.

Mr. Mills is the Board President of the Brooklyn Queens Land Trust Community Gardens, which consists of 29 community gardens in Brooklyn and 5 in Queens. Community gardening is an important way of building on a community's assets by providing a source of healthy fruits and vegetables and a vibrant social setting for the community.

Mr. Mills is a volunteer member of Bedford Academy High School PTA, a member of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Block Association, the President of the Classon Ful-Gate Block Association, Executive Director of the Classon Ful-Gate Block Association Community Garden, member of Community Board 3, member of BedStuy Alive, Treasurer of the 79th Precinct Community Council, Co-Chairperson of the Scholarship Campaign for the 79th Precinct Community Council College Scholarship Committee, and is a 2007 Graduate of the New York City Police Department Citizen's Academy.

Demetrice and his wife Dorothy co-chair the 79th Precinct College Scholarship Campaign Committee. The College Scholarship Campaign is an annual campaign to help local high school graduating seniors looking to further their education and hoping to obtain a college degree. Over the last three years, the 79th Precinct Community Council has been able to assist numerous deserving young graduating seniors who live or attend school in the community.

Demetrice and Dorothy have been together for more than 38 years, and have been married for 28 years. They have four children and two grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Demetrice Mills.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Professor Ronald Banks.

Professor Ronald Banks was born on April 22, 1948 to the late Clifton R. and Annie Lee Banks in Brooklyn, New York. He was educated in the New York City educational system and is a graduate of George Westinghouse Technical High School.

Professor Banks has always had a love for music. At a young age, he would sit and watch Elder Sam Windham play the steel guitar. At the age of five, his mother bought him a steel guitar, his first musical instrument. He received his first piano lesson at age 8, and was inspired to learn the organ at age 12 and the bass guitar at 14.

Professor Banks was blessed with an ear for music and began playing officially for his first choir at the age of 12. He began teaching voices and sections the same year, and started his own ensemble called ``The Eastern New York Ensemble'' at age 15. The next year, his father founded the ``Sensational Twilights'' and Professor Banks was one of the lead singers and bass guitarist.

From a very young age, Professor Banks has developed a wealth of knowledge in music. He has passed on his wisdom and knowledge to generations of musicians, singers and choirmasters to further their ministries and for the good of the greater church community. Professor Banks' attention to detail and passion for his craft has made him an icon in the genre of Gospel music known today as the ``Brooklyn Sound.''

Professor Banks has recorded with the International Radio Choir, the Triboro Mass Choir, the Sensational Twilights, the Clara Ward Singers, and the Eastern New York Mass Choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He has been a member of the Triboro Mass Choir for over thirty years, and currently serves as head musician.

He has earned the endearing title of ``Professor'' for his ability to bring out the musical talents of any individual. Through his service to his community and his church, he has earned numerous citations.

Professor Banks was a dedicated employee of Con Edison for thirty-six years until his retirement on December 1, 2004.

Professor Banks presently serves as the Minister of Music at Friendship Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, under the leadership of Reverend Craig B. Gaddy, Pastor. He is rooted and forever humble in his craft because of his loyalty and devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Professor Ronald Banks.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Darlene Mealy for her service to Brooklyn's 41st District.

Darlene Mealy was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant area, in Brooklyn's 41st District. She attended P.S. 28, J.H.S. 271, and George W. Wingate High School. She later studied at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Cornell for Labor Women's Studies.

Council Member Mealy is a young grassroots leader committed to bring about a positive change in her community. She serves as an outspoken community leader responding to the needs of the people of her community with honor and integrity. Her perseverance helps her to achieve positive results.

Darlene Mealy has served as the Council Member in Brooklyn's 41st District since January 2006. Prior to her election to the council, she was employed at the New York City Transit Authority for 17 years in the Department of Buses, Technical Services Division. She is the Founder and President of a multiple block association known as the Fulton Street/Atlantic Avenue/Ralph Avenue/Rochester Avenue F.A.R.R. Community Association, Inc. Council Member Mealy has served as a National Delegate for the Reverend Al Sharpton for President and is a Board Member of Neighborhood Housing Services. She was also the former Secretary of both the 81st Precinct Community Council and the Unity Democratic Club.

Currently in her second term, Council Member Mealy was appointed Chair of the Contracts Committee, where she has led the fight for reform in New York City contracts procedure and diversity in the awarding of city contracts. She has committed to the expansion of Minority Women Business Enterprises and diversification in both prime and sub-prime contracts. The awarding of Minority Women Business Enterprises is currently at the highest level ever. Additionally, during her time as Chair, the Small Business Service has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration in an effort to ensure the increase of city contracts to small businesses. Throughout her time on the Council, Council Member Mealy has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service.

Council Member Mealy is a member of Christ Memorial Church, Pastor Flora L.H. Grant under the Pilgrim Church, Chief Prelate Archbishop Roy E. Brown.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Darlene Mealy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Kevin S. Bond for his accomplishments and contributions.

For many years, Dr. Kevin Bond has been an advocate for those in need and has assisted those burdened by the circumstances of their environment and economic conditions. He is committed to creating positive change for urban America, and works tirelessly to uplift the people in the underserved communities of Brooklyn, New York. He has established himself as a strong and progressive voice for urban communities through his education and his grassroots approach.

Dr. Bond has continually striven to strengthen his education. In 1987, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Accounting at New York University. He completed a Master of Divinity in 1991 at New York Theological Seminary, and in 1995, completed the Doctor of Divinity degree at United Theology Seminary. He also has a Master's Degree in Education and Learning Technology from Mercy College in 2001 and a Master's Degree in Education from the College of St. Rose, completed in 2005.

Dr. Bond is the Pastor of Citadel of Praise and Worship Church, which was established in 1997 and has over 300 members. In 1997, he also established the Citadel Summer Camp Enrichment Program and Citadel Health and Wellness. The Citadel Homeless Ministry was started in 1998. Citadel Daycare and Learning Center was added in 1999, and finally, the Citadel Share Program began in 2000.

Additionally, Dr. Bond is the Dean at Stephen Decatur Middle School 35 in Bedford Stuyvesant, where he serves as Chair to several committees and boards. He has accomplished a great deal of progressive learning for the Board of Education, and has enabled a stronger math and reading tutorial program that has helped to increase scores on citywide standardized tests.

Dr. Bond is a frequent visitor to City Hall, where he champions initiatives that affect his community. He has contributed a great deal to the City Council in their endeavors to encompass the strength of religious leadership in their pursuit of improved community development relations.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Dr. Kevin S. Bond.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the Republic of China on Taiwan on the occasion of the celebration of their 99th anniversary. Although it is commonly known as ``Double Ten Day,'' this year, the anniversary can be called ``Triple Ten Day,'' as it falls on the tenth day of the tenth month of the tenth year of this millennium.

This important date commemorates the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911, which was the impetus for the fall of the Qing Dynasty in China, leading to the creation a few months later of the Republic of China, commonly known as Taiwan.

October 10 is the National Celebration Day in Taiwan. It is as important to the Taiwanese people as the Fourth of July is to Americans, and many American cities, including Chicago and San Francisco, have large celebrations to mark the occasion.

Sadly, the destruction and devastation caused by Typhoon Morakot last year caused Taiwanese President a to cancel the national festivities to pay respect to those who had lost their lives. Additionally, funds normally used for celebration were instead used to aid victims of the disaster.

Today, Taiwan is a valued partner of the United States and I extend my best wishes to Taiwan for a wonderful 99th anniversary this year, and I look forward to celebrating their 100th anniversary with them next year.