Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Wayne Wiltshire for his achievements in the healthcare field.

Mr. Wiltshire is a graduate of Canarsie High School, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Politics Island from Shaw University. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Community Health from Long Island University and a Law Degree from Concord University.

Wayne Wiltshire began his career in health care as Administrator for Emergency Ambulatory Care Services at Cumberland Hospital. He then became the Associate Executive Director at Woodhull Hospital, which he helped open in 1982. During his time at Woodhull, he opened In-Patient, Emergency, and Psychiatric services. He then returned to renovate the new Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center, and served as Cumberland's Executive Director for eight years. Following his time at Cumberland, he was transferred to Bellevue Hospital, where he served for five years as the hospital's first African-American Associate Executive Director for Psychiatry and Emergency Services. Mr. Wiltshire also worked as an Adjunct Professor at St. Joseph's College in Brooklyn and owned his own ambulette service, Health Link Incorporated, with his family.

Mr. Wiltshire is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Paul J. Cooper Center for Human Services, formerly the Brownsville-Ocean Hill Mental Health Service. While at Paul J. Cooper Center for Human Services, he relocated the Administrative, Mental Health, and Chemical Dependency Services to new state of the art facilities.

Mr. Wiltshire and his wife Donna, a 30 year health professional, celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary in July. Together, they have four children and five grandchildren.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a woman who had a tremendous impact on her community and the lives of countless individuals.

Annette Young was born on August 15, 1925 in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1944, she moved to New York and married Winfield Young, the love of her life, on March 21, 1944. They were later blessed with a son, Steven. Annette took great pride in family and was a devoted wife and mother.

Annette had a love for God and sought his guidance throughout her life. She understood that the power within us could evolve into something great if we trusted in the Lord. Annette joined the church family at the Berean Baptist Church in 1998.

Although Annette had a great sense of family, she also had a great sense of community. For more than 30 years, she was a resident of Ocean-Hill Brownsville and she served as president of the Council of Block Associations, organizing over 80 block and tenant associations. Additionally, she founded the Council of Block Associations Gazette, and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Daniel Hale Williams Housing Corp.

Through her roles as former district co-leader and legislative assistant, president of the Vanguard Political Club, honorary co-chair of Brooklyn C.O.R.E., Frank Edward Cook Scholarship Foundation and the N.A.A.C.P., Annette was a force that helped to empower others.

Annette worked in various industries and eventually became the Executive Secretary to the Vice President of International Banking at Chase Manhattan Bank. Following her retirement from Chase, she pursued a second career as a film promoter and as President of International Cinema. She also managed the musical group ``Elegante.''

Annette utilized her acting ability and appeared in a number of productions. In 1996 she received the Unity Music and Arts Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement as an actress from the Unity Democratic Club.

In December 1991, Annette completed a certification from the NY State School of Industrial and Labor relations from Cornell University. In 2002, she proudly received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of New Rochelle. This was a monumental achievement and demonstrates that age is not a limit to learning.

She was extremely proud to be a long time member of the Jefferson Democratic Club of Brooklyn, NY.

Madam Speaker, Annette's grace, poise, professionalism, witty nature and natural ability to ``live life to the fullest'' will be remembered by all who knew her.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Herman Merritt for his contributions to education and his community.

Herman Merritt, a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, New York, was born and raised in the Gowanus Housing Project. He won a Martin Luther King Scholarship to attend New York University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration. He also received an Advanced Certificate in Educational Administration from City College.

Mr. Merritt began his career in 1974 as a Social Studies and Mathematics teacher at JHS 265 in District 13. He continued his service to the New York City Department of Education in various positions. After serving as an Assistant Principal at P.S. 13 in District 19, he was appointed Principal at the Lewis H. Latimer School (P.S. 56) in District 13. He served there for 13 years until he became a mentor and finally Coordinator of the Supervisory Support Program. Mr. Merritt is retiring from the Department of Education after 36 years of service.

As a recipient of the Martin Luther King Scholarship, he has tried to make working for social justice an integral part of his life. He is active in many community organizations and a founding member of the Men's Caucus for Ed Towns.

Mr. Merritt resides in Bedford Stuyvesant with his wife Sherry and son Adam.

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

Let me begin by thanking you, Mr. Chairman, for a hearing and arranging for us to be where we are here today.

I rise in strong support of S. 3717, a bill to improve transparency at the Securities and Exchange Commission. I introduced a companion bill, H.R. 6086, on August 10, 2010.

The landmark Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act made significant improvements to the accountability and transparency of our Nation's financial system. But the Dodd-Frank Act includes a secrecy provision that I believe undermines the purposes of the act. This provision allows the SEC to avoid disclosing virtually any information it obtains under its examination authority.

S. 3717 repeals that provision. This legislation strikes a careful balance to address concerns raised by the SEC without compromising the goals of transparency and accountability that are at the heart of the Dodd-Frank Act.

In a letter supporting this legislation, a coalition of over 30 public interest organizations wrote that ``this bill sends a clear message that public access is vital to accountability.'' I would like to thank Senator Leahy, I would like to thank Congressman Issa, I would like to thank Congressman Bachus, and I want to thank Chairman Frank, first of all for giving us a hearing and his support in bringing this bill to the floor and, of course, his consideration of doing that has made the difference in the reason why we are here today.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. This is good government legislation. And, of course, we need good government legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the accomplishments of Iasha A. Rivers.

Iasha Rivers is the Director of External Affairs and Corporate Communications for Macy's Inc. She specializes in creating synergy in and out of the company from a brand marketing and customer first perspective. She has developed significant relationships within our communities, diversity initiatives, special projects, and the coordination of a number of charitable events on behalf of the company. She is also charged with the strategic planning and execution of advertising compliance for Macy's stores. Iasha is closely involved with working in partnership with city and state agencies, government officials and consumer boards to remain ahead of the curve on issues that affect the industry and customers. Ms. Rivers is responsible for developing policies and procedures to streamline store-line operational functions, as well as advising store executives on internal and external matters.

Iasha has a background in the entertainment industry. She worked for ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers) and Double Xxposure where she developed her skills in communications in the field of public relations. Previously, she worked in healthcare as a Performance Improvement Manager and Resident Coordinator for Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center/Special Care Unit, one of the first units in the nation to have a

dedicated AIDS center for long-term care patients.

It was through her work in healthcare that Rivers began to develop a commitment to volunteerism. Her commitment has continued to grow over the last 15 years, and she has become involved in organizing holiday events for foster children, raising funds through AIDSwalk, the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure and working with children with cancer and their families at the Ronald McDonald House of NY. She has also coordinated mammography reminders for breast cancer awareness in all Macy's stores in the New York City area in conjunction with the City Council Speaker's Office of New York.

Iasha's passion for children and education has led her to giving presentations for college students on dressing for your success. She has also taught business seminars at the Henry Street Settlement for displaced workers building the skills to get back in the workforce.

Ms. Rivers is currently the 2010 Chair of SOCAP's (Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals International) Conference Board. She has also been named the Chair for United Way's 2011 Women United in Philanthropy--The Power of Women. With her combination of leadership, communication skills and volunteerism, Iasha was recently honored with a national award for the 40 Under Forty Dynamic Achievers in 2010. She has also been recognized by the United Way with the prestigious Rising Star Award in 2009.

Rivers attended Hunter College for a B.S. in Economics and is currently pursuing a degree in International Affairs at Columbia University.

Iasha is a single mom of two children, Andrew and Brianna, and lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Iasha A. Rivers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Martin Joseph for his contributions to health care management.

Martin Joseph is the President of Health Vision Partners LLC. He has a successful health care management and consulting practice and also manages a real estate portfolio of commercial properties.

Martin Joseph is a global visionary leader with more than 20 years in investment banking and the financial services arena. He worked for Citigroup as Vice President of Global Marketing, Merrill Lynch, Prudential U.S. and Prudential U.K.

Over the years, Mr. Joseph's investment banking and wealth management background has enabled him to restructure and increase revenue for health care practices, hospitals, and private doctors' practices in the metropolitan area.

Mr. Joseph enjoys reading in his spare time. He is active in local charities, politics and is a Gallon Club blood donor.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the achievements and contributions of Dr. Divine Pryor.

Dr. Pryor is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Nu Leadership on Urban Solutions, the world's first and only academic center and problem solving public policy think tank created, developed, and administered by formerly incarcerated professionals, representing every discipline from law to medicine. One of the many goals of the Center, located at the City University of New York's historic Medgar Evers College, is to offer an alternative voice in the analysis of criminal and social justice issues by including the combined lived and academic experiences and expertise of people who have had firsthand knowledge of the social, judicial, and economic systems that scar so many communities.

Before ever attending a formal institution, Dr. Pryor acquired his very first degree from

the ``school of hard knocks'' with a Ph.D. from UCLA. That is the ``University on the Corner of Lenox Avenue in New York City.'' While incarcerated, he would rediscover his love for learning and resume his educational journey. After his release in 1991 he successfully completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the State Universities of New York in Albany and New Paltz, ultimately acquiring his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a major in forensic psychology.

Dr. Pryor is a social scientist who has extensive knowledge and experience in the health and social service fields, having spent over half his career administrating HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, substance abuse and other social service non-profits. He has traveled extensively providing expertise counsel on criminal justice issues to judges, prosecutors and others for the purpose of influencing policy decisions. In addition, he has developed trainings and workshops for professionals that address issues such as anti-gang initiatives, poverty, literacy, unemployment, housing and healthcare. He is a highly sought after technical assistance provider who has helped countless organizations build infrastructure and capacity. He continues to offer his insights in a number of arenas as a consultant to help agencies build capacity and create new innovations in the field of social and criminal justice reform.

In 2001 he was appointed by the Council of State Governors to the National Reentry Policy Council, where he and over 100 national experts produced the most voluminous work in re-entry in the nation. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the National Legal AID & Defender Assocation and the National Council of Previously Incarcerated Professionals, both based in Washington, DC. He is also Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Community Justice Center of New York and Chair of the Advisory Board for the Developing Justice Project in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Pryor is also Co-Chair of the Criminal Justice Policy Cluster for the Black Brooklyn Empowerment Coalition. Most recently, Dr. Pryor was appointed by the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate to co-chair the New York State Anti-Gang Violence Reduction Commission. In addition to his leadership roles, he is also an active member of a number of local, regional, and national legislative, social and political advocacy groups whose focus is to effect positive change.

Dr. Pryor is an eloquent public speaker, lecturer, trainer, and overall educational specialist, whose delivery is insightfully powerful, informative, and extremely impacted by the depth of research and analysis he has been engaged in over the years. More recently, he has been traveling outside the United States promoting innovative thinking, alternative leadership concepts and the emergence of this Nu and provocative approach to problem solving. Throughout his life, Dr. Pryor has remained a dedicated student and is honored to be here with us today.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Dr. Divine Pryor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Khaleeq Arshed for his contributions to the medical field.

Dr. Arshed was born in Pakistan, and attended Nishtar Medical College before coming to the United States. He has been practicing Internal Medicine in Queens County for the past thirty years. Today, his practice is among the leading solo practices in the Jackson Heights area.

Dr. Arshed has served as an Attending Physician at the Parkway Hospital, the New York Hospital of Queens, and South Nassau Community Hospital. He has also served as the Medical Director of Osteoporosis Centers of New York and Healing Touch Medispa.

Dr. Arshed's medical training included Residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Pulmonary Diseases, both at Metropolitan Hospital, part of New York Medical College. He was also a 2009 Fellow with the American Academy of Anti-Aging.

He holds memberships and certifications with the Medical Society of the County of Queens, the National Lipid Association, the American Society of Hypertension, the American Association of Sensory Medicine, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Additionally, he has board certifications from the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine and the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Dr. Khaleeq Arshed.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to subsection (c)(2) of H. Res. 1493, the House-passed Budget Enforcement Resolution, I am submitting the following information for printing in the Congressional Record. The Budget Enforcement Resolution requires that I identify the Committee actions that help achieve deficit reduction by reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs, promoting efficiency and government reform, and controlling spending in the government programs. This requirement reflects the House's commitment to deficit reduction and bringing about a more efficient and accountable government for the American people. As Chairman of the Oversight Committee, I am pleased to comply with this requirement.

A September 2 letter from the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader to House Committee Chairs identifies some of the important legislative steps the Oversight Committee has taken to promote deficit reduction, fiscal responsibility, and government reform in the 111th Congress. The Oversight Committee and the House of Representatives passed the Government Efficiency, Effectiveness and Performance Improvement Act, H.R. 2142. As the letter acknowledges, the enhanced oversight provided by this legislation will significantly cut government waste. In addition, the Committee approved the Improper Payments Elimination and Reduction Act, H.R. 3393, which was also signed into law (as S. 1508) on July 22, 2010. The Office of Management and Budget recently reported that the federal government made an astonishing $98 billion in duplicate, erroneous, or undocumented payments in 2009. The Committee's and the Congress' efforts, in passing H.R. 3393 / S. 1508, will provide the government with the tools it needs to recover these overpayments for the American taxpayers and stop them from occurring in the first instance.

In addition to these important reforms, the Oversight Committee is pursuing a broad-based approach to deficit reduction and budget savings. The Committee's actions include direct oversight of agencies to improve and address inefficient practices that would result in over $19.4 billion in budget savings. The Committee also has advanced legislative reforms to strengthen the internal watchdogs at government agencies, improve the investigative and auditing arm of Congress, empower federal workers to fight fraud and waste without fear of retaliation, improve government efficiency by facilitating the sale of surplus federal real property, and save hundreds of millions of tax dollars by expediting the transition of government-wide telecommunication services. These efforts are described below.

Holding Agencies Accountable for the Implementation of Over $19.4

billion in Cost Savings Reforms

At the request of the Oversight Committee, Inspectors

General from across the government identified improvements

and efficiencies in government operations that would result

in over $19.4 billion in savings to the federal budget if

fully implemented. As the country begins to recover from the

economic crisis, the American public should have confidence

that agencies will be held accountable for taking any actions

necessary to recover such significant savings of their hard-

earned tax dollars. The Oversight Committee will monitor

implementation of each of these IG recommendations. The

Committee will require agency heads to report back on the

steps they are taking to recoup these savings for the U.S.

taxpayers, to provide a timeline for the realization of these

savings, and detail any administrative or legislative action

needed to bring about these savings and efficiencies.

Strengthening the IG Community

The Oversight Committee is also taking legislative action

to promote better and more efficient government. This

September, the Committee plans to bring legislation (H.R.

5815) to the floor of the House of Representatives that will

better equip Inspectors General to fulfill their statutory

mission of rooting out waste and fraud in the federal

government. The legislation complements and strengthens the

Committee's ongoing oversight efforts in this area. The

legislation will require corrective action by government

agencies to address IG cost saving recommendations. A

statutory mandate will remove the bureaucratic inertia and

barriers that too often slow or thwart agency efforts to

tackle inefficiencies that account for billions of dollars in

unnecessary spending every year. The legislation will also

provide IGs with the tools they need to conduct complete and

thorough investigations of waste, fraud, and abuse in

government contracting. Collectively, the reforms in H.R.

5815 will strengthen the authority of IGs so they can better

fulfill their important mission of fighting waste and

protecting the interests of the taxpayers.

Improving the GAO

During this Congress, the House of Representatives passed

legislation (H.R. 2646) sponsored by the Oversight Committee

that will strengthen the authority and effectiveness of the

General Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO helps inform the

Congress, Executive agencies, and the public about areas and

programs within the federal government that are performing

well, and those that need to be improved or are vulnerable to

waste, fraud, and abuse. GAO audits provide reliable

assessments as to whether the taxpayers are receiving full

value from important government programs. H.R. 2646, which is

awaiting action in the Senate, will increase the

effectiveness of GAO by ensuring that GAO is not

unnecessarily restricted in its efforts to secure necessary

information in the course of performing its auditing and

investigative functions for the Congress.

Empowering Federal Employees to Combat Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

The Oversight Committee is committed to advancing H.R.

1507, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2009,

and is currently negotiating with the Senate on this

essential reform. Similar legislation was passed as part of

the Recovery Act in the beginning of the Congress, but was

unfortunately stripped out in conference with the Senate. The

government should make every effort to ensure that tax

dollars are not misspent or vulnerable to waste, fraud, or

abuse. Federal employees at financial and other agencies

throughout the government are often the first to witness

abuses or illegality that presents a risk to the taxpayer.

They are in a position to call attention to waste in

government operations because they see what is happening

inside our government on a day-to-day basis. Providing strong

protections for those who disclose misconduct helps to

promote a more accountable and transparent federal

bureaucracy. Importantly, the legislation also extends strong

whistleblower protections to employees of government

contractors.

Facilitating Savings through Sales of Real Property

Last September, the Oversight Committee favorably reported

H.R. 2495, the Federal Real Property Disposal Act. This

legislation would encourage the sale of surplus federal real

property by allowing the General Services Administration to

use its funds to prepare unneeded properties to be reported

excess. It would also allow agencies to retain the proceeds

from the sale of surplus real property. These measures would

implement recommendations by GAO, which has stated in its

High-Risk Series that the funding needed to prepare property

for disposal and some agencies' inability to retain sale

proceeds have been longstanding barriers to the sale of

surplus property. The language of H.R. 2495 is being added to

S. 1510, the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division

Modernization Act, and the Oversight Committee is currently

negotiating with the Senate on final language for the bill.

Saving Tax Dollars by Expediting the Telecommunications Transition

The delay in transitioning government-wide

telecommunications services from the General Services

Administration's FTS2001 contract to Networx has resulted in

the loss of approximately $22 million a month. At the current

pace, those losses could total between $300 million and a

half-billion dollars in unrealized cost savings by May 2011.

The Oversight Committee held a hearing on this issue in May

2010 and will continue closely monitoring and working with

the General Services Administration, the Office of Management

and Budget, and individual Agencies to expedite the

transition to Networx. In addition, I am planning to

introduce legislation requiring agencies to complete the

transition to Networx before the current FTS2001 bridge and

crossover contracts expire in May 2011. If enacted, this

legislation would eliminate the need for the General Services

Administration to enter into any additional bridge contracts.

I look forward to continuing to work with House leadership,

the other Committee Chairs, and the Members of this body as

we take steps to eliminate the deficit, and promote

government that best protects the interests of the U.S.

taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 847--The 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

There have been few events in our history as traumatic as the attacks our nation suffered on September 11, 2001. The lives of millions of Americans were changed on that day. People in New York were devastated. Yet the incredible response by people all over this great country reminded us of the generous and caring people we Americans are.

Now many of those people who came from every state in the country need our help. They were willing to put their own health at risk to help their neighbors. We now have the opportunity to repay them for their courageous actions.

H.R. 847--the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act will do just that. It will provide critical health monitoring and treatment and compensate these angels of mercy for their economic sacrifices.

We are pleased that this bill is revenue neutral. But we could never place a monetary value on the bravery and service of these heroes. I urge my colleagues in the House to do right by these brave Americans. Passing this bill will be another noble act in our nation's proud heritage.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to speak on acknowledgement of the 45th Anniversary of the signing of the Medicare and Medicaid legislation.

In 1965, the United States Congress made a commitment to our nation's most vulnerable citizens when it passed into law legislation that created Medicare and Medicaid as part of the Social Security Act. We as a nation decided that the elderly, poor children, the blind, and the disabled would never be denied proper medical care because of their inability to pay. When President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill and made it law on July 30, 1965, millions of elderly and poor people were spared needless worry and suffering. It was one of our nation's finest moments. We displayed the compassion and will that makes this country great. Access to adequate health care is a right not a privilege.

Please join me today in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the bill signing for Medicare and Medicaid.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Annette Young for her service to the Brooklyn community.

Annette Young received degree from the New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University and earned her Bachelor's Degree at the College of New Rochelle.

She worked in business as an Executive Assistant to the Vice President of International Banking of JP Morgan Chase.

Annette is a long time member of the Democratic Party and has worked on numerous campaigns. She has received recognition from the Vanguard Political Club, Brooklyn CORE, and the Brooklyn Chapter of the National Organization for Women. Additionally, she was presented the Unity Music and Arts Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement as an actress by the Unity Democratic Club.

She has contributed countless hours of community service work throughout the borough of Brooklyn. She has been a leader in block associations for many years, and is involved in numerous local civic associations. Additionally, she currently enjoys working as a jewelry maker.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Beatrice Wilkinson-Welters for her appointment as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and for her outstanding contributions to the welfare of residents of Brooklyn.

Beatrice Wilkinson-Welters has distinguished herself through many years of service to her nation and community as the Founder and Chairman of the AnBryce Foundation and the Vincent Wilkinson Foundation, whose focus on underserved youth and young adults provide multiple settings for their personal and scholastic development.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Manhattanville College and her graduate degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She also received an Honorary Doctorate from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Beatrice Wilkinson-Welters has provided vision and leadership through her service as a trustee or board member for the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Library of Congress, the Brookings Institution, the Washington Jesuit Academy, and the Maret School.

Despite her demanding career and many contributions to society, Beatrice Wilkinson-Welters has been a devoted wife to her husband, Anthony and a loving mother to their two sons Bryant and Andrew.

Beatrice Wilkinson-Welters was confirmed by the United States Senate as Ambassador to Trinidad-Tobago on March 10, 2010 and sworn in by President Barack Obama on April 27, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Beatrice Wilkinson-Welters.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to help the unemployed and the working families in America.

Last week we did the seemingly impossible. We helped millions of Americans that were no longer able to put food on the table because through no fault of their own, their company had to let them go. We sent a message that this Congress, and this President, would not leave them behind on our road to recovery.

Last month, over 8,300 jobs were added in the private sector in NYC alone. That's pretty significant, but we can do better.

While the unemployment rate is steadily dropping across the country, unemployment within minority communities is, at best, staying the same, at nearly double the rate. That's pretty significant too.

I have said this time and time again--but small business will drive our economy towards recovery. Our colleagues in the Senate are currently working on efforts to assist small businesses across the nation. They are helping to ensure that small businesses will have access to something desperately needed--credit. I support the work that the Senate is doing and hope that when this proposal returns to the House for a vote, my colleagues here will join me in support.

Let's not forget our working families--in particular, in communities of color. As our country moves forward, let's move forward together. Let's not leave anyone behind.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss a phenomenon that is occurring throughout this country.

Various states and municipalities are using state wiretapping statutes and other local laws to prosecute individuals who photograph or videotape officers in the line of duty. According to a recent Washington Post article, Mark Graber, a 25 year old staff sergeant for the Maryland Air National Guard, was arrested for taping an encounter with a state trooper who gave him a ticket for going 80 in a 65 mph zone. Graber accepted his ticket, which he says he deserved. Graber was not indicted by a grand jury for speeding; instead his crime was videotaping and showing his encounter on YouTube. Mr. Graber was charged with violating Maryland's wiretapping statute.

In Tennessee, Scott Conover was arrested for unlawful photography when he snapped a picture of a Johnson County sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop.

In the state of Washington, an amateur photographer Bogdan Mohora was arrested for photographing two police officers arresting a suspect.

Authorities contend that wiretapping laws are being violated by individuals who videotape or photograph police on-duty. These officials base their argument on a notion that police have a reasonable expectation of privacy while conducting their work in public.

Our police officers play a vital role in maintaining the quality of life in communities across the country. I feel we should not do anything to diminish their role in society or their effectiveness in fighting crime and preventing terrorist acts. As a member of the victims right caucus here in Congress, I want to make sure our police officers are equipped and feel supported, so they can make sure there are less victims of crime in this country. However, while I do support our law enforcement officials, I do not think that they have a right to

privacy while performing their duties in public. As a result of my view, I do not believe that prosecuting citizens for exercising a constitutionally protected right is a proper use of the justice system.

I ask for your support of H. Con. Res. 298 to bring awareness to this startling abuse of power and waste of taxpayer dollars.