Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 3792, The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. Nearly twenty years after the enactment of the landmark Ryan White Act, Congress renewed its commitment today to provide primary medical care and treatment for uninsured or underinsured people living with HIV/ AIDS. For nearly two decades, low-income Americans living with HIV/AIDS have relied on the life-saving benefits offered under this program and I am pleased to join my colleagues in reauthorizing this important legislation.

Currently, New York State is home to 120,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS--the

second highest rate of reported AIDS cases in the nation. That number includes 25,000 people who reside in Brooklyn. The Ryan White Act has been, and continues to be, a lifeline for those New Yorkers and Americans living with HIV/AIDS.

As medical costs continue to rise, the reauthorization comes at a critical time. It provides for an important five percent increase across every category of funding. Additionally, several new provisions included in the bill focus on reducing the disparities in access to health care among racial and ethnic groups who are disproportionately affected by the virus.

By passing the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 yesterday with an overwhelming majority we not only restored a sense of hope and dignity for those dealing with the everyday struggles of this disease, but we also demonstrated our nation's steadfast commitment to ensuring that 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality care and treatment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Maria Larriuz, a dedicated community servant and activist.

Maria Larriuz, born in 1934 and raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico, moved to New York in 1955 and married Angel Manuel Larriuz in 1958. They raised two children together: Angel Manuel Larriuz, Jr. and Bernice Burkarth.

Ms. Larriuz was an active leader in her community's trusted civic associations, contributing in a variety of roles to the New Lots Lions Club for the past 30 years and serving as secretary of the Homeowners Association, Inc. She was also a member of the Rosetta Democratic Club, helping District Leader Earl Williams at meetings, and served as a volunteer hostess for the inauguration of President Barack Obama earlier this year. Ms. Larriuz was also someone who championed breast cancer awareness and the high incidence of diabetes in her community.

Ms. Larriuz was honored on numerous occasions for her work, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship from the Lions Club and an award from the Knights of the Blind, and now rests eternally at the Pinelawn National Park with her loving husband who served our country.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in remembering Maria Larriuz, whose extraordinary accomplishments will continue to be felt in her community for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Deputy Chief David P. Barrere.

David Barrere began his career in law enforcement as a Patrol Duty Officer at the 63rd Precinct in Brooklyn, New York on April 25, 1990. He then was assigned to the 32nd Precinct in Harlem as a Patrol Supervisor in 1994, and subsequently as a Sergeant and a Lieutenant at the 75th Precinct for three additional years.

David Barrere was promoted to Captain in 1999, and served as Captain and Executive Officer of the 67th Precinct before his promotion to Commanding Officer of the 76th Precinct in Red Hook, Brooklyn. He continued his remarkable progression through the ranks of the New York Police Department in 2002 when he was assigned as Commanding Officer of the 114th Precinct in Astoria, Queens, where he was later promoted to Deputy Inspector and then to Inspector. In September 2005, he returned to Brooklyn to command the 75th Precinct.

Today, he serves as the Commanding Officer of the Central Robbery Section, where he was again promoted to Deputy Chief. Chief Barrere is currently writing his thesis in Criminal Justice while studying at Long Island University. He also graduated from the Police Management Institute at Columbia University.

Chief Barrere and his wife Patricia of 15 years are the proud parents of three children: Kristina, Jennifer, and David.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Deputy Chief David P. Barrere for his extraordinary record of service to New York's 10th Congressional District and to New York City at large.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jeffrey Maddrey, Inspector of the 75th Precinct and an honorable public servant.

Inspector Maddrey is a graduate of John Jay College, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, and is also a graduate of Columbia University's Police Management Institute. Inspector Maddrey is presently pursuing a Master's Degree in Human Services Management and Leadership at St. Joseph's College.

Inspector Maddrey became a member of the New York City Police Department in 1991 at the age of 20. Upon graduation from the Police Academy, Inspector Maddrey was assigned to the 110th Precinct in Queens, New York. He was promoted Sergeant in 1998.

Upon his promotion to Lieutenant in 2001, he served in the 67th Precinct, then successfully in various capacities as Captain in the 72nd, 60th, and 70th Precincts, and Commander of the Brooklyn South Task Force. On January 1, 2006, Captain Maddrey was assigned to the 73rd Precinct as Commanding Officer. He was then promoted to Deputy Inspector in December of 2006 and Inspector in November of 2008. Inspector Maddrey is currently the Commanding Officer of the 75th Precinct and also a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. His service to the residents of East New York, Brooklyn is exemplary.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jeffrey Maddrey.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a tireless leader in the community.

Born and raised in South Carolina, Betty Williams began her educational pursuits at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She then received her law degree from New York Law School. Always one to know the true importance of education, Ms. Williams obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work from Columbia University.

Betty Williams was elected to Kings County, Brooklyn Civil Court in November of 2000. On March 31, 2009, Justice Williams as appointed Acting Supreme Court Justice by the Chief Administrative Judge of New York State, Ann Pfau. She continues to preside over the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Center, affording long-term substance abusers the opportunity to receive treatment instead of incarceration.

Justice Williams serves in various capacities as Co-Chairperson of the National Association of Women's Judges (NAWJ) Women in Prison Committee, attending the NAWJ's Fourth Annual Meeting with the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and National Women Leaders of the Judiciary, Chairperson of the New York State Chapter of the NAWJ Legislative Subcommittee and the past chairperson of the Chapter's Women in Prison Committee. Justice Williams is also a board member of the Downtown Brooklyn Waterfront Local Development Corporation, the Community Advisory Board of the Bayview Correctional Facility, and the New York Chapter of the NAWJ.

Justice Williams is a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, the Brooklyn Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the Kings County Criminal Bar Association, the Judicial Friends, the World Community of Social Workers, Church Women United, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the St. Paul Community Baptist Church.

In recognition of her loyalty and service, Justice Williams has received numerous awards, including the National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Equal Justice for Children Service Award, the New York City Department of Education Leadership Award, the New York Law School Black Students Association Outstanding Achievement Award, and the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Alumni Association's Julia S. Brook Achievement Award. Justice Williams was also the first woman in New York State to be awarded the Abraham Markoff Scholarship Award from the New York State Bar Association Workmen's Compensation Division.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this selfless and faithful public servant, Honorable Betty J. Williams.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a tireless leader in the community.

Born and raised in Boligee, Alabama, Delores Thomas began her career at Alabama State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Shortly thereafter, Delores Thomas received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia Law School. Upon successful completion of her Juris Doctorate, Delores Thomas was admitted to the State and Federal Bar Association in Georgia and New York.

Delores Thomas began her legal career as a staff and management attorney for the Housing Immigration and Unemployment Law Units at Brooklyn Legal Services. She also served as an Administrative Law Judge with the New York City Parking Bureau and was president and organizer for the Legal Services Staff Association for District 65 UAW.

Delores Thomas began years of succession to various judicial posts throughout her career. In March of 1994, Delores Thomas was appointed as Judge in the Housing part of Civil Court, handling landlord and tenant issues. In November of 2002, Justice Thomas was elected to the Civil Court bench, becoming the first African-American elected to a countywide judgeship.

Justice Thomas' most recent appointment is to the Supreme Court. While serving on the Supreme Court, Justice Thomas was assigned to the Matrimonial Trial Part of the Supreme Court. Justice Delores Thomas is currently one of four judges in Kings County, Brooklyn, and the only African-American judge assigned to hear and determine matrimonial cases pertaining to dissolution of marriages and custody of children.

Justice Delores Thomas serves as a member of various organizations, such as the Judicial Friends, the National Association of Women Judges, the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Brooklyn Women's Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association. In her civic capacity, Justice Delores Thomas is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Society, the Eastern Star Organization, and Church Women United, Inc.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this relentless and dynamic public servant.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss a problem that many of us, and many of our constituents, often face, a problem that be easily resolved with legislation that I, joined by Representatives Anna Eshoo and George Miller, have reintroduced. HR 2057, The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, ensures that motoring consumers have the ability to choose where, how and by whom they have their vehicles repaired and serviced, even those recently out of warranty.

Vehicles that are 1994 and newer are equipped with computers that control most of the vehicles' systems, from air bags and brakes, to tire pressure, oil changes, electronics, ignition systems and keys. In fact, there are more computers on today's vehicles than were on the Apollo 11 moon mission.

Independent repair shops, which comprise a large number of the small businesses in all of our districts, are experiencing a great deal of difficulty in locating and obtaining the information, tools and software needed to completely repair late model vehicles. These shops often must turn away their valued customers, forcing them to return to new car dealerships, which, on average, are 34 percent more expensive. Not only is that a loss of business for the over 200,000 independent repair shops in our nation, but it is a financial burden for our constituents.

I have heard several complaints in my office of problems that independent repair shops have experienced in repairing later model vehicles. One independent aftermarket technician in New York was attempting to diagnose a Subaru and was told that the car company would not sell the independent repair shop the proper tools needed to diagnose and repair a drivability problem.

Another New York repair shop was told they would have to wait up to two days to obtain the software from Ford needed to update the computer on a Ford Escape. The repairer had to pay for towing and then pay the new car dealership a fee.

I have another example from Massachusetts. But you get the point.

82% of car owners and 94% of independent repair shops indicate that they favor the passage of this bill. It allows repair shops to offer their clients better service and doesn't cost the taxpayers or the government any money. Instead, it's a way that we can provide affordable choices to car owners who continue to struggle in this difficult economy.

The car companies have argued that this bill would lead to infringements on their intellectual property. HR 2057 does NOT request or require proprietary information and I have inserted language to ensure that. Similar legislation has been passed in the California state legislature, and there were no breaches of proprietary information; the only result was

that emissions systems were repaired faster and better. It's time that Congress keep our motoring constituents in the drivers' seat when it comes to repairing their vehicles, and it's time we helped ensure the economic survival of the small, independent repair shops that have been so good to our constituents.

Please join with me, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and Congressman George Miller, to give our constituents a choice of where to repair their cars.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memoriam of Specialist Kevin O. Hill, a distinguished and honorable constituent of Brooklyn. He died on October 4, 2009 in Dehanna, Afghanistan and was a member of the 576th Engineer Company, 4th Engineer Battalion based in Fort Carson, Colorado. A third generation Military man, preceded by his father, Oslen, Jr. and his grandfather Oslen, Sr., Specialist Hill had dreams of being a Secret Service agent and felt that the military training and experience could only serve him well in pursuit of that goal.

He was a quiet leader, choosing to lead by example more often than words. After completing his education at Monroe College, Specialist Hill joined the Army. While in Afghanistan he worked with the Engineer Battalion to disable IEDs and roadside bombs before they could do harm to his fellow soldiers and the civilians that he was there to help.

His mother praised him as a hero, and I stand here to do the same. Specialist Hill paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and my condolences go out to his mother, Mahalia Hill, his father, Oslen Hill, his grandfather Oslen Hill, Sr., his sisters Chinyere and Shantel and his entire family in this time of grave loss. Our country is indebted to his family and we are all mourning their loss.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in remembering the dedication and selflessness of Specialist Kevin O. Hill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of The Reverend Doctor Cheryl G. Anthony, a visionary leader and inspiration to all.

Reverend Doctor Anthony is an anointed Woman of God. She holds a Master's degree in Theology and Religious Education, as well as a Doctoral degree in Sacred Theology. She is an alumnus of Harvard University Divinity School Leadership Institute. She is also a graduate of Cornell University's Family Development Institute, and a certified trainer providing specialized services to underserved populations throughout New York City. The Doctor Anthony realizes that all of her accomplishments have been made possible by the Almighty Father.

Not only an artisan and visionary, Dr. Anthony is the Founder, CEO and Pastor of the renowned and awarded JUDAH International Christian Center, Inc. (JUDAH), in Brooklyn, New York. A twenty-five year veteran committed to community and human development, Dr. Anthony and JUDAH have been recognized nationally by former President Bill Clinton as well as former President George W. Bush as a progressive and cutting- edge leader and outstanding organization in the faith-based community, addressing holistic faith-based development and empowerment.

Dr. Anthony's stellar leadership includes holding the exclusive distinction as the first and only woman elected as chairperson of the Board of the Central Brooklyn Churches, Inc. Her passion for addressing the needs of women and girls has led her to establish and organize the ``Women of Faith Advocating Change (WFAC)'' partnership comprised of clergy, elected officials and community leaders in Brooklyn. WFAC's mission is to provide clergy-led leadership in developing faith strategies to combat health disparities for African American women and girls. She is vice president of the Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State; past chair of the Bedford-Stuyvesant/Crown Heights HIV Care Network steering committee and member of the Board of Directors of the Fordham University Bertram M. Beck Institute on Religion and Poverty. She is the creative force behind the award winning ``Wholistic Approach to Community Wellness Program'' (WACW), a national faith-based best practice model, which assists religious leaders, government representatives and community stakeholders grappling with social challenges. Dr. Anthony possesses the unique ability to gracefully and skillfully blend professional ethics, business acumen, social and cultural activism in order to proclaim a living Gospel.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Reverend Doctor Cheryl G. Anthony, a woman called into the Kingdom to serve her generation through the power of God.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Deacon William Dewalt.

Deacon William Dewalt was born in Galveston, Texas in 1930. He attended Dixon High School in Shepherd, Texas, where he played basketball. During his school days, he was voted ``All-Around Boy'' by his fellow basketball teammates. While in high school, he met Gloria Jean Mitchell, who later became his wife, and together they had seven children.

After school, William joined the United States Army and served for two years. He was stationed in Korea. William and Gloria settled in New York City in the mid 1950s. He secured employment with the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier. After thirty years of service, he retired in 1989.

In 1954, Deacon Dewalt joined the Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Aaron A. Wood and was ordained to the Deacon Ministry. He has served in this capacity for more than 50 years.

Deacon William Dewalt is a man of few words, however, when he gives his word one can truly count on him. One might say that he held on to his title given so many years ago by his teammates--``All-Around Boy'', and became an ``All-Around Man''. He believes in helping in anyway that he can and he helps without thinking twice.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Deacon William Dewalt, a faithful servant and ``All-Around Man''.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sharonnie M. Perry, a great community activist.

Sharonnie has lived her life by one of her favorite mottos, ``I Have Come To Serve And Not To Be Served.'' She has served for over 35 years as a community activist, beginning in her early days fighting against decentralization of public schools.

As founder of ``Parents on the Move'', a self-help organization for homeless parents and children, she advocated for affordable housing, education and employment for the

homeless population across New York City. In 1982, Sharonnie saw a need which became one of her greatest passions to date. She has traveled across the country conducting workshops and speaking out for quality health care and services for our brothers, sisters and children living with HIV/AIDS.

Sharonnie was born in the village of Bedford Stuyvesant. She is the mother of two sons, Da-Shawn and Jah-Son, and the proud grandmother to Jaylin and Jah-Son, Jr. She is a woman of faith and believes if you put God at the head and Jesus at the center of your life that you won't fail. Sharonnie attributes her victories and successes, first and foremost to the Creator, her parents, family, her mentors, spiritual advisors and friends.

Sharonnie has been recognized across the country for her activism on behalf of the underserved people in our communities. In summarizing her commitment to family, church and community, she always says, ``If I Can Help Somebody Along The Way, Then My Living Would Not Have Been In Vain''.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sharonnie M. Perry.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2009.

I urge all Americans during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to understand the different faces of domestic violence, as it is not defined only by battery against women and children, but also includes domestic sexual assault, teen dating violence, and non-physical emotional abuse, such as name calling and intimidation.

Domestic violence, regardless of type, disrupts the lives of men and women of all ages. Young children and adolescents are especially at risk for complications as exposure to violence can lead to behavioral and emotional problems.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), which I proudly co-sponsored, provides $225 million to the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, targeted at developing and supporting the capacity of state, local, tribal, and non-profit entities involved in responding to violence against women and also in helping them find alternative housing. I am also pleased that the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)--its passage in 1994 strongly by then Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr.--and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) also received Recovery Act funding to boost the federal VAWA and VOCA funds that are already allocated to state and local governments each year.

Furthermore, in my home state of New York, Governor David Paterson signed a bill into law last month that takes a stronger response against domestic violence offenders and expands protection orders for victims. With this advancement in New York's state law, New York is leading the nation in strengthening our judicial system to stamp out domestic violence and abuse.

Though we may be taking great strides at the federal and state levels in addressing domestic violence, we cannot ignore that the problem originates in the home. If you feel you are or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. Working together, we can all play a vital role in creating awareness about domestic violence and working toward ending this intolerable behavior.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Steven Mauriello, Deputy Inspector of the 81st Precinct and honorable public servant.

Deputy Inspector Mauriello is a graduate of St. Johns University in Queens, New York, where he attained a Bachelors Degree with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. He is currently attending the Police Management Institute of Columbia University at West Point.

Deputy Inspector Mauriello became a member of the New York City Police Department in the year 1989 and, upon his graduation from the Police Academy, was assigned to neighborhood stabilization unit number six as a police officer, patrolling the 25th, 28th and 32nd Precincts in northern Manhattan. Shortly thereafter, he was assigned to the 34th Precinct in Washington Heights, New York, as a patrol officer. In 1993, he was assigned to the Manhattan North Narcotics Division and, on achieving the rank of Sergeant in 1994, he was assigned to the 79th Precinct and Brooklyn North Warrants Unit.

Upon his promotion to Lieutenant in 2000, Deputy Inspector Mauriello was assigned to the 88th Precinct and 90th Precinct until his promotion to the rank of Captain in 2003. As Captain, he was assigned to the 77th Precinct and 94th Precinct before becoming the commanding officer of the Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Anti-Crime Unit. In 2007, Deputy Inspector Maurriello was assigned to the 81st Precinct in the capacity of Executive Officer. In 2008, he was elevated to Commanding Officer of the 81st Precinct, and then was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector in which he presently serves the residents of the Bedford- Stuyvesant community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Steven Mauriello.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Juanita Theresa Williams Levell, an educator in my Congressional District.

As a young woman working and attending college, Juanita met and fell in love with Bryan Lloyd Levell in June of 1960. They were married one year later. Bryan was a New York City Police Officer serving with the 79th Precinct and was one of the first set of officers to serve in the newly created Patrol Brooklyn North. They were blessed with four children, Antoinette Jacobii Levell Brown, twins Adrian

Mary Levell Peart Straker, the late Andrea May Levell Franklin, and one son Bryan James Levell. Mrs. Levell used to say having four children in five years was like having her own classroom. A graduate of the New York City public school system, she completed her undergraduate degree at Brooklyn College and received her Master's degree in Linguistics from Long Island University.

Armed with her faith, a wonderful mother and supportive extended family, Juanita pushed ahead to achieve her goals. She began working in the New York City public school system as a teacher of English as a Second Language commonly known as E.S.L. Juanita was serving in a school that had students from well over 50 countries speaking over 100 languages. She has taught from elementary through high school, as well as adult education. Her participation in conferences, seminars and workshops for over 30 years has kept her current and well qualified in her profession.

Juanita retired in 2008 from her full-time teaching position but continues to work part-time as an English teacher. The connection to her community and her faith has been a steady part of Juanita's life from her work in the church, in school and in her neighborhood. Juanita has been a member of civic and social groups from childhood to the present. She has been active with Cornerstone Baptist Church, the Jewels S.C., NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.-Delta Rho Omega Chapter, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Brooklyn Chapter), American Association of University Women, Verona Place-Macon Street Block Association, United Federation of Teachers, National Council of Negro Women, Brooklyn Historical Society, Schomburg Center for Cultural Learning, Brooklyn College Alumni Association, Association of Blacks in Education--NY, Business and Professional Women's Organization of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Women's Caucus for Congressman Towns, and

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I express my appreciation to the nearly 55 million Americans with disabilities who have made significant contributions to the American workforce.

As a proud sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I salute this milestone legislation and other comprehensive efforts to create equal access to employment opportunities.

I am proud of efforts like AbilityOne, a laudable, federally-managed program that is the largest source of employment for the blind and those with severe disabilities. I was also a proud co-sponsor of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that is providing vital stimulus dollars to programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to help educate disabled children and youth.

This October, as we rededicate ourselves to increasing employment opportunities for disabled Americans, let us also honor the value, skills and contributions individuals with disabilities have made to the American workforce.