Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Mr. Matthew Okebiyi. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Matthew Okebiyi spent most of his youth and formal schooling being shuttled between various parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It was during those formative years that he witnessed firsthand the effects of poverty, hunger, homelessness, and human rights violations. Those incidents would later have a profound impact upon his life.

Mr. Okebiyi immigrated to the United States in the early 1980s and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended college on a full-time basis while working two jobs. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts, pursued advanced studies and earned two Master's degrees: one in Urban Planning and the other in Political Science. He completed his Mental Health training at Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City.

Mr. Okebiyi is the founder of the African American Planning Commission, a New York City-based not-for-profit organization and currently serves as the Executive Director. He also worked to build the Serenity House Family Residence, a 40 unit, $5.5 million transitional homeless shelter for survivors of domestic violence. The mission of Serenity House is to offer survivors and their minor children, who have exceeded their maximum length of stay in an emergency shelter, a safe but temporary refuge from domestic violence.

Mr. Okebiyi, in addition to his accomplishments, has volunteered with Food Bank and Children's Literacy programs. He maintains a volunteer teaching schedule; tutoring several undergraduate and post-graduate students in his free time, one hundred percent of whom have gone on to receive their Bachelor's and/or Master's degrees.

Mr. Okebiyi has been the recipient of many awards for public service. Most recently was in 2011, when he was the recipient of the prestigious ``Man of the Year'' award presented by the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of America, Inc. at its annual gala.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Matthew Okebiyi for his drive to succeed and dedication to social justice. His unceasing commitment to the welfare of others is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor Dr. Herold Simon.

Dr. Herold Simon is the Medical Director of the East New York Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ENYDTC). His responsibilities include policy-making, facility-wide planning, staff supervision and quality management; however, he sees his most important role as a clinician and an advocate for the medically-underserved and the financially- challenged communities he serves.

In 2002, Dr. Simon was instrumental in the creation of a kidney clinic at Kings County Hospital Center, where, initially, he was the sole attendant, providing patient care and education to nephrologists in training. Dr. Simon holds an appointment as Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY/University of Brooklyn at Downstate. In addition to his post as Vice President for Downstate Enterprises, Inc. Dr. Simon has steadily maintained a private practice in the Flatbush community since 1996, providing care in Nephrology and Internal Medicine.

Dr. Simon had also served as a member of the ADAP Clinical Subcommittee of the Advisory Council for the AIDS Institute and advisor to the Collegiate Science and Technology Program for the Borough of Manhattan Community College. In spite of his busy schedule, Dr. Simon continues to lecture on the molecular basis of hypertension and kidney disease as well as the promises and dilemmas of preventive health care.

In 2008, Dr. Simon was able to pilot the current New York City Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC) Diabetes Guidelines and revealed that a treatment algorithm coupled with nurse care-management can rapidly improve diabetes care. As a result the HHC leadership mandated the use of the guidelines by all HHC facilities. Dr. Simon was a leading figure in the implementation of Managed Care and Rapid HIV Testing within HHC.

Following the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, he traveled there to provide medical care to the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince. He continues to be very active in planning for the immediate and long-term medical needs of Haiti.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Dr. Simon for his extraordinary contributions to our Brooklyn community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor Dr. Swamy Naidu Sunkara.

Dr. Swamy Naidu Sunkara served as a surgeon, and then trained as an anesthesiologist in Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. He completed a post graduate diploma in anesthesiology from the University of West Indies. He served as a Social Worker at St. James Infirmary in Montego Bay, Jamaica from 1979 to 1981. He also served at the Prince Elizabeth Hospital for destitute children in Port of Spain, Trinidad from 1981 to 1987. He gave free anesthesia for surgeries to children with cleft palates and club-feet, and other congenital abnormalities. He has worked as a volunteer physician at Trinidad and Tobago Sports Medicine. Dr. Swamy Naidu Sunkara received letters of commendation in Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr. Swamy Naidu Sunkara migrated to the United States in 1988. He successfully completed the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Health, and a Master's in Public Health with double majors in International Health and Emergency Medicine. He served as a published Researcher, and volunteer in the Children's Cancer Study Group in New York Medical College, and Westchester Medical Center at Valhalla, New York. He worked as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Pleasantville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He received the Best Volunteer Award from Westchester County Executive and Best Volunteer Award from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of Newark, New Jersey in 1989.

He has also faithfully served as one of the Uncles for Foster Children of the Richard Allen Center on Life in New York City.

As a young student leader, he volunteered in various natural disasters including one in Divi Andhra Predesh for several weeks directly under Mother Theresa. She always had kind words about him when she visited that area.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Dr. Swamy Naidu Sunkara for his extraordinary contributions to New York City's medical community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Misba Abdin.

A second-generation Bangladeshi-American, Misba Abdin came to the United States in 1982. He was born in 1969 in Beani Bazar of the Sylhet District in Bangladesh. His family led the way for others who migrated to the United States of America very early from the Sylhet region. Currently a businessman by profession, he is the product of the New York City Public School system where he went from P.S. 214K to M.S./ I.S. 171 and graduated from Frank K. Lane High School. He went on to study Business Management at Hunter College of the City University of New York. He is well read and can tell you the history of almost

any book that has been on the best seller list over the last 20 years.

In 1984, Mr. Abdin, along with his three brothers and five cousins, and the support of the people of the neighborhood, started the first soccer tournament in Ozone Park, Queens, for Bangladeshi youth. The tournament became very popular as it was the first in the Bengali community and, was an example followed by Bangladeshi youth living in the other cities. In the early 1990s Mr. Abdin spearheaded the formation of the Bangladesh Football Federation, mainly with the view to provide the Bengali Community in New York with an opportunity to gather and celebrate through soccer games. Following the success of this organization, many Bangladeshi-American socio-cultural organizations were later formed by others. The Bangladesh Football Federation was renamed as Bangladesh Sports Council in 2001. And, in 2005, Mr. Abdin was appointed General Secretary of the Sports Council, a position he still holds today.

As a Pioneer Community Activist in the Bengali Community, Mr. Abdin's main focus is developing Bangladeshi youth and sports through his organizing skills and vibrant youth programs. As President and CEO of the Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Sports, BACDYS, his main objective is to focus exclusively on low income housing, education, youth programs and family entertainment. He is a Board member of the Highland Park Local Development Corp., the 75th Precinct Community Council and a member of the program committee of the North Brooklyn YMCA, to name a few.

Mr. Abdin is a product of a retail family. His father was a successful retail businessman and growing up he worked in his father's store after school and on weekends. After spending a couple of years in Bangladesh he returned to the United States to manage the family Key Food Supermarket, which to this day, he still manages.

Mr. Abdin is married to Farida Yeasmin, and they are blessed with two daughters and two sons. He attends the Al-Aman Mosque that was founded by his father, Abdul Sattar, on Forbell Street in Brooklyn.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleges to join me in recognizing the important achievements and dedication to community of Mr. Misba Abdin.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor Tommy Merriweather. Mr. Merriweather is a public servant that has dedicated his life to protecting the community.

Tommy enlisted in the U.S Army after high school where from 1982 to 1988 he served in the Infantry division. During his eight year military career he traveled the world and he earned many awards.

On July 5, 1989, he joined the New York City Police Department. He was a committed employee and enjoyed working for the NYPD for twenty years. In December 1992, Officer Merriweather was promoted to the rank of Detective.

Detective Merriweather was a dedicated and effective undercover detective, performing dangerous work on a daily basis. On numerous occasions, Detective Merriweather cancelled scheduled vacation days so that he could make undercover buys crucial to the progress of ongoing cases. Detective Merriweather's life and safety have been placed in jeopardy on numerous occasions by the unpredictability of the undercover work he did. On July 9, 2009, he completed 20 years with the NYPD and retired as a Detective 1st grade.

Tommy has worked with the Boy Scouts since 2009 and is the first African-American Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 43 and of the Sagitokos District. He enjoys volunteering his time to work with the Scouts and helping them advance to become Eagle Scouts or be a part of the Order of Arrow. His troop enjoys outdoor camping. Tommy is always preparing for upcoming events and makes sure that everyone he talks to knows the good work being done by the Troop and Suffolk County Council of Boy Scouts.

Mr. Speaker I would like to recognize Tommy Merriweather for his extraordinary contributions to the Brooklyn community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Leo A. Morris for his track record in public service and his commitment to charity.

Leo Morris was born in Colon, Panama to Louise and Irving Morris and is now a resident of Brooklyn. He is the only son in his family and has four sisters. He migrated to the United States in 1959. Leo was educated at Eastern District High School, Staten Island Community College (AA, 1975), and Barnard College (BBA, 1978). He began his career in the housing sector with the United States Trust Company after completing his studies. He went on to serve the City of New York's Department of Housing Preservation and Development in various offices within the agency for 30 years. During his tenure, he was a Real Property Manager in the Tenant Interim Lease Program, a Community Coordinator/Unit Chief in the Division of Relocation, and Deputy Director for Field Operations in the Emergency Housing Services Bureau. Leo was recognized as a dedicated and loyal employee, retiring in 2010.

Leo is a dedicated volunteer and finds time to enjoy life. He is Vice Chair of Tashia's L.I.F.E., Inc., a charitable organization founded with the purpose of aiding, educating and assisting individuals citywide, who are experiencing difficulties while living with Lupus. Leo enjoys travelling, jazz, and trying out the diverse cuisines available all over Brooklyn. He is married to Leora Marie Morris, and is the proud father of three children, Michelle, Leah, and Natasha and a proud grandfather to Raphael, Damiere, Morgan, and Ryann.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Leo A. Morris for his successful career and continued work in community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Ramanathan (Ram) Raju, MD, MBA, FACS, FACHE. He is the Chief Executive Officer for the Cook County Health & Hospital System (CCHHS) in Chicago, Illinois. CCHHS is the 3rd largest public health system in the country which oversees a comprehensive, integrated system with several parts; an acute care hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center and a Community Hospital; a Regional Outpatient Center; a Correctional Healthcare Facility; an Outpatient Infectious Disease Center specializing in the treatment of HIV/AIDS; 16 community clinics and a public health department.

Prior to accepting the role of CEO of Cook County Health & Hospital System (CCHHS), Dr. Raju served as the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation's (HHC) Executive Vice President, Corporate Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer since 2006. During his tenure in health care spanning over 30 years, Dr. Raju served in various leadership positions in not for profit and public hospital systems in New York. He served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical officer at Coney Island Hospital and Senior Vice President and Director of Medical Education at Lutheran Health System.

Dr. Raju began his professional career in India. He attended Madras Medical College to earn his medical diploma and subsequently did a residency in Surgery culminating in a Master of Surgery degree. He underwent further training in England and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He served in various capacities in England and subsequently underwent surgical training in the United States. Dr. Raju also did a fellowship in Vascular Surgery. He is Board Certified in Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has held the position of Clinical Professor in multiple Medical Schools. He has been actively involved in teaching residents and medical students for many years, and won the Best Teacher award many times throughout his career. He is an avid researcher and has published many articles in peer review journals. Dr. Raju is also a physician executive, having obtained an MBA from the University of Tennessee and CPE from the American College of Physician Executives. He currently serves as an adjunct professor in Business Management at the University of Tennessee. He has held many positions in Healthcare Organizations, including

Director of Surgery, Director of Trauma, Director of Surgical Research, and Director of Medical Education. He has also served on various local and state wide committees including the American Hospital Association Region 2 Governance Board and on the President's Forum: The Acute Post Acute Hospital Continuum, a Member of the National Quality Forum steering Committee ``National Voluntary Consensus Standards for emergency Care--Phase II Hospital based Emergency and Research Committee. Dr. Raju's professional society memberships include the American College of Physician Executives and the American College of Surgeons. He was recently selected as one of the top 25 minority health care executives in the country by Modern Health care Magazine.

Dr. Raju married a fellow resident he met at Madras Medical College, urologist Samanthi Raju. They have a son and a daughter. Dr. Raju lives in Chicago's South Loop.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Raju for his successful career and his dedication to community health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Monica Thomas, a model servant of the needs of the public, a person dedicated to the importance of family, and native New Yorker. She is Division Director of Homeless Services at Volunteers of America and currently enrolled at Bernard Baruch College to obtain her second Master's Degree in Public Administration.

Monica Thomas was called to action. After realizing the devastating impacts of drug addiction she sought a career in Addiction Counseling. In her first job she counseled homeless men, who also suffered from addiction problems and mental illness, and eventually rising to Assistant Program Director. She sought to learn more about the populations she served and received a ``JFK Jr. Fellowship'' scholarship to pursue undergraduate studies at Empire State College in 1996 where she focused in Social Administration and Addiction Studies and received New York State Certification in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment.

In 1999, Monica Thomas attended Hunter College School of Social Work for a Master's in Social Work with a Specialty in Aging Health. She developed and implemented a substance abuse treatment model specifically for the elderly population and was promoted to Program Director of the Elder Care Unit at Odyssey House. Additionally, she was nominated and received the New York State CASAC of the Year Award, the highest award bestowed upon individuals who hold a New York State Alcohol and Substance Abuse Certification. Monica received her New York State Social Work Certification immediately completing her graduate studies in 2003.

Monica then worked in an executive management position overseeing residential services for an agency that focused on assisting pregnant women recover from addiction, and subsequently was appointed Vice President of Clinical Operations for a drug treatment organization in Fairfield, Connecticut. In her various roles, she designed and developed systems and policies that met the growing needs of the population while simultaneously engaging with the community to gain support for the programs under her leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Monica Thomas for her efforts advocating for the well-being of our disenfranchised fellow citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Joseph Barba, a man that has served his community through educating, mentoring and encouraging students to innovate and succeed at their greatest potential. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader as we recognize his impressive accomplishments on his 60th birthday.

Dr. Barba was the first of four children born to Lily and Guillermo Barba, who instilled lessons of hard work and accomplishment into their children. Born on May 28, 1952 in New York, he followed the discipline of his father and used his mother's sacrifices to shape his upbringing. As a student attending high school, he performed well ahead of his grade in the sciences and mathematics. He was encouraged by a teacher to continue his studies in advanced mathematics at the University level instead of following a vocational occupation.

With the support of that teacher and his own desire to achieve, Dr. Barba attended City College of New York to pursue a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering. He would later earn his Masters and PhD in Electrical Engineering from CCNY. When he finished his thesis and dissertation, CCNY had a professional position waiting for him.

The son of immigrants, he understood the importance of having a sound foundation built on education. He joined the CCNY faculty as an Adjunct Lecturer in Electrical Engineering in 1977 and in 1982 became a tenure- track faculty member when he was appointed Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1987 and to full Professor in 1993.

As a Professor, Dr. Barba authored over 100 scientific papers and has served as Principal Investigator for both research and institutional grants. From 1997 to 2000, he was Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Engineering. In 2000, he joined the Office of the Provost as Acting Associate Provost. Two years later, he was appointed Deputy Provost. He became Acting Dean in July 2004, having served previously as Deputy Provost from June 2002 to June 2004.

Currently, Dr. Barba serves as the Dean of The Grove School of Engineering, recognized for its rich history of opportunity and resources. Along with being an educator, Dr. Barba has been a pillar of the CCNY community. For over 20 years he has led the nation's largest Latin American Engineering Student Association-Society of Professional Engineers (LAESA SHPE) as well as being the director of the New York S.T.E.M. Institute. A visionary for and product of CCNY, Dr. Barba has continued to push the envelope for what the school, student body, and community can achieve.

Dr. Barba is the proud father of his only son, Jesse Barba. Dr. Barba is an accomplished individual with a distinguished track record in improved education standards. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Dr. Joseph Barba on his 60th birthday. He continues to live a life full of joy and is a model citizen to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to echo the comments of my colleagues, Representative Bilbray and Representative Speier, and share my concerns about the Food and Drug Administration's draft guidance on Research Use Only and Investigational Use Only products.

This guidance provides no flexibility for tests used infrequently, for example, to identify rare disorders. Rare diseases, such as Gaucher Disease and Fragile X, can be hard to diagnose, but genetic tests developed and validated by laboratories have made them much easier to identify. In some instances, these tests can point the way to successful treatment of the underlying condition.

Emerging public health threats are another key area that could be impacted by this guidance. Three years ago, this country dealt with the H1N1 flu virus, an emerging infectious disease. If another such public health threat became a serious concern, this draft guidance could block the development and deployment of new diagnostics urgently needed during a national crisis.

It is critical that the FDA consider these serious and valid concerns before issuing a final guidance on Research Use Only or Investigational Use Only products.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5651, The FDA Reform Act of 2012. I would like to thank my colleagues for working with me and my staff on this important piece of legislation. As we move forward in the legislative process I would like to state the importance of maintaining the provision in the accelerated approval section that requests guidance from the FDA on how to implement reforms to the drug approval process enacted by Congress. During our discussion in subcommittee I submitted letters in support of this language from NORD, BIO, and fifty other patient groups. I hope that we maintain this guidance language as we continue to move through the legislative process.

I have only a few remaining concerns that I hope we can work through together before the bill is signed into law. One issue is regarding our drug supply chain security and the second is regarding medical device technologies which potentiate drugs.

For many years, creating a national standard on drug traceability, or pedigree, has eluded Congress. Realizing that the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain has many safeguards in place and companies spend significant amounts of money to ensure the integrity of their products--criminals, thieves and other bad actors will stop at nothing to make profit off of the high value prescription drugs that are manufactured and sent throughout the distribution chain down to our pharmacies, and ultimately to patients and consumers. I support efforts to create consensus language on this issue that has the backing of stakeholders--from manufacturers, to distributors, wholesalers on down to pharmacists--all involved in various aspects of the U.S. supply chain.

We know that the other chamber was able to include ``placeholder'' language in its version of the FDA bill to ensure that conversations can continue to play out between FDA, supply chain stakeholders and Congressional stakeholders to come to a final consensus over the course of the coming weeks. Given the seriousness of this issue--to avoid additional injuries and potential deaths from counterfeit and adulterated product, and to avoid a patchwork of individual state laws to address an issue which clearly requires a federal solution--I would urge the FDA and all parties involved in these talks to find common ground so that we can include final supply chain integrity language into the final FDA user fee bill that is agreed upon between the two chambers. I would ask my colleagues on the committee to also support this request and signal their support as well.

My final concern is regarding medical device technologies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 70% of bacterial and fungal pathogens resist at least one of the drugs typically used to eradicate them. The CDC estimates that these infections are responsible for over 90,000 deaths annually and cost the U.S. an excess of $4 billion. These life-threatening infections also prolong hospital stays and create substantial additional costs in the fighting of these infections.

With such knowledge, the importance of innovative treatments such as patented laser technology that combat resistant organisms such as MRSA is pivotal. One section of this bill addresses the critical need to improve the pipeline of medical drugs identified as qualified infectious disease products (QIDPs). It has been brought to my attention that new peer-reviewed and patented laser technology is emerging that has the potential to eradicate drug resistant bacteria and fungus by potentiation of existing generic antimicrobial drugs while preserving human tissue. The standard definition of ``potentiation'' is when one drug enhances a second drug so that the combined effect is greater than the sum of the effects of each one alone.

With these innovative technologies, we can improve post-surgical and inpatient outcomes. Furthermore, these technologies have shown the potential to successfully treat over 2.7 million patients annually suffering from diabetic ulcers and lower limb and amputations. I hope the FDA will consider medical device technology which potentiate drugs as well QlDPs which have already been identified in this legislation in taking steps toward eradicating bacterial and fungal infections.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation has been the model of bipartisanship. I hope that we can continue our important work together to have these critical provisions affecting patients included in the final bill before it is signed into law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the people of Tibet and to thank groups like Students for a Free Tibet for all the work they do to raise awareness on this issue. For too long, the Tibetan people have suffered numerous human rights violations at the hands of the People's Republic of China. In the fight for Tibetan freedom, 35 Tibetans have set fire to themselves since February 2009 to protest China's occupation of their land. At least 23 of them have died. Their sacrifice should not go unnoticed. They have given their lives to show the world the suffering the Tibetan people endure at the hands of Chinese government.

Additionally, there are numerous Tibetans who have been arrested for speaking out against the government and advocating for the freedom of Tibet. These political prisoners need to be set free. Their only crime is standing up for the rights of the Tibetan people. While China continues to enforce policies that encroach on the freedoms of Tibetans, the people continue to conduct peaceful demonstrations. It is our responsibility to support the Tibetan people both politically and financially.

As a body, we should carry on our support for the Tibetan people by continuing to fund areas such as development, refugee programs, and Radio Free Asia and Voice of America. By supporting programs such as these, we encourage Tibetan livelihood and culture. U.S. assistance has supported sustainable development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation in Tibet since 2000. Let us continue this support to contribute to a better future for Tibet.

We should also continue to support the Dalai Lama's efforts to negotiate a peaceful solution for Tibet with the Chinese government. The Tibetan people are a peaceful people and we should support their belief system in finding a peaceful solution to this problem. Let us lend our support to the people of Tibet so that they can continue their fight for freedom.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the people of Tibet.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate President Ma Ying-jeou on his inauguration to his second term as the leader of The Republic of China (Taiwan).

Back in January of this year, the people of Taiwan reelected President Ma Ying-jeou and on May 20th he will have his second inauguration. President Ma has worked hard to maintain a peaceful relationship with China and his efforts must be recognized. The United States deeply appreciates his efforts to keep the peace, promoting stability in an important region.

Over his first term, President Ma worked with the United States to continue Taiwan's longstanding security partnership with the United States, requesting to purchase and U.S. defense systems. I and my colleagues in Congress remain strong supporters of The Taiwan Relations Act, which spells out the relationship between the United States and Taiwan, and is critical to the peace and prosperity of the region.

President Ma achieved acceptance from the World Health Organization for Taiwan to observe at the World Health Assembly, a significant step forward for Taiwan's international standing, and for the health of the people of the East-Asian and Pacific region. We should work to encourage Taiwan's participation in participate in other international organizations such as the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

I would also like to note that this also marks the 10th anniversary of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, of which I have been a proud member for years.

President Ma has diligently maintained peace and stability and we look forward to his future term as it provides an opportunity to achieve even greater accomplishments for the people of Taiwan and further strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Since the end of World War II, the United States and Taiwan have fostered a close relationship that has been of enormous strategic and economic benefit to both countries. When the United States shifted diplomatic relations from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China in January 1979, Congress moved quickly to pass the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) to ensure that the United States would continue its robust engagement with Taiwan in the areas of commerce, culture, and security cooperation. With President Carter's signature on April 10, 1979, this important and lasting piece of legislation became the Law of the Land and served as the statutory basis for U.S.-Taiwan relations going forward.

After 33 years, the TRA still stands as a model of congressional leadership in the history of our foreign relations and remains the cornerstone of a very mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan. Through three decades marked by momentous social, economic, and political transformations, Taiwan has remained a trusted ally of the United States that now shares with us the ideals of freedom and democracy. The foresight of the TRA's drafters in providing that ``the United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services . . . to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability,'' and affirming ``the preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all the people on Taiwan'' as explicit objectives of the United States, has contributed in large measure to make Taiwan what it is today--a vibrant, open society governed by democratic institutions.

Though the people of Taiwan now enjoy fundamental human rights and civil liberties, they continue to live day after day under the ominous shadow cast by over 1400 short and medium-range ballistic missiles that the People's Republic of China (PRC) has aimed at them. The PRC persists in claiming Taiwan as a ``renegade province,'' refusing to renounce the use of force to prevent formal de jure independence, even codifying its right to military action via passage of the so-called ``Anti-Secession Law'' on March 14, 2005. The United States Congress strongly condemned the ``Anti-Secession Law'' in House Concurrent Resolution 98, passed on March 16, 2005.

The TRA affirmed that the United States' decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China was based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means. Furthermore, it stipulates that it is the policy of the United States ``to consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means . . . a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States.'' The unambiguous and principled stance contained in these provisions has been instrumental to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for more than thirty years.

I therefore invite my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the TRA, to further underline our unwavering commitment to the TRA and our support for the strong and deepening relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Ms. Ida Mae Byrd. A native of Waycross, Georgia, Ms. Byrd has enjoyed a very active life looking after her family and her community. We celebrate your 100th birthday.

Ms. Byrd was born to Maebelle and Jack Smith in Waycross, Georgia, on March 13, 1912. She is the third of six children. At the young age of 16, Ms. Byrd was looking for more opportunities so she moved to Brooklyn, New York. Once in New York City, Ms. Byrd worked diligently to bring her immediate family with her.

At the age of 19, Ms. Byrd married Wily Byrd, forming a strong union that produced five children. The family was a close knit group held together by her strict control and discipline. She set an example for her siblings on how to properly raise children--supporting a strict environment with a loving and warm personality.

In her younger days, Ms. Byrd loved to dance and one of her favorite places to dance was the Savoy Manor in the Bronx. Along with dancing, Ms. Byrd enjoyed her occasional Miller High Life beer and her beloved New York Mets. As an avid fan, she was rewarded with two World Series championships. Through the years she was an active member of Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Roy E. Brown. Ms. Byrd enjoyed these church events most with her family who attempted to make every moment a memorable one.

Ms. Byrd has lived through an incredible century that has witnessed two World Wars, the Jim Crow South, the invention of the television and the computer, and the Civil Rights movement. She has also lived to see apartheid end in South Africa and the election of the first African American President of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ms. Ida Mae Byrd on the celebration of her 100th birthday.