Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Angel Rosario. Angel was born in 1960 in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from John Jay High School in 1979, where he earned All-City Honors in baseball in 1978 and 1979. After high school, Angel played baseball at Long Island University where he was named a collegiate all-star in 1982.

In 1997, Angel graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Empire State College. While working towards his degree, Angel became heavily involved with the New York City Department of Health HIV Bureau. He worked with the Bureau for 9 years, from 1990 through 1999; he spent 7 of those years in the Managed Care field.

Currently, Angel serves as a Marketing Director for Healthfirst which operates in hospitals that are under the direction of the Health Hospital Corporation. Angel has kept himself busy by working closely with his community for the past 25 years. He oversees Summer Day Programs, Beacon Programs and After School Programs. He works with both senior citizens as a Social Service Worker, and with

children in a group home for teens. Angel says this is the type of work that makes him happy and encourages him to continue to involve himself with communities in need.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the work of Angel Rosario, as his passion for helping people in need has significantly impacted those in his community.

Madam Speaker, Angel Rosario's work service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the Gentleman. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment which also goes to the heart of my concerns that certain technologies were excluded from receiving loan guarantees. Nuclear power emits no greenhouse gases and needs to be part of the solution towards addressing the concerns of climate change. In some cases, companies have stated that without loan guarantees, plans for new nuclear plants will be abandoned in favor of other forms of generating capacity to meet the growing demand for baseload electricity. This will not serve our nation's energy security and environmental interests. The Export-Import Bank has billions of dollars of loan guarantees available for financing these types of projects overseas. Some people joke that it would be easier to build a nuclear plant in Mexico rather than in New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I ask if I could work with you to address these concerns as we move towards a conference with the Senate and I yield back to the Gentleman from Michigan.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor New York City Police Officer Marcus Johnson. Marcus was born in Tuskegee, Alabama but raised in Brooklyn, Crown Heights. He attended Washington Irving High School in Manhattan and later graduated from Deborah Cannon Wolfe High School in Shorter, Alabama.

Marcus Johnson returned to New York City after his high school graduation and worked for the corporate law firm of Davis, Polk, and Wardwell. There, he was the supervisor in the mail division overseeing the office's incoming and outgoing Federal Express, DHL, Airborne Express, as well as interoffice courier services.

Marcus Johnson later enrolled in the Borough of Manhattan Community College, immediately following that enrollment, he was accepted into the New York City Police Academy. Upon his graduation from the academy, he was assigned to the 75th Precinct where he initially worked as a patrol officer. He became known for his southern hospitality, speaking and waving as he patrolled the community.

Marcus Johnson's work in his precinct did not stop there. He also worked as an evidence control specialist/property officer, highway safety officer, burglary apprehension team officer, crime prevention officer and he now holds the position of community affairs officer.

Marcus Johnson is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, NOBLE. He holds the office of co-Chair of the Dinner Scholarship and Dance Committee. He is married to Ayicha Johnson and they have three children, Mikhyle, Marque, and Myles.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Officer Marcus Johnson of the New York City Police Department for his work in keeping our community safe.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to a kind man who takes pride in the work he does for our city.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional musician, Mr. Bob James. The career of Bob James is long, varied, and continues to evolve at every turn. From his first piano recital in Marshall, MO to the formation of his own trio while attending the University of Michigan to the gigs in New York City and beyond, the music of Bob James has captivated audiences throughout the world.

Bob James recorded his first solo album ``Bold Conceptions'' not long after he was discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963. Another 25 solo albums would follow within a span of four decades. However, that does not include his Grammy Award-winning collaboration projects. However, it was not until Bob James met up with Creed Taylor in New York that his composing, arranging and recording career took off. After working with such CTI Recording artists as Hank Crawford and Grover Washington, Jr., James finally recorded his own album, ``One.'' This introduced his music to a much larger audience and launched a lifelong career of recording and performing live.

Bob James moved to Warner Brothers Records in 1985, beginning an association with another million seller and Grammy Award-winning album ``Double Vision.'' This album was a collaboration with David Sanborn. In 1990, while recording the ``Grand Piano Canyon'' album, Bob James reunited with his old friend, drummer Harvey Mason and worked for the first time with Lee Ritenour on guitar and Nathan East on bass. The recording sessions for this project were the genesis of the group ``Fourplay.'' Their first album was recorded and released in 1991.

Bob James experienced a personal and professional career highlight when he collaborated with his daughter Hilary on the ``Flesh & Blood'' album. The music for the project was jointly written by the two of them. They later toured 15 U.S. cities in acoustic vocal and piano duet performances.

Madam Speaker, I cannot say enough about Mr. Bob James. He has been considerate in

sharing his gifts with the rest of the world. I would like to recognize all of his accomplishments and achievements which are far too numerous to list today.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this wonderfully gifted musician.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to the work of Everette Hughes as an educator in the New York City Public Schools. Everette migrated to Brooklyn in 1968. He received an academic scholarship to Pace University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education. He continued his studies at Long Island University and Brooklyn College where he earned a Masters in Sociology, a Masters in Special Education, and a Masters in Administration and Supervision.

Everette Hughes has been an educator in the New York City Public School system for 29 years. He is currently a Calm Fellow at Teachers College, Columbia University where he is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Everette Hughes began his career teaching and later served in a variety or roles in both teaching and administration that led to his current position of Principal at Intermediate School 292 in East New York. Under his sound leadership and guidance, the school has become increasingly known for its academic excellence, complemented by a strong performing arts program. Mr. Hughes also works closely with community-based organizations to raise the consciousness of the students with whose care he is entrusted daily.

Everette Hughes has currently undertaken a project which focuses on building a charitable foundation to help underprivileged children in Africa. During his annual winter breaks, he and several other educators journey to countries like Nigeria, Senegal and Gambia where they attempt to uplift the quality of life for the residents through education. He has visited schools and paid tuition for more than 200 students allowing them an opportunity to successfully complete their secondary education.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Everette Hughes for his continuing dedication to the world's children as well as those children in our community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Everette Hughes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brooklyn resident William Howard. Mr. Howard was born in Sumter, South Carolina. He is the second eldest of four boys.

Mr. Howard attended Lincoln High School in South Carolina. Following his graduation from high school, he answered a call to service; honorably serving in the United States Air Force for four-and-a-half years reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mr. Howard later attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. After leaving college, he returned to New York accepting a civil service job with the New York City Transit Authority where he worked for 28 years, finally retiring as a Superintendent of Administration.

Mr. Howard is a member of the Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Sumter, and often attends St. Anthony Baptist Church in Brooklyn. He is active in the community serving as Chair of the fund raising committee of the Unity Democratic Club he is also active in the Club's Men's Council. Mr. Howard serves as a member of the NAACP, and is a 33rd Degree Mason in Tyree Grand Lodge. He is the Commander of the George P. Davis American Legion Post 116 in Brooklyn, New York. He is on the Board of Officers for the National New York Transit Retirees, and is the founder and president of the Flatbush Depot Alumni Society.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. William Howard's life of honor and service to the community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this great citizen as well as his contribution to New York City and our great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Earnest Flowers, a career Financial Advisor who has worked for security houses and alongside investment banks since 1994.

Mr. Flowers joined Whales Securities after two years of training. There he became a vice-president of private client services and a top producer. While at Whale, he participated in finding various Initial Public Offerings (IPO's) including the World Heart Corporation, and Take-Two Interactive Software Incorporated.

Mr. Flowers was recruited in 2000 by his former manager to join Ladenburg, Thalmann & Company, Incorporated, the second oldest firm on Wall Street. In 2002, Mr. Flowers went independent and has since provided wealth management through firms such as the Concord Equity Group, the Investors Capital Corporation and most recently, Aura Financial Services.

Mr. Flower's independence has allowed him to raise capital and work on alternative

projects. Current projects range from economic and social development in Africa to the financing of media companies. Among them: Vardo Entertainment; Mindtree; Urbintel; and VuVango Media. Mr. Flowers has financed the public works of Clarence B. Jones, worked as a former draft speech writer and counsel to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and assisted with future film projects like Pilgrims Progress, Clara Ward, the Shea Foundation, and a gospel reality pilot for Black Entertainment Television.

Mr. Flowers is a member of various boards in the religious, political and business communities. Among them are: the Insight Broadcasting Corporation; the Atlantic Union of SDA Executive Committee; the Atlantic Union Adventist Media/3 ABN; Northeastern Academy Alumni; Northeastern Conference Youth Advisory Committee; Elmer H. Blackburn Regular Democratic Club; Harlem Advent Care Center; Daly Day Academy; and the Northeastern Conference Junior Basketball League.

Mr. Flowers holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree from Oakwood College and is currently in the last semester of the St. Johns' University MBA Program. Mr. Flowers is an ordained Elder at City Tabernacle SDA Church and a former Associate Coordinator and current Master Guide in the Bronx/Manhattan Pathfinder Association. He is married to Dr. Alicia Massop-Flowers.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the distinguished accomplishments and achievements of Mr. Flowers.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this extraordinary gentleman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Keith ``Suede'' DosReis, Jr. Keith grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and has always had the ability to hold an audience captive. He began a career in entertainment at the age of 5. He attended State University of New York at Albany where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Keith DosReis, Jr., has appeared in 16 commercials, two of them with legendary actor and comedian William ``Bill'' Cosby. Though making the commercials was fun, Keith's passion lies in hosting live events. Among his most popular was the national collegiate step show tournament, ``StepCorrect.''

Keith DosReis has become a sought after personality to host events throughout the New York Tri-State area as well as colleges nationwide. His hosting of national events has led to his latest endeavor of managing artists which is a natural outgrowth of his entrepreneurial and managerial experience that were derived from his days with HBO Sports.

Keith DosReis is now the Program Coordinator for the Forster Laurie Police Athletic League Center in Queens, NY. This gives Keith an opportunity to provide new programs for our youth while at the same time bestowing upon them his knowledge of the entertainment industry.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Keith DosReis for his accomplishments and achievements.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this artful entertainer.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great guitarist and an exceptional musician Mr. Larry Carlton. Larry Carlton's own musical story began in southern California. He picked up his first guitar at the age of six. He was introduced to jazz in junior high school. Saxophonist John Coltrane was a major influence on Carlton, beginning with Coltrane's 1962 classic ``Ballads.''

Larry Carlton recorded his first album in 1968, ``With a Little Help From my Friends.'' The enthusiastic industry response garnered him a place among jingle singers. He also recorded on camera and recorded radio commercials for Ford. Mid-season in his second year; he segued to musical director for ``Mrs. Alphabet,'' an Emmy-nominated children's show. It was here Carlton showcased his acting skills, performing as the show's co-star, ``Larry Guitar.''

Larry Carlton performed with the world renowned Crusaders on 12 of their albums, often contributing material. He released his second solo project in 1973 on Blue Thumb Records. Larry Carlton's demand as a session player was now at its zenith, he was constantly featured with stars from every imaginable genre. Among them: Sammy Davis, Jr.; Herb Alpert; Quincy Jones; Paul Anka; Michael Jackson; John Lennon; Jerry Garcia; and Dolly Parton.

Larry Carlton was approached by the newly formed MCA Master Series label in 1985 for consideration of recording an acoustic jazz album. His first release for the new label was ``Alone.'' The 12 months of 1987 brought some of the biggest highlights in his solo career. However, while working on his next album for MCA, Carlton was a victim of random gun violence and was shot in the throat by gun-wielding juveniles outside his private studio near Burbank, California. The bullet shattered his vocal cords and caused significant nerve trauma, but through intensive therapy and a positive frame of mind, he completed his work on his ``On Solid Ground'' album in 1989.

Madam Speaker, through all of this adversity, Larry Carlton continues to grace us with his gift of music. I would like to recognize him for his accomplishments and achievements which are far too numerous to mention today.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this wonderfully gifted musician.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kevin C. Bryant, detective first grade of the New York City Police Department. Mr. Bryant was born and raised in Brooklyn and attended public school through 12th grade. In 1985, at Queens College, Mr. Bryant was sworn in as a probationary police officer for the NYPD.

Mr. Bryant successfully graduated from the police academy and was eventually assigned to his permanent command in the 81st precinct of Brooklyn's North neighborhood. Because of his honorable work on the police force, Mr. Bryant was offered invitations to join the Narcotics Division several times, an invitation he finally accepted in 1987.

Mr. Bryant was assigned to a special anti-crack unit in Queens where he was an instrumental component in hundreds of undercover buy-and-bust operations throughout the city. He made such a significant impact that he was promoted to detective third grade in 1989.

Mr. Bryant was selected to initiate a federally funded program aimed at disrupting drug gangs called the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force in 1991, after continuing to make positive contributions in his community. His HIDTA program was so effective that it became the rubric for developing HIDTA programs across the country.

Mr. Bryant continued to prove his dedication to crime-fighting during his work with the HIDTA, which resulted in his promotion to detective second grade.

Mr. Bryant accepted an invitation to join the Intelligence Division in 1998. There he performed tasks ranging from investigating organized street gangs, to post-9/11 terrorism investigations. He was promoted to detective first grade in 2007.

Mr. Bryant retired from the NYPD on his 44th birthday in April of 2007. He now spends more time with his family, his wife of 16 years Choddie Bryant and his three children, Porsha, Kai and Khail.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the accomplishments of Kevin C. Bryant, as his selfless and unwavering dedication to the betterment of New York City has forever benefited the lives of its residents.

Madam Speaker, Kevin C. Bryant's service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Harlon Brandon. Harlon is an award winning footwear designer with a penchant for giving back to his community. He is a native New Yorker, who attended New York's School of Visual Arts earning a Fine Arts degree. Upon graduation in the early 80s, he decided to pursue a career in advertising.

Harlon Brandon began his career as an Art Director with Foote, Cone & Belding, focusing on fashion and beauty accounts. He continued his advertising career at Lockhart & Pettus, as an Executive Director and Art Director. While at Lockhart & Pettus he received the CEBA award for ``Advertising and Communications to the African-American Community.''

Harlon Brandon later took a shoe design course. He was encouraged by his professor to enter a footwear design competition where he took home the top prize for Women's Shoe Design. Following that, he spent years designing shoes throughout the world for well-known designers Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Dior and Puma. After many years of designing for others he stepped out on his own and launched his footwear line, Harlon Brandon Footwear.

Harlon Brandon received the ``Innovator Award'' by the Black Retailers Action Group in 2004. He was featured on CBS News in a segment about small business success stories and more recently, he was nominated for the Black Enterprise ``Emerging Company of the Year Award''.

Harlon Brandon is not only recognized for his achievements in design, but for his enumerable contributions to the youth in his community. He was featured on WPIX-TV for his tireless community work and his unwavering commitment to mentoring urban high school students.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Harlon Brandon is a shining example of where hard work and perseverance can lead.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to a man who encourages our youth in putting their best foot forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. Reverend Griffin is a native of Elizabeth City North Carolina. An honor graduate of Northeastern High School, Reverend Griffin earned a bachelor of arts degree in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later earned a master's of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reverend Griffin has also studied at East Carolina University, New York University, the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in New York City, and abroad at Oxford University in England. He graduated from Boston University with a doctorate of Ministry. In April, 1992, Shaw Divinity School awarded him an honorary doctorate of Divinity.

Reverend Griffin served as pastor of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina for nearly 10 years. During his tenure, the church experienced unprecedented growth and many new ministries were established, including the Cornerstone Christian Child Care Center. The church later relocated, and in 1996, a new $1 million facility was built.

Reverend Griffin served in several positions of leadership in both community and religious organizations in North Carolina. Among them: president of the Pitt County Black Ministerial Alliance; moderator and vice-moderator of the Old Eastern Missionary Baptist Association; parliamentarian of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina; trustee of Pitt County Memorial Hospital; and campus minister at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Reverend Griffin became the senior pastor of Brooklyn's Berean Baptist Church in 1989. Under his leadership, the Community Service Center has been revitalized, now offering a full range of social services including emergency food distribution, meals to the homeless and needy, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous groups, employment counseling, training programs and senior citizens' programs. In 1996, the church completed Berean Gardens, a $7 million senior citizens' housing complex. More recently, the church broke ground on a community and family life center, a 4-story building which includes a primary healthcare center, a full scale gymnasium and a fitness and wellness center.

Reverend Griffin has done missionary work in Senegal, Gambia, West Africa and South Africa and was a delegate to the First African and African-American Summit at the Ivory Coast in 1991. He was selected to be an official international election observer in the first free South African election in April of 1994. Dr. Griffin has also been an associate professor of church administration at the New York Theological Seminary.

Reverend Griffin is married to Mrs. Angela Farr Griffin of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. They have two daughters: Angel Arlecia and Ariel Arlyce.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Reverend Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. for his many works and his tremendous contribution to his congregants and the community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this wonderful man and his tireless commitment to others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a woman celebrating a milestone so few are able to attain, her One Hundredth Birthday. Ms. Rosa Gibbs was born June 21, 1907, in Georgetown, South Carolina. She is the daughter of Shedwick and Anne Jenkins Gibbs.

Ms. Rosa Gibbs graduated from Howard High School in South Carolina in 1925. After graduation, she moved to New York City where she lived for over five decades. For the past twenty years she has resided in Florida, though at heart I know she will always be a New Yorker.

Ms. Gibbs is a testament to aging beautifully. She regularly attends church, and is of both sound mind and body. Ms. Gibbs will be celebrating her birthday with her friends and loved ones on June 23, 2007 at the Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Gibbs' life and honor her birth.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the One Hundredth Birthday of Ms. Rosa Gibbs.

Madam Speaker. I rise today to join the Jewish people in Jerusalem and throughout the world in celebration of Yom Yerushalyim, Jerusalem Day.

On June 7, 1967, the 28th of Iyar 5727, the Israel Defense Forces in the heat of the Six-Day War unified the city of Jerusalem under Jewish control. At approximately 10 a.m. on that day, the earth shattering proclamation ``The Temple Mount is ours. It is in our hands'' reverberated in the hearts of Jews across the globe. The dream of once again being able to visit the Kotel, the Western Wall, and other previously inaccessible holy sites of Jerusalem, had become a reality. In the subsequent years to follow, Jewish people from every nation on earth would make pilgrimages to the holy city of Jerusalem to visit its revered sites and offer their heartfelt prayers.

Every stone in Jerusalem is saturated with Jewish history, every street contains a story and saga from biblical times, as well as modern times. Even though Jerusalem is a city laden with rich archeological artifacts, and remnants of ancient times, it has become a thriving city that has preserved its historic nature and adapted to modern life. Beautiful shopping malls, fresh food markets and restaurants are commonplace in Jerusalem, which emphasizes the enormous cultural advancements that the modern State of Israel has made in its short existence.

Perhaps one of the most moving aspects of modern day Jerusalem is its abundance of Yeshivas, Kollels and the prominence of Jewish religious life. It is truly inspiring to see Jews, young and old immersed in the deep study of Jewish texts. Many Hasidic sects and other Orthodox institutions based in my district have satellite branches in Jerusalem and quite a few of my young constituents study Judaism in Jerusalem and return to the United States invigorated from their experiences.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize this very jubilant day and reaffirm my unflinching support for the city of Jerusalem and the State of Israel.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Oswald ``Ozzie'' Torres who is being honored at the International Association of Lions Club District 20-K1 Governor's Testimonial Dinner. Mr. Torres, a native of Brooklyn, NY, is a successful Certified Public Accountant who credits his achievements to his caring parents Osvaldo and Lydia Torres.

Mr. Torres decided to follow in his father's footsteps and establish a career in accounting. Together they are the driving force of the firm Torres and Associates.

Mr. Torres has been a member in good standing of the Brooklyn Caribe Lions' Club since 1995 and has received numerous recognition awards from Lions Club International. Among those honors include; the Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship and the Robert J. Uplinger award from District 20-K1.

Mr. Torres has been a presenter at many orientation sessions and workshops speaking in both English and Spanish. He has served District 20-K1 as Chairman of International Understanding and Cooperation, Leadership, Membership; Business Manager of the Kings and Queens Publication; Zone and Region Chairman; Cabinet Secretary and Treasurer; Vice-District Governor; and currently District Governor.

Mr. Torres has served the communities of both Brooklyn and Queens and has previously been named ``Business Person of the Year.'' He is a member and Executive Board Officer of the Boricua Festival of New York and is an Executive Member of the Woodhull Hospital Auxiliary Board.

Mr. Torres is married to Melissa Torres and has two sons Michael and Brandon.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this pillar of our community for all of his contributions.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Oswald ``Ozzie'' Torres.