Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the East New York Family Academy Girls' Varsity Basketball Team. They are champions of the 2006 Girls Varsity Division VIII-B of the Public School Athletic League of New York City. Under the direction of Head Coach Earl S. Mitchell, Assistant Coach Eddie Barron, and Managers Rayon Clarke, Shakeema Mattocks and Bukky Odubanjo; the 2006 ``Lady Eagles'' excelled to an undefeated regular season record of 18 wins and no losses, while losing only one out of five games during the playoff season. Additionally, the East New York Family Academy Lady Eagles currently holds a record of two consecutive undefeated regular season.

I want to especially recognize the work of Athletic Director, John Cortese; and Principal Sheila Richards, who have worked hard to infuse excellence, respect and accountability not only in athletic programs, but in academic departments as well. At East New York Family Academy, it is truly a family affair. Coaches Mitchell and Barron have received a tremendous amount of inspiration from Tony Yard, the Head Coach of the Boys' Varsity Basketball Team and former member of the Panamanian Olympic Team, and from Donald Vanteerpool, the Head Coach of the Boys' Junior Varsity Basketball Team. Coach Mitchell is deeply appreciative of these coaches for teaching his team to respect the fundamentals of the game and for always being there when needed.

Although athletics are important, academics have not taken a backseat. In an era when sports achievements have sometimes replaced excellence in English, math, science and other academic areas, the coaches have demanded a high level of academic performance from team members. As an example, two players rank in the Top 10 of their senior class and four members of the starting five have received college acceptance offers.

Long after the last shot has been taken and the last ball dribbled, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Eagles'': Naledi Anderson, Alana Arthurs, Veldina Chaunce, Karanja Craigg, Tiffan Dugue', Tabrese Harris, Ayana James, Shada Jordon, Dalkeitha Layne, Shamika Mcintosh, Krista Mitchell, Tashanya Morris, and Tara Powell will benefit from the leadership, love and guidance given to them by their coaches, teachers and administrators at East New York Family Academy.

I am certain that in the days to come, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Eagles'' will build upon their experiences in basketball and their days at the East New York Family Academy and there will be more achievements to come.

Mr. Speaker, in this spirit, I believe that the accomplishments of the 2006 ``Lady Eagles,'' and the work of their coaches, teachers and administrators, are truly worthy of our recognition here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the East New York Family Academy Girls' Varsity Basketball Team. They are champions of the 2006 Girls Varsity Division VIII-B of the Public School Athletic League of New York City. Under the direction of Head Coach Earl S. Mitchell, Assistant Coach Eddie Barron, and Managers Rayon Clarke and Shakeema Mattocks, the 2006 ``Lady Eagles'' excelled to an undefeated regular season record of 18 wins and no losses, while losing only one out of five games during the playoff season. Additionally, the East New York Family Academy Lady Eagles currently holds a record of two consecutive undefeated regular seasons.

I want to especially recognize the work of Athletic Director, John Cortese, and Principal Sheila Richards, who have worked hard to infuse excellence, respect and accountability not only in athletic programs, but in academic departments as well. At East New York Family Academy, it is truly a family affair. Coaches Mitchell and Barron have received a tremendous amount of inspiration from Tony Yard, the Head Coach of the Boys' Varsity Basketball Team and former member of the Panamanian Olympic Team, and from Donald Vanteerpool, the Head Coach of the Boys' Junior Varsity Basketball Team. Coach Mitchell is deeply appreciative of these coaches for teaching his team to respect the fundamentals of the game and for always being there when needed.

Although athletics are important, academics have not taken a backseat. In an era when sports achievements have sometimes replaced excellence in English, math, science and other academic areas, the coaches have demanded a high level of academic performance from team members. As an example, two players rank in the Top 10 of their senior class and four members of the starting five have received college acceptance offers.

Long after the last shot has been taken and the last ball dribbled, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Eagles'': Naledi Anderson, Alana Arthurs, Veldina Chaunce, Karanja Craigg, Tiffany Dugue' Ayana James, Shada Jordon, Dalkeitha Layne, Shamika Mcintosh, Krista Mitchell, Tashanya Morris, and Tara Powell will benefit from the leadership, love and guidance given to them by their coaches, teachers and administrators at East New York Family Academy.

I am certain that in the days to come, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Eagles'' will build upon their experiences in basketball and their days at the East New York Family Academy and there will be more achievements to come.

Mr. Speaker, in this spirit, I believe that the accomplishments of the 2006 ``Lady Eagles,'' and the work of their coaches, teachers and administrators, are truly worthy of our recognition here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Thomas Jefferson Girls' Varsity Basketball Team, champions of the 2006 Public School Athletic League of New York City, Girls Varsity Basketball--B Division. In one year, under the direction of Head Coach Calvin Young, Assistant Coach Unique Nelson, Assistant Coach Helms, and Student Manager Natoya Sylvester, the Lady Orange Wave excelled to a regular season record of 15 wins and only three losses, while going undefeated with 5 more victories in the city playoffs.

I also want to especially recognize the work of Athletic Director, Fred Landron; Principals Michael A. Alexander, Ms. Almonte, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Palmer, and Ms. Lawrence; and Superintendent Varleton McDonald. These educators have worked hard to infuse excellence, respect and accountability not only in athletic programs, but in academic departments as well. In addition, Coaches Young, Nelson and Helms have instilled a team first approach and a tough regimen of discipline and no excuses that has lead to the team's current success.

However, academics have not taken a backseat. In an era when sports achievements have sometimes replaced excellence in English, math, science and other academic areas, the coaches have demanded a high level of academic performance from team members.

Moreover, long after the last shot has been taken and the last ball dribbled, the members of the 2006 Lady Orange Wave: Crystal Berry, Chanell Bracker, Shaequana Brathwaite, Raven Cumberbatch, Wuraola Dipeolu, Esther Farmer, Elisabeth Ferby, Melonie Jones, Takima Lucky, Makini Manning, Shameek Pollard, Talaya Robinson, and Chrysty Taylor will benefit from the leadership, love and guidance given to them by their coaches, teachers and administrators at Thomas Jefferson High School.

I am certain the 2006 Lady Orange Wave's experiences in basketball and their days at Thomas Jefferson will guide them through life's journey and there will be more achievements to come.

Mr. Speaker, in this spirit, I believe that the accomplishments of the 2006 Lady Orange Wave, and the work of their coaches, teachers and administrators, are truly worthy of our recognition here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to give tribute to the Reverend Thomas J. Boyd, retiring pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. A Native Brooklynite born eighty-nine years ago in Bedford Stuyvesant, Reverend Boyd has for forty years led his flock through the true spirit of the Creator. His vision and hard work have resulted in more than half a million dollars in scholarship funds distributed to deserving young people and through his leadership, Salem Baptist Church has grown dramatically in size and membership.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that this tribute to the Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Boyd be entered into the Record so that we can remember his good works and a lifetime of achievement.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to celebrate the fifty-eight years since the founding of the State of Israel. This momentous occasion is not only a joyous day for the people of Israel but for all who cherish freedom and democracy.

The people of the United States and the people of Israel have an ever-lasting bond made even stronger by the events of September 11th. Jewish Americans have made innumerable contributions to our nation throughout its history. Many Jewish Americans also became instrumental in the founding of Israel. These bonds have been strengthened since the events of September 11th. Together with Israel and all freedom loving nations, we will put an end to the fanaticism of terrorism and the threat it poses to the survival of not only the United States and Israel, but to other nations as well.

The need for a safe haven for Jewish people across the world is obvious. Persecution of Jews was practiced for generations throughout Europe and elsewhere. The visionaries who founded Israel established this safe haven to preserve the lives and culture of one of the great peoples and cultures on this Earth. Almost sixty years later, they are still fighting to preserve their great traditions and culture. But Israel has grown and prospered despite the relentless and mindless attacks perpetuated by the enemies of freedom. It has done so with the steadfast support of its friends in the United States and I am proud to count myself as one of these.

I want to take this opportunity to recognize the leadership of Israel's Consul General in New York, Arye Mekel, and the hard work of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. Arye Mekel has worked tirelessly to advocate on the behalf of the State of Israel and the Council has provided invaluable assistance to New York City as a whole and the New York Jewish Community.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in congratulating the State of Israel on its fifty-eighth birthday and vow to work hard to ensure that the alliance between our two countries continues to grow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. I join the Jewish people in the State of Israel, the United States, and across the globe in remembering and honoring the 6 million Jews who were brutally murdered by the Nazi regime during the Holocaust.

April 25, 2006 is a day for all people to reflect upon that most horrific period of history. The Holocaust demonstrated that even a supposedly cultured society could tolerate the most senseless atrocities. We must keep in mind that the Nazi genocide against the Jews was not perpetrated solely by a lone crazed individual. It was the carefully considered plan, years in the works, of a group of genocidal fanatics, which won the support of an entire nation. The Holocaust reflected the worst potential inherent in human nature for hatred of an entire religion simply for existing.

I am privileged to represent diverse cultures in Brooklyn. In my district lives a large but dwindling population of Holocaust survivors. Many of these survivors rebuilt their lives with nothing more than the shirt on their back. Today, based on the strong foundations of

those Holocaust survivors, sits the beautiful Jewish communities in my district, including Williamsburg, Midwood and Canarsie. These communities represent the best of Jewish life and have successfully resurrected the Jewish community's wonderful religious heritage from the ashes of the Holocaust. Their synagogues, yeshivas, kollels, and social service organizations, which serve all people of all backgrounds, would make their ancestors proud.

On this day, we celebrate their remarkable achievements in bringing up a generation of Jews who have learned from their parents' resoluteness the importance of preserving as much of their tradition as they possibly can. We acknowledge their commitment in the face of unspeakable adversity and their sacrifices so that another generation might carry on their values.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of organizations in my district that have taken extraordinary steps in servicing and caring for the Holocaust survivor population: The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty; The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg; The Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush; The Jewish Community Council of Canarsie; The Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; Peasch Tikvah and all the Bikkur Cholim organizations. Their selfless work for Holocaust survivors continues to serve as an inspiration to me and it is a great honor to recognize their hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues here today in remembering the Holocaust. Regrettably, there are still Holocaust deniers today and it is imperative that we never forget and continue to learn from this unforgettable chapter of history.

Mr. Speaker, based on my concern regarding the severe impact of obstructive sleep apnea on young children and the need for baseline testing between ages three and four, I want to call my colleagues attention to an April 18, 2006 article in MedPage Today ``Sleep Apnea Test Advised for Down's Children'' and ask that it be printed in the Congressional Record.

(By Judith Groch)

Sleep Apnea Tests Advised for Down's Children

Cincinnati, April 18--Because of high rates of obstructive

sleep apnea in young children with Down's syndrome,

researchers here have recommend baseline testing between ages

three and four.

Overnight polysomnograms performed on 56 children, ages 3.5

to four, found that 57% of the children had abnormal results

and evidence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, according

to a study in the April issue of the Archives of

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

When the researchers included an elevated arousal index,

which is associated with increased difficulty breathing, the

abnormal percentage rose to 80%, said Sally Shott, M.D., of

the University of Cincinnati here, and colleagues.

Because of a lack of expertise in evaluating sleep

disturbances, the parents are often oblivious to the problem.

Sixty-nine percent of parents who filled out a questionnaire

about their child's sleep patterns reported no problems,

whereas 54% of the children had abnormal polysomnograms, Dr.

Shott said. Parents and children came from a tertiary-care

pediatric referral center.

The polysomnograms were classified as abnormal if the

obstructive apnea index was greater than 1, if the carbon

dioxide level was greater than 45 mm Hg for more than two-

thirds of the study or greater than 50 mm Hg for more than

10% of the study. Also included was unexpected hypoxemia

(oxygen saturation less than 92% during sleep or repeated

intermittent desaturations less than 90%), the researchers

said.

For purpose of analysis, the results were categorized in

three groups, the researchers said. Group 1 (n=21) consisted

of abnormal results because of an elevated obstructive sleep

apnea index. These children also had hypercarbia, hypoxemia,

or any combination, with or without hypoventilation and an

elevated arousal index, according to the researchers.

In this category, they said, hypercarbia and hypoxemia, in

addition to an abnormal obstructive apnea index, led to a

statistically high obstructive apnea index compared with the

index for children who did not have these add-on's (17.15,

4.63 vs. 2.91.86, respectively;

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Vincent HoSang, a distinguished member of the business community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, Vincent HoSang was born in Springfield St. James, Jamaica WI to Mr. and Mrs. Henry HoSang who migrated from China in the early 1900s. He is the eighth child of ten, six boys and four girls. Mr. HoSang's parents operated a store, similar to a department store today, selling everything from groceries, hardware, and raw materials for making clothes, to liquor. They also operated a bakery, which consisted of a brick-oven and a machine called a ``doughbreak'', everything else was done by hand; bear in mind that there was no electricity and no running water.

At the age of about 12 years, Mr. HoSang's parents sold the business and moved to Montego Bay where he went to live with an uncle. Mr. HoSang attended Cornwall College High School for three years and had the ambition of studying medicine; however, he had to leave school in fourth form to help his uncle in his grocery store. At age 19, Mr. HoSang rejoined his parents who had just started a grocery store in Kingston, at the same time; he also helped his cousin who operated a bakery nearby.

In February of 1968, Mr. HoSang migrated to the Bronx, New York. He got a job in a briefcase factory assembling attache cases, where he received the minimum wage of $1.60 an hour, taking home $49 per week after taxes. Mr. HoSang stayed at that job for only a short time until he got a better job with Imperial Dairies on East 233rd Street in the Bronx, delivering milk to homes at night. In 1974, Mr. HoSang met his wife, Jeanette, who is from Spanish Town, Jamaica, and got married in August 1976 and started a family in April of 1977.

Mr. HoSang always wanted to have his own business ever since he came to the United States, but lack of capital, inexperience, and he admits, a bit of cowardice held him back just a bit. However, with the burning desire ever-present, Mr. HoSang waited until he saved some money and built up his courage to jump right in. In February 1978, Mr. HoSang and his wife bought a fast food store known as ``Kingsbridge Delight'' in the West Bronx, selling fried chicken, shrimp, ribs, and French fries. He knew the business was not making a profit but their goal was to introduce the Jamaican cuisine and patties. Jeanette was very instrumental in the development of the Jamaican dishes and after about six months, some long hours per day for seven days a week, and a lot of sacrifices, the business started to show a small profit. In 1980, Sunrise Bakery on Dyre Avenue, which was owned by another West Indian, became available. Mr. and Mrs. HoSang bought it in December 1980 with the intention of making it a full-fledged Jamaican bakery and changed its name to Royal Caribbean Bakery and operated as a retail bakery. In 1984, they expanded into a 15,000 sq. ft. facility on East 233rd street in the Bronx where Caribbean Food Delights was incorporated and became the frozen food division of Royal Caribbean Bakery. The company at this stage expanded into the wholesale trade. Three years later in 1987, both companies expanded into a 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Mount Vernon, New York.

The HoSangs took a big risk when they bought a 73,000 sq. ft. building on 10 acres of property in Tappan, New York in 1993 and named it Caribbean Food Delights. It produces a variety of Jamaican cuisine, including Jamaican style patties: beef, chicken, vegetable, soy and shrimp, which are oven-baked, unbaked, and microwaveable. New to their product line are jerk chicken and jerk fish patties. Today, the HoSangs own the largest Jamaican frozen food plant in the U.S. and the Mount Vernon plant continues to manufacture the bread, buns, cakes, and pastries.

The patties, which are in great demand, are available nationwide through retailers such as

Costco Wholesale, BJ's Wholesale Club, Sam's Wholesale Club, Wal-Mart, PathMark, Key Food, Stop & Shop, Met Food, and many other neighborhood supermarkets. The patties are also available through Caribbean Food Delights by contacting them directly at 845-398-3000. The company can also be found on the worldwide web at www.caribbeanfooddelights.com where one can learn more about product information and their upcoming JerkQ'zine Caribbean Grille Franchise Opportunities.

The kindness shown by Mr. HoSang and his wife in giving back to communities, organizations, churches, fundraisers and scholastic events such as the Penn Relays keeps multiplying their efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Vincent HoSang, CEO, Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Food Delights, Inc., as he offers his talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, Vincent HoSang's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I was distressed to note that on April 20, Sikh activist Daljit Singh Bittu was arrested after making a speech. He was charged with sedition and ``making inflammatory speeches.'' Mr. Bittu spoke out against the acquisition of the land of poor farmers by Punjab on behalf of private business firms. We have had cases in this country where the government has taken land by eminent domain for private usage, Mr. Speaker, and no one ever gets arrested for speaking out against it. Radio and television commentators across the spectrum have opposed this and they are still on the air. Yet in India, speaking out against this can now get you arrested.

Mr. Bittu is a proponent of freedom for Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that declared its independence from India on October 7, 1987. Recently, Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan, another Sikh activist, was arrested for predicting on television that Khalistan will be free by 2007. All he did was make a prediction. Is that a crime? If that is a crime, then the jails will overflow with sportscasters, weather reporters, psychics, and others who predict things routinely.

In addition, leaders of Dal Khalsa have been arrested for holding marches, making speeches, and raising a flag. A former member of Parliament was also arrested. It looks like the late General Narinder Singh was right when he said that ``Punjab is a police state.''

This is unacceptable, Mr. Speaker, especially as the United States and India move towards greater cooperation in numerous endeavors. We must insist on the full expression of democracy and basic human rights there if we are going to do business with India as a normal member of the family of free nations. And the essence of democracy is the right to self-determination.

The time has come to stop our aid and trade with India until it stops arresting people for making speeches, raising flags, and holding marches. The time has come for the U.S. Congress to put itself on record in support of freedom and self-determination for all the nations of South Asia. In 1948, India promised a free and fair plebiscite on the status of Kashmir. No such vote has ever been held in ``the world's largest democracy.'' Why don't we insist on a simple democratic vote, with monitors, in Kashmir, in Punjab, Khalistan, in predominantly Christian Nagalim, and wherever people seek their freedom from India? As long as we turn a blind eye to the repression, the repression will continue. We must be the ones to strike a blow for freedom. Only when all people in the subcontinent enjoy freedom fully will there be stability and peace there.

Mr. Speaker, the Council of Khalistan recently published a press release on the arrest of Daljit Singh Bittu. I would like to place it in the Record at this time.

Daljit Singh Bittu Arrested for Making Speech--Where Is Freedom of

Speech in India?

Washington, DC., April 26, 2006.--Indian police arrested

Daljit Singh Bittu. leader of the Shiromani Khalsa Dal, on

charges of sedition and ``delivering inflammatory speeches''

at Fatehgarh Channa. Sardar Bittu was arrested on April 21

from his home in Ludhiana. He was held by the police, who

sought ``foreign currency'' and a CD of his speeches.

``Where is the freedom of speech in India?'' asked Dr.

Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan.

``How can a democratic state arrest people for making

speeches? This shows us again that there is no place for

Sikhs in India.''

India proudly bills itself as ``the world's largest

democracy'' and its constitution guarantees freedom of

speech. But the arrest of Sardar Bittu is the latest incident

in which people have been arrested for making speeches,

holding marches, or raising a flag. ``The drive for freedom

is alive and strong in Punjab,'' he said. ``What kind of

democracy arrests people for demanding freedom?'' asked Dr.

Aulakh.

Leaders of Dal Khalsa have been arrested for sponsoring

marches in Punjab in support of a free Khalistan, the Sikh

homeland that declared its independence from India on October

7, 1987. In addition, Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan was arrested

for making a statement in which he made the prediction that

Khalistan will be free by 2007. ``Since when is making a

prediction a crime in India?'' Dr. Aulakh asked. ``Will the

weathermen in Delhi now be arrested for predicting rain?''

``The time is now to begin a Shantmai Morcha to liberate

Khalistan,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``India is showing its weakness

with these arrests,'' he said. ``As Professor Darshan Singh,

a former Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sahib, said, `If a Sikh

is not for Khalistan, he is not a Sikh.' '' Every day in

prayer Sikhs recite ``Raj Kare Ga Khalsa,'' which means ``The

khalsa shall rule.''

The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since

1984, more than 300,000 Christians since 1948 as well as tens

of thousands of Christians throughout the country, over

90,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims

in Gujarat, tens of thousands of Muslims elsewhere in India,

and tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalits, Manipuris,

Tamils, and others. An Indian newspaper reported that the

police in Gujarat were ordered to stand aside in that

massacre and not to get involved, a frightening parallel to

the Delhi massacre of Sikhs in 1984. The Indian Supreme Court

called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs ``worse than

a genocide.''

Indian police arrested human-rights activist Jaswant Singh

Khalra after he exposed their policy of mass cremation of

Sikhs, in which over 50,000 Sikhs have been arrested,

tortured, and murdered, then their bodies were declared

unidentified and secretly cremated. He was murdered in police

custody. His body was not given to his family. The police

never released the body of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht

S. Gurdev Singh Kaunke after SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered

him. No one has been brought to justice for the Khalra

kidnapping and murder or for the murder of Jathedar Kaunke.

Yet according to a report by the Movement Against State

Repression (MASR), 52,268 Sikhs are being held as political

prisoners in India without charge or trial, some since 1984!

Recently, a new wave of violence has erupted against

Christian churches. States are enacting laws prohibiting

Hindus from converting to any other religion. Missionary

Graham Staines was murdered along with his two sons, ages 8

and 10, by a mob of militant, fundamentalist Hindu

nationalists who set fire to the jeep, surrounded it, and

chanted ``Victory to Hannuman,'' a Hindu god. None of the

people involved has been tried. The persons who have murdered

priests, raped nuns, and burned Christian churches have not

been charged or tried. The murderers of 2,000 to 5,000

Muslims in Gujarat have never been brought to trial.

``Only in a free Khalistan will the Sikh Nation prosper and

get justice,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``India's illegal occupation

of our homeland, Khalistan, must end,'' he said: ``India

should act like a democracy and allow a free and fair

plebiscite on independence for all the nations of South

Asia,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``We must free Khalistan now.''

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Sikhs on celebrating their important holiday, Vaisakhi Day, around the world. There were marches in Washington, Vancouver, London, and many other cities around the world. There will be a parade April 29 in New York, the annual Sikh Day event.

Vaisakhi Day marks the revelation of the Sikh Nation as a distinct entity by guru Gobind Singh in 1699. At that time, he proclaimed the Sihks sovereign. Today, Sikhs struggle to reclaim this lost birthright as Indian troops occupy their country, Khalistan. As you know, Mr. Speaker, the Sikhs declared themselves independent in 1987, but Indian troops to the tune of half a million continue to occupy Khalistan.

Recently, several Sikh activists have been anested for simply making speeches, raising flags, or holding peaceful marches in support of Khalistan. Is this democracy, Mr. Speaker? Is this how a free country conducts itself?

Mr. Speaker, without the most basic freedoms, such as freedom of speech and self determination, how can the Sikhs hope to survive as a people? In India, it is now iilegal in many parts of the country to join another religion besides Hinduism. The intent to establish a Hindu state is clear.

We can help put an end to these practices as we congratulate the Sikhs on Vaisakhi Day. We must cut off our aid and our trade with India. Although there is a burgeoning middle class, half the country lives under the international poverty line. Losing our dollars would have a significant effect on India. And we must stand up for the principles on which America was founded.

About the same time in the calendar as Vaisakhi Day is the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote that government is legitimately founded on ``the consent of the governed'' and that ``whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.''

Clearly, that time has come for too many of the minorities of South Asia--the Sikhs of Khalistan, the Muslims in Kashmir, the predominantly Christian Naga community, and so many others. Let us help them to achieve the basic right of self-determination by putting our Congress on record in support of a free and fair plebiscite in these places on the question of independence. By doing so, we will be helping to achieve freedom, stability, peace, dignity, and prosperity for al1 the peoples and nations of South Asia.

Mr. Speaker, I request the permission of the House to add the Council of Khalistan's press release and open letter on Vaisakhi to the Record at this time.

Sikhs Will Celebrate Vaisakhi Day

April 14

Happy Vaisakhi Day to you and your family and the Khalsa

Panth. On April 14, the Sikh Nation will be observing the

307th anniversary of the day Guru Gobind Singh established

the Khalsa Panth. The Guru granted sovereignty to the Sikh

Nation, saying ``In Grieb Sikhin Ko Deon Patshahi.'' We must

remind ourselves of our heritage by raising slogans of

``Khalistan Zindabad'' and beginning a Shantmai Morcha to

liberate our homeland, Khalistan. Whoever is honest and

dedicated in leading that Shantmai Morcha deserves our

support. Every morning and evening we recite, ``Raj Kare Ga

Khalsa.'' Now is the time to act on it. Do we mean what we

say every morning and evening?

The flame of freedom continues to burn brightly in the

heart of the Sikh Nation. No force can suppress it. Within

the past few days, Dal Khalsa and the Shiromani Khalsa Dal

announced that they are uniting for sovereignty for

Khalistan. This was met with chants of ``Khalistan

Zindabad.'' Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, whose own

Legislative Assembly proclaimed the sovereignty of Punjab

when he cancelled the water agreements, has ordered the

leaders of Dal Khalsa and the Shiromani Khalsa Dal placed

under police watch for their speeches. Kanwarpal Singh Dhami

of the Guru Asra Trust, and Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan were

arrested this month for making speeches in support of

Khalistan. Dr. Chohan said, ``Khalistan will be free.'' In

January of last year and again in June of last year Sikh

activists, mostly from Dal Khalsa, were arrested merely for

raising the Khalistani flag and making pro-Khalistan

speeches. During his recent visit to India, President George

W. Bush walked over to Sukhbir Singh Badal and said, ``Give

my best wishes and regards to your people from the people of

America.'' Even the President of the United States is aware

of our situation. ``I wish you could visit Punjab,'' said

Sukhbir Singh. When Khalistan is free, that will happen.

President Bush has said, ``Freedom is the birthright of every

man, woman, and child.'' These events show that the movement

to free our homeland is on the rise. It has gotten the

attention of the world. The movement to liberate our homeland

is stronger than it has ever been and it has frightened the

Indian regime. Now is the time to rededicate ourselves to the

liberation of Khalistan.

The Indian government is reacting to the rising tide of

freedom for the Sikh Nation. Earlier this year, Prime

Minister Manmohan Singh apologized to the Sikh Nation for the

Delhi massacres of November 1984 that killed over 20,000

Sikhs. It is good that he apologized and it clearly shows

India's responsibility, but what good does it do the Sikh

Nation? Where are the apologies for the Golden Temple attack

and the other atrocities? Where is the compensation for the

victims' families?

In January, Sikh farmers were expelled from Uttaranchal

Pradesh and their land was

seized. They were beaten up by the police. Their homes were

bulldozed by paratroopers. Their homes in many cases were

built using their life savings and by their own hands. We

condemn this act of state terrorism by the government of

Uttaranchal Pradesh. As you know, Sikhs are prohibited from

buying land in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Now

Uttaranchal Pradesh joins that list. Yet there are no

restrictions on land ownership in Punjab by non-Sikhs. People

from anywhere can buy land in Punjab, including people from

Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. India is trying to subvert

Khalistan's independence by overunning Punjab with non-

Sikhs while keeping Sikhs from escaping the brutal

repression in Punjab. It is incumbent on the Sikh diaspora

to free Khalistan. We must redouble our efforts. That is

the only way to keep these atrocities from continuing and

to protect the Sikh Nation and the Sikh religion.

Any organization that sincerely supports Kalistan deserves

the support of the Sikh Nation. However, the Sikh Nation

needs leadership that is honest, sincere, consistent, and

dedicated to the cause of Sikh freedom. But we should only

support sincere, dedicated, honest leaders. Dal Khalsa

deserves the praise of the Sikh nation and I call on every

Sikh to support them and every other organization that is

working to liberate Khalistan.

The Council of Khalistan has stood strongly and

consistently for liberating our homeland, Khalistan, from

Indian occupation. For over 18 years we have led this fight

while others were trying to divert the resources and the

attention of the Sikh Nation away from the issue of freedom

in a sovereign, independent Khalistan. Yet Khalistan is the

only way that Sikhs will be able to live in freedom, peace,

prosperity, and dignity.

The Sikhs in Punjab have suffered enormous repression at

the hands of the Indian regime in the last 22 years. The

Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984.

Inderjit Singh Jaijee and Bibi Baljit Kaur of the Movement

Against State Repression (MASR) told me that if the Sikhs

outside India had not exposed the atrocities of the Indian

regime, they could have killed ten times as many Sikhs.

Another 52,268 of our brothers and sisters are being held as

political prisoners, according to MASR. Some have been in

illegal custody since 1984! Over 50,000 Sikh youth were

picked up from their houses, tortured, murdered in police

custody, then secretly cremated as ``unidentified bodies.''

Their remains were never even given to their families! How

can Sikhs have any freedom living under a government that

would do these things? India should be ashamed of the

genocide it has committed against Sikhs, Christians, Muslims,

and other minorities.

Sikhs can never forgive or forget the Indian government's

military attack on the Golden Temple and 39 other historic

Gurdwaras throughout Punjab. Over 20,000 Sikhs were murdered

in those attacks, known as Operation Bluestar, including Sant

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, General Shabeg Singh. Bhai Amrik

Singh, and over 100 Sikh religious students ages 8-13 who

were taken out into the courtyard and shot. These attacks

accelerated the Sikh independence movement and deepened the

desire for independence in the hearts of Sikhs, a fIre that

burns brightly in the hearts of the Sikh Nation to this day.

The Akali Dal conspired with the Indian government in 1984

to invade the Golden Temple to murder Sant Bhindranwale and

20,000 other Sikhs during June 1984 in Punjab. Among those

who conspired with the government, according to Chakravyuh:

Web of Indian Secularism, were Dr. Chohan, Ganga Singh

Dhillon, and Didar Singh Bains. It appears the Indian regime

is even willing to arrest its own agents to suppress the

movement for Khalistan! Now Badal and Chief Minister

Amarinder Singh have been accusing each other of being tied

in with ``terrorists.'' These leaders view support for

Khalistan as terrorism, as the Indian government does. They

have shown where their loyalties lie. How will these so-

called Sikh leaders account for themselves? Remember the

words of former Jathedar of tile Akal Takht Professor Darshan

Singh: ``If a Sikh is not a Khalistani, he is not a Sikh.''

It seems that Badal and Amarinder are not Sikhs.

Never forget that the Akal Takht Sahib and Darbar Sahib and

the present Akali and Congress leadership are under the

control of the Indian government, the same Indian government

that has murdered over a quarter of a million Sikhs in the

past twenty years. These institutions will remain under the

control of the Indian regime until we free the Sikh homeland,

Punjab, Khalistan, from Indian occupation and oppression and

sever our relations with the New Delhi government.

Sikhs will never get any justice from Delhi. Ever since

independence, India has mistreated the Sikh Nation, starting

with Patel's memo calling Sikhs ``a criminal tribe.'' What a

shame for Home Minister Patel and the Indian government to

issue this memorandum when the Sikh Nation gave over 80

percent of the sacrifices to free India.

There is no place for Sikhs in supposedly secular,

supposedly democratic India. Our moment of freedom is closer

than ever. Let us work to make certain that we shake

ourselves loose from the yoke of Indian oppression and

liberate our homeland, Khalistan, so that all Sikhs may live

lives of prosperity, freedom, and dignity.

Sincerely,

Gurmit Singh Aulakh,

President, Council of Khalistan.

Mr. Speaker. I rise to join the Satmar and Jewish communities across the world in mourning the passing of the Grand Rabbi of Satmar, Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum. Thousands amassed in Brooklyn and Monroe, New York on short notice to show their respect and admiration. It is indeed a tribute to Rabbi Teitelbaum's leadership that the Satmar community now numbering over 120,000, experienced remarkable growth during his tenure.

Rabbi Teitelbaum's life was one of perseverance, dedication and commitment to the Satmar and Jewish communities. A survivor of Auschwitz and the Holocaust, Rabbi Teitelbaum began a new life in the United States after he lost his immediate family to the Nazi genocide. As perhaps a tribute to his life, his first great, great granddaughter was born on the day the Rebbe passed away.

I was blessed with the opportunity to meet with the Grand Rabbi on numerous occasions in his home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A simple and humble man, his poignant advice and

encouragement were sought by many and the depth of his wisdom will sorely be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues will join me in marking the passing of this great leader. We can all be comforted with the enormous legacy that survives Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum's remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Thomas Jefferson Girls' basketball team, champions of the class B division of the Public School Athletic League of New York City. In one year, under the direction of head coach Calvin Young and assistant coach Unique Nelson, the ``Lady Orange Wave'' excelled to a regular season record of 15 wins and only 3 losses, while going undefeated with five more victories in the city playoffs.

I want to especially recognize the work of superintendent Varleton McDonald and principal Michael A. Alexander, who have worked hard to infuse excellence, respect and accountability not only in athletics programs, but in academic departments as well. In addition, coaches Young and Nelson have instilled a ``team first'' approach and a tough regimen of discipline and ``no excuses'' that has led to the team's current success.

However, academics have not taken a backseat. To the contrary, in an era when sports achievements have sometimes replaced excellence in English, math, science and other academic areas, the coaches have demanded a high level of academic performance from team members. Long after the last shot has been taken and the last ball dribbled, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave'' will benefit from the leadership, love and guidance given to them by their coaches, teachers and administrators at Thomas Jefferson. I truly hope that in the days to come, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave'' will build upon their experiences in basketball and their days at Thomas Jefferson.

Mr. Speaker, in this spirit, I believe that the accomplishments of the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave,'' the work of their coaches, teachers and administrators, are truly worthy of our recognition here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Flor Marina Prieto and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this outstanding member of the community.

Flor Marina Prieto was born in Bogota, Colombia, into a typical middle class Colombian family. Ms. Prieto's father was Captain of the National Police and her mother worked, mainly at home, as an art decorator making very beautiful artificial and natural flower arrangements. Ms. Prieto's mother chose Flor Marina's name because of her love for flowers and her father's passion for the sea. Ms. Prieto's was comprised of school and home surrounded with plenty of love.

Ms. Prieto graduated as a secretary in Bogota, Colombia and soon after came to the United States. As a hobby, she attended ballet classes and had the opportunity to perform as an amateur ballerina. Soon after taking her marriage vows, Ms. Prieto's had her best treasure, her lovely daughter Jacqueline.

Ms. Prieto foresaw the importance and impact of computers in education. In order to learn about this and to earn some money so that she could pay for her college career, she worked as representative of a Colombian Computer Company in the United States. She traveled several times to Europe searching for specialized software to be sold in South America.

Later, she created her own small company M&B Computer Export because at the time it was a good business to sell computers and peripherals outside the United States. Several years later, she decided she was ready to start college to study Psychology. Ms. Prieto studied at St. John's University and graduated in May of 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Ms. Prieto was so enthralled with this field that she decided to continue her studies in graduate school. She studied at St. John's University as well for a graduate degree in Bilingual School Counseling. Ms. Prieto graduated in June of 2000 with a Master of Science in Education. In addition, upon graduation, she was awarded with honors, the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence.

Ms. Prieto is currently working as a Bilingual Counselor at Eastwood School, P.S. 95. She is very pleased and fulfilled with her role as a counselor. She is very happy to work with children. Ms. Prieto feels her job is very rewarding because she is able to witness how a child's life can change or improve with her help. It is very satisfying to know that one can make a difference in a child's life. Ms. Prieto's main objective was to graduate as a counselor and then use this knowledge to help educate special children. This dream is now a beautiful reality.

Mr. Speaker, I believe this body, in recognition of her life and efforts, should pay tribute to Ms. Flor Marina Prieto.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Burnetta Rose Lee Graves, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her accomplishments.

Burnetta is a native of Brooklyn, New York and the daughter of Helena and the late Abel Lee Graves both of Wilmington, N.C. She attended the public schools in Brooklyn, N.Y. for her formative education and graduated from George W. Wingate H.S. After attending Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, she embarked on an entrepreneurial career as a clothing designer for 13 years.

Burnetta is an active member of both the Brooklyn and Queens communities; her political affiliations include: Women's Caucus for Congressman Edolphus ``Ed'' Towns; Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club of St. Albans, N.Y.; and the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club of Kings County Inc. Additionally, while working for Philip Morris USA, the company aided Burnetta's community affiliation in various areas of New York.

Bumetta has always been an active member of her church, St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Harlem USA. While there she was president of the Young Adult Club for 4 years and served as a Trustee for 3 years. In 1997, she was drawn to St. Paul Community Baptist Church in East New, Brooklyn, N.Y. because of the interactive relationship that the church has with the community. As a member of the Baby Dedication Ministry and various activities of the church, she has numerous opportunities to reach out to the community at large.

Working for the Rochdale Village Community Center in Jamaica, N.Y. enables Burnetta to teach children ages 5-12 the art of quilt making. To this day the quilts are still displayed in the front entrance of the center.

In 2002 she joined the staff of Congressman Ed Towns as a Special Assistant and Ecumenical Liaison. In that role she deals with all faith-based organizations in the 10th Congressional District of Brooklyn, N.Y. She also assists constituents in housing concerns and other issues. Burnetta's current project is ``Adopt A School'' working with Health-based organizations to insure better health care standards for the community.

Mr. Speaker, Burnetta Rose Lee Graves' selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Penny Lyndella Willoughby-Parker. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her accomplishments.

Penny was born in Farmville, North Carolina. However, since age 9 Penny has resided in New York City. Since childhood, Penny has been a person that has strived to live by God's golden rule of ``Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You.'' Penny's genuine love and concern for people as a whole, but especially those that were less fortunate than her inspired Penny to work with people living with mental illness.

Penny worked at Manhattan Psychiatric Center for 13 years, specializing in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. In this capacity, Penny helped to prepare people to successfully return to their family, friends and society to live productive lives.

Oftentimes while reading her patients' charts, Penny would learn that their problems began when they were children. As Penny sat at her desk reading the charts she would often become filled with sadness and say, ``Oh God! I wish I had met Jane or John when they were children. Perhaps I could have helped them with their various problems and prevented them from ending up in a mental institution.''

God heard Penny's sighs! God saw Penny's tears! And He has Anointed and Appointed her to teach Wisdom to his children. Penny's Mission Statement from God is ``to train up a child according to Proverbs 22:6 and to help all children to fully develop Spiritually, Academically, Socially and Culturally which is exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what is called ``Average''.

Penny is the proud mother of two sons, Chinyelu and Cory, but God has given her as He did Abraham and Sarah, innumerable sons and daughters that are spread throughout the world. You will never hear Penny say she did anything special or take credit for the overwhelming successful outcomes of her students' achievements whom she affectionately refers to as her ``Power Angels''. But, you will hear Penny say, ``To God Be the Glory!!!''

Mr. Speaker, Penny Lyndella Willoughby-Parker's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her worthy of our recognition today.