Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to our former colleague, the late William ``Bill'' Lehman, who recently passed away in his home state of Florida.

Bill represented the 17th Congressional District of Florida from 1973 to 1992. While he was a great advocate for transportation, foreign affairs issues, and racial equality in education, he has received very little or no recognition for his work on behalf of Haitian refugees. In 1979, Haitian refugees faced significant due process violations by the Federal government. At the time, he represented almost all of the fledgling Haitian community in South Florida. Bill felt very strongly that he could not successfully oppose the onerous civil rights violations faced by Haitians, because of their national origin, without additional political support. It was at his urging that the Congressional Black Caucus formed the CBC Task Force on Haitian refugees. The Task Force eventually succeeded, accompanied by various legal victories, in establishing an immigration designation, ``Cuban- Haitian entrant status'', that permitted Haitians seeking political asylum to remain in the country while they pursued their asylum claims.

Without his personal intervention and commitment on their behalf, the Haitian community in South Florida may have never received some form of equitable treatment under our immigration laws. With his passing, our colleague, Bill Lehman's contributions to improved immigration laws in this country should not be forgotten. I am proud to have served with him during his last 10 years in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, the United States government denied a visa to Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, due to the state government's complicity in the massacre of Muslims there and his insensitive statements about minorities. His visa was revoked under the law that prohibits those responsible for violations of religious freedom from getting visas. This was the right thing to do, and I salute those who made this decision.

According to the March 25 issue of India-West, the denial of a visa to Mr. Modi was met with attacks from the Indian government. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who, as a Sikh, is a member of a religious minority himself, complained in Parliament that ``we do not believe it is appropriate . . . to make a subjective judgment question a constitutional authority in India.'' The Foreign Ministry said that the denial of Mr. Modi's visa ``is uncalled for and displays lack of courtesy and sensitivity toward a constitutionally elected chief minister of a state of India.'' Of course, they completely neglected to mention Mr. Modi's lack of courtesy and sensitivity towards the 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims killed in the riots that his government helped organize. India's Human Rights Commission held Mt. Modi and his government responsible for the massacre.

The Indian government officially stated that the decision showed ``a lack of courtesy and sensitivity'' and that their ``sovereignty'' was violated by the decision. This is the standard argument of tyrants. It is the argument countries like Red China make when they are criticized.

On March 19 in New Delhi, India-West reported, fanatical Hindu nationalist fundamentalists affiliated with the militant organization Bajrang Dal rioted against the United States because Mr. Modi was denied his visa. They barged into a Pepsi-Cola warehouse, smashed bottles of Pepsi, and set fire to the building. The warehouse was partially burned. About a dozen workers fled. The rioters also ransacked a nearby Pepsi office. Another group protested the U.S. consulate in Bombay. They carried signs reading ``Down With the United States.'' Some Bajrang Dal members tried to enter the visa application center in Ahmedabad. Modi himself said, ``Let us pledge to work for such a day that an American would have to stand in line for entry into Gujarat.'' He accused the United States of trying to ``impose its laws on other countries.'' He urged India to deny visas to American officials.

Mr. Speaker, this is just the latest chapter in India's ongoing repression of its minorities, which has been well documented in this House over the years, and its virulent hatred of America. Why do we spend our time, energy, and money supporting such a country?

The time has come to hold India's feet to the fire. Denying Mr. Modi a visa was simply a small first step, and a good one. We must do more. The time has come to stop our aid and trade with India until all people enjoy the full flower of human rights and to support self-determination for all the peoples and nations seeking their freedom through a free and fair plebiscite. The essence of democracy is the right to self- determination. As the world's oldest and strongest democracy, it is up to the United States to take fhese measures in support of freedom for all.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the India-West article of March 25 into the Record at this tIme.

[From the India-West, Mar. 25, 2005]

Pepsi Warehouse Burned in Visa Denial Uproar--Continued from page A1

The riots were sparked by the burning of a train coach by

Muslims in Godhra, killing 59 Hindu kar sevaks.

Modi was denied a diplomatic visa to travel to the United

States and his existing tourist/business visa was revoked

under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act that bars

people responsible for violations of religious freedom from

getting a visa.

Modi had been scheduled to address a gathering of Indian

American groups and motel owners in New York, Florida and in

New Jersey.

India slammed the decision, saying it showed a ``lack of

courtesy and sensitivity,'' and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

criticized the American decision in Parliament.

``The American government has been clearly informed . . .

we do not believe that it is appropriate to use allegations

or anything less than due legal process to make a subjective

judgment to question a constitutional authority in India,''

Singh told the Rajya Sabha.

Responding to opposition leader Jaswant Singh's submission

that the decision was unacceptable, Manmohan Singh said, ``We

agree that this is not a matter of partisan politics, but

rather a matter of concern over a point of principle. Our

prompt and firm response clearly shows our principled stand

in this matter.''

Earlier, Indian officials summoned Ambassador Mulford's

deputy Robert Blake ``to lodge a strong protest.''

``This action . . . is uncalled for and displays lack of

courtesy and sensitivity toward a constitutionally elected

chief minister of a state of India,'' the Foreign Ministry

said in a statement, expressing the government's ``deep

concern and regret.''

The U.S. stood by its decision after a review sought by

India. Mulford, who was out of town when the news broke March

18, said the U.S. decision was aimed at Modi alone, and not

Gujaratis. He also denied it would affect ties with India.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said

the U.S. response was based on a finding by India's National

Human Rights Commission that held Modi's government

responsible for the 2002 Hindu-Muslim violence in the state,

India's worst in a decade.

The decision led to widespread uproar in parts of Gujarat.

A day after the decision, nearly 150 Bajrang Dal activists

barged into the warehouse of U.S.-based PepsiCo in the Surat,

smashed bottles and set fire to the place, said Dharmesh

Joshi, a witness. The warehouse was partially burned.

A witness said about a dozen workers at the warehouse fled

during the attack and firefighters doused the flames.

The protesters also ransacked a nearby PepsiCo office and

demonstrated outside the American consulate in Mumbai. Some

carried placards reading: ``Down with the United States,''

``Boycott the U.S. goods and the Americans.''

Up to 150 Bajrang Dal activists also tried to enter the

U.S. visa application center in Ahmedabad but were turned

back by police.

Modi called the U.S. decision ``an insult to India and its

Constitution.'' In a public address in Ahmedabad, he lashed

out at the United States.

``A man from Gujarat was thrown out of a train in South

Africa. This led to a movement that overthrew the British

Empire,'' Modi thundered, in a reference to Mahatma Gandhi.

``Let us pledge to work for such a day that an American would

have to stand in line for entry into Gujarat,'' he added.

``The United States can't impose its laws on other

countries. In the same way, India should deny visas to U.S.

officials as a protest against Washington's policies in

Iraq,'' Modi said.

``On what basis has the U.S. decided this?'' Modi asked.

``Where has the U.S. got its information from? The American

government should know that every state in India is ruled by

the Constitution and no one can violate that. No court has

indicted the Gujarat government or the CM of complicity in

the incidents that took place in the state.''

If the Pakistani president and the Bangladesh prime

minister could visit the U.S., two countries in which

minorities have suffered, Modi said he could be admitted too.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Robert Rodriguez who is being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as ``Mortgage Broker of the Year.''

Robert is a successful mortgage broker who was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. His father, Higinio Rodriguez, was working for the Brooklyn Navy Yard many years ago when he sent for his wife, Rafaela Santos-Rodriguez and family, including a very young Robert who was three years old.

Robert attended Brooklyn College, majored in psychology and later obtained his real estate mortgage and insurance broker's licenses. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and received an Honorable Discharge.

Among many enterprises, he opened up Sunset Park Real Estate in 1980. It became a very successful and inspirational real estate firm in an up and coming neighborhood. In 1987, he became a founding member and President of the Fifth Avenue Merchants Association in 1987. Later, he was instrumental in converting that association to The Business Improvement District of Sunset Park. During this period, he became (and continues to be) a member of The Bay Ridge Board of Realtor and a member of the New York Association of Mortgage Brokers. Presently, he is President and sole owner of Dinero Mortgage & Funding Corp. located in Sunset Park. By helping people obtain a mortgage, Robert has personally helped many minorities in accomplishing their dreams of obtaining a home for themselves and their loved ones.

Robert is married to Julie Cardinale Rodriguez, a Loan Officer for Countrywide Mortgage. He has three children, Lisa, Robert Jr. and Shelly along with seven grandchildren. Robert is a wonderful example of how hard work and perseverance can lead to success. May this award inspire and encourage him to continue the important work he has already begun.

Mr. Speaker, Robert Rodriguez has been a leader in his community by building a successful business and helping his fellow community members realize their dream of homeownership. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and the award of Mortgage Broker of the Year. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the Espinal Family who are being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as ``Outstanding Family of the Year.''

Jose and Agueda Espinal are the parents of this family, and together, they have raised thirteen children in the community of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York. Jose and Agueda immigrated from the Dominican Republic in 1977. They hoped to provide a better life and education for their family. Their children are Carmen, Pablo, Pedro, Maria, Julio, Esteban, Andres, Ceferino, Carlos, Bienvenido, Rafael, Mary Carmen and Juan Martin.

All the members of the Espinal Family have established very successful community based businesses. The majority of the children and grandchildren are professionals with degrees in business administration. They are also well known for their generosity to churches, civic and community organizations, which serve the less fortunate and infirm. This distinguished family is an inspiration and a role model to everyone in the community.

May this award inspire and encourage them to continue the important work that they have already begun. The wonderful example of dedication to their fellow community members and commitment to the important value of family has surely made them worthy of this honor.

Mr. Speaker, by raising thirteen successful children and still finding time and money to assist others, the Espinal Family has been a shining example to the community. As such, they are more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and the award of Outstanding Family of the Year. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Doctor William Raymond Whitaker, Jr., in recognition of his dedication to his church and community.

Reverend Doctor William Raymond Whitaker, Jr., was born in Newport News, Virginia on November 12, 1959. The Whitaker family moved shortly thereafter to Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Whitaker is a product of the Bedford Stuyvesant Tompkins Project community. He attended Carter G. Woodson Public School 23, Mark Hopkins Junior High School 33, Fort Hamilton High School and graduated from the former Eastern District High School. Furthering his education, he attended Adelphi Academy, majoring in Business. Pastor Whitaker obtained his Bachelor of Theology degree from Community Bible Institute in Brooklyn in May 1999 and his Master of Theology from Chelsea University in London, England, where he graduated with the highest academic distinction, summa cum laude, in May 2004. On October 4, 2004, the Hope for All Bible College bestowed upon Reverend Whitaker the Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree.

Dr. Whitaker was called to the Ministry at the young age of 16 and preached his initial sermon in October 1976 under the leadership of Reverend Joseph Stiff, Jr., of Bethel Church of God in Christ. He served faithfully as an usher, choir member and Sunday school student. In June 1985, he was licensed by Greater Free Gift and ordained in November 1986. On December 13, 1994, Rev. Whitaker was called by the Lord to serve as Pastor of the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church and since then, the ministry has and continues to multiply. He preaches the Word of God in a manner that can be applied to everyday life.

Dr. Whitaker answered yet another call on his life, which was to establish the Greater Free Gift Bible Institute where he diligently shares his knowledge and wisdom as president and teacher. Under the leadership of this great visionary, hundreds have been blessed, encouraged, inspired and delivered. He continues to lead the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church to make even greater strides in its growth and development, including the formation of the Drama and Dance Ministry and ``Serenity on Stockton Street.'' Rev. Whitaker's sole desire is to help people reach their ultimate potential spirituality by developing a personal relationship with God.

In addition to being dynamic preacher and teacher, Pastor Whitaker is a world-renowned vocalist. He has recorded songs with legendary gospel artists such as ``The Godfather of Gospel'' Elder Timothy Wright and performed throughout the world including in Paris, France. His commitment to the community is evident by his service as the Former Chair of Evangelism for the Eastern Region of the Progressive National Baptist Convention and his involvement in the National Baptist Convention Housing Staff USA, Inc. He is the former Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, former Director of the Music Department of the New York Missionary Baptist Association as well as the former Ecumenical Director to Congressman Ed Towns. Additional community affiliations include Central Brooklyn Churches, Police Benevolent Association, 303 Vernon Board of Managers and AIDS Awareness seminar (graduate of ARRIVE where he received his license as counselor). He also serves as a mentor to the students at IS 33.

Mr. Speaker, Reverend Doctor William Raymond Whitaker, Jr., has dedicated his life to his church and community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, April 13, which is the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, is Vaisakhi Day for the Sikhs. I wish all the Sikhs around the world a happy Vaisakhi Day.

Vaisakhi Day is the anniversary of the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten Sikh Gurus, created the Khalsa Panth. At that time, he said, ``I give sovereignty to the humble Sikhs.'' Yet over 300 years later, they still struggle for that sovereignty while they suffer under severe repression from ``the world's largest democracy.''

More than 250,000 Sikhs have been murdered at the hands of the Indian government, according to figures compiled by the Punjab State Magistracy. The Movement Against State Repression reports that 52,268 Sikhs are being held as political prisoners under the repressive TADA law. How can this happen in a democracy?

Sikhs have an opportunity this Vaisakhi Day to reclaim their sovereignty. In January, 35 Sikhs were arrested for simply raising the Sikh flag and making speeches in support of Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that declared its independence on October 7, 1987. Political leaders are coming out for Khalistan. All of India's efforts to suppress the Sikhs sovereignty movement have just given it new life.

What can we do to support this worthy cause? We should stop our aid and trade with India as long as it continues to kill ethnic minorities, hold political prisoners, and engage in other wholesale violations of the most basic human rights. We should go on record in support of self- determination in the form of a free and fair plebiscite on independence in Khalistan, in Kashmir, in Nagaland, and wherever the people are seeking freedom. These measures will help bring a new glow of freedom to all people in the subcontinent.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to place the Council of Khalistan's Vaisakhi Day message into the Record for the information of my colleagues.

Vaisakhi Day Should Be Celebrated in Freedom

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your

family and friends and all Sikhs a Happy Vaisakhi Day. As you

know, Vaisakhi Day is the anniversary of the founding of the

Khalsa. On Vaisakhi Day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh baptized

the Sikhs and required them to keep the five Ks. He made the

Sikhs into saints and soldiers, giving the blessing ``In

grieb Sikhin ko deon Patshahi'' (``I give sovereignty to the

humble Sikhs.'') Just two years after his departure from this

earthly plane in 1708, the Sikhs established our own

independent state in Punjab.

Today we struggle to regain the sovereignty that Guru

Gobind Singh bestowed upon us over 300 years ago. Yet the

Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Joginder Singh Vedanti, was

quoted as saying that ``We don't want a separate territory.''

Does Jathedar Vedanti, like every other Sikh, pray ``Raj Kare

Ga Khalsa'' (``the Khalsa shall rule'') every morning and

evening? Has he forgotten our heritage of freedom? How can

the spiritual leader of the Sikh religion deny the Sikh

Nation's legitimate aspiration for freedom and sovereignty?

Is he not stung by the words of one of his predecessors,

former AkalTakht Jathedar Professor Darshan Singh, who said,

``If a Sikh is not a Khalistani, he is not a Sikh''? Is Akal

Takht occupied by a person who does not believe in Sikh

values and Sikh apsirations?

The flame of freedom continues to burn brightly in the

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

Republic Day, Sikh leaders raised the Sikh flag in Amritsar

and made speeches in support of Khalistan. 35 Sikhs were

arrested for raising the Kesri Nishan. Eleven of them

continue to be held and they have been denied bail. Is this

the freedom that Guru Gobind Singh bestowed upon us? Is this

the ``glow of freedom'' that Nehru promised us when Master

Tara Singh and the Sikh leaders of the time chose to take our

share with India?

Punjab's Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, was

declared a hero of the Sikh Nation for asserting Punjab's

sovereignty and preserving Punjab's natural resource, its

river water, for the use of Punjab farmers by cancelling

Punjab's water agreements. In so doing, Amarinder Singh and

the Legislative Assembly explicitly declared the sovereignty

of the state of Punjab. In December former Member of

Parliament Simranjit Singh Mann again reverted to public

support of Khalistan. He pledged that his party will lead a

peaceful movement to liberate Khalistan. Obviously, Mr. Mann

is aware of the rising support of our cause. Mann joins

Sardar Atinder Pal Singh, Sardar D.S. Gill of the

International Human Rights Organization, and other Sikh

leaders in Punjab in supporting freedom for Khalistan openly.

Jagjit Singh, President of Dal Khalsa, was quoted in the

Deccan Herald as saying that ``the Indian government can

never suppress the movement. Sikh aspirations can only be met

when they have a separate state.'' There is no other choice

for the

Sikh nation but a sovereign, independent Khalistan. Every

Sikh leader must come out openly for Khalistan. We salute

those Sikh leaders in Punjab who have done so.

Any organization that sincerely supports Khalistan 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. Leaders like Dr.

Jagjit Singh Chohan, Harchand Singh Longowal, Didar Bains,

Ganga Singh Dhillon, the Akali Dal leadership, and others who

were complicit in the attack on the Golden Temple cannot be

trusted by the Sikh Nation. The evidence against them is

clear in Chakravyuh: Web of Indian Secularism. The Sikh

Nation cannot believe that these leaders will not betray the

cause of Khalistan, just as they betrayed the Sikh Nation in

1984. We must be careful if we are to continue to move the

cause of freedom for Khalistan forward in 2005 as we did

in 2004.

The Akali Dal conspired with the Indian government in 1984

to invade the Golden Temple to murder Sant Bhindranwale and

20,000 other Sikh during June 1984 in Punjab. Even the Pope

spoke out strongly against this invasion and desecration of

our most sacred shrine. How can these so-called Sikh leaders

connive with the people who carried it out? If Sikhs will not

even protect the sanctity of the Golden Temple, how can the

Sikh Nation survive as a nation?

The Akali Dal has lost all its credibility. The Badal

government was so corrupt openly and no Akali leader would

come forward and tell Badal and his wife to stop this

unparallelled corruption.

If Jathedar Vedanti opposes freedom and sovereignty for the

Sikh Nation, then he is not fit to sit in Akal Takht, in the

seat of the Khalsa Panth. The Sikh Nation should have a

Jathedar who is committed to sovereignty.

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. Khalistan is the only

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

prosperity, and dignity. It is time to start a Shantmai

Morcha to liberate Khalistan from Indian occupation.

The Akal Takht Sahib and Darbar Sahib are under the control

of the Indian government, the same Indian government that has

murdered more than a quarter of a million Sikhs in the past

twenty years. The Jathedar of the Akal Takht and the head

granthi of Darbar Sahib toe the line that the Indian

government tells them. They are not appointed by the Khalsa

Panth. Otherwise they would behave like a real Jathedar,

Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, rather than like Indian

government puppet Jathedar Aroor Singh, who gave a Siropa to

General Dyer for the massacre of Sikhs and others at

Jallianwala Bagh. 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.

The Sikhs in Punjab have suffered enormous repression at

the hands of the Indian regime in the last 25 years. 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! Another 52,268 are being held as political

prisoners. Some have been in illegal custody since 1984! Even

now, the capital of Punjab, Chandigarh, has not been handed

over to Punjab, but remains a Union Territory. How can Sikhs

have any freedom living under a government that would do

these things?

Sikhs will never get any justice from Delhi. The leaders in

Delhi are only interested in imposing Hindu sovereignty over

all the minorities to advance their own careers and their own

power. Ever since independence, India has mistreated the Sikh

Nation, starting with Patel's memo labelling 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.

How can Sikhs continue to live in such a country? There is

no place for Sikhs in supposedly secular, supposedly

democratic India. Let us make Viasakhi Day a day of freedom.

Let us dedicate ourselves this Vaisakhi Day to living up to

the blessing of Guru Gobind Singh. Let us take the occasion

of Vaisakhi Day to begin to 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Manuel Vargas who is being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as ``Real Estate Broker of the Year.''

Manuel is a successful licensed real estate broker in New York and Florida. He graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate. Manuel has more than 10 years of experience in the real estate market. A Hall of Fame member for a large franchise in the new millennium, Manuel decided to start PAN/AMERICAN Realty.

Amongst his reasons for doing so was because he wanted to deliver excellent, personalized service to his clients and to establish a household name that would be synonymous with honesty, professionalism and efficient marketing techniques. His goal was to give realty advice to clients and customers about all facets of the real estate industry.

Throughout his career, Manuel has learned that he can also make a positive impact in the community that he works in by helping those in need. He has received numerous awards for all of the support and dedication he has given to different organizations.

Mr. Speaker, Manuel Vargas has been a leader in his community and has been a wonderful example of how dedication and perseverance can lead to success. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and the award of Real Estate Broker of the Year. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Madeleine Golde who has dedicated her career to strengthening our health care system for hard working Americans across this country.

As the Deputy Director for Health Care Legislation and Senior Legislative Advocate for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) national office in Washington, DC, Madeleine has been a key healthcare advocate on Capitol Hill regarding federal policy. After nearly 7 years of service, Madeleine is retiring from SEIU. SEIU represents 1.8 million working people in the areas of health care, public service, building service, industrial and allied trades.

Madeleine has been instrumental in fashioning both the strategy and substantive health care policy to advance the goals of SEIU. She has made countless visits to Capitol Hill on the behalf of American workers to meet with congressional staff on important health care policy issues. She has also worked with numerous organizations that share SEIU's goal of improving our nation's health care system.

Most important, Madeleine has been an important partner with the City of New York in advancing several important health care issues, including fiscal relief for Federal Medicaid matching rates, bioterrorism, Bioshield I and II, Ryan White Title I, Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding, smallpox vaccinations, indigent care costs for undocumented immigrants, Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission, disaster response capabilities, immunizations for children, the adult vaccine program, and Medicare.

Most recently, she worked with New York City to insure the passage of the Smith Bingaman amendment, which blocked Senate passage of $14 billion in budget resolution cuts to Medicaid and called for Congress to have a bipartisan commission on Medicaid.

Mr. Speaker, Madeleine Golde has been a leader in advocating for a health care system that ensures all Americans have quality and affordable health care coverage. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend William F. Wright, Jr. who has been a leader in his community and is celebrating his 25th Pastoral Anniversary at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Reverend Wright was born in Aiken, South Carolina to William Frank Wright and Willie Weaver Wright. He was reared in Nash County, North Carolina and graduated from Nash Central High School and North AT&T State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1979, he received a Master of Divinity Degree from Shaw Divinity School in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Rev. Wright was called to the gospel ministry in 1975 and was licensed to preach by the East White Oak Baptist Church that same year. In 1977, Rev. Wright was ordained by the Guilford Association. His pastorate was at West End Baptist Church in Reidsville, North Carolina. Under his leadership, West End extensively renovated the sanctuary. After nineteen years with Lorillard Corporation, Rev. Wright retired as a manager to become the full-time pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Lorillard Credit Union.

As a gospel preacher and community servant, Rev. Wright has served with and led many community and interfaith coalitions and groups. Under his leadership, the Greensboro Pulpit Forum undertook some of its most challenging work, including the community buying and stewardship program, which led to a decent labor contract between the K-Mart workers and Unite, their labor union. From the helm of the Pulpit Forum, he has served his fellow preachers as motivator, leader, and confidant. Rev. Wright has served on the Board of Directors for Greensboro Urban Ministries, the Greensboro Housing Resource Board, the Greensboro Fair Housing Board, the Greensboro Human Relations Commission, the Greensboro 100, and the NAACP.

His honors and awards are many. Under his leadership, New Zion has been named ``Church of the Year'' by the NAACP more than five times. Rev. Wright, himself, has been named ``NAACP Man of the Year'' for 1995. He was recently honored at the NAACP National Meeting with a community service award for his role in the K-Mart struggle.

Rev. Wright's leadership in the church is matched by his leadership in the community. Five years before it became fashionable, Wright had the Pulpit Forum release a thirty-two (32) page position paper in which the church was challenged to enter into the business of confronting the problem of youth and drugs in the community. This work included workshops, direct contact actions, and visits into the communities where our youth suffer. In the spring of 1993, there was a daylong event where thirty young men admitted to gang involvement and being members of rival gangs. Everyone joined together in a joint statement declaring an end to his gang rivalries.

On a personal level, this Pastor is known in the Greensboro community as a ``Pastor's

Pastor,'' a mentor, and a friend to all. His ready demeanor makes him readily available to pastors for counseling and friendship. He is often called upon for advice by struggling congregations and has more than once been called upon to present leadership training to churches and deacons.

Rev. Wright is married to Narcissus Hargrove Wright of Henderson, North Carolina and the proud father of four children: Billy, Wendi, Nicole and Ashley. The Wrights presently make their home in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, Reverend William F. Wright, Jr. has used his position as a spiritual and community leader to improve the lives of those around him, and his 25th Pastoral Anniversary is yet another reminder of all of the good work he has accomplished. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Mae Catherine Greene in recognition for her dedication to her community.

Mae Catherine Greene fondly known as ``Cat'' by family and close friends is almost a life long resident of the east New York community of which she has been an integral and staunchly loyal advocate. She was born in Chadbourn, NC in March of 1957, the ninth of ten children of a proud and independent working mother.

Mae obtained her education in the neighborhood she so greatly loves and admires. She attended P.S. 149, I.S. 292 and William H. Maxwell High School in east New York. Mae, who has been married for almost 27 years to her childhood sweetheart, Richard Greene, is the proud mother of six children who still live in east New York as well.

Having six children in the public school system and being a concerned, loving and dedicated parent, Mae took a strong interest in the neighborhood's public school system. She was very involved and an active presence in many different capacities. She served as President and Secretary on Community Board 19 and President of the P.T.A. at P.S. 213, I.S. 171 and I.S. 292. Additionally, she was Chapter 1 Chairperson for the District for both P.S. 213 and I.S. 171 as well as P.A.C. President for the Board for two day care centers, Georgia-Livonia and Einstein in East NY.

Mae is not only an advocate for education, but she is also very involved in community and politically based issues and activities. She has been a longtime advocate for senior citizen, immigrant and housing rights. Mae has served as Secretary to the Tenants' Advisory Board and Property Manager at Elva McZeal Housing Development and as a Community Advisor at Beekman Houses in the Bronx, NY. She also set up a parents' rights advocacy for immigrant parents at P.S. 213, was a community liaison for Health Plus, and an advocate for the senior citizens at Elva McZeal Houses.

Mr. Speaker, Mae Catherine Greene has strengthened her community through her numerous volunteer efforts with the PTA, the Community Board, and local housing associations. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a distinguished organization the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush. It is an honor to represent the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to their selfless endeavors of more than a quarter century.

Mr. Speaker, the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush, was founded twenty six years ago to assist families in need in the greater Brooklyn area. Over the course of its many years of dedication to the Brooklyn community The Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush has truly emerged as a premier organization committed to assisting those who have nowhere else to turn.

Under the leadership of their Executive Director, Rabbi Yechezkel Pikus, The Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush has established itself as Brooklyn's central address for social services, immigration services and many forms of crucial emergency assistance.

The Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush has been instrumental in creating successful employment programs and developing Small Business services. Through the Leader Family Employment Center and the South Brooklyn Business Outreach Center they have empowered people with the tools to succeed in their professional endeavors. Additionally, they are renowned for providing vital outreach to the elderly and homebound with particular attention and sensitivity to Holocaust survivors. They have also developed a scholarship fund to send children from disadvantaged families to summer camp.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush. Their uncompromising commitment to Jewish ideals and ethics is an inspiration for us all.

Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the civic actions of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flat bush and community groups similar to them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Janice Y. Jones in recognition of her strong commitment to her family and dedication to educating our children.

Janice Y. Jones was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York to James and Clara Jones. At the age of five the family moved to East New York, where Janice attended local public schools, P.S. 159, I.S. 218 and Franklin Lane High School. Janice won a scholarship to Connecticut College. After a year at Connecticut, she returned home to help her mother care for her three younger brothers due to the death of her father.

Janice went back to Lane where she was hired as an Educational Assistant. She went through the Career Training Program and obtained her degree from York College and her Teaching License.

During her tenure at Lane, she worked closely with the activities director, the guidance department and was one of the coaches for the cheerleading squad. She accompanied her mother to numerous community and school meetings as well.

Although Lane did not have a teaching position for Janice, Transit Tech High School hired her as a Special Education Teacher. After one year of teaching, Janice became the Coordinator of Student Activities at Transit Tech. The title included many duties such as the leadership program for students, senior activities, the Transit Tech Volunteer Program, SkillsUSA (VICA), and a parent and community liaison.

She worked closely with and underwent training by the Anti-Defamation League, the National Conference of Community, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Education Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Team where she now is a trainer herself. Janice has served on the Board of Trustees for New York City VICA and as the Vice Chairperson of the New York State VICA Board of Trustees.

Janice is very devoted to her students and tries to encourage them to reach for greatness and realize their potential. When time allows, she is also an active volunteer in the community.

Mr. Speaker, Janice Y. Jones has dedicated herself to her community and to educating our children. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Beatrice Jackson-Walls in recognition of her commitment to her church and her community.

Beatrice is a vivacious, effervescent Virginia Belle. A member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn for 57 years, she has dedicated her teenage and young adult life to serving in the Youth Fellowship, Young People's Choir and as a teacher in the Baptist Training Union, Junior Department.

Professionally, Beatrice serves Cornerstone Baptist Church as a skillful efficient Administrative Assistant and has had the honor and pleasure of working with three spiritual giants: the late Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Dr. Sandy F. Ray; the Reverend Dr. Harry S. Wright; and her present Pastor, the Reverend Lawrence E. Aker, III.

Artistically, Beatrice is a gifted soprano soloist in the Senior Choir and has performed in concerts throughout the New York Metropolitan area, including Carnegie Recital Hall and the prestigious St. Peters Church in Manhattan. A past Sunday School Teacher, she continues to utilize her educational and volunteer leadership skills as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Day Care Center, Inc., Chair of Special Projects of the Capital Fund Raising Committee, President of the Senior Choir, Corresponding Secretary of the Brooklyn Ecumenical Choir of Bedford Stuyvesant, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Food Pantry. She also served on the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association of Brooklyn.

A product of the school systems in Virginia and Delaware, she pursued her education at New York Community College (now New York Technical College) in Brooklyn. She is the recipient of numerous religious, community and business awards and honors. Her hobbies include stained glass designing, traveling, serving, gardening, poetry and people.

God blessed her with 39 years of marriage to the late Deacon Joseph M. Walls. She is mother of two sons, Joseph Demetrius and Darryl Christopher and the grandmother of three of the most precious and special children, Jasmyne Marie, D. Christopher II, and Amara Aurellia.

Mr. Speaker, Beatrice Jackson-Walls has strengthened her community through her numerous volunteer efforts with her church. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Maggie Harvey who has committed herself strengthening her community and has had an accomplished thirty-year career in finance.

Maggie was born in Georgetown, Guyana. The second of two girls and two boys, she was born to Uric and Gwendoline Harris-Haynes. She was baptized in St. George Cathedral.

During her early years, she was dedicated as a soldier in the Salvation Army and worshiped at the Citadel Corp. She received her early education and professional training in Guyana and upon graduation, accepted the position of personal secretary to the Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army.

In 1970, she immigrated to the United States and married Ronald Harvey, who is also Guyanese. Maggie and Ronald have three daughters.

During her 30 years of employment with JP Morgan Chase & Co., she has worked in various departments of the bank. Presently, she is in the Legal Department, Corporate Compliance/Money Laundering and Foreign Assets Control.

In 1988, she was received into fellowship at Miracle Temple Ministries in Brooklyn (formerly Church of the First Born), where Bishop E. Stewart is the Pastor. She serves on the Bishop's Anniversary Committee and also has responsibility for the Church's weekly bulletin.

She is also a Home League Member of the Salvation Army Bedford Temple Corp. in Brooklyn. Members of the organization sew handmade blankets, lap throws, cosmetic bags for personal items and smocks, which are given to the homeless, sick and nursing home shut-ins. Maggie finds this work very rewarding, and takes a leading role in the organization as the Service Chairperson for the Home Leaguers. She looks forward to doing greater things through Christ, which strengthens her.

Mr. Speaker, Maggie Harvey has served her community while launching a successful career in the financial industry. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Queenie Mary Corley Wooten in recognition of her public service and numerous contributions to her community.

Queenie has made a difference in many people's lives. She was born into a family of ten in Salley, South Carolina to the late James and Estella Hunt Corely. She is the wife of the late James Wooten and the companion of Dr. Raymond B. Croskey for the past 21 years.

She has encountered many challenges during her life and has embraced them all with courage and dignity, which exemplifies the type of person she is. Queenie graduated from Medgar Evers College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She took additional courses, which enhanced her long and remarkable career in education. Presently, she is working in Region #5 as a Coordinator of External Community Programs. In addition to networking with East New York and Brownsville city agencies, she serves on the cabinets of Planning Board #5 and #16.

Queenie is developing innovative and creative external programs to improve educational and developmental outcomes for students. She coordinates activities with the external community, also assists the director with setting priorities and selecting high quality collaborative programs. She mobilizes resources for regional and school priorities, collaborates with schools in Region #5 to create inter- agency regional advisory councils, and volunteers on Planning Board #5, working with the committee on education. Additionally, she works diligently with students to help them get credit for community service.

Queenie is one of the founders of the American College of Counselors, for the New York Branch, and was recently honored by the Department of Education for her service of 41 years. In fact, she has received numerous honors and awards for her work including: an award from Medgar Evers College as one of its first graduates; the Sojourner Truth Award from the Brooklyn Club of the Negro Business & Professional Women's Club; an honoree of the Women's League of Science and Medicine Inc; and the education award from Van Siclen Block Association. Organizations such as National Sickle Cell Research and the Latin Souls Little League Baseball have honored her as well. Queenie serves on the Board of Directors for Medgar Evers Alumni Association, as the Youth Advisor for the Brooklyn Youth Club, and the chair of North East Committee of Elections.

She notes that all of her accomplishments would not have been possible without the spiritual leadership of Rev. Jacob Underwood. Queenie has been a faithful member of Grace Baptist for the past 35 years.

Mr. Speaker, Queenie Mary Corley Wooten has been dedicated to serving her community through her work on numerous community boards and volunteer efforts. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.