Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the current situation in our world prompts the United States to seek and deepen relations with countries who share our principles and values, one such country is the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In the course of its development, Kazakhstan has achieved tremendous results despite some ups and downs. In fact, the people of Kazakhstan have gained long awaited freedom thirteen years ago and have chosen the right path consistently moving towards their ultimate goal of building a democratic and civil society with a strong market economy. The recent state of the nation address by President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan is strong proof of that.

I have read this document and must note that it is indeed a milestone for the country. It provides an outstanding description of the state and perspectives of the development of Kazakhstan's society. It is a comprehensive address which I kindly ask, Mr. Speaker, to submit to the Congressional Record for those of my colleagues who follow the development of this young and promising country. Let me mention a few highlights.

It is amazing how this country, which for many years existed under a totalitarian regime without any idea of market reforms has managed to achieve tremendous results in a very short period. Average income has grown almost fivefold during the last ten years, monthly salaries have increased by about 6 times, the minimum wage has gone up 25 times, average monthly pensions have increased by 4.6

times, and personal and average per capita bank deposits by 35 and 37 times. Compared to 2003, state expenditures on guaranteed free health care have risen 1.7 times. The most impressive part of the message is the massive social component of the Kazakh leader's program aimed at significant improvement of wellbeing of all levels of society, especially the poor, elderly, disabled and children.

The President's annual address also reflects the desire of a young nation to become a bulwark of democracy in a vitally important region. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has become a leader in promoting political and democratic transformations in the post Soviet states. Most importantly, Kazakhstan is not going to stop half way to this goal, but is eager to deepen this process based on Western standards of democracy. I support President Nazarbayev's initiative to create a National Program of Political Reforms in which the key player will be the people. I strongly believe that the evolution of Kazakh society inevitably will lead to a triumph of democracy. It is dictated by the will and aspirations of the people. I also agree with President Nazarbayev when he said that today ``Kazakhstan is regarded in the world as a regional power possessing a strong economy and a solid position in the international community''.

I congratulate the people and the Government of Kazakhstan for their achievements and am sincerely happy for them.

I am very glad that the United States has been instrumental in aiding the development of Kazakhstan. Our bilateral relations have gained the status of a strategic partnership. I am absolutely convinced successful cooperation between the U.S. and Kazakhstan is the cornerstone of stability in a crucial region and it is in the interest of both our countries and the world as a whole.

Today, it is vital for America to demonstrate its gratitude to the people of Kazakhstan who stood side by side with us after 9/11 and is today living up to its commitment in helping to build a free Iraq. I urge my colleagues and the administration to render them assistance and support their endeavors to be among the truly democratic countries of the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Pamela Mary Johnson-Junior who has committed herself to strengthening her community through her work on the Community Planning Board.

Pamela was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn and still resides there today. Pamela and her twin brother are the last of 10 children born to Booker T. Johnson and Ina L. Johnson.

At age 16, Pamela graduated a year early from high school and attended Long Island University. Later, she transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice and majored in Criminal Justice Administration and Planning.

Pamela learned at a very early age the importance of community involvement and as a teenager, she became actively involved in her Block Association. Soon thereafter, she was elected President of the Teenage Association of the 500 Decatur Street Block Association. However, her interests in politics extended beyond the local level. When Jesse Jackson ran for the Presidency of the United States, she took a two month leave of absence from her position as a Legal Assistant at one of Wall Street's top law firms, where she had been employed for over 16 years, to volunteer her services at Jesse Jackson's Bedford Stuyvesant based campaign headquarters. Nearly twenty years later, Pam continues to maintain a 50+ hour work week at the firm.

In the 1990's, Pamela became actively involved in Bedford-Stuyvesant community affairs and began attending monthly community meetings at Community Board No. 3 and at the 81st Precinct. This opportunity provided her with first-hand experience and knowledge of the needs of the community. In 1996, she was appointed to Community Planning Board No. 3 by then Borough President Howard Golden. In 2000, she was elected to the position of 2nd Vice President of the Board and in 2001 she was elected to the position of 1st Vice President of the Board, which she has held for several years.

During her tenure as Economic Development Chairperson of the Board, Pamela has spearheaded the 197a Plan for Bedford-Stuyvesant, collaborating with health professionals, churches, tenant associations, community activists, block associations, and Pratt Institute. She also solicited and helped raise over $250,000 to fund the 197a Plan. Pamela has forged relationships between the Community Planning Board and various New York City agencies in an effort to build the commercial corridors in Bedford-Stuyvesant and has worked closely with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and elected officials in the development of the Fulton F.I.R.S.T. Initiative. Finally, she has held weekly meetings during the summer months to ensure that community residents were informed of new and upcoming developments.

Mr. Speaker, Pamela Mary Johnson-Junior has been a leader in her community through her efforts to improve our educational system and serve those in need. 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 Joan Eastmond who has dedicated her life to strengthening our educational system and improving her community.

Joan was born the youngest of 6 children into the Eastmond family and long time member of Bedford-Stuyvesant's royalty. The Eastmond family's record of community service had a profound influence on her development and ultimately, her achievements. The birth of her son, Brian, was noted by Essence Magazine.

She has always been committed to public service. As a teen she got involved with NAACP Youth Committee. She also participated in the School Integration Movement, led by her former minister, the late Dr. Milton Galamison (Siloam Presbyterian Church). She also had a unique role as a teacher. She struggled against the wishes of the prejudiced school system and the biases of the UFT. Her classroom at JHS 271 in the late 1960s was a model of ``africentricism'' and educational liberation.

A Training Coordinator of AFRAM Associates, she nurtured her decision-making role of parents on 9 different sites, public and private, located in 5 different States and the District of Columbia. She co-developed with Preston Wilcox and the late Kenneth W. Haskins, a tested and copyrighted educational model: Parent Implementation (Decision-Making) in Education. She also is the author of a major AFRAM Publication: The HAMPTON Experiences.

Currently employed at the Fort Greene Senior Citizens Center where she combines a variety of services for senior citizens, youth and graduate students (Lincoln University of Human Services Program), into a simulated social mission.

Joan is best known for the services she provides to the community as Joan has never forgotten where she came from. While serving ``at-risk'' youth at Bed-Stuy Restoration, her commitment to others became quite evident. She did not approach these youth as potential problems. Instead, she worked to convince them that they were in fact, ``diamonds in the rough.''

Mr. Speaker, Joan Eastmond has been a leader in her community through her efforts to improve our educational system and serve those in need. 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 was pleased to learn that this past Wednesday, two Sikhs named Ajaib Singh Bagri and Ripudaman Singh Malik, who were accused of carrying out the 1985 Air India bombing, were acquitted. These Sikhs were found innocent because the witnesses against them were not believable.

The Indian government has maintained for 20 years that the Sikhs were responsible for the Air India disaster and has used it as an excuse to kill Sikhs and tighten the repression against them. Now it is clear that they were not responsible.

Why did India grant a loan of $2 million to the main financial backer of the organization that carried out the bombing? Why did Indian operatives approach Lal Singh, offering him ``2 million dollars and settlement in a nice country'' if he would offer false testimony against the two accused Sikhs? Why did the Consul General of India in Toronto call in a detailed description of the disaster just hours later when it took the Canadian investigators weeks to find that information? How did he know so much? Why was the Consul General later expelled?

His successor as Consul General was quoted as saying that Sikhs who support Khalistan, the independent Sikh homeland, are terrorists, but the movement for Sikh independence is led by the Council of Khalistan, which is committed to achieving an independent Khalistan by peaceful, democratic, nonviolent means.

The book Soft Target, which is the definitive account of the Air India case, quotes a Canadian Security Investigative Service investigator as saying, ``If you really want to clear the incidents quickly, take vans down to the Indian High Commission and the consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, load up everybody and take them down for questioning. We know it and they know it that they are involved.'' And the acquittal of the Sikhs accused just provides further substantiation of India's guilt.

Mr. Speaker, this country must not support terrorism. We cannot support the people who bombed the Air India airliner and killed 329 innocent people, especially at a time when we are fighting terrorism around the world. It is time to cut off all our aid and trade with India and support freedom and self-determination for all the nations struggling for their independence in South Asia. That is the best way to establish peace, freedom, security, and dignity for all in that troubled region of the world.

I would like to insert the press release on the acquittal of these two Sikhs from the Council of Khalistan into the Record, Mr. Speaker. I believe it will clearly show who is responsible for this terrible act of terrorism.

Malik, BagrI Acquitted of All Charges in Air India Case

justice has been done despite pressure from indian regime

Washington, DC, March 16, 2005. Ripudaman Singh Malik and

Ajaib Singh Bagri have been acquitted of all charges in the

Air India bombing case, in a major rebuke to the Indian

regime. Malik and Bagri were found not guilty today in the

deaths of 329 people who perished when Air India Flight 182

was brought down by a bomb on June 23, 1985 in Canada's worst

case of mass murder. Justice Ian Josephson delivered the

verdicts this afternoon, saying he didn't believe many of the

witnesses.

``Justice has been done for these Sikhs,'' said Dr. Gurmit

Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, which

leads the Sikh struggle for independence. ``Despite the

effort of the Indian government to blame these Sikhs for its

own acts, they have been found innocent. This is a major

setback for the Hindustani regime,'' he said. Canadian Member

of Parliament wrote in 1989 that the Canadian government had

spent $60 million on the case. ``On behalf of over 600,000

Sikhs in Canada and the 25 million Sikhs worldwide, we would

like to express our gratitude to Judge Josephson for doing

the right thing and not caving in to the pressure of the

Indian government,'' Dr. Aulakh said.

Air India flight 182 was blown up off Ireland in 1985. It

was on its way from Toronto to Bombay. It was supposed to be

blown up at the London airport when no passengers would be

aboard, but due to delays it blew up over Ireland. The book

Soft Target by Canadian journalists Zuhair Kashmeri of the

Toronto Globe and Mail and Brian McAndrew of the Toronto Star

exposed India's responsibility for this bombing. In the book,

Kashmeri and McAndrew quoted a Canadian Security

Investigative Service (CSIS) investigator as saying, ``If you

really want to clear the incidents quickly, take vans down to

the Indian High Commission and the consulates in Toronto and

Vancouver, load up everybody and take them down for

questioning. We know it and they know it that they are

involved.''

The book shows that within hours after the flight was blown

up, the Indian Consul General in Toronto, Surinder Malik (no

relation to Ripudaman Singh Malik), called in a detailed

description of the bombing and the names of those he said

were involved, information that the Canadian government

didn't discover until weeks later. Mr. Malik said to look on

the passenger manifest for the name ``L. Singh.'' This would

turn out to be Lal Singh, who told the press that he was

offered ``two million dollars and settlement in a nice

country'' by the Indian regime to give false testimony in the

case.

In his book Betrayal: The Spy Canada Abandoned, Member of

Parliament David Kilgour wrote that Canadian-Polish double

agent Ryszard Paszkowski was approached to join a plot to

carry out a second bombing. The people who approached

Paszkowski were connected to the Indian government.

The main backer of the group that was supposedly behind the

Air India bombing had received a $2 million loan from the

State Bank of India just before the plane was attacked,

according to Soft Target. The year after the bombing, three

Indian consuls general were asked to leave the country. At

the time of the bombing, the Congress Party needed the Sikhs

as scapegoats to win votes on a law-and-order platform. The

attack also served as justification for the government to

shed more Sikh blood.

The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since

1984, more than 300,000 Christians since 1948, over 90,000

Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of

Tamils, Assamese,

Manipuris, Dalits, Bodos, and others. The Indian Supreme

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

than a genocide.'' According to a report by the Movement

Against State Repression (MASR), 52,268 Sikhs and tens of

thousands of other minorities are being held as political

prisoners in India without charge or trial. Some have been in

illegal custody since 1984! We demand the immediate release

of all these political prisoners.

The Sikh Nation declared its independence from India on

October 7, 1987 and formed the Council of Khalistan at that

time to lead the struggle for independence. When India became

independent, Sikhs were equal partners in the transfer of

power and were to receive their own state, but the weak and

ignorant Sikh leaders of the time were tricked into staying

with India on the promise that they would have ``the glow of

freedom'' and no law affecting the Sikhs would pass without

their consent. Sikhs ruled an independent and sovereign

Punjab from 1710 to 1716 and again from 1765 to 1849 and were

recognized by most of the countries of the world at that

time. Sikhs do not accept the Indian constitution. No Sikh

representative has ever signed it.

V.P. Singh, who was the Indian Consul General in Toronto

when Soft Target came out, was quoted in the June 22, 1989

issue of the Washington Times, as saying that Sikhs who

support Khalistan are terrorists. The Council of Khalistan,

which leads the Sikh struggle to liberate Khalistan, openly

repudiated militancy and has an 18-year record of working to

free Khalistan by peaceful, democratic, nonviolent means.

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. Khalra was murdered in

police custody. His body was not given to his family. No one

has been brought to justice for the kidnapping and murder of

Jaswant Singh Khalra. The police never released the body of

former Jathedar of the Akal Takht Gurdev Singh Kaunke after

SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered him. He has never been tried

for the Jathedar Kaunke murder. In 1994, the U.S. State

Department reported that the Indian government had paid over

41,000 cash bounties for killing Sikhs.

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. An

Indian newspaper reported that the police were ordered not to

get involved in that massacre, a frightening parallel to the

Delhi massacre of Sikhs in 1984.

India is not one country; it is a polyglot thrown together

for the convenience of the British colonialists. It is doomed

to break up as they did. Last year, the Punjab Legislative

Assembly passed a bill cancelling the government's daylight

robbery of Punjab river water. The Assembly explicitly stated

the sovereignty of Punjab.

``The Indian regime stands exposed for the bloody tyranny

that it is,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``This verdict is a major

setback to their repressive drive for hegemony over all of

South Asia,'' he said. ``This is a victory not only for the

Sikh Nation, but for freedom-loving people everywhere.''

``I urge the international community to help us free

Khalistan from Indian occupation,'' Dr. Aulakh said.

``Freedom is the birthright of all people and nations,'' he

said. ``As Professor Darshan Singh, a former Jathedar of the

Akal Takht, said, `lf a Sikh is not for Khalistan, he is not

a Sikh','' Dr. Aulakh noted. ``We must continue to press for

freedom,'' he said. ``Without political power, religions

cannot flourish and nations perish. A sovereign Khalistan is

essential for the survival of the Sikh religion and the Sikh

Nation.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Anita Burson who has dedicated her life to empowering disenfranchised citizens, improving her community and strengthening her church.

The first child of a distinguished Baptist minister and church leader, Anita was born at the segregated Jubilee Hospital in Henderson, North Carolina, on the Fourth of July at the conclusion of Sunday services, to Rev. Dr. O. B. J. Burson and Katie Leak Burson, an educator and engineer. Her late parents were college sweethearts at Shaw University. Anita is a direct Native American descendant.

A child of the parsonage during the turbulent last days of de facto segregation, Anita was privileged to witness daily the planning and activities involved in the fight for desegregation. She was also privileged to meet and hear some of the great pulpiteers and civil rights leaders of the time, who were often guests in the family home. Anita was immersed in religious activity, as well as education and civic awareness. One of her strongest memories of the struggle for civil rights was the evening white supremacist terrorists fired bullets into the church her father pastored in Coley Springs, North Carolina, while an integrated prayer rally and training sessions for voter registration and civil demonstrations were in progress. Those bullets remain lodged in the doors of that church sanctuary today.

Anita attended public schools in North Carolina and Virginia, where she was one of the first students to integrate a Summer Enrichment Program for gifted students. Later the family moved to Brooklyn, New York where she completed high school. While still a high school student, she organized the first on-site voter registration campaign for 18-year-olds, at her high school. During her college career, she became the first Black woman to serve as an elected student officer at Finch College, and the first to earn a position on the Academic Council. Anita graduated from Finch/Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelors Degree in Cultural Anthropology & Sociology.

In 1977, Anita was elected to Community School Board #17, and became a member of the first Black majority in New York City's Crown Heights- Flatbush district in Brooklyn. She served as an officer on that body's executive board. Later, as a political campaign professional, she worked for President Jimmy Carter. She has served as a consultant to candidates for Federal, statewide and municipal legislative offices and other positions.

The Rev. O. B. J. Burson's role as a religious and civic leader ushered Anita into a life of community awareness and commitment. Her life has always been deeply rooted in the Baptist and AME Zion denominations. She is the great-great-granddaughter of Rev. Washington Leak and great-granddaughter of Rev. Thomas J. Leak, two prominent AME Zion leaders and educators. She is a fourth generation member of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. (NBC,USA); her paternal great-grandfather and his brother were present at its original meetings. Continuing that legacy in 1992 and 1993, Anita became the first outside consultant (in 112 years) for The NBC, U.S.A., to coordinate convention activity for its annual board meeting and annual session held in New York City.

Professionally, Anita is best known for her unparalleled skill as an advisor to pastors, clergy, denominational organizations, and to individuals, groups and corporations seeking to relate better to them. With nearly 25 years of experience in all aspects of professional campaign management and not-for-profit organizational development, Anita's professional acumen has been enhanced by her life's experiences. She is noted for her creative concepts and approaches to building sustainable relationships and enhancing networks between the public and private sector and religious organizations. Anita is a frequent speaker at churches, and for special events within local

communities around the nation. She is to begin her own seminary training later this year.

Mr. Speaker, Anita Burson has been a leader in her community through her commitment to her church, civic organizations and coalition building. 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 Melady Jean-Baptiste, who came to this country without being able to speak English, and now, after earning multiple degrees in education, serves as a role model for all who know her.

Melady Jean-Baptiste is a native of the city of Cap-Haitien in Haiti. She was born one of two daughters and three sons to a very loving, close knit, strong and progressive family. Her father immigrated to America at the age of 65 and began immediately to help his family immigrate. With her father in America, Melady attended the prestigious and elite College Regina Assumpta then continued at the Wetsal Secretarial School in Port au Prince.

In 1979, a few short years after her father left, Melady immigrated to America. The family searched for a church home and while walking in their neighborhood, they came upon Holy Trinity Baptist Church. Melady and her family began to attend services regularly at the Church. They were the only non-English speaking people in the congregation. Melady not only learned to speak English by attending the Sunday School class but she learned the biggest lesson of her life; that religion and education go hand in hand. Melady remains a faithful, tithing member of Holy Trinity Baptist Church (the fourth oldest Black Church in Brooklyn) and serves on the Deaconess Board and as a former president of the Pastor's Aide Ministry and the Women's Missionary Union.

Melady completed her two year degree at New York City Technical College (1987) her bachelor's four-year degree in less than four years, earning her B.S.W. at York College (1988). Two years later, she completed her M.S.W. in 1990 at Columbia University. Melady has also earned her a C.S.W., a Mono and Bilingual License and Certifications in Education. She is a member of a school based support team and uses her own life story to encourage students to not give up. She inspires many students to overcome learning difficulties and treats each child not as a social work case but as an individual who has an opportunity to succeed. She has enabled hundreds of children and families to overcome adverse moments in their lives and move effectively toward realizing their goals.

Melady is the quintessential American immigrant success story. She not only has utilized education and her faith as tools for success but she has also served as a role model for others, including her family. Her sister Maryse has completed her professional nursing degree at Columbia University; her daughter Milady Jean-Baptiste Hartmann is a graduate of the Parsons School of Art & Design; and her second daughter, Tamar, stricken with a severe crippling form of rheumatoid arthritis as a child, completed her undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College and will begin her graduate studies next semester. Her mother, Melanie, at 83, continues to advance her education as well. Melady is the aunt of Melanie and Rogerst J-B. Charles; mother-in-law of Philippe Hartmann and grandmother of Caroline and Dahlia Hartmann. She is forever grateful for the possibilities America has given her through the wonderful, great natural resources of historical Black Churches, Black pastors and educational opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, Melady Jean-Baptiste serves as an inspiration to us all. Her dedication to education has improved not only her life but those she comes in contact with everyday. 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 Sandra Odessa Thompson in recognition of her service to New York City and her dedication to her community through her numerous civic commitments.

Sandra Odessa Thompson was born and raised in Brooklyn. Sandra is a permanent Associate Staff Analyst employed by the City of New York managing a portfolio of more than $100 million involving cultural institutions at the Department of Design & Construction (DDC). She earned a BS in Biology from Pennsylvania State University, a MA in Human Sexuality and Health Education, and a professional diploma in Human Resources Management from New York University. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of Origin, a new women's magazine, which is the premier magazine for women in the Delaware Valley.

Over the years, Sandra has been actively involved in civic, community and fundraising events including a fundraiser for Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn, Inc., featuring the Broadway diva, Ms. Jennifer Holliday. She is a member of the Executive Board for the Organization of Staff Analysts (OSA); a member of OSA's Black History Committee; a team negotiator in 2004 for the City's Analysts; as well as a co- founder of DDC's OSA Chapter, where she serves as Vice-Chair of Contracts & Negotiations. Sandra has also received numerous honors, community and civic awards including: the Precinct/Clergy Community Award for fostering police-community relations; the OSA's first Elaine Cherry Memorial Award for Union Activism; several City Council Citations; and the 98.7 KISS-FM Strong Achiever Award. She has also been recognized as one of The 2000 Most Notable American Women and for her work as a budget analyst for the City's portion [$65 million] of MoMA's (Museum of Modem Art) move from Manhattan to Queens and for one of her gardens (The Cloisters) she funded in a national magazine.

Additionally, Sandra is creating a mentoring and scholarship foundation in her parents' memory. She mentors several young ladies; actively recruits and networks (in NYC) for prospective Penn State University (PSU) undergraduates as an alumni volunteer; and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Previously, she was the past Recording Secretary and fundraiser for the 81st Precinct Community Council; a liaison between the 81st precinct community and youth councils; a strategic planning team member for the 2004 Youth Speak Outs & Borough Conference. Sandra also collaborated with the Kings County District Attorney's Office on the 2003 boroughwide Youth Speak Outs & Silence the Violence Youth Conference.

Mr. Speaker, Sandra Odessa Thompson has dedicated herself to her community through both her professional and numerous 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Jeanette Lugo Sosa in recognition of her strong commitment to strengthening the education of our children.

Jeanette has been the principal of PS 151K since 1999. She has come full circle in the Bushwick community. As a child, she studied at PS 274K and IS 111, before earning a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Administration and a Professional Diploma in Psychology from New York University. Her administrative career began as Interim Acting Assistant Principal at PS 343, then as Assistant Principal at

IS 291 before being appointed to her current post.

PS 151K has truly blossomed under her strong leadership and administrative style. Reading and math scores have increased tremendously, and a science lab is now available for the students. Jeanette works diligently with a very active Parents' Association to promote an atmosphere of harmony and warmth. Under her tenure, the third through fifth grade violin orchestra, the third through fifth grade jazz band, and the kindergarten through second grade Piano Lab have all been created. Additionally, her leadership has been responsible for establishing the Fine Arts Lab for all grades. These accomplishments clearly demonstrate her passionate love of the arts.

Jeanette and her husband, Jose, are celebrating 25 years of wedded bliss. They are extremely proud of their three beautiful daughters: Celia, a Doctoral Candidate at Binghamton University; Margo, a kindergarten teacher at PS 145K; and Rebecca, a junior at The Mary Louis Academy for Girls.

Mr. Speaker, Jeanette Lugo Sosa has chosen to dedicate her career to educating our children and enriching their lives. 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 United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. It is an honor to represent The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such a selfless organization.

Mr. Speaker, The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg was founded in 1966 to help families in need in South Williamsburg. Over the course of its 39 years of service to the Brooklyn community The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg has thrived marvelously where today it represents more than 50,000 community residents and 148 not-for-profits, religious, educational, charitable organizations and civic associations in the Jewish community of Williamsburg, Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Under the tutelage of their President, Rabbi David Niederman, The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg has established itself as a direct provider of social and housing services and is the address for urban planning, public health and community development services for the Jewish community of Greater Williamsburg.

The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg, has been a leader in providing low-income housing to the Williamsburg community. Their most recent project includes the development of a waterfront property at the site of the former Schaeffer Brewery, which has 149 housing units reserved for low-income people. Additionally, they are the central address for the New York State and New York City Departments of Health and the Center for Disease Control in researching and conducting pilot projects on Cancer and Shigellosis in the culturally rich Hasidic Jewish community. They have also been instrumental in providing treatment to those suffering from the adverse affects of tobacco as well as being involved in collaborative efforts with other not-for- profits in providing for the overall betterment of the Williamsburg community.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. After the destruction and decimation of many Hasidic dynasties in Europe during the Holocaust, it is truly an inspiration to see the Hasidic sects of Satmar, Pupa, Vishnitz, Vien, Tzelem, Skver, Klausenberg and Spinka join together under the umbrella of The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and call Brooklyn their home.

Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the civic actions of The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and community groups similar to them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Rosa Witsell who has dedicated her career to her community and enriching the lives of our children.

Rosa grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and is the youngest of four children. She was nurtured in a home environment where there was a strong belief and faith in God. At age 10 she joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church and became a Sunday School Teacher and Secretary, and a member of the Junior Usher Board.

After earning her Bachelor's of Science from Johnson C. Smith University, Rosa moved to Brooklyn, New York where she continued her spiritual growth by joining the Brown Memorial Baptist Church under the Pastorate of the late Dr. Rev. Samuel Austin. She remains active in Brown's Ministries under her current Pastor, Rev. Clinton M. Miller, where she is a member of the Senior Missionary Society, Willing Worker's Club, and the 40/60 Friendship Club.

Rosa began her career path with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Director. She spent 12 years nurturing the young minds of 3 and 4 year olds in a distinguished pre-school program and broadening the horizon of 6 and 12 year olds in summer day camp. Rosa was later promoted to Assistant Supervisor of Recreation where she served the Harlem Community and later the East New York Community. She also served as her agency's liaison to Community Board Five, representing the agency at Community Board meetings, Youth Committee meetings, and providing invaluable support and assistance to the Board's staff.

After more than 20 years, Rosa retired from the Department of Parks, but remained in the East New York Community as Center Director of the Starrett-at-Spring Creek Teen Center. In addition to educational and cultural trips, Rosa implemented an annual Mother/Daughter Dinner, Double Dutch and Talent Show competitions, dance classes, and workshops dealing with job skills, AIDS awareness, and proper make-up. After 4 years as Center Director, Rosa resigned and joined the United States Postal Service where she is currently employed as a letter carrier. She enjoys the continued interaction with college students, young families, and seniors. Rosa's customers frequently thank her for her smile and excellent service. In fact, because her customers took the time to send letters of accommodation to the Postmaster, the Postal Service recognized her for outstanding customer service.

Rosa is a former Board member of Brooklyn Neighborhood Improvement Association, and a former Cadet Girl Scout Leader. She is a

single mom whose daughter Esteen, and son in-law Derrick are about to make her a first time grandmother in a few short months.

Mr. Speaker, Rosa Witsell has dedicated herself to her professional career, to serving her community and improving the lives of 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 Mabel Muniz-Sarduy who has dedicated her professional career to educating our children.

Mabel has been a student, community resident, teacher, Parent Coordinator, Assistant Principal and now Principal at P.S. 86 in the Bushwick community. As a student she attended the schools in District 32. As a community resident, she has been a youth leader and president of her block association.

Mabel has a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts from Hunter College, a Masters Degree in Reading from Hunter College as well as a professional diploma from Long Island University in Administration.

She began her professional career as a teacher at Saint Martin's of Tours, and then as a teacher at P.S. 86. Next, Mabel moved from the classroom to administration as a Parent Coordinator, an Assistant Principal at P.S. 106, and to her current position as the Principal at

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Stephanie Arno for her commitment to public service and her church.

Stephanie is one of five children born and reared in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn. She was educated in the New York City public schools. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University Center of New York at Binghamton and her Master of Arts in Political Science from Brooklyn College.

Employed with the New York City Department of Probation for the past 16 years, Stephanie began her career as a Probation Officer Trainee in the Kings Adult Investigation Unit. She rose through the ranks to become Borough Director of her present assignment, Manhattan Alternative to Detention (MATD), Family Court Division.

In 2002, one of Stephanie's noteworthy accomplishments is being the first President and founding member of the New York City Probation Guardians Association, Inc. In 2004, Stephanie was re-elected as President of the New York City Probation Guardians Association, Inc. The Probation Guardians Association, Inc. is a fraternal association for all African-Americans employed in NYC's Probation Department.

A member of the Greater Allen Cathedral of New York, AME, her favorite scripture is from Isaiah 54:2-3, ``Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords; strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities''. [NIV]

The legacy of Stephanie Arno is to be known as someone who understands that every child who proclaims to be a ``hard rock'' is actually a gem so let us mine our future with delicate hands.

Mr. Speaker, Stephanie Arno has dedicated her professional career to public service through her work in the criminal justice system. 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 Patricia Ann Jones-Wynn in recognition of her strong commitment to her family, church and community.

Patricia, the oldest of eight children born to the late Willoughby and Maranda R. Jones, hails from Hamilton, North Carolina. She graduated with honors from West Martin High School in Oak City, North Carolina. Pat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secretarial Science, with a minor in Library Science from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina.

Upon graduation from college in 1962, Patricia relocated to Brooklyn, New York where she married Ernest W. Wynn, her childhood sweetheart. In Brooklyn, she commenced her professional career as a secretary for the Brooklyn Tuberculosis Association. Following the birth of her first child, Patricia embarked on the more challenging and rewarding career of a full time homemaker. In 1965 she gave birth to her second child.

In 1973, with her children older and less dependent on her, Pat resumed her professional career by taking a position as the Administrative Assistant to Dr. William A. Jones, Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. In this capacity, she not only performed secretarial and administrative duties, but she was also the coordinator of the church newsletter. Her duties also required extensive national and international travel. Pat continues to be an active, contributing member of the Bethany Baptist Church congregation. She is a member of the Bethany Choir, the North Carolina Club and the Scholarship Council where she is an aggressive fund-raiser for the graduating high school students.

Upon leaving Bethany as an employee, she began work as a Principal Administrative Assistant for the Health and Hospital Corporation at Woodhull Hospital. Later, she secured employment with Paul J. Cooper Center for Human Services, (a human resource organization that works with the mentally challenged) where she worked until her retirement as Secretary to the CEO. Pat is a member of the Vannguard Independent Democratic Association and works each year with the Board of Elections.

For Patricia's family and friend, she is a mentor, a confidant and one who is always there in a time of need. On her daily walks, she visits the sick and shut-in members of her congregation and community. She has cared for sick and terminally ill relatives and friends in her home and is committed to her mission to follow God's call to ``serve.''

Patricia has been married to Deacon Ernest Wynn for 42 years and is the mother of two children, Kalin Lamont and Kecia Nadine, mother-in- law to Stacey Patrice and grandmother to Anastasia and Maya.

Mr. Speaker, Patricia Ann Jones-Wynn has chosen to dedicate herself to her family, church and community in all the choices she has made throughout her life. 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 Aileen Rosa-Arroyo who has dedicated her career to educating our children from toddler to adulthood.

Aileen was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 9, 1962 and is the daughter of Judith Valentin and Gilberto Rosa. She is happily married to Miguel Angel Arroyo, Jr. of Long Beach, N.Y. and is the proud mother of three beautiful children, Alexandra, 14, Isabella Angelica 3 and Christopher Michael who is 10 months old. They reside with their children in Island Park, New York and are surrounded by loving and doting grandparents, Miguel and Lily Arroyo.

Early in her education, Aileen distinguished herself as an excellent student. Graduating from the elite Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates, New York, she majored in English, Spanish and Music. She was then awarded a four-year scholarship for academic excellence to St. John's University, where she studied Communication Arts & Sciences, and did an internship at a television station in production and sales. Her graduate work is in Early Childhood & Elementary Education, completing a Master's Degree in Education and post-graduate work in Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language from Long Island University. Understanding the need for role models in a position of leadership in the educational field and in her community, she then went on to do her second Master's Degree in Supervision and Administration at The College of New Rochelle.

Aileen is the Director of Education & Administration of one of the largest child-care facilities in the City of New York, The Grand St. Settlement Child & Family Center located in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. The facility services toddlers, pre-school and school-age children and has Head Start and Universal Pre-K Programs. She is an accomplished educator, holding NYS Permanent Licenses and Permanent Certifications in Supervision & Administration, Early Childhood & Elementary Education, Bilingual Education and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. Her experience spans from pre-k to college, having worked as a teacher in the NYC and Long Island public schools for over 15 years and as a professor at both Touro and Boricua Colleges.

Aileen has always been an active leader in our community. She has been honored three times with the Caritas Citation for Community Service and The American Legion Award for Community Service. She has received numerous decorations from the New York City Police Department for Dedicated Service, and the New York State Senate has presented her two citations for Community Service and Outstanding Leadership. The University of The State of New York has bestowed upon her Recognition for Professional Achievement. She is a member of the American Federation of School Administrators, the Council of Administrators & Supervisors, the New York State Association for Bilingual Educators, and Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity. Aileen has organized and implemented educational and training programs for children, teens and parents, and staff development for colleagues. She has spent her life giving to others. Her role as an outstanding educator and community leader impacts the lives of many in a positive fashion.

Mr. Speaker, Aileen Rosa-Arroyo has been a leader in her community by ensuring that every member of her community has the opportunity to be educated and succeed. 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 join my colleagues in expressing my concern about China's proposed anti-secession law, which is highly provocative and may cause a military confrontation across the Taiwan Strait. Specifically, the law assumes that China and Taiwan are now unified and that China has the right to punish anyone expressing separatist sentiments or engaging in separatist activities. Ultimately, China can legally push for unification of Taiwan by force, which is the worst scenario that we could possibly see.

Understandably, the 23 million people of Taiwan are very upset over this proposed law, for they have lived under a full-fledged democracy, enjoyed the highest standard of freedom and human rights. A similar reaction occurred in Hong Kong when people there learned about the enactment of Article 23 of the Basic Law. Though some people might argue that any country could have the right to enact a domestic law, but if people's freedom and wellbeing might be endangered because of that, then the United States, should not stand by without protesting this threat to democracy.

I hope the Chinese leaders will exercise their wisdom in not adopting this anti-secession law next month. I also hope the international community will join us in voicing their disapproval of this provocative law. Inaction by us will send a dangerous signal to China and encourage it to escalate its political rhetoric and belligerent actions against Taiwan, a beacon of democracy in that region.

We do not need any military confrontation in the Taiwan Strait now or ever. Let us tell our Chinese friends in Beijing that they should learn to appreciate the contributions that the Taiwanese have made to the Chinese economy. They should also know that Taiwan stands ready to discuss and negotiate any issue with China. The Taiwanese people desire a peaceful coexistence with their Chinese brethren and have no desire to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.