Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, 3 months have passed since Boko Haram kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls in northeastern Nigeria. Today, as the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I join my colleagues to say that the girls have not been forgotten, and we remain committed to getting them home safely--#bringbackourgirls.

I want to commend, particularly, our colleague Ms. Frederica Wilson of Florida, who has led the charge in this regard, and we are united in not stopping until our girls are brought home.

This year, Boko Haram has killed more than 2,000 people in nearly 100 attacks. They have kidnapped more women. They have terrorized villages in northeastern Nigeria and have launched attacks on the capital of Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria's commercial center. Their leader has demanded that Boko Haram militants be released in exchange for the schoolgirls, and he has called for the murder of Christians. He must be brought to justice.

My prayers remain with the kidnapped girls and their families and all Nigerians who live under the shadow of Boko Haram. We must continue to push back against this group and work for the safe return of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

Bring back our girls.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, on May 24, 2011, President Obama issued a memorandum on Federal fleet performance that requires all new light- duty vehicles in the Federal fleet to be alternate fuel vehicles--such as hybrid, electric, natural gas, or biofuel--by December 31, 2015.

My amendment echoes the Presidential memorandum by prohibiting funds in the Financial Services Appropriations Act from being used to lease or purchase new light-duty vehicles except in accord with the President's memorandum.

This amendment has been supported by the majority and minority on appropriations bills eight times over the past few years, and I hope it will receive similar support today.

Our transportation sector is, by far, the biggest reason we send $600 billion per year to hostile nations to pay for oil at ever-increasing costs, but America doesn't need to be dependent on foreign sources of oil for transportation fuel. Alternative technologies exist today that, when implemented broadly, will allow any alternative fuel to be used in America's automotive fleet.

The Federal Government operates the largest fleet of light-duty vehicles in America. According to GSA, there are over 660,000 vehicles in the Federal fleet. By supporting a diverse array of vehicle technologies in our Federal fleet, we will encourage development of domestic energy resources, including biomass, natural gas, agricultural waste, hydrogen, renewable electricity, methanol, and ethanol.

When I was in Brazil a few years ago, I saw how they diversified their fuel by greatly expanding their use of ethanol. When people drove to a gas station, they saw what a gallon of gasoline would cost and what an equivalent amount of ethanol would cost and could decide which was better for them.

If they can do this in Brazil, then we can do it here. We can educate people on using alternative fuels and let consumers decide what is best for them.

And let me say, my amendment, cosponsored by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), would demand and mandate that all cars produced in America be flex fuel cars. It would cost less than $100 per car to do that. And we are foolish, in my opinion, not to do that as well.

But here in the Federal fleet, expanding the role that energy resources play in our transportation economy will help break the leverage over Americans held by foreign government-controlled oil companies and will increase our Nation's domestic security and protect consumers from price spikes and shortages in the world oil market.

So I would ask that my colleagues support the Engel amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, communities find their strength in the dedicated individuals who offer their time and energy to benefit the public good. For the Yonkers community, Raymond Harry Gantz personified that strength and dedication for decades.

Ray was born to Ellen White and Harry R. Gantz in 1944. Following high school and college, he spent a few years serving his country in the Naval Reserve, stationed in the Great Lakes, and started a wonderful family. After leaving the service, Ray pursued a career in sales, where his bubbly personality and gift of gab helped him sell everything from insurance to vitamins to Avon products.

Upon retiring, Ray decided to once again serve the public good by dedicating his time to several community organizations and groups in Yonkers. He served as Vice President of the Yonkers African American Heritage Committee; Board Member of the Nepperhan Community Center; Member of the Terrace City Lodge #1499 Senior Group #9; and Board Member and Advisor of Jefferson Terrace Resident Council Association.

A doting and proud grandfather, Ray could always be found with a smile on his face and a joke ready, products of his overall happy disposition. He stayed busy in retirement beyond his community work, returning in recent years to sales where he tried his hand at being a vendor at various flea markets, festivals and craft fairs.

Sadly, Ray passed away on June 7, 2014 at the age of 69, surrounded by the friends and family he loved so, all of whom he touched in some special way. Although he is gone, the legacy Ray has left and the work he did to better his community will live forever, and I am proud to honor him and his life here today.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, on May 24, 2011, President Obama issued a Memorandum on Federal Fleet Performance that requires all new light- duty vehicles in the Federal fleet to be alternate fuel vehicles, such as hybrid, electric, natural gas, or biofuel, by December 31, 2015.

My amendment echoes the Presidential Memorandum by prohibiting funds in the Energy and Water Appropriations Act from being used to lease or purchase new light-duty vehicles except in accord with the President's memorandum.

This amendment has been supported by the majority and minority on appropriations bills eight times over the past few years, and I hope it will receive similar support today.

Our transportation sector is by far the largest reason we send $600 billion per year to hostile nations to pay for oil at ever-increasing costs. But America doesn't need to be dependent on foreign sources of oil for transportation fuel. Alternative technologies exist today that, when implemented broadly, will allow any alternative fuel to be used in America's automotive fleet.

The Federal Government operates the largest fleet of light-duty vehicles in America. According to GSA, there are over 660,000 vehicles in the Federal fleet. So, by supporting a diverse array of vehicle technologies in our Federal fleet, we will encourage development of domestic energy resources, including biomass, natural gas, agricultural waste, hydrogen, renewable electricity, methanol, and ethanol.

When I was in Brazil a few years ago, I saw how they diversified their fuel by greatly expanding their use of ethanol. When people drove to a gas station, they saw what a gallon of gasoline would cost and what an equivalent amount of ethanol would cost and could decide which was better for them.

I want the same choices for Americans. That is why the gentlewoman from Florida, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and I have submitted a bill which would provide for every fuel car built in America to be a flex-fuel car, which would cost less than $100 per car. If they can do this in Brazil, we can do it here. We can educate people on using alternative fuels and let consumers decide which is best for them.

So, in conclusion, expanding the role these resources play in our transportation economy will help break the leverage over Americans held by foreign government-controlled oil companies, and it will increase our Nation's domestic security and protect consumers from price spikes and shortages in the world oil markets.

I ask that my colleagues support the Engel amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from Idaho.

I thank the gentleman for doing that.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the strength of any religious institution comes from the love and devotion of its congregation. For Sue Merims, that love and devotion to Congregation Anshe Shalom is a family tradition. Sue's sister, Carolyn, was the first to join the synagogue, followed by her parents, Muriel and Ely Cohen, who were long-time members. Sue was next to join the Anshe Shalom family and has been a standout member now for over 40 years.

Following a 1996 meeting of the Anshe Shalom Board of Directors, Sue became the synagogue's treasurer, a role she still serves in today. She worked tirelessly to sustain and modernize the synagogue's operations, by computerizing its administrative and accounting systems, coordinating events, organizing the Community Seder, and working on the monthly bulletin. Being part of Anshe Shalom has brought joy and comfort to Sue and she considers her special relationship with Rabbi Weinberger and his beloved wife, Hannah, to be a major blessing.

Beyond her work at the synagogue, Sue taught at Millis High School in Millis, Massachusetts before pursuing new opportunities in the travel and food services industry. After 13 years with ARA Services Inc., Sue took a leap of faith and started her own school food service consulting business. For over 25 years, school districts have sought out Sue's expertise, as she has successfully guided them through upgrading and modernizing their food services environment.

Sue's greatest source of joy however is her family. She is blessed with two loving children and six grand children that she loves dearly.

Anshe Shalom in honoring Sue Merims at their Annual Testimonial Dinner and I can't think of a more deserving honoree. Her dedication to and hard work for the Anshe Shalom community has been an inspiration. It is my great pleasure to congratulate her on receiving this recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend from Texas (Mr. Gene Green) for yielding me the time. I want to thank my good friend, Mr. Smith from New Jersey. I have so much respect for his hard work in doing this. Anyone who knows Chris knows that when he wants something done, he is tenacious. Mike Doyle has been his really good partner. We all take pride in this legislation.

I rise to support the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act, or the Autism CARES Act. I am pleased that we have an opportunity to pass this today.

Autism, as my colleagues have said, affects more than 2 million individuals and their families across our country. The rate of diagnosis has climbed dramatically in recent years. Today, 1 out of every 68 American children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by the age of 8. That is really shocking. These individuals and their families are counting on us to pass this bill.

The Autism CARES Act will extend and strengthen the efforts we established under the Combating Autism Act of 2006 and the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011. I was proud to support both of these bills on the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Energy and Commerce Committee, and the full House. I am pleased to see that this legislation will give our autism programs the continued support they deserve.

With this bill, we will extend Federal autism programs for another 5 years, including vital autism research and prevalence monitoring, as well as training for medical professionals. This bill will also provide valuable updates to the law. It will increase coordination across Federal agencies and improve our understanding of the issues youth and young adults face as they transition out of school-based services.

These changes will advance our understanding of autism spectrum disorder and allow us to better assist the millions of Americans it impacts.

The programs provided for this in bill have traditionally enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the Energy and Commerce Committee. It enjoyed strong bipartisan support, as I guess it will as well here, because this is a strong bipartisan issue.

So I urge my colleagues to continue this commitment by voting for the Autism CARES Act today.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the 50th wedding anniversary of Thomas and Christina Morzello of Valhalla, New York, who were married on June 28, 1964. Tom and Dina were married at St. Anthony's Church in West Harrison, NY. Tom graduated from White Plains High School in 1959 and was drafted into the Army where he spent two years as motor pool driver. Following his honorable discharge, he began a 35 year career as an electrician. After her graduation from White Plains High School in 1963, Dina attended Berkley Secretarial School and gained employment as a Secretary for General Foods. After having four children, she began a 25 year career as a teacher for the White Plains School District. Tom enjoys riding his motorcycle and is an active member of the Westchester Harley Owner Group (HOG). Dina enjoys gardening, scrapbooking and spending time with her grandchildren.

Tom and Dina must be commended for their loyalty and dedication to their family. Tom and Dina have proven, by their example, to be a model for all married couples.

I proudly ask you to join me, along with Tom and Dina's four sons and their wives, six grandchildren, and many friends and family, in congratulating them on this significant occasion and wishing them many more years of happiness together.

Madam Speaker, it has been nearly a week, and there is still no trace of the three Israeli boys who were kidnapped presumably by Hamas, the terrorist organization.

Our hearts go out to their families, and we hope that they will be found. One of them is an American citizen, Naftali Frenkel. The others, Eyal Yifrach and Gilad Shaar, the whole world is praying for their safe return.

Madam Speaker, this shows the brutality of the terrorists, the brutality of an organization like Hamas which takes three young people--innocent young people--and God only knows what they have done with them.

I think it is important that we keep our vigil. It is important that we keep them in our thoughts and prayers, and it is important that this country continues to lead the fight against the scourge of terrorism around the world.

Let's pray for their safe return.

Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the Fortenberry amendment to H.R. 4870, although I understand my friend's intentions. Our country is wary of intervention halfway across the world.

I understand the impetus to avoid engagement in these very urgent challenges around the world.

Syria's horrendous civil war has seen over 140,000 deaths, 4 million refugees, the use of chemical weapons, mass starvation, the obliteration of entire cities, and growing instability throughout the region.

Syria's odious dictator, Bashar Assad, remains in power and continues to slaughter and starve his people. Innocent civilians have been denied food and medicine, their towns and villages have been razed, and their friends and families driven into refugee camps.

The war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Assad regime are a horrific stain on the 21st century, and they demand a much more serious international response.

To many, the carnage in Syria has seemed like a distant problem.

But we can no longer take comfort that our nation is thousands of miles from the Levant. This conflict, which has often seemed like it couldn't get any worse, is evolving in an even more ominous direction.

Of course, we're seeing how the extremist terrorist group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has used Syria and Iraq as its breeding ground. Our headlines show the group is carrying out a bloody offensive in places all too familiar to U.S. marines.

I am most concerned that in recent months, ISIL and its likeminded extremist groups have begun to turn their attention to the west. It appears that they are using the Levant and Iraq.

But choosing between ISIL on one hand and Assad on the other is a false choice. Assad has. .let these extremist groups fester in Syria. His plan is to show how reasonable he looks compared to an emerging terrorist threat.

This false choice leaves out the moderate Syrian opposition that doesn't subscribe to Assad's brutality or Al-Qaeda's extremism.

With the emergence of this dual threat in Syria, it is clear that we need a new strategy to end Assad's carnage and prevent Al Qaeda and like-minded groups from establishing safe havens in Syria that could be used to plot attacks against the U.S. and our allies.

Yet, the Fortenberry amendment constrains that strategy. I believe we must aggressively ramp up our efforts to support the moderate opposition in Syria.

It is not too late.

It is not too late to help the moderate opposition. It is not too late to transition to a Syria without Assad. It is not too late to protect ourselves and our regional allies from the threat that ISIL poses. It is not too late to help Syrians build the future they deserve.

Ultimately, I don't believe that the future of Syria will be resolved on the battlefield.

But until the day comes when Syrians representing all segments of society are ready to negotiate peace, we must be prepared to do what's necessary to counter the dangers and tragedy in Syria.

The lives of millions of innocent people and, indeed, our own national security compel us to act--and act quickly.

I urge my colleagues to oppose the Fortenberry amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and honor Mr. Robert F. Ecklond, a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Ecklond originally enlisted in the United States Navy as a Seaman Apprentice, completing Boot Camp in Sampson, New York and advanced technical training at the Construction Training Center in Davisville, Rhode Island. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the 20th Special Naval Construction Battalion Seabees. Mr. Ecklond was present at Red Hill Seabee Camp in Hawaii during V-J Day on September 2, 1945. He was honorably discharged in September 1946, having attained the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.

Following his discharge, Mr. Ecklond showed his continued dedication to the U.S. Armed Forces by joining the United States Naval Reserve. When he was called to serve during the Korean War, Mr. Ecklond honored his country by returning to active duty, serving in Korea from April 1950 to July 1953.

This year on Memorial Day, Robert Ecklond was celebrated by the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit organization that seeks to honor America's veterans for the sacrifices they made for our country. As part of this recognition, Mr. Ecklond was flown from Florida to Washington, DC, affording him the opportunity to visit and reflect at the National World War II Memorial.

I am proud to recognize and honor Mr. Ecklond and remember those who have given so much to serve our country. Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice allowed America to remain safe and free. I ask my colleagues will join me in commending Robert Ecklond for his long-standing service to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, there is a saying that ``talent does what it can, while genius does what it must.'' The inner strength and spirit which moves Rabbi Avi Weiss and his wife Toby cannot be contained. The genius of their shared vision and commitment to social justice shines brightly and for all to see.

Rabbi Weiss' work isn't limited to the confines of any city or synagogue, nor has he shied away from raising his voice to lift the oppressed. He says that he is an activist because he has no other choice; it is something he must simply do.

I believe that my dear friend responds to the calling laid out by his faith. Rabbi Weiss is compelled to act in the service of others and to live by the spirit of tzedakcah. It is reflective in all that he has done and all that he strives to do.

It is why his voice will always be heard in support of the oppressed. It is why he participated in a hunger strike urging the release of Soviet dissident Natan Sharanskcy. It is why he protested for the right of Soviet Jews to leave their homeland and seek haven elsewhere and it is why he denounced horrendous acts of genocide in Darfur.

Rabbi Weiss founded Yeshivat Chovevei Rabbinical School in order to train a new generation of Orthodox rabbis to live with the spirit of openness that he himself exemplifies. Under Rabbi Weiss' guidance, students learn how to serve not just the Orthodox community, but also the larger Jewish diaspora. Yeshivat Chovevei Rabbinical School is a family that continues to grow as each graduate takes their place in the rabbinate. I have watched its legacy grow and pray for its continued prosperity.

Rabbi Weiss is so well-known, that whenever I tell people I am from the Bronx they immediately ask if I know Rabbi Weiss. I cannot be any more pleased to say that not only does he live in my District, but he is also my neighbor and dear friend.

I would be remiss if I neglected to say that behind every good Rabbi is an equally strong woman who supports him. Toby Weiss has been both his guiding light and the foundation that gives him the strength to carry forth his work.

Religious leaders embody our hopes, aspirations and even our trepidations and fears. We look to them for guidance--for a path in which to follow--so that we might overcome the challenges before us in our own lives.

Rabbi Avi Weiss and his wife Toby are truly exemplary individuals and leaders within the Bronx community. Please join me in celebrating their legacy as Yeshivat Chovevei Rabbinical School honors them for their service and enduring commitment to making the world a better place to live.

Mr. Speaker, the Riverdale Jewish Center has fostered spiritual development and sought to nurture strong bonds between the Shul and the greater Riverdale community for 60 years. Anchored by his wife Tzipporah, Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Rosenblatt has been at the helm of the RJC for nearly 30 years, and their guidance can be felt throughout the lives of those whom they have touched.

Rabbi Rosenblatt is a true scholar. He was ordained by the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University in 1982 after having studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel. Rabbi Rosenblatt earned both a B.A. and M.A. in Comparative Literature from Johns Hopkins and a PhD in Modern British Literature from Columbia University.

Rabbi Rosenblatt has invested in the next generation of Jewish leaders, by training and mentoring young Rabbis. Under this direction,

RJC is now a major training center for Rabbinic interns. Rabbi Rosenblatt is also an instructor at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), as well as programs in Israel that train Rabbis to serve in Jewish communities throughout the world.

He was the first Orthodox Rabbi to serve on the UJA-Federation National Young Leadership Cabinet, and has lectured widely in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and South Africa. Rabbi Rosenblatt also directs Spiritual Care at the Jack and Mollie Zicklin Jewish Hospice in Riverdale.

Tzipporah Twersky Rosenblatt developed a love and passion for Jewish faith and culture at a very young age. Her late father Isadore Twersky was a renowned rabbinical scholar who later taught at his alma mater, Harvard University. Tzipporah is a noted trusts and estates attorney who is very active in the RJC community. Together, the Rosenblatts have four children.

My connection to the Rosenblatts is personal. Rabbi Rosenblatt is a dear friend who was a great comfort to both me and my family after my mother passed away. Rabbi Rosenblatt is truly one of the kindest and most sensitive people whom I have met. He has never proven otherwise, in each and every encounter we have had.

The Riverdale Jewish Center is fortunate to have Rabbi Rosenblatt at the helm of the Shul, and I am fortunate to call him my friend.

Mr. Speaker, Mary V. Lauro was a wonderful example of someone who had continually given back to her community over the course of her 87 years. Her commitment to her Bronx neighborhood was nothing short of inspirational.

Mary was born on May 4, 1926 and spent 50 years of her life living on Matilda Avenue in the Bronx. She graduated from Hunter College in 1947 and later went to work for Adhesive Products Corporation where she co- invented Monzini; a synthetic casting compound used by many museums in dinosaur skeletons as well as by sculptors and makeup artists.

During her employment, she also found time to be an influential and prominent figure in her community. She was the president of the Wakefield Taxpayers and Civic League (WTCL) for 25 years and wrote about the community in a weekly column for The Bronx News.

The WTCL is one of the oldest community organizations in the city and under the strong leadership of Ms. Lauro the organization took on a variety of pressing issues facing the community. These included fighting for more police officers--a 10 year battle to shut down a drug and prostitution infested OTB parlor--and the completion of a study that resulted in new zoning regulation for motels in residential areas.

Mary established strong relationships with neighboring communities and worked closely with the Woodlawn Taxpayers Association. In addition, Mary was a former member of Community Board 12, an active parishioner at Saint Francis of Rome, a member of the Wakefield Civilian Patrol and the Safe Way/Safe Home Program, and a participant in the 47th Precinct Community Council who held multiple positions throughout her membership.

Although we lost Mary last year to her battle with lung cancer, my wife and I will fondly remember Mary, as she was truly one of a kind. I remember her from the beginning of my career, over 40 years ago. She was a constant in the community--it was her whole life, and the community was like her own family. She lived a full life and will be sorely missed.

Last December the New York City Council voted to honor Mary Lauro by re-naming the street she used to live on for more than 50 years as ``Mary V. Lauro Way.''

Mary's dedication to improving the community and the lives of its inhabitants through her various public service efforts will hopefully inspire and remind residents of her legacy and I am proud to be a part of the celebration of a woman who had brought so much progress to a community.

Mr. Speaker, religious institutions often play a major role in our communities, by fostering spiritual development and offering solace to those in need. I am pleased to recognize Riverdale Jewish Center, one of the leading Modern Orthodox synagogues in my Congressional district as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary.

Riverdale Jewish Center was founded under the auspices of the Yeshiva University as its first suburban outreach. Founding Rabbi Jack Sable raised the money to build the Center, brick by brick, until it was completed.

Over 700 families have chosen Riverdale Jewish Center as their spiritual home. Steeped in tradition, Riverdale Jewish Center provides a welcome and supportive to all those who walk through their doors.

It serves as an anchor in the community in many important respects. Members inspire one another to deepen their understanding of the Jewish faith, and raise money to assist others as well as show their support for Israel.

Riverdale Jewish Center is fortunate to have Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt at the helm of the Shul, and I am fortunate to call him my friend. Rabbi Rosenblatt is an educator and community builder who has served as Senior Rabbi for nearly 30 years.

I congratulate the Riverdale Jewish Center for 60 years of devoted service to its members and the greater community. I have visited the Shul several times and have always felt inspired by its warmth and welcoming spirit. It has truly served as a guiding light in the Riverdale community.

Mr. Speaker, religious institutions often play a major role in inspiring communities to provide comfort for its most vulnerable residents and to serve all of mankind. Religious leaders such as Bishop C. Nathan Edwers do more than say prayers--they offer a path to practice one's faith in the community through social justice.

Bishop Edwers first answered God's call to serve when he was a just a teenager, preaching his first sermon at age 16. Bishop Edwers has followed in the footsteps of his father, showing an exemplary level of commitment to lead on the frontlines of social justice. There can be no greater honor than serving your community and Bishop Edwers and his family should be commended for the generations of service they have provided.

Beginning in 1983, Bishop Edwers served at Calvary UFW Baptist Church. Since this time Bishop Edwers has responded to the call for further responsibility within the church community. Bishop Edwers was elected by members of the Middle Atlantic Annual Conference of the Unified Freewill Baptist Church to follow his father's path and succeed him as Presiding Bishop. It is clear that Bishop Edwers is motivated to serve the community through the love and support of his family, a trait he no doubt learned from his father.

Religious service often goes hand in hand with social justice, and Bishop Edwers is no exception. Bishop Edwers has led his congregation in confronting and responding to social injustices within the community. He has opened the doors of his church to house numerous community organizations, such as the BOCES Alternative Special Needs School. The Bishop continues to serve as a member and former Vice President of the United Black Clergy of Westchester and is the current President of the Mount Vernon, New York Civil Service Commission. He is also a former member of the Mount Vernon Hospital Advisory Board.

Bishop Edwers has built a legacy of continual social engagement and support. He embraces the challenges within the Mount Vernon community and inspires others to embody their religious values through practice. So long as Bishop Edwers recognizes social injustices, we can be certain he will not rest until he has reconciled such inequalities. The Bishop even has his sights set on bridging the gaps between communities around the world, through developing global community oriented projects.

His devotion to his congregation and to the community is more than admirable; it is inspiring. I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize Bishop Edwers' legacy and leadership. I want to thank the Bishop for all he has given in the name of service and I look forward to hearing about his continued success.