Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. Tragically, two constituents from my congressional district perished due to Superstorm Sandy hitting the New York area. While unfortunately many people lost property, or lost power due to Sandy, we cannot forget that many people and their families lost much, much more: they lost their lives and their loved ones. These people were just in the wrong place at the wrong time--a minute or two earlier or later, a foot or two closer or farther--and perhaps their lives would not have been tragically cut short. They were our neighbors, our friends, our brothers, our sisters; they were part of our community.

Anthony Laino was in his home in Flushing, waiting out the storm in his bedroom when a tree fell onto his home, taking his life. Tony, as his friends and family called him, was only 30 years old and a graduate student at St. John's University. He had his whole life to live; friends and family described Tony as larger than life, a ``pillar of Flushing.'' His family and friends will truly miss him as they grapple with their unspeakable loss.

Safar Shafinoori of Roslyn was just moving his car. Just as any of us would have that night of the storm. Heartbreakingly, a falling tree struck and killed him. My heart goes out to Mr. Shafinoori's family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of colleagues join me and rise in remembrance of Anthony Laino and Safar Shafinoori. They will be missed by their family, friends and our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional achievements and outstanding career of Seymour S. Levander. Sy, as his friends and family know him, will turn 89 years old later this year, is a beloved father and grandfather. Sy, the son of immigrant refugees from Europe, began his version of the American Dream growing up in the Bronx, graduating from James Madison High School in 1941. He continued his academic studies at Cooper Union University, graduating in 1944 and teaching electrical engineering there for a short time.

Sy then started designing and selling equipment for the building trade, which was booming at that time in post-war America. In the 1950s, Sy, seeing an opportunity, struck out on his own and started his own business which he owned and ran until he sold the firm at the age of 66 at his wife Ellenore's request. However, retirement didn't take with Sy, and he continued to work. At the tender young age of 71, he started a new engineering and sales firm with younger partners where he continues his storied career in the construction industry to this day, still going in to work at age 88. Sy's knowledge, work ethic, and old- fashioned integrity are the stuff of legend in the industry. Over the years, he has been honored several times by ASHRAE, the nationwide building technology society, as well as other industry organizations.

Sy has also been a terrific community leader and a fighter for the underdog throughout his life. Through his businesses and a lifetime of charitable endeavors, he has created opportunities for people from all walks of life and backgrounds. In addition, he and his beloved wife Ellenore, who unfortunately passed away this year after 67 years of marriage, were founders of the Pelham Jewish Center, which has been a primary focus of his energies and care for many years.

Mr. Speaker, while he has many achievements to his name, Sy is most proud of his two children, a doctor and a lawyer; his daughter-in-law, an architect; and his four grandchildren, who are, respectively, the first trumpet for the San Francisco Opera and a music professor at Berkley, a doctor interning at Stony Brook University Medical Center, a law student and Human Rights Fellow at Columbia University Law School, and a rising junior at Dartmouth College. I ask all of our colleagues to rise and join me in honoring Seymour S. Levander.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Evelyn Weinstein, beloved mother, grandmother, and wife, tireless advocate for the underprivileged, and friend to all who knew her. Regrettably, Evelyn passed away earlier this week.

To say that Evelyn believed in giving back and paying forward would be an understatement--she devoted her entire life to helping the most vulnerable members of our society. The daughter of Polish immigrants, Evelyn worked hard to achieve the American Dream, graduating first from Brooklyn College and then going on to receive a Masters degree from Columbia University. Evelyn used her education and training to help others by becoming a certified psychiatric social worker in New York State.

During World War II and its aftermath, she helped veterans and their families cope with the psychiatric issues of war and also assisted children with respiratory ailments. During her four-decade long career as a social worker, she was a stalwart advocate for patients, assisting thousands of them at Jamaica, Long Island Jewish and North Shore hospitals. She was also the director of Long Term Care Ombudservice, Nassau County, safeguarding the rights of nursing-home residents and helping families deal with the difficult transition of placing loved ones into elder-care facilities.

Always the ardent activist, Evelyn was involved with many social agencies and organizations dedicated to assisting low income and vulnerable individuals, including: the Nassau Action Coalition, helping the aged and disabled and blind on Social Security Income; the Kimmel Housing Development Foundation, advocating for affordable housing; and the Social Action Committee of Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, serving as its chairperson. Evelyn also received numerous honors for her good works during her long and varied career, including: the American Jewish Congress Woman of the Year award, the Nassau County Social Worker of the Year award, and Nassau County Senior Citizen of the Year award.

Evelyn met the love of her life, Jack Weinstein, while she was attending Brooklyn College. They married in 1946 after Jack's service in the U.S. Navy and had three sons, Seth, Michael, and Howard. Jack went on to become a federal district judge, then chief judge, in the Eastern District of New York. But before Jack could become one of the most distinguished jurists in the country, Evelyn worked nights as a social worker and helped care for their young son so that Jack could attend Columbia University law school.

Evelyn was known for a lifetime of selfless devotion to her family, friends, coworkers, patients and clients. Her human touch and empathy for those in need led to the bettering of thousands of lives, not just through her own work, but also through her efforts of teaching people how to help people. She trained and supervised hundreds of social workers and volunteer ``ombudspeople'' along the way so that they could continue to ``pay forward'' what Evelyn had ``given back'' to her community. Evelyn was deeply committed to the concept of citizen representatives overseeing and engaging in government programs in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, Evelyn's energy and compassion for helping the disadvantaged never wavered, never flagged. She is already sorely missed, but her gift of helping others, as well as inspiring all of us to help those less fortunate than us, will always endure. I ask all of our colleagues to rise and join me in honoring Evelyn Weinstein.

Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman.

My inquiry is: Is there a motion before the House or is there a stunt before the House?

Is there a motion before the House, Mr. Speaker? And could you state it if there is.

Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry. What is before the House?

Yes, Mr. Speaker. What is before the House?

A motion to recommit. Did the Speaker say a motion? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H.R. 4133, a simple bill that will demonstrate our ongoing commitment to Israel, and will enhance our efforts to strengthen Israel's own defensive capabilities. Our goal, like Israel's own, is that Israel can defend itself, by itself. This objective of self-reliance is one of the elements that makes Israel stand out.

Israelis, from the very beginning, have understood that it is their own efforts that will ultimately determine the future of their state. It is this realization and an absolute determination to provide a better, safer future for their children that has enabled the Jewish state to succeed so magnificently in a region choked with hatred and violence reserved for them alone.

Israel's military superiority is a necessity because so many of Israel's neighbors still will not accept Israel's sovereignty and the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their own historic homeland. Israel's security need not come at the expense of the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations for independence and sovereignty. But those dreams of independence and sovereignty absolutely must not come at the expense of Israel's security.

As Iran continues to move toward a nuclear capability--that it must never, ever achieve--it is more critical than ever that we demonstrate our support and commitment to Israel's security, which this bill does.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of February as National Marfan Awareness Month and to acknowledge the hundreds of thousands of Americans who are living with Marfan syndrome and related connective-tissue disorders.

I am quite proud that the nation's leading organization working to raise awareness of Marfan syndrome and support the Marfan community, the National Marfan Foundation, is located in my congressional district, in Port Washington, New York. The NMF was founded in 1981 by Priscilla Ciccariello, a woman of tremendous compassion and vision. Since then, NMF members and staff have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals affected by Marfan syndrome and related connective-tissue disorders by advancing research, raising awareness, and providing support.

Marfan syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects connective tissue in the human body. About one in 5,000 Americans carries a mutation in the fibrillin gene. This irregularity results in an overproduction of a protein called transforming growth factor beta or TGFB. Increased TGFB impacts connective tissue throughout the entire body. Patient symptoms often include disproportionately long limbs, a protruding or indented chest bone, curved spine, and loose joints. Of most concern is thoracic aortic disease, which is when a Marfan patient's aorta, the large artery that carries blood away from the heart, is weakened and can result in a fatal rupture. It is for this reason that increased awareness of Marfan syndrome can save lives.

While there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, research is underway to enhance our understanding of the condition and improve patient care. I commend the scientists at the National Institutes of Health, particularly the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases for their research efforts in this regard. I encourage NIH to continue to expand its research of Marfan syndrome.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are the keys to successfully managing Marfan syndrome so that patients can live a full life. I am pleased to announce that recently the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology released new treatment guidelines for thoracic aortic disease. We can facilitate proper treatment by raising awareness of these guidelines and we can help achieve an early diagnosis by raising awareness of Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in raising awareness by observing Marfan Awareness Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to seek Congressional recognition of the exceptional achievements and outstanding charitable and humanitarian works of Farooq Kathwari.

Just this month, Mr. Kathwari received yet another prestigious honor, as the United States Institute of Peace, USIP, dedicated the Farooq Kathwari Amphitheater in recognition of both his long standing work with USIP, as well as his decades of humanitarian efforts across the globe. Not only has Farooq enjoyed a long and illustrious business career, but throughout his life he has also dedicated himself unfalteringly to numerous humanitarian causes. I have always marveled at the way he balances such a successful business career with his commitment to giving back and ``paying it forward.'' Farooq Kathwari is a most fitting recipient of this singular honor from USIP. While leading a Fortune 500 company, he generously lends his valuable time and energy to promote world peace through advocacy and by serving on the boards of numerous human- rights organizations.

The life story of Farooq Kathwari illustrates what our great country stands for, and the bountiful opportunities the United States offers its citizens. Farooq Kathwari came to America over 40 years ago as a political refugee from strife-torn Kashmir, and he now leads one of the Nation's largest and prestigious companies. He arrived in New York City at age 20 armed with a B.A. in English and political science, and with a determination to live and grow in a free society. Two years later he earned an MBA, went to work for Newcourt Securities, where he rapidly rose to the position of vice president, and simultaneously launched his own importing business. Soon thereafter, the iconic American company, Ethan Allen, purchased an interest in his company. In 1980, the firms merged, and Farooq Kathwari became vice president of Ethan Allen. By 1989, he had risen to the post of Chairman, President, and CEO. Farooq has been the top executive at Ethan Allen Interiors for 26 years; under his leadership, the company has become a leading competitor in interior design and home furnishings, while also fostering a business that values environmental and social responsibility. He is a national leader in the furniture industry; where he serves as the director and chairman of the National Retail Federation and director and is the former chairman and president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance. The industry also inducted him into the American Furniture Hall of Fame.

While Farooq's professional accomplishments are impressive, his most laudable contribution is his tireless dedication to foster world peace and to bettering the lives of others. His humanitarian efforts extend to those people displaced by conflict zones and who end up in refugee camps, and to those facing religious persecution in the Middle East and elsewhere. Most recently, Farooq was honored by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees for his steadfast dedication to raising consciousness of the plight of refugees worldwide. He also serves on the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and has received numerous awards for his peace activism, including the humanitarian award from the Anti- Defamation League. Farooq is a director and former chairman of Refugees International, a director of the International Rescue Committee, director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University and the Henry L. Stimson Center, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also my friend.

Mr. Speaker, Farooq's life's work is to help foster a dialogue for peace in much-troubled regions, and to promote human rights around the world. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to stand and join me now in honoring Farooq Kathwari, a most compassionate and selfless citizen. May his good works serve as a model for countless others to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the exceptional achievements and outstanding career of New York State Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn. Nettie was the political midwife to a generation of young politicians in New York. She spent decades working tirelessly for the people of Queens, and I know I speak for many when I say that her recent retirement from the Assembly has truly marked the end of an era. Nettie is being honored this week for her innumerable accomplishments over many years by the Stevenson Regular Democratic Club at its

annual dinner, and I would like to join in recognizing the profound impact that my very dear and long-time friend, Nettie Mayersohn, has had on our community.

Nettie Mayersohn's steadfast dedication to Queens County began long before she was elected to the Assembly. For over 20 years, she served as a community activist, making a name for herself as an unrelenting advocate for children and families in Queens. She was a member of Community Board 8 for ten years, at one time serving as the Chairperson of its Youth Committee; she served as the Chairperson of the Pomonok Community Center; and she continues to serve as a Democratic District Leader, a role she has filled for some three decades. Nettie also served as the Executive Secretary of the New York State Crime Victims Board. In 1977, Nettie was New York State's delegate to the International Women's Conference and the recipient of the Builders of Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. She received a B.A. from Queens College in 1978, and was elected four years later to represent the 27th District in the New York State Assembly.

As an Assemblywoman, Nettie led the charge to improve healthcare for New Yorkers and defend the rights of victims of violent crime. Nettie's proudest and best-known achievement was the 1996 passage of her Baby AIDS bill, which requires doctors in New York State to tell a mother if her newborn child is HIV-positive. While the fight to enact this bill was, at times, a lonely battle, Nettie's tenacity and fortitude resulted in a landmark law that has saved an untold number of lives and led to an increase in the number of pregnant women who receive prenatal care. Among Nettie's numerous other legislative accomplishments are her HIV Rape Law, which requires a court to comply with a rape victim's request to test the accused for HIV; her Partner Notification Law, which requires the names of those testing positive for HIV to be reported to the Department of Health for the purpose of contact tracing and partner notification; her Victim Impact Law, which allows the victims of a crime to describe, in court, the effect the crime has had on their lives; and her Food Service Law, which implemented crucial health safety measures for food service workers.

Nettie Mayersohn's unwavering commitment to AIDS policy inspired the Beyond AIDS Foundation to create the Nettie Award--an annual honor that recognizes outstanding efforts to promote HIV prevention and control in the United States and across the world. Nettie herself was given a special Nettie Award from Beyond AIDS in 2002, in recognition of her leadership on HIV/AIDS issues. That year, she also received the Public Service Award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

After 28 years of tireless service, Nettie retired from the Assembly at the beginning of April 2011 so she can spend time more with her wonderful family. While I lament Nettie's retirement from an impressive career as a public servant, she will remain my lifelong friend. We are all beyond grateful for everything she has done to help New Yorkers. I wish her all the best in her retirement--she will be sorely missed in public life.

Mr. Speaker, Nettie Mayersohn is a one-of-a-kind leader and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her accomplishments and thanking Nettie for a lifetime of dedication to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements.

Mr. Speaker, global leadership is not attained with mere rhetoric; it is achieved, preserved and strengthened by demonstrating a commitment to action. Today, as the U.S. economy struggles through a prolonged period of slow-growth, our economic competitors are proactively engaged in eliminating or reducing barriers to their exports in foreign markets around the globe, especially in Asia and Latin America. If America intends to remain a global leader we cannot disengage from our critical strategic partnerships with Korea, Colombia and Panama.

Mr. Speaker, decades ago the U.S.-Korean partnership was forged on the battlefield. Soldiers from both of our nations fought and died together defending the freedom of the Korean people. Over the years, our relationship has flourished and Korea is now one of America's most trusted allies in the world. A vote for this trade agreement is a representation of America's ironclad commitment to Korea's future

and a clear demonstration of our enduring friendship with the Korean people.

Colombia and Panama are two of the United States' most critical allies in Latin America. With our help, and aided by their own determination, these two countries have made remarkable progress. Mr. Speaker, these two trade deals will build upon the investments that we have already made in these two countries. Colombia has demonstrated-- with concrete actions--a genuine commitment to protecting its own people from violence. The rapidly expanding Panama remains a critical strategic partner and a literal gateway to maritime commerce in the Pacific. These new trade deals demonstrate America's long-term commitment to Colombia and Panama.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support these Free Trade Agreements.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, I inadvertently voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 774. I intended to vote ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Budget Control Act of 2011, S. 365.

First, with all the conflict and frustration surrounding this vote, I'm reverting to basic principles. One of which is, ``don't negotiate with thugs.'' It's been long obvious that we have no partner with whom to negotiate; only a party that started as our comrades in government, then our colleagues, who evolved into our opponents, declared themselves our enemies and now demand that we be their enablers. I refuse to play.

Thugs are in the game to destroy, not build. They would destroy the government, and especially this presidency. They take hostages, and there is much work at stake that would be their next targets. It will be endless. The president has given into all of their demands, and they remain insatiable. It's time we starved the beast. Then . . .

They came to Washington they say committed not to do business as usual. Then they demanded that we protect every loophole, every billionaire and every greedy element in our society except those who need some help.

They set-up something that is their fail safe. I call it the ``Kevorkian Commission'' that will deliver the poison if in November, we don't volunteer to do it ourselves.

We Democrats in the House were not at the table, and we wind up on the menu.

There are arguments that are valid and good for voting ``aye.'' But I didn't come to this place to forget the homeless, the hapless and the hungry.

The most vulnerable in our society don't watch their 401K plan, the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the futures market. Their future is getting through till tomorrow. They are more concerned about having a roof than they are the national debt ceiling. They need jobs, nutrition, education and encouragement. The time we've spent on this debate would indicate that we've bought into the trickledown theory.

Here's what I know: the people I came here to help need real help. Their lives and future are really endangered. What happens to us people with portfolios, and Wall Street watchers is scary, but conjecture.

Sounds hokey, but I'm voting for what I came here to do.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, I inadvertently voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 650. I intended to vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration and recognition of the 450th Anniversary of the Latvian Jewish community. Since the late 1500s, the Jewish people of Latvia have demonstrated incredible perseverance and courage through inconceivable trials and persecutions. As we reflect on this milestone anniversary, let us remember their history and celebrate their future.

The first Jewish settlements in Latvia appeared in the late 16th century. Through steady immigration, expansion, and steadfast resilience, the community grew and spread across the country. As the Jewish population expanded, they contributed immeasurably to the economic, industrial, and cultural development of Latvia. These accomplishments came despite frequently being forced to cope with anti- Semitic laws and cultural prejudice. By the late 1930s, approximately 93,000 Latvian Jews were living and prospering in the country.

In the summer of 1941, Nazi troops occupied Latvia. Within days of the occupation, the Nazis issued special decrees restricting Jewish rights and establishing ghettos. Jews from surrounding countries were forcibly transported to Latvian camps. Tens of thousands were murdered.

By the conclusion of World War II, tragically, only 14,000 Latvian Jews remained. In the years after, Jews from surrounding regions relocated in Latvia--rebuilding their community to more than 36,000 people. In the aftermath of the greatest evil ever perpetrated against a people, the Latvian Jews marched on--restoring their culture and society, fighting against the oppression of Soviet rule. Latvia became one of the centers of Zionist dissidence and Jewish national movements in the Soviet Union. Jewish activists struggled for the right to immigrate to Israel and to openly honor the memory of Holocaust victims. Thousands emigrated to Israel, the United States and Western Europe.

Today, the Latvian Jewish community of 13,000 is experiencing a rebirth. On this, their 450th anniversary, the Jews of Latvia can look back on their history with a solemn pride. Having suffered through terrible hardship, the Latvian Jewry is rebuilding its religious and social life--revitalizing the community's enduring spirit.

I would like to extend special recognition to the Latvian Council of Jewish Communities and the United States Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad for organizing the extremely successful memorial project at Riga, Latvia's oldest Jewish cemetery. Under the leadership and guidance of Chairman Warren Miller and Commissioner Lee Seeman, the memorial at the Old Jewish Cemetery reminds the world of the tragedy of the Jews killed during World War II and asks us to strive for a better future. I am proud to celebrate the Latvian Jewish community's historic anniversary. I ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing their past perseverance and achievements, and in extending our sincere best wishes for their future success and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration and recognition of 60 years of unrivaled spiritual leadership and unequaled community service by Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, New York.

In the summer of 1951, approximately 70 Jewish families gathered with the hopes of establishing a place of worship for the Jewish community in Roslyn and the surrounding area. They could have hardly hoped or anticipated that these humble beginnings would

grow into such a vibrant and vital temple--renowned for its excellent religious school, its benevolent activism, and its strong commitment to the Jewish faith and Jewish values.

In 1957, the still nascent congregation came together to raise funds to construct a new school wing, an atrium, offices, and a synagogue and sanctuary--facilities they still use today. Since then, the congregation has only continued to grow in both reach and mission. Temple Beth Sholom has been recognized for its extraordinary educational program--from nursery school to adult education. The Temple's Rabbi Ario S. and Tess Hyams Judaica Museum, founded in 1968, houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts important to Jews and the Jewish faith. The generous congregation has donated and raised funds to continually improve the function and facilities of the Temple. Moving forward, the congregation will continue to expand and improve its positive influence on both their membership and the community.

For decades, the Temple has maintained an unwavering fidelity to the values of the Conservative Jewish movement while encouraging both open- mindedness and innovative practices. Emblematic of this, Temple Beth Sholom elected its first woman president in 1972 and, in subsequent years, became one of the first egalitarian congregations in the Conservative movement. The Temple was also one of the first to collect congregational contributions according to a sliding scale based on income--recognizing diverse capabilities to give within their membership. Through innovation and creativity, Temple Beth Sholom has remained faithful to its Conservative tradition while embracing new and pioneering practices.

Under the current direction of Rabbi Alan B. Lucas, Temple Beth Sholom is continuing in its great tradition of faith, family, and community. His spiritual guidance is an invaluable asset to the congregation and the surrounding community, and his leadership and commitment will allow the Temple to continue its good works for years to come.

On June 12, 2011, Temple Beth Sholom will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Since 1951, it has been an essential element of the Roslyn Heights community. I am proud to recognize the synagogue's extraordinary accomplishments. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing my gratitude and congratulations to Temple Beth Sholom for its six decades of service to the Jewish community of Roslyn.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Meeks amendment, which not only affects his district, but affects at least 11 congressional districts that surround his district, all in support of our veterans and fighting men and women who have returned from wars overseas, some of them severely injured and in need of our care, concern, and support at this very moment.

For 7 years now, the Department of Veterans Affairs has pursued a perhaps well-intentioned but a stubbornly wrongheaded plan for the St. Albans Primary and Extended Care facility which is located in the county of Queens. I am very concerned that the VA is proceeding full speed ahead with its plans to lease a property for 34 years, property currently dedicated exclusively for veterans. And what are the veterans supposed to do for the next 75 years without this facility, when there is a rising demand among our veterans for medical services?

The justification--you have to hear this--the justification for the VA's decision stems from an absurd outdated report that relied on data from 2003, 8 years ago, when we were only at the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have, unfortunately, seen tremendous increases in veterans homelessness, foreclosures, divorce, substance abuse, PTSD and, yes, suicides.

And yet the VA report from all those years ago projected at that time, almost a decade ago, that mental health services for our veterans was going to decrease over the next 20 years. It's been 8 years since that report. And what have we seen during the 8 years alone? And there's 12 years more to go. We've seen increases in all of these problems among our veterans. And yet they cling stubbornly to the data in that report, thinking that these things are going to go down among our veterans. And this, everybody knows, is certainly not going to be the case.

All evidence suggests that returning veterans are going to require a greater significant increase especially in VA mental health services. A Rand Center report alone found that already 18.5 percent of all U.S. servicemembers who have returned already from Afghanistan and Iraq currently suffer from PTSD or depression, and that 19.5 percent suffer from traumatic brain injury.

Where is the Veterans Administration's common sense? To give away this property, which is intended and secured right now for our veterans, is a huge mistake, based on a report that is already discredited by the facts. This is something that we can't allow to continue.

These are veterans who have sacrificed so much. We have to stand here today on the floor. And I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, colleagues in the majority especially, for seeing through the politics of this and understanding that these are our veterans that we are fighting for; that we, as Members of Congress, understand our constituencies and our needs and their needs.

I want to personally thank Representatives Grimm and King, who are among our delegation, as well as the rest of the Democratic members of the delegation in our region, and thank Representative Meeks for his dynamic and great leadership in bringing this to our attention so that we could stand together as patriotic Americans all, at least on this issue, and fight for the needs of our veterans.

I yield back the balance of my time.