Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to a young man who continues to have a positive impact on the young people of my community through his heart-filled and uplifting music about his home borough. Mr. Reginald Footman, also known as Barshem, is a recording artist from the Bronx who hopes to steer hip hop back to its roots, providing inspiring messages over hard-hitting beats.

Barshem's love of languages has helped him to develop as a lyricist and become the skillful emcee he is today. He began by writing poetry and small rhymes, but it was not until his cousin made his first rap record, that Barshem saw an opportunity for a career. At the young age of 11, he started his own group: ``Energy Posse'' which evolved into another group named ``Alpha Omega.'' In the mid 1990's, the group became widely known and performed with other notable artists such as Jay Z, Lil Kim, Big Pun, and Fat Joe.

In the late 90's, Barshem made his acting debut in the movie Above the Rim, working as a stand in for the late Tupac Shakur. He would later accept roles on the television show Third Watch and a short appearance with Academy Award winner Denzel Washington in The Manchurian Candidate, but his love for hip hop kept him focused on his music. He has written title tracks for movies such as: Rock the Paint, Marci X, Bull's Night Out and Full Clip.

After many years of acting and rapping, Barshem met Allen Boxer, an investment banker with whom he partnered to create B&B Records, LLC. And now, one year after his first song was recorded, Barshem & B&B Records, LLC are set to release Barshem's debut album: Ghettonometry which includes a hit single dedicated to the borough of the Bronx.

Throughout his career, record executives have pushed Barshem to produce violent and misogynistic music; however, he has consistently stood his ground and refused to compromise his belief that music should empower, not destroy. Fortunately, his hard work has finally paid off and he is set to release an album that he can say he did his way.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the district that gave birth to hip hop and it is my hope that today's hip hop artists will remember the spirit of self-empowerment that once characterized this music genre and realize the tremendous positive influence they can have throughout the world.

I applaud Barshem for staying true to these principles and never forgetting his roots in the Bronx.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rev. Jerome A. Greene, a dear friend, who used his life to uplift and empower others. Although Reverend Greene passed away on August 23, 2004, his lifetime of service lives on in the hearts and minds of the residents of the Bronx. On Wednesday, April 19, 2006, his city and his home borough will show its gratitude to this remarkable man by renaming Teller Avenue between E. 168th and E. 169th ``Reverend Jerome A. Greene Place''.

Reverend Greene was born March 12, 1941 in Welch, West Virginia to Emmanuel Greene and Savannah Elsie Anderson. As a young man he led the fight for the integration of his high school in West Virginia and became the first black male to graduate with honors. Upon graduating from high school, he moved to Queens, NY and enrolled in City College. Graduating with a degree in education, Greene began his teaching career in Harlem in 1963.

In 1967, Reverend Greene left the public school system to serve as Director of Programming, Evaluation, Education and Training at the Morrisania Community Progress Center. Although he was no longer with the public school system, Reverend Greene remained committed to improving the educational experience of New York students. Realizing the importance of putting more teachers in the classroom, he helped to secure millions of dollars to create more than 600 paraprofessional jobs in various school districts. His efforts not only earned him the nickname ``Father of Paraprofessionals'' but the respect and admiration of the young men and women he helped to employ, myself included. My experiences as a paraprofessional in the late 1960's provided me with a unique understanding of the public school system and helped to shape my career as a public servant. I will always be grateful to Reverend Greene for helping to open the door that enabled me to serve my community.

In 1975, Reverend Greene married his beloved Aurelia and for 29 years they worked side by side in an effort to improve the lives of the residents of the Bronx. It was not long after his marriage that he began teaching prayer ministry in his home, which ultimately became the Bronx Christian Charismatic Prayer Fellowship, Inc. In 1991, the church moved to its current location on Third Avenue in the Bronx, providing the good Reverend with more space to teach the benefits of living a virtuous life.

Reverend Greene also served as Treasurer and Chairperson of Bronx Community Board #4 and was elected Male District leader of the 77th Assembly District, where he served until his passing in 2004.

The recipient of many civic and professional awards, Reverend Greene was well loved and well respected. His works will continue to impact the lives of New Yorkers for generations to come. Surely, that is the mark of a great life.

May ``Reverend Jerome A. Greene Place'' forever stand as a reminder of his selfless efforts to improve the lives of his fellow man and may it compel us all to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, for his indomitable spirit that continues to inspire even though he has passed on, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Rev. Jerome A. Greene.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Raul Davila, the late, great Puerto Rican actor. Mr. Davila was a leading light in the Hispanic acting community and a good friend. He will be missed by all who knew or knew of him.

Mr. Davila was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 15, 1934. He graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and Tulane University. By the time he was in his early twenties, he was acting in soap operas and other works broadcast on the island of Puerto Rico. In spite of his success in Puerto Rico, he soon felt the pull to move to a larger market and to take on more challenges. In late 1963, like so many of his generation, he moved to New York.

Upon arriving in New York, he immersed himself in the vibrant and vital Hispanic acting and arts scene. He began to work as an actor, and starred in many television shows, both in Spanish and English. He, along with other Hispanic actors, fought valiantly for the rights and recognition that Hispanic actors deserved.

One manner in which Mr. Davila successfully pushed for equal opportunities for Hispanic actors was through his leadership at the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors, or HOLA, of which he was president many times. Part of HOLA's mission statement reads that the organization seeks ``to expand the presence of Hispanic actors in both the Latino and mainstream entertainment and communications media by facilitating industry access to employing professional and emerging Hispanic actors.'' Raul Davila's service to the community, of which he was such a vital part, focused directly on that mission. He sought to open doors for Hispanic actors here in the United States.

Today we often take for granted much of the success that Latino performers have in show business. It is important, however, to remember that this was not always the case. We must recognize those who led the way. For this reason, it is fitting that we honor this Puerto Rican actor, who was not only a pioneer in his field, but also set the standard for others to follow in the decades to come.

We must also recognize Mr. Davila's artistic achievements, which were many. He was the star of many ``telenovelas,'' popular Spanish-language soap operas, as well as well-received appearances in movies like ``The Believers,'' ``The Man with My Face,'' and ``Counterplot.'' He was perhaps best known for his role in ``Carmelo Y Punto.'' His acting in the play ``Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf'' won him a prize in 1972 from the Puerto Rican Cultural Institute, and a prize from the newspaper ``El Tiempo.'' He also never gave up his love of learning about his craft, earning a Masters in Dramatic Arts from the Pasadena Playhouse in California later in life.

Mr. Speaker, with the passing of Raul Davila, we have lost one of the leaders in the Hispanic acting community. His passion for acting and his dedication to promoting opportunities for other Hispanic actors was truly inspirational. Although he has passed on, his works will continue to inspire and impact the lives of generations to come. Surely, that is the mark of great life. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Raul Davila.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sympathy that I rise today to say goodbye to a Latin Jazz legend and a wonderful man. Mr. Ray Barretto passed away on Friday, February 17, 2006 at the age of 76. Ray was the first Hispanic to record a Latin song which became a ``hit'' on the American Billboard Charts. Although he has gone, his musical influence will live on for generations to come. Surely that is a mark of a great life.

Like many Puerto Ricans, Ray's parents moved to New York in the early 1920's in search of a better life. Raised in Spanish Harlem, he was deeply influenced by his mother's love of music and by the jazz music of musicians such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie. In 1946 at the age of 17, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany where he met Belgian musician Fats Sadi. However, it was not until he heard ``Manteca'' recorded by Dizzy Gillespie and Cuban percussionist, Chano Pozo, that he realized music was his true calling in life.

After returning to New York in 1949, Ray began to visit clubs where he participated in jam sessions and perfected his conga playing. It wasn't long before the likes of Charlie Parker, Jose Curbelo and Tito Puente began to ask him to play with their bands. Ray opened the door for other Latin percussionists to appear in jazz groups, creating a sound unlike any other.

Over the years Ray achieved international superstardom and released nearly 2 dozen albums with the Fania label from the late-60s until salsa's popularity peaked in the mid 1980's. In 1975 he was nominated for a Grammy Award for the song ``Barretto,'' and in 1990, he finally won a Grammy for the album ``Ritmo en el Corazon'' (Rhythm in the Heart), which featured the vocals of the late great Celia Cruz. In 1999, Ray was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame and in January 2006 he was named one of the National Endowment for the Arts' Jazz Masters of 2006, the Nation's highest jazz honor.

Mr. Speaker, Rays fusing of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz created a whole new genre of music that has not only entertained us but also helped to unite people from diverse backgrounds in a common love for the sound. The bonds that he worked to create over the years are, as one of his most popular tunes is entitled, ``Indestructible.'' I thank him for having the courage to ask, ``why not,'' when others asked ``why.''

For his masterful play and his genuine creativity I ask that my colleagues join me in giving a final farewell to the Godfather of Latin Jazz, Mr. Ray Barretto.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise during this month dedicated to the celebration of African Americans who have made great contributions to the world, to pay tribute to New York Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene. Aurelia is a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly to uplift and empower her constituents.

A native of the Bronx, Aurelia is a graduate of Livingston College at Rutgers University, where she majored in community development. For the past 24 years she has served as Assemblywoman for the 77th Assembly District, effectively using her urban planning skills to negotiate on behalf of her constituents for affordable housing, quality education, employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, senior services, and improved transportation and infrastructure.

As a member of the State Assembly, Aurelia is known for her strong work ethic and robust legislative agenda. She authored legislation, which became law in 2002, prohibiting predatory lending practices in relation to high cost home loans. In addition, she was instrumental in ensuring the passage of the Apprenticeship bill, which provided funds for supplemental and related instruction to apprentices registered by the New York State Department of Labor. And in 1994, she was awarded a gold helmet by the New York State Head Injury Association for her bicycle helmet legislation.

As a result of her competence as a legislator and considerable personal charm, Aurelia has been successful in rising through the ranks of the New York State Assembly. She previously served as Deputy Majority Leader and is the first woman to chair the Assembly Standing Committee on Banks. In addition, she recently became the first African American

to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore in the State Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we said a final goodbye to Mrs. Coretta Scott King, a woman of great resolve and patience, who helped to change the world. Today we honor a woman who stands on her shoulders. Working tirelessly to change the world in her own right, Ms. Greene is the hope and dream of countless men and women of African descent who silently contributed to the pages of history. As a result of the efforts of the likes of Mrs. King and Rosa Parks, Aurelia's contributions to this nation have not gone unnoticed.

For her unyielding spirit, and willingness to serve others, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Ms. Aurelia Greene and in honoring the great women upon whose shoulders she stands.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise during this month, dedicated to the celebration of African Americans who have made great contributions to the world, to pay tribute to Ms. Paula J. Martin, a woman who has worked vigorously to ensure the less fortunate of her community have the necessary skills to succeed in life.

Paula serves as the Executive Director of the Harlem Center for Education (HCE), a community based non-profit organization located in East Harlem, New York. Among its programs, HCE counts two federal TRIO Talent Search projects and one Educational Opportunity Center Project. Paula has been involved in TRIO programs for over 32 years.

During the 20 years she has served as Executive Director of HCE, the organization has grown from an operational budget of $137,000 to one that is currently over $1,000,000. Her unique ability to secure timely grants has allowed the Harlem Center for Education to grow and reach more deserving young people and adults.

Like most of the students with whom she works, Paula is a first generation college student. A graduate of Hunter College High School, she went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and a master's degree in developmental psychology from Columbia University. This achievement alone is worthy of praise; but Paula did not stop there. She decided to dedicate her entire professional career to empowering individuals who shared her life struggles, thus helping to ensure that the cycle of poverty is broken.

Booker T . Washington once said: ``Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.'' Indeed, Paula has overcome great obstacles to achieve the position that she now holds and would surely be considered a great success by Washington's standards. However, what impresses me the most about this incredible woman is that she was not satisfied with achieving success for herself. Like Washington, she has worked tirelessly to pull others up from the depths of despair, providing them with opportunities to find success in their own lives.

Mr. Speaker, this country owes much of its greatness to the countless men and women of color who silently contributed to the pages of history. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting them for their efforts and in paying tribute to the great leaders who stand upon their shoulders, such as Ms. Paula J. Martin.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise during this month dedicated to the celebration of African Americans who have made great contributions to the world, to pay tribute to Mr. Dennis Terry, an individual who has worked throughout his life to fortify the bonds that unite the people of the Bronx in order to help them find success.

Born in North Carolina, Dennis has been a Bronx resident since 1969. He is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC. Dennis is a retired manager from Lilco (now known as Keyspan) and is currently engaged in part-time consulting.

The extensive involvement of Dennis in the community and civic life of his borough and city is reflected in his numerous organizational affiliations. These affiliations include: Mid-Bronx Senior Citizen's Council (chairperson); Concourse Day Care Center (member); and HAC Family Services (member). Dennis' past affiliations include: Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center (former chairperson); The Bronx Health Link (former chairperson); SOBRO (member, Executive Committee); The New York Urban League (member and former chairman of the Bronx Advisory Board); Community Planning Board 4 (former chairman); and the Mayor's Community Planning Board 4 Task Force.

Throughout his lifetime of community involvement, Dennis has sought to construct collaborative platforms and organizational networks that maximize the strength of the Bronx's multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and religious diversity. Dennis' efforts have enabled the institutions that he has been affiliated with, and in many cases led, to define, develop, and deliver much needed services. He has focused his public service in the areas of senior and child care, healthcare, housing, employment, and economic development.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. King once stated that ``All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.'' This is a statement that Dennis understands all too well. The Bronx is a melting pot of ethnic and religious groups, none of which can survive without the help of another. Fortunately, the Bronx is home to individuals like Dennis Terry, a man of vision and understanding who has helped tear down the walls that so often divide us. He has forced us to see the great potential we can unleash when we work together.

He stands on the shoulders of giants, yet he himself has become a giant, espousing a philosophy of tolerance and understanding in order to uplift his fellow citizens. For his selfless attitude and unyielding spirit, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Dennis Terry and the giants upon whose shoulders he stands.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise during this month dedicated to the celebration of African Americans who have made great contributions to the world, to pay tribute to Ms. Gloria Denard, an accomplished musician who has helped to improve the quality of life for the people of her community.

Born into a family of musicians and raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, Gloria was destined to be a great musician herself. Under the tutelage of her mother, she began her musical training at the tender age of three. Later in life, she studied at Julliard where she concentrated on classical music and majored in voice with a piano minor.

After Julliard, Gloria married and moved to East Harlem. She performed nationally and internationally, including stints in Italy, Bermuda, Greenland and Canada.

Although she enjoyed great success as a musician, Gloria was consumed by the desire to improve the quality of life of the people in her community. To that end, she established Manna House Workshops to serve the social and cultural needs of her talented neighbors. Gloria, who by this time had two children, worked without salary and maintained a staff of six teachers. In 1970 she decided to purchase a five story building and establish the current home of Manna House Workshops. After 38 years of service, Manna House Workshops continues to serve as a bright beacon of hope in its community, providing training in music and dance to all who enter their doors.

In 1980, Gloria conceived Music for Entertainment Education and Enlightenment (MEEE), a jazz concert series featuring emerging and professional artists presented in the Manna Mini Theatre. In addition, she has maintained her own vocal career and has released two CDs including ``Come Feel the Things You Cannot Touch'' and ``Two for Jazz''. An additional CD will be released in March of this year. She also produces and hosts a cable show every month entitled ``The Best Kept Secret'' on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to discuss the contributions of African Americans to the history of the world and not mention the great influence they have had upon music. Often great beauty comes from great pain and suffering. It was this sacred art that helped so many find light in times of darkness and peace in times of stifling oppression. From gospel to blues to jazz, and most recently, hip hop, African Americans have not only provided the world with new forms of entertainment, but have found a way to provide insight into their struggles and aspirations. A student of this art, Gloria teaches music to the next generation, hoping to instill in them a sense of self confidence and pride so that they may one day share their gifts with the world.

For her beautiful voice and spirit, and her willingness to help others find their own voice, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Ms. Gloria Denard, and the countless African Americans who came before her and enabled her to find her own voice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bid a last farewell to Mrs. Coretta Scott King, a woman of great character and conviction who worked tirelessly to make the dream of her husband a reality.

Although we know her as the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that label is far too small to encompass the life of this remarkable woman. Born April 27, 1927 in Marion, Alabama, to Bernice McMurry Scott and Obeadiah Scott, Coretta was an accomplished student, graduating at the top of her high school class while becoming an exceptional musician. Although her parents worked hard to ensure that she was protected from the hardships of the segregated South, she was very aware of the fact that she and all blacks were deprived of many rights. In her 1969 autobiography, ``My Life With Martin Luther King Jr.'' Coretta stated: ``From the first, I had been determined to get ahead, not just for myself, but to do something for my people and for all people.'' Little did she know that fate would have her help shape the mind of a world leader.

She met a young King in Boston while he was a student at Boston University and she a student at the New England Conservatory. After receiving her degree in voice and violin, the young couple moved to Montgomery, Alabama. Fifteen months later on December 1, 1955, a woman by the name of Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of a city bus . . . and the rest is history.

Over the next 13 years she and her husband pushed our nation to tear down the walls of oppression and to reach for its great potential. By 1968 she had lived a life worth writing about, but it was the woman she became after the assassination of her husband in 1968 that will define her legacy.

Only months after his death, she created the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change as a living memorial to her husband's life and dream. Leading marches, giving speeches and meeting with various world leaders, Coretta devoted all her energies to alleviating the pain and suffering of the disenfranchised at home and abroad. She probably will be most remembered for her successful campaign to establish a national holiday to honor the life and works of her husband.

Mr. Speaker, throughout our history, great men and women have come and gone from these halls of Congress. However, their contributions to the American discourse did not die with them because we as a body have picked up where they left off, just as those who come after us will undoubtedly do. We all know that none of us are more important than this institution and what it represents. Coretta realized the same was true of her husband's dream. Though he was a great man, his dream was greater than him.

Had she allowed it to die with him, we all would have suffered a great disservice. Through her tireless work post-1968, she has ensured that our nation will never forget the dream of Dr. King, and more importantly, that we will never stop working towards its fulfillment.

For her great service to America and her unyielding spirit, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King and in bidding her a final farewell.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

Let me start by saying that I support, like everyone else, a free and fair electoral process in Nicaragua in the coming year. And I support democracy in Nicaragua, the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, and other institutions.

What I am opposed to is the typical U.S. interference in Latin America. Our foreign policy traditionally, historically, has been to ignore Latin America, and then every once in a while to take some action that is so out of touch with reality in Latin America, and foolish, as this resolution is tonight.

What we are doing on the floor of the House today is a clear example of this warped, nonexistent policy. If U.S. history in Nicaragua were one of supporting elections without taking sides and supporting checks and balances and independent institutions, I would feel differently about a resolution like this. But we have little credibility in Nicaragua today because the U.S. is perceived as having such a strong animosity to Daniel Ortega, my brother from California just called him a communist and I thought that had ended awhile ago, and the FSLN, that any actions we take are viewed as biased and certainly not objective or impartial.

While I can go through sentences in this text that I have differences with, that is not what is driving me to speak on the House floor today. Would we not be providing a better example to the democratic movement in Nicaragua if we led by example and instead of voting on this resolution today, we stayed away from anything that appeared to show the United States taking sides and interfering yet again in Nicaragua?

Given our long and troubled history in this country, we need to be careful not to interfere. Instead, let us support the OAS's effort and not take positions on internal Nicaragua elections.

Let me also take a moment to comment on one line of the resolution that states: ``Congress condemns the continued operation of the Aleman- Ortega Pact,'' which no longer exists, ``as detrimental to democracy in the Republic of Nicaragua, the future of democracy in Nicaragua, and the stability of the entire region.''

Of course this is right on top of the fact that we now claim that Venezuela is the danger to the region so they have been replaced tonight by Nicaragua as the main danger to the region. I simply have to take issue with the ``stability of the entire region'' comment. I think what undermines the stability of Latin America is the total lack of attention on an ongoing basis to the concerns of Latin America and then kinds of efforts like this resolution that show up every so often.

If this were coming to a vote, I would vote against this because I know what this is about. This is a little different than the Chavez- Venezuela issue. On that one we did not like the results, and the results are the fact that either through his coalition, through pushing back and attempted coup, which has our fingerprints all over it, President Chavez and his coalition have been elected and reelected eight times. We do not like the results, so we do not like him.

Here we suspect, like the rest of Latin America, that the result may be

one we do not like so we are anticipating that by suggesting that they better get their act together, meaning let anybody win except the opposition because that obviously would be undemocratic.

Mr. Speaker, there has to be a reason why Latin America went from military dictatorships to so-called democracies to again electing leftist leaders. Either something is in the water of Latin America or people are fed up with conditions. So what do we do? Instead of saying they are electing leftist governments and we should find out why and support the elected leaders in their desire to bring up the poor, we say beware Chavez, beware Bolivia, beware Peru, beware Chile, beware everybody, and especially beware Nicaragua: we did it to you once; we can do it to you again. If you do not elect the kind of government we want, you are in deep trouble with us and you are not democratic. That is not democracy.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Carolyn McLaughlin for her many years of outstanding service as the Executive Director of the Citizens Advice Bureau, a Bronx based social service organization that has helped countless families obtain a new lease on life.

Carolyn has always been dedicated to empowering the people of her community. After receiving her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University, she joined the Mt. Eden Senior Center and later the Vacation Camp for the Blind. In 1979, Carolyn made the Citizens Advice Bureau her home and has overseen CAB's progression from a small organization staffed by two people to one with 450 staff members, eight major divisions, and a budget of more than $25 million.

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is a multi-service organization whose mission is to improve the well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities in the South Bronx and Northern Manhattan. CAB provides an array of services including: Early childhood education, after-school and summer camp programs for children, assistance for homeless families, crisis intervention, counseling and case management for persons with AIDS, senior programs, legal and citizenship assistance for immigrants and a wide range of teen programs.

Under Carolyn's strong leadership, CAB has enjoyed many accomplishments over the past 25 years. These accomplishments include: Merging with the Girls Club of New York, obtaining contracts for three Tier II family shelters, creating a Homeless Prevention program, developing a Homeless Outreach team and living room drop in center for homeless adults, launching the Homelessness Relocation Assistance Program for families leaving the shelter system and returning to permanent housing and developing a homeless outreach team.

Carolyn sits on the boards of the Non-Profit Coordinating Committee and the Mid-Bronx Senior Citizen's Council. She chaired the Bronx Cluster of Settlement Houses for two years and oversaw cluster-wide community building activities from 1997 to 2001. She also served on advisory panels commissioned on out-of-school time services and homelessness by Mayor Bloomberg.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Carolyn's unyielding service to the people of the Bronx. Her efforts have helped countless families enjoy a higher standard of living and given them hope that there is a brighter tomorrow. Dr. King once stated that, ``Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?'' Carolyn, along with the entire staff of Citizens Advice Bureau need simply point to the long list of individuals they have helped to empower in the City of New York.

I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Ms. Carolyn McLaughlin and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Robert Sancho, an outstanding individual and a dear friend who has dedicated many years of service to empowering the people of my community. Tonight the Citizens Advisory Board will recognize him for his many achievements in the City of New York.

Bob was born and raised in the South Bronx. He is a product of the New York City

Public School system and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the Inter-American University in San German, Puerto Rico specializing in Education and Political Science. As an undergraduate Bob was awarded a Minority Urban Education Scholarship and completed a Teaching Fellowship in both Urban and Rural School Districts on the Island of Puerto Rico. He received a scholarship to the prestigious Graduate School of Urban Affairs at Hunter College where he completed his Masters of Science Degree.

Throughout his career Bob has held positions of great importance in the City of New York and has demonstrated his ability to work extremely well under pressure. As Deputy Superintendent of Schools in Community School District Number 4, he took the district from last place (32nd) in reading and math to 13th among New York City School districts. This feat was achieved over a 7 year period and was considered one of the most successful educational accomplishments in America.

During the 1960s Bob was successful in organizing the East Harlem Community against attempts by the Mayor to close down Metropolitan Hospital Center which provided much needed services to the people of that community.

In 1981 Bob was appointed Vice President of Development and External Affairs at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, the second largest medical facility in the Bronx. During his 23 year tenure at the hospital, Bob was an important catalyst in securing over 240 million dollars in New York State guaranteed Bonds. These bond issues financed the construction of three new buildings and provided for the rehabilitation of the existing hospital buildings. In addition his department has raised approximately $15 million during the last several years for various hospital programs.

Mr. Speaker, what makes Bob such a unique an incredible person is that he is willing to put his knowledge and skills to work for causes that help everyday people. Such selflessness is hard to find in today's world. The great work that Bob does at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center inspires me to work harder in Washington for the people of the Bronx. It is my hope that he will continue to work to empower and protect those who need it most.

For his unyielding spirit and selfless dedication to the citizens of New York, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Mr. Bob Sancho as he is recognized for his many achievements by the board of the Citizens Advice Board.

Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to bid farewell to friends and mentors, especially those who have worked so hard and given so much to their communities and to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of and tribute to Joseph Monserrat, who passed away this week.

Joe spent his life in public service, both to his community and to his people. He was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and like so many of his generation, moved at a very young age to the United States. He attended public schools and some of New York's most prestigious universities.

Joe served honorably in the Army Air Force, and upon returning, began his long career of public service. He quickly rose to positions of leadership in all his undertakings, making a significant mark as Director of the New York office and Deputy National Director of the Migration Division of the Puerto Rican Department of Labor.

This agency helped assist and smooth the transition for Puerto Ricans resettling in the United States by working to increase employment and business opportunities, increasing the number of major corporations that had employment programs for Puerto Ricans, and other vital services. After eight years in this capacity, because of his hard work and talent, Joe was promoted to National Director of the Division, where he served for another nine years.

Under his leadership, this agency was to become one of the most important national organizations devoted to the cause of helping Puerto Ricans gain a foothold in the United States. He later turned his attention to education, serving on the New York City Board of Education in the early 1970s and later teaching.

In his spare time, Joe served on the boards of many prominent civil rights organizations as well as service with many labor-related organizations. He also spent a great deal of time researching and writing some of the most influential scholarly works on issues affecting Hispanics, Puerto Ricans, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Mr. Speaker, Joe was a tireless leader, brimming with vision, energy and ideals. He was a mentor, a teacher, a friend, and, most importantly, the source of inspiration to countless leaders. The institutions that he touched were forever marked as they reached new heights of service and dedication to worthy causes.

Joe's legacy of service to others and his valuable contributions in all sectors of society will be sorely missed but his legacy lives on.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Joe's family, colleagues, friends, and all those whom he touched by his life and example.

Mr. Speaker, Joe Monserrat was an uncommon leader on the many different issues that he addressed during his life. He truly showed the way for many Puerto Ricans and Hispanics who followed in his footsteps in New York City and in the nation. Joe could truly be called one of the leading lights of the Hispanic community in the United States, and his commitment to public service should be honored. Fortunately through his leadership, he created a generation of people who will ensure that his vision for the betterment of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic community will not be lost.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to report that even with his passing, his light was not extinguished; instead it will shine stronger than ever among all those he inspired. I ask my colleagues to join me and all who had the privilege of knowing Joe Monserrat in paying tribute to him for serving his community and our nation with uncommon wisdom, generosity and dignity.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I come with a photograph that sits in my office for many years. It is a photograph of the day that I was sworn in as chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. In the picture is the previous chairman, Solomon Ortiz, and at the center is Ed Roybal.

I think it is fitting that he was at the center, because he was always at the center of any change or movement or any small or large or historic moment in our community. The folks that gave me the photograph titled it ``Passing of the Torch.'' At that moment, it was not passing of the torch because I was such a change in the caucus, but because he always welcomed every new Member, and he always felt that every new Member had something new to add.

Today, as I look at this photograph, I realize that we have two major parties and a lot of other parties courting the Latino vote. We have posters and journalists and editorial boards saying how strong we have become and how important we are. Yet I wonder at times what it must have been for Ed Roybal to be a member of the L.A. City Council at that time and to be a Member of Congress at the time that he was, when it was not fashionable to be a Latino Member of Congress, when it was indeed a pioneering effort.

What I remember most about him is sitting on the House floor and having him speak to me, and in the cloakroom speak to me, with such dignity and such respect about what was expected of me as a Member of Congress, and how much I had to represent the east coast and the Puerto Rican-American community in everything that we did.

He had a way about him that is mentioned here. He is what we call a class act. He conducted himself in such a way. He spoke in such a way. If you did not know the history, you were baffled at the fact that this man spoke in a low voice, in a soft voice, and yet he had been a giant in tearing down walls.

I guess what he taught me more than anything else is you do not have to yell and scream and kick and get into a rage to make change. You just had to know what it was that you and your community wanted and go at it. This photograph has been replicated today; and tomorrow, Lucille, I will present it to you in the hope that your family takes it not as a moment when I was chairman of the caucus, but rather when the founder of the caucus took time to once again continue the message to yet another generation of Members of Congress and Latino Americans, that this was an important thing to do.

This was the passing of the torch at that moment, but he has been passing on the torch and will continue to for as long as we are around.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for the very kind words.

I rise in support of the conference report, and I congratulate the gentleman from Virginia and the gentleman from West Virginia for not only the way in which they continue to work together but the way in which they work with all members of the subcommittee and, indeed, all Members of the House.

I am especially pleased that we were able to fund the Census Bureau at the higher House level. This will allow for the continuation of the important American Community Survey which provides accurate and up-to- date information on housing, demographic and socioeconomic conditions in our country. As we know, there was a period of

time there during conference negotiations where this program was in danger.

I am also glad that NOAA was funded at a higher level than that included in the House bill. In the aftermath of the recent hurricanes, we all recognize the important role of our National Weather Service.

This is the first year, Madam Speaker, that the Science portfolio was added to this subcommittee's jurisdiction, and I am satisfied that both NASA and the National Science Foundation received more funding than was appropriated in 2005. NASA has a vital role in maintaining our Nation's leadership in science and technology through its educational programs, in particular, and in its broad portfolio of university-based research. I am happy that the National Science Foundation's funding will allow for the continuation of their education programs, which benefit so many of our students.

I am also pleased that the State Department funding was provided so that there would be worldwide security improvements. We must always be vigilant in guarding the safety of those who so ably represent us both here and abroad.

The FBI is the biggest winner in this bill, receiving an increase of $547 million; and as the chairman knows and the ranking member knows, I have always felt that the FBI should get whatever resources it needs. But I would be remiss, Madam Speaker, if I did not briefly mention that I have been troubled by many of the bureau's practices of late, including its handling of the Filiberto Ojeda-Rios incident in Puerto Rico, which should not have resulted in his killing. I am also concerned about the FBI's ever-increasing use of national security letters. As the FBI continues to adjust to its new powers and responsibilities, I hope that we in this country will continue to scrutinize the FBI's activities to ensure that we do not witness repeats of the abuses that have tainted the organization in the past.

Before closing, let me just say that I have often said in subcommittee, Madam Speaker, that if in the process of getting the bad guys, we throw away the Constitution and take away the civil liberties of the good guys, then the terrorists would have won and we as a Nation would have lost. With that in mind, I support the conference report, and I ask for its passage.