Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, fifty years ago a small group of Americans, set out to ensure that America lived up to its promise of providing equal rights to all. They forced America to reach for her great potential and changed the destiny of not only a nation but the entire world. I rise today to honor the legacy and memory of the woman who gave life to this small group of Americans, the mother of the civil rights movement, Mrs. Rosa Parks.

Rosa Louise McCauley was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on February 4, 1913. In 1932 she married a barber named Raymond Parks. Prior to her arrest they both were very active in the voter registration movement and with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, where she also worked as a secretary in 1943. Those who knew her best described her as being hardworking, polite and morally upright.

On December 1, 1955 Parks took a seat in the front of the black section of a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. The bus filled up and the bus driver demanded that she move so a white male passenger could have her seat. When Parks refused to give up her seat she was arrested. Four days following her arrest, a group of dedicated young individuals founded the Montgomery Improvement Association and named Martin Luther King Jr., their leader. King led a successful boycott of the transportation system and went on to lead the modem civil rights movement ensuring that every American was guaranteed equal rights under the law.

Rosa Parks was truly a courageous person. Her refusal to give up her seat in the face of the powerful forces of injustice helped to galvanize the long-overdue struggle for civil rights. She sat down in order to show us that we have tremendous power when we stand up. All Americans, regardless of race or creed, owe Mrs. Parks a debt of gratitude for her contribution to the national movement for a better America.

Mr. Speaker, although she is gone, the power of her actions remain with us. As she said, ``Memories of our lives, of our worth and our deeds will continue in others.'' I hope that we heed those comments today as we continue the fight for equal rights and social justice. I thank her for her courage and I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring her memory.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to a woman of great integrity and character. Ms. Amalia V. Betanzos has decided to retire from the Wildcat Service Corporation after 27 years of dedicated leadership. Tonight, she will be honored for her service in the city of New York.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Amalia is a graduate of New York University and has extensive experience in the public and private not- for-profit sectors. She has served in a variety of positions in the administrations of several New York Mayors. As Commissioner of the Youth Services Agency she helped to shape the destinies of more than half a million New York youth and gained a reputation for being an outstanding administrator with an untiring capacity to meet new challenges. As Executive Secretary to Mayor John Lindsay she was in charge of programs for the poor and the physically and mentally handicapped. As Commissioner of Relocation and Management services in the Housing and Development Administration, Amalia was directly in charge of coordinating relocation services to families in conjunction with the City's Urban Renewal programs and emergency housing.

Amalia's extensive experience in city government provided her with the breadth of knowledge necessary to lead an organization such as Wildcat Service Corporation. Founded in 1972, Wildcat's mission is to bring the chronically unemployed, for example, ex-offenders, public assistance recipients, former alcohol and substance abusers, high school dropouts, youth involved with the criminal justice system and persons with limited English language proficiency, into the regular labor force, thus breaking their cycle of poverty, addiction and crime. Under Amalia's strong leadership Wildcat changed the lives of countless New Yorkers, providing them and their families with a new lease on life.

Mr. Speaker, it is rare to find individuals who are willing to dedicate their entire lives to uplifting others. Amalia V. Betanzos is indeed one of these special people. She has literally improved the lives of thousands of individuals. Her efforts to empower society's most vulnerable citizens will not only change their destinies but also the destinies of generations to come. Surely that is the mark of a great career.

For her unyielding service and untiring spirit, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to a dear friend, Ms. Amalia V. Betanzos.

Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman that he brought this week this issue up again and again. I think it is very courageous on his part and very profound.

Secondly, as far as the World Series goes, it is true that the Yankees and the Marlins are not in it, I also noted that you took our bench coach, our assistant coach, as your new manager so you will do better in the future.

One of the issues that come to mind as I was watching the gentleman, as we know, this is transmitted live on television, I am wondering if the folks who are watching us today were also the same folks perhaps that watched the victims of Hurricane Katrina as that national tragedy hit us. Regardless of whether you felt it was a State or local responsibility or a joint responsibility with the Federal Government or whether you think we as a Nation failed or not, those images are in your head.

Now you see this discussion. What is this discussion about and how do I see it? We all tend to come have the same feeling but we come to the table with perhaps slightly different views. My concern is, as a member of the Committee on Appropriations, is that in the appropriations process we have the ability to declare an emergency. An emergency means just that. That while we try to balance a budget and while we try to have expenditures that meet both the needs and our ability to pay, that there comes every so often a situation that requires us to spend the money and deal with the fact that we are spending that money rather than try to make somebody pay a major price for it.

Of course, my biggest example is the war in Iraq. Now, whether you support the war or you oppose the war; and, incidentally, one of the things that we always need to clarify is that opposition to the war is not opposition to the men and women fighting the war. In fact, I could argue that you really support them by bringing them home tomorrow and ending the war. But that is a discussion for another time.

What is a discussion today is that the American people need to know that the way we pay for the war is by paying for the war. Whatever amount needs to be spent on the war in Iraq, we spend it. And it has gone close to or above $300 billion that we have spent.

Now, if I was to be sarcastic up here I would say that basically what we have done is print the money. We have not taken it out of anybody's budget. We have not taken it out of anybody's pain. We basically printed the budget.

Now there is a word in the English language that I try very rarely to use and that is immoral immorality. The reason for that is who the heck am I to determine what is immoral and who is involved in an immoral act, when in fact we are all guilty of a lot of things in the way we behave in this society. But if there is anything that resembles legislative immorality it is the suggestion that for you to get whole again, for you to be helped after Katrina, the way to do this is by taking money away from the programs that in fact affect the very same communities in many ways that are being hurt while slipping in, slipping in permanently this gigantic tax cut for people who did not need it and some of them who publicly said we do not want it.

You recall some very wealthy people in this country saying we do not want that tax cut. We do not need it.

So that what the American people need to understand is that I cannot imagine, nor have we ever heard of one American who watched the videos, the scenes of Katrina, and said, good for them. Everyone was heartbroken and wanted to do something. Our country came together in the aftermath to try to help. But what I think most people do not know is that the majority party is trying to slip in all of a sudden a new legislative morality that says when you pay for certain emergencies, you have to take it out of somewhere.

Now, where do you take it out of? Well, if you take it out of people and places that can afford it, then perhaps that is balanced. But to suggest you are going to take and pay for Katrina relief by cutting out certain amounts of student loans or certain housing programs or what may be left of the Food Stamp Program in this country, which is now down to practically nothing, or to help children in our country, to suggest that you would pay for that by taking out of there is, in my opinion, totally improper. It is not in the best interest of who we are as a country and it does not make us look good.

So we saw many in the last couple of days allow perhaps a momentary slight retreat on bringing that approach to the House floor. But the importance of the gentleman's comments and his being here today, and the reason why I joined him for a few minutes, is the fact that we have to keep mentioning the issue and the fact that that idea is still out there; that, again, if we cut the taxes of billionaire, that is okay; that if we put forth a war that half the country is still questioning why we are in it to begin with, that is okay to pay the $300 billion; that it is okay to build schools, hospitals, playgrounds, temples, churches, and any kind of structure for the people of Iraq. But to rebuild New Orleans, we have to take it out of a social program or an educational program. That is what the people need to understand, and I know that is what we are trying to do here today.

Let me repeat that just one last time, not to be repetitious but to simply make the point and to drive it home. In Iraq it is not just a war. The American people need to know that we are rebuilding Iraq. Incidentally, not necessarily rebuilding anything the former government destroyed but maybe we destroyed in the process. So we are putting in new schools, new homes, new temples, new churches, new community centers, an infrastructure, and new transportation systems. We are rebuilding a country. But if you were caught up in Katrina, you are on your own. And if we help you, we are going to take it out of another part of your life or another part of your suffering.

That is wrong. That is where we have to wake up and say who are we, what are we, and I believe that we are much better than that. So I thank the gentleman for his time, and I really hope that we can wake up soon, in the next week or so, and stop this madness from going forth.

If the gentleman will yield for just a moment. In this profession of ours, we like to make predictions and, of course, we like to be right. I will make a prediction now, one that we have discussed before, and I hope I am wrong. I hope I am totally wrong. News flash: Making a prediction; I hope I am wrong.

When this war settles down to something other than it is, because we are going to be there for at least 10 or 12 years, but when it settles to something less or different than what it is now, there will be many of us coming to the House floor putting in legislation to say those folks coming back need special medical attention, psychological, physical, all kinds of things. They need special housing and job training. They need all kinds of help. Well, the very people who are now saying we support the troops and are jumping all over the place spending all kinds of money on that ill-conceived war will be the ones saying we are fiscally irresponsible in trying to take care of the troops coming back home.

The best way to take care of the troops is, one, bring them home now, right away; and the second thing is to make sure they are rewarded and cared for for the pain they went through.

We know, sadly enough and unfortunately, that of the close to 2,000 Americans who have died we all know some personally. What we do not know, because this government will not tell us, is what is the total number of thousands of wounded, wounded who will come back, and are here already, with pain that needs to be dealt with. And the wounded in a war, as you know, could be getting shot in the hand to losing your eyesight or losing a leg or an arm. There are serious injuries coming back, but nobody is talking about that.

So I think the gentleman is right to continue to drive this home so that the American people can just get a wider look and then make their own decision, and I thank the gentleman once more so very much.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Saint Jerome Church in the Bronx. On October 2, 2005 they will hold rededication ceremonies in honor of the newly renovated Church.

St. Jerome Church was founded on September 24, 1869, and primarily served the large group of Irish immigrants arriving in America during the latter half of the 19th century. In 1898, the cornerstone was laid for the building that St. Jerome Church would call home for the next hundred years. So magnificent was the edifice that to this day it is called ``The Cathedral of the Bronx.'' The stained glass windows and beautifully painted ceilings make Saint Jerome Church truly one of the most visually stunning churches in the city.

Throughout its history, St. Jerome Church has stood fast in good times and bad as a symbol of faith. Through two World Wars, the Korean War and Vietnam, the church has watched as many of its sons and daughters bravely served their country. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice have their names inscribed on the walls of the church as a reminder of the high cost of war.

In the fifties, as Puerto Ricans and others from the Caribbean made the Bronx their home, St. Jerome Church was there to welcome them with open arms. The priests made it a priority to learn Spanish as new spirit was breathed into the surrounding neighborhood. Even today, St. Jerome Church continues its legacy of welcoming newcomers to the Bronx as Mexican immigrants have revitalized the area.

Mr. Speaker, scripture tells us in Deuteronomy 15:7: ``If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.'' St. Jerome Church has always striven to realize these instructions. Under the spiritual leadership of my friend, Father John Grange, over the last 26 years St. Jerome Church has grown into a powerful healing force in the Bronx, taking in Bronxites of all nationalities and providing them with food for the soul.

As the representative from the South Bronx, the poorest Congressional District in the nation, I am grateful to have a church in my community that works so hard, day in and day out, to provide for those who are in need. In an effort to provide better lives for themselves and their families, many immigrants make the Bronx their first home in the States. During those trying first few years, it is institutions like St. Jerome Church which help them manage their struggle by providing constant spiritual guidance. St. Jerome Church has in the past and continues to freely open their hand to the people of the Bronx. For 136 years of outstanding service to the people of the Bronx, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to St. Jerome Church as it is re-dedicated on October 2, 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference agreement on H.R. 2360, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2006. This is not a perfect bill; I believe that we are acquiescing too readily to yet another restructuring plan, allowing the Department to yet again reshuffle boxes on its organizational chart without adequately establishing in hearings that the proposals will actually make this country safer. No amount of structural reform, which inherently muddles missions and produces chaos among employees, can substitute for professionalism, expertise, and strong leadership.

I am also concerned that, given our woefully inadequate 302(b) allocation, we have had to shore up funding for the Department's essential activities at the expense of our support for state and local law enforcement agencies and first responders. State and local governments continue to be on the front lines of any effort to respond to natural disasters and acts of terrorism, and yet we have funded them significantly below both last year's level and the Administration's request. At a time when the Administration is trying to shift blame to state and local governments for the chaotic overall response to Hurricane Katrina, we have not provided them with adequate resources to get the job done.

That said, I believe that this bill does a reasonably good job of addressing our most pressing homeland security needs. I especially want to highlight a provision that directs the Department to allocate the bulk of first responder grants on the basis of threat and risk. While I do not believe that our task in this Congress will be finished until 100 percent of the Department's grant funds are allocated on the basis of risk, this conference report is a noteworthy step in the right direction.

In addition, I am pleased that the conference report includes measures to ensure accountability in the way that the Department spends these appropriations, especially with respect to emergency supplemental funding for Hurricane Katrina. The Department's initial reports to Congress, required by law, have lacked detailed specifics on how the Department has been spending the $60 billion that this Congress has provided since the hurricane first hit. While the American people fully support our commitment to providing relief to the victims of Katrina and Rita, they also expect this Congress to make sure that the Department spends their tax dollars effectively and responsibly.

In closing, I would like to thank subcommittee Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Sabo for their hard work on this critical bill. We all knew that the creation of the department would create a considerable management challenge, and today, as we pass the third appropriations bill funding the department, I would like to applaud their leadership on this subcommittee for making sure that many of these concerns have been addressed.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sympathy that I rise today to give a final goodbye to a wonderful woman who dedicated her life to helping others live well. Ms. Reeves Dixon passed away on September 2, 2005. She was a fine woman and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

This daughter of the Bronx life's resume is long and impressive but I want to take a moment to highlight the important contributions she made to the people of my community.

Since 1980 Reeves worked with the 163rd Street Improvement Council, serving first as the Assistant Executive Director and later as its President and CEO. As CEO of the 163rd Street Improvement Council Reeves pushed the organization to plan, design, develop and implement affordable housing and support services that focused on meeting the housing and human services needs of the residents of the Southeast Bronx.

Most of the Council's clients have incomes below the median level. In an effort to help empower these low income families the council offers an integrated program which provides quality and affordable housing through

direct assistance that includes support services, education, advocacy, placement and referral. The Council helps to increase self esteem and self determination and decrease dependency on government subsidies. Under her strong leadership the Council moved from a budget of $400,000 to a multi-million dollar organization. Its growth not only demonstrated the great need for such an organization in the Bronx but also the strong leadership and vision of Reeves.

This past week the world watched in disbelief as Hurricane Katrina destroyed a major American city. While this storm will go down in history as the worst natural disaster to strike this Nation, it had much more significance. Katrina forced Americans to remove the wool that many had placed over their eyes to face the grim reality that there are millions of people in this country who live in utter poverty. Perhaps now Americans will realize the great responsibility they have to uplift those who are most vulnerable in our society. The life of Reeves Dixon is a shining example of how every American should lead his/her life--working to uplift her/his fellow man. Reeves understood that her community, much like the Nation as a whole, could not survive if its most vulnerable citizens were not protected. As a result she spent her life empowering others.

Although Reeves has passed on, the many good works that she did will continue to benefit the lives of others for generations to come. Surely that is the mark of great life. For her unyielding spirit and kind heart I ask my colleagues to join me in saying goodbye to a dear friend and role model to us all--Ms. Reeves Dixon.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to National Hispanic Heritage Month. During this month, America celebrates the traditions, ancestry, and unique experiences of those who trace their roots to Mexico, the countries of Central and South America, the Caribbean and Spain and we thank them for the many contributions they have made to this nation.

Unlike any other country on earth, America thrives on its ability to attract people of all faiths, colors and creeds to reside within its borders. Such mixing of cultural knowledge and experiences has helped this country to become the greatest nation the world has ever known. Moreover, as a Puerto Rican, I am very proud of the contributions Hispanics have made and continue to make to this cultural mosaic.

Hispanic influence on American culture is evident from every aspect of American life including music, film, food, arts, sports and politics. Economically, culturally, and politically, Latinos are an integral part of our nation. As we celebrate this special month I would like to pay special tribute to those who were Hispanic trailblazers and helped to bring the rich culture of the Hispanic people to the United States. As a Hispanic Member of Congress, I along with the rest of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, follow in the footsteps of great pioneers such as Joseph Marion Hernandez who became the first Hispanic to serve as a member of the United States Congress in 1822. Roberto Clemente, Celia Cruz, Raul Julia and countless others helped to open doors in their respective fields enabling the Hispanics of today to share their rich history and culture with all Americans.

As we forge ahead in the 21st century we must continue to work to guarantee that America is not only rich with diversity but equality as well. I am committed to ensuring that Hispanics are able to enjoy a higher standard of living for generations to come. It is important that Hispanics become home owners, attend institutions of higher learning, earn higher wages and receive quality healthcare. The success of this nation depends upon the success of all its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, for their many contributions to our nation and culture, and for their unyielding drive to achieve the American dream, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Hispanic Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Mariano Rivera, as he is awarded the 2004 Latino MVP Relief Pitcher of the Year Award by Latino Sports and the Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association (LSWBA).

Rivera made his major league debut with the New York Yankees in 1995. Since 1997 he has served as the team's closer and has blown away his competition. Rivera is arguably the most effective closer in postseason baseball history, recording final outs in three Yankee world title seasons (1998, 1999 and 2000). He also owns the Major League record for most postseason saves with 32, as well as most World Series saves with 9. Rivera also established the longest scoreless innings streak in postseason play with thirty-three innings pitched and was named as the World Series MVP in 1999 and the Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series in 2003. He currently leads the Yankees as the club's all-time saves leader with 366 and boasts an incredible Earned Run Average below 1.00 in postseason play.

Mariano Rivera was born on November 11, 1969, in Panama City. The son of a fisherman, he grew up poor and played baseball as a kid using a glove fashioned out of a cardboard box. He has been described by many as being a deeply religious man, and says that he would one day want to move back to his native Panama to become a Priest. While fans of opposing teams dread to see Rivera on the mound, all will agree that he is a class act. Never one to boast or brag about his incredible gift, Rivera comes to work and does the job better than anyone. He is fearless yet humble, a combination that we seldom see in today's athletes.

When the game is on the line, great athletes always rise to the challenge. Jordan, Montana and Pele all separated themselves from the pack with their ability to overcome their fears and anxiety and play with a high level of confidence. With his ability to shut down opponents at the end of a game Rivera has earned a place among these elite competitors.

Mr. Speaker, Mariano Rivera is proof of the great contributions Latinos continue to make to this country. While I am proud of the many championships Rivera has helped to bring to the city of New York, I am more proud of the fact that he has helped to improve the lives of many young people in the South Bronx. Whether he knows it or not, Rivera's attitude towards the game of baseball provides all who watch him with a model of how to approach life--hard work and determination.

Mariano Rivera exemplifies the idea of an athlete as a role model. For his unyielding competitive spirit and positive impact on the lives of all Americans, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Mariano Rivera as he is awarded the 2004 Latino MVP Award.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to the sixteenth annual Dominican Day Parade and Festival of the Bronx which will take place Sunday, July 17, 2005. This famed event is eagerly anticipated by the Dominican and Bronx communities each year. It is a wonderful celebration of the spirit and richness of Dominican culture.

Under the leadership of Felipe Febles and Rosa Ayala, the Bronx Dominican Day Parade, Inc., (La Gran Parada Dominicana de EI Bronx) has grown into an important institution to increase the self awareness and pride of the Dominican people in order to promote economic development, education, cultural recognition, and advancement.

As the second largest Latino community in New York City, Dominicans have made invaluable contributions to the city, as well as to the entire nation. Although the highest concentration of Dominican people live in Washington Heights, a significant number have enriched the Bronx with their unique culture and spirit. The Dominican culture is one characterized by, among other things, diverse multi-culturalism, strong family values, distinctive art, amazing music and unique cuisine. We are grateful that so many have chosen to make the Bronx home.

Mr. Speaker, the roots of Dominican New Yorkers lie in a country with a fascinating history and arresting beauty. The Dominican Republic is the home of a number of people from various heritages. As a result, the culture is charged with strong Taino, African, and European influences. One visit to the Dominican Republic will put to rest any questions one might have as to why Dominicans in America retain such a strong sense of pride in their homeland and never stop missing it.

The achievements and contributions made by Dominican-Americans and Dominican residents have spanned the realms of politics, science, the Armed Forces, literature, public service, and the arts, and undoubtedly make them an integral part of American society. The Dominican Day Parade and Festival of the Bronx is a great opportunity to celebrate the Dominican people's culture, history, and bright future.

I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring the Dominican Day Parade and Festival of the Bronx.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to the sixteenth annual Dominican Day Parade and Festival of the Bronx which will take place Sunday, July 17, 2005. This famed event is eagerly anticipated by the Dominican and Bronx communities each year. It is a wonderful celebration of the spirit and richness of Dominican culture.

Under its founder and president, Felipe Febles, the Bronx Dominican Day Parade, Inc., (La Gran Parada Dominicana de EI Bronx) has grown into an important institution to increase the self awareness and pride of the Dominican people in order to promote economic development, education, cultural recognition, and advancement.

As the second largest Latino community in New York City, Dominicans have made invaluable contributions to the city, as well as to the entire nation. Although the highest concentration of Dominican people live in Washington Heights, a significant number have enriched the Bronx with their unique culture and spirit. The Dominican culture is one characterized by, among other things, diverse multi-culturalism, strong family values, distinctive art, amazing music and unique cuisine. We are grateful that so many have chosen to make the Bronx home.

Mr. Speaker, the roots of Dominican New Yorkers lie in a country with a fascinating history and arresting beauty. The Dominican Republic is the home of a number of people from various heritages. As a result, the culture is charged with strong Taino, African, and European influences. One visit to the Dominican Republic will put to rest any questions one might have as to why Dominicans in America retain such a strong sense of pride in their homeland and never stop missing it.

The achievements and contributions made by Dominican-Americans and Dominican residents have spanned the realms of politics, science, the Armed Forces, literature, public service, and the arts, and undoubtedly make them an integral part of American society. The Dominican Day Parade and Festival of the Bronx is a great opportunity to celebrate the Dominican people's culture, history, and bright future.

I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring the Dominican Day Parade and Festival of the Bronx.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to a long time friend, Mr. George Rodriguez. ``Georgie'', as he is affectionately known in my community, will be honored in the Bronx, New York tonight for his outstanding work and unyielding service to the people of the Bronx, NY.

Since he arrived in New York over forty years ago, George has devoted most of his time to fighting the good fight. Serving as an advocate for the disadvantaged, George has helped to curtail the debilitating effects of racism, poverty and disease throughout the Bronx community.

Among George's long list of accomplishments are several projects which have helped to put roofs over the heads of our most vulnerable citizens. He has served as Chairman of the NYC Model Cities Program (a program that provides low income residents and senior citizens with housing), and helped to establish Mins Plaza Housing, OVB Garden Apartments and Borinquen Court housing for seniors. In addition, George has assisted in providing his neighbors with much needed quality healthcare. He was instrumental in the establishment of the New Lincoln Hospital, and the Degunda Ruix Belvis Neighborhood Health Center.

Mr. Speaker, men like George are a rare breed. It is not everyday that you find individuals who are willing to devote their entire lives to uplifting others. His selfless acts of kindness have helped countless Bronxites live better lives. Furthermore, his actions serve as a testimony to the great influence an individual can have when he is determined to bring about change.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly appreciative of the work George has done for residents of the congressional district. As a result of his strong leadership and vision, the Bronx is a better place and as result of his enduring friendship I am a better leader. For his outstanding service to the people of my community, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. George Rodriguez.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great p1easure that I rise today to pay tribute to the Sports Foundation, Inc. (SFI), a non-profit organization in the Bronx that will hold its 16th Annual ``Claude Buddy Young Dinner'' in acknowledgement of community leadership, on June 30th, 2005.

Using sports, education, health and the athletic arena as a model, Sports Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people by developing innovative programs that foster development of the skills and qualities necessary to produce socially responsible citizens and community leaders. Since 1969, SFI has provided a full spectrum of youth development services and events to urban and at-risk youth, including sports and recreation, counseling and mentoring, educational and career development, and drug prevention and health awareness services free of charge. Through these services SFI has been able to impact over 100,000 young people.

The success that this organization has enjoyed over the past 36 years is due in large part to the great people who make up SFI. If it were not for their tireless efforts to empower the next generation of leaders, SFI would be nothing more than a great idea. I am proud to represent individuals who have the courage and conviction to take action when they see the need for improvement within the community.

Mr. Speaker, on June 30th, SFI will hold its annual dinner in which they pay tribute to individuals within the community who have complemented their efforts in the South Bronx. This year's honorees includes a wide array of influential leaders, including the late Yolanda Garcia, whose good works helped to provide adequate housing and cleaner air for Bronx residents. It is my hope that SFI and all of this year's honorees will continue to serve as a bridge between despair and hope for young people living in the South Bronx.

Mr. Speaker, as they celebrate their 16th Annual ``Claude Buddy Young Dinner'', I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the Sports Foundation Inc. for more than thirty-six years of service to the youth of the South Bronx.

1. Sergeant Gerardo Moreno

2. Sergeant Lee Duane Todacheene

3. Petty Officer Third Class Fernando A. Mendez-Aceves

4. Staff Sergeant George S. Rentschler

5. Specialist Tyanna S. Felder

6. Captain Brent L. Morel

7. Sergeant First Class Marvin Lee Miller

8. Private First Class Christopher D. Mabry

9. Sergeant First Class William W. Labadie Jr.

10. Specialist Isaac Michael Nieves

11. Staff Sergeant William M. Harrell

12. Lance Corporal Phillip E. Frank

13. Lance Corporal Levi T. Angell

14. Lance Corporal Christopher B. Wasser

15. Corporal Nicholas J. Dieruf

16. Lance Corporal Michael B. Wafford

17. First Lieutenant Joshua M. Palmer

18. Specialist Jonathan Roy Kephart

19. Sergeant Felix M. Delgreco

20. Corporal Matthew E. Matula

21. Lance Corporal Elias Torrez III

22. Corporal Michael Raymond Speer

23. Private First Class Chance R. Phelps

24. Private First Class Eric A. Ayon

25. Staff Sergeant Don Steven McMahan

26. Specialist Michelle M. Witmer

27. Specialist Peter G. Enos

28. Private First Class Gregory R. Goodrich

29. Staff Sergeant Toby W. Mallet

30. Specialist Allen Jeffrey ``A.J.'' Vandayburg

31. Staff Sergeant Raymond Edison Jones Jr.

32. Sergeant Elmer C. Krause

33. Airman First Class Antoine J. Holt

34. Specialist Adolf C. Carballo

35. Specialist Justin W. Johnson

36. Sergeant William C. Eckhart

37. Private First Class George D. Torres

38. First Lieutenant Oscar Jimenez

39. Lance Corporal Torrey L. Gray

40. Corporal Daniel R. Amaya

41. Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence S. Colton

42. Chief Warrant Officer Wesley C. Fortenberry

43. Private First Class Nathan P. Brown

44. Sergeant Major Michael Boyd Stack

45. Lance Corporal Robert Paul Zurheide Jr.

46. Lance Corporal Brad S. Shuder

47. Private Noah L. Boye

48. Corporal Kevin T. Kolm

49. Staff Sergeant Victor A. Rosaleslomeli

50. Specialist Richard K. Trevithick

51. Sergeant Christopher Ramirez

52. Specialist Frank K. Rivers Jr.

53. Staff Sergeant Jimmy J. Arroyave

54. Sergeant Brian M. Wood

55. Specialist Dennis B. Morgan

56. Specialist Michael A. McGlothin

57. Specialist Marvin A. Camposiles

58. Private First Class Clayton Welch Henson

59. First Lieutenant Robert L. Henderson II

60. Sergeant Jonathan N. Hartman

61. Staff Sergeant Edward W. Carman

62. Lance Corporal Gary F. Van Leuven

63. Lance Corporal Ruben Valdez Jr.

64. Lance Corporal Michael J. Smith Jr.

65. Captain Richard J. Gannon II

66. Corporal Christopher A. Gibson

67. Private First Class Leroy Harris-Kelly

68. First Sergeant Bradley C. Fox

69. Specialist Christopher D. Gelineau

70. Corporal Jason L. Dunham

71. Private First Class Shawn C. Edwards

72. Staff Sergeant Cory W. Brooks

73. Petty Officer Third Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal

74. Petty Officer Second Class Christopher E. Watts

75. Petty Officer First Class Michael J. Pernaselli

76. Staff Sergeant Stacey C. Brandon

77. Staff Sergeant Billy J. Orton

78. Chief Warrant Officer Patrick W. Kordsmeier

79. Captain Arthur L. ``Bo'' Felder

80. Specialist Kenneth A. Melton

81. Lance Corporal Aaron C. Austin

82. Sergeant Sherwood R. Baker

83. Sergeant Lawrence A. Roukey

84. Staff Sergeant Abraham D. Penamedina

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished Members from both sides of the aisle who have participated tonight. I would also like to thank the veterans and their families who have contacted my office to express their support for this effort, and other Members' office.

Unfortunately, a single hour is not enough time to recognize each of our fallen citizens. My colleagues and I will continue this tribute on Monday evening for as many tomorrows as it takes to properly thank those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation.

I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of my colleagues to thank the brave men and women who continue to serve our Nation in both Iraq, Afghanistan, and overseas. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families in these times.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment. The irony of this amendment would be amusing if its implications were not so serious. On one hand, we are providing SCAAP funding to help our States and localities incarcerate criminal aliens that pose a danger to our communities; yet, on the other hand, the gentleman's amendment would make it harder for our State and local law enforcement agencies to catch criminals in the first place.

Many law enforcement agencies have carefully built a relationship of trust with their immigrant communities over the years. If we were to damage this trust by confusing a State's law enforcement roles with Federal immigration enforcement roles, we would be hampering the ability of our police departments to perform their primary function: protecting communities from crime.

That is why police departments in our districts do not want this amendment. The amendment would have a chilling effect on immigrants' willingness to report crimes and cooperate with government overall, because immigrants are less likely to come forward with tips or to testify as witnesses if doing so could lead to deportation or other adverse consequences.

The effects of the amendment would be devastating. Law enforcement agencies, whether performing counterterrorism or other public safety functions, must rely on cooperation from immigrant communities to operate effectively. Furthermore, the harm of this amendment would extend beyond law enforcement. Public health could be

harmed if, out of fear of being reported to the INS, immigrants were reluctant to make use of State and local services.

For instance, I imagine many communities throughout the Nation consider it in the best interest of all of its residents, documented or not, to ensure that everyone gets a vaccine shot for their children from city hospitals. If an undocumented person were presented a choice between deportation and risking illness, I am sure that person would make a choice that is not in the best interest of the community.

In closing, please understand law enforcement gets information and wants information from the immigrant community. If they now become Federal immigration officers, that information will not be forthcoming.

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

I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).

I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

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

I understand that, Mr. Chairman, and with a prior agreement, I do not know if it was manifested through the Chair, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan) has ceded that position to me for the time being.

Then I will stand corrected and very quietly sit down.

Mr. Chairman, I also rise in opposition to the amendment. I think that as our country asks other nations throughout the world to join us in the fight against terrorism, we should be trying in every way possible to bring people closer to us, not to separate ourselves.

Now, granted, there are many people here, and many people throughout the diplomatic world, that have problems and concerns about the way the U.N. is functioning right now; but it is still better to be a very active member of the U.N. rather than in opposition to the U.N.

The U.N. is still the only body on Earth capable of dealing with so many of these issues. And rather than run them out of town, rather than continue to put ourselves in arrears, which we, under the leadership of the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Wolf), accomplished recently, to take our country out of arrears at the U.N. in terms of our dues, this would put us right back in; and I just think it is the wrong message.

Are there problems? Yes. Should we address them? Absolutely. Should we demand reform? Absolutely. But we do not demand reform by withdrawing, but rather by staying involved.