Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Mr. Purvis Young, one of South Florida's most storied artists. He transformed a troubled life with brush strokes, painting the joys and sorrows of his people on objects discarded in his Overtown neighborhood. Because of his great talent, he received international recognition.

Born February 2, 1943 in Miami's Liberty City to Vera Mae Wright, Mr. Young learned the art of drawing as a young boy watching his maternal Uncle Irving who was a figurative artist. He picked up his first paintbrush at the age of 20. Mr. Young attended school up to the 8th grade during which time he swam at Dixie Park (now called Gibson Park) and he was invited to paint a mural on the Overtown Library, adjacent to the pool. With the guidance of two of Miami-Dade Public Library System's finest, Barbara Young (Librarian Curator of the Permanent Collection, Art Services and Exhibitions Programs) and Margarita Cano (Administrator of Community Relations), Mr. Young buried himself amongst the books, hungry for knowledge that could explain the world to him.

For the first 50 years of his life, Mr. Young remained within the county lines of Miami. It was not until his 6th decade that he traveled to other states and cities and learned that he was famous, a fact he missed while art dealers encouraged him to seclude himself in his studio. A self-taught artist, Mr. Young enjoyed telling the story of how he turned his life around in the mid-1960s by painting vibrant murals and conceptualizing mixed-media expressionist works. He said he found his calling after serving a prison term for breaking and entering when an angel told him, ``This is not your life.''

Mr. Young completed most of his work at night and created exquisite, thoughtful art from garbage he plucked off the streets of Overtown. Environmentally conscious and unwilling to contribute to further deforestation, Mr. Young's ``canvases'' were made of recycled products including found wood, discarded library books, old political posters, used furniture and various surplus items from construction sites. He painted with latex, acrylic, enamel, and combinations of new paint blended with old paint that he had for 25 years or more. His work was famous for intensely colored urban landscapes, drawings and mixed-media constructions.

Today, Mr. Young's work is in more than 60 public collections and numerous private ones--in 2006 alone he had six exhibitions. His work hangs in The Bass Museum of Art (Miami); American Folk Art Museum (New York); The Corcoran Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.); High Museum of Art (Atlanta): Lowe Art Museum (University of Miami); Museum of Fine Arts (Houston); New Orleans Museum of Art; Philadelphia Museum of Art; the Smithsonian American Art Museum among many. On December 24, 2006, the Sun-Sentinel's Emma Trelles named the Boca Raton Museum of Art's Purvis Young exhibition #1 in the art category for the year in South Florida. Several of his works are part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

``Purvis was one of the great geniuses of American art, a remarkable figure,'' said Jacquelyn Serwer, chief curator of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, which breaks ground in 2012. ``He wasn't particularly nurtured, yet was driven to do this work. He was just one of those people who was born with this extraordinary vision and stayed true to it, producing work that had a kind of mythical quality to it.''

Mr. Young is survived by his long-time companion, Eddie Mae Lovest, four daughters, Kenyatta, Kentranice, Taketha and Elisha, and 13 grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Betty Rodriguez and Shirley Byrd, and a brother, Irvin Byrd.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed legislative body to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Dr. Purvis Young. I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Young for his invaluable services and tireless dedication to the South Florida arts community. Mr. Young's life was a triumph and he will be missed by all who knew him. I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to him before the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate Florida Parent Teacher Association, PTA on receiving the 2010 Outstanding Advocacy Awards. Their advocacy efforts at state, local and individual levels were recognized because of their dedication, leadership and sustained efforts to positively affect child related policy, regulation and legislation. This association serves a critical role in helping to provide the best possible educational environment for our students throughout Florida.

As the largest volunteer child advocacy association in the nation, the PTA reminds our country of its obligations to children and provides parents and families with a powerful voice to speak on behalf of every child while providing the best tools for parents to help their children be successful students.

It is important to recognize that Florida PTA is being honored for their efforts while facing proposed education budget cuts. The state PTA formed a coalition with major education groups during these efforts. Unfortunately, Florida ranks near the bottom in the country in school funding. But, Florida PTA's initiatives created sustained advocacy and generated new-found enthusiasm for parents and local PTAs to work together for education funding for Florida children. Advocates sent more than 3,000 letters of protest to the Florida Governor and state legislators, held regular conference calls with regional and local PTAs, developed an advocacy toolkit, and held one of the largest rallies at the state Capitol steps. As a result of Florida's PTA efforts, Florida legislators did not reduce education funding as proposed.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Florida Parent Teacher Association for their outstanding achievement. The dedicated involvement from parents throughout Florida reflects a strong commitment to public education and community service. I offer my strong support for Florida PTA and their dedicated volunteers.

Madam Speaker. Today I rise to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Ms. Sallie Hicks, a constituent in the Congressional district I represent who was known for her contagious, spiritual and endearing personality. It is with both profound sadness, but also an enduring sense of gratitude that I recognize her for the tremendous inspiration she provided to the South Florida community.

Ms. Hicks was born on April 6, 1913 in Chipley, Florida to the late Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Hicks. She was the second child of 14 siblings. Her early years were spent in Chipley until her family moved to Live Oak, Florida where she attended Suwannee County Public Schools.

Affectionately known as ``Dr. Sally'', Ms. Hicks was employed by the Mary Elizabeth Hotel. Upon retiring, she began a second career as a caregiver at Betty's Sunshine and Sunset Daycare. Soon thereafter, she established her own daycare in her home. She created a loving home, gave guidance, potty trained, and provided health information. Most importantly, all of her children were loved. She was the surrogate grandmother to more than 15 children.

Moreover, Ms. Hicks was a faithful member at Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church since the early 1950s.

Ms. Hicks was blessed with a loving family who took pleasure in every aspect of her life and her interests. I offer my heartfelt condolences to her two daughters, Eveline and Cathia; granddaughter, Kimberly; and great-granddaughter, Evelyn.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed legislative body to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Ms. Sallie Hicks. She will be missed by all who knew her, and I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to her before the United States House of Representatives. While she will indeed be missed, her legacy, as well as the outstanding contributions she made to Greater Bethel A.M.E Church and the South Florida community will live on.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to thank and recognize the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue Team, Florida Task Force 2 (``USAR Team''), for their humanitarian efforts during the Haiti earthquake crisis. I commend them for their immediate response to those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.

The City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue Team was deployed to Haiti after the devastating earthquake hit the island approximately 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince. The USAR Team conducted successful search and rescue operations while in Haiti.

The USAR Team is capable of conducting the following type of operations: conducting physical search and rescue operations in damaged/collapsed structures, flooded areas, and transportation accident scenes; providing emergency medical care at disaster sites for trapped victims; carrying out reconnaissance duties to assess damage and determine needs in order to provide feedback to all agencies involved; providing disaster communication support using state of the art satellite systems; conducting hazardous materials surveys/ evaluations of affected areas; and assisting in stabilizing damaged structures, including sorting and cribbing operations.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding and honoring the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue Team, Florida Task Force 2 (``USAR Team'') for their unyielding determination and work as first responders to victims of disasters from all hazards. The work of the USAR Team is an important part of South Florida's contribution to the recovery of Haiti. I offer my sincere gratitude for their selfless dedication to this cause.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to tell a heartwarming story of two young soccer players united in their common humanity.

Bryane Heaberlin is a sixteen-year-old goalkeeper from St. Petersburg, Florida playing on the U.S. under-17 soccer team. Alexandra Cosby is the goalkeeper on Haiti's under-17 team. Last week, after the U.S. defeated Haiti at the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Cup in Costa Rica, the young women embraced in an emotional moment replayed around the world.

When Alexandra started crying at the end of the game, Bryane immediately understood. Still recovering from the effects of a devastating earthquake in her homeland, Alexandra and her teammates suffered through unspeakable tragedy. Bryane, understanding her team's victory was bittersweet, gave Alexandra a hug. They cried together. Soon after, both teams embraced in an emotional display of solidarity and friendship.

The story of Bryane and Alexandra is a testament to the enduring union and the generosity of spirit between the United States and Haiti. Our nations are neighbors and partners in an increasingly interdependent world. As young Bryane said after the game, ``I did not think about the game at that moment . . . I simply thought about the hard times she had faced and everything she had lost. I thought that when the game was over, she had to come back to reality, that the game was her way of forgetting about everything for 90 minutes.'' Furthermore, Bryane's parents, Bryan and Gretchen along with the Clearwater Soccer Club and their daughter's school, delivered a 70- pound care package to the Haitian women's team.

Madam Speaker, as the representative of more Haitian Americans than any other member of Congress, I am compelled to share this story with my constituents and the broader public. Our community is hurting, but reading this story by John Cotey in the St. Petersburg Times gave me hope that brighter days are ahead for Haiti. These two young women are living examples of how sports bring us together in our common humanity. I applaud their compassion and grace in the face of adversity. Let us not forget their example as our nations move forward together.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Mrs. Frankie Drayton Thomas. It is with both profound sadness, but also an enduring sense of gratitude that I recognize her for the tremendous inspiration she provided to the South Florida community--specifically to the Broward Democratic Party.

Mrs. Thomas was born in West Palm Beach, Florida to Iola and Frank Drayton. She attended public schools and graduated in 1946 as an honor student from Industrial High School. In order to further her education, she attended Howard University in Washington, DC and graduated in 1950. She received a Master's degree in Public Administration from Florida International University. Subsequent to that time, she returned to West Palm Beach and became the first black college trained social worker hired by the Department of Public Welfare. She enjoyed a fruitful and productive career as a social worker having worked both in the State of Washington and Florida. In 1995, she retired from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services as Director of Resource Development and Volunteer Services.

In an effort to complement her professional achievements, Mrs. Thomas was involved in many political, social and family endeavors such as co- founder, national president and executive director of the Charmettes Inc., which has 19 chapters both nationally and internationally; founding president of the Northwest Democratic Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Board of Directors of the Urban League; the first African- American female in the nation to be head of the Board of Directors of South East Hospice; and Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of America.

Additionally, Mrs. Thomas was on the management team of the Democratic Broward County Executive Committee and served as the First Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party. She also served as Parliamentarian for the Broward County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She organized and executed many political forums and helped with many campaigns including Governor Bob Graham, Congressman Alcee Hastings, many of the Broward County Commissioners and School Board Members, Sheriff Ken Jenne, Attorney General Bob Butterworth, and President William J. Clinton.

Mrs. Thomas was blessed with a loving family who took pleasure in every aspect of her life and her interests. She is survived by her husband, James Thomas Sr. This union produced two children, James Thomas Jr. and Iola Thomas Mosley, and seven grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed legislative body to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Mrs. Frankie Drayton Thomas. I am honored to pay tribute to Mrs. Thomas for her invaluable services and tireless dedication to the South Florida community. She will be missed by all who knew her, and I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to her before the United States House of Representatives. While she will indeed be missed, her legacy will live on and the outstanding contributions she made to the betterment of Broward Democratic Party will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Gospel AM 1490 WMBM. Since its inception in 1995, WMBM's leadership and staff have continued to serve as an important communications tool for the south Florida community. The listeners are fortunate to have a radio station committed to keeping them informed and entertained.

Acquired by New Birth Broadcasting, Inc. on March 10, 1995, WMBM has remained the only 24-hour gospel station in the Miami-Dade area. For the past 15 years, WMBM has distinguished itself through the breadth and depth of its programming, as well as through its unwavering dedication and service to its many listeners throughout the 17th Congressional district.

With talk programming such as Spirit and Soul: Compassion, Business Showcase: Business in the Black, Business Showcase, Tuesday Talk, Spirit and Soul: Victorious Life Management, Spirit and Soul: Sister to Sister, and Spirit and Soul: Brother to Brother--it is quite clear of WMBM's commitment to provide up-to-the-minute news, empowering its listeners, and playing inspirational and encouraging gospel music.

Moreover, as the first Black-owned and operated radio station in South Florida, WMBM currently has a coverage map of over 1,500,000 homes and businesses. WMBM is also one of the first radio stations to stream its broadcast via the internet.

In 2007, WMBM was the recipient of the Stellar Award Radio Station of the Year, which is a premier gospel event that recognizes and honors African-American artists, companies and organizations in the field of gospel music.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding and honoring the 15th Anniversary of Gospel AM 1490 WMBM as it celebrates 15 years of dedicated fellowship through its radio station. WMBM has forged an impressive reputation for quality programming and integrity. It is my hope that WMBM continues to stand as a beacon of resolve, inspiration and worship for many years to come. I wish them many more years of outstanding achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman, the ranking member, and all of the Members that are cosponsors on House Resolution 1066.

I can't tell you how important this resolution is going to be for our men and women in uniform, not only those in the armed services, Mr. Speaker, but those that are serving as urban rescue personnel throughout this great country of ours.

I can tell you, being a Member of Congress that got to Port-au-Prince shortly after the event took place, seeing some of the loss of life that took place; seeing some of the people that were in desperation because they were without shelter and under blankets that they were using for tents; seeing a number of nongovernmental organizations trying to check their personnel, making sure that they are secure and rescue their personnel and help the Haitian people at the same time; but seeing our military stand up in a way, moving very fast, expeditiously to Haiti under the command of Southern Command, and also seeing a number including our Coast Guard that was one of the first on the scene; the urban rescue teams that came from not only L.A. County, but Fairfax County in Virginia, Miami-Dade County, New York City, and a number of other areas throughout this great country of ours responded to the needs of the Haitian people, and I can tell you that it was an outpouring of love and outstanding work on behalf of our men and women.

Madam Speaker, I just want to say that I had a chance to go out with the urban rescue team from Miami-Dade County. There were some 40 individuals. They came recently and presented me with this helmet with all of their signatures on it, just to tell them how much we appreciate the fact that we appreciate them for the work that they were able to do. But I have watched these men and women from the south Florida area work 20 hours saving lives, save not only a 2-year-old little girl and reunited her with her father, but there are a number of those kinds of stories that are scattered, and the work that our men and women in uniform have done as relates to saving lives throughout Haiti, but also as it relates to our first responders that are our urban rescue teams, one of the best units on the face of this Earth.

I am glad Chairman Skelton and the ranking member took the time to allow us to bring this bill to the floor, 1066, to let those individuals know how much we appreciate them, those that are in the armed services, those that are our first responders, those in the recovery process in Haiti right now.

Being from Florida, Madam Speaker, I can tell you that the international response to Haiti is key. It was kicked off by many of our men and women in uniform and those that are first responders. It is an international response now, and it is very important that we continue in that spirit.

With that, I want to thank, Madam Speaker, the ranking member, and all of the Members that signed on to this bill to let these men and women know how much we truly appreciate their help and also their families' sacrifices for allowing them to serve our country and be goodwill ambassadors at a time when the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere needed us most.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank all of the Members that are here and the bipartisan support that we have for this great piece of legislation to not only incentivize Americans who continue to do what they have already done, to be able to help the people of Haiti, to be able to take off their contribution or get the tax benefit for giving in their 2009 taxes. I think it is important that we have a strong vote on this piece of legislation.

The Haitian people--I was just there. I spent 2 days on the ground there. Humanitarian workers are working so hard, and the majority of these nongovernmental organizations that people can contribute to are doing the best work on the ground as it relates to the feeding and providing of comfort for the Haitians that are in desperate need of international support at this time. Madam Speaker, I would go even further to say hats off to our emergency response and urban rescue people that are really saving lives every day.

With the contributions that Americans give to organizations that are doing great work on the ground, coupled with the Congress and the House's action today of passing this legislation to allow some benefit to that individual for their contribution, will feed into a better response and a better recovery, not only for Haiti, but to also continue to fulfill our humanitarian commitment to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

So I commend the chairman, the rest of the leadership that signed on to this bill, Republican Whip Cantor, and a number of others that are on the Ways and Means Committee for this bipartisan effort. Thank you so very much.

I am pleased to be a co-sponsor on Chairman Rangel, Majority Whip Clyburn, Ranking Member Camp, and Republican Whip Cantor's bi-partisan bill that will provide an incentive for our citizens to contribute monetary donations to the relief efforts following the devastating January 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti.

I filed an almost identical bill yesterday, H.R. 4467--with many co- sponsors.

Under this bill, if a citizen makes a cash contribution before March 1, 2010, they can take the charitable contribution deduction off of their 2009 income taxes, obviously decreasing their 2009 tax liability.

The American people have shown an outpouring of support for the Haitian people during their most vulnerable moment.

There have been countless donations from individual Americans offering whatever help they can.

Now is the time to give an added boost to the nation's charitable spirit by accelerating income tax benefits for Americans making donations.

I just returned from Haiti, witnessing first hand the horror and devastation of the earthquake.

I represent more Haitian Americans than any other Member of Congress, and my district includes Little Haiti in Miami.

With so many of my constituents in pain, I am happy to be a part of this effort to help the Haitian people and all victims of this disaster.

This bill will not only help increase contributions.

But as the bill only applies to cash contributions, the bill encourages the much needed cash to be donated.

Since the night of the earthquake, I have fielded regular calls from constituents who were stranded, and lost loved ones in Haiti.

Last Thursday night in Miami, I convened in four hours an emergency community wide meeting attended by 300 plus people to coordinate the rescue effort amongst first responders, relief experts, and the Haitian American community in Miami.

On Saturday I met with Vice President Biden in Miami in Little Haiti and then again at Homestead Reserve Base in Homestead Florida.

On Saturday night, I bought my own 1 way ticket from Miami to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on American Airlines.

I landed at 12:30 a.m. (Sunday morning), secured a drive from a Dominican local and together they drove through the night to the Dominican-Haiti border and then crossed into Haiti during sun up arriving at the airport at around 7a EST on Sunday.

Never have I seen such devastation.

I witnessed the rescue of a young 2 year old that has moved me emotionally like nothing before.

Also, let's not forget that Haiti has come to America's aid before.

As an ally Haiti has been instrumental in the forming of our union.

In the Revolutionary war, Haitians fought with Americans for our independence.

Even as recently as 2005, Haiti again came to the aid of ailing Americans as the country offered support in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

I am pleased to be a part of this legislation that will help boost our help to Haiti.

What the Chairman's bill (and your bill) does:

This bill will accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Under current law, a taxpayer is allowed to deduct charitable contributions in the taxable year the contribution is made.

The bill asks for an exception to this for cash contributions made to the Haitian relief efforts: A taxpayer who contributes a cash contribution in January or February, 2010, will be allowed to take the charitable contribution deduction in the 2009 taxable year instead of having to wait for the 2010 taxable year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce before the House of Representatives, the War Bonds Act of 2009. War bonds are a cost-effective way to reduce our dependence on foreign creditors and create an outlet for Americans to express their patriotism and support for our servicemembers as well as the security mission for which they are deployed.

To be sure, thousands of Americans have made tremendous sacrifices over the course of this war. Members of the military, their families, and their friends have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and we must never take their service for granted. Many of us have begun shopping for our friends and families this holiday season, while a relatively small group of families are preparing to send their loved ones off to battle.

We have an opportunity to bridge that disconnection. We have an opportunity to open our wallets and provide gifts, big or small, to our troops. These funds will go toward more than war machinery, but to clothing, feeding, securing, and providing medical services for our service men and women abroad. It will allow them the means to make quick work of their mission and to return home safely to their families. The War Bonds Act of 2009 will allow Americans to show their support for the troops even if they are wary about the war itself.

We also need to responsibly finance the increase in troop levels rather than continuing deficit spending for the mission. Each soldier, sailor, airman, and marine that we send abroad costs $1 million per deployment. A 34,000 person troop increase could raise our Afghanistan tab by some $40 billion per year, affecting our ability to invest domestically and to rebuild our military from the wear of the Iraq war. In past wars, Congress has raised taxes to fund most of our fighting, but since 9/11 the war bills have been piling up. Our engagements in the Middle East have been financed primarily by debt, money borrowed from foreign countries. In fact, nearly $3.5 trillion--46 percent of U.S. debt--is held by foreign investors.

War bonds allow us to borrow from ourselves, rather than other countries. United States savings bonds are considered some of the safest investments in the world. They are available in predetermined denominations and mature over a period of time while accruing interest. After a number of years, the owner of the bond can collect the face value cost of the bond plus interest. All U.S. savings bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

The legislation I am introducing today will allow American citizens to do our part without being required to do so through taxation. The legislation will authorize the Treasury to issue and market war bonds to the American people to help finance the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

I believe that we need shared sacrifice and fiscal discipline in financing the war effort. Where we have sacrificed our future with billions of dollars of deficit spending on the war, we can begin bringing down that deficit with much smaller individual sacrifices now.

The U.S. War Bonds Act of 2009 finds a precedent in World War II savings bonds. From May 1, 1941, through December 1945, the War Finance Division and its predecessors were responsible for the sale of nearly $186 billion worth of government securities. Of this, more than $54 billion was in the form of war savings bonds.

I believe that the same patriotism is alive and well today, and that as a Nation and a people we have not lost the will to make collective sacrifices for the greater good. The men and women in the U.S. military are fighting year-round in faraway places, with their sacrifices and those of their families beyond comprehension. I believe that in that same spirit, Americans will be able to use war bonds to offer a token of respect, admiration, and support for those in uniform who show the same for us every day of their lives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a poetic tribute in honor of our

Magnificent Armed Forces and their Splendid Families this Christmas and holiday season. And for all of the ones who are so separated by the miles, so very far across the shores. Our hearts, especially go out to all of those families who have lost their greatest loves of all, in the defense of our nation. And to all of those recovering from the grave wounds of war we pray for their speedy recovery. Bless them all! I ask that this poem penned by Albert Caswell be placed in the Record in honor of them as follows:

This Christmas . . .

As the snow falls to the ground. . . .

And all of our children dance, with songs of joy so all

around . . .

With stockings hung by the chimneys with care. . . .

With all of those hopes and dreams, of Santa there . . .

With Christmas dinners and fires all aglow, as before this

family a feast lies so . . .

A child is born, for all to know!

But, remember . . . remember . . . remember all of those . .

.

Those families! Those Patriots of Peace, all them, all of

these . . .

The ones, who this Christmas will not together be . . .

Who upon battlefields of honor fight!

So far away from our Country Tis of Thee, this night . . .

Men and Women of such honor bright, who for all of us . . .

so carry that fight . . .

Who live with such heartache and death, as on each new day

their honor blesses . . .

As they bless us all, with all their gifts of selflessness .

. .

And all of those ones, whose greatest of all loves . . . now

so lie in soft quiet graves . . .

Precious Daughters and Sons, Husbands and Wives . . .

Fathers and Mothers, Sisters and Brothers who so gave . . .

Who so gave That Last Full Measure . . . did they!

Whose loved ones pain, can not be healed by time, nor so

divided . . .

Who on this Christmas morning, sit with tears in eyes . . .

With one less place set at the dinner table this year . . .

as they cry . . .

And all of those who have come home, without arms and legs .

. .

Blessing us with their fine gifts of courage displayed!

Making us all so see, just how magnificent and inspiring a

heart can be!

And all of those with loved ones, who are so far across the

shores . . .

As each new day but brings such great worry . . . sure . . .

But, waiting . . . but waiting for, that knock on the door .

. .

That phone call, that they now not so pray for . . .

Quiet Heroes, one and all!

Watching them from Heaven, The Angel's tear drops fall . . .

Lord God, Lord God . . . Bless Them . . . Bless Them All!

For So Many, So Few Have But Paid The Cost!

So bore the burden, so carry that cross! That cross of war!

This Christmas, as you hold your families tight . . .

And seem so fine, and so very right . . .

And you see those smiles, of your children very bright . . .

Give thanks, Give praise . . . as upon your knees fall and

pray . . .

For all of those families, who've sacrificed . . . and

blessings of freedom they gave!

This Christmas . . .

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a poetic tribute in honor of our magnificent Armed Forces and their splendid families this Hanukkah, and holiday season. And for all of the ones who are so separated by the miles so very far across the shores. Our hearts, especially go out to all of those families who have lost their greatest loves of all, in the defense of our Nation. And to all of those recovering from the grave wounds of war we pray for their speedy recovery. Bless them all! I ask that this poem penned by Albert Caswell be placed in the Record in honor of them as follows:

This Hanukkah

This Hanukkah . . .

As the family gathers round . . .

All in This Festival of Lights to be found . . .

All in this time of remembrance, as described in the Talmud

of long . . . long ago . . .

With eights days of light and remembrance, of events so

miraculous so . . .

As the children dance with songs of joy, and the love of your

family grows . . .

Reciting Hallel prayer, and the games, as the Dreidels spin

there so . . .

We should also remember, this other miracle of all of those .

. .

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the humanitarian assistance efforts of the U.S. Southern Command, whose headquarters is in south Florida.

Last week, El Salvador was hit with torrential rain storms, causing massive flooding and mudslides that devastated parts of that country.

Nearly 200 people were killed. Many thousands more were left stranded and in immediate need of assistance.

The very next day--the same day our Nation paused to celebrate Veterans Day--U.S. troops deployed nearby in Honduras boarded helicopters bound for the affected areas. These troops spent their Veterans' Day partnering with their counterparts in El Salvador, supporting them in saving lives and fulfilling a mission of cooperation that continues to serve our Nation well.

In just four days our troops distributed more than 217,000-pounds of aid to villages completely isolated due to damaged roads and bridges. They brought food, water, milk, clothing and other emergency necessities.

I understand that these airlifts were the only source of lifesaving supplies for the stranded village.

So, Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my thoughts and prayers to the people of El Salvador, and to also express my appreciation and admiration for the members of U.S. Southern Command.

Madam Speaker, today I rise on behalf of American consumers who have contacted me about their discontent regarding bank overdraft fee policies. Most, if not all, of these individuals are everyday Americans who regularly monitor their spending and account usage. Unfortunately, many of these individuals are victims of unfair and excessive overdraft fees charged by banks.

In light of these many concerns, I believed that it was imperative to speak to citizens directly in an open forum about their worries and how Congress should act on their behalf. I hosted an online chat session this past week where American consumers had the opportunity to share their stories with me. This issue was first raised on a local level by Mike Holfeld, an investigative reporter at WKMG in Orlando.

If the Speaker would allow, I would like to relay a few of their stories:

Kathryn McCarrey is a 32-year-old mother of two from Groveland, Florida who has been a customer with Bank of America since 2005. She complained that she has been unfairly charged hundreds of dollars in overdraft fees over the past 2 years. She stated, ``Just last week I printed my screen with [my] bank balance 3 days in a row to prove that the bank was charging erroneous fees . . . I cannot afford to continue giving money to the bank!''

Lauren Fant is a University of Central Florida student and customer at SunTrust Bank. She was fined three consecutive overdraft charges of $39 in August for three transactions that only went through a week after she made them. Although her overdraft amount was only $12, her fees totaled $117.

David Spatzer, also from Orlando, was hit with over $700 worth of charges in the past 2 months. When he went to his bank for help, he was told to take out a loan at 12 percent interest. He collects monthly Social Security checks while also working at Disney World. His checking account, however, approves transactions even when he does not have enough of a balance in his account.

Floridians and individuals throughout our Nation are currently going through similar circumstances as Kathyrn, Lauren and David. Congress needs to institute proper notification features at the point of transaction in cases of possible overdraft.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the consumers mentioned above and the numerous others who reached out to me about their concerns on bank overdraft fee policies, I implore all members of this esteemed legislative body to work toward providing consumers with the safeguards necessary to make educated financial decisions without being charged exorbitant and unfair bank overdraft fees by their banks.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize LCDR Pia Sermonia Woodley for her 20 years of service as a Medical Services Corps Officer as she retires on December 4. She has had a long and admirable career, worthy of distinction and worthy of our gratitude.

In the 20 years that Lieutenant Commander Woodley served as a Medical Services Officer, she deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, has been awarded numerous awards and citations, and served as the Special Assistant to the Director of Administration at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth.

LCDR Pia Sermonia Woodley is a native Floridian born in Miami to Otis L. (deceased) and Beatrice S. Boston. A product of the inner city of Miami, she graduated from Miami Central Senior High School in 1984. She then attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida where she obtained her bachelors of science degree in Healthcare Management which in time led her to seek commissioning in the U.S. Navy. She earned her direct commission as a Medical Services Corps Officer in 1989.

She was first assigned to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. As a Division Officer in the Staff Education and Training Department, she worked as an Instructor, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. Her next tour of duty took her to the Far East at the Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. There she performed duties as a Division Officer in Materiels Management and then in Manpower. Selected to attend graduate school, she earned a Masters of Science degree in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. She applied her graduate level skills to the Chief, Imaging and Medical Support Equipment Branch at the Department of Defense Medical Standardization Board in Frederick, Maryland. Following these tours she returned to Florida and served as the Head of the Materials Management Department at Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida. Afterwards, she completed a third tour of duty in Maryland as the Program Manager of the Medical Support Directorate at the Naval Medical Logistics Command in Frederick, Maryland.

While serving as the Special Assistant to the Director of Administration, she earned a mid-tour assignment as the Logistics Officer for the Surgeon General of the Multi-National Forces-Iraq in Baghdad, Iraq. She culminated her last year of service as the Assistant Department Head of the Human Resources Management Department.

Her personal decorations include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Lieutenant Commander Woodley is honored to be the wife of Anthony Ray Woodley and the mother of Xavier Alan Woodley. She is the sister of Otis Alan Boston and Brandy Othea Sermon Boston and childhood friend of Sara Bellamy. And we thank her family for the strength and support they have provided here as she has provided the same for this Nation.