Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the service and contributions of Colonel Paul Grosskruger of the United States Army Corps of Engineers--Jacksonville District as he passes Command to Colonel Pantano and prepares to retire from military service. He has had a long and admirable career, worthy of distinction and worthy of our gratitude.

Colonel Grosskruger assumed command of the Jacksonville District on July 25, 2006 and it has been my distinct pleasure to work closely with him for these past several years. Most notably, I have worked with Colonel Grosskruger on the Merrill-Stevens Expansion Project and was also fortunate to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they completed the restoration of Virginia Key Beach. Each time, Colonel Grosskruger impressed us with his clarity, candor and fairness. Colonel Andrew Pantano has large new responsibilities to fill, but from reading his resume and noting his experiences, I am confident that he will be more than up to the task.

Below is a brief biographical sketch of Colonel Grosskruger's long and distinguished career. We have come to expect nothing less than great things of this career officer and we look forward to hearing from Colonel Grosskruger again, though as a private citizen. I know that many members of Florida's delegation join me in wishing him the best as he enters this new stage of life and we have every confidence that Colonel Pantano will continue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-- Jacksonville District's fine tradition.

Born and raised in eastern Iowa, Colonel Grosskruger was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1983. Colonel Grosskruger is a graduate of the U.S. Army Engineer Basic and Advance Courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering mechanics from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University. He is a registered professional engineer in both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Florida.

His assignments include platoon leader, battalion S2 officer and company executive officer in the 317th Engineer Battalion, Eschborn, Germany; company commander and battalion S4 officer in the 82d Engineer Battalion, Bamberg, Germany; company commander of the 535th Engineer Company (Combat Support Equipment), Grafenwoehr, Germany; project officer and deputy resident engineer in the Omaha Engineer District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Colorado Springs, Colorado; battalion executive officer, 317th Engineer Battalion, Fort Benning, Georgia; group operations officer, 36th Engineer Group, Fort Benning, Georgia; Instructor, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Chief of Engineer Operations and Assistant Corps Engineer, V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany; Commander of the 94th Engineer Combat Battalion, Vilseck, Germany, where he planned and conducted operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His prior assignment was as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Engineer School, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Colonel Grosskruger's awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (seventh award); the Army Commendation Medal (three awards and the ``V'' device); the Joint Commendation Medal; the Army Achievement Medal (fifth award); the NATO Medal; the Joint Meritorious Unit award; and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He has earned medals from Nicaragua and Poland. He has the U.S. and German parachutist badge and the air assault badge. His battalion earned the Presidential Unit Citation for service with the 3d Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

I would be remiss if I did not also take this opportunity to thank Colonel Grosskruger's wife and family for their support and dedication. It is a well known fact that the hardest job in the military is that of the military spouse; our service men and women would not be able to do what our country asks of them without the backbone of a loving family. Claudia Grosskruger is to be commended as much as Colonel Grosskruger for their work in service to this country and for their efforts in raising Jerry, 20 and Jennifer, 18.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and commend ADM James G. Stavridis of the United States Navy for his leadership of U.S. Southern Command. It has been a privilege to work so closely with Admiral Stavridis over these past few years and I know that many of my colleagues join me in congratulating him on a job well done and in wishing him well as he moves on to his new position as the Commander of U.S. European Command, USEUCOM, and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, SACEUR.

Admiral Stavridis served as the Commander of SOUTHCOM from October 19, 2006, until June 25, 2009, with distinction. His efforts in SOUTHCOM's area of focus have paid rich dividends in how the United States is viewed by nations in that area, it has greatly enhanced our relationships with military partners in the nations of that region and in how we intertwine our diplomatic, humanitarian, economic and military means to achieve our strategic goals.

As his official biography states, Admiral Stavridis is a 1976 distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a native of south Florida. A Surface Warfare Officer, Admiral Stavridis commanded the Destroyer USS Barry DDG-52 from 1993-1995, completing deployments to Haiti, Bosnia, and the Persian Gulf. Barry won the Battenberg Cup as the top ship in the Atlantic Fleet under his command. In 1998, he commanded Destroyer Squadron 21 and deployed to the Persian Gulf, winning the Navy League's John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership. From 2002-2004, Admiral Stavridis commanded Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, conducting combat operations in the Persian Gulf in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Ashore, Admiral Stavridis has served as a strategic and long- range planner on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. At the start of the Global War on Terror, he was selected as the director of the Navy Operations Group, Deep Blue. He has also served as the executive assistant to the Secretary of the Navy and the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense. Admiral Stavridis earned a doctorate and a masters degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in International Relations in 1984, where he won the Gullion Prize as outstanding student. He is also a distinguished graduate of both the National and Naval War Colleges.

His background is tailor made for the challenges we currently face and his long record of admirable service and his distinguished command of U.S. Southern Command augur well on the success he will have in his new billet. I believe that at this sensitive juncture in our Nation's history, Admiral Stavridis is just the sort of individual that we should have in place at EUCOM and heading NATO. He is a firm believer in the juxtaposition of military power, economic power and diplomacy that will help implement a more intelligent future and application of `smart power.'

On a personal note, I have enjoyed tremendously working with Admiral Stavridis especially on our trips to Haiti together, drug interdiction in the Caribbean and also for the efforts he put forth to assisting hurricane victims in Florida. Despite the monumental task of pursuing the strategic goals of the Command, he continually made himself accessible to me and my staff by whatever means were available to him. I am thankful for the support he has offered to me and my staff on these and so many other occasions and I wish him and his family fair winds and following seas as he leaves south Florida.

Madam Speaker, I stand for the creation of new American jobs, for less dependence on foreign energy, and for a reduction in the carbon pollution that causes global warming.

This bill is about national security, creating jobs in a new energy economy, and defending consumers through a fiscally responsible bill with consumer protections.

These investments will also spur new jobs. The Political Economy Research Institute estimates that 3.5 jobs will be created in the new green job sector for every 1 job that is fossil fuel source based in Florida. This could mean over 94,000 jobs in Florida alone.

Too often our foreign policy decisions are affected by the regional stability of oil producing countries. In Iraq we are paying for our oil-centric obsession and Floridians have paid over $37 billion for the war there. This legislation offers incentives that promote energy efficiency and that will break our addiction to foreign oil. We must be focused on research and development for green technologies and end the obsession with crude oil that is fueling too much of our economy.

The bill is not perfect--few landmark bills are. Once the Senate takes up the bill later this year, this bill will be further improved and will address the shortcomings that exist in this version. My mission will be to ensure that the final legislation that is passed will include the necessary consumer protections to minimize price increases.

We cannot wait to act on climate change legislation. Florida is already experiencing eroding shorelines, flooding and dying coral reefs. In particular, the Everglades face severely altered water flows and harmful invasive species. This will also have a devastating impact on Florida's economy. In 2007, tourists flocking to Florida's beaches and other priceless environmental areas spent over $65 billion in Florida.

Without aggressively capping carbon emissions, the earth's temperature will continue to rise, causing more extreme storms and altered ocean conditions which will have a devastating effect on Florida's ecosystem.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) works to minimize price increases for consumers. On average the EPA estimates that this bill will cost an average household $98 to $140 per year in price increases, while holding those in the lowest income quintile harmless.

Without carbon emissions caps, we have seen energy prices fluctuate drastically. By regulating carbon intensive goods and creating a transparent market this bill will help to stabilize those prices and help protect consumers.

By investing in conservation, efficiency and renewables, Florida residents will see lower costs in energy though building weatherization improvement benefits, and energy efficiency savings.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 30th anniversary of Koinonia Worship Center in Pembroke Park, Florida. Since its inception, the Church has stood in the community as a symbol of perseverance and inspiration. This anniversary of Koinonia Worship Center marks a time of remembrance of a storied past and renewal for a bright future.

In January 1980, three families--the Jones', the Albury's and the Harvey's, of Carol City, Florida decided that they needed a closer walk with God and a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ. They began to meet on Monday nights for a Spirit filled Bible study at the home of Eric H. Jones, Jr. As the months passed, the study group increased in number and eventually outgrew the pastor's home. Under the leadership of Pastor Jones a ministry was established. A meeting was held with a Bible study group of West Hollywood, Florida, headed by Brother Irving Seymour and another Christian body from Hallandale, Florida. On June 1, 1982, Pastor Jones was asked to be the pastor and Irving Seymour was asked to be the evangelist.

The name Koinonia was suggested by Evangelist Irving Seymour. It was presented to the group and accepted. The membership also decided that the church would be a non-denominational worship center. and would be supported by tithes and offerings. The first services were held on June 13, 1982, at the Ramada Inn in Hallandale, Florida. On June 16, 1982, the business meeting was held at the home of Deacon Albury in Miami, Florida. The decisions on the Articles of Faith, the Church's constitution, bylaws, covenant and officers were made at the meeting.

The church's officers were: Pastor, Eric H. Jones, Jr.; Chairman of Deacons, Arnold Albury; Secretary, Elois Seymour; Clerk, Beverly Parks; Sunday School Superintendent, Irving Seymour; Minister of Education, Rosita Albury; Assistant Minister of Education, Bloneva Jones; Treasurer, Sonja Harvey; and Usher, Tyrone Pitts.

Koinonia began with 18 charter members, has moved from various locations, has grown to a membership of over 6,000, operates seven days a week, and has 27 ministries. Some of the ministries include: Prison, More Than Conquerors, Christian Men of Destiny, Women of Vision, Reaching Hands, and Economic Empowerment. Koinonia is known for reaching out to the oppressed, developing programs for the socially and economically outcast and presents a unique and clear methodology for salvation.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding and honoring Koinonia Worship Center as it celebrates 30 years of dedicated fellowship. Throughout the past 30 years, the clergy and members have dedicated themselves to providing spirituality, service and guidance to the Church and greater community of South Florida. Koinonia is a model for our community and our Nation. Koinonia has never wavered from the ministry of saving lost souls, preaching the gospel, feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, and reaching out and renewing the spirit of neighbors in need. It is my hope Koinonia continues to stand as a beacon of resolve, inspiration and worship for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Bishop Eustace S. Clarke and the members of Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy on their new sanctuary. Bishop Clarke led his congregation in celebrating the achievement of this beloved church, which has become a citadel of faith in the Miami-Dade County community.

In 1922, Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy began in a small community called Nazarene in the Northeast area of Miami, Florida. Their first pastor was the late Evangelist Andrew Bullard. He was then succeeded by the late Bishop J.R. Smith who served as pastor until 1930. During the mid-1930s, Brother Ed Rolle served as pastor until the late Bishop J.R. Smith returned and served again until 1939. Other pastors throughout the history of Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy include: the late Brother Hermis Ferguson, late Bishop Henry Curtis, late Bishop Theophilus Hunter, late Bishop J.D. Williams, Bishop R.B. Davis, and Bishop George H. Knowles.

In 1983, Bishop Eustace S. Clarke, the present pastor, joined the Church's family. A Jamaican native, Bishop Clarke came to the United States as a migrant worker for the Belle Glade, Florida Sugar Cane Corporation. Bishop Clarke married his wife, Mrs. Emily Clarke on March 25, 1962. After nearly 47 years of marital bliss, Bishop Clarke and his wife are blessed with 14 children. Bishop Clarke has remained the pastor for the past 26 years.

While serving at Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy, in 1999 Bishop Clarke began to follow through with his vision for a larger sanctuary. Groundbreaking for this endeavor began in 2000. Though there were many obstacles and unforeseen delays, the Church will now dedicate their completed ``House for God'' on June 28, 2009.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding and congratulating Bishop Eustace S. Clarke and the members of Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy on their new sanctuary. Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy has been dedicated to providing spirituality, service and guidance to the Church and greater community of South Florida. It is my hope that Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy continues to stand as a beacon of resolve, inspiration and worship for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Stephen T. Johns, an innocent man who lost his life while securing the countless people who stream into one of the national treasures in our capital city, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

In the building that was erected to preserve the memory of the martyrs and heroes of the Holocaust, the ugly face of bigotry cast a dark shadow over the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on June 10, 2009. The Museum is a place of stillness and personal reflection, and that calm was broken by a gunman who shattered that silence. People from around the country and the world come to that location to learn what the powerful phrase `Never Again' really means. Visitors take that message to their home communities to serve as spokespeople against bigotry, racism and hatred. That message needs to resonate throughout this country even more so today.

Though this senseless and hateful act of violence is deplorable and has tainted the Museum's stance as a poignant reminder of the millions of innocent people who lost their lives in the Holocaust, it is my hope that the hate that continues to exist in our country will soon cease.

The heroic security officers who put themselves in harm's way to protect the lives of Museum staff and patrons should be commended. Their courageous actions within a building that is synonymous with remembrance and a monument to those millions who died victimized by irrational hatred, saved more lives from being lost to that very same hatred.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed legislative body to join me in extending heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Stephen T. Johns. His life, service and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our nation must remain vigilant in our effort to defend against bigotry and heinous attacks such as this. I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute before the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Father Gerard Jean-Juste, a dedicated public servant, tireless community activist and one of south Florida's unsung heroes, who passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2009 in Miami, Florida. I will join his countless friends at his homegoing celebration on June 5, 2009 to be held at Miami's Notre Dame Catholic Church.

Father Jean-Juste, a Roman Catholic priest, led a 30-year crusade on behalf of both Haitian Americans and his countrymen in Haiti. In that effort, Jean-Juste walked a fine, tense line between spiritual adviser and political leader. One of south Florida and Haiti's most high- profile advocates, Father Jean-Juste symbolized the resilient and unyielding voice for those who were disenfranchised and bore the brunt of inequality of opportunity. Completely unselfish in his endeavors, he devoted himself as a community-builder and a catalyst par excellence. The authenticity of his stewardship on our behalf was defined by his utmost consecration to his calling as God's faithful servant, bringing laughter, hope and optimism to hundreds of ordinary folks and countless Haitian immigrants whose lives he deeply touched, never holding anyone at arm's length.

For many years, Father Jean-Juste ranked among the most visible and outspoken advocates for human rights. In the 1980s, he spoke out against the Duvalier dictatorship in Haiti, and since then against what he assailed as unfair treatment of Haitians seeking refuge in America. As a remarkable pillar, as well as our community's friend and confidant, he will be an indelible reminder of the noble commitment and awesome power of community service on behalf of the less fortunate. His faith was deep and genuine, and his love for us was real and unforgettable.

Indeed, Father Jean-Juste will be remembered and admired for his tireless, persistent and unwavering efforts on behalf of poor and marginalized people in south Florida. Many of my constituents' family and friends are in need of refuge, compassion and aid. Through his mission to put the cause of Haitian immigrants on the political forefront, Father Jean-Juste serves as the ideal role model for us to mold ourselves after.

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 Father Gerard Jean-Juste. Father Jean-Juste's life was a triumph and he was blessed with a loving family who took pleasure in every aspect of his life and his interests. I am honored to pay tribute to Father Jean-Juste for his invaluable services and tireless dedication to the south Florida and Haitian community. He will be missed by all who knew him, and I appreciate this opportunity to pay tribute to him before the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize that today, May 20, 2009, is Cuban Independence Day. On this day, many people in my home community of South Florida will mark the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of Cuban Independence Day. What was once a day of festivity and joy has become a day of nostalgia for a Cuba that once was free, but also of hope that it will soon regain its freedom.

As we continue to see political prisoners jailed in Cuba for peacefully expressing their rights and freedoms, we must remember that May 20, 1902, stood as a day of freedom and liberty after years of struggle and hardship.

Political prisoners today such as Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet and dissidents like Jorge Luis Garcia Perez ``Antunez'' hold strong unto their forefathers' passion for liberty and desire to live in a free and transparent democracy. While Dr. Biscet currently serves a 25-year prison sentence in Cuba, even from behind bars, he continues to promote democracy, social justice and liberty for all Cuban people.

Close friends, neighbors and many others who I grew up with are Cuban-Americans who have come to this country with little else beyond the clothes on their back and are now living the American Dream. I stand alongside these patriotic individuals as they mark May 20th in our State. They are men and women who love their adopted homeland, but long for their native land to allow them the freedoms they enjoy here. I offer them my solidarity on this special day.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize and extend my congratulations to Mr. Herman K. Williams on the occasion of his retirement from The Family Christian Association of America, Inc (FCAA) as the Founder and President/CEO. Mr. Williams can look back on a proud career of service and distinction in community leadership.

A native of Arcadia, Florida, Mr. Williams moved to South Florida at an early age. He graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1961. A talented athlete and scholar, Mr. Williams received scholarships in both athletics and academics. During his early college years, he was drafted by the Army, but opted for the United States Air Force, where he served a tour of duty in Europe. While in military service, he was involved in recreational and sporting activities, often spearheading leagues. Mr. Williams attended South Carolina State University and Florida Memorial College, where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in physical education. He also attended Nova Southeastern University, where he studied public administration.

In 1970, Mr. Williams began working with the YMCA of Greater Miami as the Executive Director of the G.W. Carver Branch, and later became the Senior Vice President for Operations. Following his vision of helping youths and their families, he founded The Family Christian Association of America, Inc. (FCAA) in February 1984 where he served as the President/CEO. Under his leadership, FCAA provides a variety of services and programs that serve youth and families in Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Alachua, and Highlands Counties. Some of the programs include Head Start and Early Head Start Child Development, after school care, youth development, sports, and the Black Achievers of Excellence program.

Mr. Williams founded the Florida Consortium of Black Faith Based Organizations, Inc. (FCOBFBO), which is a statewide organization that supports and enhances the efforts of its members to affect economic social and policy changes in their communities, in 1999. He served as the Chairman/CEO.

In an effort to complement his professional achievements, Mr. Williams is involved with various organizations such as past Board Chairman of the Florida Industries Credit Union, member of Zeta Royal Center Advisory Board, Society of Human Resource Management, National Society of Fundraising Executives, American Compensation Association, and Miami-Dade United Way Agency Resource Management Committee. This public servant is married to Mrs. Mary E. Williams.

Mr. Herman K. Williams is an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation. It is with deep respect and admiration that I commend Mr. Williams for over 25 years of dedicated services to the community, and wish him and his family the very best in retirement. Now, in retirement, he embarks upon new challenges in life and I am certain his legacy of greatness will only grow and develop as he enters this new phase of life.

Madam Speaker, today I want to express my deep gratification and support as the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center dedicates their building to Pfc. Bruce W. Carter, USMC. Although we can never truly do enough to honor his sacrifice, Pfc Bruce Carter, through the tireless efforts of his mother Georgi Carter Krell and so many others, will be remembered.

Pfc Carter, a member of the 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines 3rd Marine Division, died in the Quang Tri Canyon Province in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969. His Medal of Honor Citation reads in part that ``while pinned down by vicious crossfire, with complete disregard for his safety, he stood in full view of the North Vietnamese Army soldiers to deliver a devastating volume of fire at their positions. The accuracy and aggressiveness of his attack caused several enemy casualties and forced the remainder of the soldiers to retreat from the immediate area. Shouting directions to the marines around him, Pfc. Carter then commenced leading them from the path of the rapidly approaching brush fire when he observed a hostile grenade land between him and his companions. Fully aware of the probable consequences of his action but determined to protect the men following him, he unhesitatingly threw himself over the grenade, absorbing the full effects of its detonation with his body. Pfc. Carter's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.''

The citation speaks volumes. In this time when we have two wars ongoing, it is such a good reminder of the kind of person who serves this country and commits him or herself to the protection of others, even until death. I am sure that Georgi would be the first to say that although this Center is named for Pfc Carter, it is a testament to the legacy of all of our brave veterans. In her work as President of the Gold Star Mothers Inc, she knows better than most the toll that war can take on families and I also take this opportunity to thank her for her dedication and tireless work on behalf of our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a cosponsor on this Resolution that recognizes May as ``National Foster Care Month'' and acknowledges that the House of Representatives should continue to work to improve the Nation's foster care system.

In FY 2007, the number of children in foster care was 496,000, a sharp decline from the number of foster children in 2002. However, over this same period, the number of older children in foster care increased. Children ages 13 through 17 comprised 34.7% of the children in foster care in FY 2006.

Our older youths who spend their teenage years in foster care and those who are likely to age out of foster care face challenges as they transition to adulthood that their counterparts in the general population might not. During their early adult years, these youth are much more likely than their peers

to forego higher education, more likely to be in poor health, and more likely to become homeless.

Taking care of our foster care youths is a very important issue for me. I have just re-introduced legislation that I had filed in the last Congress, which would help former foster youth find housing and guidance as they transition to becoming adults. Instead of celebrating their 18th birthday with family and friends, too many of our foster care youth are marking this milestone by aging out of the foster care system and abruptly losing their support system. Our responsibility to foster care youths should not expire when a young person reaches the age of majority.

Our most recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that each year about 26,500 youth age out of the foster care system. These foster care youth are vulnerable to becoming homeless. A national study of 21-year-olds who had aged out of foster care found the percentage of the population who experienced homelessness to be 25%. Of equal concern is the fact that these youths are very often without adult role models, and as such, have no one to guide or otherwise assist them as they transition to adulthood.

My legislation provides an incentive for individuals to mentor and house foster care youths who are no longer able to remain in the foster care system because they have attained the age of 18. We need to help these young adults, many of whom are homeless, jobless, and without any adult role model.

My bill allows a $1,000 nonrefundable tax credit to individual adults who provide housing and mentoring to former foster care youths between the ages of 18 and 21 who have aged out of the foster care system.

We need to do more to provide incentives for families to take all of our foster care children in, whether they be under the age of 18 and still in the system, or over the age of 18 and have aged out of the system.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009, but am frustrated by the delay in implementation that the bill allows. This legislation works to protect consumers from unfair credit lending practices, helping to restore the much needed balance between consumers and credit lenders, but fails to do so quickly. I support my colleagues in the Senate and the speedy effective date which their companion bill contains.

In these tough economic times, more individuals and businesses are turning to credit cards to pay for basic necessities than ever before. In the U.S. credit card debt has reached nearly $1 trillion, with the average American's credit card debt reaching nearly $10,000 in 2007.

While Americans are struggling to make ends meet and making decisions about which bills to pay and which medications and other necessities they can go without, credit card issuers are making record profits; over $19 billion in late fees, over-limit charges and other penalties.

Consumers desperately need legislation that will protect them from arbitrary interest rate hikes, over-limit fees, and other unfair charges so they can protect their hard-earned money. Many consumers are unaware that they are being charged penalty pricing on their cards, and credit card issuers routinely fail to explicitly notify lenders when invoking penalty pricing and repricing accounts when payments are made even one day late.

Consumers deserve better than due date gimmicks, and misleading terms. We must ensure that consumers not only know when they are being charged penalty pricing, but are notified before they are charged, so that they can make responsible financial decisions.

Consumers should be financially empowered, not defenseless against the whims of credit card issuers. This bill works to do that by halting these unfair fee practices and allowing individuals to set their own credit limits, so they don't unwittingly accumulate debt they can't possibly get out of. It also protects those who do make their payments on time, preventing them from being charged interest on debts paid during the grace period.

Consumers are being hit on all sides, with unfair credit card fees, overdraft banking fees and rising costs of goods and services. We must work immediately to protect consumers as financial institutions look to them to make up money lost in the economic downturn. My only concern is that these changes must be implemented immediately. Few of our constituents can wait out the year's implementation time period in the bill. I strongly urge institutions that can, to do the right thing and implement these changes as soon as possible.

I will continue to work hard on my legislation to bring financial relief to millions of Americans through bank abuse protections, and other efforts Chairwoman Maloney makes to protect consumers and small businesses from unfair lending.

Although I believe this bill does not go far enough, fast enough to protect consumers, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009 is an important step in the right direction and I urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize and extend my congratulations to the Honorable Addie Green on the occasion of her retirement from elected office. Ms. Green will retire as County Commissioner for District 7 in Palm Beach County, and can look back on a proud career of service and distinction in community leadership.

Though she is a native Alabamian, Ms. Green has been a resident of Palm Beach County since 1965. She graduated from Stillman College with a Bachelor of Science degree and went on to receive her Masters Degree in Education from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida.

Ms. Green served as Mangonia Park's Vice Mayor in 1988 and Mayor in 1991. In 1992, she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and served four consecutive terms as the District 84 Representative. While serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 1995 to 1998, I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Green. During her State tenure, she served on several influential House committees and was instrumental in securing vital resources for Palm Beach County.

The appropriations Ms. Green worked diligently to bring to Palm Beach County included: $1.35 million for the Mangonia Residence for senior citizens; $751,000 for Floridians stricken with Parkinson's disease; $250,000 for the Belle Glade Business Park Wages Program to create new jobs; tax relief for NOAH, an organization that provides affordable housing to more than 400 families in

the Glades; $249,000 for the renovation of the Lake Park Library; $500,000 for the St. Mary's Medical Center Children's Emergency Room Wing; $500,000 for Home Safe; and $100,000 for project SOAR Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies.

Moreover, Ms. Green has helped to secure funding for projects beneficial to the Palm Beach community such as an aquatics facility in Riviera Beach, the Dan Calloway Recreation Complex, the Northwest Community Center, the Spady House Museum and C. Spencer Pompey Amphitheater in Delray Beach, the Wilson Recreation Center and Pool Renovation, the 1916 County Courthouse Restoration, and the 4-H Community Gardens. She arranged recreational and cultural funding in support of Heritage Fest, Children's Outreach, Mt. Olive Community Outreach Center, Roots Festival, the Soul of Delray, Annual Jazz & Blues Festival in Riviera Beach, Salvation Army, Teen Partnership Coalition, Operation Hope, and a host of school-based programs.

With the concerted efforts of many individuals and business leaders in the community, Ms. Green was able to organize the first Homeless Task Force for Palm Beach County. In 2007, she was named ``Commissioner of the Year'' by the Florida League of Cities for her extraordinary efforts of presiding over tough County transitions and improved relationships with cities throughout South Florida.

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work side by side with Commissioner Greene and it is a privilege for me to have this opportunity to recognize her before the esteemed House of Representatives. Now, in retirement, she embarks upon new challenges in life and I am certain her legacy of greatness will only grow and develop as she enters this new phase of life. I wish her every happiness and success.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize and extend my congratulations to the Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1949 as they prepare to celebrate their 60th class reunion. Booker T. Washington High School is located in Overtown, Miami, Florida, which is in my congressional District.

Founded in 1926 for African-American students residing from West Palm Beach to Key West, Booker T. Washington High School has served as a stalwart in the Miami-Dade County community since its inception. By 1949, Booker T. Washington High School was one of three African- American high schools in Miami-Dade County and since then has become a vital center for cultural activities in Overtown.

The Class of 1949 was the first high school alumni group in South Florida to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a holiday. Additionally, the Class of 1949 has been the sole alumni group in the country to file and successfully conclude a Civil Rights Action, specifically a public accommodation lawsuit against a commercial establishment. Moreover, many ``49ers'' have engaged in charitable endeavors including granting educational scholarships, annual contributions and support to the United Negro College Fund, the Black Archives and the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.

Noteworthy achievements by the ``49ers'' include: the first African- American elected to public office in Miami-Dade County as a County Commissioner, the first African-American to serve as chairman of a board in Miami-Dade County the Fair Housing and Employment Commission and the first African-American to serve as a head coach at a fully integrated public high school in Miami-Dade County.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to commemorate Booker T. Washington High School for its remarkable role in fostering education among African- Americans and implore its alumni to ensure that future generations have educational access to foster the skills to face complex challenges. I once again extend my congratulations to the members of the Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1949 as they prepare to celebrate their 60th class reunion.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize and extend my congratulations to my pastor, Reverend Dr. George Edward McRae on his 50th anniversary in the ministry and 20 years at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.

Located in the heart of Miami, Florida's Liberty City at 1701 Northwest 66th Street, this citadel of faith has been and continues to be a beacon of comfort and hope in our community while dedicating itself to providing spirituality, service and guidance.

A native son of Florida, Rev. Dr. McRae graduated from Central Academy High School in Palatka; received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach; Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta; and Doctor of Ministry Degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta where his doctoral dissertation was entitled, The Triangle of Death in the African-American Community: Drugs, Prison, and HIV/AIDS.

Under the leadership of our beloved, Rev. Dr. McRae, Mt. Tabor has taken an active and progressive role in directly addressing the temporal, as well as spiritual needs of our neighbors. I want to commend him for his tireless apostolate in ministering to those who were imprisoned, to the hungry and to all those seeking the love and solace of a Church that seeks to affirm and confirm their dignity as God's children.

Rev. Dr. McRae's humanitarian spirit is evidenced by his tireless efforts in establishing an HIV/AIDS ministry at Mt. Tabor to comfort and solace those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Moreover, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and Prison, Feeding, Shoebox, Job, Sick and Shut-In ministries are all under his guidance and leadership.

My pastor's anniversary in the ministry and at Mt. Tabor takes on a meaning much greater than the passage of time, for Rev. Dr. McRae and the Church have met the spiritual needs of thousands of people who came before us, and through the grace of God will continue to do so for another century to come. It is a magnificent legacy we will celebrate.

Madam Speaker and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Reverend Dr. George Edward McRae, a humble servant of God, a true beacon of hope and a guiding light in the 17th Congressional District of Florida.