Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Ina Golub of Mountainside, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Fine Arts Award will be given to Ina Golub whose fiber and bead artwork is known nationally and internationally. She is currently the subject of a major exhibition at the Newark Museum. Working largely with Judaic themes, Ms. Golub has created artwork for synagogues, museums, and private collectors throughout the United States and Israel, including nine monumental ark curtains, more than 450 Torah mantles, wedding canopies, hand-woven tapestries, decorative wall hangings, and a major Holocaust memorial. She has also created many rabbinical garments and prayer shawls. Awarded the Philip and Sylvia Spertus Judaica Award in 1998, and 2005, Ina's works were included in a major exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.

Ms. Golub is particularly known for her beaded spice containers which have received national and international recognition. Her works have also been commissioned by synagogues and private collectors, creating custom designed fiber art of all descriptions and forms.

Ina Golub of Mountainside, New Jersey has made significant achievements for her artistic talents. I am pleased to congratulate Ina Golub for her outstanding efforts and share

her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Baldeep Dua of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Entrepreneurial Award will be given to Baldeep Dua because of her extensive leadership, management skills and efforts to benefit her community. Specifically, Baldeep utilizes her management skills in her position as the Chief Financial Officer of Kirusa Inc., an international communications Technology Company located in New Providence, New Jersey. Through her position as CFO, Baldeep has managed to steer her technologically oriented start-up company that is a leading developer of value added mobile services, towards its goal of profitability.

Baldeep is active as an advisor to the New Jersey Technological Council, a group that connects companies, capital and government. Members are involved in research, development, manufacture, supply, and sales of high technology products, services, materials and components. Under her direction, the company is the proud recipient of the Business Employment Incentive Program, recognized as a high-growth company in the critical industry of technology.

Baldeep is also a member of the Board for The Indus Entrepreneur, a group that fosters entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking and education. Dedicated to giving back to the community, this group is focused on cultivating and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. In 2008, Baldeep was recognized by the Executive Women of New Jersey for her professional distinction. Through this association she mentors other women, encouraging them to take charge and advance their own careers.

Baldeep Dua of Berkely Heights, New Jersey has made significant achievements both in business and in her community. And I am very pleased to congratulate Baldeep for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Mildred Lewis of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Civic Leadership Award will be given to Mildred Lewis because of her extensive commitment to making our community a better place. For 15 years, Mildred has served as the president of the Cranford Chapter of the League of Women Voters, coordinating candidates' forums at both the municipal and county levels. Mildred has conducted voter registration drives and prepared and distributed educational materials about voters' rights and ballot initiatives regarding education, women's issues, and natural resources.

Mildred is also a member of the Roselle-Cranford Hadassah where she is active in many aspects, including the Bulletin, American Affairs, and fund-raising dinners. Ms. Lewis also worked as a full time volunteer at Alexian Brothers Hospital in Elizabeth, New Jersey where she manages volunteers. Mildred also volunteered at Temple Beth El Mekor Chayim as the kitchen coordinator, where she plans and creates meals for more than 100 people.

Mildred has also been active in the Cranford Historical Society and is a member of several other Jewish organizations, including National Council of Jewish Women and the Sisterhood of Temple Beth El Mekor Chayim.

Mrs. Lewis and her husband George have been married for more than 60 years. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Mildred Lewis of Cranford, New Jersey has made significant contributions to so many in her community. I am pleased to congratulate Mildred Lewis for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Patricia Murphy of Springfield, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Patricia Murphy because of her extensive lifetime achievements. Presently,

Patricia is a professor at the Muhlenberg Snyder School of Nursing. She is also involved in various professional nursing organizations, social and civic groups, and church activities in Springfield. Patricia is certified as a teacher of practical nursing and a school nurse in the state of New Jersey.

During her extensive career, Patricia Murphy has been an adjunct professor at Kean University and Felician College, staff nurse at Overlook Hospital, Obstetrics and Community Health Instructor, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, full time Medical/Surgical Nursing III Instructor and as such has been honored with a distinguished Nursing Alumni Award, American Cancer Society Certificate of Appreciation, outstanding alumna award of Seton Hall University School of Nursing, and New Jersey State Nurses Association Medical-Surgical Nurse of the Year.

In addition to her nursing career, Patricia Murphy has written several articles for professional journals and presented a number of lectures and programs throughout Central New Jersey, focusing on the well-being of cancer patients, their families and the nursing care they receive. She has also developed, planned, and implemented the first on- line nursing course offered through Muhlenburg in conjunction with Union County College. Patricia is also the Parish Nurse Ministry coordinator at St. James Church in Springfield. She has also served as the past president of the Summit Area AARP.

Patricia Murphy of Springfield, New Jersey has made significant contributions to her community and led a long distinguished career. I am pleased to congratulate her and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Janet Malko of Garwood, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is held by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District to highlight the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women organization seeks to recognize the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service, women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Lifetime Achievement Award for Education will be given to Janet Malko. Janet Malko has been associated with St. Mary of the Assumption High School, located in Elizabeth, New Jersey for forty years. She first served as a teacher and is currently the school's principal. She has been involved in nearly every facet of the educational process. In addition to her duties as principal, she teaches two math classes, greets students each day and knows most of them by name. Ms. Malko is sensitive to the unique needs of each student, handling each with compassion, helps struggling students, and offers support and encouragement to students and their families. She sets a positive tone for the school, encouraging her faculty to provide the student body with a strong foundation of discipline, tolerance, respect, integrity, self-reliance and confidence, while stressing the importance of a solid education, civic responsibility, and community service.

Under her leadership, the students at St. Mary's have succeeded academically, with over 87 percent of the 2008 graduating class attending four year colleges and universities on full academic scholarships, totally over 5 million dollars.

Janet Malko has made a difference in the lives of her students and has been a positive role model instilling the qualities of resilience and perseverance. She made significant achievements in education.

I am pleased to congratulate Janet Malko for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Denise Miles of Summit, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is held by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District to highlight the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women organization seeks to recognize the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service, women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Volunteerism Award will be given to Denise because of her extensive volunteer efforts at numerous organizations throughout Union County.

Specifically, Denise is considered the backbone of the Wallace Chapel of the AME Zion Church, where every Monday she calls church members who were not in church on Sunday and checks in on those who are sick or homebound. Each Tuesday Denise delivers Meals on Wheels where she spends time with each family and brings them food and friendship. After working for 38 years at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey as a nurse, Denise now volunteers in the hospital's Chaplain Service. In this effort, she goes room to room visiting patients of all denominations. Denise also volunteers weekly at her local library and reads to preschoolers during story time.

Denise keeps this vigorous volunteer schedule despite the fact that she does not have a car. She literally volunteers every day of the week by walking from place to place or taking the bus.

Denise Miles of Summit, New Jersey is a true American hero. She has a demonstrated a deep commitment to helping others through her selfless sacrifice and hard work. So many people in Union County benefit directly from her efforts.

I am pleased to congratulate Denise Miles for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Kimberly Nesbitt-Good of Elizabeth, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals

who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Business Award will be given to Kimberly Nesbitt-Good because of her business efforts in Union County. Kimberly is the proprietor of Nesbitt Funeral Home, along with her husband Ted, which was established in 1931 by her adoptive parents, Bravell and Carrie Allen Nesbitt.

Ms. Nesbitt-Good has received several awards and recognition for her work in the funeral profession. She is a member of the Garden State Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, and the Epsilon Nu Delta Fraternity.

Kimberly is the cofounder of ``Friends,'' an organization of African American women that uplifts and supports women in African American communities. Listed in Who's Who Among Americans and Who's Who Among African American Funeral Directors, Kimberly has been recognized by many local, state and federal organizations for her varied and wide ranging work in the funeral profession.

Kimberly Nesbitt-Good of Elizabeth, New Jersey has made significant achievements in her business efforts. I am pleased to congratulate Kimberly Nesbitt-Good for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Heather Suarez of Springfield, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Law Award will be given to Heather Suarez who has been described as a pioneer in the legal industry. Heather was hired directly out of law school, by persuading the three male partners at her Newark law firm to hire her. She became the firm's first female attorney, staying with that firm ever since, now enjoying a tenure of 28 years.

After the firm relocated to Roseland, Ms. Suarez continued to be a leader in her field and at the firm. When she announced, in 1987, that she was pregnant, Heather was a change agent for the firm, resulting in its first maternity policy. Continuing to work at the firm while raising two young sons, Ms. Suarez not only became the first female partner, but also the first part time partner as the firm worked with her to accommodate and balance her busy home life with professional responsibilities.

Ms. Suarez has been recognized by many organizations in her field. Her commitment to women's advocacy is evident as she works tirelessly as a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Women in the Courts.

Heather Suarez of Springfield, New Jersey has made significant achievements in the legal field. I am pleased to congratulate Heather Suarez for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month and to congratulate Kristina Silvestry of Cranford, New Jersey who will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.

This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime achievement.

This year's Women's Advocacy Award will be given to Kristina Silvestry. Currently, she is a primary counselor at ``A Child's View,'' a Union County PALS Program. Kristina currently is employed as a counselor for the YWCA of Eastern Union County, serving the women, children, and families of Union County. Kristina's position allows her to work with battered families in the area, helping to establish housing, financial assistance, education, and emotional readiness, assisting these victims of violence regain their lives.

In addition to her busy workload, Kristina spends a great deal of time working with the courts. She advocates for the safety and well being of families, serves as an expert witness in the field of domestic violence, accompanies victims to their hearings, and she provides the encouragement and support to victims of violence. Ms. Silvestry speaks at various meetings and organization gatherings to discuss issues such as Teen Dating Violence and Domestic Violence.

Kristina Silvestry of Cranford, New Jersey has made significant achievements in women's advocacy. I am very pleased to congratulate Kristina for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Thank you very much, and thank you for taking the lead on this extremely important issue.

Overspending and over-taxation are terrible factors in the American economy today, but from my perspective the worst factor is levels of debt, and I think that this is, in effect, generational theft.

The Congressional Budget Office, in calculating the proposals of the Obama administration, indicate that spending will hit about 28.5 percent of GDP during fiscal year 2009, and this is a record amount. CBO also estimates that next year spending will be 25.5 percent and at 23 and 24 percent over the course of the next decade.

As someone who tries to be a student of American history, over the last 40 years, the level of debt has been roughly 20 percent, and this is an historic average. And yet over the course of next several years we increase this dramatically. Let me repeat the figures: 28.5 percent in this fiscal year, and similar amounts in the next 2 fiscal years.

I believe that this spending is too great, and I hope that the administration will review its budget and working in a bipartisan capacity to bring this amount down.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Martin and Beth Aron of Springfield, New Jersey. For nearly two decades, Martin and Beth Aron have worked tirelessly to make a difference in their community by helping others.

In fact, there are dozens of New Jersey civic, social welfare, educational, artistic and religious organizations that have benefited from the Arons' hard work, dedication and selfless sacrifices to help those in need.

On March 31, 2009 Congregation Israel in Springfield, New Jersey will honor Martin and Beth at the synagogue's 34th Annual Tribute Dinner for their remarkable and enduring contribution to Congregation Israel and to communities throughout New Jersey.

Over the years, the Arons have been involved in the Zamir Chorale and Zamire Chorale Foundation, both of which promote Jewish choral music as a vehicle to inspire Jewish life, culture and continuity. The Zamir Chorale performed at the White House this past year. The Arons have also been involved in the formation and development of Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy of Livingston, New Jersey, improving the education opportunities of children with unique learning challenges, as well as in the charitable, community outreach and children's programming activities at Congregation Israel.

It gives me great pleasure to share the remarkable efforts of Martin and Beth Aron with my colleagues in the United States Congress and with the American people. I am also honored to join Congregation Israel in recognizing their outstanding service to their community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of high school students from the Seventh Congressional District who are volunteering their time to help those in need throughout the world.

Specifically, I would like to commend hundreds of Hillsborough High School students who are volunteering for an annual fundraising event known as Shelter From The Storm 4. The event takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2009 and will raise funds to help students in Haiti and Honduras have access to pure, clean drinking water.

The students have recognized that access to clean water is so basic-- yet so precious to disadvantaged communities around the world. The funds Hillsborough High School students raise will help purchase water filters, rain-water collection compartments and provide education on proper sanitation.

Organized by students, Shelter From The Storm 4 will feature numerous educational guest speakers, a three-hour concert and a special festival.

Several dozen student organizations at Hillsborough High School are playing important roles in the event's success, such as the Rotary Club and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. I also commend the leadership of all the teachers involved, who provided guidance to the students throughout the planning stages and implementation of the fundraiser.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to commend all of the Hillsborough High School students who are involved with this special fundraising event. These students are clearly working hard to make a difference and help those in need.

On opening day, January 6, our leader, Mr. Boehner, indicated that we would provide better solutions to the issues confronting the American people. Obviously, on a bipartisan basis, Congress wishes to address this issue, and to address this issue as quickly as possible.

House Republican Members on the Republican side--freshmen--have a better solution, we believe. Our solution--and I'm sorry it's not debated on the floor--the House Republican freshmen would demand that Treasury, notwithstanding any other provision of

law, implement a plan within the next 2 weeks to recoup 100 percent of the payment of AIG bonuses.

Also, the freshmen plan on our side says that any future bonus payments of any kind to TARP recipients must be approved in advance by the Department of the Treasury. Third, any future contractual obligations entered into by TARP fund recipients to make bonus payments of any kind must be approved in advance by the Treasury.

We commend to our friends in the majority our freshman Republican proposal in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District.

The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary.

This year's Education Award winner is Elizabeth Stitley of Somerville. She currently serves as a supervisor of Allied Health Programs at Somerset County Technology Institute since 2003.

In this capacity, Elizabeth has spearheaded the growth of the program, which now offers two full-time, day practical nursing programs and an evening program. She was instrumental in adding a new skills laboratory with a task-training center that will soon be equipped with cameras.

Elizabeth has served as president of the Practical Nurse Educators Council and of the New Jersey League for Nursing, and received the league's 2004 President's Award. She also is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society.

I am pleased to congratulate Elizabeth Stitley for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History Month, and I would like to congratulate a number of outstanding women who will be recognized at the Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women awards in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District.

The Commission presents awards annually in celebration of National Women's History Month in March. This year there are 17 women being honored, including entrepreneurs, educators and hometown heroes whose community service is considered extraordinary.

This year's Public Service Award winner is Pamela Ely of Bridgewater. She is a founding member of the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Pamela served on the organization's board of trustees for three years and as president for three years.

She has been the organization's executive director for the past decade, and has made substantial contributions to the organization's growth and success.

I am pleased to congratulate Pamela Ely for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.