Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colonel Steven V. Smith, Installation Commander, at Fort Hamilton, located in my district of Brooklyn, New York. Fort Hamilton is the only active military base in New York City. Colonel Smith is leaving his post as Installation Commander to return to his alma mater, Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont to prepare the next generation of graduates and officers for the United States Military.

In 1984, Colonel Stephen V. Smith graduated from Norwich University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Upon graduating, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry. He went on to pursue a Master of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master's of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Colonel Smith started his career at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he was a Rifle Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Mortar Platoon Leader, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry.

During his distinguished career, Colonel Smith was deployed to Bosnia as the 10th Mountain G4 Plans Officer. He also served as Executive Officer of the 10th Division Support Command, and the G4 (Logistics Officer) for the 10th Mountain Division where he was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.

In June of 2008, Colonel Smith became, Installation Commander at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York. During his time at his final Military assignment, he was instrumental in providing a location for a second National Guard Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) which gave New York City's first responders a vital resource to utilize in the event of a terrorist attack.

Colonel Smith's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service and Overseas Ribbons, NATO Medal, Air Assault and Airborne badges and the Ranger Tab.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Colonel Smith for his service to New York City and the Fort Hamilton Community. Besides being an active base in America's largest city, Fort Hamilton is also a community treasure for the neighborhoods and people of South Brooklyn. Under Colonel Smith's leadership many community organizations have been able to utilize the wonderful resources of this historic base and he has fostered a strong sprit of patriotism in support of our men and women in uniform throughout the broader community.

He has worked to upgrade housing on the base for active duty Members as well as rehabilitate the historic officers clubhouse which is a resource for not only the base but for many community organizations.

Colonel Smith truly represents the best and the brightest of the United States Army and he will continue to serve this Country with honors. I wish Colonel Smith, his wife Donna, daughters Elizabeth and Colleen and son Matthew the best of luck in his next pursuit. The students and faculty of Norwich University are incredibly lucky to gain the talent, dedication and leadership of my friend Colonel Stephen Smith.

I rise today in strong support of S. 3473. Since Day 1 of this disaster the Administration has brought all resources to bear to address ensure that damage to the environment, wildlife, and public health of the Gulf Region was as limited as possible.

In particular the United States Coast Guard has done outstanding work. As Vice Chair of the Coast Guard Subcommittee I know how hard the men and women of the Coast Guard have been working to contain this disaster. Led by Admiral Thad Allen, who has taken charge of federal on-the-ground response as National Incident Commander, the men and women of the Coast Guard are on the frontlines and deserve our gratitude and support.

This legislation is critical to maintaining continuity in the federal government's response. It amends current law to allow the administration to take multiple advances of up to $100 million from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Without passage of S. 3473, the Coast Guard could run out of funding for cleanup and prevention as early as next week. This cannot be allowed to happen. I urge all of my colleagues to support this straightforward, common-sense legislation. It is the least we can do at the moment to help ongoing efforts to help the people of the Gulf region.

Mr. Speaker, Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, is our strong ally and true friend. Innocent Israelis endure attacks far too often.

Unfortunately, following the May 31 flotilla incident, Israel has come under assault in the media and international community once again.

This has resulted in a particularly sad time for the historically strong partnership between Israel and Turkey. As a bridge between East and West, Turkey is a source of dialogue between cultures, particularly for the Jewish people, who have lived in Turkey for more than five hundred years. This history has characterized the special relationship between these two countries since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948. For this reason, Prime Minister Erdogan's brazen rhetoric, support for the terrorist group, Hamas, and today's decision to vote against sanctions in the Security Council are misguided and thoroughly disappointing.

It is unfortunate that a leader, who once opened his country's doors to all of its neighbors, now chooses to follow the radical, fundamentalist maneuvers of groups like the IHH, instead of practicing the diplomacy for which it has been known.

Despite what Hamas supporters may be claiming now, the May 31, 2010 flotilla incident wasn't about bringing in supplies. It was about provoking Israel, a country whose people have been subject to countless terrorist attacks from Hamas supporters in the Gaza Strip. No one should be led astray, Hamas is a terrorist organization that stands for the annihilation of Israel and should not and cannot be accepted as a legitimate voice in Gaza. And, Just as America protects its borders, Israel--and any other country--has the right to maintain and defend its own borders.

Since Israel instituted its Gaza blockade, terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians have dramatically decreased, and it is not hard to see how the Israeli government would perceive the flotilla's actions as a direct confrontation. Primarily, though, we need to remain focused on what really threatens the shared interests of all democratic countries--a nuclear armed Iran. This is why I believe it is in our country's best interest to lower tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey has unfortunately disappointed the global community today with its vote in the UN Security Council, but the passage of the sanctions package is an overwhelming victory for the United States, Israel and the overall security of the international community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan--as they prepare to celebrate Republic Day on May 28.

Republic Day commemorates the day Azerbaijan first declared independence from the Russian Empire on May 28, 1918. Though the Azerbaijan Republic later succumbed to Soviet forces in 1920, in its 2 years of independence Azerbaijan achieved a number of measures on state-building, armed forces, education, economy, and universal suffrage, from which it benefits today.

Azerbaijan's second opportunity for freedom and independence began in 1990 as Azerbaijanis began gathering in protest against Soviet rule. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan declared anew their independence.

On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of the State of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, their Constitution was approved.

The last 19 years of independence has not been without challenges. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was violated and the Nagorno- Karabakh and seven surrounding regions of Azerbaijan have been occupied by neighboring Armenia. In 1993 the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding complete, unconditional, and immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. NATO, OSCE, EU and other international organizations also repeatedly called for the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, and I support a swift, peaceful resolution to this conflict, as well.

Azerbaijan is a key global security partner for the United States. Azerbaijan was among the first nations to offer our own country with unconditional support in its anti-terrorism efforts, providing use of its airspace, airports, and troops for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan was also the first Muslim nation to send troops to Iraq.

Azerbaijan has extended important over-flight clearances for U.S. and NATO flights to support ISAF and has regularly provided landing and refueling operations at its airports for U.S. and NATO forces. Also, Azerbaijan plays an important role in the Northern Distribution Network, a supply route to Afghanistan by making available its ground and Caspian naval transportation facilities.

Azerbaijan has opened Caspian energy resources to development by U.S. companies and has emerged as a key player for global energy security. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project is the most successful project contributing to the development of the South Caucasus region and has become the main artery delivering Caspian Sea hydrocarbons to the U.S. and our partners in Europe. Notably, in 2009 Azerbaijan provided nearly one quarter of all crude oil supplies to Israel and is considered a leading potential natural gas provider for the U.S. supported Nabucco pipeline.

Madam Speaker, as a proud member of Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I congratulate the Republic of Azerbaijan on the celebration of Republic Day, and commend President Obama's nomination of Matthew Bryza to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. I believe that Mr. Bryza has the knowledge and experience necessary to reassure our Azerbaijani friends that the United States appreciates their support and will continue to work with them to achieve peace and stability in the Caucuses. I look forward to further collaboration between our two nations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our close ally and partner, Israel, for her accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. I also want to thank the Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for introducing this Resolution, of which I am honored to be an original co-sponsor.

Israel first sought membership in OECD 10 years ago, and since then, Israel has been the most active nonmember country. Her aggressive pursuit of far-reaching economic reforms has led to her placement among the top business-friendly countries. Today, Israel is a world leader in providing access to credit markets, investor protections, and financial market sophistication. Her quality of life index also ranks among the top in life expectancy, judicial independence and legal rights.

The two pillars of the OECD are a commitment to democratic government and a free-market based economy. Its recognition of Israel's advanced economy, however, has been too long in coming and this delay has subjected Israel to too many politicized attacks from unfriendly nations and multilateral institutions.

Now, Israel's membership will strengthen the OECD's strategic economic importance in the world and benefit all members by providing access to Israel's advanced labor market and innovations in science and technology. Their membership also signifies another step forward in the cause to end religious intolerance and anti-Semitic economic and cultural policies.

Israel's commitment to our shared values of democracy, human rights, and freedom make her one the most important strategic allies of the United States. We will continue to support Israel in every way possible and work with her to defend herself against the aggressions of all enemies. I call on all responsible nations to do the same and congratulate OECD and Israel for this momentous partnership.

Mr. Chairman, I thank you for the minute. I have a longer statement which I will submit to the Record.

I rise today to urge my colleagues to adopt the sense of Congress in this amendment which would recognize Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a decorated hometown hero from my district in Staten Island, in Brooklyn, New York, for his military accomplishments and his commitment to faith. We would like the Department of the Navy to commission a Navy destroyer in his name.

Father Capodanno, to put it in summation, received a Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism in the line of fire in Vietnam. He was sent there as a chaplain, but he quickly became much more than a chaplain as he became the friend and accompanier of every soldier on the battlefield.

He could have come home after a year's service, but instead he stayed and earned the name of ``the grunt padre,'' because with his fellow Marines, he raced into battle and was at their side all the way.

On the morning of September 4, 1967, during Operation Swift in the Thang Binh district of the Que Son Valley, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines encountered a large North Vietnamese unit of approximately 2,500 men.

On that day, Father Capodanno lost his life. He could have come home. But as a great priest, as a great man of faith, he stayed by his fellow soldiers and gave his life that day. He won the Congressional Medal of Honor. We are asking the Navy to name a ship after him. I thank the chairman.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to adopt a sense of Congress recognizing Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a decorated hometown hero from my district for his military accomplishments and commitment to his faith. We would like the Department of Navy to commission a Navy Destroyer in his name.

On June 7, 1957, Father Capodanno was ordained by the late Cardinal Spellman and shortly after, fervently devoted eight years of Catholic Missionary service to the needy peoples of Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Volunteering his services as Navy Chaplain on December 28, 1965, Father Capodanno received his commission as a Lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Naval Reserve.

After completing orientation at the Naval Chaplain's School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Capodanno requested duty with the Marines in Vietnam.

His first assignment was the First Marine Division in 1966, where he immediately began making his presence in the combat operation of Chu Lai a regular part of his duties as Battalion Chaplain.

To stay with his men, Chaplain Capodanno relinquished thirty days of Christmas holiday leave and after serving one year, he extended his tour of duty for six months as the condition that he be allowed to remain with the infantry.

Father Capodanno's greatest desire was just that--to remain with his troops and to give them moral support.

Then on the morning of September 4, 1967, the decision was no longer his to make. During Operation Swift in the Thang Binh District of the Que Son Valley the 1st battalion, fifth Marines encountered a large North Vietnamese unit of approximately 2500 men.

Father Capodanno went among the wounded and dying, giving last rites and taking care of his Marines. Wounded once in the face and having his hand almost severed, he went to help a wounded corpsman only yards from an enemy machinegun and was killed.

For his selfless acts and bravery beyond the call of duty, a man fellow marines referred to on the battlefield as the ``the `grunt' padre,'' Father Vincent R. Capodanno was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

In 1973, Father Capodanno had a ship commissioned in his honor. The USS Capodanno's lifespan was just as decorated as her namesake's, being the only naval vessel to be blessed by the Pope and saving approximately 22 lives in her first deployment as a search and rescue vessel in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, this ship was decommissioned and then sold to Turkey in 2005:

Today, Father Capodanno's legacy in the Navy goes untold. The people of New York's 13th District and I would be incredibly honored if the Department of Navy the recognize these amazing accomplishments by commissioning the next Navy Destroyer in the memory of Father Capodanno, an American Hero.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to adopt a sense of Congress recognizing Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a decorated hometown hero from my district, for his military accomplishments and commitment to his faith. We ask that Department of Navy commission the next Navy Destroyer in the memory of Father Capodanno.

On June 7, 1957, Father Capodanno was ordained by the late Cardinal Spellman and shortly after, fervently devoted 8 years of Catholic Missionary service to the needy peoples of Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Volunteering his services as Navy Chaplain on December 28, 1965, Father Capodanno received his commission as a Lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Naval Reserve. After completing orientation at the Naval Chaplain's School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Capodanno requested duty with the Marines in Vietnam.

His first assignment was the First Marine Division in 1966, where he immediately began making his presence in the combat operation of Chu Lai a regular part of his duties as Battalion Chaplain. To stay with his men, Chaplain Capodanno relinquished 30 days of Christmas holiday leave and after serving one year, he extended his tour of duty for 6 months on the condition that he be allowed to remain with the infantry.

Father Capodanno's greatest desire was just that--to remain with his troops and to give them moral support. Then on the morning of September 4, 1967, the decision was no longer his to make. During Operation Swift in the Thang Binh District of the Que Son Valley the 1st battalion, fifth Marines encountered a large North Vietnamese unit of approximately 2500 men.

Father Capodanno went among the wounded and dying, giving last rites and taking care of his marines. Wounded once in the face and having his hand almost severed, he went to help a wounded corpsman only yards from an enemy machinegun and was killed. For his selfless acts and bravery beyond the call of duty, a man fellow marines referred to on the battlefield as the ``the 'grunt' padre,'' Father Vincent R. Capodanno was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

In 1973, Father Capodanno had a ship commissioned in his honor. The USS Capodanno's lifespan was just as decorated as her namesake's, being the only naval vessel to be blessed by the Pope and saving approximately 22 lives in her first deployment as a search and rescue vessel in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, this ship was decommissioned and then sold to Turkey in 2005.

Today, Father Capodanno's legacy in the Navy goes untold. The people of New York's 13th district and I would be incredibly honored if the Department of Navy would recognize these amazing accomplishments by commissioning the next Navy Destroyer in the memory of Father Capodanno, an American Hero!

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the House Committee on Armed Services, led by the great gentleman from Missouri, for recognizing the significance of the increasing suicide rates in our armed services and the need to increase mental health professionals to combat this disturbing trend. I would also like to thank my colleagues, Congressman Tom Rooney, Harry Teague and Ben Lujan for their partnership with me on this amendment and on veterans' mental health issues we have tackled in a very bipartisan fashion.

Mr. Chairman, serving in the military can have lingering effects on servicemembers and the families that support them. For this reason, the mental health care needs of the TRICARE population are large and diverse, requiring a skilled group of professionals to diagnose and treat a variety of disorders. Unfortunately, these professionals do not currently exist, and the mental health needs of our servicemen and - women are, quite frankly, not being met.

But Congress can help increase this pool by implementing the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Institute of Medicine study, which makes recommendations for permitting counselors to practice independently under the TRICARE program. In addition, the committee recommends that TRICARE implement a comprehensive quality management system for all its mental health professionals.

Under current TRICARE rules, mental health counselors are required to practice under a physician's supervision, and their patients must be referred to them by a physician in order for their services to be eligible for reimbursement. This requirement distinguishes them from other mental health professionals who practice without such restrictions.

This amendment would encourage the Secretary of Defense to implement these goals by the end of the year and to increase mental health professionals available to our men and women in uniform. We need to provide the coverage, but we also need to provide the professionals who can provide the care.

We see in so many cases the high rates of suicides of our returning warriors, and we must address this. Eventually, this increase will reduce the stigma of seeking mental health treatment and reduce the aberrantly high levels of suicide in the armed services, as I mentioned.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the remainder of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I must apologize to my good friend, the gentleman from California, because perhaps my New York accent wasn't, my pronunciation wasn't clear enough, or perhaps I did not speak loudly enough.

The amendment that I am proposing seeks to provide to our returning warriors when they come home and when they continue their lives here in this country, to get the mental health treatment that they need that they cannot currently have.

Mr. Chairman, the issue that I spoke to in my remarks dealt with a very important issue, and that is how to make

sure that this country provides the mental health services for our returning warriors. I did not think that that issue would be one that would be picked up, in my eloquence, by Fox News. I'm not quite sure how it dealt with the other issues, but I just want to be clear, and I want the record to be clear that I was speaking to amendment 62, which is, I think, a very important issue, a very important issue that everyone in this body addresses and deals with, and that is providing adequate mental health services for our returning warriors. That's all I spoke to.

That being said, at this time, I yield the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the one year anniversary of the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Although the war ended on May 19th, 2009, much work still needs to be done to ensure peace and stability on the island. Despite a pending debt crisis, the Sri Lankan government is still expanding its military footprint, including a $300 million loan from Russia to purchase new weapons systems. I would urge the Congress to include language in the FY11 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill similar to language included last year. This would restrict all military assistance to Sri Lanka until the government: First, suspends and brings to justice members of the military who have violated internationally recognized human rights or international law; respects internationally recognized human rights, including the right of due process for suspected ex-combatants; treats IDPs in accordance with international standards, and is actively working to resettle individuals in their former homes; provides unrestricted access to conflict-affected areas and populations by humanitarian organizations and journalists; and implements policies to promote reconciliation and justice.

I would encourage my colleagues to support this language until the Government of Sri Lanka can prove it is taking the necessary steps to secure lasting peace and stability for the island.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5139) to provide for the International Organizations Immunities Act to be extended to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of this bill that provides legal protection for U.S. personnel working in two Balkans-based organizations.

I wish to thank my good friend from California and the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Howard Berman, for introducing this important measure.

The Office of the High Representative, or OHR, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office, the ICO, in Kosovo arose out of efforts by the international community, with the United States' leadership, to bring peace and stability to the Balkans following the conflicts in the 1990s.

The OHR has been performing an invaluable function in overseeing the civilian implementation of the Dayton Accords, while the ICO has been ensuring implementation of provisions of the Comprehensive Proposal of the Kosovo Status Settlement. Over 200 Americans have worked at these organizations.

H.R. 5139 amends the International Organizations and Immunities Act, or the IOIA, by authorizing the President to extend privileges and immunities to the officers and employees of the OHR and ICO.

This technical fix seeks to help avoid costly and politically sensitive litigation in the United States' courts against employees of these organizations who are not otherwise guaranteed immunity under the

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1324) expressing condolences and sympathies for the people of China following the tragic earthquake in the Qinghai province of the Peoples Republic of China on April 14, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I thank my colleague, Congressman Manzullo of Illinois, for his support, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on April 14, 2010, an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the Qinghai province of southwest China. With over 18 aftershocks measuring more than 6.0 on the Richter scale, the devastation and suffering that followed was immeasurable. The earthquake killed over 2,000 residents of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which is 97 percent Tibetan and has been a cradle for Tibetan culture and religion for centuries. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the quake, countless schools, government buildings, and local monasteries stood in ruins.

First on the scene were local Tibetan Buddhist monks who worked in very treacherous conditions to stabilize schools, clinics, and homes to rescue survivors. These monks, many working in their robes with the most basic of tools, worked for hours without breaking until heavy machinery could be moved in. They were joined in their efforts by local and national Chinese authorities who worked in conjunction with the community groups on search and rescue and now join in the rebuilding.

The worst-hit town of Kyegu still contains over 100,000 homeless residents, on top of the 20,000 migrants, described as ``mostly herders and farmers,'' already living there. Yet, 5 weeks after the earthquake, we are seeing the silver lining, as plans to reconstruct all of Kyegu, including the destroyed Buddhist holy sites, and build new homes for those who tragically lost their own, take place.

On May 1, 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced a plan to rebuild Kyegu in an ``eco-friendly'' manner during a meeting on postdisaster rehabilitation and reconstruction. I commend the Chinese government's efforts to rehabilitate and modernize the region, but encourage them also to include the local Tibetan population in their reconstruction plans, given the distinctiveness of the region as a center of Tibetan culture.

On behalf of the over 50,000 Chinese Americans who reside in my congressional district, I express my condolences for all the people of the Qinghai province, Tibetan Americans, Chinese Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or are otherwise affected by this tragedy, including rescue and humanitarian workers. I also want to commend Ambassador Huntsmann, who presented a check for $100,000 to the Chinese Red Cross Society for their efforts to rebuild after the Qinghai earthquake. Ambassador Huntsmann's remarks demonstrated that we stand with the Chinese people to rebuild Qinghai and further develop stronger ties between our two nations.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Just to continue on a point that I failed to mention, the issue of the Tibetan people is, of course, very near and dear to me as well. I have in my district the only Tibetan cultural museum in North America. And it's a site that we have worked with and honored for years--the importance of the Tibetan people, their culture, and what it means to the whole world, and that they are allowed to continue to survive and flourish in this world. And so on many points I agree with the gentleman from Texas.

I have no further requests for time, and yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 873) establishing a United States Consulate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should establish a consulate in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. As the United States military presence in Iraq winds down and our diplomatic presence increases, a consulate in northern Iraq will prove indispensable to America. Fifteen countries, including Iran, Turkey, and a leading number of European countries, have already opened consulates in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan regional government. It would benefit U.S. national security to follow suit. American economic interests would also be served by opening a consulate in northern Iraq. Indeed, Iraqi Kurdistan offers numerous business opportunities across a number of important sectors, including energy development and infrastructure. The lack of a consulate in northern Iraq is preventing U.S. firms from taking full advantage of these new economic opportunities in a rapidly developing region. Instead, contracts are going to Iranian, European, Turkish, and Asian corporations.

Finally, the absence of a U.S. consulate in northern Iraq makes it extremely difficult for the residents of that region--Kurds, Arabs, and others--to gain access to U.S. consular services. Iraqis from the north must drive more than 200 miles to reach the American Embassy in Baghdad. And

some of the territory they are forced to cover is treacherous. This is no way to encourage Iraqi communication with American diplomats or to handle passport issues.

Madam Speaker, this year, the State Department modified its travel warning for Iraq, reflecting the relative safety and security in the Kurdistan region. And we must not forget that the Kurdish people of Iraq have been partners with the United States for many years. I believe that the establishment of the United States consulate in the Kurdistan region of Iraq will demonstrate our strong commitment to maintaining and building upon a success and stability that has already been achieved in that part of Iraq, thanks in large part to the proud, brave, and courageous warriors from our armed services. I also believe that we should open consulates in the majority Shia south and the majority Sunni Arab center of the country to expand America's diplomatic reach and presence throughout Iraq.

Madam Speaker, the future of United States-Iraqi relations will be based on diplomacy and security. Expanding our consular access in northern Iraq will contribute both to our national security goals and to the stabilization and success of the Iraqi nation. I encourage all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 873.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Davis).

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5327) to authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation and yield myself as much time as I may consume.

H.R. 5327, the United States-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act of which I am a proud original cosponsor, authorizes funds for the State of Israel to facilitate the deployment of the Iron Dome missile defense system. I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye) for introducing this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, as we all know, the residents of Israel are subject to the constant threat of terrorist attack--not just threat but actual attack. Israelis living in the southern city of Sderot have been terrorized by more than 8,000 indiscriminate rocket and mortar attacks on their homes, schools and communities. Passage of the U.S.-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act today will help provide Israel with a reliable missile shield that could lead to a major strategic shift in Israel's approach to dealing with the persistent missile threat.

For years, the primary tool that Israel has used to protect its citizens from Hamas and Hezbollah missile attacks is an early warning system that sets off sirens telling people to hurry into bomb shelters. This is a passive defense which aims to minimize fatalities among helpless, unprotected civilians. The deployment of the Iron Dome missile shield will give Israel the capability to provide active defense. This advanced system has the capability of knocking Qassams, Katyushas, mortars and other deadly projectiles out of the sky, rendering them harmless.

President Obama's decision to provide the necessary funding to support Israel's deployment of the Iron Dome system demonstrates America's enduring commitment to Israel's enduring defense and the Obama administration's commitment to ensuring Israel's security. As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently said, ``President Obama has affirmed, the United States' commitment to Israel's security is unshakable, and our defense relationship is stronger than ever, to the mutual benefit of both nations.'' Madam Speaker, U.S.-Israeli cooperation on the Iron Dome system will help advance the cause of peace by supporting Israel's ability to defend herself against terrorist attacks. This will give Israel the security it requires to live in peace and to make difficult sacrifices for peace. I believe defensive technologies like Iron Dome are a real-world necessity for Israel as it moves from proximity talks to direct talks and eventually to a final two-state solution.

Madam Speaker, the United States and our ally Israel share many of the

same security challenges, from combating terrorism to confronting the threat posed by Iran's nuclear weapons program. President Obama and the Democrats in Congress recognize the threat posed by Hamas and Hezbollah to Israel, and we will continue to do what is necessary to keep Israel safe and promote the cause of peace, but we cannot have peace until Israel is safe. Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel in their quest for peace and the right to live lives free of terrorism. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yea'' on this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to Representative Moran from Virginia, a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), a member of the Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), chairwoman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), the chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I shall consume.

Madam Speaker, I join in agreement with all the speakers who have spoken on this resolution, the importance of America's continuing friendship, support, and solidarity with the people of Israel.

Many speak about how this is an issue that is so important for America's national security, and that is true. I'm a New Yorker. You may have noticed that. I know with my accent I didn't have to say it. But I was also in New York on September 11, and like so many New Yorkers, we saw firsthand the threat of terrorism right at our doorstep; not just the threat, but the reality. And it's that threat and that reality that the people of Israel live with every day. They are on the front line. So, yes, it is in our national interest.

But it also speaks to the very morality and soul of our Nation that we stand by our friend, that we stand by our colleague in this world battle, and that is the nation of Israel. And so this bill is just one more step in that statement. It is important for America to do it because, if we didn't, then we would no longer be America.

Madam Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time, and therefore, I yield the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to urge my colleagues to pass H. Res. 1320, a resolution honoring the citizens of New York City, the brave men and women of the NYPD, the FDNY, and all our federal and state partners in law enforcement and homeland security for their vigilance and prompt response to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square this past Saturday, May 1, 2010.

I heard the news of the Times Square incident while traveling in Afghanistan and Pakistan, examining the connections between extremism across the world and terrorist attacks on our own soil.

And given the events of this past week, and the arrest of Faisal Shahzad the link is far too clear.

This resolution, which I introduced with my colleagues Congressman Jim Himes, and Congressman John Hall, along with the entire New York delegation, is in honor of New York City's local law enforcement teams, federal agencies and vigilant citizens for keeping our city, people and country safe. We commend their excellent, professional police and investigative work that led to the quick arrest of this terrorist.

Unfortunately, the fear of terrorism is never far from the mind of any New Yorker.

On Saturday, we were all reminded of the heart-felt loss that we endured nine years ago on September 11, 2001 and how much our world has changed since that tragic day.

New York City remains our nation's number one terrorist target--our greatest symbol of freedom, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. It is our nation's financial and cultural capital and as New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said yesterday, the terrorists are going to keep trying to attack us in New York City again and again.

That is why the federal government must increase homeland security funding and protection for New York City. Anti-terror funding must be distributed in a way that prioritizes those areas that are most at risk for future attacks.

I urge this body to increase funding and security programs in high priority areas like New York because protecting the homeland is just too important for politics as usual. Found immediately after the botched attack was a map on the Metro North Railroad to Connecticut identifying my own beloved Staten Island Ferry as a target and the subway stops that serve the Manhattan terminal as potential targets.

Walt Whitman once said that ``The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people.''

On Saturday, two Times Square vendors--Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson--saw smoke billowing out of a SUV parked on West 45th Street in Times Square and took action.

They immediately contacted New York City Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan who started evacuating the area and called for additional NYPD and FDNY support, including the bomb squad.

These people saw something wrong and said something--and their actions saved lives and led to the arrest of a man who was seeking to kill countless numbers of innocent people.

Although, the actions of everyone involved in preventing Saturday's potential tragedy are remarkable, all Americans need to remain alert-- and we in the Congress need to support the brave men and women of the NYPD, and law enforcement officers across the Nation with the resources necessary to keep our Nation safe.

As Americans we learn not only from our mistakes but from our successes. The capture of Faisal Shahzad is commendable, but we have to examine why he was allowed to board an aircraft after being added to a no-fly list and why it took until literally the last minute before departure for him to be apprehended. We have got to get to a system for our security and our protection where we track every single person both entering and exiting our country.

In addition we must also continue to support our military and intelligence operations abroad to dismantle these terrorist networks. I just came back from Afghanistan and Pakistan and I can tell you the front line of our security right here at home is in those two countries. Our troops are the front line of defense in protecting the homeland from terrorism and they deserve our support and appreciation.

I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 1320.

Mr. Speaker, I would to like commend Israel on her 62nd Anniversary since her founding.

Likewise, it is the 62nd Anniversary of the U.S.-Israel bond, which remains strong and indissoluble.

Israel is our fellow democracy, our tried and true ally. Supporting it is essential to the stability ant future of the Middle East. In fact Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East.

In just 62 years a people that suffered at the hands of Hitler and European anti-Semitism built a nation. From the ashes of 6,000,000 who died in the Holocaust a people a nation rose to make a desert bloom. In 62 years Israel has made tremendous strides becoming a world leader in technology, agriculture, water resource management, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and so many other areas. The first generation of Sabras from Europe quickly welcomed new immigrants who were forcibly evicted from Arab lands. Further waves of immigrants came from the breakup of the Soviet Union, from Ethiopia and most recently from France. Israel has held steadfast to the principles of its founding fathers and been a welcome source for any Jew anywhere in the world seeking refuge.

From the creation of Israel 62 years ago and its immediate recognition by the United States, the ties between our two countries continue to be strong. A democracy like ours, Israel's politics have been robust with many participants and many parties represented. Consistently throughout it history through wars and in times of relative peace, the Israeli people have made their democracy stronger and the relationship between the world's largest Jewish community and the world's largest diaspora community stronger.

And any nation or group that chooses to treat Israel as a suspect state and threatens Israel, particularly with violence, should know that its actions ultimately do damage to the shared values that all democracies espouse.

Following the failed Iranian elections in June, the Iranian regime has had its legitimacy wounded and its paranoia increased. Iran now takes a posture of increased repression at home and antagonism abroad. In that dangerous environment, Israel's leaders have every right to be concerned for their country's safety.

While hope still exists for a free Iran, Europe, Israel and the United States must undoubtedly prepare for a more dangerous Iranian regime in the near term. We must prevent Iran's increased pursuit of nuclear weapons through hard-hitting sanctions, after all, I personally look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with Israel.

There seems to be a certain line of thinking in the international community that Iran poses no threat.

It is this very failure to prepare that puts Israel and the entire international community at risk. Now is the time to prepare.

Mr. Speaker, I urge this Congress and the United States to make the Iranian regime pay a higher cost for its nuclear weapons pursuit.

If we needed any further reminder, the protests in the streets of Tehran have made clear that words mean very little to Ayatollah Khamenei.

The threat from Iran demands an effective policy response and our Israeli friends must see clear action from their age-old ally that, we are in this together.

If the Iranian regime faced damaging economic pressure from a significant reduction in gasoline supplies, it may change course.

And an ever present threat to Israel, and to global security, may be alleviated. Nothing endangers peace more than a refusal to face facts.

Even as we set deadlines that are never met with Iran might begin, let's remember that they continue to enrich uranium and that a deadline with real consequences must be considered along with engagement-- otherwise engagement will be manipulated as a mere tactic for delay.

I am glad that this House chose to face Iran today through voting to instruct conferees on the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act and support Israel, the Middle East and even the Gulf states against a growing threat in the region.

I have high hopes that the international community will do the same.

Once again, I congratulate, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the people of Israel our friend and ally on this momentous occasion.

The U.S. was there ten minutes following Israel's founding and will be with her for many, many more years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the service of David Possner to the youth of New York City. He has dedicated his life to educating the youth of our city and to the betterment of his community.

David Possner graduated from the prestigious New York City Leadership Academy's Aspiring Principals Program and is currently an assistant principal at M.S. Q226 in Queens, New York. At this school, he is the supervisor of the Visionary School Academy. In this role, he is a role model and inspiration to his students. He is always available to assist students and their families, in or out of the classroom.

David's commitment to education and community service is not limited to the classroom. He is always available to assist students and their families in both academic and personal matters. David is involved in numerous charitable organizations and has inspired many of his students to join him in these endeavors. He sees his role not just as an educator, but as a leader of youth. His tireless dedication to his life's calling makes him an inspiration not just to his students, but to educators across the country.

I am pleased to inform you that David's hard work has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by the United States Senate, the House of Representatives, the New York State Assembly, and the New York City Council. The New York Post has called him ``a visionary who has made a deep impact on the lives of his students and fellow teachers.''

The one word that we could use to describe David would be ``hope.'' This has been his guiding principle for his entire career: hope in New York City, hope in our state, hope in our youth, and hope in our nation. Despite the constant challenges facing his students, he never gives up on them and always inspires them to strive for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I invite the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the outstanding life contributions of David Possner to our city's and our nation's youth.