Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today, I offer my deepest condolences to the country of Poland, its citizens, and the families of President Kaczynski, his wife and all those killed on April 10, 2010. That is why I rise today in support of H. Res. 1246, a resolution expressing sympathy for the people of Poland in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash that killed the country's President, First Lady and 94 others this past Saturday.

Implausibly, this untimely tragedy occurred while President Kaczynski was on his way to commemorate the unspeakable injustices carried out upon the Polish people during the Katyn massacre.

His ability to commemorate this massacre alongside Russian leaders for the first time, speaks volumes to his skill and understanding as a politician and a world leader.

Through my position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Europe, I have witnessed President Kaczynski's efforts to strengthen US-Poland relations. He was truly one of America's most valued and trusted allies.

His work for human rights and freedoms, not only benefited the people of Poland, but the entire international community. He will be long remembered and sorely missed.

Most notably, he will remain a champion for democracy, a man whose journey took him from the Gdansk Shipyards to the presidency of a free people. His legend will live in the hearts and minds of all those who yearn for a better, more peaceful world.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, I rise this afternoon to speak to a very alarming and disconcerting issue that continues to grow unchecked around the world, and that is the debilitating and negative effects that the Islamic Republic of Iran is having around the world.

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, we are very concerned about peace in the Middle East, and we know that it's very important that our great friend and ally, Israel, continue in negotiations with the Palestinians to come to a resolution of the issues that exist there. However, I believe we cannot expect success to come there unless we look at the role that Iran is playing on that issue and so many other dangerous issues around the world. It is acting in a way that is against the interest in our great ally Israel and our allies around the world and our Nation as well.

Mr. Speaker, indeed the Palestinian negotiations in Iran are very much linked, but not in the way that those who want to pressure Israel would argue. The connection between these two critical foreign policy issues stems from Iran's perceived veto power over the ability of Israelis and Palestinians to come to terms.

Acting as Iran's proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas are used to destabilize the region by engaging in hostile military activities or significant acts of terror at the will of the Islamic Republic. Furthermore, an environment conducive to peace is disrupted by the increased weaponization of the region. Already huge numbers of rockets have been illegally shipped to Hezbollah by Iran in violation of Security Council Resolution 1701. Likewise, arms and ammunition have been smuggled into Gaza and to Hamas through similar routes.

Thus, for those who want peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Iran must be brought under control. But it isn't just in the Palestinian Authority where Iran is making trouble. Iran is training and funding actors hostile to the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq and also providing lethal munitions such as materials used in the

IEDs to kill and maim our troops and allies. Examples of civil unrest throughout Iraq, northeastern Saudi Arabia, and even Bosnia have also been tied to the Quds force which conducts overseas operations for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

And we must not ignore Syria's partnership with Iran either. Syria is a client of Iran and together with Hezbollah--an Iranian-controlled entity--in neighboring Lebanon, Lebanese Christians and moderate Muslims fear raising their voices against the Syrian hegemony over Lebanon, reversing the gains made in the Cedar Revolution that resulted in the end of the Syrian occupation of Lebanon.

Unfortunately, Iran's tentacles extend across continents and into our Western Hemisphere as well. Iran has entered into a strategic alliance with Venezuela, opening the path for Hugo Chavez to further his anti- U.S. activities in South America. And even more concerning, Venezuela is helping Iran circumvent the Security Council's economic sanctions and is also suspected of providing Tehran with uranium.

Finally, as smaller Arab states in the gulf witness the rise in Iranian power, a power which will be confirmed once it reaches the nuclear threshold, they too will follow this path and attempt to forge an alliance with this new regional superpower.

For this reason, Mr. Speaker, it is crucial that Congress move swiftly with the administration towards curtailing Iran's nuclear ambitions. Decades of inaction have allowed Iran's influence to sweep across the globe. We cannot allow Iran to move further as its influence creeps through our own hemisphere.

Back in the 1930s as the power of Nazi Germany grew, people like Winston Churchill sounded the alarm. But all too often that alarm was ignored.

The alarm is being sounded here in this Chamber and is being sounded across the world. We must act to stop the insidious influence of Iran around the world, and we must do it on every front. The time to act is now. And the way to act is, as I urge my colleagues, that we move swiftly to complete the passage of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act and the Iran Human Rights Violation Sanctions Act which we must bring to conference committee and send to the President for signature.

Madam Speaker, PFC Brendan Marrocco of Staten Island, New York. Rocco, as his Brothers in Arms call him, is an inspiration to all of us and to all the men and women recovering over at Walter Reed Hospital. Rocco is the only surviving quadruple amputee of the Iraq war. His will to live, and his courage makes him a heroes' hero, and a shining lesson to us all. His family, like his brother Michael who quit his job, is always there for him. His fine father and mother raised one heck of a son. For Rocco's heart matches this Gotham City from which he comes. Could there be a bigger one? I ask that this poem, penned by Albert Caswell in honor of him, his family, and SGT Jeff Mittman, and all of our heroes of these wars, FAOY, who have come home to teach us all, be placed in the Record. Bless them all.

Don't, Cry for Me!

Don't, cry for me!

Lift up your head, there's so much more I'm going to be!

Don't, feel sorry for me!

Yea, I've hurt . . . but, I'm growing ever stronger! Don't

you see?

Yea, its been hard . . . and it will always be!

But, this is the life that I so chose to lead!

But, on this road that we call life . . . there are no

promises, or guarantees . . .

All except, for what's deep down inside of me! Arms and legs,

we all need!

But, we can survive! But, without hearts . . .

We so surely, can not so breathe! For all in life, of which

is great . . .

Love, valor, hope, courage, and honor . . . and so sacrifice

. . .

So emanates, from deep down inside of me!

Sure, I'd love to touch and feel . . .

Or run once again . . . upon my once two strong legs so very

real . . .

Still, all of this pain and heartache can not so steal . . .

My heart, that which so beats inside of me!

That which so heals all of me! Don't cry for me!

Because, there's Staten Island steel inside of me!

Yea . . . I'm up and running . . . can't you see?

Well, you better get started . . . if you want to catch up

with me!

As I make the best of what my Lord God has so left to me . .

.

For all is possible, when hearts believe!

People live such useless lives!

Honor in death and freedom . . . are but for what I rise!

As but what, I've so lived for . . . and die!

And all of my most precious gifts, my arms and legs . . .

And so all of this . . . I give to thee, and not ask why?

Yea, I'd love to see . . .

Or hear, all those words you're saying to me . . .

But, my heart still hears and sees!

For all I've lost, and is no longer part of me!

For I can hear, far much more clearer now! And see . . .

indeed!

Standing here, now with but half a face . . .

With such scars and burns . . .

And such great burdens upon my soul as placed!

As so bravely, I carry on . . . both night and day . . .

But, in my Lord's eyes . . . my beauty so emanates!

To make a difference with it all!

As but what I so fought for, what I saw!

As I so answered that most noble cause!

As my new battle is to be won!

To so shine upon this world, all in courage's sun . . .

Giving hope to all, each and everyone!

For in this minute, That we call life . . .

Have you but so made a difference, I cry?

All in this our Lord's eyes?

And for all of those, who failed or not tried . . .

It's but for you, I cry!

Don't Cry For Me!

Madam Speaker, I rise as a supporter of our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every single day to strongly oppose H. Con. Res. 248.

Setting aside legitimate procedural objections to H. Con. Res 248, this is the wrong time to withdraw our troops from Afghanistan. Secretary Gates just wrapped up a visit to Afghanistan and our troops have successfully lifted the Taliban flag off of Marja, and are preparing to expand security to other Afghan regions.

We are just beginning to implement General McChrystal's strategy to drive insurgents, terrorists and narco-traffickers out of Afghanistan, where they have comfortably plotted against the U.S. for years. U.S. and International Security Assistance Forces are laying the groundwork for the next push into the Taliban heartland of Kandahar, as we speak. Securing Kandahar will allow us to secure Afghanistan. If we have a peaceful Kandahar, we will have a peaceful Afghanistan.

I support our Commander in Chief in his plan to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan on December 1, 2009. It is time to give this strategy a chance. This Administration has made the elimination of Al-Qaeda and the stability of Afghanistan a top priority. In addition, many of our coalition partners particulary the United Kingdom, and Canada and Muslim allies like Pakistan, have also stepped up their engagement and cooperation. They are committed to the fight and we should be as well. They know that a stable Afghanistan will bring stability and security to Pakistan and all of South Asia.

Our troops now have the leadership and the vision to complete this mission. Their success militarily is working hand in hand with American and international humanitarian assistance and NGOs which are helping to educate women, clean drinking water and provide healthcare.

Obviously sending Americans to war is our most serious obligation as Members of Congress. But equally serious is our obligation to care for our veterans. In my first year in Congress, working with Members on both sides of the aisle, we have already secured a record amount in mental health funding for our troops and to expand the number of mental health professionals at the DoD. This Administration and Congress is committed to making sure that our Veterans receive the highest quality of care possible both in the field and at home.

Until then, our troops should be proud to help stabilize the region that has fanned the flames of radical hostility and extreme terrorist ideology that led to the horrors of September 11th. Afghanistan should never again be a launching pad for terrorist activities.

We are the United States, and it is our duty to fight for democracy and fight against terror. I urge my colleagues to vote against H. Con. Res. 248 today and give the Afghanistan mission the fighting chance to succeed.

Madam Speaker, today, I congratulate Greece on her 189th anniversary of independence.

Greece has long been a close ally to the United States and rightly so, given that our founding fathers formulated the American political philosophy from the Greek ideals that were first conceptualized in 500

Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 75, 76, and 77, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 78, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy, when on February 25-26, 1992, the town of Khojaly in the Nagorno Karabagh region of Azerbaijan was brutally attacked by Armenian forces. The town of Khojaly, which was home to 7,000 people, was completely destroyed; a total of 613 people were killed, of which 106 were women and 83 were children, and 56 of whom are purported to have been killed with extreme cruelty and torture. Additionally, 1,275 were taken hostage, 150 went missing; 487 people became disabled, 76 of whom are teenagers; 8 families were wiped out; 25 children lost both of their parents, and 130 children lost one of their parents.

Sadly, Khojaly, a town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, now under the occupation of Armenian forces, was the site of the largest killing of ethnic Azerbaijani civilians.

According to Human Rights Watch and other international observers, the massacre was committed by the ethnic Armenian armed forces, reportedly with the help of the Russian 366th Motor Rifle Regiment.

As part of the population tried to escape the town of Khojaly, they encountered violent ambushes and were murdered. According to the Russian organization, Memorial, 200 Azerbaijani corpses were brought from Khojaly to Agdam within four days, and it was discovered that they were subjected to abuses, torture and mutilation. Human Rights Watch stated that ``we place direct responsibility for the civilian deaths with Karabakh Armenian forces.''

At the time, Newsweek Magazine reported: ``Azerbaijan was a charnel house again last week: a place of mourning refugees and dozens of mangled corpses dragged to a makeshift morgue behind the mosque. They were ordinary Azerbaijani men, women and children of Khojaly, a small village in war-torn Nagorno-Karabakh overrun by Armenian forces on 25- 26 February. Many were killed at close range while trying to flee; some had their faces mutilated, others were scalped.''

Time Magazine stated ``While the details are argued, this much is plain: something grim and unconscionable happened in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly 2 weeks ago. So far, some 200 dead Azerbaijanis, many of them mutilated, have been transported out of the town tucked inside the Armenian-dominated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh for burial in neighboring Azerbaijan. The total number of deaths--the Azerbaijanis claim 1,324 civilians have been slaughtered, most of them women and children--is unknown.''

Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, PACE, from Albania, Azerbaijan, and the United Kingdom stated in May 2001 in Written Declaration No. 324 that the ``Armenians massacred the whole population of Khojaly and fully destroyed the town.''

Khojaly was the first significant Azerbaijani settlement overrun by Armenian forces in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The forces next overran the Nagorno-Karabakh districts of Zangilan, Gubadli, Fuzuli, Aghdam, and Kalbajar, as well as the towns of Shusha and Lachin. Altogether, the occupied territories represent roughly 20 percent of the territory of Azerbaijan. And, altogether roughly one million Azerbaijanis were evicted from their homes over the course of the Armenian-Azerbaijan war.

Madam Speaker, this is not the ringing condemnation that the survivors of Khojaly deserve but it is an important first step by an international community that has too long been silent on this issue. Congress should take the next step and I hope my colleagues will join me in standing with Azerbaijanis as they commemorate the tragedy of Khojaly. The world should know and remember.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1059) honoring the heroism of the seven United States Agency for International Development and Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance supported urban search and rescue teams deployed to Haiti from New York City, New York, Fairfax County, Virginia, Los Angeles County, California, Miami, Florida, Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, and commending their dedication and assistance in the aftermath of the January 12, 2010, Haitian earthquake, 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.

Madam Speaker, on January 12, 2010, the most devastating earthquake to strike Haiti in over 200 years ravaged the island nation and took with it hundreds of thousands of lives. The aftermath of this tragic earthquake will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, but through the tragedy over 50 Haitian and American families celebrated the moment when their loved ones were rescued from the rubble by the 511 brave volunteers of the USAID/OFDA-supported urban search and rescue teams deployed to Haiti.

These teams, which hail from New York City; Fairfax County, Virginia; Los Angeles County, California; Miami, Florida; Miami-Dade County, Florida; and Virginia Beach, Virginia, in most cases alerted their rescue team commanders that they were ready and willing to serve in Haiti even before their activation by OFDA. Their heroism is a true testament to the American spirit and the underlying concern of all Americans toward their neighbors and friends.

While highly skilled and experienced in this type of dangerous work, the challenges facing the search and rescue teams in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake were particularly daunting. One night, as New York's Task Force One team had already gone to base camp, the team rushed back to the streets of Port-au-Price when they heard rumors that there were still children trapped in rubble nearby. That night, an 8- year-old boy was pulled by the team from the rubble and thanked his rescuers with a big hug and a big smile. The rescue team also saved a little girl buried in the same massive pile of rubble where the team recovered the bodies of three other children that day.

The U.S. task force teams arrived in Haiti completely self-reliant. They brought their own shelter, food, and equipment. New York City Fire Commissioner and Staten Island native Sal Cassano says the groups that were sent to Haiti were among the best trained in the world by, of course, his department and the police department led by Commissioner Ray Kelly. The teams assisted in all types of search and rescue operations, including concrete removal, void searches, and confined space searches. They truly made a difference in the lives that they saved and in the other international search and rescue teams which they trained as well.

Altogether, the international search and rescue effort in Haiti resulted in over 130 lives saved. And although the search and rescue phase of the disaster relief effort in Haiti is over, many of the rescuers and members of the New York City Police Department have stayed on or will return to provide the Haitian national police, among other police forces, with training and technical assistance.

It is essential that immediate rescue and relief efforts be followed with a sustained commitment to Haiti's long-term reconstruction and development, and I commend President Obama, with the support of this Congress, and his able team for their leadership in this area.

I commend the great heroism of the seven United States search and rescue teams that served in Haiti and welcome them back to their homes and families in New York, California, Virginia, and Florida.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the ranking member of the committee for those remarks, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1074) honoring the life of Miep Gies, who aided Anne Frank's family while they were in hiding and preserved her diary for future generations.

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.

Anne Frank and her family's struggle to survive the Holocaust is known to millions around the world, but few realize that the story of Anne and the

Frank family would never have been known had it not been for the selfless acts of Miep Gies, who passed away on January 11.

The Frank family was ultimately captured by the Gestapo and deported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where Anne and her sister Margor died of typhus. Anne's diaries survived the war and continue to serve as an inspirational story of hope in the face of senseless tragedy and an important testament for future generations to the horrors of the Holocaust. Were it not for the selfless acts of Miep Gies, an employee of Anne's father, Otto, who aided the Frank family while they were in hiding and preserved Anne's diary, Anne's story would likely never have been known. Miep agreed without hesitation to hide and assist the Frank family to avoid persecution in the hands of the Nazis, and by doing so put her own life at risk.

After the Gestapo discovered the Frank family's hiding place, Miep hid the pages of Anne's diary for safekeeping and years later returned them to Otto, the only surviving member of the Frank family. Miep Gies also shared her recollections to author Alison Leslie Gold for the book, ``Anne Frank Remembered,'' which was later made into a powerful documentary film. She recounted her extraordinary life with a self- effacing modesty that betrayed her unfailing courage and integrity, serving as a powerful symbol of resistance against the forces of oppression and injustice.

We mourn the passing of this extraordinary woman, and honor her for her bravery and compassion.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Miep Gies' courage in risking her own life to hide and to provide for the Frank family and for preserving the memory of Anne Frank and the Holocaust.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to the prime sponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kilroy).

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

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 944) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on religious minorities in Iraq, as amended.

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

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

Madam Speaker, H. Res. 944 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on the status of religious minorities in Iraq.

When the Iraq war began in 2003, little thought was given to the impact on Iraq's religious minorities. Only 3 percent of the population in Iraq is non-Muslim. These populations include Christians, Yazidis, Sabian-Mandaeans, Baha'is, Shabaks, Kaka'is, and a very small number of Jews.

Although the new Iraqi Constitution recognizes Islam as the official religion of Iraq, it also states that no law may be enacted that contradicts principles of democracy or the rights and basic

freedoms stipulated in the constitution. The constitution also guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religious belief and practice for both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Although the Iraqi Government generally respects these rights, ongoing violence restricts the free exercise of religion, and this violence poses a significant threat to the country's vulnerable religious minorities. These minorities continue to suffer at the hands of terrorists, extremists, criminal gangs, and even at the hands of unsavory elements within the Iraqi Government. Sectarian violence, including attacks on religious leaders and religious places of worship, continues to hamper their ability to practice religion freely.

Many experts consider the situation for Iraqi Christians as especially dire. According to Chaldean Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Andreos Abouna of Baghdad, the number of Christians in Iraq may have been cut in half since 2003. As documented by the State Department, Christians have been threatened with violence if they do not leave their homes. They have been accosted on the streets and have even been assassinated. Their churches have been bombed and destroyed.

Reports indicate that other religious minorities face similarly treacherous situations. The Yazidis, who are considered heretical by many Muslims because of their beliefs, have suffered under a tremendous onslaught of violence. Another targeted group, the Sabian-Mandaeans, numbered about 60,000 in 2003. Today, only about 5,000 Sabian-Mandaeans remain in Iraq, meaning that more than 90 percent have left the country or have been killed.

That is why we are considering House Resolution 944 today, and that is why I am proud to say that I am an original cosponsor of that resolution.

This resolution urges the Government of Iraq to enhance security in places of worship in Iraq, particularly where religious minorities are known to be at risk. The resolution calls for the urgent training of an appropriate number of security forces to protect religious minorities. It also urges the Iraqi Government to take affirmative measures to reverse the legal, political and economic marginalization of religious minorities in Iraq. In addition, it asks the United States to consider implementing programs for religious minorities as part of its overall economic assistance to Iraq.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution in an effort to make certain that all religions survive and have a chance to prosper in the new Iraq.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 3 minutes to the prime sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters).

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

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the remainder 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. 1048) commending the efforts and honoring the work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in the immediate response to those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, 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 as much time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, this resolution recognizes the tireless, selfless, and heroic efforts of the men and women of the USNS Comfort and the entire United States Navy in responding to the tragic earthquake that rocked Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, on January 12, 2010.

While many have known about Haiti's long and trying history in the face of natural disaster, food shortage, volatile prices, and an unstable political system, this latest trial, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake has brought with it a sea of new challenges, directly affecting 3 million people, nearly one-third of the country's population.

Amid the catastrophic destruction of homes, roads, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, and casualty estimates being measured in the hundreds of thousands, there is a deep need for immediate material aid and medical support for survivors. Within hours of the quake, the United States Navy was on the scene in Port-au-Prince to swiftly administer aid to the Haitian people.

The USNS Comfort and its 1,200 crew members have since offered around-the-clock medical services for up to 900 Haitians facing a wide range of health issues and maladies, many of them critical. They have saved the lives of 98 percent of the ship's patients, a testament to the USNS Comfort's dedication and laudable medical capabilities.

The 550 medical personnel aboard the Comfort represent a wide array of specialties, including trauma surgeons, and have been working around the clock, since even before the Comfort reached Haiti, as patients began arriving by helicopter while they were en route. This vessel's brave crew has brought with it rays of hope, and is a symbol of the United States' and international outpouring of aid and sympathy.

In the wake of this terrible catastrophe, the Haitian people have once again called upon their reserves of courage and resilience, and the United States is proud to stand as a leader with them in their hour of need.

I believe it is fair to say that the USNS Comfort is aptly named. It has provided comfort in terms of health and saving lives to the victims of this terrible calamity. I therefore, Madam Speaker, urge my colleagues to strongly support this resolution.

House of Representatives,

House Committee on Armed Services,

Washington, DC, February 22, 2010.

Hon. Howard L. Berman,

Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rayburn House

Office Building, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: On January 27, 2010, the House

Resolution 1048, ``Commending the efforts and honoring the

work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the United

States Navy in the immediate response to those affected by

the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010'' was

introduced in the House. This measure was referred to the

Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the

Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently

determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of

such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the

committee concerned.

Our Committee recognizes the importance of H. Res. 1048,

and the need for the legislation to move expeditiously.

Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over

this legislation, the Committee on Armed Services will waive

further consideration of H. Res. 1048. I do so with the

understanding that by waiving further consideration of the

resolution, the Committee does not waive any future

jurisdictional claims over similar measures.

I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter and a copy

of your response in the Congressional Record during

consideration of the measure on the House floor.

Very truly yours,

Ike Skelton,

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield as much time as he shall consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger).

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge, congratulate, and honor the career and service of Chief Terrance ``Terry'' Thornton of the Fire Department of New York.

In a long and distinguished career spanning nearly three decades, Chief Thornton courageously and selflessly served the people of New York City. He has truly earned the right to count himself among New York's bravest. From his humble beginnings at Engine 201 in Brooklyn in 1981, Terry quickly gained the trust and respect of his co-workers and superiors. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1991 and to Captain in 1998.

Perhaps the best example of Chief Thornton's leadership and bravery was his selection to join the Special Operations Command of the FDNY. This elite unit is responsible for all types of emergencies in New York City. With responsibilities ranging from search and rescue to HAZMAT responses, the Special Operations Command accepts only the best of the best. To be selected for this is an honor that is earned only by those who perform their duties at the highest level of professionalism and competence. In 2004, Terry was promoted to chief of 21 Battalion in Staten Island, a crowning achievement to a truly stellar career. After serving in this capacity for 5 years, Chief Thornton is retiring from the Fire Department to begin the next chapter in his life.

Madam Speaker, on a personal note, I have known Chief Thornton since we were both 14 years old. A better and truer friend neither I nor anyone in this chamber could ever wish to have. He is without question one of the most cheerful, friendly, kind, punctual, talkative, effervescent, convivial, and fastidious people I know. He has taught so many of us at home in Staten Island, NY the true meaning of bravery and courage. Not only has he dealt with the daily life-threatening situations he and his brothers faced while wearing the uniform of the New York City Fire Department, but also as a civilian he has brought his incredibly strong will of character to overcome the daily challenges that life presents. He has overcome great losses by learning to cherish and appreciate all of his gains.

We join his family; his children Patrick, Kyla, John, and Tara; his best friend and love, Lisa and her children, his sisters and brother, and all of his friends in wishing him well.

Madam Speaker, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009, an historic, bipartisan piece of legislation, smartly targets investment in Iran's hydrocarbon sector.

Outside of the oil and natural gas industry, Iran has practically no economy and any international company that chooses to invest and assist Iran in importing or producing refined petroleum, enables Iran to buy time as it masters the nuclear cycle. This perilous cat and mouse game, ultimately endangers the security of the U.S. Israel and the global community.

For those who question the effectiveness of stricter sanctions, I would point out the fact that already, due to U.S. pressure, at least 40 banks, including Deutsche Bank, UBS, Credit Suisse, and Commerzbank AK, have reduced business with Iran.

Yet, despite increased pressure from the international community and 5 UN Security Council Resolutions, Iran still refuses to suspend its enrichment program and has pledged to build even more enrichment facilities.

For this reason, H.R. 2194 is a necessary instrument in the tool box of international diplomacy that the United States can use to pressure Iran to engage in serious negotiations.

While I commend the Obama Administration for its willingness to engage with Iran and offer new solutions, I fear that their dialogue and discussion isn't being met with true partnership by the Iranian regime. The Iranian Government continues to drag their feet and refuse to commit to honest dialogue.

Madam Speaker, nuclear nonproliferation is a global responsibility.

Through my position on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I included a provision in this bill to the President to issue a timely report on the trade and sales of petroleum extraction equipment between Iran and members of the G20.

Sactions by the United States alone will not put the pressure on the Iranian regime unless they are met with equal restrictions by our friends and allies.

I have devoted much of my efforts on the committee to promoting transatlantic relations and nonproliferation efforts, and I feel that there is no better way to engage with allies and foes-alike than to promote a nuclear nonproliferation regime and ending Iran's nuclear ambitions once and for all.

This reporting requirement will allow the U.S. to weigh the efforts of the G20 members in the fight against nuclear proliferation and will ultimately further secure the United States, Israel and the global community.

I am confident that this measure will undoubtedly give the Administration the leverage that it needs to negotiate with the Ahmadinejad regime, but the United States will need the support of the international leaders in trade and the energy sector to wean Iran off its nuclear ambitions.

I thank the gentleman from New Jersey.

Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment and in support of the underlying legislation. I commend the work of Chairman Frank, of Chairman Peterson, and of all involved, and I commend also the work of the gentleman from Massachusetts, who is a great friend and colleague, although I disagree with him on this amendment.

This legislation is trying to minimize systemic risk, but the amendment will increase it, so I speak in opposition to it.

By limiting to 20 percent the total combined, collective ownership of clearinghouses, exchanges and execution facilities, it will limit what facilities can ultimately clear trades. Less choice. Not more choice.

The way to deal with concerns about conflicts of interest are through changes in governance, not through restricting ownership and investments. By concentrating the derivative trading market share in the hands of a very few inevitably large institutions, we are more likely to be creating systemic risk than we are to be mitigating it. Virtually all clearinghouses and exchanges are jointly owned, in which their vast majority of investors are swap participants.

The underlying bill grants regulators the strongest authority to police the markets and to enforce capital standards. Support the strong standards in this bill. Support the regulations and transparency in this bill. Oppose this business grab through legislative fiat.

The amendment is strongly opposed by the New York Stock Exchange, by the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, by LCH Clearnet, and by almost every single exchange and clearinghouse. It will cost jobs in New York in my district.

This bill should be about improving transparency and enforcement, and about bringing fair and prudent regulation to the derivatives market while minimizing systemic risk. Instead, the proponents of this amendment are using the legislative process to promote one marketplace over the others, and it will cost jobs and capital formation from other exchanges.

We are here today to reform American financial services and our regulatory structure, not to drive companies out of business, costing American exchanges jobs and money. The amendment will give an unfair advantage to one exchange, and it just isn't practical.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Chairwoman, I urge all of you to support the Murphy-McMahon-Kratovil amendment, which would protect end users and to be sure we better regulate the big investors as major swap participants.

Although the regulation of derivatives is complex, the issue is extremely important to the proper functioning of our capital markets and to almost every business in America, and we need to get this right.

Because derivatives are financial instruments that help all of us, they help keep our energy costs low and stable, if they're overregulated, it will cost my constituents back home more money for their electricity. They help insurance companies keep premiums low. They help companies complete construction projects on time and under budget. And despite the negative press and lack of understanding of the derivatives market, for the most part, the market works well. We cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater.

We must work to protect the end users, good American businesses that are just trying to manage their cash flows and hedge against uncertain risks beyond their control in a cost-effective manner. To do otherwise would cripple American industries and jobs in this country.