Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010, which includes the Small Business Job Creation and Access to Capital Act I sponsored. This measure will increase the Small Business Administration loan limits to help small businesses with high inventory or property costs, as well as those in high cost-of-living areas, such as Westchester and Rockland Counties,

Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed rollcall vote No. 515 on August 10, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, more than 70,000 Americans from every State descended upon Ground Zero to recover and rebuild after 9/11. They ran into burning buildings, they rescued trapped workers, they sorted through destruction.

And just as we provide medical care for our troops, we must care for the 13,000 who are now sick as a result of their heroic actions in a toxic environment. They disregarded their personal safety for our country. Surely this Congress will not disregard their dire health needs to protect foreign tax shelters.

Nearly all of us represent a responder and almost 9 years later have a responsibility to do what is right. Vote for this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of providing urgently needed funds for our troops and diplomats to address the most pressing international crisis.

This bill provides approximately $3.7 billion for State Department operations and assistance programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, which are critical, not to continue war but to execute the President's strategy to bring home our troops.

My subcommittee is addressing serious concerns about the oversight of our assistance in Afghanistan. The administration must expend every dime of these funds responsibly and efficiently to advance our security interests.

An additional $1.8 billion will aid recovery efforts in Haiti where 1,450,000 people remain displaced and struggle daily to survive. Other international assistance includes $175 million for Mexico for counternarcotics programs and $150 million in economic and military assistance for Jordan, an important ally facing increased economic and security pressures.

While I am pleased this bill includes an increased responsibility for airlines to check passenger lists against the TSA's issued No Fly List to prevent continued air security breakdowns, I am deeply disappointed it has been stripped of funding to help prevent teacher layoffs--an emergency in our districts. I hope the House will provide additional funds to preserve and create jobs in the coming months to continue our economic recovery.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2194, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act.

Under its current leadership, Iran is a threat--to the United States, to its neighbors, and to global stability. Stopping the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons is a top priority of this Administration and Congress.

Building on the momentum of the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1929, this bill will impose punitive sanctions to immediately squeeze the Iranian regime in an effort to force change in their reckless behavior.

With the passage of H.R. 2194, we send a clear message backed by tough sanctions: investing in Iran's energy sector, conducting business with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, or facilitating investments that support Iran's illicit nuclear program have severe consequences.

Penalties and travel restrictions on Iran's human rights abusers and new sanctions in the banking and financial sector will further isolate the Iranian government, increasing the cost to Iran's leaders for their nuclear ambitions.

I thank the gentleman from California for his efforts, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Ella Cohen and Rye Neck High School for her winning the Stephen J. Wemiel Best Oralist Award 2010 in the ``We The Students'' National High School Moot Court Competition in March.

This competition brings high school students from around the world together to compete and showcase their oral advocacy skills. Students are tested on their understanding of cutting edge legal questions and the applicability of current legal issues to the high school setting. Crucial to this competition is the understanding of the Constitution and our complex judiciary system. Ella demonstrated sharp legal reasoning, addressing difficult questions about the first amendment.

Ella's award as ``Best Respondent'' in this competition is a testament to the quality education she has received at Rye Neck High school and her commitment to her studies.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ella and recognizing the teachers, the administrators and her family who have contributed to her academic success.

Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed a rollcall vote on June 8, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 337.

I thank the gentleman for organizing this Special Order and providing critical details of exactly what happened.

Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind: Israel has the right to defend herself and the responsibility to protect her citizens from Hamas, which denies Israel's right to exist and rains rockets down on its citizens.

While Israel reviews the flotilla incident and considers the best way to implement the Gaza blockade, we must not forget that failure to prevent weapons and other illicit materials from reaching Hamas would be a dereliction of Israel's most basic responsibility to its people. I stand firmly in support of Israel's right to self-defense, and I am committed to maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge so she can continue to defend her citizens.

As the blame-Israel-first crowd continues to attack our democratic ally, Israel, over a host of challenges in the Middle East, I am reminded of a simple yet powerful concept: ``Words matter.'' The inflammatory rhetoric surrounding events in the Middle East in recent weeks and months only begets more hostility and discourages efforts towards a lasting peace agreement which the people of Israel, the people of the West Bank, and the people of Gaza deserve; and these words can incite those encouraging violence against Israel.

Mr. Speaker, let there be no doubt in anyone's mind: Israel has the right to defend herself and the responsibility to protect her citizens from Hamas, which denies Israel's right to exist and rains rockets down on its citizens.

While Israel reviews the Gaza flotilla incident and considers the best way to implement the Gaza blockade, we must not forget that failure to prevent weapons and other illicit materials from reaching Hamas would be a dereliction of Israel's most basic responsibility to its people. I stand firmly in support of Israel's right to self-defense and am committed to maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge so she can continue to defend her citizens.

As the `Blame Israel First' crowd continues to attack our democratic ally Israel over a host of challenges in the Middle East, I am reminded of a simple--yet powerful--concept: words matter. The inflammatory rhetoric surrounding events in the Middle East in recent weeks and months only begets more hostility; discourages efforts toward a lasting peace agreement, which the people of Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza deserve; and can incite those encouraging violence against Israel.

The Administration focused today on humanitarian and development assistance to strengthen the Palestinian Authority so it can serve as a viable partner in peace to Israel. Abu Mazen must make clear to all the Palestinian people that their security and a prosperous future depends on rejecting Hamas, recognizing Israel and working with the international community and Israel to achieve a two state solution.

Despite the current, tense environment, some positive steps have been taken that will improve Israel's security as well as bolster U.S. national security interests.

Iran continues to be an existential threat to Israel, the region and the world, and I am pleased today's agreement by the U.N. Security Council to impose multilateral sanctions on Iran will hold the regime accountable for its reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons. I look forward to Congress finalizing strong bilateral sanctions and urge European partners and other responsible countries to do the same.

We must continue to strongly support the U.S.-Israel partnership which provides invaluable benefits to both of our countries national security.

I thank the gentleman. I'm just going to complete my statement, and I appreciate your generosity.

The administration focused today on humanitarian and development assistance to strengthen the Palestinian Authority so it can serve as a viable partner in peace to Israel. But Abu Mazen must make clear to all the Palestinian people that their security and prosperous future--and we've seen an 11 percent growth in the West Bank--depends on rejecting Hamas, recognizing Israel, and working with the international community and Israel to achieve a two-state solution.

Despite the current tense environment, some positive steps have been taken that will improve Israel's security as well as bolster U.S. national security interests. Iran continues to be an existential threat to Israel, the region, and the world. I am pleased today's agreement by the U.N. Security Council to impose multilateral sanctions on Iran will hold the regime accountable for its reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons, and I look forward to Congress finalizing strong bilateral sanctions and urge European partners and other responsible countries to do the same.

We must continue to strongly support the U.S.-Israeli partnership which provides invaluable benefits to both of our countries' national securities.

Madam Speaker, each year on Memorial Day, Americans take a day to express their gratitude and honor the memory of the men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. This experience of patriotism and civic consciousness is a time to reflect on the bravery and commitment of those who have answered the call to serve and our responsibilities to uphold the ideals for which they fought.

In Congress, this is a time to recommit ourselves to caring for those who served our country and their families. They have fulfilled their obligations to the American people, and we must fulfill our obligations to them.

That's why I am pleased Congress has provided historic increases of 60 percent since 2007 for health care and other services for our veterans. In fiscal year 2010, Congress increased funding by $15.3 billion over last year's level and $747 million above the administration's request. Congress and President Obama also passed a law to fund veterans' medical care one year in advance to ensure timely and uninterrupted funding for veterans' health care system.

To support our active duty personnel, I supported a 3.4 percent military pay increase, a $3 billion increase in funding for Defense Health Programs, and a $3.46 billion increase for equipment in the field.

While I am pleased Congress is providing robust funding to care for our military and veterans, much work remains to be done such as ensuring increased resources for PTSD and other mental health issues, resolving the continued backlogs of veterans' claims, and concurrent receipt.

The courage of our military and our veterans is an inspiration to us all, and we thank them all for their service and sacrifice to protect our freedoms. The thoughts and prayers of our entire nation are with the men and women serving today, those who have bravely served, and the families of those whose ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to our nation's brave soldiers and veterans.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Samuel G. Fredman, this year's recipient of the Rabbi Amiel Wohl Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor is being respectfully bestowed upon Judge Fredman by the Westchester Jewish Conference for his lifetime of contributions to Westchester County and our great country.

Sam Fredman has led a truly remarkable life. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces in the South Pacific Theater during and after World War II. After his military service, Sam received his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and law degree from Columbia University. He is a member of the New York State Bar and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. Judge Fredman has served as law firm partner, law school lecturer, and Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York for nearly 14 years. Judge Fredman still practices law today as a private arbitrator and mediator at Wilson Esler Moskowitz Edelmen & Dicker and as a judicial hearing officer for New York's Ninth Judicial Circuit. In addition to his professional achievements, Sam remains a devoted family man as the grandfather of four beautiful grandchildren.

Judge Fredman has already been recognized with over 22 awards and honors during his lifetime, including the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Distinguished Service Award, Pennsylvania State University Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Westchester Holocaust Commission Distinguished Service Award. The long list of Sam's admirers includes the United Jewish Appeal, Westchester

County Bar Association, Westchester Holocaust Commission, Benjamin Cardozo Society, State University of New York, B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, National Conference of Christians and Jews, Cystic Fibrosis Society, Hebrew Academy of Westchester, Solomon Schechter School of Westchester County, Federation of Jewish Philanthropies and the Anti-Defamation League.

However, it is Judge Fredman's service to the Westchester community for over 60 years that has brought him the distinguished Rabbi Amiel Wohl lifetime achievement award. Sam has given his time and talents in support of White Plains Hospital Center, White Plains Public Library, Community Chest, Heart Fund, and numerous other charitable causes. He was chairman of the SUNY-Purchase Council for 5 years and has remained active in religious leadership with the Commission on Synagogue Relations of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, Advisory Board of the Westchester Jewish Chronicle, Board of Directors of The Anne Frank Center, Hillel Foundation at Penn State University, Westchester Jewish Conference and the Westchester and Lower Connecticut Division of Israel Bonds where he served as chairman. Despite his busy schedule, Judge Fredman has also made time to coach boys baseball and basketball teams with the White Plains recreational department.

I urge you to join me in honoring our great countryman and my constituent, Judge Sam Fredman.

I want to thank the chair for his leadership on this very important issue.

Mr. Speaker, I want to express my strong support for H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, which mandates tighter sanctions against the Iranian regime. With its continued defiance of the international community and with the clock ticking on their nuclear capabilities, now is the time for action.

This week, Iran announced its testing of various missiles and weapons capabilities. U.S. officials have said Iran could develop a ballistic missile capable of striking the U.S. by 2015, and they have said that Iran's continued existential threat to our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel, presents dire global security implications.

I urge the conferees to act with haste to address these urgent challenges with tough crippling sanctions. Let the speed with which Congress finalizes this legislation to sanction Iran be a message to the international community that time is of the essence if we are to contain Iran's threat to security, stability and prosperity worldwide.

Again, I thank the gentleman from California and the gentlewoman from Florida for their efforts. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this motion to instruct.

General Leave

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colonel David F. Everett whose commitment to military and civilian service will be honored at the Jewish Board of Family and Community Services in New York on April 21, 2010.

Col. Everett's decorated military career includes Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where, as a Major, he volunteered for active duty and served in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. In 2005, as a Colonel, he volunteered for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was assigned to the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team. While in Iraq, Mr. Everett was the principal Coalition Forces advisor to the Director of International Affairs of Iraq's Ministry of Interior. In 2009, David again volunteered for service in Operation Enduring Freedom and was deployed to Afghanistan as a Senior Military Advisor to the Chief of Police of Kabul.

Col. Everett was twice awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom as well as the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service in Afghanistan. Col. Everett serves on the Service Academy Review Board for my congressional office where he works with young people in the 18th congressional district of New York who apply for nominations to the U.S. service academies. He has helped enrich the lives of countless youth seeking the opportunity to serve their country and become active citizens.

In 1981, Col. Everett became a Big Brother with the Jewish Board of Family and Community Services, dedicating his time to mentoring youth. Now, Col. Everett is Vice President of the Board and has been a trustee for nearly 20 years.

I urge you to join me in honoring this man who truly embodies the kind of service that makes our country great.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to National Arts in the School Day. This great program gives young people the opportunity to experience and be exposed to art of all kinds. Last year, six schools in Port Chester, New York opened their doors to 35 guest artists who shared their work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and I am pleased that schools will be participating again this year on April 15th.

Research has shown that arts education is closely linked to academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity. Experiencing art can connect people more deeply to the world around them, encourage students to be open to new perceptions of the world, and create foundations for social bonds and community cohesion.

I encourage all schools around the country to celebrate the arts on National Arts in the School Day. Through projects large or small-- school-wide performances or even inviting local artists to help children appreciate art in all forms--we can raise awareness of the importance of art and art appreciation and renew our commitment to arts education.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I regrettably missed a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner:

Rollcall No. 173--``yea.''