Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and acknowledge Ed Malloy, who tragically passed away on May 16.

Mr. Malloy was a committed labor leader who served as president of the New York City and New York State Building and Construction Trades council and was a vice president of the New York State AFL CIO. He was a former steamfitter and a veteran of the U.S. Army who proudly served as Grand Marshal of the 2001 St. Patrick's Day Parade. I was proud to call him my friend.

Ed selflessly dedicated his own life to improving those of the working men and women of New York. He promoted private economic development and public works projects that cut costs and created countless jobs throughout the State. Following the tragic events of 9/ 11, he heroically led his members in the cleanup and rebuilding of the site.

Ed Malloy's contributions to the State of New York will endure for years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his members, family and friends. He will truly be missed.

I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I must say that I strongly oppose this amendment, and I disagree with virtually every word spoken on the floor tonight by the gentleman from New Jersey.

Let's understand one thing. The NYPD has the most effective counterterrorism unit in the country. There are 1,000 police working day in and day out. As a result of that, almost 13 or 14 attempts, terrorist attempts, Islamist terrorist attempts to attack New York have been stopped.

Now, let's get something straight. The President's Homeland Security Advisor, John Brennan, recently visited with the NYPD. During that meeting, or following that meeting, Mr. Brennan, President Obama's Homeland Security Advisor, stated:

I have full confidence that the NYPD is doing things

consistent with the law, and it's something that again has

been responsible for keeping this city safe over the past

decade.

Mr. Brennan, the President's Homeland Security Advisor went on to say:

If we are going to have the ability to identify and stop

terrorist operatives and terrorist attacks here on our

shores, the national government cannot do it alone. The NYPD

is a model of how a community can come together.

He closed by saying to the NYPD:

You have had a very difficult job. I think you've done it

very well. The success is in the record in terms of keeping

your city safe.

In addition to that, FBI Director Mueller has stood by the NYPD, said that they are in full compliance with the law. CIA Director Petraeus, there was an IG inspection done, that the NYPD's relationship with the CIA was in full compliance with the law.

These slanderous attacks by the Associated Press and The New York Times cannot point out one instance of a law being violated or one provision of the Constitution being violated.

We should be here tonight giving the NYPD a medal. We sit here, 10\1/ 2\ years

after September 11, and the most effective law enforcement, counterterrorism unit in the country is being attacked? We are attempting to cite the Constitution and provisions of law as somehow an attack on the NYPD, when no one complies with these more than the NYPD.

And again, we go through, whether it's Director Petraeus, whether it's Director Mueller, or whether it's the President of the United States, his own Homeland Security advisers have said this.

Now, I work closely with the NYPD, those in New York, whether it's Mayor Bloomberg, whether it's City Council President Christine Quinn. She's a Democrat; he's an independent. Both stand by the NYPD because of what they have done.

And to think that the most effective organization is being attacked by the Associated Press, The New York Times, and those attacks are being joined here on the floor of the Congress of the United States, without one fact to back them up. There is no spying. All this is good police work.

The reality is we're not going to sit back like we did on September 11 and allow the enemy to come. If we know that an attack is coming and we're told, for instance, that operatives are coming from a particular country and there's a community in New York City where those people live, then obviously you go, you conduct open surveillance. No one's talking about any violations to the Constitution.

I remember years ago when the Justice Department was going after the Mafia, they went to the Italian American communities. When they were going after the Westies, they went to the Irish American communities. When you're looking for the Russian mob, you go to the communities in Coney Island and Brighton Beach. That's where the enemy comes from.

Ninety-nine percent of the people are law-abiding. But if you're looking for the person who is going to that community to carry out a crime, you look in that community. If you're looking for an Islamic terrorist, you don't go to Ben's Kosher Deli. When they were looking for the Italian mob, they didn't go to an Irish bar. They went to the Italian social clubs.

This is solid law enforcement. That's not profiling. That's an abuse of the term ``profiling'' to even suggest that.

So I cannot be more emphatic or stronger in my denunciation of this amendment, calling for its defeat and urging people to stand by the NYPD, which has kept New York safe for 10\1/2\ years.

I went to too many funerals. I attended too many wakes. I lost too many constituents. I'm not going to allow it to happen so long as I'm in this Congress.

I oppose this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the fifth annual Protect Your Pharmacy Now! week. With pharmacy crime on the rise, it is important to acknowledge this problem and reflect on ways to improve safety measures.

The Protect Your Pharmacy Now! initiative offers resources to help pharmacies protect themselves and deter criminal activity. I applaud the National Community Pharmacists Association for making these resources available and for engaging and educating local pharmacies on this important issue.

As we have seen most recently with the tragic incident in my district, it is essential to protect pharmacies and the general public from these dangerous situations. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eradicating these crimes, I am committed to working with pharmacies, law enforcement and my colleagues to address and eradicate this growing problem.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. It is essential to take this time to promote awareness, share information on the disease, and continue to work towards a cure.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. It is a chronic, progressive neurological disease for which there is no therapy or drug to halt its progression, let alone a cure.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor or trembling, rigidity the limbs and trunk, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, it may become more difficult for one to walk, talk or perform other tasks. Parkinson's disease usually affects people over the age of 50 and symptoms may progress more rapidly in some cases than in others. Diagnosis is generally based on medical history and a neurological examination.

It is estimated that there are between 500,000 1,500,000 Americans living with Parkinson's. Furthermore, the aging baby boomer population will likely increase that number. Although significant research advancements have been made, additional research is required to understand the underlying causes and to discover improved treatments.

As a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Parkinson's disease, it is my privilege to work with the tireless advocates in the Parkinson's community. I thank them for their hard work and dedication to understanding and eradicating this disease.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge a true American hero, ATF Special Agent John Capano, who was killed this past New Year's Eve attempting to stop an armed robbery at a pharmacy in Seaford, New York, the community where he was raised and lived for many years.

I had the privilege of knowing John, his parents, and his brother and sisters for more than 40 years. My wife Rosemary was John's 4th grade teacher.

John Capano died as he lived--putting his life on the line to protect others. He was a 23-year veteran of the ATF, with an extremely distinguished record not only at home but overseas as well. An explosives expert, John volunteered to serve on ATF missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia and Peru. Several years ago I had the honor of presenting John with an award for his overseas deployments.

On the fateful day of December 31, 2011 John Capano was off duty. He went to Charlie's Pharmacy on Merrick Road in Seaford to pick up cancer medication for his 82-year-old father, Jimmy, a retired NYPD Detective. While John was in the pharmacy, a recently released ex-convict and drug addict displayed what he said was a gun, and demanded prescription drugs. As the robber attempted to exit, John identified himself as a law enforcement officer. The robber was shot in the leg and a struggle ensued on the sidewalk outside the front door. Other off-duty law enforcement officials arrived during the struggle; shots were fired; and John Capano and the robber were both killed.

John Capano's death caused great sorrow and sadness in the Seaford Community; in the neighboring community of Massapequa where John lived with his wife Dori and their two children, John and Natalie; and throughout the entire law enforcement community in the New York-Long Island region. Thousands of mourners attended John's funeral on January 6th and our community is still overcome with grief.

This has been a particularly anguishing time for the Capano family. John's mother Helen had died just 15 days before his death. Like John, though, the Capano family is strong and unflinching. To ensure that John did not die in vain, they are dedicated to doing whatever they can to eliminate the epidemic of prescription drug abuse on Long Island.

In closing, let me extend my sincere condolences to the family of John Capano. May he always be in our thoughts and prayers and may he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor New York Police Officer Peter Figoski, who made the ultimate sacrifice on December 12th. Peter Figoski will be remembered as a man of service to his country. A 12-time decorated NYPD veteran from West Babylon, Officer Figoski was a loving father to four daughters and a respected member of his community. There is no question that he will be greatly missed by the New York police community and by the many others he touched. The 200 officers that lined up outside the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to salute their fallen colleague is a true testament to that. I am proud that Officer Figoski was my constituent.

As the son of a New York police officer, I understand the selfless and vital role played by our first responders. They put their lives on the line day in and day out to keep us safe. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Officer Figoski. In closing, I would also like to commend his partner, Officer Glenn Estrada, for risking his life to bring the killer to justice. I yield back.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor Hal Bruno, who recently passed on November 8th. Hal Bruno will be remembered as a man of service to his country. Having served as an Army intelligence officer, a volunteer firefighter and the director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), he put service to others first and foremost. For over 60 years Hal was an active member of the fire service community, whether it was on the ground as a first responder, in the halls of Congress working to improve resources for families of fallen firefighters, or on the public stage advocating for ways to improve fire safety to reduce line of duty deaths and injuries.

Appointed as chairman of the NFFF in 1999, he received numerous awards and recognition for his dedication and commitment. This fall, he was awarded the National Fire & Emergency Services Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders Award. In 2008, the Congressional Fire Services Institute selected him as the recipient of the CFSI / Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award and in 1999 he received the ``President's Award'' from the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He was also named ``Fire Service Person of the Year'' by the Congressional Fire Services Institute in 1995.

Hal also had a prestigious career as the longtime ABC News Political Director. Known for his journalistic integrity and pioneering spirit, he represented the reason the news media is sometimes referred to as the `fourth branch of government.'

As a Co-Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I know Hal Bruno will be greatly missed by the fire service community and by the many others he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is essential to take this time to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, emphasize the importance of screenings and continue to work towards a cure.

Early detection is of the utmost importance for women of all ages. The 2.5 million breast cancer survivors through the U.S. are a testament to the importance of breast cancer awareness and following recommended screening guidelines. I strongly encourage women to follow the recommended mammography screening guidelines and to perform self- exams. Early detection saves lives!

A woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer every two minutes, making this disease one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Despite tremendous advances in treatment and prevention, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death. I am proud to support the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Breast Cancer Deadline 2020, a call to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020. This initiative focuses on determining how to prevent the development of breast cancer and metastasis and renews the sense of urgency to eradicate this disease.

It is my privilege to work with dedicated volunteers, patients, caregivers and survivors from organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, National Breast Cancer Coalition, the American Cancer Society and so many others. Their tireless work is an inspiration and a reminder that we must keep up the fight until there is a cure.

Thank you, Congressman Rangel.

As all of you know, this is not something we're used to doing in New York. But it's a great moment. It's a great moment for New York. It's a great moment for the people of the Ninth Congressional District. It's a special privilege for me to be able to introduce our newly elected Member.

Bob Turner is an Army veteran. He's an extremely successful businessman. Most importantly, he's the proud husband of Peggy, proud father of 5 children, and proud grandfather of 13 children. I can tell you he's a great friend and a great human being. He's going to make an outstanding Congressman. I'm so proud to be here today with Bob Turner, as I've been during the years I've come to know him and to respect him. He's going to be a truly outstanding addition to this body and great fighter for the people of New York.

Thank you, Chairman Rangel.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 391 and to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who lost their lives 10 years ago, in the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Together, as a nation, we grieved with the families and friends who lost loved ones. Then, together, we began to look forward.

Having had more than 150 constituents and friends murdered by al- Qaeda, I have spent much of the past 10 years with family members of the 9/11 victims. These family members do not need a decade or quarter- century mark to remember their loved ones. For them, each of the 3,652 passing days has been a day of remembrance.

Since that day we have made great progress in securing the Homeland. We created the Department of Homeland Security, and established a Director of National Intelligence to better coordinate the Intelligence Community and facilitate information sharing. Today we are safer.

There is still more that can, and should, be done. Ten years after 9/11 Congress has yet to follow through on some recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, including the call for consolidation of congressional jurisdiction of our homeland security efforts and the allocation of sufficient spectrum for the interoperable communications needs of our first responders.

Killing Osama bin Laden was a tremendous victory for us and all who oppose terrorism. Al Qaeda Central has been damaged, but the organization and its affiliates are as dedicated as they have been. They are working to radicalize and recruit individuals within our own country.

While we may be safer today than we were 10 years ago, we are still in great danger. Al-Qaeda has not given up. It has adapted; its affiliates have grown; it actively recruits from within our own country; and it continues to be an active enemy.

We must not allow ourselves to grow complacent. Although not on the same scale, we have been attacked since 9/11, with many plots thwarted by excellent law enforcement and intelligence work.

We must not forget the lessons we have learned. We must acknowledge how far we've come, but we must not forget that we still have far to go before al-Qaeda and its affiliates are defeated and our Homeland is once again safe from this enemy.

We must never forget what happened on 9/11. As we honor the lives of the victims and stand with their families, we also give our gratitude to the first responders who rushed to the rescue and to the men and women of our military and Intelligence Community who risked and, in many cases, gave their lives to keep America safe. In tribute to them, we must pledge to continue to do all that we possibly can to ensure that similar attacks are never replicated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and in remembrance of all of the Heroes and lost loved ones of all of the families of 9/11. On this the 10th anniversary, I ask that this tribute in honor of them, and the new visitor center and the rising of The Two New Towers and their strength penned by Albert Caswell, be placed in the Record.

Ten Years Ago This Day

Ten . . .

Ten years ago this very day . . .

Upon, this most hallowed ground . . . these most scared

graves . . .

As here and now we all so kneel and pray . . .

As they tried to so take America's very heart away!

As so many magnificent men and women died on that day!

As so many fine lives were so lost, and so left all in such

pain and dismay!

As all of their loved ones were so left with that kind of

pain, that only Heaven can so take away . . .

And all of those innocent children aboard all of those planes

who now so they . . .

Will never grow up to be happy, old, and so gray . . .

Who were once but all the apples of their parents eyes, night

and day!

As all hearts are so warmed, whenever we so think of how in

the face of evil they so stayed!

As all across our Nation, America so wept on that day!

From The Towers, to The Pentagon . . . and Flight 93, as upon

us all such evil so weighted!

As America so saw, ``Let's Roll'' and what of most heroic

hearts are so made!

And to what new heights, they could so reach . . . so soar,

as did they!

As all of our tears flowed and poured, as out across our

Nation we so mourned and prayed!

As all of The Towers fell down on that day . . .

Leaving us all with that kind of pain, that even time can not

so take away . . .

As ten years later to this very day, still all of our hearts

feel like it was only yesterday!

And yet, America's heart has grown even greater they say!

All because of what they so taught us, and to what our Nation

they so gave!

For from this most hallowed ground, and from their strength

and courage we have so found!

The strength to stand and to rebuild, as over these sacred

footprints the water washes down!

Upon, this spot where all of their most sacred ashes were

once so found . . .

All so scattered all across this ground!

All in this high place of reverence and of such faith so now,

where all of their most magnificent souls can so be

felt all around!

Has Come A Rising, of remembrance to all of them so now!

To last forever and a day, this most sacred ground!

A Rising . . . to so honor each and every man, woman and

child so how!

All in our Lord's plan, so that in 100 years from now we will

all stand here so very proud!

And then 100 more, we will stand here all in such honor at

this shrine so now!

As we will feel all of their courage and strength, and what

their fine faith has so meant!

To us all so now!

So that whenever someone looks upon this hallowed place, that

they will leave with but tears on their face!

As a Tribute to Them and The American Way, and to this The

Human Race!

As A Triumph of Good Over Evil, that the entire world will

say!

That we have all so walked with our Lord and his Angels this

day!

With all of their blessings of Hope, Courage and Faith . . .

which within our hearts will stay!

You, may bring down our buildings!

You may murder our women, men, and our most precious

children!

Crash planes into fields, or at The Pentagon, and yet still

you will not victory so wield!

For, as long as we have such strong fine women and men, who

into such graves do so tragically descend!

Who so believe in America and what our Freedom so brings,

upon which our Nation depends!

Then, Will Come A Rising . . . over such evil that which all

of us despise then . . .

Standing here on this sacred ground, one feel's all of their

souls so beseeching us so now!

To teach our children well, all about what their fine lives

have so meant . . .

So that they too may teach their children's children time and

again!

To remember what it so means to be an American, as up from

the ashes anew so came!

A Rising, With Faith In Hearts We Will Forever So Honor Their

Names!

Goodness . . . Evil . . . Darkness . . . Light . . . Those

Brave Hearts Who Bring The Light!

As Against The Darkest of All Evil's, As Onward We Fight!

Together enjoined, as we battle on into the darkest of all

nights!

As why With This Rising, we so honor these Heroes and their

Families, with such homage we pay!

All because they made America's heart stronger that day!

Ten Years Ago This Day! Never Forget!

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge and pay tribute to the tremendous efforts of Debra Brown Steinberg on behalf of the families of 9/11 victims.

For ten years now, Ms. Steinberg has worked tirelessly as an advocate for these families and to ensure they are treated the same, regardless of their respective citizenship or immigration status. She has played a major role in writing various bills that benefit 9/11 families including New York State's September 11th Victims and Families Relief Act, the September 11th Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act, and the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund. On a personal note, I have enjoyed working closely with Ms. Steinberg and the Department of Homeland Security to permit eligible spouses and children of 9/11 victims to remain in the United States and ultimately become permanent residents.

In addition, all of Ms. Steinberg's work for these families has been pro-bono and her perseverance in seeing that they are taken care of is extraordinary. On behalf of the 9/11 families, many of which are constituents of mine, I would like to once again honor Debra Steinberg for her commitment to their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 66, a resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act (P.L. 108-61). I am proud to have once again introduced this legislation this year with the gentleman from New York, Mr. Crowley.

In 2003, Congress passed the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, legislation that

I co-authored with my friend, the late Tom Lantos. President Bush signed this bill into law and Congress has reauthorized these import restrictions every year since. The legislation bans imports from Burma and the issuance of visas to those officials affiliated with the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the military junta that rules Burma and brutally represses its people. This law also bans U.S. financial transactions that involve individuals or entities connected with the SPDC.

The sanctions are critically important to keeping the pressure on the Burmese junta. The government continues to have one of the worst human rights record in the world and routinely violates the rights of Burmese citizens, including the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture and child labor. Moreover, the Burmese regime has more child soldiers than any other country and has destroyed more than 3,700 ethnic villages, displaced approximately 2,000,000 people, more than 600,000 of which are internally displaced, and has taken nearly 2,000 political prisoners.

We must continue to stand with the Burmese people and expose the despicable and reprehensible actions of the SPDC. Sanctions are critical to putting pressure on the junta. In 2008, the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act (P.L. 110-286) was signed into law, which bans the importation of Burmese gems into the United States and freezes the assets of Burmese political and military leaders. While these steps are significant, others must follow ours and the EU's lead. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must impose multilateral sanctions against Burma's military regime including a complete arms embargo.

While I applaud the confirmation of Derek Mitchell as Special Coordinator for Burma, there are additional provisions of the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act that have yet to be implemented. I urge the Obama Administration to call for a UN Commission of Inquiry on Burma to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity. This Commission is necessary to prevent further killings and to encourage a meaningful political dialogue.

I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 2219, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2012, which would transfer $12,000,000 from the account entitled Other Procurement, Army to the account entitled Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide. This transfer would fund the Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2011, which passed the House in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012.

While our soldiers do not have to pay for the letters they send home, their families often spend hundreds of dollars to send care packages and letters of their own. The program funded by this amendment would provide soldiers serving active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with one postal voucher every other month to transfer to their loved ones to send letters and packages to these soldiers at no cost.

I fully support this postal benefits program and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of my amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on the fifth anniversary of the abduction of Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, to demand that Hamas release him immediately and unconditionally.

On June 25, 2006, Hamas brutally attacked an Israeli military post, killing two soldiers and wounding four others. Shalit was taken captive and seemingly wounded in the process. Since that time, there has been no information about his whereabouts or the conditions of his captivity. He has not been granted visitation rights by any humanitarian organization, including the International Red Cross, as is required by international law. Additionally, he has been denied contact with his family and access to medical treatment. These conditions are inhumane and deplorable.

I urge Hamas to release Gilad Shalit immediately, and to cease all violence and hostilities against the Jewish State.