Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act. Originated in the Congress, the Act protects a people who would otherwise be at the mercy of their larger cousins across the Strait.

The Act, signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on April 10, 1979, forms the basis for the security of our most important Asian ally and trading partner. It has enabled that beleaguered island to become an economic and political miracle.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan enjoys a vibrant democracy, with competitive political parties participating in free and open elections. Its government and its market-based economy are models for those nations struggling to lift themselves out of the poverty Taiwan once suffered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Johnny J. Butler, Esquire, recipient of the 2003 Laborers' Local Union 332 Outstanding Community Leader Award. It is a privilege to recognize a person whose commitment to community has enriched the lives of countless individuals.

Mr. Butler is an attorney with the law firm of Booth & Tucker, LLP of Philadelphia where he focuses on government relations, management consulting, and employment law. He is active in the many aspects of the community including the Prince Hall Masons & Shriners and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Mr. Butler sits on the Board of Trustees for both the Mother Bethel Foundation and the Drexel University College of Medicine, and is cochairman of the Scotland School for Veterans Children capital campaign.

In the past, Mr. Butler was Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Under his leadership, there was a statewide enhancement of workforce development programs and policies, a reform of the state's workers compensation system, and establishment of PennSafe, a workforce safety initiative. Mr. Butler also served as the acting General Counsel of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Assistant Counsel with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and has taught both law and management courses at Howard University and Temple University, respectively.

Mr. Speaker, Johnny Butler is a model citizen. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Butler for his lifetime of service and dedication to labor and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Samuel Staten, Jr. Mr. Staten has been honored by our fellow Philadelphians by receiving the 2003 Laborers' Local Union 332 Outstanding Labor Leader Award.

Mr. Staten joined Laborers' Local 332 in 1972 and became a Field Representative seven years later. In 1986, he became the Local's Recording Secretary followed by Secretary-Treasurer in 1988. Mr. Staten currently holds the title of Assistant Business Manager and President of the Laborers' Local 332.

In the past, Mr. Staten has served as the Secretary of the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustments, of which he is still a member, and was the President of the Happy Hollow Recreation Center Advisory Council, a non-profit organization which provides social services to youth and senior citizens.

Aside from his positions within the Laborers' Local 332, Mr. Staten is involved in other aspects of the community. Some of his commitments include serving as a Board Member of Camp William Penn, Chairman of the Philadelphia Housing Authority Legal Fund, Delegate to the AFL-CIO, and Executive Board Member of Community Assistance for Prisoners, a non- profit organization which assist ex-offenders through educational opportunities and job training.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to his community has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Staten for his lifetime of service and dedication to the Laborers' Local 332 and Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the lifelong service of Donald Feldscher. Mr. Feldscher has been a dedicated civil service employee who has worked with the City of Philadelphia for the past twenty-five years. His years of service are indicative of an unwavering commitment to his community and to the City of Philadelphia.

Mr. Feldscher has led an exemplary life of service. He maintained a position evaluating property for the City of Philadelphia until the age of seventy-five. His hard work throughout the years has been an inspiration to his co-workers and the community.

Mr. Feldscher will retire from the City of Philadelphia on October 31, 2003. In recognition of his years of service to the people of the Philadelphia community, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues rise to congratulate him on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a respected member of the Philadelphia community. Ms. Vivian Willie is turning 100 years young.

Ms. Willie will celebrate her 100th birthday this October 26, 2003. She selflessly helped the community working for many years at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Ms. Willie continued to serve the people of Philadelphia outside of the hospital working for the anti- poverty program from which she retired.

Along with her son, 22 grandchildren, and over 40 great grandchildren, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Ms. Vivian Willie during her 100th birthday celebration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and accomplishments of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who will be beatified by Pope John Paul II in Rome on October 19, 2003.

Born in Albania on August 26, 1910, Mother Teresa decided to become a Roman Catholic sister in 1928. She was assigned to a convent in Calcutta and became a teacher of geography and history at St. Mary's School. In 1948, Mother Teresa founded a religious order known as Missionaries of Charity to help the poor, the suffering, and the dying in Calcutta and around the world. Today, there are approximately 5,000 sisters in the order and over 400 missions around the globe.

Later in life, Mother Teresa focused her energies on hospice programs for those with AIDS. She offered unconditional love to everyone, regardless of class or position in life. Because of her actions, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985.

Few people in recent history have done more to help their fellow human beings than Mother Teresa. It is a privilege to recognize a person who has brought care and comfort to millions. I hope you and my other distinguished colleagues will join me in honoring her lifetime of service and dedication to the people of the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the United States' most reliable allies, the Republic of China, on the occasion of its National Day, October 10. That great nation, better known as Taiwan, has served as a mirror on our times, reflecting the agonies and dreams of the 20th Century and the soaring aspirations of the new century. The ROC was born of the tragedy of Communist betrayal, reared in the tension of the cold war, and reached maturity during the information age.

The ROC was the first casualty of Imperial Japanese aggression and our staunch ally in the fight to free the Pacific of that tyranny. In 1949, Chinese Communists seized power on the mainland and the central government of the Republic of China relocated to Taiwan. Since that time, we have rightfully considered Taiwan's security of vital interest to the United States. In 1950, President Truman ordered the Seventh Fleet to protect Taiwan from attack by the Chinese Communists and we have maintained a presence in the area ever since. Moreover, the Congress has consistently expressed its support of the ROC since the passage of Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has developed into Asia's premier democracy, having peacefully evolved from one party rule to the vibrant home of multi-party elections. It has seen opposition parties succeed the ruling KMT, the party of National founder, Chiang Kai-shek and the popular election of its legislative branch.

Taiwan's political development has been complemented by its economic rise as one of Asia's ``Four Tigers,'' along with Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea. Since 1949, the ROC's economy has moved from a leader in agricultural exports, to a major manufacturer of small electronics and consumer goods, to today's premier Asian producer of capital- and technology-intensive commodities, such as personal computers and machinery. Because its economy has achieved such rapid growth, Taiwan boasts one of the world's highest standards of living, with only 1 percent of its population below the poverty line in 2000. Today, the ROC is an irreplaceable part of the world economy and vital to continued growth here in the U.S.

I know that my colleagues will join me in wishing Taiwan's President Chen Shuibian, its Representative here in the U.S., C.J. Chen and the 23 million people of Taiwan a most happy National Day and continued peace and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I will not object, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) for the purposes of explaining the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the accomplishments of my dear friend and former colleague, Robert A. Borski. Today, we acknowledge his legacy with H.R. 2328 by designating a post office in his former district, the Robert A. Borski Post Office Building.

I've known Bob Borski for 25 years. He is a man who has always had the courage of conviction to fight for the City of Philadelphia. He is a man who spent 20 years ``paving the way'' for many people whose voices were not previously heard--how fitting that he was a member of the prestigious Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He is a man that refused to be anything less than a tireless and forceful advocate for his community.

A role model to us all, Bob has spent his life as a public servant. Shortly after the completion of his educational pursuits, he became a member of the Pennsylvania State House. After three terms, he successfully won the bid for the Third Congressional District which encompassed Northeast Philadelphia, the River Wards, Society Hill and portions of Queen Village.

Bob Borski retired after 20 years of distinguished service to the Philadelphia area, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America. His mission has always been simple--to serve and represent the people of the great City of Philadelphia. I am proud and privileged to have had Bob as a colleague, a friend, and a mentor.

Although his tenure in the House has finished, Bob remains an active advocate for the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania here in Washington, DC.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and all of my distinguished colleagues to honor Robert A. Borski with the passage of H.R. 2328.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my ranking member for yielding me this time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of an economically strong Port of Philadelphia. Through the efforts of our former colleague, Bob Borski, Congress authorized the funding for this project in 1992.

Mr. Chairman, the Port of Philadelphia needs to go 45 feet because of a trend towards bigger ships. We talk about waste. Deepening this channel brings 45,000 direct jobs created by port traffic, and it will be severely affected if this amendment goes through. I do not think that that is waste.

Mr. Chairman, the Port of Philadelphia is also a strategic military port. We have two large military transport ships ported in Philadelphia. We have to guarantee clear access to the sea in case of a national emergency. That is why 12,000 labor, business, and community groups support it; and that is why our Governor, who also chairs the Delaware Port Authority, which my colleague mentioned, he is the chairman of that agency, also agrees and also sent a letter supporting it.

Finally, the project is environmentally safe. EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey approved it. Each State environment protection agency in the region has approved it.

Each State environmental protection agency in the region has approved it. The dredge material is considered safe and will be used for beach, wetlands restoration, and filling abandoned mines in Pennsylvania.

Now, the gentleman in New Jersey (Mr. Andrews) is my dear friend and there are two things that separate us, the Delaware River and whether or not to dredge it or not. I do not stand here against the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews) or the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), but I do stand against their amendment.

Mr. Chairman, Congress rejected this amendment 3 years ago. We should do the same today. I would like my colleagues to reject this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments and contributions of Mr. Marvin Barrish. It is a privilege to recognize a person whose personal triumph over injury pales in comparison to his triumphs for the disabled community.

Mr. Barrish is a former owner of five Center City newsstands and a former distinguished dancer whose talent led to an appearance in the movie ``Rocky II''. Tragically, in 1980, Mr. Barrish was shot in the back, paralyzing him from the waist down. He endured months of therapy only to concede to his inability to ever walk again.

Regardless of this physical setback, Marvin Barrish was determined to continue living abundantly and vivaciously. He underwent a grueling training regiment in order to compete in the 16-mile "Walk-a-thon" for the March of Dimes. He also appeared at the Philadelphia First Union Spectrum for the half time show of the Villanova-Georgetown game where he performed his ``heel chair rockin.'' Now his appearances cover a broad range of benefit performances for Philadelphia Children's Hospital, Shriners' Hospital, The Special Olympics, The United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and the United Negro College Fund, just to name a few.

He has, accordingly, been acknowledged for his contributions to the community by both the

Senate and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His struggle and determination to overcome his personal inhibition is an inspiration to all.

It is my honor to recognize a person whose dedication to the handicapped and other wise disabled has enriched the lives of countless individuals in both my district and the state of Pennsylvania. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in honoring Mr. Marvin Barrish.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the NAACP for its perseverance in ensuring equity and justice for all men and women of color who have served and are currently serving in defense of this nation. The rich history of African-American participation in the United States military is as long as the existence of the principles of this great country.

It is a history that extends back to the Revolutionary War when Crispus Attucks, an enslaved person of African descent, was the first to die while confronting British soldiers in the Boston Massacre. It is a history where the road was not always clear but was most certainly filled with the obstacles of bigotry and stereotypes. Collective organization yielded the NAACP--a beacon of hope for equal protection under the law, and a tireless advocate for the advancement of African- Americans and all people of color.

Since its inception in 1909, the NAACP has maintained an impeccable track record with regards to its ability to confront issues involving civil rights. As early as 1917, the NAACP exerted pressure on the War Department to establish a training camp that resulted in the commissioning of more than 1,300 black officers during World War I. The NAACP has led a consistent and unwavering effort to provide equal opportunity to African Americans in the military.

The 28th Anniversary of the Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Awards Dinner is a culminating event in that it recognizes those consistent and unwavering efforts by awarding individuals within the Department of Defense who have made significant contributions to promoting equal opportunity and civil rights. This combination, challenging discriminatory

treatment and rewarding contributions of equal opportunity, provides a balance that creates trust and integrity between the leaders of the NAACP and the Department of Defense. The working partnership of the NAACP and the Department of Defense ensures that the flame of freedom for all people regardless of color continues to burn.

It is a privilege to recognize the efforts of an organization whose mission is to ensure that people of color are afforded equal access to opportunity. I would ask that you and all of my distinguished colleagues join me in the celebration of this 28th Anniversary of the NAACP Annual Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Military Awards Dinner.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of one of Philadelphia's true rising stars, Deirdre L. Bailey. A graduate of Spelman College and Villanova University School of Law, she was a licensed attorney and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

I first met Deirdre shortly after my joining this body. At the time, she was a senior staffer for my good friend and constituent State Representative Dwight Evans. Her responsibilities included handling his appropriations work, with a particular eye to redeveloping the Ogontz/ West Oak Lane community Mr. Evans and I are honored to represent. She was a tireless and forceful advocate for the community. Her assistance was vital to our successful efforts to win Federal funding for the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation.

In 2002, Keystone Mercy/AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan was able to lure her away from Pennsylvania's capitol in 2002. In her new capacity of Associate Vice President of External Affairs, Deirdre worked with my staff and those of other Members and state officials in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, South Carolina and other states to provide critically needed health insurance for low income and working people. Her knowledge of the health care delivery and insurance systems were of great value to me as I weighed the complex issues surrounding them.

Mr. Speaker, Deirdre Bailey might have been content to pursue excellence in her government and corporate careers. Instead, she choose to devote her near limitless energy to serve those less blessed. She worked with dedication and generosity for charitable causes, including the Children's Scholarship Fund, Listen Inc., and the Philadelphia Chapter Black Alliance for Educational Options. She was a contributing author on School Choice: The Option of Success, The State of Black America 2001. She also was a Fellow of the 2001 Next Generation Leadership Program of the Rockefeller Foundation and served as an advisor for the Villanova University Law School Minority Advisor Society.

She possessed all the attributes that we all admire in others. There was no limit to what she might have accomplished in this world and we are all worse off for her passing.

Mr. Speaker, Deirdre Bailey's light was extinguished on July 6th, giving her just a little more than thirty years to light our lives. Her family, friends, colleagues and community will miss her very much. But, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the condolences of the House to her family. I hope that they find comfort in the knowledge that her time on Earth was well spent and that she left the world a better place than the one she found.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Mother Bethel Foundation as it begins its $20,000,000 campaign to preserve and celebrate the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Situated in my District, Mother Bethel is the first home of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The land on which it sits has been owned by African-

Americans longer than any property in the United States. Founded in 1794, Mother Bethel Church is the oldest incorporated African-American church in the country.

The foundation has launched an ambitious effort to construct a new facility that will house an expanded Richard Allen museum, an interactive learning center, and archives focused on the story of Richard Allen. The ultimate goal of the Mother Bethel Foundation is to celebrate and affirm what the Church and its founder have meant to generations of Americans.

In honoring the established Foundation, one must not forget to honor Mother Bethel's distinguished founder, Richard Allen, for whom the Richard and Sarah Allen Center is named. Richard Allen was a man who overcame tremendous obstacles to foster change for the betterment of African-American people. Born into slavery, Mr. Allen purchased his freedom through an agreement with his master.

Rev. Allen eventually responded to a call to preach and became a regular preacher at St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church. Due to segregationist practices at St. George's Church, Rev. Allen founded Mother Bethel Church.

While Rev. Allen is best known for founding Mother Bethel Church, he provided more to the African-American community. He was a critical member in the formation of the Free African Society, an organization to offer security and the benefits of association to Philadelphia's free blacks. He also joined with Absalom Jones to organize the Black Legion, a group of 2,500 men who defended Philadelphia against the British during the War of 1812.

Mr. Speaker, Philadelphia is America's most historic city. But, Mother Bethel stands out as one of our most cherished sites. It is a privilege to recognize an organization with such an admirable goal. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Mother Bethel Foundation as it begins its campaign this Juneteenth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a respected member of the Philadelphia community. Mr. Jacob Hoffman is turning 100 years young.

Mr. Hoffman, a resident of Brith Shalom House, will celebrate his 100th birthday this July 2, 2003. A retired real estate broker and developer, Mr. Hoffman is well regarded in the real estate community. He served on the Philadelphia Board of Realtors and was a founder of the south Philadelphia Realty Board in 1929.

Mr. Hoffman has remained very active in Jewish circles. He received a citation for being a member of B'nai B'rith for over 50 years. He is the oldest board member of Har Zion Temple and is also a member of the Lions Club.

Along with his two daughters, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Jacob Hoffman during his 100th birthday celebration.