Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, for his early work on this, along with the chairman.

As a cosponsor, I rise in strong support of this resolution expressing our condolences and our support for additional assistance to the victims of the natural disasters in South and Southeast Asia. It is hard to find words to express our sympathy, our condolences, and for that fact our admiration for the strength and courage of the people in the many countries who survived the devastating earthquakes and tsunamis only 10 days ago.

I am proud that the United States has pledged $350 million in aid, bringing the total aid pledged worldwide to approximately $2 billion; but we will be called upon to do more.

It is almost impossible to comprehend that over 150,000 people died and that an additional 3 to 5 million are living without the basic necessities to survive. Unfortunately, these survivors now face a new threat from disease and starvation. Right now, ruined transportation, infrastructure, and communication systems are hampering some aid efforts. The international community needs to address these serious problems to ensure aid reaches all those who need it. We must house, feed, and protect the people who survived and help these same people rebuild their homes, their economies, and their lives. That is why the United States and other donor countries have pledged our involvement now and in the future. But it is also the individual contributions of Americans that make the difference and show our collective compassion and understanding.

It is impossible to calculate the number of people who lost family members or whose homes, towns, and villages were destroyed; and I often think about how would we feel if this catastrophe happened in our homes, our towns, our States, or our country. We must also remember that each person lost was an individual whose life touched many others. In New Jersey in my own district, we have families from the impacted countries; and I extend my deepest sympathy to anyone who has lost a family member or a loved one.

I also want to recognize the generosity of Americans and private citizens around the world. Just as the world supported the United States and the victims of the families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks, our citizens have shown their sympathy and commitment to the victims of the tsunami. In particular, I want to thank our troops who are on the front lines in the disaster areas, bringing food, water, medical assistance, and other relief to those who need it most.

Finally, even in the midst of our mourning, I believe that from the ashes of this tragedy new opportunity will arise. In Sri Lanka, rebels and the government are working to provide relief together. In Indonesia, the United States and the international community are all working to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. In the United States, we have a great opportunity to show our empathy and our generosity to the world. I believe we can lead not only in war but in relief, and that we need to be as committed to fighting disease, famine, and tragedy as we are to fighting the war on terror. Then we will win the hearts and minds of many people in this country, as well as show America to be the beacon of light that it is.

I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I rise to pay tribute to a great American, a dear colleague, a good friend, one of our own, the late Congressman Bob Matsui.

I would like to offer my condolences to Doris, to Brian, to Amy, to Anna, and to his staff, both in California and in Washington, for the wonderful job they have done for him and the people of his State over the past 26 years. It is unique when a colleague of ours dies because we are called to look back at their accomplishments over the years and we begin to realize what a great human being they really were. We see our colleagues on the floor every day and we obviously know them, we like them, we have friendships but unfortunately not until they leave us do we have an opportunity to think back on their careers. Looking at Bob's career, it is easy to see that his passing is a great loss for America, a great loss to his constituents, a great loss to the United States Congress. He was and will be remembered for his work in the House of Representatives, for being a leading opponent of Social Security privatization, a supporter of free and then fair international trade, and a fair-minded tax writer who was a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility. These contributions as a public servant over the past decades helped move our Nation towards a better and brighter future and that will be his lasting legacy. Bob Matsui was held in the highest regard by all who knew him for his unquestionable honor, his keen intelligence and his heartfelt kindness.

All of us in this institution are referred to as the gentlelady or gentleman from the day we are sworn in as a Member of this body. However, Bob Matsui truly deserved that title since he was truly the gentleman from California.

On a different level, Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. To ascribe so many positive qualities to one individual might be seen as the usual gilding of the lily. In case of Bob Matsui, it was simply the truth. My life, this House, and our country are better

off thanks to his life here on Earth with us. God bless you, Bob.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I have been directed to report to the House that the Democratic Members have selected as Minority Leader the gentlewoman from California, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I have been directed to report to the House that the Democratic Members have selected as minority whip the gentleman from Maryland, the Honorable Steny Hoyer.

Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment to the resolution, but before offering that amendment, I request that there be a division of the question on the resolution so that we may have a separate vote on the Chaplain.

Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment to the remainder of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Kist for her outstanding leadership and contributions to her community. Ms. Kist was honored as a distinguished alumna at the Harvest Ball Sixth Annual Saint Dominic Academy Gala on November 13, 2004, in Lincoln Park, New Jersey.

Throughout the years, Ms. Kist has served the citizens of Bayonne in a variety of capacities. She has contributed greatly to the city's development by serving as general counsel of the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority and as a member of the law department. Among other accomplishments, Ms. Kist was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Military Ocean Terminal, which has become the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor. She continues to play a leadership role as the current executive director of the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority, and is known for pursuing all her professional endeavors with enthusiasm and a passion for improving the well-being of the community.

A graduate of Saint Dominic Academy, Ms. Kist developed an early interest in civic affairs and was vice president of the student government in school.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nancy Kist for her years of dedication to serving the people and city of Bayonne, New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Strydio for his support and remarkable work in helping others who are living with cancer. Mr. Strydio was honored at the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center's cocktail reception on October 27, 2004, in Bayonne, NJ.

At the age of 67, Mr. Strydio underwent a life-changing experience during a battle with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of cancer. After surviving chemotherapy, several cases of pneumonia, and other health complications, including learning how to walk again, he decided to channel his energy into helping others with the disease. He devoted two years to visiting cancer patients before determining that he should establish his own support organization, which he named the Community Cancer Support Group.

The group is a valuable resource consisting of a team of people who reach out to offer support, encouragement, and hope to cancer patients. The Community Cancer Support Group holds monthly meetings and brings in guest speakers that address the educational, psychological, spiritual, and medical needs of its members.

Mr. Strydio grew up in Bayonne and was an outstanding high school football and baseball player. At one time a catching prospect for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Mr. Strydio shifted his focus in 1970 to teaching Okinawa-style martial arts called Isshin Ryu. After more than 30 years, he is still teaching at St. Peter's College in Jersey City.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Strydio, a champion in many respects, for his courageous battle with cancer and his establishment of the Community Cancer Support Group.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Urban League of Union County for its exceptional service to the community. The Urban League celebrated its 60th anniversary at the 34th Annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner on November 12, 2004, in Newark, New Jersey.

The Urban League was originally established to help African Americans secure economic independence and work for civil rights. Decades later, it has grown and expanded to assist the entire community with health needs, employment services, housing assistance, and educational opportunities.

The Urban League offers the residents of Union County a wide range of services to improve their quality of life. The Economic Development and Employment Department offers assistance with interview techniques, job referrals, career counseling, and job placement. In addition, it offers a Summer Youth Employment Program and a Work Opportunity Program for welfare recipients, as well as evening classes on computer literacy.

Working diligently to address important health issues, the Urban League has created the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Assistance Program, which works to positively influence teenagers by educating and counseling them about relationships, sexual development, and other related issues.

The organization has also established a Housing Community Development Department, which provides counseling on a variety of housing issues including mortgages, consumer credit and budget management, weatherization, and rental assistance. Other services include grant programs, emergency homeless programs, and Federal Emergency Management Assistance.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Urban League of Union County for six decades of outstanding service to the community. Its extensive services will continue to help improve the lives of countless individuals and families throughout Union County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nick Starita for his exceptional community service and passion for helping others. Mr. Starita was honored at the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center's cocktail reception on October 27, 2004, in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Mr. Starita has devoted more than 30 years of service to the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Association of Hudson County. During his extensive time at UCP, he has helped the organization expand and diversify its services. His contributions include helping UCP establish a second facility, securing greater accessibility to therapy services, and developing new programs to better serve Hudson County residents. The organization also offers an Adult Special Needs Program to help those who are developmentally disabled and require special medical assistance, and a day care program that works with both able-bodied and disabled children. The time and passion Mr. Starita has dedicated to UCP throughout the years has transformed the organization into an extensive network that includes three facilities and services ranging from advocacy to accessible transportation. Mr. Starita has demonstrated his strong leadership skills as UCP's executive director for the past 16 years and previously, as a member of the Board of Directors for 13 years.

Always striving to help others, Mr. Starita has volunteered at the A. Harry Moore School and served on the boards of numerous community and civic organizations, including the State Interagency Coordinating Council, the Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities, the Center for Enabling Technology, and the Boy Scouts Council, to name a few.

Mr. Starita has received awards from numerous organizations for his work, including the United Way of Hudson County, the PTA, the New Jersey State Parent Advisory Council for the Handicapped, and the Latin American Kiwanis Club of West New York.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nick Starita for his outstanding service and tireless efforts to help the United Cerebral Palsy Association successfully achieve its mission to serve the people of Hudson County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mrs. Cookie Daughtrey for her dedicated work in serving the community and those in need. Ms. Daughtrey was honored at the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center's cocktail reception on October 27, 2004, in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Mrs. Daughtrey was known for her tireless efforts to help those less fortunate than herself. Even as a child, she reached out to others and would often invite underprivileged peers over for dinner. She greatly helped the citizens of Bayonne by matching people with service organizations that offered the food, shelter, healthcare, or substance abuse treatment they needed. In addition, she coordinated food drives in City Hall for the past five years.

With a passion for community involvement, Mrs. Daughtrey participated in numerous groups, including the New Frontier Democrats, Ireland's 32, and the HIGHWAYS program. Additionally, she volunteered extensively at the Bayonne Democratic Organization and was on the Board of Directors for the Bayonne Community Day Nursery.

Born and raised in Bayonne, Mrs. Daughtrey worked as a welfare investigator for the city for 27 years, and was employed at Woolworth's department store.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the late Cookie Daughtrey for her deep commitment to serving others in her community. Her years of volunteerism helped countless individuals and she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sue Shapiro for her active role in community organizations and years of dedicated leadership. Mrs. Shapiro was honored at the Bayonne Jewish Community Center's 52nd annual Sustaining Dinner Gala on October 23, 2004, in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Sue Shapiro's commitment to serving her community has been demonstrated by her steadfast involvement in local organizations. In the past, she has served as a member and trustee of the Bayonne Board of Education and was the second woman to serve as president of the Temple Beth Am.

Her most extensive service has been with the Jewish Community Center. As chairperson of the Health and Physical Education Committee for 24 of her 29 years of participation, Mrs. Shapiro has overseen a successful athletic program for youth and adults of Bayonne. She has also served as chair or co-chair of the Open Tennis Tournament, Winter Holiday Elementary School Basketball Tournament, Annual Golf Tournament, and Annual Sports Awards Program. In addition, she has successfully organized three reunions at the Jewish Community Center.

Throughout her years of involvement with these organizations, Mrs. Shapiro has continued to work as a dedicated employee for the Rexall Drug Company and Judge Harvey L. Birne.

Born and raised in Bayonne, Mrs. Shapiro was the wife of the late Harold Shapiro and is the proud mother of three sons and three grandchildren.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sue Shapiro for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the community of Bayonne, New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Woodcliff Community Reformed Church, which celebrated its 75th anniversary on November 18, 2004, in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Throughout the years, the Woodcliff Community Reformed Church has helped the residents of Jersey City by supporting local organizations, providing outreach programs, and aiding in the spiritual development of its congregation.

Its efforts to serve the community include establishing a program to feed the homeless and offering building space to local Alcoholics Anonymous groups. It has also been a major supporter of the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops in the area. The church's dedication to serving others has greatly contributed to the success and stability of the community, and its contributions to the surrounding areas are to be commended.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Woodcliff Community Reformed Church for its 75 years of exemplary work within the community and its spiritual leadership in Jersey City, NJ.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ironbound Community Corporation, a multiservice organization that has made amazing contributions to the city and residents of Newark. The Ironbound Community Corporation celebrated its 35th anniversary on October 22, 2004, at the Mediterranean Manor in Newark, NJ.

Guided by a desire to ensure justice and equality for all people, the Ironbound Community Organization provides a variety of programs and outreach services and offers assistance in areas such as family literacy, multilingual adult education, family assistance and development, and senior citizen care. In addition, it develops programs for children, adolescents, environmental projects, and general neighborhood issues, with the goal of improving the lives of those living in and around the ethnically and culturally diverse Ironbound neighborhood. More than 700 people benefit daily from the services this wonderful organization provides.

Each year, the Community Corporation honors those who have contributed greatly to the organization's success. This year's honorees include Gabriella Morris, Joseph DiVincenzo, Antonio Matinho, David and Florence Schnegelberger, Bernadine Fillmore, and Eva Harris.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Ironbound Community Corporation for 35 years of dedicated and honorable service working to improve the lives of the people of Newark. Its broad range of programs and services has greatly impacted the community and will no doubt continue to benefit the lives of countless people in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Carine, Jr., for his outstanding public service and demonstrated commitment to community participation and leadership. He was named the 2004 Honoree of the Year by the Sicilian Citizens Club on October 23, 2004, in Bayonne, NJ.

Mr. Carine has dedicated more than 27 years of his life to law enforcement. His service includes time on the municipal, county, and federal law enforcement teams. For the past 18 years, he has worked with the U.S. Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Agency and is currently a Supervisory Special Agent in the Newark, NJ, division.

Within the law enforcement community, Mr. Carine has established himself as an exceptional leader as a three-term president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, New Jersey Chapter 2. His leadership abilities are also clearly demonstrated through his positions as vice-president of the Nicholas Capodice Association, secretary for the Holy Family Father Club, executive board member of the Sicilian Citizens Club, and chairman and co-chairman of fundraisers for the Boy Scouts of America.

In addition to his years of public service, Mr. Carine has contributed his time and energy to helping others, including coaching Bayonne youth soccer teams. His extensive community involvement includes being a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 371, as well as a member of the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, the Federal Agents PBA local 121, and the Honor Legion of the Police Departments of New Jersey. In addition, he serves on the Annual Blue Mass Committee for the Archdiocese of Newark and the Hudson Liberty District Committee.

Mr. Carine was born and raised in Bayonne, New Jersey. He received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from New Jersey City University (formerly Jersey City State College) and graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt, NJ, and the DEA/FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Frank Carine, Jr., for his years of dedicated service to law enforcement and his significant contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Yolanda Fernandez- Quincoces for her remarkable accomplishments in dance and music and her exceptional artistic contributions to the community over the past few decades.

Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces's extensive career includes teaching, choreographing, and producing. In 1974, she founded Yolanda's Academy of Music and Dance, which has developed young talent in New Jersey for 30 years. In addition to managing the school, she has taught classes in the gifted and talented program in Union City and in the Woodrow Wilson School for the Integrated Arts. Under her dedicated instruction, more than 38 students have won recognition in statewide talent search competitions and many have continued their dance training at prestigious institutes such as the New York City Ballet's School of American Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, and established universities.

Her professional credits include a position as a teaching liaison between the New York City Ballet and New York City Opera and the Woodrow Wilson School. Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces was also involved with hosting and producing a television arts program on Cablevision, and has made several guest appearances on other shows. In addition to her current projects, she is a member of the National Education Association, the Dance Educators of America, and the National Guild of Piano Teachers.

For her exceptional work, Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces has received numerous awards, including ``Teacher of the Year'' for Union City, Hudson County, and the State of New Jersey, and ``Outstanding Choreographer'' for three different productions from the Dance Educators of America in New York City. Most notably, she was also honored at the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration with other well-known artists, performers, and political figures.

Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces emigrated from Cuba to the United States when she was three years old. She began studying ballet at the age of five, training at the New Jersey Ballet, Oneida's Dance Studio, and the American Ballet Theatre. Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces also

received a bachelor's degree in music education from New York University and, in addition to her dance training, is also an established pianist.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Yolanda Fernandez- Quincoces for her years of outstanding teaching and choreographing. She has demonstrated remarkable passion for the arts and has influenced the lives of many with her instruction and creative works.