Floor Statements

I especially thank the chairman, and I want to point out the extraordinary effort that Congressman Diaz-Balart has made to push this issue forward. I rise in strong support of this amendment, because my constituents in Florida and citizens throughout our Nation are facing a real and a growing emergency from dangerous and harmful drywall imported from China.

The level of threat to the health and homes of our citizens is akin to a natural disaster. This danger is much more like a silent hurricane, and it is touching down not just in Florida, but in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia and a growing list of other States.

The Federal Government must take immediate steps to protect Americans whose homes are afflicted with defective drywall. This amendment is an important step forward.

I again want to thank Mr. Diaz-Balart for his leadership on this crucial issue.

The affected drywall emits a foul odor. It produces gases that corrode copper, electrical wiring, and is likely responsible for chronic health problems for the occupants of the homes. This is an acute and growing crisis with an estimated 35,000 homes in Florida affected and tens of thousands more throughout the country.

Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet parents and visit with them in their homes, where young children have developed bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses that have required hospitalization and surgery. Pregnant women in my district have been advised by their physicians to move out of their homes, and children have been waking up regularly to bloody noses and sinus infections.

It is in this vein that I, along with Mr. Diaz-Balart, under his leadership, have introduced H.R. 1977, the Drywall Safety Act of 2009, which would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban dangerous drywall, study drywall imported from China and make recommendations on new safety standards.

Currently the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the EPA are conducting tests. While these tests are essential, the current timeframe for completion is unacceptable and results may not be known for months, especially considering the problem is expected to grow during the hot and humid summer months.

We are, therefore, urging the EPA and CDC to exhaust all possible resources to expedite drywall testing. Furthermore, we have requested critical emergency funding that would allow relevant agencies to conduct the necessary investigations into the health and safety impacts of this drywall, as well as provide public information resources to alert those impacted about the risks they may be facing.

I want to applaud the efforts of Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Department of Public Health for their

leadership. This is a complex and growing problem. We still don't know the extent.

I want to thank the chairman, thank Mr. Diaz-Balart, and please support this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the Florida Legislature for passing the Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law yesterday, a law giving police the power to stop motorists for not wearing seat belts. I believe this law is a great step forward in the effort to reduce the numbers of tragic deaths and injuries throughout Florida and should serve as an example for other state governments to follow in ensuring all Americans are safer on our roads.

This measure was long championed by Irv Slosberg, a former state representative from Boca Raton whose 14-year-old daughter, Dori, was killed in a 1996 car crash on Palmetto Park Road. This accident claimed the lives of five teens and left four others, including Dori's twin sister, with serious injuries. It is unfortunate that such a tragedy needed to occur for people in our community to take notice of the need to amend the law to ensure people are wearing their seat belts, but Irv Slosberg deserves a tremendous amount of praise for his dedication to ensuring other families do not suffer from such a tragedy.

Along with his efforts in the Florida State House to introduce this bill, Irv Slosberg also introduced the Dori Slosberg Driver Education Safety Act, which became law in Florida in 2002 and allows Florida counties to fund driver education programs by adding a surcharge to traffic tickets. In addition, recognizing that teen traffic crashes are the number one cause of death in Florida, Irv Slosberg also founded the Dori Slosberg Foundation, with a mission statement to educate the public about the importance of traffic safety; promote the usage of safe driving habits, especially seat belt compliance and proper child restraint devices; support and advance driver's education programs nationwide; assist the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure a safe driving environment on our roadways; and distribute tools to both teens and seniors to help them drive safely. These initiatives, along with his personal dedication to the issue of road safety, have no doubt saved and will continue to save countless lives in our community.

As a co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Global Road Safety, I understand the impact road crashes have on the global community, and while we must continue to work to establish protocols with nations around the world to reduce the number of road deaths and injuries globally, we must also set an example here in the United States by passing laws to ensure safety belts, which have been credited with saving countless lives since they were made standard in U.S. automobiles in 1968, are being used by all who get behind the wheel, especially our children.

I want to once again congratulate the Florida Legislature for passing this bill, and I look forward to Governor Charlie Crist's signing this into law in the near future. I also want to once again extend my appreciation for Irv Slosberg's efforts, both while he served in the Florida Legislature and as a member of the South Florida community, to ensure our loved ones remain safe on the roads.

Madam Speaker, as we approach the 65th Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy, it is important to take a moment to remember all of the men and women who bravely served our country in World War II. We all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to these veterans and their families. I am honored to have one such veteran in my district, Corporal Elliott M. Herring. Corporal Herring bravely served in the Battle of Normandy and in the battle which took place in St-Lo. He fought in five major battles in the 3rd Army under General Patton. Throughout his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, American Campaign Medal, European Africa Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Service Star, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with the Germany Clasp, Combat Infantryman Badge, Honorable Service Lapel Button, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar WWII and Five Battle Stars. Additionally, he was awarded the Legion d'honneur from France.

Corporal Herring is looking forward to an upcoming visit to the National WWII Memorial, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. I encourage all veterans, their families, and all Americans to visit the World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C. where the announcement stone reads:

Here in the presence of Washington and Lincoln, one the

eighteenth century father and the other the nineteenth

century preserver of our nation, we honor those twentieth

century Americans who took up the struggle during the Second

World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our

forefathers entrusted to us: a nation conceived in liberty

and justice.

May we never forget their sacrifices as we stand here today. Let us continue to honor these brave men and women who fought so bravely to preserve our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 36 earlier this year to shed light on my constituent from Coral Springs, Florida, Robert Levinson, who disappeared from Iran's Kish Island on March 9, 2007. More than two years later, there are disturbingly few known details about his whereabouts.

What we do know, however, is that Mr. Levinson, a former FBI agent, was last heard from on March 8, 2007 by his wife Christine, while he was working in Dubai as a private investigator. According to his family, he checked into a hotel on Kish Island and checked out the following morning to fly back to the United States. Unfortunately, Mr. Levinson never arrived at the airport for his flight, and there is no accounting for what happened to him after he left the hotel.

In December 2007, the Levinson family, with assistance from Swiss officials in Tehran, traveled to the hotel where Mr. Levinson was last seen and passed out flyers in Farsi with his photo. They also met with local Iranian authorities to seek their assistance in gaining information about Mr. Levinson's disappearance. The authorities in Iran pledged to assist the Levinson family in their efforts to determine Robert's whereabouts and to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Despite its pledge, the government of Iran has not followed through on its promises to the Levinson family. In fact, the Iranian government has stonewalled any effort to gain pertinent information--claiming they have zero knowledge about Mr. Levinson's whereabouts.

I want to praise the decision of the Obama Administration to raise Mr. Levinson's case directly with the Iranian government. During last week's hearing in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I raised Mr. Levinson's disappearance with Secretary of State Clinton, and she confirmed that Mr. Levinson was mentioned in a letter delivered by Ambassador Holbrooke to Iranian officials at The Hague and reiterated her unwavering commitment to press this issue at every opportunity.

While I am certain that Secretary Clinton and the Obama Administration will make every attempt to bring Mr. Levinson's home, it is critical that Congress express its unequivocal support for her efforts and send a clear statement that the Administration must employ every diplomatic tool at its disposal to locate Mr. Levinson and return him to the United States.

House Concurrent Resolution 36 calls on President Obama and allies of the United States around the world to engage with officials of the Government of Iran to raise the

case of Robert Levinson at every opportunity. It also urges officials of the Government of Iran to fulfill their promises of assistance to the family of Robert Levinson, and calls upon Iran to share the results of its investigation into his disappearance with the FBI. Passage of this resolution sends a clear signal that the Congress stands with the Levinson family and believes all efforts should be exhausted to ensure Robert Levinson is found and brought home safely.

I want to once again express my unwavering solidarity and backing for the Levinson family and offer all of my support in their efforts to return Robert Levinson home. I urge all of my colleagues to support the passage of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues in recognizing the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act and America's commitment to U.S.-Taiwan relations and supporting H. Con. Res. 55.

As many of my colleagues know, the Taiwan Relations Act has been instrumental in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Taiwan Strait since its enactment in 1979. Over the past 30 years, Taiwan has evolved into a model democracy that respects human rights and the rule of law. It has also transformed into one the world's most dynamic economies and is counted among America's most important trading partners. To that end, it is critical that the United States Congress continue to highlight the importance of the TRA and take further steps to enhance our overall partnership with Taiwan which has been mutually beneficial for generations in both America and Taiwan.

As a member of Congress who believes the United States should foster this relationship and create new avenues of cooperation, it is important in the context of this anniversary to recognize the bold efforts of Taiwanese President Ying-jeou Ma to bring peace and stability to the Taiwan Strait. I welcome President Ma's efforts and the progress he has made to reduce tensions and to extend an olive branch to Beijing. While the issues that separate Taipei and Beijing are significant and the road ahead difficult, it is important for President Ma to fulfill his stated vision and continue to pursue a policy that lays down the ``foundation for a century of peace and prosperity'' in the region.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to Ms. Berkley, the gentlewoman from Nevada.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to Mr. Space, the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Hellenic Caucus, I want to express strong support for this resolution recognizing the 188th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy. I would also once again like to thank my very good friend from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) who has been a leading supporter of U.S.-Greek relations in Congress. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to the co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Bilirakis, for their efforts in moving this resolution forward.

Having had the honor of meeting with the Foreign Minister of Greece 1 month ago, it is an honor to highlight one of America's most important allies, Greece, and the common commitments to democracy, human rights and laws that bind our two nations. This resolution is an opportunity to praise Greece for its efforts to bring peace and stability to the Balkans, as well as the support Athens has given the United States following 9/11 and our collective efforts on the war on terrorism.

It is not lost on any of us in Congress that Greece was quick to respond to requests by the United States during the war in Iraq and immediately granted unlimited access to its airspace and the base in Souda Bay. Many American ships that delivered troops, cargo, and supplies to Iraq were refueled in Greece.

Close cooperation with our NATO ally Greece continues on a daily basis, and it is essential that Congress and the administration recognize this extraordinary support and express our deepest gratitude to the Greek people and Greek government.

This occasion is not only important in terms of U.S.-Greece bilateral relations, but it is an historic occasion for millions of Americans. As a Member of Congress with a large Greek American community, I am especially pleased that we are passing this resolution today, which also highlights this community's extraordinary commitments to the shared prosperity of our Nation.

It is undeniable that the Greek American community, which includes some five million Americans with Greek ancestry, is the lynchpin in the unbreakable bond between the United States and Greece. As unofficial ambassadors between the U.S. and Greece, Greek Americans have for decades successfully shaped this long-standing friendship and built new bridges to forge closer relations between our nations.

While this resolution recognizes an important anniversary in the independence of Greece, it is also my hope that today's floor debate will be used as a catalyst to promote our ally, Greece's, participation in the Visa Waiver Program. Greece has fulfilled all of the criteria to be included in the Visa Waiver Program, and I urge the administration to act as quickly as possible, along with Athens, to finalize this process and open the door to further enhance the relationship between the people and governments of the United States and Greece.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the Greek people on the 188th anniversary of their independence and strongly support this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans, I was greatly encouraged by the recent visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to our ally, Turkey. This historic visit sends a clear signal that the United States greatly values its strategic partnership with Turkey--which has benefited both of nations for over half a century.

During the visit, Secretary Clinton announced an upcoming trip to Turkey by President Barack Obama, and together with Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Babacan released a Joint Statement.

Over the coming months, I am convinced that U.S.-Turkish relations will continue to deepen and flourish under the stewardship of President Obama, Secretary Clinton and the new Administration. It is clear that a strong and mutually respectful friendship is in the national interests of the United States and Turkey, and also serves to promote regional peace, security and prosperity. To that end, I encourage all of my colleagues to review the text of Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Babacan's joint statement, which I am including in the Congressional Record.

Joint Statement by Turkey and the United States of America on the Occasion of the Visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Upon the Invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Ali

Babacan, March 7, 2009

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Ali

Babacan today reaffirmed the strong bonds of alliance,

solidarity and strategic partnership between the Republic of

Turkey and the United States, as well as the commitment of

both countries to the principles of peace, democracy,

freedom, and prosperity enshrined in the Shared Vision and

Structured Dialogue document agreed to in July 2006.

Turkey and the United States reiterated their determination

to continue close cooperation and consultation on all issues

of common concern. They pledge to contribute to peace and

stability in the Middle East and in this context, to support

a permanent settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict,

including alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and

resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of a

two-state solution; to enhance energy security and to expand

the Southern corridor of natural gas and oil infrastructure

to enable Caspian basin and Iraqi energy producers to reach

European and world markets; to promote peace, stability, and

prosperity in the south Caucasus, including through U.S.

support for the efforts of Turkey and Armenia to normalize

relations and joint support for the efforts of the Minsk

Group to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict; to continue

to cooperate in the Balkans; to support strongly a

comprehensive and mutually-acceptable settlement of the

Cyprus question under the auspices of the UN and in this

context ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots; and to

enhance their cooperation in the fight against terrorism,

particularly against their common enemies, the PKK and al-

Qaeda. The United States will continue its intelligence

support for Turkish operations against the PKK and is

reviewing ways to be more supportive. As members of the G-20,

Turkey and the United States pledge continued cooperation to

deal with the global economic crisis and efforts to increase

and diversify bilateral economic relations with particular

emphasis on trade, investment, scientific and technological

cooperation.

Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Babacan discussed

Turkey's accession to the European Union as a member, a goal

the United States continues to strongly support, as well as

the Government of Turkey's continued emphasis on reform

process. With their commitment to Transatlantic relations and

as Allies in a strong NATO, they pledge continued cooperation

in Afghanistan, including through continued Turkish

contributions to Afghanistan. They reiterated their

commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial

integrity of Iraq as well as reiterated their support for a

democratic, pluralistic, unified and federal Iraq. They also

welcome Turkey's deepening relations with the Government of

Iraq as evidenced by high level visits as well as trilateral

meetings to discuss cooperation against the PKK. Turkey and

the United States will strongly back the United Nations

Security Council in its work to maintain global peace and

security for the prevention and removal of threats to the

international community and in this context will cooperate in

dealing with issues including terrorism, drug trafficking,

organized crime and the threat of the proliferation of

weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery in

the region and beyond.

Finally, they reaffirmed their determination to diversify

the broad based bilateral relations particularly between the

Turkish and American people. In that context, the Secretary

and Minister announced the establishment of ``Young Turkey/

Young America: A New Relationship for a New Age.'' This

initiative will enable emerging young leaders in Turkey and

the United States to develop initiatives that will positively

impact people's lives and invest in future ties between the

leadership of our two countries.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Diane Glasser and Pamela Bushnell, both of whom were sworn in on November 10, 2008 as new commissioners of the city of Tamarac, Florida. As outstanding public servants and great friends of mine, I wish to recognize their accomplishments and congratulate them on their election as commissioners.

Diane Glasser, who was elected as commissioner of District 3, has been a leader in our community for many years. A resident of Kings Point in Tamarac, Diane has been a member of many important committees and task forces, including the Senior Citizens Involvement Task Force for the Broward County School Board, the Charter Board of Tamarac, the Tamarac Redistricting Committee, and the Broward County Human Rights Board. She was chairwoman of Tamarac's 25th anniversary celebration and has served as a four-time delegate to the Democratic National Convention, has been chosen a Democratic National Committeewoman since 1992, and has been First Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party since 2001. Her commitment to service and to the issues that matter to our constituency makes her a wonderful choice for commissioner, and I look forward to working with her in the years to come.

Pamela Bushnell, recently elected as commissioner of District 1, has also been a member of many local boards and is an active leader in our community. A resident and current president of Mainlands 1 & 2, Pamela has served on the boards of the City of Margate Committee for the Disabled; the Zoning Board of the town of Sutton, New Hampshire; and Schenectady County Community College; among many others. A volunteer at Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale and a participant in the Broward Sheriff's Office Citizens Observer Patrol Program, Pamela will make a fine addition to Tamarac's government and will serve her district with the utmost distinction.

I look forward to working with Diane, Pamela, Mayor Beth Talabisco, and the rest of the Commission of the City of Tamarac, and wish Diane and Pamela only the best as they begin their service on the City Commission.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution which expresses Congress' unwavering support for Israel and its unequivocal right to self-defense in the face of an ongoing campaign of terror perpetrated by Hamas.

The world must know that America stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in its ongoing struggle for security and peace. All of us wish to see a stable, secure, and peaceful Middle East, and we mourn for the loss of innocent lives. But it is unconscionable to expect the Israeli Government or any government to sit idly by as deadly rockets rain down on its cities.

The world must recognize how we came upon the deadly circumstances that exist in Gaza now. It was Hamas, not Israel, that abrogated the so-called truce by firing rockets into Israel. Instead of using violence to achieve its destructive goals, Hamas must adhere to the international principles established by the Quartet.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution and support

Israel's right to self-defense so that we can move toward a more peaceful Middle East. But peace comes with strength and resolve; it does not come by avoiding the unfortunate circumstances that Hamas, not Israel, has placed this region in once again.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in observance of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims and their Families, which was on Sunday, November 16, 2008, and to remember the countless victims of road crashes worldwide and offer my sincerest condolences to their families. Each year, road traffic crashes kill nearly 1.3 million people worldwide and injure over 50 million more. It is time for drastic measures to be taken to counter this unacceptable statistic, and until we take such action, the number of deaths and disabilities from road traffic crashes will continue to increase. At the current rate of growth, road traffic accidents will be the eighth leading cause of death by the year 2030.

The unfortunate reality of traffic accidents is that they are indiscriminate and affect victims regardless of age and class. Globally, more than 40% of all road traffic deaths occur among individuals under 25 years old, and crashes are the second leading cause of death for young people aged 5-25 years. Road crashes also come at a great cost to the

global economy. It is estimated that road traffic crashes cost $518 billion globally each year. In developing countries, road traffic crashes have a dramatic impact on their fragile economies, costing an estimated $100 billion, often exceeding the total amount received by these countries in development assistance.

The real tragedy is that road traffic crashes are predictable and can be prevented. It is critical that America play an active role domestically and internationally to address traffic accidents. Many countries have achieved sharp reductions in the number of crashes and the frequency and severity of traffic-related injuries by addressing key issues, but this progress can be enhanced by encouraging governments to create lead road safety agencies in the image of our lead road safety agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the Congressional Caucus on Global Road Safety, which I am privileged to co-chair with Congressman Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, is involved in efforts to encourage governments to improve reporting standards for deaths of their citizens abroad from road crashes so that more light can be shed light on the impact of this global epidemic.

As more Americans travel globally and more of our college students participate in study abroad programs in developing countries around the world, many of them will be at risk of injury or death due to hazardous traffic conditions. Now is the time to do whatever is possible to keep them safe, and it is essential as the international community stands together in remembrance of global road traffic victims that the United States join the United Nations, NGOs, and foreign governments in commemorating this important day and work swiftly to implement policies that will prevent further accidents and the needless loss of life.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 371, which supports the fair, comprehensive and immediate restitution of property illegally confiscated during the last century by the Nazis, Nazi-allied governments and Communist regimes.

As many of you know, survivors are in the waning years of their lives, and it is incumbent on Congress and the administration to clearly articulate our unequivocal support, as we have done in previous Congresses, for just and immediate property restitution or compensation.

While there are some nations in Europe that have enacted legislation for the restitution of or compensation for private and communal

property, there remain several that have not passed or implemented legislation.

Congress and the administration must continue to work with and encourage our European allies to rectify historical wrongs and bring a measure of closure for Holocaust Survivors and those individuals who lived under the deadly yoke of Communism.

Despite repeated promises by some governments, Holocaust survivors and heirs have struggled and waited for over six decades to recover their property or receive adequate compensation.

The resolution before us today simply calls on Central and European countries, more specifically Poland and Lithuania, to enact fair, comprehensive and just legislation to allow for restitution of properties that were illegally taken away from citizens and communities during the last century.

With respect to Poland, I want to commend Polish Prime Minister Tusk for his public commitment to introduce property restitution legislation. As the Polish government moves the legislative process forward, it is essential that a claims process be created that is un- bureaucratic, simple, transparent and easy for claimants to use. I urge the Bush administration to continue to directly engage the Polish Government over the coming months and to express their strong support for a claims process that is fair and just for survivors and other claimants.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution and in support of fair and just property restitution, which is long overdue.

Madam Speaker, today in Tamarac, Florida, 11 outstanding Broward elders will be honored at the Annual Senior Hall of Fame Breakfast. These 11 seniors being honored have volunteered in their communities and have spent countless hours helping others. Their outstanding character and compassion have truly set them apart. Those being honored are George Bisbikos, Mary Jane Bowen Graff, Sidney Feinberg, Edith Gooden-Thompson, Velma Hawthorne, Reverend Grant Lynn Ford, Dr. Henry ``Hank'' Mack, Marilyn Manning, Paul B. Snow, Lesley Tobin, and Polly Wilkie.

George Bisbikos of Sunrise, president/executive director of the Learning Center for Vision Impaired Seniors, LCVIS, has been volunteering with the vision impaired for many years. Legally blind himself, George has led a health and finance class at the Lighthouse of Broward County for the blind and vision impaired, and works relentlessly to enable the blind and partially sighted in our community to participate in activities that sighted people take for granted.

Mary Jane Bowen Graff of Fort Lauderdale is the epitome of a volunteer and has been awarded for the over 4,000 hours of her time she has donated to Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary. An energetic, motivated, and goal/task oriented person, Mary Jane has also been an active member in Kiwanis International, serving as president of her local chapter in 2006-07; and, Mary Jane currently serves as director of the city of Fort Lauderdale's Historic Preservation Advisory Board and board member of the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art.

Sidney Feinberg of Deerfield Beach was integral in the building of Broward Homebound Program, Inc., in Century Village Deerfield Beach, submitting the grant proposal to the Florida Legislature in 1986 and being awarded a 1-year pilot project in 1986. Broward Homebound Program, Inc., has functioned independently since 1987. Sidney has also served as president of Young Israel in Deerfield Beach, Flatbush, and Jamaica Estates, and is president of the Coalition for Century Village East and is one of the founders of the National Association of Jewish Homes for the Aged, among many other leadership positions.

Edith Gooden-Thompson of Plantation is the daughter of Reverend James Gooden and Evelyn Smith Gooden, both honored as members of the Broward Senior Hall of Fame in 2006 and 1991, respectively. Edith has been volunteering her time with numerous schools and community committees for over 40 years, and is currently serving the Aging & Disability Resource Center as the SHINE, Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, volunteer coordinator. In this role, Edith guides more than 25 volunteers committed to providing services to Medicare customers, their families, and caregivers. She also volunteers with Friends of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, Florida Leaders.net, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, among many other organizations.

Velma Hawthorne of Fort Lauderdale is a Foster Grandparent volunteer, having raised three of her niece's children and two grandchildren in addition to her three children. She continues to help elementary children learn how to read, mentors Girl Scouts, and assists the Broward County Library with after-school programs. During the summer, Velma also volunteers at Kids In Distress, and she enjoys teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir at Evergreen Baptist Church.

Reverend Grant Lynn Ford, Senior Bishop of the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, has been providing dynamic and inspirational leadership for his congregation and multitudes of organizations, agencies and groups for nearly two decades. Reverend Ford was key in the establishment and continuum of the Noble A. McArtor Adult Day Care Center, the first such program primarily designed for the needs of Broward gay and lesbian elders, and continues to serve the needs of the diverse cross sections of Broward communities through innovative programs, services and projects.

Dr. Henry ``Hank'' Mack of Lauderhill has the distinction of being one of the few living Buffalo Soldiers of the United States Calvary. A renowned civil rights fighter and past member of the executive committee of the Fort Lauderdale NAACP, Dr. Mack has the distinction of having stood with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he made his ``I Have A Dream'' speech, and he continues to be active in opening doors for minority firms in Broward County. Dr. Mack has also been recognized numerous times for his volunteer efforts and serves on a number of public safety and education councils and committees in Broward County.

Marilyn Manning of Tamarac has spent the past 8 years donating her time and talents at Florida Atlantic University's Lifelong Learning Program, helping with registration and greeting students. She also volunteers at the Daniel Cantor Senior Center in Tamarac, working in the thrift store and assisting in the day care. Additionally, she lends a hand mentoring elementary students with behavioral issues and has helped wounded troops recuperating in Germany through her assistance to the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project.

Paul B. Snow of Hallandale Beach has volunteered his life following retirement to volunteering for the poor, elderly, homeless and disabled in south Florida, joining the Hallandale Food Pantry in 1991 and later becoming Director. In that time, the Pantry has expanded from helping 11 families in his first week to more than 7,500 families in 2007. The Pantry also assists the elderly with completing critical benefit paperwork, offers after-school community credits to students wishing to attend college, and takes over 450 inner city youth to professional sporting events.

Lesley Sobel of Margate, along with her husband Jack, recognized the need in the community for a center to aid families caring for someone with alzheimer's disease and founded the Alzheimer's Family Center to fill that need. Lesley served as president of the agency's board of directors for 10 years and has devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy to the center, as she was instrumental in the development of fundraisers which have been held annually for over two decades now. Lesley also serves on the Boards of God's Little Acre, Senior Volunteer Services, and is active with the Margate Chamber of Commerce.

Polly Wilkie of Pembroke Pines is a veteran volunteer, possessing both fundraising acumen and the passion to roll up her sleeves and work. Founder and current president of New Prestige Clubs, Polly has worked to improve the lives of children and homeless women throughout Florida. She has recruited others and inspired them to establish Prestige chapters elsewhere in Florida and in Atlanta, Georgia, and hosts networking breakfasts for business people and inspires them to volunteer. Polly is a board member of the Light of the World Clinic, the Ease Foundation Pantry, the James Jr. Fund, the Boys & Girls Club, and Crime Stoppers, and has served as commissioner for Volunteer Florida.

Madam Speaker, I would like to again congratulate these 11 outstanding Broward County citizens who are being honored at the Annual Senior Hall of Fame, and thank them for their years of service to their fellow Floridians.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to join my colleagues in observing the third annual Jewish American Heritage Month, JAHM, which takes place over the entire month of May.

As you know, Jewish American Heritage Month allows us to annually recognize the historic contributions of the Jewish community to our Nation. The Jewish community has a rich history in the growth of America as we know it today, dating back nearly four centuries to the founding of our country, and it is essential that Congress along with local and State officials work together to promote greater awareness about the contributions of this multifaceted group of people to the fabric of America.

While American Jews make up only a small percentage of our Nation's population, their contributions have been significant in a number of arenas including technology, literature, entertainment, politics, and medicine, as well as many other parts of our society and culture. In celebration of these contributions, communities across the Nation-- including many in South Florida, which I am privileged to represent-- have scheduled creative programming and discussion to honor these great Jewish Americans who have helped build this Nation.

The programming, which will take places across the country, will also provide an important platform for the discussion of Judaism

and Jewish culture in areas of our Nation where Americans have had little or no interaction with members of the Jewish community. Given that anti-Semitism unfortunately remains prevalent throughout the country, it is more important than ever that we work to break down barriers and address ignorance and intolerance, which too often leads to anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and hate.

I am proud to stand with the American Jewish Community during the month of May to highlight past achievements and the ongoing contributions of a community that cares deeply about the well-being and future of this Nation. I urge all of my colleagues as well as the American people to join me in recognizing the myriad of contributions of the American Jewish community throughout this month and to take concrete steps to observe JAHM.

Madam Speaker, I want to join my colleagues in Congress as well as the entire international community in recognizing World AIDS Orphans Day. This is a critically important day because we are reminded of our collective responsibility to address the needs of the world's most vulnerable population--millions of orphans and vulnerable children who need desperately need our support, care, attention and resources.

According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, highly vulnerable children include those who receive inadequate adult support because of abandonment, economic distress, or chronic illness; have HIV/AIDS or are suspected of having HIV; are directly affected by armed conflict; live outside of family care; or in some other way have suffered from a collapse of traditional social safety nets in their communities. Disease, conflict, violence, natural disaster, and severe economic strife leave millions of the world's youngest people orphaned or otherwise vulnerable. Globally, an estimated 132 million children in the developing world have lost one or both parents, while an additional, larger number of children are highly vulnerable, facing serious risks to their survival and wellbeing. According to UNAIDS, by 2010, 20-25 million children could be orphaned by HIV/AIDS alone.

These children face a number of challenges, including finding money for school fees, food, clothing, and access to basic healthcare. Their desperate plight makes them more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, ultimately making them more susceptible to contracting HIV. To that end, Congress along with the international community and non- governmental organizations must be prepared to assist those communities where these orphans live and receive most of their assistance. Today less than 10 percent of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) receive any kind of international support--the majority of the support they receive comes from their own communities. I support the sentiments of such organizations as Global Action for Children and other leading NGO's who believe that an effective response to the challenges facing these children must be to strengthen the capacity of families and communities to continue to provide care, protection, and assistance to them in, at a minimum, meeting their basic needs.

According to UNAIDS, an $800 million U.S. investment in 2009 is needed to provide universal HIV treatment, care, support and prevention services by 2015 to 19 million orphans and vulnerable children. Under the United States leadership against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, 10 percent of all resources devoted to HIV/AIDS have been designated for programs to meet the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. While the U.S. contribution over the past several years has been significant, it will only be successful if we continue to provide the necessary assistance and renew our commitment to pass the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) reauthorization bill.

It is clear that Congress must do its part to meet America's international commitment to

assist orphans and vulnerable children. In that vein, I urge all of my colleagues to recognize World AIDS Orphans Day and join me in supporting swift passage of PEPFAR so that we can continue to meet the needs of millions of children around the world who desperately need our help.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge ``Cover the Uninsured Week.'' We must recognize the tragic reality that 47 million Americans, including 9 million children, are uninsured in America. In my home State of Florida, the figures are even more striking, with 20 percent of Floridians lacking health insurance. Millions of hard-working Americans with full-time jobs lack affordable health care options.

For example, a woman in my district, Florianne, has worked as a housekeeper for a local hospital for 3 years and is uninsured. She cannot afford to pay for health insurance for her children despite having a full-time job. In 2004, when Florianne worked directly for the hospital, she received health benefits. Today, the hospital subcontracts its housekeeping operations, causing her to lose her health insurance. With rent, food, gas, and utilities eating up her $692 biweekly paycheck, there is not a dollar to spare for her son's glasses or basic checkups, let alone a $768 monthly premium.

I wish Florianne's predicament was unique. All across Palm Beach County, the State of Florida and throughout the United States, children like Florianne's miss doctor's appointments, forego needed prescriptions, and are denied adequate health care. Their parents work hard but still cannot afford health care for their families. This is totally unacceptable in the wealthiest nation on Earth.

In Congress, I have sponsored legislation to fund insurance for millions of children across the country, introduced legislation to make Medicare more affordable for seniors, and voted to increase funding for community health centers willing to treat uninsured individuals. I am also a sponsor of the U.S. National Health Insurance Act (H.R. 676), which would reform our health care system and provide health insurance for every man, woman, and child. Unfortunately, many of these proposals have been shot down by the Bush administration.

``Cover the Uninsured Week'' reminds us all that America desperately needs leadership in the White House and in Congress to work together to achieve the affordable health care that all Americans deserve.