Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republic of Cyprus as it finishes out its first rotation of the European Union Presidency. For a small country like Cyprus, this is a significant event in their history and I want to recognize one of their Presidency's major accomplishments.

I would like to thank Cyprus for successfully overseeing the implementation of new European Union sanctions that were imposed on Iran to target their nuclear and ballistic missile program. Iran continues to be a threat to the United States, Europe, and our closest ally in the Middle East--the Jewish State of Israel. These sanctions will go a long way towards ensuring further stability in the Middle East and helping Israel to maintain its security. These are the toughest sanctions yet to be imposed by the EU and I believe they will work in concert with those imposed by the U.S. Congress. Again, I'd like to congratulate the Republic of Cyprus for its oversight of this implementation and overall for a successful first rotation as EU President.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exceptional service of Marc Cevasco, who has served with great distinction on my staff for more than seven years.

From his humble start as an intern in my Washington DC office to ultimately serving as my Chief of Staff, Marc has demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic, poise under pressure, tremendous intelligence, and the highest moral character. Over the past seven years he has held nearly every position on my staff and, regardless of the task at hand, always approached his duties with the utmost professionalism. Marc is truly one of the most effective, reliable and ethical people I have ever met. He is also indefatigable, as it was routine for him to be the first one into the office in the morning and the last one to leave at night.

As a member of my senior staff, Marc served as my primary policy advisor and directed the legislative staff. In addition, he was responsible for helping me with my top priority as a Member of Congress: ensuring the security of our country. In addition to all his other responsibilities, Marc served, brilliantly, as my staffer on national security issues, managing my work on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Marc was born in Belleville, New Jersey. His parents, Andrew and Doreen Cevasco, raised him and his sister, Alison, and his two brothers, Andrew and Kevin, in Rutherford, New Jersey. He attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, New Jersey and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. While he worked long hours in my office, Marc made time to further advance his education, earning a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College in 2010. Marc and his wonderful wife, Jenna Grant Cevasco, were married last June and they are expecting their first child next spring.

Prior to joining my staff, Marc served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Sacramento, California. He worked at a transitional housing agency for homeless individuals who suffered with mental illness and substance abuse. Marc has not forgotten these experiences working with the overlooked and marginalized in our society and he carried the ideals of service and social justice with him to his work on Capitol Hill.

Marc has provided indispensable leadership to my staff and has been a trusted voice of counsel to me. He has my deepest respect and greatest appreciation for all of the many contributions he has made to my office and the well-being of my constituents and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to formally and forever thank Marc Cevasco for his service to me, to the House of Representatives, to his home state of New Jersey, and to his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ira Marks for his dedicated leadership and service to the Borough of Fair Lawn, a community that I have the pleasure of representing in New Jersey's Ninth Congressional District. At the end of the year Ira will be retiring from his position as Director and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Borough, a position he has held since 2006. Mr. Marks is a dedicated public servant and I am pleased to recognize him as he completes his distinguished career.

Mr. Marks first began working in the Office of Emergency Management in 1997. Since then he has served as Local Emergency Planning Committee President, Shelter Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, and Emergency Management Coordinator. He has been integral in restoring the borough after several natural disasters, including flooding from Hurricane Irene, and assisting in medical training. Mr. Marks has demonstrated his talent for combining community service with his training and knowledge of the health field to improve the Office of Emergency Management.

Furthermore, Ira Marks has served as a volunteer for the Borough of Fair Lawn since 1978 while working in the private sector. He spent 21 years in the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, donating his time and holding the offices of Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Trustee. Among his many accomplishments, Ira aided in obtaining a grant for 10 automated external defibrillators for the training of Fair Lawn police officers. Ira was recognized for his excellent work when he was awarded the Distinguished Volunteer Service Cross in 1995, as well as the Hackensack Medical Center Award for EMS Excellence of Life Saving in 1998.

Ira is a graduate of Monmouth University in New Jersey, a veteran of the Army National Guard, and a wonderful New Jerseyan. His extraordinary dedication to public service is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Ira Marks for his tremendous service to our community. I join with the grateful residents of the Borough of Fair Lawn in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to our community. His leadership and dedication to service have improved the lives of many and I wish him an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents and dear friends, Mr. Anthony Cureton, who is the President of the Bergen County, New Jersey Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). I commend Anthony Cureton for receiving the 2012 Outstanding President Award by the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP and for his continued community service to Northern New Jersey.

Anthony Cureton was born in Englewood, New Jersey and completed his early education in the Englewood Public School System, culminating with his graduation from Dwight Morrow High School in 1986. After high school, he was hired by the City of Englewood as a police officer. During his 23 years as an officer, Anthony has had the opportunity to not only ``protect and serve'' the community he grew up in, but to assist and encourage others to seek education and self-improvement. In 1991, Anthony became a mentor to Junior High School students in Englewood, teaching the importance of education, as well as building socialization skills and being a role model for others.

Mr. Cureton graduated from New Jersey City University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He has also studied and received advance degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University, University of Notre Dame, and the International City/Council Managers Association University. In 2004, Mr. Cureton graduated from the West Point Command and Leadership Program sponsored by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

As Bergen County NAACP President, Mr. Cureton has been active in addressing a police shooting in Garfield, a series of hate crimes against synagogues, and the layoffs of secretaries and teachers' aides in Englewood. He also helped revive a long-dormant NAACP chapter at Bergen Community College.

Mr. Cureton, currently a sergeant with the Englewood Police Department, received the 2012 Outstanding President Award on September 8 at the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP during the annual convention in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Mr. Cureton was chosen from a field of 42 branches, 12 college chapters and 25 youth councils for his excellent stewardship of this local branch and his effective advocacy in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues will join with me in honoring Mr. Anthony Cureton for his admirable service to the community of Bergen County, New Jersey and to his continued commitment to the NAACP.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ms. Shauntiera Douglas, a resident of Garfield, New Jersey, and a fine young scholar-athlete on the occasion of her earning a national title at the New Balance Nationals Track and Field Championship. Ms. Douglas, a senior at Garfield High School, placed first in javelin at Nationals on June 15th and 16th.

Inspired by the memory of her niece, Destynne, Ms. Douglas has achieved great recognition in athletics in both Track and Field and basketball. Shauntiera was named ``Female Athlete of the Week'' by the Bergen Record this past February for her leadership and performance on Garfield High School's girls basketball team, in addition to numerous accolades in her main sport, javelin.

Ms. Douglas won her first javelin state championship this past year at the New Jersey State Meet of Champions, throwing 150 feet and 3 inches. Her championship is Garfield High School's first javelin state championship and only the second track and field championship in the history of the school.

Shauntiera's most important honor, however, came just one month ago at the New Balance National Track and Field Championship in North Carolina, where she threw 148 feet 7 inches, a full 9 inches further than her next competitor, to capture the national championship, beating out the previous record-holder. This high honor is a fitting finish to an impressive, undefeated season.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Shauntiera on her state and national championship titles. Her accomplishments on the field demonstrate her commitment to her team, her love of her sport, and her determination to succeed. I join with all of my constituents in New Jersey in honoring her achievements and wishing her continued success in her athletic and academic endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Sakellaris, in recognition of his years of service to both the Greek-American community and to all New Jerseyans. It gives me great pleasure to join with the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey in celebrating his achievements at their annual banquet.

Mr. Sakellaris was born in Volada on the island of Karpathos and came to America with the last wave of immigration of the decade 1965 1975. He has distinguished himself in his devotion to community involvement, both in the Karpathian community and beyond, serving as a friend and a model of accomplishment. Notably, his outstanding two-year service as chairman of the Karpathian Federation resulted in such a considerable increase of funds that the Foundation was able to purchase the ``Karpathian Home'' in New Jersey. He has also achieved success as a restaurant owner, first with the ownership of Al's Diner in Jersey City and afterwards Lyndhurst Diner in Lyndhurst.

As a founding member of Pan Gregorian Enterprises in New Jersey, Mr. Sakellaris was instrumental in the formation of the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey. Through his tireless work with Andres Comodromos, Tassos Efstratiades and the founding Board members, Mr. Sakellaris helped to establish a sound and productive organization. He served as Executive Vice President of the Federation and currently is a Chairman of the Board of Pan Gregorian Enterprises of New Jersey.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sakellaris remained enthusiastically involved in political life, taking an active role in supporting several Philhellene political figures in New Jersey, such as Senator Bill Bradley, Senator Robert Menendez and Governor Jim Florio. In 1986, he joined the Michael Dukakis for President Committee, becoming one of the strongest supporters of the Greek American presidential candidate.

John Sakellaris has also served the Greek Orthodox Church in many capacities, including his service as a president of the Association of Voladioton ``Saint Anargyroi'' and president of the parish council of Saint Demetrios Church in Jersey City. He was also a member of the Metropolitan Council of the Metropolis of New Jersey. For his selfless service, Mr. Sakellaris was awarded the title of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable work of Mr. John E. Sakellaris, whose service and tireless efforts have touched the lives of the entire Greek-American community in New Jersey. I join with the grateful members of the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey, and all of my constituents in northern New Jersey, in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3541, the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2012. Contrary to its misleading title, H.R. 3541 would do nothing to prevent sex discrimination, but instead, would be a huge step backwards for gender equality, by enacting dangerous restrictions on women's reproductive rights. This legislation would place harsh criminal penalties on doctors, asking them to read minds, profile women, violate doctor-patient confidentiality, and make them fearful of providing legal health care. It is a reckless attempt to restrict women's health care rights simply to score political points, and yet another reprehensible example of politicians practicing medicine without a license. American women can and should be trusted to make morally and intellectually sound decisions about their own health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Calvary Baptist Church. Since its founding in 1927, the church has provided a sanctuary of worship and service to the faithful of Garfield, New Jersey and the surrounding area, and I extend my sincerest congratulations as the proud congregants celebrate the church's 85th anniversary.

Under the current visionary leadership of Reverend Calvin McKinney, Calvary Baptist Church carries on the strong tradition of faith, service, and fellowship began by its original members. Its reach extends beyond to those who gather weekly within its walls to worship to all those it services through humanitarian efforts, in the North Jersey area and beyond. Its informed congregation, in matters religious, civic, and political, is a model for the community at-large.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable Calvary Baptist Church, a venerable house of worship that has touched the lives of the faith community and all who live in the Garfield area. I join with the grateful congregants, and all of my constituents in Northern New Jersey, in celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Calvary Baptist Church of North Jersey at Garfield. I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate many more anniversaries with our friends at Calvary Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Calvin McKinney of the Calvary Baptist Church for his unwavering commitment to the development of community and faith in Garfield, New Jersey. I extend my sincerest congratulations to him on the occasion of his June 6, 2012, 40th anniversary of pastoral service to the congregation.

Under the visionary leadership of Pastor McKinney, Calvary has established a reputation for its extraordinary humanitarian efforts. In 1998, the Calvary Community Development Center was established to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps in the community by providing clothing, food, and emergency assistance to those in need. Dr. McKinney's faith further inspired him in 2003 to guide his congregation in the construction of a $10 million, 1,500 seat sanctuary which includes educational, fellowship, and administrative complexes.

While administering an ever-expanding ministry, Rev. McKinney enjoys a full preaching ministry that has taken him throughout this country, as well as the continents of Africa, Europe, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. One of the most memorable moments in his career came during the Centennial Session of his beloved National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. in Birmingham, Alabama where he was honored with the opportunity to preach in 1980.

He served as the youngest Moderator in the history of the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association from 1986 to 1990; and served from 1996 through 2000 in an unprecedented tenure as one of the youngest presidents in the history of the 300,000 member General Baptist Convention of New Jersey. Dr. McKinney's exemplary leadership later earned him the title of President Emeritus.

In addition to his role as pastor and a denominational leader in the Baptist Church, Pastor McKinney serves the community in a wide-range of capacities. He presently works on the Governor's staff as Chair of the Commission on Faith-Based Initiatives for the State of New Jersey. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the U.C.C. Day Care Center #100; a trustee of Passaic County

Community College; a board member of the Bergen County Urban League, NJ; an executive board member of the Garfield/Lodi Branch of the NAACP, NJ; and a member of Mt. Zion Lodge #50, F. & A.M. (PHA) of Hackensack,

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) final rule detailing requirements for accessible entry and exit for pools and spas under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and in opposition to a provision included in the Commerce, Justice, and Science FY13 Appropriations Bill to inhibit DOJ's enforcement of this important rule.

Over twenty years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the accessibility of swimming pools and other recreational facilities remains important to people with disabilities around the country. The 54 million Americans living with disabilities deserve to finally be able to enjoy these facilities to the same extent as others in our society.

The Department's process to develop accessibility guidelines for swimming pools began over 7 years ago on September 30, 2004, and the DOJ published the final rule on September 2010 after receiving feedback from all stakeholders and the public. DOJ delayed compliance until May 21, 2012 and issued guidance at the beginning of this year, clarifying the intent of the final rule.

The final rule ensures that small, family-owned business are not overburdened, by only requiring installation of fixed pool lifts for existing pools and spas if it is ``readily achievable,'' meaning that it is not overly costly or burdensome. It strikes an appropriate balance between the needs of Americans living with disabilities and our businesses.

The need for pools and spas to be accessible for people with disabilities is not a new idea, but one that has been in federal law for more than 2 decades. The requirement to remove barriers to accessibility to swimming pools for people with disabilities has been part of the statutory requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act since it was passed in 1990, almost 22 years ago. The regulatory process is functioning just as it was intended to.

People with disabilities should be able to enjoy the same recreational amenities and opportunities as every other American. Delaying the effective date of the regulations any further will mean another season where people with disabilities will be denied the opportunity to use pools when they travel on vacations with their families or on business.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police on 100 years of leading the way in providing the highest level of professional and ethical police services. I join with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police in recognizing their centennial anniversary to commemorate the many years of their outstanding leadership. These servicemen and women are exceptional in both their professional field and community service to the public.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is one of the oldest, largest and most respected police executive associations in the country. Membership includes the sworn chief executives of local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the state of New Jersey. Since its founding in 1912, the Association has been a driving force for implementation of the latest techniques, technology and methodologies in New Jersey police agencies. In 1945, they began administering professional entry level and promotional examinations for non-civil service police departments. As the responsibilities of the organization continued to grow, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police developed the Command and Leadership Academy in 1993 for law enforcement executives in New Jersey. Striving to uphold its mission of maintaining the highest standards for law enforcement, the Association provides command school, executive and professional development, administrative, management and leadership training for New Jersey police professionals. In that same vein, the Association offers at no cost full portfolios of model policies and resources to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. It also established and administers New Jersey's law enforcement agency accreditation program. In addition to all these services, the association founded, coordinates and hosts the annual New Jersey memorial service for officers killed in the line of duty--the first of its kind in the United States. After a century of service to New Jersey, I join the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police in honoring this exceptional organization and its members who have dedicated themselves to delivering quality service to both the law enforcement community as well as the citizens of New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and honor all of its members for their role in keeping this wonderful organization going for so many years. I know I join with all of my constituents in wishing the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police continued success as they proudly serve the communities of New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Herbert Dardik, the Chief of Vascular Surgery at Englewood Hospital, in recognition of his designation as honoree at the Englewood Hospital's 2012 Gala. For more than 50 years, Dr. Dardik has demonstrated his abiding commitment to Englewood Hospital and to its patients.

He served with distinction as Chief of Surgery from 1984 1995 and from 2000 2011, playing an instrumental role in establishing the surgical program's outstanding record of excellence. During his tenure, Dr. Dardik led pioneering efforts in the field of vascular surgery, developing new techniques to facilitate carotid artery surgery and the umbilical cord vein vascular graft, used worldwide to prevent gangrene and salvage lower limbs. He founded the Vascular Fellowship Program in 1978 and has trained generations of world-class vascular surgeons.

Today, Dr. Dardik serves as Chief of Vascular Surgery and as Senior Medical Director of the Hospital's Institute for Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery. He lives in Tenafly with his wife Janet.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable career of Dr. Herbert Dardik, whose tireless efforts have benefited patients everywhere. I join with the grateful guests of the Englewood Hospital Gala, and all of my constituents in northern New Jersey, in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to the good health of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Euro-American Brands, in recognition of its designation as honoree at the Englewood Hospital's 2012 Gala.

What began as a childhood passion for sweets today stands as a model for success, ingenuity and perseverance. Founded in 1990 by siblings Dite Van Clief and Tami Targovnik, in partnership with Peter Leiendecker, Paramus, New Jersey-based Euro-American Brands (EAB) is one the nation's premier importers of confections and specialty food products. EAB's love of sweets soared to new heights in 2010.

Joining forces with its supplier of 20 years--Ritter Sport, a popular German confectionery brand--they introduced the Strawberry Creme Bar to support the fight against breast cancer: 100% of the profits earned by EAB from sales of the Ritter Sport Strawberry Creme Bar benefit The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Hospital. Their efforts yielded much-needed support for The Breast Center which provides lifesaving medical services to countless women in need.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor this remarkable company, and the great work they are doing in support of the Breast Care Center at Englewood Hospital. I join with the grateful guests of the Englewood Hospital Gala, and all of my constituents in North Jersey, in thanking the Euro-American Brands for its generous contribution to the good health of our community.

I thank the gentleman for the time.

Madam Speaker, today Newark, the State of New Jersey, and the United States of America lost a hero, and the world lost, especially those that needed help, those who were being persecuted, they lost a champion.

Don Payne's family, they've lost their patriarch, the strong, gentle, warm, beautiful, handsome hero who held them together all these many years.

And like so many others, but in a very special way, I lost, we lost a dear, dear friend. I loved Donald Payne. I know he loved me. We spent many times together as dear friends, buddies, laughing and joking, but also many great times speaking about the very, very serious issues confronting our State, his district, my district, the country, and the world.

Donald Payne led an extraordinary life. A young, African American man from very humble beginnings did not have it easy growing up in America and didn't have it easy acquiring political power that enabled him to help everyone, whether it was in Newark or Essex County or New Jersey, the United States or in the world.

History will record that this young man from Newark, Donald Payne, literally saved tens of thousands of lives--he did--all over the world. In America, in Africa, and in Northern Ireland. And he was known throughout the world as a champion of the downtrodden, those in need, and a champion of human rights.

He was a longshoreman; he was a teacher; he was a waiter. He was an elected official from New Jersey who made us all so proud, but he was a citizen of the world. He was a leader in this world.

And he leaves behind a legacy, not only as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, family man, but also as a dear, loving friend. Beneath that strong, serious statesman's demeanor was a warm, charming, funny, irreverent, smart, and great friend. I will miss him very, very much.

God bless you, Don Payne, my friend. God bless you, Congressman Donald Payne, you iconic figure for America and the world. We will miss you dearly, but we will never forget you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey on 100 years of developing girls of courage, confidence, and character. Since its founding in 1912, the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey have both served our community and molded the next generation of women leaders. I join with the Girl Scouts in recognizing their Centennial Celebration--Women of Achievement honorees. These women are exceptional within their professional field and community service to our communities.

Lourdes Cortez, President and CEO of North Jersey Federal Credit Union, is the first Hispanic woman to be President of a Federal Credit Union in New Jersey. Tammie A. Horsfield, President of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, is the first full time woman President of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce. Norma Tempel, President of Etched In Stone Waterjet Fabrications, Inc., is the founding member of the New Jersey chapter of Professional Women in Construction. Honorable Camelia M. Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor, is the first Latina county prosecutor in the State of New Jersey, the first woman prosecutor in Passaic County, and the first lead prosecutor of Dominican ancestry in the United States. Toni Zimmer, President of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, is the first African American woman to run for state assembly in Sussex County in Northwest New Jersey. She was also elected the first African American President of the League of Women Voters in New Jersey. Finally, the late Mrs. Frederick Frelinghuysen will be presented with the Mitzi Golbek Spirit of Girl Scouting Award for her early patronage of the Girl Scouts in 1917. After a century of service to Northern New Jersey, I join the Girl Scouts in honoring these outstanding leaders who are paving the way for tomorrow's women.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to celebrate the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey's 100th anniversary and honor all of its volunteers and participants for their role in keeping this wonderful tradition going for so many years. I know I join with all of my constituents in wishing the Girl Scouts continued success

as they proudly serve the communities of Northern New Jersey.