May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1083 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- risk. I believe that if these provisions had been LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE PREDATORY LENDING ACT in place 10 years ago, the foreclosure crisis CRIMES PREVENTION ACT OF 2008 might have been averted. We cannot turn SPEECH OF SPEECH OF back time. But we can learn—and if we have HON. STENY H. HOYER learned anything, it is how much we need leg- HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD OF MARYLAND islation like this. I urge my colleagues to sup- OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES port it. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Wednesday, April 29, 2009 The House in Committee of the Whole f Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I was House on the State of the Union had under proud to cast my vote along with 249 other consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend MOURNING THE PASSING OF members of the House of Representatives in the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- RUSSELL DUNHAM favor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate sumer mortgage practices and provide ac- Crimes Prevention Act. This legislation will countability for such practices, to provide certain minimum standards, for consumer protect Americans by expanding the definition mortgage, loans, and for other purposes: HON. JOHN SHIMKUS of hate crimes and providing law enforcement Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chair, it is well-known by OF ILLINOIS officers with the tools they need to prosecute now that our economic crisis began as a fore- these heinous crimes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes closure crisis. It began with homeowners Prevention Act is not a cure-all and it will not across America signing up for mortgages they Thursday, May 7, 2009 stop all hate violence, but it will send the mes- could not afford. And even though few of us sage that senseless violence is unacceptable knew it at the time, much of our financial sys- Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today and perpetrators will be punished. Since law tem was riding on their ability to pay those to mourn the passing of an American hero. enforcement sometimes lacks the personnel, mortgages off. When it became clear that Russell Dunham passed away on April 6, resources or determination needed to properly many of them could not, the economic chain 2009, at his home in Jerseyville, Illinois. He is investigate and prosecute hate crimes, this reaction affected every community in America. survived by his daughter, Mary Lee Neal and measure will give the appropriate agencies the For a family, a foreclosure is traumatic her husband Kerry, his stepdaughter Annette tools they need to combat hate violence in our enough—but we have also learned from this Wilson and her husband Glenn, and his step- communities. crisis that foreclosures can have wide public Under current law, the Federal Government consequences, as well. son, David Bazzell. Mr. Dunham had three can only investigate hate crimes motivated by Of those who applied for mortgages they grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three the victim’s race, color, religion or national ori- could not possibly pay back, some were sim- brothers and three sisters. Today they have gin. The Hate Crimes Prevention Act extends ply irresponsible. But many others were hard- my condolences, those of this House and Federal jurisdiction to hate crimes motivated working, responsible homeowners who fell vic- those of a grateful nation. He was preceded in by the victim’s actual or perceived sexual ori- tim to predatory lending. Unfortunately, incen- death by his wife, Wilda, two granddaughters, entation, gender, gender identity or disability. tives in our financial system made that preda- five brothers and two sisters. Because such crimes are directed at an entire tory lending possible: unscrupulous mortgage Mr. Dunham served our nation in the Army’s group of people and not just one individual, brokers were not required to provide sufficient the bill provides assistance to state and local information to homeowners, and those who 3rd Infantry Division, part of General Patton’s law enforcement to streamline the investiga- then sold the mortgages had little reason to Third Army during World War II. In January tion and prosecution of hate crimes. see that they were sound. 1945, near Kayserberg, France, Technical It is my hope that the Senate will quickly This bill goes a long way toward correcting Sergeant Dunham single-handedly silenced take up and pass this important measure. those flaws, protecting future homeowners, three German machine guns. Leading his pla- Hate motivated crimes undermine our commu- and cracking down on predatory lending. It toon forward through the snow, Sergeant nities and final passage of this bill has been helps consumers get full information—the in- Dunham raced 75 yards through heavy fire to delayed for far too long. I look forward to the formation they need to decide wisely on what assault a well-emplaced enemy position. At- day when legislation like this will no longer be is one of the biggest financial commitments of tacking the first gun, Sergeant Dunham was needed, but until that day comes I applaud their lives. It prevents lenders from steering seriously wounded by machine gun fire, but he passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. borrowers into higher-cost loans and bans yield spread premiums and other compen- kept up his assault, silencing first one, then f another, and then the third and final enemy satory incentives that lead brokers to push TRIBUTE TO MS. TERRY those loans on borrowers. It also establishes emplacement, using his 175 rounds from his TYBOROWSKI national standards for the protection of bor- carbine and 11 grenades. rowers and ensures that those who entrap Despite his wounds, Sergeant Dunham kept HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON consumers in predatory loans are liable for ad- moving forward from one position to the next, OF IDAHO justing the loan’s terms and paying the bor- risking his life above and beyond the call of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rower’s costs, including attorneys’ fees. duty. For his ‘‘conspicuous gallantry and intre- Finally, this bill requires those who Thursday, May 7, 2009 securitize loans to third parties to put ‘‘skin in pidity,’’ Technical Sergeant Russell Dunham, Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today the game’’ and retain interest in at least 5% of earned the Medal of Honor from the grateful to pay tribute to the work of Terry Tyborowski, the credit risk of each loan they sell or trans- nation he helped to save. Professional Staff for the House Energy and fer. This provision will ensure that, at every After the war, Mr. Dunham spent more than Water Development Appropriations Sub- link of the chain, there is an interest in seeing three decades helping area veterans through committee. Unfortunately, Terry will soon be that the loan is repaid and that the home- his work with the Department of Veterans Af- leaving the House of Representatives for a owner does not go into foreclosure. fairs. He raised a family, and was an active new job at the Department of Energy, but the Mr. Chair, this is a strong, carefully delib- positive impact of her work will be felt in this member of the VFW and AMVETS. He will be erated response to the foreclosure crisis, one House, and across this nation, for many years that rules out many of the unscrupulous prac- dearly missed by his family and his commu- to come. tices that harmed so many responsible fami- nity, and his service and sacrifice will continue As a member of the Energy and Water De- lies—and helped put an entire economy at to earn the gratitude of all Americans. velopment Subcommittee for over 6 years, I

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.001 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1084 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 have had the opportunity to work with Terry on tact, Lieutenant Webster motivates other fire Greatest Small Boat Rescue of all time. In a number of vitally important energy issues. I professionals to aspire to higher standards 2007, the Coast Guard acknowledged the have seen firsthand the professionalism she through his leadership and inspiration. enormity of the rescue by declaring it their brings to the job and the respect she has I am pleased to know that experienced pub- third most significant rescue of all time, rank- earned from Members, staff, and stakeholders lic servants like Lieutenant Webster are hard ing behind only the 1980 rescue of 520 people alike. That respect derives not from her posi- at work each day keeping the citizens of Bart- from the Dutch liner Prinsendam off Alaska tion or title, but from the hard work, honesty, lett, Tennessee safe. With his broad knowl- and the service’s phenomenal performance in reliability, and deep knowledge that are so edge of the various facets of the fire depart- the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, during prominent in Terry’s character. ment, Lieutenant Webster is a valuable asset which 33,545 people were saved. In 2002, I Perhaps the most impressive thing about not only to the Bartlett Fire Department but to had the great and distinct privilege of over- Terry is her commitment to doing that which is the entire Shelby County community. Lieuten- seeing the re-issuance of the Gold Lifesaving right for the nation and its energy future. The ant Webster has my deepest gratitude and re- Medals to Warrant Officer Webber and his Energy and Water Development Sub- spect as he selflessly protects our neighbor- crew at ceremonies honoring them in Boston committee is one of the most bipartisan, or hoods each day with courage under fire. and on Cape Cod. non-partisan, in Congress and the staff that Please join me in honoring Lieutenant Chip Webber’s life was not solely defined by the work there demonstrate it daily—particularly Webster on receiving this truly well-deserved Pendleton rescue or his time in the Coast Terry. Her opinions didn’t change when David award as the Bartlett Fire Department’s 2008 Guard. He served in the Coast Guard until Hobson yielded the Subcommittee’s gavel to Officer of the Year. 1966 after serving a tour in Viet Nam and at Peter Visclosky and neither did her approach f several other stations and lightships. He went toward Members, staff, or issues. She remains on to serve as the Town of Wellfleet, Massa- committed to good policy and providing wise HONORING THE PASSING OF CHIEF chusetts’ harbormaster; a charter boat captain counsel while always being loyal to the Chair- WARRANT OFFICER BERNARD C. out of Orleans; the Warden-head Boatman for man for whom she worked. What more could WEBBER, UNITED STATES COAST the National Audubon Society; and part of the any of us ask of the professionals who work GUARD, RET. Hurricane Island Outward Bound School in in this body? Maine—all told, spending more than half his I have been in Congress for over 10 years HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT life on New England waters. In his later life, he and was a member of the Idaho State legisla- OF MASSACHUSETTS continued to make contributions to his former ture for 14 years. I have worked with hundreds IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES service’s proud heritage with his summer visits of staff members and met with thousands of Thursday, May 7, 2009 to local Coast Guard stations, and by edu- policy experts over the years. Much like the cating Coast Guard Academy cadets and oth- rest of my colleagues, I have seen the good Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, it is my ers about his time in the Coast Guard. and bad, the loud and quiet, the effective and esteemed honor to rise today to commemo- Warrant Officer Bernard C. Webber leaves a ineffective, and those that are honest or not. rate the passing on January 24, 2009, of Ber- legacy of quiet strength and dignity that is a I can say with certainty that Terry is one of the nard C. Webber, a truly great member of the loss to Massachusetts and the United States. finest professionals with whom I have worked maritime community and a genuine hero of the As we honor his memory with a service this and a person from whom I have learned a 1952 Pendleton rescue off Chatham, Cape weekend, I encourage my colleagues in the great deal. Cod, Massachusetts. House of Representatives to please join me in Her presence here on the Hill, and in the As a teenager from Milton, Massachusetts, acknowledging the passing of an American Subcommittee, will be deeply missed by me young Webber demonstrated his service to his icon and Coast Guard hero. and by all of my colleagues who work with country by serving with the U.S. Merchant Ma- Terry. At the same time, her expertise, fair- rines in the Pacific during World War II. On f ness, and good judgment will be put to good February 26, 1946, Webber enlisted in the CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DAN- use at the Department of Energy and those of U.S. Coast Guard. He quickly rose through the IEL TORRES HISPANIC CENTER us who represent DOE sites are looking for- ranks and was eventually assigned to Coast OF READING, PA ward to continuing our work with Terry in her Guard Station Chatham as a First Class Boat- new capacity. swains Mate. In closing, I would simply like to thank Terry After just six years in the service, he distin- HON. JIM GERLACH for her hard work, her tenacity, her good coun- guished himself on the night of February 18, OF PENNSYLVANIA sel, and most of all, her friendship. 1952, by executing the greatest small-boat IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f rescue in Coast Guard history. Webber and his crew of three crossed the treacherous Thursday, May 7, 2009 HONORING LIEUTENANT ROGER Chatham Bar and made their little 36-foot life- Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise ‘‘CHIP’’ WEBSTER boat, the CG 3600, famous. After Webber and today to congratulate the Daniel Torres His- his crew crossed the bar, they immediately panic Center of Reading and Berks County on HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN faced 70-knot horizontal blinding snow and 60- its 40th Anniversary and to honor the non- OF TENNESSEE foot waves en route to the floundering 503- profit organization for its commitment to serv- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES foot tanker Pendleton, a T–2 fuel tanker that ing the region’s growing Latino population. had broken in half the same night. With the Thanks to an extremely dedicated and hard- Thursday, May 7, 2009 windshield all but destroyed, all means of working staff, the Center serves more than Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, it is a navigation—including the compass—obliter- 15,000 people in the community each year privilege to rise today to honor Lieutenant ated by seas and winds, and with limited-to-no and offers about 20 diverse, high-quality pro- Roger ‘‘Chip’’ Webster for being selected as visibility, Webber nonetheless found the stern grams. the Bartlett Fire Department’s 2008 Officer of of the tanker where thirty-three were huddled These programs range from providing hot the Year. in the wet and freezing night. meals for students after school in the Kid’s Since joining the Bartlett Fire Department on Webber skillfully guided his small boat pow- Cafe´ to cultivating future community leaders August 16, 1998, Lieutenant Webster is known ered only by a single 90-horsepower gasoline through the Leadership Institute to a thriving around the fire station for his leadership abili- engine and rescued all but one of the crew Senior Center where older members of the ties that have become a trademark throughout from the stern of the stricken tanker. Moments community socialize, share a meal and re- his career. After being hired as a front line after the last crewman was rescued, the hulk ceive other important services. All of the pro- firefighter, Lieutenant Webster began his as- of the Pendleton rolled over and sank. Webber grams strengthen the character of the partici- sent through the ranks of the Bartlett Fire De- then skillfully navigated his grossly-overloaded pants as well as the fabric of the community. partment serving first as a Driver and then boat toward safe refuge, but had to cross the The Club will celebrate its 40th Anniversary promoted to Fire Lieutenant. As a testament to Chatham bar again before reaching the safety on Friday, May 8th, 2009 during a dinner at his character and determination, Lieutenant of Chatham Harbor. the Reading Crowne Plaza Hotel in Webster challenges himself to keep his per- For their actions, Webber and his crew re- Wyomissing. sonal level of training, education and certifi- ceived the coveted Gold Lifesaving Medal, re- Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues cation above all recognized standards in the served for extreme heroism, and a place in join me today in recognizing the Daniel Torres fire profession. With his ‘‘can do’’ attitude in Coast Guard history for having executed the Hispanic Center of Reading and Berks County

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.004 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1085 for reaching this special milestone and in rec- subprime and predatory loans. In a 2005 Fed- cludes my initiative to provide increased ac- ognizing the valuable contributions of the Cen- eral Reserve study, it was shown that African cess and information on the benefits of home ter’s staff to improving the quality of life for the Americans were 3.2 times more likely to re- inspections—and give homebuyers a leg up region’s Latino community. ceive a higher cost, subprime loan than when dealing with lenders. f Whites. Latinos were 2.7 times more likely. Last, but not least, when we think of homes This bill targets the harmful practice of un- going into foreclosure, we cannot forget those CONGRATULATING TROJANS OF fairly issuing subprime loans or using preda- who live in apartment buildings. In New York, JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL tory lending to take advantage of borrowers. as in many urban areas, more than half of our While the legislation is not perfect, it does city rents. And today, as many as 90,000 New HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON have some key provisions that are desperately Yorkers reside in buildings with debts too high to maintain. These families, at no fault of their OF TEXAS needed. own, could be out on the street if their build- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Among its many useful provisions, H.R. 1728 establishes an ability-to-repay standard ings go into foreclosure. Thursday, May 7, 2009 whereby the lender must determine that the The amendment I have proposed would pro- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. borrower has a reasonable ability to repay the tect tenants and keep multifamily buildings out Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate loan, present a net tangible benefit to home- of foreclosure. It establishes a new program to the Trojans of James Madison High School on owners seeking to refinance, and ensure that stabilize troubled buildings by refinancing them their first state basketball championship since the loan cannot have any predatory character- or facilitating their transfer to new responsible 1997. These outstanding young men have istics. owners. I urge you to protect renters, to protect come a long way this past season and have H.R. 1728 also establishes a safe harbor for homeowners, and to put a stop to the abusive made their community in South Dallas so very qualified, 30 year fixed loans. Doing so will lending practices that have hurt so many proud. help shift the incentives away from exotic American families. I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote. Winning a state championship is something mortgages. that will last a lifetime. It is a remarkable And, the bill establishes protections for ten- f achievement that few teams ever experience, ants who can be made homeless if their land- MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- and it is a legacy that will live with the 2008– lord fails to pay the mortgage. This bill gives PREDATORY LENDING ACT 09 Trojans forever. The Trojans and Coach tenants the right to remain in their homes until Damien Mobley know what brought this state the end of their lease. If they do not have a SPEECH OF title back to Dallas—hard work. It is doing that lease or if the property is purchased, then ten- HON. BOB ETHERIDGE one extra sprint, that extra drill, shooting that ants must be given 90-day notice to vacate. OF NORTH CAROLINA extra free throw after practice that helped These are important and necessary protec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES make the Trojans champions. Nobody out- tions for homeowners and renters. I encour- Wednesday, May 6, 2009 worked the Trojans and nobody could beat age my colleagues to join me today in voting them in the state tournament. And nobody had for H.R. 1728, the Mortgage Reform and Anti- The House in Committee of the Whole a greater following or more community support Predatory Lending Act. House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend than the Trojans of Madison High. f the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- It is an honor to pay tribute to the entire sumer mortgage practices and provide ac- Trojan squad and on behalf of all the residents MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- countability for such practices, to provide of Texas, congratulations again to the Trojans PREDATORY LENDING ACT certain minimum standards for consumer of Madison High School and Coach Damien mortgage loans, and for other purposes: Mobley and the entire Madison community— SPEECH OF Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chair, I rise in support you are an inspiration to us all. It is Trojan HON. NYDIA M. VELA´ ZQUEZ of H.R. 1728, Mortgage Reform and Anti-Pred- Pride at its finest. Go Trojans. OF NEW YORK atory Lending Act. Our nation currently has the highest home f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES foreclosure rate in a quarter century. Millions MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- Tuesday, May 5, 2009 of families are facing the frightening prospect PREDATORY LENDING ACT The House in Committee of the Whole of foreclosure. Not only do these foreclosures House on the State of the Union had under cause great harm to individual families, but SPEECH OF consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend they result in declining property values for HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- whole communities and huge disruptions in sumer mortgage practices and provide ac- the overall housing market. This housing crisis OF MARYLAND countability for such practices, to provide has rippled through our economy and led to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES certain minimum standards for consumer the economic recession in which we find our- mortgage loans, and for other purposes: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 selves. H.R. 1728 makes the necessary re- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chair, across the The House in Committee of the Whole forms to prohibit many of the ill-advised prac- House on the State of the Union had under country hundreds of thousands of hard-work- tices that led to the housing crisis. consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend ing families have fallen victim to predatory H.R. 1728 includes several provisions to the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- lending. Poor and minority communities have end abusive or predatory lending. This bill sumer mortgage practices and provide ac- been targeted. Today, we are seeing the re- ends compensation structures that incentivize countability for such practices, to provide sults. The foreclosure rate is the highest in a mortgage originators to steer borrowers into certain minimum standards for consumer quarter century, and many others are bur- more costly loans. It also calls for increased mortgage loans, and for other purposes: dened by debt. disclosure so that consumers know if loan Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise today in That’s why H.R. 1728 is needed. It enacts originators are benefiting at their expense. support of H.R. 1728, the Mortgage Reform simple reforms that will level the playing field This bill creates uniform standards to prevent and Anti-Predatory Lending Act. for consumers. The Mortgage Reform and mortgage abuse. In order to meet these new This country is in the midst of a foreclosure Anti-Predatory Lending Act will help the nation standards, consumers would have to have a crisis. After experiencing the effects of the first move toward recovery. It will give consumers ‘‘reasonable ability to repay.’’ In addition, loan wave of foreclosures last year, we are now the confidence to purchase a new home by refinances would have to provide some ‘‘net hearing warnings of a second, more harmful ensuring predatory lending practices become tangible benefit’’ to the consumer. Meeting wave of subprime and predatory loan inspired a thing of the past. The bill would make it ille- these new guidelines will help erase some of foreclosures in the year ahead. gal for lenders to make loans that home- the riskier loans that have damaged our hous- While everyone pays when a home is fore- owners cannot reasonably be expected to ing sector. Any lender that violates these closed upon, the people hit hardest are the el- repay. standards would be liable for damages includ- derly—who are easily deceived, the poor— It not only sets guidelines for fair lending, ing attorney’s fees. In addition, Federal finan- who have few options, and people of color— but takes strides to empower the borrower. cial regulators would also get new authority to who are often not informed fully about all their For years, I have said that one of the most ef- address abusive mortgage practices by options. For decades, predatory lenders have fective ways to stop predatory lending is to issuing joint regulations. Finally, H.R. 1728 targeted American borrowers of color with give consumers knowledge. This legislation in- protects tenants by providing them protections

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07MY8.008 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1086 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 and increased notification if the house they staying in one place. But predatory lending nesses large and small are laying-off employ- rent falls into foreclosure. and mortgage fraud undermines a low-income ees in record numbers. Unemployment figures Exotic derivatives markets based on mort- homeowner’s grasp on economic security, have risen to numbers unseen in decades. gages were a primary contributor to our cur- leaving the most vulnerable of our society with Although Congress has made great strides rent economic downturn. This bill requires insurmountable debt. Thereby, continuing the to stabilize and rejuvenate the economy, we creditors retain at least five percent of the cycle of poverty. must regulate lenders so that a crisis like this credit risk of each loan they transfer, or sell to In the case of the 11th Congressional Dis- will never happen again. We must protect in- a third party. Similarly, H.R. 1728 would en- trict, most foreclosure victims live in low and nocent home buyers from unscrupulous mort- sure that the secondary market also comply moderate income working class communities, gage lenders eager to make a quick buck. with these new standards as they buy and where conventional financial services are not Mortgage lenders should not steer borrowers trade these loans as securities. Sharing risk is available. Corrupt lenders prey on these peo- into higher cost loans just to increase their an important part of ensuring safety in the ple, offering loans they know the borrower commissions. Mortgage institutions should en- marketplace. can’t afford. Good lending advice should al- sure that borrowers can repay the loans they These reforms will help us rebuild our econ- ways be available to all. The Mortgage Reform are sold. Creditors should retain an economic omy now, and help us avoid future mistakes and Anti-Predatory Lending Act directs the interest in a portion of the loans they sell, like those that contributed to our current eco- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development which would help them to be more responsible nomic crisis. I support the Mortgage Reform to establish a grant program to provide legal about initiating loans. and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, and I urge my assistance to low income homeowners and Passing the Mortgage Reform and Anti- colleagues to join me in voting for its passage. tenants concerning home ownership preserva- Predatory Lending Act is the right thing to do. The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory f tion, foreclosure prevention, and tenancy as- sociated with home foreclosure. These grants Lending Act will outlaw many of the egregious MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- would be given out to qualifying state and lending practices that have multiplied in recent PREDATORY LENDING ACT local governments and nonprofit organizations years and spark a return to more responsible offering homeownership or rental counseling. lending methods. These much-needed changes are long over- SPEECH OF This would help level the playing field for due and will protect vulnerable home buyers. those most susceptible to the corrupt dealings HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE That is why I urge my colleagues to support of predatory lenders. OF NEW YORK this critical legislation. Addressing the mortgage foreclosure crisis IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES is one of my top priorities. This is why, the day f Wednesday, May 6, 2009 after I was sworn into office, this year, I proud- MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- The House in Committee of the Whole ly voted for the Systematic Foreclosure Pre- PREDATORY LENDING ACT House on the State of the Union had under vention Act which directed the FDIC to create consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend a program that would provide incentives to SPEECH OF the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- loan servicers for mortgage medication. Addi- HON. JOHN D. DINGELL sumer mortgage practices and provide ac- tionally, earlier this year—I introduced my own countability for such practices, to provide OF MICHIGAN certain minimum standards for consumer legislation, H.R. 1848, the Foreclosure Pre- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mortgage loans, and for other purposes: vention Act—that authorizes an appropriation Wednesday, May 6, 2009 of $100 million dollars to Neighbor Works Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chair, today I rise in America for foreclosure mitigation activities The House in Committee of the Whole strong support of H.R. 1728 The Mortgage and mortgage counseling. I am very pleased House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of that the principals of my bill were adopted into 2009. This bill will finally put a stop to the abu- the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory sumer mortgage practices and provide ac- sive and predatory lending practices that have Lending Act. contributed to our nation’s highest home fore- countability for such practices, to provide Lastly, I am proud that we are doing what certain minimum standards for consumer closure rate in 25 years. In recent years, some must be done to rebuild our economy in a way mortgage loans, and for other purposes: homeowners were deceived and some home- that is fair and consistent with our values. Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of owners received more expensive loans than Again, I stand in strong support of H.R. 1728, H.R. 1728, the ‘‘Mortgage Reform and Anti- they could afford. In response, this bill would and pledge to continue my fight for common Predatory Lending Act.’’ Risky lending prac- ensure that mortgage lenders make loans that sense reform and consumer protections. tices, combined with the consequent benefit the consumer—and would bar lenders f securitization of mortgages, ultimately brought from steering borrowers into higher cost loans. a violent end to the housing bubble and left Moreover, it will prohibit lenders from offering MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- the United States with a constricted credit ‘‘reasonable sounding mortgages,’’ only to PREDATORY LENDING ACT market not seen in generations. In short, sim- hide huge fees, rising interest rates and junk ple avarice and an inexcusable disregard for insurance in the fine print. No longer will lend- SPEECH OF the long-term health of the mortgage market ers be able to ‘‘get rich’’ at the borrower’s ex- HON. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ gave rise to the economic crisis in which this pense. The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Preda- Nation presently finds itself mired. OF CALIFORNIA tory Lending Act prescribes a simple standard Just as our predecessors did in the wake of for all home loans: institutions must ensure IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Great Depression, we, too, must enact that borrowers can repay the loans they are Wednesday, May 6, 2009 laws to ensure transparency in our economy sold, before they sign on the dotted line. The House in Committee of the Whole and prevent the recurrence of practices that Under this measure, lenders and the sec- House on the State of the Union had under have left millions of Americans facing fore- ondary mortgage market who don’t comply consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend closure. H.R. 1728 is but one of several es- with these standards would be held liable by the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- sential means by which to achieve that end. consumers for rescission of the loan and the sumer mortgage practices and provide ac- This legislation, by requiring the licensing and consumer’s costs for rescission, including at- countability for such practices, to provide registration of mortgage originators and proof torney’s fees. This would encourage the mar- certain minimum standards for consumer of a borrower’s ability to repay a home loan, ket to move back toward making fixed-rate, mortgage loans, and for other purposes: will serve to impede—and hopefully altogether fully documented loans. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California. Mr. prevent—the irresponsible home lending prac- Although increased regulation of the lending Chair, I offer my strong support for the Mort- tices that have in great part crippled the econ- market is crucial to the resurgence of our gage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act. omy of my home state of Michigan, which, housing market and economy—the main rea- Abusive and predatory lending practices with one foreclosed home for every 136, has son why I stand today is because of this bill have wreaked havoc upon the American econ- the sixth-highest foreclosure rate in the nation. promises to bridge the financial information omy, bringing it to its worst state since the Although politically expedient to focus our gap. For many people, especially in my district Great Depression. What started as a subprime ire over the current economic crisis on insalu- of Central Brooklyn, homeownership allows mortgage crisis has ballooned to affect every- brious actors in the financial services sector them to live independently and in relative com- one. Millions of families have lost their homes and making them the target of punitive legisla- fort, while slowly accruing wealth simply by or face the prospect of foreclosure, and busi- tion, we must not lose sight of the necessity

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.009 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1087 of providing consumers adequate protection NATO SUMMIT the 28 NATO Heads of State and Government from predatory lenders. H.R. 1728 recognizes unanimously agreed to appoint Danish Prime this by prohibiting any compensation structure HON. JOHN S. TANNER Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen as NATO’s that could cause a loan originator to steer ap- OF TENNESSEE next Secretary General. He will officially take plicants toward costlier mortgages, providing a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES up his duties on August 1 of this year, when grace period for tenants before eviction from Thursday, May 7, 2009 the term of Secretary General Jaap de Hoop their homes, and creating an Office of Housing Scheffer expires after over five years of lead- Counseling within the Department of Housing Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, from April ing the Alliance. and Urban Development to educate con- 2–9, 2009, in my capacity as President of the For the first time, the NATO PA was men- sumers about what some might term as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), I tioned in the NATO Summit Declaration. In Byzantine inner-workings of the housing mar- spoke at the 60th Anniversary Summit of paragraph 17 it states: ‘‘We welcome the role ket. NATO in Strasbourg/Kehl; chaired the NATO of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in pro- I am proud to support passage of this legis- PA Standing Committee meeting and con- moting the Alliance’s principles and values.’’ ducted bilateral meetings in Vilnius, Lithuania; lation and urge my colleagues to do so as LITHUANIA well. traveled to Kiev, Ukraine and Tbilisi, Georgia on NATO PA Presidential visits; and ad- On April 5 in Vilnius, I chaired the Standing dressed the EAPC Ambassadors in Brussels, Committee meeting of the NATO PA. The f Belgium. The Honorable JO ANN EMERSON (R– Standing Committee consists of the heads of MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- MO), who chairs the NATO PA’s Civil Dimen- the Member delegations, chairs of the five PREDATORY LENDING ACT sion of Security Committee and serves on the NATO PA Committees, and the Bureau of the Standing Committee of the NATO PA, and Assembly. In a productive session, we ap- proved Bulgarian MP Assen Yordanov Agov SPEECH OF NATO PA Secretary General David Hobbs, joined and worked with me to make this a suc- as the Assembly’s new Vice President. Mr. HON. DEAN HELLER cessful trip. Agov will replace outgoing NATO PA Vice OF NEVADA In the NATO PA, parliamentarians from President Rasa Jukneviciene, who vacated the post to serve as Lithuania’s Defense Minister. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NATO member and partner states gather to discuss NATO issues and as elected officials, Among other agenda items, the Committee Wednesday, May 6, 2009 have a close working relationship with the Alli- discussed relations with the Russian delega- The House in Committee of the Whole ance. In addition to my role as the Assembly’s tion to the NATO PA, increasing the profile of House of the State of the Union had under President, I chair the U.S. delegation to the our relationship with Georgia, relations with consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend NATO PA. The U.S. delegation is always bi- Belarus, cost cutting measures for NATO PA the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- partisan, actively and regularly participates in meetings in light of the current economic cli- sumer mortgate practices and provide ac- the NATO PA sessions, and several of our mate, and the Assembly’s contribution to a fu- countability for such practices, to provide delegates hold elected offices within the As- ture NATO Strategic Concept. I took the op- certain minimum standards for consumer portunity of the Standing Committee forum to mortgage loans, and for other purposes: sembly. The NATO PA meetings afford an op- portunity to sound out parliamentarians from emphasize my presidency theme of teamwork Mr. HELLER. Mr. Chair, I support and would allied states on public opinion, defense and and a ‘‘Team NATO’’ concept, and that keep- have voted for H.R. 1728, the Mortgage Fraud foreign policy, and trends in strategic thinking. ing a critical mass of public support to main- and Anti-Predatory Lending Act. Considering These meetings also allow us to come to tain the Afghanistan mission is essential. 2009 the serious situation in Nevada related to know members of parliaments who play impor- is a critical year for the Alliance in Afghani- housing issues, I support and would have tant roles in shaping the security agenda that stan, and I stressed a sense of urgency with voted for this bill to reform the mortgage and their governments debate at NATO head- this timeline. housing industry. H.R. 1728 reforms federal quarters. These relationships can last a life- Also in Vilnius, Ms. Emerson and I attended laws related to mortgage loan providers, those time and enhance mutual understanding of a working dinner hosted by the Speaker of the that buy or sell mortgages on the secondary issues in the different member countries. Seimas (Lithuania’s Parliament), Arunas securities markets, as well as appraisers. This NATO SUMMIT IN STRASBOURG/KEHL Valinksas. We were joined by Seimas Mem- bill will help reduce predatory lending practices The NATO Summit was held April 3–4 in bers Juozas Olekas and Emanuelis Zingeris and restrict lenders from making loans avail- Strasbourg/Kehl, which is situated on the Ger- and the Director of the Seimas’s International able to consumers that cannot afford them. man-French border. There is great symbolism Relations Department, Sigitia Trainauskiene. In the last Congress, I supported and voted in the Alliance’s 60th Anniversary being cele- Our Ambassador to Lithuania, John Cloud, for a similar bill, H.R. 3915, the Mortgage Re- brated on this border, given what has tran- also participated. We thanked the Lithuanians form and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007. spired over the last century in those two coun- for their contributions in Afghanistan, high- This bill passed the House by a vote of 291– tries which drew the United States into both lighting that their per capita contribution to the 127, on November 15, 2007, but was never World War I and World War II. effort is impressive. In turn, the MP’s thanked considered by the Senate. Though this new On behalf of the alliance parliamentarians, I the U.S. for its support throughout the Soviet version of the bill in the 111th Congress has addressed the Heads of State and Govern- occupation and its role in regional NATO initia- a number of differences, and is not a perfect ment at the NAC (North Atlantic Council), the tives such as Baltic Air Policing. We discussed piece of legislation, I still would have voted in Alliance’s decision-making body. I outlined energy issues, mainly Lithuania’s concern re- support of the legislation. I sincerely hope that three serious challenges facing NATO at this garding the requirement to close their nuclear some of the changes that need to be made time in its 60th year which we, as parliamen- power plant by the end of this year (an EU will be achieved by the Senate or in a con- tarians, believe are critical to the Alliance: the membership condition they agreed to eight ference committee. mission in Afghanistan, our relationship with years ago). We encouraged them to amend The economic downturn and housing situa- Russia, and the need for a new Strategic Con- Lithuania’s residency law which currently re- tion in Nevada is dire. According to one lead- cept. quires Americans (and other non-EU nation- ing foreclosure tracking service, foreclosures At the beginning of the NAC, NATO Sec- als) who are working in Lithuania to live in the in Nevada were up 108% from February 2008 retary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer wel- country for two years before their family mem- to February 2009. Nevada is the number one comed Albania and Croatia as new members bers can receive residency permits to join state, per capita, in foreclosures. Housing in- of the Alliance. He noted that their member- them. They reassured us it would be resolved ventory is at an all-time high and construction ship comes as the result of long years of hard by this summer. We also encouraged them to and new starts are at a near standstill in both work and that both countries have shown address Jewish property restitution issues. northern and southern Nevada. Clark County dedication and drive in completing the nec- We enjoyed a warm reception from our Lith- is one of the hardest hit counties in the nation. essary reforms of their governing structures uanian counterparts and the visit underscored Reforming mortgage fraud and predatory and their militaries. Since the United States is the strong working relationship between our lending practices is critical to restoring con- the depository country of the Washington two countries. This year marks five years of fidence in the nation’s housing market, helping Treaty, President Obama handed over copies NATO Membership for Lithuania. The bilateral get the economy back on track, and most im- of the Washington Treaty to the Presidents of visit and the NATO PA meetings, particularly portantly, helping keep Nevada families in Albania and Croatia, signifying the two coun- on the heels of the NATO Summit, received their homes. tries’ admission to the Alliance. Additionally, positive attention from the local media.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.012 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 UKRAINE AND GEORGIA nomic, defense and security sector reforms is ister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integra- Immediately following our participation in the being prepared. The view was expressed that tion Giorgi Baramidze (former head of the Strasbourg/Kehl Summit and the Assembly’s the Annual National Program is seen as a Georgian NATO PA delegation); had a very in- Standing Committee meeting in Vilnius, the Membership Action Plan in all but name. formative discussion with Prime Minister Nike delegation traveled to Ukraine and Georgia on Ukraine is the only NATO partner partici- Gilauri; met with President Mikheil Saakashvili; April 6–7. The purpose of the visits was to un- pating in all NATO-led operations. The current attended a dinner hosted by Speaker derline the Assembly’s continuing commitment financial crisis is necessitating a review of Bakradze which members of the opposition to Ukraine and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integra- commitments and transformation efforts, and were invited to and attended; and lastly, met tion and to obtain firsthand views on progress some reductions in the scale of contributions with Nino Burjanadze of the radical opposition in the reform process. The two governments to operations might have to take place. How- (former Speaker of Parliament and driving provided an opportunity to discuss a variety of ever, it was not felt that Ukraine would with- force behind the April 9 protests). Georgia is security-related topics ranging from Afghani- draw from any operations and strenuous ef- seeking to make considerable progress with stan to the Russian occupation of Abkhazia forts are being made to sustain those par- internal reform. For instance, it is looking at and South Ossetia. I emphasized to the ticular commitments. The Ukrainian officials various forms of constitutional reform to Ukrainians and Georgians that this being my explained that even Ukraine’s peacekeeping strengthen parliament and to improve election first official trip as NATO PA President was operation in Afghanistan is a delicate issue, as practices. It is pursuing the recommendations meant to send a signal of their importance to 15,000 Ukrainians were killed in the Soviet’s of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, and NATO and to Europe. We thanked Georgia Afghanistan campaign, and those wounds still seeking to build public trust in the system. It and Ukraine for their contribution to NATO ac- have not healed. is noteworthy that although opposition figures tivities, encouraged them to continue pursuing Public support for NATO membership re- within Parliament feel that democratic proc- NATO membership, and reassured them that mains relatively low but it is rising, particularly esses could be improved, they nevertheless we are here to help them achieve this goal. among the younger population. The govern- believe that the overall situation is good. UKRAINE ment believes that the more is known about Georgia must continue to reform its econ- In Kiev, we were greeted by our Ambas- NATO, the more support should increase. omy, build a free press, and establish an inde- sador to Ukraine, William Taylor, and hosted Over the past decade, it has been important pendent judiciary. by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Par- that candidate state governments take the liament). We met with MP’s from BYuT (Block lead in persuading public opinion of the value Despite the financial crisis, Georgia still ex- of Yulia Tymoshenko): Andriy Shkil (Head of of NATO membership. Representative Emer- pects modest economic growth in 2009. It has Ukrainian delegation to the NATO PA), Ostap son offered that instead of using terms such a balanced budget and a stable economy with Semyrak, and Vadym Korotuk; Party of the as ‘‘NATO’’, ‘‘MAP’’, etc., government officials relatively low inflation. The economy is attract- Regions: Hryhoryi Illiashov; Our Ukraine: Ivan could relate and appeal to the people on a ing a high level of foreign investment. The Zaiats, Yuriy Samoilenko, and Borys Tarasuk more direct level by talking about personal se- economy is also diversified in terms of prod- (Chairman of the Committee on European In- curity and how that affects them. ucts and markets, so Georgia is not depend- tegration). We also met with Speaker Ukraine’s aspirations to NATO membership ent on any particular geographical region or Volodymyr Lytvyn, Deputy Prime Minister is but one source of friction with its neighbor, any single commodity. Furthermore, Georgia Oleksandr Turchynov, had a particularly in- Russia. Others include energy, the expiration had been fortunate in not having substantially formative briefing from Deputy Defense Min- in 2017 of the agreement under which Russia de-regulated the banking sector. leases naval bases in the Crimea for its Black ister Ivanschenko, and spent over an hour in Representative EMERSON was impressed a private meeting with President Viktor Sea Fleet, and even the demarcation of bor- with Georgia’s agricultural development and Yushchenko. We did not meet with Prime Min- ders. the positive role agriculture can continue to It was stressed that Ukraine does not seek ister Yulia Tymoshenko, as other events re- play in Georgia’s economic future. quired her to cancel all of her meetings that to antagonize Russia, but only to pursue its day. While at the Rada, we observed a ses- own independent course. It was pointed out There is a very broad political consensus on sion of Parliament with Hans-Gert Pottering, that Russia has itself a more extensive list of joining NATO. This view was expressed by President of the European Parliament. areas of cooperation with NATO than has both government and opposition representa- Ukraine’s political leaders readily acknowl- Ukraine, and that the NATO PA could seek to tives. The government contends that over 70 edged the harm caused by instability in par- help the Ukrainian public realize that Russia is percent of the population and nearly all of the liamentary coalitions and friction between gov- actually very actively cooperating with NATO political parties support NATO integration. ernmental factions. Most agree that the con- on certain key issues. The Ukrainians pointed Georgia is developing its Annual National stitution should be amended to reduce the out that there are six working groups in Program, and in that context it was stated that scope for political instability, and a constitu- Ukraine-NATO and 19 working groups in Rus- ‘‘the ‘Membership Action Plan’ route was not tional commission is likely to be established to sia-NATO. the only road to NATO membership.’’ develop possible solutions. The need for sta- We took the opportunity in the meetings in Kiev to thank Ukrainian governmental and par- NATO—and especially United States—sup- bility has recently been underlined by the fi- port is seen as crucial to Georgia. Govern- nancial crisis which has hit Ukraine particularly liamentary representatives for their country’s contributions to NATO’s operations, and to un- mental and parliamentary representatives ex- hard. The various factions do seem to be pressed their gratitude for the Assembly’s par- working together to ensure the delivery of IMF derline the Assembly’s support for Ukraine’s process of Euro-Atlantic integration. We un- ticularly strong support following the events of support and to adopt an economic program August last year. Russia’s continuing occupa- President Yushchenko’s popularity ratings derlined the strong relationship between the tion of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was unac- are low. On April 1, the Rada voted to hold Assembly and the delegation from the ceptable, as was its recognition of the two re- presidential elections on October 25, much Verkhovna Rada, and I reiterated the senti- gions’ independence. Russia remains in viola- earlier than the anticipated January 2010 date, ments I expressed at the Strasbourg/Kehl tion of the EU-brokered ceasefire agreement. which would mark the end of Yushchenko’s Summit regarding NATO enlargement: that There has, for instance, been no draw down five year mandate. this process enhances Euro-Atlantic security, of Russian forces in South Ossetia and Ukraine is vigorously striving for NATO threatens no one, and is not subject to a veto Abkhazia. On the contrary, new military facili- membership. Indeed, Ukraine’s intention to by any other country. ties are under construction, tens of thousands join NATO was declared in 2002 and subse- GEORGIA of people remain displaced (in addition to the quently written into national legislation when In Georgia, we were greeted by our Ambas- hundreds of thousands displaced in the the current main opposition party was in sador, John Tefft, and hosted by the Georgian 1990s), and international monitors can still not power. Parliament. We met with the Speaker of the Regarding the outcome of NATO’s Georgian Parliament David Bakradze; met cross the administrative boundaries. Georgian Strasbourg/Kehl Summit, Ukraine welcomed with the official opposition (Levan officials believe that a continuing international the reiteration of NATO’s ‘‘Bucharest mes- Vepkhvadze, Gia Tortladze of Powerful Geor- presence remains vital. sage’’—that NATO’s door remains open, and gia Party, Nikolz Laliashvili of the Christian Russia has made no secret of its opposition that Ukraine and Georgia will become mem- Democratic Party, and Rati Maisuradze of the to Georgian membership in the Alliance and bers of NATO. The Annual National Pro- Christian Democratic Party); had lunch with its desire to see ‘‘regime change’’ in Georgia. gram—a framework intended to help Ukraine the Georgian delegation to the NATO PA There is a widespread belief that tensions with plan and continue to implement political, eco- headed by Giorgi Kandelaki; met with the Min- Russia will persist until Georgia becomes a

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.014 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1089 member of the Alliance. Russia’s goal in fo- gued that if the demonstrations concerned the thoughts on the Summit conclusion, including menting such tension, Georgian officials con- pace or nature of certain reforms, this could Russia and Georgia. tend, is simply to present an obstacle to Geor- be the basis for legitimate protest. There was a vigorous discussion among the gia’s membership. In the various discussions on this matter, we Russian, Moldovan, and Romanian ambas- Even so, Georgian officials said they have urged restraint by all parties. Many observers sadors at the EAPC meeting about the uneasy no desire to see Russia isolated from the had felt that the response to demonstrations in political situation in Moldova. international community. Russia, NATO and 2007 had been ‘‘heavy handed,’’ and this too My speech to the EAPC ambassadors men- NATO aspirants have common interests in had harmed Georgia’s reputation. It is in Geor- tioned the work of the NATO PA and its role some areas, in their view. gia’s national interest that the demonstrations in building NATO partnerships. I noted Jan The European Union’s Monitoring Mission remain peaceful. We encouraged Georgian of- Peterson’s (of Norway’s NATO PA delegation) (EUMM) provided us with a detailed briefing. ficials to allow the protests to happen, and in- work on the Strategic Concept and welcomed EUMM’s mandate is to monitor the imple- deed, there was no violence during the dem- suggestions from NATO PA associate mem- mentation of the EU-brokered ceasefire agree- onstrations, due in large part to the appro- bers. ment, in particular the withdrawal of Russian priate way the government handled the dem- The brief was well received around the table and Georgian armed forces to the positions onstrations, which has earned them goodwill and several Allies and Partners were very held prior to the outbreak of hostilities. It is internationally. complimentary of the work done by the NATO also tasked to contribute to the stabilization Representative EMERSON and I spoke at PA and the NATO PA Secretariat staff in and normalization of the situation in the areas length with the Georgians (and the Ukrainians) Brussels, led by David Hobbs. affected by the war, to monitor the deployment about the importance of peaceful transitions of Immediately following the EAPC meeting, of Georgian police forces, and to observe power, peaceful reform, the rule of law, and we (joined by the Deputy Chief of the U.S. compliance with human rights and rule of law. functional bipartisan relations being essential Mission to NATO, Walter Andrusyszyn) met The Mission covers three functional areas: In- to a stable country and democracy. We reas- with Russian Ambassador to NATO Dmitry ternally Displaced People (IDP)/Humanitarian, sured them that opposition is to be expected Rogozin, per Rogozin’s request. Rogozin of- Police/Justice/Human Rights, and Military. in a democracy, that the majority has an obli- fered that parliamentary diplomacy through the Regarding Georgian IDPs, there are more gation to take into account the ideas of the mi- auspices of the NATO PA could help alleviate the deep mistrust in Russia regarding engage- than 230,000 IDPs from conflicts in the 1990s, nority in deliberations, and that the minority in ment with the Alliance, and advocated an am- and a further 130,000 from the war in August turn has an obligation to participate in a re- bitious set of meetings. Noting that he is a 2008. Of that latter category, some 100,000 sponsible way and accept that whoever has former parliamentarian, Rogozin said he is have been able to return to their homes since the majority at a given time, will end up mak- willing to use his contacts in the Russian Russian forces have pulled back—with some ing most of the decisions. We also stressed Duma to encourage this. We agreed that par- important exceptions—to within the administra- the importance of the opposition marginalizing liamentary diplomacy and the NATO PA have tive boundary lines of South Ossetia and the extreme opposition factions. Representa- a positive role to play in the NATO-Russia Abkhazia. The EUMM has been able to pro- tive EMERSON and I shared our experiences of context, but warned that practical constraints vide substantial assistance in collective data being in both the minority and the majority. would make the scale of Rogozin’s proposals on IDPs. On the Police/Justice/Human Rights We also relayed that, although members of difficult to implement. We also emphasized part of the mission, there is good cooperation opposite parties, we are able to effectively that enhanced engagement with Russia would with the Georgian authorities which has, for in- work together, especially when it comes to im- require a more constructive approach than stance, helped to clarify the distinctions be- portant issues. had been seen in the past from Russian par- We also applauded Georgia’s progress in tween Georgian police and armed forces. The ticipants in NATO PA events; that engagement the implementation of reforms, and reiterated EUMM’s work is limited, however because it needs to be a two-way street, but that never- the Assembly’s support for that process. Rep- cannot obtain access to South Ossetia or theless we would discuss Russia with Admin- resentative EMERSON commended the younger Abkhazia. In the military area, Georgia has istration officials upon our return to Wash- agreed to limits on the numbers and nature of generation for stepping up and taking respon- ington. weapons within a zone around the administra- sibility for leadership and the future course of Raising Afghanistan, Rogozin noted that tive boundary lines. This is seen as a substan- their country. We also welcomed the govern- Moscow intended to continue to allow the tran- tial confidence-building measure. ment’s decision to increase its force commit- sit of non-lethal goods bound for NATO forces Although much has been achieved, several ment to the International Security Assistance in Afghanistan. He also said he expects resist- key challenges remain. These include the con- Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. ance from the Taliban to increase in response tinuing presence of Russian forces at Perevi We underlined that—as I stated in my to the U.S. troop increase in Afghanistan. and Akhalgori, the lack of clear dialogue with speech at the Strasbourg/Kehl Summit— Rogozin also offered that the crisis in NATO- Russian, South Ossetian, and Abkhazian rep- NATO enlargement threatens no one. Allied Russian relations over the August 2008 Rus- resentatives, unsolved shootings, persistent nations make good neighbors, and new mem- sia-Georgia war could turn out to be useful. acts of provocation, the reinforcement of de- bers promote regional and Euro-Atlantic sta- Noting that the decisions taken at the April 3– fensive positions on either side of the adminis- bility—ends that serve everyone’s interests— 4 Summit provided a way ahead on resump- trative boundary lines, and the EUMM’s lack of and Russia has no veto over the sovereign tion of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC), access to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. decisions of its neighbors. Rogozin said he hopes to get the relationship Representative EMERSON chairs the NATO The NATO Parliamentary Assembly does to a qualitatively new level. PA’s Civil Dimension of Security Committee not wish to interfere in Georgia’s internal af- We reiterated our hope that we can have and is considering taking her committee to the fairs, nor provide support for any particular open dialogue with the Russians on the issues border area, possibly sometime next year. party or faction. It supports Georgia, the Geor- and threats we have in common, such as nu- Our visit took place two days before dem- gian people, and Georgia’s right to determine clear proliferation and radical fundamentalism, onstrations were planned outside the Georgian its own future. and that our differences will not preclude us Parliament (for April 9). The purpose of the BELGIUM from having discussions on these common in- demonstrations was to demand the removal On April 8 in Brussels at NATO Head- terests. from office of Georgia’s President Mikheil quarters, I addressed the EAPC (Euro-Atlantic This was a very tightly choreographed trip, Saakashvili. Naturally, the demonstrations Partnership Council) Ambassadors. The meet- which depended on exact timing and move- were the subject of considerable discussion ing was chaired by NATO Deputy Secretary ment in order to achieve the results that it did; with government leaders, parliamentary sup- General Claudio Bisogniero. The EAPC brings therefore, the support of the United States porters, and opposition representatives from together 50 NATO Partnership countries (28 military was again essential to its successful within and outside the parliament. NATO countries and 22 Partner countries) for planning and execution. Our aircrew was from Government and parliamentary representa- dialogue on political and security-related F Company, 52nd Aviation Regiment, Wies- tives upheld the right to demonstrate and pro- issues, and provides the overall political baden Army Airfield, Germany. We could not test, but there was concern that protests might framework for NATO’s cooperation with Part- have made our intense schedule work without become violent. Officials also shared concern ner countries and the bilateral relationships their professional efforts and dedication to about how such demonstrations would be per- between NATO and individual Partner coun- duty. Also, I must mention our military escort, ceived internationally. Some opposition figures ties with the Partnership for Peace Program. Col. Tom Shubert, USAF (Ret.). He was the in parliament expressed fear that the dem- I delivered an overview of the Strasbourg/ facilitator in the various air movements and air onstrations might get out of hand. They ar- Kehl Summit and several Partners gave their space clearance. His work was extraordinary.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.016 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 HONORING PROFESSOR ED CELEBRATING THE 61ST ANNIVER- businesses not directly regulated or insured by DEPETERS OF DAVIS, CALIFORNIA SARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE the Federal Government, an industry respon- NATION OF ISRAEL sible for nearly half the residential mortgage market before the housing crash. HON. MIKE THOMPSON HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO I am more hesitant to support other provi- OF CALIFORNIA OF ILLINOIS sions of S. 386. This bill includes an amend- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment to establish a special commission to in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, May 7, 2009 vestigate the causes of the current financial Thursday, May 7, 2009 crisis. I believe that any such commission Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise should be comprised of members of this body, Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam today to congratulate Israel on the 61st anni- who are furthermore from the committees of Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor versary of its founding on May 14, 1948. jurisdiction relevant to the matter. I have intro- Israel is a true friend to the United States. Ed DePeters, the 2009 recipient of the Univer- duced a resolution, H. Res. 345, to do pre- For the past 61 years, Israel and the United sity of California, Davis Prize for Under- cisely that. It is my long-held belief that the States have been linked on many levels. We Congress should, contrary to the prevailing graduate Teaching and Scholarly Achieve- have sustained a strong partnership, sharing ment. This $40,000 prize, first awarded in fashion of the times, conduct its own oversight not only a commitment to peace and security work. For the simple fact that members of this 1987, is believed to be the largest under- in the Middle East, but also common demo- graduate teaching award in the nation. The body will ultimately write the legislation to re- cratic ideals and principles. impose a strict regulatory framework upon the prize is awarded to scholars who are success- Israel is a nation founded by people seeking financial services industry, they should be per- ful not only in their research, but convey their refuge from religious persecution. It has devel- sonally involved in vigorous efforts to expose oped into a thriving democracy proud of its excitement and love of scholarship to their stu- the many and sundry causes of this country’s achievements, building a strong and vibrant dents. recent economic collapse. In brief, well-in- society committed to the rule of law and sus- Professor DePeters, or ‘‘Dr. D’’ as students formed members of Congress write more ef- taining a robust economy. call him, is an animal scientist and expert in fective legislation. While Israelis continue to contribute a great dairy cow nutrition, but his hallmark at UC deal to society, the state of Israel exists in a With this in mind, I voice my support for ag- Davis is imparting his knowledge and passion dangerous neighborhood. It has weathered gressive oversight of the financial services in- for these subjects to his students. continued attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah dustry, but respectfully object to the manner in Growing up on a farm in upstate New York, and faces an increasing threat from Iran. which S. 386, as amended, mandates it be Professor DePeters developed an interest in These are real obstacles to peace that threat- performed. animal agriculture that led him to Cornell Uni- en the safety of Israeli men, women, and chil- versity for a bachelor’s degree in animal dren, and affect the stability of the region. De- f science. He went on to Penn State for a mas- spite these challenges, Israel still works to- CONGRATULATING EAGLES OF ter’s degree in dairy science, but instead of re- ward peace and security with its neighbors. DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL turning home as he had planned, he continued Israel has taken meaningful, unilateral steps toward this end. It has fostered an amicable, his studies and earned his doctoral degree in working relationship with Egypt and Jordan, dairy science, which led him to a faculty posi- removed troops from Gaza and Lebanon, and HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON tion at UC Davis. has participated in open negotiations with the OF TEXAS Professor DePeters’ research focuses on Palestinian government to work toward a pro- how the composition of milk, particularly the ductive peace agreement for both sides. While IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fatty-acid content, can be modified by changes the United States will remain an active player Thursday, May 7, 2009 in the cow’s diet, and how agricultural byprod- in the Middle East peace process, true peace ucts such as almond hulls and cottonseed can can only be achieved through a pragmatic and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, be converted into nutritious feeds. His re- faithful approach constructed by regional au- Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate search has resulted in more than 120 scientific thorities. the Eagles of DeSoto High School on their vic- publications and is widely influential in the in- Madam Speaker, Israel wants peace, and tory over neighboring Cedar Hill High School. dustry. the United States must remain committed to This ‘‘Battle of Belt Line’’ has been played helping its friend achieve this goal. I stand many times over the years, but this was the Notwithstanding his research achievements, here today to affirm my commitment to the na- first time the state title was on the line. With Professor DePeters’ energy and personal con- tion of Israel and to congratulate our friend the Eagles win, DeSoto can now claim their cern have stood out in the minds of his stu- and partner on its 61st anniversary. second state basketball championship. These dents. Their reviews are peppered with com- f outstanding young men have come a long way ments like ‘‘very enthusiastic’’ . . . ‘‘really this past season and have made their commu- FRAUD ENFORCEMENT AND knows his material’’ . . . ‘‘very approachable’’ nity in Dallas County so very proud. RECOVERY ACT OF 2009 . . . ‘‘incredible teacher’’ . . . ‘‘funny and gift- Winning a state championship is something ed’’ . . . ‘‘the most motivated and dedicated SPEECH OF that will last a lifetime. It is a remarkable teacher’’ . . . ‘‘a great guy and awesome pro- achievement that few teams ever experience, fessor’’ . . . ‘‘I love this class; it’s top priority.’’ HON. JOHN D. DINGELL and it is a legacy that will live with the 2008– He teaches a lower-division course in livestock OF MICHIGAN 09 Eagles forever. The Eagles and Coach production and upper-division courses in dairy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Chris Dyer know what brought this state title cattle production and animal feeds and nutri- Wednesday, May 6, 2009 back to DeSoto—hard work. It is doing that tion. Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in one extra sprint, that extra drill, shooting that Professor DePeters makes a point of learn- support of S. 386, the Fraud Enforcement and extra free throw after practice that helped make the Eagles champions. Nobody out- ing students’ names, and he takes pictures of Recovery Act. This legislation provides the worked the Eagles and nobody could beat each student and carries the pictures around Department of Justice with the tools it needs them in the state tournament. And nobody had with him until he has learned them all. to fight fraud in the use of funds under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, TARP, and a greater following or more community support Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. than the Eagles of DeSoto High. time for us to acknowledge and thank Pro- S.386 has a number of provisions that seek to It is an honor to pay tribute to the entire Ea- fessor Ed DePeters for his years of exemplary protect Americans by ensuring the agencies gles squad and on behalf of all the residents work as a scholar and educator, and to con- tasked with investigating and prosecuting of Texas, congratulations again to the Eagles gratulate him on receiving this well-deserved mortgage and financial fraud have the funding of DeSoto High School and Coach Chris Dyer award. His commitment to inspiring and edu- and personnel they need to do so. I am also and the entire DeSoto community—you are an cating students has been unwavering, and he pleased the House recognizes the need for in- inspiration to us all. It is Eagles Pride at its fin- deserves our congratulations. creased accountability for mortgage lending est. Go Eagles!

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.018 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1091 HONORING THE ST. CLOUD AREA HONORING REVEREND DR. LEROY HONORING BRYAN STONE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARD SHELTON RECIPIENTS HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND HON. DALE E. KILDEE OF GEORGIA OF MICHIGAN HON. MICHELE BACHMANN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MINNESOTA Thursday, May 7, 2009 Thursday, May 7, 2009 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, it is with Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I Thursday, May 7, 2009 great sadness that I arise today and pay trib- rise today to honor Bryan Stone, named the ute to the life of Reverend Dr. LeRoy Shelton. 2009 Small Business Person of the Year by Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise Dr. Shelton passed away suddenly on Mon- the Small Business Council of America. To today to honor three people and companies day, May 4th. The Flint community has lost win this prestigious award one must possess that embody both the spirit of American entre- one of its greatest leaders and I have lost a entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, vision and preneurship and the heart of American public dear friend. His funeral is scheduled for Tues- managerial acumen as well as a profound service: John W. McDowall, owner of the day, May 12th at Christ Fellowship Missionary commitment to community service. McDowall Company, The Mahowald Insurance Baptist Church in Flint. As the owner of Columbus Gourmet, Bryan Agency, and Byron Bjorklund, owner of Short Dr. Shelton became the pastor of Christ Fel- Stone has grown his business while becoming Stop Custom Catering. Today, they will be lowship Missionary Baptist Church in 1987. an integral part of Muscogee County. honored by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of During this time the congregation grew in In 2004, Stone acquired a ‘‘mom and pop’’ Commerce for their outstanding success and numbers and strength. A committed member business called Kendrick Pecan and in just of Concerned Pastors for Social Change, he positive contributions to the St. Cloud commu- five years he has expanded rapidly into a was a vocal activist for those in need. He un- nity. thriving specialty food operation that now also derstood the challenges faced by individuals includes La Piccolina, Dodge City Steaks and I want to congratulate John W. McDowall, and advocated at all levels of government to Aunt Pearlie’s. His products now enjoy strong this year’s recipient of the Chamber’s Entre- improve the lives of our citizens. He served as regional brand recognition and the company preneurial Success Award. Mr. McDowall a delegate to the 1992 Democratic Convention now employs up to 30 people at a time. and attended the Inauguration of Bill Clinton to joined the family business after graduating Stone’s gourmet products line the shelves of the Presidency. In 1995 President Clinton in- high school in 1973 and worked his way up more than 900 grocery stores and he has li- vited Dr. Shelton to dinner at the White the ladder until being named President in censing agreements for specialties and com- House. 1999. Today, this construction company em- memorative items with the Kentucky Derby, He viewed his political involvement as an ploys 130 individuals and continues to earn an Coca-Cola, the PGA Tour, the National Infan- extension of his ministry to be Christ’s rep- try Foundation and Hank Aaron’s Chasing the impressive profit despite unexpected price in- resentative in a needy world. His love and Dream Foundation. creases and a sluggish economy. In addition concern for others knew no bounds. Dr. to running a successful business, Mr. Shelton loved his congregation and they loved Columbus Gourmet always cuts a slice for McDowall contributes to the community him. He said about being the pastor of Christ the local community, too. It provides vital re- through his involvement on numerous boards, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church: sources to Partners in Education of Greater Columbus, which funds after-school programs, including Bremer, St. Cloud Technical College, To have shared twenty-three years in the St. Cloud Opportunities, and the Boys and life of the 80 years of this church . . . Canaan and it supplies Gourmet products that Rotary Clubs sell to raise money for charity projects. Girls Club. to Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. In the interim before my pastoring The 3rd Congressional District resident sup- I also want to recognize The Mahowald In- began, I was impressed with the commit- plements his company’s philanthropic work surance Agency for earning the Chamber’s ment, dedication, and love the members with his own. Though he’s lived there only a Mark of Excellence Award. The family-owned demonstrated towards one another. My men- short time, he’s already a member of the business, which has been passed to four gen- tor, the late Alfred L.C. Robbs afforded me every opportunity to grow, develop, and Board of Directors of the Columbus Chamber erations, began in 1930 when Anthony above all study formally to prepare myself of Commerce and he’s served in a leadership Mahowald started going door to door every spiritually. with the local Republican Party. week collecting premiums for life insurance Fortunately, I earned the opportunity to Madam Speaker, we’re justifiably proud in polices he sold. When Tony’s son, Robert become his successor. Realizing that no one Georgia of our strong small business culture Mahowald, took over in 1956, he expanded can ever fill the shoes of anyone, not even by and the entrepreneurial spirit of our people following in the path trod before, the con- the agency beyond personal insurance cov- gregation enveloped me and has worked with who have helped our state grow and thrive. erage. The Mahowald Insurance Agency me in a Christian manner. In the midst of Bryan Stone exemplifies the hard work, risk- serves people, businesses, and even the hills and valleys, there has been much love. taking and perseverance that has made our schools of the St. Cloud area—and hopefully As great as the past has been, we have not economy the greatest in the world. ceased. We are striving to make the next for many generations to come. I ask the House to join me in congratulating years a journey upon which our Lord will be Bryan Stone on winning the Small Business able to place a stamp of approval and say: Last but not least, I want to recognize Byron Person of the Year award. On behalf of the Bjorklund, owner of the Short Stop Custom ‘‘Well done, my good and faithful servants.’’ It is our hope that you will have an oppor- people of Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District, Catering and the 2009 St. Cloud Area Small tunity to visit our church, ‘‘Where Christian we’re proud to have Bryan Stone as our Business Person on the Year. Beginning his Fellowship Is Real.’’ neighbor. career at the young age of 11, Mr. Bjorklund Madam Speaker, Reverend Dr. LeRoy started in the fast food industry and in 1995, Shelton has traveled home to be with Our f his business evolved into a catering service. Lord, Jesus Christ. During his time with us, Dr. PERSONAL EXPLANATION He has experienced a nearly 25 percent Shelton touched lives, healed spirits, empow- growth by establishing solid relationships with ered the poor, and brought Christ’s abundance a variety of businesses and organizations. And to disheartened. He traveled the road to salva- HON. ADRIAN SMITH tion with many people. My life is better for thanks to his entrepreneurship, more than 100 OF NEBRASKA people have full-or part-time employment. having known him and I share in the sorrow felt by the Christ Fellowship family. My condo- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, I applaud these out- lences go out to his wife, Claudia, his children Thursday, May 7, 2009 standing individuals and businesses who have and to the members of Christ Fellowship. Dr. worked hard to achieve the American dream Shelton was a truly great Christian. I ask the Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, of free enterprise and serve our community by House of Representatives to stand with me on rollcall No. 211 on the Family Self-Suffi- ensuring small businesses remain the job en- and applaud the life, charity and legacy of ciency Program, H.R. 46, had I been present, gine of America. Reverend Dr. LeRoy Shelton. I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.022 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 WELCOMING THE ROMANIAN ment to NATO missions. I join all of my col- She was often in the audience during his lec- MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS leagues in applauding Romania’s pledge to tures and performances. Whether he was re- maintain its troops in Kosovo, as well as in Af- citing ‘‘The Ballad of Sam McGee’’ around a HON. ROBERT WEXLER ghanistan, where it already has approximately campfire with a troop of Boy Scouts, or re- OF FLORIDA 860 troops deployed. We are also grateful that searching history at the Washington County IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Romanian government has pledged to Historical Society, Bart Anderson was happiest send additional trainers and medical personnel when he was immersed in folklore. He re- Thursday, May 7, 2009 to the mission in Afghanistan. ceived many local state and national honors, Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today Madam Speaker, it is essential that Con- including an award as Outstanding Volunteer as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe gress continue to support and enhance co- from former First Lady Hillary Clinton. in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, to operation between the U.S. and our ally Ro- One of his close friends—Lyman Hafen— welcome Romanian Foreign Minister Cristian mania. As a staunch supporter of American- told the local newspaper that Anderson was Diaconescu to the United States. It is an Romanian relations, I urge my colleagues to one-of-a-kind—with a heart as big as Zion honor to meet with Foreign Minister join me in welcoming Foreign Minister Canyon. I was very proud to be his friend and Diaconescu and highlight his extraordinary Diaconescu and the Romanian delegation to while he will be missed, he will never be for- role, and that of our North Atlantic Treaty Or- the United States, and I thank the Foreign gotten. ganization (NATO) and European Union (EU) Minister for his efforts and unwavering com- f ally and partner Romania, in addressing mitment to this unbreakable bond between our pressing international challenges including two nations. FIRST AID SQUAD OF WEEHAWKEN, NEW JERSEY NATO-Russian relations, the Balkans, Iraq, Af- f ghanistan and Iran’s developing nuclear pro- gram. It is clear to members of Congress and HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK HON. ALBIO SIRES the Administration that Romania is integral to OF BART ANDERSON OF NEW JERSEY American, European Union and international IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES efforts to promote democracy, rule of law and HON. JIM MATHESON Thursday, May 7, 2009 human rights. OF UTAH As many of my colleagues know, Foreign Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in Minister Diaconescu assumed his current role IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor of the Volunteer First Aid Squad of at the head of Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Thursday, May 7, 2009 Weehawken, New Jersey, which is celebrating Affairs in December 2008. He has repeatedly its 40th Anniversary on May 8, 2009. This or- Mr. MATHESON. Madam Speaker, southern expressed a strong commitment to enhancing ganization has provided 40 years of free Utah has lost a local treasure with the passing transatlantic relations and has been unwaver- emergency medical service to the Township of of Bart Anderson of St. George, Utah. ing in championing the values our two nations Weehawken and the North Hudson Commu- Bart Anderson was often described by peo- share. To that end, the Foreign Minister has nity. ple who meet him for the first time as ‘‘bear- been vocal in promoting political and eco- In 1969, the Weehawken Volunteer First Aid sized Bart Anderson’’. He loomed large in the nomic reform in Eastern Europe by strength- Squad was the first volunteer squad to form in community life of Washington County. He was ening democratic institutions and structures, Hudson County. It is now only one of two re- a retired St. George hematologist, historian and working to end conflict in Europe through maining volunteer squads still operating in the and folklorist. Everyone knew him as ‘‘Ranger the framework of the Organization for Security County. Over the last forty years, the squad Bart’’ because he devoted his golden years to and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). has responded to over 75,000 calls for help, giving slide shows at nearby national parks— I also want to praise Romania’s efforts in providing initial medical treatment and trans- including Zion National Park—as well as at supporting the EU’s Eastern Partnership ef- portation to the appropriate medical facility at state parks. forts that will bolster democratic transformation no charge to the patient. in this region and hopefully lead to closer EU I knew Bart Anderson as a man with a pas- The squad primarily covers the Township of and Western relations with Belarus, Ukraine, sion for the stories of this part of the West, Weehawken, and for the last twenty years, the Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. known as Utah’s Dixie—so named because Town of Guttenberg, it has been directly in- It is my understanding while in Washington, cotton was one of the crops grown by the volved in all of the most serious incidents that Foreign Minister Diaconescu will meet with Mormon settlers here at the time of the Civil have struck the metropolitan area. In 1993 the Obama Administration officials and members War. squad responded to Manhattan to provide as- of Congress to discuss issues of importance One of Bart’s most popular presentations sistance to the World Trade Center when it to both the United States and Romania, in- was one on the outlaw Butch Cassidy. It fea- was first attacked by terrorists. It then coordi- cluding economic, political and security condi- tured vintage photos of Butch Cassidy, who nated treatment of tens of thousands of the tions in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Bart often pointed out, could charm the locals victims that were evacuated to New Jersey Caucasus and Black Sea regions. I welcome and even the lawmen of that era. after the second terrorist attack in 2001. the discussion of these important and timely Bart was a talented and versatile man, who Two years later the volunteer squad pro- issues and the opportunity to highlight Roma- turned down a number of more lucrative busi- vided comfort to thousands of commuters who nia’s strong military and security commitments ness offers because they would take him were stranded in New York City during the in Afghanistan and Iraq alongside U.S. and away from Dixie and he said he had too much blackout of 2003. Most recently, the squad co- NATO forces. I know I share the sentiments of red dirt running through his veins to leave. ordinated the response of over 50 emergency all Americans in expressing our gratitude for As a child, he contracted polio and when medical service units who responded to the the sacrifice of brave Romanian troops, includ- doctors said he wouldn’t walk again, his father Weehawken Ferry Terminal to assist treating ing those killed in the line of duty. threw him in the swimming pool to help make passengers of the ‘‘Miracle on the Hudson’’ As a member of Congress who has strongly him strong. When he was 11, Bart’s father ar- plane crash. supported expansion of the Visa Waiver Pro- ranged for him to work for the Boy Scouts as The squad has been a training ground for gram (VWP) to critical allies such as Romania, a guide into the back country. He developed many residents who have chosen careers in I look forward to discussing Bucharest’s a great love of hiking, including the Grand the medical profession. Over, the years, the progress with the Foreign Minister and his na- Canyon. volunteer squad has been honored to have six tion’s future participation in this program. As an adult, he merged his love of hiking members who have gone on to become med- Madam Speaker, Romania is a strategic with his passion for story-telling by giving ical doctors, and hundreds who have chosen partner of the United States, and in its fifth walking tours in downtown St. George. That careers as nurses, paramedics and emer- year as a NATO member Romania has con- morphed into a series of history lectures for gency medical technicians. tributed at the highest levels in several mis- which he developed over 100 slide programs Please join me in congratulating the sions worldwide. In April 2008, Bucharest that communicated his love of place to resi- Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad and all hosted the largest NATO Summit in history dents and visitors alike. members of the squad for providing the resi- and was recently praised by NATO Secretary He married his sweetheart—Delorice— dents of Weehawken, Guttenberg and North General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer for its commit- whom he called ‘‘the wind beneath my wings.’’ Hudson with excellent emergency health care.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.026 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1093 PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE CHURCH HONORING MEMBERS IN THE 547TH the District of Columbia that Congress itself OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OF TRANSPORTATION COMPANY began with the passage of the Home Rule Act THE APOSTOLIC FAITH OF HAR- of 1973. Congress delegated most if its au- LEM ON THEIR 90TH FOUNDERS HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON thority to the District of Columbia. The District DAY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA of Columbia Executive National Guard Act fol- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lows this model. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Thursday, May 7, 2009 I urge my colleagues to support this bill. OF NEW YORK Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today I f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES also introduce a second bill in honor of mem- Thursday, May 7, 2009 bers of the 547th Transportation Company, IN RECOGNITION OF IRAN’S NUCLEAR THREAT Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, it is with who deployed to Iraq last Saturday. The Dis- great honor and enthusiasm that I rise to con- trict of Columbia Executive Guard Act would gratulate Chief Apostle Bishop William L. give the Mayor of the District of Columbia HON. ELTON GALLEGLY Bonner and the Church of Our Lord Jesus some additional authority over the District of OF CALIFORNIA Christ of the Apostolic Faith of Harlem for or- Columbia National Guard (DCNG). In cir- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cumstances constituting local emergencies, in- ganizing its 90th Pre-Centennial Founders Day Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the Greater Refuge Temple in honor of cluding natural disasters and civil disturbances founder, Bishop Robert Clarence Lawson. unrelated to national or homeland security, but Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to To speak of the Church of Our Lord Jesus not homeland security matters, the mayor of recognize the threat Iran’s potential nuclear Christ as an organization is to speak of its il- the District of Columbia should have the same weapon capabilities have on the Middle East, lustrious and dynamic founder, the late apos- authority as governors. The National Guards the world, and particularly Israel. tle, Bishop Robert C. Lawson, D.D., LL.D. We in the 50 states operate under similar dual In March, President Obama offered to open can safely say that God made His choice to federal and local jurisdiction. Yet, the Presi- a dialogue with Iran. His olive branch was im- use this dedicated man to work His divinely in- dent of the United States alone has the au- mediately met with scorn by Iranian President spired plan for this great organization. For it thority to call up the DC National Guard for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iran has not cooled was by his Herculean effort and prolific any purpose here, local or national. Each gov- its international animosity since then, as noted preaching and the mastery of the inspired ernor, however, as the head of state, has the by Defense Secretary Robert Gates as re- scriptures that Bishop Lawson, with tenacity authority to mobilize the National Guard to cently as Tuesday. and determination hewed from the villages, cit- protect the local jurisdiction, just as local mili- Talk is fine if it is premised in achieving re- ies, towns and hamlets, the dynamic organiza- tia did historically. Today, the most likely need alistic goals, but the Iranian regime has used tion known as the Church of Our Lord Jesus for the National Guard would be because of past efforts at negotiation to delay and divide Christ of the Apostolic Faith Inc. natural disasters or to restore order in the the United States and our allies in our efforts It was in the year of 1914 when Mr. Lawson wake of civil disturbances. The mayor, who to turn Tehran from a nuclear enrichment pro- accepted the word of God and was baptized knows the city better than any federal official gram that clearly could be used for nuclear in the name of Jesus and received the Holy and works closely with federal security offi- bombs. Ghost. A supernatural event took place in his cials, should be able to call on the DCNG to Time for an open hand policy is running out. life, namely the miraculous healing of his body cover local natural disasters or civil disturb- I believe it is time to up the stakes on Iran. from consumption. This occurrence was ances without relying on the President, who One way to accomplish that would be to stamped indelibly upon him and played a should be preoccupied with national matters, pass the Iran Threat Reduction Act, H.R. major part in the shaping of his inspired faith including homeland security, which would re- 1208, which was introduced by Foreign Affairs healing ministry. main the sole province of the President, along Committee Ranking Member ILEANA ROS- By his own testimony we learned that with the existing power to nationalize the D.C. LEHTINEN. H.R. 1208, of which I am an original Bishop Lawson was divinely called by the Lord National Guard at will. As it is, the President cosponsor, would extend current U.S. sanc- through a whirlwind, hearing the voice of God must rely on a delegated official with little fa- tions until the president certifies Iran has dis- saying ‘‘Go Preach My Word! I mean you! I miliarity of the city to call up the National mantled its weapons of mass destruction pro- mean you! I mean you! Go preach My Word.’’ Guard to duty here for any purpose. It does no gram and ceased its support for international The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ had its harm to give the mayor the authority for civil terrorism. It also would significantly increase inception in the year 1919. Bishop Lawson, and natural disasters. However, it could do U.S. pressure on Tehran to do both. then Elder Lawson was invited to a prayer significant harm to leave him or her powerless The bill would sharply increase U.S. efforts meeting, which was in progress in a basement to act quickly. If it makes sense that a gov- to stop the shipment of refined petroleum and in the 40th Street area of New York City. So ernor would have control over the mobilization natural gas products to Iran, as well as mate- energetic was his service to the Lord, that his and deployment of the state National Guard, it rials needed for building or maintaining oil and fame spread abroad and reached the ears of makes the same sense for the mayor of the gas pipelines. Furthermore, the bill completely Mr. and Mrs. James Burleigh and Mr. and District of Columbia, with a population the size prohibits U.S. importation of most Iranian Mrs. Edward Anderson. These two blessed of that of small states, to have the same au- products. It also denies U.S. foreign tax cred- couples opened their homes to Elder Lawson thority. its to Americans engaged in business activity and their home today is affectionately thought The mayor of the District of Columbia, act- with Iran that is prohibited by U.S. law. of as the ‘‘Cradle of the Church of Our Lord ing as head of state, should have the authority March 17 marked the 17th anniversary of Jesus Christ’’. to call upon the D.C. National Guard in in- the bombing by Iranian proxies of the Israeli Within a short period of time, the congrega- stances that do not rise to the level of federal Embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 29 and tion outgrew its place of worship, having ap- importance necessary to implicate the author- wounded 242. It is but one of hundreds of at- proximately 200 members, and larger quarters ity of the President. Today, requiring action by tacks Iran has made against Israel and the had to be sought. Bishop Lawson purchased the President of the United States could en- United States in a war Iran seems committed the site at 52–54–56 West 133 Street and re- danger the life and health of D.C. residents, to continue. located his thriving church. It was there that visitors and federal employees. Procedures Without direct Iranian support, Tehran’s his vision was enlarged and the Lord laid upon that require the mayor to request the needed proxies, llamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Leb- his heart to conduct a tent revival and great assistance from the commander in chief for a anon, would be far less formidable foes for numbers were added to the church. local National Guard matter are as old as the Israel. Without Iranian Revolutionary Guards The clarion call for our illustrious leader republic, and as dangerously obsolete today. and Iranian weapons, the United States would came on Sunday, July 2, 1961, and Bishop Moreover, this bill merely delegates the Presi- have suffered hundreds of fewer casualties in Lawson a prince of preachers, the Bible An- dent’s authority in specific circumstances and Iraq. swer man, God’s shining star departed this would not deprive the President of his author- Madam Speaker, the time for talk has life. The words of our famed pioneer and ity over the D.C. National Guard at will, as the ended. The United States should increase the Apostle are still resounding in our ears: ‘‘Add Congress can do in making laws for the Dis- pressure on Iran immediately. I therefore urge Thou To It, Add Thou To It,’’ and the answer trict despite delegated home rule. This bill is my colleagues to cosponsor the Iran Threat comes from the Church of Our Lord Jesus another important step necessary to complete Reduction Act and I urge leadership to bring Christ, we will, we shall, we have. the transfer of full self-government powers to it to the floor for quick passage.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.029 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1094 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 SUPPORTING NATIONAL PERSONAL EXPLANATION Americans saw much of their life savings and COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH their home equity disappear. Nest eggs evap- HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO orated literally overnight. Plans for a college education dashed. The dream of homeowner- SPEECH OF OF MASSACHUSETTS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ship turned into a nightmare of foreclosure. HON. KEN CALVERT Today, unemployment continues to rise, Thursday, May 7, 2009 credit markets are in a shambles, and busi- OF CALIFORNIA Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, on Mon- nesses large and small are closing. The prob- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES day, May 4, 2009, and Tuesday, May 5, 2009, lems in our banking and financial system have I was unable to be in attendance and missed infected the global economy, undermining con- Tuesday, May 5, 2009 several rollcall votes as a result of an illness. fidence in our own markets. I wish to state for the record how I would have To boost sagging demand in our economy, Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, as a former voted had I been present: Rollcall No. 229— the federal government is now spending hun- student who attended community college, I ‘‘yes’’; Rollcall No. 230—‘‘yes’’; Rollcall No. dreds of billions of dollars at a pace that is un- stand in strong support of H. Res. 338, a reso- 231—‘‘yes’’; Rollcall No. 232—‘‘yes’’; Rollcall precedented in our history. As the Congress lution which supports the goals and ideals of No. 233—‘‘yes.’’ and the new administration put in place meas- National Community College Month. Our na- f ures to resolve this crisis, it is time for the tion’s community colleges provide the dream Congress to provide the American people with of achieving a higher education to millions of RECOGNIZING RIVERDALE HIGH a clear assessment on how we got into this students each year. Community colleges are SCHOOL mess and what ought to be done to prevent it the nation’s key supplier of workforce develop- from happening again. ment and retraining needs and in addition, HON. DEVIN NUNES Frankly speaking, given all the money that’s they build lasting partnerships and contribute OF CALIFORNIA been spent, the American people deserve a significantly to the communities they serve. My IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES full accounting. They deserve an honest and congressional district is home to one of the Thursday, May 7, 2009 unvarnished assessment of the causes of this oldest and most diverse community colleges in crisis. Because, without a thorough diagnosis, California—the Riverside Community College Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, I rise today how can we make sure that a crisis like this District—so I am proud to express my support to honor and congratulate the faculty and stu- never happens again? of National Community College Month. dents of Riverdale High School for a truly re- That is why I am joining with Congressman markable achievement. STEVEN LATOURETTE in calling for the estab- f On May 12, Riverdale High will be awarded lishment of an independent, bipartisan com- the National College Board’s Inspiration mission, charged with examining the root RECOGNIZING THE 17TH ANNUAL Award—an award that recognizes America’s causes of the current global financial crisis. LETTER CARRIERS NATIONAL three most improved secondary schools. It would resemble the 9/11 Commission in FOOD DRIVE As many of my colleagues will recall, the its objectivity and independence and have one National College Board’s Inspiration Award year to investigate the crisis. It would have the seeks out schools with high academic stand- authority to refer to law enforcement any evi- HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO ards, as well as schools that encourage stu- dence that institutions or individuals may have dents to prepare for college. Once selected, OF CONNECTICUT violated existing laws. At the end of its inves- recipients are afforded national recognition tigation, the Commission will report to the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and a check for $25,000. President and to the Congress its rec- Madam Speaker, Riverdale High School has Thursday, May 7, 2009 ommendations for statutory or regulatory approximately 1,500 students. More than 80 changes necessary to protect our country from Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with percent are on free or reduced lunch. Almost a repeat of this financial collapse. great pleasure I rise to recognize and show half of the school’s students are migrants and I voted against the Wall Street bailout pro- my support for the 17th Annual Letter Carriers a quarter of the population is learning English posals last fall, because, as I said back then, National Food Drive. for the first time. Despite these challenges, they did not deal with the root causes of the Riverdale High offers an academically rigorous The Letter Carriers National Food Drive is crisis; they failed to give the American people environment, including 12 AP courses, a cho- being conducted in more than 10,000 cities a full and fair accounting of what happened; ral and music program, as well as ROP, and and towns, in every congressional district in all and they failed to hold accountable those who drama and agriculture curriculum. caused the crisis. 50 states and jurisdictions. On May 9th, letter With this academic rigor has come great carriers will collect food from their postal cus- Today, I still believe we must do this and academic achievement. Riverdale High School unless we take these actions, we will be failing tomers along their route. This is the largest has achieved a graduation rate of 98 percent one-day food drive in the country with nearly in our responsibility as an institution to fully over the past three years. Of these young serve the people who elected us. I urge my one billion pounds of food being donated to men and women, 90 percent are continuing food banks and pantries since its inception. colleagues and all Americans to support this their education. proposal. The Annual Letter Carriers National Food Simply put, they are doing amazing work in f Drive is made possible by the letter carriers this small community. You cannot argue with represented by the National Association of results and I would like to extend my con- CODY TURNBULL Letter Carriers (AFL–CIO), rural letter carriers, gratulations to all of the people who have other postal employees and volunteers, as made this honor for Riverdale High possible. SPEECH OF well as the countless citizens who donate. To f HON. SAM GRAVES participate, all someone has to do is place a OF MISSOURI IT’S TIME TO FIND OUT WHAT box or can of non-perishable food next to the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CAUSED THE ECONOMIC MELT- mailbox on May 9th and a letter carrier will Tuesday, May 7, 2009 collect it and bring it back to the postal station DOWN to be sorted before it is delivered to a local Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly food bank. HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT pause to recognize Cody Turnbull of Weston, Missouri. Cody is a very special young man To nearly 35.5 million people in our country, OF MASSACHUSETTS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES who has exemplified the finest qualities of citi- hunger is a daily struggle. During this troubling zenship and leadership by taking an active economic time, many families are finding it in- Thursday, May 7, 2009 part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 249, creasingly difficult to put food on the table. Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise and earning the most prestigious award of This year, more than ever, donations are today as the current economic crisis continues Eagle Scout. needed. to take a devastating toll on families and busi- Cody has been very active with his troop, I urge my colleagues to stand with me and nesses across this nation, and the world. participating in many Scout activities. Over the recognize and support the 17th Annual Letter Never before have we witnessed so much many years Cody has been involved with Carriers National Food Drive. economic turmoil. Within a matter of months, Scouting, he has not only earned numerous

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.032 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1095 merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- propriate. A school’s direction ought to be can and will be in their children’s education. ily, peers, and community. agreeable to parents. The final word ought to They are finding ways to reduce class size, Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join be with parents. If the parents are satisfied, deliver the Core Curriculum to smaller school me in commending Cody Turnball for his ac- who else cares and what else matters? communities, and increase individualization of complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- Schools are for the kids and the parents and instruction. ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the no one else. Charter schools are helping our public edu- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Charter schools take us a large step in that cation system to be the best it can be for f direction—the direction of treating parents as every child. I commend the parents, teachers, the customers. In Utah, there are currently 67 administrators, and creative innovators in- IN HONOR OF THE NATIONAL AS- charter schools serving 27,000 kids, and there volved in charter schools throughout the coun- SOCIATION OF LETTER CAR- are several more slated to open this year. try. RIERS AND THE OHIO STATE AS- Several have a specific emphasis on math f SOCIATION OF LETTER CAR- and science, and several others focus on the RIERS ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE TO arts. The curriculum is often selected by par- A TRIBUTE TO SISTER JULIA ‘‘STAMP OUT HUNGER’’ ents. There are no geographical boundaries to MARY FARLEY, C.S.J. ON THE any of them. Some charters belong to a OCCASION OF THE 25TH ANNI- HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI school district, and others are their own dis- VERSARY OF HER WORK AS FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF GOOD OF OHIO trict. SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOME- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES There is often a higher demand than there is supply of seats in a charter, so in Utah LESS WOMEN & CHILDREN IN Thursday, May 7, 2009 those seats are generally awarded by a lottery LOS ANGELES Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to system. Nationally, there are more than honor and recognize the dedication and 365,000 kids on charter school waiting lists. HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD achievements of the National Association of Why is it that parents want their kids to attend OF CALIFORNIA Letter Carriers and the Ohio State Association charter schools? It’s because a charter school IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Letter Carriers. May 9th, 2009 marks the meets their needs better. Charter schools take Thursday, May 7, 2009 17th annual NALC National Food Drive to us closer to the goal of treating the parents as ‘‘Stamp Out Hunger.’’ On that day, letter car- the customers. In many cases charters have a Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I riers will collect non-perishable donations from large percentage of students who are either rise today to pay tribute to Sister Julia Mary homes as they deliver mail along postal minorities or economically disadvantaged—in Farley, an extraordinary and dedicated woman routes. one Utah charter, 70% of the students fall in who has been providing care and shelter for Letter carriers from over 10,000 cities and this category. Many of these are kids who homeless women and children in the 34th Dis- towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, haven’t done well in traditional public schools, trict in Los Angeles for the last quarter of a Puerto Rico, and Guam collected a record set- but who thrive in the charter school. Several century. On May 15, 2009, friends and sup- ting 73.1 million pounds in last year’s drive. studies have backed this up by showing that porters of the Good Shepherd Center for The drive is held annually on the second Sat- kids who are behind academically do better in Homeless Women & Children will celebrate urday in May. Donations will be collected by a charter school than they would in a tradi- the center’s 25th anniversary and honor Sister more than 1,400 local branches of the tional public school. Charters are able to inno- Julia Mary for her years of service to the 300,000-member postal union and delivered to vate, find creative ways to meet the needs of homeless. food banks, pantries and shelters in the com- parents and kids, and the customer is satis- A native of Chicago, Sister Julia Mary has munities where they are collected. fied. been a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of I am honored to have the opportunity to rec- In that sense, charter schools are the most Carondelet since 1951. She has a Master’s ognize the National Association of Letter Car- accountable of all our public schools. They’re Degree in Health Administration from the Uni- riers and the Ohio State Association of Letter directly accountable to parents, because if the versity of California, Los Angeles, and an hon- Carriers for their dedication and hard work in parents aren’t satisfied, they’ll take their kids orary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the communities to help provide food for the elsewhere. In Utah, it’s working. According to Loyola Marymount University. As a hospital growing number of American families facing one study, 94% of parents gave their chil- administrator, Sister Julia Mary worked in hos- hunger in these difficult economic times. dren’s charter school an A or B grade. The pitals in Lewiston, Idaho, and Pasco, Wash- f success of Charter schools should also teach ington, St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona, us the potential of the public education sys- and Daniel Freeman Hospitals in Inglewood SUPPORTING NATIONAL CHARTER tem. Charter schools are not private schools. and Marina del Rey, California. She also SCHOOLS WEEK They are public schools. Public schools can taught at Mount St. Mary’s College and sev- easily compete with private schools when the eral elementary schools in Los Angeles. In SPEECH OF public schools are released from bureaucratic 1983, Sister Julia Mary joined the staff of An- HON. ROB BISHOP restrictions and allowed to be creative. Only gels Flight, a crisis intervention center for run- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with the freedom to be creative can any away teenagers operated by Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 school meet the individual needs of students and parents. Without choices and freedom to The following year, Cardinal Timothy Man- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I’m hon- be creative, kids become a widget on a con- ning noticed that the number of homeless ored to be able to sponsor this resolution com- veyor belt to the local school ‘‘factory.’’ women on the street around St. Vibiana’s Ca- mending Charter Schools for their contribu- There are a number of things we can do to thedral in downtown Los Angeles was increas- tions to education, and designating this week allow charters to continue to grow, including ing dramatically. To address this disturbing as National Charter School Week. Successful eliminating the caps on the number of charter trend, he initiated the establishment of a pro- businesses don’t build a product and then find schools, and addressing inequitable funding gram to provide emergency services to home- a target group to which to market their prod- treatment. We will continue to encourage less women. He named Sister Julia Mary as uct. Successful businesses pick a target these reforms, and we’ll continue to lower the the new program’s director. group, find a need, then build a product that barriers to innovation and creativity in edu- Since 1984, the Good Shepherd Center has satisfies that need. cation. empowered women to move from homeless- When we talk about reforming education, One member of the Utah State Charter ness to self-sufficiency through its housing, we must remember that parents are the target School Board said, in many ways, charter employment, and support services. Under Sis- market. Kids belong to the parent, not to an schools are doing for education what the print- ter Julia Mary’s leadership, the center has educator or a legislator. We unfortunately for- ing press did for the world of communication. grown from an emergency shelter and drop-in get this too often. There is sometimes an insti- Charter schools have promised creativity, in- center to five residential facilities offering a tutional attitude of antagonism toward parents. novation, inspiration, and motivation, and I be- broad spectrum of employment and support In a 1910 essay entitled How We Think, even lieve they have delivered. services a quarter of a century later. John Dewey wrote that one inhibitor to prob- Charter schools have ignited the desire to Following the opening of the emergency lem solving was parental values. One could rethink aspects of our nation’s education sys- shelter and drop-in center on May 6, 1984, ask whose values would have been more ap- tem. They have shown how involved parents Good Shepherd Center expanded its services

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07MY8.003 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1096 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 over the next eight years. The center added a served as a Noncommissioned Officer with the knowledge the value and power of our peo- Mobile Outreach Program to take food, cloth- 143d Evacuation Hospital in the California Na- ple’s prayers by designating specific times ing, offers of shelter and words of hope to tional Guard. In 1980 she graduated from Offi- where we encourage prayer for the future of women on the street. In 1988, the center’s cer’s Candidate School and was commis- our country. President Truman declared the Belmont Avenue shelter expanded to provide sioned as a Medical Service Corps officer. first National Day of Prayer in 1952, and in transitional housing for 30 single homeless She served as a Health Services officer in the 1988 President Reagan signed a law declaring women, and four years later, the center estab- 175th Medical Brigade and commanded the that the first Thursday in May would be an an- lished a transitional residence serving nine 980th MEDSOM and the 308th Medical Com- nual National Day of Prayer. mothers and 20 children in an old Craftsman pany. Colonel Helton was activated and I can think of no greater calling than for house. served in Kuwait during Desert Storm in the people of all ages, races, and religious creeds In 1998, fulfilling Sister Julia Mary’s dream, 3d Medical Command as a medical logistics to join together and raise their prayers and pe- the center opened the first phase of the officer and as the Director of Medical Rede- titions to the Almighty. ‘‘Women’s Village.’’ The Hawkes Transitional ployment. After returning to the United States To that end, the YMCA of Middle of Ten- Residence provides transitional and affordable she returned to active duty and served as an nessee and the Operation Andrew Group are housing for homeless women and their chil- Operations Officer and Special Events Officer organizing National Day of Prayer events all dren as well as facilities to train the women for in the Army G3’s Office of Military Support to across Middle Tennessee. These events will jobs. Two years later, in 2000, the second Civilian Authorities. She helped coordinate and encourage citizens to pray for the future of our phase of the ‘‘Women’s Village’’ was com- provide medical support during several natural communities and our nation, to pray for those pleted with the Angel Guardian Home. It pro- disasters, including New York City immediately placed in positions of societal leadership, and vides 12 apartments that offer long-term hous- after the terrorists’ attacks on September 11, to thank God for the many blessings we enjoy. ing in a supportive community setting for 2001. Colonel Helton served as the Chief of At the Maryland Farms YMCA, in the City of homeless mothers with disabilities and their the Wounded Warrior Program for the 27th In- Brentwood, individuals will gather to lift up children. In June 2008, the final piece of the fantry Brigade at Fort Drum, NY where she prayers and participate in this wonderful occa- Women’s Village was completed, with the helped develop the model wounded warrior sion. opening of the Sister Julia Mary Farley Wom- program for the entire Army. She also served I invite all Members of Congress to please en’s Village. This facility provides transitional as the Chief of Command Policy and Pro- join me in praying for the City of Brentwood, housing in one-bedroom apartments for 21 grams in the Army G1, responsible for Army the State of Tennessee, and the United States employed homeless women. It also includes policies which included Women in Combat, of America during the National Day of Prayer. an employment and client services center that Suicide Prevention, Religious Accommodation, f serves all Good Shepherd Center residents, ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ and other high profile and The Village Kitchen—a bakery and cafe in Army policies. HONORING LT. MATTHEW JOHN which residents receive job training and expe- Colonel Helton’s military education includes GORDON rience in the culinary arts. the AMEDD Officer basic and advanced With the completion of the Women’s Village, courses, Medical Logistics Management HON. JIM GERLACH Sister Julia Mary and Good Shepherd Center Course, Contracting Officers Course, Move- OF PENNSYLVANIA now serve more than 1,100 homeless women ment Officers Course, Mobilization Officer IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and children annually, and house 150 women Planners Course, Military Support to Civil Au- and children each night. thorities Course, Command and General Staff Thursday, May 7, 2009 I have had the privilege of visiting with Sis- College, Army Management Staff College, Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise ter Julia Mary and the residents of Good Risk Communication Course, Georgetown Uni- today to honor a dedicated public servant in Shepherd Center, and I must say the deter- versity Congressional Liaison Course, and Ad- Chester County, Pennsylvania who has retired mination of the women to make better lives for vanced Crisis Incident Stress Management after more than 20 years of loyal service in themselves and their children is truly inspiring. Course. She also earned a Bachelor of law enforcement. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of the Science degree in Management from the Cali- Lieutenant Matthew John Gordon started his 25th anniversary of Sister Julia Mary Farley’s fornia Coast University and a Master of law enforcement career with the Parkesburg founding of Good Shepherd Center for Home- Science degree in Quality Systems Manage- Police Department and has faithfully served less Women and Children, I ask my col- ment from the National Graduate School. the City of Coatesville Police Department leagues to please join me in commending Sis- Madam Speaker, few can match the dedica- since 1989. ter Julia Mary for her vision and tireless efforts tion and professionalism of Colonel Jane Lieutenant Gordon earned the respect of fel- to provide daily inspiration to the center’s resi- Helton. On behalf of Congress and the United low officers and elected officials with his out- dents, friends, generous donors, skilled staff, States of America, I express our appreciation standing work ethic and exemplary police work and caring volunteers, and in thanking her for of Colonel Helton for her tireless service and throughout his distinguished career. a lifetime of dedicated service to homeless support of the warfighter. She has been a In addition to protecting the citizens of women and their children. compassionate leader and professional staff Coatesville, he also served as Commander of f officer whose expertise and sacrifice show- the Chester County Emergency Response case her patriotism and selfless commitment Team since its inception in 2002. RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND to our great nation. She is a woman of honor ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLONEL Colleagues and friends will celebrate Lieu- and principle. I would like to thank Colonel tenant Gordon’s career accomplishments and JANE HELTON, UNITED STATES Helton for her years of dedicated service, and ARMY wish him well in retirement on May 8, 2009 I wish her, her husband Ray, their children during a dinner at St. Anthony’s Lodge in HON. JEFF MILLER and grandchildren the best wishes for contin- Downingtown, Pennsylvania. ued success. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues OF FLORIDA f join me today in praising the outstanding serv- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ice and dedication of Lieutenant Matthew John Thursday, May 7, 2009 RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Gordon, and all those who take an oath to Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I serve and protect their communities. rise today to honor Colonel Jane Helton, f United States Army, who is retiring after thirty- HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN OF TENNESSEE five years of dedicated service to our nation. IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Colonel Helton currently serves as the Chief of NURSING WEEK the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Thursday, May 7, 2009 Office for the Joint Staff of the National Guard Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise HON. STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE Bureau in Arlington, Virginia. She is the prin- today to ask my colleagues to join the millions OF OHIO cipal advisor to the Chief and senior National of Americans who will participate in the Na- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Guard leaders for all sexual assault prevention tional Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7, Thursday, May 7, 2009 matters. 2009. Colonel Helton enlisted in the Army in Au- Since the earliest days of our republic, our Mr. LATOURETTE. Madam Speaker, in gust, 1974. After departing active duty she nation’s leaders have seen fit to formally ac- honor and in celebration of National Nursing

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07MY8.006 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1097 Week, I’d like to recognize the achievements rounding states offer such educational bene- the state championship volleyball team from of Francis Payne Bolton and the impact of the fits. I am grateful that the Appropriations Com- All Saints Academy: Jade Beckmann, Rachel Bolton Act on the field of nursing. mittee has allocated appropriation funds in Boeckmann, Chelsea Crocker, Julie Deiters, Madam Speaker, the Bolton Act of 1943, in- some years, with smaller contribution from the Holland Hempen, Haley Johnson, Bailey troduced by Congresswoman Frances Payne District, in the Defense Authorization bill. An Kampwerth, Merideth Kloeckner, Abby Bolton, created the Cadet Nurse Corps. The authorization is necessary to assure that the Luebbers, Maddie Mensing, Shannon Corps provided Federal funds to nearly D.C. National Guard members receive equal Mensing, Jessica Peters, Gabrielle Schnieder, 125,000 nurses during World War II to facili- treatment and benefits to other National Guard Kari Wiegmann and Megan Zurliene. They tate their training and greatly increase the war- members on a regular basis, especially with have achieved great things for their school time supply of nurses and care for American surrounding states that do, in fact, have the and their community, and I want to wish them citizens on both the home and war fronts. It higher education benefits we seek for D.C. all the best in the future, both on the court and also significantly improved post-World War II National Guard members. The Guard for the in the classroom. nursing education, replacing the apprentice- Nation’s Capital is severely under-competing ship-type training approach in nursing schools for members from the pool of regional resi- f with an academic approach and encouraging dents, who find membership in the Maryland nurses to study related areas of public health, and Virginia Guards more beneficial. A com- FOSTERING RESILIENCE IN pediatrics, psychiatric care, and convalescent petitive tuition assistance program for the D.C. AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH care. It further benefitted the nursing field by National Guard will provide significant incen- prompting attention and Federal financial aid tive and leverage to help counteract declining to graduate nursing degrees, and contributed enrollment and level the field of competition. HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS to the integration of African-Americans into the The D.C. National Guard, a federal instru- OF FLORIDA nursing field. ment that is not under the control of the mayor Madam Speaker, Francis Payne Bolton was of the District of Columbia (but see District of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the first woman in Ohio elected to the House Columbia Executive National Guard Act), is Thursday, May 7, 2009 of Representatives. She served fourteen con- losing personnel to other Guards, partly be- secutive terms and later served as trustee of cause it is not able to offer the same level of Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, Lakeside Hospital (Cleveland, OH), Lake Erie benefits that adjacent National Guards pro- as today is National Children’s Mental Health College (Painesville, OH), and the Central vide. The federal government supports most Awareness Day, I rise to introduce a resolu- School of Practical Nursing (Cleveland). Trust- other D.C. National Guard functions and tion highlighting the importance of identifying ees at Case Western Reserve University in should support this small benefit as well. and nurturing the factors that contribute to the Cleveland, Ohio, named their School of Nurs- The small education incentives in my bill healthy development of African American ing in her honor. She died in Lyndhurst, OH, would not only encourage high quality recruits, youth, and their ability to achieve equal levels on March 9, 1977. but would have the important benefit of help- of physical and mental development enjoyed Madam Speaker, last year, I introduced leg- ing the D.C. National Guard to maintain the by their peers. islation with the late-Stephanie Tubbs Jones force necessary to protect the federal pres- Throughout my life and tenure in Congress, (D–OH) recognizing the 65th anniversary of ence, including Members of Congress, the Su- I have always advocated protecting the rights the Bolton Act. Frances Payne Bolton single- preme Court, and visitors, if an attack on the of minorities. I stand before you today to pro- handedly made sure we had enough nurses at Nation’s Capital should occur. I am pleased to mote the strength, health and well-being of Af- home and overseas during World War II, and introduce this bill on the advice of Guard per- rican American youth, who are faced with helped elevate nursing as an important and sonnel who know best what is necessary. many adversities. critical profession. I am honored to recognize A strong D.C. National Guard able to attract African American youth are disproportion- her and her contributions during National the best soldiers is especially important given ately exposed to many risk factors such as Nursing Week, and I yield back. the unique mission of the D.C. National Guard poverty, neighborhood violence, and a wide to protect the federal presence in addition to f range of health conditions. These risk factors D.C. residents. This responsibility distin- coupled with continued cultural oppression INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT guishes the D.C. National Guard from any limit resilience in African American youth. Re- OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD other National Guard. The D.C. National silience is a dynamic, multidimensional prac- RETENTION AND COLLEGE AC- Guard is specially and specifically trained to tice involving the interaction between individ- CESS ACT meet its unique mission. uals and their environments within the context I urge my colleagues to support this bill. HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON of family, peers, school, community, and soci- f ety, across space and time. OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING ALL SAINTS ACADEMY It is our responsibility to acknowledge and 8TH GRADE VOLLEYBALL TEAM understand the legacy of cultural oppression Thursday, May 7, 2009 and racial discrimination that African American Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I told the HON. JOHN SHIMKUS youth encounter in their daily lives. In doing District of Columbia National Guard 547th OF ILLINOIS so, we must also research how these compo- Transportation Company, who deployed to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nents relate to resilience and various types of Iraq last Saturday, that I would introduce two behavioral and emotional development. Thursday, May 7, 2009 D.C. National Guard bills this week in their Madam Speaker, this resolution is not only honor. Therefore, today I first introduce the Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today meant to seek support in this matter but also District of Columbia National Guard Retention to honor an exceptional group of young ladies to generate awareness and collaboration to- and College Access Act, NGRCA, a bill to per- from Breese, Illinois. ward resilience research among federal agen- manently authorize funding for a program to The All Saints Academy 8th grade girls cies and non-governmental organizations, provide grants for secondary education tuition volleyball team dominated this year’s Southern such as the American Psychological Associa- to the members of the D.C. National Guard. I Illinois Junior High School Athletic Associa- tion, American Academy of Child and Adoles- also introduce the District of Columbia Execu- tion’s Class M state tournament, sweeping cent Psychiatry, Bazelon Center for Mental tive National Guard Act to give the mayor of through the field to earn the state title. Com- Health Law, and Mental Health America which the District of Columbia authority to call the peting against some of the top teams in have endorsed this resolution. D.C. National Guard for assistance with nat- Southern Illinois, the ASA team won all three ural disasters and non-security civil disturb- matches in straight sets, knocking off Goreville It is vital that we provide the necessary tools ances. NGRCA authorizes an education incen- in the quarterfinals and Pinckneyville in the to chart a path to success for African Amer- tive program, recommended by former Major semifinals, then defeating St. Peter/Paul for ican youth. General David Wherley and his successor, the title. The trophy-clinching win was a thrill- I urge my colleagues to join with me in tak- Major General Errol Schwartz, who suggested ing 25–22 squeaker. ing a stand against the cultural oppression that education grants would be useful in stem- I want to congratulate Coaches Tricia Winter and racial discrimination that many African ming the troublesome loss of members of the and Don Bedard on this year’s success. I es- American youth encounter by supporting this D.C. Guard to units, in part, because sur- pecially want to congratulate the members of resolution.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07MY8.010 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 CONGRATULATING TOKAY HIGH for our 28-year-old ‘‘hometown hero’’. I am variety of different organizations within the In- SCHOOL FOR COMPETING IN THE honored to pay tribute to this very impressive stitute from 1972 until 1999, when he was se- NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL young man who Milwaukee views as their very lected to be the first Director of the newly cre- own ‘‘idol’’. Go, Danny go! ated Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. HON. JERRY McNERNEY f Dr. Vande Woude’s commitment to public OF CALIFORNIA MINORITY BUSINESS ENHANCE- service and improving the health of our nation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MENT ACT OF 2009 SUMMARY has undoubtedly saved many lives. His pio- Thursday, May 7, 2009 neering research has resulted in new ways to HON. BOBBY L. RUSH isolate and detect cancer cells, and has led to Mr. MCNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I am earlier treatments and interventions. By identi- proud to rise today to congratulate the stu- OF ILLINOIS fying the biological players in cancer tumor dents of Tokay High School in Lodi, California IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES progression and development, Dr. Vande for winning their regional Science Bowl com- Thursday, May 7, 2009 Woude and his laboratory have supported ex- petition, hosted by the Department of Energy. pansive research which was instrumental in The National Science Bowl is an academic Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, this bill breaks finding innovative strategies to eliminate harm- competition testing students’ skills in math and down barriers for minority and women owned ful cancer cell precursors. science. Only 67 high schools from around the businesses through amending the Small Busi- Dr. Vande Woude has made significant and country are asked to participate in this Na- ness Act to allow for greater participation in substantial contributions to our current under- tional Competition, and Tokay students re- the Disadvantaged Business Assistance Pro- standing of the molecular biology of cancer. cently visited Washington, DC to compete in gram. It also makes permanent increases His career is peppered with many firsts, in- the national finals. Math, science, and tech- made by the Obama Administration for greater cluding being the first to use recombinant DNA nology education are keys to our nation’s fu- bonding capacity in addition to broadening the technology to isolate certain retroviruses and ture, and Tokay’s students are an example of definition of contract bundling so that small compare their behavior. He was first to deter- excellence. I hope that Tokay students con- businesses are better able to compete for and mine the structure and sequence of DNA pre- tinue to participate in the National Science secure government contracts. cursors which are instrumental in the develop- Bowl and that I see them back next year. Modify the Small Business Administration’s ment of cancer. His laboratory was first to f Disadvantaged Business Program to allow for demonstrate that a normal gene could be acti- greater minority participation by raising the vated as a cancerous gene. These findings IN TRIBUTE TO DANNY GOKEY personal net worth (PNW) threshold and al- provided a foundation for the search for active lowing firms to complete a federal contract be- cancerous cells (oncogenes) in tumors. His HON. GWEN MOORE fore losing the assistance of the program. long-term studies of the mos oncogene have Make permanent the Surety Bonding Guar- led to the first direct connection between can- OF WISCONSIN antee increase made in H.R. 1. cer cells and the enzymes which regulate cell IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Broaden the definition of contract bundling cycles. Equally important was his discovery of Thursday, May 7, 2009 to force contracting officers to break up large the human met oncogene that is involved in a Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speak- contracts to increase small business participa- wide range of cancers and has become a er, I rise today to recognize Mr. Danny Gokey, tion. leading candidate for new cancer therapies. who over the past several months has cap- Increase oversight of contract bundling by There are numerous other advancements tured the hearts and minds of the entire coun- allowing the SBA Administrator to review any which have emerged from Dr. Vande Woude’s try—especially the people of the Fourth Con- contract they feel is bundling and allow OMB laboratory, all of which have helped the gressional District of Wisconsin. to mediate any disputes between parties. healthcare community understand how to combat cancerous tumors and address their Danny’s quest to be the next ‘‘American Increase the government wide small busi- risks even prior to development. Idol’’ is a love story. In a sense, it is even ness procurement goal to 25%. His efforts have gone beyond personal ex- magical. His wife, Sophia, encouraged him to Prohibit contracting officers from coding a cellence. Over the years, Dr. Vande Woude audition for Idol. Ironically, shortly after his au- minority business in any more than one other has mentored more than 70 postdoctoral fel- dition he suffered the tragic loss of his beau- minority category to make reporting numbers lows, students, and visiting scientists. By in- tiful wife, Sophia, at the age of 27. In memory more accurate. vesting in future generations, he has inspired of his wife, he established Sophia’s Heart f countless researchers, and his legacy will last Foundation, whose mission is to make a posi- far beyond his personally prolific research. tive impact on students’ lives through a Music IN RECOGNITION OF DR. GEORGE VANDE WOUDE Dr. Vande Woude has been honored as an and Arts Program. Musical instruments will be elected Fellow of both the American Academy donated to students that otherwise would be of Arts and Sciences and the National Acad- unable to afford them. The Sophia L. Gokey HON. VERNON J. EHLERS emy of Sciences, and is a recipient of the Na- Scholarship Fund will donate $1,000 scholar- OF MICHIGAN tional Institutes of Health Merit Award, the ships to high school students who face chal- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Robert J. and Claire Pasarow Foundation lenges in pursuing their dreams. In spite of Thursday, May 7, 2009 Award for Cancer Research, and a Lifetime Danny’s loss, he has continued to perform Achievement Award in Technology Transfer courageously and professionally each week Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today from the National Aeronautics and Space Ad- while confronting both physical and mental to honor the achievements of Dr. George ministration. He has also served on advisory challenges presented by this competition. Vande Woude. After a long and successful ca- panels too numerous to name and authored Danny has been singing since childhood. reer in cancer research, Dr. Vande Woude and edited hundreds of research articles and Prior to ‘‘American Idol’’, he served as Praise has recently decided to retire from his admin- other publications. and Worship Director for Faith Builders Inter- istrative post, and I appreciate the opportunity Undoubtedly, ‘‘retirement’’ for Dr. Vande national Ministries, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I to recognize him and his body of work. Woude will be in name only, as he continues have been told that Danny’s favorite quote is Dr. Vande Woude earned his Master of to keep a fierce pace of life and contribute in ‘‘unshakeable faith is faith that has been shak- Science degree and doctorate from Rutgers a variety of ways to the advancement of en’’. He has overcome obstacles, personal University. Early in his career, he served the science and the education of future genera- tragedies and still continues to work toward federal government as a research virologist for tions. He will maintain a role at the Van Andel his dream. His love for the church, family, the United States Department of Agriculture at Institute as a Distinguished Scientific Fellow music and life are an inspiration to all of us. Plum Island Animal Disease Center, and and head of the Laboratory of Molecular On- His musical gifts along with his desire to find shortly after began a long tenure at the Na- cology. Grand Rapids has been blessed by his new hope, after experiencing such loss, is in- tional Institutes of Health. Initially, he joined leadership at the Van Andel Institute, and the spiring. the National Cancer Institute as Head of the world will note and remember his contributions Madam Speaker, in Milwaukee, there is an Human Tumor Studies and Virus Tumor Bio- to science and education for generations to enormous amount of enthusiasm and support chemistry Sections. Thereafter, he served in a come.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.040 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1099 HONORING JACK KEMP sciences through fun experiments and hands- status in 1997 because of his wife’s status as on activities. She has exposed her pupils to a visa lottery winner. SPEECH OF the different cultures around the world through The State Department’s Inspector General HON. RON PAUL music and other extracurricular activities. has even weighed in on the national security OF TEXAS Christi is an accomplished woman who has threat posed by the visa lottery program. Dur- opened her home and her heart to Indianap- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing testimony before the House Committee on olis area families, so that our children are able the Judiciary, the Office of Inspector General Wednesday, May 6, 2009 to grow and learn in a nurturing environment. stated that the Office ‘‘continues to believe Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Res. I applaud her for her dedication to ensuring that the diversity visa program contains signifi- 401, which honors the legacy of former Rep- that the needs of young children are met. cant risks to national security from hostile in- resentative Jack Kemp. I became friends with Madam Speaker and esteemed colleagues, telligence officers, criminals, and terrorists at- Jack when we served together in the House of I urge you to join me in thanking Christi Morse tempting to use the program for entry into the Representatives from 1976 to 1985. Our Gilbert for her ceaseless efforts as an educa- United States as permanent residents.’’ friendship was based on our shared conviction tor and childcare provider. Even if improvements were made to the that low taxes and sound monetary policy are f visa lottery program, nothing would prevent essential to liberty and prosperity. TAIWAN terrorist organizations or foreign intelligence Jack is probably best known for the key role agencies from planting members in the U.S. he played in the ‘‘supply side revolution’’ that by having those members apply for the pro- led to the tax rate reductions of the early HON. VIRGINIA FOXX gram. As long as those individuals do not eighties. However, what I most remember OF NORTH CAROLINA have previous criminal backgrounds, these about Jack was that he was one of the few IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES types of organized efforts would never be de- politicians I have met who understood how fiat Thursday, May 7, 2009 tected, even if significant background checks money harms Americans. Jack was pas- and counter-fraud measures were enacted sionate about reforming monetary policy so Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I am delighted within the program. to learn that the Republic of China (Taiwan) America would again have, as Jack memo- Usually, immigrant visas are issued to for- has now been invited to participate in this rably put it, a ‘‘dollar as good as gold.’’ It was eign nationals that have existing connections year’s World Health Assembly meetings in Ge- largely due to Jack’s efforts that the Repub- with family members lawfully residing in the neva. With the rapid spread of infectious dis- lican Party platform of 1980 endorsed a return United States or with U.S. employers. These eases around the globe, Taiwan should have to the gold standard. Jack’s support was in- types of relationships help ensure that immi- been included in the global health network a strumental in me being named to the U.S. grants entering our country have a stake in long time ago. Also, my best wishes to Presi- Gold Commission in 1982. While I was not al- continuing America’s success and have need- dent Ma Ying-jeou on his first anniversary in ways in total agreement with Jack’s views on ed skills to contribute to our nation’s economy. office this May 20th. monetary policy, I always appreciated his in- However, under the visa lottery program, visas I hope that Taiwan will soon be able to par- terest in the issue. are awarded to immigrants at random without ticipate meaningfully in the activities of all In his later years, Jack was critical of the meeting such criteria. United Nations specialized agencies. Taiwan’s idea that the best way to promote human lib- In addition, the visa lottery program is unfair erty was through an aggressively militaristic international participation will most certainly encourage even faster cross-strait dialogue to immigrants who comply with the United foreign policy. In his 1996 campaign for Vice States’ immigration laws. The visa lottery pro- President, Jack attacked the Clinton Adminis- and permanent peace in the Asia-Pacific re- gion. gram does not expressly prohibit illegal aliens tration’s aggressive foreign policy, famously from applying to receive visas through the pro- quipping that the United States government Madam Speaker, congratulations to the peo- ple of Taiwan and to their president Mr. Ma gram. Thus, the program treats foreign nation- should not ‘‘bomb before breakfast.’’ In my last als that comply with our laws the same as conversation with Jack, he shared with me his Ying-jeou on this important diplomatic break- through. This is Taiwan’s first participation in a those that blatantly violate our laws. In addi- opposition to the Iraq war. tion, most family-sponsored immigrants cur- In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to sup- formal United Nations activity since 1971 when it withdrew from the United Nations. rently face a wait of years to obtain visas, yet port H. Res. 401 and honor the best of Jack the lottery program pushes 50,000 random im- f Kemp’s legacy by working for low taxes, migrants with no particular family ties, job sound money, and a sensible foreign policy. INTRODUCTION OF THE ‘‘SECURITY skills or education ahead of these family and f AND FAIRNESS ENHANCEMENT employer-sponsored immigrants each year HONORING CHRISTI MORSE (SAFE) FOR AMERICA ACT’’ with relatively no wait. This sends the wrong GILBERT message to those who wish to enter our great HON. BOB GOODLATTE country and to the international community as a whole. HON. ANDRE´ CARSON OF VIRGINIA Furthermore, the visa lottery program is OF INDIANA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES wrought with fraud. A report released by the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, May 7, 2009 Center for Immigration Studies states that it is Thursday, May 7, 2009 Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I rise commonplace for foreign nationals to apply for Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I today to introduce the bipartisan ‘‘Security and the lottery program multiple times using many rise today to congratulate Christi Morse Gilbert Fairness Enhancement (SAFE) for America different aliases. In addition, the visa lottery for receiving the National Childcare Provider Act.’’ This much-needed legislation eliminates program has spawned a cottage industry fea- Award. Christi was honored today in the na- the controversial visa lottery program, through turing sponsors in the U.S. who falsely prom- tion’s capital for her unwavering commitment which 50,000 aliens are chosen at random to ise success to applicants in exchange for in providing high quality childcare services to come and live permanently in the United large sums of money. Ill-informed foreign na- needy children. States based on pure luck. The visa lottery tionals are willing to pay top dollar for the As an educator, Christi was keen on under- program threatens national security, results in ‘‘guarantee’’ of lawful permanent resident sta- standing the disparities that existed amongst the unfair administration of our nation’s immi- tus in the U.S. young children who struggled when they gration laws, and encourages a cottage indus- The State Department’s Office of Inspector began grade school. To address this problem, try for fraudulent opportunists. General confirms these allegations of wide- she quit her job as an elementary school Because winners of the visa lottery are cho- spread fraud in a September 2003 report. teacher to become a childcare services pro- sen at random, the visa lottery program pre- Specifically, the report states that the visa lot- vider for children under the age of five. Her sents a serious national security threat. A per- tery program is ‘‘subject to widespread abuse’’ work focuses on preparing her charges with fect example of the system gone awry is the and that ‘‘identity fraud is endemic, and fraud- the cognitive, social, emotional and physical case of Hesham Mohamed Ali Hedayet, the ulent documents are commonplace.’’ Further- skills that they need to be productive. Egyptian national who killed two and wounded more, the report also reveals that the State In order to achieve this goal, Christi has de- three during a shooting spree at Los Angeles Department found that 364,000 duplicate ap- signed a dynamic curriculum that introduces International Airport in July of 2002. He was plications were detected in the 2003 visa lot- children to the basics of mathematics and the allowed to apply for lawful permanent resident tery alone.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.044 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 In addition, the visa lottery program is by its CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNI- HONORING DANIEL AND KIM very nature discriminatory. The complex for- VERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF IRWIN FOR THEIR WORK WITH mula for assigning visas under the program OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS THE FAISON SCHOOL—AUTISM arbitrarily disqualifies natives from countries CENTER OF VIRGINIA that send more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. within a five-year period, which excludes HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI HON. ERIC CANTOR nationals from countries such as Mexico, Can- OF ILLINOIS OF VIRGINIA ada, China and others. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The visa lottery program represents what is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES wrong with our country’s immigration system. Thursday, May 7, 2009 Thursday, May 7, 2009 My legislation would eliminate the visa lottery Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today program. The removal of this controversial Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Daniel and Kim Irwin and their work program will help ensure our nation’s security, to honor the Village of Oak Lawn, Illinois as it with the Faison School—Autism Center of Vir- make the administration of our immigration celebrates its centennial. Throughout its his- ginia. laws more consistent and fair, and help re- tory, the Village of Oak Lawn has strived to This month Mr. and Mrs. Irwin were honored duce immigration fraud and opportunism. embody the best qualities of its residents, and with a CARE Award honoring the significant f in doing so has served commendably as a contributions they have made in the education of America’s youth. Their dedication to chil- S. 386, THE FRAUD ENFORCEMENT great place to work, shop, raise a family, and retire. dren with autism and to the Faison School can AND RECOVERY ACT OF 2009 be seen in their ongoing professional growth Beginning with its first settler in 1842, the and the tremendous success of their students. HON. JOHN S. TANNER Village of Oak Lawn has prospered through Dan and Kim both started at the Faison the years. Symbolic of the ever-expanding OF TENNESSEE School over 5 years ago. During this time they United States, 1881 saw the laying of the rail- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES both obtained teacher certifications, board cer- road tracks that connected the area to the Thursday, May 7, 2009 tifications in behavior analysis, and even mas- world. The railroad and the subsequent rail- ter’s degrees. Over the course of this time Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in way stations, telegraph office, and post office they became engaged, then married, and are support of S. 386, the Fraud Enforcement and laid the groundwork for a population that grew now expecting their first child. Recovery Act of 2009, particularly language to include churches, schools, and 300 resi- The Irwins have been an integral part of the strengthening the provisions of the False dents by the early 1900’s. Oak Lawn’s grow- school’s growth and have helped to teach Claims Act. At a time when the U.S. Govern- ing population, coupled with concerns about many children with autism to become success- ment is spending hundreds of billions of dol- autonomy from the City of Chicago and the ful learners, better communicators, and inde- lars to jump start our faltering economy, we promise of a much-desired gas pipe, moti- pendent thinkers. In fact, the work they are need to reassure the American people that we vated the Village to incorporate in 1909. The doing goes a long way in making a difference will have a ‘‘zero tolerance’’ approach to fraud. hard work of the men and women of Oak in the lives of children with autism. It is important that we honor taxpayer dollars Lawn led to the development of a fire depart- Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in as if they were our own. ment, library, park district and more schools congratulating the Irwins and wishing them all In January of this year, the House passed by the mid 1940’s. Village population boomed the best in their future. to 27,000 by the 1960’s, only to have Oak H. Res. 40, which I sponsored. This resolu- f tion, now part of the House rules, requires Lawn rocked by a major tornado in 1967. each House committee to conduct at least Undeterred by that devastating event, Oak INTRODUCTION OF THE VETERANS three hearings a year on the topic of waste, Lawn grew to its current size of 57,000 by the HOME LOAN IMPROVEMENT ACT fraud, abuse and mismanagement in the 1970’s. OF 2009 agencies under the committee’s jurisdiction. It Today, the Village of Oak Lawn is a suc- puts in place a systematic mechanism for reg- cessful, bustling community well-positioned to HON. EARL BLUMENAUER ular oversight. continue its prosperity in the 21st century. The OF OREGON S. 386 complements and parallels the intent Village employs 400 people in an official ca- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of H. Res. 40, with key provisions to bolster pacity and boasts a fantastic parks system, a Thursday, May 7, 2009 the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act state of the art library, and over 300 acres of was first signed into law in 1863, as President parks and recreational facilities. Oak Lawn’s Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today Lincoln sought to combat fraud against the excellent education system lays the ground- I am introducing the bipartisan ‘‘Veterans United States during the Civil War. It allows work for the success and development of fu- Home Loan Improvement Act of 2009’’ along private individuals to bring lawsuits on behalf ture generations, boasting many excellent with Reps. BOB FILNER (CA), SUSAN DAVIS of the United States, in order to recover funds public schools and five Catholic grammar (CA), KURT SCHRADER (OR), GREG WALDEN that were wrongfully obtained through fraud. In schools. Advocate Christ Medical Center and (OR) PETER DEFAZIO (OR), DAVID WU (OR), 1986, the statute was amended. Hope Children’s Hospital are located in Oak RON KIND (WI), STEVE KAGEN (WI), AL GREEN In the 20-plus years since the False Claims Lawn, providing some of the most acclaimed (TX), and DON YOUNG (AK). Together we rep- Act was last amended, however, many federal pediatrics, cardiology, surgical services, oncol- resent each of the states that would benefit courts around the country have misinterpreted ogy, women’s services and emergency medi- from an expansion of the Qualified Veterans and weakened the statute, making it more dif- cine in the area. And the Children’s Museum Mortgage Bond program. ficult for private citizens and the government in Oak Lawn serves countless children from This program was originally created after to expose and prosecute fraud against the across the region who come to learn, grow, World War II to promote homeownership United States. Today, as our country is in the and have fun. among our returning troops. Together, our midst of two wars and faces the worst eco- states offer veterans mortgage loans at more nomic crisis that most of us have ever lived From the first resident in 1842 to the current favorable interest rates as a reward for their through, fraud against the government is again 57,000 residents, citizens of the Village of Oak service to our nation. As part of a comprehen- on the rise; the time has come to strengthen Lawn have shown grit, determination, and a sive review of veterans’ services in the state the False Claims Act once more. S. 386 does commitment to excellence and have continued of Oregon, the Oregon Governor’s Veterans just that. to grow a vibrant community in suburban Cook Task Force recommended a further expansion Mr. Speaker, the False Claims Act is the County. of this highly effective program. Federal Government’s most effective tool to I am proud to have in the 3rd District of Illi- This Act is based on one particularly timely combat fraud. At a time when additional gov- nois such a strong example of what makes the recommendation to expand eligibility for our ernment funds are exposed to potential fraud, United States great. May these first one hun- state programs and bring affordable mort- the American taxpayers need to be assured dred years be only the beginning. I ask my gages to an additional 264,000 veterans. I that their money is not being mismanaged. colleagues to rise with me to recognize the look forward to continuing to work on behalf of I urge my colleagues to support this bill and history and achievements of the residents of Oregon and the nation’s veterans to ensure reaffirm their commitment to the American tax- Oak Lawn as the Village celebrates its centen- that we provide the best possible quality of payers. nial anniversary. care and service.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.047 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1101 TUCSON CITIZEN manager and physical scientist for the Army determined by well-established used car pric- Corps of Engineers. Mr. Cook came to the ing guides, as long as the FMV was under HON. RAU´ L M. GRIJALVA House of Representatives in 1998, where he $5000. However, there was concern that some OF ARIZONA served as Science Advisor and Counsel for taxpayers were gaming the system by claim- ing excessive deductions, and that there was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the House Energy and Commerce Committee and then as a Professional Staff Member, the insufficient IRS oversight to detect or police Thursday, May 7, 2009 Majority and then the Minority Clerk for the these problems. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise to House Energy and Water Development Sub- In its FY2005 budget request, the Adminis- pay tribute to the Tucson Citizen which is clos- committee on Appropriations, where I had the tration proposed reforming the rules governing ing after 138 years. honor of working closely with him. vehicle donations by allowing a deduction only The Arizona Citizen was founded in 1870, As clerk for the Subcommittee, Mr. Cook if the taxpayer obtained a qualified appraisal by John Wasson, a newspaper man from Cali- oversaw appropriations for the Department of for the vehicle. However, the Congress re- fornia, with help from Richard McCormick, the Energy, the Civil Works programs of the Army jected that proposal and went much further. territory’s governor and later territorial dele- Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclama- The tax code changes included in the Amer- gate to Congress. In 1976, Gannett Co., Inc. tion, as well as a number of related agencies. ican Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (P.L. 108–357) bought the newspaper and changed its name In this role, he oversaw appropriations and limited deductions over $500 to the actual pro- from the Arizona Citizen to the Tucson Citizen. conducted oversight of these programs and ceeds of sale of the vehicle by the charity— The closure of the Tucson Citizen is a great worked diligently to uphold the interest of the regardless of appraised value. Only if the loss for the community of Southern Arizona. taxpayer to ensure that our taxpayer dollars charity actually keeps and uses the car (rather As the state’s oldest newspaper, the Tucson were spent efficiently and effectively. I was a than sells it for the resulting revenue) can the Citizen has been a part of Arizona’s history. frequent beneficiary of his guidance and ex- donor deduct its FMV. During its existence, the Citizen reported on pertise, as I know were the Chairman, Rank- The rules took effect for tax year 2005. Arizona’s biggest stories, among them the ing Member and the other members of the Today, a taxpayer with an older used car in 1881 gunfight at the OK Corral and the 1934 Subcommittee. poor condition can call many charities nation- arrest of bank robber John Dillinger. Madam Speaker, I believe that we owe wide to have the vehicle towed at no cost and The Tucson Citizen has been a place that much of our effectiveness as Members to the then claim a $500 deduction. However, a tax- Tucsonans turned to for local news. The sto- hard work and dedication of the staff. Kevin payer with a newer-model car in good condi- ries published reflected the diverse community Cook exemplifies the highest ideals of public tion has no idea what deduction will be al- and the stories that impacted multiple genera- service and served the Committee and the lowed until the vehicle is actually sold. That sale may not occur until months later, forcing tions. federal government with honor, integrity and the donor to roll the dice on the final deduction Losing the Tucson Citizen is losing a piece enthusiasm. We will miss his expertise and amount. of history and losing a bit of family. counsel greatly—his knowledge and under- During congressional debate, proponents ar- For the past several decades, the Tucson standing of the issues at hand will be difficult gued that the changes would not add new bur- Citizen has been a family affair. Many a re- to match. Thank you, Kevin, for your many dens on vehicle donors or adversely impact porter, assignment editor and publisher years of service to the federal government, the charitable giving. To the contrary, evidence worked in the same newsroom as their pre- United States Congress and our nation. abounds that the changes have seriously dis- vious relatives. This newspaper worked hard f rupted charitable giving and forced many char- to connect our present with our past and an- RESTORE BALANCE TO TAX ities to curtail services to low-income bene- other voice will be lost when the doors finally ficiaries. shut forever. TREATMENT OF CHARITABLE VEHICLE DONATIONS Two recent government reports have con- From the beginning, there have been indi- cluded that charitable vehicle donations have viduals dedicated to keeping the public in- dropped significantly since federal tax law formed, communities educated, and discourse HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT changed four years ago. In March 2008, a alive and well. Throughout its existence, the OF MASSACHUSETTS Government Accountability Office (GAO) study Tucson Citizen has worked to provide our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of 10 national charities over the two years community with accurate information. A desire Thursday, May 7, 2009 after the law changed found that vehicle dona- for good journalism is vital to fostering a more tions had dropped by 39 percent and that the Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, in 2004, enlightened public. I ask to recognize the Tuc- resulting charitable revenues decreased by 25 the Congress enacted changes in the federal son Citizen for its contribution to Southern Ari- percent. In May 2008, the Internal Revenue tax code intended to address real and per- zona. Service documented that the number of vehi- ceived abuses related to charitable donations f cles donated in 2005, the first year after the of vehicles. Those changes, while well-in- TRIBUTE TO MR. KEVIN COOK rules changed, decreased by 67 percent and tended, have had unanticipated and serious that their value fell by over 80 percent. consequences. Over the last four years, chari- To feel informed enough to decide whether HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON table vehicle donations have plummeted. The to donate a vehicle, taxpayers need a reason- OF IDAHO steep decrease in revenue has forced many able degree of certainty about the resulting IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES charities—in my state and across the coun- deduction. Otherwise, alternatives such as a try—to reduce services to their beneficiaries. Thursday, May 7, 2009 private sale or dealer trade-in become more The adverse impact on charities is espe- attractive. This is clearly not what the Con- Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today cially alarming in the context of the recession gress intended. to pay tribute to Mr. Kevin Cook, former Clerk currently gripping the nation. The economic The objective of the original 1986 car dona- of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on downturn has exacerbated demand for chari- tion provision in the federal tax code was to Energy and Water Development, who recently table services. But the changes enacted in encourage charitable donations and to help retired after ten years of honorable service for 2004 are strangling the charitable contribu- charities develop new ways to generate con- the U.S. Congress and over thirty years of tions on which those services depend. tributions. The 2004 amendments have under- service with the federal government. During I have introduced legislation to refine those mined that goal without improving IRS en- my time serving as a Member of this Sub- changes in ways that restore better balance to forcement. As a result, charities and their committee. I had the distinct pleasure of work- this provision of the tax code and fulfill the beneficiaries are suffering. ing with Mr. Cook and benefiting from his original intent of Congress: to promote chari- The change has affected not only the num- knowledge and counsel on budgetary, policy table donations. Every car and truck donated ber of donations, but also the quality of do- and oversight matters. to charity, moreover, would help stimulate nated vehicles. News articles from across the Mr. Cook devoted his career to serving in sales of new automobiles—at a fraction of the country reflect plummeting donation rates and the federal government and spent almost per-transaction cost of any auto bailout pro- the precipitous decline in revenue of non-profit three decades working for various federal posal. community organizations. The news coverage agencies and for Congress. Mr. Cook started Before 2005, a taxpayer could deduct the itself has exacerbated the problem. Potential his career as a geologist for the U.S. Forest fair market value (FMV) of vehicles donated to donors concerned about the changes are dis- Service before spending over 20 years as a charity. Under Section 170 of Title 26 of the couraged further by the perception of the new hydrologist, water resources planner, project U.S. Code, a donor could claim the FMV as burdens associated with the amended rules.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.049 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 Charities that had operated successful vehi- ‘‘(I) a qualified appraisal as defined in (E) Tanimura, known to all as Johnny, recently cle donation programs, either independently or of paragraph (11) of this section, passed away at the age of eighty-eight. He though third-party fundraisers, have been hit ‘‘(II) a statement that the deductible was a farmer’s farmer. As one of the founders amount may not exceed the appraised value hard. Those unable to cover overhead costs of the vehicle, and of the Tanimura & Antle produce company, he have eliminated vehicle donation programs ‘‘(III) if the organization sells the vehicle helped build it into the nation’s largest private and resolved to forego the resulting revenue without any significant intervening use or lettuce producer. So while you may have stream. It appears that no charities have initi- material improvement a certification that never heard of Johnny Tanimura, I can guar- ated or expanded vehicle donation programs the vehicle was sold in an arm’s length antee that every member of this House has over the past two years. transaction between unrelated parties. eaten something that Johnny and his family Contrary to reassurances offered during the ‘‘(C) CONTEMPORANEOUS.—For purposes of grew. As an integral part of the Salinas Val- congressional debate, the tax law changes subparagraph (A), an acknowledgement shall ley’s agricultural and cultural fabric, he will be constituted a classic example of the baby be considered to be contemporaneous if the donee organization provides it within 30 days missed tremendously. However, the legacy being thrown out with the bathwater. This of the contribution of the qualified vehicle. that he planted and nurtured will produce a overreach has had serious ramifications for ‘‘(D) INFORMATION TO SECRETARY.—A donee crop for generations to come. social services provided by non-profit groups organization required to provide an acknowl- Born November 21, 1920 in San Juan across the country. Modest tax incentives are edgement under this paragraph shall provide Bautista, California to Eijiro Kimoto and Yukino critical to sustaining charitable contributions, to the Secretary the information contained Tanimura, he was the sixth of 13 children in including in-kind gifts. The decline in vehicle in the acknowledgement. Such information a farming family. Johnny graduated from Sali- donations since 2004 could be addressed by shall be provided at such time and in such nas High School and served in the Army as a manner as the Secretary may prescribe. minor legislative refinements that would also guard in Germany, while his family was in- ‘‘(E) QUALIFIED VEHICLE.—For purposes of address potential abuses and buttress IRS en- this paragraph, the term ‘qualified vehicle’ terned in Poston, Arizona, during World War forcement. means any— II. Following are the text and technical analysis ‘‘(i) motor vehicle manufactured primarily After relocating to Gilroy, Johnny along with of my proposed legislation, which I view as a for use on public streets, roads, and high- his siblings rebuilt their living in the farming starting point for new congressional debate on ways, business with harvesting jobs. Through hard this important issue. ‘‘(ii) boat, or work, Johnny, his brothers and their families A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of ‘‘(iii) airplane. commenced a farming enterprise that grew 1986 to promote charitable donations of Such term shall not include any property from the seeds of love, respect and coopera- qualified vehicles. which is described in section 1221(a)(1). tion. The Tanimura family created ties with Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(F) REGULATIONS OR OTHER GUIDANCE.— The Secretary shall prescribe such regula- Bud Antle and his family in 1948, and the two resentatives of the United States of America in families jointly established the formation of Congress assembled, tions or other guidance as may be necessary Tanimura & Antle in 1982, a successful and SECTION 1. TREATMENT OF QUALIFIED VEHICLE to carry out the purposes of this paragraph.’’ DONATIONS. (b) PENALTY FOR FRAUDULENT ACKNOWL- dynamic family farming enterprise in the Sali- (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph 12 of sub- EDGMENTS.— nas Valley. section (f) of section 170 of title 26 (relating (1) IN GENERAL.—Part I of subchapter B of His dedication to the lettuce farming was to disallowance of deduction in certain cases chapter 68 (relating to assessable penalties), tireless, as he worked throughout his life with- and special rules), as amended by this Act, is as amended by this Act, is amended by in- out ever retiring. He and his brothers were an serting after section 6719 the following new amended to read as follows: ever present sight in their ubiquitous white ‘‘(12) CONTRIBUTIONS OF USED MOTOR VEHI- section: pickup inspecting and tending to their various CLES, BOATS, AND AIRPLANES.— ‘‘SEC. 6720. FRAUDULENT ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a con- WITH RESPECT TO DONATIONS OF ranches up and down the Salinas Valley. Even tribution of a qualified vehicle paragraph (8) MOTOR VEHICLES, BOATS, AND AIR- when he was unable to get around without a shall not apply and no deduction shall be al- PLANES. walker or wheelchair, he had someone take lowed under subsection (a) for such contribu- ‘‘Any donee organization required under him into the fields multiple days a week to tion unless the taxpayer substantiates the section 170(f)(12)(A) to furnish a contempora- make sure the farming went smoothly. contribution by a contemporaneous written neous written acknowledgment to a donor which knowingly furnishes a false or fraudu- He is survived by his wife, Sakako (Sachi); acknowledgement of the contribution by the daughters Jeannie, Susan and June donee organization that meets the require- lent acknowledgment, or which knowingly ments of subparagraph (B) and includes the fails to furnish such acknowledgment in the Tanimura; grandchildren Brian Cobb and Jen- acknowledgement with the taxpayer’s return manner, at the time, and showing the infor- nifer Caro; great grandchildren Desiree and of tax which includes the deduction. mation required under section 170(f)(12), or Mateo Caro, Draven Cobb, Jake Esqueda and ‘‘(B) CONTENT OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.—An regulations prescribed thereunder, shall for MacKenzie Wright; brothers and sisters-in-law, acknowledgement meets the requirements of each such act, or for each such failure, be George and Masaye Tanimura, and Tommy this subparagraph if it includes the following subject to a penalty equal to— and Hisako Tanimura; sister-in-law, Fumiko ‘‘(1) the product of the highest rate of tax information: Tanimura, wife of his late brother Charles ‘‘(i) The name and taxpayer identification specified in section 1 and the claimed value number of the donor. of the vehicle, or (Charlie); and sisters Alice Sato, Rose Yuki ‘‘(ii) The vehicle identification number or ‘‘(2) $5,000.’’ and Betty Furisho. similar number. (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of Madam Speaker, Johnny Tanimura’s life ‘‘(iii) In the case of a qualified vehicle that sections for part I of subchapter B of chapter was filled with impactful accomplishments. He is not sold by the organization 68, as amended by this Act, is amended by in- leaves behind a footprint on the agricultural ‘‘(I) a certification of the intended use or serting after the item relating to section 6719 business of the Salinas Valley through hard material improvement of the vehicle and the the following new item: work and a loving and dedicated heart, and intended duration of such use, and ‘‘Sec. 6720. Fraudulent acknowledgments with re- ‘‘(II) a certification that the vehicle would spect to donations of motor vehicles, touched the lives of those around him. I am not be transferred in exchange for money, boats, and airplanes.’’. certain I speak for the entire House when I ex- other property, or services before completion (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments tend our heartfelt sympathy to his family, of such use or improvement, and made by this section shall apply to contribu- friends and colleagues. ‘‘(iv) In the case of any qualified vehicle tions made after December 31, 2006. the claimed value of which does not exceed f f $2500— PERSONAL EXPLANATION ‘‘(I) the fair market value of the vehicle as IN HONOR OF JOHN TSUKASA determine in accordance with regulations TANIMURA prescribed by the Secretary, HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND ‘‘(II) a statement that the deductible OF GEORGIA amount may not exceed the fair market HON. SAM FARR IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES value of the vehicle, and OF CALIFORNIA ‘‘(III) if the organization sells the vehicle Thursday, May 7, 2009 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES without any significant intervening use or Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, material improvement a certification that Thursday, May 7, 2009 the vehicle was sold in an arm’s length on May 4, 2009 I stayed at home due to an transaction between unrelated parties. Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ongoing medical condition. As a result, I ‘‘(v) In the case of any qualified vehicle the honor the passing of a great American that missed two votes. Had I been present, I would claimed value of which exceeds $2500— you may have never heard of. John Tsukasa have voted the following:

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07MY8.014 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1103 ‘‘Yea’’ on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Since joining the Bartlett Police Department served on President Bush’s Special Com- Pass H. Res 230, a bill Recognizing the his- in 1998, Detective Swindol has made an im- mittee on Mental Health. torical significance of the Mexican holiday of mediate impact in a police force through his Despite remarkable talents and powerful Cinco de Mayo (Rollcall No. 229); and professionalism and loyalty to the Bartlett friends, Corrine never lost touch with her com- ‘‘Yea’’ on Motion to Suspend the Rules and community. It is through Detective Swindol’s munity or shrank from the rigors of public Pass H. Con. Res 111, a bill Recognizing the chosen career path that is a testament of the service. The phone number to her family’s 61st anniversary of the Independence of the values that were instilled in him by his parents Pittsfield home was listed publicly, and, during State of Israel (Rollcall No. 230). and family members. Detective Swindol dis- the three decades her husband served in Con- f plays his leadership that is expected during in- gress, she fielded calls from constituents and vestigations for illegal sales, distribution of often followed up on requests herself. She ON THE ENDORSEMENT OF ‘‘ONE narcotics as well as other substances. was an active campaigner, regularly putting in SECOND AFTER’’ BY WILLIAM R. On April 1, 2007, Detective Swindol was long days on the campaign trail, and a favorite FORSTCHEN promoted and began utilizing his talents on with voters, who appreciated her practicality the Bartlett Police Department’s Narcotic Unit. and command of the issues. After her hus- HON. ROSCOE G. BARTLETT Detective Swindol has displayed his ability to band’s death in 1991, she dedicated herself to OF MARYLAND adapt, overcome obstacles, and thrive under preserving his extensive and important legacy. Away from the public eye, Corrine was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pressure. His dedication and diligent work with known to be a loving mother and a woman of Thursday, May 7, 2009 the unit even led to the seizure of $62,000.00 cash as well as the suspect. Detective great faith. She was also a life-long Boston Mr. BARTLETT. Madam Speaker, I rise Swindol was an integral part in this investiga- Red Sox fan and reportedly was elated to see today to bring up the book One Second After, tion, which deserves the credit for one of the her team finally reverse the ‘‘Curse of Bam- which was written by historian and novelist largest cash seizures in the department’s his- bino’’ by sweeping the World Series in 2004. William R. Forstchen. It lays out a fact-based tory. I can proudly say that all of this hard Corrine Conte’s strength, warmth and charm were legendary. The friends she made and scenario of what life would be like after an work paid off. I commend Detective Swindol the people she touched throughout her re- EMP attack. I think that the American people for his exemplary example of dedication and markable life will miss her dearly. should read this book. It tells the story of a service. I have no doubt that Detective ballistic missile EMP attack on our country. Swindol’s hard work has improved the lives of f The weapon was launched from a ship off our everyone that calls the City of Bartlett their CREDIT CARDHOLDERS’ BILL OF shore, and then the ship was sunk so that home. RIGHTS ACT OF 2009 there were no fingerprints. It was launched Please join me in honoring Jeffrey Swindol about 300 miles high over Nebraska, and it and wishing him and his family the best on SPEECH OF shut down our infrastructure country-wide. this well-deserved award. HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD This book is a realistic assessment of what a f OF CALIFORNIA really robust EMP lay-down could do to our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES country. IN MEMORIAM: CORRINE CONTE As a scientist and engineer now serving my Wednesday, April 29, 2009 17th year on the House Armed Services Com- HON. JOHN W. OLVER The House in Committee of the Whole mittee, I have studied the threat of EMP with OF MASSACHUSETTS House on the State of the Union had under consideration of the bill (H.R. 627) to amend the world’s experts and it is real. I find it very IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES disturbing that EMP is well understood and its the Truth in Lending Act to establish fair Thursday, May 7, 2009 and transparent practices relating to the ex- capability is actively pursued by America’s po- tension of credit under an open end con- tential foes, but it is virtually unknown to the Mr. OLVER. Madam Speaker, I rise to sumer credit plan, and for other purposes: honor the life of Corrine Louise Conte, a be- American public. Imagine a world where the Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Chair, I rise in loved neighbor and community member in only person you could talk to is the person support of H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders’ western Massachusetts and Washington, DC. next to you, the only way you could go any- Bill of Rights. I am very pleased that leader- Corrine was a woman of many talents. A where is to walk and the electronic grid is de- ship has brought this important consumer pro- native of Pittsfield, she was a star swimmer at stroyed. This is only the beginning of the im- tection legislation to the floor today. pact from an EMP attack. Pittsfield High School, and she later became As we all know, having a credit card ac- Glen Reynolds, who is a law professor at an accomplished pilot. Once, while flying near count is essential to building the credit history the University of Tennessee, a contributing her home, her plane’s engine failed, but she needed to buy a home or obtain a loan. Given editor at Popular Mechanics, and the author of steered the descending plane into an open the necessity of having good credit, I am very various law review articles, writes as the editor field and escaped with only a fractured rib, an concerned that in recent years, credit card of Instapundit.com how much he enjoyed the injury she dismissed as trifling. companies have established policies which re- book and how he hopes that this book will During World War II, Corrine served as a sult in limiting the control that individuals have draw attention to the threat of an EMP. I want nurse in the Navy, where she met her future over their financial decisions. This inappro- to take this opportunity to share it with all of husband, the late, great Congressman Silvio priate level of control has serious implications my colleagues. O. Conte. The couple married after the war, for people’s lives and their financial security. ‘‘So I finished William Forstchen One Sec- and Corrine continued to serve as a nurse One common practice is that a credit card ond After, and it’s pretty good—sort of an while raising their four children. When Silvio company will raise interest rates without warn- Alas, Babylon for the 21st Century. Forstchen was elected to the House of Representatives, ing. When a credit card holder tries to opt out, hopes to attract attention to the danger of an she moved their family to Bethesda, Maryland, they realize they are locked into a plan that EMP attack, and I hope he does. I’m some- where she became a successful real estate differs vastly from what they originally signed what less positive about whether that will agent. up for. These types of abuses against con- produce any actual, useful preparation.’’ Ever-welcoming, Corrine opened her fam- sumers have even more serious implications f ily’s home in Bethesda to ambassadors and in these trying economic times, in that families politicians, regardless of political party. Her may not be able to meet credit obligations that HONORING DETECTIVE JEFFREY gatherings were known for being intimate and were not expected or planned. K. SWINDOL down-to-earth. When a Russian delegation The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights en- once came to dinner, they were surprised to sures that credit cardholders are protected HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN find that Corrine had done all the cooking her- from unfair and confusing credit card gimmicks OF TENNESSEE self that result in their being required to pay more IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES She was a friend to several Presidents, than what they should owe to the credit card meeting each Chief Executive from Dwight Ei- companies. Thursday, May 7, 2009 senhower to George H.W. Bush, and even The bill protects cardholders against arbi- Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, it is a dancing with Lyndon Johnson at his inaugural trary interest rate increases, empowers them privilege to rise today to honor Detective Jef- ball. True to form, she made all of her White to set limits on their credit and requires card frey Swindol for being selected as the Bartlett House gowns herself, working from a sewing companies to fairly credit and allocate pay- Police Department’s 2008 Officer of the Year. table in her basement. In the late 1980s, she ments. It also prohibits charging fees just to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.051 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 pay a bill by phone or issuing credits cards to TRIBUTE TO TYLER CLARY the OSCE region. Vibrant independent media minors. are an essential element of any democracy. These new, common-sense protections will HON. KEN CALVERT Leaders the world over who are determined to empower consumers and prevent the credit OF CALIFORNIA remain in office by any means necessary un- card industry from continuing to reap exces- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES derstand perfectly the power of the press. That is precisely why they and their associates sive profits from often unsuspecting cus- Thursday, May 7, 2009 tomers. strive so vigorously to control the media. In- Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today deed, there are a variety of means commonly I ask my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this to honor and pay tribute to an individual who used by those attempting to harass or intimi- critical consumer protection measure, and I possesses the talent, athleticism and dedica- date journalists. urge the Senate to act on this measure so that tion of an Olympic athlete. University of Michi- Physical attacks on journalists have become it can be quickly signed into law. gan Sophomore Tyler Clary is turning heads commonplace in many part of the OSCE re- and breaking records in the swimming world; gion along with police raids, spurious court f and he’s ready for the next step—the Olym- cases, arrests, and forcible psychiatric hos- pitalization. In recent days those attacked in- CONGRATULATING SAUNDERS pics. Tyler grew up in Riverside, California, where his parents still reside. Our entire com- cluded Argishti Kivirian, editor of the inde- YACHTWORKS ON ITS 50TH ANNI- pendent news Web site Armenia Today, VERSARY munity is very proud of this young man and his accomplishments. Vyacheslav Yaroshenko, editor of Corruption Tyler graduated from Poly High School in and Crime, a weekly in the southwestern Rus- HON. JO BONNER 2007 where he was a CIF champion in swim- sian city of Rostov-na-Donu, and Anastasia ming. Tyler is now flourishing at the University Akopyan, a young journalist assaulted fol- OF ALABAMA of Michigan. He recently captured his first lowing circulation of an interview she did with IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NCAA title and his time of 3:35.98 broke the an opposition mayoral candidate in the Rus- American Record of 14-time Olympian gold sian city of Sochi. Thursday, May 7, 2009 medalists Michael Phelps by 28 hundredths of The situation in several other OSCE coun- tries remains mixed. While the Belarusian re- Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise a second. Tyler received a congratulatory text gime allowed two independent newspapers to to honor Saunders Yachtworks with facilities in message from Michael Phelps, who Tyler distribute through state-controlled outlets, the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, on trained with at Michigan. The next night Tyler overall media environment remains repressive. its 50th anniversary. captured the 200-yard backstroke title and broke another NCAA record of Olympian gold Independent journalists continue to be har- In 1959, the Saunders Engine & Equipment medalists Ryan Lochte. assed. A new media law entered into force in Company, Inc. was founded by Andrew Saun- Tyler’s coaches are not only impressed by February contains provisions that toughen ders Sr. in Mobile, and today members of the his pure athleticism but by his great attitude. state control over the media as the Belarusian second and third generation represent the ma- A recruiting coach from Cal said that he knew government seeks to maintain a virtual mo- jority of the company’s ownership. The com- Tyler ‘‘was going to be one of the greats.’’ nopoly over the country’s information space, pany’s ‘‘can do’’ attitude has set it apart as a Tyler intends to prove that correct as he sets especially television. In Armenia, the inde- premier marine service provider along the cen- his sights on the 2012 Olympics. He was just pendent A1+ television station, forced off the tral Gulf Coast. shy of making the cut for the 2008 Olympics air by the authorities, remains silent despite a In 1993, Saunders Yachtworks opened as a and Tyler doesn’t intend to let anything get in ruling on the case by the European Court of mechanical service facility in Orange Beach, his way the next time around. He has begun Human Rights nearly a year ago. While the re- and in 2007, Saunders Yachtworks became preparation for this year’s world champion- lease of some imprisoned journalists in Azer- the sole focus of the corporation. This year, ships, which will be held this summer in baijan is a positive development, the authori- the company expanded its operations to Gulf Rome. ties have yet to repeal criminal defamation Shores with the opening of its new corporate Tyler is also a five-time All American Ath- provisions. In Georgia, the government should headquarters and mechanical service shop. lete, the 2009 Swimmer of the Year, the 2009 take decisive action on promised reforms on This new facility features one of the largest Big Ten (Conference) Swimmer of the Year, media liberalization. boat lifts on the central Gulf Coast allowing and holds the University of Michigan’s records In the Balkans, media outlets are commonly Saunders to work on boats up to 115 feet. in the 200 Individual Medley (IM), 400 IM, 200 targeted for harassment and occasional vio- There is no doubt this new expansion will Backstroke and 800 Free Relay. Tyler was the lence. In Serbia, several journalists were re- bring yachters from around the world to Ala- 2006 Fe´de´ration Internationale de Natation portedly attacked earlier this year by a radical bama’s Gulf Coast. (FINA) World Youth Top Male Performer. In group organizing a commemoration of the 10- year anniversary of NATO bombing. Investiga- Throughout its 50 years of operations, the 2007, Tyler was the Silver Medalist in the 200 Backstroke at the Pan American Games. tive media in Kosovo have come under pres- company has received numerous awards and sure for their attempts to expose corruption. accolades. In 1990, Saunders Engine & Madam Speaker, it is a rare honor to be able to speak about an athlete who is ex- Independent media in Montenegro are fre- Equipment was named ‘‘Small Business of the quently the target of trumped-up defamation Year’’ by the Mobile Area Chamber of Com- pected to break records and possibly become a future Olympic champion. Tyler Clary has and libel charges. In Albania, the magazine merce. Earlier this year, Saunders Yachtworks Tema was reportedly forced to cease oper- was named Boatyard of the Year by the Amer- everything it takes and I believe that three years from now I will be on the House floor ations under government pressure, while TV ican Boat Builders and Repairers Association. News 24 was apparently assessed a large fine This award is given to the boatyard that ‘‘dem- congratulating Tyler on a successful return from the 2012 Summer Olympics being hosted for ridiculing another station’s promotion of the onstrates excellence in all facets of business country’s prime minister. This year marks the through commitment to customer service, in London. Tyler exemplifies the best of our fu- ture generations and I look forward to watch- tenth anniversary of the murder of Serbian quality management and positive vendor and journalist and editor, Slavko Curuvija, who tes- employee relations.’’ ing him in the years to come. f tified before the Helsinki Commission shortly Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join before his death, a case which authorities with me in congratulating Saunders FREE MEDIA UNDER PRESSURE IN have yet to resolve. Yachtworks on its 50th anniversary and for THE OSCE REGION Meanwhile, in Kazakhstan, the opposition being recognized as the Boatyard of the Year. weekly Taszharghan has reportedly been I know John Fitzgerald, the company presi- HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS forced to cease publication following the impo- dent, Andrew Saunders Jr., chairman of the OF FLORIDA sition of a $200,000 fine for damaging the board, along with the company employees, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor and dignity of a member of the Kazakh their friends, families, and members of the parliament. According to the Committee to community also join with me in praising Saun- Thursday, May 7, 2009 Protect Journalists, at least half a dozen inde- ders Yachtworks for their many accomplish- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, pendent outlets and their staffers faced more ments and for extending thanks for their con- as Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission I than 60 such defamation lawsuits in 2008 tinued service to the Alabama business com- can attest to the fact that freedom of the press alone, with many involving claims by senior munity and the First Congressional District. is only a cherished dream for many today in government officials.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.055 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1105 Madam Speaker, nearly two decades after new China Market Advocate program at U.S. While an estimated 200 million Chinese the breakup of the U.S.S.R., Soviet-era cen- Export Assistance Centers around the nation. school children are studying our language and sorship survives in places like Uzbekistan and The bill provides assistance to small busi- culture, less than 50,000 American elementary Turkmenistan, which, not coincidentally, ban nesses for China trade missions and author- and secondary students are studying Chinese. all political opposition. izes grants for Chinese business education The goal of the U.S.-China Language En- f programs. gagement Act is to provide our schools with I strongly support the U.S.-China Market En- the resources they need to offer Chinese lan- THE U.S.-CHINA COMPETITIVENESS gagement and Export Promotion Act because guage instruction and cultural studies classes. AGENDA OF 2009 we need innovative programs that support our This important legislation would instruct the small business exports and arm them with the Department of Education to offer competitive HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK tools they need to succeed in China. grants to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to OF ILLINOIS Roughly 200 million students are learning develop and implement innovative Chinese IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES English in China today. By contrast, only language and cultural studies programs. Thursday, May 7, 2009 about 50,000 primary and secondary school LEAs, in collaboration with institutions of students study Chinese in America. Ms. higher education, may use grant funds to carry Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, today I am DAVIS’s bill increases Chinese cultural studies out intensive summer Chinese language in- proud to join my good friend, the gentleman and language acquisition for elementary, high struction, link bilingual Chinese and English from Washington (Mr. LARSEN), in unveiling school and college-age students. Grants speakers with students and conduct virtual the bipartisan U.S.-China Competitiveness would be available to fund university joint ven- cultural exchanges with educational institutions Agenda of 2009. This agenda includes four ture programs, virtual cultural exchanges with in China. legislative priorities to expand America’s influ- Chinese schools and intensive summer lan- This bill is part of a broader legislative pack- ence in China and increase American com- guage instruction programs. age seeking to improve our competitive edge petitiveness in the global marketplace. We have more than just a trade deficit with and relationship with China. As co-chairs of the bipartisan House U.S.- China—we also have a knowledge deficit. Some may view China’s resurgence as a China Working Group, we are working in Con- That is why I strongly support the U.S.-Chi- threat. But today, Madam Speaker, I ask you gress to elevate the sophistication of our de- nese Language Engagement Act. We need to turn China’s rise into an opportunity for bate on U.S.-China issues. The U.S.-China additional funding for domestic Chinese lan- United States citizens. Competitiveness Agenda provides Congress guage programs, educational exchanges and Through careful diplomacy, I believe China with a constructive legislative package to ex- Chinese teacher exchanges to fix this knowl- can become not only a competitor but also a pand U.S. engagement with China while sup- edge imbalance. partner. But we cannot have this dialogue if porting key domestic and foreign policy objec- To create green jobs in America and fight we cannot understand the Chinese people. tives. global climate change, we must expand en- This is why I come before you today: to ask Along with two other Working Group mem- ergy cooperation between the U.S. and China. for your help in ensuring that the lines of com- bers, Congresswoman SUSAN DAVIS (D-Calif.) Mr. ISRAEL’s bill authorizes new grants to fund munication between the United States and and Congressman STEVE ISRAEL (D-N.Y.), we U.S.-China energy and climate change edu- China stay open. Please support the U.S.- are introducing bipartisan legislation to expand cation programs, along with joint research and China Language Engagement Act and help America’s diplomatic infrastructure in China, development of carbon capture, sequestration bridge the language barrier and cross the cul- boost support to small- and medium-sized technology, improved energy efficiency, and tural gap between future generations of Ameri- businesses exporting to the China market, in- renewable energy sources. cans and the Chinese. crease funds for domestic Chinese language In my view, China’s connections to unstable f instruction and build new cooperative energy energy markets like Iran, Sudan and Ven- ties between the U.S. and China. ezuela could set a foreign policy collision CREDIT CARDHOLDERS’ BILL OF The U.S. has one embassy and five con- course with the United States. I strongly sup- RIGHTS ACT OF 2009 sulates in China, leaving more than 200 cities port the U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Act. with a population greater than one million peo- To protect our environment and avoid future SPEECH OF ple with little to no American representation. conflict, we need creative programs to boost Additionally, while 60 percent of U.S. exports HON. MAXINE WATERS U.S.-China energy cooperation. OF CALIFORNIA go to the Asia-Pacific market, the U.S. contrib- I want to thank my colleagues for their hard IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES utes 100 times more dollars to Europe’s Orga- work on this bipartisan agenda. I urge my col- nization for Economic Cooperation and Devel- leagues to cosponsor all four bills and move Wednesday, April 29, 2009 opment than to the Asia Pacific Economic Co- quickly to enact this legislation into law. The House in Committee of the Whole operation Forum. f House on the State of the Union had under My legislation, the U.S.-China Diplomatic consideration of the bill (H.R. 627) to amend Expansion Act of 2009, authorizes the con- INTRODUCTION OF U.S.-CHINA the Truth in Lending Act to establish fair struction of a new consulate in Fuzhou and 10 LANGUAGE ENGAGEMENT ACT and transparent practices relating to the ex- smaller diplomatic posts in cities with more OF 2009 tension of credit under an open end con- than a million people. The bill triples funding sumer credit plan, and for other purposes: for public diplomacy, boosts funding for a HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in range of language, student and teacher ex- OF CALIFORNIA strong support of H.R. 627, the Credit Card- change programs, increases funding for rule of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES holders’ Bill of Rights, and would like to thank law initiatives and more than triples the U.S. Financial Institutions Chairman LUIS GUTIER- contribution to Asia Pacific Economic Co- Thursday, May 7, 2009 REZ and Congresswoman MALONEY for their operation. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, continued dedication and leadership on this If we are serious about expanding export I rise today to introduce the U.S.-China Lan- issue. promotion services, defending intellectual guage Engagement Act of 2009—a bill to I am proud to be an original cosponsor of property rights, improving consumer product close the knowledge deficit when it comes to H.R. 627. Thanks to this legislation, abusive safety and enhancing economic competitive- our relationship with China. billing practices will end. No longer will a com- ness, we need a diplomatic infrastructure in It is little news to anyone that China is on pany be able to harm consumers by engaging China that reflects those priorities. the rise. With a population of over 1.3 billion in double-cycle billing. No longer will a com- I am proud to co-sponsor three other bipar- people and the second largest economy in the pany be able to harm consumers by applying tisan bills in the U.S.-China Competitiveness world when measured by domestic purchasing their payments to the lowest-interest balance. Agenda, including Mr. LARSEN’s U.S.-China power parity, China is poised to become a No longer will these companies be able to Market Engagement and Export Promotion Act world power, economically, diplomatically, and harm consumers through arbitrary interest rate of 2009, Ms. DAVIS’s U.S.-Chinese Language militarily. increases or universal default practices. Engagement Act of 2009 and Mr. ISRAEL’s Yet at a time when China’s influence on the This bill also requires—as a result of an U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Act of 2009. world stage is increasing, our national under- amendment I offered at markup—that the Fed- Mr. LARSEN’s bill would help states establish standing of the ‘‘Middle Kingdom’’ has not kept eral Reserve conduct a study of how credit export promotion offices in China and create a pace. card companies are treating credit lines. Some

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.057 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 companies are reducing the credit lines of I want to congratulate coaches Colette member of various neighborhood, civic and consumers based on information such as Huelsmann and Brian Holtgrave on leading municipal organizations, and he led numerous where they shop—including the type of store this group of young ladies to this victory. Most efforts in organizing voter registration drives in and the neighborhood in which it is located. I of all, I want to congratulate the members of the Hispanic neighborhood. am also aware that some companies have re- the state champion St. Rose Lady Wildcats: Moreover, Father Fallon’s commitment to duced credit lines based on the identity of the Abby Holtgrave, Amanda Gall, Brooke ministering to those who suffered emotional or consumer’s mortgage lender. This type of be- Buehne, Erika VonBokel, Lauren Willis, Ellie physical hardships never wavered. He never havior is tantamount to redlining. Detmer, Elizabeth Marcus, Lydia Rehkemper, missed his weekly visits to those who were I hope that the Federal Reserve study con- Larissa Jacob, Maddie Timmermann, Avoynna homebound or those living in the neighboring tained in this bill will provide the Congress Kampwerth and Jamie Voss. nursing home. He brought each person the with the information we need to reign in these These young ladies have represented them- sacrament of communion, a compassionate abusive practices. selves, their school and their community in an presence and kind and calming words, com- I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 627, exemplary fashion, and I congratulate them, fort, faith and hope to our most vulnerable citi- the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of and wish them all the best for continued suc- zens. 2009. cess in the classroom and on the court. Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please f f join me in honor and remembrance of Father David Francis Fallon, whose immeasurable NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN REMEMBRANCE OF FATHER service to others, compassion, faith, and a DAVID FRANCIS FALLON true belief in community has brought healing, HON. ERIC CANTOR hope and restored faith in all of us. I extend OF VIRGINIA HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH my deepest condolences to the family and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF OHIO friends of Father David Francis Fallon. Though Thursday, May 7, 2009 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES he will be deeply missed by everyone who Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today Thursday, May 7, 2009 knew and loved him well, Father Fallon’s com- to call special attention to an activity Ameri- passionate service to others will continue to Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise serve as an example and as a source of hope cans engage in throughout every day—prayer. today in honor and remembrance of Father Today is the National Day of Prayer, an obser- at La Sagrada Familia parish David Francis Fallon, founding Pastor of La f vation established by Congress and President Sagrada Familia Parish. His love, kindness Truman in 1952. and faithful service on behalf of the people of MAI YANG Our Nation was founded on Judeo-Christian our community will always be remembered, principles, which continue to permeate our especially in the hearts and memories of those daily lives—and need to be preserved. In re- HON. ED PERLMUTTER whose lives he impacted the most—the poor cent times, these principles and the dem- OF COLORADO and disenfranchised of our society. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES onstration of them has come under attack by Father Fallon was born and raised in Cleve- Thursday, May 7, 2009 certain segments of society. From the very be- land as the second oldest of thirteen children, ginning of our Nation’s history, our Nation’s where he learned at a young age the signifi- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise leaders have relied heavily on their faith, a cance of family, faith, hard work and connec- today to recognize and applaud Mai Yang who fact that led our Founders to include the con- tion to community. Following his graduation has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service stitutional right to freely exercise one’s religion from Borromeo College, then Saint Mary Sem- Ambassadors for Youth award. Mai Yang is a in the very beginning of our Bill of Rights. This inary, Father Fallon was ordained into the senior at Arvada High School and received right is every bit as fundamentally important— priesthood on May 30, 1970. His first assign- this award because her determination and and deserving of protection—today as it was ment was at Holy Family Parish and later as hard work have allowed her to overcome ad- in the 18th century. Associate Pastor at Saint John Bosco Parish. versities. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when In 1975, Father Fallon was transferred to Saint The dedication demonstrated by Mai Yang the Continental Congress called on the colo- Clement Parish in Lakewood. He served for is exemplary of the type of achievement that nies to pray for wisdom in forming the Nation, two years before joining a mission team in El can be attained with hard work and persever- the leaders of our Nation have continued to Salvador, where he brought faith, hope and a ance. It is essential that students at all levels pray for that wisdom to shape our Nation. We sense of security to his parish there. strive to make the most of their education and look to God to provide us with the direction to Though not of Hispanic heritage, Father develop a work ethic that will guide them for act in accordance with His will, on behalf of Fallon became fluent in its customs, language the rest of their lives. the Americans who have sent us here to rep- and culture, and he became warmly embraced I extend my deepest congratulations once resent them. The one thing we know for cer- as a true son of the people of Cleveland’s His- again to Mai Yang for winning the Arvada tain is that there’s nothing we can’t accom- panic community. He celebrated Masses in Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth plish—here in Congress or anywhere in the Spanish, and began bilingual services for award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the world—with God’s help and blessing. young churchgoers. Reflecting a generous same dedication she has shown in her aca- f heart, joy for life and humble demeanor, Fa- demic career to her future accomplishments. HONORING ST. ROSE LADY ther Fallon easily drew others to him and his f leadership became a guiding light that brought WILDCATS MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI- people and organizations together. His diplo- PREDATORY LENDING ACT HON. JOHN SHIMKUS macy and commitment to community was evi- dent in the 1998 merging of two Hispanic par- OF ILLINOIS SPEECH OF ishes, San Juan Bautista and Cristo Rey, to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES form La Sagrada Familia parish. HON. BARBARA LEE Thursday, May 7, 2009 Under the direction of Father Fallon, La OF CALIFORNIA Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today Sagrada Familia has risen as a foundation of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to honor an exceptional group of young ladies strength, support and resources for people of Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from Clinton County, Illinois. all ethnic and religious backgrounds who seek The St. Rose Lady Wildcats volleyball team guidance and support. Father Fallon initiated The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under captured the Southern Illinois Junior High numerous programs, including a food pantry consideration the bill (H.R. 1728) to amend School Athletic Association Class S state tour- and clothing outlet where individuals and fami- the Truth in Lending Act to reform con- nament, defeating the squad from Lick Creek lies in need can obtain free food, clothing and sumer mortgage practices and provide ac- in straight sets. St. Rose swept through the furniture. He organized church volunteers to countability for such practices, to provide tournament, not losing a single set on the way serve the community in social service, employ- certain minimum standards for consumer to the title. They knocked off Ewing in the ment and education. mortgage loans, and for other purposes: opener and Centralia Trinity Lutheran in the Additionally, Father Fallon inspired others to Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in second round, going on a 15–0 tear to come empower themselves and take pride in their strong support of H.R. 1728, the Mortgage Re- from behind and win game one. community. He was an active attendee and form and Anti-Predatory Lending Act.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.060 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1107

I want to thank Mr. BRAD MILLER and Mr. Golden Ethics in Business award. I have no I extend my deepest congratulations once MEL WATT for sponsoring this important legis- doubt she will continue to exhibit the same again to the Cost/Productivity Improvement lation and for being a champion for consumers dedication she has shown in her volunteer ca- Program and the Army, Shell and their em- and borrowers. I also want to thank Chairman reer to all future undertakings. ployees and contractors at the Rocky Moun- FRANK for his commitment to finally bringing f tain Arsenal. I have no doubt this program will real reform to our mortgage markets and end- continue to improve practices, while continuing ing predatory lending and misleading and abu- MAY: WORLD TRADE MONTH to inspire employees and workers as they sive lending practices. complete the environmental restoration and I served for 8 years on the House Financial HON. DAVID G. REICHERT transformation of the site into a national wild- Services Committee with my colleagues and OF WASHINGTON life refuge for generations of Americans to we repeatedly warned the, then majority, Re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES enjoy. publicans, the Bush Administration, the Treas- Thursday, May 7, 2009 ury and the Federal Reserve about the need f for stronger oversight and critical reforms that Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, May is would end the pattern and practice of preda- World Trade Month, and events around the SUPPORT FOR THE STEM CELL tory lending. country will highlight the vital role that trade RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT Our warnings fell on deaf ears. plays in creating jobs and growing our econ- OF 2009 IN HONOR OF DR. They chose to allow kickback schemes like omy. XIANGZHONG ‘‘JERRY’’ YANG yield spread premiums which put the mort- World Trade Month is the perfect reminder gage lender’s financial incentives in direct con- of the need to pass pending free trade agree- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY flict with the interests of the consumers they ments that have languished for far too long. OF VIRGINIA are supposed to serve. As Americans confront economic uncertainty, They chose to allow the reprehensible act of Congress must act now to advance our trade IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘steering’’ lower income, senior and minority agenda. We cannot allow important agree- Thursday, May 7, 2009 borrowers into higher rate sub-prime and alt- ments with Panama, Colombia, and Korea to Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speak- a loans than they qualify for. remain on hold while Europe, China, and oth- er, I rise today to declare my support for the They chose to blindly trust financial institu- ers continue to knock down trade barriers and Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of tions to ‘‘regulate themselves’’. become more competitive in the global econ- 2009. I intend to cast this vote in honor of the And we and our entire nation know where omy. efforts of Dr. Xiangzhong ‘‘Jerry’’ Yang, a pio- that got us. Opening new global markets gives employ- neer in cloning and stem cell research, who It is long past time that we bring sound, rea- ers incentives to improve their products, died of cancer three weeks ago at the age of sonable regulation and oversight to our mort- produce more goods, and employ more Amer- 49. Dr. Yang left a great legacy of hard work, gage markets. ican workers. I have seen these job-creating dedication, and success on the front lines of And this bill will do that. effects first-hand, with trade accounting for 1 stem cell research. His work has led to a se- I am also very pleased that this bill will pro- out of every 3 jobs in my State of Washington. ries of breakthroughs that have taken us clos- tect renters and tenants who have been si- Let’s recognize World Trade Month by im- er to the dream of cloning stem cells to match lently suffering due to the wave of fore- plementing these trade agreements and pur- an individual and cure the individual’s disease, closures. suing these proven measures of job creation Too many renters who have paid their rent at a time when they are badly needed. a breakthrough that would bring hope to countless men, women, and children who are on time have been finding out for the first time f that the property they live in is being fore- suffering from otherwise untreatable illnesses. closed when the sheriff delivers an eviction COST/PRODUCTIVITY The Yang laboratory, stationed at the Uni- notice. IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM versity of Connecticut, is the world’s leading Innocent tenants should be protected and laboratory in animal cloning and stem cell let me thank Mr. ELLISON, MR. MILLER, MR. HON. ED PERLMUTTER technology. Dr. Yang and his team provided WATT and Mr. FRANK for acting on behalf of in- OF COLORADO critical insights into the previously mysterious mechanisms of how germ cells are pro- nocent renters. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES grammed to form embryos, and how these I encourage my colleagues to vote yes on Thursday, May 7, 2009 H.R. 1728. embryos form distinct types of tissue. He was instrumental in working with then-Connecticut f Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Cost/Pro- State Senator CHRIS MURPHY (now my col- DR. MELINDA O’ROURKE ductivity Improvement Program at the Rocky league Representative MURPHY) to establish Mountain Arsenal, a former chemical manufac- the Connecticut State Stem Cell Research HON. ED PERLMUTTER turing site being cleaned up by the U.S. Army Program, one of the very few such programs OF COLORADO near Denver, CO. The Cost/Productivity Im- in the Nation. Because of the program’s exist- ence, Connecticut was one of the few states IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES provement Program is an innovative effort in- stituted by the Army and Shell Oil Company, that would fund human embryonic stem cell Thursday, May 7, 2009 who are responsible for the cleanup of the research that could not be funded by the Fed- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise site. The Program encourages employees to eral Government. Just this year, the University today to recognize and applaud Dr. Melinda be proactive in improving the efficiency, safe- of Connecticut announced the derivation of O’Rourke who has received the Golden Ethics ty, and quality of the transition of the Rocky two new human embryonic stem cell lines as in Business award. Dr. Melinda O’Rourke is Mountain Arsenal into a premier urban na- a result of these research funds. This break- an ophthalmologist and Vision Health Inter- tional wildlife refuge. through, along with many others, would not national volunteer and received this award be- Construction and fieldwork are due to be have happened without Jerry’s influence and cause of her sense of global and local vol- completed in 2010, one year ahead of sched- guidance. unteerism and dedication to bettering the lives ule and within budget. This achievement is Dr. Yang’s ultimate dream to tailor stem cell of those from all social classes and nations due in no small part to cost savings sugges- cloning to specific people, organs, and dis- through health care. tions by employees that were implemented eases has not yet been realized, but with the The devotion demonstrated by Dr. Melinda through the Cost/Productivity Program under help of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement O’Rourke directly benefits her community and the leadership of the Army, Shell and their Act, we may yet reach the world he envi- many throughout the world, and is exemplary contractors. Not only has the program resulted sioned: One in which organ damage from can- of high personal and professional standards. in a savings of $67 million dollars over 10 cer, heart attacks, spinal disorders, or any She serves as a leader who inspires those years, with $4.5 million saved last year alone, other conceivable illness can be reversed with around her to continually strive for better it is an innovate example of a successful pub- stem cell therapy. I ask that my distinguished health care, both for those who can afford it lic-private partnership. The program has re- colleagues join me in applauding the work of and for those who cannot. sulted in the promotion of ‘‘green’’ practices, Dr. Yang: he will be sorely missed, but the im- I extend my deepest congratulations once including recycling and native vegetation re- portant work he has done deserves all the rec- again to Dr. Melinda O’Rourke for winning the seeding. ognition and support this body can offer.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.063 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS E1108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2009 KWYN PAVEY ness if we do not support UN Covenant on formed in the United States each year. An es- Economic, Social and Cultural Rights? How timated 11 million people in the United States HON. ED PERLMUTTER can we stand up for civil rights when we do have a medical implant and this number is OF COLORADO not support hemispheric efforts to recognize growing as the population receiving implants IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES historic struggles of marginalized commu- increases. nities? Thursday, May 7, 2009 In a 2007 study, researchers at the Harvard Our country was founded on the principles Medical School found that 100 percent of hip Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise of civil and human rights. Many, many peo- replacements and 90 percent of knee replace- today to recognize and applaud Kwyn Pavey ple—men, women, and even children—have ments cause commercial airport metal detec- who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy tors to alert. Whenever a passenger alarms Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Kwyn today. Madam Speaker, this is a time of war. the walk-through metal detector, additional Pavey is a senior at Jefferson High School This is a time when the global economy is screening must be conducted to locate and re- and received this award because her deter- struggling This is a time when access to food, solve the source of hand-held metal detector mination and hard work have allowed her to water, shelter, and resources impacts every and, first, conducts a pat-down inspection of overcome adversities. person on this planet. It is during periods like any area that alarms; then conducts a whole- The dedication demonstrated by Kwyn these when it is most important to protect our body pat-down. This additional screening con- Pavey is exemplary of the type of achieve- values and our commitment to universal sumes an average five minutes more of a pas- ment that can be attained with hard work and human and civil rights. senger’s time at security checkpoints. perseverance. It is essential that students at Simply said, this resolution is our recommit- This excess screening of metal implantees all levels strive to make the most of their edu- ment to our own American principles and to is not an efficient use of a TSO’s time, which cation and develop a work ethic that will guide our neighbors and friends around the world. could be more efficiently used elsewhere. H.R. them for the rest of their lives. We must always be vigilant. We must be ll would develop a travel credential or sys- I extend my deepest congratulations once vocal. But we must remember—actions speak tem that incorporates biometric or other appli- again to Kwyn Pavey for winning the Arvada louder than words. cable technologies to verify the identity of an Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth f individual who has a metal implant to ensure award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the that such individuals can travel by air with same dedication she has shown in her aca- LEAH M. VARNELL greater ease, consistent with current security demic career to her future accomplishments. regulations. The bill would require the program f HON. ED PERLMUTTER to include verification of the individual with a OF COLORADO THE REINTRODUCTION OF RECOM- metal implant, resolution for false matches and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MITMENT TO INTERNATIONAL non-matches, determination of travel creden- HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS RES- Thursday, May 7, 2009 tial or system, and validation of a credential or OLUTION Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise system issued to an individual under the pro- today to recognize and applaud Leah M. gram that is lost, stolen, or no longer author- HON. JOHN LEWIS Varnell who has received the Golden Ethics in ized for use. OF GEORGIA Business award. Leah Varnell is the executive Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES director of Court Appointed Special Advocates Chairman of the Homeland Security Com- of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties and received mittee, Mr. Thompson, for introducing this leg- Thursday, May 7, 2009 this award because of her vision, bravery, and islation with me. H.R. ll, the ‘‘Fair Treat- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, i sense of social responsibility to those children ment for Metal Implantees Act’’, will direct rise to reintroduce my resolution urging the who face the worst of all situations. more resources to secure our skies and help United States to ratify and implement certain The dedication demonstrated by Leah metal implantees negotiate through airport se- fundamental international conventions. Varnell directly benefits her community, and is curity. This resolution is supported by a variety of exemplary of high personal and professional organizations including Free the Slaves, standards. She serves as a leader who in- f Human Rights Watch, AFL-CIO, Amnesty spires those around her to continually strive International USA, Global Rights, Citizens for for a safer environment for America’s children. KRISTIAN YEAGER Global Solutions, Oxfam America, the National I extend my deepest congratulations once Alliance of HUD Tenants, the National Law again to Leah Varnell for winning the Golden Center on Homelessness and Poverty, and Ethics in Business award. I have no doubt she HON. ED PERLMUTTER the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for will continue to exhibit the same dedication OF COLORADO Justice and Human Rights. she has shown in her career to all future un- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This year marks the 60th anniversary of the dertakings. UN Declaration on Universal Rights. It is the f Thursday, May 7, 2009 foundation of the current human rights move- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise ment. Americans, led by First Lady Eleanor INTRODUCING THE FAIR TREAT- today to recognize and applaud Kristian Roosevelt, helped craft this historic conven- MENT FOR METAL IMPLANTEES Yeager who has received the Arvada Wheat tion, and next week, the United States will ACT Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. again seek a seat on the United Nations Kristian Yeager is a senior at Arvada High Human Rights Council. HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR School and received this award because her Last week, I joined my colleagues to protest OF MINNESOTA determination and hard work have allowed her the genocide in Darfur at the Sudanese Em- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to overcome adversities. bassy in Washington, D.C. Three years ago, many of us were arrested doing the same Thursday, May 7, 2009 The dedication demonstrated by Kristian thing; three years later, millions continue to Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, today I Yeager is exemplary of the type of achieve- suffer. would like to introduce the ‘‘Fair Treatment for ment that can be attained with hard work and Our case against this and other humani- Metal Implantees Act’’, which creates a pro- perseverance. It is essential that students at tarian crises would be so much stronger if the gram within the Department of Homeland Se- all levels strive to make the most of their edu- United States had ratified the U.N. Conven- curity that incorporates biometric technology or cation and develop a work ethic that will guide tions that address the rights of women, chil- other applicable technologies to verify the them for the rest of their lives. dren, and forced disappearance. How can we identity of an individual who has a metal im- I extend my deepest congratulations once ask for our global trading partners to respect plant, so as to limit disruptions for such indi- again to Kristian Yeager for winning the Ar- international labor standards, when we our- viduals while traveling by air transportation, in vada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for selves have not ratified ILO standards on the a manner consistent with aviation security. Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit right to organize and bargain collectively, or According to the Joint Implant Surgery & the same dedication she has shown in her against forced child labor, or age discrimina- Research Foundation, there are approximately academic career to her future accomplish- tion? How can we fight poverty and homeless- 500,000 total hip and knee replacements per- ments.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07MY8.021 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS May 7, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1109 HONORING ALICE T. MOSINIAK ing the most unlikely coalition of supporters— greenway is capable of providing individuals from pugnacious property owners to willing do- and families an opportunity to experience the HON. MARCY KAPTUR nors to amazed farmers to selfless volunteers outdoors in a safe and enjoyable fashion while OF OHIO and grassroots supporters, from all walks of also giving them good exercise and edu- life—she built a vanguard institution from cational opportunities close to home. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES scratch, one that had never existed before. Programs supported by Delaware Green- Thursday, May 7, 2009 Year by year, its reputation earned respect ways, such as No Child Left Inside, help chil- Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today and admiration across our region, Ohio, and dren at a very early age understand the impor- to recognize the passing from this life of Alice the nation. Millions of meals, and other house- tance of exercise and provide them with a T. Mosiniak, the founder of Toledo Seagate hold necessities, have been made possible for hands-on opportunity to learn about nature Food Bank, which over the years has helped three decades precisely because this incred- and our community. Trail Days provide fami- countless people in need. Alice was Toledo of- ible, inspired woman reached beyond herself lies with experiences they will cherish for gen- fice director in the 1970s of the National Asso- to help others, at no cost to them. She sought erations. Many of the projects Delaware ciation for Human Development, which trained no recognition. So let America acclaim her Greenways either initiated or supported have senior citizens who were jobless and often now and express its gratitude and acclaim for had great success. Examples include: Blue alone. ‘‘I took it for granted that everyone ate,’’ her noble efforts, truly a citizen of extraor- Ball Greenway and Barn restoration, East Mrs. Mosiniak, who lived in South Toledo, told dinary proportion. Coast Greenways, Rail-to-trail, Northern Dela- the Toledo Blade in 1993. She asked 50 sen- She grew up at Detroit Avenue and Vance ware Greenway, Junction & Breakwater Trail, iors to bring a lunch to a meeting. ‘‘Only two Street in Toledo. She attended Libbey High and the Hockessin and Mill Creek Greenway. brought a lunch and one of those was a School, the former Harriet Whitney Vocational Each of these projects has helped connect mashed potato sandwich, and the other per- High School, and the former Mary Manse Col- communities and provide thousands of fami- son brought a bean sandwich. And that’s how lege. She and her husband, Alphonse ‘‘Bill’’ lies with a remarkable opportunity to experi- I found out they were all hungry.’’ She Mosiniak, formed a company that built houses ence the outdoors. scrounged and bought food for them. ‘‘Her in South Toledo and Perrysburg. They married I express my heartfelt thanks to all those heart was compassion and caring for others,’’ May 25, 1945. He died July 8, 1966. Surviving who have supported Delaware Greenways, said her daughter, Deborah Vas, food bank are her daughters, Debbie Vas and Mindy and to those who have been fortunate enough executive director since 1998. ‘‘She just truly Rapp; son, Douglas; brother, Richard Wil- to utilize these facilities. I hope you will con- believed and taught us you need to care about liams, and six grandchildren. tinue to support and use these facilities while your neighbors’’ It is with the deepest admiration that I pay enjoying the outdoors. The Toledo Seagate Food Bank began in tribute to the exemplary life of this pioneering 1980 after Alice saw what seniors ate—or woman. She dedicated her life in service to f didn’t eat. Migrant farm workers in Lucas her family, friends, and the poor and hungry of ECHO VAUGHN County were among the first fed, said Virginia our region. May her family be comforted by Ortega, a member of the Ohio advisory com- the loving memories they hold and may Alice mittee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Mosiniak be blessed with a loving peace. HON. ED PERLMUTTER ‘‘Her life enhanced the quality of life of many f OF COLORADO northwest Ohioans in ways many people I IN HONOR OF DELAWARE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES don’t think even realize,’’ she said. GREENWAY’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY Thursday, May 7, 2009 Mrs. Mosiniak enlisted local officials and business leaders in the project. ‘‘She’d tell Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise them exactly what she needed and wanted HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE today to recognize and applaud Echo Vaughn OF DELAWARE and say, ‘Either you’re going to help or you’re who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES not.’ And who’s not going to help a neighbor Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Echo or friend?’’ Ms. Debbie Vas said. Added Har- Thursday, May 7, 2009 Vaughn is a senior at Arvada High School and vey Savage, Jr.: ‘‘When she set her mind on Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with received this award because her determination getting something, she was able to get it. We great pleasure that I rise today to celebrate and hard work have allowed her to overcome have people who are chronically under- and pay tribute to the 20th anniversary of adversities. employed, who are always going to need Delaware Greenways. Preserving Delaware’s The dedication demonstrated by Echo help.’’ Mr. Savage is board president of the scenic corridors and back country roads, get- Vaughn is exemplary of the type of achieve- Martin Luther King, Jr. Kitchen for the Poor, ting children and their families out on the ment that can be attained with hard work and founded by his father, the Rev. Harvey Sav- greenways, and promoting responsible and perseverance. It is essential that students at age. ‘‘She saw it at a time when we were try- environmentally sensitive growth are some of all levels strive to make the most of their edu- ing to sweep that under the rug.’’ the tenets of Delaware Greenways. cation and develop a work ethic that will guide When I first encountered Alice more than 25 Greenways are linear corridors of open them for the rest of their lives. years ago, she was passionately piecing to- space that can be used for conservation or I extend my deepest congratulations once gether the elements of what would become recreation. They may include stream corridors, again to Echo Vaughn for winning the Arvada the Toledo Seagate Food Bank. Her enthu- abandoned railroad rights of way, scenic high- Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth siasm and deep commitment to those who ways like Route 52 in Wilmington, greenbelts award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the had fallen on hard times was unforgettable, around cities or towns and riverfront walks like same dedication she has shown in her aca- and infectious. She was indefatigable. Enlist- we see today along the Christina River. A demic career to her future accomplishments.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:35 May 08, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07MY8.025 E07MYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with REMARKS