June 28, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1171 time to congratulate the individuals who will IN HONOR OF CLEVELAND CITY er Identification Credential, TWIC, to require, take their oath of citizenship on July 4, 2012. COUNCILWOMAN DONA BRADY in total, not more than one in-person visit to a In true patriotic fashion, on the day of our designated enrollment center. great nation’s celebration of independence, a HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH The TWIC program was established to en- naturalization ceremony will take place, wel- OF OHIO sure all individuals who require admittance coming new citizens of the United States of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES into secure areas of regulated maritime facili- America. This memorable occasion, coordi- ties and vessels are properly vetted and do Thursday, June 28, 2012 nated by the Hammond Public Library and not pose a threat to maritime and supply chain presided over by Magistrate Judge Andrew Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in security. Current TWIC requirements require Rodovich, will be held at The Pavilion at Wolf honor of Cleveland City Councilwoman Dona that applicants go to an enrollment center Lake in Hammond, Indiana. Brady, who has admirably served the resi- twice to complete the application and confirm dents of Ward 17 since 1997. the biometric information embedded into the America is a country founded by immi- Born and raised in Cleveland, Council- card. grants. From its beginning, settlers have come woman Brady has been a leader in the Great- Mr. Speaker, I believe that this is an oner- from countries around the globe to the United er Cleveland community for years. She at- ous burden for workers in the maritime indus- States in search of better lives for their fami- tended Cleveland State University Levin Col- try, such as merchant vessel operators and lies. The upcoming oath ceremony will be a lege of Urban Affairs where she earned her truck drivers, who must obtain the credential shining example of what is so great about the Bachelor of Arts degree, Cum Laude, in Urban for employment. Individuals in need of a TWIC United States of America—that people from all Studies with a major in neighborhood revital- card often work long hours with little down over the world can come together and unite as ization. She is also a graduate of CSU’s Lead- time. Many cannot afford to take extended pe- members of a free, democratic nation. These ership Academy. riods of time off to go to an enrollment center, individuals realize that nowhere else in the Before she was elected to Cleveland City in some cases located hundreds of miles world offers a better opportunity for success Council, Brady worked for the Office of Cuya- away, on two different occasions. than here in America. hoga County Prosecutor William D. Mason, I believe that the Secretary of Homeland On July 4, 2012, the following people, rep- Judge Raymond L. Pianka and for the Cleve- Security should reform the TWIC process be- resenting many nations throughout the world, land Board of Zoning Appeals. fore the end of 2012, when the TWICs first will take their oath of citizenship in Hammond, Throughout the past 15 years, Council- issued in 2007 will need to be renewed allow- Indiana: Edina Anita Szabo, Jonathan woman Brady has worked tirelessly to improve ing applicants to complete the process with Carmona Garcia, Alaa Alzayed, Oliva Chavez, the quality of life in Ward 17 of Cleveland, only one in-person visit. I urge Members of Guolan Lu, Jaime Oseguera Cardenas, Dejan which includes the West Boulevard and Clifton Congress to support H.R. 3173, to direct the Kitevski, Jelica Dobrijevic, Karla Elizabeth historic districts. She has worked toward pro- Secretary of Homeland Security to reform the Arreguin Farias, Ahmad Abdelrahim Almaaya, moting economic development, improving pub- process for the enrollment, activation, Huda Dali, Ljubica Vignjevic, Kefaa Nahed lic safety, maintaining the ward’s housing issuance, and renewal of the TWIC program. Omar Shuaibi, Rea Agulto Clarito, Senka stock and developing additional recreational f Pamucar, Tanja Vignjevic, Liljana Josevski, opportunities for families. Brady serves as the Omiyosoye Adebowale Ololade, Mopelola Chair of the Public Service Committee, Vice- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Eniola Ololade, Blessing Obong Dennis, An Chair of Public Safety, and as a member of Boo Min, Amanjot Kaur, Jingli Crain, Caroline the Council’s Finance and Community and HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK Elizabeth Nyamweru Kamau, Halrun Luppes, Economic Development Committees. OF NORTH CAROLINA Senija Crnkic, Siraneth Sem, Lenna Sabina Councilwoman Brady is also involved in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wade, Sanel Puzic, Jose Alberto Galicia Cleveland’s Albanian-American community Thursday, June 28, 2012 Talabera, Tobias Florian Boes, Faneromeni and has been named Cleveland’s Ambassador Talia, James Murei Mumbura Karanja, Stella to Albania. She has been a constant in revital- Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to Gathoni Waithaka, Bacilia Avila, Mireya izing the Albanian Cultural Garden in Rocke- participate in the following votes. If I had been Jaquelin Aguilar, Gifty Debo Barlue, Esther feller Park and instrumental in building an present, I would have voted as follows: June Joo Young Chun, Patricia Contreras, Salvador international trade relationship with Fier, Alba- 26, 2012—rollcall vote 416, On agreeing to Cruz, Nathaniel Tuason David, Luis Alberto nia. the Connolly Amendment—I would have voted Garcia, Njeri Mary Karumbo, Juliana Santos Throughout the years and her career, Coun- ‘‘nay’’, rollcall vote 417, On agreeing to the Kladis, Lenka Mitic, Innocent Ngenga, Eliza- cilwomen Brady has been honored by numer- McClintock Amendment—I would have voted beth Procyk, Jose Gustavo Suarez, Nour ous organizations. She is the recipient of the ‘‘aye’’, rollcall vote 418, On agreeing to the Alghnimi Ulayyet, and Jovita Zurita. 2005 Outstanding Elected Official’s Award Garrett Amendment—I would have voted ‘‘aye’’, rollcall vote 419, On agreeing to the Though each individual has sought to be- from CSU Leadership Academy’s David C. Capps Amendment—I would have voted come a citizen of the United States for his or Sweet Alumni Society. Additionally, she has ‘‘nay’’, rollcall vote 420, On agreeing to the her own reasons, be it for education, occupa- been inducted into the Golden Key National Gosar Amendment—I would have voted tion, or to offer their loved ones better lives, Honor Society, and recognized by Jobs with ‘‘aye’’, rollcall vote 421, On agreeing to the each is inspired by the fact that the United Justice, the International Services Center and Broun Amendment—I would have voted ‘‘aye’’, States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln de- American Nationalities Movement. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me rollcall vote 422, On agreeing to the Broun scribed it, a country ‘‘. . .of the people, by the in honoring Councilwoman Dona Brady for her Amendment—I would have voted ‘‘aye’’, roll- people, and for the people.’’ They realize that years of service and commitment to the Great- call vote 423, On agreeing to the Broun the United States is truly a free nation. By er Cleveland area. Amendment—I would have voted ‘‘aye’’. seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision to live in a place where, as guar- f f anteed by the First Amendment of the Bill of TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDEN- RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL Rights, they can practice religion as they TIFICATION PROCESS REFORM COUNCIL OF LA RAZA DURING choose, speak their minds without fear of pun- ACT ITS 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE ishment, and assemble in peaceful protest IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA should they choose to do so. SPEECH OF Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distin- HON. LAURA RICHARDSON HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY guished colleagues to join me in congratu- OF CALIFORNIA OF NEVADA lating these individuals, who will become citi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES zens of the United States of America on July 4, 2012, the day of our nation’s independence. Tuesday, June 26, 2012 Thursday, June 28, 2012 They, too, will be American citizens, and they, Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge too, will be guaranteed the inalienable rights to today in support of H.R. 3173, which directs my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, the Secretary of Homeland Security to reform National Council of La Raza (NCLR) during its as a free and democratic nation, congratulate the process for the enrollment, activation, 2012 annual conference in Las Vegas, Ne- and welcome them. issuance of renewal of a Transportation Work- vada.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:50 Jun 29, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K28JN8.008 E28JNPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 28, 2012 The National Council of La Raza became a INTRODUCTION OF THE TAXPAYER with the IRS. The Act also provides for over- national organization in 1972. NCLR has BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2012 sight over facilitators of high cost tax refund grown and evolved over the course of its his- anticipation loans and other tax refund delivery tory to become the most authoritative voice on HON. XAVIER BECERRA products, and significantly increases penalties Hispanic issues today. Latinos are strength- OF CALIFORNIA on preparers of fraudulent tax returns. ened through participation in NCLR and in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Finally, this bill includes several provisions that would improve IRS taxpayer services. political process through its various civic en- Thursday, June 28, 2012 One important provision provides greater pro- gagement projects. NCLR also works to Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I have intro- tections for taxpayers when they are faced strengthen emerging community-based organi- duced the Taxpayer Bill of Rights every Con- with a Notice of a Federal Tax Lien filing zations in areas where there is a growing gress since 2008, and today I am proud to in- (NFTL). Filing of an NFTL can result in signifi- Latino population. troduce the Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of cant, long-term hardship to a taxpayer, and Now in its 44th year, NCLR is busy building 2012, legislation that contains important provi- may adversely affect the taxpayer’s credit, sions to improve services for and protect the communities as an industry leader in home- thus impairing his or her ability to conduct fi- rights of American taxpayers, particularly ownership counseling, operating programs in nancial transactions or secure employment. those with modest incomes. Senator Binga- 40 sites throughout the country. Its Charter The Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act requires the man of New Mexico, a dedicated advocate for IRS to make individualized determinations be- School Development Initiative has helped cre- taxpayer rights, is introducing companion leg- fore the filing of an NFTL, and also requires ate more than 40 new schools and strengthen islation in the Senate. Many of these provi- consideration of hardship factors and a tax- more than 45 others, and its Institute for His- sions are based on proposals from the Na- payer’s history of compliance before these de- panic Health develops and implements health tional Taxpayer Advocate, Nina Olson, who terminations are made. education and prevention programs and con- has long been a champion of improving tax- Many of the problems identified in this bill ducts health advocacy activities in partnership payer services and tax administration at the have gone unaddressed for too long, causing with its network of affiliates. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). confusion and undue hardship for taxpayers As former Nixon Treasury Secretary William NCLR’s education component is dedicated across the country. I encourage all of my col- Simon said, ‘‘The nation should have a tax leagues to support these common sense pro- to increasing educational opportunities, im- system that looks like someone designed it on proving achievement, supporting college-readi- visions to promote taxpayer rights and serv- purpose.’’ As we look for ways to restructure ices for all Americans. ness, and promoting equity in outcomes for the tax code to make it fairer and more trans- f Latinos. The efforts of the education team parent for all taxpayers, it is critical that ideas build the capacity and strengthen the quality of to help improve IRS service and accessibility OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL the community-based education sector and in- are included in this conversation. Every year, DEBT form the broader public education system. millions of taxpayers file their returns with the NCLR’s economic and workforce advocacy IRS and inevitably issues of tax administration HON. MIKE COFFMAN come to the forefront. These issues range seeks to ensure the Latino community’s ability OF COLORADO from taxpayers not knowing their legal rights to contribute to and share in the nation’s eco- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES when interacting with the IRS, to taxpayers nomic opportunities by promoting policies that enlisting unscrupulous or poorly-trained pre- Thursday, June 28, 2012 boost Hispanic employment in good jobs, pro- parers to help them complete one of their Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, vide safe and fair workplaces, bridge Latino most important financial transactions of the on January 20, 2009, the day President workers’ education and skills gaps, and offer a year. This legislation aims to help prevent tax- Obama took office, the national debt was secure retirement. payers from finding themselves in these avoid- $10,626,877,048,913.08. With the Raza Development Fund, NCLR’s able situations, and to build on and improve Today, it is $15,778,950,543,472.67. We’ve community development lending arm is one of taxpayer services provided through the IRS. added $5,152,073,494,559.59 to our debt in the nation’s largest and most successful com- The centerpiece of this Act is the require- just over 3 years. This is debt our nation, our munity development banks. It has approved ment that Treasury publish a Taxpayer Bill of economy, and our children could have avoided Rights. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights will be be more than 117 loans totaling $54.6 million, with a balanced budget amendment. a simple and straightforward statement that leveraging more than $267 million in financing On this day in 1919, the Treaty of Versailles enumerates all taxpayers’ rights and obliga- was signed in Paris, ending World War I. to community-based housing projects, schools, tions, as well as reference their location in the Without a balanced budget, the United States health clinics, and day care centers. tax code. As the National Taxpayer Advocate will no longer be able to bring peace to war- More recently, in efforts to provide NCLR’s explained in her 2011 Report to Congress: ‘‘In ring nations. affiliates with more direct access to elected of- a time when the IRS will feel pressure to bring f ficials in Washington, DC, earlier this year in additional tax revenue, it is crucial to pro- 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED NCLR held its first annual NCLR National Ad- vide taxpayers with strong protection for their WAY vocacy Day. The event convened affiliate rights.’’ Currently, these rights and obligations members from 22 states who were briefed on are scattered throughout the tax code and In- ternal Revenue Manual, making them neither the most important issues facing Latinos at the HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF accessible nor written in plain language that national level, including education, economic OF CALIFORNIA most taxpayers can understand. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mobility, health, and immigration, and who met This Act also helps improve the quality and with Members of Congress to educate them accessibility of tax preparation services and Thursday, June 28, 2012 about the needs of the community. advice available to taxpayers in several dif- Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to As the Representative for Nevada’s First ferent ways. First, it builds on the IRS’s initia- recognize the 125th Anniversary of United Congressional District, it gives me immense tive to regulate unenrolled tax preparers Way. pride to recognize the National Council of La through examination and continuing education Founded in 1887, United Way has become Raza (NCLR) and the role they play in edu- requirements, for which I have been a long a celebrated organization committed to im- cating and training our community members, time advocate. Implementation of the IRS tax proving communities throughout the United return preparer framework is well underway, States and around the world. Through locally developing community leaders and fighting for and this legislation will simply codify the exist- targeted initiatives, United Way strives to ad- equal rights and fair representation throughout ing authority of the IRS to regulate tax return vance the common good, helping communities the United States. I am especially pleased to preparers. The Act also helps ensure mod- reach their full potential in the spirit of vol- welcome NCLR’s members and the tens of erate income taxpayers have access to quali- unteerism and service. United Way mobilizes thousands of attendees for its 2012 annual fied tax assistance by supporting a grant pro- thousands of individuals and organizations conference to Las Vegas, Nevada. I ask that gram for free income tax assistance services, worldwide to improve education, help people my colleagues join me in recognizing the great and by allowing IRS referrals to Low-Income achieve financial stability and promote healthy work of NCLR and wish them a most success- Taxpayer Clinics, which provide representation lifestyles in their communities, building the ful 2012 conference. to modest income taxpayers in their disputes foundation for a stronger, healthier society.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:50 Jun 29, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A28JN8.009 E28JNPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS