E934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 23, 2006 The United States is better and stronger as AC TRANSIT VOTED THE ‘‘BEST OF classroom. Health Occupations instructors are a result of Jewish people from around the THE BEST’’ committed to the development of the total per- world choosing to become American citizens. son. Those who join the Health Science- Jewish Americans made invaluable contribu- HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK HOSA Partnership recognize the importance tions to our Nation’s labor movement in the OF CALIFORNIA of providing students with training far beyond late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thousands IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the basic technical skills needed for entry into of Jewish immigrants and their children who the health care field. The rapidly changing Tuesday, May 23, 2006 arrived in the United States during this time health care system needs dedicated workers period earned their livings in sweatshops and Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to who, in addition to their technical skills, are factories in New York City, often working recognize the Alameda County Transit Agen- people-oriented and capable of playing a lead- under horrific conditions. Many Jewish Ameri- cy, AC Transit, headquartered in Oakland, ership role as a member of a health care cans played a key role in improving the work- California. For the sixth time in 9 years, AC team. ing conditions for laborers, which led to collec- Transit has been recognized as the Nation’s Nationally, HOSA has grown to over 78,000 tive bargaining and other advancements in the most outstanding public bus agency at the members in almost every state, and soon, labor movement. Samuel Gompers, one of the American Public Transportation Association, over 5,000 HOSA members will gather in Ana- founders and first president of the American APTA, meeting in Anaheim, California. At its heim, California, for their annual leadership Federation of Labor, earned his living in the annual ‘‘Bus Roadeo’’ in which bus operators conference. This opportunity provides tours of crowded slums of New York as a cigar maker and maintenance teams demonstrate their health care facilities, exhibits presented by upon his arrival in the United States in 1863. driving skills and knowledge, APTA has professional health care associates, as well as Becoming highly skilled at his trade and earn- crowned AC Transit’s drivers and mechanics an Educational Symposium—workshops pre- ing the respect of his peers, he eventually as the ‘‘Best of the Best.’’ sented by professional partners that provide information about current health care issues. moved up the ranks of the existing labor orga- In addition AC Transit also won first place The members of HOSA, through a student- nization, transforming the structurally weak for its Customer Service in a special competi- tion to evaluate bus operators’ courtesy, pa- led pipeline, are making a significant contribu- and ineffective Federation of Organized tience and know-how. tion to overcoming the shortage of health care Trades and Labor Councils to the American The ‘‘Best of the Best’’ award came after workers in our country, guiding more than 1 Federation of Labor in 1886, which grew to grueling tests of competition involving more million students into health professions. I am represent over one million workers 6 years than 40 transit agencies with teams of drivers proud to say that the Florida HOSA has the later. and mechanics from virtually every State in fourth largest membership at more than 6,700 Many individuals within the American Jewish the country. Drivers were tested on their abili- members. community also made important contributions ties to smoothly stop and maneuver their Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the to the Civil Rights movement. Jewish philan- coaches in and out of tightly constricted Health Occupations Students of America on thropist Julius Rosenwald, who funded dozens spaces, avoiding mishaps and pedestrians. celebrating their 30th anniversary, and I wish of primary schools, secondary schools, and Mechanics were tested on their ability to them luck on their continued success. colleges for black youth, led the Jewish com- quickly troubleshoot vehicle malfunctions by f munity in contributing to some 2,000 schools quickly diagnosing problems and instituting im- for black Americans, including Howard, Dillard mediate repairs. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE and Fisk universities. At one time, 40 percent The competition is the ‘‘Super Bowl’’ for PLUMBERS LOCAL UNION 210 of southern blacks were attending these transit agencies, offering some of the world’s GRADUATING CLASS OF 2006 schools. In addition, Jewish Americans like top professionals an opportunity to display Abraham Joshua Heschel, a writer, rabbi and their driving skills, reflexes, judgment and su- HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY professor of theology at the Jewish Theo- perior workshop intelligence. OF INDIANA logical Seminary of America was outspoken The ‘‘Best of the Best’’ designation rep- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on the subject of civil rights and marched arm- resents the highest combined scores of the Tuesday, May 23, 2006 in-arm with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in operator and maintenance team. AC Transit’s Selma. Professor Ernst Borinski, a refugee team—operator Jesse DelaCruz and mechan- Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with from the Holocaust who came to America to ics, Carlos Leyva, Grant Pinkston and Donald great sincerity and respect that I offer con- teach at Taugaloo University, organized din- Righter—was deemed number one in the Na- gratulations of several of Northwest Indiana’s ners at which blacks and whites sat next to tion. AC Transit operator Patricia Lock won most talented, dedicated, and hardworking in- each other, a simple act challenging segrega- first place for Customer Service. dividuals. On Friday, June 9, 2006, the Plumb- tion. Joel Elias Spingarn, a Jewish-American Congratulations to AC Transit on winning ers Local Union 210 will honor the graduating educator and literary critic, was a founder and this prestigious ‘‘Best of the Best’’ award. class of 2006 at the Annual Apprentice Grad- uation Banquet, which will be held at the Patio one of the first Jewish leaders of the National f Association for the Advancement of Colored Banquet Hall in Merrillville, Indiana. RECOGNIZING THE HEALTH OCCU- At this year’s banquet, the Plumbers Local People (NAACP). In 1913, as the organiza- PATIONS STUDENTS OF AMERICA Union 210 will recognize and honor the 2006 tion’s chairman of the board, he established Apprentice Graduates. The individuals who the Spingarn medal, awarded annually for out- have completed the apprentice training in standing achievement by an African American. HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR. 2006 are: Nino Arredondo, Joseph Butcher, In addition, organizations such as the Amer- OF FLORIDA Robert DePyssler, Lloyd James, Jr., Michael ican Jewish Committee, American Jewish IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Klaich, Todd Knight, Paul Lacy, William Law- Congress, and Anti-Defamation League have Tuesday, May 23, 2006 rence, Eric Longoria, Milutin Miljus, Greg actively promoted civil rights over the years. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- Monnier, Eugene Pazdur, Derrick Poper, Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that all Ameri- ognize the 30th anniversary of the Health Oc- Jason Powers, Luis Quintana, Sean Severson, cans observe Jewish-American Heritage cupations Students of America (HOSA). Daniel Smith, Bertram Wagner, Adam Month by initiating programs and activities that HOSA is a national career and technical Westlund, Robert White, and Raymond Zack. commemorate these and the many other sig- student organization endorsed by the U.S. De- Northwest Indiana has a rich history of ex- nificant contributions Jewish Americans have partment of Education and the Health Occupa- cellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its made throughout our Nation’s history. Over tions Education Division of the Association for tradesmen. These graduates are all out- the centuries, Jewish Americans have Career and Technical Education. HOSA pro- standing examples of each. They have mas- achieved great success in business, medicine, vides a unique program of leadership develop- tered their trade and have demonstrated their the arts, science and technology, and many ment, motivation, and recognition exclusively loyalty to both the union and the community other professions. These achievements have for middle school, secondary, postsecondary, through their hard work and selfless dedica- strengthened our country and helped shape adult and collegiate students. tion. our way of life. In their commitment to family, HOSA is not a club to which a few students Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other faith, and community, the Jewish people have in school join. Rather, HOSA is a powerful in- distinguished colleagues join me in congratu- made America a stronger and more demo- structional tool that works best when it is inte- lating these dedicated and hardworking indi- cratic society. grated into the health science curriculum and viduals. Along with the other men and women

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:29 May 24, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A23MY8.034 E23MYPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMREMARKS May 23, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E935 of Northwest Indiana’s unions, these individ- will turn around and seek the support from The internationally backed Roadmap for uals have committed themselves to making a wealthy Arab and Muslim states, as well as Peace requires that the Palestinian Authority significant contribution to the growth and de- extremist governments, like Iran and Syria. launch ‘‘sustained, targeted, and effective op- velopment of the economy of the First Con- The message that this bill sends will push the erations aimed at confronting all those en- gressional District, and I am very proud to rep- Palestinian people away from us and quite gaged in terror.’’ The Palestinian Authority resent them in Washington, DC. possibly, the peace process. It will isolate cannot call for the destruction of Israel if it is f them and force them to become more depend- ever to be a serious partner for peace. ent on Hamas and their extremist supporters. Finally, the members of the Palestinian Au- PALESTINIAN ANTI-TERRORISM This is not in our interest. thority must assure us that they are focused ACT OF 2006 Madam Speaker, it is clear that the purpose on a better future for the Palestinian people of our every response to the Hamas electoral and in order to do so, they must take steps to SPEECH OF victory and to the fact that it now controls the recognize Israel and its right to exist. The Pal- HON. JAMES P. MORAN Palestinian Authority must be (i) to deny any estinian Authority must be pressured to real- OF VIRGINIA form of direct assistance until Hamas re- ize, that a government that fails to condemn IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nounces its terrorist traditions and policy, (ii) to terrorism, or, states its commitment to elimi- Monday, May 22, 2006 assist in the delivery of humanitarian aid and nate a fellow member of the community of na- relief to the Palestinian people, and (iii) at tions is a government that cannot be consid- Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I least for as long as Hamas does not actively ered a serious partner for peace. rise today to voice my opposition to the Pales- engage in or support violence, to refrain from I strongly encourage my colleagues, to vote tinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006. any actions that will deepen the divide be- in support of H.R. 4681, The Palestinian Anti- Madam Speaker, this bill claims that its goal Terrorism Act of 2006. is to ensure that no United States funding tween the Palestinian people and this country, f goes to support Hamaas, a foreign terrorist or- thereby allowing some room for progress to ganization that has terrorized thousands and occur. The bill under consideration fails to PALESTINIAN ANTI-TERRORISM seeks the destruction of Israel. Were this what meet two of these criteria. For these reasons, ACT OF 2006 the bill in fact does, I would support it. How- I will not support it. ever, the bill before us today goes much fur- f SPEECH OF ther than what is needed to achieve its stated, PALESTINIAN ANTI-TERRORISM HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK goal. ACT OF 2006 OF CALIFORNIA First, H.R. 4681 severely restricts U.S. fund- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing to the many non-governmental organiza- SPEECH OF Monday, May 22, 2006 tions that provide critical aid and services to the Palestinian people, and allows for such HON. AL GREEN Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise in oppo- OF TEXAS funding without a presidential waiver for the sition to H.R. 4681 because it inappropriately IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES most basic of services, such as food and shel- uses a blunt instrument to clumsily attempt to ter. This serves no good purpose. Limiting Monday, May 22, 2006 achieve Middle East peace. If this carelessly NGO funding in this manner will only increase Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, written and unnecessary legislation becomes the hardship of the Palestinian people. Yes, it I rise in support of H.R. 4681, The Palestinian law, it will set the Israeli-Palestinian peace is possible that this increased hardship may Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006. This legislation process back further and result in additional drive Palestinians to turn against the Hamas- promotes the development of democratic insti- Israeli and Palestinian deaths. H.R. 4681 weakens moderate pro-peace controlled Palestinian government. At the tutions in areas under the administrative con- Palestinians. This legislation does not discrimi- same time, however, the cause of this addi- trol of the Palestinian Authority. It comes at a nate in imposing sanctions against both tional hardship—the termination in U.S. hu- time when the demand for responsible demo- Hamas and non-Hamas controlled elements cratic leadership is needed more than ever be- manitarian aid—will provide a ready excuse to and officials of the Palestinian Authority, PA. fore in the Middle East. I am proud that I was Hamas, allowing it to blame the United States, H.R. 4681 bans all aid to the Palestinian Leg- one of 295 members to co-sponsor this legis- and others, for its failure. This is not in our in- islative Council, PLC, and PA agencies and in- lation, which would restrict aid to the Hamas- terest. strumentalities, including those not controlled controlled Palestinian Authority until Hamas We must not give this ‘‘out’’ to Hamas. In- by Hamas. Among the officials this bill pro- meets a series of conditions, including re- stead, we must ensure that, when Hamas fails hibits from receiving assistance is Palestinian nouncing terrorism and accepting Israel’s right in its attempt to govern, as it certainly will, it President Mahmoud Abbas, who has been in- will not be able to blame the United States or to exist as a Jewish state. strumental in counterbalancing Hamas and This legislation explicitly states that it shall any other party for its inability to deliver what working toward a peaceful solution to the be U.S. policy that no U.S. Government officer the Palestinian people expected. Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Second, restricting United States aid to or employee shall negotiate or have sub- This legislation undermines diplomatic ef- NGOs in this manner will hurt the very people stantive contacts with members or official rep- forts to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle we should be assisting. The Palestinian peo- resentatives of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic East. This bill prohibits all members of the PA ple are facing an economic crisis that goes Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of regardless of their affiliation or non-affiliation beyond basic food and shelter, and includes Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any with Hamas—from obtaining visas necessary education, public health, economic develop- other Palestinian terrorist organization, until for diplomatic travel. This ill-advised rule will ment and physical infrastructure. It is in the such organization recognizes Israel’s right to prevent the United States from fully engaging United States’ interest to provide such assist- exist, and renounces the use of terrorism. Ad- and bolstering moderate Palestinian leaders ance if we are in fact in support of a two-state ditionally, any Palestinian government must who recognize and support peace with Israel. solution and peace in the Middle East. recognize and accept all previous Israel-PLO Even as the United Nations reports of an Third, placing tight restrictions and sanctions agreements and understandings. impending humanitarian disaster in the West on those parts of the Palestinian Authority that Having taken over the government of the Bank and Gaza Strip, this bill imposes unnec- are not controlled by Hamas is a serious mis- Palestinian Authority, PA, Hamas has reiter- essarily strict sanctions on providing aid to take, for it precludes our executive branch ated its commitment to violence and the de- Palestinian groups and non-government orga- from working with governmental officials who struction of Israel by endorsing suicide attacks nizations not affiliated with Hamas. Under this may be viable options to Hamas. Other provi- on Israelis and appointing a man connected to legislation, the Palestinian people could re- sions in the bill—restricting the ability of all the murder of Americans in Gaza as the new ceive essential medicine, but funds for democ- Palestinian Authority representatives to travel PA Interior Minister. Hamas’ continued dedica- racy assistance, economic development, and in the United States, interfering with the par- tion to terrorism has already prompted the sanitation infrastructure would be prohibited. ticipation of Palestinian Authority representa- United States and its allies to end nearly all This legislation therefore makes more likely a tives in international organizations, and refus- aid to the PA, with exceptions for humanitarian humanitarian crisis that will increase support ing assistance to the Pestinian judiciary—are assistance. However, this bill permits certain for extremism, thereby endangering Israel and petty actions that will not, in any way, advance assistance to Palestinian President Mahmoud further destabilizing the region. peace in the Middle East. Abbas in recognition of his commitment to a H.R. 4681 also ties the President’s hands in There is a high likelihood that as a result of non-violent resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dealing with emergency security and humani- this bill, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority conflict. tarian crises. The bill limits the President’s

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