Gary Ackerman

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to seek Congressional recognition of the vital mission and achievements of the Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation (BKV). The BKV Memorial Foundation has been instrumental in raising awareness and resources for individuals battling leukemia. The Foundation's creation was inspired by the remarkable life of one of my constituents, Bevin Kalathil Varughese--a life which was tragically cut short following an unsuccessful bout with this terrible disease. Born in Manhasset, New York, Bevin Kalathil Varughese was an affectionate individual and a cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin, and uncle. An extraordinarily motivated young man, Bevin graduated from Herricks High School in New York and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Real Estate from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His cheerfulness, generosity, and love of life were evident to all who knew him; his personality touched all who were close to him. Bevin's drive and good-nature were unwavering--even when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in January 2004 at the age of 24. Although Bevin fluctuated between relapse and remission for four years, he refused to let the disease dampen his spirits or weaken his will. Instead, Bevin focused his energy on researching the disease and the resources available to those it afflicts. By working with his family and friends, he created the South Asian Cancer Foundation (SACF) which advocates for leukemia awareness, particularly within the South Asian-American community. Bevin was also involved in a variety of other organizations dealing with the disease and those affected by it--he hosted fundraisers to benefit both the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the SACF, took part in the LLS Light the Night Walk, and organized numerous blood and bone marrow drives. Although Bevin eventually lost his battle with leukemia on February 7th, 2008 at the all-too-young age of 28, his passion and legacy live on through the Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation. The BKV Memorial Foundation was created in 2008 to both preserve Bevin's memory and to continue his work with the South Asian Cancer Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to raise awareness about acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other blood-related diseases. This non-profit organization provides resources to those suffering from leukemia and to their families. The assistance comes in the form of support for leukemia patients, financial aid for those who cannot afford treatment, and donations for research to find a cure for the disease. The BKV Foundation works tirelessly to raise funding through countless charity events and organizations. It has also reached out to the greater community by encouraging individuals to register with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the achievements and dedication of the Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation. Through its attempts to preserve and honor Bevin's memory, this Foundation is making a positive and lasting impact on countless lives. I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognition of the achievements of the Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Eugene Aaron Bonacci, a decorated veteran of the United States Navy, loving son, brother, partner, and friend to many. Tragically, Eugene passed away unexpectedly last month at the all too early age of 33. Eugene devoted his too short life to his family and country. After graduating from Roslyn High School in 1996, he enlisted in the United States Navy. The military proved an ideal career choice. His intelligence, patriotism, selflessness, and drive to succeed in all he endeavored were a perfect fit for the Navy. It was no surprise to those who knew Eugene best that he would be highly decorated for his service. Eugene earned the Navy Achievement Medal, Blue Jacket Award, National Defense Service Medal, Joint Services Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Pistol Expert Medal, and Rifleman Marksmanship Ribbon. Following his time in the Navy, Eugene enrolled at Pennsylvania State University, where he studied security and risk analysis. It was Eugene's difficulty obtaining full-tuition benefits for his education under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill that inspired him and his mother, Leslie Blei, to become tireless advocates of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill Improvements Act. When the bill passed and was signed into law by President Obama, Eugene, selfless as always, cited his mother's advocacy as a factor for passage of the bill. Eugene's professional accomplishments were numerous. His personal attributes were the most significant though. Eugene was loved by his family and loved them in return, including his partner Elizabeth Rockey. His large extended family was the source of his strength. Eugene's life was cut short, but as his father Eugene Bonacci II says, Eugene was blessed with a meaningful life. In a final act of compassion that embodied Eugene's selflessness, he donated his organs, which doctors estimated could save and improve the lives of numerous people. For his service to country, advocacy for veterans, and devotion to his family and friends, I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Eugene Aaron Bonacci.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Beatrice Isabel Cohen, the pride of New York State. Born on February 24, 1911, in Bronx, New York, Bee grew up with a deep love and appreciation for her family, community and country. Forced to obtain employment as a teenager due to the loss of her father, she secured a job with a women's coat manufacturer at the age of 16 to help support her family, while also excelling as a champion amateur handball player. Five years later, she married her boss, Max Cohen, and continued to work by his side for more than 50 years. Bee and Max raised two sons, Joseph and Ronald. Friends and family of Bee would tell you that she always looks at the good in people. Her uplifting attitude is contagious, and has spread to her family, friends and neighbors--many of whom, and their parents, were not even born when Bee moved into her current apartment on the West Side of Manhattan shortly after World War II. In Bee's 100 years, she has lived through some of the most precariously challenging, exultant and remarkable eras. Yet, she has always kept up with the culture of the times. As a child, she listened to a crystal radio; today she views international programming on a plasma television with stereo sound. She has been a pillar of reliability to her entire family by showing love, warmth and guidance to her two sons, two grandsons and their wives, five great- grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews. For her devotion to her family and her country, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to please rise and join me in honoring Beatrice Isabel Cohen on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am opposed to this bill for one simple reason: It's not a smart thing to do. It recklessly jeopardizes the security and safety of the people of New York City, and it does so for no reason. This is a national security issue. It will irresponsibly and indefinitely delay the vital security improvements to the perimeter of the U.N. campus in the city that the State Department wants to undertake and has the resources to commit. Why do this? Only a radical, wild-eyed obsession with taking a pound of flesh out of the U.N., which at times deserves it, and to do so no matter what the cost to our national security. Where is the common sense in clawing back money that is going to be used for desperately needed, long overdue security upgrades that we have the money for anyway and have the responsibility to do anyway? Where's the benefit to the taxpayer for maintaining the vulnerability of the most prominent international target which happens to be in al Qaeda's most highly targeted city? I can see how the terrorists benefit from reduced security. But I'm having a terribly hard time seeing how New Yorkers or Americans or the 1 million tourists to the building or even the multitudes of international representatives at the United Nations, whom we have undertaken to keep safe, will benefit. The U.N.'s Capital Master Plan calls for $100 million in security upgrades. As the host nation, that's something about which we should be proud. We are the guarantors of the U.N.'s physical security. We have the money in the Tax Equalization Fund that we can use for the security upgrades. The State Department has already committed to do it. The U.N. wants us to do it. New York City needs us to do it. The New York City Police Department is literally on its knees begging us to do it. We have the money. We don't need further appropriations. All we need to do is to stop this bizarre and radical effort to derail the whole effort. And you want to eliminate $100 million in jobs? Why? Security in New York is something I take very seriously. I think most Members do. But as this bill shows, some clearly don't. They are all too happy to rush to the floor every September 11 and boast about the amazing heroism of our police, our firefighters, our first responders. One day a year, they think New York City is part of America. The rhetoric is all patriotism and bombast, full of promises to do ``whatever it takes.'' And then comes the time to start paying for it. And then, Madam Speaker, some Members have a change of heart. Proudly remembering 9/11 heroism for some Members was no impediment to telling workers deathly ill from their time on ``the pile'' to go ahead and die. Congress didn't have any money for them--at least not until the story got out. Those of us from New York haven't forgotten all the so-called ``patriots'' who fought tooth and nail to stop the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. So now, instead of fighting to get Congress to do the minimally decent thing, we find ourselves on the floor of the House fighting to prevent Congress from doing the maximally stupid thing. I'm not sure this constitutes progress. Taking money from vital security upgrades is radical, irresponsible, and reckless. It's stupid. Vote ``no'' on stupid.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. I rise in strong opposition to repealing the Patients' Bill of Rights. Today, the House will vote to take away new health-care freedoms from my constituents and give that power right back to the big health- insurance companies. Repeal of the health-care law puts insurance companies right back into the driver's seat of rationing health-care decisions for the rest of us. Repeal means they get to decide who is denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition in my district; which young adults in my district can and cannot remain on their parents' plans; and which constituents who are sick in my district would have their plans rescinded just because they got sick in the first place. And the list of lost health-care freedoms goes on and on and on. Mr. Speaker, what specifically does repealing the health-care law mean for the 5th congressional district of New York? Repeal would mean as many as 311,000 people could be denied health coverage, including up to 37,000 children, because of a pre-existing condition. Repeal would mean that 2,400 young adults up to age 26 in my district would no longer be able to choose to stay on their parents' plans until they get that first job with health insurance. And repeal would mean that 335,000 constituents in my district would lose the most vital consumer freedoms, such as protection from unreasonable policy rescissions and the prohibition of annual and lifetime spending limits. Already, my constituents and millions of others across the country are benefiting from the new health care law. Seniors in the Medicare prescription-drug ``donut hole'' received a $250 payment last year and are scheduled to receive a 50 percent discount on their drugs this year; children are now no longer being denied health coverage because of pre-existing conditions, repeal and they will be denied again; and young adults have been able to keep coverage thorough their parents' plans. Turning back the clock, to repeal the new law, as if it never happened is not only harmful, but costly: according to the independent and non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, repeal would add $230 billion to the deficit. Last year, on this very floor, upon passing the Affordable Care Act, I said that we were acknowledging the moral and economic costs we pay every day for our failure to make health coverage affordable and accessible to everyone; that we were recognizing that having more people with quality coverage saves both lives and costs; that we were unequivocally stating that people in this country shouldn't have to go bankrupt to pay their medical bills; and that no one, no one, should ever have to go to an emergency room just to receive routine medical care. Let us not undo the good we have done. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support access for all Americans to health care and to oppose this bill.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise yet again in the strongest possible support of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, H.R. 847. Today, we must show the American people that their representatives can put away their differences and work together to pass this bill. Over the past few weeks, this clearly was not the case. Some Members of Congress have played political games with this legislation, delaying its passage for dubious reasons and causing the measure to be watered down. The sick and injured don't care about offsets and they don't care whether this is a $6 billion bill or a $7 billion bill. They just care about getting the medical care they need, the medical care they rightly deserve. So Madam Speaker, we are here for the third and I hope final time on the floor of the House to consider doing the decent thing: helping the living victims of 9/11 who continue to suffer the terrible effects of that day. The Federal Government has not stepped up enough to help the responders, volunteers, workers and residents that went to Ground Zero during and after the horrific 9/11 attack. This Congress has not acted to help these victims on a permanent basis--we have the opportunity to do that today. Tragically, some of the very people that we want to help with this legislation have already died. Thousands of Americans who responded need medical treatment now. Thousands more will need treatment in the future. So, Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act so that all the victims of 9/11 will receive the medical care and help they need and deserve. Let's pass this bill.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Representative Frank Wolf be removed as a cosponsor of House Resolution 1762.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4853, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010. It is fundamentally wrong to hold for ransom unemployment benefits to the most vulnerable individuals among us for tax cuts to billionaires. That's what happened here: 99.7 percent of us will not be affected by the estate tax, yet a $23 billion bribe to just 6,600 families across the entire country was needed to get those unemployment benefits in the bill. And, we then add the entire cost of the bill, all $860 billion, straight to the deficit. Surely, there are worthwhile provisions in this bill. However, these worthwhile provisions should not be held ransom for tax cuts to the richest taxpayers--$60 billion in tax cuts for them--some $24 billion more than the struggling middle class who've been the hardest hit by the economic downturn. I fully support extending such low and middle- class tax relief such as the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, the dependent care credit, the earned income tax credit, the student loan interest deduction, and Alternative Minimum Tax relief, among others. But don't tell me I have to vote for giving tax cuts to billionaires for two years when we can't even give our seniors on Social Security $250 for one. Speaking of Social Security, this bill represents the single greatest threat to the program since President Bush wanted to privatize it. This bill requires a $111 billion infusion from general funds into the Social Security Trust Fund to make up the difference for cutting two percent from the employee payroll tax. Next year, if the economy hasn't recovered sufficiently, Congress will not have the stomach to let the tax holiday expire--no Member of Congress will want to ``raise'' payroll taxes by two percent. Any future extension of this tax holiday necessarily means that Social Security will compete with other federal programs, such as veterans, medical research, and defense, for its funding. This dangerous precedent means that Social Security's dedicated funding, payroll taxes, is under attack. This opens the door to means testing and benefit cuts for beneficiaries. Make no mistake, Social Security's opponents will be enticed to move in for the kill by moving to privatize the program. I don't oppose extending the middle-class tax cuts for 98 percent or 99 percent of taxpayers. In fact, before this compromise was struck, I supported raising the threshold from $250,000 to something more reasonable, such as $400,000, because where my constituents live there is a much higher cost of living than in other parts of the country. However, to hold extending those middle-class tax cuts hostage to pass a bill that will cost more than TARP, more than the stimulus, and add $860 billion to the national debt, is not acceptable. Mr. Chair, it's hard to climb the ladder of prosperity if the middle rungs are missing. This bill does nothing to restore those middle rungs; instead, by giving the most to those who need it the least, it perpetuates the failed thinking that somehow the rest of us will benefit. I for one won't pay this ransom--my vote--for a few crumbs when we should be getting what's fair for our constituents. I will vote no on the underlying bill and I ask my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of repealing the Department of Defense's misguided, discriminatory ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' (DADT) policy. For 16 years, ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' has placed an unthinkable and immoral burden on gay and lesbian servicemen and women, who, under United States law and unlike their heterosexual counterparts, must hide their sexual orientation from the military. If our Nation is truly to be the land of the free, home of the brave, we must continue to make progress towards equality. Repealing ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' is a crucial step forward. Mr. Speaker, I was contacted by a gay soldier from Long Island who despite serving his country for more than 20 years, despite volunteering to serve in a combat zone to defend America's principles of freedom from tyranny and from persecution, and despite receiving two Bronze Stars for meritorious service to his country, is required by law to lie about who he is or face being discharged from the military. In his letter, he pleads for a repeal of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'' In reality, he is asking nothing more than to be treated exactly the same as other servicemen and women. It is reprehensible that his Nation responds to his service by telling him he needs to ``shut up'' about who he is. Upon disclosing his sexual orientation, would his past 20 years of service be worth less? Would he suddenly be of no value to the military? Is he suddenly no longer a war hero? Is his 20 plus years of service suddenly an embarrassment? The answer of course, is absolutely not. Yet, our Nation's policy tells this soldier he's not desirable as is. Mr. Speaker, it's a contradiction in the first degree. Our military, including this soldier who contacted me, puts their lives on the line to defend American principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, those who defend these principles are themselves discriminated against because of who they are. This is also a self-defeating policy. Since ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' was implemented in 1994, more than 13,000 gay and lesbian service members have been discharged for no other reason than their sexual orientation. As the United States has fought wars in Afghanistan and in Iraq, hundreds of mission-critical troops, including crucial Arabic, Farsi, and other linguists, have been discharged because the Department of Defense believed they were gay. At the same time, the military has increasingly granted moral waivers to recruits with criminal backgrounds. Mr. Speaker, the case is clear. There is no sound argument for maintaining this discriminatory policy. For the thousands of gay servicemen and women who so bravely serve our country every day but who live in constant fear of being discovered for who they are, for the principles of freedom and equality upon which the United States of America was founded, and in the interest of righting a wrong that has persisted for far too long, I rise in strong support of the bill before us and urge my colleagues to join me in honoring all American servicemen and women, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is absolutely vital. It should be called the Peace Process Preservation Act because that is exactly what it is all about. I understand that to many Israelis and many Palestinians, there is enormous frustration and disappointment and impatience with the peace process, but there is absolutely no acceptable alternative to it. Only negotiations can promise a real and durable peace, a peace with security for Israel, as a Jewish and democratic state, and independence for a sovereign and viable Palestinian state. There is no magic wand. There is no shortcut. The only way to peace is negotiating in good faith and making the hard choices that it demands. Israel has shown time and again that it is ready. In the year 2000, Israel made a serious and generous offer to the Palestinians at Camp David, and then offered even more at Taba. Israel offered the Palestinians still more in 2008. And last year, Prime Minister Netanyahu, without getting any credit, came out in favor of a two-state solution and has been waiting ever since for the Palestinians to join him at the table. It is time for Abu Mazen to stop jetting around the looking for alternatives to dealing directly with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Palestinians can't, on the one hand, complain that Israeli settlements prejudge final status issues and then run around calling on other nations to try to impose a solution from the outside. Personally, I think that the Palestinians' complaints about settlements are overwrought. Prime Minister Netanyahu froze settlement building for 10 months and got only Palestinian scorn for his efforts. Moreover, for peace, or to promote it, Israel has withdrawn completely from Sinai, Lebanon, and Gaza. So the Israeli track record on land for peace is very clear. But what some Palestinians can't seem to understand is that their legitimate aspirations not only can't be achieved by violence, but are equally unobtainable through unilateral or external declarations. A just and lasting settlement is only possible through a political process, one where both sides make concessions. Any nation that is truly committed to peace, or sees itself as a friend of the Israelis or the Palestinians, has to recognize that trying to dictate a solution is a recipe for catastrophe. Instead of producing peace, efforts to impose one from the outside will transform a difficult but resolvable conflict between two peoples into a horrific war between two religions. So if you think the time to resolve this conflict is now, and I do, and if you think both Israelis and Palestinians are entitled to govern themselves, and I do, then you need to support this resolution in favor of negotiations and peace and against imposed or unilateral solutions.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the DREAM Act. Simply put, the DREAM Act is an investment opportunity in our nation's future. Providing thousands of children the chance to legalize their status by either attending college or serving in our Armed Forces strengthens our economy by creating a new generation of Americans paying into Medicare and Social Security; it creates a new generation of Americans that are educated to compete in a high-tech future. And, most importantly, it empowers a new generation of Americans to further contribute to their communities and our country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues who are opposed to this bill, why they insist on punishing children because of a decision not made by them. Many of these kids know no other country other than America, know no other language other than English, and know no other dream than the American dream. They never controlled their immigration status. It's not any more their fault that this is their country than it is the fault of your children that they are here. For many, they have never considered themselves anything but American. For instance, one of my constituents from Corona, Queens, was legally brought to this country on a visitors visa by his father when he was just five years-old, but overstayed the length of his visa and is now undocumented. Ironically, his father is now a U.S. citizen, as are his siblings who were born in the United States. Now a young man, he was graduated from a prestigious local high school in June with honors. He was a star baseball player and outstanding role model in the community. Mr. Speaker, how is it in our national interest to place barriers between this student and a higher education? Let's not penalize him for an immigration status he did not choose. Let's not deprive our nation of the contributions he makes to our economy. This is no amnesty bill. This is no free ride. They will get no unpaid benefits. DREAM Act beneficiaries must submit to security and law enforcement background checks, must be of ``good moral character'' as defined by law, undergo a medical examination, register for the Selective Service, and pay a significant fee in connection with the DREAM Act application. DREAM Act participants are excluded from the Affordable Care Act health-insurance exchanges. They are prohibited from receiving Pell Grants, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other entitlements, and must pay their taxes. Under the act, after ten years of conditional non-immigrant status, this selective group of dedicated students can then, and only then, apply for a green card. There is no contradiction in supporting the DREAM Act and enforcing immigration law. We can enforce the law, strengthen our borders, which we are doing, and have a humane and just immigration policy that doesn't needlessly deprive a generation of children of a higher education. These kids want to attend college. They want to serve their country. They want to be Americans. It is in our best interest to invest in them and give them that opportunity. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this investment in the future of our nation and to support the DREAM Act.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Shirley G. Rosenbaum, the pride of New York State. Born on December 7th, 1910, in Oswego, New York, Shirley grew up with a deep love and appreciation for her community and country. She married Jack Rosenbaum in 1927, and they had two children, Elise and Richard. Richard, under Shirley's steady guidance, became a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court and Chairman of the New York State Republican Committee. Shirley is a parent who never ceases to encourage her children to achieve their dreams. She always stressed to Elise and Richard the value of education in achieving those dreams. In Shirley's 100 years, she has lived through some of the most difficult and joyous times in American history. No matter the challenge, Shirley has maintained a warm home, loving family, and an appreciation for the small pleasures in life. An avid bowler, Shirley is no stranger to 200+ games. She is quite the bridge player and loves to create word games. Her family is her greatest pride though, Elise and Richard, six grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and even one great great grandchild. For her devotion to her family and her country, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to please rise and join me in honoring Shirley G. Rosenbaum on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the strongest possible support of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, H.R. 847. Mr. Speaker, we are here again on the floor of the House to consider doing the decent thing: helping the living victims of the 9/11 who continue to suffer the terrible effects of that day. For too long, the federal government has not stepped-up enough to help the responders, volunteers, workers and residents that went to Ground Zero during and after the horrific 9/11 attack. For too long, this Congress has not acted to help these victims on a permanent basis. Tragically, some of the very people that we want to help with this legislation have already died. Thousands of Americans who responded need medical treatment now. Thousands more will need treatment in the future. Nine years is too long: we must show the American people today that their representatives can put away their differences and work together to pass this bill. The sick and injured don't care about offsets and they don't care about election-year politics. The horrific attack of 9/11 wasn't just an attack on New York City; it was an attack upon the entire United States. The brave men and women in uniform who risk their lives every day in Afghanistan and elsewhere aren't defending just New York City, they're defending America. Responders came to Ground Zero in the thousands from all around the country, from almost every Congressional District. Over 13,000 responders to Ground Zero are sick now and already are receiving medical treatment. Another 53,000 responders are currently being medically monitored and 71,000 individuals are enrolled in the World Trade Center Registry, meaning they were exposed to toxins at some point. In the coming years, these numbers will only increase as symptoms and conditions related to exposure to Ground Zero begin to manifest themselves in the victims. This measure would monitor and provide treatment to responders to Ground Zero and build on the existing monitoring and treatment programs. There's also an economic component to this bill. Victims would be able to be compensated for their economic losses and contractors would receive liability protection. We must pass this bill not only because it's the right thing to do for those people who are sick, but for the next generation of responders who will have to think twice about volunteering and working at a the site of a terrorist attack. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act so that all the victims of 9/11 will receive the medical care and help they need and deserve.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Society of the Kastorians ``OMONOIA'' of New York, located in Whitestone. The first Kastorian immigrants, hailing from Kastoria, a North- Western Province in Greece, have deep roots in New York City. After their arrival in 1887, the community quickly grew. These new Americans organized a philanthropic group that has done charitable work and donated resources both in Greece and here in the United States. Founded on August 7, 1910, the Society first began sending aid back to its members' homeland, Kastoria. The first donations supported a girls' school, a pharmacy, and earthquake-recovery efforts. During both World Wars, the Society was active in providing assistance to Greece's infrastructure and its defenses. During those turbulent times, the Society's efforts helped Greece construct a warship, a power plant and a water supply distribution system, as well as providing shipments of flour to Greek refugees. Through the years, the Society's generosity has not been limited to Greece; it has supported many initiatives in New York and throughout the United States. In 1941, the Kastorians purchased $16,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds, and an aircraft was named The Kastorian Spirit in their honor. They have donated to the American Red Cross and have annually given over $50,000 for scholarships. The Kastorians donated to the World Trade Center Fund after the 9/11 attacks, and to Columbia University for its Hellenic Studies and Ancient History program. They also purchased a two-building complex in Whitestone that the Society uses as its headquarters, where cultural lectures and celebrations are hosted. Madam Speaker, for the last hundred years, the Society's members have been able to maintain their heritage and devotion to Greece, while at the same time dedicating themselves to their home in the United States. I look forward to seeing the Society of Kastorians ``OMONOIA'' of New York's future efforts in improving the lives of not only Greek- Americans, but also all Americans, for many more years to come. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me, and rise in recognition of the Society of Kastorians, its President, Dr. Elias Panides, its Vice President, Vasili E. Zisis, and all its members, on their centennial anniversary.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Jefferson Democratic Club of Flushing, Inc. Representing Part A of the 26th Assembly District of New York, the Jefferson Democratic Club has fiercely and tirelessly advocated on every level for the interests of the Queens and greater New York City communities. Speaker Tip O'Neil once observed that ``all politics is local.'' Organizations like the Jefferson Democratic Club are local politics' driving force. Without the hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication of the men and women of political organizations like the Jefferson Democratic Club, the gears of our democracy would grind to a halt. Founded on June 14th, 1910 during the Republican Administration of William Howard Taft, the Jefferson Dems have been championing democratic values at the grassroots level for generations. Serving the areas of Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, North Shore Towers, and Whitestone, they are a staple of the community and an invaluable asset to the people they represent. In recent years, the Club has participated in annual gift drives benefiting hospitalized war veterans; toy and clothing drives to assist hospitalized and needy children and the children of troops currently serving overseas; and many other important community programs. I am proud to recognize such a prestigious organization and congratulate current District Leaders Joseph Bechtold and Ann-Margaret Carrozza; incoming District Leaders, Michael Sais and Carol Gresser; President, David Fisher; and all the members of the Jefferson Democratic Club of Flushing for their one hundred years of service to the people of Queens County, New York City, and New York State. I hope to see the good work continue for one hundred more. I ask that my colleagues in the House to join me and rise in recognition of the Jefferson Democratic Club of Flushing's centennial anniversary.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. So you are for the bill, but you won't vote for it. Nonsense. Nine years ago, your country was attacked, and you're here quibbling about politics. You're here talking about permanent entitlements. Oh, how easy it is to come down here to this floor. I have seen it done time after time, Mr. Speaker--people proving how patriotic they are, determined to fight against the terrorists, to defend America, leave no soldier behind. Well, where I come from, we are leaving soldiers behind. We have thousands of people, besides the ones who died, who are on the battlefield in our hospitals--who are dying every day, who are reaching out and gasping for the last breaths that they have. You call that an entitlement. I don't question your patriotism. I don't question your nationalism. I don't question your strategy or your tactics to take petty political advantage of this terrible situation. Sure, you're patriots. Sure, you have great oratory, but I have one question: Where is your decency? Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the strongest possible support of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, H.R. 847. Mr. Speaker, every September, we come to the floor of the House of Representatives to pay homage to the lives lost on the 11th of September in 2001, to recognize that each anniversary is a time of solemn commemoration, to extend condolences to the friends, families and loved ones of the innocent victims of the terrorists. Every September, we come here and reflect about that day in 2001 and to say none of us will ever forget what happened. And Mr. Speaker, those words are all well and good, those words are all spoken with sincerity and those words are all important. However, today this House has a chance to do something more, something different than just, ``expressing the sense of the House,'' something tangible, something that will help the living victims of 9/11. Mr. Speaker, when the towers were falling, there were men and women who rushed to those towers to help when all human instinct would be to run away. Later, workers volunteered and were hired to work on the ``pile'' at Ground Zero at the World Trade Center. First responders, workers, visitors and residents at Ground Zero were exposed to a mixture of asbestos, dioxin, jet fuel and other toxins when they were told by the federal government that it was safe. Unfortunately, the previous Administration declared the site ``safe,'' puttered around with piecemeal and short-term efforts, and either by incompetence or design, utterly failed to address the now-acknowledged and long-term effects of exposure to the ``pile'' at Ground Zero. Nine years of waiting for a comprehensive plan of action is long enough; Congress must act now to provide for the lasting care of the people who rushed to Ground Zero to help others, as well as the thousands who worked on the ``pile'' in the aftermath to rebuild the site, and have gotten sick from it. We owe the heroes of 9/11 the medical care and compensation they deserve. H.R. 847, the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, would finally establish a permanent federal program to monitor and treat the first responders, workers, and residents who were exposed to the harmful contaminants caused by the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Mr. Speaker, sadly, there are opponents to this bill. There are opponents to this bill that object to the cost. They say we can't afford it, that we can't afford to add another program with mandatory spending, that these 9/11 victims should come back to Congress every fiscal year for funding. Well, this bill is paid for with an offset. Then there are other opponents who object to the offset used to pay for the bill--an offset which has passed this House three separate times. Apparently, those opponents believe that foreign corporations making profits in the United States should be able to evade taxes. Then there are yet even other opponents to this bill who believe this isn't a national issue, that it's a local, New York City issue. To those opponents: 9/11 wasn't an attack on New York City; it was an attack upon the entire United States. The brave men and women in uniform who risk their lives every day in Afghanistan and elsewhere aren't defending just New York City, they're defending America. Personally, I find it outrageous that we have to even offset the costs of this bill at all. For my entire time here in Congress, I have strongly supported emergency spending for all Americans who are victims of natural and man-made disasters. When there was emergency spending needed for the victims of floods and tornadoes in the Midwest, or hurricanes on the Gulf Cost, or forest fires out West, I supported that spending. In the future, it is likely we will consider emergency spending for some new disaster or attack, whether it will be helping our citizens affected by the oil spill or something else. I strongly believe the victims of 9/11 are owed the same consideration by the Members of this House. Responders came to Ground Zero in the thousands from all around the country, from almost every Congressional District. Over 13,000 responders to Ground Zero are sick now and already are receiving medical treatment. Another 53,000 responders are currently being medically monitored and 71,000 individuals are enrolled in the World Trade Center Registry, meaning there were exposed to toxins at some point. In the coming years, these numbers will only increase as symptoms and conditions related to exposure to Ground Zero begin to manifest themselves in the victims. This measure would monitor and provide treatment to responders to Ground Zero and build on the existing monitoring and treatment programs. There's also an economic component to this bill. Victims would be able to be compensated for their economic losses and contractors would receive liability protection. We must pass this bill not only because it's the right thing to do for those people who are sick, but for the next generation of responders who will have to think twice about volunteering and working at a the site of a terrorist attack. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act so that all the victims of 9/11 will receive the medical care and help they need and deserve.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today, on the thirty-sixth anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, to sadly commemorate this tragic event. Turkey's illegal occupation has continued for far too long. After decades of stagnation, the situation in Cyprus demands a just and comprehensive solution. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have passionately, aggressively, and persistently called for an end to the devastating artificial division of the island of Cyprus. I have been an outspoken critic of Turkey's obstinate belligerence on this issue and a supporter of what seems like countless bills and resolutions pleading, urging, and demanding a just and peaceful resolution. My voice has been just one in a rising chorus of international leaders asking Turkey to end its occupation and help facilitate a solution that is amenable to all Cypriots. Since Turkey's 1974 invasion, numerous United Nations resolutions have condemned Turkey's actions and called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Cyprus. Turkey remains the only nation to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The consensus of the world community is apparent--Turkey's control over the island's future is unjust and must end. As we and other nations work to forge a path towards a free and unified Cyprus that fulfills the needs of all its citizens, we should give special attention to the refugees who have been yearning to return to their homes in safety. A solution must be found that respects the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and provides to all Cypriots the dignity to which they are entitled. Difficult problems rarely have easy solutions--and Cyprus is no exception. Only a Cypriot state that reflects the needs and consent of all its people will be able to thrive. The international community-- including Turkey--must help facilitate this transition. I hope Istanbul will find the political will and courage to at last be part of the solution. Thirty-six years is far too long for this tragedy to continue in search of a solution we know is possible. We who live every day in a nation of different ethnic backgrounds and divergent religious beliefs know coexistence and self-governance is possible, and that pluralism is no pipedream. The citizens of Cyprus yearn for a government of, by, and for the people and deserve it as much as any of us.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable life of Ann Permut Silberfein as she approaches the occasion of her 100th birthday. Ann Permut Silberfein was born of immigrant parents; Rose Sachawetsky of Russia and Nathan Permut of Kiev on September 25, 1910. Her parents came to America as children with their parents to escape the religious persecution that was, unfortunately, so common in Europe during the early 20th century. Rose and Nathan met in America at a very young age, were married, and eventually started their own business: a curtain and linen store at 670 Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn. They knew that owning their own business would not have been possible in Europe and they embraced and achieved the American dream. Rose and Nathan's children helped out in the family store when they were young. As customers checked out, young Ann Permut would write down the price of each item on a brown paper bag and would add the columns in her head. Her years of calculating customers' tabs in her head put her ahead of her classmates and Ann, graduated from high school at 16 years of age. Ann attended college and graduated from Jamaica Training School for Teachers. Ann later met her husband, George Silberfein. After a wonderful courtship, they were married on June 24, 1934. They lived on Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn and moved to Ridgefield Highlands until 1939, when they moved to Huntington, New York. They spent many years as members of Cold Spring Country Club, where Ann won many golf tournaments. In May 1979, Ann and George moved to Hillcrest, Florida. Ann and George were married for 61 happy years until George passed away in 1995. They gave their children, Judy and Manny, Michael and Jane, and Stephen and Linda, a love for America and a drive to give back to the country that had done so much for their family. Their children all went on to college and gave Ann and George nine grandchildren, Steve and Bonnie, Sue, Richie and Carol, Andy and Amy, Jimmy and Diane, Jeffrey, Adam, Scott and Joey, and Jason and Paige. Ann still resides in Hillcrest and leads an active life with her friends and family. As Ann prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday in September, she rejoices in the warmth of her children, her grandchildren, and her 11 great grandchildren: Emily, Jackie, Josh, Rebecca, Tori, Jill, Matthew, Ryan, Mattie, Brady, and Reese. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of her 100th birthday, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Ann Silberfein and wishing her many, many more years to come.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the DISCLOSE Act and offer a very simple but also very important amendment which simply adds the words ``clear and conspicuous'' as a requirement to the disclosures that covered organizations are required to submit to shareholders, members, or donors under the bill. In the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United, corporations now have a First Amendment right to spend millions or even billions of dollars of shareholder money to defeat or support candidates for public political office. While this ruling is now United States law, the DISCLOSE Act takes the appropriate step of mandating that corporations tell their shareholders how they're using the money. After all, investors in a company have a right to know how their company is using their money. But the underlying bill fails to ensure that these corporate disclosures are made clearly and understandably or that they are printed in such a way that allows shareholders to see them. Mr. Chairman, Congress has insisted on disclosure requirements for corporations before, and anyone who receives a credit card offer knows that this is what we get--tiny, unreadable text in 5-point font. Even if you could read it, which you can't without a magnifying glass, you would have to have degrees in law or advanced mathematics to be able to understand it. The central theme of the DISCLOSE Act is empowering American investors by mandating that companies disclose their political expenditures. My amendment very simply imposes and adds the words ``clear and conspicuous'' as a requirement for all organizations covered under the bill so that American investors have a chance to actually see and understand those disclosures. As Congress takes the very reasonable approach of mandating corporate disclosures of political expenditures, we must ensure that corporations present that information clearly and understandably to all of their shareholders. I thank the Rules Committee for making my very straightforward, commonsense amendment in order. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, the purpose of this bill, as I understand it, is for transparency and for people to understand what's happening out there as people spend lots of money--other people's money, very often--to advocate for or against candidates. In the case of unions, unions are very transparent in who they're supporting and who they're not supporting when they decide to take that kind of action. Union members pay voluntarily with their dues money, and the unions disclose who they are and who they're supporting. People who invest in corporations, presumably for the purpose of investing money and furthering America's economic and their own economic interest, have a right to know how those corporations are spending their money that they thought was being invested for the purpose of capitalism and free enterprise rather than to be diverted into anybody's personal political agendas. Unions do that because their members vote; corporations do not. And I would have no idea of a corporation that I may invest in, whether they're spending my initial investment money to work against my interests or even your interests-- or for them, for that matter. This is just to let people know. The second point, the amendment that I offer covers every organization that is covered under the bill equally. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. I thank the chairman for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, this bill has teeth, real teeth, great big, nasty sharp teeth that are finally going to force businesses and banks around the world to choose between the American economy and financial system, or business as usual with Iran's theocratic dictatorship. This bill has real sanctions. Not maybe sanctions, not sort of sanctions, but real sanctions. This bill has real sanctions- investigation requirements, not maybe we will look at it. And not, we will try to get to it when we can, but clear and legal requirements to investigate potential violations. In short, this is a bill that forces the question, will the world watch passively as Iran crosses the nuclear arms threshold, or will we join together to compel Iran to pull back from the nuclear brink? We cannot guarantee the success of these measures. Ultimately, the choices lie with the regime in Tehran. But it should be clear that we are doing all that we can to impose on Iran the highest possible costs for its defiance, that we are demonstrating by our actions and by our efforts the depths of our commitment to peacefully ending Iran's illegal nuclear activities. We are trying diplomacy. We are trying unilateral sanctions. We are trying multilateral sanctions. We are trying our utmost to avoid making conflict inevitable. But there should be no question about the absolute determination of the United States to prevent Iran from acquiring the capability to produce nuclear weapons. Iran's illicit nuclear activities and programs must stop. Above all other considerations, above all other costs, without any doubt or uncertainty, Iran's nuclear program must be stopped. It must be stopped, and we begin that today.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for the bill and I offer my congratulations to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and to all my fellow conferees on what is a remarkable piece of legislation. This bill has teeth, real teeth, great big nasty sharp teeth that are finally going to force businesses and banks around the world to choose between access to the American economy and financial system, or business as usual with Iran's theocratic dictatorship. This bill has real sanctions; not maybe sanctions, not sort-a sanctions, real sanctions. This bill has real sanctions investigation requirements; not maybe we'll look into it, not we'll try to get to it when we can, but a clear legal requirement to investigate potential violations. This bill creates legal safe harbor for the potential divestment of billions of dollars of equity from companies that continue to do business in Iran, the world-capital of state-sponsored terrorism. This bill has real sanctions on Iran's energy sector and all the things that keep it alive and allow it to operate. This bill will force new requirements on U.S. banks to keep Iran's blood-tainted money from being laundered by the international financial system. This bill imposes sanctions on those in Iran responsible for human rights violations and those companies that facilitate Iranian state repression. America will not merely bear witness to the brave struggle of the people of Iran to be free; we choose to stand with the Iranian people against the jackboot of the ayatollah's tyranny. This bill will force action to close loopholes abroad that have allowed Iran to import, smuggle and altogether befuddle international efforts to keep dangerous technologies out of their malicious hands. With this bill there will be no more blind eyes for allies; no more sleeping at the export control switch. In short, this is a bill that forces the question: will the world watch passively as Iran crosses the nuclear arms threshold, or will we join together to squeeze, wrangle, coerce, and compel Iran to pull back from the nuclear brink? Iran's nuclear program is the greatest threat to peace and security in the Middle East and throughout the world. We know it. Our allies in Europe know it. Russia and China know it. All the Arab states know it. Successful nuclear proliferation by Iran would likely mean the collapse of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the onset of a mad rush for nuclear arms in the Middle East and a vastly increased possibility of the unimaginable horror of nuclear arms being used. This bill is also a triumph for the Leadership of this Congress and for the Obama Administration. For the entirety of their eight years, the previous Administration talked tough while the Iranian nuclear program went from crawling to walking; from walking to running; and from running to sprinting towards a nuclear bomb. The rhetoric was always very fierce, the results were always very flaccid. The previous Republican-controlled Congresses, though no less aware of the looming danger following the revelation of Iran's uranium enrichment program in 2002, also said all the right things, but somehow--somehow--never got around to passing this bill or one like it. Look at who's in charge today. Look at who is going to get this bill done with broad bipartisan support. Look at who just put Iran's energy sector under the gun. Look at who just closed the investigations loophole and the diversion loophole. Look at who just imposed unprecedented energy, banking, and finance sector sanctions. Look at who just imposed human rights sanctions on Iran's regime of thugs. Look also at who just got Russia and China to join with the international community in passing the toughest ever UN Security Council sanctions on Iran; sanctions that authorize the inspection of Iranian ships; that impose major new restrictions on Iranian banking, finance, shipping, and arms transactions; and that designates the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and key Iranian firms and figures associated with proliferation for additional penalties. Two years ago if someone had suggested the Security Council would have adopted these positions, they would have been taken away in a straitjacket. Today it's reality. The cowboy rhetoric and the contempt for diplomacy are gone. But the results, which are what actually matters, are compelling. Just as we in Congress have come together to pass this historic legislation, the Obama Administration has rallied the world to stand against Iran's nuclear ambitions. Results matter. We can not guarantee the success of these measures. Ultimately, the choice lies with the regime in Tehran to decide what price they're prepared to pay to sustain their illicit nuclear activities. But it should be clear that we are doing all that we can to impose on Iran the highest possible costs for its defiance and that we are demonstrating, by our actions and by our efforts, the depth of our commitment to peacefully ending Iran's illegal nuclear activities. We are trying diplomacy. We are trying unilateral sanctions. We are trying multilateral sanctions. We are trying our utmost to avoid making conflict inevitable. But there should be no question about the absolute determination of the United States to prevent Iran from acquiring the capability to produce nuclear weapons. Iran can not and must not be allowed to cross the threshold of nuclear arms. They can stop their program, or it can be stopped by others. And it would be far, far better if they stopped their nuclear program themselves. The United States and the other P5+1 nations have all made clear the benefits Iran would gain if it made this choice. The United Nations and the Congress today are showing Iran the rising costs and growing isolation it will endure if its behavior doesn't change. Iran's illicit nuclear activities and programs must stop. Above all other considerations, above all other costs, without any doubt or uncertainty, Iran's nuclear arms program must be stopped. It must be stopped.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.