Gary Ackerman

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the commitment and dedication of the people of the Town of Huntington, New York. On June 15th, 2002, at the 53rd National Civic League Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Huntington was selected out of 30 finalists to be proclaimed an All-American City, and thus became the first Long Island community to receive this impressive designation. The All-American City Award is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious distinctions, given to those communities, which demonstrate outstanding leadership and collaboration in addressing community-wide challenges and achieving exceptional results. This spring, the Town of Huntington's Chamber of Commerce, a business partnership that represents more than 1,300 members, was officially notified by the National Civic League that Huntington had been selected as a finalist for the 2002 All-American City Award. For the next month and a half, the Chamber of Commerce prepared extensively for a final 10-minute formal presentation to be given before the All-American City Jury Panel. It was the success of this final presentation, which highlighted three community-based projects, that clinched the award for Huntington. Mr. Speaker, this distinction is a glowing reflection on all members of the Huntington community. Specifically, I would like to call attention to the tireless work of Dennis Sneden, the CEO of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce; Frank Petrone, the Town Supervisor; Board members Marlene Budd, Mark Cuthbertson, Susan Berland, and Mark Capadonno and all the individuals and businesses, citizens and entrepreneurs, of the Huntington community. Commenting on Huntington's success, Town Supervisor Petrone summed up the reason for Huntington's smashing success. ``This designation speaks to the commitment of a community which works together for the betterment of all its residents,'' he said. ``The partnership between Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Huntington's government sets an example for the region.'' I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in honoring this historic achievement, and in congratulating all the members of the Huntington community for the inspirational example they have provided for cities, towns and villages throughout New York State and our entire nation.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the officers and members of Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 of Roslyn. This year, Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 will celebrate its 150th anniversary, making it one of the oldest fire companies in the State of New York. Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, since the introduction of its Charter by the Assembly of the State of New York in 1866, has shown heroic dedication to the Roslyn community. It is this untiring commitment at the moment of utmost danger that has forever unified Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 with the families it so ably protects. Moreover, the officers and members of Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 are proud of their legacy and achievement within the Roslyn community. They are committed to maintaining their reputation for only the highest standards long into the future. To the officers and members of Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 and to the memory of all the fallen firefighters, who sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedom during the terrorist attacks of September 11, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating this historic anniversary.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the House to join me in recognizing Bunny and Jerry Frankel. Bunny and Jerry represent a true New York mixed marriage: She's from the Bronx, he's from Brooklyn and, for the sake of shalom bayit (peace in the home), they reside in Queens. For the past twenty-eight years they have given unstintingly of themselves to the Hollis Hills Jewish Center and the Jewish community in Queens. Currently, Bunny is serving her second term as Administrative Vice President of the Center. Previously, she served for fourteen years as the synagogue's executive director and during those years, thanks to her expertise and her tireless work, the Center has flourished. In addition to her extraordinary business sense and management skills, Bunny's insight, sensitivity and gracious personality made her especially effective in dealing with the many people needed to keep the Center operating: clergy, officers, trustees, committee chairpersons, professional staff, assorted machers and yentas, and synagogue members at large. Bunny always found ways to enable each of them make their own unique contribution to the synagogue. With Jerry's constant support, insight and encouragement, Bunny has been a calm, cool leader with a special gift for problem resolution. And all of these contributions have been made while they were raising three extremely active, bright children, their twin daughters, Sheryl and Wanda, and their son, Scott. All three have gone on to become leaders in their own respective professions of marketing, education, and computer technology. To note all of Bunny's incredible achievements for the Hollis Hills Jewish Center is impossible--the list is endless. But just to begin, it would have to include implementing superior budgetary controls; facilitating synagogue programs; organizing, tracking and managing all of the many fund raising activities, like the Dinner Dance, the Goods and Service Auction, the Bazaar and the Art Auction, among others; writing grants; administering personnel procedures and policies; negotiating vendor contracts; and supervising the office staff. Bunny has been responsible for administering every aspect of the Center. For the religious school, Bunny interviewed staff, helped plan and coordinate programs, such as consecration, graduation, Purim carnivals, religious science fairs, high school seminars, and out-of- state trips for teens; and arranged for housing, transportation and touring. She coordinated all the committees, the nursery school, the summer camp, the junior congregation, the nursery parent rap groups, the college outreach, the adult education programs, the Holocaust Torah Scroll renewal, the Selichot service, the Sukkah-mobile, the lunch-and- learn sessions, the blood drives, the Russian clothing and food drives, the singles program, the groundbreaking ceremony, the room rental requests, and the list goes on and on. Bunny's track record of creativity and competence brought her to the attention of the National Association of Synagogue Administrators. At their national conferences, Bunny delivered papers and led seminars which earned her a national reputation for professional excellence. Following her employment in the synagogue, Bunny went on to work for State Senator Leonard Stavisky as head of his administrative staff. After two years of exciting work in government service, Bunny was invited to join the Solomon Schechter School of Queens as its executive director. In short order, Bunny revolutionized the administration and management of the flagship day school of the Conservative Movement. As a citizen Bunny has not neglected her civic responsibilities. She is an active member of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Association of Queens where she has served in numerous executive board committee positions, including two terms as president. Currently , she is chairperson of the board. Jerry is a longtime member of the executive board of the FDR Association where he has served as vice president of programming and is currently vice president of administration. Jerry's work in the community is beautifully represented by his service as a docent at the Ridder Museum in Roslyn, where some of his own masterworks in the art of miniaturization have been displayed to the general public. Jerry have given freely and fully of his time to the Center in his own capacity as a caring, committed Center member who has impacted powerfully on the good work of the Bikur Cholim Committee and other committees as well as serving as in-house videographer for countless Center programs. Mr. Speaker, Bunny and Jerry Frankel are a model American couple who have provided exemplary service to the Hollis Hills Jewish Center and the Jewish community in Queens. I know the whole House of Representatives joins me in thanking them for their years of dedication and commitment.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words, and I rise in support of the Lantos amendment. Madam Chairman, I congratulate the gentleman from California for offering his amendment, because it highlights a particularly important aspect of our current efforts in Afghanistan. Everything we have achieved to the present time is dependent on the security situation in Afghanistan. No level of assistance will be effective if aid workers cannot reach those in need. Indeed, the Committee on International Relations received testimony from AID administrator Andrew Natsios that the current security situation on the ground is unsuitable for rapid or sustainable change. The Secretary of Defense has also said that before anything else can happen in Afghanistan, there must be security. Yet, humanitarian aid organizations have reported threats to their workers and attempts at extortion by local commanders. These conditions will not only threaten the delivery of humanitarian assistance, but they will make it impossible to establish an effective program of reconstruction. Recent events such as the assassination attempt on Defense Minister Fahim, the foiled plot to kill Afghanistan's King Zahir Shah, which delayed his return to his country, and the tragic killing of a United Nations aid worker are all part of a disturbing pattern of rising violence, a pattern that threatens to undermine the Loya Jirga process. In fact, Human Rights Watch reports that insecurity in certain provinces has caused the cancellation of Loya Jirga elections in portions of those provinces. Madam Chairman, there are immediate security needs that as of now are going unmet. If we do not address the situation now, U.S. troops who are on the ground will have to stay in Afghanistan even longer. Such insecurity aspects put our troops at greater risk and threaten our ability to meet our military objectives in Afghanistan. I know that the administration is opposed to expanding the International Security Force beyond the boundaries of Kabul, and I know the President supports the training of an Afghan police force and a national army. I support the President in the rebuilding of these institutions. Afghanistan should ultimately be responsible for their own security. But these are long-term solutions. Even the Department of Defense acknowledges that it will be at least 18 months before a national army is ready. What are the citizens of Afghanistan to do in the meantime? We need a strategy to bridge the gap between now and the time when the Afghans can truly provide their own security across the country and that, Madam Chairman, that is what the amendment asks for. Since the President has already foreclosed the option of expanding the International Security Assistance Force, I believe that it is incumbent upon him and the administration to provide an alternative solution. Without U.S. leadership on this question, nothing will be done to address it. The President has said, and I agree, that Afghanistan's persistent poverty, war, and chaos laid the groundwork for the Taliban to seize power. If nothing is done now to address the security situation in Afghanistan, we risk plunging that nation back into the conflict from which it has so recently emerged. Madam Chairman, the Lantos amendment can help us to avoid that fate, and I urge all of our colleagues to support it.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3994, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act. At the outset, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for their tremendous efforts to craft a bipartisan bill supporting rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance in Afghanistan. It is important for the Congress to speak loudly and clearly regarding a long-term commitment to Afghanistan, and I think the bill before us today does just that. In addition, the bill answers the President's call last October for the Congress to support reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan. As has been noted, the bill provides over $1 billion for humanitarian relief, refugee assistance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in Afghanistan. This assistance is linked to adherence to the Bonn process and to progress on eradicating poverty, but in neither case is the aid so closely linked that it deprives the President of the flexibility necessary to pursue U.S. objectives in that country. Throughout the bill, the importance of the role of women is emphasized, from the structure of the future government to health care and education programs specifically for women and girls. In addition, the assistance has a particular focus on the agricultural economy in Afghanistan. I think this is especially important given that the vast majority of Afghans live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The emphasis also dovetails nicely with our efforts to eradicate poppy by giving farmers a viable alternative to the narcotics trade. Madam Chairman, the bill also authorizes military assistance to support the formation of an Afghan police force and a national army. In addition, this assistance is available to foreign countries or international organizations who are directly supporting our military activities in Afghanistan, or are participating in peacekeeping or policing operations there. I believe that the military assistance provisions are appropriate and are focused on the needs of U.S. policy. Madam Chairman, this bill is an excellent example of what can be accomplished through bipartisan efforts. I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for their leadership on this issue, and I urge all of our colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to The Oratorio Society of Queens on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. As one of the oldest performing arts institutions of Queens, The Oratorio Society has established itself as a leading chorus group in the County. Since its establishment in the Spring of 1927, its membership has grown in number and programs have increased in quality. Among its many accomplishments, The Oratorio Society of Queens offers outlets for the interests of amateur musicians in the community; assists local schools with their musical programs and development; promotes an appreciation of classical music in the community; and contributes to the overall quality of life in Queens County by providing the residents of New York's premier borough with first-class cultural entertainment. Practicing and performing without interruption through the Great Depression and briefly interrupted during World War II, this choral society illustrated early on its commitment to providing quality entertainment to the borough of Queens. Through diligent work, and with beautiful voices, the choral group has helped countless New Yorkers forget about their troubles and live life as usual during some of our nation's most trying times. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of The Queens Oratorio Society and to pay tribute to an organization that has made Queens a much richer and more enjoyable place to live. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me now in congratulating The Queens Oratorio Society President, Ardelle Donohue, Artistic Director, David Close and all members, both past and present, on their 75 years of enriching the lives of the people of Queens.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 6th, ten high school students from Berlin, Germany, arrived at New York's Kennedy Airport to spend two weeks with their Jewish counterparts and families in a pilot program designed to foster a better understanding between young Germans and the Jewish community in the United States. Organized by the North American Board of Rabbis and the Padogischer Austauschdient (PAD), the German Educational Ministry in Bonn, the exchange was conceived as a means to bridge the gulf that sometimes exists between the United States Jewish community and Germany. Some 57 years have passed since the end of World War II, and Germany has become a dynamic and tolerant society that now contains the third largest Jewish population on continental Europe. It has also been a stalwart friend of Israel and one of America's closest allies. The students were warmly received by their host families, and new friendships were immediately established. During their time in New York City, they had occasion to visit synagogues, learn about Jewish traditions, attend local schools, and even engage in the great American pastime of enjoying hot dogs while watching the Mets at Shea Stadium. Most important, was what the students learned from each other as they were embraced by all with whom they came into contact. The German students experienced the dynamism of the United States Jewish community and came away impressed by both its spirit and commitment to universal justice. In late August the ten American students who served as hosts will go to Berlin, where they no doubt will be as warmly received and will have the opportunity to experience the German community. Particular praise for this effort should be extended to Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum with the North American Boards of Rabbis, Dr. Stefan Schleuter, who is Deputy Consul General for Germany in New York, and Allienze AG from Munich, Germany, the corporation that fully funded the pilot program. In closing Mr. Speaker, I want to commend all of the parties involved for making this program a huge success. To our young people from Berlin and New York, I hope and trust that this experience had expanded your horizons and that the exposure will prove enlightening as you soon begin your adult life venture.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to call to the attention of the House of Representatives the work of Rabbi Mordecai Waxman, one of America's great citizens, who is retiring from his position as senior rabbi at Temple Israel in Great Neck, New York. On Sunday, May 19, Temple Israel will hold a dinner to celebrate and honor Rabbi Waxman for his 55 years of devoted service not just to the Jewish community on Long Island, but to the Jewish community throughout America and around the world. Well-known throughout New York, Rabbi Waxman will be remembered in human history as one of the key figures in the effort to heal the painful breach between the Jewish people and the Roman Catholic Church. Working with two Popes, Rabbi Waxman played a key role in the Second Vatican Council's publication of the Nostra Aetate document, which transformed modem relations between Jews and Catholics. Rabbi Waxman has not only been a leader between religions, but also a key figure in the U.S. Jewish community over several decades. Beginning with his ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1941, Rabbi Waxman has continuously sought opportunities for leadership, first, as the founding rabbi at Congregation Shaare Tikva in Chicago, Illinois and then, only a year later, serving as a U.S. Army chaplain from 1943 to 1946. Following his service to our nation, Rabbi Waxman went on to lead Temple Israel, along the way becoming editor of the Journal Conservative Judaism, the president of the Rabbinical Assembly, the president of the World Council of Synagogues, the chairman of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultation, the chairman of the National Council of Synagogues and even the first rabbi to become a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great due to his vital role in Jewish-Catholic rapprochement. Mr. Speaker, America is not a great nation because a small corps of heroes do great deeds. America is a great nation because our charter of freedom has enabled thousands of ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things. Rabbi Mordecai Waxman is just such an ordinary doer of extraordinary things. As a citizen, as a U.S. Army chaplain, as a leader of the Jewish community in America and internationally, and as a husband to the late Dr. Ruth Waxman, the father of Hillel, Jonathan and David Waxman, and the grandfather of five wonderful grandchildren, Ariya, Amir-Kia, Lailee, Jessye and Avir, Rabbi Waxman has represented what we all know is best about our nation and our society. Mr. Speaker, I call upon the whole House to rise and join me in thanking Rabbi Mordecai Waxman for his contributions to our country and its citizens, and in wishing him a retirement of peace, contentment and good health.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today with a heavy heart, because with this resolution of solidarity the House formally acknowledges three critical policy failures: First, we are owning up to the failure of our Nation's Pygmalion- like, romanticized notion that we could transform an Arab Che Guevara into a Palestinian Nelson Mandela. In the end, Yasir Arafat could not put down the gun. Second, we are at last admitting that our policy of one more chance was understood by Yasir Arafat to mean that, no matter what, there would always be one more chance. We are declaring today that there are no more last chances. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we are acknowledging the failure of our countless efforts to squeeze from Mr. Arafat even the smallest commitment to nonviolence. After trips by the Vice President, the Secretary of State, the CIA director, and the President's special envoy, Yasir Arafat still cannot put down the gun. Today, Mr. Speaker, we are acknowledging failure. Not a failure of our making, nor one of our choosing. But this admission is the first step toward realizing our policy toward our ultimate goal of peace with security and a peace with dignity. We are declaring today that there are no more last-chances left. His credibility is gone. His promises are hollow. The Congress, at least, has had enough. Instead of sharing dreams of hope and plans of progress, as all great leaders have, he inspires young people to kill themselves to blow up babies and grandparents in pizzerias, or young girls going to a dance, or worshipers observing Passover. Nothing can justify the use of such evil depravity as a negotiating tool. He cannot put down the gun. ``Get re-involved,'' Mr. Arafat and the world told us. ``Get re- involved and the violence will stop. And so we did. But he couldn't put down the gun. In February 2001, President Bush sent Secretary of State Colin Powell to the Middle East and Arafat couldn't put down the gun. The Administration endorsed the Mitchell Committee report, and sent CIA Director George Tenet to facilitate implementation of the Mitchell report, and Arafat couldn't put down the gun. At the UN, President Bush called for a Palestinian state, and in a major speech, Secretary Powell elaborated on the President's vision, and Arafat couldn't put down the gun. The President sent General Anthony Zinni as his special envoy, and the Vice-President offered to meet with Yasir Arafat, but Arafat couldn't put down the gun. The President sent Gen. Zinni again, and Arafat still couldn't put down the gun. And finally, finally, after 19 months of daily drive-by-shootings, mortar attacks, rocket attacks and suicide bombings in restaurants, cafes, discos and religious observances, the people being murdered by Arafat's bombers said enough is enough. Israel has endured what no other nation would ever be asked to accept: the daily slaughter of its citizens by the very parties with whom others expected it to negotiate. And so the IDF was sent into the hotbeds of Palestinian terrorism. And the results are quite clear. Just as our armed forces broke the back of Al-Qaida in Afghanistan, the Israeli Army has rightfully crushed the Palestinian terrorist infrastructure. Not surprisingly, there has been a real, sustained and significant reduction in Palestinian violence against Israel. As did every Member of the House, I hoped that the Oslo agreement between Israel and the Palestinians would lead to peace. I still believe that peace is possible, but it is only possible if the Palestinians will finally put away the guns and bombs and seek their statehood at the bargaining table. So yes, Mr. Speaker, we are acknowledging failure. Not a failure of our making, nor one of our choosing. But we are today recognizing a terrible truth: as it stands today, the Palestinian Authority is the author, solicitor, supporter, organizer and financier of Palestinian terrorism. In concert with Iran, it is an enemy of peace. And what about tomorrow? After all, it is the Middle East. Perhaps Mr. Arafat can be resurrected as a seeker of peace. But until then, what we have done has failed. And this admission is the first step toward realigning our policy toward our ultimate aim: a just and lasting settlement between Israel and its Arab neighbors; a peace with security and a peace with dignity. Let us hope it begins today.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reluctantly rise in opposition. After a decade of work, I had been tremendously pleased to see that my amendment to ban the marketing and movement of downed animals at auctions in stockyards was included and accepted by the House, and I am disappointed today that this commonsense legislation to protect the safety of the food supply and to end the suffering of downed animals was neutered by the conference. The transport and marketing of these incapacitated, sick, and crippled animals creates a tremendous human health concern, as well as humane concerns. This is only one-tenth of 1 percent of the market, and they are not euthanized only because at that point they could not be used for human consumption. The downed animal amendment has 165 sponsors, was accepted by both Houses. The House should know that meat from downed animals has an increased risk from bacterial contamination and other diseases, including neurological afflictions such as mad cow disease. The Veterinary Services Department of the USDA itself said that downed animals is the number two risk for mad cow disease. We have prohibited the use of this product in the school lunch program; McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's have banned the use of this, California bans the use of this. How on earth do we justify using the meat of these poor downed, crippled, sick animals in our own food supply? Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Farm Security Act Conference Report. After over a decade of work, I was tremendously pleased to see that my amendment to ban the marketing and movement of ``downed animals'' at auctions and stockyards and to require that these animals be humanely euthanized was included in both the House and the Senate version of the Farm Security Act. Today I am disappointed to report that this commonsense legislation to protect the safety our Nation's food supply, and to end the suffering of downed animals was severely neutered during conference committee negotiations. The transport and marketing of these incapacitated sick or crippled animals creates tremendous human health concerns as well as humane concerns. Downers make up only one-tenth of 1 percent of the market. And not to euthanize them just because then they couldn't be marketed for human consumption, is indeed a sin. The downed animal amendment cosponsored by 165 members, was accepted by the House and the Senate and offered a solution that would protect both the public health and downed animals. Meat from downed animals has an increased risk for bacterial contamination and other diseases, including neurological affictions such as mad cow disease. This is not a fringe idea. Last year, the USDA itself instituted a policy precluding the purchase of beef from downed animals for the national school lunch program because of these safety concerns. How on God's Earth can they justify marketing this to the rest of the country, when they say it is unsafe to put in our school lunch program? In addition to this, the fast food chains are doing the appropriate thing. Chains such as McDonald's and Burger King and Wendy's have all banned the use of meat from downed animals in their products. And who else? California, the largest cattle producer in the country, Colorado and Illinois, have already prohibited the entry of downed animals into the food supply. Why just them? All Americans must be protected from this risk. And yet, and yet, there are some who kowtow to the few irresponsible folks within the industry in order to protect only one-tenth of 1 percent of the market. Last year a Zogby America Poll of 1,000 people in our country found that four out of every five opposed the use of downed animals for human food. I want to emphasize that my downed animal amendment passed both bodies; it has 165 cosponsors; and that it gives USDA the authority it needs and does not interfere with the USDA's current disease-testing program.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 7(c) of rule XXII, I hereby announce my intention to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2646. The form of the motion is as follows: I move that the managers on the part of the House at the conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 2646 be instructed to insist on the provisions contained in section 945 of the House bill relating to unlawful stockyard practices involving nonambulatory livestock.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, one of the newest members Raja Sabha, the Upper House of India's national parliament is Murli Deora, who has been one of the United States' strongest advocates and closest friends for many years. Murli's election to the Raja Sabha is a well deserved honor which some might say is long overdue. Murli has enjoyed a distinguished career as a public servant in India and throughout the world. A former mayor of Mumbai, India's largest city, Murli served for many years in India's Lower House, the Lok Sabha, where he rose to prominence in a number of areas, including India-U.S. relations. Murli worked tirelessly to bring the world's oldest democracy closer to the world's largest democracy. Murli carried on this effort even when relations between our two countries grew distant during the Cold War. Because of Murli's foresight, countless politicians and business leaders in the United States have long sought his counsel and advice on matters in India. Mr. Speaker, as a former Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, as well as a former Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, I can attest to the generous time and energy Murli has given to fostering ties between our two countries. I have also had the privilege of working with Murli when he served as International President of Parliamentarians for Global Action, a worldwide inter-parliamentary organization focusing on many critical issues facing the world today. I also have watched with great interest and much pride as Murli built a series of computer training centers in many Indian cities to provide underprivileged children with free computer education. Mr. Speaker, for the last several years Murli has immersed himself in the activities of the Red Cross in India, where he has served as Vice- Chairman. A legendary fund raiser, Murli secured critical funds to bring much needed relief for the victims of the devastating earthquake which rocked Gujurat last year. His important work in India earned Murli the second highest position at the Red Cross's international headquarters in Geneva. Mr. Speaker, Murli Deora's uncontested election to the Raja Sabha is a crowning achievement for a long and distinguished career in Indian politics. I am certain that all of our colleagues who are active in promoting stronger ties between the United States and India join me in extending congratulations and best wishes to Murli and his family. I am confident that, as Murli ascends to this important legislative body, that the citizens of India will once again benefit from his longstanding advocacy for democracy, economic development, social welfare and secularism.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to salute the nation of Greece and celebrate the 181st anniversary of Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. This great day in Greek history commemorates the successful struggle of the Greek people for national sovereignty. The Ancient Greeks forged the notion of democracy, something for which the United States and the rest of the world will always be thankful. Indeed, we owe Greece the inspiration for our own democratic form of government. As Thomas Jefferson pointed out, Greece is ``the light which led ourselves out of Gothic darkness''. I think it is safe to say that the Founders of both Greece and the United States would be proud of the tremendous achievements of both nations. Throughout the past 181 years, there have been repeated challenges to the independence of Greece, yet its people have stridently fought to maintain both their democracy and their independence. The United States and its people have been proud to stand by her and provide strength, assistance and friendship to overcome those struggles. Greeks across the United States and throughout the world have much to celebrate on this great day of independence. Today, the United States shares many common threads with Greece, including commitments to democracy, peace and human rights. Greece has sent us her sons and daughters in past generations, helping us to build our proud nation. We will not forget the fierce resistance with which Greece opposed the Axis powers in World War Two, nor their equally staunch resistance to the expansion of communism in the war's immediate aftermath. Greece has been one of our strongest allies ever since. For nearly 5 decades now Greece has been a key NATO member, helping to stabilize its area of the Mediterranean. Since Greece and the United States share many interests and many values, the celebration of the 181st Anniversary of Greek Independence gives us the opportunity to call for an even closer collaboration between both our countries. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate once again Greek culture and to toast the Greek people. It is an honor to rise and commemorate the 181st Greek Independence Day. On this day we celebrate more than just Greece's independence, we celebrate Greece as a nation and as a friend.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and praise Army Lieutenant Christopher Blaha for his heroic actions in the defense of our nation. I would like to share with my fellow colleagues the following two articles describing Lieutenant Blaha's incredible service in our fight against terrorism. September 11, 2001 was a horrific day for the United States, yet brave men, such as Lieutenant Blaha, show us all that the spirit of America has not, and will not, be broken. Mr. Speaker, we will prevail. [From the New York Post, Mar. 11, 2002] Frontline GI's Battle Cry for Buddies Killed in WTC Attack--Hero Avenger (By John Lehmann) On every grenade he threw at the al Qaeda fighters, New Yorker Christopher Blaha wrote the name of the best friend he lost to terrorists on Sept. 11. Also burned into the Army lieutenant's mind was the memory of a second buddy, who died trying to save lives at the World Trade Center. After a fierce eight-day fight in remote Afghan mountains, 24-year-old Blaha, from Great Neck, L.I., returned to safety yesterday and immediately spoke of his two lost pals, Andrew Stergiopoulos, who worked for bond firm Cantor Fitzgerald, and FDNY firefighter Jonathan Ielpi. ``There was definitely a vindictive side to it--I can go back and tell their families everything we did.'' Blaha said, as he rested at the Bagram air base near Kandahar. As his fellow soldiers cheered the returning troops, Blaha, fighting with the Army's 10th Mountain Division based in upstate New York, told how he had written Stergiopoulos' name on his grenades. Blaha's mom, Cooky said her son had formed a bond for life with Steriopoulos as the pair grew up in Great Neck, playing ice hockey for a community team, the Great Neck Bruins. John Hughes, the father of skating gold-medalist Sarah Hughes, also played on the team. ``Andrew and Chris were real close--I'm just so proud of what he's done,'' Cooky Blaha told The Post. Steriopoulos' brother, George, said from his home in Great Neck that his family was ``touched'' by Blaha's words. ``It's been very hard,'' he said. ``It would have been Andrew's 24th birthday on March 7.'' ``I saw Chris going off to boot camp, and we've been hoping that he's OK. That's really touching, what he said.'' Ielpi, a 29-year New York City firefighter with two young sons, had known the Blaha family for years, having attended St. Aloysius elementary school in Great Neck with Christopher Blaha's eldest brother, Jack. Ielpi's mom, Anne, said last night her family had been thinking of Blaha during his Afghanistan mission and was hoping he returned safely. ``We've known the family for years and we think it's great if he can get a little retaliation,'' she said. ``It means a lot to everyone.'' Blaha had told his mom before leaving for Uzbekistan in January that he would dedicate his mission to his friends. ``He's just a kid from Great Neck really, but he rang this morning and told me he had been ordering in the planes with the bombs and I couldn't believe it--he's made us all proud,'' she said.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vincent ``Jimmy'' Suozzi, who will be honored by the Glen Cove Council of PTA at a dinner on Sunday, March 10, 2002. Jimmy Suozzi, former Mayor and current Controller of the City of Glen Cove, NY, was bom in New York City and raised in the City of Glen Cove where he has lived ever since. Drafted into the army immediately after high school, Jimmy served our nation two years before attending St. John's University under the GI Bill. In 1950, Jimmy graduated with a BBA in Accounting and soon after began his brilliant career as a community leader in Glen Cove. Jimmy's career in local politics began in the 1950s with his appointment to the Glen Cove Planning Board and he moved onto serve as the Deputy County Treasurer in the late 1960's. On January 1, 1973, Vincent ``Jimmy'' Suozzi was appointed Mayor of the City of Glen Cove, and was then elected by the citizens of his city four times between 1975 and 1984. Among his many accomplishments during his 11 years as Glen Cove's chief executive, Jimmy Suozzi centralized control of the various city departments, established celebration of Martin Luther King Day, and had Sturno, Italy declared the sister city of Glen Cove. Jimmy has always been an active, outstanding and dedicated member of the Glen Cove Community. He recalls being one of the first altar boys at St. Rocco's Church, where today he is the chairman of the St. Rocco's Annual Feast. As a young man, Jimmy worked hard with the Glen Cove Community Chest to raise money for the Community House in the Orchard, an afterschool center servicing all the children in the neighborhood. As a father, Jimmy was active in the Coles School PTA and Glen Cove High School PTSA. Today, in addition to being a member of the Sons of Italy. Knights of Columbus, VFW and American Legion, Jimmy is a devoted father, grandfather and husband. Married to Theresa M. Cioffs since 1950, they have raised seven children, all who graduated from Glen Cove High School. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I honor such an exceptional individual. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in commending Vincent ``Jimmy'' Suozzi for his life-long dedication to the Glen Cove Community.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate my constituent and America's newest sweetheart, Sarah Hughes, on her spectacular gold medal performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics. On February 21, 2002, Sarah, a 16-year-old high school junior from Great Neck, New York, accomplished the unimaginable. After years of training and dedication, Sarah skated a flawless performance that included seven triple jumps with two triple-triple combinations. Sarah said that she wasn't skating for a gold medal that night, she just wanted to do her best. And that she did. While many discounted her chances, Sarah's long program left the world awestruck and moved her from fourth place to capture the gold medal ahead of the top skating competitors in the world. It's not every day that Great Neck produces a gold medalist. Sarah is our hometown hero. Local supermarkets, stores, delis and police stations all proudly display signs of congratulations to Sarah. If you stop the people on the street, everyone has a smile and only praise to share about Sarah Hughes. In addition to being a gold medalist, Sarah is a top student at Great Neck North High School, who despite spending hours training to be an Olympic gold medalist, also attends a full schedule of class and maintains a straight-A average. Last Thursday night, I had the pleasure to watch Sarah's performance on the big screen with her supporters at Great Neck House, the area's community center. The atmosphere was thick with excitement and the moment Sarah was awarded the gold was a moment I will never forget. To continue the celebration, on March 3rd at 11 a.m., Great Neck will welcome Sarah home with a parade through the center of town. From her back, yard skating rink to the Olympic stadium, Sarah Hughes has captured the hearts of the American people. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Sarah for her magnificent performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to please join me in congratulating Sarah as an Olympic gold medalist.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Honorable Jack McNulty, on the occasion of his 80th birthday today. Mr. McNulty is the father of our esteemed colleague, Congressman Mike McNulty. The Honorable Jack McNulty has had a long and distinguished career in public service. He was first elected to office in 1949 and has been re- elected to serve the people of his community in every decade since. Just this past November, he was re-elected as Mayor of Green Island, a village in New York which his son, Mike, represents with distinction in Congress. Jack McNulty is an upstanding citizen, dedicated public servant, and devoted father. I ask my colleagues to rise and Join with me in honoring Jack McNulty and wishing him a happy 80th birthday, and many, many more to come.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hadassah, on the occasion of the organization's 90th anniversary. In February of 1912, Henrietta Szold founded Hadassah, presently the largest women's and largest Jewish membership organization in the United States. During the past nine decades, thousands of members from throughout the United States have set forth to promote a prosperous and peaceful Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, pursue social justice, and provide for the health, education, and well-being of American Jewish women and their families. Since the group's humble beginning as a women's study circle, dedicated members have helped Hadassah to become one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations. In Israel, Hadassah's flagship project, the Hadassah Medical Organization, is the most advanced medical center in the region. This state-of-the-art healthcare facility is comprised of two hospitals, 90 outpatient clinics, numerous community health centers, and annually services over 600,000 patients regardless of race, religion, or creed. The compassion of Hadassah is not only illustrated by their healthcare efforts. Hadassah funds and maintains four major Israeli and American programs--Young Judaea, Young Allya, Hadassah Israel Education Services and the Jewish National Fund. Each of these programs strives to support and promote Jewish life for Israelis and Americans of all ages. In addition to these programs, Hadassah is engaged in a wealth of educational, advocacy, training, and community service initiatives both in the U.S. and in Israel. In honor of more than 300,000 members of Hadassah, I am privileged to pay tribute to their selflessness, incalculable hospitality, and success. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and my colleagues of the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Hadassah and its dedicated members for nine decades of social action and noble work.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution commending and welcoming General Musharraf of Pakistan. It is fitting that we should commend him for his support of the U.S.-led war on terrorism. Mr. Musharraf has accommodated our requests for bases, allowed us to use Pakistani airspace and otherwise provided us with logistic and intelligence-related support for our operations in Afghanistan. For that we are truly grateful. Rhetorically, Mr. Musharraf has aligned Pakistan with the nations opposed to terrorism, he abandoned his support of the Taliban in Afghanistan and recently met with Hamid Karzai the interim leader of Afghanistan offering his support for the new regime. In his speech of January 12, Mr. Musharraf pointed Pakistan away from Islamic extremism and back toward the goal of the founders of Pakistan: a secular, moderate, democratic, Muslim state. but there is a long way to go before Pakistan reaches that goal. For too long, terrorist groups that operate across the line of control in India have been given safe haven in Pakistan. The authors of the attack on the Indian parliament last December and on the state assembly building in Srinigar last October found aid and support in Pakistan. White a series of high-profile arrests and the announcement of a formal ban on militant groups operating in Pakistani are good beginnings, the jury is still out on whether infiltrations across the line of control have stopped. The steps taken to date are helpful but some recent backsliding is also in evidence. Last week, Mr. Musharraf claimed that the Indian intelligence services where behind the kidnaping of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Such allegations are baseless and do not help either find Mr. Pearl or lower the level of tension between India and Pakistan. Beyond this, Mr. Musharraf has returned to the formulation that the terrorist groups in Pakistan are ``freedom fighters''. This is not acceptable. Pakistan can no longer say it is simply giving ``political'' support to Kashmiri groups while secretly aiding their infiltration into India. The point of U.S. policy since September 11 has been to oppose all terrorists, not just those who are conveniently or easily opposed. Mr. Musharraf must choose, he is either with the terrorists or he is with us, he cannot have both. On the subject of democracy, Mr. Musharraf has also said the right things. He has laid out a timetable for Pakistan's return to democracy and has held village level elections. Provincial and national assembly elections are scheduled. But we must not forget that Mr. Musharraf is the reason that Pakistan is again off the democratic path. For him to receive full credit for restoring democracy elections at all levels must be held, including elections for his office. All of this is admittedly difficult to accomplish against the backdrop of Islamic extremism, but it is Mr. Musharraf's own timetable and he should be urged to keep it. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate for us to welcome Mr. Musharraf and thank him for his support, but we should also be mindful of how much further Pakistan has to go.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am outraged by the statement of one of the previous speakers who has now left the floor who said, with his unique sense of justice, that we should treat everybody equally; that we should treat the terrorists and victims the same; that we should treat Hamas the same way and look at them in the same way that we treat little girls going to a disco, or grandmothers taking their grandchildren out for pizza for lunch. That is not justice; that is ridiculous. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution. I would like to thank the chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for their outstanding efforts in crafting this resolution and getting it to the floor in so timely a fashion. I believe it is critically important at this moment, this moment of truth, for the House of Representatives to speak out against the Palestinian terrorism which has cost so many innocent Israelis their lives. It is well past time for Congress to say enough, enough killing, enough terror, and finally, enough duplicity, excuses, and lies. Palestinian terrorism is not an accident; it is not an uncontrollable cycle. In fact, it is the result of a deliberate, deliberate refusal by the Palestinian Authority to crack down on terrorist groups like Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic jihad. It is the result of the Palestinian Authority's revolving-door prison policy, and the Palestinian leadership's unconscionable refusal to arrest terrorists whose names and addresses are made familiar by endless Israeli requests for action, requests that have been confirmed by our own government. Hamas is a terrorist group, and the PA harbors them. Our President says there is no difference, that the Palestinian Authority must be held accountable for these grotesque decisions which make any hope of peace an impossibility. The Palestinian people have legitimate grievances and they have a right to express them; but they have no right, no right, no right to blow up and murder innocent men, women, and children. Mr. Speaker, the United States cannot work during the day with Palestinian leaders on ``the peace of the brave'' while in the evening they turn a blind eye to terrorist bombings, shootings, and mayhem. As President Bush made so clear in his address to this Congress and to the American people, the time has come for every Nation and national group to choose: they are either with us or they are with the terrorists. The Palestinian Authority has exactly that choice to make now. Either they destroy the infrastructure of Hamas, Islamic jihad, and other terrorist groups, or they will lose their relationships with the Congress, lose their relationship with the United States, and in the end, stand to lose much more than that. Mr. Speaker, we must pass this excellent resolution. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for helping the House to find its voice on this very critical issue.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I offer a preferential motion.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, not to be concerned, it is not my intention to follow through on the motion, just that we are tight on time, and I do not want to impact on any of my other colleagues and we have got numbers worked out now. Mr. Chairman, I come from New York, a city wracked with pain, suffering from an attack of mass destruction against our country and upon our city. We are an American city which makes it even more painful for us to fathom why we should have an uphill fight as we plead the cause of our people to our government. To those who want to send us away with a penny and a promise, please remember some things. When California was hit with an earthquake, 84 people died, a national tragedy, 84 people died, and we ponied up $7 billion. Every New Yorker was there. Nobody asked for a receipt. Nobody said, take part now and come back later. When Texas was hit with floods, every New Yorker was there, voting for every penny that was requested then and there. Nobody asked for a receipt. We do this because we believe that we are good neighbors and we are great Americans. When Hurricanes George and Andrew hit Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, $4.3 billion was spent immediately, and every New Yorker stood by at the exact moment that it was requested. Hurricane Hugo, $1.5 billion, hitting North and South Carolina. Every New Yorker voted for it. The floods in the Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota. Billions of dollars was spent and not one New Yorker even blinked. New Yorkers have been there every time there has been a problem anywhere in the country. Nobody in this Congress has ever questioned. And we are so proud that not one New Yorker in the history of the Republic has ever said no to $1 to any other place in the Nation that had a disaster. We do not know why we are treated like this. We never said to anybody else, take half now and come back later. Let me tell my colleagues a little bit about who we are. We are the people that showed the world the courage of Americans. We are the people who have more dead and unburied in a disaster than have occurred in all the disasters in the history of the Republic. Our one town has more people than 42 States. We have more Puerto Ricans than San Juan. We have more Dominicans than Monte Christi. We have more Germans than Bonn. We have more Italians than Palermo and Bologna. We have more gentlemen than Verona, more merchants than Venice, and more barbers than Seville. And Brooklyn alone has more people than all of Mongolia. We have more Catholics than Rome. We have more Muslims than the Holy City of Madina. We have more Irish than Cork and Limerick and Galway. And, yes, we have more Jews than Jerusalem. On any day, on any lousy, stinking, single, random day, we have more heroes than the world could ever have conceived. Do not tell us that we have made you proud, unless you are willing to help make us well. We are part of your country. We are not here, hat in hand, looking for foreign aid. Do not nickel-and-dime us. Do not tell us to go home to our constituents with half a loaf and to come back later, maybe next year, if the money is there. We are part of this team. Do not turn us away. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my motion.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stuart Rabinowitz, on the occasion of his recent appointment as the new president of Hofstra University in Nassau County, New York. Chosen as the eighth President at Hofstra University, Stuart Rabinowitz assumes the post with 29 years of service to the University. Professor Rabinowitz joined the faculty of Hofstra University School of Law in 1972, and from 1989 to 2001, served as Dean of the Hofstra School of Law. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Hofstra community, Professor Rabinowitz has been honored by his appointment as the Andrew M. Boas and Mark L. Claster Distinguished Professor in Law. Professor Rabinowitz received his juris doctor degree, magna cum laude, from Columbia University School of Law, where he was a member of the board of editors of the Columbia Law Review and a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. He received his undergraduate degree with honors, from City College of New York, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the American Law Institute. Stuart Rabinowitz is an outstanding citizen and dedicated to his community. In addition to being a devoted father and husband, Professor Rabinowitz holds many positions with a number of important government and community organizations. These include the Nassau County Health and Welfare Council, Cradle of Aviation Museum, Fund for Modern Courts and Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting. He is also a former member of the Nassau County Blue Ribbon Financial Review Panel and former chair of the Nassau County Local Advisory Board. For his notable service, Stuart is the recipient of the Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, EOC; Distinguished Service in the Cause of Justice, Legal Aid Society; UJA Federation Leadership Award; and the Bar association of Nassau County Proclamation for Outstanding service to both the Legal Profession and the community. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I honor Professor Rabinowitz for his distinguished contributions to Hofstra University and the Nassau County community. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to please join me in congratulating Stuart Rabinowitz as he assumes his appointment as President of Hofstra University.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of increasing the FHA Multifamily loan limits. The FHA multifamily loan programs support the new construction and substantial rehabilitation of much needed affordable rental housing. Our Nation faces a growing affordable housing crisis for low- and moderate-income families. Yet the FHA multifamily loan limits have not been raised in 9 years. How can we expect the private sector to produce affordable rental housing, when they cannot receive affordable financing? Construction costs have risen more than 25 percent since the last increase. One simple way to stimulate the development of affordable housing in our communities is to increase the multifamily loan limits. In my home State of New York, the current limit is $87,226 per two- bedroom unit. In the last 4 years not one unit has been produced under the FHA multifamily loan program, due to that low number. The 25- percent increase established in this conference agreement would raise the limit in New York to $106,952. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this necessary and important increase that will benefit so many working families throughout our Nation.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I stand to give you a bulletin from the City of New York, from my home community of Queens, New York. As we speak, Concourse A, Terminal 8 at JFK Airport has just been closed. It has been closed because the screeners at American Airlines when a magnetometer broke down decided to just wave the people through. They waved enough people through, until the FAA found out about it. The FAA, by the way, for those who have not noticed, is a Federal agency that hires Federal employees. The screeners are not. The FAA closed down the whole terminal. Presently, five planeloads of people thinking they were going to their destinations across America are being off-loaded off of all those planes because they are now considered unsanitized and have to go through the screening process that some of them should have gone through to begin with. This points out exactly the problem that we have: poorly trained, inconsistently trained, nonpublic, non-Federal employees, doing screening by any rules they deem necessary, without any supervision. Think of what you would do if you passed what you are looking to pass.