Rob Andrews

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the Record show that although I was recorded as having voted ``nay'' on the May 4, 2005 recorded vote regarding the motion to recommit H.R. 366 (rollcall 153), I intended to vote ``yea.''

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wanda B. Ryan for her 41 years of outstanding service to the youth of Camden, New Jersey. She has shown tremendous dedication to our community, serving and living in Camden throughout her entire career. Ms. Ryan has an amazing track record at the Washington School: she has not missed a day of school in her entire 41 year career! Since September of 1964, she has been there every day for her elementary school students, who have certainly benefited from Ms. Ryan's lessons, and have gone on to live more enlightened, fruitful lives. Her efforts have certainly benefited not only the students, but all those involved in the Washington School and its community. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the outstanding career of Wanda Ryan. She has certainly accomplished much throughout her time at the Washington School, and I applaud her steadfast commitment to her community and students. I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the somber occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and to call upon the Administration to finally recognize this horrible crime for what it truly was, systematic and deliberate murder. The Armenian Genocide began on April 24, 1915, and within 8 years one and a half million Armenians were tortured and killed. Tortures that the Armenians were forced to endure included forced labor, rape, kidnapping, and death marches under the guise of ``temporary relocation.'' A grave injustice was intentionally committed by the Ottoman Empire during these years, and it is imperative that we now stand up and demand that this injustice be officially recognized by Turkey, the United States, and the world. The senseless crime of genocide is one of the most reprehensible acts that can be committed by man. To attempt eradication of an entire population based on a misguided prejudice is absolutely vile, and the United States should do everything in its power to try and prevent such atrocities from happening in the future. Only by explicitly defining genocide and ensuring that all cases of genocide throughout history are appropriately identified can we effectively deter this crime. Particularly at this time of heightened vigilance around the world, it is absolutely imperative that America take a strong stance against the most troubling of all terrorist acts, mass killings. We can not forget Adolph Hitler's haunting remark to his military staff prior to launching the Holocaust: ``Who, after all, remembers the annihilation of the Armenians.'' Let us stand up as a country and let the world know that we do remember.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 81, a resolution which condemns the crackdown on political dissidents that was orchestrated by the regime of Fidel Castro two years ago. Through this remarkable violation of human rights, the Cuban government arrested more than 75 journalists, labor union organizers, civic leaders, librarians, and human rights activists, and took them as political prisoners. On this occasion, it is important that we keep in mind the struggle in which our brothers and sisters in Cuba continued to be engaged--that is, the struggle for freedom and true democracy. One of the many dissenters arrested in March 2003 was Mr. Jose Daniel Ferrer Garcia, a pro-democracy activist in Cuba who has been jailed for his outspoken leadership in the Cuban democracy movement. Mr. Garcia is the regional coordinator for the Christian Liberation Movement in Santiago Province. Through this leadership position, he has moblilzed many Cuban youth for democratic change, and has focused on accomplishing the movement's chief objective: to unite citizens that are willing to defend and promote human rights and achieve changes in the Cuban society through peaceful means. Because of the efforts of determined individuals such as Mr. Garcia, the struggle for democracy in Cuba continues, and we should keep this in mind when considering any potential changes in United States policy towards Castro's regime. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 81, and continue to voice their solidarity with Mr. Garcia and all other pro-democracy activists in Cuba as they continue their push for true freedom.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I missed nine votes on April 20th, 2005 because I was attending an important family event with my 12-year-old daughter. The votes were on amendments to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6). Had I been present I would have voted yea on rollcall Nos. 115, 116, 117, 118, 120, 121, 122, 123. I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 119.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I missed nine votes on April 20th, 2005. The votes were on amendments to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6). Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 115, 116, 117, 118, 120, 121, 122, and 123. I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 119.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Providence Pediatric Medical Day Care, Inc., for its valuable service to New Jersey's most medically challenged children. Providence provides world class medical day care with ongoing monitoring and assessment by professional nurses for a broad range of illnesses and medical conditions. Serving an overwhelmingly inner city infant population, the company works with parents to help advise them on health conditions and care standards that can be followed at home. On April 22nd, 2005, Providence will hold an official grand opening of its new corporate office in West Berlin, New Jersey. They currently employ 65 professional staff, and operate three pediatric medical daycare centers in Camden, Lawnside, and Pleasantville, New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, Providence Pediatric provides essential services to some of the neediest people in our community. I applaud them for their hard work, and I wish everyone at Providence the best of luck in their new office.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my friend's amendment. When there is a decision being made to site a plant which, if there were an accident, could be catastrophic, I think that the people who make the decision whether to build the plant or not should be politically accountable to the people who live in the place where the plant is going to be sited, they should have visited the place where the plant is going to be sited, and they should have some clue as to what the locality is of where the plant will be sited. The issue is who gets to decide, a stranger or someone intimately familiar with the community. For all those who believe in home rule, vote ``yes'' on the Castle amendment.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the people of Lebanon, who have stood up against fear and oppression, and have embraced the idea of a democratic future. Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese patriots have taken to the streets of Beirut to demand national self-determination and real democratic rule. Their courage has led to the withdrawal of Syrian forces, and created the opportunity for a peaceful transition of power. Lebanon's history has not been an easy one. The 15-year civil war begun in 1975 produced national upheaval and chaos, and pitted ethnic groups against each other. It left around 100,000 people dead, and the country in total disrepair. The civil war ended in 1990, but Syrian forces continued to occupy Lebanon. Syria, one of the region's foremost supporters of terrorism, has been heavily involved in Lebanese politics, and has used fear and intimidation to suppress the voice of its people. The citizens of Lebanon have bravely taken a stand against terrorism so as to inspire a truly free, democratic society. Now that Syrian forces have begun to withdraw, there is an opportunity for Lebanon to create a social and political contract that establishes the rights of each individual regardless of religion, race, creed, or ethnicity. It is vital that Lebanon continue its progression towards a true democratic peace by holding free and transparent elections, on time, as scheduled, under the supervision of international observers. The Lebanese people have recognized that there exists an alternative to the brutal, autocratic governments of the past. They seek a new beginning, and a new voice. Their courage has begun a process of reform that has sent ripple effects across the broader Middle East and around the world. I admire their courage to stand up against terrorism and peacefully demand change, and encourage my colleagues to voice their support for the citizens of Lebanon and recognize their historic movement towards democracy.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the shameful imprisonment of Mr. Jose Daniel Ferrer Garcia, a pro-democracy activist in Cuba who has been jailed for his outspoken leadership in the Cuban democracy movement. Mr. Garcia is the regional coordinator for the Christian Liberation Movement in Santiago Province. Through this leadership position, he has mobilized many Cuban youth for democratic change, and has focused on accomplishing the movement's chief objective: to unite citizens that are willing to defend and promote human rights and achieve changes in the Cuban society through peaceful means. As part of the March 2003 crackdown on Cuban dissidents in which 75 prodemocracy activists were arrested by the Castro regime, Garcia was captured and sentenced to serve 25 years in prison. The prosecution had originally requested that Garcia receive the death penalty. Currently jailed in a prison located in Western Cuba, Garcia is being held over 1,000 kilometers away from his wife and two young sons. Jose Daniel Ferrer Garcia has dedicated his life to achieving positive change in Cuba. He has worked in an effort to bring the basic rights that we enjoy in the United States to the Cuban people, and has been imprisoned for 25 years because of these efforts. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that the United States Congress continue to oppose the Castro regime and adhere to the travel and aid sanctions that are currently in place for Cuba. Mr. Garcia, along with his brother Luis Enrique and activists such as Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, have been willing to risk their freedom so as to ensure that their fellow countrymen can truly be free. They need and deserve the support of the United States, and I ask that my colleagues join me in urging that the Administration call for their immediate and unconditional release.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipients of the 2005 Alice Paul Equality Award: Vivian Sanks King, Esquire; Jennifer S. Macleod, Ph.D; Ruth B. Mandel, Ph.D; and the Honorable Sylvia B. Pressler. These remarkable individuals have helped to build a more just reality for women in New Jersey and beyond. For 20 years, the Alice Paul Institute has worked to empower women and girls to become leaders in their communities, careers, and daily lives. Born in Mt. Laurel, NJ, Alice Paul was a lifelong advocate for equal rights for women, and led the final campaign for women's right to vote. She authored and lobbied for the Equal Rights Amendment, a much needed piece of legislation that would guarantee the equality of rights under the law for all persons regardless of gender. The recipients of the 2005 Alice Paul Equality Award have all demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing women's equality throughout their lives. Vivian Sanks King, Esquire, currently serving as Vice President of Legal Management and General Counsel of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, is a community leader in the health law field, and is one of the first African- American attorneys appointed to head the legal department of a major academic medical center and university. Dr. Jennifer Macleod is an outspoken advocate for women's equality: she is a leader in the fight for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, and was a co-founder and first president of the first NOW chapter in New Jersey. Dr. Ruth Mandel, currently the Director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, teaches and writes about U.S. women's political leadership, and has received numerous distinctions for her extraordinary public service. The Honorable Sylvia Pressler, recently retired, served as the presiding judge for administration of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. She was the first female appellate law clerk and the second woman ever to serve on the appellate court. These four remarkable women deserve our thanks for their outstanding work on behalf of women in New Jersey and everywhere. Mr. Speaker, there remains today an equality gap between women and men that contradicts the basic principles of our great Nation. With the tireless efforts of the Alice Paul Institute and the 2005 Alice Paul Equality Award honorees, this gap is being closed. I thank all those who have sought a more just America through the advancement of equality for women, and encourage my colleagues to support this cause in the U.S. Congress. Together we can continue to create better opportunities for all women.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened over the pain and suffering of Ms. Schiavo and her family. This is a tragedy of great depth. I cannot imagine the pain that Ms. Schiavo has endured. As a husband, I certainly can empathize with Mr. Schiavo. As a father, I can empathize with the feelings of Ms. Schiavo's mother and father. My feelings for the pain of this family are precisely the reason for my position on this bill. In the first instance, tragic choices such as those confronting this family should be made by the family itself. In a case such as this, in which the family cannot come to a consensus, the courts are the proper place for decisions to be made. The Florida courts have examined this matter in great detail for a very long time. For any legislative body--least of all the Federal legislature--to impose its will is an abuse of its power. Excruciating decisions such as this belong first to families, and only if there cannot be agreement within a family--in the courts. The political process is the least appropriate place for such a decision to be made.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, my statement on March 10, 2005 during consideration of H. Res. 144 was specifically about my support for the Pascrell/Menendez/LoBiondo Pay-to-Play amendment, rather than the rule itself. Most importantly, I would like to thank Representatives Pascrell, Menendez, and LoBiondo for their steadfast work on ensuring that New Jersey maintains the right to reform its ethical standards.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for the rule, H. Res. 144, to the TEA-LU, H.R. 3, bill, which makes in order the Pascrell/Menendez/LoBiondo Pay-to-Play amendment. The consideration of this amendment is crucial to restoring the integrity of New Jersey's government and to protecting federal funds allocated to the State. New Jersey government and politics are long overdue for a cleansing. For too long, New Jersey taxpayers have paid a corruption tax--the cost of decisions made to benefit campaign donors rather than taxpayers. At the present time, the New Jersey legislature is attempting to restore its integrity by barring companies, who have made political contributions to a state government or political party official, from receiving state contracts worth more than $17,500. This is a critical component of the State's reform package and must be enacted and maintained for genuine change to occur in New Jersey. Standing in the way of New Jersey's cleansing is the US Department of Transportation, USDOT, who has cited concerns that our State's pay-to- play reform would illegally stifle competition for government contracts. New Jersey has challenged the USDOT's decision in the court. Currently, the case is pending. To weed out the corruption that has plagued our State and resulted in our citizens mistrust of their government, the Pascrell/Menendez/ LoBiondo amendment is essential. Consideration and subsequently the passage of this amendment are imperative for New Jersey to attain real ethical reform. Again, I commend the Rules Committee for declaring the Pascrell/ Menendez/LoBiondo Pay-to-Play amendment in order today and urge its adoption.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Chairman, while I did not support the Workforce Investment Act Reauthorization bill that was passed by this body, I would like to thank Chairman Boehner, as well as the Republican and Democratic Committee staffs, for assisting me in adding two significant amendments to the bill. The first of these amendments relates to domestic microcredit, and ensures that local one-stop centers may use funding to provide information about the benefits of microcredit lending, and the local institutions that provide such loans, to individuals partaking in entrepreneurial training. The second amendment creates a demonstration project which will provide funds to industry consortia for the purpose of workforce training and development. Businesses, institutions of higher education, employee representatives, and workforce development community-based organizations within an industry will be able to join together to identify and address workforce needs within their given industry. These funds can be used to advance worker skills, conduct analyses of skill deficiencies and plans to address them, and develop rigorous training and education programs related to employment in high- growth, high-wage industries. The amendment creates a ``win-win'' for employers and employees, as it would help employers improve their workforce, and allow employees to obtain the skills necessary to advance their careers. Again, I feel strongly that these amendments will result in positive changes to current law, and I thank Chairman Boehner as well as the Republican and Democratic staffs of the Education and the Workforce Committee for their assistance.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding me this time. I am opposed to this bill because it reflects a misunderstanding of the proper way to build a successful career and a gross misinterpretation of our constitutional tradition. With respect to its misunderstanding of the best way to build a career, I think that these personal retraining accounts, although clearly well intentioned, have exactly the wrong effect on an unemployed person. The purpose of workforce investment is not to move a person from a position of unemployment to a position of employment for a while. The purpose of the workforce investment is to move a person from dependency to opportunity and eventually to prosperity. The great dividing line in the American economy is whether one has 2 years of college or not. People with more than 2 years of college tend to have stable jobs and high and rising incomes. This bill says to a person who is laid off from an industrial industry or some other employer like that take the first job that comes along. As the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) said, they are virtually compelled to do that. The first job is not always the best job. But, more importantly, from the public's point of view, it may be a temporary job. It will move the person from a period of unemployment to a brief period of reemployment to another period of unemployment. Our goal should not be temporary employment. Our goal should be opportunity and prosperity in the long run. With respect to the constitutional misinterpretation, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) will offer an amendment later in this debate that needs to be adopted. We are not opposed to faith-based organizations continuing the work they are presently doing in job training. They do a great job and they should continue. If the gentleman from Virginia's (Mr. Scott) amendment passes, that work will not be discontinued. If the gentleman from Virginia's (Mr. Scott) amendment passes, here is what will happen: We think that with Federal money a religious organization should not be able to say we will not hire Catholics to serve meals at a clinic. We think with Federal money, an organization should not be able to say we do not hire Jews to do job training. We think with Federal money, people should not be able to say we do not want evangelical Christians or Muslims or Buddhists doing job counseling. This country started because we wanted to get away from religious persecution and discrimination. It is an abrogation of our constitutional traditions to enshrine that in the law, and that is what this bill does. The gentleman from Virginia's (Mr. Scott) amendment corrects that mistake and it should be adopted.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, next month my family and I will observe my wife's Jewish tradition and recite the ancient story, the Passover at our family seder. Later this month, I will honor my religious tradition and commemorate Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. And today I will honor the principles behind the United States Constitution and vote for the gentleman from Virginia's (Mr. Scott) amendment. The principle here is that when an organization takes Federal money, it takes with it the responsibility not to discriminate. I do not think we should ever have a situation in this country where an organization takes taxpayers' money collected from everyone and then says if they want to be a job counselor in our agency, they cannot be a Catholic, they cannot be Jewish, they cannot be Muslim, they cannot be an evangelical Christian. Our religious organizations are free and should remain free to discriminate with their own funds. That is the religious liberty that our friends on the other side refer to correctly. But that liberty does not extend to the power to use someone else's money to subsidize the practice of one's religion. That is the establishment of a religion which is specifically precluded by the first amendment of the Constitution. It would be a travesty to reject the gentleman from Virginia's (Mr. Scott) amendment. It would be wholly consistent with the religious principles of this country to adopt it. I would urge its adoption.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, in the most significant alteration since 1996 to the United States-Japan Security Alliance, the United States and Japan listed in a joint statement on February 19 the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan Strait issue as a ``common strategic objective.'' It goes without saying that Taiwan welcomed the move; China on the other hand responded in an irate fashion. The joint statement comes at a time when China's continued refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan is already highlighted by China's announcement 2 months ago that it will enact its so-called ``Anti-Secession Law'' in the beginning of March--a law which may be used to justify a military attack on Taiwan if Taiwan formally declares independence. Additionally, China published a Defense Policy White Paper in which it threatened to ``crush'' Taiwan if the island declares independence, and in which it states that it is the ``sacred responsibility'' of the PRC army to stop Taiwan from ``splitting the country.'' The ``Taiwan Relations Act,'' which has regulated the United States- Taiwan relationship since 1979, specifically states that the United States decision to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1979 rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means; and that the United States considers any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States. This ``Anti-Secession Law'' is a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific, and therefore of grave concern to the United States. I believe it is crucial that we and Japan publicly oppose China's Anti-Secession Law and its Defense White Paper, for these constitute an extremely aggressive move against Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, United States policy must remain clear that nobody but the people of Taiwan has the right to determine the future of Taiwan. I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the recent joint statement by the United States and Japan, and reaffirming our continued support for the people of Taiwan.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I missed two votes on February 15th, 2005. One to recognize the contributions of Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair, Jr.), David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain, the ``Greensboro Four'', to the civil rights movement and another to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 321 Montgomery Road in Altamonte Springs, Florida, as the ``Arthur Stacey Mastrapa Post Office Building.'' Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on both rollcall 32 and rollcall 33.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor the first graduating class of the Respond Culinary Academy, an innovative vocational program that provides youth with essential vocational skills needed for success when they return to their homes and communities. A collaborative effort between the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, Respond, Inc., and Union Local 54, the program looks to help juveniles transition successfully back into their communities by preparing them for jobs in the restaurant industry. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Jeff Green, Shawn Harris, Ron Gatewood, and Raafat Hanna for their work in providing an invaluable service to their homes and communities. I would also like to honor John DiDonna, Tim Wilson, Remel Ortiz, Kevin Hicks, and Levond Clemmons, who have successfully graduated from the Respond Culinary Program. May their success in this program help them realize their full potential for rewarding and successful lives.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, on January 1, 2005 the United States Congress lost one of its finest Members with the passing of Bob Matsui. Recently re-elected to his 14th term by an overwhelming margin, Bob was an outstanding leader, beloved by his colleagues in Congress and his constituents alike. As the third ranking Democrat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, and the Ranking Member on the Social Security Subcommittee, Bob served as an outspoken champion for the preservation of our social security system. In addition, Bob was a member of the Executive Board for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), one of the most active caucuses in Congress. The trust and respect that his colleagues had for him was demonstrated last Congress, when he was elected as Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. As we convene to begin the 109th Congress, it is important that we all pause to remember the noble work that Congressman Matsui had accomplished during his 26 years in these halls. I would ask that all of my colleagues also keep his loved ones in their thoughts, including his beloved wife Doris; his son, Brian; his daughter-in-law, Amy; and his granddaughter Anna. Bob Matsui was a great man, as well as an outstanding leader, and his service to our great Nation will never be forgotten.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor the Hardenbergh Insurance Agency for 50 years of venerable and dedicated service to the families and business of our region. Since its founding in 1954 by the late Richard C. Hardenbergh, the Hardenbergh Insurance Agency has expanded its services to provide commercial business insurance, health benefits, personal insurance, bonding, and risk management services. The agency currently covers a wide range of prestigious clients including public entities, private businesses, not- for-profit groups, real estate owners, school districts, and others. In recognition of the agency's admirable growth, Richard J. Hardenbergh, son of the late Richard C. Hardenbergh, has changed the agency's name to the Hardenbergh Insurance Group on its fiftieth anniversary. Under the direction of Richard J. Hardenbergh, this agency operates as a family and has established a considerable reputation of good will and professionalism within their industry and New Jersey. Hardenbergh Insurance Group serves as an inspiration within its industry, and indeed to all businesses of the great Nation of the United States of America.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the Government of Cyprus for its recent decision to take a monumental step towards peace and reunification of the island. Yesterday marked the beginning of the Cyprus Government's initiative to clear all Cyprus National Guard minefields within the buffer zone that divides the island. Over the next year, an estimated 2,300 mines will be cleared from eight minefields--an area that covers more than 100 miles. Ever since the Turkish invasion more than 30 years ago--and today with Turkey's continued occupation--Cyprus has been a country that has struggled to achieve peace. The Government of Cyprus' endorsement of this program demonstrates its strong commitment to break down the physical barriers that separate Greek Cypriots from their Turkish Cypriot compatriots. Further, the program illustrates the government's broader commitment to the international community as it joins the international fight against mine proliferation, and supports the United Nations Policy of Mine Action. The Cyprus Government has been working with the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) since January 2002 in order to enact this de-mining project, and it should be praised for this dedication and tenacity. I wish to make special note that these actions are being taken unilaterally by the Republic of Cyprus. Unfortunately, the Turkish side has not yet agreed to the de-mining of 27 minefields in the buffer zone laid by the Turkish occupation forces. We can only hope that the Turkish side will someday join the Government of Cyprus in taking this necessary step towards removing these dangerous explosives. Recent statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, that the Turkish side intends to proceed with the destruction of its minefields in the buffer zone are encouraging. It is my strong wish that the Turkish occupation forces decide to go ahead with the de- mining process, as this would be a positive development that could contribute to further reducing the tension on the island.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Chaplain (Major) Floyd L. White III from the United States Army Reserve, and to recognize his years of service to his community and country. Chaplain White served his country for 20 proud years, from June 4, 1983, to November 7, 2003. His role in the U.S. Army Reserve took him across the country and across the world. He served as a Battalion Chaplain for the 457th and 451st Chemical Battalions in Greenville, SC, and as a Brigade Chaplain for two brigades at Fort Dix, NJ. He served overseas in South Korea in Operation Team Spirit in 1990, and in 2001 he served in a Warfighter Exercise in Grafenwoehr, Germany. Chaplain White is also a dedicated and motivated community leader. He is the Pastor of the Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church in Camden, NJ, and is President of the Woodland Community Development Corporation. He serves on the boards of the Cooper University Hospital Foundation, the United Way of Camden County, the Camden Eye Center, and the Cooper Ferry Camden Waterfront Development Board. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Chaplain White today. He embodies the American spirit of service to one's family, community, and country. I thank him for his dedicated service and wish Chaplain Floyd White all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Gloucester City Open Access Learning (GOAL) Center at the Mary Ethel Costello School in Gloucester City, New Jersey, as well as its staff and participants. With funding from the 21st Century Community Learning Center program at the Department of Education, the Camden County United Way, and the Bureau of Child Nutrition at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the GOAL Center provides valuable services and opportunities to children and families in my district. Housed at the Mary Ethel Costello School and also open to students from the St. Mary's Elementary School, the heart of the GOAL Center's programming takes place in the after school hours. Children in grades four through six participate in organized recreation and exercise followed by nutritious snacks which are provided in cooperation with the Bureau of Child Nutrition. The students then receive homework assistance, and take part in other types of tutoring and enrichment activities. The Center also hosts special events, such as field trips to museums, plays, and libraries, movie showings, and game tournaments, as a reward for the hard work the students do during the week. In addition, the GOAL Center's positive community programming extends beyond the elementary school students. Computer classes and arts enrichment courses, taught by personnel from Camden County College, are offered for families and their children. Camden County College staff also teach free college courses to both parents and high school juniors and seniors in the evenings, and parents can participate in parenting workshops offered in cooperation with the Camden County United Way. These sessions are designed to give information about helping children deal with change, such as starting school, divorce, moving, and other potentially stressful events. Those who choose to participate in the GOAL Center's programming have demonstrated a clear dedication to improving both themselves and their community, and I believe they deserve recognition. The following students have shown a notable commitment to the goals of the program: Briana Angier, Christopher DiDomenico, Jacob Franchetti, Brianne Goffney, Thomas Hellings, Katie Morgan, William Tozer, Jessica Valcarcel, Ashlee Cruz, Joseph Hamaker, Tamasa Nobles, Kyle Pollandar, Drew Pollitt, Erika Raiken, Matthew Sacilowski, Chelsea Amwake, Alexandria DiDomenico, Lori Mangini, Amanda Martin, A'niah Nobles, Jamie Phillips, Kevin Brown, Zachary Carey, Richard Mercedes, Sydni Durity, Kathleen O'Brien, Laura Casasbuena, Tracey Causey, Charles Clair, Edward Coleman, Kimberly Dieterich, Kevin Dickson, Ashley Egbert, Stevie Gallagher, Nicole Groves, Chelsea Gunning, Kyle Harkins, Damein Hart, Devon Huaca, William Jacobs, Ronnie Joshi, Daniel Karpinski, Lauren Klipp, Paige Kopras, Samantha Mease, Jessica Medina, Kwanna Mosley, Janee Powers, Thomas Raymond, Jennifer Reyes, Alexis Sabatini, Samantha Schultz, Kayla Skotnicki, Xavair Stang, Brianna Bangle, Tina Davis, Ariana Dragone, Joseph Foley, Kyle Gaff, Alex Gallo, CJ Genarie, Thomas Gorman, Brielle Gorski-Schultz, William Gross, Edward Gunning, Mathew Hender, Brittany Higginbotham, Courtney Iacovone, Chelse' Kiefrieder, Zachary Cooper, Harley Marks, Sarah Knipp, Jack Markiewicz, Angelica Medina, Michelle Moler, Thomas Moore Jr., Kevin Mottas, Alexis Naumann, Elizabeth Salvitti, Ryan Schafer, Carla Smith, Devin Vautier, Angelica Wunsch, Dana Arroliga, Christopher Bittner, Samantha Bruccoliere, Chelsea Clair, Denise Duterich, Randy Forte, Michael Gorman, Danielle Groves, Jimmy Baehr, Devin Jaskulski, Brian Donaghy, Deanne Cobb, Steven Karpinski, Hyeji Lee, Jennifer Liebrand, Melissa Miloshevsky, Ryan Moore, Robert Mortimer, Markita Nelson, Carlos Nieves, Jessy Perez, Scott Scomolia, Corey Scott, Gabrielle Spagnolia, Marissa Wood, Destiney Woodward, Alicia Yourison, Steven Kumpf, Andrew Morgan, Andira Morgan, Joseph Cipriani, Jordan Brady, Donna Weatherly, Jessica Meller, Regina Corvino, Jessica Finch, Racheal Finch, and Raquel Cannon. Similarly, the following staff deserve recognition for the time and energy they have put into making the Center a success: Superintendent Mary Stansky, Business Administrator James Devereaux, Mary Ethel Costello School Principal Nancy Thomas and Assistant Principal William Marble, Director of Curriculum Sue McComb, GOAL Center Coordinator Catherine George, Public Information Officer Lynda Lathrop, Teaching Staff Members Lisa Amrosino, Patricia Duer, Gina Shank, Carl Kohler, William Kohler, Darcy Fox-Fuchs, Marge Dantonio, Marilyn Holmes, Dolores Militti, Cindy Kumpel, Janeen Thomas, Kathleen Davi, Kate Narducci, Guy Groff, Christie Murray, Lorri Stasium, Christine Wilson, Betty Averell, Craig Reinhart, Ellen Richards, Renee Robson, Ellen Conway, Mary Ann Woodrubb, and Don Dantonio, and Board of Education Members Judith A. Alberti, Robert H. Bennett, Sr., Sandra Lynch- Cowgill, Joanne Gurick, Patrick Healey, Edward Hubbs, Lousia Llewllyn, Bruce Marks, Danny O'Brien, Jr., and William Lunemann. The GOAL Center is truly a complete program in that it assists students in the crucial areas of health, nutrition, and academic achievement. It also helps to foster a desire for life-long learning, and serves as a valuable resource for families and adults seeking development opportunities. I congratulate all the current staff and students on the hard work they put into the program, and wish them and the Center continued success in the future.