Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Doris Smallwood, a dedicated teacher with 36 years of experience in the Philadelphia School System. Unfortunately for us, Mr. Speaker, this year marks the last in which she will be educating our children at the Hunter School. Her retirement at the end of this school year deserves recognition not only for the longevity which her career achieved, but for the special impact she has had on the students and teachers she has encountered over the years. As Mrs. Smallwood moves to the next chapter of her life, it is incumbent upon us to reflect back and praise her for the extraordinary service she has provided to our community. Mrs. Smallwood has been called a ``teacher's teacher'' by her peers. As an exemplary instructor of the 3rd grade with a keen interest in math, it was not uncommon to find Mrs. Smallwood conducting math lessons for her fellow teachers after school. Her dedication to mathematics resulted in the development of assessment standards which ensured that teachers were up to par in that field. Mrs. Smallwood, in effect, raised the bar for qualifications of teachers and did this solely out of her innate desire to better educate our youth. Mrs. Smallwood prepared her students for the world to come not through rudimentary lesson plans, but through an engaging relationship that spanned beyond the classroom walls. When the technology boom occurred, it was Mrs. Smallwood who developed the grant to provide a computer lab for the Hunter School. It is no wonder that it was also she who became Technology Specialist after earning her certification in technology at the college level. Her proficiency in computers allowed for Internet training of Mentally Gifted students and for basic computer training of kids starting as early as kindergarten. Furthermore, Mrs. Smallwood understood the important link between home and school. She has been instrumental in the design and success of the Parent Partnership Program which prepares both parent and child for the transition from home to the school community. The citizens of Philadelphia will sorely miss the heart-felt dedication that Mrs. Smallwood displayed during her tenure as a teacher with the Hunter School. She has defended the belief that all students can and will learn. She has also proclaimed that the only barrier to success is indifference, something she has never allowed herself or those around her to experience. She is a master teacher who has perfected her craft yet continues to choose learning as an avenue to life. She truly is, in every essence of the word, a teacher. We can only hope that others will emulate her commitment to excellence and her pursuit for the educational advancement of all students.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member Oberstar for the much needed Aviation Investment and Reform Act. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this Conference Report on H.R. 1000. Just last Friday, at the Philadelphia International Airport in my district, the air traffic control technology went down for 30 minutes. Thank God there were no incidents. The FAA is--even as I speak--still trying to figure out what went wrong. This much needed legislation will speed up the process of updating that technology for the safety of the thousands of people who use our airport. Mr. Speaker, my son, daughter-in-law and two precious granddaughters are flying out of Philadelphia Airport on Thursday. I want to make sure that they and everyone's children and grandchildren who are traveling are as safe as can be. This legislation will help Philadelphia International acquire state-of-the-art technology to keep the public safe. There is no price that can be put on human lives. So we should pass this report and spend what is needed to protect our constituents.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rev. Randall McCaskill and commend him for his accomplishments during his 3 year tenure as head of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and the surrounding vicinity. Rev. McCaskill has inspired and aided countless citizens of Philadelphia during his leadership. Working together with the Rendell administration in fostering improved inter-racial relations, Rev. McCaskill gave his unique insight during such trying times as the 1998 Grays Ferry incident. It was in times of urgency such as this that Rev. McCaskill showed us how truly important he is to our city. As President of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia, he recognized his role as a motivating force in our community. He consistently offered solutions to numerous problems our city faced, maybe best illustrated by his diplomatic efforts during the sensitive School Board of Philadelphia budget negotiations of 1998-99 and his key role in resolving the potentially crippling dispute between SEPTA management, and its union heads and employees. Rev. Randall McCaskill has been anything but passive in his efforts to help Philadelphians in need. He has assumed massive responsibility within a diverse body of national and local organizations, most obvious being his role as founder and pastor of the Olivet Baptist Church. As pastor, McCaskill manages the fiscal solvency of the church, which offers day care, job training, medical services, etc. Furthermore, Rev. McCaskill is a member of the original charter founders of the Opportunities Industrialization Centers and is Vice-President of the Strawberry Mansion Corporation, which manages a $4 million budget neighborhood investment project. He is Vice-President of the Community Development Corporation, a multi- million dollar corporation which addresses issues of housing, rehabilitation, weatherization, and other related redevelopment issues. Rev. McCaskill is also Chair of the Community Renaissance Alliance, Inc., an organization that works toward building low income housing for Philadelphia Senior Citizens. Mr. Speaker, Rev. McCaskill is more than just a dynamic leader and a man of God, Randall McCaskill is my friend. I know I speak for all Philadelphians when I say thank you to him for his continued participation in the struggle to improve the conditions of our proud city. We are eternally grateful to him for showing us that where there is a will there is a way. By breaking down barriers along racial lines, socio-economic lines, etc., Rev. McCaskill has become the personification of our city's age-old tradition of ``brotherly love''; a truly remarkable accomplishment for a truly remarkable man.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rev. Vernal E. Simms, the newly-elected President of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and a distinguished member of the church. Rev. Simms was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Throughout his life, he has made undying efforts to serve the community and push forward to better the church and its people. He has spent tireless days helping in the production and creation of community developments such as weekly and monthly food programs, day care centers, and facilities to accommodate the older generation of his community. Rev. Simms has managed to organize a new way of life for many and continues to provide consistent efforts in furthering these ideas and expanding on the future of all communities that surround him. In the course of sharing his knowledge and compassion he has touched many while pastoring in Plymouth, Massachusetts; Chatham, New York; Brooklyn, New York; and Moorestown, New Jersey. Rev. Simms currently serves as the pastor of Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church in North Philadelphia, and the Vice President of the African Methodist Episcopal Preacher's meeting of Philadelphia and the Vicinity. While assuming such immense and prestigious responsibilities, he has found time to be a loving father of four and the husband of Mary L. Boxley. Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow Philadelphians to join me today in congratulating Rev. Vernal E. Simms, Sr. on his election as President of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and vicinity. I am confident that this organization will continue to grow and prosper under his leadership. I look forward to his successful future.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a woman who has become a living legend in Philadelphia and around the world, Sonia Sanchez. Sonia Sanchez deserves our praise for reasons more numerous than can be listed here. Her leading roles as a mother, activist, professor, and poet have made her a beacon of hope to people who have traditionally been marginalized in our society, including people of color, homosexuals, women, the poor and the young. A petite, African-American woman born into a poor family in Alabama, Sonia Sanchez transcended what most would consider a modest existence to become one of Temple University's most cherished professors. It is with a hint of sadness that I reflect on her accomplishments today, for last month Sonia decided to retire from Temple University, after 22 years of service. To realize the significance that Sonia has had on our community, one need look no further than her resume, which serves as a testament to Sonia's courage and the strength of her convictions. She is the author of 16 books including Homecoming, We a BaddDDD People, and Homegirls and Handgrenades, for which she won the American Book Award in 1985. Sonia has also edited two anthologies; We Be Word Sorcerers: 25 Stories by Black Americans and 360 Degrees of Blackness Coming at You. She was furthermore a contributing editor to The Black Scholar and The Journal of African Studies. Sonia has won a multitude of national awards for her accomplishments in literature including the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Humanities in 1988 and the Outstanding Arts Award from the Pennsylvania Coalition of Black Women. Sonia's works are now recognized all over the world. She has lectured at over 500 universities and colleges in the United States and has traveled extensively, reading her poetry in Africa, Cuba, England, the People's Republic of China, Norway, and Canada. Despite such international acclaim, Sonia has always focused her efforts to the shaping of young minds, which for the past 22 years has been back in Philadelphia at Temple University. Her brilliant career in education, which began on the west coast at San Francisco State University (where she started one of the first black studies curriculums in the United States) has always pushed the edges, breaking down barriers between men and women, whites and blacks, and intellectuals and the working class. This unique contribution has not gone unnoticed at Temple University. Sonia was the first Presidential Fellow at Temple University and currently holds the Laura Carnell Chair in English as well as being the Chairperson of the Women's Studies Program. As you can see, Temple University will sorely miss the presence of Sonia Sanchez. However, I am confident that retirement will not mute the voice that has influenced so many of us over the past 65 years. It is with great pride that I reflect on these past years in which Philadelphia has been home to Sonia Sanchez. And it is with great enthusiasm that I hope for many more.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of my most distinguished constituents, Kenneth Gamble and the organization he created, Universal Community Homes. Many of my colleagues will recognize Kenny Gamble as the pop music icon who gave us the ``Sound of Philadelphia'' as he steered Philadelphia International Records to the heights of the music industry. The unmistakable sounds of artists such as the Intruders, The Delfonics, The Spinners, The O'Jays, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergast, and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes have enriched the lives of all Americans. It was Kenny's vision and hard work that made that possible. Mr. Speaker, Kenny Gamble could have chosen to take his well earned financial rewards and enjoy the ``good life'' away from the urban environment. Instead, he came back home to Philadelphia. We often hear people say that they want to make a difference. Well, Kenny Gamble has made a difference. He has taken an area that was plagued by drugs, violent crime and abandoned buildings and made from it a true community. He built houses, made community-based small businesses possible, mentored children, and did so much more. Throughout all this, he set an example. He showed young people in the neighborhood he grew up in that they could succeed without using or selling drugs. That the ball field is not the only way to escape poverty. That faith in God and respect for people is an honorable way to live. And most of all, that one need not flee ones past to live a bright future. Mr. Speaker, the non-profit development company Mr. Gamble founded, Universal Community Homes has already completed over $13 million in real estate and economic development programs, holds leadership positions in 13 community partnerships, and currently operates several educational, social and human service programs at 4 locations. Under Mr. Gamble's direct leadership and tremendous financial commitment, Universal Community Homes, in a relatively short period of time, has begun one of the largest concentrated community development initiatives in the history of Philadelphia. Mr. Speaker, October 13, 1999 has been designated Universal Community Homes Day in Philadelphia. I urge all my colleagues to join me in honoring this great man and his proud organization.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Citizens Acting Together Can Help (CATCH), as it celebrates its 20 years of service and commitment to the community. CATCH is a non-profit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on November 12, 1976. The Corporation was established to assume responsibilities for the operation of the Community Mental Health and Retardation Center in Catchment Area 2B, located within the Southwestern portion of Philadelphia. On July 1, 1979 CATCH assumed full responsibilities for the operations of the Community Mental Health Center, giving the Center the operational name of CATCH Community Mental Health/Mental Retardation Center. The Center is currently under the leadership of Raymond A. Pescatore, Chief Executive Officer with Edward C. Mintzer, Jr., Esq., serving as Board Chairman. CATCH is a full-service, accredited Mental Health/Mental Retardation Center committed to serving citizens of Philadelphia. CATCH continues to attract the attention of the community through its reputation of reliable service, leadership qualities and strong commitment. In keeping with its reputation of high quality care, CATCH serves the community offering the following services: Residential and Emergency Services, Mental Health Services and Developmental Disabilities Services. In recognition of its years of service, I join the Citizens Acting Together Can Help, Inc., as it celebrates its 20 year anniversary.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Stapeley in Germantown, a Quaker sponsored retirement community, as it celebrates 95 years of service and commitment to the community. Founded in 1904 by Philadelphia philanthropist Anna T. Jeanes, its mission today reflects the vision of its founder, to create an ``abiding place, a refuge, a home''. Stapeley is a full-service, accredited continuing care retirement community that welcomes residents and staff of all faiths, races, and cultural backgrounds. In an atmosphere of harmony, equality, simplicity, integrity, and concern for community, Stapeley serves over 200 older persons and includes 42 independent living apartments and a 120-bed skilled nursing facility. Stapeley continues to attract new residents because of its reputation as a tolerant, diverse, and affordable provider of quality care for seniors. In keeping with its mission to provide high quality, moderately priced care to its residents, the Stapeley Healthcare Center maintains a Medical Assistance census that is 76 percent. Among the community of Quaker retirement facilities, it is recognized for its commitment to individuals who have exhausted their personal assets. In recognition of its years of service to one of the most vulnerable segments of our community, I join the New Stapeley as it celebrates its anniversary and the completion of renovations to one of its original and historic buildings.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor labor leader Henry Nicholas. Henry Nicholas has emerged as a national spokesman in the struggle to preserve quality patient care and is regarded as one of the most influential African-American leaders in Pennsylvania. Born in rural Fayette, MS, in 1936, Henry Nicholas is a man representative of vision, advocacy, and triumph. After leaving the Deep South while still a young man, Nicholas moved to New York City where he began working as a hospital orderly in 1957. Two years later Nicholas was organizing his coworkers into what was then Local 1199 of the Drug and Hospitals Employees Union. That same year, he played a key role in the strike of hospital union workers that resulted in union contracts for thousands of New York City hospital employees. While he started as a union volunteer, in 1961 Nicholas was named a union organizer and quickly moved up the union ranks. Assistant director of the 1199 National Organizing Committee, Nicholas led successful hospital workers, organizing campaigns in Pittsburgh, Ohio, and Detroit. He also directed a 113-day hospital strike in Charleston, SC, which was regarded as a national landmark in the struggle for civil rights for African-Americans. As a direct result of that success, the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees was established and Nicholas was elected its first secretary-treasurer. Two years after he arrived in Philadelphia with the task of organizing health care workers, he won contracts for over 5,000 employees working in the city's major health care institutions. In 1974, due to the success of the Nicholas' organizing efforts, District 1199C, the Philadelphia local of the national union, was officially chartered and Nicholas was elected president. Today 1199C represents more than 15,000 hospital and health care workers in 110 health care institutions in the greater Philadelphia area, and five counties in southern New Jersey. As a result of the phenomenal growth of District 1199C, the union created a training and upgrading program for health care employees that has become a national model.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this measure and to all attempts to prevent America's workers from safer working conditions. I am amazed by what I have heard in this debate today. First, I heard that this is not a partisan debate. It most certainly is--just check the vote totals once we're done. Then, I heard that we can trust business to take care of its workers. If it did, we would not need collective bargaining--grievance procedures--or even the many studies the other side of the aisle keeps asking for. It is the unions in the workplace that take care of employees, not management. Mr. Speaker, I know what I'm talking about. I came from the ranks of labor. Who was it that protected me when I was working on a scaffold? Who looked out for me to make sure I made an honest days pay for an honest day's work? It was the union, that's who! Now, I also heard that Congress wants what is best for America's workers. If that's true, Congress should listen to the unions that were duly elected to represent those workers. They are totally opposed to this bill. I urge my colleagues to listen to the workers voices and vote against this bill.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a great Philadelphia sports program, the Granhan Playground Wolfpack. The Wolfpack is the latest in a long time of Philadelphia champions. My city is the proud home of many former, and future champs: people like Joe Frazier, the 76ers, the Flyers, the Phillies and the Eagles. And now, we can add the Wolfpack to that long list. This year, Granhan Playground is not only the home of the 12 year old and under hockey champs, it also produced the 15 years old and under championship team. Mr. Speaker, this record breaking season could not have happened without the determination of kids who gave their all to bring glory to their neighborhood. The 12 and under team won with a talented roster featuring Mike and Kevin Cassidy; Kevin Lowthert; George Bochanski; Dan Devine; Mike Devine; Joe Walsh; Chris Porter; Mike McLaughlin; Chris Porter; Jason Mardinly and Rich Canfield. They also benefited from the skills of goalie Sean Rodgers, this year's Vezina award winner. The 15 and older squad, anchored by fellow Vezina trophy winner, Julie Bochanski and playoff mvp, R.J. Carrido; featured Joe Walsh; Joe Grajek; Tom August; Jay Bailey; Brain DiTomo; Jim Dougherty; Josh Mills and Tom Kay, proved to be equally fierce competitors. They did their neighborhood proud in their march to victory. But none of this would have been possible without the support and involvement of Wolfpack parents, family, and community volunteers. I am proud of them and all they do to help these kids grow into healthy and productive adults. And I have a special pride in one young man who works with the ``Pack.'' I want to salute Robert F. Brady, my son, who is Recreation Leader at Granhan Playground. I love him and am proud of all the work he does. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in saluting the Granhan Wolfpack on this successful season and wish them many more.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a Fraternitas, an organization that exemplifies the proud American tradition of helping those who most need help. In February, 1986, a group of friends in the small Abruzzi village of Castelfrentano, Italy gathered to discuss how they could best help the senior citizens of their community. Since they are not blessed to have many of the same services we Americans take for granted, they decided to construct a facility to care for low income handicapped and elderly residents. The project was developing slowly when, in 1990, Mr. Camillo Micolucci, himself a son of the village, visited the town on vacation. Having been told of this worthwhile project, Mr. Micolucci returned to my great city of Philadelphia and launched a non-profit fund raising organization called ``Fraternitas,'' which is Italian for brotherhood. Being a resident of the City of Brotherly Love, Mr. Micolucci threw himself wholeheartedly into the project. He was aided in his efforts by his late mother, Maria, and other fine Americans like Nick and Carla Travaglini, Roseann Cugini, Sam and Leandro Andelucci and attorney James Bucci. They contacted Mr. Campitello of Washington, DC who donated the staggering sum of $250,000 to this effort. By continuing the nationwide fund raising effort, the committee was able to raise all the needed funds to go to construction on this much needed building. Mr. Speaker, Fraternitas, a 50 bed facility will open its doors on July 3, 1999. I am proud to honor this wonderful group of volunteers, who are shining examples of the best of the American spirit of reaching back to help the less fortunate.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor both the Rasheed A. Wallace Foundation, host of the 1999 ``Trail Blazing for Children'' Award, and the recipients of the named award. Both the recipients and the Rasheed A. Wallace Foundation have been instrumental in improving the lives of children throughout Philadelphia. In addition, I would also like to extend congratulations to the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia and Mr. Sonny Hill of the Sonny Hill Basketball League on their outstanding accomplishments to youth in the Philadelphia community. Central to the focus of the Rasheed A. Wallace Foundation has been ``Enhancing the Quality of Life for All People.'' The commitment of the foundation is seen each year during its Annual Coat Drive for the Homeless and a series of contributions targeting youth recreation programs in the area. Such charitable efforts have been seen throughout his professional basketball career. The Rasheed A. Wallace Foundation is truly blazing trails for young people and the less fortunate in Philadelphia. I salute Rasheed on his charitable contributions to our great city and give my best wishes for continued success to both the foundation and the award recipients.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Temple Patrol of the Tuscan Morning Star Lodge No. 48, located in Philadelphia. The Temple Patrol was originally formed in 1990 to provide a communal protective service for members attending meetings at the Prince Hall Masonic Complex. Since its formation, the Temple Patrol committee has grown to over 30 members and has received many accolades for its valuable safety services. The Temple Patrol has been so successful that only one criminal incident has been recorded in its area of operations since its inception. The Tuscan Morning Star Lodge No. 48 has received high praise due to the success of the Temple Patrol; it was awarded Ex-Large Lodge of the Month on several occasions and even Ex-Large Lodge of the Year. In addition to these past recognitions, I would also like to commend these gentlemen who bring peace to the streets through their self-sacrifice. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the efforts of the members of the Tuscan Morning Star No. 48 Temple Patrol committee. I wish them luck in the future and thank them for all their hard work that has made the streets of Philadelphia safer.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Odunde, Philadelphia's oldest and largest community-based festival, on the occasion of its 24th anniversary. The word Odunde originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa, and means Happy New Year. The festival is a recreation of traditional West African cultural festivals that celebrate the coming of another year through music, dance and prayer. Held in one of South Philadelphia's historically significant African American neighborhoods, Odunde attracts over 300,000 people annually and it has gained the reputation of being one of the largest African American street festivals in the United States. Known for its authentic African marketplace with vendors selling a variety of artifacts, African clothing, educational materials and African, Caribbean and African American food, Odunde represents a tremendous economic opportunity for entrepreneurs. Odunde is a vital cultural and educational experience that has become an important part of the Philadelphia experience. Odunde celebrates the rich cultural legacy of Africans of the diaspora and the experience enriches us all.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Founded in 1976, the Museum presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Telling the story of the Jewish experience in America, the National Museum of American Jewish History has connected Jews closer to their heritage and has inspired in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. As Philadelphia is a melting pot for so many of the Nation's minorities, the Museum's location is ideal for illuminating ethnicity in American life. Philadelphia is the birthplace of American liberty, and the freedoms that are celebrated by the Museum can be traced back to people and events that are a part of Philadelphia history. The ``Jewish Window on Independence Mall'' demonstrates how one group of Americans used the opportunities of freedom to make important and diverse contributions to American life. In this way, the message of the Museum should be seen as fundamentally American as well as Jewish- American. Mr. Speaker, the National Museum of American Jewish History has been a benefit to the Philadelphia community not only for its important educational value with respect to the history of the Jewish people, but also because it has highlighted the freedoms that are all too often overlooked in everyday life. This institution has brought to the forefront all that makes America great, the freedoms which have made it possible for Jewish-Americans--and all Americans--to succeed.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipient of the 1999 Unico Gold Medal of Achievement, John Dougherty. Unico is continuing its tradition of honoring outstanding Union Leaders with the prestigious Unico Gold Medal of Achievement Award. This year the Greater Philadelphia Chapter Unico has selected John Dougherty, Business Manager of Local 98, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. John began his apprenticeship with Local Union 98, IBEW, in 1981. Active in many positions in the union, he was elected to the Electric Machinists Association in 1987 and in 1998 was unanimously elected to the local Union's Executive Board. In 1993, at the age of 33, John became the youngest Business Manager in the history of Local Union 98. Since becoming Business Manager, John has given of himself tirelessly. Currently he is President of the Philadelphia Mechanical Trades Council, Vice President of the Philadelphia Building Trade Council, and Vice President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO. John has been noted by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the ``Forty under Forty''. He sits on both the board of the Philadelphia Inter-Land Commission and the Penns Landing Corporation, and has been chosen to represent Mayor Rendell on the Mayor's Telecommunications Advisory Commission and also on the Airport Advisory Board. In conclusion, it is with great pride that I rise to announce the presentation of the Unico Gold Medal of Achievement Award to John Dougherty, a man who exemplifies the Unico Motto ``Service Above All.''

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Norman H. Loudenslager, who recently retired as Treasurer of the Democratic County Executive Committee of Philadelphia, a position in which he served for 14 years. Throughout his life, Norman has demonstrated a steadfast and resolute commitment to working people through his leadership in organized labor and the Democratic Party. He has been an active member of the Democratic Party for over 40 years, serving as Committeeman in Philadelphia's 25th Ward and for ten years as Leader of the 25th Ward. Norman's dedication to the needs of working men and women, however, has never been limited to his activities in the Democratic Party. For over 50 years, Norman has been an active member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the International Association of Machinist & Aerospace Workers, serving as President, Vice President, Secretary Treasurer, and the Directing Business Representative for the Philadelphia Area, Southern New Jersey and Delaware Machinist Lodges. He has also served as a Delegate to the Philadelphia AFL-CIO for more than 30 years, and as a Delegate to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. As we all know, the Democratic Party and organized labor have a special relationship in American politics--Norman is one of the persons responsible for that bond. As a union member myself, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to him for standing up for working people for all these years. Perhaps most importantly, Norman's commitment to his community has always been hands-on. As with all great leaders, he has led by example, being recognized as the Police Athletic League's Man of the Year in 1980 and earning the City of Hope's Spirit of Life Award. His dedication to Philadelphia is grounded in the understanding that just one man can make a difference. Mr. Speaker, it is because of persons like Norman Loudenslager that Americans have fair labor standards. It is because of persons like Norman Loudenslager that the Democratic Party remains committed to the working people of this country. It is because of persons like Norman Loudenslager that a new generation of Americans remains committed to their community. Mr. Speaker, we need more people like Norman Loudenslager.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, we are here today in this impressive and ornate building, full of pride in our suits and dresses; safe in the knowledge that we are protected by metal detectors and police officers and sergeants at arms. No one but us can enter this room. We are pretty secure. But what are we doing here? What message are we sending to our men and women in the armed forces? They aren't as safe as we are. They are in harm's way in Europe working to make life safe for innocent people over there. I am apologetic and ashamed of the message we are sending to them. We should not be showing our troops, our enemies, or the world that we are divided during this crucial time. I believe that we are doing this for political reasons and at the expense of our brave men and women in uniform. I don't think they are very proud of us right now. I am proud of them and I admire them. My prayers are with them. God bless them.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 833.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 449 and ask for all Members to support this legislation. I would like to commend my good friend, Mr. Borski, for introducing this bill and would like to thank him for his hard work to bring it to the floor. I would also like to thank Chairman Hansen, Ranking Member Romero-Barcelo, Chairman Young and Ranking Member Miller for all their help in bringing this bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, Independence Mall is not only the cornerstone of Philadelphia, it is the cornerstone of democracy. On any day, you can walk down to Independence Mall and find hundreds of tourists and schoolchildren visiting the birthplace of the United States. Each year, more than 3 million people visit the place where we declared our independence and forged a nation based on individual rights. But the current visitor facilities at Independence Mall are not adequate for this many tourists. Mr. Speaker, it is important that we not only preserve our heritage, but that we keep it accessible to everyone. This bill authorizes the construction of a new Gateway Visitor Center, located at Independence National Historical Park, to provide tourists a convenient, informative and enjoyable visit to the park and the City of Philadelphia. Through exhibits and displays, the Center will not only provide an interpretive presentation on the significance of the Independence National Historical Park, but will also provide information on other historical and cultural attractions throughout Philadelphia. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not only important to Philadelphia, but to the entire nation as it will keep the site of our independence and the birthplace of democracy easily accessible to everyone. It is a needed addition to the Independence Mall area and will serve our country well in to the next century by preserving and enhancing this national treasure. I urge a unanimous vote on H.R. 449.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise is support of the steelworkers. I am a proud member of organized labor. Organized labor enabled me to finance my house, and to educate myself and my children. I live in America. I am an American Congressman. The people who sent me here live in America and I want the people of America to be able to have the same opportunity I had and my family had. Lets keep the steel workers of America working. And when and if the time comes when our American workers are all employed, then we can look abroad for their assistance. Lets take care of our home First!

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The NAACP, more than any other single organization, reflects the history and aspirations of African Americans in twentieth century American society. As it celebrates its 90th anniversary it is important to reflect on its critical importance, not only to African Americans but to the whole of the nation. Since its founding in 1909 by a multiracial group of progressive thinkers, the NAACP has waged a continuous fight against racial discrimination and segregation. Its goals have and continue to be to help create a truly democratic society by integrating African Americans into the mainstream of American life, by eliminating racial injustice and intolerance, and by making equality of opportunity for African Americans a reality. From the ballot box to the classroom, the dedicated workers, organizers, and leaders who forged this vital organization and maintain its status as a champion of social justice, fought long and hard to ensure that the voices of African Americans would be heard. The legacy of pioneers such as W.E.B. DuBois, Thurgood Marshall and Roy Wilkins and the hundreds of people, including past Philadelphia leaders such as: City Councilman Cecil B. Moore; Pennsylvania State Representative Alphonso Deal and Thornbill Cosby, who worked tirelessly cannot and must not be forgotten. Born in response to racial violence, the NAACP's first major campaign was to have anti-lynching laws enacted. As the organization grew it investigated mob brutality, staged protests against mass murders, segregation and discrimination and testified before congressional committees on the vicious tactics used to bar African Americans from the ballot box. In the courtroom, pulpit, and lecture hall, the men and women who represent the NAACP have been in the forefront of the fight for justice. In spite of lynchings, church burnings, legal setbacks, congressional filibuster and presidential indifference, the NAACP would not be deterred from its mission. As Chairman Julian Bond has stated, the NAACP ``has made progress throughout this century. No more do signs read `white' and `colored'. The voter's booths and the schoolhouse door now swing open for everyone, no longer closed to those whose skin is `dark' ''. As we prepare to step into the new millennium, the new NAACP will also step boldly into the 21st century to face the formidable challenges that are ahead. Under the national leadership of Chairman Bond and President/CEO Kweisi Mfume, and the local leadership of J.W. Mondesire in the First Congressional District, and armed with a strong network of seasoned members and a growing contingent of young leaders, the organization is united to awaken the conscience of a people, and a nation, with renewed vigor and hope.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I don't think I need to say anything about the facts of this case. The thousands of pages from the Independent Council say it all, and anyone who still thinks there's enough in there to convict the President on Purgery or Obstruction of Justice charges should read them again. I can't add anything to the case the White House council presented, so I won't try. I'm not going to talk about Constitutional Law, except to say that I don't see how the President can be removed from office in this case even if the charges could be proven. While President Clinton is guilty of bad behavior and lack of moral judgment in this issue, he didn't put the country in jeopardy. Instead, I'll tell you about the political lynching that's been going on, how we got here, and why we can't seem to get back to the issues of the people of America. Ever since I can remember, I have regarded the United States House of Congress with a kind of awe. Throughout my political career I've been impressed by the Representatives on both sides of the House and held them in very high regard. That is, until I was elected as a member of the House, walked through it's doors for the first time, and became witness to the most hateful and vicious attack on our Democracy that this country has ever seen; the hijacking of the American Government. The Conservative Republicans wanted nothing less than the total destruction of their political enemy, the nationally elected President of our United States. Maybe this sounds partisan, but I'm not here to make friends or win any popularity contests with my fellow Congressmen, I'm here to do what my people asked me to do--represent them. I won't pretend that I am not a staunch Democratic supporter of the President. I'll just give you a little history, tell you what I've seen, you be the judge. It started in 1992, when a Southern, pro-choice, environmentally minded moderate won the Presidency. The Republican minority in Congress were stunned. This Democratic President did not attempt to win their approval by advocating their issues. In fact, he made hard and fast enemies while he picked apart their proposals and vetoed them. They shouldn't have taken it so personally because the reality is, he didn't make friends with the Democrats either! But it was back then that they decided they had to get rid of him. In 1994, the Republicans succeeded in taking over the Congress with huge amounts of soft money from large corporations, rich special interest groups, and other ultra-conservative organizations. Even with their new Majority in the House, the President continued to win the political fights and continued to gain favor in the hearts and minds of the voters. While the new Majority tried to shut down the government, the President stood for issues of National concern such as education and social security. In effect, even though they had the House, they still lost. Now, they decided, it was time to make a move for the political assassination of their enemy. With the right wing organization behind them, the House Conservatives tried a variety of tactics, each one unsuccessful. They sought to indict him as a criminal. They proceeded to dredge up and spin allegations of illegal involvement by either President or First Lady, (whitewater, travelgate, filegate, etc. . . .) They knew that with the right amount of pressure and enough fuel, they could get the Attorney General to grant their request for a Special Prosecutor (a Republicans zealot of their choice) to ``get him''. With the help of the media, (there's no news like bad news involving the President), they succeeded. Just short of four years and forty million tax dollars later, not a single shred of indictable evidence was uncovered. This is incredible when you consider that EVERY stone had been unturned. This was also a serious problem for the Republican since they spent all that time and money with nothing to show for it and, in spite of the media storm they produced, the President's job approval rating was still climbing! Then BINGO! They got lucky. In walks that paragon of American virtue that we all know and love, Ms. Linda Tripp, with juicy tales of her illegally taped conversations with the now famous Monica. Although this wasn't exactly the stuff that ``High Crimes and Misdemeanors'' are made of, it's still all they had, so they had to make it work. The new leader of the effort to destroy the President, the so-called ``independent'' council, devised a plan to work with the lawyers on the Jones civil case and use the illegally obtained information to set a trap for the President! By now, you know the rest of the story, so I won't get into the details except to say that no other citizen of this country would ever be subject to such an outrageous and illegal bastardization of the American system of justice. It is only the right wing conspiracy, in justification of their destructive pursuit, who would have you believe this is simply ``equal justice under the law''. From almost the minute the case was placed in the hands of the Congress it became clear to me that I was no longer part of a ``Representative'' body. The American people, the people who voted and sent us here, were left completely out of the process. Their ``Representatives'' decided to pursue their OWN agenda instead and, with the approval of their counterparts in the Senate, used their majority muscle and pushed it through the House. No debate, no opposing arguments considered, no witnesses needed. Don't be fooled by the political theater you saw on C-Span. That was just a show to have you think we were doing our constitutional duty. In fact, Mr. Hyde even told you at one point that we shouldn't be concerned with the President's ``removal from office''. He said that's not what impeachment means, and that a vote in favor of the Articles didn't mean that we thought the President should be removed from office. Did you believe that? Well it may be true. They don't have to actually remove him to destroy his presidency, and that IS their primary goal. To be fair, some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle were interested in doing the right thing and giving this issue the level of consideration it warranted. You might have heard about this ``secret evidence'' that was ``shown'' to those undecided voters that ``convinced'' them to vote in favor of the Impeachment Articles. I can tell you that there was no evidence, but it certainly was secret. They were presented with threats that they would lose their special committee positions unless they towed the Party line. They obeyed, and two Articles of Impeachment were pushed through the House on a strictly partisan vote in spite of the President's consistently high job approval ratings. Into the House of the Senate marched the 13 Conservative Managers, with their own special ``rule of law'' and their own version of ``truth and justice'', as self proclaimed ``Representatives of the People''. What people? Certainly not the majority of the American people. They continued to support the President. They don't want him removed from office. They know his character is flawed, and while the scandal is fund to watch on TV, they trust him to do his job because they know he has the best interests in his heart. In spite of the very best efforts to ruin him, the Conservative Republicans have failed. This brings us to our current dilemma. The Conservatives have a problem. We need to end this and gain back the respect of the American people but how can THEY get out of this gracefully? How can the Conservative Senators save face for their Congressional counterparts? It seems that the Republicans finally have their exit strategy. They will refuse to exit. They will take their chances and keep this going as long as they possibly can with the hope that they will publicly destroy the President and the Democratic party. Even now, knowing that the President will not be removed from office by the required \2/3\rds margin, they will attempt to use their 51% majority to continue beating their dead horse, allowing the House managers to run the show. If this goes on long enough, it doesn't matter if the final vote is not enough to remove Clinton or not. Before they are finished, they will have gone as far as they can by any means possible (witnesses, furthering the independent investigation into any other areas they can find and lots and lots of press) to publicly destroy and defame Clinton. We have a problem, because with the 51% that the Senate requires to pass each step of the way short of the removal vote, the same railroading that took place in the Congress will take place in the Senate. My fear is that this can only be stopped by the next election but by then, the ensuing media storm and the Republican spin doctors will have swayed too many innocent American minds. They have clearly demonstrated their power today by forcing a private citizen to be interviewed by the House Managers under threat of imprisonment according to her agreement with the OIC (who is now acting as a 14th House Manager). They will insist on closed door sessions for the debates regarding dismissal and witnesses and muscle the Senate in the very same way they succeeded in the Congress. The bottom line is, the Democrats want an up or down vote now, and the Republicans want to drag this on and keep the government in a state of paralysis so they can continue to humiliate the President. They worked so hard at making war that they forgot how to make peace. They drew their line in the sand and it can't even be washed away by the tide of public outrage. The longer this goes on, the more ground we all lose, and still the President's approval ratings continue to rise. I say, NOW is the time to get over it and get back to doing our jobs. We have wasted too much time already in not representing the interests of our public. We must make peace among the parties and the branches of our government and get back to work on the PEOPLE'S agenda of education, social security reform, Medicare, the Patient's Bill of Rights, housing, anti-crime, and other issues that are important to the people who put us here to serve them.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the labor movement. As the American trade union movement prepares to move into its second century, it is important to applaud the movement's ``century of achievement'' that included the historic reuniting of the AFL-CIO in 1955. American labor has played a central role in the raising of the American standard of living. American workers have had to struggle to achieve the gains they have made during this century. And it has been a struggle! Improvements did not come easily. By organizing, winning the right to representation, utilizing the collective bargaining process, struggling against bias and discrimination, working Americans have built a trade union movement of formidable proportions. Labor in America has correctly been described as a stabilizing force in the national economy and a bulwark of our democratic society. The gains that unions have achieved have brought benefits directly and indirectly to the American people and have served as a force for our nation's progress. Labor has reached out to groups in America who strive for their share of the American dream and there is a common bond between the labor movement and African-Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King: ``Our needs are identical with labor's needs--decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community.'' But today, America's workplace is in transition. The workforce that was once predominantly ``blue collar'' has now expanded to include ``white collar'' employees and the significantly increasing ``gray collar'' workers representing the workers in service industries. Mass production industries have downsized and many have gone out of business. Increasing numbers of the new industries require new skill levels from employees and work once performed in the United States has been moved out of the country. However, change has not lessened the absolute need for protection and representation for our nation's working men and women. And change has not lessened the resolve of the union movement to represent and protect America's workers. As the labor movement continues to face the looming challenges, it is important to note that the union movement is on the right track. In 1998, the number of union members rose in more than half the states and union membership grew by more than 100,000 nationwide. In all, the number of union members in the nation rose from 16.1 to 16.2 million. As AFL-CIO President John Sweeney has said, ``Our commitment and dedication to organizing, at all levels of the labor movement, is beginning to bear fruit--but we still have a long way to go. We need to stay focused and redouble our efforts.''