Timothy Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Indeed they are. This country has a long history of finding the money to support things that it considers to be a priority, and we simply need to come together and say that this kind of passenger rail service is a priority.

Mr. BISHOP of New York. The President's budget proposes zero.

Mr. BISHOP of New York. And what we need is a budget of at least $1.8 billion.

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. Let me start by thanking the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) for organizing this time this evening and particularly for her leadership on this and so many other issues of great importance to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of Amtrak, America's national rail system. As a personal beneficiary of the service that Amtrak provides and as someone who represents a congressional district that counts on safe, reliable rail service, I am a strong supporter of providing this vital industry the funding necessary to continue operations. A healthy Amtrak is an integral part of New York and the Nation's economy and transportation systems. Amtrak offers riders a cost- effective way to travel throughout the country. It has over 2,000 employees, serves over 500 stations in 46 States and owns and operates over 700 miles of shared track throughout the country. These numbers tell the story. Amtrak is a major industry helping to support families and towns throughout the country, and it requires our support now. The administration budget proposal to eliminate funding for Amtrak flies in the face of common sense and the President's stated goal of sensibly growing this Nation's economy. The events of September 11, 2001, showed us America's reliance on the rail system and Amtrak in particular. As planes sat grounded everywhere, goods, services and people continued to move, thanks in large part to Amtrak. The President's budget proposal indicates that with regard to passenger rail, we have not learned enough from that terrible day. There is hardly a more clear example of misguided priorities at the Federal level. Current plans will force a major employer to shut its doors, move people out of secure employment and cripple a transportation system that serves millions of people. We need to abandon this approach that will end national rail service and, instead, look for ways to improve upon our existing structure of supporting rail lines. Abandoning Amtrak will destroy a system that has never been supported adequately. In comparison to the rest of the world, we rank a miserable 25th on the list of countries that provide commuter rail funding. The U.S. is outpaced by countries like Estonia, Belgium and Slovenia. It is no wonder that we are debating investment in Amtrak. We have never provided the adequate assistance that would allow Amtrak to operate at full capacity, thereby providing no baseline for comparison now that the President is proposing to eliminate the program. Over 30 years ago, Amtrak replaced a faltering private rail system failing to provide adequate services. Now, 30 years later, we are attempting to replace an existing public passenger rail system with some undefined private system by stripping funding for a struggling but improving system that America supports. We should not continue this cycle, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this proposal, as it represents an unclear approach to a very serious issue. Congress continues to focus on funding other transportation modes over Amtrak to the detriment of the rail industry. Amtrak's level of funding represents only 2 percent of the U.S. Department of Transportation's nearly $60 billion budget; whereas over 50 percent of the Department's spending went for highways, and nearly $20 billion went for air travel. The fact is that America relies on Amtrak to move people. Commuter rail systems would be faced with major roadblocks and possible route elimination if Amtrak lost funding. So we are not just talking about an effect on Amtrak's customers alone. Over 850,000 commuters a day rely on Amtrak or its infrastructure to get to and from work, and it simply makes no sense to eliminate funding for a program that benefits nearly 1 million commuters a day. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to fight for the continued operation of Amtrak by advocating for a budget providing $1.8 billion for fiscal year 2006. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) for her leadership on this issue.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that Congress is again considering reauthorization of the transportation bill. Americans have waited too long and watched our roads and transit systems further deteriorate as Congress and the President stalemate at the expense of travelers and commuters. Transportation spending is a win-win proposition. It creates jobs and improves safety and efficiency on our roads. While passage of this bill will go a long way towards improving our infrastructure, I, along with most of the members of our community, would have hoped for a larger bill that better reflects the Nation's need for transportation funding. Real economic stimulus comes from real investment. And by increasing funding to a more appropriate level approaching $375 billion, the amount that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure originally passed, we would begin to address our immediate needs to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. We know that each $1 billion of Federal funds invested in infrastructure creates approximately 47,000 jobs and generates $6.2 billion in economic activity, and our economy could certainly use this type of boost. This bill is first and foremost a jobs bill, and I would urge swift consideration of this legislation so that we do not deny tens of thousands of workers in New York and elsewhere nationwide good jobs. We especially need this boost in New York. The New York metropolitan area has some of the worst traffic in the country, despite a mass transit system that carries one-third of our Nation's transit riders. I would also like to stress the importance of ensuring that the minimum guarantee formula stays at 90.5 percent. Our transportation policy now directs funding to the areas of the country where it is needed the most. It would be unwise to punish States with aging infrastructure and inefficient mass transit systems by cutting off their funding. There is simply no way to reach a 95 percent minimum guarantee in a $284 billion bill. I would also like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from upstate New York (Mr. Kuhl), for his amendment naming a section of Interstate 86 after Amo Houghton, a former colleague and a true gentleman. I would like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Ranking Member Oberstar) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for bringing this important bill to the Floor. They and their staffs have produced the best bill possible, given the circumstances, to move our transportation system forward.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my opposition to the President's FY06 budget--a budget that I believe goes against our values as a society. If the proposed budget passes, it would be a disaster for constituents in my home district on Long Island and districts nationwide, forcing working families to make up for many of the cuts in the form of higher State and local taxes. The American people deserve honesty, and this budget is dishonest by omission, and dishonest in how it portrays the overall budget projections. The President claims that the steep budget cuts he advocates are necessary to cut the deficit in half in 5 years. This is simply not true, and the budget the President proposes fails to accomplish his stated goal. First, the budget is dishonest by omission. Nowhere in the FY06 budget does the President account for significant costs, including: Fails to account for the enormous costs of privatizing Social Security as proposed by the President; a whopping $6 trillion over the next 20 years; $754 billion over the period from 2009-2015; Fails to account for the continuing presence of our troops in Iraq-- the administration knows we are going to approve an Iraq supplemental upward of $80 billion for the first part of this year alone--and an estimated $384 billion over 10 years--yet still omits it in the budget; Fails to account for growth in interest costs; Fails to reform the Alternative Minimum Tax that is disproportionately burdening middle income families in my district on Long Island. As troubling as the glaring budget omissions is the knowledge that the deficit is largely a self-inflicted wound. The President inherited a record annual surplus of $236 billion--which now, 4 years later, has tanked into a deficit in excess of $400 billion. Any attempt at honest accounting suggests that we are looking at a decade or more of similar deficits. The reason we are faced with an unethical budget is because the President refuses to acknowledge the fiscal irresponsibility of his choices, and will not entertain even the most moderate suggestions, such as repealing only the portion of the tax cuts that benefit the top 1 percent of taxpayers. Unfortunately this budget builds on a disturbing trend. This administration and the leadership in Congress appear to be intent on valuing wealth over work, thereby placing working families at a distinct disadvantage. The tax policies the President advocates disproportionately advantage the wealthiest to the detriment of working Americans, and working families will continue to bear the brunt of the rising inflation spurred by the rising interest rates. The Bill Gates' of the world pocketed their tax cut at the insistence of the President. However, this President sees no problem eliminating funding for Perkins Loans in his budget, even though the cost of tuition is rising and will continue to rise as the administration's policies force inflation. As a result of the decision to eliminate Perkins, this year more than 670,000 student borrowers could lose out on loan forgiveness if they become teachers, law enforcement officers or if they serve in the military. This is just one of many examples of valuing wealth over work. In my district, the budget scales back and eliminates several long- term shore protection projects important to the safety and economic security of Long Island. The President has no problem zeroing out the Fire Island to Montauk Point Study, just as it nears completion. The President eliminates funding to dredge the Patchogue River, even though this creates a huge safety hazard for boaters. The President does not hesitate to slash funding for the Long Island Sound Study Office from $7 million to less than $500,000, even though this is vital to the livelihoods and economy of the east end of Long Island. The President falls far short of his promise under the No Child Left Behind bill, even though this means that taxpayers will have to foot the bill at the local level to pay for education. Finally, the President does not seem to mind taxing veterans' health care at $250 per year, and doubling copayments for veterans' prescription drugs, at a time when we should be saluting our veterans. Our values as a society are not reflected in this budget. We must ban together in Congress to force an honest accounting, and insist upon the restoration of long-term fiscal responsibility to our Nation. It's not enough to talk about compassion--it is high time that we refocus our priorities and show some compassion.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life and contributions of Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1LT Brian M. Mooney. The Civil Air Patrol, an Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, is dedicated to educating the American public on air related topics and providing emergency services and disaster relief efforts. During First Lieutenant Mooney's extensive tenure as a Suffolk County Cadet, he exemplified what it means to be a dedicated and passionate member of the Civil Air Patrol. After originally joining the Air Patrol as a member of the COL F.S. Gabreski Squadron in 1998, Cadet Mooney worked hard to help that squadron earn a Unit Citation for 1999. In 2001, First Lieutenant Mooney became Commander of Suffolk County Cadet Squadron 5, where he served diligently until his 21st birthday. Sadly, First Lieutenant Mooney passed away prematurely on October 16, 2004. First Lieutenant Mooney was truly an individual respected by his community and he will continue to be remembered as someone who always had a kind word for friends and strangers alike. Mr. Mooney's loving family, surrogate mother and all of his friends and compatriots in the Air Patrol will miss his dedication to life and to his duties as a Squadron Commander. In a fitting and lasting tribute to the many contributions First Lieutenant Mooney made to the Air Patrol organization, I was pleased to learn about a recent decision to rename Squadron 5 after Brian M. Mooney. This will undoubtedly serve as a reminder to young cadets that their unit respects the outstanding works of former Squadron members. In December of 2000, First Lieutenant Mooney received one of the Air Patrol's highest honors by earning the illustrious General Billy Mitchell Award. Named for BG Billy Mitchell, this commendation represents a significant achievement requiring a strong work ethic and an exhaustive knowledge of aerospace issues. First Lieutenant Mooney's experience in the Civil Air Patrol could serve as a guide for all young cadets. Early in his tenure, Mooney was elected Vice-Chairperson for the Long Island Group Cadet Advisory Council and following his work there, was elected Chairperson for the LI Group and was named as a Member of the New York Wing Cadet Advisory Council. First Lieutenant Mooney's work as Commander shows the overwhelming pride that he had in his unit and in his fellow cadets. One year after becoming Commander, Mooney was named Long Island Group's Cadet of Distinction 2002, and during the course of only two years of his service in the Air Patrol, Mooney was responsible for increasing recruitment for his squadron from five to forty-plus cadets. I can think of few individuals more suitable for recognition by this body. First Lieutenant Mooney's work with the Civil Air Patrol influenced numerous cadets on Long Island and the members of the Squadron now bearing his name will sorely miss him. First Lieutenant Mooney shows that selfless dedication to a cause and dogged pursuit of one's goals reflect positively on the community as a whole. First Lieutenant Mooney's brief life was filled with extensive contributions to family and fellow cadets alike, and I appreciate the opportunity to commemorate his work in the Civil Air Patrol. I would also urge that the current cadets in the Brian M. Mooney Civil Air Patrol Squadron memorialize First Lieutenant Mooney's achievements by continuing his good works.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and contributions of my neighbor and constituent Sergeant Major James Pettaway, Jr. who gave his life in service to his country. SGM Pettaway died this week as a result of wounds he suffered in August during his second tour of duty in the war in Iraq. Only a few weeks after his deployment to Iraq, the convoy jeep he was riding in struck a roadside bomb outside of Fallujah. The explosion killed one man and seriously injured SGM Pettaway, covering 80 percent of his body with burns. After a long fight, he died Sunday at the Brook Medical Burn Center in San Antonio, Texas. I honor SGM Pettaway for the valiant sacrifice he made for his country. I also honor him for the kind of man he was. SGM Pettaway grew up in the army, enlisting after his high school graduation in 1988. The army changed him, made him stronger, gave him a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Because he was the kind of man he was, he wanted to give back some of what he had been given. He wanted to pass along the life lessons he had learned to others. His supervisor said the army ``changed him from a scatterbrained kid to a caring man.'' After 10 years of active duty, James Pettaway, this caring man and father of an 11-year-old son Brandon, joined a guard unit at the Herman Toulson Correctional Camp in Maryland. He was part of an 88-member guard contingent at the boot camp that houses adult felons. Because he was a caring man, SGM Pettaway took a genuine interest in the inmates' lives and tried to help them benefit from the things he learned in the army. He volunteered for extra duty, took a special interest in their accomplishments and tried to help them lead better lives. In 2002, SGM Pettaway's reserve unit, the 223rd Transportation Company of Morristown, PA, was called to active duty. He served a year in Kuwait before returning to the United States. Then in May his reserve unit was called again to active duty. This time, his family and friends say, the 37-year-old sergeant did not have a positive feeling about returning to war. But he dutifully answered his country's call one more time. He would not live to see his hometown of Southampton, New York again. Several of SGM Pettaway's cousins attended Southampton public schools and played on sports teams with my children. His Uncle works with my brother in the landscaping business. His son Brandon played on a Little League team last season with my friend's son. We all mourn his death. He is the first U.S. service member from our town to be killed in the Iraq war. We cannot ask more of a man than we did of SGM Pettaway. He gave his all. Iraq forced him to learn some of life's most difficult lessons. I honor him for his bravery, his goodness, his service to others, and for the sacrifice he made for his country. I honor his son Brandon, and I pray that the lessons his father learned will not have been learned in vain but will be carried on in the lives of his family and friends.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant John F. Finn of the Albany, NY, Police Department. Originally from Port Jefferson, NY, within my congressional district, Lieutenant Finn passed away on February 12 of this year from gunshot wounds received while attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect. John Finn was a lifelong resident of New York, and after attending Smithtown High School West on Long Island he pursued an undergraduate degree at SUNY Albany. Following school, Finn began a career in law enforcement marked by innovation and success. A 13-year veteran of the Albany force, John Finn served admirably throughout his career and during that tenure received two lifesaving awards from his department and the 2000 Officer of the Year from the Kiwanis Club. On July 26th, 2004, New York State officially recognized the contributions of Lieutenant Finn by posthumously awarding him the Governor's Police Officer of the Year Award for 2003. Lieutenant Finn was a model policeman and family man, dedicating his life to protecting others. Finn's commitment to the well being of others remains visible in the good works of the Children and Family Services Unit of the Albany Police Department, which Finn helped create. Lieutenant Finn's surviving family includes his wife Maura McNulty-Finn and daughters Clara and Molly. During his final days, Lieutenant Finn continued to exemplify bravery and fortitude by fighting hard for nearly 2 months after taking three bullets from a semiautomatic weapon. Thankfully, Finn's murderer now resides behind bars, and in a testament to Lieutenant Finn's affect on the community, nearly 5,000 people attended a public service in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to John Finn's family and friends and I am happy to help memorialize this brave man by designating a Federal building in his honor. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, this past weekend we joined with our families at barbecues and picnics to celebrate Labor Day, a day where we honor the contributions of the American workforce. There was a dark cloud over this Labor Day, however, because the administration decided to celebrate workers' accomplishments by rewarding hard-working Americans with one of the largest middle-class pay cuts in history. The decision to undermine overtime pay and enact what could turn out to be the largest middle-class pay cut in history is just the latest in a relentless effort under way in Washington to disregard the economic security of millions of middle-class families. The regulations that went into effect on August 23 suggest that there are those in Washington who believe that overtime pay is nothing more than a luxury for American workers. The truth is plain and simple. Overtime pay is not a luxury for millions of families. It is a necessity. The changes to overtime pay could seriously reduce the paychecks of over 6 million workers making between $23,600 and $100,000 annually. For many people, overtime is the difference that pays the rent and buys the groceries. I stand in this Chamber today as a product of overtime. My father worked 80 to 90 hours a week, week in and week out, month in and month out, year in and year out, because he had five children that he wanted to send off to have an opportunity that he never had, the opportunity to go to private college. He and my mother accomplished that, and they accomplished that because of overtime. There are countless families who rely on this kind of additional compensation to meet the needs of their own families. Some people may say that we should be comforted by the fact that these regulations will not impact workers protected by a collective bargaining agreement. I say that this reasoning is anything but comforting, and workers covered by a union contract will ultimately suffer a reduction in pay. Union contracts will need to be renegotiated, and the regulation changes will make it increasingly more difficult to negotiate fair contracts in the future as workers will now be forced to bargain for overtime protections that were once guaranteed by law. Previously the law was clear: Those eligible for overtime got time and a half for every hour you worked over 40 hours in a single week. Now that rule has changed, and it will lower the bar for everyone. The amendment we offer today will preserve the protections for the new low- income workers who become eligible for overtime under the new rule. Our amendment will rescind the rule that takes away overtime from 6 million workers so that workers who were eligible before August 23 will once again be eligible. Let us stop this assault on the economic well-being of middle-class families. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the Obey-Miller amendment.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph and Anne Quinn of Smithtown, New York, who will observe their 50th wedding anniversary on August 15th, 2004. Born in New York City, they met as freshmen in college. Joe was a student at Iona College in New Rochelle and Anne attended St. John's University. They were married on August 1, 1954 at St. Joan of Arc Church in Jackson Heights, New York. The Quinns moved to Suffolk County in 1955 when Joe began a thirty-three year career in education with the Middle Country School District. The couple has lived in Smithtown since 1958. The Quinns have ten children--Kathleen, Terence, Brendan, Marybeth, Patrick, Neil, Regina, Timothy, Lawrence, and Julianne--all of whom are married. They are the proud grandparents of twenty-two. Joseph retired in January 2003 from a second career as Staff Assistant to Congressman Gary Ackerman. Anne retired in December 2002 from her position as a New York State Taxpayer Service Representative. Mr. Quinn was Chair of the Smithtown Democratic Committee for twenty- two years and is still greatly interested in politics. The Quinns have been active members of St. Patrick's Parish since moving to Smithtown. They plan to continue travelling all over the country to visit their widespread family. The Quinns will mark their fiftieth anniversary with a renewal of vows at St. Patrick's Church and a dinner at the Bellport Country Club. Their children have also planned a family trip to Colorado as a reunion to celebrate this landmark anniversary. I am proud to honor this distinguished couple and their long-standing commitment to the community and to one another.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 308, a bill that I introduced to honor the AMVETS veterans service organization's National Charter Day. AMVETS is an organization that is truly dedicated to helping this Nation's veterans, and I am pleased to see that this Congress is now acting to support this group which consistently works to help the men and women who have selflessly served this country. I am proud to recognize AMVETS for its dedication to bettering the lives of veterans throughout this country. As we continue our military operations overseas, we must not forget that honoring veterans and their service must be something that we do every day, not just on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We must always look to recognize and pay tribute to the sacrifices made to the individuals that have stared down the many faces of tyranny with undying dedication to our country. On July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216 making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress. Today the organization is open to anyone who has served or is currently serving in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and the Reserves. AMVETS has a long history of helping veterans; and in a recent year, AMVETS processed more than 24,000 VA claims that resulted in veterans receiving approximately $400 million in owed benefits. As Members of Congress, we all know how important it is to provide this kind of service to America's deserving veterans. I am pleased that the House will soon adopt this resolution honoring AMVETS National Charter Day, and I hope that this Friday, as we celebrate national recognition of this organization, all Members of Congress will take the time to support their local members of AMVETS. I am proud to support the five AMVETS posts located in my district, and I am sure that my colleagues share in the feeling of appreciation I have for the thousands of AMVETS members and their families who are dedicated to helping America's veterans. Madam Speaker, I urge swift passage of this resolution.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this legislation. Given difficult budget choices, and an egregious Administration budget proposal for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee have done their best to craft a good bill. I am particularly pleased that this legislation adequately funds our country's national labs. In this time of budget cuts, we cannot forget that basic science is a building block for scientific innovation and economic growth in the information age. Under this budget, Brookhaven Lab, which is located in my district, will continue to make great contributions in the areas of nuclear physics, structural biology, environmental research and nonproliferation. This bill also adequately funds environmental cleanup efforts at the Lab vital to the health and safety of residents on the East End of Long Island. I am grateful to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for attending to these vital needs. I am concerned, however, with one particular project in this bill of vital importance to the south shore of Long Island. The Fire Island to Montauk Point Reformulation study--which covers an 83 mile stretch of Southern Long Island--has been underway for decades at a cost of more than $20 million. Unfortunately, this bill contains no funding to continue this study. I understand, however, that the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee is committed to work with me and my Long Island colleagues in conference, to protect any funding included in the Senate bill for this study. I look forward to the successful and timely completion of this project, and I again thank the Chair and Ranking Member for their cooperation and good work. Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Hobson) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), the ranking minority member, for the leadership they have provided in putting together this legislation to fund important programs like the Army Corps of Engineers, Dallas Floodway Extension and for continued work on a study of flood control on the Upper Trinity. I support the fiscal year 2005 Energy and Water development appropriation measure. Mr. Chairman, in 1998, the voters of Dallas approved the largest bond issue in the City's history, $246 million, to make improvements to the Trinity River Corridor. There are many aspects to these projects, including transportation, recreation, and economic development. But at its heart, the Trinity River Corridor is about flood control. It is about protecting homes, businesses, people, and property. The flood control protection currently afforded to the City and its residents is simply no longer adequate. Urban development and growth patterns have occurred that require improvements and extensions to the existing flood control system. These improvements and extensions must be designed, engineered, and constructed in a manner that will not only improve flood control protection for the City and its residents, but will do so in a manner that is sensitive to our other needs. We must improve flood protection, but we need to be certain that such flood protection infrastructure also enhances our quality of life. The legislation before us includes funding to help assure that the quality of life of the people of Dallas, and our economic vitality, are indeed improved. This legislation includes $10 million for the construction of the Dallas Floodway Extension. This will consist of a chain of flood conveyance wetlands and a system of protective levees that will enhance the security of 12,500 structures in the Dallas area. While I recognize the difficult constraints the Committee worked under in developing this legislation, and appreciate the funding included, I also know it is imperative to the public health and safety of the people of Dallas that this project proceed as quickly as possible. With that in mind, I do wish to note that it will be my intent to try and secure a total of $20 million for this project; an amount consistent with the capability that the Corps has expressed for 2005. This legislation contains $1.3 million for continued work on a study of flood control on the Upper Trinity as well as additional flood control improvements to the existing Dallas Floodway. This is such an exciting project that should include the development of two flood conveyance lakes within the floodway, along with new wetlands, river meandering, and boardwalks that will serve to unite the City and bring families to the levees, which currently have the impact of, literally dividing our communities. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the bipartisan effort that went into the drafting of this legislation, commend that effort as a model for the way in which this Chamber ought to routinely work, and urge the support of all our colleagues for passage of H.R. 4614.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Krystyna Baumgartner, a constituent of mine, who is the New York State winner of the 2004 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) audio/essay competition. Ms. Baumgartner has done an excellent job of conveying the necessity of voter participation and showing respect for veterans and current members of our armed forces. It is my distinct honor to submit the text of her work into the Congressional Record. 2003-2004 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest ``my Commitment to america's future'' (New York State Winner, Krystyna Baumgartner) In the movie ``The American President,'' the fictional President Andrew Shepard utters that ``America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship.'' With those seven words, he correctly points out that in order for America to work the way the Founding Fathers intended it to, its citizens must actively participate. Since I was about eleven, I have told anyone that would listen that I was going to be the first woman President of the United States. That year, I religiously watched the presidential debates between Clinton, Dole, and Perot, conjuring up my own answers to the questions asked and drilling my dad on events I didn't know about. Now that I am seventeen, I pay even more attention to the world and its happenings than I did at eleven. And I am even more convinced that I want to be on that stage, answering questions about the topics of the day and making plans to move America forward. In order to move America forward, however, you must first learn her framework and the history of the struggles that she has gone through to be what she is today. Without this basic knowledge of how the political system in America works, one cannot expect to be able to fully participate in America. As I apply to colleges, I do not hesitate to check off that I am a political science major. In this field rests the knowledge that I need to help my generation guide America to the next level. I look forward to my eighteenth birthday for a reason most of my peers never think about--I cannot wait to be able to vote. Until am old enough to run for office myself, I can vote for people that share my views of where America is heading and how to get her to that point. I do not understand why many people that are of age to vote do not. We are lucky to live in a country that allows us the right to choose our government officials. In my opinion, giving up this right that so many in this world don't have is equivalent to spitting on everything that America stands for. It is my sincere hope that more people from my generation will take advantage of their right to vote and I plan to do everything that I can to advocate voting to my peers. Knowing the basic principles upon which America was founded, how the government works, and partaking of your right to vote are a very important part of the advanced citizenship I mentioned earlier. However, in order to truly be an active participant in America, one must be willing to defend her against threats, both domestic and foreign. Serving in a branch of America's military is a way to give back to America what America has given to you. By voluntarily enlisting in the Army or the Air Force or the Navy, you are showing the world that you love your country and that you want to make sure that it will still be around two hundred years from now. To volunteer to risk your life for your country shows an immense dedication to the principles that your country stands for and to the preservation of your country. In the past few days I have been communicating with veterans of the Battle for Bataan and the Bataan Death March for a school report. Most of these men enlisted before Pearl Harbor, even though they knew that the United States would most likely enter the war in Europe. I asked one of the men, who was a POW of the Japanese for 1028 days, if he remained in the Army after World War Two. He said that although he did not, he wishes he had because he really liked being in the Army. Can you imagine spending over two years in captivity, being beaten, starved, and made to work in the blistering sun, and still enjoying the Army? America is at a crucial point in its history. It's citizens are now beginning to question parts of everyday American life, such as the Pledge of Allegiance, the motto on our printed currency, and our right to defend ourselves from terrorism, that were never given a second thought before. The solutions to these questions will ultimately rest in my generation. It will be up to us to decide whether or not our pledge should be re-written or if we are allowed to mention God in public life. But we cannot decide these things until we have truly experienced America, and in order to do that we have to want to learn why America is the country it is today and we also have to be willing to defend her against any and all enemies. We are the future of America. Shrinking away from this is not an option. We have to stand up and accept it. We have to be advanced active citizens. Mr. Speaker I again congratulate Ms. Baumgartner on her accomplishment and wish her the best of luck in what I am sure will be a productive future.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Abigail Burke Irwin. Abigail Burke Irwin has been called a fighter, an inspiration, ``a one-woman community.'' I knew her because she was my wife's sister, the mother of my two nephews, and the wife of my friend and colleague Burke Irwin. In her short life of 46 years, Abby touched the lives of many people and made an indelible mark. But it was in her last 13 years when she struggled so valiantly against breast cancer that she truly came into her own. She refused against all odds to give up her fight for life. But more importantly, she used the time she was given to reach out and help others who were also suffering. She packed more into her short life than most people who live to be twice her age. She started a breast cancer support group and founded a local chapter of an advocacy group for Asperger's Syndrome. She was an active and involved mother and community member. Saddled with mounting medical bills for constant chemotherapy and surgeries, she made wooden furniture to sell, and later, when she was too weak, she created jewelry and other crafts. In the end, she willed herself to live, right up to several days before her death on April 29, 2004, when she rallied her family to a back-yard picnic on one of the first warm spring days. She wore a bright red hat and coat--red was her favorite color--and she seemed so happy to be alive and in the midst of her loving family. Breast cancer affects so many lives. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths for women worldwide. We must be determined to continue the fight for increased access to health care and prevention for all women, for continued funding of breast cancer research and for extending Medicare to cover all cancer drugs. Abby Irwin spent much of her precious time and energy dealing with a flawed health care system, trying to keep ahead of her bills, struggling with the complexities and inadequacies of health insurance. We could not save her life, but hopefully we can save other women from having to deal with the difficulties she faced. Abby was a fighter, but she never fought only for herself. She always reached out to help others struggling with life's difficulties. Ever the optimist, Abby never liked to report just the bad news. She always added something good. The bad news for her many friends and family members is that Abby has left us. The good news is that because of her strength and courage, her legacy--and her fight--will live on.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Democratic substitute. I join my colleagues in offering this amendment in order to bring relief to so many families, particularly Long Island families who have been disproportionately hit by the alternative minimum tax. Our substitute would not only extend the current exemption, but it would exempt married couples with incomes under $250,000 from this punitive tax. In addition, and this is very important, we completely pay for this tax relief to middle-income families by closing corporate loopholes. Long Island taxpayers are paying the price for this Congress' abdication of duty when it comes to sound tax policy. Our refusal to reform the AMT has had the effect of severely curtailing the promised Bush tax cuts from middle-income Long Island families. While the wealthiest families completely benefit from the tax cuts targeted towards the upper brackets, middle-income families were hit with the unwelcome surprise of higher taxes on tax day. I have been hearing from constituents all across Long Island who feel double-crossed and double-taxed by this undue tax burden. In fact, just yesterday I was speaking with an accountant from my hometown who told me that AMT filings for middle- income Long Islanders had shot through the roof this year, while the wealthiest were reaping tremendous tax benefits, some in excess of $1 million of tax savings. For example, married couples in my district with two children and an income consisting of $15,000 in wages were forced to pay the AMT due to State income taxes and real estate taxes totaling over $21,000. This, in turn, triggered the AMT. More Long Islanders pay the AMT than taxpayers in any other region of the country, and I will do everything in my power to put an end to this unfair treatment. Middle-income Long Islanders bear the brunt of this tax because State and local income taxes, property taxes, and other personal deductions are added back in for the purpose of calculating the AMT, and anyone who lives on Long Island will tell my colleagues that our property taxes, in particular, are very, very high. The net effect of this is that we pay inordinately high property taxes, and then we turn around and are robbed by the AMT of our full Federal tax relief. We need a long-term solution for the AMT and not simply a short-term fix. The so-called fix under consideration would do nothing, and I repeat nothing, for the Long Islanders who found themselves paying the AMT this year. Our substitute sends us down the path towards a long- term solution and makes sure that middle-income families are truly relieved from this tax next year. Under our substitute, two-parent families on Long Island making $250,000 or less would be able to rest assured that they would not be forced to pay the AMT. This is the right kind of relief for working families. In my opinion, we owe it to the American taxpayers to put our heads together and reconsider the consequences of this failed tax policy and reform the AMT so that it no longer hurts middle-income families.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Professor F. James Rohlf, for his outstanding career as a scientist and professor at Stony Brook University, who was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of the Arts and Sciences in 2001. Professor Rohlf's current research is concerned with the development, evaluation, and application of new statistical methods for use in geometric morphometrics. Over the last few years he has written papers demonstrating how standard statistical methods such as principal components analysis, canonical variates analysis, multiple regression, and other methods can be adapted for the analysis of shape. His work also emphasizes the development of interactive computer software to perform the unique computations needed in geometric morphometrics. This software also provides the special interactive graphical displays to enable users to visualize shapes and has made it possible for these new methods to be applied routinely by many biologists. Due to the unfamiliarity of most biologists with the types of mathematics needed to understand the methods used in geometric morphometrics, many one to two week workshops have been held in cities and universities around the world, which Professor Rohlf has organized or in which he has been the principal lecturer. These programs are to teach the necessary techniques and to give potential users a chance to collect data, learn how to use the software, and to interpret the results. Professor F. James Rohlf is also author and co-author of many publications. Early in his career he received fellowships from U.S. Public Health Service to conduct predoctoral research in 1959-1962, and a National Science Foundation postdoctoral appointment in 1962. He has received many honors including: W.J. Eckert Visiting Environmental Scientist; IBM T.J. Watson Research Center; Professor Visitant, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Visiting Professor University of Rome ``La Sapienza,'' Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'Uomo; and the election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Professor Rohlf held positions such as research assistant in 1958-59, teaching assistant in fall of 1959 and research associate in the summer of 1962 at the University of Kansas. He was visiting assistant professor of entomology in the spring of 1965 and associate professor of statistical biology, 1966-69. And, he was an assistant professor of biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara 1962-1966. Professor F. James Rohlf is interested in and has been involved in the applications of mathematical methods and statistics (especially multivariate statistics) to problems in biology with emphasis on morphometrics and the theory of systematics. I am proud to recognize and honor Professor F. James Rohlf for his outstanding career as a scientist and professor and for all the many accomplishments and services he has provided to the community of biological science.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Dr. George Williams, a distinguished faculty member emeritus at Stony Brook University on the occasion of a symposium celebrating his work. Dr. William an acclaimed scientist and internationally renowned evolutionary biologist. Dr. Williams arrived at Stony Brook University in 1960, before the school existed in its current form. His expertise and accomplishments were critical in building the reputation of the school, now one of the premier research institutions in our country. Dr. Williams legacy has greatly benefited the thousands of students and faculty that have passed through Stony Brook since his arrival. Dr. Williams was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 1993. In 1999, he shared the distinguished Crafoord Prize of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences with Ernst Mayr and John Maynard Smith for his seminal contributions to evolutionary biology. At that time, the Royal Institute noted that Dr. Williams was one of the first to establish that adaptations generally come through the process of natural selection, favoring those in a population possessing such characteristics that they have more offspring than others. The Academy noted his contribution toward the concept that adaptations arise ``for the good of the species,'' a linchpin of the theory of evolution that Darwin had not fully developed. The significance of Dr. Williams' career is evident in the extraordinary list of scholars and speakers gathered for the symposium in his honor. I am pleased to have the opportunity to express my appreciation for the outstanding contribution he has made to Long Island and to the advancement of scientific thought. I offer Dr. Williams my warmest congratulations and wish him continued success in his worthy endeavors.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David Spirtes, Superintendent of the Fire Island National Seashore on Long Island and resident of East Moriches, New York, who passed away on Thursday, April 15. A 31-year veteran of the National Park Service, Mr. Spirtes was highly respected for his fair and cooperative nature, as well as his strong environmental stewardship of the parks entrusted to his care. He was a man of integrity, noted for the respect with which he treated others, service to his country in the armed forces, and devotion to his family. A native of New York, David Spirtes began a long and successful career with the National Park Service 31 years ago. Before securing his first career position with the agency in 1977, he served as a seasonal park ranger at such prestigious parks as the Grand Canyon, Everglades, and White Sands National Monument. Mr. Spirtes quickly rose through the ranks, promoted to subdistrict ranger at Yellowstone National Park, then to chief ranger at Glacier Bay National Park. In 1994, he first acquired the rank of superintendent at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, and also held the post at Western Arctic National Parklands in Kotzebue, Alaska. During his years with the Park Service, Mr. Spirtes became known for his ability to foster cooperation between residents and other groups with conflicting interests without compromising the integrity of the natural resources under his supervision. In May 2003, David Spirtes brought this same professional and conciliatory quality to his native New York as superintendent of Fire Island National Seashore--a national park known both for its natural beauty and political sensitivity. Upon his arrival at Fire Island, Mr. Spirtes found a community divided over a number of issues, ranging from erosion to the use of vehicles on the beach. To dispel the existing atmosphere of contention, he quickly acquainted himself with the park, its residents, and other parties affiliated with its operation, thoughtfully weighing the priorities and agendas of each. Although he had been at Fire Island for less than a year, Mr. Spirtes is credited with mending much of the divisiveness in the community through his cooperative brand of leadership and willingness to listen. Mr. Spirtes quickly gained the respect of the Fire Island community and is often touted as the best superintendent in the park's history. During his long career, David Spirtes earned numerous awards for his achievements in wilderness management, assisting in the Exxon oil spill response, and managing search and rescue operations. In 2000, he was honored with the Secretary of the Interior's Meritorious Service Award. Mr. Spirtes graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. Prior to joining the National Park Service, he served as a pathfinder and infantryman with the Army's prestigious 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, their young daughter, Alexandra, two brothers, Richard and Peter, and sister, Judy. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of David Spirtes. Throughout his exemplary career with the National Park Service, Mr. Spirtes worked to preserve and promote the most important natural treasures in our nation, which enhanced the quality of life of countless communities and all Americans. Though his stewardship of Fire Island National Seashore was brief, his many contributions will not be forgotten by the residents of Fire Island and those with whom he worked. Mr. Spirtes' leadership and strength of character are qualities each of us should aspire to embrace as we carry out our professional and private endeavors.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Democratic substitute. I believe strongly that we must provide as much permanent marriage penalty relief as possible, which is why I will be voting today for H.R. 4181, the permanent extension of the marriage penalty bill. However, I believe that the Democratic substitute will do an even better job of providing real marriage penalty relief for middle class families. For increasing numbers of families, April 15 is becoming April Fool's Day thanks to the alternative minimum tax. Unfortunately, more families are finding out that the joke is on them when they realize that they will not receive many of the promised tax cuts. The alternative minimum tax was originally designed to make sure that wealthy taxpayers did not completely avoid paying taxes. However, the AMT was not indexed for inflation nor does it allow many popular deductions, including marriage penalty relief. So it is increasingly impacting middle class families whose incomes have risen over the years, particularly two-parent working families with children. I am from Long Island where the voice of our business community, the Long Island Association, has declared the AMT to be the number one threat to Long Island's taxpayers. The problem with the Republican bill is that it does not protect marriage penalty relief from the AMT. The AMT hits Long Islanders particularly hard, as State and local income taxes, property taxes and other personal deductions are added back in for the purpose of calculating the AMT. In a sense, Long Island is being double-crossed and double-taxed. In fact, more Long Islanders pay the AMT than taxpayers in any other region of the country. I find it deeply disingenuous to promise marriage penalty relief to millions of Americans who we know will not reap the benefits of it. When many families who think they are getting marriage penalty relief instead have to pay the AMT, I believe that they will be outraged that we had the opportunity to act, which we do, but we did not. The Democratic substitute provides more marriage penalty relief to 13 million families than the Republican bill by ensuring that tax relief from the marriage penalty is not taken away or reduced by the AMT. The Republican bill denies the full marriage penalty tax relief to 13 million families next year, including more than 25 percent of the middle class families making between $75,000 and $100,000.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Chairman, it is incomprehensible that we are considering this legislation today under the threat of a Presidential veto. This is, first and foremost, a jobs bill. If the administration follows through with the threat to veto this bill, they will be denying tens of thousands of workers in New York and nationwide good jobs. I am confused by those who wrap themselves in a cloak of fiscal responsibility when it comes to government spending and yet blindly support tax cuts which have not produced new jobs. Jobs, not tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Americans, stimulate the economy and put food on the table of working families. Most disturbing about the President's veto threat is that even the bill we are considering today provides inadequate funding to meet our Nation's overwhelming transportation needs. The bill we are being asked to consider falls $100 billion short of the $375 billion bipartisan bill initially passed by our committee based on the Department of Transportation's own assessment of our Nation's needs. Transportation spending is a win-win proposition. It creates jobs and improves safety and efficiency on our roads. This veto threat is just the latest example of continued misplaced priorities from this administration. We need a real economic stimulus. We know that each $1 billion of Federal funds invested in infrastructure creates approximately 47,000 jobs and generates $6.2 billion in economic activity. That is the kind of boost that our economy needs. I would like to thank the gentleman from Alaska, the gentleman from Wisconsin, the gentleman from Minnesota and the gentleman from Illinois for bringing this bill to the floor. I will support this bill because we must move this process forward. However, this bill is a far cry from the real investment needed to improve our infrastructure. Finally, I would like to stress the importance of ensuring that the minimum guarantee formula stays at 90.5 percent. Our transportation policy now directs funding to the areas of the country where it is needed the most. It would be unwise to punish States with aging infrastructure and efficient mass transit systems by cutting off their funding. There is simply no way to reach a 95 percent minimum guarantee in a $275 billion bill.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Perry B. Duryea, Jr., the former Speaker of the New York State Assembly and a lifelong resident of New York's First Congressional District, who tragically lost his life last week after having sustained injuries from an auto accident near his Montauk home. Mr. Duryea was an outstanding public servant, successful businessman, and World War II veteran who dutifully served the people of Long Island and the State of New York with distinction for more than four decades. Perry Duryea began what would become a legendary state political career in his hometown of Montauk, New York, having served as a member of the Montauk Public Board of Education and as president of the Long Island State Park Commission. He was first elected to represent the First Assembly District of the New York State Legislature in 1960, and remained a member of the body until 1978. During his time in the legislature, Mr. Duryea held the post of Minority Leader for 6 years and Speaker of the Assembly for 4 years. Although he was a leader of the Republican party's conservative wing, Mr. Duryea was known for his pragmatic bipartisanship, as he forged strong relationships with members from across the aisle and often supported legislative measures that were unpopular within his own party. Among his most noteworthy achievements was legislation that he initiated and passed to expand the state parks and the state university system. He also championed construction of the Long Island Expressway and the Sunrise Highway extension, and worked hard to promote environmental protection measures. Those who knew Perry Duryea remember him as an extraordinary leader who elevated the status of the New York legislature. A prominent businessman within his Montauk community, Mr. Duryea also devoted much of his time to various community and civic endeavors which improved the lives of Long Island residents. Born and raised in Montauk New York, Perry Duryea took over the family wholesale seafood business, Perry Duryea & Son, after completing his service as a plane commander with the United States Naval Transport Service during World War II. After leaving politics following an unsuccessful bid for the governorship in 1978, Mr. Duryea returned to running his business and volunteering his time with numerous public and civic organizations, including Long Island Commercial Bank, where he served as Chairman of the Board. In recognition of his many contributions and achievements, Mr. Duryea received numerous honors, including the distinction of ``Man of the Year'' by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, and the naming of a state office building after him. Mr. Duryea is survived by his wife, Marie Therese Duryea, and two children--Lynne Duryea and Perry ``Chip'' Duryea III. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Perry B. Duryea, Jr. Throughout his exemplary career in public service, Mr. Duryea enhanced the quality of life for residents of Long Island and the State of New York. The spirit of bipartisanship with which he conducted his public life garnered him the respect of his peers and served to inspire future generations of community leaders. Mr. Duryea's leadership and strength of character are qualities each of us should aspire to embrace as we carry out our duties in this distinguished body.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my deep admiration and respect for the brave soldiers of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Air Rescue Wing who recently returned home from service in Operation Enduring Freedom. The brave men and women of the 106th Air Rescue Wing are among the most talented and best-trained rescue specialists in the world. Of course, while I am pleased these heroes are out of the line of fire, the 106th is never out of harm's way. Most Americans first heard about the 106th because of a heroic rescue effort, which was recounted in the book and movie ``The Perfect Storm.'' They deserve our deepest gratitude for putting themselves on the front lines in war and peace. The 106th Air Rescue Wing's extraordinary service in Iraq is the latest chapter in the storied history of this unit. During its time overseas, the unit was involved in numerous rescues, including from the October 12, 2003 bombing of the Baghdad Hotel and after a Chinook helicopter went down on November 2, 2003, a deplorable terrorist act that took the lives of 16 American soldiers. After this incident, members of the 106th Rescue Wing recovered two soldiers from the downed helicopter and brought them to safety where they received treatment. There is no more noble service than risking one's own life to save the life of a fellow soldier. Mr. Speaker, as the representative of Gabreski Airport in Westhampton, Long Island, home of the 106th Air Rescue Wing, I could not be more proud of our soldiers returning home. I am truly privileged to represent this distinguished unit, which is not only a blessing to the people of Long Island, but to all Americans who benefit from its service.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Catherine Furey, a constituent of mine who recently passed away, and was proud to call Long Island home. She lived to mark a landmark occasion that many of us strive for but very few of us reach: Catherine lived to celebrate her 110th birthday. Catherine was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, on April 6, 1893. At age 20, Catherine left her family and friends in Ireland to make a better life for herself in America. When she arrived in Boston, she immediately moved to Providence, Rhode Island where she joined an aunt to assist with the upkeep of the home of a Protestant minister. Later, Catherine traveled to New York City to serve as a caregiver for a sister struggling with tuberculosis. After her sister passed away, she began working for a wealthy family in Manhattan, tending the family's summer home in Long Beach. There she met and married Simon Furey. They moved to Hempstead where they raised two children and became active members of this Long Island community. In the 1950's, Catherine began an 11-year vocation with St. Joseph Catholic School in Garden City where she ran the cafeteria. She helped to see that countless schoolchildren were content and always received a warm meal. After her decade of service to the school, Catherine continued to work and to play an active role in the lives of children by serving as a babysitter for working families in our community, a job she happily performed until her early eighties. Last April on her birthday, Catherine received a letter from Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, congratulating her on being the oldest living Irishwoman. Catherine Furey was not only the oldest living Irishwoman, but also the oldest living Long Islander at the time of her death on December 2nd at the age of 110. It is amazing to think of the events Catherine experienced over the course of her lifetime. When she arrived in America looking for a better life, women could not vote and were not able to be full participants in society. She lived not only to see the role of women evolve, but to see this country emerge stronger than ever from World War I, World War II, and the Great Depression. New York was at the forefront of innovation during the past century, and she was right there to witness this tremendous transformation. Her life is an inspiring story of both strength and wisdom. She is survived by her son and daughter, along with 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.