Michael Capuano

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to join my good friend Connie Morella in introducing important legislation to help address an issue in our nation that is only starting to receive national attention--grandparents raising their grandchildren. According to recent data from the Census Bureau, the number of intergenerational families increased more than fifty percent between 1990 and 1998. It is estimated that more than 4 million children across America are being raised by their grandparents. Many of these children have parents who have passed away, are in prison, or are suffering from drug or alcohol addictions, while some have been taken out of abusive homes. These intergenerational families or ``Grandfamilies'' live in rural areas, inner cities and suburbs. They come from all races and ethnicities, and live in every state in the nation. Many of these grandparents survive on fixed incomes--social security, a small pension--and face not only the rising cost of prescription drugs, but also the cost of diapers, baby formula, toys, and school clothes. Unfortunately, our nation's housing policy has not kept up with the unique needs of these families. There is currently only one housing development in the entire country specifically designed for intergenerational families--the Grandfamilles House in Boston, Massachusetts. The House offers apartments with special features for both grandparents and children, including childproof kitchen cabinets and handicapped-accessible bathrooms. There are also activities for seniors and children, an outdoor playground and an on-site computer lab. I am introducing the LEGACY Act in response to the growing number of communities throughout the nation that have been working to build on the model of the Grandfamilles House in Boston. The title of the legislation was inspired by an Academy-Award nominated documentary film chronicling the life of a grandmother raising her grandchildren and their struggle to move out of a Chicago housing project. The legislation creates demonstration programs through both the Section 8 Housing Certificate Fund and the Section 202 Elderly Housing program. These demonstration projects will enable housing developers and advocacy groups additional flexibility in securing financing for this housing and providing ongoing services to intergenerational families. In addition, the LEGACY Act clarifies that grandparents raising their grandchildren are eligible for family unification assistance, allows access to fair housing funds for education and outreach efforts about the legal issues surrounding many of these families. It also directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide specialized training for their employees focused on grandparent--and other relative-headed families. Many grandparents do not have access to the services they and their grandchildren need. These training and outreach efforts will help raise the awareness of the unique issues these families face each day. While this bill is a small step in recognizing the tremendous contributions of these grandparents, it is my hope that it will help bring this issue greater recognition. Affordable housing is only one of the many challenges these courageous grandparents face as they raise the next generation of Americans. Please Join me in supporting these families by supporting the LEGACY Act.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, very simply, all day long we are going to hear a lot of talk about billions and trillions of dollars. I like to make things simple for myself and for my constituents at home. If you take an average worker or maybe a married couple together making $50,000 a year, over the 6 years this budget deals with, both this year and the 5 years projected, they will spend, they will pay $37,200 in Social Security taxes, $37,200. However, under this budget plan, $11,328 of that money will not go into the Social Security trust funds. They think they are paying taxes for Social Security. It does not go there. What will they get in return for that $11,000? They will get an IOU put in. They will get a bill for interest to pay on the money that is been used to spend; and they might, I am not sure yet, they might get a promissory note sent to them by this Congress. Some people are proposing to send them a little note saying, Trust us; your Social Security taxes are okay. My constituents do not trust us. They should not trust us. We should leave their Social Security taxes alone in the trust fund that they wanted to have their money put into that they have been told. Working people deserve the truth. They are not getting it today. They will not get it with this budget. We should vote no.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, as we close the chapter on February, Black History Month, I want to bring to the attention of Congress a man who has had a profound impact on the sport of ice hockey and its connection to communities of color. On last Sunday, the world turned its attention to the Olympic games to witness the men's ice hockey gold medal game featuring Team USA against Team Canada. At the conclusion of the hard-fought battle, Team Canada emerged victorious by a score of five to two. Although I wished the score had been reversed, I was extremely proud of what that game did to increase the level of exposure for the game of hockey. I was particularly moved by the exploits of one player in that game and I believe that, over time, his participation may prove more beneficial to the sport of hockey than the gold medal game itself. The player's name is Jarome Iginla. Jarome is an extremely talented young man who plays for the Calgary Flames. At the Olympic break, he was atop the leader board in overall points and goals and recently enjoyed his first appearance at a National Hockey League All-Star game. This past Sunday, Jarome played a critical role in Canada's victory by contributing two goals and an assist. It was truly a standout performance. However, it was not just his performance that makes him so special. Jarome is the first Black ice hockey player to ever have the opportunity to accomplish such a feat. While the NHL is considered to be one of the most diverse sports when considering national origin, it is still a predominately Caucasian sport. Currently, there are only thirteen Black players in the NHL, but there are efforts underway throughout the United States and Canada to introduce Blacks and other persons of color to this amazing game. Leading this effort is a man who has been a trailblazer when it comes to professional hockey's quest for diversification. While Jarome Iginla has become a pioneer at the Olympic level, William (Willie) O'Ree is the pioneer when it comes to the involvement of players of color in the sport of hockey. For those who might not be familiar with him, Willie O'Ree is the Jackie Robinson of ice hockey. Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on Canada's Atlantic coast, Mr. O'Ree as a youngster excelled at hockey, rugby, soccer, basketball, track and baseball. Focusing on his first love, he quickly established himself as an outstanding hockey player. He also was a courageous individual who overcame a major physical obstacle to achieve his dream of playing professional hockey. During the 1955-56 season, while playing for a junior hockey club, Mr. O'Ree was struck in the right eye with a puck. As a result of the injury he lost 95% of his sight in that eye and was advised by doctors to quit the game. Willie O'Ree decided to persevere rather than quit; the rest is history. On January 18, 1958, he became the first Black player to play for a National Hockey League team. The team, just in case you were wondering, just happened to be the Boston Bruins. Unlike the other major professional sports, hockey was slow to embrace the idea of diversity following Willie O'Ree's emergence in 1958, and it would take another fifteen years before the next Black player made it to the NHL. All told, only thirty-one Black players have ever suited up for NHL teams. Acknowledging a need to do more in the area of diversity, the NHL recently began a worthy campaign to increase the game's exposure to communities of color. Once again, Willie O'Ree was called upon to lead the way. Just as he did 44 years ago, Mr. O'Ree today continues to tear down barriers and create opportunities for persons of color to enjoy the game of ice hockey. In 1996, he assisted the NHL with designing a youth All-Star game that celebrated hockey's growing diversity. Now in it's seventh year, the Willie O'Ree tournament allows selected boys and girls, ages 10-12, from each of the NHL's Diversity Task Force programs across North America to take part in an all-star game of their own. In addition to the game, the young people have an opportunity to interact with NHL players, attend an NHL game and experience the culture of the host city. This year's All-Star game is scheduled to take place next month in Columbus, Ohio. In 1998, on the 40th anniversary of his historic first game with the Bruins, Willie O'Ree formally joined the NHL as Director of Youth Development for the NHL Diversity Task Force. In this capacity, Mr. O'Ree travels around the country assisting communities and the 30 Diversity Task Force programs with their hockey programs and outreach to boys and girls from communities of color. Through the outreach efforts of Willie O'Ree and NHL today's Black NHL players like Jarome Iginla, George Laraque, Anson Carter, Mike Grier, Sean Young, Jamal Mayers, Bryce Salvador, Freddie Brathwaite, Kevin Weeks, Peter Worrell, Sandy McCarthy and Donald Brashear will one day be seen as less an exception and more the norm when considering the diversity of the sport.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Burn Awareness Week. The tragic events of September 11th have created many enduring memories. The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon not only reminded us of our vulnerabilities to acts of terror but have also demonstrated the horrific nature of burn injuries. Burn injuries are among the most painful and traumatic injuries one can suffer. Historically, few patients survived serious burn injuries, however because of significant advances in treatment over recent years, this is no longer the case. I am privileged to have one of the leading burn treatment and research facilities in the country in my Congressional District: The Shriners Hospital for Children Burn Unit. One of four in the country, the Shriners Hospital has pioneered numerous breakthroughs in burn treatment. Not long ago, patients with burns over 50 percent of their body would probably not survive. Today, individuals with burns over 90 percent have a much greater chance of survival. The four national burn centers run by the Shriners Hospitals treat over 20 percent of all pediatric burn injuries in the United States-- more than 156,000 children last year alone. These children were treated free of charge and the hospital does not accept insurance or parental reimbursement. These hospitals provide much more than just treatment. They focus on education and prevention to ensure that burn injuries do not occur, as well as on the psychological and emotional care necessary to restore children who suffer burn injuries to full physical and mental well being. Burn Awareness Week provides an opportunity to educate children and families about certain risks of burn injury that can be avoided. For example, the Consumer Product Safety Commission relaxed the safety standards for children's sleepwear in 1996. This resulted in a sharp increase in the number of children suffering sleep-wear related burn injuries. Shriners Hospitals have led the effort in Congress to restore stricter safety standards for sleepwear and to educate parents regarding the dangers inherent in untreated sleepwear worn by many children. Burn Awareness Week can help foster awareness among parents and protect young children from the horrors of burn injuries. It also focuses additional attention on the research and treatment of those burn injuries that do occur. Mr. Speaker, charitable organizations such as Shriners Hospitals deserve great credit for their outstanding work on behalf of our Nation's children. I rise today to recognize and support the efforts of the Shriners Hospital in Boston and the importance of Burn Awareness Week.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 11, 2001, due to an illness I was unable to travel to Washington and was therefore unable to cast votes on rollcall Nos. 483 through 485. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: ``yea'' on rollcall No. 483; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 484; ``yea`` on rollcall No. 485. I ask unanimous consent that the Congressional Record reflect my intended votes. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, I ask that record reflect that I am a cosponsor and strong supporter of H.R. 10, the Comprehensive Retirement Security and Pension Reform Act.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember John T. O'Connor, a community activist and environmental advocate who passed away on November 30, 2001. A longtime resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, John O'Connor fought for many important causes, from ending poverty to protecting our environment. He graduated from Clark University in 1978, beginning a career of public service and advocacy. After graduation, he joined the ``Volunteers in Service to America'', an organization focused on eliminating poverty. He went on to found the National Toxics Campaign in 1983 and fought tirelessly for passage of the Superfund law. Mr. O'Connor never lost his commitment to preserving our environment and demonstrated this in a number of ways over the years. He served as Chairman of Gravestar, Inc--a development company that focused on environmentally sensitive real estate projects. In 1991, he founded Greenworks, a company that provides a wide range of services from office space, financial support and advice to environmental start-up companies. Mr. O'Connor paid tribute to his Irish roots by serving on the Irish Famine Memorial Committee. The Committee successfully raised the funds to construct a memorial in Cambridge and dedicated it in the presence of Mary Robinson, then President of Ireland. Many people have stories to tell about Mr. O'Connor's generosity and his spirit. He helped local young people by providing guidance, advice and even money for college tuition. By these actions, he no doubt changed the course of many young lives for the better. Mr. O'Connor made the world a better place in so many ways. He was generous with his time and his considerable talents, helping to further so many different causes, both large and small. He dedicated a significant amount of time and money to charitable organizations, making a tangible difference in the lives of so many. I came to know John O'Connor first as a local businessman, then as an opponent in the 1998 congressional race, and later as a friend. He touched many lives in his 46 years, including mine, and I am saddened by his passage. My thoughts and prayers are with John's wife, Carolyn Mugar, his family and his many friends during this difficult time.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and service of Larisa Jaffe, a Peace Corps volunteer, who lost her life in Zimbabwe in October of this year. Dr. Jaffe was a naturalized American citizen. She came to the United States from the former Soviet Union where she had earned a doctorate in geology. A woman of great intellectual energy, she taught at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California and at West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. She became certified as an emergency medical technician and volunteered her services to Planned Parenthood and to hospices for the terminally ill. At the age of sixty-two, she arrived in Zimbabwe as a Peace Corps volunteer. She served in the city of Mutare as the Information Officer for CADEC, the Catholic Development Commission. She developed HIV/AIDS awareness and education materials and assisted the staff with computers and information technology. She devoted much of her time to the more than 2000 children orphaned by AIDS in the Mutare region. Tragically, her work ended with her death, a suspected homicide. Police took into custody as suspects two citizens of Zimbabwe. Dr. Jaffe's daughter, Julia Ravinsky, lives in Massachusetts where a memorial service was conducted on October 26. Ms. Ravinsky spoke of her mother's great love of adventure and her even greater love of humankind. She showed slides of her mother riding camels and elephants and mingling joyously with the peoples of three continents. I salute Julia's bravery as well as her mother's. Two Peace Corps officials eulogized Larisa Jaffe. Acting Deputy Director Lloyd O. Pierson presented an American and a Peace Corps flag and a letter of condolence from President and Mrs. Bush. He spoke of the significance of the Peace Corps in these difficult times. I quote Mr. Pierson: ``Larisa's contributions to the Peace Corps and to our country will never be forgotten. The tragic events of September 11 have shown more than ever the need for more individuals, like Larisa, committed and courageous, who are willing to answer the call to service and respond to the challenge of the Peace Corps mission.'' I thank Mr. Pierson for traveling to Massachusetts to acknowledge Dr. Jaffe's contribution and to comfort her family and friends. Lois Hobson, Country Director of the Peace Corps for Zimbabwe, accompanied Dr. Jaffe's remains on the sad journey home. I want to thank her personally for bringing Julia's mother home. Director Hobson spoke of her friendship with Larisa Jaffe, of Larisa's fearlessness, her openness, her refusal to find cultural differences obstacles to understanding and cooperation. I quote her remarks in part, ``Mutare's mountains impressed her deeply, often prompting her to tell others how comfortable she felt in Mutare, how much she loved the city and the people. When she was required to travel to Harare, she was always in a hurry to return to the beautiful city at the foot of the mountains. Industrious, creative, energetic, feisty, brave, courageous--this was Larisa. Stubborn, independent, mature, sometimes naive, determined, loving, kind. This too was Larisa. We all miss her.'' Mr. Pierson is right that we need to remember Larisa Jaffe. She came to the United States as a refugee. She embraced our principles and our customs. She believed that all persons are created free and equal. She believed in volunteering. Like many of those who perished on September 11, she knew our country, her adopted country, to be a land of hope and opportunity, Her example will continue to inspire us.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my profound sympathy for the victims of this terrible tragedy and their families and friends. I cannot begin to imagine their pain, but my thoughts and prayers, and the thoughts and prayers of men and women across America are with them during this difficult time. It is hard to find words to express the sadness and outrage I feel over this heinous act of terrorism and cowardice. This is an assault on democracy and the very freedom that, until yesterday, many of us took for granted. We must stand together to protect our freedom and to ensure that the forces of terror do not diminish our spirit. Congress and the President must now work together in a bipartisan fashion to make sure that our nation has the resources it needs to overcome this tragedy, and to bring those responsible for these terrible crimes to justice.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the House of my intent to introduce legislation aimed at assisting a unique community development project in my district. Specifically, when the House convenes following the August recess, I plan to introduce the Kendall Square Project Redevelopment and Real Property Reconveyance Act of 2001. This legislation is critical to the efforts of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to provide much needed open space and affordable housing to the residents of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The parcel of land that will be utilized for the project is currently federal property, owned by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Known as Parcel 1, the land is home to the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center. The Center provides technical analysis, research and project management to DOT and other Federal agencies. Recently, the General Services Administration has concluded that fifty-five percent of the federal land adjacent to the Volpe Center is not being utilized and another twenty-eight percent of the land is underutilized. The legislation which I will propose directs the DOT to reconvey any unused or underutilized Parcel 1 to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for the development of open space and affordable housing. The area proposed for reconveyance represents 5.8 acres of almost entirely vacant land. DOT will retain the remaining 8.5 acres of Parcel 1, which has been deemed to be enough land to allow for a continuance of current operations at the Volpe Center, as well as future expansion of its physical plant to accommodate future growth of the facility's operations. Make no mistake about it Mr. Speaker, this project is a win/win proposition for all parties involved. The federal government reconveys unused and underutilized land, while maintaining the integrity of the Volpe Center and its operations. The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and the residents of Cambridge, in turn, receive much-needed land to address the urgent need for open space and affordable housing. This bill will go a long way toward meeting this need and I look forward to having the House consider this legislation.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I just want to read a list of people who are interested in this bill, more for the people who may be watching this than for the people in this room. Most of us know who is on which side. The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the American Association of Medical Colleges, the Alliance for Aging Research, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Optometry, the American Association of Cancer Research, the American Association of Anatomists, and on and on and on. Most of these organizations, all of these organizations, are populated by people who, for the most part, are much more knowledgeable about the details than any of us. I know there are many people on this floor today who know more about this issue on specifics than I do, and I respect that; but it is really not about the details, it is really about the future. That is what it is all about. I cannot, and most of us are totally incapable of knowing everything we want to know about science, especially in the short period of time we have to learn it. But when I see a list of people like this, all of whom want to continue research unfettered by government, many of whom are not engaged in stem cell research; they may be at some future point, but many of them are not. Most genetic research right now is not related to stem cell research, not yet. It may never be. Stem cells is just another potential. That is all it is at the moment. For us to sit here today and tell the scientists of America, and particularly the scientists of the world, because it will not stop, it will simply move offshore, that this Congress, most of whom are generalists on different areas or specialists in other areas, that this Congress is going to tell them stop, really puts us in the exact same position as legislators and clergy in the Middle Ages when they said, Do not do autopsies. It is immoral; it is unethical. We do not like it. Do not cut those bodies open. Yet men and women did it, to our great benefit today. It is an old story; it is not a new story. It is not just isolated; it has happened throughout the ages. Not very long ago, in my lifetime, we had people in this country who said, The polio vaccine might cause trouble because it is really dead polio stuff. Yet in my family we lost a young girl to polio, and we saved my brother based on research that some people in those days condemned. X-rays, we take them as common today. There were many people when x- rays were first in invented who said, Oh, my God, we cannot do that. It was not meant for man to see through someone's body. We do it today with impunity. These same issues are arising again today. We should not substitute our general opinion that we are not even sure about for the future of science and for the health of our children and grandchildren.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Round II EZ/EC Flexibility Act of 2001, bipartisan legislation I introduced yesterday with my colleague from New Jersey, Mr. LoBiondo. The bill we introduced makes a number of small changes to the EZ/EC program that will provide these communities with greater flexibility in administering their economic development plans. Specifically, the bill authorizes $100 million in appropriations for each of the fifteen urban Empowerment Zones, $40 million for each of the five rural Empowerment Zones, and $3 million for each of the twenty rural Enterprise Communities. The legislation also ensures that Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities that apply for one of the new Renewal Community designations will continue to receive the EZ/EC funding they were promised in 1999. Finally, the bill allows these communities to use their funding as the local match for receiving grants from other federal programs. This will help EZ/EC communities leverage additional resources to undertake economic development initiatives and provide job training and other vital social services. Mr. LoBiondo and I have worked hard over the last several years to secure funding for the communities across the nation that were designated as Round II Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities. We both know first hand the successes of the EZ/EC program, and we will continue to work together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that these communities are allocated the resources they need to bring economic opportunity to all Americans.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 27th anniversary of one of the most devastating events in Greek-Turkish-Cypriot relations. On July 20th 1974, troops from Turkey started a campaign that displaced almost 200,000 Greek Cypriots from the northern part of the island of Cyprus. Throughout this invasion, over 1,600 men, women, and children disappeared. To date, the Turkish government declines to supply any information regarding their whereabouts. After twenty-five years, Greek Cypriots still remain refugees within their own country and are not allowed to return to their homes. Turkey has spent a great deal of time working to modify the demographic structure in Northern Cyprus. The Turkish government has resettled 80,000 Turkish citizens to this area, mostly to the homes of the Greek Cypriots who were evicted. Turkey also promoted a ``unilateral declaration of independence'' by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983, although this was condemned by the UN Security Council and the U.S. government. Turkey is the only country that officially recognizes the TRNC as a sovereign state to this day. As atrocities against various ethnic groups plague our world today, it is time to confront the aggression of the Turkish government against the Greek Cypriots. Although there have been attempts to settle this dispute peacefully, Greeks on Cyprus continue to suffer, especially when you take human rights into consideration. They are often banned from attending school and work, are not permitted to obtain medical care, and are kept from their families living in the Republic of Cyprus. This is a gross infringement on their basic human rights and clearly violates of international law. Mr. Speaker, although there have been numerous UN resolutions for Turkey to return these refugees to their homes and withdraw its troops, the Turkish government has unashamedly ignored these requests. With the entire international community working hard to remedy this issue peacefully by continuously requesting that the Turkish government respect the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Cyprus, it is disconcerting to watch as they disregard these various offers of help. Not only is this an affront to the United Sates, but the global community as a whole. In spite of these setbacks, the United States, as well as the rest of the international community, must carry on their effort to find a peaceful resolution to this struggle that has split Cyprus in two. As a member of Congress, I will continue to do all that I can to bring about Justice for the Greek Cypriots. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, we have heard a lot about what Joe Moakley was; but I would say I have known Joe all my life, even before I knew him. Joe Moakley is of South Boston. It is not just South Boston. Joe Moakley is of the entire Ninth District. When I spoke to Joe, I did not just see a Congressman who happened to be a Congressman. I saw a bus driver, I saw a truck driver, I saw a priest, I saw a milkman, I saw a longshoreman, I saw a teacher, I saw a cop. I saw a secretary. Joe Moakley had in him what we all have in us when we first try to enter the political realm: the love of the people we want to represent, the feeling that we know them so well. He was one of the few who was able to keep it for so many years. That is why we are here today honoring him: because he earned it. Mr. Speaker, he did not earn it because of the legislative accomplishments that he had, although he did earn many accolades on that level. He earned the love and admiration of the people at home because he loved them back. That is really what Joe was. He was just a man who never could stop giving of his heart and his soul of the people who elected him. Mr. Speaker, that is why I wanted to express my personal appreciation for everything he stood for, for all of the best of politics and the best of the people from Massachusetts.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Roxbury Community College's Class of 2001. I have a special connection to RCC because one of my District Offices happens to be located on its campus. I've also been fortunate to have several talented interns from RCC-- individuals who stopped by our office to see what we were all about-- and decided to sign on for a semester. They've proven to be invaluable to the work we do. In fact, one of our RCC interns is responsible for figuring out how to translate our web site into many different languages. I would like to congratulate all of the RCC graduates who worked extremely hard to get to this point in their academic careers. I am honored to be associated with the Roxbury Community College Class of 2001 and I am proud of their accomplishments. There were times when many of them were not sure if they would make it to graduation. But they did it! So many college students all over this country are faced with any number of difficulties during the college experience, and these difficulties range from financial to personal. I am here to say that the RCC graduating Class of 2001 has done it . . . regardless of the challenges they have faced thus far in their lives. They are to be commended for their perseverance and for keeping their sights set on their goal. Mr. Speaker, again I stand here to publicly congratulate the Roxbury Community College graduating Class of 2001 on their outstanding achievement.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Donald J. Siegel. On May 16, the Israel Bond National Labor Division will honor Don Siegel with the Habonim Yisrael, the Builders of Israel, Award. It is fitting that Don will receive this honor in a union hall. It is fitting, too, that Edward C. Sullivan, President of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, serves as honorary chair of the celebration. This ceremony, like Don Siegel himself, exemplifies all that is best in our country: men and women of good will working to understand and help one another. Don has served for many years as counsel to the Massachusetts Building Trades Council. He began practicing labor law in 1971, and, since then, he has been a trusted friend and advisor to many unions and employee benefit funds. In 1994, the Archdiocese of Boston honored him with its Cushing-Gavin award, recognizing his moral integrity, professional competence, and community concern. There is no faith community in Massachusetts, and, I think, few activists of any political or religious persuasion, who do not recognize him as a tireless, persuasive advocate for working people. Don is a man who assumes responsibility as naturally as he breathes, and as unaffectedly. He is the immediate past president of the Jewish Community Relations Council and now chairs its Israel Strategy group. He has taken pains to educate non-Jews--and for this I am personally grateful--about Israeli society, about Israel's success in absorbing new immigrants, and about the difficult and important attempts, like those in the city of Haifa, to build understanding between Jewish and Arab Israelis. Don Siegel is a righteous man. He lives, teaches, and inspires others to uphold the principles of ts'dakkah v'hessid: justice and loving- kindness.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this budget. It has a lot to do with philosophical issues, but it really has a lot more to do with telling the truth to the American public. The budget that we passed out of committee, though I disagree with many philosophical issues, at least told the American public where we stood. The budget we are about to vote on today does not, and it does not because at the end of the budget, there is something I have never seen before, a negative slush fund of $67 billion because we could not get it all in. We could not make the numbers add up. What that means is that we will be back later on this year to straighten these numbers out. This is the first time I believe that we have heard before a lot of talk about the President's budget we had a Democratic President and a Republican House being dead on arrival. This budget is dead on exit. We will be back in the fall to straighten it all out. The numbers will be meaningless, and we will be back here arguing about what the numbers should be. That is in addition to all the philosophical arguments. We will be back in the fall; we will be telling the people the truth about how much money we put into education and research and the defense department. Right now, no one can answer those questions.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I guess I rise today in opposition to the rule, but the truth is this rule means nothing, this budget means nothing, because there are no numbers here that anyone can tell you an answer to. Most people in my district over the weekend were asking me what we are going to do this week, what is going to happen with the budget, how much money is going into education, how much money is going into health care? The truth is, not a single Member of this House or Senate can answer those questions based on this budget. They do not know. They have no idea how much money is going into education. I can tell you one thing, the Medicare system, no matter what number they use, this budget will bring the Medicare budget to insolvency much more quickly than before. Community health centers will be cut. I do not know how much, but they will be. Housing will be cut in virtually every single program; from $700 million cut for public housing capital improvement, to a $25 million cut in rural housing programs. Training for pediatricians will be cut. We think we know a number on that, but we are not sure. The National Institutes of Health will be cut. We are not sure how much, but we think it will be cut. Ryan White AIDS grants will definitely be cut. Drug elimination grants will be cut. The COPS program will be cut. We are not sure how much, but it will be cut. Retraining programs for all those people who are now unemployed, every day we turn on the TV and read the paper, we read about more Americans getting unemployed, but this budget has no money to deal with that. We are not sure how much the Department of Defense is going to go up. We have no idea. That is why at the end of this budget, you will see what is a huge slush fund. There is no other way to put it. It is the first time in my adult life I have ever seen a negative slush fund, however. It is negative $67 billion, because the numbers do not add up, and what that says is when we get around to it, we will cut something; we do not know what, we will cut something to make this work. I defy anyone at home to tell me what a negative slush fund is, except a budget that does not work. That is why I rise today to oppose this budget, to oppose this rule. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time back to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter).

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John F. Keane, a true American success story. This Saturday Keane, Inc. will host their annual employee recognition dinner. John Keane will be recognized, along with other employees who are celebrating significant milestones with the company. John Keane has dedicated 35 years of service and has successfully built Keane, Inc., headquartered in Charlestown, Massachusetts, into one of the world's most successful information technology consulting companies. John Keane began building his consulting business above a doughnut shop, with one employee. From those humble beginnings Keane, Inc. has grown into a $1 billion international powerhouse. I am proud to acknowledge the fact that John's monumental business success has not hampered his ability to personally make a significant, positive impact in the community. Many businesses in this country do make efforts to be good neighbors. Keane, Inc. however, takes community involvement to a higher level. For instance, Keane has adopted the Edwards Middle School in Charlestown as their business partner. This is not merely a symbolic gesture by a big company to show they care about the community. It is truly a working relationship that has witnessed extreme success in the lives of students. An Annual Spelling Bee, sponsored by Keane, gives adults the opportunity to show to students what they have learned over the years, while also raising money for after-school programs. Although John's accolades include serving on the President's Commission for Y2K, the Coalition for H-1B Visas and other high profile posts, it is his smaller scale, local efforts that impress me as his most important work. John himself has at times become personally involved in some of the many programs that take place at the Edwards school. When students were taking part in a program to teach peer mediation and negotiation skills, Mr. Keane himself participated in these sessions. It is this type of personal touch that makes John Keane the type of businessman you want to have headquartered in your community. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate John Keane on his 35 years at Keane, Inc. and thank him for the manner in which he has conducted business during his tenure. He is truly an asset to our community. I'm honored to have Keane, Inc. in my congressional district.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged motion.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to H.R. 503, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. While many proponents of this bill contend that it is necessary to protect pregnant women from assault which results in the death of her fetus, I believe that this bill could jeopardize a woman's right to choose. I say this because H.R. 503 attempts to legally recognize the fetus as a ``person'' with rights and interests separate from and equal to those of the woman. In fact, if H.R. 503 is enacted into law, it will be the first time a federal law recognizes a zygote, embryo, or fetus as an independent victim of crime entitled to full legal rights distinct from the woman. I would like to make it clear that I am not advocating leniency for a perpetrator of abuse against a pregnant woman. Instead, I believe that we need to recognize that the true victim of a violent act is the woman first and foremost. Last year, I supported the Motherhood Protection Act which established a separate offense for abusive conduct against a pregnant woman resulting in the termination of her pregnancy. This crime would be punishable by a fine and imprisonment of up to 20 years, and if the pregnancy is terminated, regardless of if it was intentional, the assailant could be sentenced to life in prison. I will support this substitute again today. It is undeniably a tragedy when a violent act committed against a woman results in the termination of her pregnancy. Actually, I believe it is a tragedy when violence against women, whether pregnant or not, is carried out. However, I believe the best way to enforce the law is to help the woman, not unnecessarily bring the threat of rescinding the right to choose into the debate.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, for the third consecutive year, to commemorate a people who despite murder, hardship, and betrayal have persevered. April 24, 2001, marks the 86th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide; unbelievably, an event that many still fail to recognize. Throughout three decades in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, millions of Armenians were systematically uprooted from their homeland of three thousands years and deported or massacred. From 1894 through 1896, three hundred thousand Armenians were ruthlessly murdered. Again in 1909, thirty thousand Armenians were massacred in Cilicia, and their villages were destroyed. On April 24, 1915, two hundred Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders were arbitrarily arrested, taken to Turkey and murdered. This incident marks a dark and solemn period in the history of the Armenian people. From 1915 to 1923, the Ottoman Empire launched a systematic campaign to exterminate Armenians. In eight short years, more than 1.5 million Armenians suffered through atrocities such as deportation, forced slavery, and torture. Most were ultimately murdered. I have had the privilege of joining my colleagues in a letter to the President asking that the U.S. officially commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide and honor its 1.5 million victims. As a cosponsor and proponent of H. Res. 596 during the 106th Congress, I was deeply disturbed by the decision that prevented the House of Representatives from considering this resolution last October. This resolution recognized the suffering of nearly two million Armenians from 1915 through 1923, as the Ottoman Empire strove to wipe out an entire race of men, women, and children. Those who were not murdered were effectively removed from their homes of 2,500 years in what is now modern day Turkey. The resolution called upon the President of the United States to do three things: (1) Ensure that U.S. foreign policy reflects consideration and sensitivity for human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in U.S. records relating to the Armenian Genocide and the consequences of the Turkish court's failure to enforce judgments against those responsible for committing genocide; (2) recognize, during his annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on April 24th, that this was a systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million people, and reflect upon the United States' effort to intervene on behalf of Armenians during the genocide; and (3) in his annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, emphasize that the modern day Republic of Turkey did not conduct the Armenian Genocide, which was perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire. This was the second time H. Res. 596 had been pulled from consideration, despite pledges by the leadership that the U.S. would go on record to affirm their support for the Armenian genocide. We should exhibit the same support as many of our friends in the international community who have refused to be bullied into silence. The European Parliament and the United Nations have recognized and reaffirmed the Armenian genocide as historical fact, as have the Russian and Greek parliaments, the Canadian House of Commons, the Lebanese Chamber of Deputies, and the French National Assembly. It is time for America to venerate Armenians who suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. And let me stress that I am not speaking of the government of modern day Turkey, but rather its predecessor, which many of Turkey's present day leaders helped to remove from power. As I have in the past, as a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues and with the Armenian-Americans in my district to promote investment and prosperity in Armenia. And, I sincerely, hope that this year, the U.S. will have the opportunity and courage to speak in support of the millions of Armenians who suffered because of their heritage.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, on the day all of Washington serves tribute to my friend and mentor Congressman Joe Moakley for his exceptional contribution to our nation, I recognize the apt words of another friend, John Silber, Chancellor of Boston University. John's op-ed appeared in the Boston Herald on February 23 of this year, and I submit it into the Record. It expresses what all of us who know Joe know best--he is one of the greatest legislators the House has ever known. Moakley Follows Adams' Lead Although some call the Senate the ``upper branch,'' the Founders entrusted the crucial power to initiate money bills to the House. As a consequence, for more than two centuries some of our greatest statesmen have understandably had no higher ambition than to serve their fellow citizens in the House of Representatives. And from the beginning, Massachusetts has been pre-eminent in the quality of those it has sent to the House. A high example was set early when John Quincy Adams, having held a remarkable array of the highest elective and appointive offices, won a seat in the House following his defeat for re- election as president. In the 18 years that followed, he forged a record of courage, integrity and intellectual distinction that rivaled his achievements on the path to the White House. In 1848, in the midst of a debate in which he was opposing the immensely successful and popular war with Mexico, he suffered a stroke and, too sick to be moved, died in the Capitol building two days later. Adams set a standard for Massachusetts congressmen that has never been surpassed. But generations of Massachusetts politicians have stretched to reach the benchmark he established. In our own time, three members of the Massachusetts delegation have won the highest accolade of their colleagues: Joseph W. Martin, John W. McCormack and Thomas P. O'Neill Jr., each in his turn elected speaker. The present dean of our delegation, J. Joseph Moakley, has worthily continued this great Massachusetts tradition. For more than a quarter of a century, he has demonstrated that mixture of profoundly local constituent relations and profoundly national and international vision that is not unique to, but utterly typical of, and pioneered by, Massachusetts. His constituents responded to his service with such enduring approval that when he was asked to speculate on the identity of his successor, he replied, ``Until two weeks ago, I didn't think my successor had been born yet.'' This is not to say that everything went Joe's way. It would be accurate but inadequate to describe Joe Moakley's later years as those of a survivor. He survived the death of his beloved Evelyn, and he survived medical problems that would have driven most people into retirement to snatch a few years or months doing what they had really wanted to do. But as Joe has told us, for 30 years he's been doing exactly what he wanted to do. To adapt the words of William Faulkner in his Nobel acceptance speech, Joe Moakley has not merely endured, he has prevailed. And it is the courage and stamina of such men as Joe Moakley that ensure democratic government will prevail. As he has told us, with his usual calm candor, his own prognosis is not encouraging. He has said that he will not seek another term, and that he may not finish this one. But whenever Joe Moakley's term ends, it will be said of him what Thomas Hart Benton said of John Quincy Adams: ``Where could death have found him but in the place of duty?'' Joe Moakley has, at least in one respect, been more fortunate than Adams: For Joe, the place of duty is not only an obligation, but a pleasure. Joe Moakley exemplifies for our time an earlier type of the Irish Democratic politician. Like Al Smith, he is a happy warrior. And we--in Massachusetts and the nation--have been and will be happy in the life and work of this incomparable exemplar of the American dream.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. There are just a couple of points that I want to make. I want to make it clear to the people at home that the Democratic proposal almost immediately exempts $4 million and below of estates. Now, I know that to some people in this Chamber that does not mean a lot, but it means a lot in my district. I know a handful of people, and I come from a pretty wealthy district, that have estates worth more than $4 million. As a fact, there are only approximately 6,300 estates in the entire United States of America on average in a year that are above the $4 million mark. That is all. Six thousand three hundred estates. If the Democratic proposal is adopted, all but the richest 6,300 people will be exempt from taxation. Period. That is really the bottom line in this debate. On the Republican proposal, it is just the opposite. We go from the bottom up and they come from the top down. Now, it is funny over the last several years even I from one of the most Democratic districts in the country get questioned, ``What's the difference between Democrats and Republicans?'' This is it. This is it. When it comes to who is going to get the tax relief, we go from the bottom up. They come from the top down. Now, there is nothing wrong with that. It is just a significant different philosophy, one that I am proud to share. There are a couple of other questions. There were some points made about the administrative costs of the estate tax. Agreed. If you cut out 85 percent of the people subject to taxation, which is what the Democratic bill does, you cut out the cost of administration. You are now only administering 15 percent of the tax bills. The other point I guess I want to make and I do not think it has been made yet this morning but we will hear it all day long about the rates of taxes paid. The actual tax paid on the richest estate, not the rate, not this, not that, after all the loopholes, after all the deductions, after all the exemptions, the actual tax paid is roughly 20 percent. In the example we heard earlier about a potential $4 million tax bill, guess what? Unless that person had no estate plan which of course if they didn't, their family should sue them. Unless that person had no estate plan, that means that person's estate was probably worth on average $20 million. You do not have a $4 million tax bill unless your estate is worth $20 million which means that person walked away, without doing anything, just by the luck of genetics, with $16 million. Guess what? I think they will be able to survive on $16 million. My district is very expensive, but I think I could do okay on $16 million for the rest of my life, my kids' lives, their kids' lives, and their kids' lives. This whole concept of coming from the top down is about as anti- American, I guess that is the only way I can think of it, as I can think. I thought America was built from the bottom up. That is all I ever hear about around here. Nobody ever comes and says, ``Let's help the rich guys.'' They say, ``Let's help the average American.'' The average American does not have an estate worth over $4 million in today's world. That is why the Democratic proposal is better, that is why it should be adopted, and that is why we should vote yes when the time comes.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, today, in honor of the thousands of men and women who proudly serve in our nation's armed forces, I take great pride in rising to formally introduce the Military Tax Credit Act of 2001. Without question, our most valuable national security assets are the men and women who have voluntarily stepped forward to protect and defend our freedoms. Time and again, these individuals have risen to the challenge of protecting our national interests, and they have done so with a sense of honor and duty. Truly, the nation owes each and every person serving in our nation's armed forces a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices that they make every day. Yet, there is one particularly troublesome sacrifice that many in our armed services are forced to make. This sacrifice has less to do with national security and more to do with financial security. When it comes to providing our military personnel with an adequate system of pay we have, very simply, missed the mark. As a result, today we have a cadre of personnel, enlisted and officers, married and single, who are in a constant struggle to make their financial ends meet. Mr. Speaker, we've all heard the horror stories of military families forced on to public assistance and personnel that have had to seek part-time jobs to supplement their military pay. It seems incredible that over the past several years, as the cost of living has grown due to the expanding economy, we have been unable to provide a military pay structure that falls in line with this growth. I am well aware of numerous well-intentioned efforts in Congress to address the situation and I have supported many of these initiatives. The various pay increases enacted over the last several years have been a tremendous help. However, they clearly have not been enough and I believe that more can and must be done to improve the financial situation of our men and women in uniform. Since President Bush took office in January, one of the central tenets of his Administration has been to return some of the surplus back to the American people. While I may disagree with his plans to accomplish this goal, I do believe a portion of the surplus should be used to address certain issues like the military pay situation. The Military Tax Credit Act of 2001 would use funds from the budget surplus to provide a refundable tax credit to all active duty military personnel. Under this legislation, single personnel would be eligible for a $2800 refundable credit; while married personnel would receive a $4000 refundable credit. In addition to those active duty personnel in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force, the credit would extend to active duty Coast Guard and National Guard personnel. Moreover, a portion of it would be made available to any reserve personnel serving thirty or more days on active duty. The beauty of this proposal is that even though every person; regardless of rank or grade would receive this credit, it would provide the biggest bang for the buck to those personnel that need it the most: the junior enlisted men and women and the junior officers. For single personnel at the E-6 level and below, the credit on average would be the equivalent of a 10.3 percent bonus. For married personnel in the same category the bonus would average 14.1 percent. The single junior officer would receive an average of 6.4 percent pay bonus while their married counterparts would average an 8.9 percent bonus. All of the money that military personnel receive as a result of this credit would be tax-free. In addition, since the funds used to pay for the tax credit would come from the surplus, it would not adversely affect the overall defense budget. In fact, it barely puts a dent in the surplus. The amount of surplus funds used to support this legislation represents only 3.1% of the total surplus available--a small price to pay for such a large benefit. Mr. Speaker, I am not a member of the Armed Services Committee, nor am I a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. And although the USS Constitution is homeported at the Charlestown Navy Yard, I have no major military installation in my district. Some might ask why then am I introducing tax credit legislation for military personnel. The answer is simple: because they deserve it. And while I don't believe that my legislation is the answer to all of the problems associated with the military's pay structure, I do believe that this is a great way to provide financial relief that is real and substantial. It is my hope that Congress agrees with me and will move to pass the Military Tax Credit of 2001.