Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, this evening I rise not only as a Member of Congress, not only as a native New Yorker, and not only as the son of a New York City police officer. Today, I also rise as the cousin of Battalion Chief John Moran and in strong support of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. I want to thank my colleagues from New York, particularly Carolyn Maloney and Jerry Nadler, who have done their utmost to shepherd this bill through our side of the aisle. My cousin, along with almost 3,000 others, died on September 11, 2001. His last known words to the driver of his truck with the New York City Fire Department--at John's request he was dropped off at 2 World Trade Center and he said, ``Let me off here, I'm going to try to make a difference.'' I rarely talk about the death of my cousin. The loss of him and other close friends who were killed that day is a personal matter. But today I need to share John's story because he and thousands of others who perished that day would want to know that the survivors of 9/11 will also never be forgotten. I have joined in the efforts to pay tribute to all those who died for our Nation and all those who served our Nation after the attacks. Thousands of eloquent speeches have been delivered, medals of valor have been issued, but the ultimate tribute has yet to be provided to the survivors who served our Nation on that fateful day, and in the weeks and the months--and, yes, the years--that have followed. Almost 9 years after the September 11 attacks, those who dug through rubble, through plastics, through toxins, through human remains continue to await access to much-needed health services. And those who were told, go home, return to life as usual, as normal, are still waiting for that much-needed care. These are the very people who our government, our Federal Government, urged to go back to Ground Zero, back to Battery Park, back to the Financial Service District because the air was safe. And they did return to keep digging, keep searching, and keep working, but the government was wrong; the air wasn't safe, and now thousands are sick and dying. Today we have a chance to finally fulfill the commitment to the 9/11 heroes. In the words of my cousin, my colleagues, today we have a chance ``to make a difference.'' Vote for this bill. This choice is simple: Either vote to protect foreign corporations who are avoiding U.S. taxes or vote to protect those who stood to protect our Nation on 9/11 and thereafter.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to my friend from Long Island, Mr. Israel.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the gentleman for his comments and remarks and also recognize we may very well have to come back to do additional work to help this industry because this is a national crisis. It's not just in New York. It's not just in Texas or Boston or L.A. or Chicago. It's really all over the country, and I think this is a small part right now to help infuse some foreign investment and cash into the system to put people back to work, to get construction workers back on the job, and to get people building out offices, office spacing, and really bringing in more capital to lift up this industry. General Leave

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko).

Mr. CROWLEY. I yield the gentleman 30 additional seconds.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. This week when the House considers the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, my colleagues will have a simple choice: to vote to protect foreign corporations who are avoiding paying U.S. taxes or vote to protect those who stood in protection of us on 9/11. It has been almost 9 years since our Nation was attacked. Three thousand lives were lost, including that of my cousin, Battalion Chief John Moran. Thousands more were injured, particularly those who spent days and months cleaning up Ground Zero. Our Nation stood together in the aftermath, defiant against those who attacked us, committed to never again let a terrorist attack occur on American soil. And we stood with the thousands who came to Ground Zero, first to look for survivors and then to clean up. Tomorrow, the House will get a chance to fulfill our thanks to those who served us. Thousands were told by the Federal Government, ``the air is safe, return home,'' go back to work. Thousands were told that a flimsy medical mask would keep them secure and to keep searching, keep cleaning up Ground Zero. But the air was not safe and now thousands are sick. We have a commitment to those who served us. We have a duty to pass the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Vote ``yes'' tomorrow. Make our Nation proud.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a worthy organization--one committed to special needs children and their families. The Moses and Aaron Foundation's significant and enduring efforts under the direction and visionary leadership of president Rabbi Yaacov Kaploun and executive vice president Yehuda Kaploun deserve high praise, as do the philanthropists who have given of themselves to fulfill its mission. The Moses and Aaron Foundation Special Fund for Children, an all- volunteer organization, is dedicated to assisting children with disabilities, or, as the Foundation prefers to recognize them, ``Outstanding Children.'' The organization provides these children and their families with a wide range of programs, including social, physical, financial and wheelchair assistance, as well as counseling and guidance. It also provides scholarship funding to educational institutions; collects, purchases and distributes clothing for children in need; and remembers them with presents at holiday time or when hospitalized. The Foundation has arranged for sound and musical equipment in other institutions and has distributed gifts to thousands of children during the holiday season--including hundreds of toys given to the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots and local law enforcement agencies' programs. The corporate and individual supporters of the Foundation include concert chairmen Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gans, Mr. Avi and Dr. Laura Greenbaum, Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Rothman, the Jelly Belly Candy Company, Metropolitan Lumber Company, Mr. Robert Gans and the Croton Watch Company, as well as Ms. Rachel Sapoznik, Mrs. Janice Lipton, Mr. and Mrs. Yakov Bertram, Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Rubin, Ms. Patti Shlesinger and Esther Kaploun, who heads the Division of Volunteers. On July 24, 2010, at the Sullivan County Community College in Lock Sheldrake, New York, the Moses and Aaron Foundation, under the Honorary Chairmanship of Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, will sponsor its 14th annual Summer ``Chazak-Strength'' Concert honoring and paying tribute to Special and Outstanding Children and their families. The Guests of Honor will be the Special and Outstanding Children, many of whom will join the entertainers on stage to perform. More than forty organizations, camps and schools serving the physically and mentally disabled children will be represented. The Chazak Concert, like all the Moses and Aaron Foundation's programs, demonstrates a caring and compassionate concern for others' quality and dignity of life and merits the appreciation of all those who have benefited from its services. The Moses and Aaron Foundation was founded in memory of Rabbi Dr. Maurice I. Hecht of New Haven, Connecticut, and Aaron Kaploun, both of whom led lives of exemplary community service. It is in this sentiment of communal dedication that the Moses and Aaron Foundation has devoted itself to serving the needs of a unique group in the community. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the Moses and Aaron Foundation as an organization which exemplifies the generosity of spirit in American society.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues are singing the same old tune again. This past Sunday on ``Meet the Press,'' the Republicans top campaign leader let the truth be known. If the Republicans take power in Congress, he said, ``We need to go back to the exact same agenda.'' The exact same agenda. The one that lost 8 million manufacturing jobs in this country, the one that tried to privatize Social Security, the one that drove our country into a ditch. Yep, that same agenda. What does privatization of Social Security really mean? It means taking your money and letting Wall Street play with it. We saw how well that worked over the past few years when the Republicans controlled this House. Private retirement accounts lost one-third of their value during the Republican recession. Heads they win, tails you lose. But the Republicans don't learn from their mistakes; so they want to return to the exact same agenda of the Bush Republican years. America, make sure Congress knows Social Security is your money. You earned it. You paid for it. It is your future.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, the Turkish military invaded Cyprus in direct violation of international law. Turkish troops illegally occupied the northern part of Cyprus, and established local armed forces that continue to control 37 percent of the Island. As a result of the Turkish invasion, nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly expelled from their homes and approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed. There was no justification for Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, and there is no justification for continued interference to this day. It is appropriate that on the anniversary of the invasion, we mourn those whose lives were lost as well as condemn the occupation. Although that is the focus of today, I also want to acknowledge my strong belief that it is possible for there to be a settlement of the conflict over Cyprus. To date, the process has not been easy, and I don't think anyone in the U.S. Congress thinks the matter can be resolved without hard work and sustained focus, but it is a process we must continue. The ongoing talks between Cyprus' President Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot community leader Dervis Eroglu have the potential to produce real progress, beyond confidence building measures. Clearly, we need more forward momentum in strongly supporting the Cypriot's goal of reunification with a single internationally supported and recognized government. I very much hope this can achieved by the end of this year. For today, however, we rise to again commemorate and recognize a historic travesty and those that suffered as a result.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 83) approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, as amended.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank my friend, Mr. Boustany, for being here this morning and joining in this resolution. I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 83, a measure to renew the ban on imports from the country of Burma. The renewal of this bill is extremely important in the struggle for human rights and democracy in Burma. This measure, and other sanctions on Burma, prevent hundreds of millions of American dollars from getting into the hands of the military regime and funding its illegal activities. We must never forget that the inspiration for this measure came from a remarkable woman, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi. She's the world's only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient. She and her political party, the National League for Democracy, have called on freedom-loving people throughout the world saying, and I quote, ``Please use your liberty to promote ours.'' That's what makes these sanctions categorically different from many other situations. The people of Burma support these sanctions. I believe it's also important to remember that Burma's military regime, or its junta, is not simply a government that is rough on its own people. It is among the most brutal, maybe even the most brutal, regime in the world today. The regime operates with complete impunity. The Burmese regime has recruited thousands of child soldiers, by some estimates more than any other country in the world today. The regime has destroyed over 3,500 ethnic minority villages, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in terror. Millions of these refugees live in neighboring countries like Thailand and Bangladesh. The regime uses rape as a weapon of war against innocent Burmese women. Over 2,000 innocent civilians remain locked behind bars as political prisoners. And it's important to note that many of these abuses are not just human rights abuses; these are crimes against humanity. That is why the United Nations investigator on human rights in Burma called for an international investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. This is something I have been calling for myself for a very, very long time. It is long overdue that the world acknowledges the regime, the junta, is guilty of many heinous crimes, and we must lead the effort to hold it accountable. As a first step, I hope the United States will go on record in acknowledging that the Burmese regime has continued crimes against humanity. At the same time, I hope the administration fully implements all the provisions of the Block Burmese JADE Act that we passed in 2008, including the tough banking sanctions enumerated into law. That also includes imposing tough financial sanctions on banks and companies propping up Burma's military regime and junta, even if those companies are not based in the United States themselves. By passing the JADE Act, we gave the administration the authority to impose tough sanctions. Now it's time to make it happen. We don't have any time to wait. The Burmese regime is planning a sham election for this year that, without strong international action, will result in a government that is a wolf in sheep's clothing. The regime has stacked the deck against the people of Burma so that the exact same military junta will be in power after the election. In fact, it is not really an election at all since the results are preordained. Aung San Suu Kyi is specifically barred from taking part in these elections. It would be a disservice to those struggling for freedom in Burma to recognize the results of this undemocratic and illegitimate election process. The administration has worked hard I know to reach out to Burma's military regime and has urged them to change their ways. I believe those efforts, while worthwhile and valuable, have been completely and utterly rejected by the junta. In fact, the situation in Burma has grown worse. That's why now is the time to crank up the pressure on Burma's military junta. I urge my colleagues to pass House Joint Resolution 83. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank the gentleman for his comments. And I couldn't agree with him more that we do need to see more of a multilateral impact on Burma, particularly China, India, and the surrounding countries of Bangladesh and Thailand and such. And it's my hope that we will continue to see further isolation of Burma. And I think we continue to stretch out a hand to encourage the regime, but they continue to keep slapping it back. And I think now is not the time for recognition; now is the time for further isolation. So I appreciate the comments of my colleague and friend from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany), and I know of his support for this. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. I appreciate my colleague's willingness to work with us in the future, and look forward to that as well on this and many other issues. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I was absent for one rollcall vote. If I had been here, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 420.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to be a member of the House- Senate conference committee that negotiated the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, and I will strongly support the passage of this agreement. This tough set of sanctions makes it clear to the Government of Iran that the United States will not stand idly by while Iran destabilizes the Middle East, threatens its neighbors, and undermines international nonproliferation efforts. Under this measure, any company or country doing business with Iran will undergo serious scrutiny and could be subject to tough penalties. This sanctions measure will also ensure that we expose those that have committed serious human rights abuses against Iranians who are struggling for democracy and freedom. Right now, Iran is being led by Ahmadinejad. His authority is not only illegitimate because of how Iran's last elections were conducted, but because of his blatant disregard for the international community. He has vowed to press ahead with the uranium enrichment and boasted that the new sanctions are nothing but, and I quote, ``worthless paper.'' He stands in clear and stark defiance of the U.N. Security Council, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and indeed the entire world's nuclear nonproliferation efforts. For the sake of peace and stability, we must act now. We are going to show Ahmadinejad that the U.N. sanctions, and these we are about to pass today, are not ``worthless paper.'' He is about to be proven very, very wrong. The days of the United States turning a blind eye to companies propping up Iran's regime are now officially over. As long as Ahmadinejad and his cronies remain bent on obtaining nuclear weapons and crushing the Iranian people, this Congress and this Administration are going to take every possible step to thwart his efforts. I am proud to have served on the Conference Committee for this legislation and strongly support its final passage.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 296, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5051, a measure to designate the post office at 23 Genesee Street in Hornell, New York. The new name of the post office will be the ``Zachary Smith Post Office Building''. I would like to thank my colleagues from New York--who en masse sponsored this initiative. Zachary Smith was a selfless and brave young man who gave his life for his country at the age of 19. He made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the American people while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and the U.S. House of Representatives honors both Zachary and his family through this resolution. For those who knew Zachary, January 24, 2010 will be forever remembered as a day of sadness, but also a day of pride--pride in a courageous young man who exhibited the Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis. Zachary was not only a soldier--he was an athlete, a brother, a son and a husband. By all accounts, he was an admired member of the Hornell community, setting a strong example for members of his school and his family. He was responsible at home and kind to others where he attended Hornell High School, graduating in 2008. He loved football, golf and spending time with his family. Zachary's life, and the profound, genuine loss felt by those who loved him, cannot be repaired by designating this post office. However, by supporting this resolution, we can help ensure that future generations will learn of Zachary's integrity and courage. Zachary made his home a better place. Zachary made Hornell a better place. Zachary made America a better place. He can never be replaced, but we can do our part to honor his memory and the ideals he stood for by passing this resolution today and honoring Zachary Smith, a real hometown hero.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I am proud to join with so many of my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan extension of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act. It is abundantly clear that we need tougher and a more robust application of sanctions on Burma, and we need to start soon because the Burmese regime continues to commit crimes against humanity and war crimes against its people. Many of us in this Congress, as well as credible human rights organizations, have been saying this for years, but now even the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma has said that it is highly likely the regime has committed crimes. This is a regime that has destroyed or forced the abandonment of 3,500 villages, raped countless ethnic minority women and recruited thousands of child soldiers. There is no shortage of evidence of these crimes--which continue to this day. It is my hope the Administration will support the United Nations' findings, both by acknowledging the Burmese regime is committing crimes against humanity and by seeking a strong international investigation. I am also concerned that the Burmese military regime has completely rejected true cooperation with the legitimate leaders of Burma--Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy. The regime recently released a new constitution and electoral law that makes it impossible for Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi to run for office. The Burmese regime's ``laws'' makes a mockery of constitutionalism, and for that reason Aung San Suu Kyi's political party is simply not able to register to participate in the election. We must stand with Aung San Suu Kyi and the legitimate leaders of Burma and show our support through concrete actions--by implementing tougher sanctions and action on crimes against humanity--moves that have real teeth. When I led the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act, which was signed into law in 2008, I believed the Administration should use the measure to implement tough sanctions--now is the time for that implementation to begin. Lastly, I would like to convey a message to Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma: the people and Congress of the United States stand with you. We will not waver in our support for your struggle. Aung San Suu Kyi has appealed to the world to support the fight for human rights and democracy, stating ``Please, use your liberty to promote ours.'' It is time for us to re-double our efforts for a better, more democratic Burma, and I urge my colleagues to join me in the expeditious passage of this legislation.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in favor of H. Res. 1276, commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the landmark service legislation, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Since its enactment 1 year ago, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act has cemented the importance of volunteerism and community involvement in American society. This legislation reflects the willingness of Americans to dedicate their time and effort to help their neighborhoods through a common goal of community improvement. The success of the Serve America Act is apparent not only in its progress so far, but in those results yet to come. The creation of 175,000 new volunteer opportunities, through existing service programs such as AmeriCorps, is increasing volunteerism in America to the highest level since 2003. The Serve America Act has demonstrated that even in this period of economic uncertainty, investment in communities continues to reap the highest rewards. The Serve America Act has allowed Americans to play an active role in our economic recovery through their volunteerism by empowering individuals to initiate real and lasting development within their communities. And by rewarding those who volunteer their services even during their full-time education, this legislation has enabled countless diligent students to combine community activism with greater educational possibilities. I am particularly proud that this legislation created the Musicians and Artists Corps that I championed to train and deploy skilled musicians and artists to low income communities, schools, health care and therapeutic settings, and other areas, where they promote music and arts engagement programs. As someone who knows firsthand the proven social benefits of music and creative arts programs, I believe this program will have tremendous rewards. The Serve America Act has been a call to service to all Americans, and undoubtedly it has inspired American citizens from all walks of life to give back to their communities. The Musicians and Artists Corps allows musicians and artists who are eager to serve to contribute their special skills and diverse talents to this community of activism. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act has contributed significantly to increasing service in our country, and I am proud to commemorate its passage and support its continuing good work.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of the life, and great works of Dr. Dorothy Height. Widely recognized as one of the founding members of the Civil Rights movement, Dr. Height served as the president of the National Council of Negro Women for four decades, stepping down from the position in 1997. In her position with the Council, which connected nearly 4 million women worldwide, she tackled issues that affected women, including child care for working mothers, health and nutrition, education and adequate housing for families in need. While I did not personally know Dr. Height, I have seen her good works embodied though the National Council of Negro Women Section in Co-op City, in the Bronx, New York. Less than two weeks ago, I was visiting the National Council of Negro Women Co-op City Section to honor their work in the weekend mentoring of students between 2nd and 6th grades in the community. Since 1972, the National Council of Negro Women Co-op City Section has provided after-school educational support for elementary school students. They have licensed teachers who work in small groups with children on strengthening their language and computational skills. They meet on Saturday mornings, and the passion showed by the educators, administrators, students and parents is electric. I have worked with several of the leaders of the Co-op City Section, including past presidents Maxine Sullivan and Joyce Howard, as well as the current President of the Co-op City Section of NCNW, Judith Roberson. These women embody the work of Dr. Dorothy Height every day in my community. Dr. Dorothy Height's vision and her legacy are hard at work in Co-op City, New York--just as it is in the communities of many of my colleagues. While her family and friends--as well as our country--mourn her passing today, we also honor her for the contributions she made to our great nation. Her legacy will live on for decades to come, and I hope her family and friends realize that her life's work will continue to benefit many more generations to come.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1215) expressing support for Bangladesh's return to democracy, as amended.