Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. I yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer). (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment introduced by the honorable gentleman from Texas that would prohibit the use of funds to assist, cooperate with, or provide any support to the International Criminal Court. The International Criminal Court is a reality, as the gentleman has stated. The Rome statute, the treaty establishing the court, has been ratified by the 60 countries needed for the court to come into existence, as has been stated as well. The court will function with or without United States support or participation. A prohibition on U.S. support will not protect the very same American citizens the gentleman from Texas wishes to protect from the court's jurisdiction. In fact, our lack of participation in the court's mechanisms will harm U.S. national interests by making it impossible for the United States to affect the development of the court. We will thus be completely unable to protect any Americans that do find themselves before this court. Opponents of the court have argued that U.S. servicemen and women will be subject to politically motivated trials. But since national courts have primary jurisdiction and since the U.S. military is committed to fully investigating any charges of war crimes committed by U.S. military personnel, the military in my opinion has nothing to fear from an ICC prosecutor run amuck. The case of U.S. Army Sergeant Frank Ronghi proves that U.S. servicemen have nothing to fear from international tribunals. Ronghi was accused of raping and murdering an 11-year-old Kosovar girl. Despite the fact that the ICTY statute gives the tribunal primacy over national courts' own jurisdiction, the United States faced no obstacles from the tribunal to launching its own investigation, conducting its own court-martial, and eventually sentencing Sergeant Ronghi according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Earlier this week, as stated by the gentleman from Texas, the Bush administration announced that it would remove the United States' signature from the Rome statute, an unprecedented step that has damaged the moral credibility of the United States and serves as a U.S. repudiation of the notion that war criminals and perpetrators of genocide should be brought to justice. The unsigning of the statute will not protect American citizens from being brought before the court. Furthermore, our rejection of the court encourages autocratic leaders to ignore their own international commitments. It will also make it more difficult for the United States to ensure that war criminals from Iraq, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cambodia and other countries face justice for their atrocities. The administration's unsigning of the Rome statute places the United States in the company of notorious human rights abusers like Iraq, North Korea, China, Cuba, Libya, and Burma. By approving the amendment in question, Congress would add insult to injury by further repudiating the International Criminal Court, which is an important instrument of international justice. Mr. Chairman, the resolution being discussed today would hinder U.S. national interests. Ironically, by preventing the United States from cooperating with the court in any way, it will actually endanger, in my opinion, American lives. It would, for example, prohibit Defense Department officials from responding to court investigators when they ask for information that would help exonerate an American serviceman brought before the court. It would also prevent a member of the U.S. Armed Forces from testifying in support of our NATO allies who do support this court. Finally, it would prevent us from supporting a trial of a figure as notorious as Saddam Hussein were he to be brought before this court for crimes against humanity. According to this amendment, the United States should not support the court with intelligence, information and legal expertise that could convict someone like Saddam Hussein and his cronies of crimes against humanity, despite the fact that the administration itself has already embarked on an ambitious effort to build a war crimes case against Saddam Hussein and his associates. Finally, Mr. Chairman, this amendment would hinder our ability to wage war on terrorism. We have asked virtually every country in the world to support the implementation of U.S. domestic law designed to combat terrorism on such things as terrorist money laundering. Now, with this amendment, Congress is refusing to cooperate with the international community in its efforts to bring war criminals and terrorists to justice. Mr. Chairman, this amendment accomplishes very little. The administration has already stated its intent not to cooperate with this court. Endorsing the amendment would only put Congress on record as having prevented the United States from cooperating with an institution that will help promote the rule of law. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my good friend Diana DeGette's Motion in support of making the Violence Against Women Office (VAWO) permanent. Today, in the US, nearly 25% of women report having been physically and/or sexually assaulted by intimate partner at some point in their lifetime and 1 in 6 women has experienced a rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. The Violence Against Women Office, created in 1995, leads a national effort to stop domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Last year they administered over $270 million in grants to states so that local prosecutors and police departments can respond to violent crimes. VAWO has worked with law enforcement and victim advocates in developing grant programs that support emergency shelter and legal aid. They have ensured the training of judges, law enforcement personnel and prosecutors to help them respond to victims of stalking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. This office ensures that federal dollars dedicated to anti-domestic violence programs are spent in the best possible and most effective way. Currently, the Violence Against Women Office is a part of the Office of Justice Programs. However, VAWO can not serve as the leader of promoting effective programs serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault policy if it is just a check-writing office. That is why it is imperative to make the Violence Against Women Office an independent office. This office needs and deserves to have a Presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed Director, in order to ensure that these issues continue to have a high profile on local, state, deferral and international levels. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today: If you think that Violence Against Women is a serious issue, if you think that it deserves serious attention, then give it the priority and attention it deserves. Make the Violence Against Women Office an independent office with the ability to make policy and assist other governmental agencies in their work on violence against women. I encourage my colleagues to pass the motion to instruct.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this important resolution. On September 11, raw, cold blooded terror exploded in the United States of America, the type of terror that Israelis know far too well. Here in the United States we point to one single day, September 11, and remember the unspeakable carnage and terror. Israelis cannot point to one single day of terror because they live with terror every single day. As someone who lost a family member on September 11, each time a homicide bomber attacks a cafe in Israel, it reawakens my grief and my anger, and I know the impact of each explosion is felt in the hearts and minds of every single American. Israel and the United States are fighting the same enemy. Our enemies have different faces but a common objective. The U.S. has found it easy to identify our enemy but often difficult to identify our true friends. A friend is someone with whom one shares a common cause and struggle. Our cause is peace and our friend is Israel. It is time to stand up and speak with one resolute voice and say, Israel, we are in this together.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, this April marks the 87th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, when the Ottoman Empire killed 1.5 million Armenians and exiled over 500,000 more during an eight-year-long reign of terror. By recognizing these events, we can hopefully prevent similar horrors from occurring again. To recognize the Armenian Genocide, however, the United States must affirm that a genocide indeed occurred. To date, President Bush has refused to acknowledge that the events of 1915 to 1923 comprised acts of genocide. I have joined 101 other members of Congress in signing a letter to President Bush urging him to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Doing so will place the United States in the company of the European Union, Canada, Russia, and other members of the international community. History has a way of rewarding those who have suffered. Today, after centuries of Turkish domination and eighty years of Soviet domination, an independent Republic of Armenia is an upstanding, sovereign member of the family of nations. The United States must continue to help the government in Yerevan guarantee its security, develop its economy, and institutionalize its democracy. As a member of International Relations Committee and Congressional Caucus on Armenia, I will continue to argue strongly for policies benefiting Armenia. My district includes many Armenians, especially in Woodside, and I have listened to the concerns of the Armenian-American Community there many times. I have worked tirelessly to promote the interests of Armenia and the Armenian-American community, including: Augmenting the Administration's 2003 budget request for Armenia. The Bush Administration's 2003 budget requests only $70 million in bilateral assistance funds for Armenia, $20 million less than Congress appropriated in 2002. Similarly, The Administration requested only $3 million, a $1 million decrease from the 2002 appropriation, in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to help the Armenian armed forces guarantee the security of the nation. The higher figures must be restored. Insisting that any regional oil pipeline pass through Armenia. Maintaing Section 907 in the 2002 Freedom Support Act, which prohibits certain types of direct U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan until it has ended its aggression and lifted its blockades against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. Supporting legislation to require the State Department to train all Foreign Service Officers dealing with human rights in the U.S. record on the Armenian genocide. Hosting a town hall meeting with the State Department negotiator for Nagorno-Karabakh to ensure the Armenian-American community is fully informed about the Administration's policies. As we commemorate the horrific events experienced by the Armenian people in the past, let us also celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of the Armenian community in the United States and work to enhance the tremendous future potential of the sovereign Armenian nation.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 385, a resolution to honor the men and women of the U.S. Customs Service, New York Office, for their admirable duty and bravery in the service of our country, and the people of New York, during the terrorist attacks of September 11. The New York Customs Service was on the front lines on September 11. Their office, located at 6 World Trade Center was evacuated and later destroyed in the towers' collapse. Despite this, the men and women who work at Customs, a number of whom I am proud to call my constituents, ensured at great personal risk, the safe evacuation of their offices and surrounding offices. They then continued to work with local and national public safety officers to coordinate and assist the search and rescue and later recovery efforts. The men and women of the Customs Service deserve our utmost thanks and respect for their remarkable service. But in addition to these proclamations, we need to provide real tangible support for our Customs officials. By that, I mean mandating the return of the Custom's New York Office back to Manhattan. I have many constituents who work for the Customs Service, and belong to the National Treasury Employees Union 183. We all applaud Customs for quickly relocating these employees, my constituents, to alternative work sites at Kennedy Airport and Newark, NJ. But it is integral for the Nation, for the city and for Customs employees that a new permanent Customs Office is set up in Manhattan. For the day-to-day officers of the Customs Service, our Nation's primary enforcement agency protecting our borders, this new duty station in New Jersey causes tremendous--and needless--burdens. In addition, the U.S. Customs Service must have a Manhattan presence. As a life-long New Yorker I am very concerned about the possibility of companies using September 11 as an excuse to flee New York City and I have been working with the city and State to prevent this from happening. As an agency of the Federal Government, the Customs Service should set an example to private companies, and show them that New York is still the greatest city in the world and the capital of international business. By not having an office in Manhattan, the opposite is suggested. The men and women of the Customs Service helped to alleviate the fears of our country on and right after September 11. It was fear that the terrorists were counting on to defeat us, and precisely what we must not allow to win. Those fears will be further mitigated by the return of businesses to New York City, and the Customs Service must be one office leading the way. Madam Speaker, in conclusion I thank the efforts of the gentleman from Oklahoma in introducing this measure and allowing this House to pay tribute to these men and women who have done so much to help New Yorkers and the country. I thank you all, and I assure you that we will not forget what you have done.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, bananaramma, Rubik's Cube, leg warmers, ``Miami Vice,'' and a tax cut for the rich. The Republican Party wants to go back to the future to 1981 and President Reagan's voodoo economics. And who is directing this remake? The House Republicans and this administration. In just 1 year, this tax cut we have seen has virtually raided all of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds to provide for huge tax cuts to wealthy oilmen and other millionaires throughout this country. At the same time we have seen that Congress can no longer protect Social Security and the Medicare trust funds from bankruptcy because we need to pay for this Republican tax scheme somehow. I ask the American people to stay home and not buy a ticket to this show. It is a flop and it is a sham.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Michael Forde, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the New York City District Council of Carpenters and the over 300 men and women who have dedicated everyday, 24 hours a day, to the clean up effort at the World Trade Center Site. Mr. Speaker, Michael Forde is a leader in the New York City labor community as the Secretary-Treasurer of the largest Carpenters Union in the Country representing over 25,000 members. On September 11, the District Council under the leadership of Michael Forde, wasted no time in being some of the first men and women outside of rescue workers and public safety officers to be on the scene of Ground Zero. During the first days after the destruction of the Trade Center, union carpenters worked around the clock helping to clear debris, insuring the structural safety of the area for rescue workers and engaging in the search themselves for survivors of the attack. As a union based in Lower Manhattan, the District Council of Carpenters has a long and strong history of working to make New York City the financial capital that it is today. The quick, untiring and heroic response of the men and women of the District Council of Carpenters would not have been as extensive or effective if it was not for the leadership of Michael Forde. Mr. Speaker, I have known Michael Forde for many years. He was born in the Bronx, moved to Woodside, Queens, in my congressional district where he graduated from Christi High School in Astoria. He received his B.A. in Business Administration from Hunter College. Mike started in the carpentry field as an apprentice during the construction of the World Trade Center in the early 1970s. Through hard work, dedication to his craft, exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to his fellow union brothers and sisters, he rose through the ranks to become a foreman, general foreman, shop steward, president and business manager of Local 608 and ultimately to his present position. Mr. Speaker, Michael Forde is just one among many. I rise today not only to pay tribute to him and to recognize his work to help rebuild Lower Manhattan and Ground Zero, but I rise to recognize all the men and women of the New York City District Council of Carpenters. These men and women have showed exceptional dedication, fulfilling the task at hand and they will play a critical role in the tasks of the future rebuilding Lower Manhattan and Ground Zero. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to insure that we as a Congress recognize the work the New York District Council of Carpenters did and the work they continue to do to rebuild Lower Manhattan.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Army Sergeant David Wurtz, a brave man who is not just a hometown hero to his neighbors in College Point, minutes from Ground Zero in New York City, he is also a true American hero. Our nation owes Sergeant Wurtz a debt of gratitude for being among the first fearless U.S. soldiers on the ground fighting Al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan. That patriotic duty came at a price, and Sergeant Wurtz was awarded the Purple Heart after returning from battle injured. David Wurtz was born to Clem and Joan Wurtz in College Point 25 years ago, and is a proud hometown boy. He attended Flushing High School and Bleeker Junior High. His mother Joan describes young David as shy, but always a good student. He gave his parents a scare when one day, at age 17, he missed dinner, something he never did. After much worrying by his parents, he later returned safe and sound--and enlisted in the U.S. Army's delayed entry program. At age 18, Mr. Wurtz was assigned in Hawaii. He quickly moved up the ranks and moved to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum in upstate New York. Then came September 11, 2001. After watching the horror of the terrorist attacks unfold on his television from Fort Drum, he had no idea that a short time later, he would be fighting terrorists in Afghanistan to protect his hometown and all of America from future terrorist attacks. Between late September and March 1st, Sgt. Wurtz found himself in various staging and combat situations, leading up to his involvement in Operation Anaconda. The 10th Mountain Division was positioned on a mountain in Afghanistan in the morning hours of March 2nd and immediately became engaged in a 16-hour fire fight with enemy forces. Shortly into the battle, Sgt. Wurtz was struck by a mortar shell, injuring his right foot. Minutes after the initial hit, the wounded Wurtz was hurt again, a mortar shell hitting his right kneecap. As he was being carried off the battlefield by medics, a photographer took his picture--a photo that appeared on front page of the March 8th New York Daily News. While he received medical attention in the field, because of the fierce fighting, Sgt. Wurtz and about 40 other injured soldiers were forced to endure the danger of intense fighting and freezing temperatures, because helicopters were unable to airlift them until nightfall. After a series of operations and hospital stays oversees, Sgt. Wurtz arrived at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC on March 9th to very grateful family members: his parents Clem and Joan, brothers Chris and Daniel, aunt and uncle Judy and Lenny Crawford, cousins Peggy Crawford and Brianne Pawson, and sister-in-law Danielle Auletta. While in Washington, he was presented with the Purple Heart and visits from U.S. Generals and visits from Members of Congress. On March 18th, Sgt. Wurtz returned to New York City and his College Point neighborhood where he has been greeted and thanked by many appreciative friends, neighbors and local leaders. Despite his injuries, he is eager to report back to Fort Drum and is willing to return to Afghanistan if he is so ordered. Although Sgt. Wurtz would disagree with the label, Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring him as the hero he is. Sgt. David Wurtz's courageous service on behalf of this country is the reason our Armed Forces ensure that we remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a rising star in New York politics, Assemblyman Michael N. Gianaris, for his deep commitment to public service and his neighborhood of Astoria in New York City. Assemblyman Gianaris will be honored this coming Saturday, April 13th by the Powhatan and Pocahontas Democratic Club for his contributions to the organization and the entire community. A native and lifelong resident of Astoria, Mr. Gianaris was born to Nicholas and Magdalene Gianaris. After attending Public School 84, Junior High School 141 in Long Island City, he went on to prestigious pursuits by graduating Summa Cum Laude from Fordham Law School, and earning his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Civic service became a passion early, beginning in 1988 when he served as Chair of a voter registration committee which registered more than 10,000 voters in the New York metropolitan area. He quickly plunged into public service as an aide to my predecessor, Congressman Tom Manton and later served as Governor Mario Cuomo's Queens County Regional Representative. In both of these positions, Mr. Gianaris worked to ensure that the residents of Queens had full access to government services. Before he sought elected office, Mr. Gianaris practiced as a litigator in private practice for more than two years. He also served as Associate Counsel to the New York State Assembly, where he worked on several measures that were enacted into law. In addition, Mr. Gianaris has served the his community in many capacities, including serving as a member of Queens Community Planning Board #1, Legal Counsel to the United Community Civic Association, and a Board Member of the Eastern Orthodox Lawyers Association. In 2000, Mr. Gianaris took his legislative knowledge and extensive familiarity with the community to the voters of New York's 36th Assembly District, winning the seat by a large margin. Since his election to the New York Assembly, Mr. Gianaris has exhibited strong leadership on environmental issues by fighting to reduce pollution from Queens powerplants and other sources. Environmental protection and the health of Queens residents will continue to be the top priorities for Assemblyman Gianaris. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Assemblyman Michael N. Gianaris for investing so much in his community. He has only just begun what will be a long and distinguished life in public service to the people of Queens.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Athena Georgakakos Onorato for her lifetime of distinguished service to the business world as well as the neighborhoods of Astoria and Jackson Heights in New York City. Ms. Onorato will be recognized on Saturday, April 13th by the Powhatan and Pocahontas Democratic Club for her long commitment to the organization and her community. Born to Antonios and Maria Georgakakos in New York City and raised in Astoria, Queens, Ms. Onorato learned to play the piano at the early age of five, thanks to her piano teacher-mother. Ms. Onorato studied music at the New York College of Music where she received her piano diploma at age 20. Ms. Onorato also earned a B.A. in Economics from New York University. Upon graduation, she was employed as an economist at the American Petroleum Institute and became the first woman hired at Texaco, Inc. as an economist. In 1987, Ms. Onorato joined Apple Bank for Savings and became Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager when a new branch opened in Astoria in 1989. In addition to her distinguished business career, Ms. Onorato has been tremendously active in her community, serving as President of the Hellenic University Club of New York, as well as the Broadway-Astoria Merchants and Professionals Association. She has served as a Board Member both of the Queens College Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies and the Greek American Homeowners Association. She has also served as Second Vice President of the United Community Civic Association. Ms. Onorato was honored by the Broadway-Astoria Merchants Association in 1992 as ``Woman of the Year'' and in 1995 she was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in recognition of her ethnic and professional contributions, which was awarded by National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). In 1993 the former Athena Georgakakos married State Senator George Onorato, and they reside in Jackson Heights. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to join the many others in her community in recognizing Athena Georgakakos Onorato for her lifetime of community involvement as prominent businesswoman and civic leader.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter Kelly, a proud veteran, a tireless civic leader, and above all, a loving family man. The Powhatan and Pocohontas Democratic Club of Queens will pay tribute to Mr. Kelly this coming Saturday, April 13th for his contributions to the organization and the entire community. A native New Yorker, Mr. Kelly was born in Manhattan, the middle child and only son of Peter and Catherine Kelly. At age four his family moved to the Bronx where he attended Our Lady of Refuge Grammar School and Evander Childs High School. Upon graduation, he went to work for the Daily News as a copy boy. He loved the outdoors and horses, which soon led him to work for trainer James Fitzsimmons as an exercise jockey. While he dreamed of life as a professional jockey, weight and world events prevented him from realizing his vision. Mr. Kelly enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War. He was sent to Radio Mechanic School at Scott Air Force Base in Bellville, Illinois. After graduation, he was assigned to Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California where he spent the entire war fighting the battle of San Francisco. In 1955, he went to work for General Motors and worked his way up to Export Manager. In the summer of 1956, he was introduced by a mutual friend to his lovely wife of 45 years, Mary Anne, in Rockaway. They were married in June of 1957 and had three wonderful children, Peter, a Civil Court Judge, Anne Marie, a Democratic District Leader--and my talented District Chief of Staff--Carleen. They now have a loving daughter-in- law Cathy, a terrific son-in-law Robert, and have been blessed with four beautiful grandchildren, Christian, Bobby, Brian, and Meghan. Mr. Kelly attended night school and graduated from Pace College in 1963. When his wife Mary Anne was elected District Leader in 1970, he was drafted into the Powhatan Democratic Club where he served very effectively as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He served in every capacity and performed every job associated with the organization. His dedication and untiring effort on behalf of the community and club earned him the respect of everyone who has ever known him. Since retiring in 1991, Mr. Kelly has been devoted to being a loving husband, father, and more importantly, a grandpa. He can be spotted at his grandchildren's games on a regular basis. Although he has faced a recent health setback, he still possesses a great sense of humor and is loved by all who know him. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to acknowledge, here on the floor, the lifetime of contributions Peter Kelly has made to his country, his community and his family.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Six or seven times. It is staggering. I think we in New York have nothing but sympathy for what the people in Israel are going through, and we believe only the people of Israel can make the decisions about their own safety and the personal safety of their families. That is why I stand here today in support of your discussion this evening.

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my colleague from Florida for calling this special order this evening. I would start off by saying that the initial numbers that you had on your chart were staggering. I think more of that information needs to be told to the American people. I think they need to understand exactly what the size of the state of Israel is and the type of pressure that they have been under for the past 18 months. I think more of the news agencies need to focus not only on single events but on the multiple events that have taken place over the last 18 months. If they could show not just one incident but how over the last few weeks there have been multiple incidents throughout Israel, I think people would begin to get a better understanding exactly what type of threat the Israeli people are really facing. I regret the fact that there is a need for me to even be on the floor this evening to address this important issue, but the events of the last 18 months require a response. Last summer, Chairman Arafat, Prime Minister Barak, and President Clinton were ever so close to reaching an accord to bring peace to the Middle East after decades of violence. Unfortunately, all the progress and the sacrifices made on the part of the Palestinians and Israelis in Madrid, in Oslo, Camp David, and Wye were shattered the moment the first stone was hurled into the air in September of 2000. Since then, the atmosphere on the ground has degenerated, resulting in the death of hundreds of people on all sides of the conflict. As Palestinian suicide bombers attack innocent Israeli civilians and the IDF responds by eliminating the sources of that Palestinian terror, both sides look to the United States to deliver a solution. Although I believe that it is in our national interest to resolve this conflict, I am increasingly concerned by the destructive role our regional allies have been playing in the current climate. The official Egyptian press cultivates anti-Israeli sentiment through skewed disclosures of the facts and spin campaigns that do nothing to improve the status quo. Jordan, who has played such a key role in past years, has thought it best to remain on the sidelines. I would suggest that the Palestinians view the Jordanian silence as a tacit approval for the continuation of this campaign of terror. The activities of Saudi Arabia are perhaps the most troubling of all. One should note that there are two countries that provide compensation to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers: Saudi Arabia and Iraq. One is considered a friend and the other a foe. If this is the case, why are both behaving in the same despicable manner? These nations are crucial to a resolution to this conflict and must assume a profile commensurate with their standing and influence in this region. I am encouraged by Secretary Powell's visit to the region, but he cannot secure peace on his own. A lasting peace can only be secured in a regional context in which all parties contribute to a cessation of hostilities on the ground. Until that occurs, I fully support the steps that Prime Minister Sharon is taking to ensure the safety of his people, the Israeli people. If President Bush had not acted decisively against those who perpetrated the acts and attack of terror on New York and on the United States on September 11, the people of this country would be calling for his resignation. Now this administration is being critical of Sharon for taking similar action in his own country. The hypocrisy, in my opinion, is staggering. This is not a question of being either pro-Israeli or pro- Palestinian. It is a question of being against terrorism, no matter where it is found and no matter who may be the victims. While the violence rages on, there are children that hope to go back to school and people that hope to go back to work and hope to do that in an environment free of terrorism. It is essential that we take the necessary action to turn all those hopes into reality. As a New Yorker, as someone who has experienced firsthand a family member who was lost on September 11, my first cousin, I feel personally drawn into what is happening in the Middle East. I have had many, many discussions with people throughout my district. I am heartened to hear, and I am not just talking about those who have had longstanding sympathies with the people of Israel, but those who in my opinion have had questionable support in the past for the people of Israel, are now I think fully behind the Israeli Government and fully understand exactly what they are going through. We lost 3,000 people in one attack. When we looked at the numbers that the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch) had put up before, they have lost, I believe, is it six times that figure?

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor P.J. Corr. Mr. Corr will be recognized on Saturday, March 23rd for his many achievements, and for his years of loyalty to the Cavan P&B Association. P.J. Corr was born in the parish of Mullahoran in Ireland. He is the eldest son of the late Patrick Corr and Cecilia Corr, nee Lynch. They were the proud parents of four children, P.J., Thomas (deceased), Peter who lives in England and Nuala who resides in Dublin. Mr. Corr completed his formal education at Loungduff National School and was later employed in Dublin by James Caffrey of Jervis Street, a well-known Cavan man. After four years in Dublin, Mr. Corr immigrated to New York where he found employment for eight years in the A&P Supermarket. In late 1957, Mr. Corr joined the fighting 69th Regiment serving on active duty for six months and the reserves for eight years, eventually reaching the rank of Company Sergeant. In 1965, Corr went to work for Danny Brady, also a Cavan man. After two years, he joined the staff of Killarney Rose and remained there for twenty years. After working in the financial district, he moved on to the restaurant business, working as a manager at the Greentree Restaurant for fifteen years. In addition, Mr. Corr is very socially involved. He has been a member of the Cavan P&B Association for the last forty years and was the President of the football club from 1985 to 1987. An ardent golfer, Corr is also a member of the Cavan Golf Club. He presently serves as the President of the Mullahoran Social Club, and is a member of clubs such as the Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens, the Greenville Irish American Club, the Michael J. Quill Irish Culture Center in East Durham and the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 9 Bronx County. On a more personal note, Corr met the lovely Kathleen McGovern from Blacklion West Cavan in 1959. In 1963, the couple was married. Together, they have three children; Patrick, who is one of the New York's Bravest, Thomas, a member of 32BJ and Noreen who is married to NYPD Sergeant Gerry Dowling. In 1992, Kathleen passed away, God rest her soul. Mr. Speaker, please join me and the many friends, family and colleagues of P.J. Corr in commending P.J. Corr for his lifetime of service to this nation, his community and his family. We look forward to his continued leadership and inspiration in the years to come and we wish him continued happiness and success.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I offer my congratulations to the Hellenic Republic on the 181st anniversary of its independence from the Ottoman Empire. Two and a half millennia ago, Greek philosophers and politicians developed the democratic ideals that inspired our Founding Fathers and became the foundation for the American political system. Greek thinkers made discoveries that for thousands of years helped advance the world's knowledge of science, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. Greek drama and poetry became the model, in many ways, for much of Western literature. The list of Greek contributions to world culture is endless. After freeing itself from foreign domination, including nearly 400 years under Ottoman rule and occupation by Nazi Germany, Greece is once again a fierce proponent of freedom and democracy. It is a key NATO ally, a partner in the war against terrorism, a critical contributor to stability in the Balkans, and a participant in the International Security Assistance Force that is working to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. Greek military observers and police serve in United Nations Peacekeeping missions on the Iraq-Kuwait border, on the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, and in Bosnia, Kosovo, and the Republic of Georgia. The democratic ideals of ancient Greece continue to thrive in the Hellenic Republic today. The 3 million Americans of Greek descent have made critical contributions to American business, culture, education, art, and politics and helped ensure the success of this great nation. Madam Speaker, my fellow colleagues, please join in congratulating the Greek government and our fellow Americans of Greek heritage as they celebrate the 181st anniversary of Greek independence.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, last year Congress and the President agreed to fund UNPFA, the United Nations Population Fund, at $34 million. Now the administration has said they will not spend the funds appropriated by Congress in accordance with the bipartisan deal that was made. They say that UNPFA performs abortions and points to their work in China. What opponents do not say is that UNPFA does not perform abortions, not in China, not in Africa, and not in Latin America. They never have, and they never will. My colleagues know U.S. law prevents them from doing so. Secretary Colin Powell and U.N. Ambassador John Negroponte know this as well. President Bush knows this. That is why in his first budget in Congress he asked for $25 million and most recently, last fall, approved US money for UNPFA for Afghan refugee women's health care. Our country disagrees with the family planning policies of the Chinese Government. We all want change, and change will come through groups like UNPFA and USAID, who work to encourage voluntary family planning to control a surging population. But let us not tie up $34 million in funding that will save women's lives and children's lives around the world, to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS and to improve child health survival. President Bush said that we fight the Taliban to give hope to women in Afghanistan. Let us fulfill the commitment of Congress to give hope to all women around the world.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, who are we kidding? We are not kidding the American people. They get this. They know that if we pass this substitute or any of 10 amendments by the majority, that, for all practical purposes, we will have killed Shays-Meehan and true campaign finance reform for this year. You talk about cooking something up at the last minute. My understanding is our side of the aisle only got notice of this substitute at 1 a.m. this morning. It is unfortunate, but if the sponsors of this substitute really wanted to be actively engaged in this process, they should have done it earlier, and many of their proposals quite possibly could have been included in the ultimate Shays-Meehan bill. But they failed to do that, and we find ourselves now with this substitute before us. I say we vote it down, we pass Shays-Meehan, and bring real campaign finance reform to the people of this so-deserving country.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the cochair of the Congressional Andean Regional Caucus, for his input and expertise on these important issues. I also thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member, for facilitating the timely consideration of this measure before us today. It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I bring this resolution to the floor today. Since September 11, we have seen countless tragedies, both deliberate and accidental, that have affected us all in many, many different ways. From the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania, to the crash of American Airlines flight 587 over the Rockaways in Queens, New York, we have learned to stand together as New Yorkers, as Americans, and as humankind. Just as the events of the past few months have affected people from around the world, so, too, do the tragedies in other lands affect us. On January 28, 2002, TAME flight 120 crashed into the Colombian Andes killing all 92 people on board. The death toll included over 45 Colombian nationals as well. This horrific accident has indeed hit very hard close to home. As a representative of the largest Ecuadorean and Colombian communities here in the United States, I rise today to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of myself, the people that I represent in the Seventh Congressional District of Queens and the Bronx, from the people of New York State, and from our country, the United States of America, to the families of the victims of TAME flight 120. From Washington to Quito, and Bogota to New York, a bond exists that gives strength to those who have suffered a loss. It is this bond that will help all of us move forward together. Mr. Speaker, I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the first responders as well as all assistance that our government has given to the countries of Ecuador and Peru. I encourage all my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Catholic School Week, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 335, honoring the contributions of Catholic schools to our children and our country. For centuries Catholic schools have been a gift to the nation as well as to the Catholic church. They have helped millions of children become informed and caring citizens. In New York, His Eminence Edward Cardinal Eagen, Archdiocese of New York and Bishop Thomas V. Daily, Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens are part of a long standing American tradition of providing quality religious instruction to New York City children, where the Catholic schools are older than the public schools, dating back to the year 1800. I am particularly proud of St. Joseph's in Astoria, whose supportive and dedicated parents I was happy to write a letter in praise of earlier this week. Mr. Speaker, from Head Start to high school, Catholic schools prepare our children to be positive influences on the lives of others, particularly in urban and inner city areas. They promote academic excellence and spiritual enrichment. Their values-centered instruction produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, their families, and the communities. They provide hope and promise to those who may be bereft of it. Perhaps most importantly, they have created opportunities to integrate the families and children of many nationalities and cultures into America and into New York. Mr. Speaker, more than 24 percent of school children enrolled in Catholic schools, such as St. Bartholomew's in Elmhurst, are minorities, many new to our country and the English language. In my district alone, roughly 30 schools serve over 8,000 students, 74 percent of which are minorities, many of whom are immigrants. To these children, Catholic schools perform the tireless work of uplifting all boats, and ensure that no child in their care is left behind. Their value to our education system and to society as a whole is--literally and figuratively--beyond measure. I know these things because I myself am a product of Catholic schools. The dedicated teachers at Power Memorial High School, and the principles of the Church that guided them helped me become the man I am today. In addition three of my relatives received the divine calling to dedicate themselves to the Lord's work. My Uncle, Father John Crowley is currently the Pastor of St. John of the Cross Church in Vero Beach, Florida. Another Uncle, Father Paul Murphy is a Catholic priest in Philadelphia and my Aunt, Sister Mary Rose Crowley, is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame, in West Palm Beach. Mr. Speaker, Catholic school and the Church had a profound influence on my family and myself in the way we learned to see the world. But the world today is a lot different than the one most of us grew up in. So perhaps the most significant contribution of Catholic schools remains their dedication to lend purpose and guidance to those lost in poverty and tough neighborhoods. In my district, Catholic schools initiate school enrichment, in particular ``user-friendly'' after-school and special education programs benefiting youngsters throughout the Bronx and Queens, providing direction to children who might otherwise be lost to the streets. These programs and the strong support parochial schools provide to children surrounded by urban challenges provided wholesome influences and much needed structure, making an invaluable difference in countless lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you please join me in honoring the 200,000 Catholic educators in our country. They serve the 2.6 million students attending approximately 8,200 Catholic elementary and secondary schools in America. We thank them for their dedication, their service, and their commitment to our children.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today in commemoration of India's Republic Day. As the adoption of our constitution and declaration of Independence in the 18th Century are among the most important days in the history of the United States, so too is January 26, 1950 in India. In the Central Hall of Parliament in New Delhi, India joined the community of democratic nations by adopting its Constitution that embodied many of the principles, including equality and secularism, put forth by our own founding fathers. It gives me great pleasure to celebrate this event, as this is not simply a day for Indians, but for Indian-Americans as well. The streets of my district in Jackson Heights, New York will be filled tonight with thousands of my constituents honoring this important day. The bond that India and the United States share is not simply rooted in the democratic foundations, but also in democratic practices. Allying the world's oldest democracy with the world's largest democracy is a natural fit. I believe that India's Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said it best when he spoke of the adoption of India's Constitution: ``There is one great test for a Constitution, for any system of Governance. It must deliver and it must be durable. Our Constitution has stood this test. And one reason it has been able to do so is that it embodies a mastery balance: between the rights of the individual and the requirements of collective life; between the States and the Union; between providing a robust structure and flexibility. Our Constitution has served the needs of both India's diversity and her innate unity. It has strengthened India's democratic traditions.'' The shared history and common conception for the future of our relationship has allowed our nations to cooperate in times of prosperity and assist each other in times of tragedy. This year's Republic Day is bitter-sweet as it also commemorates the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck India on January 26, 2001. The earthquake, centered in India's state of Gujarat and measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, killed more than 20,000 people. During those difficult times, we were there for India both in spirit and in practice. Shortly after the earthquake, the United States Congress adopted a Resolution expressing condolences for the victims and support for providing assistance. I am proud to report that Congress also responded to my efforts in increasing the funding for the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, specifically targeting the efforts in India. Just as we came to the aid of India, they were among the first to condemn the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Since that horrific day, high-level contacts between the U.S. and India have increased, reflecting the close cooperation between the world's two largest democracies in the struggle against international terrorism. Unfortunately, the scrouge of terrorism is another characteristic that our countries now have in common. The December 13, 2001 attack on India's Parliament hit very close to home. As nine police officers and a Parliament worker were killed we were forced, once again, to redefine the scope and definition of the war on terrorism. This attack sought to destroy the heart of India's democracy, but will fail in that endeavor. The common interests of the United States and India transcend the boundaries of the international war on terrorism. There has been ever- increasing cooperation in dealing with the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery, preserving stability and growth in the global economy, protecting the environment, combating infectious diseases and expanding trade. As a member of the Indian Caucus with a growing Indian constituency, my interest in the region has grown exponentially during my time in Congress. I have to say, however, that nothing was more eye-opening than my visit to India a few weeks ago. To get a true sense of the interests of the people and the government on the ground was invaluable, and will surely help me represent the views of my constituents more completely in the future. With that, I wish to salute India for fifty-one years of work in pursuit of preserving democracy. It is my honor to join you as you continue that journey into the new millennium.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution. More than 10 years have passed since the United States and coalition forces defeated Iraq, but the potential threat posed by Saddam Hussein remains today. This is a man who has used chemical weapons against his own people. This is a man who invaded Kuwait and lobbed SKUD missiles into Israel and Saudi Arabia. This is a man who must be dealt with once and for all. Between 1991 and 1998, Saddam Hussein played a game of hide and seek with his weapons of mass destruction. He would impede the progress of U.N. inspectors as it suited his needs, never fully adhering to U.N. Resolution 687 before expelling UNSCOM in 1998. As the famous proverb goes, ``When the cat is away, the mice will certainly play.'' The Iraqi regime has spent the last 3 years developing and perfecting its chemical, biological, and nuclear program, while the international community has stood idly by. Inaction and indifference may have been the prevailing sentiments; but on the morning of September 12, we woke up to an entirely new and different world with a new and different attitude. We awoke to a world that values dialogue over destruction and peace over terror. Mr. Hussein: no more delays. No more deliberations. No more deceptions. Your time is up. If you insist that you have nothing to hide, then allow the inspectors back into Iraq to do their job immediately. Failure to do so will answer all of the questions that we have. The security of this region depends on it. The security of the world depends on it. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this conference report. I want to commend Chairman Kolbe and my friend Nita Lowey for negotiating a fair and comprehensive conference report that reflects the new challenges that we face in working with the international community. On behalf of the Bangladeshi caucus and the entire South Asian Community in my district, I would like to express our most sincere gratitude for $235.5 million in funding for International Disaster assistance with at least $5 million going toward South Asia. The South Asian region has been decimated by earthquakes and flooding throughout this difficult year. The funding provided in this bill will make great strides toward rebuilding the communities hardest hit by these tragic events. I would also like to express my gratitude for the inclusion of $25 million for the International Fund for Ireland. The funding provided for IFI is crucial to facilitating an environment in Northern Ireland in which all sides can work together on issues of mutual concern and benefit. Finally, I wish to thank the Committee for the funding provided for the United Nations Population Fund. This important funding will save the lives of thousands of women and children throughout the world. The projects of which I am supportive are too numerous to mention in such a short time, but suffice it to say that it is a privilege to vote in favor of this conference report.