Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my friend from Arizona for yielding me this time. First, Madam Speaker, I want to recognize and give thanks to the leadership of the House--in particular Nancy Pelosi, and more so this morning to Speaker John Boehner--for this beautiful resolution that we have before us today. I said on Sunday that his remarks were appropriately brief when he said, ``An attack upon one of us is an attack upon all of us.'' It could not have been better said in reflection upon what took place in our country on Saturday. Judge John Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, Christina Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, and Dorwan Stoddard all were taken from us too soon by a crazed and depraved individual. I wanted to take a moment to also mention the wonderful staff of Gabby Giffords. I had the opportunity on Saturday afternoon, being in Washington, to stop by her office and immediately was moved by the palpable sense of love and affection that was throughout their room, not only for Gabby, but for all the victims and particularly their fellow colleagues. I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of our staffs--whom maybe many of us in Congress take for granted--for their tireless work and their efforts to serve the people of our constituency and of our great country, not always reflecting upon sometimes the danger that we can't avoid. Gabby Giffords and I go back even prior to her getting elected. I had the great opportunity to endorse her early in her primary because I was so moved by the moxie and the strength of Gabby Giffords when I visited Arizona. She often would say to me when she was around Mark, you know: Mark always tells me, Joe Crowley, that I'm his second favorite Member of Congress and you're the first. She said that, I think, because she knows how I was unabashed about my admiration for her.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to commit at the desk.

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

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, on September 11, my cousin, John Moran, was at Tower Two of the World Trade Center. He said, ``Let me off here. I want to try and make a difference.'' We have made a difference today in the lives of the people we're saving. Today, I rise as the cousin of Battalion Chief John Moran. My cousin, along with almost 3,000 others, died on September 11, 2001. His last known words were to the driver of the New York City Fire Department vehicle. As he was dropped off at World Trade Center Tower 2, John said, `Let me off here. I am going to try to make a difference.' Nothing can replace the loss of my cousin or the thousands of others who were killed that day. Nothing can replace the loss of those who have perished since. But, today we can make proud his memory and the memory of all those who served on September 11th and the days following. Enactment of the James Zadroga 9-11 Health and Compensation Act fulfills a commitment to those who served our Nation honorably, tirelessly and without pause. Today, I am proud to stand before my colleagues as the cousin of Battalion Chief John Moran, and I am proud, in the words of John, to `make a difference' for the many heroes who have suffered long enough because of their service to our great country. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an accomplished woman and a longtime leader in the Social Security Administration, Geneva Young. Ms. Young is retiring as the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Manager for the Social Security Administration in the New York Region, after being employed with Social Security for nearly 40 years. Over the years, Geneva has proven herself as a dedicated and committed employee to the Social Security Administration and to the American people. Starting her career with the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative in the Charlotte, North Carolina field office, Geneva moved up the ranks of the Social Security Administration. After only 3 months on the job, Geneva moved to New York to work for the Social Security Administration in the New Rochelle Field Office. By 1980, Geneva became an Operations Analyst for the Social Security Administration and only 6 months later was promoted to Operations Supervisor. Geneva remained in the New Rochelle Field Office until January 1995, when she began working in the Office of the Regional Commissioner as an Equal Employment Specialist. By 2007, she was promoted to the position of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Manager for the Social Security Administration in the New York Region. It is in this role that she is retiring today from the Social Security Administration. As Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Manager for the New York Region, Geneva managed the equal opportunity program for the region. As the regional authority on equal opportunity, she has developed, administered and evaluated all Equal Employment Opportunity programs. She also has participated in the agency's policy-development process to create national policies and guidelines for Social Security on Equal Employment Opportunity matters and served as advisor to regional management on the development and interpretation of policies and guidelines. Throughout her years of serving the people of the New York Region, Geneva has touched many lives with her commitment to public service. She and her staff have worked tirelessly to recommend strategies to resolve controversial issues and plans. She also has organized, directed, staffed, carried out, and reviewed a positive management- oriented Equal Employment Opportunity program. Her services will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends. I know what great change and improvement Geneva has provided. I wish her good luck in her retirement, something she deserves after her years of work and service to the Bronx community.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2010. This bill is a measure that represents the best of American foreign policy. It addresses an abuse that I think all of us agree should not happen in the 21st century. Girls should have the chance to enjoy their childhood in the peace and security of their own families--not be married off to the highest bidder, or anyone else for that matter. And, research shows that this is not just about girls--while the vast majority of those trapped in child marriage are girls, boys too are among the victims. This is a moral issue. By passing this bill, we have a chance to state clearly and on the record that child marriage is a human rights abuse. But, this is not only a moral issue--it is also about improving health, reducing maternal mortality, slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS and reducing poverty. Study after study has shown that when we do these things, we not only help create a safer world for women and children, but we also help improve the security of the United States. It is true that there may be some very minor costs associated with this bill. However, they pale in comparison to our obligation to do what is right. I want to thank my colleague from Minnesota Betty McCollum and Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois for leading this effort. Both of them have been indefatigable champions of the rights of women and children and we wouldn't be considering this bill today without them. I urge all of my colleagues to support the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6205, to honor Private Isaac T. Cortes, a Bronx native who was killed in combat in Iraq. This legislation would rename the post office in his hometown in his honor. Private Cortes was a son of the Bronx--he grew up in the Parkchester neighborhood, attending local public schools and Christopher Columbus High School. His love for his hometown led him to work as a security guard at Yankee Stadium, a job that he was so proud to hold and that inspired him to a lifetime of service. While planning to become a New York City Police Officer, he decided to strengthen his skills and serve his country by joining the U.S. Army in 2006. Private Cortes knew that this choice was dangerous. He also knew he would likely be sent to Iraq. His family worried for him, but he knew what he had to do. After training at Fort Benning and Fort Drum, Private Cortes was sent to Iraq in September of 2007. As a rifleman in the Infantry Squad with Charlie Troop, 1-71 Cavalry Squadron, Private Cortes performed weapons searches and humanitarian aid missions to help the local Iraqi people. He loved the Army, and was prepared to make it his career. His family has described how proud he was to protect his country. He said the military was his ``calling.'' On November 27, 2007, just after Thanksgiving, Private Cortes was out on one of his combat patrols when an improvised explosive device was detonated near his vehicle in Amerli, Iraq--about 100 miles north of Baghdad. Private Cortes was killed instantly, along with Specialist Benjamin Garrison, in the roadside attack. He was only 26 years old. His awards and honors include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. The Bronx, the Congress and the Nation will always remember Private Cortes as a decorated soldier. But, I would also like to take a moment to ensure we forever remember Isaac, the man. Isaac lived by the motto ``Go big or go home.'' He was known for his big heart and his loving ways, which his family continues in his honor through blood donation events and clothing, food and toy drives. He was known to his neighbors as a smiling face and a helpful hand, always willing to help carry groceries. Even while overseas, his family was always in his heart, including his parents, grandparents, brother, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. And above all, he loved the little girl that he raised as his own daughter. His family has kept his memory alive, and today we take the next step in honoring this Bronx native and his service to the United States. Renaming the post office in the neighborhood where he grew up after him will serve as a reminder to us all of his courage, integrity and sacrifice. This legislation will ensure that his service and his spirit will never be forgotten.

Mr. CROWLEY

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

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, we talk a lot about the American Dream--how we're going to help people achieve it; keep it; pass it on to their children. But, there is a group of young adults in our country that is denied any real shot at the American Dream. Today we have the chance to change that. We're not giving anyone a free pass. These kids live here, they go to school here. They are active in their communities and they contribute to society. But then we say to them: You want to take out a student loan, or get work-study, and go to college? Too bad. You want to serve your country in the Armed Forces? Sorry. You want to better your community and society? Not interested. Some people might think they win cheap political points by attacking this group of people. But the truth is, we all lose if we allow politics to get in the way of a bill that benefits our economy, our national security and our society. We all lose if we allow politics to get in the way of the American Dream.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Under the Republican plan, America will go to the dogs. This dog received $12 million. How many Americans who work in New York or Michigan or California or Florida or Georgia earn $12 million in a lifetime? They'll protect this little dog, but they won't protect the middle class of this country, and that, I think, is wrong.

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. Republicans are united in blocking all America's business until they get their tax cut for the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. That's trouble for America. The Republican plan will not keep our troops at war safe. The Republican plan will not extend benefits to people who have lost their jobs because their company relocated overseas. The Republican plan will not pay down the Federal debt. And the Republican plan will not create one new job. Aren't these the very same priorities Americans want us to be focusing on? Yes. But that is not who the Republican plan will benefit. This Democratic bill will cut taxes for every American who earns up to $250,000. This bill will eliminate the marriage penalty permanently, for the first time in Congress' history. This bill will cut the cost of college for young people in America. This bill will cut taxes for small businesses. Instead, the Republican plan will increase taxes on every American family who makes less than $250,000 a year because unless we do it their way, there will be no bill. So exactly who will the Republicans try to help in this legislation? This little dog--Trouble, that's who. Trouble is Leona Helmsley's dog who inherited $12 million. Under the Republican plan, if Trouble doesn't get a tax break, nobody else should. And that's very troubling. Under the Republican plan, America will go to the dogs.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Today, the House will vote to provide permanent tax cuts to middle class American families. That means no more marriage penalty, lower taxes on family incomes, tax cuts to make college more affordable, and expand small businesses, creating jobs. All for middle class families who earn $250,000 or less. But the Republicans are expected to vote ``no.'' Why? Because they say we need to provide tax cuts to the richest 1 percent in America. That's right. The Republican Party will add another $700 billion to the deficit to assist the richest 1 percent--like Trouble, Leona Helmsley's dog, who inherited $12 million. Under the Republican plan, if Trouble doesn't get a tax break, no one else should. No tax cuts for hardworking families. No tax cuts for those living day by day, trying to make ends meet. My colleagues, adding another $700 billion to our deficit, that's trouble. Trouble for middle class families, trouble to taxpayers, and trouble to our children and our grandchildren who will be saddled with that debt. It's clear to me, Mr. Speaker, under Republican rule tax policy will go to the dogs.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my colleague and friend from New York (Mr. Rangel) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill. I would like to thank those who are here today for the debate who served our Nation so nobly on 9/11 and the days and months following. We thank you for your bravery and for your service. It has been 9 years since the terrorist attack that took the lives of close to 3,000 of our fellow Americans. Over those years, speeches have been offered and medals have been awarded and promises have been made-- promises have been made, and yet not fulfilled--all regarding our 9/11 heroes. But 9 years later, the most important commitment and tribute remains to be fulfilled. The first responders, the first rebuilders, and the residents who risked their lives at Ground Zero are still waiting for much-needed health care services. These are the heroes who dug through the broken glass and the debris, and, yes, through human remains. These are the heroes who were urged by our Federal officials, return to life as usual in downtown New York because ``the air is safe.'' Well, the government was wrong. The air was not safe, and now many, too many, are suffering as a result. Today we once again have the opportunity to honor our commitment that we made to those who answered the call to service. By passing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, we will provide critical health care service to those who stood up for America. As many of you know, my cousin, Battalion Chief John Moran, died on September 11. Many in the gallery above us knew my cousin John. As I mentioned back in July, his last known words to his driver that day were, ``Let me off here. I am going to try to make a difference.'' ``Here'' was World Trade Center Tower Two. John died with honor and in service to his country, and I know that he would have wanted it no other way. But John, like the thousands of others who perished that day, would also want us to know that he would want the victims and the heroes of 9/11 who survived not to be forgotten. We don't need all of our colleagues' votes. What we need is your respect for the victims, for the families, for the survivors. And for one hour, and for one day, and with one vote, do not do what is politically correct, but do what is patriotically correct, and vote for this bill.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize the good work that Hispanic-Serving Institutions are doing both in New York City and across the country. The week of September 19, 2010 was designated as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week under H. Res. 1611, a resolution of which I was proud to be a cosponsor. New York City is home to a number of world-class educational institutions, many of which have been designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Over 10,000 students from my district alone attend Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Queens and the Bronx, including Bronx Community College, the College of Mount Saint Vincent, Hostos Community College, LaGuardia Community College, Lehman College, Mercy College and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. I have had a chance to visit many of these colleges and know firsthand not only the quality education they provide, but also the valuable services they provide as centers of the community. Hispanics are the youngest and fastest-growing ethnic population group in the nation, and play a major role in maintaining our country's global competitiveness and contributing to our national culture. However, nationally, Hispanic students graduate at lower rates than non-Hispanic students with similar academic backgrounds. We need a strong education system to prepare Hispanic students to enter the workforce, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions are ideally suited to address the needs of this population. We particularly need to ensure further involvement of Hispanic students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, where they have been historically underrepresented. During consideration of the original America COMPETES Act in 2007, I was proud to champion the creation of a grant program for Hispanic-Serving Institutions to strengthen and develop their undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degree programs. This program will help educate and train a new generation of experts in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas. By engaging Hispanic-Serving Institutions, who serve the majority of the two million Hispanic students enrolled in college today, we are able to reach out to and involve more of the Hispanic educational community. This Congress has enacted legislation to make college more accessible by improving the way our student loan system works for students and families. However, there is much more we need to do to ensure all students have a chance to achieve the American Dream. We need to continue supporting Hispanic-Serving Institutions and encouraging the vital work they are doing for millions of American students. I am pleased to join Representative Grijalva and the rest of my colleagues in this fight.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1610 a measure honoring those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. I would like to thank the leadership from both sides of the aisle for their efforts in bringing this resolution to the floor, and I support its swift passage. By coming together today we show that, despite some of our differences, our entire nation is committed to defending the American people and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives to senseless violence nine years ago. First and foremost, this effort is about remembering and respecting those who lost their lives on September 11th. Their presence can never be replaced, and their absence remains with all of us. I have met many of the families who lost loved ones in the terror attacks, and I share their pain having lost a cousin and many friends myself that day. I know that the pain of that day does not simply disappear with the passage of time. Today, we not only offer our enduring respect to those who died we honor their friends and families who carry on with their lives. We must never forget that the attack by Al-Qaeda on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were not just an attack on those inside the buildings. They were attacks on the United States of America. The terrorists believed that September 11th would weaken Americans, our values and our way of life. They were wrong. We will not rest until justice is served to those who attacked and murdered innocent American civilians.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, on September 14, 2010 I was absent for two rollcall votes. If I had been here, I would have voted: ``yea'' on rollcall vote 519 and ``yea'' on rollcall vote 520.

Mr. CROWLEY

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. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5901) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt certain stock of real estate investment trusts from the tax on foreign investment in United States real property interests, and for other purposes.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 4 minutes. I am pleased to introduce this bill, the Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act. This bill will help address the growing problems in the U.S. commercial real estate market by attracting new capital through alleviating punitive taxes that discourage investment in the United States real estate markets. Currently, almost $170 billion in commercial U.S. real estate is underwater, with many of these mortgages needing to be refinanced within the next 2 to 3 years. Without a new infusion of capital, a collapse in the commercial real estate market could lead to yet another economic downturn. That is a risk that our country can simply not afford right now. Under current U.S. tax law, foreign investors generally do not pay capital gains taxes when they sell stock in a U.S. corporation, such as a Microsoft or Google, unless that U.S. corporation is a real estate investment trust, also known as a REIT, which is like a mutual fund for real estate. Because Federal tax law imposes certain punitive taxes on foreign investment in U.S. real estate, foreign investors are not putting their money into the U.S. commercial real estate sector. The Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act takes direct aim at this problem by doubling the amount of foreign capital that can be invested in a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The bill is fully PAYGO compliant, so it won't increase our debt or our deficit by even a single penny. I also want my colleagues to know that this bill will not disadvantage U.S. taxpayers over foreign taxpayers. That's because foreign investment in U.S. real property will continue to be taxed in the same manner as domestic investment. Under current tax law, only foreign investors in U.S. real estate are penalized with a special tax. This bill relieves part of the tax on real estate, a tax that does not exist when a foreigner invests in any other U.S. asset class such as stocks. Further, this bill will not open the door to another Dubai Ports situation or to greater control of U.S. real estate by countries who do not have our best interests at heart. This bill only increases from 5 percent to 10 percent the amount a foreign investor can place in a real estate investment trust. This is not ownership control by any means. Any foreign investor owning more than 10 percent in one of these real estate investment vehicles will still be forced to pay the punitive tax and will have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This bill aims to correct the current tax law which discourages foreign investment in U.S. real estate and bring new investment into commercial real estate. The bill has been endorsed by a number of organizations, including the Real Estate Roundtable, Organization for International Investment, National Association for Real Estate Investment Trusts, the International Council of Shopping Centers, the Building Owners and Managers Association, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers, the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, the National Multi Housing Council, and the National Apartment Association. I believe this is a commonsense reform at a time when new investments are needed in our U.S. economy. The more we can do to address the problems in commercial real estate before they boil over, the better. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5901.

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

Mr. CROWLEY

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

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

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have left?

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