Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to support this resolution which recognizes the long overdue ratification of an international agreement that will open access to records of the Holocaust and Nazi war crimes. And I would like to commend my good friend and distinguished colleague, Alcee Hastings of Florida, for introducing this measure before us today. On January 27, designated by the United Nations as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the world paused to honor the victims of this terrible crime and to vow never again to allow such atrocities to happen. For many victims and relatives of the Holocaust, 2008 may provide the first opportunity to obtain access to information about their own treatment as well as the fate of their loved ones in Nazi death camps. In 1955, 11 member countries signed the Bonn Accords to establish an International Commission responsible for overseeing the administration by the International Tracing Service of Holocaust archives. The service is based in Bad Arolsen, Germany, and is directed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Madam Speaker, the archive holds over 85,000 feet of records, listing victims' names, transport details, medical records, and in some cases the only history of those who died at the hands of the Nazis. The records contain over 50 million reference cards for over 17.5 million people. For over 60 years, ITS has limited access to its records to survivors of Nazi crimes and their descendants. Aging Holocaust survivors have criticized ITS for delayed responses or a complete failure to provide them with any information. By 2006 ITS had recorded a backlog of over 400,000 requests. Following years of delay, the 11 parties to the Bonn Accords Treaty signed amendments in May 2006 to ensure the records were fully opened to survivors as well as researchers. This process was to be enhanced by the distribution of digitized records to member countries. While the United States, Israel, Poland, and the Netherlands were the first signatories to ratify the amendments, Holocaust survivors were forced to wait still longer until the remaining countries completed their ratification procedures. In April 2007, this House passed H. Res. 240 calling on the remaining seven countries to ratify the amendments by the May 2007 deadline. The resolution before us today expresses appreciation to all member countries for having ratified the amendments, allowing survivors the opportunity to find peace in the material contained in these archives. The resolution highlights the key roles played by the United States Holocaust Museum, the Department of State, and the International Community of the Red Cross in achieving this outcome. And it calls on the Holocaust Museum and the Red Cross to create the necessary conditions by which survivors and their families can promptly obtain long-sought-after information regarding Holocaust-era atrocities. While the ratification of these amendments is tragically too late for many victims, the hope is that it provides answers for many others. I support this resolution, Madam Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. With that, Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. I want to thank the gentleman, the sponsor from Florida of this legislation, Mr. Hastings, for his comments. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Las Vegas, Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, at this time, we have no further speakers on the subject, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, at this time I wish to yield 5 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings).

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, first, let me thank the gentleman from California for his contribution to the debate today. I think his remarks are right on target. At this time, Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, at this time I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. I yield back my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 290) commemorating the 175th anniversary of the special relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand, as amended.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as the lead Democratic sponsor of this legislation, I want to thank my friend and distinguished colleague from Illinois, the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, Mr. Don Manzullo, for introducing this resolution before us today. In 1833, 2 years before the publication of Alexis de Tocqueville's ``Democracy in America'' and 3 years before the Battle of the Alamo, the United States and Kingdom of Thailand signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, making the Kingdom of Thailand the United States' first treaty ally in the Asia-Pacific region. Now, 175 years later, Thailand remains our oldest Asia-Pacific ally. During this time, the relationship between our two countries has strengthened as it has changed with the times, and the friendship between our two peoples has grown deep and enduring. Our military partnership, which began when King Mongkut offered combat elephants to President Lincoln during the Civil War, is now one of the closest in Asia. Thai soldiers fought alongside U.S. military personnel in World War I, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Today, Thailand is one of only a handful of our major non-NATO allies and is a crucial partner in our efforts to combat international terrorism. Thailand is also the host country of Cobra Gold, U.S. Pacific Command's annual multinational military training exercise. Our economic relationship is similarly robust, with bilateral trade topping $30 billion annually. On the political front, traditionally Thailand has been an anchor of stability and democracy in the volatile region of Southeast Asia. While it has been tested repeatedly by its own political upheavals, the Thai people have consistently responded by renewing their dedication to democracy. The country has had 18 coup attempts since World War II, and Thailand's December elections only recently ended the latest coup government, which had come to power in 2006. We all hope and believe that Thailand can move beyond the differences which led to the coup and return to its position as a democratic leader in Southeast Asia. Key to resilience of the Thai political system is the strength and pride of the Thai people. No one epitomizes the spirit of Thai people more than their beloved king, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. On December 5, 2006, the king turned 80 years old. We in Congress join the Thai people in celebrating this landmark birthday and wishing the king a continued long life. This resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of the special relationship between the United States and Thailand and congratulates Thailand on maintaining its commitment to democracy by holding national elections and returning to a civilian-led government. I strongly support this resolution and encourage my colleagues to do the same. And with that, Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley) control the remaining portion of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1024) recognizing the 187th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy, as amended.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and yield myself such time as may consume. Madam Speaker, I am delighted to support this resolution marking the 187th anniversary of Greek independence, and I would like to thank my good friend and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Ros-Lehtinen, for her leadership in ensuring that the House mark this important date. The world owes the Greeks a debt of gratitude for having developed the concept of democracy, which has enabled so much of the world to live in peaceful prosperity. The story of Greek independence remains a remarkable tale about the revival of an ancient and great people through deep commitment, personal sacrifice, and an abiding love of freedom. Indeed, Western Civilization is deeply indebted to the Greek nation for its immense contributions in the fields of science, medicine, philosophy and art, just to name a few. In 2004, the world celebrated this rich history and heritage as the Summer Olympics came home to Greece. This beautiful Mediterranean country showcased the best of its culture and hospitality. In modern times, Greece has remained one of the United States' most important and enduring allies. Greece is one of the relatively few nations that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in every major war of the 20th century. The close links between our countries increased after World War II as the Truman Doctrine helped save Greece from communism, while the Marshall Plan aided its economic regeneration. When Greece joined NATO in 1952, it formalized the deep mutual commitment that it shared with the Western world to safeguard freedom. After becoming a member of the European Union in 1981, Greece further deepened its relations with its European neighbors. It also underwent a notable economic transformation with the exchange of the drachma for the euro in 2002, highlighting its economic prosperity. Greece has remained a strategic partner in the post-Cold War world, notably helping to promote peace and stability in the Balkans. The January 2008 visit by Greece Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to Turkey, the first such official visit in 49 years, was a welcome development in these countries' efforts to resolve their differences. Since the tragic attacks on the United States on 9/11, Greece has remained a steadfast ally in the fight against violent extremism. Plagued for many years by domestic acts of terror, Greece knows only too well the financial, mental, and physical toll that terrorism can wreak on a nation. In closing, it is also important to highlight the rich contributions that Greek immigrants and their descendants have made to the United States; I know this firsthand, representing a great number in the County of Queens, New York. For over a century, they have traveled across the ocean, bringing their success to our shores, and in doing so serving as a bridge between our two nations. Today, some 5 million Americans claim Greek ancestry. We are grateful for the wisdom, energy, and talent they continue to bestow upon our great Nation. Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 187th anniversary of their independence from Ottoman rule. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on their tremendous contributions to world civilization and in celebrating the enduring Greek-American friendship. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5270) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for his words of support for this legislation. Mr. Speaker, let me just point out as well, piggybacking on what he just said about the airport improvement programs grants, that time is of the essence. A failure to move now will further condense the season in which we can actually improve the safety and the aesthetics of our airports. So I thank him for his support, for recognizing the problems not here in this body but with the other body. I thank my friend, as well, Mr. Oberstar for pointing that out to us.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that it is my understanding the delay has been in the Senate, not in the House of Representatives, not between the two committees, and not because of disagreement from either side of the aisle here, but in the other body. It is also my understanding the gentleman is going to be supporting the bill in the end. If I am wrong, please indicate for the Record. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5270.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my good friend, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5270 extends the financing and spending authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. The trust fund taxes and spending authority are scheduled to expire on March 1, 2008. H.R. 5270 extends these taxes at current rates through June 30 of 2008. On January 29, 2008, the acting administrator of the FAA sent a letter to the Committee on Ways and Means indicating the ability of the FAA to provide services in 2008 will be impeded if this extension is not enacted. I will include this letter from the FAA for the Record. The Committee on Ways and Means reported out a previous extension bill with bipartisan support. This bill will keep the Airport and Airway Trust Fund taxes and operations in place until the long-term FAA reauthorization act is signed into law. I urge the full support of my colleagues for this measure. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC, January 29, 2008. Hon. Charles B. Rangel, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Rangel: Thank you for your continued support to the mission of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As you know, we have a pending reauthorization proposal to establish a cost-based financing system, help address congestion, and make the system more accountable to aviation stakeholders. In the absence of an enacted reauthorization bill, I am writing to you to bring to your attention some serious issues that will impede our ability to provide our services to the country during 2008 if not addressed immediately. Airport and Airway Trust Fund The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (P.L. 110-161) extended the authority to make expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund only until March 1, 2008. Without an extension of the Trust Fund expenditure authorities, FAA will be unable to obligate funds after March 1 from the Trust Fund. Most notably, our airports, facilities and equipment and research personnel would be immediately sent home, and our remaining personnel funded by the Operations account would follow after funding provided by the General Fund has been fully obligated--most likely in early June. For this reason, we plan to notify employees impacted by the March 1st deadline within the next two weeks. Aviation Excise Taxes The Consolidated Appropriations Act only provided a temporary extension of authority for the collection of most of the aviation related excise taxes until February 29, 2008. The authority to collect such taxes should not be allowed to lapse. The uncommitted balance in the Trust Fund is insufficient to sustain FAA operations beyond a few months and a lapse in the authority to collect excise taxes could quickly begin to impact FAA's operations. Airport Improvement Program Grants Contract authority for the FAA's AIP program expired on September 30, 2007, however Congress, in a series of continuing resolutions, provided temporary and limited AIP contract authority through December 31, 2007. Without contract authority, we are not able to make any new AIP grants. For the airport grant program, we typically view February 1st as a date when airport sponsors need to have some confidence that grant funds will be forthcoming so they can go out with their bids for construction projects to take full advantage of the construction season. Unfortunately, with the gap in AIP contract authority for fiscal year 2008, we are near the point of losing a portion of this construction season and airport sponsors will have to defer critical safety and capacity projects. We are confident that Congress will address these short- term issues, but time is of the essence in moving toward a resolution of these matters. We are ready to work with you and other members to enact a reauthorization proposal that is consistent with the goals of the Administration. The Office of Management and Budget has advised that there is no objection, from the standpoint of the Administration's program, to the submission of this letter to Congress. Sincerely, Robert A. Sturgell, Acting Administrator.

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

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, let me thank the chairman, Mr. Miller, for his comments. And thank you, Mr. Keller, for adding your own life experience and adding that to the debate today, and for your support for this amendment. We have heard the expression ``this is a win-win.'' Well, this is a win-win-win. This is a win for the at-risk youth. This is a win for the student who will serve as a mentor and be able to repay his or her college loan at $10 an hour for each hour that they commit to this program, and this is a win for all of our communities as well, mentoring at-risk youth, enabling them to have a better quality of life through this program. And I thank both of you, and all of my colleagues, for supporting this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).