Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my friend from California for yielding such time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4, bipartisan legislation that will correct a glaring flaw in the prescription drug law. This commonsense bill will require the Federal Government to negotiate for lower drug prices for American seniors and people with disabilities in the Medicare program. It sounds like common sense, right? But the Republicans actually wrote into law language explicitly prohibiting the government from negotiating for lower prices for American seniors. Instead of using the bully pulpit of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to lower costs, they put a muzzle on him, banning any negotiations. There has never been legislation passed in law prior to that that strictly prohibits any agency from negotiating. From war planes to medical equipment, the Federal Government has always been able to negotiate. Furthermore, 85 percent of respondents in a recent Kaiser Family poll support legislation to allow the government to negotiate lower drug prices. The ability to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs purchased through the Medicare program has the potential to constitute a tremendous savings for recipients, and therefore for all taxpayers. I am pleased that within the first 100 hours of Democratic control of Congress, we are moving to help alleviate the high price of prescription drugs on our seniors. America is going in a new direction, and that direction is forward.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my friend from Colorado for yielding this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of federally funded ethical stem cell research. This important legislation would lift the ban on which stem cell lines can be researched using Federal dollars. It provides sound rules and regulations to govern the research of stem cells, rules such as preventing human cloning for embryos or the deliberate destruction of embryos. This legislation will give doctors and scientists the ability to perform more research, to find new cures for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, spinal cord injuries, and diabetes. We as a country excel in so much. Let us push forward on important research rather than regressing. With embryonic stem cell research, we could potentially save or extend the lives of an estimated 100 million Americans. While this bill has overwhelming support from our country's leading scientists, biomedical researchers, patient advocacy groups and health organizations, along with many religious leaders, and 72 percent of all Americans. In the past, President Bush has emphatically stated that he will veto this legislation. I hope that this time around the President listens to the overall majority of Americans and approves this important legislation. I support this legislation and stand with my colleagues here in the House. To President Bush, I ask you to reconsider your stance on stem cell research. Don't make your second veto of your administration as detrimental as your first. Democrats promised America a new direction, and we are delivering a new direction forward. I thank the gentlelady from Colorado.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Eric Plaks, a teacher at Bronx Charter School for Arts in Bronx, NY. I wish to recognize Mr. Plaks for being named a National Board Certified Teacher by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This program was created in 1987 in order to honor teachers who meet high standards of excellence and professionalism. This award also aims to identify and integrate highly competent and certified teachers into current educational reform efforts. We must recognize that education is critical to building a society founded upon respect and acceptance and credit our teachers with producing our responsible leaders and citizens. They deserve to be honored for their commitment and contributions to this crucial foundation which touches the lives of all our children. Madam Speaker, I join to wish Mr. Plaks best wishes and good fortune in his future projects.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Elise Figueroa, a teacher at P.S. 44 in Bronx, New York. I wish to recognize Ms. Figueroa for being named a National Board Certified Teacher by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This program was created in 1987 in order to honor teachers who meet high standards of excellence and professionalism. This award also aims to identify and integrate highly competent and certified teachers into current educational reform efforts. We must recognize that education is critical to building a society founded upon respect and acceptance and credit our teachers with producing our responsible leaders and citizens. They deserve to be honored for their commitment and contributions to this crucial foundation which touches the lives of all our children. Madam Speaker, I join to wish Ms. Figueroa best wishes and good fortune in her future projects.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2 to increase the minimum wage for working Americans. After years of providing tax cuts to the richest people in our country, and raise after raise to Members of Congress, I am pleased to see that in the first 100 hours of Democratic control of Congress, Democrats are giving a raise to the working poor. I firmly believe that increasing the minimum wage is a necessity to help working people provide for their families. In 6 years of Bush- onomics, gas prices have gone out of sight, college tuitions are unaffordable for millions of working families, and the price of homeownership is escaping far too many people. The lack of a basic wage increase has put an even greater hardship on the lives of many of my constituents--people who are actually working every day and playing by the rules. Just the other day a constituent of mine from Jackson Heights stated the obvious in support of a minimum wage increase--an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. I completely agree with him. In fact, 90 percent of minimum wage workers in New York City are adults, and two-thirds of them work full-time. Over four out of five New York City minimum wage workers are people of color: 41 percent are Hispanic, 25 percent are Black non-Hispanic, and 16 percent are Asian. Additionally, while women represent 49 percent of New York City workers, they are 59 percent of minimum wage workers. It's clear minimum wage earnings are vital to many low-income households in New York City. In fact, 60 percent of increased minimum wage earnings would go to the lowest-earning 40 percent of New York City households. Furthermore, with 15.5 percent of my constituents living below poverty, it's long past due to raise the wages of working people. After raise after raise for Congress and the White House, it is amazing to me that the Republicans do not think that people who actually work 5 days a week do not deserve a raise. That is why I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2. Under the Democrats America really is going in a new direction--and that direction is forward.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to salute my friend and colleague from Findlay, Ohio, Mike Oxley. I think I can honestly say Mike Oxley is the most famous name to come out of Findlay since the original square hamburger, And Mike is so well liked around here, even the square hamburger could well fall behind Mike in popularity. I got to know Mike Oxley from our days playing basketball when he brought the Congressional team to New York to play the New York State Assembly where I served at the time. Although we beat him twice, he never let me forget it! He was always a good friend of my predecessor, Tom Manton. Tom, who recently passed away, developed a strong and lasting friendship with Mike Oxley; and as I came to Congress, Tom--my friend and mentor--told me to seek out Mike. He told me Mike was a straight shooter and someone who I should get to know. Tom was right. And then, I had the pleasure of working with Chairman Oxley during the 6 years I served as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, which he has chaired since its creation. Our Committee has had a long record of accomplishment, but he will be best known for the act that bears his name, Sarbanes-Oxley. Created during the corporate scandals of Enron, Worldcom, Waste Management Inc. and others, this law helped restore confidence to our nation's investors, who were questioning the safety of their funds in our country's capital markets. But he has had a hand in so many other laws as well, including tough new identity theft and anti-money laundering laws, as well as guiding our capital markets during a time of mergers, globalization and modernization. While these are the things he will be remembered for in the newspapers, and in the history books, it may not be the exactly what we all--those who know him remember him for. We know him for his friendship, his great stories and his good nature. And of course, his great record on the baseball diamond--the only place I think he should have tried to be more bipartisan. But he was a great coach, and possibly the one area where a lot of us on this side won't miss him. But in an era of politics of personal destruction and ``take no prisoners'', Mike succeeded here both professionally and personally as someone who worked with and listened to everybody. Friends were friends, not Democrats or Republicans. Mike is a solid conservative and a good Republican, but that never stopped him from working with Democrats to pass legislation, or to work to find common ground. If more members were like Mike Oxley, we wouldn't all be lamenting the partisan gridlock and meanness in Washington. Mike, we will miss seeing you every day in the chamber but I know that this is not the last time we will see you. So as your career in Congress ends, and you start new adventures, I look forward to working with you again, albeit in your new capacity. So tonight, I wish you and Pat my best as you end one chapter and open another.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and reflect on the passing of Martin Gold of the Bronx, New York. He was 90 years old. On October 3, 2006, Martin left us for a better place, leaving behind his wife Helen, a son Robert Mariconi, many friends and admirers, and a far better Bronx thanks to his tireless advocacy. Martin Gold was a passionate advocate of senior citizens, veterans, and the overall beautification of the Bronx. He was the longtime Legislative Chairman for the Aging in America Community Services, Senior Center in the Bronx. He fought against the privatization of Social Security, the prescription drug plan that created a donut-hole and left millions of seniors without coverage, cuts to Medicare and other senior services programs. Martin was also a leader in fighting for additional benefits and better and more respectful treatment for veterans, including greater access to health care and ensuring waiting lists at VA hospitals disappeared. He himself served our Nation proudly in the United States Navy for 8 years aboard the Valley Forge. He would often write to me, organize petition drives and speak to myself and my staff about important bills and the need to look out for seniors and veterans in Congress. Additionally, he was a true champion for a greater Bronx, himself organizing anti-graffiti campaigns to beautify the borough--a campaign he launched in 1994, when he was 78 years old. In the neighborhoods around Pelham Parkway North, he would monitor 50 mailboxes to keep them clean. The Post Office gives him the specific shades of blue and green paints for the boxes, and a local neighborhood association donates the brushes and other supplies. It was these efforts that led our former Bronx Borough President to award him the ``Quality of Life Award''. He was one of the great Bronx residents who is changing the minds of America about what type of place the Bronx is. The Bronx that Howard Cosell referenced is not the Bronx that Martin Gold left us. We have the second largest public park in the City, Pelham Park, and serve as home to the Bronx Zoo and the Bronx Botanical Garden. The Bronx is also home to over 1.4 million people and so many lovely communities from City Island to Throggs Neck to Co-op City. The local news channel New York One once dubbed him ''New Yorker of the Week''. Well, I think that could be an understatement. Martin Gold was a Bronx Man for Life.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me this time. I, too, want to rise in strong support of the Henry Hyde India Nuclear Energy Cooperation Act. I want to commend my friend and chairman, who I have deep respect for, Chairman Hyde, and my soon-to-be Chair of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Lantos, for their work they put into crafting this bipartisan conference report. I would also like to commend the staff of both the House International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the work they have done to reach a compromise on this deal before we end this 109th Congress. We here in Congress are not the only ones who have been engaged in pushing forward this important cooperation agreement or this bilateral relationship. I must also recognize the work of the Indian American community for the incredible advocacy they have demonstrated and the incredible support they have demonstrated for this legislation. This legislation creates a two-step process, and by passing the conference report today, we will have taken that very important first step. The second step rests upon negotiations between the United States and India, as well as India and the International Atomic Energy Agency and with the Nuclear Suppliers Group. I would like to be clear that this vote sets the stage for allowing cooperation, but the actual exchange of civilian nuclear cooperation will not take place until Congress is provided with the details of those relevant negotiations and takes a second up or down vote. I urge my colleagues to end India's nuclear isolation and allow them to be brought into the nonproliferation tent with the rest of the responsible states who seek safe and efficient civilian nuclear technology. I have held the belief that this bill is not about nuclear weapons as much as it is about nuclear energy. I urge my colleagues to begin building a pathway of cooperation in energy with India that will help the economy of India grow and help American business opportunities prosper. India's booming and growing economy needs fuel, and plenty of it, to uplift the lives of hundreds of millions who live in abject poverty. There is not enough wood, enough gas or enough oil in this world to sustain that growth. The greenhouse gases which have been produced by expending those fuels would be an unwelcome byproduct. Passing this legislation opens up a new pathway of opportunity for energy development that will lower greenhouse gases, provide reliable electricity and, strengthen India's economy. I am proud that the U.S. will work with India to see India and the Indian people reach their full potential. If we expect India to be our ally in the 21st century, we must treat them as an equal, which is what the cooperation will demonstrate. I trust my colleagues will recognize what our future with India holds and vote for final passage of this legislation. I just want to point out to my good friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), who spoke about her amendment, it is impossible for India to sign the Nonproliferation Treaty because she has already detonated that weapon in the early 1970s. She would have to put those weapons away and say she would never develop them again and put them beyond use and verifiable use before she can sign the treaty. It simply is not going to happen. They have demonstrated that they are a good player in this field, as Mr. Ackerman said. If you want to be like India and get this deal, act like India.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation. While this bill does not go as far as the House version, which passed overwhelmingly this past May, it is still provides the Administration with the necessary tools they need to bring about real peace. The goal of this Congress is to create a peaceful solution to the conflict. But I want to clear that the goal of this legislation is not to cause a humanitarian catastrophe but to isolate this terrorist led government, this legislation will allow funding for the basic health needs of the Palestinian people. This solution cannot come about with Hamas in control of the Palestinian Authority while they continue to support terrorist operations on innocent civilians. Hamas officials continue to endorse and carry out suicide bombing and missile strikes against our friend and ally Israel. As long as Hamas continues to choose terrorism instead of peaceful coexistence, it will meet with financial and diplomatic isolation from the United States and our allies. I have read the statements of several groups opposed to this legislation because this will create a road block towards negotiations. What I want to know is how do you negotiate with a government who is hell bent on your destruction. Would any member of this House negotiate with al Qaeda, I would hope not. Hamas must be isolated not coddled and that is what this legislation will do. Hamas would rather cling to the impossible dream of the destruction of Israel than work toward a two state solution that will bring prosperity and an end to the bloodshed that has tainted this region for so many years. Hamas refuses to change so they must be treated like the terrorist they are. I'm sure like me, my colleagues would rather be supporting a Palestinian Authority-led government working toward a peaceful two state solution but instead we face the realities of a Hamas-led government bent on the destruction of Israel. Until this Hamas-led government recognizes Israel's right to exist as a Jewish State, renounces violence, dismantles its terrorist infrastructure, and halts all anti-Israel incitement the United States should never provide assistance to the Palestinian Authority-led government of Hamas.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to respectfully acknowledge and pay tribute to the distinguished careers of the four retiring Members of the New York delegation, Sherwood Boehlert, Major Owens, John Sweeney, and Sue Kelly. Representative Boehlert has served the people of his upstate New York district with pride for 12 consecutive terms and leaves us now as the Republican dean of our delegation. His tenure in the House will be reflected upon with admiration and he will be remembered in particular for his successful efforts at bipartisan compromise. Reaching across the aisle numerous times, Sherry has delivered results which have benefited not only the people of his native New York but which have also enhanced the welfare of the entire nation. As long-time Chair of the House Science Committee, he has worked on a number of issues ranging from fuel efficiency and researching environmentally-friendly energies to improving the quality of math and science education programs for our nation's youth. Congressman Owens leaves behind a distinguished record as a legislator who has devoted special attention to labor and education. His commitment to social issues as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus has also led to a number of far-reaching improvements for the American people. Since his election in 1982, Major has fought for school modernization and, most recently, has been an advocate for increased No Child Left Behind funding. Additionally, he has promoted initiatives to increase the minimum wage and create a system of universal health care. Congressman Sweeney is someone whom I had the fortune to know in Albany and deserves recognition for his tireless service to the citizens of New York State. His accomplishments are felt from his northern upstate district down to the five boroughs of New York City. As Vice-Chairman of the Transportation, Treasury, and HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, John has always been a reliable source of support for the state's small business owners and has championed projects facilitating growth and job development. As a Member representing Queens and the Bronx, I am also personally indebted to John for his successful fight to secure over $21 billion in recovery aid for the people of New York City in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks on our city. I also wish to highlight the achievements of Representative Kelly, and in particular, her work as a colleague of mine on the House Financial Services Committee. She has made large contributions to significant pieces of legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley bill that ensures greater corporate accountability and has led the battle to enforce corporate diligence by heading initial hearings into fraud cases involving Enron and WorldCom. Mrs. Kelly also merits appreciation for her efforts to achieve justice for Holocaust survivors by leading hearings regarding WWII restitution. I wish Representative Kelly well in future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I thank these Members for their distinguished service to this Congress and I wish them the sincerest of luck on their upcoming projects. New York State and this Congress are richer as a result of their contributions.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. It is my hope that I can continue. I have laryngitis, and I want to thank her for yielding me the time. I thank the gentleman from New York for his words this evening as well on this legislation. I want to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member, soon to be chairman, Miller for moving this bill expeditiously to the floor. For 175 years, The New York Institute for Special Education has served the New York community as a private, nonprofit, educational facility which provides a quality education for children who are blind and visually disabled, emotionally and learning disabled and preschoolers who are developmentally delayed. Founded in 1831 as The New York Institution for the Blind, it was one of the first schools in the United States to provide an educational program for children who were blind or visually impaired. Early in the 20th century, the name was changed to The New York Institute for the Education of the Blind to emphasize the educational character of the school. In 1980s educators recognized the need to provide programs designed specifically for students with learning and emotional disabilities. In response to this need, the school established the Van Cleve program for those children who could not be served in a traditional school setting. In 1986, the school's name was changed to The New York Institute for Special Education, which it still holds today, to better reflect this expanded focus and commitment to children with a variety of disabilities. In 1987, a program for developmentally delayed preschoolers was established, the Readiness Program. This program serves an ever-growing population of children who exhibit delays in such areas as speech, motor senses, language acquisition, and auditory and visual discrimination. Today, The New York Institute for Special Education continues the tradition of excellence in education for children with disabilities. Nearly 300 students from ages 3 to 21 attend The New York Institute for Special Education, which is based in my congressional district on Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. It is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York on behalf of the State Education Department, and is accredited by the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services. Furthermore, I am proud to say that this school has one of the highest graduation rates in the country among schools for the blind and visually impaired. Between 2005 to 2006, 77.3 percent of the graduates from The New York Institute for Special Education received diplomas, and of the 22 graduates, 18 had been graduated in local public schools and were failing there before receiving an appropriate education at the institute. It is clear that this school makes a big impact in many lives. Besides providing a great education to the students who attend The New York Institute for Special Education, the school does community outreach as well. The institute is deeply involved in many areas on issues affecting children with disabilities and their families. Jointly with Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the institute hosts an early intervention training institute providing staff development for clinicians and teachers throughout the New York metropolitan area. Many of the students move on to very productive careers and lives using the skills the school has taught them, skills they may not have learned otherwise if they had not attended this institution. This school is an example of a good education coupled with community service. This school deserves its commemoration. It is an historic school, as was mentioned by Ms. Woolsey again, dating back over 175 years, and I urge my colleagues to recognize its achievements and support this legislation.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend Carolyn Maloney for yielding this time. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Ex-Im Bank reauthorization legislation before us. This bill will strengthen the Ex-Im Bank's ability to allow American companies to compete in the global market as we try to increase our exports and increase our global competitiveness and create more and better paying jobs right here in the United States. This is a bill about exporting products, not a bill about exporting jobs. Additionally, I am happy to say both the Senate and House versions of this bill include language that I coauthored pertaining to the nation of Armenia, a great ally of our country. My language, done with Congressman Ed Royce on the other side of the aisle and Congressman Brad Sherman, prohibits the Ex-Im Bank from funding any railway projects from Azerbaijan through Jordan and Turkey which specifically and intentionally bypasses Armenia. I am very pleased that this language was included in the final version of this legislation. This language will assist in promoting stability in the Caucasus region, help in ending longstanding conflicts and save U.S. taxpayers the responsibility of funding a project that goes against U.S. interests. For over 10 years, Armenia has fought a blockade imposed on them by the countries of Turkey and Azerbaijan. These two countries continually exclude Armenia from regional development. Exclusion of one country in regional projects only fosters instability in that region. Besides possibly creating a regional crisis, this project, if funded by the Ex-Im Bank, could cost U.S. taxpayers millions and millions of dollars. I do not believe that the U.S. taxpayers should be funding a project that goes against our United States interests. I am pleased this good language was added to an already good bill. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this Ex-Im reauthorization legislation before us.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 843, the Combating Autism Act, which would authorize nearly $1 billion over the next 5 years to combat autism. This is an important authorization bill, but one that we must back up with funding during the appropriations process. Autism is serious and Congress must get serious in addressing it. This bill is a first step on that path. According to the Department of Education this disease is growing at an alarming rate of 10-17 percent each year. Autism afflicts 1 out of every 166 births in the country, meaning today, 1.5 million Americans are living with this disease, and these numbers are growing particularly in places like New York City. Autism has been personalized for me through a number of my constituents, including one father and his little boy who I have had the opportunity to meet with and discuss this illness. The boy's father, who I have gotten to know, has helped educate me on this issue. It was his discussions with me that helped me become more involved in the issue of autism, spurred me to join the Autism Caucus here in the House and fight for increased funds both at the Defense Department and CDC for more funds for research and care. Additionally, the Quality Services for the Autism Community, or QSAC, has also continually done outreach and education throughout Queens and all of New York City, including hosting an annual Autism Awareness Day. This year's event was held on April 9 at Shea Stadium, home of the Mets, in my district, and was their fourth consecutive annual event. These events and their members bring more attention to a disease that affects so many individuals and families and today has helped us craft a good bill from their words and experiences. This legislation will authorize nearly $1 billion over the next 5 years to combat autism through research, early intervention, and screening, and will translate into a 50 percent increase in funding to help eliminate this disease. With this bill many families in my own district, Bronx and Queens, will be able to rest assured that the U.S. Government has not forgotten them and is willing to work to eradicate this problem. Scientists are finding preventative measures, and cures for many diseases such as cervical cancer. This would not have been possible without the funding giving to researchers to find a cure. That is why I stand with the autism community not only in my district, Bronx and Queens, but all across the Nation in supporting this legislation. It is non-controversial, and it makes perfect sense to find a cure. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill today so families in the future won't have to suffer with autism.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Stephen Piccarella of Jackson Heights, New York. I wish to recognize Stephen for his Short Story, Silver Award win in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2006 contest, sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance was established to promote artistic development and expression in middle and high school students throughout the Nation in cooperation with schools. This year's competition recognized the work of over 1,400 students and invited award recipients to a workshop hosted in New York designed to introduce students to the professional world of art. Mr. Speaker, I join to wish Stephen best wishes and good fortune in his future projects.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Han Beol Jang of Woodside, New York. I wish to recognize Han Beol for his Poetry, Gold Award win in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2006 contest, sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. The Alliance was established to promote artistic development and expression in middle and high school students throughout the nation in cooperation with schools. This year's competition recognized the work of over 1,400 students and invited award recipients to a workshop hosted in New York designed to introduce students to the professional world of art. Mr. Speaker, I join to wish Han Beol best wishes and good fortune in his future projects.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Kimberly Leich of the Bronx, New York. I wish to recognize Kimberly for her Science Fiction/Fantasy, Gold Award win in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2006 contest, sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance was established to promote artistic development and expression in middle and high school students throughout the Nation in cooperation with schools. This year's competition recognized the work of over 1,400 students and invited award recipients to a workshop hosted in New York designed to introduce students to the professional world of art. Mr. Speaker, I join to wish Kimberly best wishes and good fortune in her future projects.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor one of my constituents, Ms. Awilda Cordero of Bronx, NY, for her goodwill and assistance to the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts. Ms. Cordero is president of the Bronx-based community service organization Emergency Rights, Inc. She took it upon herself to organize a group of eight volunteers amidst the dangerous and tragic conditions created by Katrina and inspired her urban Bronx neighborhood to open its heart and give to those more needy. Leaving for Louisiana in a tractor-trailer stocked with donations, Ms. Cordero and her fellow heroes were left to secure their own room and board upon arrival and protect themselves against the impending disaster. They hosted a distribution of all essential goods from a small church with the help of locally enlisted prison inmates prior to their hurried and final evacuation. Ms. Cordero is an exemplary spirit whose story touches those far outside her native New York City. She merits our acknowledgment and gratitude and inspires faith that all of our citizens will one day be able to lend help and hope to each other in their most dire times of need. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I join to praise and thank Ms. Cordero for her benevolent efforts.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Taina Vasquez of the Bronx, New York. I wish to recognize Taina for her Personal Essay Memoir, Silver Award win in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2006 contest, sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance was established to promote artistic development and expression in middle and high school students throughout the Nation in cooperation with schools. This year's competition recognized the work of over 1,400 students and invited award recipients to a workshop hosted in New York designed to introduce students to the professional world of art. Mr. Speaker, I join to wish Taina best wishes and good fortune in her future projects.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6198, introduced by my colleagues on the House International Relations Committee. The international community continues to look the other way as Iran claims they will move forward in the process of enriching uranium. The leaders of Iran decided the IAEA deadline did not apply to them and I strongly believe have no interest in negotiating with the West. The President of Iran was clear about his intentions to enrich uranium at the United Nations General Assembly a few weeks ago. His performance in New York and at the Council of Foreign Relations was a display of insanity. He continues to proudly defend his comments about the Holocaust being a myth and how Iran is not trying to acquire nuclear weapons even as more and more information comes out about their covert nuclear program that was helped along by AQ Khan's black market nuclear network This is a man who was basically appointed by the Mullahs in Tehran. I say this because any reform minded candidate was removed from the ballots. Iran is not a democracy; the government of Iran is run by zealots using terrorism to meet their goals. We need to support the people of Iran as they continue to be repressed by the Mullahs. The people of Iran deserve freedom and democracy. I strongly support this bill and I urge all of my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Ryan White HIV/ AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006. Today as we debate the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 we must take into account one fact. The fact is that New York is the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and while New York has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country, they have made the most progress in battling this disease. Now, in a normal situation, New York would be rewarded with more funds to battle this epidemic, and be set as an example for the rest of the country, however under this bill they would not be. In fact, the opposite would occur. Under the current proposal, New York City would lose a whopping $17 million the first year, and New York State would lose an estimated total of $78 million over the course of the 4 years of the reauthorization. My district, in New York has one of the highest prevalence of HIV/ AIDS in all of New York City. This bill would take precious funds away from individuals in my districts, as well as New York State, California, New Jersey, and Florida and other states that are on the front line of this fight. To add insult to injury, the Republican Congress refuses to give this bill the due diligence it deserves. Instead they are debating this bill under Suspension of the rules, with no opportunity for Members to offer amendments and a short debate schedule. This is unacceptable for New York, this is unacceptable for New Jersey, this is unacceptable for Florida, and most importantly this is unacceptable for the millions of people who will have to suffer as a result. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this legislation. Instead let's continue to negotiate so New York, New Jersey, Florida and other states that stand to lose millions can be spared.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is my belief my colleagues on the other side of the aisle care more about giving the President what he wants rather than what is in the best interests of the American people, the people that we are sent here to represent. I know that these terrorists are vicious murderers. I have experienced it firsthand. I always thought I was safe in my warm, little comfortable bed in Woodside, Queens, New York. I know it is no longer the case, but it is my values as an American and those values that I hold dear that keeps that hatred in check. We must lead by example on these issues, not be evasive quasi- participant in the rule of law. Our soldiers are abroad fighting a battle that I believe our President has not allowed them to win because of his continued mismanagement. The National Intelligence Estimate says that the war in Iraq has actually invigorated the growth of terrorism and worsened its threat around the globe. Today, we could have had an opportunity to fix one of those mistakes, but we are ignoring that opportunity and ignoring the respect for due process and denying habeas corpus to detainees. I cannot and will not support this legislation.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I have lost faith in this Republican controlled Congress. The Congress is no longer about doing what is right for out country. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle care more about giving the President what he wants then what is in the best interests of the people we are here to represent. And in case my friends don't read, the country does not have a very high opinion of this Congress and the rest of our government. This Congress granted an excessive amount of executive power to the President to wage his war on terror with no oversight. That excessive power brought us to our present day problems and this President is unwilling to fix these problems or even admit they exist. We must reclaim our Constitutional authority and bring America back to the moral high ground. Regardless of how we feel about detainees, we must treat them humanely and in accordance with our rule of law and the Geneva Conventions. The example set by the United States is the example given to our own soldiers in the field. These terrorists are vicious murderers, I know firsthand because they killed my cousin on 9/11, but my values as an American are what keeps those hatreds in check. I find it amazing that the man who campaigned on bringing values back to the Oval office has lead the perception of our nation to an all time low. Torture and harsh interrogation techniques are not my values and are not those of the American people. We must lead by example on these issues, not be an evasive quasi participant. Our soldiers are abroad fighting a battle our President has not allowed them to win because of his continued mismanagement of all aspects of the war. The National Intelligence Estimate done by our 16 intelligence agencies flat out says that the war in Iraq has actually invigorated the growth of terrorism and worsened the threat around the globe. We diverted all our attention from Afghanistan where the terrorists actually are and invaded Iraq on false statements and scare tactics. This Administration with the help of the Republican controlled Congress has continued to stay on the wrong course. Today, we could have had an opportunity to fix ones of those mistakes, but we are ignoring the respect for due process and denying Habeas Corpus to detainees. This bill disregards the Hamdan decision, which stated that it should be a requirement of a ``regularly recognized constituted court affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized people.'' As civilized people we must respect our laws, without the rule of law we would have chaos. The Bush Administration still refuses to explain why we even need a different judicial system for accused terrorists. We must take the back the moral high ground in Congress just like many of our military leaders on the ground threw out the Department of Defenses recommendations on interrogation and instead decided to strictly follow the Geneva Conventions. We should be following the advice of our military who truly understand what the Geneva Conventions mean, not the civilian leadership who stay out of harms way. The President wants this Congress to bend the rules of our laws and the Geneva Conventions, a document that has protected our soldiers abroad since its inception. I ask my colleagues, are you prepared to bend those laws that have governed us so successfully so the President can have the power to allow the harsh interrogations tactics and detention of detainees who mayor may not be terrorists. We need to regain our stature as a world leader. I hate these terrorists and I believe they should be punished, punished for the murder of my cousin on 9/11. But they should be punished under the rule of law. I pray this Congress will lead by example and not follow the example of the terrorists.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I feel like I am in a time wrap today. We already voted on and debated basically the same bill last year. We must be close to an election if this Republican Congress is bringing up an anti-choice piece of legislation that they have already passed. While these types of bills may make good politics for some, they make bad policy for all. We should all be in agreement on the need to lower the numbers of unintended pregnancies and abortions in the U.S. While this bill purports to put the interests of minors and their parents first, as well as reduce the number of abortions--the facts over the last few years of the Bush Administration have demonstrated that the numbers of abortions increased from the numbers during the previous 8 years of policymaking under President Bill Clinton. In fact, studies show the abortion rate, which hit a 24-year low when President Bush took office, and has risen throughout President Bush's first term of so-called anti-abortion policymaking. Instead of focusing on this fact, addressing why hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on abstinence only programs with little result, and pushing programs to expand contraception, this majority wants to criminalize aunts and cousins. It just doesn't make any sense. Fortunately, there are laudable programs that work with young people to help ensure that they get accurate and relevant information on how to protect themselves from pregnancy. We should work to find common ground on real solutions to the problems of unintended pregnancies and abortions. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against this mean-spirited legislation.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and respect that I rise today to pay tribute to my late colleague and dear friend, Leonard Stavisky, and to pledge my support for the renaming of a post office in Queens on his behalf. I wish to thank the dean of the Queens County Delegation and Senator Leonard Stavisky's predecessor in Albany, Congressman Gary L. Ackerman for bringing this fitting tribute to our attention today. Leonard Stavisky was a giant in Queens County politics. I had the pleasure of getting to know Leonard during our time shared in Albany. I served in the State Assembly and Leonard was a senior Member of the State Senate. Leonard was a lifelong New Yorker who was deeply committed to leaving his community better than he had found it. Passionately devoted to all issues impacting his native Queens, Leonard worked particularly hard to ensure that all individuals had access to a quality education. He served admirably as Chairman of the State Assembly Education Committee and as Ranking Member of the Senate Higher Education Committee. Leonard also strived to personally reach the lives of New York City students in his role as administrator at Queensborough Community College and at his alma mater, City College. It is perhaps this quality, his deep and honest care for the welfare of all individuals, which we will remember most about Leonard and mourn deepest. After Leonard's passing, his widow, Toby Ann Stavisky, was elected to the State Senate to replace him. Senator Toby Stavisky was the first woman elected to the State Senate from Queens County and continues to serve as a strong advocate for working families in the footsteps of her late husband. I am proud that she continues his fight in Albany. I also wish to recognize Leonard and Toby's son, Evan, who worked on his father's campaign and helped elect his mother to the State Senate. He is a successful communications consultant today. I wholeheartedly support the renaming of the post office in Flushing as the Dr. Leonard Price Stavisky Post Office not only as a tribute to Leonard's career but as a memory of our friendship and his lasting impact on Queens. I congratulate his family on this memorial.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this so- called Voter ID Act. Sensing electoral defeat in the fall, the Republicans have done what they always do--act desperate and deflect attention. Mandating voter IDs to prove citizenship will do nothing to protect our homeland security, make the voting process more secure, insure every vote is counted or keep non-citizens from voting. News flash to my colleagues, the fear that non-citizens may vote is not what is keeping my constituents up at night. Completing the war on terror, finding Osama bin Laden, bringing our troops home, and figuring out how to pay for their kids college education are the issues my constituents care about. Not passing a not-needed bill for a total non issue. Today, we are mandating citizenship IDs at the polling places, in a voter disenfranchisement act that would make Bull Connor smile from below. The Republicans continue to place all the blame on immigrants instead of accepting the blame themselves that they dropped the ball on comprehensive immigration reform, they dropped the ball on homeland security by underfunding our ports and border security and they dropped the ball on the war on terror. There is a problem at the ballot box, but it isn't illegal immigrants voting, The problem is that American citizens aren't voting. Instead of promoting voter participation, this bill creates disincentives. Instead of encouraging voter participation by all Americans, we are adding roadblocks. Instead of building one America, we are creating a divisive America. This is a solution in search of a problem. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.