Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Massachusetts for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out for my friends on the other side of the aisle that I was prepared, as were my colleagues earlier this week, to vote in favor of this bill and suspension that would protect lands around the Grand Tetons, Wyoming. In fact, my in-laws are homesteaded around the Grand Tetons in Wyoming and I know they were very much in favor of seeing this land preserved for ages to come, including my children and their grandchildren. We voted to strike it down to make a point, that there are 12 million children who would not be served by the recent tax cut that you imposed upon this country. In fact, in USA Today today, there is an article that says one out of five of those 12 million children who will not be getting a benefit, the families that will get a benefit of the child tax credit, are serving in our military today. Their parents are serving in the military, the same military that brought us the victory and did so much to preserve what this country stands for in the conflict in Iraq. I have news for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Working people, believe it or not, working people have children. Working people have children. Working people make and made this country what it is today. Do not forget the working people of this country. Do not forget the working people of this country. They deserve and need a child tax credit just as much as the wealthiest people in this country. They are the men and women who, day in and day out, provide for this country, for the backbone of this country. It is interesting that there was a move on earlier this week as well and a bill that was supposed to come before us today that would have eliminated comp time as well. This week has been an attack upon the working families of our Nation, and the Republican party should be ashamed of themselves.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, during the debate on the tax bill, the Republicans continually stated how the Nation's economic policy should alleviate taxes on the rich as they are the ones doing the so-called creating of wealth, as opposed to the middle-class people actually doing the labor in our Nation's plants, ports, factories, warehouses, and offices. When Democrats pointed out that they were, in fact, providing a tax cut to the richest and wealthiest 1 percent of Americans, something that my Republican colleagues never denied, the Republicans accused Democrats of playing class warfare. But class warfare is pitting people against each other, and that is what the Republican tax bill has done. Nothing highlights class warfare of the Republicans against middle- class people more than the midnight actions of the Republicans and President Bush when they stripped out many of the child care tax credit provisions for hard-working poor families. Numbers crunching is, I think, what they call it. I believe the cutting of the child tax credit for the poorest in this country is unconscionable. Now, I understand that after leaving the economic policies of the past 3 years, which have led to the loss of over 2.7 million private sector jobs, that the Republicans would be unfamiliar with the term ``working people'' as they have eliminated so many of them to date; but they do, in fact, exist. In fact, in addition to the 2.7 million jobs that have disappeared under the Bush economic plan, millions more Americans have slipped out of the middle class and into the category of working poor. They include the over 3 million new Americans without any health insurance. They are the families who work two jobs to pay the rent and put food on the table, the same people who actually are seeing their taxes rise under the Bush plan, the ones who are losing education and health benefits under the Bush plan. They are the 8 million children stripped of benefits by the Republicans in this House. All the while the Republican bill will ensure millions of new rich Americans will pay no taxes. They are the people referred to by the conservative Wall Street Journal as the ``lucky duckies.'' Class warfare is putting interests of the richest 1 percent of the people, including those millionaires who shelter their income in overseas accounts and pay no taxes, over those of hard-working poor people in this country. I had always been taught that it was women and children first. But in this sinking ship of the U.S. economy, the Republican ship captains are letting women and children go down with the ship while saving the strongest first. In fact, Republicans refuse to eliminate a corporate tax loophole that allows corporations to escape U.S. taxes by filing shell corporations overseas. Democrats wanted to change this by ensuring that 8 million children receive fair benefits while eliminating tax loopholes that hurt the U.S. While these children will not get the average $93,000-plus tax exemptions that millionaires will get, they do deserve some help. Democrats have a plan while Republicans have a scapegoat. But let me hand it to the Republicans and President Bush. They have been adept at telling working men and women that their economic ideas will elevate them, when in reality it will give them the shaft. Not only are we literally taking money out of the hands of poor children; we are doing it to provide a tax credit to the richest 1 percent of Americans while blowing a hole in a deficit and not creating jobs. In fact, even the conservative Wall Street Journal again states the Republican tax package will not create jobs. They argue that the President's plan is a ``no go on job creation'' and that the elimination on taxes on dividends will diminish the abilities of businesses to take tax incentives on capital investments and R&D, things that actually create jobs. Even the President's own outside team of economic consultants stated that the surging deficits caused by his bill will actually ``do more harm than good'' as ``surging budget deficits would raise interest rates and lower savings rates and actually discourage job creation.'' So while Republicans like to keep stressing this is another $350 billion windfall, they ignore other important numbers such as $450 billion and rising, our annual budget deficit; $1 trillion, what this will add to our national debt because of the high interest payments we will pay on borrowing this money for a tax cut for the rich; 563, the number of jobs lost every working hour of every working day since President Bush has become President. This tax bill was bad for the American people when we passed it, when it was signed into law, and it will be bad for the history of the United States. 2.7 million--the number of private sector jobs that have been lost since Bush took over 8 million--the number of children who will lose benefits from the tax bill because of Republican chicanery 150,000--the newly unemployed in NYS since Mr. Bush assumed the presidency 120,000--the newly unemployed in NYC since Mr. Bush assumed the presidency 30,000--the newly unemployed in Queens, NY since Mr. Bush assumed the presidency 16,000--the newly unemployed in the Bronx since Mr. Bush assumed the presidency Democrats opposed the first Bush tax cut claiming it would do nothing for job creation and blow a hole in our national budget, we were right then, and unfortunately, we will be right again It gives Democrats no joy to watch as the Republicans squander our nation's resources, bankrupt our nation and overtax the middle class, but it is what Republicans from President Bush on down are doing. The American public must demand a more accountable government, one that puts the interest of workers over millionaires. Republicans refuse to listen. So if America wants a real economic recovery with real job and wage growth, then we must add President Bush and the Republican Congress to the growing list of the 2.7 million people who have lost their jobs because of the misguided policies of the Republican party. Fairness is not stealing from poor children. Fairness is not overtaxing the middle and working classes. Fairness is not encouraging millionaires to pay no taxes while we lose 563 American jobs an hour. Fairness is not what the Republican economic package is about. It is a shame and Congress, if it had any honor, would work to resolve the stolen benefits of those 8 million children as well as create jobs for those 2.7 million American unemployed adults.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, this debate is all about jobs and job creation. One side has a plan, and the other side has failed ideas that have yet to help America or create one new job. Since George Bush assumed the Presidency, America has seen 2.7 million American jobs disappear. But what does the President and the Republicans think we should do--give millionaires a tax break on their stock dividends. This will not create one new job. Even the conservative Wall Street Journal has stated that this Republican tax give-away will actually destroy job creation in America, something the Republicans have become very good at in 3 short years. The Wall Street Journal states, ``The elimination of taxes on dividends will diminish the abilities of businesses to take tax incentives on capital investment and R&D--things that actually create jobs''. All the while, Democrats support a plan that will actually create one million new jobs here in America, while extending unemployment benefits for the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs due to the failed economic policies of George Bush and the Republican Party. Oppose Bush-onomics, which has seen the disappearance of over 3,100 jobs a day since January 2001 and start to fight for Americans and American jobs.

Mr. CROWLEY

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

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey).

Mr. CROWLEY. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment on preventing women's vulnerability. The social empowerment of women and girls is critical to reducing the spread of HIV worldwide. Today, heterosexual sex is the primary factor in HIV transmission worldwide. Women and girls now make up more than 50 percent of those infected with HIV worldwide and more than 58 percent of those in sub-Saharan Africa. Women and girls often are not able to control when and with whom they have sex, or to influence the behavior of their partners. In fact, each year millions of monogamous married women are infected by their husbands or their partners. Irrefutable evidence now links a range of discriminatory practices that violate the fundamental human rights of women and girls and lead to high rates of HIV infection. These include, but are not limited to, sexual violence and coercion, child marriage, widow inheritance in which male relatives of the deceased gain sexual access to the widow, polygamy, and the practice in which men engage in sex with virgins as a ``cure'' for HIV-AIDS. During a visit to Malawi, I personally saw some of the horrific realities confronting women and girls today. I know many of us have heard the awful stories of babies raped in South Africa to cure themselves of AIDS. U.S. programs must work at every level to change the beliefs that support these life-threatening traditions and behaviors. My amendment would begin to address this appalling problem and require a curriculum of gender equity in HIV/AIDS training, so that adolescent boys and men learn to respect women and not just view them as sex partners. While men and boys learn about HIV/AIDS prevention, including abstinence, being faithful and using condoms, ABC as it is called, they also learn what we call the big R, respect, respect for girls and women as their co-equals. This is a great bill. My amendment can make it better by adding this curriculum to HIV/AIDS prevention education programs under the Global Fund. I urge passage of the Crowley amendment.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me this time. I want to applaud the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) for his work on this bill. I want to voice my strong support for the United States Leadership Against the HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis Act of 2003. Make no mistake, this bill is a big step in the right direction. This bill means more help for those infected with HIV/AIDS. It means more hope and help for children who are dying from malaria. It means that fewer families will live in fear of tuberculosis. This bill is a true victory. But we must take the steps to ensure that what this bill stands for, protecting the health of individuals around the world, is also protected. And that is why we must see that this bill is not the end of the debate, but rather a step in the right direction. The prevention and treatment of these diseases requires funding; but, of course, it requires even more. It requires accurate information, cultural sensitivity, rapid response. It requires real dedication. Mr. Chairman, $15 billion over 5 years is real assistance for some of the world's most vulnerable, but only if it is allowed to be spent as those on the ground see fit. This bill can mean real hope for countless people around the world. I only hope that what this bill stands for survives as well.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute and congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Ann S. Freed, 77th Regional Support Command, Chief of Public Affairs, on her retirement this week after 28 years of active duty service. Lieutenant Colonel Freed has been exemplary in her field. She is an award-winning public relations professional with 28 years of experience in public and internal communications including public affairs support for military exercises, operations, and events. She has run media relations campaigns at home and overseas; directed the Combined and Joint Information Bureau in the Philippines in 2000 and 2001 during the overthrow of President Estrada and the return of the U.S. military to the Philippines, handled media relations for the 77th Regional Support Command during Desert Shield/Desert Storm to include planning and execution of the reserve participation in the NYC ``Welcome Home'' parade down the canyon of heroes. During the post-9/11 era, Lieutenant Colonel Freed published the award winning 77th RSC Liberty Torch magazine for the soldiers of the 77th, handled media relations for New York and New Jersey Army Reservists during their mobilization and deployment in support of the Global War on Terror (GWT) and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most recently, Lieutenant Colonel Freed has run public affairs operations for the 12,000 soldier 77th Regional Support Command. She has conducted media relations, produced the command magazine, and developed community relations projects. Lieutenant Colonel Freed has worked hard to ensure that the New York and New Jersey publics are aware of the legacy, and continuing contribution of the 77th to America's Army. Lieutenant Colonel Freed has received numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal with third Oak Leaf Cluster for outstanding achievement in Public Affairs, the Department of the Army Keith L. Ware journalism award for the World Trade Center Memorial Issue of the Liberty Torch. She has also received six awards for excellence in broadcast or print journalism from First U.S. Army, Second U.S. Army, Forces Command, and Department of the Army. I wish Lieutenant Colonel Freed all the best in this new stage of life, and continued health and success for many years to come.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, is anybody watching this evening? Is anyone watching? Talk about pulling a fast one on the American people in the dead of night. The Republicans are railroading their budget through the House late in the evening after denying Members a chance to closely review this budget. What we know is that they lied to our veterans; they are cutting their health care and benefits. They lied to our constituents who are out of work due to no fault of their own. They will not be getting any additional assistance in this budget. They have lied to our children. This budget will saddle them with trillions of dollars in new debt for their future. And they do this in the dark of night, hoping that no one is watching. They forget that 2.6 million new unemployed Americans know the true effects of this Republican economic plan, because they are watching this evening. They forget the 2 million Americans who are added to the rank of the newly poor were amongst the middle class just 2\1/2\ years ago. They know the true effects of this Republican economic plan because they are watching. They forget the 800,000 veterans who were told that we could not afford their health care costs anymore and, all the while, this Congress can provide a massive dividend tax cut to the wealthiest and the richest in this country. They know the true effects of the Republican economic plan, because they are watching. They think the American people do not see this. But do not be fooled, they do, because they are watching. And they know the economic ruin the Republicans have caused this country in just 2\1/2\ short years. Vote for our veterans, vote for our future, vote to keep our promises and be fiscally responsible. Vote against this Republican sham of a budget; and remember, the American people are watching.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Markey-Johnson amendment to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from being sacrificed to the harmful and reckless impact of drilling, logging, and development. The Arctic Refuge provides a home to millions of animals and migratory birds; it provides subsistence to Native American people in Northeast Alaska; and it provides pristine wilderness for the generations of Americans after us. Opening up the Arctic Refuge to oil drilling will not significantly reduce our oil imports--in fact, according to the Bush Department of Energy's on data, even when oil production hits its peak the Refuge oil would only reduce American oil imports by 2 percent. Furthermore, even the oil industry acknowledges that it will take 10 years to develop and delivery oil from the Arctic Refuge. The bottom line is that more oil production is not the answer to our energy needs--if we are going to address this issue honestly, then we must focus on developing renewable energy resources and energy efficient policies.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, April 24--two weeks from today--will mark the 88th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, when the government of Turkey systematically massacred 1.5 million Armenians and exile over one million more. This unanswered event set a historical precedent that has allowed governments to continue to commit crimes against humanity without remorse or punishment. While we are fighting a war in Iraq, I believe that now is the time for our government to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide and to send a strong message to the world that crimes against humanity will not be tolerated. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Congressional Genocide Resolution, which is scheduled to be introduced tomorrow morning. This resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the U.S. implementation of the Genocide Convention and includes the events of the Armenian Genocide, Cambodia, Rwanda, and the Jewish Holocaust as examples of crimes against humanity that should never be forgotten. Additionally, I have also joined over 150 other members of Congress in signing a letter to President Bush urging him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. As a member of the International Relations Committee, and representing a district with a large Armenian-American community, I believe that the United States must continue to help the government in Yerevan to guarantee its security, develop its economy and infrastructure, strengthen its parliamentary process and advance democratic elections. My district includes a large Armenian-American community, especially in Sunnyside, Woodside and Jackson Heights, Queens and I have listened to their needs and concerns many times. I have worked tirelessly to promote the interests of Armenia and the Armenian-American community. I have worked closely with Aram Sarafian of the Armenian National Committee of New York. Aram is an officer in the US Army, who has served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and is now serving in Iraq--a mission to both liberate the people of that nation as well as stop the government massacres against its own people. Conversations with him on the situation in Armenia, their recent past and the current situation in Iraq have many parallels. That is why I have urged the Congress to reject proposed cuts in Armenia's bilateral foreign assistance aid, which totaled $90 million last year. By maintaining previous foreign assistance levels, Armenia can offset the devastating effects of the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades and help to continue its political and economic transition. The costs of these blockades are estimated by the World Bank at up to $700 million a year, essentially a third of Armenia's entire economy. I believe that, by maintaining assistance levels, an economically viable Armenia will be a catalyst for stability and development in a strategically important region of the world. I am also a cosponsor of extending Permanent Trade Relations to Armenia, now that it has joined the World Trade Organization. This measure permanently waives the Jackson-Vanik provision of requiring the President to deny normal trade relations to those countries that restricted free emigration. Armenia has had free emigration for over a decade and successive Presidents have waived the Jackson-Vanik restrictions. It is time to make this waiver permanent. As a close ally and reliable friend, the United States has an obligation to the Armenian people to help them address the challenges of the future--from nation-building, and enhancing regional security to reconstructing critical economic infrastructure. I will continue to work tirelessly to promote the interests of the Armenian-American community, from recognizing the past to building a strong and stable future.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 165. This resolution is directed at renewed endeavors to find a peaceful, just, and durable solution to the Cyprus conflict. With the failure of the recent UN-brokered peace negotiations and with Cyprus going to join the EU, a solution to the problem is more needed than ever. The Eastern Mediterranean is a region of vital U.S. interests. Endeavors to promote greater stability in the area by bringing the two conflicting parties together, must thus remain high on our agenda. In fact, stability in this region serves to advance many key policy objectives. I thus wish to applaud the tireless efforts of the Secretary General of the United Nations to have prudently worked out an acceptable peace plan for both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. Kofi Annan crafted a compromise plan that sought to reunite Cyprus as a single bicommunal federation. The plan would have satisfied both communities. The plan also enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the U.S. and was strongly supported by the wider international community. I therefore commend the Cypriot President Tapas Papadopolous who was eager to finally solve this long-lasting dispute. He accepted the UN proposal and was willing to submit the plan to a separate referendum last month. Immediately after the failure of the negotiations, Papadopolous further stated that the Greek Cypriot side will continue its endeavors for reaching a solution to the Cypriot issue within the UN framework. Parallel, I voice my disappointment at the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's decision not to accept the UN proposal and his ultimate rejection of the peace deal. This is an unacceptable situation and hurts everyone involved: the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities, the United Nations, the U.S., the EU and Turkey's own desire to become a EU member, now is the time to act. Indeed, the Turkish intransigence hurts first and foremost Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots themselves. The failure of the unification endeavors complicates Ankara's own efforts to join the EU. The European Commission warned Turkey after the breakdown of the talks that the Greek Cypriot part of the island is going to join the EU in May 2004 with or without the Turkish Cypriots. But without an agreement on the Cyprus issue, Turkey will be in a position of not recognizing a member of the European Union. Public demonstrations by the Turkish-Cypriot opposition in favor of the peace plan further explicitly show who will be the major losers of the failed negotiations: the Turkish Cypriots who will not enjoy the benefits of EU membership. The United States will remain committed to finding a just and permanent solution to the Cyprus issue. This solution must be achieved within the UN framework. The Turkish Cypriot leader must thus clearly show his willingness to constructively work with the United Nations and to settle for a compromise, a fair compromise like the one that was just presented to him. Yet, a permanent solution that involves compromise, tolerance, and understanding is not merely achieved via multilateral institutions or intergovernmental interactions, however crucial they are. More than ever, confidence-building measures to re-integrate the two communities on the island are crucial, and the U.S. must continue to support these biocommunal initiatives. A constructive dialogue between the Greek and the Cypriot leader under the UN auspices as well as reintegration efforts between the two communities represent the best and the only way to settle the Cyprus conflict.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I want to say I appreciate the discussion. At this time I am prepared to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of the amendment at the desk put forth by myself and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone). India has been a strong ally in the war on terrorism, and has also felt the pain of terrorist attacks, as we have felt those same pains here in the United States. The most recent attack on India was last weekend, resulting in the brutal murder of 24 Hindus known as Pandits. The 24 murdered included women and children. This act of terrorism occurred in the Indian state of Jammu-Kashmir. As we all know, last year Pakistani Islamic militants entered the Indian Parliament and opened fire, killing some of our colleagues in the Indian Parliament. I happened to be in India only 2 weeks after this horrific attack, and I can tell Members that I saw the bullets holes and blood-stained ground where militants killed our colleagues. Even in the face of these facts, within the supplemental, Pakistan will receive $175 million for border security for their support on the international war against terrorism. They support the United States in our war against terrorism in Afghanistan and central Asia, but they are supporting the militias and terrorists who are crossing into India territory in Jammu-Kashmir every day and carrying out attacks on Indian civilians. One hundred seventy-five million dollars for Pakistan is an award of support, when the true record shows that in spite of our substantial assistance to Pakistan, if President Bush and Prime Minister Blair pushed for a vote at the U.N. Security Council for the war on Iraq, the best we could have hoped for from Pakistan is they would have abstained. While Pakistan has worked with the United States of late, they have continually also served as a destabilizing force in central Asia, including testing nuclear weaponry, threatening her neighbors, and funding and supporting terrorists who have crossed the border from Pakistan into India to perpetrate terrorist acts against Indian citizens. Pakistan has made efforts to combat al Qaeda, and some members of that organization have been apprehended with their assistance. But other terrorist organizations allowed to operate within Pakistan's borders continue to spread extremist ideology and a visceral hatred of the United States. Today I am asking that we limit foreign military financing aid to Pakistan to $100 million, in large part due to the failure of Pakistan to meet its commitments to combat terrorism. Last June General Musharraf pledged that he would halt all movement of Islamic militant infiltration into Kashmir and crack down on Pakistani supporters of militant organizations in the Kashmir region. While the general appeared to keep his word initially, last week's brutal attack on women and children demonstrates that his pledge has been forgotten. Leaders of Pakistani terrorist organizations, organizations which have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by our State Department, and who were previously arrested because of their terrorist activities, have since been released. The United States should not have two definitions of terrorism. Terrorist organizations operating freely inside Pakistan, often with the tacit support of elements of the Pakistani Government, are focused on harming the United States and represent a grave threat to our national security interests. I ask Members, is this the type of partner we want fighting with us in the war on terrorism, a country that is ruled by someone who came to power not by being elected but by seizing it, someone who has not clamped down on radical Islamic terrorism on his own soil, someone who has greatly contributed to the destabilization of that area of our globe through his testing of weapons of mass destruction and his refusal to rule out a first strike? It seems we are putting our immediate interests in front of our values. India is the largest democracy in the world, and as the oldest democracy, we need to assist them so they can be free of terrorism, just as all nations want to be free of terrorism. This is a broad goal, but by not providing India with any funding or support in this bill, when they are affected by terrorism every day through cross-border incursions, I fear we are sending the message to other countries it is okay to support terrorists as long as they are not attacking the United States yet. Is this the message that we want to send to the world? Today we have the opportunity to show the world that we will not look the other way while one nation allows terrorist acts to be committed on another sovereign nation. Congress has a crucial responsibility to play in ensuring that U.S. funding is provided to countries fully committed to the war on terror. If we provide Pakistan with hundreds of millions of dollars, we must demand accountability and concrete actions that that country is doing all it can to eradicate terrorist organizations within its borders. We are providing $175 million for a partner that has been at best less than helpful and a destabilizing force in south Asia. I urge Members to limit Pakistan's foreign military assistance aid to $100 million from this account until we see real reforms in Pakistan, and pass these savings on to the homeland security account. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) for sponsoring this. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I rise in opposition to this rule. While the Republicans will claim that this war supplemental is being offered on an open rule, meaning anyone may amend or improve the bill, parliamentary trickery proves this not to be the case at all. That is why I recommend a ``no'' vote on the rule so Democrats have an opportunity to offer an amendment to increase the homeland security portion of this war budget by $2.5 billion. What are the Republicans afraid of? Voting against our domestic protection forces, our police and firefighters? Or maybe they stand quietly supportive of remarks of a prominent Republican Member of Congress, an appropriator, who said that the FDNY and the NYPD should work overtime for free. The rules of the House do not allow me to name the individual. Obviously he believes the loss of 23 police officers in New York City and 343 members of the FDNY was not sacrifice enough. Congress needs to support our first line of defense abroad, our military; and we cannot forget our first line of defense at home, our police and firefighters. Vote down this rule and allow for a vote on a real aid package to defend Americans right here in America.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to address my colleagues on the immediate needs of protecting America, and especially protecting those who protect us. This week, Congress will vote on an almost $78 billion war supplemental budget, of which most of this funding will be delivered to ensure America's Armed Forces, those protecting our liberties abroad, to make sure that they have the tools that they need to end this conflict successfully and return home as soon as possible. I, like most of my colleagues, will support this legislation. While I am pleased that Congress is addressing those Americans who are protecting us from attack abroad, I am concerned about the lack of funding for those brave Americans who are protecting us right here at home; namely, our first responders. The term ``first responder'' is thrown around a lot here. But it does mean something. They are our local police, firefighters, and emergency medical workers. They are the ones who run towards crime scenes, not away. They are the ones who run into burning buildings and not away. And they run towards the injured and dying, remaining calm and administering treatment and care. Since the devastating day of September 11, these people have been hailed in every corner of our great country. But oftentimes, a lot of the rhetoric we hear is simply just that. It is rhetoric. We heard some absurd rhetoric today from a very prominent Republican Member of Congress, but the Rules of the House do not allow me to distinguish which body he serves in, who said that the New York City police and firefighters should work overtime without pay as a sacrifice to the war effort. I guess he does not think the loss of 414 first responders in our fair city have sacrificed enough. Of course, this same gentleman has continually supported the Bush administration in opposing additional funding for our first responders, like so many Republicans have, while supporting a tax cut for the wealthiest in this country. What about calling upon them to sacrifice? The call to ask our first responders to make a sacrifice while not simultaneously calling about the wealthiest 5 percent in this country to make a sacrifice is ludicrous. My district is home to many of these first responders. I am the son of a New York City police officer and a cousin to several police officers and New York City firefighters. My family knows and understands sacrifice. We also know lunacy when we hear it, and the comments made today are simply lunacy. On 9/11, of the 414 of these first responders who were killed, the number includes 23 New York City police officers, and 343 members of the New York City Fire Department, of whom I knew more than just a few. I remember people lining the streets of New York to thank them, and we all heard every Member of Congress praise New York City's first responders for their heroism, and mourn them for the high price that they paid. But now Congress has the opportunity to put these words of praise and gratitude into action. We have the opportunity to provide our first responders with the state-of-the-art tools that they need to perform their jobs, save others, and survive themselves. On September 11 there was a breakdown in the communications equipment of our fire department, communications equipment that, if working as it should have been, could have alerted many of these firefighters and police officers of the impending collapse of the towers, the World Trade Center. Would they have left their position and fled? I doubt it, knowing the firefighters as I do. But at least they would have had the tools at their disposal to best protect themselves and to save others that day. While every firefighter is now equipped with new digital radios, there is still not a system of ``repeaters'' in place throughout the city which help radio signals penetrate skyscraper walls. This means these radios really would not be any different than the ones that failed on September 11 of 2001. Additionally, there is still no shared radio frequency between the police department and the fire departments, thereby forcing them to rely upon commanders for communication and coordination, a system that has failed in the past with tragic consequences. Additionally, New York State troopers still cannot communicate with New York City officers or Federal agents, causing yet another communications breakdown of our first line of domestic defense. If we remember September 11, and we can never forget it, we should also never forget the sacrifices that these men and women made. We should take this opportunity in the supplemental budget to make sure they have everything they need to do their jobs properly in the way that they need to do it.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to address the vital needs of America's veterans, both of past wars and of our future veterans from the current war. I voted to give our President the authorization to use force against Saddam Hussein, recognizing Saddam's threat to both global and international security, his support of global terrorism, and his mad desire to create and undoubtedly use weapons of mass destruction. That said, whether we voted to approve military force against Iraq or not, the time for that discussion has passed. Our troops are abroad, they are fighting as we speak, and we support them there and hope that they will return home quickly and safely. My Republican colleagues have tried to use this conflict to paint Democrats as unpatriotic, trying to say if we oppose the war, we are against the cause of America. They forget that many of those who oppose this war are veterans themselves, veterans who know the pains of war better than many of those who would malign them. And just as importantly, these people, our veterans, understand what it is like when one returns home from battle. What we have seen from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and from this White House with respect to veterans, in my opinion, is appalling. Our President cautions the loyalty of those who do not walk lockstep with him on the issue of war but then turns his back on our military as soon as they return to our shores as veterans. Our President has dismissed centuries-old health care entitlements to veterans with the stroke of a pen, while simultaneously hitting them with increased taxes on their prescription drug benefits. With respect to the care and treatment of America's veterans, the President's rhetoric does not match reality. It was offensive enough when our Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld stated that, and I quote, ``The drafted veterans of Vietnam added `no value,' no advantage, really, to the United States Armed Services,'' a comment to which this President and my Republican colleagues remain silent on, as if to give credence to these ludicrous and untrue remarks. Unfortunately, these comments were less a slip of the tongue and more a precursor of this administration's attitude towards America's veterans. For example, on January 16 of this year, the VA announced it was cutting health benefits for 174,000 veterans, including 13,000 veterans in my home State of New York, citing the high cost of care. They said this would affect only those 174,000 veterans in the highest income brackets, usually considered between $30,000 and $35,000 annually. Just days later, though, the administration released its budget, promoting an elimination in the tax dividend that would benefit mostly America's richest 5 percent, those making in excess of several hundred thousand dollars a year, well above the threshold for rich veterans of $30,000 to $35,000 a year. This follows a 350 percent tax increase levied by the Bush administration against the veterans in the 2003 fiscal year budget. In the President's 2003 budget, our President more than tripled the prescription drug copayment for veterans while also demanding the authority to raise it again if he deems it necessary. But this attack on our veterans hit a crescendo 2 weeks ago with a Republican budget that was to cut $15 billion from veterans disability payments and pensions and almost $900 million from VA hospitals. The Disabled American Veterans organization stated it best by asking the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), ``Has Congress no shame? Is there no honor left in the hallowed halls of our government that you choose to dishonor the sacrifices our Nation's heroes and rob our programs, health care and disability compensation to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy?'' Again, after much pressure from Democrats and veterans service organizations, the Republicans redrafted their budget to paper over these cuts, waiting for action from the Senate. They did not remedy these cuts to provide new money for veterans; they just said they would wait for the Senate to take action. In fact, this afternoon the Republicans repudiated their own budget by voting on a Democratic motion to strip out all $14.6 million of Republican cuts from veterans programs regardless of what action the Senate may or may not take. It is my hope that this new-found religion by the Republicans is a serious commitment and not just a cheap April Fool's joke. But there is little reason to be optimistic about the Republican actions today. America has seen Republicans drop veterans from what was once a guaranteed health care system, increase veterans prescription drug copayments, and propose massive cuts to veterans pensions and health care. In fact, there has been no outrage by the Republicans over these actions against our veterans, but cut their tax in half, and we can hear their scream of pain. Actions speak louder than words, and so far, this Congress has shown regardless of what they say, in fact they have no shame. Unfortunately, it appears that the Republicans are once again playing an April Fool's joke on our veterans, and this is not a laughing matter.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Northern Ireland Peace and Reconciliation Support Act. As we all know, the peace process in Northern Ireland is at a critical juncture and now is not the time to decrease funding for a critical program such as the International Fund for Ireland. The International Fund for Ireland was established as an independent, international organization by the British and Irish Governments in 1986, and receives contributions from the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The International Fund for Ireland is so important because it promotes economic and social advance and encourages contact, dialogue and reconciliation between Unionists and Nationalists throughout Ireland. This is a proven program that successfully brings together two groups and teaches them to work together and helps to foster friendships and understanding. Dialogue is a key tool to lead to the decommissioning of all parties, a fair police force and a feeling of unity and peace in Ireland. That is why I am concerned about the significant cut to the International Fund for Ireland. The Northern Ireland Peace and Reconciliation Support Act will authorize $25 million in funding for the International Fund for Ireland, which will match the funding level provided by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2003 not the current request of $8 million. Now is not the time to decrease this program and I urge all members to support the Northern Ireland Peace and Reconciliation Support Act.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 182nd anniversary of Greek independence. Greece is a nation with a great democratic tradition. Athens and the United States share the same values of freedom and democracy. We are both part of what the distinguished scholar Karl Deutsch aptly labeled a ``pluralistic security community,'' a community based on shared values and common interests. Indeed, despite all the current differences, the Euro- Atlantic Alliance, in which our nations are firmly embedded, remains the cornerstone of the zone of the democratic peace. Maintaining and extending the zone of peace is the most important task for democracies. Greece and the United States have been united in this endeavor for decades. We were allies in the fight against Naziism during World War II, we were allies in the victorious fight against Soviet Communism. After the end of the Cold War, we have also been allies in confronting new threats to world peace. When the powder keg on the Balkans exploded, for example, the Greek and the U.S. governments worked together by promoting peace and supporting humanitarian aid. Particularly with respect to Kosovo, the Greek government's help was essential. We are also allies in the war against terror, the greatest threat to global peace. Following the September 11 attacks, Greece immediately assured us of its support, and Greek aircrews secured our skies with NATO AWACS. Greece also joined the International Assistance Force in Afghanistan by dispatching a frigate with a crew of over 200. Athens further successfully fought terrorism on its own soil by arresting members of the November 17 group. The arrest and trial of these terrorists has created a sense of security not only among Greek society but--when we look to the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004--among the wider international community that threats of this kind can be mastered. We are also allies in the goal of helping achieve a just a permanent solution to the Cypriot conflict. I applaud the work of the Greek government in working with their colleagues in the Republic of Cyprus along with the leaders of Turkey to promote a peaceful settlement of the situation in Cyprus and reunification of the island. I regret that the negotiations failed but I hope that a solution can be achieved in the near future. Finally, let me conclude by stressing that good U.S.-Greek relations are not merely achieved at governmental and official levels. Instead, the Greek Americans in our country enrich our lives and provide for a better cultural understanding. The area of Queens in New York City, parts of which I represent, is home to the largest Greek population outside of Greece. These people are well integrated in our society. As their interactions form the basis for a healthy relationship at all levels, I am optimistic that the U.S.-Greek relationship will remain marked by friendship and trust.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my outrage at the hideous and deplorable terrorist attack in the hamlet village Nadimarg south of Srinagar, in the Indian State of Jammu-Kashmir. I am deeply shocked and saddened by the killings. As we fight against terrorism in the Middle East and Afghanistan, we have to remember that the people of India deal with terrorism every single day. I condemn this hideous crime which represents a most despicable, inhumane act of terror. My feelings and thoughts are with the victims and their families. The attacks of the gunmen killed nearly half of the people living in the village. 24 Hindus known as Pandits lost their lives, including women and children. Most sadly, Suraj Kumar was killed only hours after celebrating his second birthday. His cousin, who was age 2 as well, was also gunned down. The attack is an attempt to destroy the conflict resolution endeavors in the region, but violence is no path to bring peace to Kashmir. Although the identity of the gunmen is unknown at this point, it is highly likely that Islamic militants are involved in these actions as part of their efforts to expel Hindus from the valley. In fact, this is not the first time as Islamic militants have conducted similar attacks in the past leading to an exodus of Hindus from the region. More than 300,000 Hindus have already been forced to leave Kashmir after Islamic militants commenced fighting against Indian rule in 1989. While many Hindus remain, increasing terrorist attacks have meant that they never truly feel completely secure. In fact, the Pandit families who live in Nadimarg had good relations with their Muslim neighbors, and their Muslim neighbors felt the same acute loss and pain that the Hindu community felt as well on this senseless attack. Last year, President Musharraf pledged to President Bush that he would end Islamic militant incursions in Kashmir and that he would terminate cross-border infiltration. Obviously, the Pakistani President has not kept his promise. Much more needs to be done to protect all communities in Jammu-Kashmir from terrorism and violence. As the snow in the Himalayas starts to melt, and travel between the mountain passes becomes easier, it is more important than ever that President Musharraf redoubles his effort to control Pakistani incursions into India.