Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am somewhat bewildered by correspondence I received yesterday from Bob Jones University. As you are aware, I am the sponsor of H. Con. Res. 261, which condemns the racial and religious intolerance at Bob Jones University. Additionally, on Friday, three of my colleagues, Representatives Peter King, Richard Neal, and Sam Gejdenson, and I sent a letter to Bob Jones III expressing our concerns about the participation of Ian Paisley in a Bible Conference at the University. Reverend Paisley is an opponent of the peace process in Northern Ireland and an outspoken anti-Catholic bigot. Since coming to Congress, I have been a vocal supporter of the Irish Peace process and the Good Friday peace process. Additionally, I have always promoted religious tolerance. In fact, I am an active participant in Project Children; a program designed to eradicate the hatred between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland by working with children. Yesterday I received a response from Bob Jones III to my letter. I was bewildered by his venomous response. At this time, I would like to ask unanimous consent to submit to the Record a copy of my original letter to Bob Jones III, as well as his response. I am disappointed that the leader of an institution of higher learning could not respectfully respond to concerns of four Americans who happen to be Members of Congress. His labeling of the extreme religious views of Rev. Paisley as, and I quote, ``leftist, radical IRA/Sinn Fein loving imaginations,'' is totally offensive to the Catholic minority in Northern Ireland. I was horrified at being called a bigot and intolerant by Bob Jones the III. I have spent my life espousing peace and tolerance for Ireland and for all religious differences. I work actively with many religious groups, including Protestants, Jews, and Muslims. Additionally, I recently marched in a St. Patrick's Day parade in Queens that was the first inclusive St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City. I believe Mr. Jones' letter reflects that he is the bigot and validates the concerns of myself and many of my colleagues. Mr. Jones believes that I do not have the right to maker demands of him. He is correct, we do have free speech. However, I believe that as an American, who happens to be a Member of Congress, I have a duty to request that the University does not invite someone whom I consider a proponent of hate to participate in any religious conference. Our country is founded on free speech, but it is also founded on religious freedom and tolerance. No institution, especially one of higher learning, should promote religious intolerance. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, March 27, 2000. Mr. Bob Jones III, President, Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC. Dear President Jones: Reports have come to our attention that over the weekend the Reverend Ian Paisley participated once again in a Bible conference at your university. We are writing to ask that you sever all professional contacts with Reverend Paisley immediately, including terminating his membership on your Board of Trustees. No American University should have a relationship with such an anti-Catholic bigot and opponent of peace in Northern Ireland. Reverend Paisley has called the Catholic Church an instrument of the devil and ``the mother of all harlots.'' He has described the Pope as the ``Antichrist'' and the ``Great Fornicator.'' ``Popery is contrary to Christ's gospel,'' Paisley said in one sermon. A recent biographer chronicled his lifetime commitment of ``total resistance to every attempt to accept that [Catholic] system as a Christian church.'' As leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, Paisley has done his utmost to stir up sectarian violence between Protestants and Catholics. After serving time in prison for inciting to riot, he helped form the Ulster Protestant Volunteers paramilitary group. He has led contentious marches through Catholic neighborhoods, which are lightning rods for sectarian tension. Paisley's response to the Irish Republican Army's (IRA) statement on disarmament in 1994 was to denounce it as ``a clever Jesuit expression.'' In typical fashion, Paisley boycotted the peace talks led by Senator George Mitchell which produced the historic Good Friday Accord in 1998. Thankfully, his last minute attempts to sabotage the agreement failed. The comfort your university provides him jeopardizes the fragile peace in Northern Ireland that has stopped a conflict which claimed the lives of over 3,000. Press reports indicate that Paisley has made more than 50 trips over the past 30 years to speak at your University. He should make no more. Because of recent events in Washington and across the country, Catholics in America understandably have grown concerned about a retreat in tolerance toward all religions. Your continuing relationship with such a world renowned anti- Catholic such as Reverend Paisley only adds to that fear. The recent public uproar over your institution's restriction on inter-racial dating convinced you to alter that policy. The sense of outrage in the Irish and Catholic American communities over your continued relationship with Reverend Paisley requires you to take action on this issue as well. Sincerely, Sam Gejdenson, Richard E. Neal, Peter T. King, Joseph Crowley, Members of Congress.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and profound admiration that I rise today to recognize the 179th anniversary of Greek Independence. March 25th is a date that will live forever in the hearts and minds of Greeks and Greek-Americans. On March 25, 1821, after nearly 400 years under the Ottoman yoke, the Greeks revolted against the Turks and after a fierce struggle won their independence. During all these years of occupation the people of Greece kept their language, their religion and their sense of identity. We share with the people of Greece this fierce spirit of independence and love of freedom. A country with a history stretching back almost 4,000 years, Greece is the cradle of democracy and its great philosophers were an invaluable inspiration for our founding fathers. In ancient Athens they found a model for the new democracy they were going to establish in America. For many years, Greece has been a reliable ally of the United States. During World War II, the Greeks sided unanimously with the Allies. The years of German occupation were a particularly hard time for Greece. Starvation decimated the population while executions and deportations contributed to the catastrophe. But from the first moments of the occupation a mass resistance movement came into being, bravely fighting the Nazi conquerors. After enduring a military dictatorship, the Greek people from 1974 onwards devoted all their efforts to consolidating democracy in the land of its birth and laying the foundations for a better life. Today, Greece is a member of NATO and the European Union and remains faithful to the cause of peace and democracy. My fellow colleagues, please join me as we celebrate Greek independence and remember those of Greek heritage who are living in the United States and have contributed so greatly to our communities and our country.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 292 and to congratulate the people of Taiwan on their successful presidential elections on March 18, 2000. The election results impressively demonstrate the strength and vitality of Taiwan's democracy. I strongly support the right of the people of Taiwan to decide their own political future. The victory for president-elect Chen Shui-bian, the candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party, and vice-president-elect, Annette Lu, a pioneering feminist and former political prisoner, symbolize the beginning of a new era in Taiwanese politics after 51 years of rule by the Nationalist Party. The development of Taiwan from authoritarian rule to a vibrant democracy during only two decades has been truly inspiring. The pace of political reform accelerated in the middle and late 1980s. Martial law was ended in July 1987 and in 1992, for the first time in Taiwanese history, a new parliament was elected. In its second direct presidential election almost 83 percent of Taiwanese voters cast their ballots--an impressive turn-out that underlines the great support among the population for the democratic process. I commend the people of Taiwan for this peaceful transition and their commitment to democratic values and ideas. The consistent growth of the Taiwanese economy is closely related to the success of Taiwanese democracy. I firmly believe that a democratic Taiwan is the best guarantee for prosperity, peace and security in the region. Taiwan has been a valued and reliable partner to the United States during the previous decades and I am sure this constructive relationship will continue, after president-elect Chen Shui-bian takes office.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, once again, we are debating a budget that does not strengthen social security or Medicare. In fact, none of the non-Social Security surplus is earmarked specifically for Medicare. The American people have made themselves heard loud and clear: they want Congress to save Social Security and Medicare, add a voluntary prescription drug program to Medicare, help our schools and help our children. Instead, we once again are seeing a bill that will provide tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts spending for programs that help our children. How can Republicans claim to be pro-education when they will eliminate Head Start for more than 40,000 children and their families by 2005? We already have a long waiting list for families wanting to get their children into Head Start and this budget will only lengthen that list. Additionally, this budget would deny college access to 316,000 low-income students by 2005. In my district, Pell Grants are what enable many students to continue on to college. Another area of concern to me in the Republican Budget is the cut to the LIHEAP program. As we all know, it has been a cold winter and with oil prices rapidly increasing, many families and especially senior citizens, are being forced to choose between heat and food. In my district, one building that house senior citizens had no heat for 3 days before they contacted my office and we had the heat turned back on. At a time when oil prices are climbing higher, we must not cut LIHEAP assistance, as the Republican budget does, to 164,000 low-income families. There are several Democratic substitutes that not only pay down the debt and shore up Social Security, but also increase funding for education programs. My colleagues highlight their commitment to fully funding special education, yet when Democrats offered an amendment to provide full funding of the federal governments maximum authorized contribution for special education, Republicans diluted it to only a Sense of the Congress Amendment that Congress should provide this funding. If we should, why did they not vote to put it in the budget? The Democratic Substitutes all provide a voluntary prescription drug benefit for seniors, provides targeted tax cuts to hard working families, and maintains or increases funding for non-defense discretionary programs. I urge my colleagues to vote against the Republican budget and support the democratic alternatives.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, on March 22, 2000, I was unavoidably detained, causing me to miss rollcall vote 59. I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote 59.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report on the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization, or AIR-21, bill. Within this bill, the high-density rule (HDR) at LaGuardia and J.F.K. Airports in New York City will remain intact until 2007. As you know, the HDR limits the number of take-offs and landings at these airports. Continuation of the HDR, particularly at the already congested LaGuardia Airport, was vital to my constituents, who are afflicted with constant noise. Additionally, there are safety concerns due to the already crowded airspace and the redirection of flights to accommodate more enplanements. In June of this year, the Queens Congressional Delegation led the fight in the House of Representatives to preserve the HDR at LaGuardia and JFK Airports in AIR-21. Together, with the other Members of Congress representing the New York City metro and tri-state areas, we successfully fought to save the slot restrictions from immediate elimination, and, in fact, extended the HDR to the year 2007. This was a major victory for the neighbors of our airports and those of us who represent them in Congress and who have fought to keep the HDR in place. The result will be safer and quieter skies for the New York City Metropolitan area and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I personally live beneath the flight path of airplanes taking off and landing at LaGuardia Airport. This makes me understand the frustration and angst of my constituents over the duration and volume of the noise when planes take-off and land. Noise from incoming planes can drown out the TV, a phone conversation, and even shake your windows. I have been advocating on behalf of the community surrounding LaGuardia Airport for the past 13 years, first as a State Assemblyman and now, as a Member of Congress. I was honored to work with Chairman Shuster on this bill, particularly because he appreciates the concerns of myself, the Queens delegation, and our constituents. Working together with Congressman Oberstar, Chairman Duncan and Congressman Lipinski, we forged the language found in today's bill regarding the continuance of the HDR at LaGuardia Airport. On behalf of all the New York City residents affected by aircraft noise, I strongly support this conference report and urge my colleagues to support passage of AIR-21.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. It is a great point. I think maybe all too often we forget about those who are entrusted with an incredibly difficult job, but a so important job, and that is teaching our young. We forget sometimes about the lack of resources that they have. We forget that they are also in those overcrowded classrooms; that they are called upon to perform duties without the proper resources, and in those same Archaean schools, they have their hands full. Some may say what are we doing now, we are asking them to not only teach them math and science and history and reading, we have to transform them into mothers and fathers as well. We are not really asking them to, mothers and fathers have a responsibility, but it is enhanced and reinforced by teachers. It is an incredible responsibility they have, but one we ought to cherish more as a society. I do not quite frankly think we do enough. I have, as the gentleman knows, a 6-month-old son at home. Every day I just take pride and joy in looking at him develop. He is 6 months now. In 6 more months he will be a year. It is not too far from now that he is going to be going to kindergarten and first grade. I am concerned about what environment he is going to be in and other children like him are going to be in. It has changed my life incredibly, but it has also opened my eyes up in many respects to what we have to do, this Congress, individual States and local governments, but especially this Congress, to make sure that my son and other children like him have all that they can have to make the best of their lives.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I could not agree more. I hate to keep harkening back to my own problems back in New York. It is sometimes difficult for me to imagine, though, how children who are being taught in hallways, are being taught in closets, or school rooms that were once bathrooms, those are really some of the problems that our teachers are faced with and our administrators in New York City. I guess if I lived in other parts of the country, I would have a hard time believing as well that that is how we can treat our children. I think I said it to the gentleman from North Carolina once I heard that Reverend Jackson had taken a number of children from inner-city schools in Chicago and brought them out to the suburbs and showed them what it was like in those suburban schools. What I thought was more important, he took those children from the suburbs and brought them back to the city to show those children what the city schools are like and what they were not afforded in those schools. I think the same can be done in my district. We are lacking so much in terms of proper environments to, as the gentleman said before, caring, instilling that in children. Getting back into buildings, we really have to address that issue. I do not want to wait to address that issue before we start addressing this issue as well. But sometimes it can be difficult to imagine how can we do this, how can we teach all these issues, respect and caring and honesty and justice and fairness and citizenship, when children are being taught in makeshift classrooms and hallways. There is no gym anymore because it has been put into cubicles so children can have a seat in a classroom. What we are facing in my district is that, by the year 2007, if we do not do more, we are going to be between 20,000 and 60,000 seats shy in Queens County alone. Queens County is going to be between 20,000 and 60,000 seats shy. It is a major, major crisis. So it is sometimes hard for me to imagine how we can do it. We have great teachers in New York City. We really do, fantastic and dedicated people. But it is hard to imagine how can they do it. They have to. We need to do this, and we cannot wait for the other to get done first. We have got to address both. But it is an awesome task and awesome responsibility. But I do hope, despite our problems in New York, that this bill does become more.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, just going back to the list of the gentleman from North Carolina again, it is a lack of responsibility, a lack of caring, a lack of being honest, a lack of justice and fairness, a lack of respect. A word that is not up there but I think is encompassed in all of that I think is dignity. There is no dignity here if we are not teaching these points we are talking about here. But more importantly, if we are not demonstrating it on a daily basis in school construction and modernization, giving them the tools and making sure the teachers are prepared are really all a part of that. But right now, if we do not provide these, we are guilty of not showing the true dignity of the student and the individual and the human being.

Mr. CROWLEY. I think the gentleman is absolutely right. I would also add that teaching these subjects in any which way that the curriculum will be developed, and I understand through the gentleman's legislation it would vary from school district to school district, and it could be done with the cooperation of businesses and local entities that would be able to come in and work on it as well, but I think in many respects, in many ways, by addressing these issues in a classroom, we can start to see through to some of the troubled students, and realize a little earlier some of the children who may not be coming around, who may still be outside the pale here, and get them the professional help they may need to bring them back in, as well. Quite often really for children their first exposure to the general public and to other children outside the family is really in school; social development, where they really begin to do that is in school, and their first exposure. I think teachers more often than parents are in a position to see that these children interact with those who they may not be familiar with. They are not experts, they are not psychiatrists or psychologists, and maybe sometimes we expect them to be everything. I do not mean to be saying that. But they are really in the front line, and they can see these children and they watch them develop, whether it be the principal or the guidance counselor or their home room teacher. There are many ways in which they can teach these things. It can be taught in history classes. Certain aspects can be taught in science classes, language arts classes, on and on. There are different ways these can be taught and graded, as well. There has to be that grading. There has to be that responsibility. There has to be reporting back so someone is accountable. I think this is really what is sorely missing in our schools today.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge), for all his good works and especially in introducing this piece of legislation. I think this is, I say to the gentleman, in all honesty, long overdue. We have to go back to teaching civics. We have to go back to teaching responsibility. We have go back to teaching on self-worth. How can a child have respect for others when the child does not even respect himself or herself? That is what this legislation, I believe, is attempting to do and will do teaching respect, citizenship, I will just list them, justice and fairness, honesty, caring, responsibility, trustworthiness. That almost sounds like the Boy Scout oath that I recollect as a child, but things that I think have been lost unfortunately, and not only reflective in schools, but just in general. We see it on television. We see it in the movies, and that is what the children are exposed to today. They are not getting enough, I do not believe, of that attention on these issues in the classroom. I do not understand what we are afraid of. I do not know what it is we are afraid of by instilling these into children, that is what is going to make them better individuals when they get older. Going back again, as I said before, we cannot expect these children to have respect for others when they do not respect themselves. We see what is happening in our schools today. We see the violence that is coming out of our schools today and what is happening in schools, a 6- year-old child being shot to death by another 6-year-old child. It is incredible, incredible, but it is existing. It is happening. Mr. Speaker, we have to do something about it. I am a strong proponent of gun control. I think we need to do something about that, but I think we have to do more than simply gun control. Instilling values, again, into children is really where we have to go. And I say to the gentleman, you know how much I have been working with you on the issue of school modernization. This is a part of school modernization, school modernization and construction. We have to do more than build new schools and modernize those schools. We have to build the character of the children that we are educating in those schools. We do have a responsibility. We do have to provide a seat for those children. In my district, as the gentleman knows, School Districts 24 and 30 in New York City are in the top three most overcrowded school districts in the City in New York, the most overcrowded school district in the country. We have over a million students in that school district. The average age of a school building in New York City is 55 years of age, and one out of every five is over 75 years of age. We are teaching children in classrooms and schools that were built at the beginning of the last century. And as the gentleman was pointing out on the poster there, the issue of caring, what message are we sending back to our children when we do not give them the proper tools that they need to learn, to take it a step further, to prepare them for their life, to have a proper job, a pensionable job, to have the ability to invest. Unless we instill in them the virtues that the gentleman is suggesting we do today, we are in deep, deep trouble. We have to go back to the way we used to do things I think, to new, modernized classrooms and to new schools, but to go back to the basics. I think that is where we have been lost. I want to thank the gentleman for all of his hard work and leadership on this issue.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, the one thing I think I would like to say is that it is heartening to know, I guess to a degree, that a Yankee from New York and a southern gentleman from North Carolina share similar concerns and have similar problems as well in terms of overcrowding and old school buildings, but also on these issues that the gentleman from North Carolina is talking about. This is universal. This is not a New York issue. This is not a California issue. It is not a North Carolina issue. It is not a Democratic from the party sense, it is not a Democrat or Republican issue, it is really an American issue. It is an issue we all have to grapple with and we should all be working on, not trying to, as the gentleman said before, to create one-up-one-upmanship. This is something we should all be working on together. If one asks the average Member here, I think everyone would be in agreement, I think they agree 100 percent, these are the things that we believe are lacking right now. I do not see politics coming into play here. It is common sense to me. This is all pure common sense. It is my hope doing these special orders and talking about the legislation of the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) and other bills as well, like the Rangel-Etheridge School Construction and Modernization bill, again, to me, it is not about politics. Children do not know Democrat or Republican, they are just learning about it. In the first grade, they have an idea who George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were, but they do not know what party they belong to. Really, this is about children. Black, white, it makes no difference, they are all the same. They all deserve to have equal treatment. A part of that equal treatment is being exposed to these very issues the gentleman is talking about.

Mr. CROWLEY. I think in many respects teachers are doing these things already, too, in an informal way, inspiring young people, but they are not getting everyone. It is almost impossible to get everyone. I daresay if this bill became law, we are still never going to get everyone, but I think we would get a lot more than we are getting right now. There would be more accountability on these issues. I certainly remember teachers that influenced my life in so many, many different ways. But one of the things I see that is missing today in my district is a lack of a sense of involvement by young people in the community. I do not see the volunteerism. I do not see the dedication towards voting, being inspired to want to get out. That is not universal, but I do not see enough of it where we see young people wanting to get out and vote, wanting to learn who their elected officials are, what the process is about. I am almost amazed sometimes when I go to a school and teach, like many of us do, a little government class. They have some ideas and some concept. They are obviously learning. But they have not put the whole thing together yet. That is because they do not think they are living it. They are learning about it, but they are not living it. They are not really going out to the community and putting what they are learning in schools together. I think going back to the gentleman's bill again, learning about respect, citizenship, justice and fairness, caring, those are words that say to me, one cannot just do it in school, one has to do it elsewhere, in the home, and, as the gentleman says, in the broader community. I think what we are making is better citizens.

Mr. CROWLEY. I had a couple of those myself. I hope my wife is not listening.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, too often our news headlines are filled with bad news, while good stories and honorable people are overlooked. That is why today. I rise to pay tribute to some heroes who put their lives on the line to save then people, including two young children. In the cold, early morning hours of January 26, 2000, Anti-crime unit Officers Daniel Lewis and Steve Zanetis of the 114th Precinct of the New York City Policy Department responded to a burglar alarm. Instead of a crime scene, they smelled smoke and heard the cries of people trapped in the upper floor apartments. Close behind the two anti-crime officers, Sergeants Andre Allen and Gary Placco arrived with other officers from the 114th to assist in a rescue. Amidst smoke and flames, the officers proceeded to locate and rescue 10 children, women and men trapped in the apartments. Other 114th Precinct personnel on the scene were: Captain Ordonex, Officers Adam Schneider, John Pranzo, Jeffrey McRae, Greg Fraccalvieri, Joseph Reznick, James Kostaris, Greg Link, John Seymour, Kenneth Marchello, Sue Lentini, Frank Caruso, Wayne Kendall, and Terrence Floyd. Thanks to the quick thinking and actions of these brave officers of the 114th Precinct, all residents survived. Three officers suffered minor injuries and were treated, then released from area hospitals. Mr. Speaker I recently had an opportunity to meet these courageous officers who went above and beyond the call of duty, and to issue each of them Congressional Citations. Now I ask you to please join me in commending these intrepid police officers.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. The House is considering a minimum-wage bill that is contingent on tax breaks. Under the guise of tax breaks for small businesses to offset the minimum wage increase, Republicans give $122 billion in tax breaks to the wealthiest taxpayers, increasing the Federal minimum over an extended period of 3 years. Mr. Speaker, this debate should be about minimum wage. Tax relief is a separate issue. My colleague from New York has crafted a small business tax relief bill that actually provides tax breaks to small businesses and is fully offset. However, I truly believe that today this debate should be first and foremost about giving a raise to America's lowest paid workers with tax relief for the small businesses that would be most affected. Believe me when I say that no one can support a family, especially in my district in New York City, on $5.15 an hour. A full-time, year-round minimum-wage worker earns only $10.72. That is almost $3,000 less than the $13,290 needed to raise a family of three out of poverty, and much less than what it takes to provide any sort of comfortable existence for a working family. Every year we do not increase the minimum wage, its current value decreases. In fact, if we do not increase the minimum wage today, its value will fall to $4.67 by the year 2003 in inflation-adjusted dollars; $4.67 an hour for a week's work that will only bring in $186.80, and that is before taxes. We should think about budgeting for our own families and ask the question, could I support them on less than $187 per week? Furthermore, I do not believe the arguments on the other side of the aisle that any minimum-wage increase will adversely impact low-wage earners. A study by the Economic Policy Institute showed that minimum- wage increases in 1996 and 1997 did not result in job loss. Our hard- working Americans deserve better. They do not deserve to work two and three jobs to pay rent. Our economy is booming and salaries of business workers have increased tremendously. Let us help those who are at the lowest end of the salary spectrum, those who work just as hard, if not harder than us, to support their families and make ends meet.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre). Honoring University of North Carolina at Wilmington Men's Basketball Team

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I just want to point out, for the record, that I know a number of Members have submitted statements on behalf of the bill that I spoke about this evening, the Global Health Act of 2000, including the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). She has submitted statements. I want to thank the gentlewoman and the other original cosponsors of the original Global Health Act 2000, H.R. 3826.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, today, we here in the United States, and throughout the world, are celebrating International Women's Day. Unfortunately, too many women in the world today have no cause for celebration. Nearly 600,000 women die each year from complications of pregnancy and child birth. That is one woman every minute. Of these deaths, 99 percent take place in the developing world, where maternal deaths account for up to one-third of all deaths of women of child- bearing age. According to the World Health Organization, for every maternal death that occurs worldwide, an estimated 30 additional women suffer pregnancy-related health problems that can be permanently debilitating. A woman's lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications or during child birth can be as high as one in 15 in developing countries, as compared to one in 7,000 in developed countries. Mr. Speaker, more than 150 million married women in developing nations still want to space or limit child bearing but do not have access to modern contraceptives. Yet, Mr. Speaker, despite these startling estimates, the U.S. commitment to women's health remains woefully inadequate. And that is why I, along with 22 other colleagues, have introduced legislation to increase the U.S. commitment to women's health by $300 million as part of a legislation known as the Global Health Act of 2000. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3826, the Global Health Act of 2000, authorizes additional resources to improve children's and women's health and nutrition, provide access to voluntary family planning, and combat the spread of infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS. Only the Global Health Act represents a comprehensive, balanced approach that builds upon proven existing programs to increase the U.S. commitment to go balance health as effectively as possible. Over 100 groups, such as the Global Health Council, Save the Children, the Salvation Army World Services, and the Global AIDS Action Network support the Global Health Act 2000. Mr. Speaker, in August of 1999, my constituents were shocked to learn that an outbreak of West Nile-like encephalitis had surfaced for the first time in the western hemisphere in the heart of my congressional district in Queens and the Bronx. This outbreak was a wake-up call for every American, not just New Yorkers. It illustrated that the Global community has truly become a local community. As demonstrated by HIV/AIDS, West Nile-like encephalitis and tuberculosis, a disease, Mr. Speaker, respects no borders. An outbreak in Africa, Europe, Asia, or South America can travel to U.S. shores within days. No longer can diseases occurring in far-off lands be ignored. They pose a direct threat to the national security of our great country and must be addressed by the U.S. Government, this Congress, and the international community as a whole. Diseases cannot be seized by Customs, and they do not apply at the U.S. Embassy for a visa. The only way to stop them is to target them at their source. The Global Health Act recognizes this and emphasizes the interconnectiveness of global health by calling for increased funding for child survival, women's health and nutrition, reducing unintended pregnancies, and combatting the spread of other infectious diseases. It also calls for increased coordination between the different government agencies administering health programs. Mr. Speaker, with the resources provided under the Global Health Act and the assistance of other nations, we can make a profound difference in the health and well-being of millions of the world's poorest citizens, especially women, and protect our own national security at the same time. We are the greatest power the world has ever known. We cannot continue to keep our head in the sand on this international issue. We have to recognize that we do not live in a cocoon. We can tackle this problem as a Nation and as a world, but first we have to face up to it. I had the great opportunity this afternoon to meet with the present Miss Universe. Her name escapes me at this time. But she is from Botswana, Africa. She came to talk to me today about the bill that I am sponsoring, the Global Health Act 2000. To lend her voice in support, I know that she met with a number of Members of the House today, I believe also Members of the Senate, to bring attention, much needed attention, to this issue. She spoke personally to me about her homeland and about her home continent. She is headquartered today in New York. She sees it and I view it myself as the headquarters of the world. We will not say the capital of the world, but certainly it is the headquarters of the world. It is convenient in that it is the home to the U.N. But also, New York at times can command international attention. We are happy that she is in New York working on this very, very important issue and, at the same time, sparing some time from her busy schedule to come down here to Washington to lobby Members of the House and the Senate on this important issue to get their support. We need more support for this legislation. I hope we can all keep this in mind as we observe today International Women's Day.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject matter of my special order and the special order of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green).

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to address an issue that is receiving much needed attention by the international community and the U.S. government. That issue is global health. In August of 1999, my constituents were shocked to learn that an outbreak of West Nile-Like Encephalitis had surfaced for the first time in the Western hemisphere in the heart of my district in Queens and the Bronx. This outbreak was a wake up call for every American. It illustrates that the global community has truly become the local community. As demonstrated by West Nile-Like Encephalitis, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, a disease respects no borders. An outbreak in Africa, Europe, Asia or South America can travel to U.S. shores within days. No longer can diseases occurring in far off lands be ignored. They pose a direct threat to the national security of our great country and must be addressed by the U.S. government, this Congress and the international community as a whole. Diseases can not be seized by Customs and they do not apply at the U.S. Embassy for a visa. The only way to stop them is to target them at the source. To address this growing danger, I have been joined by 22 of my colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to increase the U.S. commitment to global health by one billion dollars over Fiscal Year 2000 appropriated levels. With these additional funds, our commitment to global health will be authorized at 2.19 billion dollars. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the cosponsors of the Global Health Act of 2000, Representatives Connie Morella, Nancy Pelosi, Amo Houghton, Nita Lowey, Jim Greenwood, Bernie Sanders, Charlie Rangel, Carrie Meek, Louise McIntosh Slaughter, Bobby Rush, Maurice Hinchey, William Delahunt, Tony Hall, Carolyn Maloney, Rosa DeLauro, Sherrod Brown, Lynn Woolsey, Barney Frank, Robert Wexler, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Jim McGovern, and Jim McDermott. These cosponsors represent a broad cross section of the House; Democrats and Republicans, members of the Women's Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the Black Caucus, Appropriators and Authorizers, who have recognized the need and importance of an increased commitment to global health. I ask that a copy of the Global Health Act be printed in Record following my remarks. The cosponsors of the Global Health Act have realized that an investment in global health today will benefit the health of our own citizens and be highly cost effective. They realize, Mr. Speaker, that its pay now, or pay dearly later. We are joined in this effort by over 100 national organizations committed to global health, such as the Global Health Council, Save the Children, the Salvation Army World Services and the Global AIDS Action Network, and the list is growing every day. Mr. Speaker, I have included a broad list of health organizations, faith based groups and development NGO's that support this legislation and ask that it be entered into the record. Mr. Speaker, you may ask, what does the Global Health Act do? The Global Health Act provides an additional $475 million to prevent, control and combat infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. It authorizes an additional $325 million in critical funding to help child and family survival through nutrition and health advice for pregnant women and mothers, along with programs for child survival and infant care, such as immunizations. Finally, the GHA includes key funding provisions to increase the U.S. commitment to international family planning by authorizing an additional $200 million for programs such as contraceptive use, spacing of children and proper care and nutrition during pregnancy. According to a 1993 World Bank report, a basic health care package can be delivered to developing nations at a low cost of $13-$15 per person annually. This figure includes all immunizations, curative health care for children and adults, particularly cures for infectious diseases, reproductive health needs, education and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. In other words, basic health services can be provided to the 2 billion people currently living in poverty at a cost $30 billion each year. In this context, an investment of an additional $1 billion of global health by the United States--the world's richest nation--is a sound investment. The United States can serve as a catalyst to increase the commitment of other donor nations, foundations, and corporations to increase their contributions to further global health. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake, this funding is urgently needed. Over 10 million children under the age of five die each year in developing nations from preventable causes. More than 150 million married women in developing nations still want to space or limit childbearing, but do not have access to modern contraceptives. Nearly 600,000 women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and another 18 million women suffer pregnancy-related health programs that can be permanently disabling. Thirteen million people die annually from infectious diseases, most of which are preventable or curable. HIV/AIDS has become the world's leading infectious disease threat with over 16,000 new infections daily of which 7,000 of these are young people between the ages 10-24. The 21st century faces an estimated 33.5 million people around the world who are infected with HIV/AIDS. The spread of HIV/AIDS can be prevented with an urgent and necessary investment. We must stand at the forefront of tackling this disease, in order to secure the health and prosperity of our future generations. Currently, India is the epicenter for HIV/AIDS as it leads the world in newly infected people. Last year, the continent of Africa experienced the death of over 2 million people, which is equivalent of four funerals per minute. We can and must do better. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that the President, in his Fiscal Year 2001 budget request, has asked for additional funding for family planning and HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, child survival's funding remained level, and maternal health had no request at all. I am encouraged, however, by the Administration's statements on the U.S., commitment to global health. In his State of the Union address, the President called for a concerted international action to combat infectious diseases in developing countries. Vice President Gore recently told the UN Security Council that the Administration's FY 2001 budget will include a proposed $50 million contribution to the vaccine purchase fund of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization. This week, appearing before the UN Economic and Social Council, Ambassador Holbrooke, along with other members of the Security Council, reported on the increased security concerns of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. Mr. Speaker, the time to turn these words into actions is now and I believe the Global Health Act provides the means. Although other legislative proposals target specific diseases and seek to create new programs to help promote global health, the Global Health Act of 2000 represents a comprehensive, balanced approach that builds upon proven, existing programs. For example, the Global Health Act of 2000 would provide a total of $500 million for the prevention, care, and treatment of HIV/AIDS in FY 2001 through existing programs. This legislation uniquely addresses the issue of health infrastructure--allowing for vaccines, drugs, and medical devices to be delivered to those who need them most. Additionally, the legislation emphasizes the interconnectedness of global health by calling for increased funding for child survival, woman's health and nutrition, reducing unintended pregnancies, and combating the spread of other infectious diseases. It also calls for increased coordination between the different government agencies administering health programs. With the resources provided under the Global Health Act and the assistance of other nations, we can make a profound difference in the health and well-being of millions of the world's poorest citizens and protect our own national security as well. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, today, we are witnessing the best of Congress as Members of different ideologies and political parties come together for the benefit of the American people. Today, the House of Representatives will pass the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act (H.R. 5) which will repeal the Depression-era earnings limit imposed on Social Security recipients between the ages of 65 and 69 who decide to supplement their retirement income by working. Under current law, seniors who work lose $1 of their Social Security benefits for every $3 they earn outside earned income beyond $17,000 a year. In the real world, this outdated law has adversely affected several thousand of my constituents in Queens and the Bronx. A number of seniors in my district have gotten part-time jobs to supplement their income so as to improve their quality of life, offset some of their expenses such as the high costs of their prescription drugs and remain active. Unfortunately, once many of these seniors recognize how much they are losing in their Social Security benefits by working, they quit their jobs. I believe it is both foolish and counterproductive to punish working people. This legislation will assist people like Mr. Christopher Christie, a constituent of mine from the Bronx, New York. He was punished by the earning limit. After he retired, he spent several weeks working in a small business she operated and as a doorman on Park Avenue. He saw his Social Security check garnished monthly because of his outside jobs. Therefore, I am pleased that the House is debating this legislation to repeal the earnings limit and allow our seniors the freedom to work and attain some financial independence. This bill represents a solid first step in improving the quality of life of America's seniors. I hope that Congress will now address the other issues of importance to seniors, such as the inclusion of prescription drug coverage under Medicare.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I speak today in strong support for the amended version of H.R. 1883, the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 1999. Everyone in Congress is aware that Iran has continually threatened the peace and security of the Middle East. Iran is still committed to the destruction of Israel, opposes the Middle East peace process and supports terrorist groups such as Hamas. In fact, Iran remains the world's leading sponsor of international terrorism. Despite these very real security concerns, cash strapped Russia has supported the $800 million Bushehr project, a 1000-megawatt light-water reactor, in southern Iran. Why Iran needs such a reactor remains an open question because Iran has one of the world's largest oil and natural gas reserves. However, many security experts believe that such projects provide good cover to a nuclear weapons program and provide Iranian technicians with expertise in the development of nuclear weapons. Iran has successfully tested the Shabah-3 missile, which has a range of 800 miles, and has supplied Fajr rockets to Lebanon. These rockets are capable of hitting Haifa, and other parts of Israel. In fact, Iranian weapons supplied to Hamas are used against the Southern Lebanese Army, the Israeli Defense Forces and severely jeopardize the security of communities in Northern Israel. Iran's support of international terrorism poses a great risk to the Middle East and shows very clearly that Iran remains a threat to U.S. interests in the region. The results of an Iran armed with nuclear weapons are almost too horrifying to imagine. But, if current trends continue, it may become an all too real nightmare for the United States and our Middle Eastern allies. While I welcome the results of the recent parliamentary elections in Iran, I believe that we must wait and see if the victory of the reformists will translate into any real change. Before we start to re- evaluate our policy, Iran needs to drastically change theirs, especially in areas of major concern to the U.S., such as non- conventional weaponry and the support of terrorism. H.R. 1883 reinforces those Congressional concerns and sends a clear message to countries that assist Iran's weapons program. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1999, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Iran Nonproliferation Act. Mr. Speaker, the Senate passed the amended Iran Nonproliferation Act, 98-0, last week and I urge my fellow Members to give this legislation the same overwhelming support on the floor today.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to denounce Bob Jones University, an institution of higher learning, for preaching hatred and practicing racism, religious intolerance, and segregation. Today, along with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), I am introducing a resolution condemning the discriminatory practices prevalent at Bob Jones University. Bob Jones University espouses hate- filled, racist and anti-Catholic views upon its students. While officials there say they are not anti-Catholic and they do not preach anything other than what is in the Bible, their own online magazine calls Catholicism ``a satanic counterfeit,'' and says, ``Papists are doing the work of the devil.'' The University states that it is their First Amendment right to speak their beliefs. I support the First Amendment, but I do not support using a school to indoctrinate hate, segregation, and intolerance into today's youth. We have seen, all too often in the past year, the results of hate: a school shooting targeted at a prayer group in Paducah, Kentucky; the shooting at a Jewish daycare center; the race-targeted killings in Illinois. Hate propaganda may be free speech, but it must not be sanctioned by this body. We must loudly denounce it. As a Nation, we have fought too hard and come too far not to end discrimination and bigotry based on race and religion.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to John Cardinal O'Connor. As the leader of the largest Archdiocese in the nation, Cardinal O'Connor has been an active participant in the debate of the role of the Church and the role of society in helping those who cannot care for themselves. In that vein, the Cardinal has always embodied the Biblical passage of the Good Samaritan. In both his words and actions, Cardinal O'Connor has clearly demonstrated his devotion to the teachings of Christ and his spirit of the principles of this passage. He has not only spoken out on the care for the elderly, the sick and the poor of New York; he has acted. He has used not only his pulpit to teach the word of Christ but also the true meaning of those words. He was one of the first Church officials to recognize the horrible toll of the AIDS epidemic and used his moral authority to open New York State's first AIDS-only unit at St. Claire's Hospital. Additionally, he also provided compassion through words and actions and made it known that everyone was a child of God and was deserving of love, compassion and respect. He continued to work to strengthen the relations between those followers of his flock and the followers of the Jewish faith, recognizing the power of the inter-faith alliance. He is a man who has dedicated his life to helping lift others up, all the while never seeking out worldly possessions or public accolades. These are some of the reasons I support this Honor today. But there are others--many more personal. In my family, three of my relatives received the divine calling to dedicate themselves to the Lord's work. My uncle, Father John Crowley, is currently the Pastor of St. John of the Cross Church in Vero Beach, FL. Another uncle, Father Paul Murphy is a Catholic priest in Philadelphia. A member of the Vincesian order, he, like Father Crowley, has been inspired by Cardinal O'Connor and view him as a personal figure of inspiration. My aunt, Sister Mary Rose Crowley, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame, is based in West Palm Beach, and she too, has reflected upon the power, grace and compassion of the Cardinal. These people, all dedicated to the teachings of Christ, have received both encouragement and guidance from the Cardinal. The Cardinal has always served as a role model of conduct and solid Christian behavior for my relatives and for thousands of other Catholics, not only New York but throughout the nation and the world. As the leader of the New York's Catholics, he has also been influential in establishing and maintaining a series of high quality, Catholic schools throughout the city. As a graduate of parochial schools, I have been brought up with the values of the Cardinal and the Bible, and I hope that I will be able to instill these same values of family and faith into my son, Cullen, who was baptized recently in the Catholic faith. I urge all of my colleagues to support the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to this great man, John Cardinal O'Connor. May God Bless him as he undertakes his next challenge, that of battling cancer.