Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Weiner-Udall-Crowley, et al., amendment to increase funding for airport noise reduction research and technology in the research and technology base of the NASA authorization bill. Mr. Chairman, airport noise is perhaps the single most important local quality of life issue to my constituents. Every day my district office receives calls from people living near LaGuardia Airport who complain about the noise from planes landing and taking off. In fact, along with my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner), I have worked hard to preserve the high-density rule and mitigate airport noise in Queens County. Mr. Chairman, NASA has listed airport noise reduction as one of its top 10 goals. They want to reduce perceived aircraft noise by 50 percent over a 10-year period, beginning in 1997. Under current funding this goal will not be realized. The Weiner amendment would restore funding for aircraft noise reduction research to roughly fiscal year 1999 levels. It would bring NASA's overall budget to a 13.655 billion, which is exactly the same dollar amount that it was appropriated at in fiscal year 1999. I applaud my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) for bringing this important issue to the floor of the House. The people who invented the rocket engine are the best people to study aircraft noise and ways to reduce it. I urge my fellow Members of Congress to support this increase in funding for airport noise reduction, research, and technology. Their constituents who live near airports will appreciate their vote to make their homes, schools, parks, and neighborhoods quieter. The Weiner amendment would do just that. I would just like to add, taking away the high-density ruling will increase air traffic in high-density airports like LaGuardia, Kennedy Airport, O'Hare Airport in Chicago. Unless we are moving realistically towards a Stage IV engine and unless there is real effort on the part of NASA to develop new technologies to reduce aircraft engines' jet noise, what we are doing to inner cities like New York City is unconscionable. It really, truly is unconscionable, to be increasing air traffic. Putting aside for the moment the air traffic safety issues and focusing simply on the level of noise that is created by these engines taking off and landing at airports like LaGuardia Airport in my district, it is unconscionable to be standing here at the same time and supporting a bill that will reduce the effort to bring about technology to reduce the level of noise emitting from those jet airplanes. I cannot support a bill that will gut and take away monies from that very needed project, and leaving it in the hands of NASA to develop that needed technology.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, there are problems in the supplemental appropriation bill. As a member of the Committee on International Relations, I have been actively involved in working to secure funding for earthquake relief in Columbia and military and humanitarian aid for Operation Allied Force. I represent one of the largest Columbian- American constituencies in the United States, and I adjoin an area in the Bronx which has the largest concentration of Albanian-Americans in the U.S. I spoke in favor of this resolution when it first came to the House floor. Unfortunately though this bill has changed considerably when it went to the conference with the Senate. The Senate had added anti-environmental riders along with a host of individual projects which have no business in this bill. I support the funding for hurricane relief in Central America and earthquake relief in Columbia, I support the 6 billion in funding for our military involvement in Yugoslavia and humanitarian relief for the front line countries effected by the flow of refugees escaping Kosovo, and I support the $100 million to Jordan to help implement the Wye Peace Agreement. But unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I will not be able to support this legislation because of the anti-environment and what it does to the poor of this country. Mr. Speaker, there are problems in this supplemental appropriations bill. As a member of the International Relations Committee, I have been actively involved in working to secure funding for earthquake relief in Colombia and military and humanitarian aid for Operation Allied Force. I represent one of the largest Colombian-American communities in the United States, and I adjoin an area in the Bronx which has the largest concentration of Albanian-Americans in the United States. I spoke in favor of this resolution when it first came to the House Floor. Unfortunately though, this bill has changed considerably when it went to Conference with the Senate. The Senate has added anti-environmental riders along with a host of individual projects, which have no business in a bill, designated ``emergency spending'' I support the funding for Hurricane Relief in Central America and earthquake relief for Colombia. I support the $6 billion in funding for our military involvement in Yugoslavia and humanitarian relief for the front line countries affected by the flow of refugees escaping Kosovo. And I support the $100 million to Jordan to help implement the Wye Peace agreement. And I support our United States Military who deserve a pay raise for the hard work they do to protect our freedom at home and abroad. These are a few of the good things, now let's talk about the bad things: $9.2 million for car washes in Germany and bachelor quarter housing in Southwest Area, three anti-environmental riders which provide sweetheart deals to mining companies and cheat American taxpayers, $1.2 billion cuts from Food Stamps, $350 million cuts from Section-8 housing and a variety of spending that was not even included in the Pentagon's 5-year budget plan. Mr. Speaker, because of these offsets and the budget busting spending, I will have to vote to oppose this supplemental bill and encourage my colleagues to defeat this bill, go back to conference and produce a better bill that will gain the support of all of our members.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, while I believe that H.R. 833 is an important step towards ending the abuse and restoring responsibility to our nation's bankruptcy system, I believe that the effectiveness of this legislation could be improved by adjusting the homestead exemption for bankruptcy filers to more adequately reflect the current costs of housing in the United States. Mr. Chairman, in my home State of New York, the homestead exemption for individuals is just $10,000 while couples are limited to only a $20,000 exemption. Clearly this amount is woefully inadequate when compared to the current high costs of housing faced by the residents of New York. Mr. Chairman, while I think that H.R. 833 sets a reasonable cap on homestead exemptions at $250,000, I believe it is imperative that the homestead exemption for individuals and couples in New York be raised to sufficiently reflect the prevailing costs of housing in New York so that while consumers are working to meet their financial obligations and get back on their feet, they are not burdened with the prospect of losing their homes.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1141 offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch). This motion would instruct the conferees to insist on the full funding level of $621 million for the Central American and Caribbean Emergency Disaster Recovery Fund, as passed in the House version. Mr. Speaker, it is unconscionable that the majority of this House has continued to delay efforts to provide emergency hurricane disaster relief to Central America and the Caribbean and emergency earthquake assistance to Colombia by playing partisan politics. Mr. Speaker, I have seen firsthand the devastation and suffering in Colombia, where a January earthquake left thousands dead and thousands more without shelter, running water, electricity, medicine, and clothing. The resources provided in this legislation are critical to our ability to continue our humanitarian activities and to provide much-needed relief for those coping with these disasters. Clearly, we must not delay efforts that can greatly alleviate the devastating impact that this disaster has had on these countries. And I would point out that I agree with the comments of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch) earlier about the fact that if we do nothing about these disasters, these disasters will not walk away, they will simply walk to the north and to our country. Mr. Speaker, as the human suffering from these disasters continues, we must not allow the partisanship to hamper our ability to provide for those in need. Now is the time to act, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this motion. Just one other point. This is not helping our situation in terms of the drug war in Colombia, as well. We are giving fodder to drug lords who are taking advantage of people who are in a desperate situation. And desperate times calls for desperate measures. And, unfortunately, we are hearing stories of more and more individual men and women being used as mules to transport illicit drugs to this country. And it is another additional example of the terrible blow that this hurricane and this earthquake have plagued upon the people of South America and Colombia.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 833, the ``Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999.'' Mr. Chairman, a record 1.42 million personal bankruptcy filings were recorded in 1998, rising a staggering 500 percent since 1980. Despite strong economic growth, low unemployment and rising disposable income, personal bankruptcies are soaring, costing over $40 billion in the past year alone. Without serious reform, these trends promise to continue growing every year, costing consumers and businesses even more money. The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999 is an important piece of legislation that will start to end the abuse and restore responsibility to the bankruptcy system. H.R. 833 closes loopholes in current law that encourages debtors to take advantage of the system and avoid paying their debts. Too many times debts are wiped out, instead of worked out. This legislation provides a fair needs based system that takes debtors' special circumstances into account while assuring that those who can afford to pay are required to do so. Additionally, this bill puts the needs of women and children first. Under current law, child support and alimony payments rank seventh on the priority lists of payments. Under H.R. 833, child support payments are raised from seventh to first giving them the long overdue priority that they need and deserve. In addition, this bill closes various loopholes in bankruptcy so that filers seeking to delay or evade their important family obligations, will not be able to do so. Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues support for this legislation which strikes the appropriate balance between the interests of consumers, debtors and creditors and will help restore personal responsibility and fairness to our bankruptcy system.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H. Con. Res. 82 which would direct the President to remove our armed forces from their positions in connection with the present operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Mr. Speaker, a congressional vote to withdraw U.S. forces from the mission in Kosovo would severely undermine the entire NATO effort to stem President Milosevic's brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Kosovar Albanian population. Mr. Speaker, the withdrawal of U.S. troops right now would also undermine our other stated objectives in the conflict. One of the reasons we decided to act in the first place was to prevent a wider conflict in the region from erupting. That was and still remains our goal. A withdrawal right now would greatly undermine that objective by putting the stability of the Balkans in grave jeopardy and, more broadly, the security of southern Europe. We would also leave hundreds of thousands of refugees homeless and over 1.2 million displaced persons exposed to continued ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, a situation we will not tolerate. Just last weekend, leaders of the NATO alliance meeting here in Washington reaffirmed their commitment and resolve to maintain the air campaign against Yugoslavia until several key conditions were met. A vote now for unilateral U.S. withdrawal flies in the face of the NATO show of resolve. Mr. Speaker, over the years many voices in this Chamber have called for greater burden-sharing by our allies. Our allies now are shouldering a great deal of the responsibility in this conflict. A unilateral troop withdrawal at this time would send the wrong signal to them that we are not willing to hold up our fair share of the burden. Mr. Milosevic must not doubt our resolve to achieve the objective of a multi-ethnic, democratic Kosovo in which all can live in peace and security. Mr. Milosevic alone has the power to end this conflict by immediately stopping the violence and bloodshed, withdrawing his military police and paramilitary forces from Kosovo and allowing all refugees to return under an international security presence. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake. A vote withdrawing our troops is a vote against our troops and the vital mission they are currently undertaking. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the students of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado whose tragic deaths have shocked and saddened our nation. The images coming out of Littleton, of grieving families and students, of terrified children and communities struggling to cope with the devestating loss of those dear to them, are becoming all too familiar. We saw them last year, in Jonesboro, in Springfield and in West Paducah. Mr. Speaker, this tragedy has again dramatically highlighted the inadequacy of current gun control laws in preventing these types of senseless tragedies. Therefore, I believe it is vital that we strengthen our Nation's gun control laws to keep guns out of the hands of children and work to help our young people express their anger and feelings of alienation through words and thoughts, and not weapons. Our nations schools are supposed to be a safe haven for students striving to reach their full potential in a safe and secure learning environment. Instead, with increased access and availability of guns to our nations youths, we are seeing our nations schools turn into war zones. Mr. Speaker, it is also imperative that we do more in our communities to ensure that tragedies such as the one in Littleton never occur again. That is why I strongly support programs such as the Federal Safe Schools-Healthy Students Funds to help communities put in place comprehensive violence prevention programs. These funds can be used for everything from establishing conflict resolution groups to hiring more mental health counselors, to establishing new mentoring programs, to installing metal detectors and other security equipment. In addition Mr. Speaker, I would like to announce that this week the Department of Justice and Education will distribute 150,000 additional copies of early warning timely response; A Guide To Safe Schools. The guide, written for teachers, principals, parents and others who work with young people, provides information on how to identify and respond to early warning signs of troubled youth that can lead to violence in schools. Mr. Speaker, we can no longer turn a blind eye to the devastating impact that guns can play on our society. We must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent further senseless gun related tragedies and make sure that no more children's lives are needlessly cut short. By taking actions to prevent future acts of violence in our schools, we can best honor the memories of those who lost their lives.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in remembrance of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. I would like to thank the cochairs of the Armenian Caucus, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frank Pallone) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. John Porter) for arranging this important special order in observance of this tragic event. During the second half of the nineteenth century, between the years 1915 and 1923, the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire became a target of heightened persecution by the Ottoman Turks. These persecutions culminated in a 3-decade period during which more than 1.5 million Armenians were systematically uprooted from their homelands of 3,000 years and eliminated through massacres and deportation. Mr. Speaker, this historic event can no longer be denied. Vast amounts of documentation exist in the United States archives, as well as in the public domain, which lend proof that the horrific event surrounding this period did in fact take place. It is important that we, as Members of Congress, continue to officially recognize the genocide because it is an important part of our world history, just as historically important as World War II, and a prelude to the Holocaust that followed. It is a shame and an outrage that the Genocide is still not recognized by many, many nations. Mr. Speaker, it is also important that we continue to mark this event on an annual basis. Although most of the survivors of the Genocide are unfortunately no longer with us, their relatives continue to remember and to mourn them to this day. I am proud that the State of New York is one of the few States which has offered a human right/genocide curricula for teachers and students to use at their discretion, which includes the Armenian Genocide. I was a sponsor of that curricula, and I believe educational programs such as this allow our children to learn more about the tragic events such as the Armenian Genocide, hopefully ensuring a peaceful existence for future generations. Mr. Speaker, we cannot forget that the persecution and mistreatment of the Armenian people continues today in Nagorno-Karabagh. Since 1988, fighting there has left more than 1,500 Armenians dead and uprooted hundreds more, forcing them to flee to other parts of this unstable region. As a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I will work to end the repression of the Armenian people in Nagorno-Karabagh and will continue to support their efforts to ensure a stable future for their people.

Mr. CROWLEY

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

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. This bill has been on and off the schedule today a few times, and I think we finally have a version that everyone is comfortable with. We are right to move this assistance to Peru, Columbia, Bolivia. Critical interests are at stake there. We have delayed this assistance long enough. This bill will allow the Agency for International Development to provide assistance to those three countries for alternative development, which is critical to helping those farmers move from the cultivation of illicit and illegal crops to cultivation of legitimate and licit crops. I was in Columbia recently, Mr. Speaker, to survey the damage of a recent earthquake in that country. The damage was unbelievable. Thousands were dead and tens of thousands were homeless. My colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) and I were able to bring home to Queens two young girls who had been injured in that earthquake. The people of the United States have provided critical assistance to the suffering people of Columbia. We as a Congress should be doing the same, putting together emergency assistance to address that emergency in Columbia. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure that the suffering people of Columbia, ravaged by a tremendous earthquake, get the help that they need from the U.S. Congress. I support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H. Con. Res. 54 with the intent to honor and celebrate as a Congress the one-year anniversary of the Good Friday Peace Accord and the involvement of the United States Senate majority leader, George Mitchell; our President, Bill Clinton; Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern; and British Prime Minister Tony Blair for their work in securing this important and historic agreement. In particular, recognition has to be given to Senator George Mitchell. This peace agreement would not have been possible without his involvement, and also without the support of our President, Bill Clinton. On May 22, 1998, an overwhelming majority of voters in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland approved the referendum to support the Good Friday peace agreement and establish a Northern Ireland Assembly. Unfortunately, though, the peace process has been dealt some recent setbacks. The demand by unionist forces that Sinn Fein unilaterally decommission one year ahead of schedule before taking seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly has stalled the peace process. On Good Friday of this year, peace talks were suspended. The same happened again when talks in London were suspended. The outlook is not very optimistic. Today's Washington Post quotes Sinn Fein leader Jerry Adams as saying, ``The Good Friday Peace Agreement is in free fall.'' Mr. Speaker, the United States and the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom have invested too much to let this delicate peace agreement fall apart. Without a resolution between all parties, the peace process will come to a halt and the Northern Ireland Executive will not be established. There is talk of closing down the Northern Ireland Assembly of 108 elected members until all parties can come to an agreement. This latest setback comes at a very terrible time. Weighing heavily is the fact that we are fast approaching the start of the Protestant Orange Order marching season, which acts as a catalyst for sectarian violence in the north of Ireland. Now, let me say that my resolution does not attempt to take sides in the dispute over decommissioning and the seating of the Northern Ireland Executive, but rather commemorates the one-year anniversary of the Good Friday Peace Accord. I personally believe that Sinn Fein and Jerry Adams have been honest peace brokers in the peace process, and I find it troubling that David Trimble and the Ulster unionists have added preconditions to this agreement. They are holding hostage the people of Northern Ireland's right to determine their own local government and establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly's Executive. Again, Mr. Speaker, my resolution does not attempt to speak on the subject of who is or is not to blame for the recent stall in progress. My resolution does attempt to speak loudly as a Congress and as a country that the United States is committed to working with both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom to ensure the success of the peace process in Northern Ireland. Mr. Speaker, we cannot sit idly by while the peace process in Northern Ireland comes to a halt. I am disheartened that instead of celebrating, we are admonishing the parties to come back to the bargaining table, to understand that peace will bring prosperity to their children and to their children's children. Making peace is difficult. It involves sacrifice, it involves hard work, and it involves dedication. As someone who has worked in a former career in the State Assembly of New York and has been involved all my life in Irish affairs, and whose mother is from Northern Ireland, I personally know how important the Good Friday Peace Accord was and still is to those who live in Northern Ireland, as well as to Irish throughout the world. As conflicts rage around the world, especially in Kosovo, we must not forget about Northern Ireland and the work that had been done and the work that will continue to be done to bring peace to this troubled region. This resolution, which has 107 cosponsors, intends to move the peace process forward beyond this temporary hurdle and reaffirms the support of the Congress to the peace process as well as the work of all parties in establishing and securing a long-lasting peace in Northern Ireland. In closing, I want to thank my colleagues and my cochair of the congressional ad hoc committee again, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman); the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), the ranking member; the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal); the gentleman from New York (Mr. King); the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), and all who have worked on bringing peace to Northern Ireland. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne). (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal). (Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, without question, we must all condemn the murder of Rosemary Nelson in the strongest terms. She was a remarkable woman who fought for justice, human rights and respect for the law in the north of Ireland. I once again commend my colleagues, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), and all the sponsors of this resolution. The facts surrounding the Nelson murder and investigation demonstrate the need for overall police reform in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland must have a police force that all of its citizens, all of its citizens, can have confidence in. The reason the RUC had to call in an independent investigator was because they lacked credibility to conduct this investigation. The degree to which lower level RUC officers were involved in the murder of Ms. Nelson must be explored. We must have an independent entity direct this investigation, which produces a public and transparent report, finding out all the facts, all of the facts, behind the Rosemary Nelson murder. It must be a prelude to radical and thorough police reform in Northern Ireland and cannot have any substitute. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for all his work for all concerned not only in Northern Ireland and around the world, but particularly for his work and his effort in the north of Ireland. We thank him. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal). (Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne). (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento). (Mr. VENTO asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support, strong support, of House Resolution 128 and the work of the gentlemen from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and (Mr. Payne) and the work that they have done to honor the memory of Rosemary Nelson. It is amazingly fitting that we celebrated in the previous resolution with the Congressional Gold Medal being given to Rosa Parks, and deservedly so. The fact is that Rosemary Nelson was a Rosa Parks in Northern Ireland. But she, unlike Rosa Parks, will never see the day where she will be so honored in her homeland. Mr. Speaker, Rosemary Nelson's death should not have happened. Mrs. Nelson dedicated her life to improving human rights in Northern Ireland as a defense attorney for the Catholic minority community. Her work earned her much respect, as well as enemies. In 1998, Congress heard Mrs. Nelson's fear when she testified before the subcommittee of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the Subcommittee on Human Rights, about her defense work in the north of Ireland. She feared for her life because of the lack of police protection she and other Catholic defense attorneys received or did not receive from the Royal Ulster Constabulary. In addition to her own fears, the Independent Commission for Police Complaints has reported that the RUC disregarded previous death threats against Mrs. Nelson and that RUC officers repeatedly threatened her during her course of work. Frankly, I believe the RUC itself is partly responsible for the death of Rosemary Nelson because of their lack of protection of her and its prior history of collusion with loyalist militias. This resolution brings justice to Rosemary Nelson and her legacy. This resolution calls upon the United Kingdom to carry out an investigation, not connected with the RUC, into the death of Rosemary Nelson. In the past, quasi-independent investigations have not borne any fruit and typically have been disregarded, unpublished, and swept under the carpet. Reputations have been destroyed and justice has never been served. In addition, this resolution calls upon investigators to issue a detailed report on police harassment of defense attorneys by RUC forces and forces it to implement the United Nations Special Rapporteur's recommendation for an independent inquiry into the death of defense attorney Patrick Finucane. This Thursday, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), two great friends of human rights and the peace process in the north of Ireland, are holding hearings in the Committee on International Relations, which I have the pleasure of sitting on, about the reconstitution of the RUC and police reform in Northern Ireland. The RUC is made up of a force which is over 92 percent Protestant and 100 percent loyalist to the British Government. They have systematically denied basic judicial and human rights to the Catholic minority in Northern Ireland, and have no respect in the Catholic community or in the world community at large. In fact, due to their abysmal human rights record, there is a ban on weapons sales to the Royal Ulster Constabulary by the Government of the United States. I look forward to working with all my colleagues on both the Committee on International Relations and in the House to work with the international community in creating a police force which more accurately reflects the religious makeup of Northern Ireland, a force which all Irish can be proud of. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues in Congress to stand up for human rights in the north of Ireland and to honor the legacy of Rosemary Nelson. Again, I want to thank my co-chairs of the Congressional Ad Hoc Committee for Irish Affairs, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the gentleman from New York (Mr. King) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal), along with the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), for their work in bringing attention to and making a difference on Irish issues and human rights in the north of Ireland. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers employed by British Airways in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. These workers are being subcontracted out of their jobs without fair contract negotiations with their employer, British Airways. Over the next 3 years, British Airways intends to close its Queens facilities, thereby eliminating 500 jobs in Jackson Heights, Queens, alone. British Airways announced their decision in the midst of a contract negotiation, and has demanded the right to unlimited subcontracting, to send jobs overseas. British Airways states they are closing the Jackson Heights facility as a cost-saving measure. I know their profits have been constantly rising in recent years. As the largest civilian employer in the Borough of Queens, in the city of New York, our economy will be devastated by the closure of this facility. Yet British Airways will continue to increase their profits and form a valuable alliance with American Airlines under the Open Skies Agreement. I am a strong supporter of our workers. On April 8, I attended a rally in support of the British Airways employees at the British Consulate. Madam Speaker, I ask Members, all my distinguished colleagues in the House of Representatives, to join me in calling on British Airways to keep jobs in Queens, in the United States, rather than outsourcing these jobs to other countries.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, 9 out of 10 Americans, 9 out of 10 Americans support campaign finance reform. Today, I rise in support of meaningful campaign finance reform which our political system needs and our constituents demand. I salute the Blue Dogs for once again filing a discharge petition to try to overcome the resistance of the Republican leadership and force a reform bill onto the House floor. The simple fact is the cost of running for Federal office today is so great that candidates are forced to devote way too much of their time fund-raising rather than dealing with issues of importance to their constituents. Mr. Speaker, last year 196 Members signed a discharge petition that led to bringing the Shays-Meehan bipartisan campaign finance bill to the House floor. Without that petition process, the House Republican leadership would never have let that debate occur. Today, I urge all Members, from both sides, to join me in signing this petition so that a real debate can finally take place on this floor.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney). This amendment ensures that local participation will occur in a manner consistent with existing law by requiring the professionals at the Census Bureau to design and carry out the most accurate Census possible, which requires a release of the final Census count by April 1, 2001. This amendment gives local governments the opportunity to assist the Census Bureau in perfecting the Census address list, by making sure all new construction is included in the Census address list, by giving local governments an opportunity to review the counts of vacant addresses identified by the Postal Service, and finally, by giving local governments the opportunity to make sure that the Census has properly identified the jurisdictional boundaries of local governmental units. Mr. Speaker, without adoption of this unit, the passage of H.R. 472 will prevent the Census Bureau from using statistical methods to produce the most accurate Census possible, and the mistakes of the 1990 Census will be repeated when 8.4 million people were missed, more than 400,000 in my home State of New York alone, and 4.4 million people were counted twice. Mr. Speaker, this amendment accomplishes the goals of enhancing local involvement without blocking the Census Bureau from using the best scientific methods available. I strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to mark the 178th anniversary of Greek independence from the Turkish Ottoman Empire. I would like to thank Congressman Bilirakis and Congresswoman Maloney for their steadfast leadership on Greek issues and for organizing this Special Order to recognize this historic event. Mr. Speaker, for over two centuries, the United States and Greece have enjoyed a strong and enduring relationship. During the Second World War, fighting alongside American troops, more than 600,000 Greek soldiers died fighting against the Axis powers illustrating Greece's strong commitment to the United States and freedom loving people everywhere. Today, Greece's commitment to peace and democracy throughout our world continues through their participation in NATO, modern history's most successful alliance. Our bonds are deeper still, however, for we are joined by blood, culture, and a profound commitment to shared values. Greek ideals of democracy and freedom inspired our Nation's founders and breathed life into America's experiment with democratic self-government. Generations of Greek Americans have enriched every aspect of our national life, in the arts, sciences, business, politics and sports. Through hard work, love of family and community, they have contributed greatly to the prosperity and peace that we all enjoy as Americans today. Mr. Speaker, I have the great honor of representing a number of Greek-Americans in the Seventh District of New York. Their influence and active participation in the life of their communities has fostered economic, political and social growth throughout New York City. But as we celebrate Greek independence, we must keep in mind the ongoing struggle for freedom and demand for human rights on the island of Cyprus. Turkey's tragic and illegal occupation of 37 percent of the island and continued unwillingness to negotiate a peaceful settlement to the crisis threatens to ignite renewed fighting on the island, which would be devastating to chances for a lasting peace. I believe the United States and the international community must remain steadfast in our resolve to bring peace and unity to an island that has been home to violence and division for far, far too long. In closing Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate my strong commitment to Greek communities in my district, the country, and throughout the world. Their strength and dedication to democracy and peace in the world has made them a shining star of modern civilization.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Republican budget resolution and in strong support of the Democratic alternative. Mr. Chairman, under the very able leadership of the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the ranking member of the committee, the Democrats want to keep prosperity on track and protect the American family. The proposal of the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) would build upon past Democratic efforts and ensure continued fiscal responsibility while protecting many valuable Federal programs. The Democratic plan would save 100 percent of the Social Security surplus and 62 percent of the total estimated unified budget surplus for Social Security, ensuring the Social Security trust fund remains solvent for many years to come. Our plan also transfers 15 percent of these surpluses to shoring up Medicare, extending its solvency for at least a decade to grant us the time we need to fix and to develop and implement a bipartisan fix for this valuable social program. Mr. Chairman, education, one of the most crucial underpinnings of our great country, is barely given lip service under the Republican proposal. Many of my colleagues may ask why the Federal Government needs to become involved in school innovation and construction issues which are historically local concerns? The simple answer is that the problem has grown so large that localities and States alone do not have the resources or the programs to address the overwhelming needs. For instance, a recent survey by the Division of School Facilities in New York City concluded that in my district alone 19 new schools were needed to alleviate overcrowding. Additionally, to bring schools in the 7th Congressional District of New York up to standards deemed fair by school facility engineers, New York City would have to fund $218.65 million in exterior modernization projects and $53.8 million in interior modernization projects. Mr. Chairman, if we support the working men and women of this country and if we support our Nation's children, we must oppose this budget resolution and support the Democratic alternative.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Republican's budget resolution. I am truly disappointed that the Majority has not put forth a more reasonable, workable proposal that could garner true bipartisan support. Mr. Chairman, at a time when this Congress has a unique opportunity to build upon the economic success of recent years under the leadership of President Clinton, we are presented with a document that is political in its origin and regressive in its policies. At this crucial juncture in our Nation's history, we are being asked to look backwards, not forward. Rather than working together to develop and implement an economic policy for the new millennium, we are presented with a back room, cut-and-paste deal that simply can not deliver on its promises and would set us on a course which can only result in further escalating the astronomical national debt run-up during the 1980s. Mr. Chairman, we have been down this road before and it is a dead- end. We cannot afford to take this route again. Mr. Chairman, we should be working together to set our Nation's economic policy on a path that will ensure continued surpluses while saving Social Security, strengthening Medicare, and paying-down our debt. We have the ability to achieve a balanced budget for years to come, while still providing for the needs of our country--education, health care, and Social Security. We should not, indeed, must not, pass-up this once in a lifetime opportunity to establish a sound and lasting budgetary policy. Unfortunately, the document before us today falls far short of these worthwhile and obtainable goals. The proposal borders on being reckless in its approach to our budgetary needs and disingenuous in its promises. Indeed, some have even referred to this measure as the ``meat ax'' approach to budgeting. Mr. Chairman, we are presented with unrealistic spending levels, under-funding almost every major program in order to once again provide tax relief for the most well-off in our society. I seriously doubt that many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle realistically believe that the requirements of this proposal can be met. Under the Republican plan, Medicare and Social Security are left unprotected. We all know that Medicare will become insolvent in 2008 and Social Security will become insolvent in 2032, if this Congress does not enact meaningful, sensible reform in the near future. This budget proposal fails to address this looming problem and seriously weakens our ability to face the economic challenges of the next century. At a time when we should be moving forward, looking to the future, this proposal hearkens back to the days of isolationism and poor houses. I ask my friends in the Majority, where is their oft-touted commitment to the war on drugs, to fighting crime and making our streets safe, to education, to health care, to the environment and our natural resources, to science and technology, to our men and women in the armed services, and to the so many other vital programs which seek to take care of the less fortunate and ensure a better life for the American middle class? Where is their commitment to a balanced budget and paying-down the debt? Mr. Chairman, under the very able leadership of Ranking Member Spratt, the Democrats want to keep prosperity on track and protect the American family. Our plan would preserve 62 percent of the total estimated budget surplus for Social Security, ensuring the Social Security Trust Fund remains solvent for many decades to come. Our plan also transfer 15 percent of these surpluses to shoring-up Medicare, extending its solvency for at least a decade to grant us the time we will need to develop and implement a bipartisan fix for this valuable social program. Education, one of the most crucial underpinnings of our great country is barely paid lip-service under this proposal. Many of my colleagues may ask why the Federal Government needs to become involved in school renovation and construction issues, which are historically local concerns. The simple answer is that the problem has grown so large that localities and States alone do not have the resources or the programs to address their overwhelming needs. For instance, a recent survey by the Division of School Facilities in New York City concluded that, in my district alone, 19 new schools were needed to alleviate overcrowding. Additionally, to bring schools in the Seventh Congressional District of New York up to standards deemed ``fair'' by school facilities' engineers, New York City would have to fund $218.65 million in exterior modernization projects and $53.18 million in interior modernization projects. Mr. Chairman, this budget does not ring true. It has a harsh sound that is indicative of it being out of tune with our current economic conditions and good government. I urge my colleagues to vote against this proposal. If you support the working men and women of this country, if you support our Nation's children, you must oppose this budget resolution and support the Democratic alternative.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for our brave men and women of our armed forces which are now involved in the military operations against Serbian military targets in the former Yugoslavia. The military action we have undertaken has three objectives: First, to demonstrate the seriousness of NATO's opposition to aggression and its support for peace. Second, to deter President Milosevic from continuing and escalating his attacks on helpless civilians by seriously punishing such actions. Thirdly, to damage Serbia's capacity to wage war against Kosova in the future by diminishing its future capabilities. Mr. Speaker, as we have seen numerous times in the past, the only language that Mr. Milosevic understands is that of force. Therefore, I believe it is imperative that he be assured of our firm resolve to continue military action until Serbian forces halt their campaign of murder and repression and comply with the demands of the international community. Mr. Speaker, I believe military intervention is the right course of action and we must remember that these actions carry with them considerable risk. And so we must remember those young men and women of our armed forces and pray for their safe and speedy return.