Yvette Clarke

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 731, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am proud that my resolution, House Resolution 731, is being considered by the full House on this, the last day of National Preparedness Month, 2009. I thank Homeland Security Chairman Mr. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, along with Ranking Member Peter King of New York, for cosponsoring House Resolution 731 and for their great help in moving this resolution through committee and to the House floor for consideration. I also want to thank the other cosponsors of this resolution too numerous to name at this time. Our committee has come together in a bipartisan manner to show support for this important resolution. After all, emergency preparedness is not a partisan issue. House Resolution 731 supports the goals and ideals of National Preparedness Month, a nationwide, coordinated effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps in their homes, businesses, and schools to prepare for emergencies of all kinds. This month marked the 6th year that the Department of Homeland Security has observed September as National Emergency Preparedness Month. In promoting the month, DHS partnered with over 2,400 organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Ad Council, to launch a series of Web, radio, television, and outdoor public service announcements. The PSAs highlight simple steps everyone can take to prepare for disasters. The campaign also utilizes new media resources such as Twitter and Facebook to reach up to over 80 percent of Americans. One of the most important lessons from the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina is that we all must be vigilant about preparing for an emergency. Recent wildfires, floods, tropical storms, and tornadoes have given us the opportunity to observe whether those lessons have since been corrected. The dedicated employees of the Department of Homeland Security, under the new leadership of Secretary Janet Napolitano, and other Federal agencies successfully coordinated with State and local officials, first responders, and the private sector to assist with the pre-positioning of lifesaving equipment, evacuation efforts, and search and rescue operations. Similarly, we saw Americans donating their time and resources to assist communities in need. House Resolution 731 also applauds the public servants at the Department of Homeland Security for their outstanding dedication to securing our Nation. We know that terrorists across the world continue to target precious lives and critical infrastructure, as evidenced by various suicide bombings in recent years. Attacks in Mumbai, India, last year hit close to home for my constituents, with the loss of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rivka, two pillars of the Crown Heights, Brooklyn, community and the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement of Orthodox Judaism. Yet, while we are fortunate that DHS, their Federal intelligence partners, and law enforcement agents have successfully thwarted further attacks on American soil since 9/11, a flurry of recent arrests in New York City, Colorado, and Dallas relating to alleged terrorist plots reminds us that America is still vulnerable. I must commend the New York City Police Department, especially Commissioner Ray Kelly; deputy commissioner for counterterrorism, Dr. Richard Falkenrath; and Captain Michael Riggio, for their unyielding commitment to protecting my constituents and all the residents of New York City. Just this Saturday, President Obama praised New York's finest for their outstanding work in securing our city during the U.N. General Assembly session and their exceptional teamwork in their coordination efforts with other police departments and with Federal partners in an ongoing investigation of an alleged terrorist plot. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. If the gentleman from Florida has no more speakers, then I'm prepared to close after the gentleman closes.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, on this last day of National Preparedness Month 2009, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 731 and to also encourage their constituents to visit www.ready.gov where they can learn how to be vigilant, alert and prepared for an emergency.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

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

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 735, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 739, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 718, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, Reverend Annabelle McKune was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 16th, 1924. The youngest of Francinia and Joseph Stanley's six children, she and her siblings Elizabeth, Louise, Eleanora, Vivian and Joseph, Jr. were raised with strong Christian values at Evening Star Baptist church. Reverend McKune was educated in Brooklyn Public Schools attending P.S. 25, P.S. 3 and graduating from Sarah J. Hale High School. Her appreciation of music and dance led to her meeting her first husband, the late Micah Diego Chandler at the Savoy Ballroom. They were married in 1941 and the union produced two sons, the late Micah Diego Jr., and Paul Fitzgerald Chandler. Known for her strong work ethic, commitment and tender touch, Reverend McKune worked at several city hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center. She met her second husband, Reverend Earl McKune at West Baptist Church were they both served as deacons. They were married in 1952 and together, they went on to found Christ Memorial, St. Marks Baptist Church and Fellowship Baptist Church. Following her calling, she became an Evangelist, and later, became the first woman ordained at Fellowship Baptist Church. After 48 years of marriage, Reverend Earl McKune passed and although she remained a faithful member of Brooklyn's Fellowship Baptist church, she relocated to Florida in August 2008 and served as an Elder in New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Annabelle returned to New York in June 2009 and passed on the morning of August 1st, 2009. She will be remembered as a visionary who believed deeply in her work in the ministry. Her family and friends will remember her great culinary skills, her sense of style, her willingness to listen and her quick wit. Her legacy will live on through her children Donna, Sylvia, Eartha Lee, William, Bobby, Cynthia, Valerie, Yvonne, Jeffery and his wife Patricia and Paul and his wife Gloria. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, a host of loving god-children and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my voice to those who have spoken in support of this bipartisan 9/11 resolution, H. Res. 722. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise in support of the bipartisan 9-11 Resolution, H. Res 722, which recognizes September 11 as both a day to mourn and remember those that were taken from us, and a day for the people of the United States to recommit to the Nation and to each other. Today, Congress pauses to reflect on the life and legacy of the men and women whose lives were tragically altered or cut short as a result of the violent attacks on 9-11-01. I began my public life as a member of the New York City Council shortly after the attacks of September 11th changed America's perception on the world. From that first day, I have dedicated myself to the issues of security and preparedness. As the only New York City member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am humbled at the opportunity to commemorate this day with my colleagues and victims' families. We will never forget that almost 3,000 lives were lost, including 343 firefighters and 23 police officers, on that day. Their contributions and legacies will forever be honored and revered. I salute the many World Trade Center and Pentagon workers who may not have held a corner office with their names on the door, but were an integral part of our thriving economy and communities. I salute the mothers, teachers, doctors, flight crews and other valuable members of our society that were taken from us on that tragic day. As we prepare to commemorate that tragic day with several victims' families on the front steps of the U.S. Capitol, I offer my prayers to all 9-11 families and the survivors whose lives are forever changed. I especially send my condolences to the parents and families of the children who's precious lives were tragically taken from us on that fateful day. The collective sacrifices, strength, and compassion of these individuals and all Americans, as well as the fallen soldiers that we have lost in the fight against terror and the families they've left behind--all of whom represent diverse backgrounds and beliefs--remind us that our national resiliency lies within our ability to come together as a nation for the greater good of our society.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, today, I experienced unavoidable travel delays while returning to Washington from my congressional district and regretfully missed three rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all three bills: H.R. 324--Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 310--HALE Scouts Act; H.R. 3123-- Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel Remediation Act of 2009.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3269, the Corporate and Financial Institution Compensation Fairness Act of 2009. This legislation is important because it encourages the corporate community to address the issue of excessive compensation to high level executives by creating greater transparency and giving investors a ``say on pay.'' Some studies have found that as recently as 2003, CEO compensation was 500 times that of an average worker. Even in 2008, a year of significant economic decline, the median CEO salary actually increased by almost 5% with the average worker's wages went up only 2.8%. This legislation protects the interests of investors, including pension and mutual fund participants, giving them an advisory vote on executive compensation. Today's legislation comes in response to growing concerns in the economic community that excessive executive compensation is helping to fuel systemic risk in corporate America. These luminaries, including former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker and the Group of 30 believe that compensation structures were a factor in the current financial crisis. The legislation will not affect smaller institutions such as credit unions and companies that hold less than $1 billion in assets. I believe this legislation strikes the right balance in addressing executive compensation while protecting the rights of the companies that provide so many jobs and are so critical to New York's economy. I urge the rest of my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 127, Recognizing the Significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I thank my friend The Gentle lady from California, Barbara Lee for her hard work on this very important resolution. This resolution ensures that every June, we recognize the many contributions of Caribbean-Americans and highlight the issues facing the Caribbean community. I have the distinct honor and privilege of representing New York's 11`h Congressional District, located in central Brooklyn. And as a child of Jamaican immigrants, I have experienced first hand the impact Caribbean Americans can have on a community, let alone a nation. That is why I have been a staunch advocate for Caribbean issues my entire public life; fighting to ensure that the agenda of Caribbean Americans are visible on the national stage. From the various Caribbean Associations dedicated to helping Caribbean Americans with myriad issues, to the West-Indian American Day Carnival on Eastern Parkway, the influence and impact of Caribbean descendents is undeniable. Caribbean Americans have contributed greatly to our nation as a whole. Some prominent Caribbean Americans include: My predecessor and role model, Former U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm, the first African American female Member of Congress, who was of Caribbean descent; Former Secretary of State Collin Powell, both the first African American to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State of Jamaican lineage; Jamaica Kincaid, an American novelist; social activists Stokely Carmichael and Malcolm X; and dancer Pearl Primus, to name a few. In Brooklyn, there have been many who have influenced my advocacy for the Caribbean community. People like my mother Dr. Una Clarke, who was the first Caribbean born woman elected to the New York City's Legislature; Lemuel Stanislaus of Grenada; Dr. Henry Frank of Haiti; and Carlos Rosada of Grenada, chairman of the West-Indian American Day Carnival Association, continue to remind me of the fight for equality, not only for the Caribbean community and their countries of origin, but for all. While Caribbean Americans have made great strides, there are still lingering issues affecting Caribbean Americans in this country. Caribbean immigrants often have little money or access to practical information when making their transition to the United States, making them the targets of immigration fraud. As a result, earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 1992, the Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2009, which makes it a federal crime to willfully misrepresent the immigration process through fraud or false representation. I also introduced H.R. 2071, which directs the Secretary of Commerce to include Caribbean descent as an option on census questionnaires. This will finally bring recognition to the broad diversity of Caribbean natives that call our country home and ensure an accurate count and proper representation. Our nation's ``third border'', shared with the Caribbean community, links the security of the U.S. with our island neighbors. In 2007, a joint-report by the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime and the World Bank linked rising crime rates in Caribbean nations to an increase in drug-trafficking. In the 110th Congress, I introduced H. Res. 1504 which calls for increased cooperation between U.S. and Caribbean officials to combat this problem. Last week, I came to this floor to express my support for provisions within H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2009 that added the Caribbean community (CARICOM), to the Merida Initiative. This initiative is a multi-year program that works in partnership with governments in Mexico, the nations of Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti to confront criminal organizations whose illicit actions undermine public safety, erode the rule of law, and threaten the national security of the United States. I also expressed my appreciation for the Shirley A. Chisholm Educational Exchange Program authorized in the bill. These provisions promote security and education within the Caribbean community, fostering social and economic development abroad and keeping us safe at home. Again it is my honor as a child of the Caribbean and my duty as the Representative of the 11th Congressional District of New York, to urge my colleagues to stand with me in supporting this Resolution. I thank Congresswoman Lee for leading the charge on this and for yielding time.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. I rise today to take a strong stand for small business by supporting H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009, which reauthorizes the Small Business Innovation Research and the Small Business Technology Transfer grant programs. This very important piece of legislation will strengthen and solidify the foundation for the growth and ultimate success of our Nation's small businesses and determine the subsequent success of our country's economy. The SBIR program is one of the most successful Federal programs for research and technology innovations. It has been central in the process of maintaining the U.S. as a leader in technological innovation, delivering over 60,000 patents and several hundred valuable innovations in all commercial areas, including defense and homeland security. This 111th Congress, I have the honor of sitting on the Committee on Homeland Security and chairing the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology. And as the Representative of the 11th Congressional District located in central Brooklyn and a native New Yorker, I have witnessed firsthand the need for advanced technology to keep America and its citizens safe. The events of 9/11 and subsequent war in Afghanistan and Iraq have catalyzed the need to develop both antiterrorism technology and defense systems that will defend our Nation and save precious American lives from terrorist action. Moreover, this funding is integral in providing funding for women and minority-owned research firms that have historically been marginalized and locked out of the system and have had more difficulty navigating through the technology and innovation research arena. There is no better time than now to encourage technological innovation, to meet the Federal research and development needs of our country, and to increase the quality and quantity of products in our market. And there is no other group better equipped to handle such a task than the small business community. Currently, small businesses are responsible for creating roughly 70 percent of new jobs and employ half of the private sector workforce. They are truly the backbone of our economy and the conduit through which we will emerge from this recession. I have had a very longstanding commitment to the support of the technological entrepreneurship and the jobs it creates. In my district in Brooklyn, our State University Medical Center is home to Brooklyn's first biotechnology incubator where small emerging entrepreneurs are developing the cures for our Nation's illnesses and diseases. This legislation enables the vital support these entrepreneurs are desperately seeking. This is why I strongly support H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009. I thank Chairwoman Velazquez, Ranking Member Graves, Subcommittee Chairman Nye and Congressman Altmire for taking charge on this bill.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today extremely humbled and privileged to pay homage to Mr. George A. Dalley, who will retire as Counsel and Chief of Staff to the Honorable Charles B. Rangel of the 15th Congressional District of New York. Chairwoman, anyone who has worked with Mr. Dalley, knows that he is extremely fond of Congressional Records. So it is more than appropriate that I submit my sentiments and testimony about him into the Record for posterity. George A. Dalley is not only a highly-successful leader and an amazing human being, he has been a true supporter and friend to all who have crossed his path. I especially feel blessed to have him serve as my mentor and advisor, who was integral in helping me acclimate and adapt to the rigors of Congress, even before I arrived in D.C. I am also blessed to share with Mr. Dalley a rich Jamaican heritage and common lineage. The pride he exhibits in heritage and his work with the Caribbean American community has truly been an inspiration and motivation for my advocacy on behalf of Caribbean Americans across this nation and their countries of origin. General Douglas McArthur once said, ``A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.'' Mr. George A. Dalley, your example has been a guide to us here on Capitol Hill and your leadership is an example for generations to come. I wish you all the best in the next stage of your life. Your presence on the Hill will sorely be missed.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank Ranking Member King for yielding. I want to urge Members of the House to support the King- Clarke amendment to the fiscal year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, H.R. 2892. Neither the President's budget request for fiscal year 2010 nor H.R. 2892 includes funding for the Securing the Cities Initiative. This initiative has created the department's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, which is charged with directing the Nation's capability to detect and report unauthorized attempts to develop or transport nuclear or radiological materials. This amendment restores the Federal commitment to this critical antiterrorism initiative and funds it. Since coming to Congress in 2001, I have worked with my colleagues on homeland security to protect our Nation against dirty bomb threats. In fact, my bill, the Radiological Materials Security Act, would help secure domestic sources of radiological materials that could be used to make a dirty bomb. We recognize that in the 21st century there are many very technical ways, many technologically advanced ways, in which communities across this Nation can sustain attack. And we are stating through this amendment today that this program has created a protocol that is a model for the Nation. So I urge my colleagues as we continue to grow in the 21st century and protect our critical cities and infrastructure that we will redirect funds to this particular program and that you will vote this amendment in order.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. I would like to thank the gentlelady for yielding. And I would like to associate myself with your comments, your remarks, your historical context for this Congressional Black Caucus' hour commemorating Caribbean American History Month. I want to thank you, my colleague, Donna Christensen, for all of your work and advocacy being part of the U.S. Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Caribbean American Heritage Month. I thank my friend, the gentlelady from California, Ms. Barbara Lee, for her very hard work and her enduring commitment to the people of the CARICOM region and for ensuring that every June we bring recognition to the many contributions made by Caribbean Americans and people of Caribbean descent, and the issues facing the nations of CARICOM and the Caribbean American Diaspora. I have the honor of representing New York's 11th Congressional District, previously represented, in part, by Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Member of Congress and the child of Caribbean American immigrants from Barbados and Guiana. Other prominent Caribbean Americans that we may be aware of or have known throughout our history includes such luminaries as Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable, the founder of Chicago; Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, who was born in Nevis; actor and social activist Harry Belafonte; revolutionary Marcus Garvey; noted journalist Gwen Ifill; Hazel Scott, the first woman of color to have her own television show; Malcolm X, revolutionary; our own Attorney General Eric Holder; former Secretary of State Colin Powell; super model Tyson Beckford; athlete and coach Patrick Ewing; boxer and athlete Lenox Lewis; and Wyclef Jean, performer and philanthropist. And the list goes on and on. As a child of Jamaican immigrants, I have been an outspoken advocate for Caribbean Americans and Caribbean issues and concerns my entire public life and proudly carry forth my district's rich Caribbean heritage. The success of the Caribbean immigrant and their Caribbean American descendants has been evidenced in just about every field of endeavor. While Caribbean Americans have made great strides and very historic contributions to the prosperity and strengthening of our Nation, there are still lingering issues that adversely affect Caribbean Americans in the United States. Caribbean immigrants often have very little money or access to resources when making their transition to the United States, making them vulnerable targets of immigration fraud. I have introduced H.R. 1992, the Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2009, making it a Federal crime to willfully misrepresent the immigration process through fraud and false representation. I have also introduced H.R. 2071, which directs the Secretary of Commerce to include Caribbean descendants as an option on census questionnaires. I believe that this will bring recognition to the broad diversity of Caribbean natives and descendants that call our country home and ensure an accurate count and proper representation and resource. I was also pleased this year to be present at the Summit of the Americas along with our own President Barack Obama earlier this year. That summit was the beginning of what I know will be an enduring commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship with our ``third border.'' Our Nation's third border, shared with the CARICOM community, links not only families, not only travel and industry, but I believe the security of our own United States and our island-nation neighbors. In 2007 a joint report by the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime and the World Bank linked some of the rising crime rates in Caribbean nations to an increase in drug transshipment. In the previous Congress, I introduced H. Res. 1504, which calls for increased cooperation between the United States and Caribbean officials to combat this problem. Last week I stood proudly on this floor to express my support for provisions which were in H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2009, which added the Caribbean community, or CARICOM, to the Merida Initiative. I also want to commend the Honorable Barbara Lee for her work in establishing the Shirley A. Chisholm Educational Exchange Program authorized within the bill. These provisions promote security and education within the CARICOM region, fostering social and economic development abroad and keeping all of us safe here at home. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand here, a descendant of Caribbean immigrants, able to stand in the House of Representatives' second generation representing a constituency that is the disapora of the Caribbean, and I'm proud that we here in the U.S. Capitol take this time to commemorate the very accomplishments, the binding of our nations and our people, in making sure that we strengthen and build prosperity here in the United States and share that good wealth and democracy with the region from whence so many have come.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings). Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. This authorization includes provisions that keep our country safe, that advance human rights, and that promote gender equality across the globe. In the 110th Congress, I introduced H. Res. 1504 in response to a 2007 report by the United Nations' Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Bank, linking drug trafficking to rising crime rates in Caribbean nations. The measure calls for increased cooperation between the U.S. and Caribbean officials to combat drug trafficking and promote counterterrorism. CARICOM, made up of 15 countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and Jamaica, serves as our Nation's third border. Drug traffickers and criminals use these nations as transit points en route to the United States, making us less safe and contributing to a deterioration of the human welfare and social and economic development of those nations. This authorization acknowledges this problem and authorizes the President to incorporate CARICOM into the Merida Initiative. This will provide CARICOM with the technical and logistical support needed to combat drug trafficking and promote counterterrorism. Also included in this authorization is the enactment of the Shirley A. Chisholm Educational Exchange Program. I was an original cosponsor of the stand-alone bill, H.R. 416. This program provides scholarships for CARICOM students to study at American colleges and universities and requires that, upon program completion, participants either return to the CARICOM or seek a job that directly benefits CARICOM nations and their people. This exchange program will create a safe and economically vibrant Caribbean Basin and keep us safe here at home. The authorization also includes language that creates the Office of Women's Global Affairs with the fully empowered ambassador-at-large. According to the Center for Development and Population Activities, gender equality is essential for development, democracy, and global progress. Thank you for yielding time, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule and underlying bill.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, I would like to just highlight today section 201 of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of 2009, which requires the TSA to establish a system to verify that all cargo transported on passenger aircraft operated by an air carrier or by a foreign air carrier inbound to the United States be screened for explosives within 2 years of its enactment. Notwithstanding the contrary rhetoric we have heard from the opponents of H.R. 2200, the committee is taking the responsible, necessary steps to implement the cargo screening requirement originally authorized in the 9/11 Act by requiring that all cargo transported between the United States airports on passenger planes be screened by August of 2010, by maintaining the commitment to screen inbound cargo, by responding in a timely manner to the needs of the TSA rather than taking a wait-and-see approach until 2010, and by dedicating the committee to receiving monthly briefings on the program so that the necessary oversight is exercised to ensure that TSA will meet the 2010 deadline and the deadline for inbound cargo created by this provision. The previous administration's delay and confusion have disadvantaged TSA and have necessitated this action. I am committed to achieving 100 percent screening of all cargo transported on passenger planes. This is arguably the largest screening vulnerability given that all passengers, their carry-ons and checked baggage currently get screened. I would like to thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member King for their vigilance and leadership, and I would like to thank subcommittee Chairwoman Sheila Jackson-Lee and the ranking member for their diligence and leadership on this authorization. As a member of the New York delegation, as one who serves on this committee and as one who holds very vivid memories of the most devastating airliner-based attack on U.S. soil, I kindly ask my colleagues to support the rule of H.R. 2200 as well as the underlying bill.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, the passage of the H.R. 915 is welcome news for the constituents of New York's 11th Congressional District, whom I have the honor of representing here in Congress. My district includes Park Slope, Carroll Garden and Windsor Terrace neighborhoods of Brooklyn, which are directly affected by noise produced from airplanes approaching and leaving LaGuardia International Airport. H.R. 915 specifies that it is the ``sense of the House that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey undertake an airport noise compatibility planning study'' that pays particular attention to ``the impact of noise on affected neighborhoods.'' This provides much-needed relief and protection to the residents that have been disproportionately affected by noise pollution, and I stand with my constituents in applauding its passage. This bill prohibits the use of certain aircraft that do not comply with Stage 3 levels, and provides a discretionary $300 million annually for the AIP noise program in conjunction with other noise pollution and environmental impact provisions.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate, pay tribute, and honor Mr. Rex Davidson on the occasion of his retirement from his post as a very valued Board Member of the New York City Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and as President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey of 36 years. On April 8th, I had the pleasure of visiting the New York City WIB for a briefing on the programs that we in Congress fund through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and how these programs reach the constituents of my district. During this visit I had the opportunity to tour the Brooklyn Workforce1 Career Center which provides important customized services to both jobseekers and businesses to promote and increase the employment, job retention, earnings, and improve the occupational skills of New Yorkers. The Career Center, funded through WIA and operated by Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, just recently celebrated its 15,000th placement; an exciting and momentous achievement. In my district alone in 2008, 7,083 customers received services through the Brooklyn Workforce1 Career Center and 1,554 Constituents from New York's 11th Congressional District found jobs. Rex Davidson attended my visit to the Brooklyn Workforce1 Career Center to give both the perspective of an operator of one of our City's local One-Stop service locations and Board Member of the WIB. It was clear from this interaction with Rex that he is passionate about his work both with Goodwill Industries and the Workforce Investment Board; he cares about the role of the business-driven workforce development system in New York City and the important need to link economic and workforce development to achieve the best outcomes for New Yorkers and New York City businesses. Throughout his tenure with the WIB, Rex exhibited this passion helping to drive the increasing performance of not only the Center which Goodwill operates, but also that of the entire Workforce1 Career Center system. Of his many accomplishments as a WIB Member, Rex served as Chair of the WIB's Prisoner Re-Entry Steering Committee. The make-up of the Steering Committee is of experts representing the critical sectors and disciplines in New York City that focus on prisoner reentry issues, as well as, other key Board Members. Its goal is to address the complex issues associated with the reentry of people with criminal histories into New York City's workforce. In June of this year, Rex Davison will leave his post at the New York City WIB and at Goodwill Industries as he pursues other ventures out West. At this critical moment in our nation's history, as we seek to improve the economic vitality of neighborhoods and ensure that more Americans can get back to work, it seems particularly fitting to honor Rex and the work that he does in New York City, particularly for the residents in my district, and ensuring that more New Yorkers than ever have access to services provided through WIA. The Workforce Investment Board, Goodwill Industries, the people of New York City, and indeed the people of New York State will truly miss Rex. Rex Davidson is truly a credit to our nation. I hope that you will join me in thanking him for his service and wishing him well on his future adventures.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chair, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 1728 The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2009. This bill will finally put a stop to the abusive and predatory lending practices that have contributed to our nation's highest home foreclosure rate in 25 years. In recent years, some homeowners were deceived and some homeowners received more expensive loans than they could afford. In response, this bill would ensure that mortgage lenders make loans that benefit the consumer--and would bar lenders from steering borrowers into higher cost loans. Moreover, it will prohibit lenders from offering ``reasonable sounding mortgages,'' only to hide huge fees, rising interest rates and junk insurance in the fine print. No longer will lenders be able to ``get rich'' at the borrower's expense. The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act prescribes a simple standard for all home loans: institutions must ensure that borrowers can repay the loans they are sold, before they sign on the dotted line. Under this measure, lenders and the secondary mortgage market who don't comply with these standards would be held liable by consumers for rescission of the loan and the consumer's costs for rescission, including attorney's fees. This would encourage the market to move back toward making fixed-rate, fully documented loans. Although increased regulation of the lending market is crucial to the resurgence of our housing market and economy--the main reason why I stand today is because of this bill promises to bridge the financial information gap. For many people, especially in my district of Central Brooklyn, homeownership allows them to live independently and in relative comfort, while slowly accruing wealth simply by staying in one place. But predatory lending and mortgage fraud undermines a low-income homeowner's grasp on economic security, leaving the most vulnerable of our society with insurmountable debt. Thereby, continuing the cycle of poverty. In the case of the 11th Congressional District, most foreclosure victims live in low and moderate income working class communities, where conventional financial services are not available. Corrupt lenders prey on these people, offering loans they know the borrower can't afford. Good lending advice should always be available to all. The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a grant program to provide legal assistance to low income homeowners and tenants concerning home ownership preservation, foreclosure prevention, and tenancy associated with home foreclosure. These grants would be given out to qualifying state and local governments and nonprofit organizations offering homeownership or rental counseling. This would help level the playing field for those most susceptible to the corrupt dealings of predatory lenders. Addressing the mortgage foreclosure crisis is one of my top priorities. This is why, the day after I was sworn into office, this year, I proudly voted for the Systematic Foreclosure Prevention Act which directed the FDIC to create a program that would provide incentives to loan servicers for mortgage medication. Additionally, earlier this year--I introduced my own legislation, H.R. 1848, the Foreclosure Prevention Act--that authorizes an appropriation of $100 million dollars to Neighbor Works America for foreclosure mitigation activities and mortgage counseling. I am very pleased that the principals of my bill were adopted into the Mortgage Reform and Anti- Predatory Lending Act. Lastly, I am proud that we are doing what must be done to rebuild our economy in a way that is fair and consistent with our values. Again, I stand in strong support of H.R. 1728, and pledge to continue my fight for common sense reform and consumer protections.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to flight delays as a result of air traffic control issues and runway repairs at LaGuardia Airport. I was in New York for a press conference with Mayor Bloomberg addressing the Swine Flu Pandemic. On Monday, April 27, 2009 I missed votes on H. Res. 329, H.R. 1746 and H. Res. 335. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the following votes: H. Res. 329--Recognizing the anniversary of the tragic accident of the steamboat ship SS Sultana (Representative Snyder--Armed Services). H. Res. 1746--Pre-Disaster Mitigation Act of 2009 (Representative Oberstar--Transportation and Infrastructure). H. Res. 335--Supporting the goals and ideals of National Volunteer Week (Representative Platts--Education and Labor).

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Brooklyn College Academy High School Bobcats basketball team on winning the 2009 PSAL Brooklyn West B Division title. On March 27, 2009, co-coaches Alicia Braswell and Paul Wallace inspired their team, which was ranked 26th out of 38 through the bottom half of the bracket to the finals and the win. What makes this win not only inspiring but historic is that it is the first time a female coach has ever led a team to the men's division title in the history of the tournament. Players Keyon Aigle, Christoph Bristol, Denzel Duchenne, Craig Gooden, Lesner Guerrier, Jamaal James, Raheem Mack, Jaren Mansano, Kristian Moreno, Alexandre Pages, Jose Perez, Tarik Phillip, Onyma Utti, and Equipment Manager Cassandra Mark played the Brooklyn way and deserved the admiration of all of us here. Principal Nick Mazzarella also deserves our respect and admiration for selecting a female coach to help guide his school to the title. This progressive and forward-thinking approach to athletic hiring has paid dividends not only for the Bobcats, but is also another step forward in the fight for gender equality in athletics. I am proud and deeply honored to represent Brooklyn College Academy High School and provide it as an example to all of what's possible when playing fields are leveled and all are given an opportunity to excel regardless of gender.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 298) congratulating the on-premise sign industry for its contributions to the success of small businesses.