Eliot Engel

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a religious institution in my district that has helped the community now for 25 years, the Family Christian Center in New Rochelle. FCC traces its roots to another part of my district, Mount Vernon. Twenty-five years ago, Bishop Mott and his wife Sherrie-Ann made a decision to answer the call of God on their lives. They had recently left the church where they met and started their family. On a warm Sunday in October 1994, they held their first meeting in the basement of their Mt. Vernon home with less than twenty people in attendance. This was the birth of Spirit and Truth International Ministries. In April 1995, they moved their services from their home to 38 East First St. in Mt. Vernon, NY and seven months later, Reford O. Mott was ordained as Pastor. The church achieved growth after the move, however, it seemed to reach its maximum number of 70, as families rotated in and out of membership. In December 1998, exactly three years after the start of his ministry, Pastor Mott made his first momentous decision to transition from a part-time pastor to full-time pastor, giving up his career as an MTA bus driver. This change resulted in the church growing significantly, from 70 members to 150 members in one year. As a family man, Pastor Mott attracted family-oriented people to the church. Spirit and Truth International Ministries became a place for families to be restored. The culture shift inspired Pastor Mott and his team to change the name of the ministry to Family Christian Center. The church continued to grow in the years following. In 2016, Family Christian Center moved into their very own property at 592 Main Street in New Rochelle. Today, Family Christian Center is committed to partnering with organizations in New Rochelle making it a better place to live, work and conduct business for all. Its congregation has grown to over 550 members and represents a cross section of the Greater New York area attracting members from all over the tristate area. Madam Speaker, on this special 25th Anniversary occasion, I want to congratulate Bishop Reford, Pastor Sherrie-Ann Mott, and the entire FCC congregation and family on a wonderful 25 years of service to our community.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize two pillars of the Riverdale community, Hilary Baum and Richard Stein, who this year are also being honored by the Riverdale Neighborhood House at their 2019 Annual Benefit. Richard and Hilary are no strangers to Riverdale Neighborhood House. In fact, the Riverdale Press was founded by Richie's father, Dave, in part to help raise funds for the RNH pool. Richie's first paid job was as a counselor-in-training at the RNH camp. After getting his degree in architecture in 1971, Richard began working on a geodesic dome teen center for RNH and Hilary--whom Richie met at Cornell--was enlisted as construction superintendent. The couple recalls the project as one of the most fulfilling experiences of their lives. After the dome, Richard and Hilary established a design office in upstate Delhi, NY, but in 1976 their country life was cut short when Dave Stein's worsening heart condition made it difficult for him to continue at The Press. Despite vowing not to enter the family business, Richie became General Manager of The Press. Immersing himself in community affairs, he soon joined the board of RNH where he is still a member today. Over the years, he has served as assistant treasurer, treasurer, secretary and president. Returning to New York City also gave Hilary the opportunity to redefine her own career path. After taking courses with famed landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg at City College, she joined the staff of the Central Park Administrator during the early years of the park's restoration and the launching of the Central Park Conservancy, helping to establish the National Association of Olmsted Parks. Later, she took a job with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets where she began to develop expertise that eventually resulted in her forming Public Market Partners and crisscrossing the continent, consulting with towns and cities about creating or revitalizing their markets. In 1995, she co-authored her second book, Public Markets and Community Revitalization. Her passion for food and food equity also led to her working to bring healthy, locally sourced food to lower income neighborhoods commonly called ``food deserts.'' In Riverdale, Hilary became a driving force in the creation of the Hawthorne Valley Farm community supported agriculture (CSA) project at RNH and a board member at Friends of Van Cortlandt Park. Now that the couple has settled near their grandchildren--Luca and Anaia--in Philadelphia, their professional lives have come full circle. They are once again involved with architecture and development, aided by their daughter Annie, son Alex and son-in-law Mauro Daigle. Madam Speaker, Richie Stein and Hilary Baum have done a great deal for our community over the years. On this special occasion, I want to congratulate and thank them for all of their work.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I want to take the opportunity to recognize a special religious institution in my district which is celebrating its 55th Anniversary this year, the Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene. Bronx Bethany Church has a storied history. In the early 1960's, a small group of Jamaican nationals migrated to the United States and settled in the Bronx. They searched for a church where they could worship and have a sense of belonging. They attempted to become members of a church in York City but were rejected because of their ethnicity. Despite their disappointments, and instead of cursing the dark, they lit a candle deciding to gather together for worship in their homes. The decision was made within the group to start a church. Rev. V. Seymour Cole was introduced to the group by a mutual friend. The small group subsequently asked Rev. Cole to shepherd them. Having studied in the Midwest, he was familiar with the Church of the Nazarene and recommended affiliation with the denomination. In 1964, with 21 charter members, Bronx Bethany Church was formally organized and became affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. In the first 13 years of the church, Rev. Cole commuted from Connecticut-- approximately 60 miles each way--in order to ensure the establishment of the fledgling church. Rev. Cole tirelessly and effectively pastored this congregation for 36 years before retiring and turning over the pulpit in 2000 to Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel. Dr. Vassel was installed as Pastor in September 2000 and has continued the legacy of rich Bible preaching. The Church continues to grow spiritually and numerically, and God has gifted our community with an abundance of gifts. Madam Speaker, on this special occasion, I want to congratulate Dr. Vassel and the entire congregation of Bronx Bethany Church on 55 amazing years in the Bronx.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to honor the life of an American hero, Corporal Morris D. Link, who is buried at the historic cemetery at St. Paul's Church in Mount Vernon, New York. A Mount Vernon native, Cpl. Link served in World War I with the legendary 369th Infantry, an all-black regiment known as the Harlem Hellfighters, and was killed in action, receiving the French War Cross. Early on the morning of July 15, 1918, the 369th came under heavy artillery bombardment, part of the Second Battle of the Marne, as the French struggled to hold off a German offensive. The shells fell with particular ferocity on the front-line trenches, which were held by Link and soldiers of the regiment's Company K. Cpl. Link was among four soldiers killed in the action. Link was one of 85 Mt. Vernon soldiers killed during World War I. The city planted trees in honor of each of the fallen, and the sapling commemorating Link was based on Wallace Avenue at the intersection with Westchester Avenue. Cpl. Link was one of the unit's earliest volunteers. He was born in North Carolina in 1883 and moved to Mount Vernon in the early 20th century where he lived with his wife Lizzie. Following his death in combat, Cpl. Link was interred in a French military cemetery, though three years later his remains were brought back to Mount Vernon for final burial. Cpl. Link's final resting place is memorialized with a veteran's stone. October 12th of this year marks the 100th Anniversary of Cpl. Link's reinternment into the Mount Vernon Saint Paul Cemetery. Madam Speaker, on this solemn occasion, I am privileged to honor the memory of Cpl. Morris Link and all of the veterans who served and lost their lives from Mount Vernon and throughout my district. We owe them an eternal debt.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark a special anniversary in the community, as St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mamaroneck is celebrating Pastor Marvin Henk's 45th year as a pastor. Pastor Henk was born in Salisbury, Maryland and grew up in both Des Plaines, Illinois and Freemont, California. He is a graduate of Valparaiso University, the Lutheran School of Theology of Chicago, Union Theological Seminary in New York, and Princeton Theological Seminary. Pastor Henk was ordained at Trinity Lutheran Church, Staten Island in 1974, and served there as associate pastor and religion instructor until 1978. In 1978, he became pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Mamaroneck. For 40 years in Mamaroneck, Pastor Henk has served as a spiritual leader in the community. But his involvement goes beyond the church. He volunteers on the Board of Greenwood Union Cemetery Board in Rye and as a Chaplain to the Mamaroneck Fire and Police Departments. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Rye YMCA and the Samaritan Counseling Center in Rye. In addition, Pastor Henk has volunteered on the Ethics Committee for the Village of Mamaroneck, the Committee for Immigration and Hispanic Relations in Mamaroneck, and on various ELCA committees. When not serving his congregants and neighbors, Pastor Henk enjoys sailing, watching baseball, running the New York City Marathon--which he's done three times--and playing racquetball. He also loves to travel, something I as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee can appreciate. But Pastor Henk's greatest love in family. He is married to his lovely wife, Kathleen, who is a teacher at Rye Presbyterian Nursery School. Together they have two daughters, Erin and Allison. Madam Speaker, as Representative for New York's 16th District, it is my honor to recognize Pastor Henk on this special occasion. Congratulations to him on 45 years as pastor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize a good friend and community leader in my district who this year is turning 75 years old, Bishop Angelo Rosario of the Bronx. Bishop Rosario and his wife, Bishop Nancy Rosario, have served as Pastors of Church of God's Children in Co-op City since 1990. He has been in Pastoral Ministry for over 50 years. Bishop Rosario is the President and Founder of the United Clergy Coalition and CEO of the Bronx Clergy Task Force from the Bronx Borough President's Office of Faith Based Initiatives. He is also a former chairman of Community Board 10 in the Bronx. Bishop Rosario completed his studies in Theology and Pastoral Counseling at the Inter- American Theological University. Bishop Rosario's ministries have a well-earned reputation for helping those in the community through spiritual and education programming. This includes classes, after-school programs, spiritual counseling, job placement services and health services. He has also been instrumental in developing many community wide events and activities in Co-op City, including Youth Day, the United Day of Prayer, and several different international relief funds. Joining Bishop Rosario every step of the way has been Nancy, their 10 children--four of whom are pastors themselves--and many grandchildren. Madam Speaker, Co-op City and the Bronx is fortunate to have Bishop Rosario as a leader in the community. As he celebrates his 75th birthday, I want to wish him and his family all of the best. I thank him for his years of dedicated service.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank my dear friend and constituent, Rabbi Evan Hoffman, for giving the opening prayer today. Rabbi Hoffman has led Congregation Anshe Sholom in New Rochelle, New York, since 2012. He graduated Yeshiva College summa cum laude, where he received ordination from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan's Theological Seminary. Rabbi Hoffman is an accomplished author, writing the weekly essay series titled ``Thoughts on the Parashah,'' as well as the editor of English language publications for Talmud Israeli. Rabbi Hoffman was raised in Great Neck, New York, and is an avid New York Mets fan. Rabbi Hoffman and his wife, Sari, are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Eliyahu and Elana. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend for the wonderful prayer this morning.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 655, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 296) affirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H. Res. 296.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us is an important measure to set the record straight on the atrocities suffered by the Armenian people at the hands the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century. We know what happened in this dark period of history. Between 1915 and 1923, 1.5 million Armenians were murdered. This was a genocide, and it is important that we call this crime what it was. Many American politicians, diplomats, and institutions have rightly recognized these atrocities as a genocide, including America's Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the time, Henry Morgenthau, and later, President Ronald Reagan. It is time that we set the record straight. Only by shining a light on the darkest parts of our history can we learn to not repeat them. And properly acknowledging what has occurred is a necessary step in achieving some measure of justice for the victims. H. Res. 296 sticks to the historical facts. It is a good, commonsense measure with broad bipartisan support. I want to thank Mr. Schiff, the resolution's author, as well as Ms. Eshoo, Ms. Speier, Ms. Shalala, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Smith, and the many other bipartisan champions of this issue for their persistent, steadfast pursuit of recognition for the suffering the Armenian people endured. I strongly support this measure, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same. With its passage, we put Congress on the right side of history, properly acknowledging and condemning this horrific genocide. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader. (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), the author of this important resolution, the vice chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, and the chair of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), an important leader on these issues for many years.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), the acting chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Speier), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation on our Foreign Affairs Committee. He has been a leader on this issue for years.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), a valued member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa), another wonderful member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ted Lieu), another respected member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is now my honor to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the House.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the co-chair of the congressional Armenian caucus, who has, for many, many years, been at the forefront of championing this very important resolution.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlemen from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Lawrence).

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).