Eliot Engel

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the Kim regime poses a grave threat to global security, and it is critical that the United States move ahead with a coherent strategy to help meet this challenge. At the same time, the Kim regime's treatment of its own people represents one of the worst human rights situations in the entire world. We cannot lose sight of that human suffering that is going on every day. For years, the United States has made it a priority to do what we can to help those living under this brutal dictatorship and to assist those who have escaped it. This legislation will ensure that the United States continues this important work in the years ahead. I want to say that Chairman Royce has made it a mark of his to travel the region, to speak with South Korea, to speak with the leaders in Asia. I am pleased that we are well represented when he goes there and lets the regimes know that we in Congress have a lot of things to say and that we want to stand by our allies and let North Korea understand that they cannot push anybody around. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for having visited Korea with him and for all the things he does in Asia. I think the committee is united in supporting this legislation. We have to speak out. We have to protect the North Korean people who have no protection from a brutal dictator and a regime that treats them like they are worthless. I urge Members to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. First, I thank our chairman, who always conducts himself in such a bipartisan fashion. I thank him for including everyone and thank him for the work that he does. I also thank the bill's author, our former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen from Florida. I am pleased to join her as the Democratic cosponsor of this legislation. She authored an earlier version of this bill, which is a testament to how long she has been working to shine a light on the daily horror of so many living in North Korea and to bring American leadership to bear, to ease their suffering. We have been focused on North Korea a great deal lately because of the Kim regime's increasingly provocative behavior and our own administration's inconsistent and irresponsible rhetoric. North Korea poses a great threat to our national security and the security of our friends and allies. We need a smart, coherent approach that combines diplomacy, pressure, and deterrence to halt North Korea's progress in developing nuclear weapons. At the same time, we cannot lose sight over what the North Korean people are enduring. This is a country where people don't have rights, and anyone who dares speak his or her mind may find themselves subjected to beatings, torture, brutal imprisonment, or even death. The United States Commission of Inquiry found that Kim Jong-un's regime is very likely committing crimes against humanity. Mr. Speaker, I visited North Korea twice. When I was there with a few of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, our North Korean minders were very careful to make sure we only saw what we were supposed to see. But we could sense that beneath the surface, something was terribly, terribly wrong. First of all, they wouldn't let us go out of Pyongyang; that just out of sight, it was amazing that there were so many people living under the most brutal conditions imaginable and that no one dared shatter the illusion that the North Korean authorities had just created. When you go into North Korea, it feels like you are stepping back into 1953 Berlin. Everything was gray and dark and drab, and you could just see something was wrong. We know better. We have seen year after year of disturbing reports and stories from defectors who have told us exactly what life is like for most North Koreans, and we haven't forgotten them. The law that we are reauthorizing today first became law in 2004. This legislation will preserve funding for American assistance to North Korean refugees, for humanitarian assistance inside the country, as well as information efforts by our government, and to try every means possible to get the message out to regular North Korean people that we are not their enemy. I will say that I am greatly concerned that the latest iteration of the President's travel ban, which now includes North Korea, sends exactly the wrong message to defectors from that country. By closing our door to them, we reinforce the paranoia that the regime perpetrates. We have to be careful not to get caught in the middle of that. An earlier version of this law created a senior State Department position to focus on human rights in North Korea. It is a big job, Mr. Speaker, and in recent years, there has been someone to do this important work full time, but it has been reported that the administration plans to combine this position with the Under Secretary for Democracy. I think that would be a mistake. The Under Secretary position already oversees the bureaus and offices that deal with a huge range of issues from counterterrorism, to refugees, to narcotics, to human trafficking. It is a pretty full agenda, yet the administration on the one hand says North Korean human rights should be combined with that job, and on the other hand has not yet nominated anyone to fill the position. So I think there is a lot of work to be done on both sides, and that is what we are doing on the Foreign Affairs Committee. We are working together. This reauthorization reaffirms Congress' view that we should have a senior full-time diplomat dealing with North Korean human rights. I ask that this provision be included once again. I am grateful to Chairman Royce and Chairman Emeritus Ros-Lehtinen that Congress will continue to speak out on the importance of this role. It is also my view that we need to stop neglecting our diplomacy and get these positions filled. We cannot expect the State Department to deal with these challenges--whether North Korea's nuclear program or North Korea's human rights record--without leadership in place, but I am glad that Congress is continuing to do its job in helping to promote human rights for the North Koreans. I am, again, grateful to my friend from Florida and the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I will close now since there are no further speakers on either side. I want to start again by thanking Chairman Ed Royce for all of his work and for all of his collaboration working together with us; as well as Representatives Schakowsky and Noem, who worked very closely together, for their really hard work and really good work. Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons I always support a strong investment in development and diplomacy is that we get such a good bang for our buck. Diplomacy and development efforts help to build stability. They defuse crises, they prevent conflicts, they help lay the groundwork for a more secure and more prosperous world. History and research have shown us that when women are involved in these processes, they work even better. So it is smart policy. It is not a matter of being condescending. It is a matter of smart policy. Think about the alternatives, about when we don't have diplomacy to help spread peace. Conflicts grow into wars--sometimes wars that American men and women will be required to fight. Populations are driven from their homes, triggering humanitarian crises. And the cost of dealing with these problems down the road is far higher than the cost of investing in diplomacy and development right now. So this legislation is a piece of that puzzle. It isn't the whole thing, but it is an important piece. It is an important part of making sure American diplomacy can succeed, and I am glad to support it. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote. I thank Chairman Royce for his hard work, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and former colleague in government, Angelo R. Martinelli, who has done so much to strengthen and promote the Yonkers community and beyond. Though known as a Yonkers staple, Angelo was actually born in the Bronx and grew up in Mt. Vernon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning home, Angelo worked in the family business, The Yonkers Daily Times, and in 1948 he bought the Gazette Press, the oldest printing firm in Westchester County. In 1973, Angelo was elected Mayor of the City of Yonkers. He served from 1974 to 1979 and again from 1982 to 1987, making him the longest- tenured mayor of Yonkers. During his career, Angelo held a number of other offices and positions in national and state organizations, which earned him a reputation as an effective and forceful advocate for municipal government interests, especially in the areas of senior- citizen and anti-crime programs. In addition, Angelo has served on the Board of Directors of the Yonkers Police Athletic League since 1991 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce for 22 years. In 1976, he was one of the founding members of the Untermyer Performing Arts Council. He previously served on the Board of St. Joseph's Medical Center and was Chairman of the Advisory Board of St. Patrick's Home for the Aged and Infirm. He was also the President of the Queen's Daughters Day Care Center, and, in January 1984, Mercy College conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Angelo has always been a passionate man when it comes to public service, but his greatest passion and love always belonged to his family. He was married to his beloved late wife, Carol, for 65 years. Together their family grew to include their six sons, five daughters- in-law, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. In 2016, Angelo once again demonstrated his commitment and love for the City of Yonkers, by donating the funds to restore the Temple of Love at the historic Untermyer Gardens in memory of his late wife, Carol. The donation served as a beautiful tribute to both his city and the amazing woman he loved. It is truly an honor to have a friend like Angelo, just as it is an honor for me to recognize him here today. I thank Angelo for his years of service to our community. Yonkers is surely a better place for all he has done on its behalf

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, communities thrive when hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are set by the example of its residents. In Yonkers, no one has set that example better than Mary ``Edith'' Lockard. Edith was born in Yonkers in 1924 to Andrew and Mary Lena Deloatch. She was the youngest of 6 and the only girl. After graduating from Yonkers High School, Edith earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Pace University. Edith has been the life-blood of Messiah Baptist Church for over 76 years. In April of 1940 she was baptized on Easter Sunday at the church, and has remained an active member serving the parish in any capacity needed. Following high school, Edith focused on raising her family with her husband, Wilfred Lockard. She got involved volunteering in the Yonkers school district and eventually served as the Vice President of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA). She also served at the South Yonkers Youth Council, an organization dedicated to fostering growth and development for the youth in the community through after school care and activities. They also held summer day camps which exposed the youth to cultural and sporting events, positive role models, and educational opportunities. After her beloved husband Wilfred passed away, Edith began volunteering at St. John's Hospital. She faithfully served in the mailroom on Thursdays from 1995 to 2001. In 1995 she also became a member of the Nepperhan Senior Center--Senior Group No. 15--located on Warburton Avenue. For over a decade, Edith has faithfully worked for the Yonkers Parks and Recreation. For as active as Edith is in the community, her true passion has always been her family. She is the proud mother of her four children: Juanita, Tyrone, Lindsay, and Lila, she has eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and, remarkably, 9 great-great grandchildren. Edith's commitment to helping others has been an inspiration to those in her community and beyond. I want to congratulate Edith for all of her hard, selfless work, and I want to wish her a very happy 93rd birthday on September 9, 2017.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call out the horrendous postal service my constituents in Westchester County, New York, are suffering. My constituents are missing paychecks, and have had their mail thrown away. This is disgraceful, and I am appalled. I have requested several meetings with Postmaster General Megan Brennan, which have been ignored. Their actions are unacceptable and are bordering on incompetence. As a Member of Congress, I demand the Postmaster General take responsibility and correct the problems my constituents are facing. Although the House is in session today, I am here to join my colleague, Senator Schumer, who is in my district today, calling for an investigation. Together, we will continue to push for greater oversight of the post offices in Westchester, New York, until these matters are resolved.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, this amendment, unfortunately, would harm American leadership on the global stage, cutting our investment in the international organizations account by $10 million. Mr. Chairman, this bill already underfunds diplomacy and development when we should be investing more in these critical components of our national security. Cutting resources for our work in international organizations would take us further in the wrong direction. Just so we are clear about which international organizations we are talking about, they are NATO, the World Health Organization, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Do we really want to damage the effectiveness of these organizations and our ability to lead from within them? Congress just passed critical sanctions on Russia. NATO is the main organization defending Europe against Vladimir Putin's aggression. But instead of bolstering the NATO alliance, this amendment would only reinforce the reluctance to support the North Atlantic Alliance by some in the administration. This should worry lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as well as Americans at home following the debate. How about the World Health Organization? The last time I looked, the World Health Organization was fighting the Zika and Ebola outbreaks. Do we now want to slash its funding and undermine its role of responding to the next major pandemic? I can assure you that the diseases we don't combat abroad today eventually will reach our shores. North Korea is threatening the globe with nuclear weapons. Iran remains not far behind. So I cannot fathom why we would want to cut funding for the IAEA, given its crucial role in monitoring nuclear safety around the world. Of course, this amendment would also reduce our support for the U.N. regular budget. Withholding this funding could cause the United States to fall behind at the U.N., further diminishing our standing in the world, calling into question our commitment as a global leader, and ceding ground to Vladimir Putin and others who are happy to expand their reach but who do not share our values. In fact, even a senior administration official, our own Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has said on many occasions that while she supports efforts to reform the U.N., she does not support a ``slash and burn'' approach. This amendment, unfortunately, is a ``slash and burn'' approach, Mr. Chairman, and I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing it. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), my esteemed colleague who is the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee and a fellow New Yorker.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I think the gentleman is trying to put money in place for something with which I agree. It is not that I disagree with it, but I disagree with where he is taking the money from. I think that is the problem with it. Hopefully, we can, when it comes time for a final budget, include both of these. But to borrow from Peter to pay Paul, I think is not a good idea. Mr. Chairman, I oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, let me start by thanking my colleagues and fellow co-chairs of the House Tuberculosis Elimination Caucus, Mr. Young of Alaska and Mr. Gene Green of Texas. I am grateful for their support of this measure and for their work to combat tuberculosis around the world. This bipartisan amendment would help move that work forward. Mr. Chairman, America's investments in global health are not handouts. Combating disease around the world isn't just some pet project to make us feel good about ourselves. When we invest in global health, we are investing in our own security and leadership on the global stage. After all, infectious diseases don't respect borders, and when we fail to fight a dangerous illness or respond to a pandemic overseas, we risk having to respond once it reaches our shores. At the same time, healthier communities are more protective, more stable communities. Healthier countries are stronger partners on the world stage. And when the United States helps to advance those conditions, we are showing the world what kind of country we are, what American values demand of us. The reality is we should be investing more in these efforts. One area where we need a lot more support is in the fight against tuberculosis. TB kills more people worldwide than any other infectious disease. This is especially heartbreaking, Mr. Chairman, because we know how to prevent TB, and we know how to cure it. We know how to cure it, and people are still dying. That is just unfathomable. Yet, in 2015, 1.8 million people died from this disease, 10.5 million more became infected. One in ten TB patients is also HIV positive, making tuberculosis the top killer of people living with HIV. Countries with a high prevalence of TB can see their GDP shrink by 4 to 7 percent. The World Health Organization tells us we need an additional $2 billion every year to control tuberculosis. My amendment would help to make up part of that shortfall, ramping up USAID's global health programs by $209 million. That would bring our investment in TB assistance to $450 million. These efforts have a proven track record, Mr. Chairman. In the countries where we are working on the problem, incidence of TB has dropped by nearly one-fifth since 2000, more than twice as fast as countries where we haven't been involved. That is tens of thousands of precious lives saved, and we played a major role in that. My amendment won't wipe out this disease, Mr. Chairman, but it will save lives, it will build on past successes and move us in the direction of putting a stop to this killer once and for all. I ask all Members to support this bipartisan amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend for yielding to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. To completely eliminate funding for the United States Institute of Peace would be a serious mistake. Let me thank Mrs. Lowey for the wonderful work she is doing here and John Lewis for his leadership. John is an American hero. I think we should listen to what John has to say. For anyone who doesn't know what the USIP does, it saves lives, lives of U.S. servicemembers, military personnel, and civilians around the world. The United States Institute of Peace stops conflicts before they start and works to defuse crises. The Institute provides conflict resolution teams and skills that are vital to our diplomats and our military forces serving in conflict zones abroad. They are often quiet successes, rarely grabbing headlines. After all, a war that doesn't happen won't draw near the attention of a raging conflict. Military leaders agree. On September 1, a distinguished group of retired three- and four-star flag officers who have served our country valiantly during some of its most challenging conflicts wrote to Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi expressing deep concerns about efforts here in the House to eliminate funding for USIP. Mr. Chairman, I include in the Record the letter. September 1, 2017. Hon. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader, House of Representatives. Dear Speaker Ryan and Minority Leader Pelosi: As retired three and four star flag officers who have served our country during some of its most challenging conflicts, from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, we are writing to express our deep concern over proposed amendments to the current FY 2018 appropriations bill now before the House of Representatives that would eliminate funding for the U.S. Institute of Peace. We serve on the Institute's Senior Military Advisory Group which, in addition to advising USIP's leadership on current and future conflicts, also guides Institute efforts to partner effectively with our military in conflict zones. USIP has a long and robust record of working closely with its federal partners--including the Department of Defense--to focus on national security priority areas where it brings distinctive capabilities to bear. USIP works on the ground with local partners on the root causes of conflict that all too frequently result in America's military gains or diplomatic and development investments going to waste. For example, in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tunisia, Nigeria, and across the Sahel in Africa, USIP engages at a local level to thwart ISIS' ability to recruit and destabilize America's most important allies in the struggle against extremism USIP's high impact approach gives people the tools to help solve their own problems so America is not drawn into these conflicts. No other agency provides these services, and USIP's approach is highly cost effective. In Mahmoudiya, Iraq, for example--a region so violent it was known as the ``Triangle of Death''--USIP partnered with the Army's 10th Mountain Division in 2007 to forge a tribal accord that halted attacks on U.S. and Iraqi forces and drastically reduced casualties. The Army was able to withdraw more than 2,800 troops--80 percent of its deployment in the region--thus saving more than $150 million per month. That initiative cost USIP approximately $1 million. A decade later, despite pressure from ISIS, Mahmoudiya remains relatively calm, largely on the basis of that peace accord. As citizens and former soldiers, we believe deeply in the mission of the U.S. Institute of Peace as an essential element of our national security architecture. Please ensure that it remains fully funded and capable of continuing its critical work to further U.S. interests and save lives in the world's most challenging conflict zones. Sincerely, General George W. Casey, Jr., USA (Ret.), Chief of Staff of the United States Army ('07-'11). Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry, LT General, USA (Ret.), U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan ('09-'11), Deputy Chairman, NATO Military Committee ('07-'09), Commander, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan ('05-'07). General Carter Ham, USA (Ret.), Commander, U.S. Africa Command ('11-'13), Commander, U.S. Army, Europe ('08-'11). Ambassador Douglas Lute, LT General, USA (Ret.), United States Permanent Representative to NATO ('13-'17), National Security Council, The White House ('07-'10). General Gregory S. Martin, USAF (Ret.), Commander, Air Material Command ('03-'05), Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe ('00-'03). General Raymond T. Odierno, USA (Ret.), Chief of Staff of the United States Army ('11-'15), Commander, United States Joint Forces Command ('10-'11), Commander, United States Forces-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom ('10). General Charles F. Wald, USAF (Ret.), Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command ('02-'06).

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, USIP is neither a Republican nor a Democratic institution. The Institution was created in 1984 by bipartisan legislation signed into law by President Reagan. Since then, USIP has saved the United States billions of dollars by investing in peace. Let me share just one short example of the incredible work that USIP has done. After 52 years of war and more than a quarter million lives lost, Colombia's armed conflict ended with the signing of a peace agreement last year in Cartagena. The peace agreement was reached, in no small part, thanks to the incredible work of the United States Institute of Peace and its chief of operations in Colombia, Ginny Bouvier. Under her leadership, USIP trained female mediators, religious organizations, Afro-Colombian leaders, and many others in methods to support peaceful resolution of conflict. Ginny recently passed away, far too young, at the age of 58, but I would like to believe that her legacy of peacebuilding in Colombia can live on through continued congressional support for USIP. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in rejecting this harmful amendment.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chair, let me just say that I hear what the chairman is saying. I certainly am a strong supporter of international narcotics funding, but the question is: Where do you put the money? The International Narcotics funding account is well funded and even has money in the pipeline from previous years. Meanwhile, TB control is hugely underfunded and continues to kill more people worldwide than any other disease. That is why the funding is necessary. So by passing my amendment, we can save thousands of lives from this preventable, curable disease. Mr. Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey).

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me, and I want to pick up where Mr. Crowley left off. I am for this aid. I am for this aid 100 percent. We should help these people. As Americans, we should help people all over our country. But it really hurts that those of us in New York and New Jersey, when Superstorm Sandy came and we were begging for help, we had to wait 2 months for help, and our friends in Texas on the Republican side of the aisle, except for one, voted against aid for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. And now they are asking for aid for Texas, which I support. But it just goes to show, we never know where these disasters are going to fall. It is incumbent on all of us that we support our fellow Americans no matter where they are. So I say to the people of Texas, my heart goes out for you. My vote will be there. As much money as you need, you will have. Mr. Speaker, but I wanted to say to my Republican friends from Texas: What you did to us during Superstorm Sandy should not stand, should not be done to any other people, anyplace in the country. We are one country. We are Americans. We need to help those that need help. I am for this 100 percent.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the finest charitable organization's operating not just in my district, but across the entire State of New York. For two centuries, the Sisters of Charity of New York has met the challenges of the times and ministered to the needs of the poor. It is my honor to recognize their incredible work as they celebrate their 200th anniversary. The history of the Sisters of Charity begins with its foundress, Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was later canonized as the first American-born saint. Elizabeth was born in 1774, into an upper class, well educated, Episcopalian family in New York City. A well-educated, talented young lady, she and other young prominent women in New York society served the poor, particularly widows and orphans. Ironically, Elizabeth became a penniless widow within 10 years of marrying her husband, William Magee Seton, with whom she had five children. Influenced by the kindness of her husband's friends and her attraction to the Eucharist, Elizabeth converted to Catholicism. In 1817, after Elizabeth had opened several Catholic Schools with a small community of women concentrated on a defined lifestyle for their religious congregation, and founded the first American congregation of women religious, she sent three of her sisters to New York City to open an orphanage, establishing the foundation of the Sisters of Charity in New York. The SCNY mission is simple: to share in the ongoing mission of Jesus by responding to the signs of the times in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, by revealing the Father's love in our lives and in our varied ministries with and for all in need, especially the poor. Their work speaks for itself. There are 250 Sisters of Charity of New York and 121 Associates; seven sisters and 33 Associates live in Guatemala. In their 200-year history, the Congregation opened and/or staffed 185 schools, 28 hospitals, 23 childcare institutions, and other ministries to care for people on the margins of society. SCNY also sponsors ministries across the State aimed at helping others, including on the campuses of the College of Mount Saint Vincent and St. Joseph's Medical Center. From housing to anti-human trafficking programs, the breadth of SCNY's reach is truly inspiring. All of this could only be achieved and sustained by individuals who are truly dedicated to their mission, and who care deeply for people from all walks of life. I am proud the Sisters of Charity of New York is based in my district, and I want to say thank you to its leadership and all of its members for their remarkable dedication and hard work.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of the community who has been an instrumental force for good at the Riverdale Temple, Mr. Steven Rosenfeld. Steven resides in Westchester County with his wife, Lori, and dog, Griffin. He is a member of Riverdale Temple, where he is President of the Men's Club. He has been actively involved in the sales and marketing of consumer products most of his adult life. Steven is also a one-time White House Fellowship candidate. Locally, Steven has been involved in various community groups and efforts, including serving as a founding Director of the Westchester Shakespeare Festival. A recipient of the Consumer Electronic Industry's Design and Engineering Award, and author of numerous articles, Mr. Rosenfeld is also a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Mr. Rosenfeld is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Entertainment, and Who's Who in Business. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Long Island University, and he was a Master's Degree candidate at St. Francis College. In addition, Steven was previously a member of the board of advisors of the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Steven has been dedicated to the longevity of The Riverdale Temple and the community. This year, the Riverdale Temple is honoring him at their 2017 Student Sponsorship Breakfast for all of the support he has shown to the Temple and its members. The honor is well-deserved. I want to congratulate Steven on this wonderful occasion and thank him for all he has done in the community.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor two individuals who have become pillars of the Riverdale community. As active members Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale, Sheila Reinhold and Richard Sacks have helped CSAIR grow by leaps and bounds for over 20 years. It's no wonder why CSAIR has chosen to honor them with the Hazon Award at this year's Spring Gala. Sheila and Richard moved to Riverdale in 1991 with their children Eli, Rachel and Deborah. They took different paths to CSAIR involvement. Sheila grew up in Manhattan in a Modern Orthodox home with Holocaust survivor parents from Belgium. A natural violinist, at age 15 she went to Los Angeles to study with world-famous violinist Jascha Heifetz, with whom she worked--and had all her Seders--for five years while living with a non-Jewish host family. She then moved to Cambridge and was a Resident Musician at Harvard, where she had the opportunities to re-immerse herself in Judaism, and where she met Richard whose Jewish trajectory had been rather different. Richard grew up in Albany in a secular family, never had a bar mitzvah ceremony, and never attended a Shabbat service from the age of 14 through graduate school--even when he and Sheila were dating, though he used to walk her to Shabbat services. They were married in 1977, and moved to NYC in 1978 when Richard finished his PhD and began teaching at Columbia, where he specializes in ancient myth and literature. He also regularly teaches Columbia's core great books course for first- year students, and it was this course that gave him his first experience of the joys of teaching biblical texts. Couple that with Sheila and all three children loving both CSAIR and talking Torah, and Richard's fate was sealed. At CSAIR, their shared passion has been the quiet mitzvah of helping with shiva needs and logistics. They both have served on various committees as well. Sheila frequently plays violin at CSAIR's Yom Hashoah observance, and she has brought her performing career to CSAIR as founder and music director of Intimate Voices. Richard served a term as CSAIR's Treasurer and loves giving divrei Torah. CSAIR is fortunate to have two such devoted members. Congratulations to them on this great honor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an attorney whose distinguished career and accomplishments both personally and professionally have earned her great esteem, Ms. Kathlyn Card-Beckles. Kathy, as she is best known, serves as the General Counsel for Card Services at JPMorgan Chase, which issues one of the largest credit card portfolios in the world. She leads teams responsible for all legal issues relating to credit cards, payments, digital and Chase merchant services. Prior to this, she led the global intellectual property team that oversaw patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets as they relate to JPMorgan. Kathy holds a law degree from George Washington University, where she graduated with honors, in addition to a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Delaware. In fact, before beginning her legal career, she held positions in analytical chemistry at Cytec Engineered Materials and process engineering at Frito Lay. Upon deciding to pursue the field of law full-time, she joined the law firm of Kenyon & Kenyon, followed by stints at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Chambers of the Hon. Edward Darnich of the Court of Federal Claims. Kathy has also previously served as counsel for Tech for Social Good, a technology based philanthropy group. In her personal life, Kathy is a board member and co-founder of the TEHEKA scholarship, which supports women studying engineering, and is a past board member of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, a steering committee member of the JPMC Corporate Sector Women's group, a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and even finds time to teach Sunday School at Abyssinian Baptist Church. In 2014, Kathy was awarded the Trailblazer Under 40 Award by the National Bar Association; in 2015 she was honored as a Black Achiever in Industry by the Harlem YMCA; and in 2016 she was honored with the Metropolitan Black Bar Association's Corporate Counsel of the Year Award. Of course for all of her tremendous success, Kathy's true passion is family. She and her husband live with their 3 wonderful and energetic children together in Harlem. They are the apple of her eye. This year, the Westchester Black Bar Association is honoring Kathy at their 2017 Spring Gala. They have chosen an excellent honoree for the occasion. Congratulations to Kathy on receiving this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale is fortunate to have two members, Ephraim and Erica Edelman, who have displayed a deep commitment and passion to the CSAIR community. It is no wonder why they are being honored with the Chai Award at this year's Spring Gala. Ephraim and Erica came to Judaism in different ways, and to CSAIR almost accidentally. As a youth, Erica led junior services, spent summers at Camp Ramah and worked in the synagogue's Hebrew School. After attending public schools, Erica felt a need for more Jewish education, and therefore, she enrolled in List College where she received a degree in Tanach from JTS and a degree in Religion from Columbia University, followed by her Masters in Education from Hofstra University. Ephraim also went to Camp Ramah and spent Shabbat at shul surrounded by a small posse of friends, reading Torah and contributing to the service from the time he was ten years old. He went to Binghamton University and found his way into the Business School and received an MBA from Columbia University. Indeed, Camp Ramah brought Erica and Ephraim together. The two met on staff at Ramah while Erica was in college and Ephraim had already graduated. They married and moved to Riverdale in 2002, where they joined CSAIR. The Edelmans' involvement in CSAIR, substantial from the start, has grown over the years. Ephraim served on the Ritual Committee and often volunteered to leyn or serve as shomer; Erica led the Young Family Children's Program, creating and illustrating one of her proudest accomplishments, the ``Siddur,'' which is still used today. Erica teaches Kindergarten at SAR Academy, where their three children, Avishai 13, Nadiv, 11, and Shefa, 8, attend. Ephraim joined the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, and has served as CSAIR Treasurer for the last four years. Few have done more or been more committed to CSAIR over the years than Erica and Ephraim. They are most deserving of this wonderful honor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is vitally important that we recognize those who strengthen our communities through their involvement. For the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel in Riverdale, two of those individuals are Elisa Marcus and Dror Bikel, who are being honored this year with CSAIR's Kehillah Award at their annual Spring Gala. Elisa grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where participating in shul life was a given and Shabbat meant going to synagogue and being with family and friends. Dror took a different path to Jewish involvement. Born in Berkeley, California to Israeli parents, then living in Brookline, Massachusetts, Dror was not particularly involved in formal Jewish life. While he was studying at Brandeis University, his interest in Israel and Jewish life awakened. Both Elisa and Dror spent formative years studying in Israel. They later found themselves and each other on the Upper West Side, where their friendships and involvement in the community of young Jews brought them together. Fast forward to Riverdale and CSAIR. Through Mason Voit, CSAIR Director of Education and Family Life, Elisa was drawn to serve the shul. For three years she led the Young Children's Family Program and joined the Board of Trustees. She played an important role in a three- year review of the synagogue's mission statement and currently serves as the Vice President for Education. Dror's passion for Krav Maga first led him to teaching evening classes in the synagogue, then to answering a call by CSAIR president Abby Pitkowsky and Rabbi Katz to lead CSAIR's security program. His work led to the hiring of a security consultant to help with the acquisition and implementation of $100,000 in grants to improve the building's access control, physical structure, and communication system. The character of the community is something Dror and Elisa care deeply about. Their children, Ariel, 9, and Liat, 7 love being in the building, attending services, and have developed great friendships. From the beginning of their involvement, Elisa and Dror have been struck by the degree to which people care about CSAIR and want to be involved, and it shows through their dedication and service. Congratulations to them both on receiving this great honor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a leader in the community who for three decades has left a positive and lasting mark on the Bronx. Reverend Delroy A. Reid-Salmon PhD., is the Pastor of Grace Baptist Chapel, located at 3355 Boller Avenue. This year marks Reverend Reid- Salmon's 30th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Christian Ministry, and he is being recognized for his outstanding commitment, leadership, and service to the community. Rev. Reid-Salmon has served as a positive role model for our young people, motivating and encouraging them to pursue their education while becoming active, responsible citizens. His efforts have been particularly fruitful, as the overwhelming majority of those he has mentored have obtained college degrees. As the organizing Pastor of Grace Baptist, Reverend Reid-Salmon saw his congregation come together from modest beginnings. The Chapel started with minimal funds and only eight members on August 1, 1987. Today, they now serve over 200 members and parishioners. Reverend Reid- Salmon's exemplary service to the church and his community has never wavered; his commitment never in question. Of course, Reverend Reid-Salmon's greatest passion is for his wife and partner in ministry, Elaine. As constituents in my district they have shown a deep affinity for helping those around them, through their work at Grace Baptist and beyond. Grace Baptist Chapel has been fortunate to have such a caring and devoted leader for 30 years. Here's to 30 more just like it. Congratulations to Reverend Delroy A. Reid-Salmon on this joyous occasion. The honor and recognition is well-deserved.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a very special community group that for 50 years has inspired and strengthened the community, the North Bronx Section of the National Council of Negro Women. The North Bronx Section's legacy of outstanding leadership and advocacy for social justice and change has had a transformative effect on countless lives, and I am truly fortunate to represent such a fine organization in Congress. In early 1967, six women under the leadership of Daisy S. George met to see if it was feasible to form a section ofthe National Council of Negro Women. This small nucleus grew into a group of more than 50, the amount required to apply for a charter. By May of that year, with a charter drawn up and adopted with by-laws and a constitution, the North Bronx Section became official members of the Council. By 1968, the Section had initiated a Consumer Education Program throughout the Bronx, and by 1970, operated a voter registration storefront on 225th Street. Throughout the 80's and 90's the Section was involved in all kinds of civic minded activities, from sponsoring day care and tutorial programs, to co-hosting health fairs and educational forums. They even began serving Thanksgiving Dinner in 1994, and still to this day serve over 100 meals every year to seniors, the homeless, and area residents. All of this has been possible through strong leadership, including 14 amazing Presidents: Virdell Mills; Jayne Harris; Oneater Sinclair; Carmen Snaggs; Eva C. Daniels; Agnes Haywood; Juanita Miner; Olia Barrett; Burmadine Hind; Jessie Williams-Collins; Willie E.P. Bowman; Laura Rhodan; Jessie Davis Walls; and Patricia Kerr. These leaders have been instrumental in making the North Bronx Section the success it has been for 50 years. I want to congratulate them on this milestone.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Justice Randall T. Eng, a man whose life and dedication to our legal system stands as an inspiration to all New Yorkers. Originally from Canton, China, Judge Eng was raised in New York City where he attended city public schools. He received a B.A. degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1969 followed by his J.D. from St. John's University School of Law in 1972. Following Law School, Justice Eng began his long and esteemed career in public service as an assistant district attorney in Queens, where he served from 1973 to 1980. He was the Deputy Inspector General of the New York City Correction Department from 1980 to 1981, and later became the Inspector General, a role in which he served from 1981 to 1983. Justice Eng first took the bench in the Criminal Court of the City of New York in 1983, and in 1991, he presided in Supreme Court, Queens County until being elevated to the Appellate Division in 2008. In 2012, Governor Cuomo appointed Justice Eng to lead the Second Department, where he became the first Asian American to serve as presiding Justice of an Appellate Division. Justice Eng oversees one of the busiest appellate courts in the country, helps to guide New York's judicial policy, and supervises the operation of the court's ancillary agencies, including the Office of Attorneys for Children, the Committee of Character and Fitness, and Mental Hygiene Legal Services. In addition to his prolific legal career, Justice Eng has also proudly served his country in other distinguished ways. From 1970 to 2004, he was a member of the New York Army National Guard, retiring as State Judge Advocate with the rank of colonel. Throughout his career, Justice Eng has been a trailblazer. In almost every legal position he has ever held, he has been the first Asian American in that position. This year, the Westchester Black Bar Association is honoring Justice Eng at their annual Spring Gala. He is most deserving of this recognition. Congratulations to Justice Eng on this wonderful honor.