Eliot Engel

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, civic minded community groups are only as strong and effective as the members who lead them. That is why the Bronx-Westchester South Division of Kiwanis, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Frank Riti, has been so successful. As Lieutenant Governor, Frank has overseen 12 Kiwanis Clubs in his division, including those in Bronx Shore, Hartsdale, Mount Vernon, North East Bronx, Riverdale and Yonkers. He has made 3 official visits to each club and during his tenure has made a point of hosting events that bring all divisions together to create a communal spirit in the Kiwanis organization. Working to fulfill the goals set forth by New York State Kiwanis Governor Joseph Aiello, Frank encouraged all of his clubs to participate in the Governor's Project which centered on autism awareness. With Frank's hard work the South Division was able to raise critical funds for autism causes and hold programs dedicated to raising awareness. Frank was also instrumental in the ``Treats for Troops'' Kiwanis program which sent gift packages to our young men and women serving overseas. Both the Governor's Project and ``Treats for the Troops'' were highly successful. Frank was also a big supporter of the Kiwanis International project ``Eliminate'' which deals with maternal neo-natal tetanus issues plaguing families on a global scale. Frank's ability to bring his 12 clubs together to support these causes was what made them successful, and led to their collective contributions being recognized by both the New York State District and International Kiwanis respectively. Prior to his wonderful work with Kiwanis, Frank worked in the health care field, serving as head of occupational therapy in nursing homes in both Westchester and the Bronx. Frank was beloved by both his staff and patients and gave many years of service to the field. The Yonkers Kiwanis Club honored Frank at a dinner which celebrated their 85 years of service to the Yonkers community in 2014. I believe there was no more fitting honoree than Frank Riti, and wish to offer him my sincerest congratulations on that wonderful recognition.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, there are few professions that serve the public good like healthcare. Committing one's life to providing people with excellent medical care is a noble calling, a calling Nadem Sayegh has answered with distinction. A lifelong resident of Yonkers, Nadem decided to pursue a career in medicine, and became a specialist in the field of Endocrinology. Following medical school, Nadem opened a private practice in 1994 and later became Manager of Southern Westchester Diabetes, with offices in both the Bronx and Yonkers. In addition, he also operates Broadway Medical Services, a clinic in Yonkers serving a diverse population of residents. The clinic was scheduled to close in 2009, but through Nadem's incredible efforts the clinic is not only open, but thriving, and now treats more than 15,000 patients every year, an incredible feat. Nadem has been recognized by many organizations over the years for his commitment to healthcare excellence. He was honored by the Jessie Banks Foundation for his contributions to those affected with diabetes, and in 2013 received the Father of the Year Award by the American Diabetes Association, an organization of which he was later named New York Chapter President. Nadem's community involvement also extends beyond the field of medicine. He has served the Virgin Mary Church since its inception in 1966 and has done public speaking and counseling work for numerous organizations. But for Nadem, his greatest blessing has always been his family; his beautiful wife Diana, and their three sons, all currently enrolled in college. Their love and support has been instrumental to Nadem's success and the growth of his work. A true pillar of the healthcare community, Nadem served on the medical board of St. Joseph's Medical Center and became its President in 2006-2007. The center decided to honor Nadem with the 2014 Outstanding Service Award, and its safe to say they found a particularly deserving honoree. Congratulations to Nadem on the honor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, those who selflessly give of themselves to serve their country and community are a special breed. Such is the case with Louis Navarro, who currently serves as Director of the City of Yonkers Office of Veterans' Affairs. Louis was appointed to that position in 2013 under current Mayor Mike Spano. The appointment was an easy one for the mayor, based on Louis' impressive career in the armed forces. He served his country with distinction in the United States Army for over three decades as both an active duty and reserve soldier. Louis received numerous medals for his time in the armed forces, including the Vietnam Campaign Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. Louis is also a member of several important veteran related organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. On a more local level, Louis has taken an active role in many Yonkers events and committees. He served as Chairman of the Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee and was the 1st Vice Commander of the Yonkers Central Committee of Veterans Organizations, where he also doubled as the Chairman of the Yonkers Memorial Day Parade in 2013. Despite a lifetime of great accomplishments serving his country and community, Louis remains most proud of the love and support he receives from his family, including his wife, Donna, and their children, Kaylan and James. In 2014 the Salvation Army added to Louis' list of accomplishments by honoring him at their annual dinner. I want to echo their sentiments of congratulations to Louis Navarro for all he has done to protect and better the lives of Americans and the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces for many years. This honor is extremely well-deserved.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, sometimes a simple civic organization intended to help and improve a small community can turn into a pillar of hope for an entire city. That has undoubtedly been the case with Regional Aid for Interim Needs, or RAIN, thanks in large part to its founder, Beatrice Castiglia-Catullo. Bea has given her life to her community and always advocates on behalf of those marginalized. RAIN was founded in 1964 to serve those in need as a multi-social service agency. It provides an array of invaluable services to the senior community of the Bronx, many of whom are handicapped, home bound, or otherwise incapable of providing themselves with certain necessities. RAIN has full-service neighborhood senior centers, home-delivered meals, transportation services, assistance with benefits and entitlements, case management and elder abuse services, in addition to community-based mobile meals for homeless and hungry persons. Their commitment to helping the elderly population has also led to the sponsorship of two residential housing projects for low-income seniors and an affiliated home attendant program that provides in-home attendant and care services. Building off their incredible success in the Bronx, RAIN has recently expanded its services to Manhattan and has licensed to provide Home Health Care in all five New York City boroughs as well as Westchester County. This type of wonderful advocacy has all been made possible by Bea, whose passion and drive is still to this day the heartbeat of the RAIN operation. Her legacy of procuring funding for 1600 meals on wheels, 325 daily meals to the hungry and homeless, and 11 senior centers is truly remarkable, and her life has been a tremendous inspiration to me as I serve the public in Congress. RAIN celebrated Bea's 98th birthday at their 50th Anniversary celebration on October 30th, 2014. I want to personally thank Bea for all she has done and all she continues to do for the constituents in my district and well beyond. She has created something truly phenomenal and should be incredibly proud of the achievement.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, great healthcare organizations are a tremendous asset to any community. St. Joseph's Medical Center's Family Residency Program has undoubtedly been one of those fantastic assets in Westchester, helping train and ready the family physicians of tomorrow now for over 4 decades. Established in 1974, the medical center was the first Residency Program of its kind in the entire Westchester County. Beginning with one resident in the mid-1970's, the program has grown over the years to now have 30 residents, with an annual graduating class of 10. The program's residents learn to treat the whole patient, become aware of family dynamics, and emphasize prevention and education in the practice of medicine. Although the residency program started at a time when primary care had been outpaced by specialization, it has become increasingly more important as our nation's healthcare system and the public recognize the value of prevention and patient centered care. All told, the Family Medicine Residency program has graduated 312 family physicians over the course of its 40 year existence. Many of those graduating physicians have chosen to stay in Westchester, and have developed into some of the finest physicians in the entire country. Others have gone on to complete fellowships and teach at major medical centers and university hospitals. The St. Joseph's community is proud to have such a distinguished residency program that has produced so many outstanding family physicians. As the elected representative of St. Joseph's in Congress, I am equally proud to say that I have one of the premiere residency programs in the world housed within my district. In recognition of the program's many contributions to Saint Joseph's, the Medical Center presented the Family Medicine Residency Program with the 2014 Outstanding Service Award. It was a well deserved honor and I want to congratulate all of the talented and dedicated men and women who have made the program such a tremendous success.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, those who choose the path of civic engagement can accomplish wonderful things for their communities. In Yonkers there are few who can claim they have done more to support the local neighborhoods than Jerry Galella. Born seven minutes before his twin brother, Jerry grew up in the Bronx and is the oldest of three children. After graduating from Dewitt Clinton High School, Jerry served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1973 and after his discharge became a grocery store manager for the next 40 years. In 2007, Jerry became a full-fledged member of the Yonkers community when he joined the ShopRite of Greenway Plaza as Store Director. Remarkably, in the seven years Jerry has been with ShopRite he has become affiliated with over 25 different churches and numerous other community organizations throughout Yonkers. His volunteer work has included helping out with three college scholarship funds, including the Yonkers African American Cultural Club, the Dominican Cultural Club of Yonkers, and the Hispanic Professional Scholarship fund. As a result of his efforts, Jerry has been honored various accolades and awards from a wide array of schools, churches, and veterans' associations, just to name a few. As devoted to helping out the community as Jerry is, his real passion is for his family. He met his wife, Linda, at age 13 in 8th grade, and was immediately smitten. The teenage sweethearts would later become married and for the past 32 years have lived together in Carmel, NY. Over the course of their 40 year marriage Jerry and Linda have raised three wonderful children and have six amazing grand children, all who live within 15 miles of each other. Jerry also generously gives his time to many different organizations in the Carmel community, ranging from little league to organizations assisting veterans of the Vietnam War. In 2014, the Luther V. Garrison SR. Masonic Foundation Inc. Scholarship Committee named Jerry Galella their 2014 Man of the Year. He was incredibly deserving of the honor, and I wish to congratulate him on receiving the well-deserved recognition.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, those who dedicate themselves to improving their neighborhood become cornerstones of the community. Barbara P. Smith is one of those cornerstones in Yonkers, who for 32 years has been an educator, civic leader and crusader. Barbara began bettering the Yonkers community in 1982 as a teacher at the Orchard School at Andrus Children's Home on North Broadway. She taught a range of subjects from math and science to social studies and home economics. Eventually Barbara was elevated to Assistant Principal and in 1994 she and the school were recognized for their efforts and achievements with an invitation to the White House to meet then President Clinton. Barbara subsequently returned to the classroom where she could take a more hands on approach to teaching. Outside of the classroom, Barbara has engaged in a number of civic groups aimed at serving the community. For the past 36 years she has served as board member and President of the Hudson River Community Association (HRCA) of Northwest Yonkers, a once dormant organization she helped resurrect. Barbara has also generously given her time to organizations like the Yonkers Committee for Smart Development, which she served as an advisor to in 2008, and the advisory board for the First District of Council Woman Pat McDow in 2007. When time permits, she also likes to partake in a wide array of volunteer work aimed at community improvement. Barbara shares the same goals as the organizations she works with: to stabilize, improve, support and promote the wonderful city of Yonkers. I believe she has achieved those goals admirably. Last year, the Luther V. Garrison Masonic Foundation Inc. Scholarship Committee honored Barbara as their Woman of the Year for 2014. It was a supremely appropriate honor for one of Yonkers' most dedicated citizens. Congratulations to her on receiving such well-deserved recognition.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, some community members have the unique ability to shape their entire neighborhood for the better. For the Bronx's 47th Precinct community, that person who has shaped and improved the neighborhood for the better has been Elizabeth Gill. Elizabeth was born and raised by her Caribbean parents in the Bronx. She has been a lifelong community advocate who has worked with a wide variety of civic organizations, both as a member and volunteer. She currently serves at the New York City Police Department 47th Precinct Community Council President, a post she has held for over 20 years. Other organizations that she has done work for include the 47th Precinct Crisis Intervention Team; North Bronx Williamsbridge Branch of the NAACP; Mount Vernon Police Department Community Board; St. Mary's Hospital for Children With Special Needs; the 47th Precinct annual fellowship Breakfast Planning Committee; The Selective Service Board; and the Co-op City Public Committee. Elizabeth has also worked to procure many grants for the entire 47th Precinct community, with funding going towards community affairs vans, auxiliary vests, bicycles for police officers, and a command center bus. As a result of her accomplishments, Elizabeth has received a host of community service awards. She has been honored by the Korean Merchants Association of the Northeast Bronx, the Police Reserve association of the City of New York, and the New York State association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, just to name a few. This year Elizabeth is celebrating her 85th birthday, and on the occasion I wish to congratulate her for all of her wonderful accomplishments. I am truly proud to be able to say I represent such a fine community member in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, community partners who are truly dedicated to serving the public good are an invaluable asset to any elected official in government. As the Representative of New York's 16th district I have had the pleasure of working with some truly remarkable community leaders, none more remarkable than my dear friend, Westchester Jewish Council Executive Director Elliot Forchheimer. Raised in Kew Gardens, Queens, Elliot's love affair with Jewish communal life started at the legendary Cejwin Camps, where he was inspired to pursue a career in the Jewish community. He became an Administrator at Camp Ramah and went on the join the Young Israel of Scarsdale, where he was a Youth Director for six years under the mentorship of the late Rabbi Jacob Rubenstein. In 1996 Elliot joined the UJA-Federation of New York in the Program Services department, serving in a position focused on camps and JCC's. Shortly thereafter he became the very first Director of Westchester Program Services and Agency Relations for UJA-Federation's Westchester Office. After a stint at Synagogue 2000, Elliot returned to UJA- Federation's Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal, focusing on synagogue relations. Elliot's greatest professional privilege however has been serving for the last 10 years as the Executive Director of the Westchester Jewish Council. In this role he has steered the proverbial ship at WJC, working with elected officials, community groups, and over 150 Jewish organizations that span the breadth of Jewish expression. Elliot has helped ensure that Westchester remains a bastion of mutual respect and cooperation amongst all community members. In addition to his phenomenal career achievements, Elliot has created an incredible legacy at home, with his beloved wife, Joan, and their two children, Ilana and Jacob. They are his true pride and joy. This year, the WJC is honoring Elliot at their 39th Anniversary Gala for all he has done to better the Westchester community. I am honored to be able to congratulate Elliot on this incredible achievement, and I am even more honored to be able to call this incredible community partner my friend.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of the great 16th Congressional District of New York I have the pleasure and honor of representing many wonderful groups. One of those wonderful organizations, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, is hosting their ``Celebrating 23 Years of Kindness'' dinner on January 24th, and I couldn't be more thrilled to recognize them on this occasion. Founded in 1992 under the guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale seeks to strengthen the cultural bonds of Jewish identity through spiritual outreach, adult education, childhood education, daycare, day camps, Sabbath and Festival services and hospital visitation. As one of 2,700 centers in 70 different countries, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale embraces the Chabad Lubavitch philosophy, teaching understanding and recognition of the Creator as a means of reinforcing and nurturing Jewish culture. For the entire Chabad Lubavitch community, refining and governing one's actions through wisdom, comprehension, and knowledge is the true key to a fulfilled life, and it is in this vein that Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale has worked to improve the lives of the Jewish population in the community. As community centers go, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale has always shown a great deal of warmth as they embrace the very young to the old and everyone in between that live in the neighborhood. By utilizing contemporary approaches to traditional values they have gone a long way toward reinvigorating the Jewish community. I want to thank my friend Rabbi Levi Shemtov, the entire leadership team and members of Chabad for all they have done and continue to do for our community. Congratulations again to Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale on 23 great years of service.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, a life dedicated to serving the public good is not only noble, it is inspirational. Hadassah Lieberman's life, spent working on everything from health issues to educational improvement, is one of those tremendous inspirations. Hadassah's reach and influence has extended from the Riverdale neighborhood all the way out to the international community. Born in the Czech Republic, Hadassah and her family left Eastern Europe in 1949 for Massachusetts. A graduate of Boston University, Hadassah earned a degree in Government and Dramatics and later received a Masters Degree in International Relations and American Government at Northeastern University. Her studies and interests steered her to a host of organizations dedicated to serving the public good. Currently, Hadassah is on the board of Open University and is a former Global Ambassador with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest network of breast cancer survivors and activists. She developed an Advisory Network for Women's Health to promote awareness and prevention of heart disease, and is a former Director of HFL & Associates, a firm dedicated to expanding domestic and international awareness of nonprofit organizations. Hadassah has also dedicated a tremendous amount of time to community service through her work with Meridian House, the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Hadassah's true pride and joy though is her family; her husband, former Senator Joe Lieberman, their four children, and ten grandchildren. Since returning to Riverdale with Joe, Hadassah has experienced the great warmth of the Chabad community, and has had an active role in its growth and promotion. I am proud to not only count Hadassah and Joe as constituents but to also call them friends. Chabad of Riverdale is honoring Hadassah at this year's celebration dinner. I want to congratulate her on this wonderful honor.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, protecting the environment and our natural resources are vital, and when a school is committed to furthering those goals it deserves a great deal of praise and admiration. That is why I am proud to acknowledge the Anne Hutchinson Elementary School in Eastchester, New York which has been designated as one of the 2014 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Honorees. The prestigious Green Ribbon School program recognizes schools where staff, students, officials and communities have worked together to produce energy efficient, sustainable and healthy school environments and to ensure the environmental literacy of graduates. The Anne Hutchinson Elementary School was the only New York State School nominated for the Green Ribbons School program during the 2013- 2014 school year. The school's commitments to reducing its overall environmental impact, cut utility costs, and promote awareness by incorporating a wide variety of environmentally conscious practices into learning made it one of only 48 schools across the country to be honored as a Green Ribbon School. As a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee I am keenly aware of the need to pursue smarter, greener energy practices in order to achieve true energy independence and face the challenges of climate change. Schools like the Anne Hutchinson Elementary School are laying the foundation for a more sustainable future and I am so proud to be able to represent such an environmentally conscious school as a Member of Congress. Congratulations to the students, faculty and administrators of the Anne Hutchinson Elementary School on receiving this incredible honor and recognition.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the Yonkers community is filled with heroes that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to their neighborhood. One of those heroes, Ken Davis, has a particularly noteworthy list of achievements as a Yonkers resident and public servant. Ken is a graduate of Yonkers Public Schools and received an AAS Degree from Sullivan Community College. Later, he received a BS Degree in Fine Arts Education from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an MS Degree in Human Resources from Mercy College. After school, Ken joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves and became an officer in the Yonkers police force. Currently a Detective assigned to the Gang/Narcotics Program, he has worked on several high profile assignments, including the department's Re-Entry Program, Third Precinct Task Force, Housing Unit, and has also served as a School Resource Officer, an Instructor at the Westchester Police Academy, and a Community Affairs Officer. In his time on the force, Ken has received several awards, certificates and honors for his work through the department. As a Graffiti and Gang Specialist, Ken has made presentations at the National Gang Crime Research Center in Chicago, and Canada's Anti- Graffiti Symposium about methods of gang prevention. In his private time, Ken serves the Yonkers community with volunteer work for the scholarship committee and in 2005 served as worshipful Master of James H. Farrell Lodge #34, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons of Yonkers. For both his private and professional commitment to bettering the Yonkers community, the Luther V. Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation Inc. Scholarship Committee has named Ken Davis their 2014 Community Volunteer Service Award winner. He is most deserving of this distinguished honor and I wish to congratulate and thank him for all he has done for the people and city of Yonkers.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, the terrorist attacks by radical Islamists in Paris were a tragedy for all who love peace and freedom. What happened at the offices of Charlie Hebdo and the kosher market reminds us this violent extremism remains a critical threat. I am happy to stand with the chairman here in showing strong bipartisanship once again because we grieve with France, our oldest ally. Our hearts break for all those who have lost loved ones in these attacks and for all who watched this carnage spill into their peaceful city streets. As a New Yorker, I remember the outpouring of support from France following September 11, 2011. But even as we mourn the dead, we draw inspiration from the displays of courage and solidarity on the streets of the City of Light, across Europe, and around the world. With the attackers still at large, Parisians took to the streets in massive and peaceful vigils. They sent a clear message to the world: freedom and justice will not be cowed by violence and terror. In these attacks, Mr. Speaker, the ancient evil of anti-Semitism once again showed its ugly face. Anti-Semitism is both a threat with which governments need to deal and a societal challenge requiring honest dialogue, critical self-examination, and constant vigilance. France's deployment of special troops and extra police to Jewish sites was the right thing to do. But much more will be needed in the days ahead to ensure that Europe's largest Jewish community is safe from attack and free from fear. Just as America stands with the people of France against terrorism, Americans also stand shoulder to shoulder with European Jewry. That is the message we are sending today with this resolution. Whether in Paris or New York, Moscow or Jerusalem, whether homegrown or imported, whether targeting Jews, Muslims, Christians, or anyone else, violent extremism has no place in a civilized world. We will continue to work with our friends and allies to put a stop to this threat. It is important that Congress go on record as strongly opposed to this violence. We will do whatever it takes to secure the future of freedom and democracy. Mr. Speaker, I am Jewish--Je suis Juif. I am Charlie--Je suis Charlie. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Je suis Juif, I am Jewish. Mr. Speaker, Je suis Charlie, I am Charlie Hebdo. This is what we are all saying collectively as a Congress as we debate this bill today. This is what the people of France were saying and have been saying ever since the tragedy happened. People with placards and banners were carrying them high above France to show solidarity in the fight against terrorism. Mr. Speaker, we have had an important conversation here in the House. I am heartened by the expressions of unity and resolve, and I hope they provide a measure of comfort to those families that are suffering who had loved ones who were killed and those who were wounded by this recent attack. Symbolism looms hard in foreign affairs, and with this resolution, we deliver a powerful message. We deliver it on the day the President is going to speak with us in the State of the Union, and I think nothing could be stronger than for this House unanimously to fight terrorism, to reject terrorism, and, again, to say, ``Je suis Juif, Je suis Charlie.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent on January 6th, as I was attending the funeral of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo. Had I been present I would have voted in the following manner: Roll Call #1 Present. Roll Call #2 For Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi for Speaker. Roll Call #3 No on Tabling the Motion to Refer. Roll Call #4 No on Ordering the Previous Question. Roll Call #5 Yes on the Motion to Commit with Instructions. Roll Call #6 No on Adopting Rules for the 114th Congress. Roll Call #7 Yes on H.R. 22, the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my deep disappointment in the votes that were just taken by the House. We should be fully funding Homeland Security in this country. In light of what went on in Paris, in light of September 11, in light of the fact that there are terrorist cells, we need the Department of Homeland Security to be fully funded. If there are differences of opinion with the President on the immigration bill, then that should be fought in an immigration bill, but we shouldn't mix apples with oranges. My mother used to say, ``You shouldn't cut off your nose to spite your face.'' That is exactly what this House did just before: we cut off our nose to spite our face. To prove a point of dissatisfaction with the President, we cut funds for Homeland Security. That is an irresponsible act, and I really wish it would be reversed. We need to fully fund Homeland Security. The fight on immigration is the fight on immigration. Let's not mix apples with oranges, to quote another metaphor. I am terribly disappointed, and I say to my colleagues that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be fully funded. We should be adding funds to keep our people safe, not pulling them away.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, last December, a terrible civil conflict erupted in the nation of South Sudan. Two million people have been displaced, 1.5 million don't have enough to eat, and an estimated 50,000 have been killed. The scale of the human suffering and ethnic violence in the world's newest country is shocking. It is deeply troubling that so little progress has been made towards a peace agreement between the parties to this conflict. Today, I call on both parties to lay down their arms. It is unconscionable that the people of South Sudan should have to endure such suffering due to the irresponsible actions of their own leaders. The parties must set aside their differences and negotiate a non- violent resolution for the good of their young nation. The U.S. government must also step up its efforts, using its political and diplomatic influence to bring a lasting end to this crisis. As we mark a year since the onset of political violence in this country, we must reaffirm our dedication to working for peace in South Sudan.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, 2015 will be an important year for the future of African democracy. Many countries on the continent will either hold or prepare for Presidential elections. If recent history is any guide, some long-serving African leaders will be tempted to alter constitutions or take other quasi-legal steps to extend their rule. I strongly encourage these leaders, including President Sassou-Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville, to resist this temptation and to respect the will of their people. Congo-Brazzaville has enormous natural resource wealth, including oil, minerals and timber. In 2014, the nation's GDP will be an estimated $12.9 billion. It has also received nearly $2 billion in debt relief since 2010. However, it is ranked 142 out of 186 on the U.N. Human Development Index--in other words, human development is low. Political opposition is repressed, so discussion about governance and how to improve and deliver broader economic growth is limited. In 2016, when it is time for the people of Congo-Brazzaville to go to the polls and elect a President, they deserve the chance to choose a new leader who will endeavor to deliver equitable growth to their country. According to the constitution, that should be their right-- President Nguesso's two 7-year terms will have expired. However, there are indications that he is considering amending that constitution so he is eligible to run again, further extending his 30-year long rule. The events in Burkina Faso earlier this fall should give pause to any leader considering constitutional changes that would allow them to extend their rule. President Nguesso should allow the voters of Congo- Brazzaville to select a new leader and engage in real democracy--a process that involves a peaceful change in government. Let 2015 be a year filled with peace and prosperity for the Congolese people. Let a legitimate, democratic transfer of power be the legacy of President Sassou-Nguesso. Let his actions serve as a model and inspiration for other leaders in the region. And let democracy and the rule of law prosper in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, reserving the right to object, although I don't intend to object, this is a very important measure. We need to send this measure to the President's desk, and we need to do so tonight. I am delighted that we are doing so. It is clear that Russia is not only fomenting separatism in Ukraine, it is actively supporting the uprising and sending troops to back it up. This is an invasion, plain and simple. I am concerned that the Kremlin's designs don't stop with Ukraine. Putin is already putting substantial pressure on our NATO allies and our European friends. We must not bow to his aggression. If we don't act now, where will we be in 6 months? Where will we be in 2 years? Where will we be in a decade? Since the Cold War, a vision has emerged of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. That reality is within reach. Putin's aggression puts that future in dire jeopardy. We cannot let that hope die. We need to let President Putin know loudly and clearly we will not stand for his blatant disregard of international law, we will not abandon our friends, and, as the United States, we remain the world's champion of freedom, democracy, and the dignity of all people. Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for sending the House this bill so that we can stand as one in the face of Russia's aggression. In the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman Royce and I, as ranking member, have worked together to say that we will not stand for Putin's aggression. I think this is a very, very important thing to do, very important bill to pass. With that, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Mr. Blumenauer and Mr. Poe for their hard work on H.R. 2901, the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and was pleased to work closely with the bill's sponsors and Chairman Royce to bring the bill through our Foreign Affairs Committee and onto the floor today. This legislation enjoys broad support from a coalition of nearly 80 civil society groups that are dedicated to developing access to clean water around the world, and it has more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. Congress has long been committed to making the United States a global leader in improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. America and its international partners have provided clean water to millions of the world's poorest people. This investment has saved countless lives, but there is much more work to be done. More than 750 million people still lack access to clean water. Twenty percent of the global population remains dependent on water that is either polluted or drastically overdrawn. Two and a half billion do not have proper sanitation facilities. Nearly 1 in every 5 deaths among children under age 5 are caused by water-related diseases, and 3.4 million people die from inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene every year. These problems are not merely social injustices but pose a significant obstacle to security and economic prosperity across wide regions of the world. This bill will make our existing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs more effective by establishing priorities and focusing on areas with the greatest need and the most potential. It will enhance oversight and coordination by requiring the designation of a Global Water Coordinator at USAID and a Global Water Advisor at the Department of State, and it will update strategic planning by calling for an improved Global Water Strategy. These changes will enhance the investments we are already making through USAID and the Department of State. Through these steps, H.R. 2901 will help ensure that our water development programs continue to save lives and improve health for millions of people in need around the world. I encourage my colleagues to support this important bill and hope the other body will give this legislation the expedited consideration it deserves.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington for yielding time to me, and I rise in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. As the ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, I would like to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for working with Chairman Royce and me in a productive manner on many of the international provisions contained in title 12 of this legislation. The State Department and other civilian foreign affairs agencies work side by side with the U.S. military in protecting the national security of the United States, and it is very important that our two committees do the same. Mr. Speaker, this NDAA underscores the complex challenges and dangers we confront around the world, in the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, Africa, and East Asia. There are many important provisions in this bill, but I would like to take a moment to highlight section 1209, which would reauthorize the Pentagon's train-and-equip program for the moderate, vetted Syrian opposition. For far too long, the moderate opposition in Syria has been waiting for our support. They are now fighting a three-front war against the Assad regime, ISIL, and the al Qaeda-backed Nusra front. To defeat ISIL and create the conditions necessary for a political transition in Syria, we need the moderate opposition to serve as ``boots on the ground'' in Syria. The Free Syrian Army is far from perfect, but they are the best we have got, and we need to get the train-and-equip program ramped up as soon as possible. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to express my support for section 1264 of the legislation, which removes the two main political parties in Iraqi Kurdistan from the terrorist list. The Kurds are some of our closest allies in the fight against ISIS, and they should be treated as such. Finally, I would like to thank the chairman and ranking member for including section 1273, which is based on an amendment I offered. Recent and ongoing conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali, and other countries have damaged and destroyed countless archeological sites and historic artifacts that constitute the cultural heritage of mankind. My amendment would simply require the Defense Department to report on their efforts to help protect cultural property in areas of armed conflict. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation. I thank Mr. Smith, and I thank Mr. McKeon, and let me just wish Mr. McKeon Godspeed. He has been a great Member and a good friend. I wish him the best in the future.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 2673, the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, the chair of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Mr. Deutch, the ranking member of that subcommittee, for authoring the House version of this legislation, which passed by a vote of 410-1 on March 5 of this year. I will have to figure out who that one is. They have worked tirelessly, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Deutch, with their Senate counterparts, Senators Boxer and Blunt, to send this bill to the President. This legislation would reaffirm our support for the U.S.-Israel relationship at a time of unprecedented threats. In the north, Israel sees Syria engulfed in a civil war that has killed upwards of 200,000 people. The extremists who have filled the vacuum of leadership, like the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra front, are sitting right on Israel's border. They even kidnapped U.N. peacekeepers tasked with keeping that border calm. From Jordan, typically a quiet ally, we have seen some ugly rhetoric over the past few weeks. After terrorists seized a synagogue and slaughtered rabbis in their place of worship, the Jordanian Parliament praised the so-called martyrs who perpetrated this heinous attack. This summer's war against Hamas and Gaza left the Israeli public acutely aware of their own vulnerabilities. For years, Israelis on border towns have said that they have heard digging underneath their feet, scratches and vibrations that kept them up at night. It turns out they were right. Hamas was digging tunnels in order to kidnap Israeli civilians and soldiers, or perpetrate large-scale terrorist attacks in some of Israel's largest cities. I stood with Chairman Royce in one of those tunnels just a couple of months ago. We were also with Mr. Rohrabacher, and we looked at those tunnels. It was just amazing. They were solidly-constructed and well- engineered. I couldn't help but wonder what Gaza would look like today if Hamas had put those resources into building schools or hospitals or a modern infrastructure for the Palestinian people. But they didn't. They, instead, made them terror tunnels. What a waste. Hamas is now a legitimate political actor. It uses violence to gain power. It sees no value in human life, neither its Israeli victims nor its Palestinian human shields. And we did pass a resolution earlier this year condemning Hamas' use of innocent civilians as human shields. And, of course, Israel faces the existential threat of Iran and its illicit nuclear weapons program. Even as talks continue between the P5+1 and Iran, Tehran continues to support international terrorism that targets Jews in Israel and other parts of the world. Israel is a bright light, Mr. Speaker, in a very, very dark region, the only democracy in the Middle East, and a valued ally of the United States. That is why we are considering this bill to strengthen our relationship with the state and the people of Israel, and to send a clear and unmistakable message to Israel's foes, and that message is: America stands with Israel. Specifically, this bill would build on our robust defense cooperation. It would ramp up U.S.-Israel collaboration on cybersecurity, expand U.S.-Israel energy cooperation, and reaffirm our commitment to Israel's QME, or qualitative military edge. This legislation names Israel as a major strategic partner, demonstrating that our relationship is not transactional, it is not assistance-based. Our relationship is based on shared cultural, societal, and historical ties, and is clearly ingrained in the values we hold dear. It is mutually beneficial and serves the strategic interests of both countries. Again, in my trip to Israel with Chairman Royce and Mr. Rohrabacher and Mr. Gregory Meeks, we understood why America stands with Israel. So, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. It is very important. It is very important that we do this. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.