Vito Fossella

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Maurice Kenneth Shaw of Middletown, NJ, who died Sunday afternoon in Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, NJ. Maurice, or ``Mo'' as he liked to be called, was born the son of a Coast Guard captain on April 16, 1939, while the family was living in Rockville Centre, on Long Island. After his family settled on Staten Island, Mo graduated from the former St. John's Preparatory School in Brooklyn. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Lehigh University and a master's degree in business administration from Wagner College. After college, Mo Shaw joined KeySpan, formerly the Brooklyn Union Gas Company, in 1960. He served in a variety of marketing and financial positions and eventually worked his way up the executive ranks until 1999, when he retired as senior vice president and corporate affairs officer. My hometown paper, the Staten Island Advance described ``that final role with the company, in which he handled urban affairs and public relations, [as] a perfect fit for Mr. Shaw, who enjoyed making connections in the Staten Island community and lending corporate support to projects he knew would strengthen the borough economically and culturally.'' Mo loved the sea, and his accomplishments reflect that passion. Mr. Shaw joined and later became chairman of the board of the Noble Maritime Collection, a museum that showcases the works of maritime artist John Noble. He took on this endeavor in 1998, when the museum had no operating budget or staff, but through his tenacity, commitment, and ingenuity, helped the collection receive regular city funding and contributions from the business community. Mo was a proud Coast Guard veteran, and he was always eager to support the Coast Guard and the Navy. He served as president of the USS The Sullivans Foundation, which supports the work of the Navy ship that was commissioned in Stapleton, Staten Island in April, 1997. Mo was the driving force behind the commissioning of the USS The Sullivans, which his friends describe as an act of love. Afterwards, he formed a new group, the Sullivans Foundation, in order to help maintain a strong link between the USS The Sullivans and the local community. This past June, he presided over 4 days of celebration in honor of that ship's 10th anniversary. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to praise the noble life of Maurice Kenneth Shaw. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Mary Elizabeth, his three daughters, Victoria, Anne, and Elizabeth, and his six grandchildren.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, last Tuesday was the sixth anniversary of 9/11, and it is time to reaffirm our commitment to ``Never Forget.'' What many here in Washington have forgotten is that a silent killer to this day is still taking the lives of the rescue, recovery, and clean-up workers and volunteers who were at ground zero. All of them, in addition to those who worked, lived, and went to school in lower Manhattan, breathed the toxic air created by the destruction of the towers, and many of them are suffering tragically from the health effects. A New York City Health Department study shows an increased incidence of asthma for those who worked the pile, and an Department of Health and Human services study shows that illnesses as a result of exposure to 9/11 toxins are on the rise. As this problem grows, progress on coming to a solution can be measured only in small steps rather than giant leaps as critical needs continue to be unmet after 6 years. My colleagues and I have worked across party lines fighting for health monitoring for all who were exposed, adequate funding to treat those who are sick or injured and a comprehensive federal plan to ensure that anyone impacted by 9/11 gets the care he or she deserves. We have had some successes, such as including $50 million for federally-funded 9/11 health clinics in the Labor HHS appropriations bill to ensure that the unsung heroes of 9/11 have access to the care they need. This is a step in the right direction, and we need to keep the momentum going. That's why I have worked across party lines with my colleagues, including Congresswoman Maloney, to develop legislation we are offering today to address several key areas to help our heroes who are sick now as well as anyone who falls ill in the future. The 9/11 Health and Compensation Act provides comprehensive medical monitoring and treatment for those who were exposed to Ground Zero toxins and compensation for the sick and injured. The bill goes further than any effort to date by expanding monitoring and treatment to all who were exposed, including responders, residents, workers, and students in the area. It also makes good on our promise to reopen the Victims Compensation Fund to help those who fell ill over the past 3 years. I applaud the work of my colleagues for coming together to help those whose health is in danger because of exposure to ground zero on that fateful day. I pledge my full support of these efforts as we move forward, because I truly affirm to ``Never Forget.''

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and I thank her for her efforts to date on being one of the strongest and one of the most vocal advocates for ensuring that the people who, regrettably, either are not known about or too often are forgotten, those are the folks that have been represented so well by Mrs. Maloney and mentioned by Mr. Nadler, people who are suffering today. There is one thing I know about the American people. If they know that their fellow citizens are suffering, especially those who responded to that tragedy on 9/11, they will be willing to help. So I think it is part of our job, a very important role here is that we continue to inform not just the Congress, but really, by extension, the American people that there are thousands of people who need our help. As we approach the sixth anniversary of 9/11, it is time to reaffirm our commitment of never forgetting. As was mentioned, we may forget too much here in Washington. All of those who worked, lived and went to school in Lower Manhattan, who breathed in the toxic air created by the destruction of the Towers, many of them are suffering tragically from health effects. A New York City Health Department study shows an increased incidence of asthma for those that worked at the pile. A Department of Health and Human Services study shows that illnesses that are a result of exposure to 9/11 toxins are definitely on the rise. As this problem grows, progress on coming to a solution can be measured only in small steps rather than giant leaps as critical needs continue to be unmet after 6 years. In fairness, in the last 2 years or so, we have had some progress: $125 million from the Federal Government, of which $75 million went for treatment, that was for the first time, working with Mrs. Maloney in particular; getting the creation of a health czar by the name of Dr. John Howard to help coordinate and minister the Federal response. As was mentioned, there was $50 million in the appropriations bill. But so much more needs to be done, and I think a stronger Federal response is appropriate. We fought across party lines. After all, this is not a Democrat or Republican issue; this is just about people coming together to help our Federal citizens to ensure that an adequate Federal plan is put into place. We have a step in the right direction, and we need to keep the momentum going. That is why we are working to help draft legislation that addresses several key areas to help our heroes who are sick today, as well as anyone who falls ill in the future. One of the alarming trends that we see is that according to anyone you talk to with knowledge, it is beyond anecdotal. We can all tell stories of individuals who we know, young firefighters who ran a 6-minute mile in their thirties and forties and now have trouble walking up a flight of stairs. The clinic that deals with the fire department in the City of New York that sees on a regular basis firefighters has already evaluated more than 14,000 firefighters. That is 14,000 firefighters. That doesn't include the more than 55,000 people on the registry. As we speak, there are 3,000 firefighters who are seeking mental health counseling and 2,000 who go for regular check-ups for their physical well-being, pulmonary problems, respiratory problems, the World Trade Center cough, asthma. The list goes on, not even to go into the cancer-related illnesses that we think may spring up in the future. I say that because many illnesses will not manifest themselves for another 15 or 20 or 25 years. Is it the right thing to do for America to turn its back on young men and women who really gave their all on that day, who ran into burning buildings to try to save others, who stayed on the pile week in and week out? Are we really doing the right thing by saying they might not get to see their grandchildren or their kids go to school or to graduations or weddings? I don't think it is the right thing to do, which is why I think this legislation is so important. When you think about the number of people on the registry, 71,000, maybe not all of them are sick, but let's suppose half of them are. That is larger than many small towns and cities and villages across the United States. They are actively under review for health care problems. We know the Department of Health and Human Services revealed that 6,500 responders, and I mentioned within the fire department, but in total 6,500 responders are currently being treated for 9/11-related health problems through the federally funded World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program, and another 500 to 1,000 additional responders are signing up each month. I know we have a wonderful gift in this country to be compassionate, to take care of those in need. I think our roles here, with my colleagues Mrs. Maloney, Mr. Nadler, so many across the New York delegation, I just think it is our role to speak loudly, convincingly, working with the AFL-CIO in New York. We will be getting together Saturday at Ground Zero to call attention once again and to reaffirm our commitment never to forget. On a very personal level, I know too many people across Staten Island and Brooklyn who were willing to risk their lives. I know many who risked their lives and gave their lives on September 11. But the untold story, and it will be told for years and years to come, are so many young people who stayed there for the recovery and rescue effort and now need our help. This Federal legislation that we are proposing and soon to be introducing will help them give a degree of certainty. Finally, we mentioned the new clinic alone on Staten Island that will make it more convenient for firefighters. How important it is for treatment and monitoring to go hand-in-hand. It is one thing to give these individuals a level of assurance that the treatment will be there. Another is the financial implications. It is not unusual for a firefighter to have copayments for prescription medication, not available in generic, of $2,600 a year because of having to respond to Ground Zero after 9/11. Two thousand six hundred dollars is a lot of money, especially to a firefighter. We should be there to help offset that cost. And the monitoring is important because of the fear and the concern, the fear and the concern that the more debilitating, more severe illnesses will manifest themselves. I talk of leukemia or blood illnesses or cancers. That is why it is so essential that we get this plan put in place and that the Federal Government and the United States of America not turn its back on the thousands of people who need our help.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to Robert Ricciardi, a New York City firefighter who's retiring today after many years of service to the city of New York and to the people of New York. Robert is an exemplary model of what makes the Fire Department of New York the best Fire Department in the world. Like many other firefighters, Robert spent a great deal of his free time volunteering throughout his community on Staten Island. He was an active member of his church and spent much time coaching youth sports. As a matter of fact, I bet tonight Robert will be at the St. Claire's gym for youth basketball tryouts. Robert has served New York City with distinction as one of New York's bravest. Over the course of his career he's helped save the lives of countless people, risking his own safety to protect others. Like his fellow firefighters and so many throughout the country, Robert rushed into burning buildings as others ran in the opposite direction with a singular mission, to save the lives of the people whose names he did not know, that he never met and might never see again. Robert understood that one of the most important contributions we can make is to help others in need. He's dedicated his life to this principle, and he leaves behind a great legacy of service. Robert, like so many firefighters across Staten Island and the city also knew many who lost their lives on September 11, as the previous speaker just mentioned, and with that, he carries that with him throughout his life. We also know that Staten Island and all of New York are better off because of Robert's dedication and decision to be one of New York City's bravest. His service will be clearly missed, but we are fortunate that Robert will continue to be a positive force in our local community. We wish Robert and his wife, Dorine, along with their four children, Robert, Christian, Nicole and Gregory, the best of luck in their future, wherever it may take them. I'm honored to call Robert a friend, and I'm delighted to have this opportunity to say thank you for all that you've done for New York City. Good luck, Robert. We wish you well.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Congressman Paul Gillmor and offer my sincere condolences to his family. My wife and I extend our sympathies to Paul's wife Karen and their 5 children. I know that no words can provide comfort during this difficult time or shine light on this period of darkness, but please know that Paul's family remains in my thoughts and prayers. I had the pleasure to work closely with Paul as a Member of both the Energy and Commerce Committee and Financial Services Committee for nearly 10 years. I got to see first-hand his passion for public service, his commitment to the people of Ohio and the earnest way in which he approached his job. He truly loved representing his community and making a positive difference in their lives and the lives of all Americans. The 5th District of Ohio was well served with Paul Gillmor in office and he will be remembered dearly for his many years of public service.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. I remember after 9/11 how there was a lot of finger pointing as to who made mistakes and who caused it, where was the intelligence community, where were our defenses? Isn't that what this is all about, trying to put in place mechanisms to ensure and to allow our intelligence community to stop another attack? Isn't this what it's all about to protect the American people and not to have so many police officers and firefighters rush into a burning and collapsing building? Just remember one thing. On 9/11, aside from a tragedy that occurred that day, about 3,000 kids lost a parent, 450 kids on Staten Island alone. Just think of how many missed birthdays there are, missed weddings, missed graduations, 3,000 kids lost a parent because of what happened on that day. Shouldn't we be standing united to ensure that not one more kid in this country loses their parents because some terrorist wants to blow up a building in this country? Shouldn't we err on the side of giving our folks the power to stop that?

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. I thank the gentlewoman.

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Mr. Kingston and Ms. DeLauro. And of course my colleagues, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Weiner, and Mr. Nadler, because despite this being a national problem, as you can imagine, are very specific to New York, and in my case, Staten Island has been under attack by the Asian Longhorned Beetle. The beetles have already killed 8,400 trees. Officials are expected to destroy 10,000 trees to keep the beetle from spreading throughout the U.S. We know that 35 percent of all urban trees are at risk. Replacement value is $669 billion. The first evidence was found on a silver maple tree on March 22 by USDA tree climbers. This early detection gives hope the threat can be contained before it spreads to the nearby Greenbelt, which is an urban forest comparable to Rock Creek. The bill before us today provides a little over $20 million to help eradicate the beetle, a far cry from the $48 million the USDA says is needed annually. This a serious problem for Staten Island and the rest of New York City. I look forward to working with you, Madam Chair, and Mr. Kingston in an effort to provide additional funding in conference. Will you be willing to work with me on this issue?

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Addison Good is an 80 year-old retired cook from Staten Island. He survives on a very limited income of Social Security and a small pension. Through every step of his hip operations, his Medicare Advantage plan paid for the services and drugs that he needed. He switched to a new plan that provides even better benefits at lower cost. He says he does not know how he would get the care he needs without his Medicare Advantage. Let me say up front, we will consider Mr. Addison Good as we consider the legislation; and I support the SCHIP program, I support its reauthorization, I support expanding access to health care for low- income children. I do not support this ill-conceived plan that pits parents against their grandchildren. Make no mistake, the bill cuts Medicare by more than $190 billion. In my district alone, it will reduce funds for Medicare Advantage by $58 million for the 38,000 enrollees in just the first year. The real-world impact of slashing $58 million in Medicare in Staten Island, Brooklyn, for seniors enrolled in this program could result in the following: either denied access to the program altogether, to lose health care benefits like hearing, vision and dental services or have to pay more out of pocket. We should not gut Medicare or punish seniors to achieve a Democratic goal.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Let me thank the gentleman for yielding as we continue the debate on ensuring children's health care. Madam Speaker, let me bring up another point, and that is something that has been debated. Despite all the things we talk about here, there is nothing more important than protecting this country. Regrettably, I lost more people in Staten Island in Brooklyn than any other district in this country on 9/11. We should be doing everything possible to ensure that our intelligence community is preventing terrorist attacks. Right now, Congress, I believe, is abdicating its responsibility. That's why I urge my colleagues to defeat the rule and urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question on the rule. If the previous question is defeated, we will immediately bring legislation to the floor to solve an intelligence gap. Very simply this, the American people need to know, if there is a foreigner on foreign soil, if there is an area in Afghanistan where the intelligence community knows for a fact that there are terrorists plotting attacks to kill Americans, right now, without a court order, we can't listen to those conversations. That's irresponsible. If we want to help and protect the American people to the best of our ability, we will allow our intelligence community to listen to foreigners on foreign soils whose sole objective is to kill more Americans and our allies without a court order or obtaining a warrant. If we have another attack, God forbid, I would like to see Members in this body rush to the floor and explain why they wouldn't allow our intelligence community to listen to foreigners on foreign soil who want to only do one thing, kill us.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I will be as brief as possible. If there is any issue that we all could come together on, despite the many disagreements that exist, is the notion that the American people should be as best protected as possible. I hope that this bill does just that. At the outset, let me thank the chairman, and, in particular, my good friend, Peter King, for their tireless work in trying to advance this bill. Importantly, I thank the common sense of Peter King and his tenacity and persistence to ensure things like the John Doe provision remain part of this conference report, so I tip my hat. The first part, a beneficial part of this program, is finally the UASI program has been authorized into law. At $850 million, I believe that this true threat-based funding formula will bring assistance to the first responders in high-threat areas such as New York City that they deserve. Second, the bill resizes the Homeland Security Advisory System and makes improvements to information sharing between and among local, State and Federal officials, a goal I worked on with several amendments to the intelligence authorization bill for the last 2 years. However, let me say I continue to be disappointed of the fact that the 9/11 Commission suggestions are not fully implemented here. Reducing the State minimums from .75 percent to .375 percent and then .35 percent is a step in the right direction but falls short of truly realizing the report's recommendation. Earlier today we passed the farm bill. Farmers get the money. In homeland security, the cities that deserve and have the highest threat and the most vulnerabilities and the consequences should get the money. I think that's common sense. As a reminder, on page 396 of the 9/11 Commission report, states that the ``Homeland Security security assistance should be based strictly on an assessment of risks and vulnerabilities. . . . Federal Homeland Security assistance should not remain a program for general revenue sharing . . . Congress should not use this money as a pork barrel.''

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Chairman, we are all on the same page as to the decision itself. The consequence of what we are trying to offer this amendment for is to delay the deportation that is already occurring in the second circuit. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from New York and I share the second circuit as members of the New York City delegation, but what we are trying to do is at least provide a stopgap measure. We know quite clearly that just 24 hours after this decision was reached, a young lady, and perhaps her whole family, will be sent back to China. We are looking for a consistent policy. Mr. Chairman, I would be happy to work towards a legislative remedy, but until that time, we are trying to keep people here who want to seek and enjoy the American dream.

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is designed to prevent the Department of Justice from enforcing a decision made recently by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York. Many of us know of the policy in China of forced sterilization and forced abortions, and this decision recently really ties into that. As we also know, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 clearly stated that Chinese nationals are eligible for asylum if they're subjected to forced abortions or sterilization procedures in China. A decade of Department of Justice policy has held that spouses or unmarried partners of those subject to brutal treatment are also eligible. Recently in Lin, et al., v. The United States Department of Justice, the second circuit overturned years of that policy and previous judicial decisions allowing Chinese men to claim asylum if their wife or partner is subject to a forced sterilization in China. Less than 1 month before the second circuit handed down their decision, the third circuit came to the exact opposite assertion in Jiang v. The Attorney General of the United States, where they clearly upheld the decade-old policy of the Department of Justice granting asylum to spouses of those physically harmed by China's policy. The chilling effect of the second circuit's decision is already being felt in States covered by the second circuit. Just 1 day after the second circuit handed down its decision, an immigration judge in Manhattan was bound to order the removal of an individual because her claim of asylum was based on the fact that her husband was a victim of the forced sterilization. The lady had three children in violation of China's barbaric population control policies, keeping the first two hidden from the government. Upon the birth of her third child, the Chinese Government became aware of her violation of the law and came to her home to force her to undergo sterilization. Due to the complications from her third birth, the doctor was unable to perform the sterilization, so the government simply seized her husband and sterilized him. The judge in her case was sympathetic to her story and indicated his wish to grant her asylum; however, he felt that his hands were tied by the second circuit's decision just 24 hours prior. Mr. Chairman, I will include the entire story for the Record. We also have heard from many immigration lawyers. In light of this decision, many immigration lawyers are actively recommending to their clients who are seeking asylum based on such inhumane treatment to leave the States covered by the circuit in order to avoid expulsion. Chinese nationals make up the largest number of asylum seekers in the United States. Between 2000 and 2005, 35,000 of the 157,000 asylum seekers came from China. It is unclear how many were petitioning solely due to China's brutal population-control policies. In her dissenting opinion in the second circuit case, Judge Sonya Sotomayor made the point well when she wrote, ``The majority clings to the notion that the persecution suffered is physically visited upon only one spouse. But this simply ignores the question of whom exactly the government was seeking to persecute when it acted. The harm is clearly directed at the couple who dared to continue an unauthorized pregnancy in hopes of enlarging the family unit.'' To me it is clear that the effects of China's brutal forced sterilization procedures do not harm only the mother, but also the father, or vice versa. If the Second Circuit Court of Appeals can't recognize that, then I feel it is our responsibility to protect such asylum seekers either until there is a consistent national policy, or Congress considers a legislative remedy if necessary. The second circuit's opinion, as we mentioned, recognizes the split. There are contrary decisions in the third, sixth, seventh and ninth circuits between 2002 and 2007. Mr. Chairman, I include for the Record the statement on Jiang Meijiao. Statement My name is Jiang, Meijiao. I was born on August 19, 1967 in Lian Jiang County, Fu Jian Province, P. R. China. I started school at the age of nine and stopped going to school after the second year of junior high. I stayed home to help with family chores afterwards. My husband and I were junior high schoolmates. We held a traditional wedding ceremony on January 1, 1991. We were only allowed to have only one child according to the family planning policy because my husband belonged to city household and worked in a government work unit. I found myself pregnant in early 1993. We wanted to have more children so I went to stay in my brother's home. I gave birth to a girl named Chen, Xi and another girl named Chen, Yu on September 18, 1993 and December 10, 1996 respectively with help of midwives in my brother's home. I was pregnant again in October 1999 and during the late term of the pregnancy, I often experienced pain in my abdomen area. I dared not to seek medical examinations in hospitals so I went to a private doctor but was refused treatment by the private doctor. The private doctor suggested that I should go to a hospital. In the morning of June 12, 2000, around four o'clock in the morning, my water broke. My husband rushed to locate a midwife for help. When the midwife learned about the frequent pain I had during the last phase of my pregnancy, she refused to deliver my child but urged us to go to the hospital. My husband had to take me to Fu Zhou City No. 1 hospital immediately. I gave birth to our third child, a son named Chen, Qi on June 12, 2000. During the delivery of my third child, I had bled severely. I had to stay in the hospital for about a week. I was diagnosed with hysteromyoma and the doctor gave me medicine and injection as well. I was told to return to the hospital to check up half year later. I brought my newborn baby to my mother's home to stay after being released from the hospital and left our two daughters to my brother and his wife to take care of. On October 9, 2000, six family planning cadres came to my mother's home and forcibly taken me to Lian Jiang County Family Planning Service Station and when the doctor tried to perform the sterilization operation, they found out the leiomyoma in my uterus was too big and they dared not to continue with the operation. The family planning cadres detained me at the family planning office and went to my husband's work unit. They took my husband to Fu Zhou No. 2 Hospital and sterilized him. I was released afterwards. We were fined 20,000 on February 3, 2002. I came to the U.S. on April 11, 2001 and returned to China on October 3, 2001. I came to U.S. again on February 9, 2006.

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, I want to extend my congratulations to Dr. Marlene Springer, second president of the College of Staten Island, the City University of New York, on the occasion of her retirement. Dr. Springer has served CSI as its president from 1994 through August of this year. In these 13 years of leadership, Dr. Springer advanced campus technology, established public-private partnerships, initiated an international distance education program, developed an international high school on campus, increased the College's enrollment to record levels, and strengthened academic standards. In addition to a variety of other honors and accolades, she was selected as one of only four U.S. delegates to the Annual International Forum of Female Presidents in Higher Education in Beijing, and is also one of seven U.S. college presidents who founded The Oxford Conclave on Global Ethics. She has made CSI a recognized leader locally, nationally, and internationally; Staten Islanders are proud of her and of ``their college.'' I would like to publicly thank Dr. Springer for her outstanding leadership, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. I thank the gentleman for yielding and rise in strong opposition to this amendment, with much due respect to my friend and colleague from New Jersey. And in large part it has been echoed, but let me repeat it. If anybody who was sitting on a runway, whether you are across this country, especially in LaGuardia or Kennedy, and in particular, Newark Airport, you would be stampeding this House to ensure that this redesign go through. The reason being, as has been detailed extensively, and who knows it better than the riding public, is that congestion is at all all-time high and only will get worse unless this plan is put in place. The second, and perhaps I would, quote, in clean hands talk with respect to air noise with the people of Staten Island, that practically every plane that takes off to the south goes over Staten Island. So I can appreciate those who don't want more planes going over because the people in Staten Island suffer every day. The preferred alternative in the plan will reduce traffic from Newark Airport from about 20 minutes to 12 minutes; will reduce air noise, as I said, over Staten Island; will reduce costs to airlines by $248 million by 2011; and a 1999 study showed that by 2010, we would hurt the U.S. economy by about another $4 billion, and the preferred alternative outlined in the plan could save our economy as much as 7 to 9 billion. It is important and imperative that this plan go through. The riding public deserves it. Those sitting on runways now deserve it. Those waiting to get to Newark or any other airport deserve it. And I would just urge a speedy and urgent opposition to this amendment.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in support of H. Resolution 345 honoring the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of New York. I thank Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Davis for helping pass this resolution. And I thank the gentleman from Queens, Mr. Crowley, for helping spearhead this through, as well as Mrs. Maloney from Manhattan, who were instrumental getting this passed last week out of committee. Let me briefly say at the outset, it was somewhat of a bumpy road to arrive at today's vote. We are nevertheless here to honor the Archdiocese of New York. When we introduced the resolution in May and set about to secure the 50 cosponsors, we got it pretty quickly. It was heartening to see the outpouring of support. Initially the committee balked because of the reference to Cardinal Egan. And on a personal level, I thought it was insulting to the cardinal and professionally, by extension, I thought it was insulting to the millions of Catholics who comprise the archdiocese. Cardinal Egan is the head of the archdiocese and is a significant spiritual leader of Catholicism in the United States and a man of great integrity and honor. Like those who have come before him, Cardinal Egan has carried forward the mission of his Catholic Church and helped to provide spiritual guidance to millions. I am proud to say the committee realized and recognized the appropriateness of recognizing the role of the archdiocese, and today the Congress has an opportunity to pass this resolution honoring the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of New York in particular. Mr. Shays provided some very compelling statistics about the archdiocese so I won't repeat them. We know that the resolution pays tribute to the dedication and character and compassion and values that embody the archdiocese; and, by extension, I think it honors the service and deeds of so many Catholics who have enriched this Nation. And you really can't tell the American story without telling the story of Catholics who have come to this country and enriched and made this country better and stronger. Lord knows, over the last couple of hundred years, there have been some great, not just contributions, but some great controversies. In the 1800s there was a political party that was formed in large part, called the Know Nothings, rooted in anti-Catholicism. Fortunately, they have gone away, and the archdiocese of New York, like so many across the country, have remained steadfast and have been institutions that uphold the dignity of life. Mr. Crowley mentioned Elizabeth Seton, and Seton Hall University is named in her honor in part. The Seton Foundation for Learning, for example, on Staten Island is a school that is principally designed to help children with developmental disabilities and all disabilities and are a strong reminder of the value and wonder of all human life. The archdiocese includes over 3,700 charitable organizations, touching practically every neighborhood across New York City's region, and we know that Catholic Charities alone provides 5 million free meals annually to the less fortunate. As I mentioned, you can't tell this American story without telling the Catholic story. There is probably no more rich archdiocese in this country than the one in New York, and you can't tell the New York story without knowing the archdiocese of New York. So many people who have served in private life have also served their church through faith and in the local neighborhoods I mentioned, and so many police officers and firefighters and civil servants, who not only serve this country with honor and distinction but also serve through their faith the archdiocese. And we saw that very clearly on 9/11 when firefighter after firefighter and their families were laid to rest in the Catholic Church. Those are some of the stories by which we can tell a compelling tale for America; but, today, the Congress, I say thank you to Mr. Davis and Mr. Shays and all who essentially set a little time aside to honor a great institution and celebrate 200 years of serving the poor, the less fortunate with dedication, compassion, and pure social outreach.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, just over a week ago, the city of New York lost one of Its brave heroes. Police officer Russel Timoshenko of Staten Island was murdered in cold blood by a career criminal during what should have been a routine traffic stop in Brooklyn. He was only 23. Officer Timoshenko was also a constituent of mine, and his death reminds us how precious life is . . . and how it can be stolen from us in an instant. Officer Timoshenko embodied the American dream. He was born and raised in the former Soviet republic Belarus. His parents, Tatyana and Leonid, brought him to this country as a young boy in 1993 to give him a better life. They didn't speak English and arrived with almost nothing--all for their son. Russel grew up in Staten Island and, ultimately, chose to give back to the city he loved so much. He joined the New York City Police Department just over a year and a half ago. Much has been said about this brave young man. His friends and family have told us what an amazing person he was and how much he meant to them. But it is the words of his mother that speak volumes about Officer Timoshenko. So tonight, I wish to enter into the Congressional Record what Tatyana Timoshenko said about a proud American . . . a hero police officer . . . her beloved son. Speaking of their decision to immigrate to the United States: ``I felt my child would have better opportunities here and a safer life. We were looking for a better life for our son . . . We wouldn't move just for us. We didn't speak English. We came here with nothing but six bags--two each . . . Do I regret it? A little, but at the same time, would he be the same person he is today if we didn't leave? I don't know . . . I know he was happy here.'' Of the kind of person that her son was during his short life: ``He never walked the stairs, he just flew up, skipping a step . . . And this flying, his steps, I can't forget them, I still hear them. I still can't believe it . . . He was truly unique. I want him to be remembered as a jolly, funny, kind boy. He was a leader and a hero.'' Remembering the day her son became a member of the New York City Police Department: ``We ordered sushi. It was a real holiday for him . . . He was really proud. I wanted him to be happy in life. He went to the academy, and I didn't want him to, but it made him happy.'' And finally on the passing of her son: ``I'm happy that we had such a miraculous child. That he died, it struck me in the heart, but there is nothing we can do now.'' For Russel Timoshenko, his life was lost much too early. I offer my condolences to the Timoshenko family. My words cannot possibly ease your suffering or bring light to these dark days, but I want you to know that we grieve with your family . . . say a prayer for healing . . . honor Russel and his service to New York . . . and thank you for raising a young man of immense character and integrity.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would like to engage Mr. Dicks in a colloquy. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member, Mr. Tiahrt, for their willingness to work on an important issue to my district in Staten Island. In recent years, forests in Staten Island and other parts of New York, yes, New York City does have forests, have been under attack by the Asian Longhorned Beetle. The beetle has already eliminated 8,400 trees and, according to a recent New York Times article, Federal and State officials are expecting to eliminate 10,000 trees on Staten Island and Pralls Island due to the infestation of this invasive species. This does not include the additional 13,000 trees that are going to be sprayed with pesticides. In the United States, 35 percent of all urban trees are at risk, at a combined replacement value of $669 billion. An infested silver maple tree located on a private wooded lot in Bloomfield in Staten Island is the first evidence of Asian Longhorned Beetle found. It was detected on March 22nd of this year. Thankfully, its early detection gives hope that the threat can be contained before it spreads to the nearby Staten Island Greenbelt Forest. However, without having the proper control mechanism in place by the July hatching period, Staten Island's 2,800 acre Greenbelt is in peril. In May of this year, after the discovery of this on Staten Island, I wrote to the Secretary of Agriculture urging him to direct the U.S. Forest Service to develop a plan to address the Asian Longhorned Beetle in New York City. The Greenbelt is one of the largest natural areas within the five boroughs of New York City and provides the most extensive system of connected trails within it. In contrast to other parks, such as Central Park and Prospect Park, the Greenbelt is maintained in a more natural state, both in the forested hills and the low-lying wetlands, and provides New York City residents a place to camp without having to drive 2 hours or more upstate. In 2001, the United States Department of Agriculture forecast that the Asian Longhorned Beetle would be eliminated by 2009, but, unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, the Department of Agriculture now estimates it will take at least until 2033 to eradicate this 1\1/2\ inch beast. These funding setbacks reveal that the beetle will not only stick around in areas in which they currently reside, but they will also spread to new urban forest areas. The bill before us today increases the Cooperative Lands Forest Health Management program by $9 million over the President's request of $47 million. With these additional funds, it is my hope that the United States Forest Service will dedicate some of these additional resources to fighting the beetle and eventually eliminate it from our forests. Mr. Chairman, this is an urgent and serious problem for Staten Island and the rest of New York City's forests. I look forward to working with you to make sure the Forest Service has the necessary funding to eliminate this beetle and protect the trees that have thus far survived the beetle but may not be able to live much longer. I would like you to be willing to work on this issue.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 547, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I very strongly urge the adoption of this amendment. The focus, as we all know, should be on preventing another 9/11, as the police commissioner from New York has underscored many, many different times, that to place this ring around New York City and major urban areas will be a strong deterrent to anybody even contemplating. So I strongly urge the adoption of this great amendment by my good friend from Long Island, New York (Mr. King).

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I rise in support of the Crowley-Matsui-Fossella-Garrett amendment. I want to thank Chairman Price and Ranking Member Rogers for their work on this legislation. Time after time we come to the floor to ensure that homeland security dollars are allocated on a reasonable and rational basis, and that is to protect the American people and those who come to our country. Time after time, we wake up and realize that places like New York City and other high-threat areas are the subject of potential terrorist attack. There are many, including myself, who believe that our homeland security dollars should be based on the threats and the vulnerabilities and the consequences that come with the potential; or, God forbid, an attack itself, as was the case, the catastrophic case, on 9/11. As has been mentioned, our amendment would add $50 million in funding for the high-risk, high-threat cities to fight terrorism. The additional funding would be directed to the Urban Area Security Initiative, which is the only homeland security grant program which distributes funding based on a risk-based formula, which is a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The President's budget on the underlying legislation funds UASI at about $800 million, $50 million short, we believe, of the all-time highest appropriation, which occurred in fiscal year 2005. Despite the fact that America has not been attacked since September 11, our Nation is still at war with an evil enemy. Indeed, just a month ago, law enforcement captured four alleged terrorists on charges that they were plotting to blow up Kennedy Airport in New York City. Their plan was to top the attacks of the World Trade Center, to massacre more people, destroy more property, inflict more damage, and leave our city in ruins. The threat of terrorism remains very real, making it essential for cities that face the greatest risk to have the tools and resources they need to stop attacks before they occur. The amendment will help our first responders prepare, train and be ready to protect innocent Americans from acts of terrorism. I believe it will also provide greater consistency to UASI, which has been beset by funding fluctuations of hundreds of millions of dollars from year to year. It is clear that major cities like New York remain the center of the bull's-eye for terrorists. UASI helps us fight terrorism, and ensures our first responders have the equipment they need to protect the American people. In a way, just in the last couple of years, a number of attacks have been foiled thanks to the efforts of law enforcement and intelligence gathering, much of it because of the funding that has gone through programs like UASI. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we can keep having the news media focus on foiled terrorist plots rather than counting caskets. I urge adoption of this amendment.

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, on roll call no. 395 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. FOSSELLA

Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, on May 18, 1957, Carol and Peter Carroll were married in St. Malachy's Church and went on to raise five children: Kathleen, John, Peter, Helen, and Paul. Peter and Carol met while they were students at St. John's University. Peter was a starting center for the St. John's Redmen, and he and Carol met at a post-basketball game party. Peter Carroll spent 40 years as a supervisor for Brooklyn Union Gas and coached basketball and baseball for St. Charles Parish and the Great Kills Little League. Carol worked for New York Telephone and then worked full time raising five children while also volunteering at the St. Charles School. The Carrolls are proud grandparents of 17: Kathleen, Virginia, Caroline, Thomas, Amanda, Lindsey, Katie, Kevin, Billy, Andrew, McKenzie, Jennifer, Thomas, James, Victoria, Lauren, and Matthew. They currently split their time between Staten Island, Florida, and Long Beach Island. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Carrolls on this momentous occasion and wish them 50 more years of marriage.