Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1275) honoring the life of Timothy John Russert, Jr., public servant, political analyst, and author.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, it's with a heavy heart that I call up for consideration H. Res. 1275 which honors the life of legendary journalist Tim Russert whose life slipped away suddenly on Friday, June 13, 2008. I would like to thank the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Tom Davis and also Committee Chair Henry Waxman. That said, it is with profound regret that I stand before you on the floor of the House today to mourn and commemorate the life of Tim Russert, an icon of America's media for nearly two decades. Mr. Russert died on Friday after collapsing at NBC's Washington, D.C., home of ``Meet the Press'' at age 58. While Tim Russert was a former Democratic congressional staffer, Washington bureau chief, and senior vice president of NBC News, the world knew him best as the host of the famous Sunday morning news show ``Meet the Press.'' In addition to his professional journalism accomplishments, Mr. Russert was also a best-selling author, penning the New York Times best-selling memoir ``Big Russ & Me'' and ``Wisdom of Our Fathers.'' From his chair at ``Meet the Press,'' Mr. Russert demonstrated his dedication to Democracy, his passion for politics, his admiration for fairness, honesty, and humanity. Mr. Russert's enthusiasm for journalism and politics earned him the respect and acclaim of so many Americans, including myself and many of my colleagues. Born in Buffalo, New York, on May 7, 1950, Tim Russert received his undergraduate degree from John Carroll University, then proceeded to earn a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Over the years, he earned 48 honorary doctorate degrees, which serves as further evidence of his prolific impact on the world. While Tim Russert sat in the front seat of world history chronicling the domestic and international political events that have defined our time, he performed his work with great humanity and quality of character. Tim Russert had a gift for making the all-too-complex nature of Washington politics understandable and compelling for Americans across our great country. In recognition of his work as the epitome of journalistic talent and devotion, Tim Russert won an Emmy Award for his coverage of the funeral of President Ronald Reagan, the Radio and Television Correspondents' Joan S. Barone Award, the Annenberg Center's Walter Cronkite Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Television Journalism for his interviews of leading national political figures. As the former Washington bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal stated, Tim Russert ``really was the best political journalist in America, not just the best television journalist in America.'' Accordingly, it is my hope that we will join the citizens of this country in recognizing and honoring the contributions of a great American, Timothy John Russert, Junior. H. Res. 1275 formally expresses our deepest condolences upon the death of Timothy John Russert, Junior, and expends our sympathies to his wife Maureen and his son Luke for their loss. It is a loss that will certainly impact all of us for quite some time to come. Madam Speaker, earlier today, I attended at St. Albans the viewing service for Tim Russert with Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul, a trusted friend, former colleague, and student intern of Tim Russert. The tribute based on a line that was extending around the campus is extraordinary and profound to recognize his life. I would like to leave you with the story about Tim Russert and how he made it to Washington from his native Buffalo. Tim Russert would always tell that story to highlight the importance of the working-class values that were instilled in him by his father, Big Russ. It was the blizzard of 1977 when 3 feet of snow fell on Buffalo with extraordinary winds. Tim Russert was working for Daniel Patrick Moynihan at the time. Moynihan had come to Buffalo to survey the damage from the blizzard. He was so impressed with Tim Russert, Senator Moynihan said, ``Tim, you have to come to Washington; you have great qualities that will serve you very well there, and you can be with me on my staff.'' Russert went to Washington and, after a short period of time, was somewhat discouraged. Senator Moynihan had recognized that he was discouraged and asked him what the problem was. Tim said, ``Senator, your staff is made up of ideologues, Ivy League-educated people, and I'm from a blue collar background in Buffalo.'' Senator Moynihan put his arm around Tim and said, ``Tim, what they know you can learn. What you know, the values of hard work, of honesty, of love of community, of love of family, they can never learn.'' It's with that that Tim Russert started his career in Washington, in both politics first and foremost and then in journalism. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, just let me say in closing, Tim Russert was the voice to a Nation and to the world with a distinct inflection of that of Buffalo, imbued with exuberance and tempered with a love of family and community and country. With that, I would ask that this resolution be approved.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I urge passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I now yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for as much time as she may consume.

Mr. HIGGINS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present for consideration H.R. 1237, which recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future. H.R. 1237 was introduced on June 4, 2008, and has over 70 Members of Congress who also support Juneteenth, or what many call Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. The measure was considered and reported from the Oversight Committee on June 12, 2008, by voice vote, which brings us to today's floor consideration of the measure. Most of us are aware, Madam Speaker, Juneteenth commemorates the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 Federal troops arrived at the Galveston Island, Texas to take possession of the State and enforce the emancipation of its slaves 2\1/2\ years after the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 19, 1865 General Granger read the following Order Number 3: ``The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with the proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts, and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.'' In receipt of this message, African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19 as the anniversary of their emancipation, and continued the tradition to inspire and encourage future generations. For more than 135 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor not only the freedom of African Americans but also to encourage self-development and respect for all cultures. Juneteenth has been recognized as either a State holiday or observance in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Delaware, Idaho, Alaska, Iowa, California, Wyoming, Missouri, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Arkansas, Oregon, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, as well as the District of Columbia. The faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves remains an example for all Americans, regardless of background, religion, or race. Madam Speaker, I ask that we, too, show our support for Juneteenth Independence Day by agreeing to adopt H.R. 1237 without reservation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1237) recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. We urge passage and yield back, Madam Speaker.

Mr. HIGGINS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I join my colleague in the consideration and support of H.R. 6085, which names a postal facility in Rancho Mirage, California, after the late President Gerald R. Ford. H.R. 6085, which was introduced by our colleague, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack of California, on May 20, 2008, was reported from the Oversight Committee on June 12, 2008, by voice vote. H.R. 6085 is sponsored by 113 Members of Congress, including 51 Members from the California delegation. This bill before us does more than just redesignate one of our post offices. It provides the entire House an opportunity to, once again, pay tribute to one of our Nation's leaders and former Presidents, the Honorable Gerald Ford. Gerald Ford's public service career began back in 1948 when he was elected to represent Michigan's Fifth Congressional District. From there, the late President Ford ended up serving 25 years in the House of Representatives, including 8 years as minority leader of the House. Forced to assume the office of the United States Presidency under what he described as extraordinary circumstances, the late President Gerald Ford conducted his presidency with honesty and integrity. During his years of service to our country, President Ford often reminded people that he considered himself ``a moderate in domestic affairs, a conservative in fiscal affairs, and a dyed-in-the-wool internationalist in foreign affairs.'' With his wife, Elizabeth Ford, by his side, on December 26, 2006, President Ford succumbed to his death at the age of 93, but his mark on our country continues to live on. Madam Speaker, I'd like to thank the gentlewoman from California for offering the bill in support of renaming the Rancho Mirage Post Office after the late President Gerald Ford and in recognition of his many contributions to America, both while in office and out. I urge swift passage of this measure. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6085) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 42222 Rancho Las Palmas Drive in Rancho Mirage, California, as the ``Gerald R. Ford Post Office Building''.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gene and Carole Vukelic on their 50th wedding anniversary. Gene and Carole have raised seven children, and their five sons, Paul, Jeff, Tim, Peter, and Matthew, all work for Try-It Distributing, the company Gene's father started in 1928 and a recipient of the Canisius College Center for Entrepreneurship Family Business of the Year. A devoted Western New Yorker, Gene was raised in Lackawanna, New York and attended Canisius High School and LeMoyne College in Syracuse. The son of a Croatian immigrant, Gene learned the value of hard work and tenacity in the face of adversity from his father, Stephen. Stephen only went to school until the sixth grade and worked wherever he could, including at the Bethlehem Steel plant in Lackawanna. According to Gene, however, Stephen Vukelic was ``an entrepreneur at heart''. When he was 28 years old, Stephen opened the Try-It Bottling Works company in a small building with one truck, and started bottling soft drinks in Lackawanna. Today, Try-It Distributing Co., Inc. is a hugely successful beverage firm. Gene has carried on his father's spirit of entrepreneurship and is now Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Try-It Distributing Company. His five sons work with him to develop the business their great grandfather started 80 years ago. Madam Speaker, it is a great honor for me to recognize Gene and Carole Vukelic for their tenacity, passion, and dedication to the Western New York community. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations in celebration of their 50 golden years together, and extend my best wishes to the Vukelics and their family on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I missed several rollcall votes on June 12, 2008. I would like to enter into the record how I intended to vote on these rollcall votes had I been present: On #405, on ordering the previous question on the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #406, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 6063, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #407, on ordering the previous question on the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #408, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 5749, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #409, on passage of H.R. 1553, the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #410, on the motion to table the appeal, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #411, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 5749, I would have voted NAY. On #412, on passage of H.R. 5749, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #413, on passage of S. 2146, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives tour. The Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives tour, organized by the Healing our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, is designed to raise awareness and call for action on the problems facing our lakes. Healing Our Waters is lead by the National Wildlife Federation and the National Parks Conservation Association and includes over 100 fishing, boating hunting, birding, conservation and environmental organizations. I would like to congratulate them for their continuing work to improve the health of the Great Lakes. To start the historic tour, the Earth Voyager, one of the fastest sailing vessels on the Great Lakes, made its first stop in Buffalo, New York at the newly developed site along the historic Erie Canal. As a main water route to the mid-West the Great Lakes shaped the demographics of our nation. When the Erie Canal first opened in 1825 it connected the East to the Great Lakes and brought a surge in population and commerce which lead Buffalo to incorporate as a city in 1832. Buffalo's strategic position on the Great Lakes contributed significantly to its early rise to prominence; at the turn of the last century Buffalo was America's largest inland port and the leader in the transshipment of grain and several other commodities. The Western New York Division of Citizens Campaign for the Environment helped lead coordination of events during the Earth Voyager's 5 day stop in Buffalo, NY. Containing over twenty percent of the world's fresh water, the Great Lakes are an enormous natural asset to this nation. Nearly two centuries ago the Lakes shaped this nation by providing for the early movement of settlers and commerce in America. Now we are at a critical point in history where we must take action today to protect and preserve the Great Lakes as a means to shape this nation's environmental and economic future. The ship departs Buffalo, NY for stops in Erie, PA, Toledo, OH, Detroit MI, Port Huron MI, Sarnia, Ontario, Chicago, IL, Traverse City, MI, Grand Haven, MI, Milwaukee, WI, Bay City MI, Cleveland, OH and Rochester, NY. On its tour, the Earth Voyager will help carry our message and emphasize the importance of revitalizing the Great Lakes.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today during National Safe Boating Week to recognize the fine work of the men and women in the United States Coast Guard and particularly the many contributions of those in USCG Sector Buffalo. Commissioned on July 22, 2005 as a merger of the Group Buffalo, Marine Safety Office Buffalo and Marine Safety Office Cleveland commands, Sector Buffalo covers a large area of responsibility including Lake Erie from Lorain, Ohio to Buffalo, New York, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, the Erie Canal, and the St. Lawrence Seaway to Massena, New York. Sector Buffalo provides many services to our region including: Search and rescue, homeland security, law enforcement, aids-to-navigation, recreational boating safety, marine environmental response, and Immigrations and Customs. On Saturday, May 17, 2008, under the direction of Coast Guard Commander Captain Scott J. Ferguson, Sector Buffalo held their first annual East Great Lakes Water Safety Expo. According to national statistics, 700 people drown each year from recreational boating accidents--10 percent of these victims fail to wear a life jacket. Through Sector Buffalo's public outreach event, the Coast Guard spread the message about boating safety and the importance of life jackets to hundreds of Western New York residents. The Coast Guard has been a presence in Western New York since 1818, beginning with the construction of the Buffalo Lighthouse. Sector Buffalo currently occupies approximately 31 acres on the City of Buffalo's Outer Harbor. The Coast Guard has indicated that Sector Buffalo occupies a site that is too large for its needs and drew up a preliminary plan to upgrade facilities--some of which are over 70 years old--and consolidate them in a way that would meet its operational needs, allow for future growth and open up public access to the historic lighthouse and valuable waterfront land. For the last 90 years the U.S. Coast Guard has honorably served our waterfront community. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity to recognize Sector Buffalo's efforts to raise public awareness this week, National Safe Boating Week, and their many contributions protecting people along our waterways and serving as a committed community partner each and every week for the last ten decades.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Carl Montante on receiving the Canisius College 2008 Distinguished Citizen Award. Carl will be honored at the Canisius College Board of Regents Scholarship Ball on Saturday, May 10, 2008. Carl is a brilliant example of commitment and devotion to one's community and fellowman. A devoted Western New York native, Carl and his four siblings were born and raised in Buffalo, NY where he continues to give back to his community. He attended Canisius College and, in 1967, he earned his law degree from the University of Buffalo Law School. After practicing law in Buffalo, Carl founded the Uniland Development Company in 1974. As President and Managing Director of Uniland, he oversees the company's operations and property developments in Buffalo-Rochester corridor. Carl is involved in several organizations in his community including the Holy Angels Academy, The BISON Scholarship Fund, and the Foundation of the Diocese of Buffalo. He is former Chairman of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Annual Fund and National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and serves on the Boards of the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and Catholic Health System. Perhaps most notable is Carl's service and contribution to his alma mater, Canisius College. Carl has served in numerous leadership capacities including as chair of the Canisius College Board of Trustees from 1997-2001. Carl and his wife, Carol Ann, recently committed $5.1 million to the college for the development of an interdisciplinary science center. The Montante family's donation is the largest in the Canisius' history. I applaud his desire to give back to his community and believe his contributions to education and science will have a great impact on the future of Western New York. Madam Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Carl J. Montante for this great honor and applaud him for his service and dedication to the Western New York community. I wish Carl and his family the best in the years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 90th birthday of Helen G. Jacob, an inspirational woman who fought for our country in WW II and who continues to fight on behalf of her fellow veterans every day. Helen is a brilliant example of commitment and devotion to one's community and fellow man. The daughter of Frank and Ellen Cooley, Helen was born on May 16, 1918 in Buffalo, New York where she and her siblings resided on Crescent Avenue. Helen attended St. Mark's School and Mount St. Joseph's High School. Helen, against her mother's wishes, joined the army in 1942 and was assigned to the 29th Traffic Regiment Division. Landing in Paris six days after the liberation, Helen performed tasks critical to moving troops throughout Europe. Upon her return to Buffalo, Helen was denied membership in both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. In what has become her trademark, Helen pioneered and founded the Ereico Women's Post #1586. In 1984, Helen began volunteering as the Women's Veteran Coordinator, amassing more than 12,000 hours of dedicated service. In 1996, the Helen G. Jacob Wellness Clinic opened in the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, New York in recognition of her tireless advocacy for quality services within the VA Western NY Healthcare System. By Helen's example and lifelong work, we are also reminded of the obligation to keep the promises made by our government to our veterans. Justifiably and deservedly, Helen has been honored over the years. These awards include American Legion's Legionnaire of the Year; The Found Women Award from Women Focus of Western New York; Buffalo Ambassador from the Greater Buffalo Convention and Visitors Bureau; Award of Excellence from Every Women's Opportunity Center; the United Way and J.C. Penny's Golden Rule Award; and the Susan B. Anthony Award. Helen continues to respond to calls for service including my request that she serve on the military academy review panel for the applicants in the 27th District. She remains an active member of over 20 different organizations. Helen is also a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mark's Church. Her two children, Patricia and Bill, and grandchildren, Tom, Michelle, Christine, Eric, Adam, and Kevin, will join with the family of veterans and friends on May 9th at the Troop I Hamlin House to celebrate Helen's 90 years of life, love, and laughter. Helen is a friend to all and a fighter for veterans. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Helen G. Jacob on the occasion of her 90th birthday and to thank her for her service and continuing commitment to our country.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act. I want to thank Chairman Frank and Chairwoman Waters for their persistent efforts to address the issue of how foreclosures and subprime lending contribute to the vacant and abandoned housing problem in cities like Buffalo. Buffalo and western New York are facing a vacant and abandoned housing crisis that gets progressively worse every day as more and more homes fall into foreclosure. While the City of Buffalo has been dealing with the negative effects of home foreclosures for some time, recent events have made their situation worse, necessitating this relief. Vacant homes wreak havoc on the neighborhoods in which they exist. These homes often serve as a haven for crime, endangering children and making entire neighborhoods dangerous. They also serve as a drain on local governments, which must deal with decaying homes long after owners and banks have abandoned them. Perhaps most distressing, abandoned homes discourage investment and influence urban flight. H.R. 5818 would provide immediate relief to these neighborhoods in several ways. It would empower local officials to take control of vacant and abandoned properties and increase homeownership. Local governments could use loan funds to purchase and rehabilitate vacant homes for sale to working families who otherwise may not be able to afford quality housing. If homes are beyond repair and within neighborhoods prone to vacancy and abandonment, local governments could use grant funds to demolish them. Both the loan and grant initiatives will provide a much needed and immediate injection of resources into these neighborhoods that have been hard hit by the foreclosure crisis, so that these communities will have a better chance to get back on their feet and move forward. It is highly dismaying to note that the housing market has gotten progressively worse in the last 12 months, creating the need for the stimulus provided in this bill.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed a number of votes to attend to a family emergency. Had I been present for these votes I would have votes as follows: On rollcall No. 224, Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 1079, I would have voted ``yea''. On rollcall No. 225, Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 4332, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 226, Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to S. 2739, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 227, Ordering the Previous Question for H.R. 5522, the Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 228, Providing for the consideration of H.R. 5522, the Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No .229, Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Senate Amendment to the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 230, the George Miller of California Amendment, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 231, the Wilson of South Carolina Substitute Amendment, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 238, the Flake Motion to Instruct Conferees, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 239, to Suspend Rules and Agree to Senate Amendments, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, last week I regrettably missed a number of votes to attend to a family emergency. Had I been present for these votes, I would have voted as indicated below. On Roll #213, the Matheson of Utah Amendment, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Roll #214, the Capito of West Virginia Amendment, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Roll #215, the Foster of Illinois Amendment, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Roll #216, the Motion to Recommit with Instructions, I would have voted ``no.'' On Roll #217, final passage of H.R. 5819, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Roll #218, on Ordering the Previous Question, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Roll #219, on agreeing to H. Res. 1126, I would have votes ``aye.'' On Roll #220, the Poe of Texas Amendment, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Roll #221, the McNerney of California Amendment, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Roll #222, the Motion to Recommit with Instructions, I would have voted ``no.'' On Roll #223, final passage of H.R. 2830, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 322, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel on May 14th. Since its inception, Israel has been a close friend and ally of the United States, promoting democratic values in the Middle East. As we celebrate this anniversary, let us reflect upon the struggles that have come in the past and that are to come in the future. From them we can glean a sober hope for the continued peace and prosperity of Israel and the United States. Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, was aware of hostility to the goals of Zionism, but sought that Jews and Palestinians live in peaceful coexistence in his newly formed state. Unfortunately, radicalism and resistance for this peaceful goal only hardened. The many conflicts that ensued, from the Six Day War to the Second Infitada, has made life difficult for all Israelis. Today, Israel is taking serious steps in hopes of reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In the West Bank, Israel is removing roadblocks and evacuating outposts in order to strengthen Palestinian President Abbas so the Palestinian Authority is capable of implementing a treaty. Unfortunately, in Gaza the militant group Hamas is engaged in the broadest and most significant military buildup in its history with help from Syria and Iran. Hamas is restructuring more hierarchically and using more and more powerful weapons, such as longer-range rockets against Israel's southern communities. The most serious threats that Israel faces are external. Two weeks ago, Iran announced that they had dramatically increased its capacity to enrich uranium with the installation of 6,000 new centrifuges. In doing so, Iran continued to defy not only the United States but the international community as well. The United States and Israel must continue to provide a united front against this regime, while still reaching out to its people, in order to protect the citizens of both countries and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. With the Arab population in Israel estimated to outnumber Jewish Israelis in the near future, building a lasting peace has never been more necessary to the continued existence of Israel. Fortunately, Israel's economy is strong and growing and the Israeli government is committed to a peaceful solution based upon political realities. Our greatest hopes lay in the strength of the alliance between Israel and the Untied States and in the inherent rightness of the democratic values that both countries promote. That is why I am proud to stand in support of H. Con. Res. 322 and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Israel, and I look forward to the continued role as an advocate for democracy in the Middle East.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today asking you to join me in recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy of Buffalo, New York. The Sisters of Mercy were founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831 by Catherine McAuley. The first order was formed in the United States in 1843 in the city of Pittsburgh. The Sisters of Mercy came to Buffalo, New York in 1858. And since that time, from a small teaching order of Mercy nuns, they established a Catholic school system in Buffalo, New York, hospitals where they ministered to our sick, schools where they taught our children and provided an extraordinary example of compassion and love throughout the western New York community. The Sisters of Mercy are also doing extraordinary humanitarian work throughout the entire world in very volatile places like Africa and the Middle East. And the Sisters of Mercy were represented here today in our Nation's Capital at the first papal visit of Pope Benedict to the United States. Sister Margaret Ann Coughlin, a long-time friend and 50-year member of the Sisters of Mercy, was here today to join in the celebration that this Nation held in welcoming the new Pope to the United States. The Sisters of Mercy have cared, not only in the United States, but throughout the world, for the despised and the dispossessed. And those who have been forsaken have never been forsaken by the Sisters of Mercy. A lot of the institutions that they started, schools, hospitals, are now run by lay people and also administered by lay people, but what remains, Mr. Speaker, is the constant love and compassion, that principle that was established first and foremost and continues today by the Sisters of Mercy.