Steve Israel

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the works of Barry A. Kastner. This outstanding individual from Long Island was honored last night at the B'Nai B'Rith Banking and Finance Distinguished Achievement Award Dinner. Mr. Kastner's leadership in the commercial finance industry has been an example to many, and I am most grateful for his service to Congress Financial Corporation and to Long Island.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge the President to spend the funds that this Congress authorized for medical monitoring of firefighters, police officers and others who so bravely responded to Ground Zero on September 11th, 2001. I worked closely with my colleague, Mr. Crowley of New York and the other members of our state's delegation to designate $90 million to screen and evaluate emergency responders for hazardous exposure in the wake of the attacks. Sadly, the Administration has only spent a fraction of the full amount--enough to fund only 9,000 of 40,000 medical screening examinations. Based on an initial sample of 250 WTC workers, one-half of WTC workers are experiencing ongoing pulmonary problems, ENT symptoms and mental health issues. I am disappointed that the administration is not spending the additional funds to cover the entire population of heroes who were there when we needed them. This is a glaring example of the most outrageous priorities. The administration supported spending $187 billion in a farm bill to subsidize America's farmers not to grow crops, but won't spend $90 million to subsidize the health care of America's firefighters. Mr. Speaker, when farmers need our help, we're there for them with subsidies. When big oil wants a hand-out, we're there for them with lavish tax-breaks. But when a New York City firefighter who was on the job on September 11th needs to be screened for a breathing problem, we tell him we can't afford to help. I was with President Bush in the immediate aftermath of the attack at Ground Zero. I admired his leadership on that day, when he stood with our firefighters in the rubble. Now, we need his leadership in standing with our firefighters in his budget.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution to honor the contribution of Catholic schools. Catholic schools play an important role in my district on Long Island and across the country in educating not only Catholics, but also many non-Catholic and minority students. Schools such as St. Anthony's Huntington, the Academy of St. Joseph in Brentwood, St. Dominic in Oyster Bay, St. John the Baptist in West Islip, and others throughout Long Island are models of educational excellence. With limited budgets, but with unlimited devotion, the teachers and administrators provide a real public service--focusing on developing the heart, mind and spirit of their students. With a 95 percent graduation rate and 83 percent of students continuing on to higher education, their valuable service is more than evident. I rise to support their role today and urge my colleagues to support this resolution commending the contribution of Catholic schools. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 26 honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. My 18th Congressional District in Houston has a number of outstanding Catholic schools that have contributed to the well being and education of thousands of students. Catholic schools ensure a broad-based education for students in elementary grades. This education includes the emphasis on character, values, and moral development. More than 26 percent of school children enrolled in Catholic schools nationwide are minorities. In minority communities, Catholic schools serve a special purpose--they integrate students into a moral and spiritual doctrine that carries lifelong benefits. This weekend, I attended a celebration in my district at the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. The church has an exemplary school for students pre-kindergarten through the 5th grade. The school was founded more than 30 years ago. I support the goals of Catholic Schools Week and congratulate the schools, students, parents, and teachers for their ongoing contributions to education. Catholic schools have played a key role in educating our students. Catholic schools have long been dedicated to teaching a diverse group of students, and I applaud their work. As we continue to seek methods to reform our nation's schools, Catholic schools serve as a model for discipline, for a broad-based education, and for values. Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence. I strongly support H. Res. 26 and the accomplishments of Catholic schools everywhere.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished ranking member for yielding time to me, and thank the chairman of the Committee on Financial Services for their work together in bringing this important legislation to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), my Long Island colleagues, joined me in writing to the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker Hastert) and to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) last month asking that this bill be among the first the House considers this year. We did so because the program is absolutely vital to our region's homeowners. Long Island, Mr. Speaker, is indeed an island. To the south we face the Atlantic Ocean and to the north the Long Island Sound. As a result, many in our communities depend upon the National Flood Insurance Program to protect and finance their homes. The program lapsed on December 31, resulting in essentially a halt to all real estate transactions on Long Island's shores until the program was reauthorized. The lapse has exposed homeowners, lenders, and the Federal Government, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to catastrophic and uninsured losses in the case of a major weather event. Mr. Speaker, this is a straight reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program through the end of this year. It has the strong support of the Committee on Financial Services. People on Long Island and around our country need this program. I want to thank the Speaker, the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), for their leadership on this issue, and for bringing this bill to the floor in such a timely fashion. I look forward to the President's expeditious signature on this matter at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again note the severe affordable housing crisis my constituents face on Long Island. Today's Newsday carried an article by Christian Murray revealing some truly disturbing statistics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 26 percent of Long Island households pay more than 35 percent of their gross monthly income on either rent or mortgage. For over fifty years Americans have been cautioned to keep housing expenses under 25 percent of their income. The 35 percent average is a genuine crisis. Pearl Kamer, an economist who wrote the report for the Island's leading affordable housing organization, the Long Island Housing Partnership, noted that ``with many people paying so much on housing, there is little left over for food and medical care.'' Mr. Speaker, this housing crisis is having a terrible effect on Long Island's families. The fact that young people--often college graduates with good jobs--cannot find adequate, affordable housing, means that those young people are leaving Long Island. And if companies can't rely on a stable workforce, they will choose to locate somewhere else. The lack of affordable housing on Long Island is not merely about some families having to pay too much. It is a problem that permeates every part of our community's life. Young people are forced out of our region. Jobs disappear as companies decide they can no longer depend upon a solid workforce. And our communities dissolve as the very foundation on which that community was built erodes. Mr. Speaker, when the 108th Congress convenes in January, we must quickly address the issue of adequate housing in America. I ask that the text of today's Newsday article be included in the Record at this time. [lsqb]From Newsday, Nov. 21, 2002[rsqb] Mortgaging LI's Economic Future (By Christian Murray) Skyrocketing rents and booming home prices are forcing more than 200,000 Long Island households to pay more than one- third of their income on housing, according to a comprehensive new study released yesterday. The study, ``Lack of Affordable Housing: Prescription for Economic Disaster,'' found 26 percent of Long Island households pay more than 35 percent of their gross monthly income on either rent or mortgage. ``These findings are dire,'' said Pearl Kamer, a regional economist who conducted the study for the Long Island Housing Partnership. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines say households should not spend more than 30 percent of their gross income on housing. ``With many people paying so much on housing, there is little left over for food and medical care,'' Kamer said at a news conference at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset yesterday. Kamer added that the high cost of housing is forcing many people, especially young families, to leave Long Island, and this exodus will hurt the region when the economy picks up and companies can't find workers. While affordable housing has long been an issue on Long Island, the problem has been exacerbated by the hot real estate market in the past four years, when home prices have soared 81 percent while household incomes have risen only 14 percent, Kamer said. Jim Morgo, president of the Hauppauge-based Long Island Housing Partnership, said he has established a task force of industry and nonprofit officials to take the study's findings to every municipality across the Island, as a means of prodding officials to make way for more affordable housing. The study, based on 2000 census figures, analyzed median incomes and housing costs in more than 250 communities by individual census tract. It found that about one quarter, or 165,000 of Long Island's 672,000 homeowners, paid at least 35 percent for a place to live--including mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance. In some Nassau County neighborhoods, including Elmont, Hempstead Village, Uniondale and Roosevelt, at least 20 percent of the owners spent more than 50 percent of gross income on housing. And this scenario also occurred in the Suffolk neighborhoods of Wyandanch, North Amityville, North Bay Shore and Brentwood. The study also found that one-third of tenants across Long Island paid more than 35 percent of household income in rent. In many neighborhoods--such as Central Islip, North Amityville, Wyandanch and Lawrence Village--about 40 percent of renters pay more than half their wages on shelter. Rental units account for about 19 percent of Nassau's housing stock and 18 percent of Suffolk's--low, compared with 38 percent of Westcheter and 27 percent in Rockland. But some Nassau neighborhoods, including Manorhaven, Hempstead Village, Great Neck Plaza, Long Beach and Glen Cove, have more than 40 percent of their housing units in rental apartments. And in Suffolk, Bay Shore and Patchogue both have high ratios of rental units to owner-occupied housing. Elizabeth McCarthy, who grew up in Dix Hills and works at Canon USA's Lake Success offices in marketing, said at the news conference she's been struggling to find housing after graduating from Marist College in 1998. Earning about $31,000 annually, she rented a studio apartment for $900 per month in Bay Shore--but it was too costly. ``I thought about leaving the area [lsqb]Long Island[rsqb].'' She started looking for a house with her parents. ``I was shocked to find that there was nothing out there, never mind anything in my price range.'' Eventually, she was able to buy a subsidizing affordable home through the Housing Partnership at the Highview, a complex in Huntington. Kamer added that since the 2000 census, when the data were gathered, the affordable-housing crisis has most likely worsened. Kamer said that many young workers, unable to afford housing here, are leaving. And many of these workers who have lower-paying jobs are essential to the Island's economy. Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney said some towns are reluctant to build rental units or affordable housing, fearing that it will decrease the value of an area. But if employers don't have the labor force they'll need because young workers leave, they'll set up businesses elsewhere. Among Morgo's list of possible solutions is his call to get towns to allow for greater zoning flexibility, when developers put forward proposals for affordable-housing units. While many young people earn much more than their parents, he said, they are unable to afford a home. ``It's the inversion of the American Dream,'' Margo said. Feeling the Pinch Communities on Long Island with the highest percentages of homeowners spending more than 35 percent of their income on housing costs. Minimum 3,000 housing units. 1. Hempstead Village: 34.9 percent. 2. Elmont: 34.2 percent. 3. Brentwood: 31.1 percent. 4. Dix Hills: 30.0 percent. 5. Central Islip: 29.9 percent. 6. Copiague: 29.7 percent. 7. Bay Shore: 29.5 percent. 8. Franklin Square: 29.3 percent. 9. North Valley Stream: 29.3 percent. 10. Freeport: 28.8 percent. 11. East Islip: 28.7 percent. 12. Greenlawn: 27.9 percent. 13. Uniondale: 27.8 percent. 14. West Babylon: 27.5 percent. 15. Deer Park: 27.4 percent. 16. Ridge: 27.0 percent. 17. St. James: 25.9 percent. 18. Selden: 25.9 percent. 19. North Massapequa: 25.8 percent. 20. Glen Cove: 25.7 percent. 21. Lindenhurst: 25.7 percent. 22. Long Beach: 25.7 percent. 23. West Islip: 25.7 percent. 24. South Farmingdale: 25.6 percent. 25. Merrick: 25.5 percent. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the work of school psychologists in Suffolk County, NY, during the week of November 4, 2002. The children of Suffolk County, NY, have a natural desire and propensity to learn and the inalienable right to an education. It is imperative that our society supports the needs of children and youth and invest in education as our top priority. Children's mental health is closely linked to their successful learning and development. Schools must apply sound psychological principles to instruction, learning and oversight, cultivate children's intellectual, social and emotional development, meet the educational and developmental needs of culturally diverse student populations, and promote prevention and early intervention to ensure students' achievement. Suffolk County schools must ensure a safe, healthy learning environment for all children and be able to recognize and respond to their emotional and psychological difficulties. Suffolk County school psychologists help parents and educators foster healthy child development and are the school-based experts in children's learning and development. Suffolk County school psychologists and other trained school-based professionals have the opportunity and ability to help parents identify and access needed community resources to help their children. Suffolk County school psychologists are leaders in delivering mental health services to children. It is appropriate that Americans recognize the important and vital role that school psychologists play in the personal and academic development of our nation's children.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share with you the words of Rabbi Paul Swerdlow, one of my constituents. Rabbi Swerdlow's poem ``I Am a Veteran'' conveys his love for his country. I am most grateful for his dedicated service to securing our freedom. I Am a Veteran I am a veteran. I shivered that cold winter in Valley Forge And rejoiced at the glorious surrender at Yorktown. I wept at the flames that engulfed Washington And said ``never again.'' I wore blue and bled red. I wore gray and bled red. The blood I spilled was to reunite a nation Of the people, by the people and for the people I am a veteran. I was at Little Big Horn and I prayed; I was at Wounded Knee and I prayed; I prayed that one day the old Americans And the new Americans would be one people. I was there to charge up the hill at San Juan; Knowing that my country was emerging Beyond its borders. I was prepared to make the world safe for democracy. Young and idealistic, I came to France To turn back the hordes in this war to end all wars. I am a veteran. It was with disbelief that I became A part of the day which will live in infamy. Once more I said goodbye to those I loved To protect my country. Across the vast desert I met the enemy. I met him on island after island. I kept my promise to return. I met him on the beaches of Normandy. I repelled him from the gates of Bastogne. I freed thousands from the shadow of death. I am a veteran. A small nation cried out for help And I came because others had been there for me. A nation was saved. I felt the agony of defeat in the jungles of a distant land. BUt I held my head high When another people cried out, I again put on my uniform to save them from tyranny. Today I remain ready to pledge my life, My property, my sacred honor, Until there will be peace and freedom on earth For everyone, everywhere. I am a veteran.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, on September 17, I shared with the House correspondence between myself, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) and the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Les Brownlee, regarding Fire Island, New York. On September 27, Congressman Grucci and I responded to Acting Assistant Secretary Brownlee's letter. As the House considers reauthorizing the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, I wanted to take this opportunity to update Members on this situation. Therefore, I ask that our response letter be printed in the Record at this point. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, September 27, 2002. The Hon. Les Brownlee, Under Secretary of the Army, U.S. Department of the Army, The Pentagon, Washington, DC. Dear Under Secretary Brownlee: We are writing to respond to your letter of September 3rd. We appreciate your reply, but unfortunately it did not provide an explanation of why the Departments of the Army and Interior have failed to comply with Section 342 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1999. As you may recall, this is the provision that directed the Secretary of the Army to provide Congress with a ``mutually acceptable shore erosion plan for Fire Island to Moriches Inlet Reach of the Project.'' The December 17, 1999 letter to which you referred did not transmit a plan as required by the law. Your letter suggested that the Corps decided not to proceed with the interim project as mandated because of a New York State decision to withdraw as the non-federal sponsor. We have never seen any official position from the State informing the Corps of that decision. In fact, in a November 30, 1999 letter to the Corps, the State indicated that it would issue the necessary State approvals ``if no new issues came up during the public comment process'' and if the issues raised by the State are ``satisfactorily resolved.'' We understand that no new issues came up at the January 12, 2000 public hearing. Indeed, we understand that the State never even submitted written comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. If you have such comments or any official state position, please provide it to us as soon as possible. Your statement that ``the time had passed to reach agreement on the interim project'' is disturbing. Congress' directive under Sec. 342 was unequivocal. Almost three years have passed since the law's deadline, and the risk to Fire Island and the mainland from storm damage continues unabated. Waiting until 2005 to reach a decision on renourishment when the law required a decision in 1999 is unacceptable. Sincerely, Steve Israel. Felix J. Grucci, Jr.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to note a strong statement in support of the words ``Under God'' in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, that was given to me by one of my constituents who is a member of the Knights of Columbus. I ask that this statement from the Knights of Columbus be included in the Record. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. How the words ``UNDER GOD'' came to be added to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States originated on Columbus Day, 1893. It contained no reference to Almighty God, until in New York City on April 22, 1951, the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus adopted a resolution to amend the Pledge of Allegiance as recited at the opening of each of the meetings of the 800 Fourth Degree Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus by the addition of the words ``under God'' after the words ``one nation''. The adoption of this resolve by the Supreme Board of Directors had the effect of an immediate initiation of this practice throughout the aforesaid Fourth Degree Assembly meetings. At their annual State Meetings, held in April and May of 1952, the State Councils of Florida, South Dakota, New York and Michigan adopted resolutions recommending that the Pledge of Allegiance be so amended and that Congress be petitioned to have such amendment made effective. On August 21, 1952, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus, at its annual meeting, adopted a resolution urging that the change be made general and copies of this resolution were sent to the President, the Vice President (as Presiding Officer of the Senate) and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The National Fraternal Congress meeting in Boston on September 24, 1952, adopted a similar resolution upon the recommendation of its President, Supreme Knight Luke E. Hart. Several State Fraternal Congresses acted likewise almost immediately thereafter. At its annual meeting the following year, on August 20, 1953, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus repeated its resolution to make this amendment to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag general and to send copies of this resolve to the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, and to each member of both Houses of Congress. From this latter action, many favorable replies were received, and a total of seventeen resolutions were introduced in the House of Representatives to so amend the Pledge of Allegiance as set forth in the Public Law relating to the use of the flag. The resolution introduced by Congressman Louis C. Rabaut of Michigan was adopted by both Houses of Congress, and it was signed by President Eisenhower on Flag Day, June 14, 1954, thereby making official the amendment conceived, sponsored, and put into practice by the Knights of Columbus more than three years before. In a message to Supreme Knight Luke E. Hart at the meeting of the Supreme Council in Louisville, August 17, 1954, President Eisenhower, in recognition of the initiative of the Knights of Columbus in originating and sponsoring the amendment to the Pledge of Allegiance, said: ``We are particularly thankful to you for your part in the movement to have the words `under God' added to our Pledge of Allegiance. These words will remind Americans that despite our great physical strength we must remain humble. They will help us to keep constantly in our minds and hearts the spiritual and moral principles which alone give dignity to man, and upon which our way of life is founded. For the contribution which your organization has made to this cause, we must be genuinely grateful.'' In August, 1954, the Illinois American Legion Convention adopted a resolution whereby recognition was given to the Knights of Columbus as haven initiated, sponsored and brought about the amendment to the Pledge of Allegiance; and on October 6, 1954, the National Executive Committee of the American Legion gave its approval to that resolution.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Postmaster General should issue a postage stamp commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. Many of the victims who survived the Holocaust have built their lives and raised their families in the United States. They have contributed significantly to American culture and society. They are examples of strength and steadfastness, and serve as an example for other Americans. U.S. postage stamps have honored other well-respected and influential people, and I believe that the survivors of the Holocaust deserve recognition. I believe it is time that we honor them in this very unique way. The stamp will also recognize those who perished in the Holocaust. I am hopeful that this stamp will encourage all Americans to remember this unspeakable action unparalleled in world history. I agree with the philosopher George Santayana, who wrote, ``Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it.'' The stamp will serve as another reminder to people why there is a need for tolerance, sensitivity, pluralism and democracy. It is time we commemorate all of the millions of victims, those who survived and those who died. I encourage all my colleagues to cosponsor this important resolution.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Lippe, one of New York's most outstanding attorneys. Mr. Lippe has received the Distinguished Leadership Award 2002 from the Coalition on Child Abuse and Neglect. This organization honors individuals who have made lasting contributions in communities. Mr. Lippe is the leader of the Corporate and Technology Law Group at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Schlissel, LLP. In 2001, the Long Island Business News named him one of the top 30 attorneys on Long Island. In June of 2002, Governor Pataki appointed Mr. Lippe to the New York State Science, Technology and Academic Research Advisory Council for a second term. Along with his many professional contributions, he is also very involved in the community. Richard Lippe is a founder, general counsel and member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Software and Technology Network. He also serves as general counsel and member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Life Services Initiative. Mr. Lippe is a member of the Board of Trustees of Huntington Hospital, the Nassau County Museum of Fine Art, and the Stony Brook Foundation. In addition to Mr. Lippe's professional accomplishments and community involvement, he and his wife Camila are the proud parents of three children (two grown), Wendy, David and Michael. It is with great enthusiasm that I congratulate the Lippe family on this wonderful honor.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that recognizes the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month, which is sponsored by two organizations that work with runaway youth: the National Network for Youth and the National Runaway Switchboard. These two organizations have chosen the month of November to bring attention to the important issue of runaway youth. The prevalence of young people who leave their home is confounding, with one out of every seven youth in the United States running away at least once before the age of 18. Studies suggest that between 1.3 million and 2.8 million young people live on the streets of the United States each year. Preventing young people from running away is a national priority, as today's young people are tomorrow's teachers, doctors, workers and leaders. The hardships that runaway youth face on the streets would be too much for an adult to face. The impact on the young person, as well as society, is staggering. National Runaway Prevention Month will bring national attention to this important issue and remind parents of the importance of effectively communicating with their kids. All of the conditions that lead young people to leave their homes are preventable when families are strong and when young people can find the support they need. I am hopeful that the recognition of this issue will prevent other young people from running away by stressing the importance of families and communities.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Madam Speaker, two summers ago before deciding whether to run for Congress, I sat down with my two daughters. They were, at the time, 13 and 10. They asked how much time I would spend in Washington and how frequently I would be away from Long Island. I said Congress usually meets on Tuesdays through Thursdays, Members spend plenty of time back home, and we adjourn in October. And then in that tranquil summer I said, unless there is a war, and that is not going to happen. That summer we made the decision I should run for Congress. The people of New York's Second Congressional District sent me here; and in the 22 months I have served those people, we have been required as a Congress to vote on two resolutions to send young Americans into battle. Today on the verge of our second vote authorizing the war, I think of my two daughters and all of the children of my congressional district; and it is for them and for their future that I will support the resolution in the fervent hope that the diplomatic efforts required by the resolution will be effective and that war is not inevitable. I have relied on the diverse views of those I represent, as well as exhaustive information I received in classified briefings and public hearings, published reports, in-depth discussions. I have spoken with analysts as diverse as President Bush's National Security Adviser and President Clinton's National Security Adviser. I have talked with colleagues who support the use of force now and with colleagues who oppose any force ever. I have read several books and journals on the subject, including a book by the former head of Saddam Hussein's crusade to build nuclear weapons. Last week I joined with just 10 of my colleagues in the Cabinet Room of the White House with the President and Vice President. This week I am meeting again with Secretary Rumsfeld. I have talked with hundreds of my constituents at supermarkets, in churches and synagogues; and, in fact, just before flying to Washington yesterday, I met with a group of clergy representing religious institutions throughout my congressional district. We have all weighed the risks and the benefits and the provocations. The United States since the 1970s has pursued a policy of containment and deterrence towards Saddam Hussein. This policy failed to prevent him from attacking the Kurds in 1974, Iran in 1980, and Kuwait in 1990. He has used weapons of mass destruction against his own people and his neighbors viciously, brutally, and repeatedly. In 1998, Saddam Hussein threw U.N. weapons inspectors out of Iraq. Since then he has accelerated the development of weapons of mass destruction in unchecked secrecy. He has developed short-range ballistic missiles; he is working on longer-range and more efficient delivery systems. In 1990, he constructed a nuclear device, but did not have the fissile material to arm it. Saddam Hussein has demonstrated a deluded determination. He has the proven technology. He has shown an irrational motivation, and I fear that unchecked he will have nuclear weapons capability and the capability to deliver it by missile against our allies or smuggle it into the United States to be used against the American people. I am not prepared to let this happen. We must remove this capability sooner rather than later. Former NSC specialist on Iraq Ken Pollack was absolutely right in his book ``The Threatening Storm.'' For me the most vital argument is this: fighting sooner is less costly than fighting later. Today Saddam Hussein has a limited quantity of weapons; tomorrow he will have more. Today Saddam Hussein's forces are weak; tomorrow they will be stronger. Today Saddam Hussein has no nuclear capability; tomorrow he will. Today the risk to our troops is serious; tomorrow it will grow worse. Why wait until tomorrow? Madam Speaker, in 1938 Britain and France were stronger than Nazi Germany. They knew Germany would challenge them at some later time. They knew Germany was belligerent. They knew that Germany was rebuilding its armaments and its decision makers were not rational; yet they chose to wait. The cost of waiting was millions of lives, the devastation of their homelands, and mass destruction. There is no parallel between Hitler and anyone else on the world stage, but the world has an obligation to learn from history's mistakes. Finally, we must learn other lessons as well. We have an obligation to address the long-term issues that will arise from this conflict. We must help the Iraqi people rebuild a democratic society, and we must ensure that those who fight bravely for our freedom today are not forced to fight a bureaucratic and budget battle for their health and veterans' benefits tomorrow. Madam Speaker, I close by returning to my daughters. I do not want them or any children in America to grow up in a world dominated by Saddam Hussein with a nuclear weapon; nor do I want to increase the risks to the young Americans that we will commit to battle today by committing them to a harder battle against a nuclear-armed Saddam Hussein tomorrow. We are all dedicated to peace and freedom on both sides of the aisle, but we know from history that freedom is not free. For all of these reasons, I support the use of force in Iraq with the very strong belief that we must go to war only as a last resort, but also in firm agreement with President John Kennedy: ``Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty.''

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, on September 11 I joined with the students, teachers, administrators and parents of the Idle Hour Elementary School in Oakdale for a profound commemoration of those lost in the attacks on America. I know that our colleagues will be as moved as I was to hear the essays of three sixth graders: Emily Pertz, Justin Rigas and April LaValle. I am honored to share them with the entire Congress today: September 11 (By Emily Pertz) September 11 was a painful and tragic event. It changed the lives of millions forever. I don't know anybody who died in my family because of the attack, but knowing that a lot of kids became parentless that day is enough to make my family and I upset. Whenever we go over the bridge I see many buildings and then a big gap where the towers once stood. To me it is very upsetting to see. My family is more cautious than ever. I think the attacks have changed both our country and our world. The United States became more united. The world together is fighting terrorism. But on the other hand, many people lost loved ones, and the world's tallest towers were destroyed. Many people are still mourning and are still heartbroken. Our school has done many great things to remember the victims. We raised a lot of money to plant a memorial garden to honor the lives lost from our neighborhood. We made red, white and blue chains that connected every classroom to show we are united. Each student colored in two flags, one to take home and one to hang up in school. The day after the attack our school had a moment of silence. It really made me think and made me a little depressed. The United States went through a lot, but no matter what we will always be united.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, before I begin, let me start by expressing my heartfelt sympathy for all the families and coworkers of firefighters who so valiantly responded to the call of duty. Is there anything more selfless than the bravery of a firefighter fighting to save the life of others and in doing so losing his own? Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. This October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, as it has every year since its creation by Congress in 1992, will lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters through a variety of activities. Since it began, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend has been an opportunity for a grateful nation to offer a tribute to firefighters who have died in the line of duty. When people come to Washington, DC this year, we will celebrate the lives of 442 firefighters from 34 states who made the ultimate sacrifice. In some way, they have touched all our lives. They came from every walk of life, but were united by a calling to serve. For all of us, including myself, the tragic deaths of the 347 firefighters who rushed into the World Trade Center towers, give added poignancy to this year's memorial. Even more so because, forty of these brave men and women called my district home. Living in the shadow of the World Center, the days after that tragic day were filled with funerals, wakes, and memorial services. Remembering those difficult days, I know the rest of the New York delegation shares my appreciation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for their efforts to coordinate resources from across the country to provide logistic and peer support to the New York Fire Department's Counseling Service Unit after September 11. They mounted an unprecedented response effort to help families and coworkers through the critical early days and are now providing long-term emotional support for the fallen firefighters' families. At the same time, it is important to remember that when we remember those who gave their lives, it is not just out of sadness, but it is also with a sense of pride. In these troubled times they evoke the courage of the American spirit. And we take comfort in the fact that our firehouses are still filled with brave men and women, waiting to answer that call to duty. For that we will always be grateful. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that all of our colleagues will support this important resolution.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that would allow certain computer services to be counted as charitable deductions. Many small non-profit organizations have not utilized all the technical advances that computers can bring, because of the cost of hiring a networking and technology specialist. My bill would allow computer technologists to donate their time and deduct that time from their federal taxes. Some of the services that would be tax deductible include setting up networks, fixing computers, training staff and creating custom programs. My legislation would assist small non-profits in becoming more efficient and productive, by utilizing new skills, software, and hardware. My bill would also allow computer graphic specialists to donate their time and knowledge for the creation of brochures, the design of websites, and preparation of printing films. Once again, non-profits would gain substantially from having computer professional graphic artists design their education and information pamphlets. Non-profit and charitable organizations do great work in the community, and my bill would give them better access to services that will help them help others.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an exemplary member of the Long Island community. The Suffolk County Police Department consistently shows us the best and most heroic that Long Island has to offer. For 20 years, Bernadette Casey has served as a valuable member of that department. During that two-decade tenure, Ms. Casey was assigned to the Homicide Squad as Stenographer, Senior Stenographer and Principal Stenographer. She has made a lasting contribution to the safety of Long Island residents. On August 31, 2002, Bernadette Casey retired from the police department. She will be sorely missed by her colleagues, who brought her retirement to my attention. I come to this floor so that I may offer my congratulations and best wishes. Mr. Speaker, Long Island appreciates the service of Bernadette Casey.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an exemplary member of the Long Island community. The Suffolk County Police Department consistently shows us the best and most heroic that Long Island has to offer. For thirty-two years Detective LeRoy Smith has been a commendable member of that department. During a career that has spanned three decades, Detective Casey has served on numerous high-profile cases. In 1992 he was transferred to the Homicide Squad where he helped put some of the most abhorrent criminals behind bars. He worked on the TWA Flight 800, Long Island Sniper cases and other important cases. He has made a lasting contribution to the safety of Long Island residents. On August 5, 2002, Detective LeRoy Smith retired from the Suffolk County Police Department. He will be missed by his colleagues and by the community that has depended upon his hard work for so many years. I come to this floor so that I may offer my congratulations and best wishes to Detective Smith. Mr. Speaker, Long Island owes a debt of gratitude to Detective LeRoy Smith.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to 2 Lieutenant Kenneth Michael Graff, USMC, upon his passing on September 23, 2002 while attending Naval Aviation School at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Lt. Graff was born and raised in Dix Hills, NY, and was a 1996 graduate of Half Hollow Hills High School East. In 2001, he graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, (USMMA), located in the town of Kings Point, NY, on Long Island. Kenneth was revered by all of his peers because of his kind spirit and his overwhelming willingness to help others. Whether it was in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in the regiment, Lt. Graff excelled in every facet of the Academy. In the regiment, Kenneth held charge of an entire platoon in his company, as well as multiple petty officer and squad leader billets. He was a key member of both the Academy soccer and baseball teams, where he turned in outstanding All-Star and championship team performances. Kenneth was a fierce competitor, a strong student, an outstanding athlete, and a person who took pride in his regiment. Lt. Graff was a caring and thoughtful person. who could find common ground with any of the midshipmen, from his peers to his subordinates. He was secure in himself and focused on his goals. This dedication and focus is exemplified by his success at the Academy, his decision to accept a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps and his selection to Naval Flight School. These key events show the honor, integrity, drive, and patriotism of this young man. Mr. Speaker, this is a tribute to a young man who was at the beginning of a promising and fruitful life. Though his life was short, he was an outstanding young man brought up by loving parents, family and friends. We will miss him and the promises and potentials he represented. We need more young people of his upbringing and caliber to enrich our families, communities, and country. My condolences go to his parents, Orris and Kenneth Graff and his brother, Michael John. I salute the memory of their son and brother, 2nd Lt. Kenneth Michael Graff, USMC.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes this afternoon so that I could be in New York to keep an appointment at my daughter's school. Were I here I would have voted as follows: Rollcall Vote 420, on a Motion to Recommit H.R. 4600 with Instructions: ``yea''; rollcall Vote 421, on Passing H.R. 4600: ``nay''; rollcall Vote 422, on Passing the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2215: ``yea''; and rollcall Vote 423, on Passing H.J. Res. 111: ``yea''.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to bring my colleagues' attention to POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is tomorrow. Designated by the President and observed every year on the Third Friday of September, we take this day to remember the sacrifices of armed service-members who were captured in wartime, and whose ultimate fate remains unknown. Over the course of the last century more than 142,000 Americans were taken captive when fighting for their country. Those unfortunate enough to be taken prisoner all too often suffered from the very worst human treatment. Let us remember the sacrifice they made for their country. I would encourage my colleagues not only to remember those who were captured, but also those who have never returned. I commend the Department of Defense's use of DNA sampling of living relatives to identify unknown remains. I have linked their website from mine and encourage other members to do the same to publicize this important step. We must also continue to encourage Korea, Vietnam and other countries to fully cooperate with our efforts to bring resolution to these cases. Mr. Speaker, our missing heroes deserve much more than just a passive pledge not to forget, they deserve our active support. Let us all remember that fact on MIA/POW Recognition Day.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, as we begin to discuss our options in Iraq it is important that we recognize the difficulties of a post-Hussein Iraq. I commend Thomas Friedman's column of September 1, 2002 to my colleagues, which I ask to have inserted into the Record. ``As I think about President Bush's plans to take out Saddam Hussein and rebuild Iraq into a democracy, one question gnaws at me: Is Iraq the way it is today because Saddam Hussein is the way he is? Or is Saddam Hussein the way he is because Iraq is the way it is? ``I mean, is Iraq a totalitarian dictatorship under a cruel, iron-fisted man because the country is actually an Arab Yugoslavia--a highly tribalized, artificial state, drawn up by the British, consisting of Shiites in the south, Kurds in the north and Sunnis in the center--whose historical ethnic rivalries can be managed only by a Saddam-like figure? ``Or, has Iraq, by now, congealed into a real nation? And once the cruel fist of Saddam is replaced by a more enlightened leadership, Iraq's talented, educated people will slowly produce a federal democracy. ``The answer is critical, because any U.S. invasion of Iraq will leave the U.S. responsible for nation-building there. Invade Iraq and we own Iraq. And once we own it, we will have to rebuild it, and since that is a huge task, we need to understand what kind of raw material we'll be working with. ``It is instructive in this regard to quickly review Iraq's history before Saddam. Romper Room it was not. It was a saga of intrigue, murder and endless coups involving the different ethnic and political factions that were thrown together inside Iraq's borders by the British. In July 1958, Iraq's King Faisal was gunned down in his courtyard by military plotters led by Brig. Abdel Karim Kassem and Col. Abdul Salam Arif. A few months later, Kassem ousted Arif for being too pro-Nasserite. Around the same time a young Saddam tried, but failed, to kill Kassem, who himself executed a slew of Iraqi Nasserites in Mosul in 1959. ``In 1963, Arif came back from exile and killed Kassem. A short time later Arif, and the Baath Party thugs around him, savagely slaughtered and tortured thousands of left-wingers and Communists all across Iraq. Arif ruled until 1966, when he was killed in a helicopter crash and was succeeded by his brother, who was toppled in 1968 by Saddam and his clan from the village of Tikrit. That's when Saddam first began sending away his opponents to a prison called Qasr al-Nahiya--`the Palace of the End.' Since 1958, every one of these Sunni- dominated military regimes in Baghdad began with a honeymoon with the Kurds in northern Iraq and ended up fighting them. ``The point here is that we are talking about nation- building from scratch. Iraq has a lot of natural resources and a decently educated population, but it has none of the civil society or rule of law roots that enabled us to quickly build democracies out of the ruins of Germany and Japan after World War II. Iraq's last leader committed to the rule of law may have been Hammurabi--the King of Babylon in the 18th century B.C. So once Saddam is gone, there will be a power vacuum, revenge killings and ethnic pulling and tugging between Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites. ``This is not a reason for not taking Saddam out. It is a reason for preparing the U.S. public for a potentially long, costly nation-building operation and for enlisting as many allies as possible to share the burden. There is no avoiding nation-building in Iraq. Because to get at Iraq's weapons of mass destruction we'll need to break the regime open, like a walnut, and then rebuild it. ``What's worrying about the Bushies is that they seem much more adept at breaking things than building things. To do nation-building you need to be something of a naive optimist. I worry that the Bushies are way too cynical for nation- building. ``My most knowledgeable Iraqi friend tells me he is confident that the morning after any U.S. invasion, American troops would be welcomed by Iraqis, and the regime would fold quickly. It's the morning after the morning after that we have to be prepared for. In the best case, a `nice' strongman will emerge from the Iraqi Army to preside over a gradual transition to democracy, with America receding into a supporting role. In the worst case, we crack Iraq open and it falls apart in our hands, with all its historical internal tensions--particularly between its long-ruling Sunni minority and its long-frustrated Shiite majority. In that case, George Bush will have to become Iraq's strongman--the iron fist that holds the country together, gradually redistributes the oil wealth and supervises a much longer transition to democracy. ``My Iraqi friend tells me that anyone who tells you he knows which scenario will unfold doesn't know Iraq.''

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Con. Res. 301, which recognizes the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., and Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., for their sacrifices and patriotic support of the United States. I join my colleagues in urging the families of those serving in the armed forces to display a service flag in the window of their homes and to wear a service lapel button approved by the Secretary of Defense. At a time when our military men and women are putting their lives on the line of our safety, we all recognize the importance of displaying a service flag. In times of war, these flags symbolize the love and pride that we have for the young men and women in the Armed Forces. They are a poignant reminder just how much America's greatness depends on their bravery. The patriotic tradition of the service flag dates back to World War I, when mothers of young soldiers hand stitched red, white, and blue flags to hang in their windows as a sign that a loved one had gone to fight in the war. This tradition was later extended to the wives and families of servicemen serving during the war. This tradition encountered a huge resurgence in World War II and again during the Korean War. Even during Desert Storm some U.S. ships sent service flags to the families of everyone aboard. As we face this new threat to our country, it is only fitting that we take the time to recognize that America's mothers may once again suffer the supreme sacrifice of motherhood, the loss of a son or daughter. To everyone with a family member in the Armed Services we offer our humble appreciation and respect. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2982. This legislation will authorize a memorial in Washington, D.C., to commemorate American victims of terrorist attacks. The desire to memorialize the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks was the driving force behind this bill, and as an original cosponsor, I applaud my colleagues bringing this bill to the floor today. I have met with families in my district who lost loved ones in the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and I have tried to help them with legislation that will ease their financial burden. I am hopeful that this bill will help them in a different way. I want them to know that the American people support them, and this memorial will show them that their husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters will never be forgotten. This memorial, however, is not only for the victims of terrorist attacks and their families. It is a memorial for every person in our nation. It will give the people of the United States a site to pay their respects to the victims. It will serve as an area for mourning. It will also be a place to remember. I am hopeful that the memorial will also be a space were people can see the American spirit, which cannot be defeated, to take comfort in America's resolve and the inevitable triumph of freedom. The September 11, 2001 attacks changed every American life. It was the saddest and most enraging day in many of our lives. It is appropriate that we build this memorial to commemorate not the attacks, not response, not the war, but the victims of the attacks.

Mr. ISRAEL

Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, millions of American parents sent their children off to college. For many of them, however, the worry about how to pay for college dampened their excitement. To case that burden for parents and students alike, I rise today to introduce legislation that will make the interest on college loans fully tax deductible, permanently, for every student. Over the course of a lifetime, a college graduate can expect to earn $1 million more than someone with a high school diploma alone. Yet, as higher education has become more necessary, it has become more expensive. A study released in May by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education shows that the price of tuition is now beyond the reach of many working families. Private colleges are just plain unaffordable, and public colleges are becoming less affordable each year. To pay these high costs, students and their parents increasingly take out larger and larger educational loans. The average college graduate with loans begins working with $11,000-$18,000 of debt. I believe that education is the single most important investment we can make in our children's future. Our government believes that home ownership is an investment that the government should support, and it allows the interest on home interest loans to be tax deductible. Congress should extend the same kind of support to student loan interest.