Nita Lowey

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule and in support of H.R. 3081. This is a very good bill. It was drafted in a bipartisan manner, and it should enjoy the support of Members of both sides of the aisle. I know that my colleagues on the other side would have preferred an open rule. However, there is much business that needs to be completed in the month of July, and I believe this rule will allow us to complete our work in an expeditious manner. The rule makes in order a number of amendments from the minority, including one from the ranking member of my subcommittee and one from the ranking member of the full committee. I hope that Members on both sides will recognize the importance of this bill in protecting our national security and advancing our foreign policy. There were necessary compromises on both sides that allowed this bill to come forward today, and I want to thank all the members of my subcommittee, Republicans and Democrats, for their contributions. Most especially, in closing, I want to thank my ranking member, Kay Granger. Unfortunately, she called me this morning, that because of health issues, she could not be with us. She was going to try to get here in time to cast the vote. I personally want to make it clear to all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, because of the bipartisan approach, this is a good bill. It's a strong bill, and we are proud to present it to you.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I first want to thank the chairman of the subcommittee for his support, and I congratulate him on a strong bill that I am proud to support. And I do respect the views of my colleagues, Mr. Flake from Arizona and Mr. Campbell from California. I think they understand that this is not a partisan game that we're a part of, and they may have a principled stand for what they believe Congress' role is in directing Federal spending. However, on this issue, we fundamentally disagree. I do believe that it's our responsibility, as elected officials, to fight for what is best in our district in accordance with the rules guiding Federal programs. Recipients of Save America's Treasures funds, including the Tarrytown Musical Hall, do not expect the Federal Government to shoulder the full burden of their projects. They're required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, and every dollar they receive from the government is matched. During these difficult economic times, it is our responsibility to assist industries that make substantial contributions to our economy to accelerate long-term recovery and growth nationally. Tarrytown Music Hall does generate more than $1 million in economic activity in my district. In fact, the arts industry throughout the United States generates more than $134 billion in economic activity annually and creates 4 million jobs across the country. In addition to their economic benefit, entities supported by Save America's Treasures preserves the historic places and items that tell America's story for the next generation. They educate the public about our rich heritage, foster a sense of pride in our country and communities; and Tarrytown Music Hall's cultural and educational programs serve more than 30,000 children each year. This project is providing $150,000 to perform necessary structural stabilization, meets the eligibility requirements of the Save America's Treasures program as vetted by the Department of Interior and is consistent with earmark reforms instituted this year by Chairman Obey. And the projects account for less than 20 percent of the overall funding provided by the Appropriations Committee for Save America's Treasures.

Mrs. LOWEY. I would be happy to yield.

Mrs. LOWEY. I just want to make it very clear that there seems to be a real difference of opinion as to what the responsibilities are of a Member in Congress. The Save America's Treasures program restores hundreds of culturally and historically significant institutions. They would be forced to shut their doors. So I, again, urge my colleagues to reject this amendment and support this facility. I, again, want to thank the chairman for his support because it really would make a difference in providing economic revitalization not just to the facility but to the region. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the Chair. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I would like to thank the gentleman from North Carolina for writing a strong bill that provides much-needed funding for critical initiatives, several of which I would like to mention. Emergency communication gaps remain for many first responders. The bill includes $50 million for interoperability grants, $45 million for the Office of Emergency Communications, and $80 million for Command, Control, and Interoperability research and development. These important programs will benefit first responders in all of our communities. The bill also includes $887 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative, nearly $50 million more than FY09. This is the only program designed to exclusively assist high-risk urban areas such as New York, and I thank the chairman for substantially increasing its funding. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Securing the Cities Initiative, which is not funded in the bill. This program seeks to prevent the smuggling of illicit nuclear material into Manhattan. The threat of a radiological attack and New York's status as the number one terror target remains, and I hope the bill signed into law includes money for securing the cities. I know there are concerns due to the length of the project and unspent funds, but I do believe we must do everything we can to prevent what President Obama has called the most immediate and extreme threat to global security. This is still a good bill, and I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for everything he has done to ensure that our first responders, particularly those in high-risk areas, are prepared for future emergencies.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in stroll support of H.R. 2346, the FY09 Emergency Supplemental Conference Report. This legislation provides the resources our military, diplomatic, and development personnel need to make our nation more secure. The Obama administration's policy to defeat the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan is critical to prevent the region from being a base for terrorist plots against the United States and our allies. H.R. 2346 provides $3.8 billion for economic security initiatives in the region and funds our diplomatic and development personnel and their security. I welcome the administration's efforts to forge a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. This legislation provides economic, humanitarian, and security assistance to the West Bank and Gaza to encourage stability and political moderation. It ensures that Hamas and other terrorist organizations do not receive taxpayer funds and conditions funds for a potential Palestinian unity government on all its ministers publicly recognizing Israel's right to exist, renouncing violence, and adhering to past agreements. The conference agreement provides $420 million to help Mexico fight violent narcotraffickers with surveillance aircraft, helicopters, and law enforcement equipment, and to support rule of law programs, bringing to $1.12 billion the total appropriated in 2008 and 2009 for these purposes. The bill exceeds the President's request for assistance programs and diplomatic operations in Iraq to ensure a smooth transition from the military mission to a civilian-led effort. The bill includes $5 billion to provide the IMF with the resources necessary to respond to the global economic crisis. This funding is a central component of a comprehensive economic strategy to protect American families and jobs. In addition, the bill addresses significant humanitarian and development priorities by providing $225 million to address the growing displacement of civilians in Pakistan and to help refugees in other countries; $836.9 million for peacekeeping; $256 million for countries impacted by the global financial crisis, including Haiti and Liberia; and the House-passed level of $100 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, and commend Chairman Berman for his leadership on this bill. Diplomacy and international development are cornerstones of U.S. national security, and H.R. 2410 will ensure that these key strategic tools are maximized in our efforts to protect America and rebuild our standing in the world. H.R. 2410 provides robust authorization for rebuilding civilian capacity by authorizing 1,500 new Foreign Service Officers for the State Department and promotes training to ensure our diplomats have the skills to confront twenty-first century challenges. Additionally, the bill authorizes 700 new Foreign Service Officers for USAID, an important step to rebuild the capacity of our development agency to provide appropriate, effective aid to countries and communities in need around the world. Improving the livelihoods of vulnerable and oppressed women around the world should be a key component of U.S. foreign policy, and I applaud the inclusion of the authorization of the ``Office of Women's Issues'' in the base bill. Irrefutable research has shown that incorporating the unique needs of women into development policy is integral to ensure our aid initiatives' effectiveness; by coordinating and advising on gender integration and international women's empowerment, this office will help to increase the efficiency of our foreign assistance. As evidenced by its opposition to this office's authorization, the extreme anti-choice wing of the Republican party continues to put ideology over fact and science. Let me be clear: this bill in no way changes existing statutory prohibitions on abortion. A vote against this bill inhibits our government's ability to advance women's empowerment initiatives aimed at stability, security, and equality around the world. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and I thank the chairman for including two initiatives on which I've worked closely with the chairman. One was to make sure there is notification of covert testing within our transportation system, and last year we successfully implemented a pilot program to test the effectiveness of physically screening employees who have access to secure and sterile areas in airports nationwide. While the underlying legislation makes significant improvements in the safety of our air system, I'm disappointed; but I'm very pleased that the chairman is going to address the inability of TSA workers to collectively bargain. Without this change, TSA workers will continue to suffer, and we need to have a strong workforce. So I thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for including several initiatives, and I look forward to continue working together. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act. This important legislation will ensure that the traveling public is protected in our skies and on our roads and railways. The measure incorporates two initiatives on which I have worked closely with Chairman Thompson. First, H.R. 2200 includes legislation I authored to prohibit the advance notification of covert testing within our transportation systems. The core principles and goals of covert testing are undermined when individuals are alerted in advance to tests, and these provisions will bolster accountability for and integrity of covert operations. Last year, we successfully implemented a pilot program to test the effectiveness of physically screening employees with access to secure and sterile areas of airports nationwide. H.R. 2200 builds upon this pilot by testing the use of biometrics for these individuals. We know there is criminal activity taking place at some airports, which could lead to possible terrorist activity. We cannot wait for the next security breach to take action, and biometric technology will ensure that only those who have permission to be in the most sensitive parts of our airports are granted access. While the underlying legislation makes significant improvements in the safety of our air systems, I am disappointed that it does not address the inability of TSA workers to collectively bargain. Without this change, TSA workers will continue to suffer from high rates of injury, attrition, and lowest morale of all federal agencies. These factors and poor workforce management in recent years have created potential gaps in our aviation security. My legislation, the Transportation Security Workforce Enhancement Act, would provide the same rights and protections as other DHS employees to TSA workers, and I look forward to working with Chairman Thompson to enact this legislation. I commend the Committee for crafting H.R. 2200 to enhance our transportation security, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed rollcall vote No. 295 on June 2, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would initiate a rulemaking process by the FAA to determine whether Westchester County Airport may reinstate its overnight aircraft restrictions. Owned and operated by Westchester County, the airport has had voluntary restrictions between midnight and 6:30 a.m. since its mandatory curfew was removed in the early 1980's. For nearly twenty years, all of the operators at the airport were abiding by the voluntary curfew. However, business at the airport has expanded tremendously, with more and more flights disregarding the curfew, which disrupts communities throughout the overnight hours and makes the County's environmental upkeep in the area more demanding. Just miles from New York City, this airport is an important gateway for commercial and business aircraft in the area. However, it was never designed to accommodate so many aircraft. Bound by the borders of New York and Connecticut, the airport's physical infrastructure cannot expand further. Westchester County, in conjunction with its commercial carriers, has imposed limits on terminal capacity. Yet, with business and corporate jets comprising fifty percent of the estimated 167,000 take offs and landings at the airport this year, the agreed upon guidelines and voluntary restrictions have not been fully honored. This amendment directs FAA to evaluate Westchester County's request to reinstate its overnight curfew, potentially easing congestion in the heavily-trafficked New York airspace and providing the residents in both New York and Connecticut with needed relief from overnight operations. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the chairman for accepting the amendment.

Mrs. LOWEY. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. I'd like to thank the chairman for accepting this amendment. I would be delighted to work with Mr. Petri and Mr. Mica, who also said that although he had concerns, he wouldn't object to the amendment. All this amendment does is direct it to be studied. It directs it to be studied. It's not implementing the changes. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. I would be delighted to yield.

Mrs. LOWEY. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. I have always been impressed with your wisdom and your thoughtfulness, and I thank you very much for accepting this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2346, the FY09 Emergency Supplemental. This legislation provides the resources our military, diplomatic, and development personnel need to make our Nation more secure. I was very pleased to work in a bipartisan way with Kay Granger. The Obama administration's policy to defeat the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan is critical to prevent the region from being a base for terrorist plots against the United States and our allies. H.R. 2346 provides $3.8 billion for economic security initiatives in the region and funds our diplomatic development personnel and their security. I welcome the administration's efforts to forge a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. This legislation provides economic, humanitarian, and security assistance to the West Bank and Gaza to encourage stability and political moderation. It ensures that Hamas and other terrorist organizations do not receive taxpayer funds and that a potential unity government and all its ministers publicly recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence, and adhere to past agreements before receiving U.S. assistance. H.R. 2346 also provides $470 million to help Mexico fight violent narcotraffickers with surveillance aircraft, helicopters, and law enforcement equipment, and to support rule of law programs, bringing to $1.17 billion the total appropriated in 2008 and 2009 for these purposes. The bill meets the President's request for assistance programs and diplomatic operations in Iraq to ensure a smooth transition from the military mission to a civilian-led effort. In addition, the bill addresses significant humanitarian and development priorities by providing $343 million for refugee programs to address the growing displacement of civilians in Pakistan and other countries; $836.9 million for peacekeeping; $300 million for countries impacted by the global financial crisis, including Haiti and Liberia; and $100 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert J. Jossen for his accomplished legal career and dedication to the Jewish community of Westchester County, New York. On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, Mr. Jossen received The Jewish Theological Seminary 14th Annual Judge Simon H. Rifkind Award. A graduate of Cornell University and Columbia University Law School, Mr. Jossen began his career as a law clerk for the Honorable Marvin E. Frankel of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Currently a partner with the international law firm Dechert LLP, Bob is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been named one of this nation's best business litigators by Best Lawyers in America for the past ten years. Mr. Jossen has demonstrated an admirable commitment to educating the next generation of attorneys, lecturing widely on ethics and other topics for the Practicing Law Institute and the New York State Bar Association. He has also served as an adjunct professor of Legal Ethics at both Columbia University Law School and St. John's University Law School, an adjunct lecturer in Professional Responsibility at Brooklyn Law School, and an instructor for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Jossen served as president of Temple Israel Center of White Plains, New York, and has spent nearly twenty years serving as general counsel to the Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative Movement. Bob has generously lent his time and talent to enriching New York's Jewish community, conducting annual seminars with graduating rabbinical students on confidentiality, counseling, and contracts. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the many accomplishments of Robert J. Jossen, and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his contributions to the legal profession and Jewish community.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1397, which would rename the U.S. post office located in Rye, New York, after former Congresswoman Caroline O'Day. And I would like to thank Chairman Towns and the entire New York delegation for their support of this measure. Born in 1875 on a plantation near the rural town of Perry, Georgia, Caroline O'Day's experiences growing up in the post-Civil War South instilled in her a lifelong commitment to world peace and social welfare. The energy and passion with which she gave voice to those in need was the hallmark of her career in Congress. Caroline O'Day's interest in politics was piqued when during a suffrage parade her husband, Daniel O'Day, reportedly asked his wife why she was not marching herself. Soon, she joined the West Chester League of Women Voters and in 1917 worked with Jeannette Rankin to advance the enfranchisement of New York women 3 years before passage of the 19th amendment. Together with her close friend, Eleanor Roosevelt, O'Day helped found the Women's Division of the New York State Democratic Committee and was elected chairwoman of the New York delegation to the 1924 Democratic National Convention, becoming the first woman from either major party to hold the position. In 1934, Caroline O'Day was elected to one of New York's two at-large congressional seats. The second woman in the history of this body to chair a major committee, she quickly became known as a skilled legislator unwilling to compromise her principles for the sake of political expediency. During her four terms in the House, Representative O'Day was a leading voice for avoiding unnecessary armed conflict and fought to improve the quality of life of underrepresented minorities in the inner city and migrant agricultural workers. In particular, she was deeply troubled by the effects of poverty on at-risk children and tirelessly advocated a dramatic expansion, or ``national investment,'' of Federal programs to protect them. Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman O'Day not only faithfully represented the myriad interests of her constituents from Buffalo to Brooklyn, she put one of the first cracks in the glass ceiling as one of only six women in the House. As you know, Mr. Speaker, the number of women serving in the House has since risen to 76. And while this does not reflect the percentage of women in the American electorate, through common interests and coordinated effort, this relatively small group has had a significant effect on Federal policy. We women currently serving in this esteemed body stand on the shoulders of pioneering women like Caroline O'Day, whose grit and determination helped them not only overcome gender bias, but lead this Nation through depression and war. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to bring this legislation, which honors the life and service of Congresswoman Caroline O'Day, to the House floor today. And I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to rise and associate myself with the remarks of my friend, Carolyn Maloney, in support of naming a post office after former Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro. Geraldine Ferraro was a great role model to thousands of women across this country. Not only is she a mother, not only is she a grandmother, not only is she a wife, but she is telling all of those little girls who are going to school that you can be a great Congresswoman. You can run for Vice President of the United States of America. One day, we will have a woman as President of the United States of America, and Geraldine Ferraro played an important role in preparing the people for that event. Geraldine Ferraro is a fighter. She stands up for what is right. There are some people who see a problem and just walk on. And I know that my friend, Geraldine Ferraro, whether it was an issue that she had to address in her congressional district or whether she saw a wrong in this great country of ours, she is the kind of person that says, I have got to do something about it. So I'm very proud to have Geraldine Ferraro as a friend. I know that after the naming of this post office, there are many people who will look at that post office and say, This is a good woman. I am going to lead my life consistent with the principles that Geraldine Ferraro has shared with all of us. So I thank you all for taking this step to name the post office. And I look forward to working together to ensure that all the principles, all the values, all the commitments that Geraldine Ferraro has made will be enshrined, and certainly she will continue to be a role model for all those young people who come after her.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the amendment, of which I am a cosponsor. The amendment would require additional disclosure information on credit card statements. While most cardholders know it takes a great deal of time to pay off a balance by making only the minimum payment, most do not understand the total additional costs they will pay. This amendment would change that. Based on industry norms of an 18 percent APR and 4 percent minimum payment requirement, a cardholder will spend 87 months and $1,515 paying off a balance of $1,000 if making only the minimum payments. The finance charges are more than 50 percent of the actual balance. Our amendment would require that each statement have a warning on minimum payments and that every quarter, cardholders receive a statement that lists the number of months it would take to pay the entire balance if only the minimum payments are made, along with the total cost of doing so. Those statements would also have to list the necessary payment to pay off the balance in 12, 24, and 36 months, as well as a toll-free number to receive information about accessing credit counseling and debt management services. Credit cardholders have a right to know the real cost of making only minimum payments. For that reason, I urge your support for the amendment. I would also like to voice my strong support for the underlying bill. In recent months, Congress has been dominated by rescue and economic recovery legislation. But there are few better ways to instantly help hard-working Americans than to end costly, abusive credit card practices. For too long, banks have saddled cardholders with deceptive marketing and fine print. The New York Consumer Protection Board reports that credit card complaints comprise more than a quarter of those it receives, and cards with debt have an average balance of $5,700. Because of unfair practices, one hidden fee snowballs into ballooning interest rates and thousand dollar balances that many families struggling to get by with today's economic challenges cannot afford. I regret that the Rules Committee did not make in order an amendment I submitted that would have applied the protections in the bill to credit cards issued to small businesses. However, this is an excellent bill that I am proud to cosponsor, and I urge your support.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 100 years of quality health care provided by Lawrence Hospital Center in Bronxville, New York. Lawrence Hospital Center first opened its doors in 1909 to care for residents of Southern Westchester County and beyond, and it continues providing high-quality health care today. It was founded by William Van Duzer Lawrence, who recognized the need for high-quality and timely care for residents of New York City suburbs after his son, Dudley, nearly died en route to a hospital in New York City. In its first year of operation, Lawrence had thirty beds and treated a total of 278 patients. Today, Lawrence Hospital Center has grown into a 291 bed acute-care facility that treats thousands of patients annually. Lawrence has a strong history of leadership in health care and local medical excellence. In 2006 Lawrence became a leader in stroke care when the hospital became a designated New York State Stroke Center. Lawrence's Cancer Care program has also been accredited by the American College of Surgeons with Commendation. Employing more than 400 physicians, Lawrence Hospital Center provides expertise in virtually every area of medical specialty. It is recognized for its professional excellence in bariatric surgery, cardiology, obstetrics, orthopedics, and oncology. Committed to health care excellence, Lawrence Hospital Center has recently expanded and renovated its facilities in order to continue serving the growing population of Westchester County and surrounding areas. Recently, the hospital opened a state-of-the-art maternity center, expanded and improved its emergency department, and finalized plans for a future sleep center. I am proud to recognize and thank Lawrence Hospital Center for providing 100 years of outstanding health care to residents of the New York Metropolitan Area, and I look forward to working with Lawrence Hospital Center to strengthen the health care system in the lower Hudson Valley.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Edward L. Gardner for his lifetime of philanthropic service, most notably with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, Mr. Gardner will be honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters at their 2009 Sidewalks of New York Annual Awards dinner. Inspired by his experience as a Big Brother in 1963, Ed Gardner's involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City spans nearly a half century. In 1965, Mr. Gardner joined the organization's Board of Directors and has since served as President and Chairman. Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City has evolved into a far-reaching one-to-one mentorship program that reaches over 4,000 young people every year. By providing mentors to children who need caring adult role models, the organization helps New York City's youth to realize their potential and lead enriching lives. Over the past forty-four years, Ed Gardner has helped ensure the longevity and success of Big Brothers Big Sisters by single-handedly raising over $20 million for this worthy cause. However, Mr. Gardner's philanthropic efforts are not limited to his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Over the years he has dedicated his time and considerable talents to aiding other notable organizations in the arts, health and education. Mr. Gardner has served on the boards of the Health Care Chaplaincy, PS #1, and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. He is a Council Member at The Rockefeller University, an Honorary Chairman of The New York Public Library's Conservator Council, and former Chairman of the Bank of New York Hamilton Funds. A graduate of the City College of New York, Mr. Gardner has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Solvents Corporation since 1980. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize my friend Edward L. Gardner for his remarkable service with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City and his lifelong commitment to enriching the lives of others. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his tremendous accomplishments.