Nita Lowey

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Richard A. Berman, the tenth President of Manhattanville College located in Purchase, New York. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Richard Berman has spent his career serving his community at the federal, state, and local levels. Before joining Manhattanville College, Mr. Berman served as executive vice president of the New York University Medical Center and was appointed to 2 New York State cabinet positions by Governor Hugh Carey. In 1995, Manhattanville College was in financial trouble. Unable to meet its obligations and running annual shortfalls triple the size of its endowment, the college's buildings were in disarray and low enrollment left dormitories half empty. Under Richard Berman's passionate and pragmatic leadership, the college has more than doubled its enrollment, balanced its books, and earned top-tier recognition in college ranking guides. In a 2003 article entitled ``The Man Who Turned Manhattanville Around,'' The New York Times recognized Richard Berman as a driving force behind the revitalization of Manhattanville College. Within a decade, the college was transformed from a failing institution into a thriving, top-rated undergraduate liberal arts college committed to offering its students a rigorous academic experience within a nurturing and diverse environment. Later this year, Richard Berman will retire from Manhattanville College, leaving it a stronger and more sustainable institution than he found it. Never one to limit his efforts to his local community, Richard Berman has projected his passion for peace and mutual understanding around the world. As chairman of the board of Seeds of Peace, he has worked to empower young leaders from regions of conflict with the leadership skills to work toward reconciliation and lasting peace. He has also provided strategic planning and leadership training at Kabale University in Africa, the only secular university in Uganda's Western Region. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize my friend Richard A. Berman for his remarkable service as president of Manhattanville College and his lifelong commitment to enriching the lives of others. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his tremendous accomplishments.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join Chairman Thompson and Congresswoman Jackson-Lee in introducing today a bill that will bring parity to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and ensures security. This legislation would provide the same rights to all TSA employees, including the Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) (i.e., screeners), as those already enjoyed by employees at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and numerous front-line security agencies throughout the country, including state law enforcement agencies. In the 110th Congress, The Committee on Homeland Security worked to give a broad range of rights to the Transportation Security Administration workforce in H.R. 1, Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. Basic workplace protections and collective bargaining rights were a key part of this effort. While the House passed these important measures and the Senate followed suit, to avoid a veto from the Bush Administration, these protections were stripped from the conference report. This bill renews and improves upon this effort by increasing the quality of the entire TSA workforce and not just a smaller part of it. This bill will increase security by improving workforce morale and employee retention, and will put workers in a position to expose security gaps and put TSA on par with other DHS components. In 2001, when TSA was created, Congress provided discretionary authority allowing TSA to create different classes of employees, each with different rights and protections. Specifically, the 107th Congress and President Bush gave the TSA Administrator the discretionary authority to set up two different TSAs. One group of TSA employees would be given one set of rights and the other group, the TSOs (i.e., screeners), could be treated differently, with respect to conditions and benefits of employment, discipline, compensation, leave, and other basic employment rights. Under then TSA Administrator, Admiral James Loy, the Bush Administration exercised discretionary authority to create two classes of TSA employees by denying the TSOs certain employment rights. While this discretionary authority helped quickly establish and stand-up TSA, as intended by the 107th Congress and the Bush Administration, it was, and continues to be the impetus for low employee morale and diminished transportation security. From survey results to testimony over the past several years, we have seen that the TSA workforce is frustrated by the lack of recognition and rewards for performance and promotion practices, confused by different policies and procedures on leave, training, and other administrative matters. On March 5, 2009, a House Homeland Security Subcommittee received testimony from employee representatives of the workforce. All of TSA operates under a separate personnel system than other DHS components. Further, the ISO workforce is not allowed to collectively bargain in contrast with the CBP workforce and others across the Federal government, including state law enforcement. These discrepancies and differences lead to confusion, frustration and further erode morale. The time for personnel experiments is now over. The employees of TSA deserve to be treated like their fellow employees in the DHS and across the Federal government--fairly and equitably. Providing basic employment protections and rights is critical to instill confidence in the workforce. The time for two classes of TSA employees is over--this bill eliminates this dichotomy. This legislation brings parity to the TSA workforce. The bill affords the workforce the same rights and protections their colleagues across the Federal government and the Department enjoy under Title 5 of the United States Code and other civil service laws such as provisions of the Federal Labor Standards Act, Equal Pay Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Rehabilitation Act, among others. The legislation aims to transition the 60,000 plus TSA workforce in a responsible way from its current and varied personnel systems to that of Title 5. It provides the Secretary and Assistant Secretary the discretion on how and when to move to the new system, although not later than 60 days after the date of enactment. It also provides a window for the transition to allow for consultation with employee representatives and communication with the workforce. Further, it ensures that no employee will lose any pay, accrued leave or health benefit that is currently afforded to them. To truly provide comprehensive transportation security, it must start with those who provide the security--in this case all TSA employees, including the TSOs. We must set up a system where all TSA employees are protected, otherwise we will have a system that treats colleagues differently and remains inefficient to the extent of hindering transportation security. In the end, by creating one TSA as a part of a one DHS the American public truly receives national security. We look forward to working with our colleagues to put the TSA workforce in a system that has stood the test of time and shown itself to be fair and equitable.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1105, the Consolidated Appropriations Act and specifically Division H, the State and Foreign Operations section. Despite unprecedented domestic challenges, the United States cannot afford to pull back on our commitments to critical national security and development initiatives abroad. This bill provides the Administration with funds to begin rebuilding our diplomatic and development capacity, restore American leadership and meet critical needs by providing: $7.1 billion for global health programs, including $5.5 billion for global HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria programs; $1.3 billion to address humanitarian emergencies worldwide, including in Gaza; $1.5 billion to continue basic education, safe water and environment initiatives around the world; $4.4 billion in assistance to vital allies in the Middle East, including funding for Israel and Egypt at levels agreed to in MOUs between the United States and those countries and $498 million for Jordan; $1.8 billion to help secure and stabilize Afghanistan and Pakistan; $1 billion to fund counternarcotics, law enforcement and economic development in Latin America; $1.36 billion in economic and security assistance for Africa as well as $3.9 billion to fight HIV/AIDS and meet other health needs; and $6.1 billion to hire, train, and protect an estimated 500 additional diplomats at the State Department and 300 new staff at USAID, and while continuing the existing law banning the use of U.S. government funds for the provision of abortions, it funds the UN Population Fund, a vital partner in health programs around the world. I would like to thank our staff for their tireless work. This bill will provide President Obama and Secretary Clinton with key resources to protect America and improve the lives of millions around the world.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. I want to thank Mr. Diaz-Balart, Ms. Wasserman Schultz and Mr. Sires for their leadership and interest in promoting democratic governance in Cuba. While the omnibus does not list funding levels for all programs requested by the administration, funding is assumed at the administration's request unless otherwise noted in the bill and the statement. I share the Member's concern of the lack of political freedom in Cuba, and want to assure them it is the intent of this committee to provide $20 million in the underlying legislation for this important program as requested in the President's budget submission.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In every part of our country, people are hurting from the economic downturn. Our nation lost 2.6 million jobs last year, and just this week major employers announced the elimination of 70,000 more. The need for bold and aggressive federal action is clear. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will quickly stimulate the economy and create and save three to four million jobs in critical sectors of our economy like transportation and infrastructure, health information technology, and green energy. It will provide vital assistance to states like New York facing severe budget shortfalls and tax relief to 95 percent of Americans. In addition, critical support for education and health initiatives will bolster our economy in the short and long term. Unprecedented accountability measures will provide strong oversight and a historic degree of public transparency. I continue my work to support initiatives critical to New York like water treatment infrastructure and relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax. I commend President Obama for his leadership through this process. Digging out of this economic hole will take time, and I am hopeful Congress will quickly approve a final economic recovery package for President Obama's signature. Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support this vital legislation.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, although I have deep misgivings about the Bush Administration's handling of the first $350 billion tranche of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, I rise in opposition to the resolution of disapproval. When Congress passed the rescue package, it was with the understanding that doing so would prevent the stock market from collapsing, inject enough cash into the market to facilitate the flow of credit, and give the Department of Treasury the authority to require mortgage holders to renegotiate troubled mortgages. While stock indexes have lost value, the rescue package restored enough investor confidence to stabilize markets, avoiding the economic calamity predicted by many. However, the Bush Administration did too little to ensure that the funds were used to achieve the other two goals. For example, many small business owners in my district can no longer access loans with reasonable terms. Even some with good credit must rely on credit cards with interest rates that can range from 20 to 35%. Banks receiving federal assistance should be compelled to continue to lend. With regard to homeownership, I also have not seen adequate progress. Treasury claims it is helping more than 200,000 homeowners avoid foreclosure each month, but I have yet to hear from a constituent who has received assistance. The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) gave Treasury the authority to require lenders to renegotiate troubled mortgages, a process that can benefit all parties, but President Bush did not use that authority. Independent TARP overseers have found numerous problems in every report. From changing the central strategy of the program to providing inadequate justification for decisions, the Bush Administration did not meet its responsibilities. However, we cannot use the Bush Administration's failures as an excuse to deny these funds which continue to be needed. That is why yesterday, the House passed legislation, H.R. 384, to set stringent conditions on the remaining $350 billion. Fortunately, President Obama has made assurances that he will implement tough reforms including directing at least $50 billion toward foreclosure mitigation, using his full arsenal of tools to get credit flowing to American families and small businesses, increasing transparency in the financial system, and creating stronger reporting requirements for firms receiving funds. These conditions were included in H.R. 384. I oppose the resolution because the reforms included in the House bill and proposed by President Obama, along with a recovery package, an end to abusive credit card practices, and regulatory reform, will help aid American families, save small businesses, and revitalize our economy.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise, with great admiration for a leader of unparalleled strength of conviction and with personal sadness at the loss of a good friend, to pay tribute to the life, achievements, and memory of M. Paul Redd. Paul Redd's record of civic accomplishment is well-known: his tireless stewardship of the Westchester County Press, his founding of the Westchester Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P., his leadership of Westchester/Putnam Affirmative Action, his deep engagement in the work of government and the challenge of politics. These roles and duties have been rightly noted and extolled in the days since Paul's passing, yet they alone do not capture the essence of the man. It was Paul Redd's fearless character, a trait that infused and informed all of his deeds, that shines most brightly in memory. Paul Redd moved easily in the corridors of power and counted among his friends men and women of great influence, but Paul was never an insider, because he understood at every moment that he spoke for those on the outside--those who were denied opportunities to achieve their potential, exercise their rights, and enjoy the full fruits of a free and decent society. And if Paul's voice was sometimes loud, it is because so often he gave voice to those without one of their own. Paul Redd was not interested in making anyone comfortable, nor in employing the empty pleasantries that too often conceal injustice. He understood that wrongs are best addressed directly and forcefully, in the full light of day. And he was willing to confront anyone, big or small, friend or foe, when the duties of conscience demanded it. It is no wonder, therefore, that his column ``M. Paul Tells All'' was so unique in its incisive commentary and in the attention it commanded among public officials and citizens alike. It is no wonder that Paul Redd was at the forefront of protests and demonstrations to achieve equal opportunity in housing and employment. It is no wonder that Paul Redd left a lasting mark in law and administration, an edifice of public policy that will outlive us all. Paul Redd's vocal public leadership was matched by a quiet, dutiful, and often thankless private acceptance of heavy responsibility. Nowhere is this more evident than in the survival and success of the Westchester County Press, sustained almost as an act of will by Paul Redd. He worked often late into the night and then on into the morning to ensure that it never missed an issue, enlisting friends and colleagues in his labors, and ensuring that the paper of record of Westchester's African-American community would not be silenced. It goes without saying that Paul was utterly devoted to and fully supported by his loving family, beginning with his partner and dear wife of so many years, Orial Redd, and continuing with two children who are accomplished in and devoted to service, Paula Redd Zeman and M. Paul Redd, Jr. Paul Redd surely drew great satisfaction and hope from the progress he witnessed--and often led--over the span of decades. He was proud of the many African-Americans who achieved public office in our county, encouraged by the breaking of barriers that opened the doors of public and private sector leadership to all Americans, and elated by the election of our nation's first African-American President. But Paul Redd never confused movement towards a goal with final attainment of a goal. His eyes were always forward, fixed on the unmet challenge and determined to meet it. Paul knew what our community and nation could and should be and, in life, was unwilling to rest so long as this vision remained distant. Like Dr. King, whom he revered, Paul Redd was destined to see the promised land, more clearly than most, but not to set foot within it. It must be the mission now of those who knew and loved him to finish the work for which Paul Redd gave every measure of his devotion.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor and strong supporter of H. Res. 34, a Resolution ``Recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the U.S.'s strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli- Palestinian peace process.'' I believe unequivocally that Israel has the right and responsibility to defend itself and its citizens. I stand in support and solidarity with Israel's efforts to end Hamas' campaign of terror. For years, Hamas has fired thousands of rockets into Israel, murdering Israeli civilians and terrorizing peaceful communities. Earlier this year I traveled to the Western Negev and saw first-hand the trauma suffered by women and children who faced nearly daily rocket attacks from Gaza. While war is never a preferred option, after repeated calls to Hamas to end rocket attacks, Israel had no choice but to respond militarily to Hamas' breaking of the cease-fire. During its operation in Gaza, Israel has taken extraordinary steps to prevent civilian casualties, including providing advanced warning to civilians about pending attacks of Hamas targets. I am dismayed and disgusted with Hamas' tactics of co-locating their terrorist infrastructure amongst the civilian population. My heart goes out to the families of the innocent civilians killed and wounded on both sides of the conflict; however, Hamas bears the responsibility for the loss of life and the humanitarian situation of residents of Gaza. Hamas, which continues to deny Israel's right to exist, will stop at nothing to deny peace to the region, including exploiting and endangering Gaza civilians. I believe that Israel's operation to dismantle Hamas's terrorist infrastructure will provide space to reinvigorate support for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. It is my hope that the Israeli operation will make it clear to Hamas that its attacks on Israeli communities must end so that negotiations toward a peaceful coexistence in the region can continue.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize M. Paul Redd and the 80th anniversary of the Westchester County Press and its contributions to the community. The Westchester County Press has published news about politics, religion, and social events in our district. While the Westchester County Press targeted a broad audience when it was founded in 1928, it eventually focused more exclusively on religious and social news in the African-American community. In 1950, Dr. Alger L. Adams bought the newspaper and transformed it into a publication for black audiences to give voice to their contributions to the fabric of our society. Decades later, the Press is still thriving. In 1961, Paul Redd was hired as a columnist for the Westchester County Press. In 1986, Mr. Redd purchased the paper, for which he now serves as president and publisher. For 47 years, Redd has written a column, ``M. Paul Tells All,'' which informs his readers about politics and opportunities to get involved in the political process. As a life-long advocate, Paul Redd's interests have included employment training for the disenfranchised, voter registration, education, and civic participation. Redd served as president and chief operating officer of the Westchester-Putnam Affirmative Action Program, Inc., for over 25 years. The agency's employment and training activities have resulted in over 5,000 job placements for local residents. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize my good friend M. Paul Redd for his unparalleled contributions to the community through the Westchester County Press and other organizations, and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his tremendous accomplishments on the 80th anniversary of the Westchester County Press.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my continued deep frustration and concern about the injustice suffered by one of my constituents, Martha Nierenberg, an American citizen and Holocaust survivor whose family's artwork was stolen by the Nazis and now is in the hands of the Hungarian government. Mrs. Nierenberg has fought tirelessly to regain her family's legacy, yet the Hungarian government has failed to take morally appropriate steps to set historic wrongs right by returning Mrs. Nierenberg's artwork. Mrs. Nierenberg grew up in Budapest, surrounded by the paintings collected by her grandfather, Mor Lipot Herzog, an avid art collector who amassed one of the largest private collections of art in Hungary. When Hitler's troops invaded and occupied Hungary in March 1944, the Hungarian police and the Nazi SS stole the Herzog family art collection as part of the Nazi genocidal efforts to strip Jews of their lives and property. A young Mrs. Nierenberg escaped Hungary and eventually became an American citizen. After WWII, Hungary, under control of a totalitarian government, came into possession of paintings that had been part of the Herzog Collection. Some of these paintings were even displayed in state-owned museums in Budapest and were described as belonging to the Herzog Collection. Despite agreeing to the 1998 Washington Conference on Holocaust Era-Assets, the government of Hungry has still not returned all of the Nierenberg family's art. Under the Washington Principles, which the government endorsed, Hungary is required to try to come to a just and fair resolution of claims to Holocaust looted property. Today, I call on President Solyom and Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany to take a moral stand, rectify past wrongs, and return the Herzog collection to its rightful heir, Martha Nierenberg. This injustice has gone on for far too long and must be put right immediately.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1157, the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act. The bill is the product of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, and in my judgment truly represents a fair compromise that will lead to meaningful changes in how breast cancer research is conducted throughout the Federal Government. The bill passed by voice vote in the Energy and Commerce Committee. It will improve the caliber of breast cancer research, improve transparency for breast cancer research dollars and vastly increase the role of advocates in determining research priorities. I would like to thank a few key individuals who have been an integral part of advancing this legislation. First of all, my partner on this bill, Congresswoman Sue Myrick. She has done a yeoman job, and we have worked together for a very, very long time. Congratulations. Of course, her staff, Sarah Hale; the Senate sponsor of this bill, Majority Leader Harry Reid and his staff, Carolyn Gluck; Ranking Member Barton and his staff, Ryan Long; Minority Whip Roy Blunt and his staff, Cheryl Jaeger; Health Subcommittee Chairman, my good friend Congressman Pallone, we came to the Congress together, and his staff, Bobby Clark; and, of course, Chairman Dingell and his staff, in particular Jessica McNiece and Greg Rothschild, who have spent countless hours on this bill. Without their commitment to advancing a bipartisan product, frankly, we wouldn't be here today. The bill is a really good one, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, on August 16, 2007, the U.S. Government signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with Israel to establish the security assistance framework for $30 billion in U.S. military assistance to Israel over the next decade. This agreement reflects the unshakable U.S. commitment to maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge in the region and increases assistance to help Israel meet its security needs in the face of growing threats in the region. I am a staunch supporter of this agreement which continues the strategic relationship between the U.S. and Israel and will help guarantee the security of both Israel and the United States. Today, with the passage of the Continuing Resolution, Congress has declared its support for meeting our obligation for the first year of the MOU by approving a total of $2.55 billion in FY 2009 for Israel in Foreign Military Financing. The $2.55 billion in FMF funding includes $170 million in the FY 09 ``bridge-funding'' in the FY08 supplemental (P.L. 110-161) and the FY 2008 funding level of $2.38 billion. The Continuing Resolution also adjusts the funding level for Israeli Offshore Procurement to reflect the current percentage of Israel's FMF at $670,650,000, a longstanding provision that has proven critical to ensuring Israel's qualitative military edge. The congressional support for this agreement and the security of Israel is clear and unequivocal.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. And I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York and the gentleman from North Carolina. While most credit card holders know it is difficult to pay off the balance while only making the minimum payment, they do not know the actual cost. Consumers have a right to know the true cost of making minimum payments, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement these important changes.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. And I want to thank you, my friend from New York, for organizing this Special Order. I think, frankly, it would have been more appropriate if we had organized it in the Chinese restaurant down the street because I know that there have been many special hours where Mr. Ackerman and Mr. McNulty and those of us that were lucky to join you really had wonderful evenings together, talking about the Congress, talking about life in general, and families. I want to rise today, Mr. Speaker, to recognize the accomplishments of my good friend, Representative Mike McNulty. I didn't know you for all the 39 years of dedicated public service, but since you've been here, we've worked closely together, and I consider you a really good friend. Mike's exemplary commitment has earned the admiration of constituents and colleagues alike. And Mike and I had a very special relationship. I do remember when it came time to get committees--and in those days, Mike McNulty and I were fortunate to be asked to be on both Ways and Means and Appropriations. And the gentleman that Mike was knew that appropriations was my first choice. And Mike was generous enough--and perhaps wise enough--to choose the outstanding Ways and Means Committee. But I do remember those discussions, and I remember how gracious and elegant you were. I also remember, Mike McNulty, the time when I was exploring running for the Senate. And I had traveled a bit around New York and I met quite a few people. And no matter what, and no matter who was the opposition, every time I would come to the floor Mike said, ``I'm with you. I'm with you.'' Mike is the kind of friend who, when he's with you, he's with you, and you can always count on Mike McNulty. I also remember--and perhaps I won't discuss it on the floor today-- that Mike McNulty and my husband have had a very special relationship. We've had some good times together. And Mike would always say, ``So, where's Steve? Where's Steve? We have some business to do today.'' And I'll remember those times, and I do hope we get to share many more. Mike, I also remember what a special experience it was for us both to get blessed by the Pope. And I remember very clearly Mike McNulty and others who have had that experience before said, fill your pockets, fill your pockets with rosary beads. And boy, I filled my pockets so that I still have draws of them left, Mike McNulty. So if there's anyone special that needs a little bit of blessing from our special trip with the Pope, I would be very happy to share it with you. Now, when I look back at Michael's background--a graduate of the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., Mike began his career by serving as the youngest town supervisor in New York. It's hard to believe that after 8 short years as town supervisor you were elected mayor of the Village of Green Island, New York, that you served until 1977 when you were elected to represent New York's 106th Assembly District, that in the New York legislature you served as the chairman of the assembly's Democratic study group, and that you chaired the subcommittees on alcoholism and corrections and transportation capital improvements. Later, you were appointed to the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, an administrative review commission. In 1988, the same year I was elected, you were elected to represent New York's 23rd Congressional District in the United States Congress. In 1992, you were elected to represent New York's 21st Congressional District, which includes Albany, Montgomery, Schenectady, and Schoharie Counties with almost 80 percent of the vote. I don't know how you did that. I've never gotten 80 percent of the vote, Michael. You were reelected for your 10th term in the United States House of Representatives in 2006, serving on the Armed Services Committee, the Small Business Committee, the International Relations Committee, the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. You're currently serving on the Ways and Means Committee for the 15th year on which you chair the Subcommittee on Social Security. Again, you've been such a tireless advocate for seniors. You championed the needs of hardworking families as a member of the Labor and Working Families Caucus, and you've really balanced your distinguished career with an equally impressive family life. We've talked about your wife of 37 years. Now I've been married 47 years, Michael, so I wish you good luck and success for the future when you'll be spending a lot more time with family--with Nancy and your four daughters: Michele, Angela, Nancy, and Maria, and with your five grandchildren. I have eight, so they can continue to work on that. They are Lola, Daniel, Teigin, Elijah, and Morgyn. We've had such wonderful times together. I have such enormous respect for you. You're a real gentleman. You're a hard worker. You're the kind of person who I am proud to have as a friend and who I am proud to serve with in this Congress. I want to congratulate you on your very successful career in public service and on your unparalleled devotion to your constituents. There is a lot more work to be done, so even though you're going home to be with family and friends, I know that all of the many challenges that we all face together will continue to attract you and will compel you to continue your great career in public service. So thank you, my friend. I look forward to continuing to work with you and to keeping in touch with you. You're very, very special, and we all love you. Thank you.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, today is a solemn day for New Yorkers and all Americans as we remember the men, women, children who lost their lives 7 years ago on September 11, 2001. For many of us the wounds of that terrible day are still raw, as are the reminders that are now woven into our daily lives. The pain associated with the loss of loved ones, the still incomplete skyline of Manhattan, the terror alerts, the checkpoints, the baggage searches and the war. The attacks of September 11 were intended to strike at the heart of our country, our values, and our way of life. In spite of this incredible act of hatred and violence, however, Americans remain united not only in our resolve to defeat those who want to do us harm but in our unwavering support for our Armed Forces, first responders, and the intelligence community who have answered the call to protect us at home and abroad. It is in this spirit that we remain committed to honoring the memories of all who lost their lives on that horrible day and commending those who continue to risk their lives since then to bolster our homeland security, protect our ideals and values, keep our communities safe, and ensure that America never again experiences such an evil act of violence on our soil. Thank you, Mr. Ackerman, for sponsoring this resolution, and God bless America.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the loss of my friend and colleague Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a kind and caring friend, a hard-working and diligent colleague, and a committed representative. She was also a trailblazer--she was the first African-American and the first female prosecutor in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the first African-American woman to be elected to serve Ohio in the House of Representatives, and the first African-American woman to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was an inspiration to me and to others who aspire to represent their constituents with passion, dedication, and integrity. A champion of voting rights, she stood up for those who lacked a voice to ensure that they are not denied the most fundamental right of our democracy--the right to vote. In her role as Chair of the House Ethics Committee, she led the House of Representatives in ensuring that Members of Congress live up to high standards. She understood that increasing Americans' confidence in their government requires honest and ethical behavior by their leaders. All those who loved Stephanie Tubbs Jones, including her son Melvyn Leroy Jones II, and her sister Barbara Walker, are in my thoughts and prayers. As we mourn the passing of this intelligent, hard-working, and caring representative, we celebrate her accomplishments. We are reminded that despite the tragedy of her passing, her life was a blessing for her colleagues, her friends, her family, her constituents, and so many who needed a champion.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to express my appreciation to my good friend and colleague, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for his support of this bill and for his help bringing it to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which would designate the Federal building and United States Courthouse in White Plains, New York, as the ``Charles L. Brieant, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' Federal Judge Charles Brieant, Jr., a graduate of Columbia University and Columbia Law School, served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. Appointed to the Federal judiciary by President Nixon in 1971, Judge Brieant rose to the high-profile post of Chief Judge of the influential U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, a court well regarded for its legal prowess and well- reasoned decisions. His thoughtful interpretation of the law often earned great praise, and the United States Supreme Court agreed with Judge Brieant's rulings six times. Additionally, Judge Brieant received many awards and honors, including the Servant of Justice Award from the Guild of St. Ives in 1998 and the Edward Weinfeld Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Administration of Justice in 2006. Mr. Speaker, Judge Brieant can lay claim to hundreds of court decisions, many of which have impacted the lives of ordinary New Yorkers in extraordinary ways. Judge Brieant is survived by his wife Virginia, their four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Judge Brieant deserves our admiration and recognition for his selfless commitment to the law and public service. In fact, beyond the bench, Judge Brieant was instrumental in the construction of the very building we seek to name in his honor. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this great American by passing this legislation.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, today, we sadly commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. Over a third of a century ago, more than 200,000 Cypriots were driven from their homes and forced to live under foreign occupation. The legacy of this occupation still weighs heavily on the northern third of the island, which remains occupied by Turkish troops. In fact, the Turkish-Cypriot Administered North Cyprus has the dubious distinction of being one of the most militarized areas in the world, with nearly one Turkish soldier for every two Turkish Cypriot. A devastating consequence of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus is the tragic humanitarian problem of missing persons. Today, there are more than 1,400 Greek Cypriots still missing as well as four missing Americans. A series of UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions condemn Turkey's invasion and call for the tracing of missing persons. As we mark the 34th year of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, I encourage all governments involved to adhere to humanitarian principles and international practices regarding the effective investigation of the whereabouts of missing persons. While we commemorate the past and our hearts go out to those suffering continuing hardship due to missing loved ones. Positive steps underway could lead to a brighter future for all Cypriots. We are encouraged that, for the first time in five years, both sides are engaging in constructive dialogue. Since March, leaders from the South and North have taken positive steps towards reunification and have met three times. I urge both sides to continue this positive discourse including at a meeting this Friday. I sincerely hope a solution to the Cyprus issue will soon be reached to reuniting the island under a government that safeguards human rights, completes the investigation into the whereabouts of missing persons, and respects the fundamental freedoms of the people as a whole.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Timothy Russert by submitting for the record a tribute to him by the Buffalo, New York native, William O'Shaughnessy on June 16, 2008. ``A Death in the Family'' was broadcast on WVOX and WVIP in New York. A Death in the Family And although we were in the care and keeping of the German Jesuits some ten years apart, Russert and I both got whacked upside the head by the same worn old leather prayer book belonging to the Reverend John Sturm, SJ., who took most seriously his title and high estate: Prefect of Discipline. Father John was built like a fireplug. And although an equal opportunity disciplinarian, he made Timmy Russert his favorite charge almost from the minute he first encountered the personable Irish youngster from South Buffalo with the bright eyes and easy smile. That was back in the 60's and they have been friends ever since. Canisius has turned out federal judges named Crotty and Arcara, political power brokers like Joe Crangle, big car dealers, stellar athletes including a few Holy Cross and Notre Dame quarterbacks, and doctors and lawyers of great renown. The Jesuits spotted Russert's beguiling potential early on. Even then they knew. He would go back to Buffalo over the years to see his father and during summers better than this one Tim Russert would sit at Cole's bar in the Elmwood section to talk sports over a beer and a ``beef on a weck,'' Buffalo's legendary version of roast beef, a steamship round of which was personally carved by the bartender and then piled on a Kimmelweck roll covered with salt to be dipped in Heinz Ketchup. The music in the air on those nights was provided by ancient tapes of Fred Klestine's old radio programs from the 50's and 60's which survive to this day at Cole's. They would order another Simon Pure beer or a Carling's ale and talk about the rich girls who went to ``The Mount,'' a boarding school, and about Johnny Barnes, the old Canisius High football coach and sometimes about Cornelius MacGillicudy, a favorite teacher who owned a bar in the Parkside section over near Delaware Park. He never lost touch with the Jesuits. And just a few weeks ago, Father Sturm, now in his 90's, sent out invitations to a scholarship luncheon in his own honor with the obligatory picture of his protege Tim Russert on the cover. Before his dazzling work on television which made him famous, Tim labored in the service of the two brightest minds in public life during our time: Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the estimable Mario M. Cuomo. Someone said yesterday on television: ``He wasn't exactly a pretty boy.'' With his cheeks and jowls, Russert was the complete antithesis of all the hyper, vacuous ``talking heads'' and all the bimbos--male as well as female--who sit each day in those anchor chairs praying the teleprompter doesn't fail lest they be forced to utter something more profound than ``absolutely!'' Only Chris Matthews was his equal in terms of depth and intelligence. And maybe Jon Meacham or Lawrence O'Donnell or Peggy Noonan. George Stephanopoulos can hold his own in front of a camera (and in front of George Will). And classy Deborah Norville has a brain. While among the youngsters coming up-- William ``Billy'' Bush and Chris Cuomo are bursting with intelligence and promise. Ditto Bill Geist's kid Willy. And David Gregory and Tucker Carlson are easy to take. Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer are class acts in any season. We've always liked Bob Scheiffer and Judy Woodruff. And how can you not like Mike Barnicle and Joe Scarborough (but not the girl with him, the one with the famous father, who talks over everybody). And I hope Larry King, like Paul Harvey on the radio, goes on forever. Plus I still take pleasure in our infrequent sightings of Rather and Brokaw. Russert, however, operated on a level far beyond most of them. And he didn't need high tech production values or fancy overhead lighting in an ultra-modern studio to enhance and amplify his unique genius. He was to network news what Mario Cuomo is to public discourse. And as the great Cuomo himself reminded us, ``Tim never forgot where he came from and he never let us forget it either . . . and we loved him for it.'' He would summer on Nantucket and go to parties at Sally Quinn's in Washington. But Russert never denied his roots in Buffalo. There was a realness about him, a genuineness, on and off the air. A few summers ago, Russert was the main speaker at an important conference of the New York State Broadcasters Association up at Bolton Landing on Lake George. After his talk he was persuaded by our mutual friend Joe Reilly, the head of the broadcasters in the Empire State, to linger and give out the Association's Awards for Excellence . . . even as an NBC plane waited on the tarmac at the nearby Glens Falls airport to rush him back to Washington. There were many awards and citations in every category. But Russert was his usual generous self and so he stayed late into the night as the awards presentations wore on. And when it was announced that your own WVOX had won the designation for ``Best Editorials in New York State'' (which we clearly did not deserve), Russert arched his eyebrows and the Irish eyes twinkled as my son David and I advanced to the front of the ballroom to receive our award. As we posed for the cameras and the flashbulbs popped, Tim asked, sotto voce, ``How's Mario? . . . how's Nancy? . . . how are the kids? . . . how's the station?'' And now as my mind drifts back on this weekend after he died, I wonder if I remembered to inquire about his own welfare? I hope so, but I doubt it, given that heady moment in the spotlights. But he remembered. Russert then thoughtfully pulled away my son David for a shot with just the two of them . . . and said, again on the QT, while still smiling for the cameras, ``How the hell did your old man win this damn thing . . . it must have been by shear guile! Or did Cuomo write it for him?'' As the two of them cracked up with laughter, no one in the audience of more than 500 had a clue what they were chuckling about. James O'Shea, who owns The West Street Grill, a high class saloon in Litchfield, Connecticut (he much prefers the designation ``fine dining establishment'') called while I was thinking about all this. According to O'Shea, ``Russert possessed the genius of the Irish. Just say he was Irish. People will know what that means. He was Irish!'' As O'Shea provides libation and sustenance for the likes of Philip Roth, Rex Reed, Jim Hoge, Bill vandenHeuvel, Rose Styron, George Clooney, Peter Duchin and Brooke Hayward . . . I will bow to his wisdom. Russert did indeed have the genius of the Irish. Nancy and I would see him around town of an evening, when he would come up from Washington to do some business at the NBC Universal mother ship at Rockefeller Center or if one of us had to emcee a dinner. And no matter how late the hour or how tired and rumpled he appeared, it was always the same: ``How are the kids? . . . how are the stations doing? . . . how's the gov?'' NBC delayed the news of his passing and actually got scooped by the New York Post and the Times until someone from their shop was retrieved to go and inform his wife Maureen Orth, their son Luke, and his beloved father Big Russ. But who, I wonder, had to knock on the door of the old priest in the Jesuit retirement house on Washington Street up in Buffalo to tell Father John Sturm, S.J. Timmy Russert was gone? I always thought Russert would have made a wonderful politician himself or a great teacher. Or even a priest. And with his sudden, untimely departure at 58, he probably taught us one more lesson learned from the old Jesuits: ``You know not the hour . . . or the moment.'' The newsman-journalist known as Tim Russert has been mourned by millions and eulogized in all the journals and periodicals in the land. But the most exquisite tribute, and probably the one he would have liked the most came from Michelle Spuck, a waitress at Bantam Pizza in the Litchfield hills, who told a customer over the weekend, ``I'm so sad about this . . . I never met him . . . but I knew him.'' He died in front of a microphone. This is Bill O'Shaughnessy.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Sy Sternberg and to congratulate him on his retirement as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of New York Life Insurance Company, the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States and one of the largest life insurers in the world. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Sternberg earned a bachelor of electrical engineering degree from the City College of New York in 1965 and an M.S.E.E. degree from Northeastern University in 1968. Before joining New York Life in 1989, Mr. Sternberg spent 13 years at the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he was most recently senior executive vice president. Mr. Sternberg is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Business Roundtable and serves on its Task Forces on International Trade and Investment, Security and Fiscal Policy and the Leadership Committee of the Lincoln Center Consolidated Corporate Fund. Mr. Sternberg is also a Board of Trustees member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Northeastern University and the Hackley School in Tarrytown, NY. In 1999, Mr. Sternberg was appointed by President Clinton and served through 2002 as one of three United States representatives to the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC). In January of this year, Mayor Bloomberg of New York City appointed Mr. Sternberg as co-chair, along with former Mayor Dinkins, of the Mayor's task force on Career and Technical Education Innovation. Mr. Sternberg is most importantly the proud father of two grown daughters, Jodi and Donna, and resides in Purchase, NY, with his wife, Laurie, and their son, Matthew. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize my good friend Mr. Sy Sternberg for a successful career in finance and unparalleled devotion to charitable causes. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his tremendous accomplishments.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the distinguished Chair. Only 10.5 million of the 44 million leased offshore acres are actually producing oil or gas. So oil companies, my colleagues, are reaping billions in record profits, $123 billion in 2007 alone, received billions in subsidies in the 2005 energy bill, but they are not using the Federal lands already open to development. Given this, opening sensitive areas to drilling makes no sense. For example, ExxonMobil made $40 billion in profits last year alone, but has only increased investment in drilling and production by $3 billion over the last 5 years. Oil and gas companies have stockpiled 9,000 drilling permits--9,000--my good friends--drilling permits-- without expanding domestic production. The New Direction Congress is working to make America more energy independent and secure, lower costs to consumers, grow our economy with hundreds of thousands of new green jobs, and reduce global warming. This Congress has fought for historic new commitments to American-grown biofuels, sustained investments in clean renewable energy, large-scale efficiency improvements to buildings and transportation, enhanced tools to crack down on OPEC price fixing and price gouging, and to investigate the effects on price of rampant commodity speculation. And this Congress has forced the President to increase supply and thereby lower costs by not continuing to fill the almost full Strategic Petroleum Reserve starting June 30. I'm sure this debate will continue, my colleagues. And it seems to be a mantra of many of my good friends on the other side of the aisle, but I do wish there would be more focus on the oil companies using the drilling leases that they have and taking some of those profits and investing them and producing the oil that we need. So I thank you, I thank the Chair, and I thank my good friend on the other side of the aisle for focusing on this issue. I'm sure we'll continue this discussion. But I would like to conclude by thanking everybody, because it has been a bipartisan effort, and I encourage support of H.R. 5909.

Mrs. LOWEY. I will probably need an additional 4 minutes to respond, if you have it, Mr. Chairman, to Mr. Lungren on this very, very important issue that he has been referencing concerning drilling. We've been hearing frequently from my colleagues, my good friends like Mr. Lungren, from President Bush, and from other Republicans in the Congress. They continue to argue that opening more of the Outer Continental Shelf to oil and gas drilling will lower gasoline prices. But we can't drill our way to energy independence. The United States has only 1.6 percent of the world's oil reserves, but Americans consume 25 percent of the oil used around the world every day. Nearly 80 percent of oil and 82 percent of natural gas believed to exist on the Outer Continental Shelf is located in areas that are now open for leasing.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5909 and begin by thanking Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member King, Subcommittee Chairwoman Jackson-Lee, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Lungren for moving this legislation to the floor. My bill, the Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing, or COVERT, Act would prohibit the advance notification of covert tests on transportation systems without direct approval from the highest officials in our Homeland Security operations. This legislation bolsters accountability and integrity for covert testing within our transportation systems overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. The core principles and goals of covert testing are undermined when individuals are alerted in advance that a test or evaluation is imminent. In fact, in case we haven't figured it out, there is nothing covert about activities employees already know will occur. Unfortunately, there have been a number of reported incidents in which covert tests may have been compromised as a result of advanced notification to Transportation Security officers. The Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security found that between August 2003 and May 2004, Transportation Security Administration officials at San Francisco International Airport compromised covert testing efforts by tracking testers throughout the airport utilizing surveillance cameras, then notifying screening personnel in advance of the testers arriving at security checkpoints. The Inspector General also found that Transportation Security officers at Jackson-Evers International Airport in Jackson, Mississippi, reported receiving advance notice of covert tests conducted by TSA's Office of Inspection on February 12, 2004. Finally, led by Chairman Thompson's efforts, the Homeland Security Committee discovered on April 2006 an e-mail sent via TSA's net hub system from the Office of Security Operations to all Federal security directors and other TSA airport officials informing them of testing at airports throughout the country. In this unfortunate instance, while the e-mail may have violated TSA protocols, it did not constitute the sharing of sensitive information under the law. My legislation will close that loophole, making it a violation to tip off employees before covert tests without high-level approval at TSA and DHS. During mark-up of this legislation, the Homeland Security Committee adopted an amendment allowing local law enforcement to be notified prior to a test if directed by the administrator providing for personnel flexibility by clarifying that only one individual is necessary to serve as a cover agent supervising testing, and including a study on implementation of these procedures and their impact on the Department's effort to improve transportation security. I want to make it very clear to my colleagues that this bill does not tie the hands of DHS or TSA. It simply ensures that any decision to notify personnel in advance must come directly from the TSA administrator, the Inspector General of the Department, or the Comptroller General at GAO to ensure the safety of the traveling public and the testers. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5909.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. I wanted to rise to thank our chairman for your important work on this issue. We have worked together on 100 percent screening of workers at airports, and now, there is a pilot project in place for seven of those airports, and we know that in three they are doing 100 percent screening. And at the others, they're looking at other methods, and one of the methods that they are seriously considering and some are using are the issue of biometrics because it is so important. So I do want to thank the chairman for your leadership on this issue, and I look forward to following the work of the seven airports. Hopefully, we'll be able to spread it to all of our airports.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Richard E. Witten and to congratulate him on receiving the Anne Frank Distinguished Advocate Award. Mr. Witten's deep commitment to education and the Jewish experience is unparalleled. A graduate of Columbia College and Harvard Law School, Richard began his career practicing corporate securities law in New York City. In 1981, he began working at Goldman Sachs and Co. where he rose to Partner and Managing Director from 1990 to 2002. Currently the Senior Managing Director of The Orienta Group, an investment and advisory firm, Richard also serves on the Board of Directors of Jets.com, a jet charter company with offices in New York City, Boston and Phoenix. Richard contributes to and advocates on behalf of a number of charitable causes, several of which are educational institutions. He is a Vice Chairman of the Columbia University Board of Trustees and a member of the Board of the Columbia Investment Management Company. He is the Chairman Emeritus of the Board Visitors of Columbia College, a Trustee of the National Museum of Jewish History in Philadelphia, and a member of the Executive Committee of Gilda's Club of Westchester. Mr. Witten has balanced his distinguished career and philanthropic work with an equally impressive family life. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Mamaroneck, New York. They have three children, Anne, Alex and Jeffrey. A gifted writer, Richard recently published his first novel, Divided Loyalties, a historically accurate depiction of his father-in- law's experience during the Second World War. Additionally, through their private foundation, Richard and his wife have also provided the primary funding for iTeach, a program developed by Massachusetts General Hospital and Partners Aid Research Centre to improve delivery of HIV and TB care in South Africa. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize my good friend Mr. Richard E. Witten for a successful career in finance and unparalleled devotion to charitable causes. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his tremendous accomplishments.