Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), the author of the companion to the Senate bill.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume), a member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib), a member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis), who is a member of the Oversight and Reform Committee.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Lawrence), who is a member of the Oversight and Reform Committee.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), who is a cardinal on the Appropriations Committee.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman an additional 30 seconds.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield), who is a former civil rights attorney, judge, and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat), who is a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. David Scott), the chair of the Agriculture Committee.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman).

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Veasey).

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), the chair of the Financial Services Committee.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I want to thank my good friend and colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee, who had the honor of presiding in the Speaker's chair over this important historic legislation on which she worked for over a decade. Her bill, H.R. 1320, to establish Juneteenth Independence Day, has well over 166 cosponsors and bipartisan support. I, likewise, want to thank the Congressional Black Caucus for their leadership on this and for their leadership on so many other important issues to our Nation. Juneteenth is celebrated across our Nation. It marks the end of a very dark chapter in our Nation's history and celebrates the promise of a more hopeful and inclusive tomorrow. I am elated that this bill is before the House. I urge passage of S. 475. I urge bipartisan support, and I hope this vote is unanimous and victorious. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Fraydun Manocherian on the 75-year anniversary of his immigration to the United States from Tehran, Iran and for his steadfast dedication to and impactful advocacy for automobile safety. Mr. Manocherian is also a successful entrepreneur embodying the American Dream with his wife Jennifer, their five children, and 13 grandchildren. In 1932, Fraydun Manocherian emigrated to the United States at the age of 14 with his mother and brother. He soon became an entrepreneur pursing the American Dream, starting his first business venture in high school by buying and selling used cars. Then, while attending New York University, he turned his sights to New York's skyline--embarking on his career in real estate development. He acquired three adjacent five-story walk up buildings in Manhattan for $15,000 a piece which he then redeveloped. During the 1960's and 1970's, Mr. Manocherian was one of the most prolific developers in Manhattan. In the 1980's he expanded his ventures nationwide through real estate investments and high-rise developments, among a multitude of other enterprises. He was the originator of the mega-health-club concept, opening the first New York Health & Racquet Club in 1973, followed by ten additional Manhattan locations. He also developed The Kimberly Suite Hotel in midtown Manhattan in 1985, and has since acquired other hotels which he still personally oversees. However, among all this success, Mr. Manocherian is, at his core a public servant and philanthropist. And it is for his accomplishments in automobile safety that I, his family, and all Americans are most proud. In 1951, two of Mr. Manocherian's high school friends were killed by a drunk driver. At the age of nineteen, he turned his grief into activism and became an advocate for federal funding of public education in traffic safety. After learning that automobile accidents were the number one killer of all young adults aged 16-25 years old, and the number one cause of physical disabilities--causing agonizing tragedy and grief for countless families, a 19-year-old Mr. Manocherian sent a telegram to President Eisenhower. The President arranged a meeting with Senator Irving Ives. He continued meeting with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. to urge President Eisenhower's Committee on Traffic Safety to begin a national mass media educational program. While his determined efforts and countless contributions were impressive, he was not satisfied with the speed of progress. In 1962, he founded the National Road Safety Foundation with the purpose of reducing the 55,000 auto related fatalities every year. In 1970, he wrote Flesh, Metal, and Glass, a book on auto safety. Over the past 50 years, more than two million copies of Mr. Manocherian's book have been distributed free to thousands of high schools and drivers' education programs across the country. The publication has been updated several times and is now available online. The National Road Safety Foundation has also produced dozens of educational videos and public service announcements. The book and videos, along with other educational materials, are still used as important tools in driver's education programs throughout the country. Over the last half century, The National Road Safety Foundation has educated millions on how to become better and safer drivers through collaborating with educators, private groups, legislators, and government agencies to effect national standards in driving competence. The National Road Safety Foundation has also played an important role in seat belt laws, drunken driving policy, safer car regulations, and helmet and tum signal legislation for motorcycles. Mr. Manocherian has been a persuasive and influential force in Congress as this body enacted policies and legislation focused on driver safety. Mr. Manocherian's voice was among the first to rally the nation against drunk driving and his advocacy for federal funding of public education in traffic safety contributed toward passage of The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which established the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He is currently working to secure increased funding from the Federal Highway Trust Fund for a sustained National Traffic Safety Education media program. These efforts, among countless others, have helped reduce fatalities from 55,000 a year to 38,000 a year. This 30 percent reduction in fatalities is astonishing considering that in that same time, the number of drivers and mile driven have grown exponentially. For his dedication and accomplishments in the field of auto safety, Mr. Manocherian has received the ``Man of the Year'' award from the New York Council for Civic Affairs, the ``Man of the Year'' award from the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from St. John's University, a Master of Arts degree from the International University of Communications in Washington, D.C., the 1997 Distinguished Service to Safety Award from the National Safety Council, and the 2005 Public Service Award, one of the highest awards given by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He has met with almost every President since President Eisenhower, is a founder of the Carter Center, and was appointed by President H. W. Bush to serve on the National Driver Register Advisory Committee. At 89 years young, Fraydun Manocherian is not only a nationally recognized powerful public service advocate, but also a rated jet pilot, and, more importantly, a greater husband, father, and grandfather than businessman, entrepreneur, or philanthropist. Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Fraydun Manocherian for his public service and incredible contributions to society and a lifetime of dedication to automobile and driver safety.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Darla Hoover for her commitment to performing and educating, on the occasion of her 60th birthday. Ms. Hoover was a member of New York City Ballet (NYCB) from 1980-1991. Following her retirement from NYCB, Ms. Hoover began a distinguished career as a ballet teacher and repetiteur for the George Balanchine Trust. For over 25 years, she has served as Artistic Director of Ballet Academy East (BAE) on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In 2019 she was named Artistic Director of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Ms. Hoover celebrates her 60th birthday on May 31 of this year. Darla Hoover trained at the renowned Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet before moving to New York City to attend the School of American Ballet when she was 15 years old. In 1980, after choreographing a solo for her in the New York City Opera production of Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, George Balanchine chose her to become a member of NYCB. As a repetiteur for the George Balanchine Trust, Ms. Hoover has traveled the globe faithfully teaching the legendary choreographer's most celebrated works. She has done this work at some of the most prestigious ballet institutions in the world. Ms. Hoover has staged Balanchine ballets for The Royal Danish Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, New National Theatre Tokyo, Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg Russia. This performance marked the first time the Vaganova Ballet Academy had ever performed a work by Mr. Balanchine. As Artistic Director of BAE, Ms. Hoover has--alongside Executive Director Julia Dubno--developed it into one of the most renowned ballet schools in the country. Alumni have become professional dancers in ballet companies around the world, including NYCB, American Ballet Theater, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. The BAE faculty includes world- renowned current and former dancers, and its performances have been praised by publications such as The New York Times. Ms. Hoover has been recognized as one of the best ballet teachers in the country. She directs a nationally recognized Teachers Workshop, in which she teaches fellow dance educators on the syllabus and methodologies developed by the late Marcia Dale Weary, under whom she studied. Ms. Hoover has been invited to share her successful techniques at some of the Nation's premiere ballet programs, including Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Miami City Ballet. Ms. Hoover has made a significant public contribution to American ballet as a teacher and mentor to young dancers. Her investment in the personal success and well-being of her students has positively impacted countless children and adolescents in ways that reach far beyond ballet. She regularly forms close relationships with her students, who remain her ``kids'' even after they move on to pursue professional careers. Ms. Hoovers dedication to her students and ballet is truly inspirational. The profound connection and skillful instruction Ms. Hoover provides countless young dancers demonstrate both her brilliance and the importance of arts education. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Darla Hoover and expressing appreciation for her dedication to the betterment of her students, the arts, and community.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dora Bakoyannis for her outstanding career promoting peace and human rights. Ms. Bakoyannis is the Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Former Mayor of Athens. Recently, Ms. Bakoyannis was elected Vice President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Ms. Bakoyannis was named Woman of the Year by the Euro-American Women's Council. Dora Bakoyannis studied Political Science and Communication at the Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich and continued her studies in Political Science and Public Law at the University of Athens. Ms. Bakoyannis led the fight against terrorism in Greece and abroad, participating in various legislative initiatives, international conferences, and forums such as the United Nations (UN) and the Council of Europe. Her work was inspired by tragedy, as Ms. Bakoyannis lost her husband Pavlas, a journalist and member of the Greek Parliament, to a terrorist assassination on September 26, 1989. Ms. Bakoyannis is a member of the Greek Parliament and has been consecutively elected since 1989. From 1990 to 1992 she served as the Under-Secretary of State and from 1992 to 1993 as Minister of Culture. Ms. Bakoyannis has been an inspiration to women all over the world. She was the first woman mayor of Athens, serving from 2002 to 2006, and the first woman appointed Greek Foreign Minister, serving from 2006- 2009. In 2003, she was awarded the International Leadership Award by the International Centre for Women. She was also voted ``World Mayor'' in 2005, included on the Forbes list of the World's Most Powerful Women from 2006 to 2009, and elected as the first female Foreign Associate of the French Academy in Humanities and Political Sciences in 2009. Ms. Bakoyannis was also President of the U.N. Security Council in 2006 and Chairperson in Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2009. In 2008, she was awarded the Emperor Maximillian Award by the State of Tyrol and the city of Innsbruck. In 2013, she became a Meritus Doctor of the European Polytechnic University of Bulgaria, for her work on southeastern European nations' path towards membership in the European Union. In the same year she was awarded the OSCE Medal for her work on NATO-Russia relations between Russia and North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states at the 2009 Corfu Summit. In 2019, Dors Bakoyannis became the Chairperson of the Greek Parliamentary Delegation to PACE, and, in January 2021, she was elected the council's Vice President. She also served as the PACE Rapporteur for the functioning of democratic institutions in Poland and currently serves as Rapporteur for the Syrian crisis. Ms. Bakoyannis is also a member of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, the Committee on the Honoring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe, the Bureau of the Assembly, and the Sub-Committee on External Relations. In addition to these accomplishments, Ms. Bakoyannis is Chairperson of the Cross-party Parliamentary Committee for the Development of Thrace, Chair of the American-Greek Parliamentary Friendship Committee, and member of the Russian-Greek and Chinese-Greek Parliamentary Friendship Committees. She is Chairperson of the Greek Parliamentary Delegation to the International Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie and is on the Board of Directors of the Brussels-based think tank, Centre for European Policy Studies. She lives in Athens and has two adult children. Ms. Bakoyannis is truly an inspirational example of the strength and competency of women at the highest levels of public service. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Dora Bakoyannis and expressing appreciation for her dedication to the betterment of all people and especially for her diplomatic work on behalf of international amity.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, as the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I include in the Record a letter from the American Hellenic Institute to President Biden regarding the Institute's present perspective on the state of the U .S.-Greece relations. The letter includes discussion of issues on defense, security, and counterterrorism; international commerce and trade and energy security; and the Cyprus Issue. April 22, 2021. President Joseph R. Biden, The White House, Washington, DC. Dear President Biden: On behalf of the nationwide membership of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), thank you for your remarks to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence. Although many aspects of your remarks resonated with the Greek American community, the following excerpt struck a chord: ``What really binds us together are our values. We are two people rooted in a common conviction that every human being is entitled to be treated with dignity. And it is our shared commitment to liberty, human rights, and the rule of law, that empowers us to write our own futures, whether 200 years ago or today.'' Mr. President, the momentous occasion to mark Greece's Bicentennial provides the opportunity to convey the Institute's present perspective on the state of U.S.-Greece relations, which is flourishing under the ``shared commitment to liberty, human rights, and the rule of law'' that you correctly and eloquently stated. Unfortunately, malign actors in the region, especially Turkey, display a blatant and an intense disregard for these shared values with provocative actions that threaten the United States' allies and strategic partners as well as our interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is in the United States' best interest for Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean to be politically, economically and socially stable, and for democratic principles to flourish, including adherence to the rule of law. Greece is an immensely valuable link as ``a pillar of stability'' in the region as several high-level U.S. government officials have noted. The U.S.-Greece relationship has reached new heights by virtue of an ongoing Strategic Dialogue, which include avenues for cooperation across sectors, such as: regional cooperation, defense and security, and trade and investment, among others, are plotted for implementation. Defense, Security and Counterterrorism Greece advances U.S. interests as a pivotal and dependable NATO and a frontline state against terrorism. The Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement between the United States and Greece illustrates the two allies' commitment to address longterm security challenges in the region. The Agreement currently is under revision. After it is upgraded, it will offer more flexibility to deepen cooperation in the defense sector, according to Greece's Minister of Defense Nikos Panagiotopoulos, with whom I held a public discussion last month. For its part, Greece further demonstrates its commitment to the Alliance as one of a minority of NATO members to meet NATO's minimum standard on defense expenditures; second only to the U.S., by percentage. To demonstrate further: Souda Bay, Crete: in our view, the most important U.S. military facility in the Mediterranean Sea from where in the past joint USN/USAF reconnaissance missions and air refueling support for U.S. and NATO operations were implemented successfully and continues to be immensely important. NATO Joint-Command HQ: Thessaloniki hosts a NATO Rapid Deployment Corps combined with its Third Army Corps for two years. Operation Atlantic Resolve: Greece enables a substantial portion of the U.S. Army's 10th Combat Aviation Brigade to enter the European theater through the port of Thessaloniki and to depart through Alexandropoulis. Alexandroupolis is being recognized as a city with increased geostrategic importance, which can also contribute to economic development and energy security. USAF temporarily operated MQ-9 Reaper Drones from Greece's Larisa Air Force Base. The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of the U.S. Army, from October-Nov 20, 2020 and from February-Mar 21, 2021, stationed and trained at Volos and Stefanovikeio. It is evident Greece contributes significantly to U.S. interests. However, it becomes increasingly challenging for Greece to fulfill this important role when it constantly is expending valuable resources to defend itself against aggressive and provocative behavior emanating from a fellow NATO member, Turkey. Turkey engaged in over 7,000 violations of Greece's territorial waters and airspace in 2020. There were 4,605 airspace and 3,215 maritime incidents. Turkey's routine challenges to Greece's sovereignty must cease and desist. In fact, Greece's Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, called out Turkey's provocative behavior, stating to an AHI audience on April 1, 2021 that Turkey threatens ``Greece's sovereign rights.'' In this context, Gen. Floros explicitly cited as example the maritime border Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Turkey and Libya. In addition, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt has called the MoU ``unhelpful'' and ``escalatory'' in nature in previous public statements. Ambassador Pyatt also affirmed the internationally recognized legal concept that ``inhabited islands as a matter of customary international law are entitled to the same treatment as continental territory.'' International Commerce and Trade and Energy Security Greece also is an important player in international commerce and trade, especially via its shipping industry. According to Greek shipping industry statistics, 22.5% and 20.3% of the Greek-owned fleet's activity is dedicated to the U.S. and the European trade, respectively; and ``Greek-owned ships represent almost 21% of the global tonnage.''' AHI requests the Administration maintain high-level engagement with Greece on economic relations and encourages future U.S.-Greece economic relationships to pursue commercial partnerships and opportunities for more U.S. investment in Greece. However, it is important to note that Turkey also threatens Greece's economic development. Turkey exploits its control over the flow of migrants to Europe, in essence, weaponizing them. Historically, Greece has carried the heavy burden of migrant flows to Europe, which has had a detrimental impact upon Greece's economy. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has been very clear to state that Turkey bears its responsibility due to Turkey's ability to control ``the flows in the Aegean.'' Moreover, Turkey's threat to energy security in the region is not in the best interests of the United States and stymies Greece's potential as an energy hub. Turkey has encroached upon Greece's continental shelf off the coast of the Greek island complex of Kastellorizo in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This island complex is sovereign Greek territory. It has a continental shelf as defined under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea which is part of the Greek continental shelf. The island complex is also part of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which is available to Greece. Ambassador Pyatt underscored upholding international law when he stated the U.S. position that islands have ``exactly the same'' continental shelf and exclusive economic zone rights as does any mainland territory. ``I have also made a point on many occasions . . . that the United States adheres to the principal of international maritime law that islands, including Kastellorizo, have exactly the same continental shelf and EEZ rights as does any mainland territory,'' Ambassador Pyatt stated to reporters on July 23, 2020. Turkey also has exercised ``gunboat diplomacy'' in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkish drillships have been in Cypriot waters, conducting activities illegally in violation of Cyprus' sovereignty and international law. AHI welcomes the United States' stated support for the Republic of Cyprus's right to develop its natural resources, including in its exclusive economic zone. The Cyprus Issue A key to peace and stability in the region is for good neighborly relations among NATO members and respect for the rule of law. However, Turkey's continuing occupation of Cyprus, which is a member of the European Union; its intransigence in solving the Cyprus problem, and its refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, are detrimental to U.S. interests. To illustrate Turkey's intransigence, Turkey insists on maintaining troop levels in Cyprus and on remaining a guarantor power as part of a solution to the Cyprus issue, which led to the collapse of settlement talks in 2017. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's response on the Cyprus issue during a March 10th, 2021 House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing is welcomed: ``We strongly support a comprehensive settlement that reunifies Cyprus in a Bicommunal Federation. We engage in the effort to advance that prospect, including the supportive role of the United Nations, and as well, direct American engagement in that effort. So I think you'll see American diplomacy fully engage.'' However, Mr. President, as a public servant who advocated for upholding the rule of law on Cyprus throughout your long career, I am reminded of your January 27, 1989 letter to then AHI Chairman Dean Lomis, where you stated: ``. . . we must urge the new Administration [President George H.W. Bush] to make Cyprus a higher policy priority in American foreign policy . . . we cannot lose sight of the fact that the rights of Greek Cypriots have been trampled upon, and we must ensure that their claims to ancestral land and property seized during the 1974 invasion are not compromised. Finally, we must send a signal to Turkey that until it has removed every last soldier from Cyprus, it will never be recognized as a full member of the international community.'' It is this same clear message to Turkey regarding Cyprus that the United States must send today because the conditions are the same, if not worse, as recent public discourse emanating from the Turkish government has called for a two- state solution. Mr. President, the United States-Greece relationship is a strong and healthy one thanks in large part to the shared values identified in your Greek Independence Day celebratory remarks. Greece has proven to be a ``pillar of stability,'' a frontline state to combat terrorism, and a reliable NATO ally. AHI anticipates that bilateral relations, which are at a high point, will be taken to even greater heights during your Administration. By contrast, Turkey is the perpetrator of instability in the Eastern Mediterranean and broader region which is detrimental to U.S. security interests. Turkey is a failed NATO ally that cozies up to Russia and Iran and is a threat to U.S. allies and strategic partners. The U.S. must demonstrate strong, unequivocal support of Greece by continuing to strengthen relations across all sectors and by applying the rule of law to Turkey for its illegal actions. Respectfully submitted, Sincerely, Nick Larigakis, President.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Dave Rapallo, Staff Director of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. For the last decade, Dave has skillfully guided the Members and staff of the Oversight Committee with his incomparable mastery of strategy, oversight, and detail. Few individuals have impacted this body as greatly as Dave. Countless Members of Congress have sought his counsel and come away more effective for it. Hundreds of staff learned the art of Congressional oversight and how to use the tools of Congress to demand answers on behalf of the American people. Dave previously served as Chief Investigative Counsel under Chairman Henry Waxman. He led critical investigations exposing wartime contracting fraud in Iraq, the outing of CIA agent Valerie Plame, steroid abuse in major league baseball, and the causes of the 2008 financial crisis. Dave served as General Counsel on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and then was appointed by President Barack Obama as Senior Director on the National Security Council staff. In 2011, Dave answered the call of the late Chairman Elijah Cummings, who asked Dave to serve as his staff director on the Oversight Committee. I know Chairman Cummings trusted Dave more than anyone to help make our government more efficient and more effective. When I took over following the tragic death of Chairman Cummings, Dave helped ensure the Committee had a seamless transition. Dave has never sought the spotlight but instead uses his talents to make those around him shine. He demands excellence and gives nothing less himself. Dave worked harder than anyone I know, always thinking two steps ahead and finding the best route to get there. More than anything, he is a dedicated public servant committed to using the powers of Congress to make a difference. During the last Administration, Dave oversaw the Committee's efforts to ensure every person in America was counted in the Census, every American could exercise the right to vote, and every child separated from their parents at the border was reunited. For all of this and so much more, we say thanks to Dave Rapallo. He has made a lasting impact on this body and this country.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and ranking member for their extraordinary leadership, for doing the right thing, and for working to make this country safer and stronger. Like my friend on the other side of aisle from North Carolina, I didn't intend to speak either. As a New Yorker, I was closely involved in supporting the work of the 9/11 Commission. It, too, like January 6, was one of the darkest days in the history of our country, and we needed answers on how such a horrible thing could happen. Almost 3,000 people were murdered just because they went to work that day. Many things needed to be answered. This body came together. We were united; we were determined; we passed the Commission. We had two outstanding leaders, Governor Kean and Lee Hamilton. They did everything together. They issued a report that sold more copies than Harry Potter. I nominated it for a National Book Award. It laid out what happened so clearly from their joint investigations. More importantly, it told us what to do about it. They had a series of recommendations to make this country safer. This body worked together and enacted most of them, and it did make this country safer. In fact, I get periodic reports from the law enforcement in my city on attempts to hurt us and how the reforms and the programs we put in place are helping us, making us stronger and protecting us better. We need this January 6 commission, for the sake of America. Let's stop fighting long enough to work together to help our country understand what happened. Why did it take 4 hours for the National Guard to respond? In New York, they would have been there in 10 minutes. Why didn't they respond to all of the news reports about what was happening? We need answers. Let's come together and work together and get them. A January 6 commission, I urge for the sake of the country, everyone should vote for it.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 403, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 275) condemning the horrific shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 16, 2021, and reaffirming the House of Representative's commitment to combating hate, bigotry, and violence against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.