Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Judith H. Hope, an outstanding New Yorker who has devoted herself to public service and to civic and political engagement. Ms. Hope's tremendous contributions to American civic life are being recognized this month by the well- known and widely respected public policy advocacy organization, Citizen Action of New York. At a ceremony on December 6, 2006, Ms. Hope is being honored by Citizen Action with its Progressive Leadership Award. Also being similarly honored are our distinguished colleague and the dean of the New York State congressional delegation, the Honorable Charles Rangel, and Mr. Bob Masters, a dedicated leader of the Communications Workers of America. A lifelong activist devoted to the highest ideals of the Democratic Party, Judith J. Hope has exhibited strong, effective and graceful leadership while holding a series of important positions of leadership in the world of politics and public policy. As a founder of the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee, an organization dedicated to promoting women's candidacies for local and public office, Judith Hope has encouraged and inspired new generations of women to become deeply involved in public policy and the political process. Since its founding in 2001, the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee has provided crucial financial, educational and political support to hundreds of women, of whom 285 were successfully elected to public office. Judith Hope became immersed in public service at an early age. Born and raised in Arkansas, she learned critical lessons and insights from her father, the Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives, and her mother, a respected writer and journalist. After moving to New York, Judith Hope became a civic and community leader and married Thomas A. Twomey, Jr., a Long Island attorney and environmental leader. In the face of tremendous political odds, she was elected Town Supervisor in East Hampton in 1973, the first woman ever to hold that office on Long Island, and the first Democrat to do so in modern history. In 1976, Governor Hugh Carey named her the first woman gubernatorial Appointments Officer in the history of the Empire State. In 1983 and 1985, she was again elected East Hampton Town Supervisor, a position that afforded her national recognition for her innovative and effective policies to preserve open space and environmentally sensitive land. In the political realm, she was elected to the Democratic National Committee in 1989. Following the election of Mario Cuomo as Governor, Hope became an instrumental figure in the leadership of the New York State Democratic Committee. In 1995, Judith was elected chair of the State committee, becoming the first woman to head a major political party in New York State. She served in that capacity for 7 years and was justly celebrated for her tremendous abilities and effective leadership. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the enormous contributions to our civic and political life made by Judith Hope, a true leader in the finest traditions of our great republic.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for all of his leadership, and I congratulate the dean of our delegation, Charlie Rangel, for working hard on this bill and restructuring of the bond issue for New York City, among other issues. Why I am rising today, however, is the audit report that came out 2 days ago of the Department of the Interior. It was a scathing indictment of mismanagement and cronyism. In my years on the Committee on Government Reform, it is the worst report I have seen and it documents billions of dollars that are owed to the American people for oil and gas extracted from federally owned land, land owned by the American people. These revenues are not coming into the Treasury, but into the pockets of the oil industry. I rise in support of the Markey-Hinchey amendment, which includes, among other things, a renegotiation of these leases to pay a fair price to the American public and to our country. It is long overdue. We should not tolerate this type of mismanagement. It showed that the number of audits have gone down, the number of auditors have come down. They have a paper compliance review board that has oversight which amounts to pushing paper around. It is not a watchdog, but a lap dog, for private industry as opposed to documentation of what is fairly owned to the American people and to our government. Correcting this will literally bring 10 to $30 billion into the Treasury of the United States. It is the fair thing to do. It is the right thing to do. We should all follow and read this important report and vote to renegotiate the rip-off leases and have them pay a fair deal for what they are reaping for their own pockets. Our constituents are paying record prices at the pump and for heating oil; yet the oil companies are not paying their fair due for their leases on American federally owned property. This is an important amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Auxiliary to Bellevue Hospital Center, Inc., which is celebrating its 100th anniversary of service to the community. During that time, the Auxiliary has developed into an invaluable resource for Bellevue Hospital, one of our Nation's most renowned hospitals. Over the past 100 years the Auxiliary has provided in excess of $45 million in support, piloted numerous new programs and been a source of satisfying work for thousands of volunteers. At their gala recognizing, they are honoring Rita J. Kaplan, for her philanthropy, Dr. Robert S. Holzman, for patient care, and Michael ``Buzzy'' O'Keeffe, for community service. They are all sterling examples of the extraordinary volunteers who have made the Auxiliary such a superb institution. The Auxiliary was founded in 1906 by a group of socially conscious women who wanted to support the Bellevue Tuberculosis Clinic. Among other things, they created a Day Camp in 1908 on the old ferryboat ``Southfield,'' anchored off the Bellevue Hospital grounds, so that patients could spend time in the open air. Contemporaneously, another group of philanthropic-minded women formed the Convalescent Relief Committee to assist in the well-being, care and convalescence of Bellevue patients. In 1907 a third group, The Synagogue Committee formed to translate for Yiddish-speaking Bellevue patients and provide for their social service needs. The three groups grew steadily until their work encompassed every ward and clinic at the hospital. Eventually they recognized that they would accomplish more by working together. Thus, in 1940 the Auxiliary merged with the Convalescent Relief Committee and the Synagogue Committee and in 1945 the Auxiliary was legally incorporated as the Social Service Auxiliary to Bellevue Hospital. In 1956, the organization adopted its current name: the Auxiliary to Bellevue Hospital Center, Inc. Volunteers have entertained patients and provided caring assistance to those in need. Additionally, through the years, the Auxiliary's volunteers have launched innumerable projects to serve Bellevue's patients. For example, in 1941 the Auxiliary founded and began staffing three patient libraries located in the TB, general and psychiatric divisions. The Interfaith Chaplaincy Program also counts on Auxiliary volunteers to help them attend to the patients' spiritual needs. Volunteers have raised money for the hospital through a number of different enterprises and fundraising events, providing millions of dollars for the Hospital's needs. From thrift shops through coffee shops, the Auxiliary has been entrepreneurial in its approach to fundraising. The Auxiliary's Stuyvesant Square Thrift Shop at 80th Street is considered one of the best places in Manhattan to find inexpensive designer wear and other interesting clothes. The thrift shop is the successor to The Little Jack Horner Shop which opened during the Depression to serve patients and their families by providing low priced wares and clothing. The Bellevue Snack Bar opened on May 23, 1956 and has served physicians, staff and visitors to Bellevue Hospital while providing revenue for the Auxiliary's needs. Fifty years later the snack bar, now the Coffee Shop, continues to operate. The Bellevue Newsstand was created by the Auxiliary in 1970 and continues as a combination Newsstand/Gift Shop. Notwithstanding the changes that have taken place during the past 100 years, service continues to be the Auxiliary's primary mission. Today's Auxiliary is a vibrant organization comprised of caring and involved people who pride themselves on having an impact on the well-being of all of the patients of Bellevue Hospital Center. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the hard- working, caring and compassionate volunteers of the Auxiliary to Bellevue for their 100 years of service to the patients of Bellevue Hospital. Every patient who passed through its doors has benefitted from their dedication.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Pancyprian Association of America Choir and its 2006 honoree Nikos Mouyiaris. The Pancyprian Association of America Choir makes a remarkable contribution to American culture by combining the best of Cypriot and American song and music. Their focus on Cypriot music helps keep the dynamic culture of their heritage alive in the United States. The choir provides its fans a rich education in the music of both cultures. On November 4, the choir will be honoring my good friend, Nikos Mouyiaris. Nikos is an important, albeit unassuming, leader in the Hellenic-American community. He never seeks recognition for his actions, but he is unquestionably the one to go to get things done. If you need someone who will fight for human rights or help a student get an education, Nikos is the one to turn to. At a conference or gathering, Nikos will make his ideas and concerns heard, softly. Furthermore, because people know that Nikos is worth listening to, his thoughts often prompt people to take action. In short, Nikos is a man of deeds and vision. Nikos Mouyiaris was born in Athienou, Cyprus where he attended elementary and high school. He went to England for a short time and then emigrated to the United States. In the United States he received his bachelor of science degree in chemistry and was awarded a scholarship to Rutgers University where he received his masters of science. Since arriving in the United States, Nikos has achieved the American dream. Starting with $6,000 that he borrowed from his brother, Apostolos, Nikos created a successful business, Mana Products, that employs over 600 people. For nearly three decades, Mana Products has been an innovative participant in the beauty industry. Headquartered in New York, the company offers research, development, manufacturing and other operations. The company works with some of the most respected brands and professionals around the globe. In addition to his company, Nikos has interests in real estate as well as investments in other businesses. Nikos has never forgotten the place of birth, Athienou in Cyprus, where he helps to support the local home for the elderly, and has helped build a day care center. He has also provided funding for an archaeological expedition in the area of Athienou, Cyprus for Davidson College of North Carolina for several years. Nikos also works to promote Cypriot culture and human rights interests in the United States. As a member of the Board of Directors and Trustees of the Pancyprian Association of America, Nikos works to educate young Cypriot-Americans about the culture and ethnic customs of Cyprus and Greece, and to sponsor cultural events. He is a member of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, PSEKA, which seeks freedom and justice for the Cypriot people and promotes international human rights. Nikos and his wife Carol, who is his partner in business as well as in their personal lives, have two children, Alexis and Ariana. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Nikos Mouyiaris, a true American hero and a remarkable member of the Hellenic-American community.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Chian Federation, which is presenting its 29th annual Homeric Award to Adamantios (Dimis) Th. Vassilakis, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations. Their gala event has been organized under the leadership of the Chian Federation's President, George Almiroudis, and the Event Chair, who is also First Vice President of the Chian Federation, Alexandros Doulis. The Chian Federation was founded in 1974. Since then it has educated and empowered the Hellenic American community to exercise their rights and fulfill their obligations as American citizens. The Chian Federation has a strong record of advocating human rights and striving to promote democratic ideals. In addition to its political objectives, the organization sponsors a dance group; cultural events; a Web site; a magazine; business card exchanges; food, clothing and toy drives; a Senior Citizens' breakfast; and lectures on topics ranging from archaeology to health care. The Federation's accomplishments extend beyond the borders of the United States. On Chios, the Chian Federation has financially aided nursing homes, environmental groups for reforestation of the island, the Korais Library and the Office of the Repatriated Chians Organization, in addition to making substantial donations to the educational and health systems of Chios. The Chian Federation established the Homeric Award in 1977, with the idea of recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Hellenic community. Ambassador Vassilakis earned this honor through his outstanding service to Greece as a diplomat, and as a friend to the Hellenic community in New York. Ambassador Vassilakis was born on the island of Chios on June 13, 1942, where he grew up and received his basic education, graduating from the Commercial High School of Chios. He then attended the Free University of Brussels, Belgium earning a Licence in Political and Diplomatic Sciences. Mr. Vassilakis entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1972 as Embassy Attache, and was appointed Third Secretary of Embassy at the Greek Embassy in Tirana, Albania in 1975. In 1977, he moved to the Foreign Ministry's First Department of Political Affairs, he was Head of Section for the U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europe. He served as a member of various Greek delegations visiting Eastern European countries and was a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Common Market political experts meetings. In 1985, Mr. Vassilakis was made Consul General of Greece in San Francisco, California, where he was promoted to First Counsellor of Embassy. In 1989, he was appointed Head of Section for Bilateral Greek- United States, Iranian, Turkish and Arab Countries in the Foreign Ministry's Department of Bilateral Economic Relations. In 1990, Mr. Vassilakis entered the Department of European Community Affairs. In 1991, he was named Deputy Permanent Representative in the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations, and in 1994, he became Charge d'Affaires. In 1998, he was promoted to Minister Plenipotentiary (1st class). From 1999, Mr. Vassilakis served as Director General for European Affairs and Director of the Centre for Analysis and Planning in Greece's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2002, he was appointed to his present position. Ambassador Vassilakis is married to Fay Malouf-Vassilakis and they have two children, Theodore and Athena. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Chian Federation and its honoree, the Honorable Adamantios (Dimis) Th. Vassilakis.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Saint Jean Baptiste Church in New York City. The Church began celebrating its 125th anniversary year on Saturday, December 2nd. Founded by French- speaking residents of the Yorkville neighborhood in Manhattan, Saint Jean Baptiste began as a national church with special permission from the Holy See. Saint Jean Baptiste Church has since become a blessed sanctuary for Catholics of all backgrounds and a familiar and beloved institution on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The Societe Saint Jean Baptiste, founded by Gabriel Franchere in 1850, first launched a project to establish a national parish for New York's burgeoning francophone Catholic community under the guidance of Father Peter Cazeneuve. At an organizing meeting held in 1881, local worshipers resolved to hold religious services in a central location and took a collection, raising twelve dollars. This was but the first drop in what was to become a torrent of generosity from supporters of Saint Jean Baptiste. Before the erection of its first church, parishioners held services in a rented hall located over a stable, affectionately known as the ``Crib of Bethlehem.'' Because of their dedication to establishing their own congregation, John Cardinal McCloskey of New York granted Saint Jean Baptiste's parishioners permission to build their own church in 1882. Later that year occurred a groundbreaking and a ceremony blessing the cornerstone presided over by Archbishop Michael Corrigan. A decade later, the Church became a shrine to Saint Anne when the Right Reverend J.C. Marquis of Canada bore the relic of Saint Anne from Rome to the Church en route to Canada. When news spread that the relic of Saint Anne was to be shown to the parishioners, a large crowd filled the church that evening. One parishioner, an epileptic, was suffering from convulsions that were said to have been cured immediately upon being touched by the relic. In the following days and weeks, crowds estimated in the hundreds of thousands visited the little church, with many traveling from as far away as New England and the Middle Atlantic states. Deeply moved by the outpouring of devotion, Monsignor Marquis arranged to divide the sacred relic of Saint Anne, and a novena was dedicated in her honor. The relic was soon joined by another bestowed by Pope Leo XIII that was sent from the Shrine of Sainte Anne d'Apt in France. At the turn of the twentieth century, the Church of Saint Jean Baptiste opened another important chapter in its storied existence when it became the location of a Eucharistic shrine. Today, it is one of just two churches in all of New York City that are served by the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, an apostolic organization whose religious life centers on the power of the mystery of the Eucharist. Increasingly, Saint Jean Baptiste Church began to serve a diverse range of Catholics from all walks of life and backgrounds. A generous benefactor, Mr. Thomas Fortune Ryan, made significant contributions that allowed the Church to build a magnificent new building that could accommodate 1,200 worshipers. The international prize-winning design by Nicholas Serracino provided a church of the purest Renaissance style, constructed of Indiana limestone, with twin towers surmounting the edifice, arches and fluted pilasters supporting the rounded ceiling that covering three naves, a wide cornice extending around the nave and at the middle height of the apse, and an impressive approach of church- wide steps. The new building's cornerstone at Lexington Avenue and East 76th Street in Manhattan was laid in 1912, and the new Church was fully completed two years later. Today, Saint Jean Baptiste Church remains a thriving institution, offering spiritual sanctuary, education, social services, and a wide range of other programs to the people of New York City. Under the able stewardship of the Reverend Anthony Schueller, S.S.S., the Saint Jean Baptiste Church continues to uphold its proud history and traditions. Mr. Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary contributions to the civic and spiritual good of the people of New York City made by the historic Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church and its parishioners, past, present and future.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a dear friend and colleague, Congressman Lane Evans. I've gotten to know Lane through our work as co-chairs of the Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease. He is a deeply dedicated, kind, and courageous person who I admire and who I will truly miss. For the past 24 years, Congressman Evans has been a champion of veterans and Parkinson's issues on Capitol Hill and a great friend to both communities. Earlier this week, I was proud to see a bill passed that included a program, Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers, PADRECCs, conceived and created by Lane. By working with the former and current VA Administration, Representative Evans helped to establish these Centers that serve American veterans battling Parkinson's disease. As a former Marine, Ranking Member on the VA Committee, and person battling Parkinson's disease, Representative Lane Evans has a strong sense of mission about providing the highest standards of care for both constituencies. Though I am sad to see Lane go, I am encouraged by his commitment to help others and make a difference in people's lives. I hope to continue his legacy while working with the Working Group on Parkinson's Disease to find a cure for this terrible disease. This body is losing a true patriot, but we can all agree, Lane, that we are proud to know you, proud to have served with you, and are proud to honor you today.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her leadership on this extremely important issue and many others. I rise in strong support of this bill. We need to support our veterans when they are in harm's way; and when they return home, we have to give them the support for their health care and for their lives that they deserve. I am very pleased that the Veterans Administration is continuing to support the 23rd Street Veterans Hospital in Manhattan in my district, which is rated as one of the best veterans hospitals in this country, a center of excellence in six different categories. Under this bill, that hospital and other veterans hospitals and outreach centers will have additional support for mental health. Regrettably, many of our veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, and our veterans even from the Vietnam and the Gulf wars, are suffering from post-traumatic stress. Many of them have this challenge, and this bill addresses it and puts support there for our returning men and women. I am extremely pleased that one of the first bills that I ever introduced in this Congress, H.R. 4537, the Veterans Housing Fairness Act, is part of this bill. A home is a home whether you live in a condominium or in a traditional house or a mobile home or a townhouse. Yet, currently, VA loans cannot be used to purchase cooperative residential units. This bill corrects this and allows veterans, whether they live vertically in co-ops or horizontally in homes or in mobile homes, it allows them to use this loan to purchase their home. A home is a home for a veteran, no matter where they are. This will help many returning veterans and veterans that currently live in New York City. And I thank my colleagues for their support, particularly Senator Schumer in the Senate and of course Chairman Buyer and Ranking Member Filner for their hard work on this. Let me tell you that it is so important, what we are doing today. This includes many important provisions, and I thank them. As the cochair of the Parkinson's caucus, I am very pleased that the bill includes six Parkinson's Disease research education centers. Regrettably, many of our returning veterans are suffering from Parkinson's similar symptoms, and this will help us to research this, help our veterans and others suffering from Parkinson's. It is a thoughtful bill, it is inclusive, and I am particularly pleased that it is one of the first bills that I introduced; a home is a home whether it is a co-op or a mobile home, and our veterans will be able to use their VA loans to purchase the appropriate housing for them in the areas that they live. I thank all of my colleagues for their hard work on this. My colleague, Corrine Brown, we came to Congress together. I thank you very much. I thank as well Shelley Berkley.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 6407, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. I want to congratulate the Government Reform Chairman, Tom Davis, Ranking Member Waxman, Representative John McHugh from New York who has dedicated well over 11 years working on this, and Danny Davis who led the effort in the minority, and their counterparts in the Senate for their hard work in getting this compromise bill to the floor prior to the adjournment. The legislation before us will bring long overdue reforms to the operations of the postal service after almost 11\1/2\ years of negotiations between the House, the Senate and the administration. We reached an agreement on negotiated service agreements, work sharing, the rate cap and the authority of the Postal Regulatory Commission to design a new postal system. The $9 billion mailing industry is tremendously important to our economy. Had Congress failed to reach this compromise, the public and postal reliant businesses surely would have faced more frequent increases in postal rates in the near future. This bill will help to keep rates more stable by releasing the funds from an escrow account to pay retiree health benefits. Additionally, this relieves the Postal Service and postal customers of the $27 billion burden in military service payments by returning that responsibility to the Treasury. The legislation creates a new Postal Regulatory Commission with the authority to establish a modern system for postal rate regulation. The new PRC will improve the rate- setting process by reducing administrative burdens. As a result, consumers and postal-reliant businesses can expect a greater rate stability. I represent a large portion of the magazine industry which is enormously important both for the economy of New York and the country. High costs have forced many magazines out of business, including Mademoiselle, Mode, Brill's Content, and Industry Standard, leaving many workers without jobs. I also represent many postal workers, some of the 700,000 postal workers who rely on a healthy Postal Service for their livelihoods. We are hopeful that the legislation we passed today will satisfy many of the concerns of the postal employees, the postal-reliant businesses, and the U.S. Postal Service and consumers. With the passage of this legislation we can ensure the long-term viability of the Postal Service and the continuation of services on which this Nation relies. Once again, I commend my colleagues and the staff of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee, particularly Denise Wilson, for their hard work and dedication, and Jen Keaton from my own staff for their efforts in completing this task and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to First Houses, the first public housing development in the United States. This year, the New York City Housing Authority is celebrating the 70th anniversary of First Houses and the worthy ideals which it symbolizes. By creating the New York City Housing Authority seven decades ago, the leaders of our Nation's greatest metropolis launched an ambitious initiative to improve the lives of America's least privileged members by providing affordable housing that met high standards of sanitation, health and safety. The first fruit of that noble undertaking, the watershed First Houses development, was created by rehabilitating a series of tenements built in 1846. For the first time in American history, First Houses proved that government could provide a practical remedy to the shortage of decent affordable housing confronting citizens of low and moderate incomes. By removing every third building of those original tenements to expand light, air, and open space, combining backyards, and constructing a welcoming common courtyard and recreational area, those visionary civic leaders created in First Houses a vibrant and livable public housing development that became a model for the Nation. In a tribute to the momentous achievement marked by the opening of First Houses, the inaugural celebration of the complex was attended by two great New Yorkers and great Americans, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. Today, the approximately 174 authorized residents of First Houses live in eight attractive four- and five-story buildings located on 1.23 acres of land lying between East 2nd and East 3rd Streets and Avenue A and First Avenue on Manhattan's Lower East Side in New York's Fourteenth Congressional District, which I am privileged to represent in this House. Indeed, as is fitting for New York, traditionally a beacon of progressive ideals of social reform, First Houses also marked the first housing initiative of the newly founded New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the oldest public housing agency in the continent of North America. Throughout its history, the NYCHA has also been the largest public housing authority on the continent. Today it administers 344 public housing developments containing 2,686 buildings housing approximately 412,281 authorized residents in 179,025 different apartments. Today, more than one in twenty New Yorkers lives in public housing managed by the NYCHA, enough to constitute the population of the Nation's 44th largest city. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the historic 70th anniversary of First Houses, in congratulating Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York City Housing Authority Chairman Tino Hernandez for their dedication to maintaining and expanding New York City's affordable housing, and in recognizing the tremendous contributions to the people of the city of New York and our Nation made by the hard-working men and women of the New York City Housing Authority throughout its proud 70-year history.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1176, the ``Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act of 2006.'' This legislation would provide broad immunity to nonprofit athletic associations which enact rules governing athletic competitions. In some cases, these rules have resulted in injuries to children and participants including serious head and spinal injuries because of swimming pools that were too shallow for diving. I also have strong concerns that passage of this legislation would preclude victims of sexual assault from bringing civil lawsuits against nonprofit athletic associations which have acted negligently. Unfortunately, the Majority, in its rush to adjourn, has brought a bill to the floor that leaves children vulnerable to abuse. I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concerns with Turkey's progress toward meeting its European Union, EU, accession criteria. Today marks the deadline set by the EU for Turkey to demonstrate its willingness to implement the necessary policy changes prior to a summit scheduled for December 14-15 in Brussels, where the EU members will decide if Turkey will continue its accession process. In a report released last month, the European Commission criticized Turkey's efforts to fulfill its obligations. In many critical areas including political rights and economic reforms, Turkey has much work to do. For example, Turkey is expected to show greater respect for and protection of human, civil, and political rights by guaranteeing freedom of expression in line with European standards. Additionally, Turkey has yet to ratify the Additional Protocols to the European Charter on Human Rights. Turkey must do more to protect religious freedoms, guarantee legal protections for women and children, and comply with International Labor Organization standards, including the right to collective bargaining. The report also detailed necessary improvements to infrastructure still to be made as well as the signing of the Energy Community Treaty that establishes a regional energy market in southeast Europe. Finally, Turkey's obligations toward Cyprus remain unfulfilled. As part of this process, Turkey must normalize its relations with Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004. Unfortunately, Turkey still refuses to recognize Cyprus or open its ports and airports to Cypriot ships and airplanes. Additionally, Turkey has yet to extend the Customs Union to Cyprus to promote the free movement of goods and the removal of barriers to trade. If Turkey wants to join the EU, it should play by the rules. Turkey is fully responsible for the outcome of this process, including if talks break off. If Turkey truly wants to be a member of the EU, it knows what actions it must take. Turkey is at an important crossroads in determining its future. I will be watching with great interest to see how it handles all of these matters. I hope that it makes the right decision and takes immediate steps to meet its accession criteria.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, for three decades, Sutton Area Community, Inc., has served as the voice of New Yorkers residing on the East Side of Manhattan between 52nd and 59th Street, from Second Avenue to the East River. Founded to maintain and improve the quality of life in that historic neighborhood, Sutton Area Community (SAC) has united area residents on a myriad of concerns and its ranks now include over 2000 dues-paying members. On October 22nd, SAC celebrated its thirtieth anniversary at the internationally renowned Perigord restaurant, at which its members honored their community's extraordinarily dedicated and effective representative in the New York State Assembly, the Honorable Jonathan Bing. The dedicated members of Sutton Area Community, currently led by the estimable Mary Clare Bergin, have been at the forefront of efforts the surrounding community. Its volunteers have spearheaded local beautification initiatives. Thanks to the tireless efforts of SAC's members, seasonal planting and iron fence tree enclosures have been installed between Sutton Place and Second Avenue, and dozens of trees have been planted on and around First Avenue. In addition, SAC members serve as conscientious caretakers of three ``pocket'' parks at 54th, 57th and 58th streets. The carefully maintained greenery and flowers have created a ripple effect, inspiring owners and residents of neighboring buildings to make improvements to their own landscaping, making a community already renowned for its quiet elegance a charm an even more idyllic oasis for residents and visitors alike. The tranquil quality of life of Sutton Place and its environs is rendered even more remarkable for its proximity to midtown Manhattan, the most bustling and thriving commercial district in the entire United States. A constant concern for Sutton Area Community residents is the considerable traffic congestion due to the neighborhood's close proximity to the Queensborough Bridge and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Drive. After the New York City Department of Transportation made an ill-considered decision to close the 48th street ramp onto the FDR Drive, forcing over tens of thousands of motorists onto local streets, SAC worked with elected officials and civic organizations to overturn this ill-considered decision. Their persuasive and persistent lobbying ultimately won the day, and the ramp was reopened. In addition, the members of Sutton Area Community successfully fought a proposal to eliminate local bus stops. Such a move would have had very negative consequences on the neighborhood's significant population of seniors, and I was pleased to joined with SAC members, other elected officials and Manhattan Community Board 6 to urge successfully that the bus stops be restored. It is a testament to SAC and the strength of their organization that the stops remained in place. Armed with the knowledge that clean and safe streets are keys to maintaining the quality of life in an intense urban environment, SAC works closely with the 17th Precinct of the New York Police Department. Its members have former one of the largest groups of volunteer ``blockwatchers'' in New York City. SAC also has contracted with the Doe Fund, a not-for-profit organization that provides jobs for the homeless, to improve sweeping and sanitation of the streets. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in saluting the tremendous contributions to the civic life of New York City made by the members of the Sutton Area Community and their Assemblymember, Jonathan Bing, and in wishing them continued success at their vital mission in the years to come.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as the ranking member of the Financial Services Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Export-Import Bank, I am delighted to speak once again in support of S. 3938, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006. This bipartisan legislation was overwhelmingly supported by this body when it came to the floor in April as H.R. 5068, and was also strongly supported in the Financial Services Committee and the Small Business Committee on a bipartisan basis. We have all worked together on this, and I would like to thank Chairman Oxley, Ranking Member Frank, Chairman Manzullo, Ranking Member Velazquez, Chairwoman Pryce, Representative Waters and our staffs, especially Scott Morris and Joe Pinder of the Financial Services staff, Eleni Constantine from my staff, and many others for their very hard work on this bill. The bill that we consider today, though it bears a Senate designation, includes substantially all of the key initiatives that we included in our House bill. Chief among these are new provisions on small business competition and transparency. Our small business initiative starts with a new small business division within the bank run by a senior VP who will advise the board directly. Within the bank, the bill creates small business specialists with authority to approve smaller working capital loans and guarantees to speed up the process. The bill also creates a Small Business Committee to assist the bank in advancing its small business agenda. Within this division, the bill creates an office charged with expanding outreach to socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses and small businesses owned by women, and it also increases the amount of loans, guarantees and insurance provided by the bank to support exports by these small businesses. The bill also empowers and directs the bank to deal more forcefully and directly with the looming threat to the U.S. export economy posed by China, which is effectively subsidizing its exports through its currency and otherwise. Since China is not a member of the Organization For Economic Cooperation and Development, Ex-Im's export credit activities are a particularly important vehicle to level the playing field. This is also true for subsidized exports from other non-OECD nations such as Brazil, which are taking a greater share of the markets and unfairly challenging our exports. In this regard, the bill gives the bank greater authority to use the Tied Aid Fund, a fund established several years ago by Congress specifically to combat unfair export activities by other countries' export credit agencies. U.S. companies should not have to compete with one hand tied behind their backs and unfair subsidies to their competitors. I am also pleased that the pro-customer provisions that I was personally responsible for are part of this bill. They include notification requirements so that applicants know what is happening to their application and a mandate to improve Ex-Im Online to make it more user friendly and attract small business applicants. My constituents and many others have complained that the Ex-Im process is needlessly unhelpful and opaque, and these are simple steps to fix that problem. People should not have to wait for months, possibly even a year, to find out that one small item was missing from their application that caused them not to receive their support. We have also dealt with some regional issues that are of significance to broad constituencies. First, the bill asks the bank to consult with the African Development Bank and similar entities to increase the number of qualified African entities. Second, the bill prohibits the bank from funding railroad projects in the South Caucasus region that deliberately exclude Armenia, as Turkey has proposed. As a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and the representative of a large and vibrant Armenian community of Americans, I particularly want to thank my colleagues Joe Crowley and Representative Royce for their hard work on this issue. Allowing the exclusion of Armenia from important transportation routes would stymie the emergence of this region as an important East- West trade corridor. It is in our economic and security interests to ensure that we do not support the historic aggression between Turkey and Armenia. As the independent U.S. Government agency that assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to markets around the world through export credit insurance, loan guarantees and direct loans, the Ex-Im Bank has long played a key role in the economy of many of the districts that each of us represent. Today, more than ever, the future of the bank is of a great interest and concern because it has significant potential to affect the national economy, job growth and our trade imbalance. Our country now faces a record trade imbalance of over $800 billion, the largest trade imbalance in our history. This is one agency which can work on the trade imbalance issue as part of its mission. This reauthorization bill provides fresh guidance to the bank, as well as enabling it to carry on its very important work. I urge my colleagues to support it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member of the Financial Services Committee, the gentleman from the great State of Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the Empire State, my colleague and good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have no further requests for time, and I am about to yield back the balance of my time. But before I do, I would like to once again congratulate two of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who are retiring who served on this committee with great distinction, Chairman Leach and Chairman Oxley. I thank them for their service and for putting the safety and soundness and fairness of our financial institutions front and center on the concerns of this committee and for their attention and consideration to all points of view, including the minority. It was an honor to serve with them, and they served this country well. We will miss you.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease in strong support of H.R. 6342, which will protect the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs.) As a leader in the Parkinson's community, I commend the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for working to enact legislation that will formally establish the PADRECCs for the first time in statute. Significant contributions have been made by the Centers in research, education, and clinical care that benefit all Americans impacted by Parkinson's disease. The PADRECCs have served to elevate the quality, comprehensiveness, and access of care for veteran patients with Parkinson's disease and related disorders throughout the Veterans Health Administration. Through the six regional centers spanning the country and the National VA Parkinson's Disease Consortium, the VA is able to treat more than 79,000 veterans with Parkinson's disease. The efforts of these Centers are the model of innovation in the delivery of health care and research for chronic, progressive disease in the veteran population. The Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease learned earlier this year that the Centers' existence was in jeopardy-- seriously threatening the institutions' valuable research, education, and clinical care programs that benefit all Americans affected by Parkinson's disease. I believe that this bill must be enacted to ensure that the PADRECCs will continue providing valuable services to veteran patients, family members, and the entire Parkinson's disease community. The original bill to protect the PADRECCs was authored by my fellow Co-Chair of the Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease and friend Congressman Lane Evans. As you may know, Congressman Evans helped to create the PADRECCs. By working with the former and current VA Administration, Representative Evans helped to establish these Centers that serve American veterans battling Parkinson's disease. As a former Marine, Ranking Member on the VA Committee, and person battling Parkinson's disease, Representative Lane Evans has a strong sense of mission about providing the highest standards of care for both constituencies. I commend the PADRECCs for doing just that. Mr. Speaker, as you know, our colleague Lane Evans is officially retiring from the House of Representatives at the conclusion of the 109th Congress due to his struggle with Parkinson's disease. Congressman Evans has been a true champion of veterans and Parkinson's issues on Capitol Hill and great friend to both communities. As Representative Evans said in his retirement announcement, ``I believe strongly in serving people and working to make a positive difference in their lives.'' This bill uniquely speaks to the significant contributions Representative Evans has made in the lives of more than one million Americans living with Parkinson's disease and more than 24.5 million American veterans. I urge my colleagues to honor Lane Evans and vote yes on this important bill. I look forward to enactment of this bill that is so important to all those who struggle with the devastating effects of Parkinson's disease.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, the New York delegation is a strong and unified delegation. At the end of the 109th Congress, four of our colleagues and friends will be exiting Congress. Tonight, we honor them.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, last month, I attended the Supreme Court oral arguments on the so-called Partial Birth Abortion bill. You may recall that like the bill we have before us today, that bill included Congressional findings that found no basis in medical fact or science. The bill we are debating today is pseudoscience. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in consultation with physicians who are experts in fetal anesthesia and fetal surgery, knows of no legitimate scientific data or information that supports the statement that a fetus experiences pain. Requiring a physician to provide a patient with information that is not supported by scientific fact violates the established doctrine of medical informed consent. This bill is a clear attempt by the current antichoice majority to once again chip away at a woman's right to choose. H.R. 6099 does not inform women who are seeking abortions, it misinforms them. It forces doctors and nurses to distribute a brochure filled with biased language written by anti-choice politicians, most of whom have no medical experience. This bill has nothing to do with improving women's healthcare or increasing access to medical information. It is just one more attempt for politicians to impose themselves on the unique and important doctor-patient relationship, which should remain private. Mr. Speaker, in these last days of the 109th Congress, the anti- choice majority is lobbing a parting shot at American women. We shouldn't be wasting our time on bills that impede access to healthcare and impose further burdens on women seeking abortions. I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 6099, a bill where the science is unproven and the result is harmful.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Study of Ways To Improve the Accuracy of the Collection of Federal Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Royalties Act of 2006.'' I am pleased to be joined by Representatives Hinchey (D-NY), Grijalva (D-AZ), and Conyers (D-MI) in introducing this legislation. On May 7, 2006, the Washington Post reported allegations that American taxpayers are being shortchanged by oil and gas companies in the royalties that they are paying to the Federal Government (``Firms Harvesting Energy from Public Lands May Owe U.S.''). Jack Grynberg, a plaintiff in a false claims action against seventy-three energy and pipeline companies, was featured in the article. Based on his expertise, the legislation I am introducing asks the National Academy of Engineering to conduct a study regarding improving the accuracy of collection of royalties on production of oil, condensate, and natural gas under leases of both onshore and offshore Federal lands and onshore Indian lands. These valuable resources are owned by the American people, who should be fairly and accurately compensated. I believe that this study would prove invaluable in accomplishing this important goal and will tell us if there is a problem, including the extent of the problem, with the collection of royalties from Federal lands and Indian lands.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express may deep admiration for the work done by the Intrepid Foundation and the great Intrepid Sea- Air-Space Museum. The Museum, the world's largest naval museum, is housed on the historic and battle-scarred USS Intrepid. The Museum pays homage to the valiant efforts of the U.S. Armed Forces in defense of our liberties. Commissioned in 1943, the USS Intrepid is a unique educational resource that promotes public awareness of the history and future development of the sea, air and space sciences. The Intrepid fought valiantly in World War II, was a primary recovery vessel for NASA and then was sent to Southeast Asia where it launched the jets that supported our ground forces in Vietnam. During World War II, the carrier was hit by five Japanese Kamikaze suicide planes in separate incidents that killed dozens of crewmen and injured many others. Nonetheless, the ship exacted its toll on the Japanese air force, downing 43 planes and 4 kamikaze planes in one day. During the post-World War II period the Intrepid exemplified the United States' leadership and devotion to freedom. Unfortunately, despite its glorious past, there came a time when the ship was due to be scrapped. Zachary Fisher, founder of the Intrepid Foundation, rescued the ship in 1978 and arranged for it to be brought to Manhattan where it opened as a Museum in 1982. Visitors can explore some of the innovative aircraft that made America's air force the strongest in the world, from vintage World War II planes to the latest supersonic jets. The Intrepid's unique educational programs reach 40,000 school children each year, while the Foundation's Vocational-Technical program has helped hundreds of at-risk youth develop work and life skills. The Nation's men and women still serving in uniform are always at the forefront of the Foundation's activities. Its Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund provides financial support for the families of United States military personnel who have been lost in the line of duty, while Fleet Week is a celebration honoring those who are currently serving in our nation's military. Other Fisher Foundations serve the military in numerous ways. Zachary Fisher established the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation, which has provided funding to numerous military families who have lost loved ones under tragic circumstances. His Armed Services Foundation provides scholarship funds to active and former service members and their families. In 1990, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher began the Fisher House program, dedicating more than $20 million to the construction of 26 comfort homes for families of hospitalized military personnel. Since the program's inception, more than 35,000 families have stayed in Fisher Houses while their loved ones are receiving treatment. Thus, the Intrepid Museum is merely the most visible symbol of a enterprise entirely dedicated to serving our nation's men and women in uniform. Unfortunately, this great symbol of support for our armed forces is aging. During the past 24 years, the Intrepid has resided at Pier 86 in Manhattan, where she has been subjected to the storms, the vicissitudes of the Hudson River and a vast buildup of silt. All of that has taken a toll, and the Foundation has arranged for the ship to receive some loving care. The ship will spend 18-24 months in Bayonne, New Jersey being refurbished, while the pier is completely rebuilt. At the end of that period, the ship will return, better able to pursue its mission of honoring our Nation's heroes, educating the public and inspiring youth. As Robert Burns famously wrote, ``The best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley.'' Like many visitors to New York, the Intrepid simply did not want to go. Despite spending $1.6 million to dredge 15,000 cubic yards of mud and silt that had built up over the past 24 years, the ship could not be budged in the first try. With the support of my office and others, and under the leadership of Chairman Young, we have reached out to the Honorable Donald C. Winter, Secretary of the Navy, who has agreed to spending $3 million to free the ship from New York harbor. We are deeply grateful to him and to the Navy for their help with this effort. I would also like to thank and recognize, Gordon England, Deputy Secretary of Defense who has responded quickly and professionally to our requests and continues to keep us updated. Given the enormous support the Intrepid Foundation gives to our armed forces, and the extraordinary education visitors to the Intrepid receive, this is money well spent. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Fisher family, the Intrepid Museum, the Intrepid Foundation and the remarkable men and women who have made the Intrepid an extraordinary public resource.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a temporary duty suspension for certain umbrellas. These include golf umbrellas and fashion umbrellas with non-collapsible shafts for use by men, women and children. The current duty rate on these umbrellas is 8.2 percent, while the duty rate on similar umbrellas with collapsible shafts is 0 percent. There appears to be no purpose for this disparity; and yet it drives up the cost of the non-collapsible umbrellas for U.S. consumers. This measure is supported by Essex Manufacturing, Inc. whose headquarters are in my district. It also is supported by other leading umbrella producers, including Peerless Umbrella Co. in Harrison, New Jersey; Shedrain Corporation in Portland, Oregon; and Totes in Cincinnati, Ohio. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this measure next year.