Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the work of one of the leaders of the modern-day abolitionist movement, Ambassador John R. Miller, who has announced he will step down as Director of the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. He will be greatly missed. As Ambassador Miller has often reminded us, trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery. With that conviction, he has led his office, and the whole of U.S. government, on a mission to settle for nothing short of the abolition of this terrible international crime. Under Ambassador Miller's leadership, the U.S. government has grown in its commitment--both at home and abroad--against modern-day slavery. His work has helped spotlight the issue of slavery around the world, through the annual Secretary of State's Trafficking in Persons Report, diplomatic engagement, speeches and multiple prosecution, protection, and prevention programs around the world. Earlier this year, New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristof praised the U.S. commitment to abolishing modern-day slavery, noting: [T]he heaviest lifting has been done by the State Department's tiny office on trafficking--for my money, one of the most effective units in the U.S. government. The office, led by a former Republican congressman, John Miller . . . puts out an annual report that shames and bullies foreign governments into taking action against forced labor of all kinds. The 2006 Trafficking in Persons Report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons. Along with previous editions, its findings have raised global awareness and compelled countries to take effective actions to counter human trafficking. Under Ambassador Miller's direction, the Report has steadily increased its country assessment total each year--from 124 governments reviewed in 2003 to 158 countries assessed in the 2006 TIP Report. During that time, Ambassador Miller also oversaw crucial refinements to the Report, elevating the annual compendium to a level of sophistication rarely enjoyed by a publication of its kind: the Trafficking in Persons Report has become the gold standard on which governments and the media are able to weigh progress on the global effort to fight human trafficking. Annual release of the report has also generated increasing media coverage, helping raise global consciousness of the existence and widespread problem of modern-day slavery. Release of the 2006 Report, for example, produced widespread coverage by national and international print, broadcast, and Internet media, reaching, for the second year in a row, more than 400 million people across the globe. Media coverage was particularly intense in many of the Tier 3 and Tier 2 Watch List countries, such as Saudi Arabia and India. Today, the TIP Report is the essential reference for global benchmarks that challenge all governments to join the 21st century abolitionist movement. The annual Trafficking in Persons Report serves as the primary diplomatic tool through which the U.S. Government encourages partnership and increased determination in the fight against forced labor, sexual exploitation, and modern-day slavery. ``In our judgment,'' declared Dr. Mohamed Mattar, Executive Director of the Protection Project, ``this report constitutes the primary reference and main source of information on efforts made by foreign governments to combat trafficking in persons.'' Armed with the report, Ambassador Miller has engaged with governments from Japan to Jamaica, from Belize to Bangladesh, to bring about improved law enforcement, victim protection, and prevention of this odious crime. Worldwide, Ambassador Miller's diplomatic leadership helped spur new or improved anti-human trafficking legislation in 41 countries in 2005, along with the establishment of dozens of new survivor shelters. That effort paid huge dividends: anti-trafficking convictions worldwide increased from several hundred, before Ambassador Miller arrived at the State Department, to over 4,700 in 2005. Last year's figure--an increase from about 3,000 the year before--was especially dramatic among countries in Africa (from 29 TIP convictions in 2004 to 58 in 2005) and East Asia and Pacific nations (from 348 TIP convictions in 2004 to 2,347 in 2005). Specifically, Ambassador Miller's diplomatic efforts helped persuade Japan to vastly reduce the number of TIP-exploitable ``entertainment visas'' Japan issued for young women from the Philippines--to fewer than 5,000, from a high of 80,000 a year. In addition, Ambassador Miller has carefully honed the report's system of tier rankings to cultivate global anti-TIP efforts. This year, for example, Malawi rose from Tier 2 to Tier 1 on the TIP Report, while Ecuador rose from Tier 3 to Tier 2. Over the last 2 years, Ambassador Miller helped enhance the U.S. government's anti-trafficking efforts to include a greater focus against child sex tourism (CST), a crime in which people travel from their own country to developing countries, such as Laos or Cambodia, looking for anonymity and the availability of children in prostitution. Ambassador Miller's leadership against CST has netted success, as Time magazine recently observed: Those working to protect children in Cambodia agree that the police force has recently shown a far stronger commitment to targeting pedophiles. But it's not just law and order that is doing the trick. A new political will to root them out is the result of diplomatic incentives and pressures, both the carrots of international donors and the stick of the U.S. State Department, say child protection workers. . . . But the stick came in 2005 when the U.S. State Department, fed up with the impunity enjoyed by traffickers here, relegated Cambodia to it lowest tier three rating on its global trafficking report. Cambodia was lumped in with Burma, Cuba and North Korea, and Washington threatened sanctions against Phnom Penh for its inability to comply with `minimum standards' to combat human trafficking and convict officials involved. In part because of Ambassador Miller's efforts, since 2003 over 30 American pedophiles have been extradited back to the U.S. and sent to jail. With Ambassador Miller's prodding, the United States last December became an official party to the U.N. Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, also known as the Palermo Protocol. The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Protocol, which supplements the U.N. Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, is an important multilateral component of the worldwide effort to combat modern-day slavery. It seeks to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and promote anti-trafficking cooperation among nations. As chairman of the interagency Senior Policy Operating Group, Ambassador Miller has improved coordination among U.S. agencies, helping to make the panel a decision-making body whose participants have furthered the U.S. effort against trafficking in person both at home and abroad. For example, the Department of Justice (DOJ), in 2005 charged 116 individuals with human trafficking, almost doubling the number charged in FY 2004. Approximately 80 percent of those defendants were charged under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000. Forty-five traffickers were convicted, of which 35 were implicated in sexual exploitation. As of May 22, 2006, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had certified 1,000 victims of human trafficking since the TVPA was signed into law in October 2000. In FY 2005, HHS certified 230 foreign victims of human trafficking from a remarkably diverse array of countries. On a personal note, during his tenure as Director of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Ambassador John R. Miller has been a friend and colleague to those of us in Congress who have taken a leadership role against modern-day slavery. We wish him well in his future work as a Professor of International Studies at George Washington University.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ambassador Euripides L. Evriviades, who has served as the Cypriot ambassador to the United States since December 2003. As a co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I have worked closely with Ambassador Evriviades on several issues of importance to both the United States and Cyprus. He exemplified uncommonly exceptional service in building on the harmonious relations between our countries. Ambassador Evriviades worked diligently with Congress to ensure that lawmakers understood the importance of ending the division of Cyprus. Over the last three years, he has worked with untiring devotion to create awareness and compassion for finding a peaceful solution for Cyprus. I commend him for his commitment to the reunification of Cyprus. The people of Cyprus have been fortunate to have such an accomplished individual represent them not only in the United States but in a variety of other diplomatic posts. As a career diplomat, he has held positions at Cypriot embassies in Libya, USSR/Russia, Germany, and served as the Ambassador to Israel and the Netherlands before coming to Washington. As a testament to his exemplary public service over the years, he was lately honored with the King Legacy Award for International Service in recognition for his distinguished leadership and contributions and for his steadfast dedication to sharing and implementing Dr. King's historical work wherever he has traveled. While I am sad to see Ambassador Evriviades leave his post in the United States, I am grateful for his three years of stellar service. I am confident that he will bring this same level of passion and integrity to his next endeavor.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Bishop-Elect Mitchell G. Taylor. The Senior Pastor of the Center of Hope International and the Founder and President of the East River Development Alliance, Reverend Taylor has dedicated his life to serving his community, which includes Queensbridge Houses, the largest public housing complex on the North American continent, as well as the Ravenswood, Astoria and Woodside public housing developments. Reverend Taylor will be consecrated a Bishop in an Episcopal ceremony to be conducted next month in East Elmhurst, New York. Reverend Taylor has rightly earned national renown for his work to improve the quality of life for residents of public housing. He is also the author of Unbroken Promises, a work offering an inspirational and optimistic message of trust, faith, and hope for a better future. As the Senior Pastor at the Center of Hope International, a non- denominational church founded by his father more than four decades ago, he has overseen the Center's Victory After-School program serving hundreds of school children and the Bread of Life Food Pantry, which has fed thousands of hungry families. Reverend Taylor has been invited to deliver his inspirational message in lectures and speeches around the United States. Because of his leadership on issues involving public housing, he has been profiled in our nation's paper of record, The New York Times, and dubbed the ``Preacher in the Hood'' by the CBS television network. In order to more effectively serve his community, Reverend Taylor helped found the East River Development Alliance, or ``ERDA''. Working in close collaboration with government officials, tenant groups, parent-teacher associations, houses of worship, nonprofits, and other community organizations, ERDA has scored remarkable successes in expanding economic opportunities for the 30,000 residents in the surrounding community. ERDA also offers financial literacy and home ownership programs, enhanced extracurricular activities for local youth, college preparatory classes, free GED and computer courses, and job training and placement initiatives. With Reverend Mitchell's leadership, a neighborhood coalition was formed that undertook a successful campaign to attract a bank to the community. In addition to his extraordinary and selfless service to his community, Reverend Taylor is a loving family man dedicated to his wife Barbara and their two children Telisha and Mitchell, Jr. They live in the Long Island City neighborhood to which he has devoted himself, and which he has called home for forty years. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of his meritorious and selfless service to his community, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Reverend Mitchell G. Taylor on his elevation to Bishop and in paying tribute to his enormous contributions to civic life.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the Hellenic-Americans and Philhellenes in my district and throughout the country in celebrating ``OXI Day (No Day),'' which falls on the 28th of October. This year marks the 66th anniversary of a very important day in Hellenic history, the day on which brave Greek patriots said ``No'' to fascism, ``No'' to injustice, and ``No'' to slavery. For those individuals who lived through that momentous period and their descendants, many of whom live in the 14th Congressional District of New York, ``OXI Day'' is more than a memory: it is the embodiment of Hellenism and its highest ideals. On October 28, 1940, a terrifying sound went up throughout all Greek cities and towns, the sound of sirens and klaxons announcing the invasion of Greece by the Nazis. Walls that before had echoed only with the tolling of church bells now reverberated with the din of alarms. At a time when Europe was descending into the inferno of another world war, the people of Greece did not panic. Men went calmly to their closets and retrieved their military uniforms and weapons. Women went about their necessary tasks, and the children assisted as they were able. With level-headed determination and steadfast resolve, the citizenry of Greece mobilized against the coming invaders and delivered their resounding ``No!'' to the Axis aggressors. On OXI Day, the people of Greece chose the harder path, the path of resistance. If they had opened their gates to the invaders, much bloodshed and many deprivations might have been avoided. That brave generation of Hellenes, refused to submit to oppression, even at the cost of their homes, their land, and their lives. They chose to fight and even to die so that their children and the children of other nations might live in liberty. Theirs was an act of self-sacrifice that clearly proclaimed the humanitarian ideals of their Orthodox Christian faith and their ethnic heritage. Demonstrating poise under pressure, the heroes of that period fought against tyranny and delayed the Axis onslaught in the Balkan Peninsula. The Greek nation which said ``OXI'' contributed to the eventual downfall of the Fascist powers in Europe. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the heroes of OXI Day. In their brave words and deeds we see all of the highest virtues of Hellenic heritage: passion for justice, courage at a time of trial, unity in the midst of conflict, and willingness to sacrifice one's life for the good of others. On this day, we thank Greece for saying ``OXI.''

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 6166, the Military Commissions Act of 2006. Rather than allow a full and open debate on this important issue, the Majority has decided that 2 hours is sufficient and prohibited any amendments from being offered during consideration on the Floor. We all are committed to bringing the masterminds of the 9/11 attack and other terrorist plots to justice. However, I have strong concerns about several provisions of the bill before us today. First, by allowing the President to interpret Geneva Conventions requirements, H.R. 6166 would endanger American soldiers who for 60 years have been protected by those very provisions. Under this bill, the President could determine what methods constitute torture rather than banning torture outright. This loophole could leave our soldiers vulnerable to the same reinterpretations should they be taken as prisoners. Second, the bill prevents detainees from filing habeas corpus suits challenging their detentions in court. The indefinite detention of individuals who have been designated as enemy combatants without judicial recourse is very likely unconstitutional and rejects the long American commitment to the rule of law. Finally, rather than use the existing appellate military system, H.R. 6166 creates a new and untested Court of Military Commission Review that would handle appeals of military commission determinations. Amendments offered by Democratic members to address these three concerns were denied by the Republicans, and so the House today will debate a bill that raises serious constitutional issues. This is a shame. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 6166.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2679, the ``Public Expression of Religion Act.'' This legislation would eliminate awarding attorney's fees to individuals who win lawsuits under the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. While the proponents argue that the bill would protect public officials from lawsuits, what the bill will actually do is deny citizens from exercising their freedom of religion. Without the ability to recoup legal fees, the costs to bring a lawsuit against a defendant would be too high for most people to afford. This body should not be enacting legislation to deny Americans their day in court. H.R. 2679 is opposed by groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and the American Jewish Committee. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Reece School of New York City, which has been dedicated for 58 years to serving children who are intellectually capable but emotionally fragile and vulnerable. The oldest such special-education school in Manhattan, the Reece School has grown in size and stature from its founder's home to a new facility on the Upper East Side. On October 26, it will recognize a significant donation by officially naming its state-of-the-art building. The Reece School was established in 1948, in the home of Ellen Reece, as a response to the needs of children who were incapable of functioning in a traditional school setting. Today, it serves 90 students, from Manhattan and all 5 boroughs, who reflect the diverse communities of the City of New York. They represent middle- and lower- income families who care deeply about their children's future but lack the ability to pay privately for services beyond those offered by the school community. These families depend on Reece for the intellectual and emotional support that allows their children to progress and function as independently as possible, They rely on Reece for services that many other special-education schools are unable to provide. Over the years, the Reece School has grown out of Ellen Reece's home, out of its longtime Carnegie Hill location, and into a new home at 25 East 104th Street. For years, it has worked hard to be an integral part of its community. It has made its space available to several community groups, and has partnered with several community agencies and public schools to help improve the quality of life of Reece students and, in fact, of all children in the community. Thanks to a $12 million loan through Industrial Development Agency Bonds, Reece was able to emerge from its somewhat-cramped Carnegie Hill quarters and into a facility of unprecedented size and technology in July 2006. On October 26, the Reece School will officially name its new building the Elise M. Besthoff Building of the Reece School. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the outstanding contributions to the children and families of New York City made by the Reece School.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6143, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006. While I fully support this program and believe we must do everything we can to assist those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, H.R. 6143 will destabilize established systems of care and will be devastating for New York. While the HIV/AIDS epidemic has expanded, more than \1/2\ of all people living with AIDS in the United States reside in just 5 States: New York, California, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey. Under this bill's flawed formula, 3 of the highest prevalence States, including New York, will lose significant funding. New York City predicts a possible $17.8 million loss in the first year of implementation of this bill and potential increasing losses in each of the remaining 4 years of the reauthorization. In total, New York State expects losses of up to $78 million in the first 4 years of reauthorization. Of course, New York is not opposed to other regions of the country receiving more funding, but it should not be at the expense of New York. Instead, we should increase the authorization of appropriations for the program so that we do not pit states against each other. I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill so that the Committee can find a compromise that will not result in reduced funds far anyone State.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5825, the ``Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act.'' Yet again, the Republican Majority has brought legislation to the Floor that disregards the rights of American citizens. H.R. 5825 would give the executive branch broad discretion to eavesdrop on Americans without judicial review or sufficient oversight from Congress. Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, we have learned more and more about the secret programs run by this Administration that violated long-standing U.S. laws and policies. I know that we all agree that obtaining intelligence to prevent terrorist attacks is a high priority. However, innocent Americans should not have to worry that their phones have been tapped or their emails are being read. It is a shame that the bill before us today leaves out the sensible provisions of the bipartisan Schiff-Flake-Harman-Inglis substitute which would require congressional oversight of surveillance programs, extends from 72 hours to seven days the amount of time allowed to initiate surveillance in an urgent situation before going to the FISA court for a warrant, and increase the speed of the FISA process. We should be standing up for the Constitution today and not passing legislation that tramples all over it. I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Senator George Onorato, an outstanding New Yorker and a great American. For more than half a century, George Onorato has distinguished himself as a dedicated public servant devoted to his family, his State, and his country. Senator Onorato is an accomplished and hardworking legislator who is well respected by his colleagues. After his election to the New York State Senate in 1983, he successfully sponsored legislation benefitting seniors, consumers, tenants, Medicare patients, the environment, and current and former members of the U.S. armed forces. George Onorato has held positions in Senate leadership since 1992, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Minority Conference, as a member of the Policy Committee of the Senate Democratic Conference, and as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Insurance. Because of his leadership on issues affecting the environment and air quality, he was appointed Co- Chairman of the State Senate's Democratic Task Force on Energy & Conservation. Senator Onorato also serves on the Minority Task Force on Waterfront Development, a platform he has used to promote one of his most cherished goals, creating more affordable housing for the elderly and for moderate and low income New Yorkers. He is a past President of the Conference of Italian American Legislators. In addition to his tenure in the State Legislature, Senator Onorato has distinguished himself in service to his country. He served in the United States Army, 118th Medical Battalion from 1950 to 1952, and was awarded a Presidential Citation. To this day, he remains a champion for veterans and their families as well as current members of the armed forces. As a member of the Senate Minority Task Force on Vietnam Veterans and the Acting Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Senator Onorato was a sponsor of legislation providing student aid to Vietnam veterans, and in 1997 introduced legislation to increase the level of such funding. He sponsored and supported legislation to help develop a data base for research on dioxin-related birth defects of children born to Vietnam veterans. In 2003, Sentor Onorato was one of the founders of the bipartisan New York State Armed Forces Legislative Caucus, which he currently co-chairs. Just as noteworthy as his dedication to public service, George Onorato is a devoted and loving family man. He is married to the former Athena Georgakakos. They have three adult children, Joanne, George and Janice, and six grandchildren. His wife regularly accompanies him to legislative sessions in Albany, where the two of them are a universally admired and inseparable couple. Senator Onorato and his wife are equally devoted to their community. A lifelong resident of Astoria, Senator Onorato, is active in numerous civic organizations. Since 1972, he has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Taminent Regular Democratic Club, one of the largest and most prominent Democratic Clubs in our nation's greatest city. Senator Onorato has also served as a Democratic Leader of the 36th Assembly District since 1977. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of his courageous wartime service to our country in the United States Army, to the people of the State of New York, and to his beloved family, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me to pay tribute to the enormous contributions to civic life made by the Honorable George Onorato.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a constituent of mine, forensic scientist Elaine Mar. Ms. Mar is the retiring Supervisor of the World Trade Center DNA Identification Unit of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner [OCME]. For 4\1/2\ years, she has shown extraordinary leadership and made a commitment to public service far above and beyond the call of duty. She has remained fully dedicated to putting names to the innocent victims of 9/11 and allowing their return to their families so that they may be laid to rest with dignity and love. She has been the quintessential ``behind the scenes'' hero. On the morning of September 11, Elaine was flying from New York's Laguardia airport to San Francisco, which was grounded in St. Louis as a result of the attacks that day. When she returned to New York she was detailed by the Medical Examiner to the lab, helping clear the decks of the rape and homicide case work that is the normal business of the OCME. But by late November, she was part of the team working to identify over 20,600 human remains of 2,749 people who died in Manhattan. By December, she was the lead supervisor of that team, and has continued in that role well into 2006. Although I am told that she never sought managerial advancement, Elaine was a gifted leader under the most incredible of pressures. Many professional forensic scientists have left this project. Some have found the work so heartbreaking that they have left the profession altogether. Despite the staggering weight of her task, Elaine has always been wholly dedicated to the identification effort; for the first three full years she could almost always be found still at her desk at 11, midnight or 1 a.m. On more than one occasion, she worked straight through the night on a complicated DNA identification, surprising colleagues when they arrived in the morning. Elaine Mar has been the only person who has worked on identifying--quite literally-- truckloads of fragmented human life for nearly the entire time since we were attacked. Partly because of her humble approach to her responsibilities, only a few people appreciate how many of those killed have been identified solely because of Elaine Mar's faithful and steadfast commitment to the victims and their families. She has led her team by example, showing a professionalism and selfless citizenship that inspires those around her. On the few occasions where recognition for the work of her team has been given, she has put forward one of her subordinates to accept the thanks of a grateful city. However, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Ms. Mar for all the work she has done for a grateful city and nation. I wish her well as she makes a new life for herself in Michigan.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4772, the ``Private Property Rights Implementation Act.'' This bill strips local governments of their authority to enforce zoning regulations by allowing real estate developers to bypass the State courts and go directly to Federal courts to challenge local zoning decisions. While I strongly believe in the rights of property owners, zoning is an important tool of local governments to maintain livable communities where residents and businesses can coexist. The city of New York opposes this legislation because it would intrude upon its authority over local land decisions. Additionally, this bill is opposed by a coalition of groups including the League of Conservation Voters, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. I am puzzled about why the Republican Majority feels that this bill should be voted on before we adjourn when there are so many other issues like increasing the minimum wage and implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission that have yet to be considered by this body. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the International Women's Freedom Act of 2006. This legislation establishes an Office of International Women's Rights within the State Department headed by the appointed Ambassador at Large, and additionally, would create a United States Commission on International Women's Rights. The positive links between the empowerment of women and effective and sustainable development are very clear and this legislation would seek to protect women's rights by channeling U.S. security and development assistance to countries that are not found in gross violations of women's rights. According to the World Bank, when men and women are equal within a society, not only do the poor move more quickly out of poverty, but economies flourish and familial well-being is enhanced. I believe that all people, regardless of gender, should have the power to shape their lives and participate in their communities without the fear of oppression. When given the tools they need, such as education, access to employment, land, and economic assets, and the opportunity to contribute to civic life, women and girls improve their situation in society and have a positive impact on society as a whole. By annually reviewing the status of women's rights in each country and designating countries of particular concern, more succinct policy recommendations can be made to the President, the Secretary of State and the Congress. In 1998, Congress created a Commission on International Religious Freedom, and the bill I am proposing today is modeled after it. According to news reports, the Commission on International Religious Freedom has made substantial progress towards expanding religious freedom in Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan. We require the State Department to issue reports on battling international bribery, religious freedom, and narcotics control, among many others. Creating a report on the status of women's rights is vitally important to assuring the rights of women worldwide.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 46th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. It was on October 1, 1960, that Cyprus became an independent republic after decades of British colonial rule. I am very fortunate and privileged to represent Astoria, Queens--one of the largest and most vibrant communities of Greek and Cypriot Americans in this country. Among my greatest pleasures as a Member of Congress are participating in the life of this community and the wonderful and vital Cypriot friends that I have come to know. As a full-fledged member of the European Union, Cyprus is playing a vital role in European affairs while also strengthening relations with the United States. Last year, the United States and the Republic of Cyprus signed a reciprocal Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Ship Boarding Agreement, which is aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Cyprus was the first EU member to sign this agreement. Unfortunately, the commemoration of Cyprus' Independence Day this year, as in the past, is clouded by the fact that Cyprus continues to be illegally occupied by the Turkish military forces, in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, and to this day continues to maintain an estimated 35,000 heavily armed troops. The peaceful and cooperative spirit in the person-to-person, family-to-family interactions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots is an encouraging sign for the successful reunification of Cyprus. However, it is time for Turkey to remove its troops from the island so that Cyprus can move forward as one nation. I remain hopeful that an end to this division will be achieved. I believe that the United States must play an active role in the resolution of the serious issues facing Cyprus. Cyprus and the United States share a deep and abiding commitment to democracy, human rights, free markets, and the ideal and practice of equal justice under the law. Despite the hardships and trauma caused by the ongoing Turkish occupation, Cyprus has registered remarkable economic growth, and the people living in the Government-controlled areas enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living. I also want to commend Cyprus for its critical support in helping citizens from many nations including the United States as they evacuated from Lebanon earlier this year. The relationship between Cyprus and the United States is strong and enduring, and we stand together celebrating democracy and freedom.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, our Nation desperately needs comprehensive immigration reform, but the Republican majority is more interested in playing politics with this issue than working towards a true solution. We need to make sure that we have control of our borders. That is why I support H.R. 4830, the Border Tunnel Prevention Act, and why I have previously supported other efforts to secure our border including the expansion of physical barriers and fencing in key areas. H.R. 4830 supports the sound policy of amending the federal criminal code to prohibit the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel under our border and we are right to ensure strict penalties for anyone who does this. However, if the Republican leadership was truly serious about securing our borders and preventing the entry of undocumented immigrants, they would fully fund the additional 10,000 border agents that we authorized when we passed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, Public Law 108-458, last year. The addition of these agents, which had broad bipartisan support, was a provision that would have a direct impact on securing both our Southern and Northern borders and had broad bipartisan support. However, when it comes time to fund these additional agents, Congress consistently comes up short. There are two other provisions that we are considering that I do not support--H.R. 6094, the so-called Community Protection Act and H.R. 6095, the so-called Immigration Law Enforcement Act. I oppose H.R. 6094, the so-called Community Protection Act, because it would overturn two Supreme Court decisions that currently prevent unlawful indefinite detention of non-citizens. If passed, it would permit the indefinite and perhaps permanent detention of non-citizens who cannot be deported due to no fault of their own. The severe curtailment of Due Process in this provision will lead to erroneous removal of people who should not have been deported, such as U.S. citizens who could not quickly provide proof of their U.S. citizenship, or an abused spouse or child who could not quickly show their eligibility for relief under VAWA or someone who was not in fact inadmissible due to a criminal ground of inadmissibility but could not timely hire a lawyer who knew the complex case law that governed his or her admissibility. I oppose H.R. 6095, the so-called Immigration Law Enforcement Act, which would harm the relationship between the police and immigrants and citizens. It will obstruct police in their mission of keeping our streets safe. Essentially the bill is asking the State and local police to pick up the slack for the Federal Government. That is why it is opposed by scores of professional law enforcement associations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Major Cities Chiefs Association. They know this is a bad idea and I urge my colleagues to join them in opposition to this bill. Finally, I want to reiterate my support for comprehensive immigration reform. Not only do these bills fail to adequately address that need, but they could actually make our system more dysfunctional. These bills do not significantly enhance border security or address undocumented immigration; rather, they would limit the basic rights and protections this nation were founded upon. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the Republican majority is more interested in looking like they are doing something, than actually solving the problem. The American people know better and they know political maneuvering and inaction when they see it.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. True to form, in the pre-election rush, the majority is pushing through legislation that does nothing to protect the health and safety of our children but instead harms them. We already voted on this legislation in April. Why are we voting on the bill today? It's simple, the Child Interstate Notification Act is a sweet treat for the anti- choice right, the exact group the Majority is courting these next 6 weeks. This bill harms families by encouraging relatives to seek civil action against each other. It tells young women that if they cannot confide in their parents, they are simply out of luck and must face this difficult situation alone. And, it prevents minors from counting on the adults they trust: their counselors, their older siblings, their friends and their clergy. Mr. Speaker, in a perfect world, children would openly communicate with their parents. In a perfect world, we would not be faced with unintended pregnancies. But these are tumultuous times, and the world is far from perfect. That does give us license to pass imperfect laws. The bill before us provides no exception for the health of the mother, as required by the Supreme Court. And, it violates States rights by forcing the laws of one State onto another. Mr. Speaker, this is a bad bill. I urge you to oppose this bill and put the safety and well-being of America's young women before the political agenda of the anti-choice majority. I urge a ``no'' vote.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker; 2006 marks the 100th anniversary of Jewelers of America (JA), the oldest national association for retail jewelers. Founded in 1906 in Rochester, N.Y. and now headquartered in New York City, Jewelers of America is both a center of knowledge for the retail jeweler and an advocate for professionalism and high social, ethical and environmental standards in the jewelry trade. In the past century, Jewelers of America has established itself as a leader in the educational, social and political support of retail jewelers. Today, the association represents 11,000 member stores and has 42 state and regional affiliates. Throughout its existence, the association has provided meaningful and relevant educational programs that reflect the changing technologies available to jewelers. Jewelers of America believes that recognizing members' knowledge and skills benefits consumers and the entire jewelry industry. To that end, JA has established certifications that evaluate jewelry sales associates, store managers and bench jewelers by a set of national skills standards. JA also provides educational scholarships for its members. As a leader in the jewelry industry, Jewelers of America has worked with non-governmental organizations, fellow industry trade organizations and political leaders to establish responsible business practices for the national jewelry industry. JA was centrally involved in the 2002 adoption of the international Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, the landmark initiative aimed at stopping the trade of conflict diamonds. Realizing that trust is a key component to the jewelry industry's growth, Jewelers of America created a standardized code of ethics in 1997 to reinforce consumer confidence in the professional jeweler. According to the code, JA members must maintain the highest possible ethical standards in their business dealings. As Jewelers of America enters its second century, it remains committed to independent jewelers and the tradition of honest and fair business practices they uphold. Conscious that it represents retailers who help their customers celebrate love and commitment, Jewelers of America rededicates itself to these noble aims. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Jewelers of America.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation that will fortify the current Federal debarment system. The United States is the largest consumer in the world and invests over $215 billion in goods and services annually. Yet the Federal government's watchdogs, the Federal suspension and debarment officials, currently lack the information they need to protect our business interests. We have no central way of accounting for the performance of our purchases. Beyond a listing of currently debarred or suspended persons, officials are limited to their individual agency's knowledge of an entity's track record, press reports and personal contacts with other agencies. The American public's knowledge is limited even further. Often times this allows Federal contractors and assistance recipients to repeatedly violate Federal law yet still receive millions of dollars from the Federal government. In a time when corporate accounting scandals are being revealed at an unprecedented pace, isn't it wise to have a full accounting of the Federal government's investments? The Contractors Accountability Act of 2006 establishes a centralized database on actions taken against federal contractors and assistance participants, requiring a description of each of these actions. This will provide debarring officials with the information they need to protect the business interests of the United States. It places the burden of proving responsibility and subsequent eligibility for contracts or assistance on the person seeking contracts or assistance should they have been previously convicted of two exact or similar violations that constitutes a charge for debarment. Additionally, it improves/clarifies the role of the Interagency Committee on Debarments and Suspension and provides for retention by the prosecuting Federal agency of fines paid by offender for reimbursement of costs associated with suspension and debarment activities.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Bette Dewing, a great New Yorker. Bette Dewing is devoted to her community on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and in recognition of her selfless dedication to the well-being of others and her significant achievements on behalf of the quality of life in New York City, she is being honored this month by the East 79th Street Neighborhood Association. For decades, Bette Dewing has served on the front lines of the fight to preserve and enhance her fellow New Yorkers' quality of life. A longtime columnist at the premier local newspaper of Manhattan's East Side, Our Town, Bette Dewing has used her public platform expertly and effectively to become an unparalleled advocate for her fellow New York City residents on a wide range of issues. She has been perhaps the Big Apple's leading champion for enhancing pedestrian safety, focusing the attention of government officials on a host of urban ills, most notably the need to curb traffic lawlessness. No New Yorker has done more to combat illegal bicyclists, skateboarders and motorists, whose careless and often selfish behavior is a menace to city pedestrians, in particular to seniors and persons with physical disabilities. A founder of a community-based advocacy organization, Pedestrian First, Ms. Dewing is perhaps more responsible than any other for starting the drumbeat of protest against those who would encroach on the space and safety of her fellow New Yorkers, a call that has since been echoed by many elected officials and municipal government leaders. Some of Bette Dewing's most important advocacy occurred when she presciently called for a renewed emphasis on the preeminence of family life, respect for the many contributions to our society by the elderly, and a return to civility. Her wise counsel to younger generations to maintain strong family ties is one that everyone should embrace. Similarly, her manifestoes urging a return to a culture in which a prevailing civic-mindedness--including courtesy and consideration for others--is the rule, not the exception, have since been taken to heart by many New Yorkers. In being honored by the East 79th Street Neighborhood Association, Bette Dewing's achievements are being recognized by one of the most important civic associations in our Nation's greatest metropolis. Representing the residents of Manhattan's Upper East Side living on or around East 79th Street, the dedicated membership of East 79th Street Neighborhood Association and its distinguished and estimable president, Betty Cooper Wallerstein, have made immeasurable contributions to improving the quality of life of their neighbors and their community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the outstanding contributions to the civic life of New York City made by Bette Dewing.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today, along with Representative Lynn Woolsey and Representative Jerrold Nadler, I am introducing legislation that would combat human sex trafficking by using the tax code to put traffickers in prison. Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. Instead of dreams of better jobs and better lives, they are trapped into a nightmare of coercion, violence, and disease. However, trafficking is not just a problem in other countries. In addition to the men, women, and children from around the world who are brought into the United States for the sole purpose of being bought and sold by American citizens for commercial sex, in many communities, the victims themselves are Americans. The legislation, which is based on an amendment attached by Senator Grassley to S. 1321, the ``Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005,'' would authorize $2 million toward the establishment of an office within the IRS Criminal Investigation division to prosecute sex traffickers for violations of tax laws. This office would coordinate closely with the existing task forces in the Department of Justice that are focused on sex trafficking offenders. The IRS would be directed to focus on the willful failure of traffickers to file returns, supply information, or pay tax where the taxpayer is an ``aggravated'' non-filer. Additionally, the provision establishes a new felony offense for an aggravated failure to file to include failure to file with respect to income or payments derived from activity which is criminal under Federal or State law. The aggravated failure shall carry a maximum sentence of ten years per failure and shall increase the penalty from $25,000 under current law to $50,000. The legislation also increases other penalties for underpayment or overpayment of tax due to fraud. The bill works to the benefit of the women and girls that are victimized by the traffickers not only by removing the traffickers from the streets but also by revising the IRS Whistleblower provisions that are currently in place so that the women and girls who choose to participate in the investigation of the trafficker will be eligible to participate in the whistleblower program and may ultimately receive some payment for their participation. It is important that we protect the victims of the sex trade industry, and punish the predators who exploit them.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I fully support this legislation to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal upon Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. His Holiness is a spiritual beacon for thousands, and he has traveled the world to develop common ground among different faiths. He stands for and embodies peace and harmony. I also honor the Dalai Lama for his continuing work to expand freedoms for the Tibetan people. Under Chinese rule, the human rights situation in Tibet is reprehensible--religious and political freedoms are severely curtailed and thousands of Tibetans have died. Practicing compassion and non-violence, the Dalai Lama has met with world leaders and has attempted to engage the Chinese government to reach a solution that will give freedom to his people. Regrettably, the Chinese government has been stubborn in its resistence, but I hope they will soon have a change of mind and heart about the situation in Tibet. As a spiritual force and as a head of state, the Dalai Lama shows us all the meaning of peace and compassion. He deserves this honor, and I thank the leadership for bringing the bill before us.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for leading so strongly on this important issue, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 2965, of which I have been a lead sponsor in many prior Congresses. This bill will bring comprehensive, fundamental, and balanced reform to the Federal Prison Industries, which is long overdue. This bill before us reflects improvements upon the bill in the 108th Congress, which passed 350-65. At the core of the bill is providing access to the Federal contract opportunities, now reserved for FPI because of its status as a mandatory source of supply for the various Federal agencies. In fiscal year 2004, that amounted to $802 million in business opportunities upon which private sector firms had no opportunity to bid. It will also protect jobs of American workers. FPI will no longer be able to come in and arbitrarily announce that they are taking their work, their contracts away, which happened to my constituents. Like many in this Chamber, I came to this issue from a problem created by FPI. FPI was about to take the contract that Glamour Glove, a manufacturer in my district, had won from the Department of Defense on a competitive basis. Glamour Glove, now called Glove Street, was the last union shop glove manufacturer in New York, and its proud members are members of UNITE. Working with my friend from Michigan, Mr. Hoekstra, and the leadership of UNITE, we were able to persuade the FPI board to change its plans. I know that my constituents were wondering why they had to seek the mercy of six people in Washington and the FPI board of directors to maintain their jobs. Out of that experience, Mr. Hoekstra and I began working together to put forward an opportunity for American workers to compete for these jobs. Each year, the bill has been modified to provide alternative rehab work opportunities for Federal inmates, and I congratulate Mr. Frank for his leadership and Mr. Conyers on the amendments they have added to improve the bill. From the outset of our effort, Mr. Frank led our effort to find alternative-inmate work opporunties for Federal inmates that would not provide unfair competition with non-inmate workers. First, by doing public service work for non-profit organizations that serve the poor. This first step has been broadened in each succeeding year. In the last Congress, we granted authority for Federal inmates to provide work in support of units of local government and special purpose districts, such as school districts. Protections were included against any displacement of non-inmate workers, either public employees or private sector. During the Committee's consideration H.R. 2965, they added a Work- based Employment Preparation Program for Federal inmates. This program will provide Federal inmates with access to work-based training under the tuteledge of real-world employers. Again, the new provision has clear and enforceable protections against unfair competition with non- inmate workers and the firms that employ them. When H.R. 2965 is enacted into law, working men and women, who perform contracts for the Federal Government will no longer have to be concerned that FPI will simply be able to take their work opportunities. They will have a chance to bid on the Federal contracts that are funded by their tax dollars. I look forward to this debate. The proponents are on the right side and have the strong support of the business community and organized labor, as well as federal managers, represented by the Federal Managers Association.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, on September 14, 2006, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall votes 442 and 443. Rollcall vote 442 as on the Scott Amendment to H.R. 2965, ``The Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act.'' Rollcall vote 443 was on final passage of H.R. 2965, ``The Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act.'' As a lead sponsor of H.R. 2965, had I been present I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote 442 and ``aye'' on rollcall vote 443.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I almost didn't want to talk about this, it is so painful for many of us to remember those tragic days and those tragic events. Monday was a very difficult day, and I thank my colleagues. Many of you came to New York to remember. Our President was there, and many others. It has been 5 years, and we spent the day with families and had many memorial ceremonies. But it is important to remember that although it was a tragic loss, it was also considered by some to be the greatest rescue effort in our history. On 9/12, when I was in various meetings with government officials, they estimated that 25,000 people had died in the towers. But because of the heroic efforts by many, that number fell to almost 3,000. So on that fateful day, almost 3,000 lost their lives, but many thousands more lost their health. We have to remember that these heroes/heroines need to be taken care of. To this day, not one single Federal dollar has been spent on the health care of the 9/11 responders who need our help. We need to change that. We need to stand by them and give them the support that they need. Because of the efforts in this Congress, and I thank my colleagues, never have we been more united or determined. We came together and provided a lot of relief and support to New York, and I deeply thank you on behalf of all of my constituents and all New Yorkers. But we have to remember that many people are sick. In the study that came out of Mount Sinai that was funded by this Congress, $90 million to track the health of the people, over half are still sick. Seventy percent are very sick and 40 percent have no health care. We need to change that. We need to stand together and help these people, as we stood together after 9/11 to help our country In my hometown, nearly 3,000 of our neighbors, responders and friends were killed by the despicable terrorist acts of 9/11. They may be gone, but their memories are forever alive, especially when we honor them, as we do today. In reading this resolution before us, four words that are particularly poignant were our call for unity immediately after 9/11-- ``We will never forget.'' When recovering and moving forward from 9/11, we must live by this mantra. ``We will never forget'' means heeding the lessons 9/11 taught us about our security. Our deficiencies were expertly explained by the bipartisan 9/11 commission, and their recommendations provided a blueprint to make us safer. Two years ago, I helped pass the intelligence reform bill that implemented some of the commission's recommendations, but it took a monumental struggle. And since then, not a single remaining recommendation--of which there are many--has been implemented. In its final progress report, the commission gave the government more F's than A's. The blueprint is sitting on the shelf, collecting dust. We cannot forget its existence. ``We will never forget'' also means taking care of those who continue to suffer, even now. Thousands of responders, residents and workers who were at or near Ground Zero and inhaled the toxic dust are developing serious illnesses--and some are dying. Many Americans became aware of their plight before of their plight before the fifth anniversary, but now the news cycle has changed. The ailing men and women are out of the headlines again, but they still suffer and struggle to get help. Before the Federal Government failed to respond to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, it was failing to respond to the obvious and growing 9/11 health crisis affecting some of our bravest Americans. This is like Katrina in slow motion. For five years, the Federal Government has either denied the problem or reluctantly offered weak assistance. The ailing men and women need their government to roll up its sleeves and tackle the problem with all its might, just like our responders did when acting for our country. Instead, their government is tiptoeing around the crisis. ``We will never forget'' means ensuring everyone who was exposed to toxins is examined and everyone who is sick is treated. It is just that simple.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation that will end the unfair government-sponsored monopoly enjoyed by Federal Prison Industries. H.R. 2965 is a good bill that will protect the jobs of American taxpayers. According to the National Economic Council, 2.9 million manufacturing jobs have been lost since 2001. We should do everything possible to keep workers employed. FPI is, not competing on a level playing field. It pays its workers just pennies and is not required to pay taxes. With its predatory practices, FPI has contributed to the closure of private companies and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs throughout the Nation. This legislation will ensure that contracts are awarded to the company that will provide the best products, delivered on time, and at the best prices, thereby saving taxpayer dollars and protecting good jobs. In short, the way the free market is supposed to operate. H.R. 2965 also provides valuable alternative rehabilitative opportunities, including work in support of nonprofit, public service organizations, to better prepare inmates for a successful return to society. The bill enjoys broad bipartisan support, and has previously passed the House overwhelmingly. Additionally, H.R. 2965 has support from much of the business community and organized labor. I urge my colleagues to vote for this legislation and to oppose any amendment that will weaken the underlying bill.