Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Federation of Dodecanese Societies of America and Canada, which is celebrating 56 years of independence for the Dodecanese Islands, which are located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. After five centuries of foreign rule, the Hellenic people of the islands not only survived occupation, but retained their heritage, ethnicity and religion, as well. The Federation is a link between the many Dodecanese societies in North America and current residents of the Dodecanese Islands of Greece. More than 40,000 people of Dodecanesian descent live in the New York City area and contribute significantly to our community and economy. The Dodecanese Federation was formed in New York in the 1920s and played a major role in the struggle for the liberation of the Islands. They joined in the celebration when, on February 10, 1947, the Paris Peace Treaty was signed, reuniting the Dodecanese Islands with the Greek mainland. The text of the Treaty states in part, ``Italy hereby cedes to Greece in full sovereignty the Dodecanese Islands indicated thereafter, namely Stampalia, Rhodes, Calki, Scarpanto, Casos, Piscopis, Misiros, Calimnos, Leros, Patmos, Lipsos, Simi, Cos, and Castelorizo, as well as the adjacent islets.'' Greece ratified the Paris Treaty on October 22, 1947; formal reunification occurred on March 7, 1948. Today, the Federation is devoted to supporting Hellenic-American relations and culture with a broad range of programs. Additionally, many of the Federation's member organizations have educational, cultural, and festival activities that promote and enrich the Hellenic community in the United States. Mr. Speaker, as the founder and co-chairperson of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to the heroes of the long struggle for Dodecanesian independence. The Federation of Dodecanese Societies of America and Canada deserve our continuing respect, admiration and support. Zeto E Eleftheria! (Long Live Freedom!)

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the New York Hall of Science and its distinguished leader, Dr. Alan Friedman. On March 18, 2004, the Hall will celebrate Dr. Friedman's twenty years of outstanding service to the New York community. Dr. Friedman is largely responsible for the development of the New York Hall of Science as a destination for visitors and a world class center for the training of science teachers. Dr. Friedman turned--quite literally--an empty shell of a building into one of the world's most enjoyable centers for science education. Under Dr. Friedman's leadership, the Hall has received national recognition for its efforts to encourage new technologies, to evaluate the effectiveness of informal science teaching and to develop new strategies for training science teachers. This fall, the Hall of Science will open an expansion of its facilities, which will double its exhibition space and allow for increased enrollment in its educational programs. Dr. Friedman's efforts to make science education fun and interactive have been highly influential in the academic community, and have enriched the lives of a great many young people. At a time when many feel that America's commitment to science education has faltered, Dr. Friedman has been a pioneer in furthering our children's understanding of both the history of science and recent breakthroughs in scientific research. Indeed, the New York Times editorial page celebrated Dr. Friedman's contributions, saying: New Yorkers of a certain age will recall the Museum of Science and Industry in the Daily News Building and later in Rockefeller Center. It folded. Boomers will recall the New York Hall of Science at the 1964 World's Fair. That one was shuttered in 1979. Its building languished until 1984, when the city hired the physicist Alan Friedman and pumped in funds to bring it back to life. That he has done, with innovative educational programs and strong links both to city schoolchildren and their teachers. Dr. Friedman is the recipient of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's AAAS Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology. He is a Fellow of the AAAS, the New York Academy of Sciences and the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Alan Friedman truly exemplifies the tradition of civic involvement that makes America the greatest nation in the world. Dr. Friedman and the New York Hall of Science deserve our respect, admiration and support. Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to this wonderful organization and its director, Dr. Alan Friedman.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably delayed and missed rollcall vote No. 55. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye,'' in favor of H.R. 3717, the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 15, which commends India on its celebration of Republic Day and expresses congressional support for continued strong relations between the United States and India. As the largest democracy in the world, India has shown a genuine commitment to improving its economic ties to the United States, and the U.S. and India have formally committed to work together to build peace and security in South Asia, increase bilateral trade and investment, meet global environmental challenges, fight disease, and eradicate poverty. There is no doubt that the close relationship between the U.S. and India is crucial to world stability and to the economic futures of both countries. India's long-term economic potential is tremendous, and the U.S. is already its largest trading and investment partner. I am hopeful that we will foster an even closer relationship in the coming years by working together to tackle new and existing challenges.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I fully support this extension for the 9/ 11 commission. In fact, I would support giving it any and all time and cooperation it needs to get to the bottom of 9/11. Sixty days is but a bare minimum--but it is absolutely necessary. This extension is nice, White House cooperation would be better. A thorough final report would bolster our national security and bring a measure of understanding and closure to Americans, New Yorkers, and, most importantly, the victims' loved ones. Unfortunately, that effort has been hampered by an uncooperative White House. The latest manifestation, as reported in today's New York Times, is severe restrictions on interviews with key 9/11 players. I ask unanimous consent to put this in the Record. Mr. Speaker we need White House cooperation now. And if they continue to refuse to give it, we should demand to know why. Mr. Speaker, it's too important for this country, for my city and its people not to get this report done right. This is too important an issue for the White House to play hid and seek with. I hope this extension will trigger full cooperation. [From the New York Times, Mar. 3, 2004] 9/11 Panel Rejects White House Limits on Interviews (By Philip Shenon) Washington, Mar. 2.--The independent commission investigating the Sept. 11 attacks is refusing to accept strict conditions from the White House for interviews with President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney and is renewing its request that Mr. Bush's national security adviser testify in public, commission members said Tuesday. The panel members, interviewed after a private meeting on Tuesday, said the commission had decided for now to reject a White House request that the interview with Mr. Bush be limited to one hour and that the questioners be only the panel's chairman and vice chairman. The members said the commission had also decided to continue to press the national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, to reconsider her refusal to testify at a public hearing. Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney are expected to be asked about how they had reacted to intelligence reports before Sept. 11, 2001, suggesting that Al Qaeda might be planning a large attack. Panel members want to ask Ms. Rice the same questions in public. ``We have held firm in saying that the conditions set by the president and vice president and Dr. Rice are nog good enough,'' said Timothy J. Roemer, a former Indiana congressman who is one of five Democrats on the 10-member commission. Mr. Roemer said that former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore had agreed to meet privately with the full bipartisan commission, and that Samuel R. Berger, Ms. Rice's predecessor, would testify in public. ``It's very important that we treat both the Bush and the Clinton administration the same,'' he said. The White House has declined to discuss details of the limitations it has sought on the interviews with Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney but has said the administration wants to cooperate fully with the commission, known formally as the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. A spokesman for the National Security Council, Sean McCormack, said Tuesday that the White House believed it would be inappropriate for Ms. Rice to appear at a public hearing as a matter of legal precedent. ``White House staff have not testified before legislative bodies,'' Mr. McCormack said. ``This is not a matter of Dr. Rice's preferences.'' Even as panel members warned of a possible confrontation with the White House, there was fresh evidence that the commission had averted a showdown on Capitol Hill. Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, Republican of Illinois, said Tuesday that he planned to shepherd a bill granting the panel a 60-day extension for its final report. Mr. Hastert had vowed to block the extension. Mr. Hastert met Tuesday with the commission's chairman, Thomas H. Kean, a Republican and a former governor of New Jersey, and the vice chairman, Lee H. Hamilton, another former Democratic congressman from Indiana, and said at a news conference later that he would try to secure House approval of the extension, a proposal already accepted in the Senate. With the extension, the commission would have until July 26 for its final report. The panel had warned that if it was held to its original deadline of May 27, as mandated by Congress, it would be unable to complete a full investigation and would have to curtail public hearings. Mr. Hastert denied suggestions from Congressional Democrats that he had tried to block the extension as a favor to the White House, given Republican fears that the report might embarrass President Bush during his re-election campaign. Mr. Hastert said he had no direction from the White House. ``I didn't want it to become a political football,'' Mr. Hastert said of his initial opposition to the extension, adding that he had been chagrined when the White House said in February that it would back the extension. Referring to the commission, Mr. Hastert said he had changed his mind last week ``after it became apparent that they couldn't get their work done.'' Commission officials said that if the White House continued to insist on limitations on the interviews with Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney, there might be little that the panel could do to force the issue and that the commission might have to accept the White House's terms. And they said that despite internal conversation about the possibility of issuing a subpoena for Ms. Rice's public testimony, that move was unlikely. Ms. Rice provided several hours of private testimony last month and has suggested that she is willing to answer additional questions behind closed doors. The Senate bill was ordered to be read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Pancyprian Association Women's Issues Network (WIN) on the evening of its annual Dinner Dance, and to recognize WIN's 2004 Woman of the Year Award honoree, Ms. Thelma Pieri. WIN was founded in 1997 to serve the Cyprian-American community, promote the Hellenic Cypriot culture and provide opportunities for future generations of Cyprian women. The organization sponsors health lectures, health fairs, cultural events and breast and cervical cancer screening for women with no health insurance. Additionally, WIN has worked against the Turkish occupation of Cyprus since 1974. Thelma Pieri was born in Galata, Cyprus on September 28, 1936; she is the daughter of Emilio and Theophanis Michalides. Thelma was educated in Cyprus and graduated from high school in 1954. As a young adult, she fell in love with and married Andreas Pieri. Mr. and Ms. Pieri have three children and nine grandchildren. In 1967, Andreas and Thelma immigrated to the United States and made their home in Queens, New York. For the Pieri family, the United States has truly been a land of opportunity: with her husband, Thelma owned and operated two successful beauty salons. Thelma's dedication to community service and the liberation of Cyprus is amply demonstrated by her tireless work for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the Pancyprian Organization. She served as the chairperson of the Pancyprian Organization's Cultural Division and president of its athletic committee. Furthermore, she has received awards for her community service efforts from, among others, AHEPA, the Queens Borough President, the Pancyprian Organization and the Panhellenic Federation. She has truly given selflessly of her time and talent so as to improve the quality of life in her community. She is one of those rare individuals who can always find the time and energy to do more and give more. In 1986, Mr. and Ms. Pieri moved to Newport Ritchie, Florida, where Thelma founded the Pancyprian Association of Florida and the Greek School at the St. George Church of Newport Ritchie. Thelma continues to be a passionate spokesperson for the liberation of Cyprus. ``I wish to return to Greece, where my children live, and participate in their lives and that of my grandchildren,'' Thelma recently remarked. ``I work for the freedom of Cyprus and my heart is bleeding when I see my beautiful island under Turkish occupation. I will continue to work and fight until I see the sun set on a free, united Cyprus.'' Thelma Pieri truly exemplifies the tradition of community involvement that makes America the greatest nation in the world. On behalf of the residents of the Fourteenth Congressional District of New York, I would like to extend to Ms. Pieri and the Women's Issues Network my continuing respect, admiration and support. Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to this wonderful organization and its honoree, Thelma Pieri.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this issue and so many others. I really rise in strong opposition to this bill and in support of the Lofgren amendment. In a country in which up to two-thirds of battered women are turned away from shelters for lack of space, in no way does this bill combat domestic violence. But no one should be naive enough to think that this bill has anything to do with domestic violence. Instead, this is another step down the slippery slope toward granting personage to fetuses. This sets up an untenable situation in which a fetus' rights and interests are at odds with its mother. To make the fetus a person would inject a layer of legal complexibility that would make every pregnant woman's ordinary decisions perilous, opening her medical and other choices to second- guessing liability or even criminal charges. This bill criminalizes actions that can occur at the very earliest phases of pregnancy, making every miscarriage subject to an investigation. Roughly 20 to 25 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Usually there is a genetic reason, but sometimes there is another cause. Studies show that miscarriages can occur because of excessive coffee drinking, smoking, exposure to chemicals, illness, stress or trauma during an accident. Since culpability accrues whether the perpetrator knows the woman is pregnant or not, a wide variety of relatively innocent actions could lead to charges. If someone comes to work, for example, with German measles, knowing that they could infect a fellow worker, could they be guilty of manslaughter? Will Starbucks have to post signs advising pregnant women that they cannot buy more than two cups of coffee per day? Will car manufacturers face imprisonment for miscarriages caused by steering wheels, seat belts or air bags? Will airlines face criminal charges if they permit pregnant women to fly? Will bodega owners be charged for selling pregnant women cigarettes? If this bill is really about violence against pregnant women, then we should pass the Lofgren amendment and increase penalties against people who harm a pregnant woman. Let us step off the slippery slope and reserve personage to the born. This bill is also another chipping away at a woman's right to choose. This body recently passed the so-called partial-birth abortion ban, which ignored the health and life of a woman. Now this bill before us today, once again, ignores the health and life of a woman. I have kept a scorecard of antichoice actions since the Republican majority took over in 1995. If this bill passes today, it will mark the 202nd action against a woman's right to choose, which is exactly what this bill is intended to do. We heard it straight from Senator Hatch's mouth last July when he commented on this bill: ``They say it undermines abortion rights. It does. But that is irrelevant.'' It is insulting that the authors of this legislation would use violence against women as a vehicle to attack a woman's right to choose. Let me say it again, this bill does nothing to address the violence against women, but the Lofgren substitute does. The Lofgren substitute would severely punish crimes against pregnant women without tangling juries and prosecutors in the abortion debate. It creates a separate Federal offense for crimes against pregnant women and carries penalties of 20 years in prison to a maximum life sentence for causing termination of a woman's pregnancy. The Lofgren amendment protects pregnant women without limiting their very basic rights and without defining the Constitution to establish fetal personage. Please vote in favor of the Lofgren amendment, which will be up shortly, and no to this underlying bill.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter) for her leadership on this issue and so many others and for her yielding me this time. I rise in strong opposition to the rule and the underlying bill and in support of the Lofgren amendment, which will be on the floor tomorrow. Over the past 5 months, this body has dealt reproductive rights and women's health a one-two punch, first with the passage of the so-called partial birth abortion ban, which ignores the health and life of the woman, and now with this bill, which again ignores the health and life of the woman. I have kept a scorecard of the antichoice action since the Republican majority took over in 1995, and if this rule and its underlying bill pass, it will mark the 202nd action against a woman's right to choose, which is exactly what this bill is intended to do. According to this bill, anyone could be a murderer since no intent to harm the fetus is required. So in other words, if a pregnant woman is on an airline and crashes, is the airline now liable for two deaths? If a woman is working out in a gym with a trainer and miscarries, is the trainer a murderer? Pregnant women will become a liability for stores, gyms, and other businesses, and their freedom to perform daily tasks will be restricted. This bill is not a domestic violence bill, and it does absolutely nothing to protect women who are victims of domestic violence. What this bill does is for the first time in Federal law, this bill, the underlying bill, will give a fertilized egg the same legal recognition and standing as a man or a woman. Under this bill a criminal could avoid stiffer penalties as long as he causes no harm to the fetus even though the pregnant woman might be brutally beaten and victimized. It is insulting that the authors of this legislation would use violence against women as the vehicle to attack a woman's right to choose, which is what this bill is really about, whittling away, piece by piece, legislation by legislation, a woman's right to choose. This bill does absolutely nothing to address the violence against women, but the Lofgren amendment, which will be on the floor tomorrow, does, and the Lofgren substitute would severely punish crimes against pregnant women without tangling juries and prosecutors in the abortion issue. The Lofgren amendment protects pregnant women without limiting their very basic rights and without redefining the Constitution to establish fetal personhood. So I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and the underlying bill and support the Lofgren amendment and substitute tomorrow.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleague and cosponsor of this bill, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays), in support of the Energy Efficient Housing Technical Correction Act. This legislation will provide incentives for builders to include environmentally friendly additions to multi-family housing developments, by making projects eligible for 20 percent more FHA mortgage insurance. This is a noncontroversial, technical fix that corrects an oversight in the legislation enacted in the 107th Congress. This legislation is also included in the comprehensive energy bill where it received bipartisan, bicameral support. Enactment of H.R. 3724 will allow increases in the maximum mortgage limits for FHA insurance for multi-family housing projects that choose to install solar energy systems or residential energy conservation measures. Currently, housing projects with five or fewer units are permitted FHA insurance in amounts up to 20 percent higher than the standard limit for the purpose of making environmental improvements. This legislation on the floor today allows multi-family developments with more than five units to be eligible for this same higher FHA coverage for environmental improvements. Higher FHA coverage was allowed for environmental improvements for multi-family housing prior to the 107th Congress when it was inadvertently deleted. It only makes sense that projects with more than five units, where the environmental benefits are greater, should be eligible for the extra FHA insurance. My colleagues who work on housing and environmental issues know that including solar energy systems and conservation measures can add significant building costs. This legislation will provide an important incentive for builders to make these additional investments that benefit their residents and communities as a whole. It is my hope that this legislation will become law as soon as possible so that its benefits can begin to flow into the community. Whether Members represent urban, suburban or rural districts, I am certain that the benefits of this legislation will potentially be felt by many of our constituents. Finally I want to thank the leadership of the committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and also my colleague and friend, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) for his work on this issue. It is my pleasure to work on many important environmental causes with him. And I appreciate his dedication to clean air, clean water, and conservation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation and urge a yes vote from my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, with more than 1.6 million annual bankruptcies, America needs real bankruptcy relief. In the past, I have voted for the bankruptcy bill that is on the floor. But today I cannot, because the majority has once again shown its allegiance to the most extreme elements of the anti-choice movement and removed the bipartisan, negotiated Schumer amendment. The bill on the floor is an especially devious attempt to pass the bill without the Schumer language, now inserting the entire bill into Chapter 12 bankruptcy relief for farmers. By doing so, the Majority is holding up much-needed bankruptcy reform and relief for struggling farmers hostage to appease anti-choice extremists. But for the lack of the bipartisan Schumer language I would support the bill. The idea at the heart of the bill, that debtors who can pay their debts should, is a fair one. The reforms in the bill are long overdue and consumer spending is so important to the economy that it saddens me that the Majority decided to play games rather than pass needed reform. Without the bill, all consumers who pay their bills on time suffer as they experience higher credit costs than they otherwise would. This legislation is also important because it includes legislation dealing with the netting of financial contracts. As derivatives continue to play a larger role in the economy, this netting legislation grows in import. The purpose of the bankruptcy code is to help provide a fresh start to the ``honest but unfortunate debtor.'' With over 4,100 acts of violence at our nation's clinics, it is clear that these criminals are not honest, but instead are violent criminals who are getting away with their efforts to injure and intimidate women. Without this provision, if someone hurts or kills someone outside an abortion clinic, he or she can file for bankruptcy and avoid paying any judgements made against them. In other words, they are not held financially responsible for violating the law. If we strip this provision from bankruptcy reform, we send a message to criminals that they can continue to trample on the rights of American women and use violence to do so. We must stop these people from violating the law and must stop them from finding shelter in bankruptcy. I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill which is a shameless attack on a fair, bipartisan compromise and an unjust assault on America's farmers and women.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colleen Ann Meehan Barkow, who perished in the attacks of September 11, as well as her father and mother, Thomas J. and JoAnn Meehan, who still suffer from her loss. The following is a letter sent to my office by Thomas J. Meehan III, which I want to submit to the Congressional Record. Dear Representative Maloney: Colleen was an employee of Cantor Fitzgerald working on the 103rd floor. Her partial remains, the upper torso, were found on September 17, 2001, the date which was to have been her first wedding anniversary. My wife and I continue to be filled with the anguish of her death, the manner in which she died, her un- viewable remains, dismemberment and the tragic death she suffered. I am writing you today in regard to the legislation you have introduced calling for a federal study to assess the historic value of the WTC footprints and to assess the appropriateness and feasibility of national monument status for that immediate area. This legislation is important not only to the families of those who lost family members, but to the Nation and the world, for September 11, 2001 is another day that will live in infamy, and has altered the course of world history. There are those who dispute its parallels in history, but they cannot be disputed. Gettysburg, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Normandy are events which have so affected the world, and have preserved for future generations the places of the lives lost and bloodshed, so that freedom and democracy will continue upon the world stage. These historic events have warranted a national preservation of where American lives have been lost and sacrificed. So that their sacrifices would be remembered for future generations, and maintained by a grateful nation, is the reason why this legislation should be enacted for the lives lost on September 11, 2001; they deserve nothing less. The preservation of the footprints of the WTC buildings and the surrounding area designation as a national monument is needed to ensure that we as a nation keep our pledge to ``Never Forget''. We must secure the site and preserve for future generations the ground which has been become sacred and hallowed by the loss of the blood of all the victims. Sincerely, Thomas J. Meehan III.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, on October 12, 2003, Weill Cornell Medical College and the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development embarked on an historical venture that brings the best of American medical education to the Middle East. I was privileged to participate in this extraordinary event along with Qatar Foundation Leadership: Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad; Saif Ali Al- Hajari, Vice Chairperson; H.E. Yousef Hussein Kamal, Member Board of Directors; H.E. Hajar Ahmed Hajar, Member, Board of Directors; Sheikha bint Abdullah Al-Misnad, Member, Board of Directors; Mohammed Fathy Saoud, Member, Board of Directors; and, Cornell University Leadership: Peter C. Meinig, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Sanford I. Weill, Chairman, Board of Overseers Weill Cornell Medical College; Jeffrey S. Lehman, President; Antonio M. Gotto, Jr., Provost for Medical Affairs and Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean, Weill Cornell Medical College; Daniel R. Alonso, Dean, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. Together with these esteemed colleagues, we marked the opening of a model institution that I hope will be replicated throughout the region. I first visited Doha, Qatar in 1999 for the historic municipal elections where women were first granted the right to vote. At that time, I met with Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad who requested help in bringing a U.S. medical school to Qatar. I did not have to look far to find an extraordinary medical institution that is located in my Congressional district. As a result, I took a small part in working to forge the relationship between Her Highness and Dean Gotto, Provost for Medical Affairs at Cornell University. Just a few short weeks ago, the Qatar branch of the Weill Cornell Medical College celebrated its inauguration. In a very short period of time, Doha has been transformed into an academic hub of the Middle East and has become a strategic ally of the United States. Under the leadership of Her Highness, Qatar has made significant advancements in education, medicine, and science with the opening of the Education City. I strongly believe that the opening of WCMC-Q marks the beginning of an important exchange between the West and the East . . . at a time when the value of mutual understanding is at a premium. Qatar offers a superb environment and facilities for both teaching and studying, backed by an outstanding technological center. It has been an honor to be involved in the development of the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, and I look forward to marking the evolution of the entire Education City. Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar is a pioneer in medical education as well as in diplomatic exchange. The College offers a complete medical education, leading to a Cornell University Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, with teaching by Cornell faculty. It is the first American university to offer its M.D. degree overseas, and the first higher education institution in Qatar to be coeducational; women made up 70 percent of the inaugural class for the Pre-medical Program. These points are very important. Prospective students are subject to the same entrance requirements as in the United States and are awarded the same degree as students in the U.S. While WCMC-Q teaches in a coeducational forum, the students and faculty are learning together about cultural differences that only serve to enhance the learning environment. WCMC-Q aims to further the University's commitment of education, research, patient care and the advancement of the art and science of medicine while supporting the work of the Qatar Foundation in serving the community. WCMC-Q trains the physicians of the future and will research medical problems of concern in the region. His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad have made an ambitious and visionary investment in their people and their economy by creating the Education City. Recognizing that development and advancement will only come with an upgrade to the educational system, they have succeeded in fostering the interaction of various disciplines, cultures, and ideas through the Education City. The Qatar Foundation logo, the Sidra tree, represents nourishment for these ideals and serves as a reminder that Qatar is forging the way for democracy, freedom, and human rights in the region. I feel privileged to have participated in this revolutionary event and I would like to reiterate my praise for both the Qatar Foundation and for Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. You have built a bridge that will have a far-reaching impact into the future and will serve as a model of achievement for many to follow.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a group of congregations in my district that will come together to give thanks in the true spirit of Thanksgiving. These congregations are of different faiths, different sects and different practices. Nonetheless, they have in common a love for our country and gratitude to our Creator for bringing them or their forebears to a democratic country where civil rights and individual freedoms are protected. This inspired them to plan a joint service to give thanks. Thanksgiving is a holiday that belongs to every American. It unites our country and embodies the principles upon which our great nation was founded. The first Thanksgiving is an account of immigrants arriving on a remote continent, launching a new life, surviving dangerous conditions, encountering a different culture, and sitting down with strangers to enjoy the bounty of this land. As waves of new Americans have found welcome here, they have embraced American values and joined in celebrating Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving symbolizes the bond that unites the very first immigrants with every subsequent generation of Americans. When we recreate the meal eaten at the first Thanksgiving, we remember the importance of sharing, kindness and tolerance, and we are grateful for the rich bounty offered us by this country. This is a land filled with plenty--fertile soil, rich resources and, most of all, liberty. We also recall, with sadness, that although the early immigrants were greeted with friendship by the native Americans, they reciprocated with hostility, greed and intolerance. Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to be at our best, to welcome friends and family into our homes, and to recall those who are not as well off. Many Americans take time to feed the hungry in Thanksgiving celebrations at homeless shelters, soup kitchens and neighborhood civic organizations. The Pilgrims arrived in the new world in November 1620, too late to plant crops. Of 110 men and women who arrived here from Europe, fewer than 50 survived the first hard winter. With help from a neighboring tribe, the Pilgrims learned how to cultivate local produce. In the fall they celebrated the harvest with members of the tribe. Over time, this harvest celebration became an institution. In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom. By the middle of the 19th century many other states also celebrated a Thanksgiving Day. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of thanksgiving. Since then every subsequent President has issued a proclamation designating a day of Thanksgiving. At dark times in our history the celebration of Thanksgiving has seemed especially poignant. For example, in 1942, London's Westminster Abbey held its first secular service in nine centuries, hosting a Thanksgiving event for U.S. troops stationed in England. More than 3,500 people filled the church, reveling in singing ``The Star Spangled Banner'' and ``America the Beautiful''. Everything that marked their differences--geography, religion, race--seemed insignificant in comparison to the things that united them and the liberties they had joined in battle to defend. In times of tragedy, Thanksgiving has served to rally our nation. Six days after the assassination of President Kennedy, President Lyndon Johnson addressed the nation on Thanksgiving Day. He asked his fellow citizens to remain ``determined that from this midnight of tragedy we shall move toward a new American greatness.'' Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to the congregations that honor the true spirit of Thanksgiving by setting aside the differences among their faiths and joining together to celebrate the liberties and freedoms we all treasure.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Lila De Chaves- Chronopoulos. A remarkable woman, Lila De Chaves-Chronopoulos serves as President of the National Museum of Greek Folk Art, Lifetime Honorary Chair and Executive Global Cultural Director of the Euro-American Women's Council, and President of the Hellenic Federation of Friends of Museums. It is a pleasure to honor this ambassador of Greek folk art and culture. Lila De Chaves-Chronopoulos has had a distinguished career as an ethnologist specializing in historical and ethnic textiles, jewelry and costumes. Among other accomplishments, she is currently professor of visual arts at American University in Athens. Ms. De Chaves- Chronopoulos is known for her participation in numerous international exhibitions of metalwork in Greece and abroad. She has also given various seminars through the American Women's Organization of Greece, as well as consulting for Hellenic organizations in Greece and the United States. In addition to her educational efforts, Ms. De Chaves- Chronopoulos has worked tirelessly to preserve Hellenic culture and promote Hellenic achievements to audiences around the world. Granddaughter of an immigrant to America, Lila has strong ties to both the Greek and American communities. Her grandfather, Konstantin V. Chrones, came to the United States at the turn of the century and lived and worked here for 15 years prior to returning to his native Greece to raise a family. Lila's grandfather passed his American experience and his love of Greek culture on to his children and grandchildren. Lila's father, Vassilis K. Chronopoulos, was a well known doctor and revered philanthropist in Greece. The influence of her grandfather's American experience and her father's philanthropic efforts profoundly shaped Lila's life. Just as Lila has helped increase American awareness of Hellenic culture, she has also helped Europeans to understand and appreciate America's unique history, culture and way of life. As President of the friends of the Museum of Greek Folk Art, Lila has authored numerous articles in both scholarly and mass media publications. Over the years, Lila De Chaves has shared the breadth and depth of her vast knowledge of folk art and jewelry with a wide audience. Her endless efforts to support the arts and culture, and to enlighten communities around the world are commendable. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lila De Chaves-Chronopoulos.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 75 employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who tragically lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. In recognition of the ultimate sacrifice they made while striving to rescue others, these fallen heroes have been honored with the dedication of a memorial in McManus Memorial Park in Astoria, New York. I attended the dedication of the memorial and was deeply moved by the heartfelt testament to these fallen heroes by friends, family, and area residents. This park will bear witness that their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten, while offering a quiet and tranquil oasis amidst the busy city that affords an opportunity for reflection upon the terrible losses borne on that tragic day. I ask that the following speeches given at the dedication ceremony be entered into the record: The United Community Civic Association (By Rose Marie Poveromo, President) Good evening ladies and gentleman. Tonight's memorial dedication ceremony is a joint effort shared by the United Community Civic Association and our neighbor, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This living memorial of ``A Grove of Trees'' is to specifically honor the 75 Port Authority employees as well as all the other innocents who so tragically lost their lives in the 9111 shattering, horrific attack on, and total collapse of, the twin towers. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (By Bill De Costa) I am grateful to be here to dedicate this memorial to the 75 Port Authority employees, and neighbors who lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. This ceremony also honors the memory of all the New York City police officers, firemen and all the other citizens who gave the ultimate sacrifice that day. Any event is always more meaningful when you receive acknowledgment from your family, so we are particularly honored that our neighbors and friends represented by the United Civic Community Association have been so thoughtful and considerate in their recognition. Thank you Rose Marie! Yes, whether we are Port Authority or New York City employees, we are all actual members of this vibrant and wonderful community. As we stand here today and view the McManus Vietnam Memorial at one end of the park, and now this Port Authority memorial at the other end of the park, we should always be reminded of the words of President Harry Truman: ``Freedom is still expensive. It still costs money. It still costs blood. It still calls for courage and endurance, not only in soldiers, but in every man and woman who is free and who is determined to remain free.'' Seventy-five Port Authority employees, including 37 police officers, made the ultimate sacrifice that September morning. Always remember these people who were our neighbors, family members and friends. The greatest testimony that we can now give them is to continue our resolve for security and freedom and to continue to work and live in this spirit. Thank you all for attending and remembering them. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me honoring the Port Authority employees, the police officers and firefighters, and all those who paid the ultimate price on September 11, 2001 and to recognize those who planted a beautiful memorial grove of trees in their honor. It aptly serves as a living tribute to the brave men and women of the Port Authority and all who lost their lives on that tragic day.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today, Representative Biggert, Representative Hooley, and I introduce legislation to commend Iraqi women for their participation in Iraqi government and civil society and to advocate for the inclusion of women's rights in the Iraqi constitution. The women of Iraq should have a stake in the future of their country. We must support the efforts of the Iraqi women to require that the constitution of Iraq includes equal rights for women. Iraq has the opportunity to begin a new chapter by rejecting the ways of Saddam Hussein, and embracing democracy, including the right to vote for all its citizens. I believe that the United States should support these efforts in every possible way. I look forward to working with Representative Biggert, Representative Hooley and my other colleagues to pass this resolution and to fight for the rights of women in Iraq.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Loula Loi- Alafoyiannis, the Executive Global President and C.E.O. of the Euro- American Women's Council (EAWC). Loula has spent her professional life facilitating the needs of Greek and American entrepreneurial communities and advancing the cause of women's rights in the areas of business and education. Loula has demonstrated that intelligence, integrity, energy, clear objectives and the love of a task well executed create credibility. Her love for Greece and her desire to promote greater understanding between Greece and America has made her a strong advocate and a wonderful ally. Loula, like so many talented women of her generation, has had several careers. For two decades, Loula served as an elementary school teacher, helping to ensure that young people have a strong educational foundation. Her work with young people inspired her to create a Youth Leadership Award given annually by EAWC. She then turned to the challenges offered by business, public relations and event-planning. Loula's entrepreneurial skills are widely recognized and, as a result, she has served as a delegate to White House Conferences on small businesses since 1990, and has advised numerous public officials and government leaders. Loula has also sponsored numerous White House luncheons for prominent and influential business women from across the United States and Greece. In 1991, she founded and organized the ``Best Buddies Foundation'' in Greece, along with Anthony Kennedy Shriver, who serves as its Global President and C.E.O. As the Founder and the executive Global President of Euro-American Women's Council, Loula has established a spirit of cooperation among business women globally. The women of EAWC bridge nations and cultures, set trends, exercise influence, innovate positive change and make a difference around the world. Since 2001, Loula has been the Coalition Partner for Europe of the Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) organization. She is currently a board member to the Human Rights Advisory Council of New York. Loula has received a number of prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions, including the Crown Award, which recognizes her as one of the most creative minds of the top leading entrepreneurial women of the world. She has also earned the distinguished award of ``Honorary Citizen of Baku'' as a result of her pioneering efforts to improve entrepreneurial training in the former Soviet Union. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring to the attention of my colleagues the outstanding work of Loula Loi-Alafoyiannis. Her unwavering dedication to improving relations between the Greek and American entrepreneurial communities and promoting opportunities for women is truly worthy of our recognition.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this ill-conceived bill which promises to be a magic potion for seniors, but is a poison pill for Medicare.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 663, I had intended to vote ``yea'' on H. Con. Res. 206, and request that the Record reflect my intentions.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I thank our ranking member and chair and my colleagues. I rise in support of this legislation that permanently reauthorizes the Fair Credit and Reporting Act, which is extremely important to our economy and our national credit system. It also greatly enhances legal protections for identity theft victims, protects medical information, and provides groundbreaking new limits on the sharing of private consumer information among the affiliates of financial services companies. My constituents need this legislation because New York City claims the sad distinction of having the largest number of identity theft cases of any city in the entire country. The FACT Act helps break the cycle of identity theft with new consumer protections including the right to a free annual credit report, a new consumer-initiated fraud alert system, new protections that will prevent the recycling or repollution of consumer information that is known to be the product of fraud, mandatory truncation of credit and debt card numbers to prevent theft. In addition to identity theft, this bill contains groundbreaking limits on how financial services companies can share the sensitive consumer financial information among affiliates. These are important consumer protections given that some of today's largest financial companies have more than 1,000 affiliates. While the identity theft and privacy provisions will have the most direct impact on our constituents, the FACT Act also ensures the long-term viability of our national credit market by extending the FCRA beyond the end of the year. Today I rise in support of legislation that permanently reauthorizes the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) which is very important to our economy and our national credit system. It also greatly enhances legal protections for identity theft victims, protects medical information, and provides groundbreaking new limits on the sharing of private consumer information among the affiliates of financial services companies. My constituents need this legislation because New York City claims the sad distinction of having the largest number of identity theft cases of any city in the country. In addition, this bill contains groundbreaking limits on how financial services companies can share their sensitive customer financial information among affiliates. These are important consumer protections given that some of today's largest financial companies have more than 1,000 affiliates. Finally, while the identity theft and privacy provisions will have the most direct impact on our constituents, the FACT Act also ensures the long-term viability of our national credit market by extending the FCRA beyond the end of this year.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, the seniors in my district have made their views on Medicare clear. They believe that it should provide the same coverage for prescription drugs that it does for doctors' appointment and hospital stays. And they think that they should no longer pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world. Unfortunately, however, the bill before us will provide inadequate benefits that would leave half our seniors paying more out of pocket for prescription drug coverage than they do now. And it contains a gap in coverage that will leave half of seniors without any drug coverage for part of the year. Just as bad, this bill will impose a global ceiling on the size of Medicare. If the overall cost of the Medicare program exceeds a pre- determined cap, Congress will immediately be forced to slash benefits or hike premiums for those currently on Medicare. To add insult to injury, this bill will undermine initiatives to cut the cost of prescription drugs. It would bar by law any effort by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to try to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices. This bill will undermine and ultimately destroy Medicare as we know it. It's not a magic potion. It's a poison pill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, at the end of this year, Stirling Scruggs will be retiring after 22 dedicated years with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Stirling is a living example of the ideals behind the creation of UNFPA and the United Nations itself. A former high school football star in Tennessee, Stirling had many opportunities open to him in life. But his overriding ambition was one that so many of us shared in our youth: to make a difference in the world. Stirling has remained true to his youthful ideals and has made a difference, a substantial difference measured in millions of women and babies that survived because of his dedication and efforts; measured in the essential bonds between mothers and their children who survived to know each other and in the love of husbands and fathers who, rather than seeing their wives and children die in childbirth, have had long and full lives with their loved ones. In speaking with his colleagues, there are three words that are always repeated when they describe Stirling Scruggs--Passion, Integrity and Kindness. Passion: Stirling Scruggs has worked in some of the poorest places in the world. He has seen first hand the deprivations and struggles that hundreds of millions--in fact, billions of people--bear every hour, every day, every week throughout the year. Stirling Scruggs brings to his work a passion that bespeaks his own compassion and his own commitment to the cause of basic health, women and voluntary family planning around the world. Integrity: Stirling combines his passion with unshakable integrity. He is unwavering in his commitment to basic health and rights for all the world's people. He has stood up for these ideals in some of the most difficult circumstances, including in China, where he worked tirelessly--as UNFPA does--to convince the Chinese about the greater wisdom of a voluntary, rights-based approach to family planning. Stirling Scruggs is a monument to personal integrity and professional dedication. Kindness: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stirling brings to his work a core kindness--not only in his outlook to the dispossessed in our world, but in his dealings with all people. Stirling always has a kind word and a warm smile for those he works with, on behalf of and for. He is a tender man, who has a compassionate outlook toward those less fortunate and a compassionate manner with everyone he relates to. There are few better, kinder men than Stirling Scruggs. He has represented the United States so well in the United Nations system. All Americans can be proud of the service he has rendered and we all wish him well as he continues his efforts to make the world--and each of us--a little better.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this conference report. H.R. 6 contains several harmful provisions including exempting the producers of MTBE from product liability claims and repealing the Public Utility Holding Company Act, which limits mergers between utilities companies. Additionally, the conference report does not prioritize the use of renewable resources by large utilities to generate power. H.R. 6 rolls back important safeguards in the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act which are critical in keeping the nation's waterways safe for people and wildlife. The country needs an energy policy that reduces pollution, protects consumers, and reduces the burden on the nation's electricity grid. This bill fails to meet those standards. I regret that we were not given the opportunity to vote on legislation that would reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this legislation I am pleased to rise in support of it, but I regret that it did not include the SEC recommendations that the Democrats supported. Since the demise of Enron 2 years ago, the Committee on Financial Services has undertaken a comprehensive reform agenda. We have rewritten the rules applying to the accounting industry and completely changed the relationship between boards of directors and corporate managers. The legislation we are considering today represents the beginning of similar reforms for the mutual funds industry. This legislation attacks conflicts of interest and increases the independence and accountability of oversight boards. It increases the number of independent board members from 40 percent to two-thirds. With increased independence, also comes increased responsibility as the legislation places fiduciary duties on boards of directors, requiring them to review revenue sharing and soft dollar arrangements. It will also require disclosure of fund managers' compensation structure and bar the same individual from managing a mutual fund and hedge fund. On the consumer side, the bill requires the disclosure of total fees an investor will pay per $1,000 they invest. Finally, I am pleased that this legislation provides the SEC more authority to police the funds industry. I can only hope that they use it. I would also like to commend the leadership of State regulators and State attorneys general, specifically Mr. Elliot Spitzer from New York State. The following is an article he recently authored and published on this subject: [From the New York Times, Nov. 17, 2003] Regulation Begins at Home (By Eliot Spitzer) Albany--With two decisions in the last two weeks, the Bush administration has sent its clearest message yet that it values corporate interests over the interests of the average Americans. In the Securities and Exchange Commission's settlement with Putnam Investments, the public comes away short-changed. In the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to forgo enforcement of the Clean Air Act, the public comes away completely empty-handed. The 95 million Americans who invest in mutual funds paid more than $70 billion in fees in 2002. These fees went to an industry that did not take seriously its responsibility to safeguard investors' money. Investors are now rightly concerned about whether those mutual funds that breached their fiduciary duties will be required to refund the exorbitant fees they took, and what mechanism will be put in place to ensure that the fees charged in the future are fair. Unfortunately, the S.E.C.'s deal with Putnam does not provide a satisfactory answer to these questions. Instead, it raises new questions. The commission's first failure is one of oversight. The mutual fund investigation began when an informant approached our office with evidence of illegal trading practices. Tipsters also approached the commission, which is supposed to be the nation's primary securities markets regulator, but the commission simply did not act on the information. The commission's second failure was acting in haste to settle with Putnam even though the investigation is barely 10 weeks old and is yielding new and important information each day. Whether the commission recognizes it or not, the first settlement in a complex investigation always sets the tone for what follows. In this case, the bar is set too low. The Putnam agreement does contain a useful provision mandating that the funds' board of directors be more independent of the management companies that run its day-to- day operations. It also talks of fines and restitution, but leaves for another day the determination of the amount Putnam should pay. Most important, the agreement does not address the manner in which the fees charged to investors are calculated. Nor does it require the fund to inform investors exactly how much they are being charged--or even provide a structure that will create market pressure to reduce those fees. Finally, there is no discussion of civil or criminal sanctions for the managers who acted improperly by engaging in or permitting market timing and late trading. S.E.C. officials are now saying that they may be interested in additional reforms. But by settling so quickly, they have lost leverage in obtaining further measures to protect investors. After reviewing this agreement, I can say with certainty that any resolution with my office will require concessions from the industry that go far beyond what the commission obtained from Putnam. It is not surprising that the commission would sanction a deal that ignores consumers and is unsatisfactory to state regulators. Just look at the Bush administration's decision to abandon pending enforcement actions and investigations of Clear Air Act violations. Even supporters of the Bush administration's environmental policy were stunned when the E.P.A. announced that it was closing pending investigations into more than 100 power plants and factories for violating the Clean Air Act--and dropping 13 cases in which it had already made a determination that the law had been violated. Regulators may disagree about what our environmental laws should look like. But we should all be able to agree that companies that violated then-existing pollution laws should be punished. Those environmental laws were enacted to protect a public that was concerned about its health and safety. By letting companies that violated the Clean Air Act off the hook, the Environmental Protection Agency has effectively issued an industry-wide pardon. This will only embolden polluters to continue practices that harm the environment. My office had worked with the agency to investigate polluters, and will continue to do so when possible. But today a bipartisan coalition of 14 state attorneys general will sue the agency to halt the implementation of weaker standards. In addition, we will continue to press the lawsuits that have been filed. We have also requested the E.P.A. records for the cases that have been dropped, and will file lawsuits if they are warranted by the facts. Similarly, my office--while committed to working with the Security and Exchange Commission in our investigation of the mutual fund industry--will not be party to settlements that fail to protect the interests of investors and let the industry off with little more than a slap on the wrist. The public expects and deserves the protection that effective government oversight provides. Until the Bush administration shows it is willing to do the job, however, it appears the public will have to rely on state regulators and lawmakers to protect its interests.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and acknowledge the tremendous role that he and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) had in the passage of this resolution. I rise in strong support of this resolution which commends Afghan women and supports their participation in government and the inclusion of women's rights in the Afghan constitution. The gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), my good friend, and I co-authored this resolution to acknowledge the struggles that Afghan women have faced and to show the support of this Congress for winning the battles that remain. Women under the Taliban were denied their basic rights to work, education, and health care; and they suffered greatly over the course of 23 years of war. The end of the Taliban regime, appointment of women to the cabinet, and the establishment of the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the participation of over 200 women delegates in the June, 2002, Loya Jirga gave women hope. Yet many women continue to wear the burka out of fear of attack from fundamentalist extremists, and there are extremely disturbing reports of discrimination and the burning of over 30 girls' schools. Earlier this Congress showed their support not only in words but with financial support. Our amendment to the fiscal year 2004 emergency supplemental appropriations legislation directed $5 million to the Independent Human Rights Commission in Afghanistan and $60 million in direct funding for the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Afghan women-led governmental organizations which is necessary to build permanent institutions to safeguard women's rights in Afghanistan. For women to advance in Afghanistan, they must have equal rights under the law, they must have the right to vote and the right to run for office and the equality of opportunity and access to health care, education, and employment. These rights will not be possible in Afghanistan without their inclusion in the constitution and without the ability of delegates to the December Loya Jirga to speak out for women's rights and human rights without fear of reprisal. I deeply thank this Congress and the leadership of this Congress for being committed to helping the women in Afghanistan, for their support of the passage of this important resolution, and their earlier support for direct appropriations to help the women in Afghanistan. I particularly thank the leadership of the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).