Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of this legislation that awards the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can award, to Prime Minister Tony Blair. Past recipients include Presidents George Washington and Harry Truman; heroic figures such as Charles Lindbergh, Rosa Parks, and Mother Teresa; and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who led England through the dark hours of World War II. Mr. Speaker, just as Prime Minister Churchill stood with President Roosevelt to defeat the Nazis, Prime Minister Blair has offered steadfast support for the United States since the terror attacks of 9/ 11. The American people will never forget that the Prime Minister traveled across an ocean to be in the gallery of the House in a sign of solidarity with our country as President Bush addressed our Nation after the terrorist attacks. More recently, prior to the war in Iraq, the Prime Minister and his U.N. envoy, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, worked tirelessly to exhaust every diplomatic channel to build consensus in the United Nations. It was Prime Minister Blair who tried to bridge differences with our traditional European allies up until the wee hours before the war began. Additionally, Prime Minister Blair pushed our own administration to use its political capital to fully engage in the Middle East peace process. While that effort continues to face very substantial obstacles, most notably the unceasing suicide attacks against Israel citizens, the Prime Minister deserves credit for putting Mideast Peace on the table as does the Administration for its efforts to implement the ``road map.'' While the Prime Minister has demonstrated considerable political courage in recent months, his stand with our country should not be surprising. As a political leader in Britain the Prime Minister has spent this life leading the Labour Party out of oblivion and into its current dominant position in the Parliament. At age 30 he was elected to Parliament. Later as a member of John Smith's shadow cabinet he worked to transform Labour into a party tough on crime and while still committed to its social causes. After being elected Labour leader in 1994, Blair moved the party to the political center and redrafted the party constitution in his image of ``New Labour''--much life President Clinton successfully moved the Democratic party to a position where it has won the popular vote in the last three Presidential elections. As leader of the Labor Party, the British people rewarded the Prime Minister with a landslide victory in 1997, ending 18 years of conservative rule. At 43, Blair became the youngest Prime Minister since 1812. As Prime Minister, he has continued to change his country for the better. He has taken on the right to hereditary positions in the House of Lords, allowed the de-evolution of Scotland and Wales, and implemented a massive investment program in the areas of health care and education. For the Prime Minister, education is the best economic policy and his government has followed this commitment. I have great admiration for the Prime Minister's commitment to governing from the middle ground rather than trying to divide his country by playing to extreme groups on either side of the political spectrum. Mr. Speaker, Congress could find no more deserving recipient of this high honor than Prime Minister Blair. In fighting terrorism, standing with the U.S. against Saddam and with the U.S. for Middle East peace, he has truly shown what it means for Britain to be our staunchest ally. A recent Washington Post article well characterized Prime Minister Blair's current standing in the world. ``After the terrorist attacks of September 11, he has found himself playing a pivotal role in reshaping international relations and winning points for standing on principle, even from some of his most vehement critics.'' I recognize that some of my colleagues had strong reservations about the war in Iraq and I respect their opinions, but I urge that all Members stand and support this award in recognition of Tony Blair the man, as a leader of an inclusive political movement that has benefited all Britons. Mr. Speaker, the deaths of six more British soldiers in Iraq this week remind us of the common sacrifice our troops are making serving side by side around the world. This is just one more example of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation in recognition of the man who has contributed so much to upholding this common bond. I would like to note that this bill passed the Senate unanimously with 78 cosponsors and that we have 290 Members of the House that have cosponsored this important legislation. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite) and all who have worked to pass and to get this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I thank Congressman Lantos for his leadership and determination on this issue that is a priority to so many of us in this body. I stand here today to express my outrage and grief over the latest round of terrorist attacks in Israel since the Aqaba (Ak-a-ba) summit earlier this month. Twenty-two innocent Israelis have been murdered since the beginning of this month and many others have been injured in three separate homicide bombings. For most of us, September 11, 2001, forever change our way of looking at the world. We learned that even the awesome power of the United States could not protect us from terrorists bent on destruction. It forced us into a position that Israel has been in for a very long time--trying to protect loss of innocent life against an enemy that has no reservations about killing. I strongly believe that Israel has the right to defend itself against suicide bombings and other terrorist attacks and that the world must recognize that Israel has a right to use military means to protect its citizens and its borders. To bring an end to terrorism in Israel and peace in the region, Prime Minister Abbas must start by living up to his agreements, including a commitment to stop this violence against civilians. That means fulfilling promises of prosecutions. His ability to maintain the rule of law would finally demonstrate a Palestinian interest in engaging in discussions of peace. It is my true hope that Israelis and Palestinians can one day live side-by-side in peace.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for their extraordinary leadership on this important issue and so many others. We are experiencing the worst outbreak of anti-Semitism in Europe since the end of Holocaust in 1945. Just under 60 years have passed since the defeat of Hitler and now swastikas have reappeared in Europe. They can be found sprayed on Jewish schools, drawn on gravestones in a desecrated Jewish cemetery, painted on the wall of a synagogue, and stitched on the flags of anti-Israel demonstrators, and in the hearts and minds of the people who attack rabbinical students and Jewish athletes. When we allow intolerance and hatred to fester and flourish, we are faced with tragic consequences. Put simply, hatred, violence and prejudice must not be tolerated. Countries must speak out against anti- Semitic acts, but rhetoric is not enough. Words will not restore the hundreds of Jewish cultural and religious sites which have been burned, desecrated and destroyed throughout Europe, and words alone will not prevent these tragedies from happening again. Governments and institutions must condemn these acts as we do today, and they must ensure effective law enforcement against them. They must also promote tolerance education for their children. There is no question teaching children about the horror and tragedy of the Holocaust and other tragedies will create a generation of youth who are less likely to commit hate crimes and who are more likely to mature into adults who will envision and work towards peaceful world relations. When this body passes H. Con. Res. 49, we will be spending a strong message to the world that anti-Semitism must be confronted and must be eradicated. I thank both leaders, particularly the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for his extraordinary life commitment to ending anti-Semitism and for world peace.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, the al Qaeda has not gone away, and we know al Qaeda does not choose its targets at random, it chooses targets to inflict the greatest numbers of casualties, to do the greatest damage economically, and to get the most publicity. Just last week, we were reminded that New York is still a target when the Attorney General announced that an al Qaeda terrorist was targeting the Brooklyn Bridge. He was deterred from attacking the bridge by the efforts of the New York Police Department. This is just one example of how since 9/11 a large share of the burden of providing for the national defense has fallen on our cities. In Congress we have provided some funds to help. We even sent part of the money to where the need is. In fiscal year 2003, we provided $2.9 billion for grants to State and local governments to help them prepare for and defend against terrorist attacks. We even said that $800 million of that should be directed to where the threat is greatest. That is about 30 percent. The rest of the fund went out under a formula that is entirely unrelated to where the terror threat is. Under this bill as it is currently drafted for the next fiscal year, that 70 percent will increase to nearly 83 percent. Our effort to protect the most likely targets of terrorism is moving backwards. We are cutting the funds to the Nation's most threatened cities by almost 40 percent, by $300 million, from $800 million to $500 million, and we are increasing the percentage that will go under the formula that is unrelated to potential threat, a formula that Secretary Ridge has repeatedly said is inappropriate and must be changed. This formula sends the money where the threat is not. Just yesterday Secretary Ridge himself said of the high threat money and I quote, ``I would like to see the number significantly higher than $500 million.'' He went on to say, ``At the end of the day, I do believe that there are some communities and regions that need more money.'' My amendment will simply follow Secretary Ridge's advice and restore funding for high-threat cities. I understand that this approach is subject to a point of order. I originally had wanted to shift money from another account, but the fact is this bill severely underfunds our security needs. Resources are too scarce to shift between accounts, but our cities need more funding. New York City spent more than $200 million over the last year on counterterrorism. The grants so far amount to $220 million for New York, but very little of that can offset the personnel costs that the city has identified at more than $900 million. The assistance provided after the September 11 attacks paid for cleanup and replacement of equipment. It did not cover the security costs. This is not just an issue for New York and Washington, but it is a high-priority issue for many cities, including L.A., Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Houston and any city with a port or a mass transit system. Mr. Chairman, it is our responsibility to appropriate the funds needed to protect the American people and this bill falls dangerously short. Respecting the request of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney), who has worked very hard in a bipartisan way for New York City and State, I am withdrawing my amendment, also at the request of the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), and I appreciate the commitment from the New York delegation, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey), the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano) along with help from the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) to restore this in conference. I appreciate very much the leadership of the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers). Mr. Chairman, I withdraw my amendment.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation, the Emergency Warning Act of 2003, which would require the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce to ensure that comprehensive, easily understood emergency warnings reach every American who may be at risk in any type of disaster. The bill instructs Commerce and DHS to work with the government agencies that currently issue warnings, with first responders, with private industry, and with the media to ensure that our emergency warning system informs the public when a disaster occurs. We don't always know when a disaster will occur. However, we do know that we are all at risk for a natural disaster like a hurricane, or a man-made disaster like a terrorist attack. With the advances in technology, we can no longer rely on our televisions or radios to inform us if we need to evacuate our homes or businesses. It's time to utilize the available technology to ensure that all forms of communication are used to inform the public about emergency warnings.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today with my colleague Representative Jim Leach, I am introducing the Iraqi Freedom from Debt Act. This legislation consists of `findings' and two major initiatives. It requires the U.S. to negotiate in the IMF, World Bank and other appropriate multilateral development institutions for relief of the debts owed by Iraq to these institutions. Secondly, it includes a sense of Congress that the President should urge France and Russia and all other public and private creditors to relieve the debts owed to them by Iraq. I will speak in more detail on the merits of the bill later this week. I urge my colleagues to support this worthy legislation.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, welcome. Today, we're introducing a bill to end government subsidies for private clubs that discriminate against women. Ending Tax Breaks for Discrimination Act of 2003 makes it illegal to take income tax deductions for expenses at clubs with ``No Women Allowed'' membership policies. We think it's wrong for corporations to write-off big expenditures for entertainment, meetings and advertising at clubs that keep women out while they target women's pocketbooks. Men play and women pay. I am joined by my distinguished colleagues, Representative Brad Sherman from California, Representative Louise Slaughter from New York, and my friend, Martha Burk--all tireless workers in the fight for equality. As a matter of fact, in the early `90s Mr. Sherman, as a member of the California tax board, implemented this same type of legislation. Since then, other States, like Colorado and Kentucky, have followed. Right now, conventions and meetings come right off corporate income tax as legitimate business deductions, including those held at private clubs that discriminate. Half the price of a business lunch is deductible. But if you're a woman, you subsidize one-half a guy's lunch with your taxes, even though you can't join the club. The whole point is that members of these clubs get financial gains-- either indirectly through career opportunities and board appointments, or directly through tax deductions. Women can't get these same financial gains--just because they're women. Golf is so ingrained as a part of business success that business schools teach students how to make the most of club memberships--the PGA even sponsors a program called ``Golf: For Business and Life'' to do just that. But, if you're a woman and you can't get a membership, you can't play golf or get the same elite club bonus package from your employer that your male counterparts can, you're clearly missing out. Men get the membership, the deal, the deduction, and women get the bill. This bill ends deductions for advertising, travel, accommodation, and meals associated with these clubs. And it requires discriminatory clubs to print right on their receipts, ``not tax deductible''. When I went with Martha in April to protest male-only membership at Augusta National Golf Club, it was obvious that this legislation was the next logical step. Money talks. At Augusta, at least 10 major corporations, including IBM, Lucent and American Express either withdrew or cut back spending on advertising and corporate hospitality. But all the while these same companies are reaching out to sell their products to women. Mr. Sherman and I have asked the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to support this legislation. We're looking forward to their response. Frankly, who in this day and age can object to ending government subsidized sex discrimination? I like big business, but women must have a seat at the table--the board table. Legitimate tax deductions should continue, but when these deductions support clubs that bar women from becoming equal partners, equal players, equal earners--they are not legitimate. This bill is past due and the time for discrimination is over.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Morningside- Westside Community Action Corporation, MWCAC. For nearly a decade, MWCAC has worked tirelessly in order to serve the mental health community of New York City. Founded in 1994, the Morningside Westside Community Action Corporation has been instrumental in advocating positive changes in governmental health programs, distributing information about issues facing the mental health community and promoting awareness and understanding towards those who suffer from mental illness. MWCAC strives to assist the mentally ill on their road to recovery and to help them achieve their goals and live productive lives. Realizing that society has a place for all, the MWCAC has long been a proponent of helping the mentally disabled live normally within the mainstream. Morningside-Westside Community Action Corporation actively promotes reintegration, mainstream living, steady employment and recovery for all those who suffer from mental illness. Over the last eight and a half years, under the leadership of Nancy Walder, their President, dedicated staff members have worked on mental health advocacy projects, and opened lines of communication between those who administer mental health services and those who require them. In order to spread their message throughout the city and beyond, mental health service workers, members of the mentally disabled community and their friends and family members publish The Morningside- Westside Bulletin, an award-winning monthly mental health journal. Journal articles detail issues facing the mental health community and provide advice and avenues for help for those who are in need of assistance. Under MWCAC's auspices, members of the mentally disabled community produce an annual Outsider Art Show, a forum that encourages members to contribute their own original pieces. The Morningside-Westside Community Action Corporation has also sponsored educational and informational events such as ``Harlem Mental Health Day'' and ``Healthy Mind, Healthy Body.'' Future events include ``Back to Work, Back to Life Day,'' an all day event to be held in Bryant Park, and a conference to be held in connection with the New York City Department of Health Federation. A mental illness can be a paralyzing and debilitating condition. For years, many individuals have been forced to wander in the darkness of this disease without a helping hand. Thanks to MWCAC, those who need assistance in the New York area have a place to go for help. In recognition of their outstanding contributions to the community and their commitment to the quality of life of the mentally disabled, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Nancy Walder and her dedicated staff at MWCAC.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, with great sadness I rise to pay tribute to Athanasios (Tom) Alafogiannis, a much admired and beloved leader of the Greek-American community in Queens. Unfortunately, Tom Alafogiannis passed away last week, leaving much of the community in mourning. Tom was born in Dafno, Greece on February 28th, 1933. Talented with his hands, Tom completed the technical school of engineering. Although he was a hard worker who loved his family, he decided to leave Greece to seek a better life in America. At the age of 36 he came to the United States, working his way over as a ship's engineer. In America, he attended school and became a licenced master plumber. His talents were quickly recognized and he built a successful business. In 1969 he married the love of his life, Rose Anne Benevento. They have four children: Apostolos (Paul), Jennifer, Joseph and Vasilios (Billy). Understanding the responsibilities that come with prosperity, Tom devoted a great deal of time and attention to giving back to the community. His unwavering dedication and boundless energy made him a popular leader. He served as President of the Hermes Chapter of AHEPA, three time President of the Greek American Homeowners and President of Sterea Hellas. Concerned with the quality of life in Astoria, he became a member of Queens Community Board 1. As a successful business leader, he became a member of the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club. Tom never became involved in anything halfway. In every organization in which he participated, he left his mark. Tom was, quite simply, a charming man of great energy and deep concern for others. He will be sorely missed. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and accomplishments of Tom Alafogiannis, a truly remarkable man.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Evelyn Lauder, who will be presented tonight with The Alice Award by the Sewall Belmont House and Museum. As founder and chairman of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Mrs. Lauder has devoted her life to the fight against breast cancer. She is a shining example of how much one individual with unrelenting passion can accomplish. A woman of boundless compassion and generosity towards others, Mrs. Lauder has touched countless lives through her efforts in leading The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She has spearheaded the growth of what is today the largest national organization dedicated exclusively to funding exceptional research relating to the causes, treatment, and possible prevention of breast cancer. Since 1993, the Foundation has raised $70 million for research funding that has fueled some of the most innovative work on breast cancer in the country. In October of 2002, the Foundation awarded an outstanding $11.7 million to 63 researchers at 41 leading institutions in the United States and abroad. Originally conferring eight research grants in its founding year, the Foundation is now able to award grants of approximately $250,000 to each of their research institutions. The core of the Foundation's mission is to direct a minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the purpose of clinical and genetic research on breast cancer. Breast cancer is an issue that affects both men and women of all walks of life. Mrs. Lauder's inspired leadership is the driving force behind the Foundation's many gains in the treatment and prevention of this disease. Her remarkable vision led her to establish the Pink Ribbon as the now globally recognized symbol of breast health, putting breast cancer awareness at the forefront of public attention. Mrs. Lauder has every expectation that we will achieve the goal of ``prevention and a cure in our lifetime.'' With boundless enthusiasm and extraordinary dedication, she has made it possible for top notch research and diagnosis to be done all over the country. One prime example is located in my district, the first of its kind, the comprehensive breast and diagnostic center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, which Mrs. Lauder was instrumental in creating. Mrs. Lauder was recently recognized by Rockefeller University with the Brooke Astor Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Science for her incomparable role in creating the center as well as for the compassion and generosity with which she leads the Foundation in the fight against breast cancer. In recognition of these outstanding achievements, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Evelyn H. Lauder for her indomitable spirit and tenacity in leading The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to fund the research that will conquer breast cancer.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Bob Wilson, whose commitment to various organizations has helped make the local community a better place to live. In honor of his contributions, Mr. Wilson will be honored by the Dutch Kills Civic Association on June 12th, 2003. A lifetime New Yorker, Mr. Wilson was born and raised in the Bronx. As a young man, Mr. Wilson joined the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. After leaving the United States Navy, Mr. Wilson returned home and began a long and successful career of 38 years with Local 731 as a General Foreman, building and rebuilding many of New York City's highways and bridges. An enthusiastic and dedicated community advocate, Mr. Wilson joined the Dutch Kills Civic Association upon his retirement, eventually becoming President of the organization. As President of the Dutch Kills Civic Association for ten years, Mr. Wilson was dedicated to improving quality of life in the neighborhood. Through his efforts with Walter McCaffrey, a much-needed hockey rink was built in Dutch Kills Park. He worked with Tony Maloni in his fight to remove graffiti in the area. In addition, Mr. Wilson was a steady leader in calling the 114th Precinct to help rid the neighborhood of constant prostitution. In typical fashion, Mr. Wilson was the `go-to' guy for many of the concerns raised by the organization, including such problems as catch basins not being cleaned in the area. Recognizing that the organization would benefit from a strong revenue stream, he envisioned holding an annual street fair. His vision is now a reality that brings revenue to the organization each year. Mr. Wilson is described by his peers as a man of boundless energy and commitment to the community he has been a part of for so many years. In recognition of these outstanding achievements, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bob Wilson for his spirit and dedication.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S.J. Res. 8, and I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), the ranking member, and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) for all of their hard work on this issue and this resolution and for their work in preventing sexual assault and rape. The gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) and I introduced the companion legislation to this bill, H.J. Res. 36 in the House earlier. This April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, but it is important to remember that preventing sexual assault should be a top priority during each month of the year. We must also remember that violence against women is not just a woman's issue, it is a man's issue, a family's issue, and an issue that is important to society at large. According to the Department of Justice, someone is sexually assaulted in this country every 82 seconds. That translates to over 1,000 a day, and over 380,000 sexual assaults every year; yet we have the ability to help protect our daughters, our sisters, and our friends by putting rapists behind bars using DNA evidence. We know that DNA evidence is better than a fresh set of fingerprints, and we know it is often better than eyewitness testimony. Earlier this year I reintroduced with the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) an important piece of legislation that would take important steps to prevent sexual assaults from occurring. The Debbie Smith Act would provide critical funding for eliminating the backlog of unprocessed DNA evidence, for establishing sexual assault forensic examiner programs, and for training law enforcement and prosecutors about how to use DNA technology most effectively. The bill also establishes a national standard for the collection of DNA evidence, thereby ensuring that the evidence is processed in a reasonable amount of time. I authored this bill after Debbie Smith testified before the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. She spoke about the tool of DNA and how it can be used to convict rapists. She was raped near her home in 1989, and for 6\1/2\ years she lived in fear that her attacker would return to fulfill the threat he had made to her that day, that if she told anyone, he would kill her. Only on the day that her husband told her that the man that had raped Debbie had been identified through a DNA match and was in prison was Debbie able to breathe again. Tragically, there are other Debbie Smiths out there, other women still living in fear because they do not know if their attacker will come back to them again. The Debbie Smith Act will help to bring justice and closure to the survivors of rapes and their families, and it will help prevent rapes by putting rapists behind bars. This is an issue that both Republicans and Democrats agree on. Attorney General Ashcroft earlier this year stated that he supported a $1 billion initiative to process DNA evidence. This is clearly very important because there is an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 kits unprocessed around the country. It is no wonder that only 2 percent of women who are raped will ever see their attacker spend a day in jail, but each rape kit represents a life, the life of a person like Debbie Smith, and each rape kit represents a predator, a rapist who may strike again and again. Law enforcement tells us that most rapists, if not caught, will attack approximately, or at least, 8 times. It is time to put DNA evidence to work stopping rapes and sexual assaults from occurring around the country, and I do believe that this year we will pass this bill. It is needed, it is important, and we will pass it because there is strong bipartisan support from the White House, from the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), from the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green), and many others. I thank everyone who has worked on it. There is no greater way to celebrate Sexual Assault Month than to pass legislation that will prevent sexual assaults in the future. I am hopeful this year we will be able to achieve that.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act. While I support the bill, I am disappointed that the legislation could not be further refined to satisfy the concerns of the Native American gaming community. I firmly believe that in its final form, any legislation must clarify the absolute legality of Native American gaming. Last Congress, in response to 9/11, the Financial Services Committee passed significant new legislation curbing money laundering. During the course of hearings on the legislation, law enforcement testified that Internet gambling sites are often used for money laundering purposes by drug dealers and potentially by terrorists. As I've often said, criminals are like other business people in that they go out of business if you limit their money. This legislation will give law enforcement important new tools to cut off money laundering. I also support the legislation because I fear that the explosion of the Internet and the access that young people have to it in their homes and schools creates an opportunity for them to fall victim to online gaming. The best way to keep young people from getting hooked on gambling is to limit their access to it. There is good reason that U.S. casinos do not permit individuals under 21 years of age from entering the premises. While I support the bill, I am concerned that the concerns of the Native American gaming community have not been fully satisfied. Gaming has raised standards of living and provided economic development money to the Native American community that was missing for too long. Congress must not do anything to imperil gaming as a source of much needed jobs and commerce to reservations. I look forward to working with the Native American community on this issue going forward.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce legislation, the ``Revitalizing Cities Through Parks Enhancement Act,'' that would establish a $10 million grant program for qualified, non-profit, community groups, allowing them to lease municipally-owned vacant lots and transform these areas into parks. These vacant lots often are areas of heavy drug-trafficking. Parks and gardens created with the grants will not only provide safe places to gather, but will increase property values as well. The grants will be available from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to groups who have met standards of financial security, and who have histories of serving their communities. To further ensure that these grants are used to make lasting positive changes, land improved and made into open community space under this legislation must be available for use as open space from the local government for at least seven years.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Check 21 legislation that will modernize the Nation's check clearing system and benefit our constituents across the country. I thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford) and the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders), along with the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) for their hard work on this bill. This legislation will increase electronic check presentment and lower the cost of check clearing, and it will make it easier for the payments system to proceed without breakdown in the event of another terrorist attack. Today, the technology exists to allow customers to view images of checks on their own home computers so they do not have to wait until the end of the month to get their checks. This legislation complements this technology and will spur more financial institutions to offer these services to consumers. As a practical matter, the ability of a consumer to see an electronic imagine of a check will allow them to more easily resolve disputed checks and combat fraud. The legislation also includes important consumer provisions that will allow customers to retrieve and properly debit funds. Check truncation legislation will help prevent another post-9/11 situation where the grounding of the Nation's airplanes prevented checks from being cleared. Currently, checks that are not truncated have to be physically flown to their paying bank. With the planes grounded, massive float built up in the payment system after the terror attack and could have threatened a widespread economic interruption had flights not resumed. Not only was this a problem after 9/11, but there is a long history of inefficiency in the transfer of checks by airplane, especially with respect to check-clearing services provided by the Federal Reserve. I have had a long interest in this issue, and I thank the sponsors of this legislation for including language in the bill that adds check transportation services to the Monetary Control Act. I have had an interest in this issue and I thank the sponsors of the legislation for including language in the bill that adds check transportation services to the Monetary Control Act. This provision will require the Federal Reserve the disclosure of costs related to check transportation and prevent further inefficiency. This legislation is the product of years of work by the Federal Reserve and the Financial Services Committee. It represents contributions from many Members over the course of countless hearings. I urge my colleagues to support the underlying bill.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill. Again, we are facing a bill that deprives women of safe, high quality medical care at a time when they need it most. And yet again, this bill places undue burden on a woman's right to seek an abortion. Let's put this bill in perspective. Since the majority party took power in 1994, I've kept a scorecard. This is their 202nd strike against reproductive rights, and you can check the list at any website www.house.gov/Maloney. Language similar to this bill has already been struck down in Stenberg v. Carhart on the grounds that it fails to take the health of the woman into account. What this bill is about is the right to choose. The bill is extreme, it's vicious, and it's unconstitutional. The Supreme Court, The New York Times and the Washington Post agree, and I ask permission to place a copy of the Times and Post editorials in the Record. The fact is that this bill says it's banning intact dilation and extraction, a procedure acknowledged by the experts, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as safe to end late-term pregnancy--when it's necessary. The opposition shows horrible pictures and yells about how grotesque this procedure is. It is, but so are lots of medical procedures. But they're still good care. This bill flatly disrespects medical opinion. My constituents ask my opinion on important things--like low income women asking where their child tax credit went; like the Federal Communications Commission's ruling to consolidate access to news in the hands of a few. That's important, that's dangerous. But, I gotta tell you, not one of my constituents has asked me to be their doctor! The Supreme Court has said that neither the Court nor Congress may ban a medical procedure appropriate to save the woman's life and health. Period The blatant disregard for this fact and for the rights of women to choose is astonishing. I urge you all to vote ``no'' on this measure. [From the New York Times, June 4, 2003] ``Partial Birth'' Mendacity, Again If the so-called partial-birth abortion ban now careering toward almost certain approval by the full House this week has a decidedly familiar ring, it is not your imagination playing tricks. The trickery here belongs to the measure's sponsors. Although promoted as narrowly focused on a single late-term abortion procedure, the measure's wording adds up to a sweeping prohibition that would, in effect, overturn Roe v. Wade by criminalizing the most common procedures used after the first trimester, but well before fetal viability. Indeed, the measure replicates the key defects that led the Supreme Court to reject a strikingly9 similar state law a mere three years ago. In addition to its deceptively broad sweep, the bill unconstitutionally omits an exception to protect the health of the woman. Plainly, the measure's backers are counting on the public not to read the fine print. Their strategy is to curtail access to abortion further as the inevitable legal challenge wends its way back to the Supreme Court for another showdown. They obviously hope that by that time, there will have been a personnel change that will shift the outcome their way. House members who vote for this bill will be participating in a cynical exercise that disrespects the rule of law and women's health while threatening the fundamental right of women to make their own childbearing decisions. Representatives who care about such things will not go along.

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me time and I congratulate him on his extraordinary leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I first would like to respond to my colleague on the other side of the aisle who referenced an article in the New York Times. I would like to place into the Record the Times editorial from today, not only the New York Times editorial but the Washington Post editorial, both of which strongly came out against the Republican bill before us today. The bill is extreme, it is vicious, mean-spirited, antiwoman, and it is unconstitutional. We have heard a great deal of graphic rhetoric from the majority party today. But let me tell you what we have not heard and that is their true agenda, which is to roll back, chip away at a woman's right to choose. That is what this debate is about. That is totally what it is about. And since the Republican majority came to Congress in 1994, I have kept a score card on their antichoice votes. Today marks their 202nd vote against a woman's right to choose. It is on my Web site. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to stand in defense of a woman's reproductive health and to vote against this bill which deprives women of safe, quality medical care at a time when they need it most. The right to choose is meaningless without the access to choose. And this bill is so broadly written that it would, in effect, undermine a woman's legal right to abortion in this country. When I go home, my constituents ask me about many things, but believe me, they have never asked me to be their doctor, nor do they want Members of Congress to be making medical decisions. It is unprecedented. It is wrong. It is unconstitutional. Vote against this Republican bill.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 4, which would add an amendment to the Constitution banning the desecration of the American flag. I believe that desecrating the American flag is a terrible way to exercise one's freedom of expression. It is hurtful and offensive. Yet, freedom of speech is one of the bedrock principles of this Nation's democracy. Some of the most powerful movements in the history of America occurred because our Constitution guarantees everyone the freedom to express themselves. While desecrating the American flag in protest offends many people, the flag is a symbol of our Nation's powerful democracy. Protecting our citizens' right to express themselves is more vital to the strength of our democracy than the physical appearance of the flag. I believe that all Americans should respect and honor the flag. However, I oppose placing restrictions on the First Amendment by adding this amendment to our Constitution. While this is an important issue and it deserves to be debated by this body, we cannot forget another issue of vital importance to America's veterans. The budget proposed by the Majority includes serious cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposed $15 billion cut in benefits and $9.7 billion cut in health care would leave many veterans without access to critical resources. With the ongoing conflict in Iraq, there will undoubtedly be more soldiers who will need care in the future. Rather than cut the funding for the VA, we should be providing adequate funding so that the Department will be prepared for caring for the soldiers who may need care after the current conflict has ended.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Matthew Bronfman for his numerous achievements during his years of service to the 92nd Street Y. A dedicated and passionate philanthropist, Mr. Bronfman has long been a guiding force behind the Y, one of New York City's premier cultural institutions. The 92nd Street Y is a New York City landmark, having been in operation for nearly 130 years. Founded in 1874, the Y has become a center for people of all races, ethnic backgrounds and religions to meet and participate in activities ranging from concerts at the Tisch Center to pottery classes for children. Inspiring New Yorkers of all ages with its varied programs and classes, the 92nd Street Y has played a crucial role in maintaining the vitality of the city. A successful businessman and philanthropist for many years, Matthew Bronfman joined the 92nd Street Y Board of Directors in September of 1991 and was elected its 42nd President in May of 2000. His strong leadership and vision have had an energizing influence in strengthening the 92nd Street Y. The Bronfman family has also played a major role in the life of the Y by endowing, in 1992, the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life. The Bronfman Center has become the focus of the Y's many programs involved with Jewish education, outreach, family and holiday planning. The Center sponsors lectures, religious services, classes and workshops, all designed to help the community explore Jewish heritage and culture. Recent guest speakers include Elie Wiesel and Yitzhak Rabin. A devoted father of six, Matthew Bronfman is managing director of a private investment company, ACI Capital, and chairman of the Investment Committee of the Challenge Fund, L.P. Mr. Bronfman is also a board member of many organizations including Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Earnest Partners, Visiosonic, Palace Candles, The Canadian Center for Architecture, and the Cardigan Mountain School. In recognition of his outstanding achievements and leadership, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Matthew Bronfman, an accomplished businessman and a cultural leader.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Colonel Sidney Baumgarten, in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the Military and the City of New York, and for his 25 years of service to The East Side Chamber of Commerce and to New York Therapeutic Communities. A native of Far Rockaway Beach, Mr. Baumgarten attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was elected to the Student Governing Council and earned three varsity letters. After receiving his Bachelor's degree, Mr. Baumgarten attended New York Law School, where he was a member of the Law Review and recipient of an American Jurisprudence Award. After attending Brown University, Mr. Baumgarten entered military service, attending Signal School at Fort Dix. He served for 18 months in Europe with the 7th Army Command and was awarded 4 commendations. As an active member of the U.S. Army Reserve, he served as Detachment Commander, Company Commander and Adjutant for the 99th Signal Battalion and as Material Officer for the 518th Maintenance Battalion. At an early age, Mr. Baumgarten began his lifelong commitment to serving in the United States military, and recently retired as Colonel in the New York Guard, Chief of Staff of the Army Division at Camp Smith, New York. For his exceptional services in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack, Mr. Baumgarten was presented with the NY State Conspicuous Service Medal by Governor Pataki in June 2002. Mr. Baumgarten has earned numerous other medals recognizing his service to the nation and the state. In addition to his law profession and military service, Mr. Baumgarten's many interests led him to act as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rockaway Cultural Society and President of the Regular Democratic Club of the Rockaways. He was also Post Judge Advocate of the VFW Post 1948, a member of the PAL Youth Council, and a director of the Queens Council on the Arts. Professionally, Mr. Baumgarten was engaged in the private practice of law for 5 years, and was appointed Assistant District Attorney in 1967. As a member of the Appeals Bureau, he argued numerous criminal appeals before the State and Federal courts and expertly handled numerous cases involving prosecution of major crime figures. From November 1968 to December 1973, Mr. Baumgarten was Law Secretary to Justice Charles Margett, Associate Justice of the Appellate Term of the New York State Supreme Court and Administrative Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District. Mr. Baumgarten has shared his expertise with colleagues as a lecturer on the subject of firearms and firearms legislation at the New York City Police Academy, and on the subject of appeals at the Queens County Bar Association and at Hofstra University School of Law. In January 1974, Mr. Baumgarten was appointed Deputy to the Mayor with responsibility for programs and policies involving the Criminal Justice System, the Midtown Enforcement Project, gun control legislation, the Correction Department and many other matters. His expertise has made him a popular guest on many local and network radio and television programs including ABC News and the McNeil-Leherer Report. His successes were recently recognized by former Mayor Giuliani at a ceremony to celebrate the revitalization of Times Square. The Mayor credited Mr. Baumgarten with closing more than 200 illegal establishments during his tenure as head of Midtown enforcement. Currently, Mr. Baumgarten is President of Spectral BioScience Corp, a company specializing in advanced medical devices and serves as Board Chairman of the East Side Chamber of Commerce and Chairman Emeritus of New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc. He continues to lead and serve my community, tirelessly working towards the betterment of the quality of life for New York City residents and, indeed, all Americans. In recognition of these outstanding contributions, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sidney Baumgarten for his outstanding service and dedication to the Military and the City of New York.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today we continue the Defense Authorization bill debate. This bill authorizes a total of $400.5 billion in FY 2004 for defense activities important for our nation's security, however, there are troubling provisions in this bill relating to civil services law, contracting, environmental exemptions and nuclear weapons policy that should not have been included in H.R. 1588. I'm particularly concerned about the civil service provisions that undermine collective bargaining and safeguards against employee harassment. H.R. 1588 will deny basic worker protections to one third of all Federal Employees. This bill places the Secretary of Defense in the position of being the ultimate decision maker in labor disputes giving him blanket authority to create a completely new civilian employee system. Many of the changes included in this bill will open the way for abuses that the Pendleton Act of 1893 was enacted to eliminate. We may need to modernize, however, we also need to preserve the principles of a Civil Service that has served our nation well for more than 100 years. I am disappointed that an amendment I offered in the Rules Committee was not made in order. It was a simple amendment that would have ensured that Chief Acquisition Officers are career professionals and not political appointees. I would like to put letters of support from several good government/civil servant groups, including the Federal Managers Association, AFGE, the Senior Executives Association, NTEU, AFSCME and others, into the Record. As AFSCME noted in a letter of support, ``H.R. 1588 entrusts the contracting process to political appointees who stay an average of only 18 months and will turn federal contracts into political currency.'' This wrongheaded provision is a recipe for cronyism and political favoritism! I am also greatly disappointed that my pro-competition in procurement amendment, offered with Mr. Turner of Texas, was not made in order. The Maloney-Turner amendment to the Defense Authorization Act would have reapplied certain common-sense, good government procurement rules to the Other Transactions Authority section (Section 1451) of H.R. 1588. This amendment tried to close a large procurement loophole that is both unnecessary and fraught with potential for abuse. For some interested in closed-door deals and invitation-only bids, it may be more advantageous to use OT authority rather than a procurement contract, however, it may not be more advantageous for taxpayers. We are reversing important, settled public policy with this bill. Vote ``no'' on the rule. Federal Managers Association, Alexandria, VA, May 19, 2003. Hon. Carolyn Maloney, House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congresswoman Maloney: On behalf of the 200,000 executives, managers, and supervisors in the Federal government whose interests are represented by the Federal Managers Association (FMA), I am writing to express our strong support of your amendment to H.R. 1588, the fiscal 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, requiring that the Federal Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO) position be filled by a career civil servant. Currently, Section 1421 of H.R. 1588 stipulates that newly appointed CAO's are to be non-career employees, or political appointees. We at FMA believe that Federal agencies and taxpayers would benefit more from the institutional knowledge, expertise, and experience that a career civil servant would bring to this position. Today, the average tenure of a political appointee is eighteen months, which will result in a revolving door of CAO's in and out of agencies. This situation will only serve to further complicate the structure of the Federal acquisition workforce, while compromising the effectiveness of this critical position due to a lack of stability. Over time, we have already seen detrimental effects on Federal agencies as a result of short-term appointees in leadership positions. Moreover, Federal acquisition policy is built upon the goal of providing American taxpayers with high-quality products and services through the most efficient use of their tax dollars. In order to achieve this goal, the CAO must be removed from any and all political pressures. Finally, we at FMA are supportive of the National Commission on the Public Service's (a.k.a., the Volcker Commission named for its chairman, Paul A. Volcker) recent recommendation that, ``Congress and the President should work together to significantly reduce the number of executive branch political positions.'' The requirement that the newly- created CAO positions be filled by non-career employees would only continue the dangerous trend of increasing the number of political appointments--a step at odds with the Commission's recommendation, which has been supported by many Members of Congress. Sec. 1421 of H.R. 1588 would best serve the American public if amended, as you have recommended, to require that the CAO be a career civil servant. Thank you for your leadership on this important issue. We look forward to working with you to ensure passage of this amendment. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of further assistance to you on this matter. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely yours, Michael B. Styles, National President.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to USO of Metropolitan New York on the occasion of their 37th Annual Luncheon. This year, the USO is honoring Lorraine Bracco as Entertainer of the Year and Patricia Fili-Krushel, Vice President of Administration at AOL Time Warner, as Woman of the Year. Both women have made outstanding contributions to the New York City community. The USO, founded in 1941 in response to a request by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is dedicated to providing morale, welfare and recreation type services to uniformed military Personnel. They remain committed to extending a ``touch of home'' to military members through numerous programs and activities. The USO currently operates throughout the United States and overseas in 121 centers worldwide. Lorraine Bracco, perhaps best known for her portrayal of psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi on the HBO hit series ``the Sopranos'', has earned multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Best Actress in a Drama. Ms. Bracco was also nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the movie ``Goodfellas''. A student at Stella Adler and the Actors Studio in New York City, Ms. Bracco made her American feature film debut in the 1987 Ridley Scott's thriller, ``Someone to Watch Over Me.'' In addition to extensive film and television credits, Ms. Bracco is a member of the Board of Directors of the environmental organization Riverkeeper, which serves to safeguard the Hudson River, its tributaries and the watershed of New York City against environmental violations by tracking down and stopping polluters. She is also a member of the Board of New York Council for the Humanities. Patricia Fili-Krushel is the Executive Vice President of Administration of AOL Time Warner. In this role, Ms. Fili-Krushel works closely with AOL Time Warner's senior management team. Her responsibilities include human resources, employee development and growth, compensation and benefits, as well as security. Before joining AOL Time Warner, Ms. Fili-Krushel was President of the ABC Television network from 1998 to 2000 and was responsible for improving the ABC television ranking from number 3 to number 1. In 1996, she received the prestigious Vision Award for her contributions to the arts. In 1998, Ms. Fili-Krushel was featured by Fortune Magazine among its ``50 Most Powerful Women'' and in 1999, she received the Women's Project and Productions' Women of Achievement award. Ms. Fili-Krushel currently sits on the Board of Directors for Second Stage Theater, the Board of the Central Park Conservancy, the Board of Center for Communication and was recently named to Mayor Bloomberg's Commission on Women's Issues as Co-Chair of the Child Care initiative. She has made outstanding contributions to the field of communications as well as to improving the New York City community through numerous community service organizations. In recognition of these outstanding contributions, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the USO of Metropolitan New York on the occasion of their 37th Annual Luncheon as well as in honoring Lorraine Bracco and Patrician Fili-Krushel for their efforts in improving the New York City community.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have previously introduced legislation to end discrimination against women by private clubs that conduct significant business activities. On April 12, 2003, I attended the event sponsored by the National Council of Women's Organizations at the Masters Golf Tournament to protest the discrimination against women as members by Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. I would like to submit for the record the remarks of Ms. Ramona Wright, Third Vice Chair of the National Congress of Black Women, which she made on that day. ``Equality and Progress'' Saturday April 12, 2003, Augusta, Georgia [By Ramona Wright, Third Vice Chair, National Congress of Black Women] Good afternoon. My name is Ramona Wright, and I am here on behalf of the National Congress of Black Women. Though our Chairwoman, Dr. C. Delores Tucker, could not be present, she sends warm regards. The NCBW came to this rally to support our sisters of the NCWO and their efforts to open up the membership of the powerful Augusta National Golf Club to women golfers as members. The NCWO is a strong supporter of the National Congress of Black Women's crusade to have Sojourner Truth added to the Women's Suffrage Statue in the Rotunda of the Capitol. It is for their support and because the NCBW strongly opposes discrimination against women on all levels that we are here today. We are here today, we, members of the NCBW, NCWO, and allies who support equality, to denounce the sexist membership policy of the Augusta National Golf Club. It cannot stand! It is a new day and a new time, which is long over due. Wouldn't you agree? In 1990, less than 15 years ago, the Augusta National Golf Club finally began admitting African American men. This means that before this time a young exceptional golfer (who happens to be male and a minority and who, in 1997, broke the Tournament's four-day scoring record that had stood for 32 years) won his fourth consecutive professional major in 2001 and, in 2002, became only the third player to win consecutive Masters titles, could not, I repeat, could not have entered in through the gates of the Augusta National Golf Club. It is shameful in this day and age, The New Millennium, that sexism yet exists--that less than 15 years ago, minority golfers like Tiger Woods may not have been permitted to join the Augusta National Golf Club due to its discriminatory practices. It is not OK for a sign to read No Girls Allowed, just as it was never OK for signs all across this country to read No Blacks Allowed! This rally is bigger than women being permitted to join a boy's golf club. This rally is about equality and progress! equality and progress! In 1735, the city of Augusta was named in the honor of Princess Augusta--a woman. In the mid 1800s, Augusta had a population of almost 12,500, one of the 102 cities in the U.S. to have more than 10,000 residents. As the second largest city in Georgia during the 19th century, its investment of a million dollars in the manufacturing industry topped that of any other town or state in the U.S. Moving on to the early 20th century, Augusta had begun developing one of the finest medical centers in the southeast region. And, of course, in the 1930s Augusta became home to the Masters, its world-renowned golf tournament. In the latter part of the past century, Augusta was on its way to transitioning into an urban industrial center. Therefore, in a town that has progressed so significantly over the last 200 years, why, when we, as a nation and here in Augusta as a community should have learned from our sexist and discriminatory past, do we support a tradition of exclusion? Today, in the 21st century, the Augusta National Golf Club has an opportunity to break its sexist and exclusionary tradition by permitting women to join. This action would be one of great courage and leadership, an example to the nation and abroad that Augusta's rich tradition of progress includes equality for all. Stay encouraged and God bless!

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 22nd annual Turkish-American Day Parade. For over 20 years the parade has united people in its celebration of the many contributions Turkish Americans have made to the history and diversity of New York City, and our great country. Since its conception, The Federation of Turkish American Associations, which hosts the parade, has successfully established a vital link between the Turkish and American communities. The Federation has evolved with the changing times and has expanded in size, membership and purpose. The parade is a culmination of the month long Turkish Culture Festival. Americans of all heritages will be treated to lavish floats, men women and children dressed in regional attire, and a sea of American and Turkish flags. Miss World, Azra Akin, will also participate. New York is a city inspired by every corner of the globe. We draw on and benefit from a myriad of cultures whose citizens have settled here lending their talents, ambition and drive. Turkish influence is evident throughout the city. It is hard to walk a block in New York City without seeing a Turkish restaurant, a building whose design was influenced by Turkish architecture or a store awning that includes calligraphy, an art form first practiced in Turkey. The Turkish-American Day Parade is also a chance to honor Turkish Americans who are leaders in their fields, having made contributions in business, the arts, entertainment, and public service not only for the Turkish community, but for all New Yorkers and Americans. Post parade festivities include various Turkish folk dancing troupes, traditional costumes, music, food and artists displaying diverse Turkish culture. In addition, Turkish American Veterans will participate. In recognition of outstanding Turkish American contributions, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 22nd annual Turkish American Day Parade.