Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule that would not allow a Democratic substitute and to the underlying bill. I rise against the rule and the Republican bill. I regret for America's seniors that a Democratic alternative was not allowed. Medicare provides health care coverage to forty million retired and disabled Americans. For decades, Medicare has worked to provide needed, lifesaving health care to millions, but it is missing a fundamental component: a prescription drug benefit. If we have courage, this Congress can make history and give our nation's seniors what they desperately need: a real, and meaningful prescription drug plan. I am proud to join my Democratic colleagues, led by Mr. Dingell, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Stark, and Mr. Brown, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 5019, the ``Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit and Discount Act.'' I come to the floor to discuss two points: Number 1: unlike the Republican drug plan, the Democratic plan is simple because it builds upon a proven model--Medicare. Just like seniors pay a Part B premium today for doctor visits, under our plan, seniors would pay a voluntary Part D premium of $25 per month for drug coverage. For that, Medicare or the government will pay 80 percent of drug costs after a $100 deductible. And no senior will have to pay more than $2,000 in costs per year. There is an urgent need for this plan. The most recent data indicates that almost 40 percent of seniors--an estimated 11 milion--have no drug coverage. Problems are particularly acute for low income seniors and seniors over the age of 85 (the majority whom are women). Additionally, those older Americans who do have coverage find that their coverage is often inadequate for their needs. The Democratic plan is a real plan with real numbers, not estimates. Point 2: the Republican plan does nothing to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. The Democratic plan is the only plan that provides real Medicare prescription drug coverage for our seniors by stopping soaring drug costs. Under the buying power of Medicare, through competition and bargaining we can rein in drug costs. Prescription drug costs are too high for our older Americans. They need help now! For instance, let's look at the cost of Prevacid. Prevacid is an ulcer medication, and the second most widely used drug by American seniors. The cost for this prescription is on average $137.54 per month in New York City--but only $45.02 in the United Kingdom, a price differential of 206 percent. Or look at Celebrex, a popular arthritis medication and a drug needed by many older women, especially, since older women are stricken more often than men by arthritis. According to a Government Reform Committee report released by Mr. Weiner and myself, a monthly supply of this drug costs $86.26 in New York City. In France, a monthly supply of Celebrex costs only $30.60. This is a price differential of 182 percent. Seniors in New York City without drug coverage must pay almost three times as much as purchasers in France. Prices for prescriptions have risen 10 percent per year for the last several years, leading to over $37 billion in profits last year for the giant drug companies. While these corporations wallow in their spoils, seniors suffer without coverage. Mr. Speaker, we must pass the Democratic prescription drug plan without delay. It is built on a proven model, Medicare. The Republican plan only offers gap-ridden coverage. The Republican bill is about privatization. The Republican plan is all about election year politics. For the sake of our seniors, we must pass the Democratic plan, and we must pass it now.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank you, Congresswoman Thurman for organizing this important special order on the need for prescription drug coverage. Medicare provides health care coverage to forty million retired and disabled Americans. For decades, Medicare has worked to provide needed, lifesaving health care to millions, but it is missing a fundamental component: a prescription drug benefit. If we have courage, this Congress can make history and give our nation's seniors what they desperately need: a real, and meaningful prescription drug plan. I am proud to joint my Democratic Colleagues, lead by Mr. Dingell, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Stark and Mr. Brown, as an original cosponsor of the ``Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit and Discount Act.'' I come to the floor this evening to discuss two points: Number 1: unlike the Republican drug plan, the Democratic plan is simple because it builds upon a proven model--Medicare. Just like seniors pay a Part B premium today for doctor visits, under our plan, seniors would pay a voluntary Part D premium of $25 per month for drug coverage. For that, Medicare or the government will pay 80 percent of drug costs after a $100 deductible. And NO senior will have to pay more than $2,000 in costs per year. There is an urgent need for this plan. The most recent data indicates that almost 40 percent of serniors--an estimated 11 million--have no drug coverage. Problems are particularly acute for low income seniors and seniors over the age of 85 (the majority whom are women). Additionally, those older Americans who do have coverage find that their coverage is often inadequate for their needs. The Democratic plan is a real plan with real numbers, not estimates. Point 2: the Republican Plan does nothing to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. The Democratic plan is the only plan that provides real Medicare prescription drug coverage for our seniors by stopping soaring drug costs. Under the buying power of Medicare, through competition and bargaining we can rein in drug costs. Prescription drug costs are too high for our older Americans. They need help now! For instance, look at Prevacid. Prevacid is an unclear medication, and the second most widely used drug by American seniors. The cost for this prescription is on average $137.54 per month in New York City--cut only $45.02 in the United Kingdom, a price different of 200 percent. Or look at Celebrex, a popular arthritis medication and a drug needed by many older women, especially, since older women are stricken more often than men by arthritis. According to a Government Reform Committee report released by Mr. Weiner and myself, a monthly supply of this drug costs $86.26 in New York City. In France, a monthly supply of Celebrex costs only $30.60. This is a price differental of 182 percent. Seniors in New York City without drug coverage must pay almost three times as much as purchasers in France. Prices for prescriptions have risen 10 percent per years for the last several years, leading to over $37 billion in profits last year for the giant drug companies. While these corporations wallow in their spoils, seniors suffer without coverage. Unfortunately, the brunt of the problem falls squarely on our nation's olderly women, who are nearly sixty percent of our senior citizens. We need to take care of America's older women, we need to help all of our senior citizens. Mr. Speaker, we must pass the Democratic prescription drug plan without delay. It is built on a proven model medicare. The Republican plan only offers gap-ridden coverage. The Republican bill is about privatization. The Republican plan is all about election year politics. For the sake of our seniors, we must pass the democratic plan, and we must pass it now.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, Amtrak is an institution that we must preserve. Now is not the time to turn our backs, and deny the emergency aid that we need to keep this service running. Amtrak officially began service on May 1, 1971, when Clocker no. 235 departed New York's Penn Station at 12:05 a.m. bound for Philadelphia. This very same route is traversed by Amtrak trains several times daily, transporting thousands of passengers who depend on this service. Mr. Speaker, as you well know, Amtrak has announced the imminent shut-down of operations to begin in one week. Amtrak is our national passenger rail service. I have joined the effort by signing a letter to the Appropriators asking for $200 million in supplemental appropriations in order to keep Amtrak in business. Were Amtrak to shut down, the consequences would be far more widespread than merely affecting long-range service. This shut down would be disastrous to commuters, as such commuter lines as Virginia Railway Express and MARC in the Washington DC area, and Shoreline East in Connecticut, all operate on Amtrak tracks and use Amtrak crews. Each day, 60,000 passengers travel on Amtrak, and 24,000 travel between New York and Washington, DC alone. The entire Northeast Corridor would be crippled by a shutdown of Amtrak service. Mr. Speaker, when service first began in 1971, Amtrak had merely 25 employees. Today, Amtrak provides employment for over 24,000 workers. Amtrak's future is an issue that must be resolved. Mr. Speaker, we in Congress must be adamant about guaranteeing to Amtrak that we will not let it fall. Congress must also resolve to adopting a long-term strategy of reform for our nation's passenger rail system. Congress must be sure that Amtrak can continue maintaining, and upgrading its fleet of trains. A quick fix cannot be misconstrued as being a long- term answer. Mr. Speaker, I do not stand alone when I say America needs Amtrak. Yes, we need a strong and reliable passenger rail system. With improvement, Amtrak would be much cheaper to maintain than constructing new airports and highways. Rail stations, are far more environmentally friendly than airports, and putting more cars on our highways. Terminating Amtrak will mean a serious loss to metropolitan areas as New York and Chicago. The loss of train service will lead to increased automobile traffic into downtown areas from the suburbs. Passenger rail service is very important to maintaining and improving pollution levels. Without commuter rail service, the number of cars that already pack New York City's crowded streets would greatly increase. Pollution and transportation are not issues limited to the northeastern corridor. These are national issues, as well. Amtrak is also a national issue. People all over the country ride on the passenger rail service Amtrak provides. Mr. Speaker, Amtrak is worth maintaining. We must also recognize that it is in Congress's power to step in and fix this problem. Mr. Speaker, this issue needs our attention and it needs it now. Congress must pass an aid package that gives Amtrak the tools not only to survive, but also to excel.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, having no further requests for time, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy, Technology, and Economic Growth, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 4846, the Silver Eagle Coin Continuation Act of 2002, a version of which passed the Senate last week by unanimous consent. Madam Speaker, the United States Mint's most popular Silver Eagle coin program needs the assistance of Congress. Our strategic stockpile of silver, which once held upwards of 730 million ounces, is nearly depleted. In the years after World War II, this silver reserve was developed at such a rate as to eliminate the need for further mining. Since 1986, the U.S. Mint has slowly but surely consumed the stockpile, creating 1-ounce investment coins at the rate of about 10 million ounces per year. By this summer's end, our surplus in silver will be gone. Since the silver Eagle coin program was created, the U.S. Mint has consumed 137 million ounces. In addition to being popular with our constituents, the program is a boon to the Treasury. The popularity of the Silver Eagle coin continues to rise and, according to press reports, nets more than $264 million to the Treasury. And it has brought this money in since 1986. When Congress created the coin, it specified that the source of silver for the coin be the Nation's strategic silver stockpile alone. Congress then failed to note that, at the extinction of the stockpile, the Mint would lack authority to acquire silver for the coin from any other source. This legislation corrects this oversight. Without silver, the U.S. Mint cannot continue producing these coins. Our major blank coin vendors, which have remained dependent upon our silver stockpile, will face eminent layoffs and possible shutdowns, which could take up to 6 months to recover from. This situation can be avoided if we pass this legislation now. Madam Speaker, all three sections of this legislation are technical in nature and, to my knowledge, not at all controversial. I believe the House should send this bill, which contains a nearly exact version of the Senate bill, to the Senate quickly for swift passage so that the coin program can stay in operation and workers can stay on the job. The Senate has acted, and we should follow its lead. I urge support of this legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3764, the SEC Reauthorization Act. The past year will go down in history as one of the most scandal ridden in the history of our Nation's capital markets. Enron, Global Crossing, TYCO, and ImClone all raise the clouds of insider corruption, massive financial restatements, and outright fraud on investors. This bill takes an important step in assigning these episodes to history and ensuring that the SEC has the resources to prevent future problems. This legislation commits significant new resources to the SEC, which I can attest are truly needed based on what we have learned from hearings in the Committee on Financial Services. The bill authorizes $776 million for the SEC in fiscal year 2003, $338 million more than the fiscal year appropriations 2002 level and $233 million, 43 percent more than the administration requested. At least $134 million will go to SEC's chief accountant and corporation finance division, $326 million to the enforcement division, and $76 million to pay parity. While these sums are significant and necessary, my colleagues are well aware that the agency is funded through transaction fees and not traditional tax revenue. This pay parity money is especially important given the staff crisis the agency has experienced in recent years. Having recently visited the SEC field office in the Woolworth Building in lower Manhattan, a facility that was formerly located in the World Trade Center complex, I can tell you that pay parity is truly, truly needed. Pay parity will bring SEC employees up to the pay levels of their colleagues at the Federal banking regulators. I believe the securities regulators should not be treated as a second-class citizen behind the bank regulators. It is bad for investors and industry, and this is a truly worthy investment. I have already sent a bipartisan letter along with 27 of my colleagues on the Committee on Financial Services requesting funding for pay parity; and I want to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), for pushing for this provision and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) for holding to his commitment in last year's fee reduction legislation to win pay parity. Passage of this legislation today is yet another step on the road to winning back public confidence in our financial markets and rebuilding the trust of individual investors in financial reporting. It is my hope we build on it by passing real reform of the accounting industry with this Congress. To that end, I congratulate Senator Sarbanes for his overwhelming bipartisan victory by a 17-4 vote for his accounting legislation in the Senate Banking Committee. I look forward to working on this legislation in the conference committee, and I urge passage of this bill.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. The exploitation of the world's young women and children in sex trafficking is a tragic human rights offense. Many of these victims are kidnapped, sold, or tricked into brothel captivity. Trafficking isn't just a problem in other countries. Each year, men, women, and children from all over the world are brought into the United States for the sole purpose of being bought and sold by American citizens for commercial sex. Some estimates place the number as high as 750,000 individuals over the past decade. Instead of dreams of better jobs and better lives, they are trapped into a nightmare of coercion, violence, and disease. It is important that we protect the victims of the sex trade industry, and punish the predators that exploit them. Made up of recruiters, traffickers, brothel owners, customers and other crime syndicates, the industry profits from the victimization of individuals who cannot defend themselves. I have worked on the trafficking issue for many years. To stop the actions of sex tour operators like Big Apple Oriental Tours, which is based in New York City, I wrote to the District Attorney and to then- U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno asking them to use State and Federal laws to stop U.S.-based tour groups that feed off the sexual exploitation of impoverished women and young girls in developing countries. New York law prohibits promoting prostitution or profiting from prostitution, yet Big Apple Tours was doing just that. This legislation would set civil and criminal penalties for certain individuals who engage in sex trafficking. Furthermore, it sets similar penalties for those individuals who arrange these meetings. We must do more to stop the many human rights abuses inflicted on men, women, and children around the world. Preventing trafficking is an important step to ending the sex trade industry. Although we continue to make important advances in the rights of women throughout the world, as long as there are women whose freedoms, livelihoods, bodies, and souls are held captive because of trafficking, our work will never be done. I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his work on this issue and urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives honors many unsung American heroes whose contributions to America's freedom are without parallel in American history, the Sioux, Choctaw, Comanche and other Native American code talkers of World War II. Without the valiant efforts of these patriotic members from many of our Native American communities, our Armed Forces would not have been able to deceive our enemies as effectively as they did. The rare beauty and intricacy of our Native American languages turned out to be our most secret of weapons, and to our code talkers, America owes a great debt of gratitude. Our code talkers are an example of how the richness of our American heritage became a strength that no adversary could possibly match or overcome. America's freedom endures because our military commanders turned the linguistic heritage of our Native American tribes into an unprecedented asset of warfare. Last year, in a Capitol Rotunda ceremony, Congress and President Bush honored code talkers from the Navajo Nation with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow. John Brown, Jr., speaking on behalf of the Navajos, said at that ceremony, ``I am proud that at this point in American history our native language and the code we developed came to the aid of our country, saving American lives and helping the other U.S. Armed Forces to ultimately defeat the enemy.'' It was a fitting tribute that the House now extends to the Choctaw, Comanche, and to other Native American code talkers through passage of this important legislation. During World War II, America and its allies fought a massive war on several fronts and the code talkers protected the allies' secrets communications on most, if not all, of these fronts. From the Comanche and the Choctaw against the German Army and France, to the Navajo in the Pacific theater, more than 17 tribes in all made immeasurable contributions to the war effort. These include Cheyenne, Comanche, Cherokee, Choctaw, Osage, Yankton Sioux, Chippewa, Creek, Hopi, Kiowa, Menominee, Muscogee-Seminole, Javajo, Oneida, Paunee, Sac and Fox, and the Sioux, from both the Lakota and Dakota dialects. The compelling story of how the rich heritage of our Native American peoples, their language, and their heroes ultimately played a major role in our winning World War II unfortunately took more than a half a century to be told. And it took as long for one of our Nation's highest honors to be bestowed upon these Native American heroes. Today we honor their patriotism and their selflessness and their heroic actions, and America is grateful and proud for their contributions to our freedom. As proven by the code talkers, it is our heritage, and our people, that will always make America a great Nation. I only regret that we as a Congress are so late in recognizing the contributions of American Indians to the allies' victory in World War II and that not all of the code talkers who served are alive today to accept this important honor. Even so, I am pleased we are taking this action today; and as the daughter of a World War II veteran, I am also heartened by the progress we can all see on the national memorial now under construction on the Mall just blocks from here. As time passes, we cannot let the magnitude of the great victory our veterans achieved over the fanaticism of our World War II enemies fade from the national memory. As we face new military challenges today, from terrorists who also target and hate free societies, we can take extra inspiration from the bravery of our World War II veterans and the special place in history for the Native American code talkers. These brave soldiers went to war for the United States despite the historic mistreatment of Native Americans by the very government they were fighting to defend. I am honored to stand and honor the Sioux code talkers this morning. Congress has stipulated that recipients of this award shall have ``performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipients' field long after the achievement.'' The contribution of the code talkers to our great victory in World War II meets this high standard, and I am very pleased to join with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to recognize them today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on July 12, 2002, I missed rollcall votes No. 223, No. 224, and No. 225. Had I been present I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 223, ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 224 and ``Nay'' on rollcall vote No. 225.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation. Our nation's police and fire chaplains serve their communities each day, often putting their own lives in danger. Tragically, on September 11, 2001, some public safety officers lost their lives responding to the terrorist attack in New York City. One brave man, Father Mychal Judge, died as he was helping victims escape from the chaos. Unfortunately, his family and the families of nine other public safety officers are not eligible for federal death benefits. This legislation would change that policy. While no amount of money will ever replace what these families have lost, we owe it to them to do whatever we can to ease any financial hardship. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and to recognize the bravery of all public safety officers.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Detective Owen Hughes, one of New York's finest, who will be retiring from the New York Police Department. For almost two decades he has served the Manhattan's 13th Precinct. Detective Hughes is beloved by the community for his accessibility, concern and attention to their needs. Detective Hughes was born and raised in Queens, New York. He began his career with the New York Police Department by joining the Policy Academy, where he graduated in 1982. He performed his year-long field training in Queens and was assigned to the 13th Precinct in June of 1983. The 13th Precinct serves a diverse cross section of Manhattan which includes a substantial part of Manhattan's East Side. In 1985 Detective Hughes was selected to serve as Coordinator for the 13th Precinct's Community Policing Pilot Project. That led to his assignment to the Precinct's Community Affairs Office in June of 1985. There, Detective Hughes emerged as a dedicated and compassionate liaison between the Police Department and the community it is assigned to serve and protect. Among his many duties, he served as the Precinct's Youth Officer, which allowed his to work directly with the young people in the local community. Detective Hughes was also trained as a Crime Prevention Officer, and in that capacity lectured on the subject of crime prevention. For his outstanding record of achievement with the force, in 1990 Detective Hughes was promoted to Detective. In 1992 he worked to successfully establish a Precinct Law Enforcement Explorer Post. Among his most noteworthy and proudest accomplishments, Detective Hughes worked in tandem with the State Liquor Authority to shut down The Underground, a dangerous club formerly located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. For his courageous service to the community, Detective Hughes has been honored with numerous awards, including the NYPD Commissioner's Award, which he received in 1993. He has also been awarded the 23rd Street Association Paul Gay Award for Community Service, the Korean Businessman Association Advisory Council Award, the Stein Senior Citizen Center Award, the Tilden Democratic Club Community Service Award. For 22 years Detective Hughes has been married to his wife Susan. They have three children, Courtney, Owen Jr. and Ashley. For his years of serving and protecting the community, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Detective Owen Hughes.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Anne Emerman, a dedicated community activist who will be honored by Community Board Six in Manhattan. Ms. Emerman, a former Board Member of Community Board Six, is a knowledgeable, committed and effective advocate who was a constructive and energetic member of the Community Board. A native of New York City, Anne Emerman attended Hunter College, where she graduated in 1962. She then pursued a Master's Degree at Columbia University where she graduated from the School of Social Work in 1964. Upon graduation she began working as a Psychiatric Social Worker and Supersivor at Bellevue Hospital, where she remained until 1972. Her work with the mentally disabled led Ms. Emerman to begin advocating extensively and passionately on behalf of the disabled community. She has organized and participated in numerous demonstrations to raise visibility on this important issue. As a member of Disabled Action, she has worked with various government officials to urge the passage of civil rights laws to protect persons with disabilities. She has also been a key figure in a number of class action lawsuits intended to influence case law affecting disabled Americans. Her overwhelming commitment to this issue led to her being named Director of the Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities, where she served from 1990-1994. Ms. Emerman's commitment to activism resulted in her appointment to Community Board 6. There she continued to advocate on behalf of those issues most important to her. In addition to her work on behalf of the disabled, she has fought to ensure that all people have equal access to affordable housing, education, health and home care and public transportation. She also worked to ensure oversight of polling locations so that all New Yorkers are provided access to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Recently, Ms. Emerman began working with the New York City Council's first full standing Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Disability. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community, particularly her work to raise awareness on behalf of Americans living with disabilities, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Anne Emerman.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to The Queens Gazette, a leading community newspaper in the New York City borough of Queens. The twentieth anniversary of the Queens Gazette is cause for celebration across the borough from Astoria to Flushing, Long Island City to Jamaica. For two decades, the Gazette has been a premiere and outstanding publication for Queens residents who value accurate and timely news coverage and in-depth reports on the neighborhood issues that matter. In recent months, the Queens Gazette has helped raise awareness in the community on issues that affect us all. These issues range from the need to stop the Asian Longhorned Beetle from killing our trees, to the successful quest for affordable housing in Astoria's Marine Terrace housing development. The Gazette has reported, with in-depth analysis, on the campaign for increased transit connections between Long Island City's residential areas, business sectors and new public parks, retail stores, and cultural institutions. The Gazette has also provided Queens readers with consistent and accurate reporting on efforts to make LaGuardia Airport safer. Clearly, the Gazette excels in providing comprehensive news coverage in many arenas. Information on such issues, and countless others, is invaluable to the members of our community. I look to the Queens Gazette every week for thorough reports on local news, politics and governments affairs. I always appreciate the Gazette's special editions that focus on everything from social services in Queens to a review of entertainment and cultural activities for borough residents. I commend the entire staff at the Gazette for publishing an exemplary newspaper for the community and for being an excellent source for neighborhood news. Congratulations to Tony Barsamian, Julie Wager, John Toscano, Linda Wilson and everyone at the Gazette for twenty years of excellence in journalism and outstanding public service for the people of Queens. In recognition of its outstanding contributions to the community, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the Queens Gazette.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank our ranking member, the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), for yielding me this time and for his leadership on this important bill. I am pleased to rise today in support of the conference report for the Export-Import Bank through 2005. Today's vote has been a very long time in coming. Over the past year, Congress has passed a 6-month extension and a series of 30-day extensions to keep the bank in business as work on the conference report moved forward. Madam Speaker, this final conference report represents the sum of all that work, and I believe it sets the bank on a strong course for the next couple of years. As some of my colleagues have stated, the Ex-Im Bank is a successful government entity that facilitates and supports American businesses and worker interests by making exports possible to areas of the world that would otherwise be closed to U.S. companies. The conference report builds on the past successes of the bank which supported $12.5 billion of U.S. exports in 2001, and has supported a total of over $400 billion of U.S. exports in its 68-year history. It is very important to the district that I represent. Since 1995, the Export-Import Bank has supported over $1 billion in exports out of my district alone. While outreach to small businesses has been an increasing emphasis for the bank in recent years, the conference report strengthens this program. It directs the bank to improve its customer service and technology interface with small businesses, and doubles the value of bank support that must go to small businesses from 10 to 20 percent of the bank's total. Having recently met with a group of small business leaders and exporters in my district, I can tell Members this is a positive step and I would certainly support, as some of my colleagues have mentioned, a greater proportion going to small businesses. Members concerned about small businesses should also be aware that this language in the conference report coincides with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the bank and the Small Business Association last month. Under this agreement, a new joint marketing campaign will be launched to attract small businesses to the bank. The report also builds on the bank's existing mandate to support exports to Africa, and it imposes new safeguards on transactions that may fall under an existing countervailing duty, antidumping or section 201 ruling. Finally, the conference report retains an amendment I offered in committee giving the bank explicit authority to turn down an application for Ex-Im Bank support for companies that have a history of engaging in fraudulent business practices. One of the main reasons that I believe the bank is important to the U.S. is that it allows us to compete with foreign export credit agencies such as those in Japan, Germany, France, Canada, and other countries. There are over 70 different ECAs that we must compete with. I believe in this global economy, the U.S. must not fall behind our international competitors. I praise the bipartisan leadership in getting to the point we are today, and I support the conference report and urge a yes vote.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Agnes Gund on the occasion of the 34th Annual Museum of Modern Art Party in the Garden. Ms. Gund's extraordinary contributions to The Museum of Modern Art and the art community have made contemporary art accessible to countless people. It is a pleasure to pay tribute to this great educator, activist and philanthropist. Ms. Gund has been a trustee of The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) since 1976, and has served as President since 1991. Throughout that time, she has worked to expand the museum's services to a larger, more diverse public and has led MOMA to prominence both as a major tourist attraction and a standard-bearer for cultural institutions everywhere. An advocate for arts education, she founded the Studio in a School Association in 1971, a program that places artists as teachers in New York City public schools. For her pioneering work in this innovative program, she received the Doris C. Freeman Award from the City of New York and the New York State Governor's Arts Award in 1988. With the Studio in a School program, Ms. Gund forged a new partnership between professional artists and public schools and introduced children to the joys of creative expression. For her outstanding commitment to the `excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States', Ms. Gund was awarded the prestigious 1997 National Medal of Arts by President Clinton. One of 11 recipients of the nation's highest award for achievement in the arts in 1997, she was the only patron of the arts to receive such recognition. Ms. Gund also received the College Art Association Women in the Arts award in 1996 and was elected as a fellow to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1995. As an eminent leader of the arts community, Ms. Gund was recognized as one of Crain's 75 Most Influential Women in Business in 1996, and has received four honorary doctorates throughout her career. She has also devoted time to public service, particularly in issues surrounding AIDS research, arts programs and education, and has served as a benefactor to museums, art organizations, social and environmental groups and women's issues. Ms. Gund is bringing MOMA into the 21st century with a $1 billion expansion. The museum has taken the bold step of moving to Queens while the massive building project is underway. Prior to the move, she initiated a series of revolutionary exhibits, MOMA 2000, mixing genres and blending mediums of expression to encourage visitors to take a new look at MOMA's collection. A prominent collector of postwar art, Ms. Gund grew up surrounded by art and as a young women became one of the foremost collectors of modern painters, eventually amassing 400 works of art. Generous with her collection, she has given some of her most important pieces to museums. After the birth of her 4 children, she returned to school and received a master's degree in art history. Ms. Gund has been a lifelong champion of the arts, and has succeeded in sharing her passion with the American people. In recognition of these outstanding achievements, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Agnes Gund. Ms. Gund's generous spirit, devotion to arts education and love of creative genius will continue to benefit our nation for generations.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise in support of H.R. 4800, a bill that would extend the $10,000 adoption tax credit and the $10,000 employer adoption assistance exclusion so that they are not subject to the sunset of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. This bill is a significant step toward ensuring that every child has a loving family. I am proud to come to the floor in support of families who wish to bring another child into their lives. Like many of my colleagues, children's issues and legislation that increases adoption are very important to me. I am honored to represent a pro-adoption constituency. New York has traditionally adopted at one of the highest rates in the country. Unfortuantely, 134,000 children across the Naiton are still waiting for homes. All parents are familiar with the rising costs of raising children. Too many potential parents resist adopting because of this substantial economic burden. It is imperative that we take additional steps to relieve this financial weight on these families. Every Member of Congress is accustomed to lobbylists continually seeking tax benefits for specific special interests. Children in need of adoption have no high-priced lobbyists and no political action committees, so their voices often fail to be heard in today's Washington. I am pleased that this House will hear their voices today.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Population Council, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Its headquarters are located in the 14th Congressional district which I represent. The Population Council strives to improve the well-being and reproductive health of people around the world and works to achieve a humane, equitable and sustainable balance between people and resources. Established in 1952, the organization conducts high-quality, objective, policy-relevant research in biomedicine, public health and social science. It also offers evidence-based technical assistance and capacity building through collaborative research, awards, fellowships, and training. Founder John D. Rockefeller III believed that the reason to care about population was ``to improve the quality of people's lives, to help make it possible for individual's everywhere to develop their full potential.'' Although the circumstances facing the world have changed substantially over the past 50 years, that vision has motivated the organization throughout its history. Today the Council remains in the forefront of its field, anticipating problems, doing the research, and providing the results that inform the debate and facilitate the development and implementation of science-based solutions. The Council's research agenda now includes HIV/AIDS, urbanization, adolescents, and aging, along with its long-standing work in contraceptive development, improving access to high-quality reproductive health services, and understanding the causes and consequences of population change. The Population Council began as a funding agency with a professional staff of fewer than ten and an annual budget of less than 1 million dollars. This fiscal year the Council will operate on a budget of $86 million, with offices in 18 countries and on four different continents. It conducts research and programs in more than 70 countries. The Council's extensive various offices and programs employ nearly 600 people worldwide and includes citizens from more than 40 countries. The Population Council Board of Trustees is comprised of leaders in the fields of biomedicine, business, economic development, health, the media, philanthropy, and social science. The organization receives funding from the government as well as private foundations, corporations and individuals. In all of its endeavors, the Population Council has aspired to the highest professional and ethical standards and has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence and integrity. Policymakers, program managers and others concerned with population issues turn to the Population Council for rigorous research results--results that help improve people's lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the Population Council for 50 years of groundbreaking research, and wishing them continued excellence in the next 50 years.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the YMCA of Greater New York City, which is celebrating 150 years of remarkable service to New Yorkers. Through a variety of programs and initiatives the YMCA has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving those in need, and to strengthening the community at large. Founded in 1852, the YMCA distinguished itself as an institution committed to aiding those emigrating to New York City. It also garnered a reputation as an institution firmly committed to social justice, and throughout its existence has advocated on behalf of a number of historically significant causes. During the 19th century the YMCA was identified as staunchly abolitionist. In addition, it formed a commission to minister to soldiers in the camps, hospitals and battlefields of the Civil War. Upon the conclusion of the Civil War, the YMCA initiated new programs to serve African-Americans, railroad workers and young urban boys. During the first half of the 20th century the YMCA continued to emerge as a pioneer on social issues. While racial integration was not obtained nationally until the mid 20th century, many New York City YMCA programs were integrated much earlier. During this time women also became members. In the latter half of the 20th century the YMCA began to focus on addressing the needs of the rapidly growing urban population. In particular, it began to initiate programs targeted at aiding adolescents and their families. A number of these programs addressed poverty, delinquency, and drug abuse, including Jobmobiles and Youthmobiles, which allowed YMCA programs to be mobile and travel into communities in need. A growing emphasis on physical fitness led to the introduction of sports programming including two sports invented at the YMCA--basketball and volleyball. During New York City's fiscal crisis, the YMCA worked to assist families affected by expanding childcare and family programs. Over the last decade the YMCA has continued to demonstrate a commitment to serving youth. Through partnerships with the United Way and the New York City Board of Education, the YMCA has become a presence in nearly 200 public schools in every school district in New York City through the ``Virtual Y.'' The ``Virtual Y'' currently enrolls 7,500 students. It also operates Teen Action NYC which currently operates in five schools and provides life skills and career planning. During its existence, the YMCA has also demonstrated a commitment to public and private partnerships. Early YMCA supporters from the private sector included William E. Dodge, Jr., J.P. Morgan, and Cornelius Vanderbilt II. It has also received substantial support from some of New York City's most influential leaders, including Governor Thomas Dewey, Mayor John Lindsay and Mayors David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. During 2002 the YMCA of Greater New York will serve 170,000 youth and 200,000 adults. The YMCA of Greater New York will commemorate its 150th anniversary with a book entitled, ``The YMCA at 150: A History of the YMCA of Greater New York, 1852-2002.'' I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the YMCA of Greater New York on 150 years of outstanding service to the community.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, the United States has a long tradition of recognizing the importance of tax exemptions for the restitution of assets lost during World War II. The tradition began with military law 59 in 1947 and was continued by three treaties with Germany. While I voted against last year's H.R. 1836, I did support the provision exempting restitution payments for Holocaust survivors. That provision proves that the United States has retained its sensitivity to the extraordinary nature and penitent purpose of Holocaust restitution payments. H.R. 4823 seeks to continue this proud tradition. This bill makes permanent the provision in H.R. 1836 excluding payments to Holocaust victims from taxable income. Without this bill, the exclusion for holocaust restitution payments, like all aspects of H.R. 1836, will expire on December 31, 2010. While no amount of money can truly compensate Holocaust survivors for the horrors they endured, in a world where Holocaust denial lives, it is crucial to make strong statements of support for Holocaust survivors. The increase over the past year of Anti-Semitic incidents in Europe makes it an especially important time to stand with those who refuse to condone Anti-Semitism. Many of the restitution payments have maximum income qualifications. Therefore, much of the restitution goes to individuals with yearly incomes under $20,000. Furthermore, according to the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, as many as 1.4 million people may receive claims, cutting the payments to individuals to a relatively small amount. For this money to have any real, rather than merely token, significance, the tax exemption must remain. Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, and Israel currently exempt restitution payments from taxation. So do 46 out of the 50 dates. The Federal government must continue to lead the way in supporting Holocaust Survivors. H.R. 4823 ensures that the support will not disappear in 2010.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2941, the Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act. The primary purpose of this legislation is to increase the flexibility of the HUD Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) and make the program available to more local governments. Since its inception the larger brownfields program has proven an effective government response to a serious environmental problem. Brownfields spot our country from coast to coast, especially in areas with high or formerly high levels of industrial activity. Brownfields are abandoned, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where further redevelopment is impeded by environmental contamination. The locations have potential for economic development but are held back by the environmental problems created by former or current users. The EPA program has successfully used a variety of financial and technical assistance to restore these sites which would otherwise be doomed to further decay. The Brownfields program was established by the EPA by regulation. Earlier this year Congress expressed its strong bipartisan support for brownfields cleanup by passing the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act. Today's legislation builds on this effort by increasing the access to brownfields dollars. The Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act, of which I am the lead Democratic sponsor, de-links Brownfields Economic Development Fund grants from the HUD Section 108 loan program. In its current construction, this linking requires that communities set aside Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as collateral for these loans. The delinking accomplished by our legislation will greatly increase the availability of brownfields cleanup funds for localities across the country. One of the reasons that the brownfields programs has been so successful is that it combines support from the environmental community with that from a strong coalition of local governments and developers. Some environmental groups have expressed concern that the definition of ``brownfields'' in H.R. 2941 does not sufficiently track the definition in the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act and could threaten the principle that polluters pay for their damage. While I support this legislation today, it is my intention to work with these groups to satisfy these concerns as this legislation moves forward. It has been my pleasure to work with my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee on this legislation which was introduced by Representative Gary Miller. I also want to thank Housing Subcommittee Ranking Member Barney Frank and his staff for their work on this bill.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to strike the requisite number of words. Support from Congress and the President has been essential in recent months in working to secure New York's recovery after 9/11. The significant funds committed from Congress and the President are deeply appreciated by those in New York who were so personally affected by catastrophic terrorism. But simply appropriating aid has proven far different than actually delivering these funds in a timely manner to the people who really need help in New York. Sadly, Mr. Chairman, the agency charged with the disbursement of these funds FEMA--has on several occasions refused to help or stalled in helping specific people and institutions in New York, from the public school system, to utilities and private universities, to the thousands of individuals in lower-Manhattan who were denied aid because they didn't fit into rigid standards adopted by FEMA. In recent weeks, several of us in the New York delegation, with Chairman Young and Ranking Member Obey on the Appropriations Committee, have tried to ensure that the needs of New York are addressed as it recovers from the terrorist attacks of September 11th. And as a representative of New York City, I wish to thank the Appropriations Committee for its work on behalf of New York. The Committee is truly a friend of New York and we appreciate your work and commitment. But FEMA has shown a clear inability to streamline the delivery of aid to New York when it is not given clear direction through statements of intent from Congress. As the supplemental appropriations bill advances today, several concerns remain outstanding about the timeliness of the response from FEMA on a number of issues--including the need for funding for New York City's public school system to make up lost class time, to pay for crisis counseling to students who experienced trauma, and for the reimbursement of several direct expenses to the school system. In addition, the City of New York faces significant costs in overtime pay to emergency workers, police officers, fire fighters, and law enforcement personnel as a result of 9/11. FEMA at this time, is not reimbursing the city for these costs and there have been problems with overly restrictive rules as well as interpretations for eligibility for direct assistance. The lesson is clear--if funds are appropriated for FEMA without clear directives on its use, large portions of 9/11 aid meant for those in need will languish in bureaucratic red tape for months on end. Recently we have started to see a vast improvement in FEMA's response, particularly with the annulment of its decision that New York University would not qualify for assistance. We now have a choice: we can hope that this glimmer of good judgment magically reverses a pattern of problems with FEMA, or we can ensure that the aid appropriated by this Congress is actually delivered to those in need, by accepting the Senate version of this bill in conference committee, which specifically directs FEMA to allocate funds for the people and institutions in New York that have been wrongly denied so far. I would hope that this Congress does everything in its power to ensure that the money we intend to go to the people of New York for recovery, is actually given to the people of New York who need it.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on March 19, 2002, I stood on the House floor to recognize and celebrate the 181st Anniversary of Greece's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire. As I stated on that day, the Hellenic community, as every community in New York and worldwide, was hit heavily by that travesty of 9/11. Fortunately, we have members of the Fire Department, Police Department, Port Authority, military and other volunteers who will continue to lead this war and to protect us on the homeland and abroad. They are lead by Captain John Casamatis, Nicholas Biancoviso (NYPD), Sgt. Emanuel Vrettos (Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority), Paul Pallas (NYPD), Demetrios Kaloudakis (NYPD), Constantine Kaloudakis (NYPD), US Marshall John Svinos, Nicholas Mitsinkos (NYPD), Special Agent Genie Poumpouraas (Secret Service), Steve Savvas (NYPD) and Athanasios Ganosis (NYPD). We salute the clergy and volunteer heroes, lead by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, His Grace Bishop Andonios Parapoulos, His Grace Bishop Savas Zembillas, Fathers John Angel, James Antokas, John Heropulos, Alexander Karloutsos (Port Authority Chaplain), Michael Kontogeorge, Alexander Leondis, James Moskovitis, James Moulketas, Geore Orfanakos, Paul Panos, Angelo Pappas, Nicholas Rafael, John Romas, Elias Villas, and Decons Niktarios Morrow and Panteleimon Papadopoulos. The volunteers include: Sofia Cotzia, George C. Zouvelos, Tony Benezatos, Maria Andriotis, Keana Balahtsis, Marissa Costidis, Jerry Dimitriou, Fran Karivalis, Michael Karloutsos, Xanthi Karloutsos, Ioanna Kekropidou, Theo Nicolakis, Andrea Pappa, Nitsa Sinanis, Gkorge Schira, Nick Terizis, Harry C. Zouvelos and Dina Theodosakis to name a few. Today, as every day, we pay tribute to the heroes of 9/11. We will not forget you! Zeto E Eleftheria (Long Live Freedom), Se Ollo to Kosmo (In the entire world).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 61st anniversary of the Battle of Crete. This is a historic event with direct significance to the allies' victory of World War II. On May 20, 1941, thousands of German paratroopers and gliders began landing on the island of Crete. Both the allies and Nazis wanted Crete because of its strategic location. At the time the British controlled the island. It was a very strong point on the lifeline to India and protected both Palestine and Egypt. The Nazi invasion force included the elite German paratroopers and glider troops. Hitler felt that this would be an easy victory. Yet he is quoted to have said shortly after the invasion, ``France fell in 8 days. Why is Crete free?'' The invasion of Crete lasted 11 days. It resulted in more than 6,000 German troopers listed as killed, wounded or missing in action. The losses to the elite 7th parachute division were felt so hard by the German military, it signified the end of large scale airborne operations. They did not have another parachute division invasion in the rest of the war. This valiant fight by the Cretan people began in the first hour of the Nazi airborne invasion, in contrast to the European underground movements that took a year or more after being invaded to activate. Young boys, old men and women displayed breathtaking bravery in defending their Crete. German soldiers never got used to Cretan women fighting against them. They would tear the dress from the shoulder of suspected women to find bruises from the recoil of the rifle. The penalty was death. The London Times of July 28, 1941 reported, and I quote, that ``500 Cretan women have been deported to Germany for taking part in the defense of their native island.'' Another surprise for the German soldiers who invaded Crete was the heroic resistance of the clergy. A priest leading his parishioners into battle was not what the Germans anticipated. At Paleochora, Father Stylianos Frantzeskis, hearing of the German airborne invasion, rushed to his church, sounded the bell, took his rifle and marched his volunteers toward Maleme to write history. This struggle became an example for all Europe to follow in defying German occupation and aggression. The price paid by the Cretans for their valiant resistance to Nazi forces was extremely high. Thousands of civilians died from random executions, starvation and imprisonment. Entire communities were burned and destroyed by the Germans as punishment for the Cretan resistance movement. Yet this resistance lasted for 4 years. The Battle of Crete was to change the final outcome of World War II. The Battle of Crete significantly contributed in delaying Hitler's plan to invade Russia. The invasion was delayed from April to June of 1941. The 2-month delay in the invasion made Hitler's forces face the harsh Russian winter. The Russian snow storms and the sub-zero temperatures eventually stalled the Nazi invasion before they could take Moscow or Leningrad. This was the beginning of the downfall of the Nazi reign of terror. This significant battle and the heroic drive of the Cretan people must always be remembered and honored. Democracy came from Greece, and the Cretan heroes exemplify the courage that it takes to preserve it. Today, the courage of the Cretan people is seen in the Members of the Pancretan Association of America and the Cretan Association ``Omonoia'' that is located in Astoria-Queens, which I have the honor of representing. The Pancretan Association officers are Theodore Panagiotakis, president; Michael Papoutsakis, vice president; John Stavroulakis, secretary; and Emmanuel Kavrakis, treasurer. They are assisted by outstanding board members George Bassias, George Bombolakis, Nikos Chartzoulakis, George Fradelakis, George Kokonas, George Malandrakis, and Vassilis Manrangoudakis. The Cretan people fought a seen enemy. Today we need the courage they displayed to fight the unseen enemy that struck on 9-11 and that continues to threaten our freedom and democracy. I request my colleagues to join me in honoring the Cretans in the United States, Greece and the Diaspora.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation that will help to protect our Nation's children. We need to give law enforcement, the FBI, the tools that they need to crack down on child sex crimes. This particular wiretapping act will add four additional crimes for which law enforcement officials may seek wiretapping authority. These crimes include selling or buying a child for sexual exploitation, child pornography, coercing or enticing a child for prostitution, and transporting minors to engage in prostitution or traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a juvenile. Recent news reports, my colleague cited one, but you read about them every day where young children are enticed or the Internet is used in some way to traffic women and children; and it is something we need to crack down on. There are some estimates that the number of victims that are in trafficking now worldwide is over 700,000. This exploitation of young children into sex trafficking is a tragic human rights offense. Sex tour operators such as Big Apple Oriental Tours in New York City provide a full-service travel package over the Internet, including air fare, hotel and entertainment for their customers. We must act to stop this growing industry. Under this legislation, law enforcement will be better able to protect innocent children from the predators who would exploit them and destroy their childhood. I am also pleased to note that this legislation does not weaken the strict limitations on obtaining wiretaps; rather, the bill expands the areas for which the wiretap can be acquired, while requiring the law enforcement officials do not intercept noncriminal conversations. Our interest is in prosecuting sexual predators, not innocent citizens. The Internet has revolutionized the ways in which people communicate, not only with their friends and family but with people and businesses around the world. Unfortunately, with great advances in technology come new dangers and new means for criminals to target their victims. The statistics are startling. In 2001, one in five children was solicited over the Internet for sexual purposes, and we must expand the options available to law enforcement to find these sexual predators. I must tell you that I feel very strongly about this bill. I am proud to be the lead Democrat on it. I have a 14-year-old daughter; and many times on the Internet she is approached, as is practically every young person on the Internet. It has met with tragedy in many cases. We must act. This bill does protect the rights of people. We are only going after sexual predators. I urge a ``yes'' vote.