Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union (LESPFCU) in New York City. The Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union has been such a vibrant part of the community in which I live and represent. It is a pleasure to pay tribute to this illustrious organization. The Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union is a federally- chartered and regulated nonprofit community development credit union for low and moderate income people on the New York City Lower East Side. The LESPFCU reinvests members' money in the Lower East Side to provide a full range of personal and affordable financial services to the community. The LESPFCU was created as a result of intense grass-roots community organizing against the 1984 closing of the last commercial bank in the neighborhood and was chartered in 1986 by the National Credit Union Administration. LESPFCU's mission has since remained unchanged: to encourage saving and make loans that contribute to the individual, commercial, and housing development needs of this low-income community. LESPFCU offers full-service in both Spanish and English and serves close to 10,000 area residents, who otherwise are not served by any commercial banks. The LESPFCU has reinvested over $5.7 million in loans in the community, contributing to the overall development of the Lower East Side. The LESPFCU is presently in the process of creating a microenterprise development program which, through a combination of business training and small loans, will promote job creation and support small entrepreneurs in their community. In February of 2002, the Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union opened a new ATM location on Avenue C between 8th and 9th Street, making it the first financial institution to establish a presence on Avenue C since the 1960s. Like its first branch ATM located at 3rd Street and Avenue B, the new ATM is open 24 hours, handicapped accessible, free for members of the credit union and Co-op Network cardholders, and offers all other users a low surcharge of only one dollar. Now LESPFCU members have access to 6 free ATMs in the Lower East Side. Mr. Speaker, I salute the Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union and I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in recognizing the great contributions of this tremendously dedicated community organization.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Uniformed Fire Officers Association in New York City (UFOA), which represents 2,500 lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, supervising fire marshals and medical officers of the New York City Fire Department. The fine officers represented by UFOA risk their lives daily to protect our community. On September 11, 2001 the New York City Fire Department lost a total of 343 members in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Among the lost were 254 firefighters, 89 superior officers, 45 lieutenants, 20 captains, 17 battalion chiefs, 3 deputy chiefs and 2 staff chiefs. New York's Bravest also lost two of their most senior leaders, the Chief of the Department as well as the First Deputy Commissioner. Further adding to their devastation, the Catholic Champlain, the much-loved Reverend Mychal Judge, also perished. The men and women who comprise the New York City Fire Department, as well as the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, work so closely together, that they often think of and refer to one another as family. For many, the brave men who perished were more than colleagues: They were 343 members of their extended family. Since the disaster, the members of the UFOA have worked together to continue a long held tradition among fire personnel, by joining together to ensure that the immediate families of those who perished-- spouses and children--are cared for. They are also working to ensure that the brave legacy of the firefighters lost that day endures, and that the heroes of September 11th are never forgotten. UFOA is also working to ensure that veteran officers receive the support they need to rebuild their devastated agency. While the events of September 11th are unique, fires continue to threaten our community. The NYFD has done an outstanding job of pulling together to carry on with fighting some devastating fires that have broken out since September 11th. Their continued dedication and hard work deserves our strongest commendation. For the bravery exhibited by the members of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association on September 11, 2001, and for the bravery they exhibit every day they show up to work to protect the rest of us, I ask my colleagues to pay tribute to the members of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association and the invaluable contributions of the UFOA.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 377 and to acknowledge the importance of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award established by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations to applaud individuals of various ethnic groups for their contributions to the United States. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor organization is a member of the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, the largest organization of its kind in the United States, representing over 5 million family members and serving as a uniting force for 275 organizations in the fields of ethnic heritage, culture, and religion. The commitments of this organization include the preservation of cultural diversity, the promotion of equality, the battle for justice, and the peacekeeper among all peoples. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor serves to acknowledge individuals whom have accomplished personal achievements while promoting their particular heritage. The award is named in honor of the persistence of 12,000,000 immigrants as they entered a new world to pursue freedom and economic opportunity. This award honors the commitments of peoples seeking to preserve their heritage in a diverse nation. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is important in that it acknowledges the contributors of our great nation. Since the Ellis Island Medal of Honor was established in 1986, over 1,500 individuals from many different ethnic groups have received the award, including over 5,000 individuals whom are nominated each year. I was honored to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and I greatly respect the achievements of the other recipients of this award. At the 2002 Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony, contributors to the relief and recovery efforts of September 11 will be honored. These honorees and other contributors to the United States will rightly be recognized under the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for their achievements and dedication to their country.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Waxman amendment. The gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) has offered a commonsense amendment to the digital tech corps bill, the underlying bill. By ensuring that the private sector cannot access trade secrets and other sensitive data, and by establishing a comprehensive training program for IT workers in this new program, the Waxman amendment addresses two very serious problems in the underlying bill. Mr. Chairman, last month the Wall Street Journal ran a story that I believe illustrates the problem in the underlying bill that can be addressed or that is addressed by his amendment, and this story in the Wall Street Journal is very much of a cautionary tale. Mr. Chairman, I include for the Record the article I have mentioned. The article referred to is as follows: [From the Wall Street Journal, Mar. 1, 2002] Rolling along: Lobbying Campaign Could Determine Fate of a Hyped Scooter It Is Illegal on Most Sidewalks, But Maker Has Influence; Will the Segway Sell? (By David Armstrong and Jerry Guidera) Manchester, NH.--Last May, Ron Medford, a senior federal engineer, visited here to inspect the Segway Human Transporter, the much-ballyhooed new motorized scooter with gyroscopic steering. He like it a lot. In August, Mr. Medford's bosses at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, relying in part on his analysis, handed the Segway a critical regulatory win. The CPSC defined the big-wheeled device as a ``consumer product,'' a big step in its ambitious quest to overturn local laws banning motorized scooters from sidewalks. And there was more good news for the Segway team: Mr. Medford was so impressed by their handiwork he took a taxpayer-funded sabbatical to assist with a massive lobbying effort aimed at persuading states to pass special laws favoring the Segway. After one of the most hyped launches of any recent product, the Segway is now locked in a lobbying battle that will help determine the fanciful cantraption's fate. ``The bad news is if you read any [local] regulation to the letter of the law, it says we don't belong on the sidewalk,'' says its inventor, Dean Kamen. Existing municipal ordinances that ban motorized conventional scooters from sidewalks also would apply to his invention. That's why Segway LLC, the company Mr. Kamen set up to market his device, has delayed sales to the general public until the fall, while an army of lobbyists blanket the country, pushing for the new state laws permitting Segways on sidewalks. Company officials concede it is unlikely the transporter will appeal to consumers if it is limited to roads, where people would fear accidents with cars and trucks. There are other potential roadblocks, as well. Mr. Kamen plans to sell the consumer version of his device for $3,000-- a steep premium over the $200-to-$600 prices of less-fancy motorized scooters already on the market. The size of that market is also in question. Data on motorized-scooter sales are sparse, but industry leader Zap says it sold only 25,000 last year. An $8,000 commercial version of the Segway is available, but manufacturers so far haven't bought a single one. Last year, Mr. Kamen's business partner, Robert Tuttle, forecast that 50,000 to 100,000 Segways would sell in 2002. And while Segway's lobbying campaign is making discernible headway at the federal and state levels, local officials' skepticism in some places remains strong. The device moves at up to 12.5 miles an hour and weights 65 pounds--a combination of speed and mass similar to that of conventional motorized scooters. For the protection of pedestrians, both modes of transport are now banned from sidewalks of cities ranging from tiny Sebastapol, Calif., to New York. If a Segway ``hits a pedestrian, there will be serious damage,'' says Charles Trainor, chief traffic engineer in Philadelphia, where the Segway also wouldn't be allowed on sidewalks. ``I would not be in favor of changing the law,'' he adds. The Segway's December introduction couldn't have been splashier. With Mr. Kamen aboard, it rolled across the stage of ABC's ``Good Morning America.'' On NBC's ``Tonight Show,'' host Jay Leno, rock star Sting and actor Russell Crowe took test drives. Mr. Kamen's lofty promise: the Segway would revolutionize transportation by curbing car use and relieving urban congestion. Known before its launch by the code name ``Ginger,'' the transporter has won enthusiastic endorsements from high-tech superstars Steven Jobs of Apple Computer Inc. and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com Inc. Investors include Xerox Corp. Chairman Paul Allaire and Vernon R. Loucks Jr., the former chairman of medical products-maker Baxter International Inc. Some of the excitement over the Segway reflects Mr. Kamen's roster of commercially successful inventions. These include the cardiac stent, a device that reduces artery blockages in heart patients, the portable insulin pump for diabetes sufferers and the iBot wheelchair that climbs stairs. Mr. Kamen is a 50-year-old college dropout who combines a boyish enthusiasm for science with the confidence--and lifestyle--of a successful entrepreneur. The Segway is vastly different and safer than electric scooters, he asserts. In fact, he and his team refuse to call their device a scooter. ``It's more like a set of magic sneakers,'' Mr. Kamen says. The inventor and his 100-employee company are based in Manchester, where his office in a former brick mill is filled with pictures of Albert Einstein. In the boardroom hangs a life-size portrait of Mr. Kamen. He sometimes pilots his helicopter to work and flies his personal jet around the country. He has a 17,867-square-foot home in New Hampshire and vacations on a small island he owns off of Connecticut. The Segway, for which he has raised at least $92 million in seed money from the likes of venture capitalists Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, uses a system of computer chip- driven gyroscopes and sensors to mimic the movements of its rider. Standing on a small platform gripping a handlebar, the rider leans forward or backward to move in the desired direction. The device, about four feet tall, has no brake or accelerator. It stops when the user stands straight. Unlike scooters on the market today, the Segway stops gently when it runs into something and then rolls back slightly, Mr. Kamen says. The damage from a collision with a pedestrian would be no greater than if two people collided at a comparable speed, he says. But the company says it hasn't done any crash testing to support this claim and has only recently begun doing pilot tests under city conditions. These pilot tests include the company's efforts to build what marketing director Gary Bridge calls ``moral authority'' for the device by getting police and postal officials in several cities to take highly advertised test drives. In Boston, for example, police officials tooled around downtown at press events staged in early December and on New Year's Eve. Long before the December launch, Segway officials realized that safety restrictions could pose a problem. A major worry was having the federal government designate the device a ``motor vehicle.'' That would automatically bar using it on sidewalks nationwide. Instead, the company wanted the Segway defined as a ``consumer product,'' which would help make sidewalk use permissible, depending on state and local law. To improve his chances with regulators, Mr. Kamen hired Eric Rubel, a former general counsel of the CPSC now with the major Washington law firm Arnold & Porter. At Mr. Kamen's behest, Rep. Charles Bass, a Republican from Segway's headquarters state of New Hampshire, arranged separate meetings last summer in his Capitol Hill office between Segway representatives and officials from the commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The meetings came after Rep. Bass had failed to make much progress on legislation he introduced that would mandate a consumer-product designation. On Aug. 3, NHTSA announced that it had accepted Segway's argument that its device is similar to those of motorized wheelchairs. Since ``this agency does not consider motorized wheelchairs to be `motor vehicles,' '' NHTSA said, the Segway wouldn't be subject to its vehicle regulations. NHTSA officials say they made this determination without seeing the machine in person or having access to its technical details. The CPSC in May had sent its team, led by the engineer, Mr. Medford, to inspect the Segway in Manchester. ``It's an extraordinary place,'' Mr. Medford says, referring in an interview to Mr. Kamen's company. On July 20, Mr. Medford sought his sabbatical to work with Segway. Thereafter, he says, he recused himself from all government work related to the company. On Aug. 14, the commission announced that because the Segway was designed for personal enjoyment, it fit the definition of a consumer product and would be regulated by the CPSC. Mr. Medford says he hopes his 10-month leave, which began Oct. 25, will let him ``learn a little bit about what companies do to bring products to market.'' He will continue to collect his federal salary under a little-used government- wide program allowing senior federal career employees to sample corporate life. Segway is paying housing costs in New Hampshire for Mr. Medford, who is 53 and has worked for the CPSC for 23 years. The sabbatical--the first ever awarded to a CPSC employee, according to the commission--troubles some consumer advocates. They worry Mr. Medford will favor Segway when he returns to his job in Washington later this year. ``It's unusual in that he's working for a company that's going to be regulated by his agency,'' says Mary Ellen Fise, general counsel of Consumer Federation of America, a Washington-based advocacy group. Mr. Medford says he will have nothing to do with the Segway when he returns to the government. Generally, consumer advocates are taking a cautious stance on the Segway. Beyond studying where the device should be used, they say government officials should consider mandating lighting and reflectors, potential minimum and maximum age restrictions for riders and even licensing. ``There are still some major safety considerations, but I don't think they outweigh the potential benefits of these machines,'' says Ann Brown, former CPSC chairwoman. Segway officials are trying to make the most of their interaction with the CPSC. They say in interviews that the company has undergone a successful ``safety review'' by the commission and has adopted improvements recommended by the

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my opposition to the inclusion of the controversial ``527'' provision in this bill. I am appalled by the Leadership's efforts to railroad us on this issue. By manipulating the rule to try to prevent the Minority from offering amendments, the Leadership has clearly shown that they support the old way of conducting campaigns. This otherwise bipartisan bill has now become mired in these blatant attempts to undo the progress we've made on campaign finance reform. We recently passed landmark bipartisan legislation that enacted real reforms in the way we finance our elections. As part of that effort, this body voted for stricter disclosure requirements for groups who sponsor so-called ``issue ads'' so that we could bring honesty back to the American political process. Now here we are less than two months later, and the Leadership is already trying to open up loopholes in existing law so that some organizations would be exempt from filing reports about contributions and expenditures. What would this mean for the end to soft money? These supposedly independent groups would become the channels for Big Money to continue to control our elections. We've voted to take soft money out of politics. A vote for this legislation is a vote against the American people.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues and the world community in commemorating Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Scarcely 50 years ago we saw the end to World War II and one of the most heinous atrocities humanity has ever borne witness to. Hitler's Nazi regime was responsible for the murders of nearly six million Jewish men, women and children and more than 11 million people in total. This memorial holiday is intended to insure that we never forget that tragedy and the lives lost. At a time when our own nation is battling similar destructive forces of hatred in the form of terrorism, it is imperative that we never forget our history and evil's legacy. To keep this critical knowledge from being lost, it is our responsibility as a nation to teach our children about their past. In this spirit, I have introduced H.R. 1620, the Holocaust Education Assistance Act. This bill will provide funding to educational institutions and organizations, enabling them to teach the generations to come about the crimes of the Holocaust. Upon receiving the Nobel Prize for Peace, the late Prime Minister of Israel Yitzchak Rabin said: ``We will pursue the course of peace with determination and fortitude. We will not let up. We will not give in. Peace will triumph over all its enemies, because the alternative is grimmer for us all. And we will prevail. '' Ensuring that we never forget the past is a crucial step to realizing peace in our future.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Robert H. Stern, who dedicated so much of his life to serving the community in which he had lived. From his childhood up until his death, Mr. Stern spent the majority of his time preserving and improving the business district of Steinway Street in Queens. For his many contributions within the community at large, we honor him. The family business, ``Sig Stern'' was opened in the early 1920's by Robert Stern's father. For over fifty years it was considered ``the'' children's store of Steinway Street. After his father's death, Robert ran Sig Stern, Inc. In 1975, Robert closed Sig Stern, and embarked onto a successful second career as a real estate broker. Throughout his life, Robert Stern's passion was the successful, community oriented development of Steinway Street. Sensing that Business Improvement Districts were the salvation to commercial strips, Mr. Stern worked hard to bring the business improvement district to Steinway Street. At the time of his passing, Robert was President of the Steinway Street Business Improvement District. Steinway Street and its surrounding community acknowledges a huge debt of gratitude for its past, present and future success. This vibrant neighborhood center of commerce is part of the legacy Mr. Stern leaves from his commitment and dedication to the people of Queens. Robert Stern passed away on November 19, 1998. He was survived by his wife, Irene, children Ronnie and Randy Stause, Stacey and Richard Block, grandchildren Jackie and Brett Strause, David and Daniel Block, brother William and sister Ellin. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring to your attention the outstanding life and work of Mr. Robert H. Stern, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the contributions Mr. Robert H. Stern had made to the New York community.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise also today with my colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, which I chair with him, to recognize the Hellenic Americans and their heritage and their tremendous contribution to our country and really to the world. The ancient state of Greece inspired our country in so many ways, from the architecture, the design of the very building in which we are residing right now, to the design of our government; and today we pay tribute to Greece's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire on March 25. In 2002 it will be the 181st anniversary. History tells us that in 1821 Greece rose up in a bloody revolt against the repressive might of the Ottoman Empire. Determined to end 400 years of slavery or die in the attempt, Greek patriots began their unyielding struggle for liberty and independence. The legend says that on March 21, 1821, Bishop Germanos of Patras hoisted the Greek flag at the monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese in an act of defiance that marked the beginning of the war of independence. At a time when we in the United States are fighting to preserve our democracy from terrorists, I find a great deal of significance in our firemen raising the American flag at the World Trade Center after the attack on September 11. That act symbolized our war for democracy and freedom, as did the flag at Agia Lavra many years ago. To honor Greek Independence Day and honor the victims and heroes of September 11, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of New York is sponsoring the annual Greek Independence Day Parade for New York City. As many of my colleagues know, New York City is the home of the largest Hellenic population outside of Greece and Cyprus. I would now like to place in the Record the members of the board of directors, the officers, all of whom are organizing this important tribute. The members of the Board of Directors are: Bill Stathakos, President; Demos Siokis, 1st Vice President; Peter Michaleas, 2nd Vice President; Demetrius Kalamaras, 3rd Vice President; Demetrios Demetriou, General Secretary; Demetrios Katchulis, 1st Ass't. Secretary; Chris Orfanakos, 2nd Ass't Secretary; Elias Tsekerides, Treasurer; George Kalivas Ass't Treasurer; Ekaterine Livanis, Public Relations. Andreas Savva; Antonios Fokas; Avgitides Anastasios; Christos Gousis; Demosthenes Triantaffylou; Ektor Polykandriotis; Eleftherios Avramidis; Jhon Zapantis; Maria Kalas; Paul Hatzikyriakos; Stelios Manis; Legal Advisors; Gregory Sioris and Attorney at Law, Katerine Nikiforou, Esquire. This year, the board has elected the grand marshals for the parade. They will be from both sides of the ocean, representing the strong bond and friendship between Greece and the United States. From the U.S. Alax Spanos and Denise Mehiel; and from Greece, Apostolos Kakkomanis and Dora Kakoyiani. Ms. Kakoyiani was a victim of a terrorist who assassinated her husband. These outstanding individuals will lead the parade to symbolize that no terrorist can extinguish the light of democracy and freedom. As the representative of the 14th Congressional District, where a large number of my constituents are of Hellenic descent, I have often had the opportunity to speak with them about the victims and heroes of 1821. Today, we speak also about the heroes and victims of 2001. The Hellenic community, as every community in New York and worldwide, was hit heavily by the travesty of September 11. Those of Hellenic decent that were lost that day were: Ioanna Ahladiotis; Anastasios- Ernestos Alikakos; Katerina Bandis; Peter Brennan, a firefighter; John Catsimatides; Thomas A. Damaskinos; Anthony Demas; Gus Economou; Michael Eleferis, also a firefighter; Anna Fosteris; Kenneth Grouzalis; Steve Hagis; Bill Haramis; Nick John; Steve Kokinos; Danielle Kousoulis; James Maounis; George Merkouris; Peter-Constantios Moutos; James Papageorge; George Paris; Theodoros Pigis; Daphni Pouletsos; Richard Poulos; Tony Savvas; Muriel Siskopoulos; Timothy P. Soulas; Andreas Stergiiopoulos; Michael Tarrou; Michael Theodoridis; William Tselepis; Jennifer Tzemis; Steve Zannettos; Gus Zavvos; Steve Savvas, from the New York Police Department; and Prokopios Paul Zios. These victims are the patriots. They gave their lives on that terrible attack against our country and our democracy. The members of the fire department, police department, port authority and military will continue to lead this war and to protect us on the homeland and abroad. On this day of independence and strong bond with Greece, the Hellenic and Philhellenic community remember that the future has much to offer: the Olympics in Greece and New York; the efforts of the Hellenic Caucus to seek a peaceful understanding with Turkey on the issues of the Greek Islands and Cyprus occupation. On this day of Greek independence, let us remember the words of Plato: ``Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a kind of equality to equals and unequals alike.'' I ask the Members of the Congress to rise with me and pay tribute to the heroes of 1821 and 2001. We will not forget you. Zeto E Eleftheria. Se Ollo to Kosmo.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are finally voting on legislation that would extend disaster unemployment benefits to workers who lost their jobs because of September 11. I would like to thank particularly my colleagues, the gentlemen from New York (Mr. Quinn and Mr. Nadler) for their hard work. I especially want to note the efforts of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn) who again shows how the State of New York is pulling together in a bipartisan way to help New York City after the terrorist attacks. I would also like to thank Senator Clinton for her hard work in assisting those workers left out of standard unemployment assistance. Too many working families are still suffering because of the terrorist attacks. While I am pleased that we are finally extending relief to New Yorkers who would otherwise not receive unemployment and who lost their jobs as a result of the disaster, it is unfortunate that this legislation has come in at the very last minute. Many New Yorkers and workers would have lost their unemployment benefits in the next weeks if we had not extended these benefits and if we had not ended these political games and brought this legislation to the floor. I only hope that the bill reaches the President's desk in time so that there is not a lapse in benefits. However, our work is not done. Now that we have extended unemployment benefits for the workers laid off as a part of the recession nationwide and unemployment benefits for those directly affected by September 11 who would not otherwise have received benefits, we must now turn our efforts to ensure that all laid-off workers, both in New York and across the country, who are now going without health care, get the coverage that they desperately need. Health care is one of our basic necessities. It is vital that we do not forget that there are workers who are facing a multiple of dilemmas. Not only are they unemployed, but they must also figure out how to afford necessary health care for their children. Seven-point- nine million Americans currently are unemployed. Because most workers depend upon employer-provided health coverage, millions of people are likely without health care. We must work to make sure that we get this assistance to them now.

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. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2509, Mr. Speaker, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Security Printing Amendments Act of 2001. The subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), and I introduced this legislation last year. It is the product of bipartisan negotiations and consultation with the administration. It closely tracks legislation that passed last year in the 106th Congress, and I urge its timely enactment. This noncontroversial legislation gives Treasury the ability to produce security documents, postage stamps, and currency for foreign countries. In the last decade, several countries, including Turkey, South Africa, Mexico, and Kuwait have approached the U.S. about printing security documents on their behalf. This legislation will grant the Bureau of Engraving and Printing this authority. In no way will printing foreign currency interfere with the production of U.S. currency. Rather, it will benefit our national interests in several ways. First, there is currently excess capacity at the BEP, and foreign currency will only be printed by the Bureau as long as capacity is available. This additional work will benefit the BEP, allowing its expert printers to further refine their skills. Any investments the BEP will make to purchase equipment and materials to produce currency for other countries will be reimbursed. The entire operation should have a positive effect on the U.S. Treasury, and create U.S. additional jobs. Beyond the economic benefits, the legislation will further U.S. interests around the world. No printing for a foreign government will take place without the express approval of the Secretary of State, who will ensure that all approved work is in the national interest. Perhaps most importantly, passage of this bill will allow the BEP to share its anticounterfeiting expertise with the countries whose currency it will produce. In the aftermath of the attacks on New York City and Washington, we have learned more than we ever wanted to know about the inner workings of terror cells. We now know that in many ways Terror, Incorporated, works like every other business, and requires money to operate. This legislation will allow the U.S. to help foreign countries prevent counterfeiting of their currency, and allow the BEP to continue to develop expertise it can use domestically. This legislation has tangible benefits to U.S. taxpayers and foreign policy. I urge its adoption.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time, and I commend the hard work and leadership not only of the ranking member, but the chairman of the Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade; and I appreciate very much the important, thoughtful views of the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders). Yet on this issue, I support the ranking member and others in requesting the authorization of the Export-Import Bank for an additional 30 days. The Export-Import Bank is tremendously important to the district that I represent and to the State that I represent. New York City is a major exporting center. Just 3 weeks ago, a woman came to my office and expressed her support for the Ex-Im Bank. She had created a perfume called Akabar, it is a very small business, and she stated without the support of the Export-Import Bank, she would not be able to export it, as she is now, to Italy and many European countries. Many large and small businesses in my district are benefited by the work and support of the Export-Import Bank. I hope that in the course of the next month the final reauthorization for 4 years through 2005 will be completed so that the bank can get on with its tremendously important work. I understand that there are final negotiations on remaining issues and that these negotiations are progressing, and I compliment the bipartisan leadership of the Committee on Financial Services for working to complete this process in a timely manner. The Export-Import Bank is a worthwhile institution, a successful government entity, that facilitates American businesses and worker interests by making exports possible to areas of the world that would not otherwise be open to U.S. companies. The Export-Import Bank is an independent Federal agency that helps to finance the export of American products and services that would not go forward, which in turn sustains and grows U.S. jobs. In its 68-year history, the Ex-Im Bank has supported over $400 billion of U.S. exports, sustaining and creating millions of high-paying U.S. jobs, many in the district I represent. In fiscal year 2001 alone, the Ex-Im Bank supported $12.5 billion of U.S. exports to emerging markets around the world. This business enabled many U.S. companies to maintain and even expand their workforces. The Ex-Im Bank's financing does more than support jobs at exporting companies. It helps sustain and create jobs at tens of thousands of U.S. suppliers around the country who participate indirectly in Ex-Im Bank-financed exports. These indirect exporters, many of which are small businesses, supply components, services and technology to U.S. exporters of a wide range of products and services, as diverse as environmental technology, construction and agricultural equipment, amusement park rides, aircraft, furniture, computer and telecommunications technology. Export-Import Bank financing has a ripple effect that sustains jobs at companies large and small throughout the United States economy in almost every State and the great majority of congressional districts. Through the bank's loan guarantees, insurance and direct-lending programs, Ex-Im programs account for approximately 2 percent of all U.S. exports annually. By leveraging the appropriation we grant Ex-Im, the bank returns a very good investment to the United States taxpayers. For every dollar of taxpayer money invested in the bank's program budget, we have seen returns of $15 in credit support for transactions. Over the course of the past year, the gentleman from Nebraska (Chairman Bereuter) and the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders), the subcommittee ranking member, held a series of extremely informative, thoughtful hearings on the bank. We heard testimony from the business community, labor and environmental organizations. The final product, that I hope we will fully extend next month, builds on the important input that we got at these hearings. I might add that the bill includes an amendment that I offered in the Committee on Financial Services giving the bank explicit authority to turn down an application for Ex-Im loan guarantees or insurance when there is evidence that a foreign company had practiced fraud in the past. The full authorization also continues the bank's commitment to small businesses and to working with African countries. This is a very important institution. I just want to reiterate that it is very supportive to the exports in my district and in New York State and many other States. I urge this temporary reauthorization and hope we will have a full reauthorization coming before this body soon.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to AKTINA Productions Inc. This year, AKTINA Productions Inc., which produces Greek-American radio and television programs, will be commemorating the 47th anniversary of the beginning of the battle for independence from British colonial rule waged by Cyprus. In memory of those Cypriots who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom, on March 17, 2002, AKTINA Productions will be hosting an anniversary event entitled ``To the Immortals.'' Founded in 1993, AKTINA Productions Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Cypriot and Greek culture. Known as the ``voice of Cyprus'' in America, it emphasizes cultural and educational development through radio and television as well as live performances, including concerts and dance shows. In May of 1993, AKTINA Productions Inc. had the distinction of introducing the first ever bilingual Greek-American radio show, known as AKTINA FM. AKTINA FM is a live call-in Greek-American Radio Magazine which highlights Greek culture, heritage and tradition and focuses on national and international issues affecting Cyprus and Greece. AKTINA FM is presently heard by more than 500,000 listeners on the radio, and more than 7,000 on the Internet. Call-in segments often feature a wide range of diverse participants and subjects, including education, immigration, health, crime prevention and the arts. AKTINA FM also facilitates a number of educational programs dedicated to children ranging in ages from 7-17 years. They also offer platforms for children from a variety of ethnic and social backgrounds to display their various talents in poetry, speech, composition and other areas. AKTINA FM also offers a monthly Student Essay Contest in which more than 100 public schools participate and almost all of the Greek- American day and afternoon schools of the Greek Archdiocese in the tri- state area participate. Nearly 60 children ages 7-15 years will take part in the ``To the Immortals'' anniversary event. For its many contributions to the community, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting AKTINA Productions Inc.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 339, and to honor the Census Bureau and the thousand's of dedicated employees. The employees of our federal statistical system labor day in and out to provide the information necessary to govern our country and manage our economy. Businesses use federal data to locate plants and retail outlets. Local governments used federal data to comply with regulations and to plan for the future. Few people stop to wonder how all of those numbers are out our finger tips at a moments notice. There are eleven major statistical agencies in the federal government: the Bureau of Labor Statistics; the Bureau of Economic Statistics; the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; the U.S. Census Bureau; the National Center for Education Statistics; the Statistics of Income at the IRS; the Energy Information Agency; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Agricultural Statistical Service and the Economic Research Service with the Department of Agriculture; and the National Center for Health Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau are the two largest agencies when you exclude the decennial census. The decennial census is the largest single activity undertaken by a statistical agency. The census is a management challenge that few agencies, statistical or otherwise, could accomplish. In the year of the census, the Census Bureau opens and closes over 500 offices. The agency goes from a staff of 7 to 10 thousand, to 500,000 and back again in a period of about three months. That means 500,000 people must be hired. Thousand more must be recruited and interviewed. In addition to hiring and training staff, the census requires the management of multiple contracts each of which is measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Then, of course, the data must be tabulated and prepared for the President--all within a year. That would be a major accomplishment for any agency. However, that is only one of many census performed by the Census Bureau. Furthermore, censuses are not their only line of business. The Census Bureau collects data for a number of other agencies within the federal government. To list all of the accomplishments of the employees at the Census Bureau would take more time that both sides have today. Suffice it to say, as a country we are fortunate to have a statistical agency staffed with professionals who produce daily, the information necessary to guide public policy. We salute those employees today as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Census Bureau.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my relief that we are finally voting on legislation that will help unemployed Americans. I have heard countless stories of working men and women who cannot find jobs in these uncertain economic times. Families have been crying out for help, and it's time that we give them the relief that they need. The aftershocks of 9/11 have affected thousands of workers. In my state alone, unemployment has increased by almost 2 percent since last January. More than one hundred thousand New Yorkers were displaced by the terrorist attacks, and they shouldn't shoulder the economic burden of 9/11 alone. Federal grants to extend unemployment make sense not only for New York, but for the nation as a whole. I am pleased that this legislation contains the 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. However, we must continue our efforts to ensure that laid-off workers without health care benefits obtain the coverage that they need. I only hope that this relief will not linger in conference so that workers will not have to worry about paying rent, sending their children to college, or going to the doctor. It's time to pass this benefits package.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I likewise request unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks, and I congratulate the extraordinary leadership of the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan) in bringing this historic, important bill to the floor. I strongly, strongly support it. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the bipartisan and common sense Shays-Meehan bill. The time has come to take the money out of politics and return the system to the American people. We have passed this legislation twice, and it's time to send it to the President. Shays-Meehan would prohibit officeholders and candidates from soliciting soft money in connection with federal elections and would prevent national and state parties from spending soft money on federal election activities. The legislation also would allow capped soft money contributions to state and local parties to be used for limited, non-federal voter registration and get-out-the-vote activity. Shays-Meehan would bring honesty back to political advertising by prohibiting the use of corporate and union treasury money for broadcast communications that mention a federal candidate within 60 days of a general election or 30 days of a primary. We need only to look at the Enron scandal to see how much access money can buy in Washington. Recent media reports have indicated that Enron established a cleverly calculated system to determine how much money to funnel into the coffers of politicians. If a rule change would cost Enron too much money, it was time to get out their wallets. Enron donated to many campaigns, and played the lobbying game as well as anyone. We must accept the hard truth that if there weren't so much money in politics, there might be more money in the 401k accounts of Enron employees. Shays-Meehan will take big money out of politics by ending soft money contributions to the national political parties and by bringing honesty back to campaign advertising. Today, we have the opportunity to pass meaningful campaign finance reform. However, we can accept no substitutes, alternatives, or poison pill amendments, which are all designed to prevent this bill from being passed. Vote for real reform. Vote for Shays-Meehan.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding time. I applaud the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan) for their distinguished and hard work that has brought this bill to the floor today. Mr. Chairman, many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have used the word ``hypocrisy,'' but the biggest hypocrite, the only hypocrite in this body today is anyone who votes against Shays-Meehan and for any of the poison pills or the substitutes that will send it, the bill that they are supporting, to the conference committee where it will certainly die and be killed in conference. Shays-Meehan has already passed the Senate. It has the fragile flower of consensus that has been worked out carefully, over 10 years. We have the best opportunity now in 10 years to pass meaningful reform, send it to the President, and he says he will sign it. If Members are serious about campaign finance, then vote for Shays- Meehan and show the American public that our government is not for sale.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Dr. John J. Farrell who has spent his distinguished career serving and protecting the community. Now, more than ever, we recognize the men and women who dedicate their lives to law enforcement. During his outstanding career, Dr. Farrell has served Queens in a variety of capacities. After graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Dr. Farrell became a police officer. Dr. Farrell exemplifies all that is best about New York's Finest: hardworking, talented, and intelligent, he served New York bravely and was promoted to the rank of Inspector. After 30 years of service, Dr. Farrell retired from the police force and went into private practice. He worked as a private investigator and returned to John Jay College of Criminal Justice to earn his doctorate in Forensic Criminology and Investigation. Aside from his career in law enforcement Dr. Farrell has also specialized in the field of stress management, providing counsel to such businesses as General Motors of Queens and Grubb and Ellis of New York. In 1999 he opened his own hypnotherapy practice. Dr. Farrell has been a resident of Queens, NY, for more than 38 years. He has been a committed member of the community at large, lending his talents and energy to a wide variety of organizations. He has served as executive director of the Queens Flag Day Committee. He is a board member of the Long Island City YMCA. Dr. Farrell also works as an officer advisor for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point and as a Family Help Advisor with the U.S. Navy. Dr. Farrell's outstanding accomplishments have earned him special recognition from organizations as varied as the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Service, the F.B.I., the New York Archdiocese, and the Brooklyn Archdiocese, to name a few. He was also awarded a special certificate of appreciation by A.C. Tuller Queensboro North for his service during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Mr. Speaker, for his many contributions, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Dr. John J. Farrell.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule. Granny Dee did something very innovative, and she is here tonight in this Chamber. She walked across America for 14 months in support of her dream, campaign finance reform. Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to give her and other Americans her dream, by passing meaningful reform. The President says he will sign it. The Senate has passed it. All we need to do is keep the poison pill amendments off of it. Now, Enron was known as a very innovative company. That was their claim to fame before we found out they were really a house of cards. Well, the Enron end game has got to be passing campaign finance reform. It is time for Congress to do something very innovative: to restore public faith in the political system by banning soft money and creating more competitive elections. This is our Enron end game. Let us pass campaign finance reform and send it to the President for his signature.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on February 7, 2002, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall vote number 12. Rollroll vote 12 was on agreeing to the resolution to providing for consideration of H.R. 3394, the Cyber Security Research and Development Act. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 12.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on January 29, 2002, I was unavoidably detained and missed Rollcall vote No. 5. Rollcall vote 5 was on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to a resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 5.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a statement from the Uniformed Fire Officers Association of New York. Captain Peter L. Gorman, President of the UFOA, asked that I present this UFOA statement to Congress in memory of the fallen firefighters of New York City and on behalf of the UFOA leadership: Vice-President John E. Ginty, Lt.; Treasurer Arthur J. Parrinello, DC; Recording Secretary Stephen J. Carbone, Lt.; Financial Secretary James J. McGowen, Lt.; Sergeant-At-Arms Michael C. Currid, Capt.; Captain's Representative John J. McDonnell, Capt.; and Chief's Representatives Nicholas J. Visconi, DC and Richard Goldstein, BC. I am proud to present the following UFOA statement, entitled, It Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better: The Uniformed Fire Officers Association represents 2,500 lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, supervising fire marshals and medical officers of the New York City Fire Department. The UFOA wishes to thank the Governor and the State Legislation {of New York] for all you have done, almost every time we asked, for our members and their families, especially the widows and children of firefighters killed in the line of duty. But now we believe state government has a new and even greater responsibility to the public interest, the 8 million people who live in New York City and the millions of commenters and visitors that the FDNY protects every minutes of every day. The Fire Department has been badly crippled to the attack on the world Trade Center, and it will get worse before it gets better. Now an entire city needs your help. The Fire Department lost 343 members on September 11, 2001. Of that number, 254 were members and 89 were superior officers--45 lieutenants, 20 captains, 17 battalion chiefs, 3 deputy chiefs, 2 staff chiefs, the Chief of the Department, and the First Deputy Commissioner. If that wasn't terrible enough, our Catholic Chaplain was carried to a nearby church and laid to rest at the altar. It is important that you know what we at the UFOA now know. Many veterans fire officers, more than ever before, are saying they will leave soon, mainly because they feel a heightened obligation to the families. This year we will be asking you to go beyond anything we've asked the State Legislature and the Governor to do before. We will be asking you to save the New York City Fire Department; to make a commitment to the restoration of a crippled emergency service that may soon lose two and even three times as many veterans fire officers as we lost on September 11. This struggle isn't just for the fire Department of New York City. It is for every one of the 8 million people who live in our city, and the millions of commuters and visitors we protect every day. Again, our thanks go to everyone in the State Capitol for all you have done for the FDNY and its firefighters over the year. But no, than every, we need each other. Things are going to get worse for the Fire Department before they get better, and unless you help, things will get worse than that.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Panpaphian Association of America which will be honoring Peter J. Pappas with the Evagoras Pallikarides Award of Merit as well as this year's Member of the Year, Chrysi Kleopa Notskas. The Panpaphian Association was founded in 1987 by a group of Hellenic Cypriot Americans from Paphos, Cyprus to serve as cultural, educational and social organization. The Evagoras Pallikarides Award is named in honor of Evagoras Pallikarides, who was born in the small village of Tsada, Paphos, in February of 1938. Pallikarides is hailed as a hero by many for his work as a Cypriot freedom-fighter during the British occupation of Cyprus. For his efforts, Pallikarides was subsequently executed by the British, but his legacy of independence and cultural pride has endured. This year's recipient of the Evagoras Pallikarides Award embodies these characteristics as well. Peter J. Pappas is the President & CEO of PJ Mechanical Corporation. It is one of the largest service maintenance organizations in the New York metropolitan area and presently ranks ninth in the entire nation. Mr. Pappas's professional successes can be rivaled only by his many philanthropic contributions. He serves on the Archdiocesan Council, is a Director of Leadership 100, and President of HANAC, which oversees and coordinates a variety of social service programs throughout the community that have serviced thousands of people. He is also President of the Cyprus Children's Fund, a member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the New York State Hellenic American Republican Association. Mr. Pappas has been married to his wife, Catherine, in 1961. The couple has three grown children, Peter, James and Tara and seven grandchildren. Being honored as this year's Panaphian Association Member of the Year is Chrysi Kleopa Notskas. A native of Paphos, Cyprus she relocated to the U.S. as a student, obtaining a Bachelor's degree from Adelphi University and a Master's degree from Long Island University. She was named Ms. Cyprus of the USA and was also recognized with an Outstanding Teacher Award. As a teacher and mentor, Notskas is known for her selflessness and unwillingness to say no to a student in need. She is married to Evan Notskas and they have a daughter named Olga. In recognition of these outstanding achievements, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the great contributions of the Panpaphian Association, and its honorees Peter J. Papas and Chrysi Kleopa Notskas.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to John J. Harvey, the oldest and, now, most famous firefighting vessel on the Hudson River. On September 11, 2001, the crew of John J. Harvey demonstrated exceeding valor in aiding the rescue efforts of the New York City Fire Department. John J. Harvey was build seventy years ago in order to update and improve the New York City Fire Department's aging fleet of steam- powered fireboats. The boat was the first vessel of its kind with internal combustion engines, a feature that gave John J. Harvey the capacity to pump 18,000 gallons of water a minute--twenty fire engines' worth--in streams up to twenty-five stories high. John J. Harvey served in New York Harbor until 1995, when it was taken out of service for budgetary reasons. During her years of outstanding service, she participated in some of the most memorable fire rescue missions in New York Harbor. She fought the inferno that destroyed the ocean liner Normandie and doused the flames on a sinking munitions boat. As part of the annual Fourth of July celebration, John J. Harvey shoots gushing streams of water high into the sky, forming an are through which passing ships can speed. As a result of her past deeds, she was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Prior to the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, John J. Harvey had been operated by her owners as a working fireboat museum giving free trips and educational tours up and down the Hudson River and at Pier 63 Maritime. As news of the disaster at the World Trade Center spread, the crew of John J. Harvey began racing towards Pier 63 Maritime from all parts of New York. They recognized that the fireboat was uniquely suited to provide invaluable help to the FDNY and NYPD at this time of crisis. Once it arrived at the scene of the attack, John J. Harvey immediately began ferrying ash-caked survivors away from the collapsed buildings. A member of the crew later recalled how roughly 150 people hurled themselves over the gunwales, some leaving their shoes behind, in order to escape. As John J. Harvey was rescuing these people, a call came in from the Fire Department: They desperately needed water pressure. Upon hearing this request, the crew dropped off the survivors in safety at pier 40 and rushed John J. Harvey to the sea wall at the World Financial Center. As they started to rev up the water pumps on the boat, the crew recognized that they had a serious problem. Harvey's 3-inch manifold valves, designed for providing water of a different diameter to the modern 2\1/2\ inch hose being used by FDNY. Nobody had any adapters. Tim Ivory, the boat's chief engineer, was under intense pressure knowing that many lives were dependant on Harvey to provide water quickly. He remembered that some of the water guns, designed for shooting water into the air, had nozzles that were 2\1/2\ inches in diameter. He cleverly improvised by taking a sledgehammer and jamming soda bottles and wood into the nozzles, so as to redirect the water into the hoses from the guns. John J. Harvey spend the next 80 hours pumping water to firefighters working in the wreckage. Since all of the fire hydrants west of the disaster site were not operational, John J. Harvey, along with the city's two remaining large fireboats, Fire-Fighter and McKean, provided much of the necessary water to fight the fires that continued to burn at the site of the World Trade Center. I particularly want to recognize the brave crew members of John J. Harvey. On the day of the attack, the following people rushed to the rescue: Chase B. Welles (who quickly recognized the need to be of service), Huntley Gill (who piloted the boat on 9/11), Tim Ivory (whose ingenuity saved the day), Tomas J. Cavallaro (who worked tirelessly to supply the crew) and Andrew Furber (Assistant Engineer, who helped rescue workers extract bodies and clear debris as a welder). Later that day they were joined by John Doswell, Jean Preece and Pamela Hepburn who helped rescue workers. The following morning Captain Robert Lenney (who spent 16 years as pilot of John J. Harvey when it served the FDNY and returned to service to help fight the fires at the World Trade Center for days on end) and Jessica DuLong (Assistant Engineer, who ensured constant smooth running of the engines) lent their valuable assistance to the effort. Throughout the 4 days, they were supported by Darren Vigilant of tugboat Bertha, (who ferried supplies from Pier 63 Maritime) and by John Krevey and his team at Pier 63 Maritime (who provided an unending supply of provisions). John J. Harvey is once again docked at Pier 63 Maritime where visitors to New York can learn more about his heroic tale of a once scrap yard-destined firefighting vessel that came back to help save New York City. Mr. Speaker, I proudly salute the firefighting vessel John J. Harvey and her crew. May they be forever remembered for their courageous efforts on September 11, 2001.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Search and Care, a grass-roots neighborhood agency that has an extraordinarily beneficial effect on homebound elderly living in my district. Search and Care has been a vibrant part of the community in which I live and represent. It is a pleasure to pay tribute to this illustrious organization. Search and Care is a not-for-profit social service agency that serves the homebound elderly in Manhattan's Yorkville neighborhood. Founded in January 1972, it is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. In 1971, the Rev. Clarke K. Oler, the rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity, convinced an elderly parishioner to get badly needed medical attention. He took her to a hospital clinic where she died in the waiting room while waiting for her physician. At around the same time, he learned of an elderly neighbor who died of starvation. Recognizing that other old people would benefit from assistance in accessing available services, Rev. Oler took initiative and established Search and Care. Search and Care's mission is to find and serve the elderly so that they can live safely and independently in the Yorkville community. Rev. Oler secured private funds and enlisted the help of Suzannah Chandler, formerly a member of the staff of the National Council on Aging, to start the program. Ms. Chandler also celebrates her 30th anniversary with the organization. Search and Care provides a practical response to the difficulties faced by frail older people living alone. In the past 30 years the agency has worked with over 5,500 elderly homebound people. This year the organization will assist 350 men and women whose median age is 82, most of whom have no family living nearby. Search and Care is an invaluable resource for the elderly citizens of my community. Its dedicated professional staff, interns and volunteers provide crucial help with the myriad tasks of daily living including shopping, paying bills, getting to the doctor, housekeeping and looking after pets. This social service agency also intervenes with skilled care management in health, emotional, and financial situations that might otherwise mean the end of independent living for these senior citizens. Over the years, Search and Care has accomplished this important work through the commitment of some of the finest and most dedicated citizens of New York. The work of these extraordinary people has developed into a model community-based care management program that meets the individually complex and changing needs of the elderly. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of these outstanding achievements, I salute Search and Care and I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in recognizing the great contributions of this tremendously dedicated community organization.