Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. David Lefkowitz, who will celebrate his 25th anniversary as Cantor of the Park Avenue Synagogue this month. Mr. Lefkowitz will celebrate the anniversary alongside members of the synagogue at a morning choral service and evening formal dinner-dance on May 5, 2001. Mr. Lefkowitz has served as the Cantor and music director (or hazzan) for the Park Avenue Synagogue since 1976. One of Mr. Lefkowitz's most notable accomplishments in his playing of classical masterpieces of Jewish history. He has also premiered hundreds of new compositions and, in order to preserve a record of liturgical Jewish history, also created 44 volumes of Friday evening and Shabbat morning music. He has also restored and adapted long- obscure yet important compositions. Mr. Lefkowitz, the son of a cantor and composer, was born in Cleveland, OH, and received his musical training at the University of Pittsburgh, the Jewish Theological Seminary, and the Julliard School. Prior to his work at the Park Avenue Synagogue, Mr. Lefkowitz served two other prestigious congregations, Paterson, New Jersey's Temple Emanuel and the Ocean Parkway Jewish Center in Brooklyn. With great success, Mr. Lefkowitz has performed in recitals, concerts, operatic roles and as a soloist with choruses and orchestras in oratories and premiers of new Jewish musical works. Mr. Lefkowitz is a former president of the American Society for Jewish Music and is the current president of the David Nowakowsky Foundation. He is also a faculty member of the School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Mr. Lefkowitz and his outstanding work in my district. His enormous talent has provided the Park Avenue Synagogue with original worship music that has great cultural significance. In fact, many of these compositions have become the favorite selections of the many members of the Park Avenue congregation. I am happy to congratulate Mr. Lefkowitz on his 25 years of service and recognize the many contributions he has given to the Park Avenue Synagogue.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, back pain will affect eight out of ten Americans at some point in their lives, and is the second most common reason that people visit a physician. For this reason, I rise today to draw attention to a national campaign which recently concluded: ``Back to Health'' Month. Launched by the North American Spine Society (NASS), April served as Back to Health Month. In reality, if you are one of the millions who suffer from back pain, this is an issue of importance all year. NASS seeks to raise awareness of the impact of back pain on the lives of the American public and steps we all can take to maintain a strong and healthy back. Back pain represents a serious quality of life issue that is an all too common reality for many Americans, Mr. Speaker. Back problems also bring major economic consequences as well. Each year, back pain results in more lost days from work than any other ailment, except general bone and joint ``problems.'' In fact, there are more back injuries and disorders per 10,000 U.S. workers than any other musculoskeletal condition. In the month of April, Mr. Speaker, the North American Spine Society sponsored regional events around the country to highlight the importance of a healthy back, including ``Back to Health Day'' on Capitol Hill on April 24th. I encourage my colleagues to share this information with their constituents. Back pain is a problem which affects nearly all of us, but it is a problem that can be properly treated. I applaud NASS' efforts to get America ``Back to Health.''

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the importance of Siblings Day, a day to honor our sisters and brothers for the many ways in which they have enriched our lives. This celebration gives us the opportunity to show our appreciation for our siblings, much the same way that Mother's Day and Father's Day are celebrated. Founded by a Manhattan constituent, Claudia Evart, Ms. Evart has worked tirelessly to encourage everyone to honor their siblings on April 10th. Siblings make an important contribution to who we are. Often, when our parents are gone, our siblings are our only remaining family. And sometimes, as in the case of my constituent Claudia Evart, Siblings Day will help us remember siblings who we have lost at an early age. April 10th marks the birthday of Claudia's sister Lisette, who died tragically in 1972 at age 19 in a car accident that also killed their father. An additional tragedy struck in 1987, when Ms. Evart's older brother, Alan, died in an accident at his home. He was 36 years old. This holiday was recently marked, according to the Siblings Day Foundation, in 20 states (Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin); each of the 20 governors proclaiming the 10th of April as Siblings Day. I call on the Congress to recognize the importance of family members by recognizing the contributions made by our siblings. I applaud the work of Claudia Evart, who has created a loving tribute to her deceased siblings by her work to establish Siblings Day. Her inspired work should serve as a lesson to us all.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a strong supporter of international family planning and in strong opposition to the antiwoman gag rule which is being debated before the Committee on International Relations right now. First and foremost, this debate is not about abortion; it is about women dying to the tune of over 600,000 a year. That is the equivalent of a jumbo jet crashing each day. And it is about saving women's lives. The fact remains that since 1973, no U.S. Federal funds can be used around the world for abortion. Let me be clear: the global gag rule is about restricting foreign nongovernmental organizations in the use of their own money. This language would be unconstitutional in our own country, and it is unconscionable that we are exporting it to some of the world's poorest countries where it affects some of the world's poorest women. The gag rule is enough to make me gag. It exports the worst of American internal politics. I urge a ``no'' vote in committee and a ``yes'' vote for the amendment of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for his leadership on this issue and in so many other areas. Despite the current question about the direction of our economy, there is no doubt that our Nation has been transformed in recent years by the technology sector and the incredible American entrepreneurial spirit that has led small start-up companies to become the most successful businesses in history. I strongly endorse the Portman-Cardin legislation, in part because I believe it helps bring retirement savings programs up to speed with the new economy. While much of our manufacturing sector has struggled over the last decade, the U.S. has created millions of good-paying new technology jobs, many in my district. This change in our workforce and the transformation of the American workplace has had a major impact on government, on financial services, and on savings. One of the major changes in worker attitudes is that technology workers expect to change jobs several times over their careers. Given the constant change in the technology sector, workers demand pension portability and retirement plans that will travel with them from job to job. By passing this legislation, we are taking a critical step in allowing an important government saving stimulus to catch up with the reality of today's employment market. Importantly, this legislation also encourages saving by including substantial increases in the IRA limit to $5,000, and 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plan limits to $15,000. While this legislation benefits younger workers over the long haul, it also provides important catch-up contributions for workers who are 50 or older, so that people who have been out of the workforce for a number of years can build their own nest eggs. Often these older workers are women who, without this provision, would be punished for having taken off time to raise their families. I strongly support this bill.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I enthusiastically rise today to honor the American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc. (ALDF). Established in 1990, ALDF is the nation's most vital public voice in the battle against Lyme disease. From its comprehensive educational campaign to generous support for cutting-edge research, ALDF champions the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease, saving thousands of people each year from the often painful and debilitating symptoms of tick-borne infections. Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the United States, with over 145,000 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 1982. The actual number of cases may be 3- 5 times that reported and costs related to tick-borne infections may exceed two billion dollars a year. Over the last decade, ALDF has increased public awareness about Lyme disease tremendously. Furthermore, many of the scientific advancements made by ALDF supported research have significantly increased our understanding of Lyme disease and the best methods for preventing and treating the disease. I salute the leadership of ALDF for their vigilant work to raise public awareness about Lyme disease and to increase the body of medical knowledge available for the prevention and treatment of the illness. In particular, I applaud the members of the ALDF Board of Directors, Chairman Anthony J. Walton, and Executive Director David L. Weld. I also want to recognize my friend and constant advisor on the issue of Lyme disease, Richard E. Gray, who is also a Member of the ALDF Board of Directors. ALDF's esteemed Council of National Scientific Advisors deserves recognition as well, for their innovative research on Lyme disease. This research remain critical to the health and well-being of thousands of communities in high-risk areas, especially in the Northeast region of the United States. ALDF plays a key role in providing reliable and scientifically accurate information to the public and to health care providers regarding Lyme disease. Recently, the ALDF, in collaboration with the Dutchess County Department of Health and the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, received a grant of $300,000 for the first of a three year grant period from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to institute a community-based integrated management plan to significantly reduce reported cases of Lyme disease and other tick- borne infections within a target community. I congratulate ALDF for creating this innovative project and trust that when implemented, it will become one among many of ALDF's successful public awareness campaigns. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to the American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc. in recognition of the Foundation's honorable mission and distinguished record of achievement.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her statement, her leadership on this, and also the ranking member's. I rise in strong opposition to the Unborn Victims of Violence Act and urge its rejection. Some Members on the other side of the aisle today have indicated that they do not believe that it is a direct attack on Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to choose. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record editorials from the New York Times entitled ``Reproductive Rights Under Attack,'' and also editorials from the 1999 debate from the Washington Post, the St. Petersburg Times, and the Seattle Times, all in direct opposition to this bill. And all point out that it is a direct assault on Roe v. Wade. The material referred to follows: [From the New York Times] Reproductive Rights Under Attack Congressional opponents of abortion have no appetite for a direct and politically unpopular assault on Roe v. Wade. So they are pursuing other legislative strategies that would undermine women's reproductive freedom. One of the most deceptive of these schemes is the benign-sounding Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which is expected to come up for a vote in the House this week. Packaged as a crime-fighting measure unrelated to abortion, the bill is actually aimed at fulfilling a longtime goal of the right-to-life movement. The goal is to enshrine in law the concept of ``fetal rights,'' equal to but separate and distinct from the rights of pregnant women. In essence, the bill would elevate the status of a fetus, embryo or other so- called ``unborn child'' to that of a ``person'' by amending the Federal criminal code to add a separate offense for causing death or bodily injury to a ``child'' who is ``in utero.'' The penalty would be equal to that imposed for injuring the woman herself and would apply from the earliest stage of gestation, whether or not the perpetrator knew of the pregnancy. The vote this week represents a serious test. An identical bill passed the House last year by a 254-to-172 vote, and its present sponsors are plainly hoping the arrival of a new anti-choice administration will help gain passage this time around in the Senate. Violence against women that results in compromising a pregnancy is a terrible crime. It may well deserve stiffer penalties, which some states have already imposed. But the bill's sponsors are more interested in furthering a political agenda than in preventing and punishing criminal conduct. Lawmakers who care for Roe v. Wade have no business voting for this disingenuous legislation.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank very much the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren) for yielding and congratulate her for her extraordinary leadership on this issue and so many other issues before the committee protecting women. Very simply, if one wants to punish people who attack pregnant women and injure or destroy their fetuses, then vote for the Lofgren substitute, because that is what it does. Its penalties are stricter. If, however, the goal is to declare fetuses to be separate people under the criminal code and to thereby further the right-to-life movement, then the underlying bill is what should be voted for. That is what the difference is about. The Bush administration is clearly in the camp of the right-to-life movement. Mr. Speaker, I would like to place in the Record the statement of administration policy that clearly supports the underlying bill that erodes a woman's right to choose, knocks out one of the fundamental pillars under Roe v. Wade. Statement of Administration Policy (This statement has been coordinated by OMB with the concerned agencies.) H.R. 503--Unborn victims of violence act of 2001 (Rep. Graham (R) SC and 95 cosponsors) The Administration supports protection for unborn children and therefore supports House passage of H.R. 503. The legislation would make it a separate Federal offense to cause death or bodily injury to a child, who is in utero, in the course of committing any one of 68 Federal offenses. The bill also would make substantially identical amendments to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Administration would strongly oppose any amendment to H.R. 503, such as a so- called ``One-Victim'' Substitute, which would define the bill's crimes as having only one victim--the pregnant woman. Mr. Speaker, vote for the Lofgren amendment. Vote for a woman's right to choose and a reasonable approach to protect her and against the underlying bill.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I yield to the gentlewoman from California.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the so-called Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which will be before this body later on today. First of all, we should have truth in advertising. This bill has nothing to do with protecting unborn victims, which in it is defined as broadly as three cells, but everything in rolling back a woman's right to choose. It is not about violence against pregnant women. It is about taking away a woman's right to choose. It erodes Roe v. Wade. It will define for the first time the beginning of life in a criminal statute. The domestic violence groups in America do not support it, but President Bush does. I have the statement of administration policy, President Bush's policy, which is anti-woman, toothless in protecting women against violence; but it is very strong in depriving a woman of a right to choose. I urge everyone to vote against this bill when it comes to the floor today.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Armenian Congressional Caucus here in Washington, and we have over 90 members, and as a representative of a very large and vibrant community of Armenian Americans, I rise today to join many of my colleagues in the sad commemoration of the Armenian genocide. Today we remember the tragedy where more than 1.5 million Armenians were murdered at the hands of the Turks and more than 500,000 others were deported. Unfortunately, there were others included in this massacre, including Assyrians and Pontic Greeks, bringing the number to well over 3.5 million lost lives. Today, April 24, marks the 86th anniversary of the beginning of the genocide. It was on this day in 1915 that more than 200 Armenian religious, political and intellectual leaders were gathered together and murdered in Constantinople. This was the beginning of an organized, brutal campaign to eliminate the Armenian presence from the Ottoman Empire. This campaign lasted for over 8 years. During this time, Armenians were systematically uprooted from their homeland of over 3,000 years and eliminated through massacres or deportation. But Armenians are strong people, and their dream of freedom did not die. More than 70 years after the genocide, the new Republic of Armenia was born as the Soviet Union crumbled. Today, we pay tribute to the courage and strength of people who would not know defeat. I was privileged to meet with many of these people this past weekend on Sunday in my district where Sam Azadian along with Archbishop Barsamian and many others held a meeting where we remembered the massacres. One of the survivors, Sano Halo, was there. Her daughter has written a book about her life entitled ``Not Even My Name.'' It tells the story of Ms. Halo who, at the age of 10, was uprooted with her family with thousands of Pontic Greeks and forced by the Turks on a brutal death march. Ms. Halo saw her entire family die of starvation and disease in front of her eyes, or assault and murder by the Turks. Through circumstances, she was able to survive and has come to the United States and now lives in my district. Unfortunately, even with the truthful, thoughtful accounts from people who experienced the genocide such as Ms. Halo, there are those who question the reality of the Armenian slaughter. That is why it is so important that in this Congress we must finally pass the resolution documenting the Armenian genocide. We must follow the moral leadership of France and Italy whose national assemblies unanimously passed a bill that officially recognizes the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians in Turkey during and after World War II. And we must follow the leadership of many of our State legislatures. Over 27 legislatures have passed proclamations, resolutions, bills recognizing the genocide. For the people of Armenia, the fight still continues today, particularly for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, who are impacted by modern day Turkey and Azerbaijan's aggression toward Armenia in the continued blockade. I am hopeful that the recent talks in Key West between the Armenian and Azerbaijan presidents will move them one step closer toward peace. A peaceful solution is important to United States interests. We have supported Armenia with direct assistance and with confidence- building allocations. I strongly support the efforts of the Armenian community to dedicate a museum and memorial commemorating the victims of the Armenian genocide. This year, their dream became a reality with the purchase of a building near the White House. Nothing we can say will bring back those who perished, but we can honor their memories with everlasting meaning by teaching the lessons of the Armenian genocide to the next generation. As the great philosopher George Santayana once said, ``Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'' Let us learn our lesson and never forget the Armenians.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1310.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Junior League on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. This year, nearly 200,000 Junior League women are celebrating 100 years of volunteer community service. With a century of action for family literacy, senior citizen care, battered women's shelters, affordable day care, AIDS education, pregnancy prevention and multicultural awareness to their credit, the members of Junior Leagues in 295 communities in four countries have much to celebrate. The Junior League reached its centennial milestone this year with a phenomenal legacy of achievement in local communities. In 1901, Barnard College student Mary Harriman established the Junior League ``to foster among its members the interest in undertakings for the betterment of the social, economic and educational conditions in the City of New York.'' Mary Harriman's idea--that a group of women could be a powerful force for change--has resonated throughout this century. What began with 80 young women traveling to Manhattan's Lower East Side to volunteer at a settlement house, has blossomed into a growing movement of trained volunteers improving their communities through direct service, public education, advocacy, fundraising and sheer hard work. Individual Junior Leagues contribute mightily to their local communities. Aspects of our social, cultural and political fabric that we take for granted--free school lunches, children's theatre and museums, domestic violence legislation, volunteer bureaus, quality TV programming for children--are among the innovations led by the Junior League. Today, Leagues work with babies with HIV, abused children and the homeless and serve as mentors to young women and girls. They initiate and staff childcare centers, fund breast cancer research and protect the environment. In short, the Junior League can be credited with implementing change and improving conditions in almost every sector. In recognition of decades of these sustained contributions, in 1989, the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) was presented with the prestigious U.S. President's Volunteer Action Award. In 1901, membership in the Junior League gave women a rare opportunity to take a leadership role in the wider world. Today, even with increased professional opportunities for women, the Junior League continues to offer women a unique and powerful way to make a difference, take risks and become community leaders. In spite of the fact that two-thirds of the members are working women, they still commit their valuable time to serving their communities through the Junior League. It is no great surprise that 46 percent of Junior League members are ``Roper Influentials''--political and social trendsetters who influence their friends and acquaintances on an impressive array of topics such as computers, investment ideas, health issues, politics, cars and children. With nearly a century of service to its credit, the Junior League is an icon in the fabric of community life in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Great Britain. The women leaders of the Junior League are a powerful force, offering professional experience and vital support to the volunteer sector. I am proud of my own membership in the Junior League and can personally attest to the dedication of the women who give their time and expertise to the Junior League. The Junior Leagues' Centennial celebration will last all year long, with a special international celebration in New York City at the League's 2001 Annual Conference, Wednesday, April 25 through Sunday, April 29, 2001. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to congratulate the New York Junior League on its 100th Anniversary and I wish them many more years of successful service to their communities.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Rita C. Severis, a distinguished art historian whose recently published book, Travelling Artists in Cyprus 1700-1960, offers a pioneer study of the island of Cyprus through the visions of more than 120 artists over three centuries. Ms. Severis will be honored on the evening of April 24, 2001, by Cyprus's Consulate General to the United States, Mr. Vasilis Philippou, at a book signing presentation at the Consulate General's office in my district in New York. A student of philosophy and journalism at University College, London and the London School of Journalism, Ms. Severis received her doctorate in the History of Art from Bristol University. Ms. Severis is an accomplished author and journalist whose previous books include Along the Most Beautiful Path of the World, Edmund Duthoit and Cyprus, and the co-edited In the Footsteps of Women Peregrinations in Cyprus. Ms. Severis has contributed articles to various periodicals on Cypriot culture and is now working on a publication exploring an American missionary's diary in Cyprus (1834- 39). Ms. Severis carefully selected 350 compositions, from pencil and ink to pastel, lithographs, and watercolors and oil on paper, canvas, board, and wood, for Travelling Artists in Cyprus 1700-1960. The collection elegantly presents the beauty and majesty of Cyprus, with its diverse historic periods, august monuments, and magnificent natural landscapes. Through this publication, Rita Severis has provided a work of great significance in the field of art history, while contributing to the cultural fabric of Cyprus. Mr. Speaker, I salute Ms. Rita C. Severis for her admirable contribution to art history and to the people of Cyprus through her publication, Travelling Artists in Cyprus 1700-1960.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on April 3, 2001, I was unavoidably detained and missed Rollcall votes numbered 76 and 77. Rollcall vote 76 was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 768, the Need-Based Educational Aid Act. Rollcall vote 77 was on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 91, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the human rights situation in Cuba. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on both H.R. 768 and H. Res. 91.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Francis D. Alleman-Luce, a civil rights advocate and lifelong community leader. Ms. Alleman-Luce, who suddenly passed away last week, was a civil rights organizer, an educator, and a member of numerous community and philanthropic groups. Her son, Mr. Jim Tendean Luce, has arranged the service to be held at the Madison Avenue Baptist Church in my district, where he serves as the moderator. Ms. Alleman-Luce was an extraordinary woman far ahead of her time. Born in 1924 in Hingham, Massachusetts, Ms. Alleman-Luce graduated from Hingham High School and Wheelock College. During World War II, she worked as an entertainer for troops on leave. After the War, she married Stanford Luce and the family moved to New Haven, Connecticut until 1952, when they again moved to Oxford, Ohio. In 1964, the family moved to Paris, returning to Ohio the next year. Ms. Alleman-Luce played an active role in the American Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s, training Freedom Riders as they gathered in Oxford, Ohio before driving to Mississippi. In 1969, Ms. Alleman-Luce completed her masters' degree in Educational Psychology at Miami University in Oxford. In 1972, following her divorce, Ms. Alleman-Luce moved to Marietta, Ohio with her then 12-year-old son Jim to begin a career as a school psychologist. Following her retirement, Ms. Alleman-Luce moved back to her college town of Brookline, Massachusetts, where she became involved with the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization for women that stresses the value of educational achievement and philanthropic community service. Ms. Alleman-Luce was an exceptional individual and a caring mother. She is survived by her brother Dudley Alleman, Jr., her sister Irene Alleman Beale, and her four children, Stan, Molly, Rick, and Jim. Ms. Alleman-Luce's life was one of adventure, ambition, and a willingness to strive for a better world. A proud lifelong Democrat, a friend of the disenfranchised, and a caring educator, Ms. Alleman-Luce will be sorely missed.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the country where democracy was born and where democracy returned 180 years ago. March 25, 2001, marks the 180 anniversary of Greece's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire. Before then, Greece had been ruled by the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years, during which time Greeks were deprived of their civil rights. It is with great pride that Hellenic Americans recount the stories of how their ancestors in Greece stood together and fought against repression by continuing to educate Greek children in their culture, their language, and their religion, even under the threat of death. This year, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York has as its parade theme the Hellenic-American educational system. It is especially important that they are paying tribute to education, cultural heritage, religious learning, and the Hellenic-American values and ideals that are taught in the United States Hellenic parochial schools. Education has always been the key to preserving Hellenic culture, values, and religion. This year I have the honor of being selected grand marshal, along with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), who cochairs the Hellenic Caucus with me, and Assemblyman Michael Giannaris from New York and California Secretary of State Phillip Ajjedilis and Honorary Grand Marshal Lucas Tsilas. We will have the privilege of marching with many members of my Astoria community, the largest Hellenic community outside of Athens. The Hellenic and Phil-Hellenic community has a great deal to celebrate. They will celebrate the coming Olympics and the continued efforts of the Hellenic Caucus to seek a peaceful understanding with Turkey on the issues of the Greek Islands and Cyprus occupation. Here in the United States, we often take democracy for granted. In the world, there are still countries fighting for basic human rights. On this day of Greek independence, let us remember the words of Plato, and I quote: ``Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a kind of equality to equals and unequals alike.'' Is that not a great way to describe democracy? The best way to express the feeling of the Hellenic community is the Greek National Anthem that tells of their struggle for independence. I thank the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York for all of the contributions they have made to our community and in their efforts to make each year's Greek Independence Day celebration more exciting than the last. I know that I will remember this year. Zeto E Eleftheria. Long live freedom in Greece and in the entire world.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the members of the Federation of the Dodecanesian Society of America and Canada. The Dodecanesian Islands include the twelve Aegean islands of ancient Greece ringing Asia Minor. The goal of the Federation is to salute the islands' struggle to remain Greek through years of occupation and their ultimate triumph 50 years ago when the twelve islands united with modern Greece. The Federation will celebrate their 50-year independence on Saturday, March 11, 2001. The Dodecanesian Islands most certainly have a remarkable history that dates back to ancient times. The epic and legendary story of the Dodecanesian Islands is truly one of captivating heroics. The chain of islands, which include the island of Rhodes whose great colossus was one of the seven wonders of the world, are where Hippocrates, the father of Medicine, called home and began his first scientific investigation of disease and the organs of the body. Certain individual Dodecanesian Islands have fascinating histories that accurately illustrate Greek history. The Dodecanesian island of Patmos sheltered Saint John the Evangelist and it was there he wrote the Book of Revelation. The island of Kassos contributed a large fleet to the independence struggle and as well a large part of the Greek merchant fleet which aided the allied cause in the Second World War. Homer writes that the Dodecanesian Islands aided Agamemnon in the siege of Troy, where Rhodes bought from ``that most pleasant land'' nine ``tall ships.'' Mr. Speaker, the members of the Federation of the Dodecanesian Society of America and Canada do valuable work ensuring that the American and Canadian Dodecanese decedents develop strong and unbinding ties to their homeland of Greece. This organization does an admirable job promoting and instilling ``enosis,'' the Greek word for ties to one's homeland, for thousands of my constituents and I am proud to recognize them today.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Barbara Cornwall Lyssarides, a Cypriot-American journalist whose recently published book, My Old Acquaintance: Yesterday in Cyprus, details the recent history of the island of Cyprus. Ms. Lyssarides will be honored on the evening of March 7, 2001 by Cyprus's Consulate General to the United States, Mr. Vasilis Philippou, at a book signing presentation at the Consulate General's office in New York. Ms. Lyssarides is an accomplished journalist whose previous books include a first-hand account of guerrilla warfare in the Portuguese colonies of Africa, which was published in New York and London. When the National Organization of Cypriot Struggle (EOKA) launched a rebellion for independence from British rule on October 1, 1960, Ms. Lyssarides covered it as a young staff reporter and feature writer for the daily Times of Cyprus. Ms. Lyssarides has spent much of her life living abroad, mostly in Cyprus. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and received her degree in history from Wayne State University, where she also studied journalism. Throughout her career, Ms. Lyssarides has traveled all over the world, serving as a reporter for numerous foreign newspapers. In her introduction to My Old Acquaintance, Ms. Lyssarides writes: Over the millennia, Cyprus has been sold, colonized, inherited, borrowed, lent, defeated, delivered, neglected, isolated, annexed, mis-ruled, sometimes well-governed, often betrayed . . . To me, it is astonishing that its people have survived at all, not only physically but with religion intact for almost 2,000 years, language even longer, and with customs and beliefs little changed after centuries of foreign impact. Mr. Speaker, the nation of Cyprus has been beset by instability for too long. Barbara Cornwall Lyssarides eloquently describes her own relationship with this troubled island and I salute her for her admirable efforts to bring attention to her adopted homeland and this extremely important international issue.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Jewish Congress Metropolitan Region on the occasion of their annual dinner. I particularly want to recognize its Co-Presidents, Michael Nussbaum and John Heffer, as well as Arthur Flug, the Executive Director, and John Baer and Trudy L. Mason, Chairs of the Executive Committee. Ever since its inception during World War I, the American Jewish Congress (AJC) has worked tirelessly to serve as a democratic voice of American Jews. Motivated by the need to ensure the creative survival of the Jewish people, deeply cognizant of the Jewish responsibility to participate fully in public life, inspired by Jewish teachings and values, informed by liberal principles, dedicated to an activist and independent role, and committed to making its decisions through democratic processes, AJC has taken an activist role on countless issues. AJC is an important voice on gun control, reproductive rights, sweatshops, domestic violence, and religious freedom. Members work to advance social and economic justice, women's equality, and human rights at home and abroad. The effort to fight anti-semitism and all other forms of bigotry remains a central focus of AJC. Eight decades after its founding, AJC's dedication to human rights and freedom, to separation of church and state, to the concept of a united Jewish people, to the health and strength of Israel, is as bold, steadfast, and as impassioned as ever. The Metropolitan Region has been active in working on issues relating to education, most recently holding forums on charter schools, teacher recruitment, and high stakes testing. The Metropolitan Region also works to promote policies to protect the environment both locally and in Israel. In addition, members work to protect human and civil rights and preserve religious liberty and the separation of church and state. The Metropolitan Region is honoring two individuals who have been remarkable advocates for freedom. Philip Christopher is the recipient of the Man of the Year Award. Mr. Christopher has been a successful businessman and an energetic advocate for the Greek-American community. As President and CEO of the Audiovox Corporation, he has emerged as a major leader in cellular communications. Despite the pressures of running a major corporation, Mr. Christopher has devoted a great deal of time to public policy and is one of the most prominent proponents of freedom for Cyprus. As a member of the Democratic National Committee Greek American Leadership Council, President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyrpus, President of the Pancyprian Association of America, the Supreme President of the Cyprus Federation of American, and President of the Hellenic American Sports League, Mr. Christopher has brought dynamic leadership and a strong sense of purpose to his efforts to fight for the Greek-American community. Elizabeth Kelly is the recipient of the Devorah Award. She has been a strong advocate for better health care. Shortly after her arrival in the United States, she founded the Uninsured Irish Foundation to provide health care to uninsured Irish Americans. Today she is President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Network Management LLC and the affiliated Physician Independent Practice Association. In 1996, Ms. Kelly petitioned New York State to grant discounts based on the risk management that could be achieved through her organization. This program set a precedent that allows physician members of Independent Practice Associations to receive malpractice premium discounts for the first time in the history of the State. An advocate for better models for the delivery of health care, Ms. Kelly has been an innovator and a visionary. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the achievements of the American Jewish Congress Metropolitan Region and its honorees, Philip Christopher and Elizabeth Kelly.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Woodie King, Jr.'s, New Federal Theatre, which will be honored at a celebration of its 30th anniversary on March 25, 2001. For 30 years, Woodie King, Jr.'s, New Federal Theatre has provided emerging playwrights the opportunity to have their work produced and given employment opportunities to minority actors, directors, and producers. The celebration will be hosted by such luminary actors as, among others, Debbie Allen and Avery Brooks, and Angela Bassett, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Leslie Uggams, Shirley Verrett, and Susan Taylor. Chairs for the event will be Maya Angelou, Camille O. Cosby, Toni Fay, Byron Lewis, and Percy Sutton. Sydney Poitier serves as an advisor. Along with celebrating the anniversary of the New Federal Theatre, the event will also honor the Shubert's Gerald Schoenfield, directors Lloyd Richards and Shauneille Perry, producers Wynn Handman, Phillip Rose, and Michael Bevins, the Coca Cola Foundation education director. Posthumous honorees include photographer Bert Andrews and costume designer Judy Dearing. Woodie King Jr.'s New Federal Theatre presented its first production in the 1970-1971 season and has produced more than 175 plays, including the award-winning plays For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf, Child of the Sun, and Black Girl. Among the many notable directors whose work has been shown at the New Federal Theatre include Laurence Holder, Damien Lake, and Ron Milner. Some of the more well-known actors who have performed at the theater include Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Debbie Morgan. The New Federal Theatre is named after Woodie King Jr., the founder and producing director of the New Federal Theatre and National Black Touring Circuit in New York City. In the thirty-year history of the theater, Woodie King has presented more then 150 productions, both Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Among his many awards, Mr. King is the recipient of an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Wayne State University and a Doctorate of Fine Arts from the College of Wooster. His 1974-75 production of The Taking of Miss Janie, which he produced, won a Drama Critics Circle Award as Best New American Play. Aside from his work at the New Federal Theatre, Mr. King has produced and directed shows all over the nation, with his work appearing in Atlanta, Detroit, St. Louis, Brooklyn, and Bermuda. For 30 years, Woodie King Jr.'s New Federal Theatre has provided enormously talented imaginative, and creative minorities with the chance to present their work in an established and professional theatrical venue. Without the opportunity to perform at Woodie King's New Federal Theatre, encouraged by Woodie King himself, many of today's most successful and promising theater professionals would have perhaps never achieved their current successes. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join in acknowledging Woodie King and the pioneers of Woodie King's New Federal Theatre on the theater's thirtieth anniversary. Woodie King's New Federal Theatre, with a stellar record of accomplishment, has truly made an important contribution to American Theater.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Hellenic organization KRIKOS and Mr. Costas Athanasiades, who the organization will honor at their annual dinner on March 11, 2001. KRIKOS was founded in 1974 to foster and promote cooperation and fellowship among Hellenes and phil-Hellenes throughout the world. KRIKOS also aims to preserve and enrich Hellenic heritage. In their attempts to spread the understanding of Hellenic issues, KRIKOS has organized more than forty conferences throughout the world and frequently publishes reports of their proceedings. Among the subjects various conferences have examined include: the Philadelphia conference on biotechnology, the Athens conference on telecommunications, and the New York conferences focusing on issues such as the impact of globalism and the Greek response to the Yugoslavian Civil Wars. KRIKOS has provided guidance to college and college-bound Hellenic youth in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Additionally, KRIKOS has made it possible for students to visit abroad through a world-study program. In keeping with its dedication to scholarship, KRIKOS donated five thousand (5,000) books to the Polytechnic University in Athens. KRIKOS was instrumental in documenting the artistic and historic treasures located in St. Catherine Monastery on Mt. Sinai. For hundreds of years St. Catherine's has been a prime destination for pilgrims to the Holy Land and KRIKOS helped computerize its properties. Costas Athanasiades was born in Kalavasos, Cyprus on March 3, 1921, and studied in Italy where he received a degree as an agriculturalist. In 1938, he returned to his native Cyprus and spearheaded the effort to organize farmers into economically potent cooperatives. He undertook similar initiatives with the formation and development of trade unions. Mr. Athanasiades served valiantly with British Commander Montgomery's Cypriot troops during the second World War. His dream of freedom and ``Enosis'' (union with motherland Greece) was looked upon as subversive and revolutionary by the British colonial authorities. Accordingly, a British military court condemned Mr. Athanasiades to a two-year detainment at a barb-wire prison camp in Egypt. In 1949, he emigrated to Australia and in 1958 he married the former Maria Pavlidou, his wife of 43 years. During his years in Australia, he nurtured and developed Hellenic institutions of his new homeland, much as he did in his native Cyprus. In 1959, he came to America, where he briefly was employed by the National Herald, a Greek American daily newspaper. Mr. Athanasiades purchased the Campana Newspaper in 1961. In conjunction with his Campana newspaper, Mr. Athanasiades has authored more than a dozen books expounding social, political, and economic commentary. He has been cited and acknowledged by many prestigious institutions, including the National Library of Congress and the United Nations, for his insights and contributions. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the wonderful work of Costas Athanasiades, a philologist, author, and contemporary voice of Hellenism in the United States.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues of the Women's Caucus to discuss the importance of women's health. As a Caucus, we are working hard to improve health for all women. From protecting Social Security and strengthening Medicare to working for a Patient's Bill of Rights. And we are working to add a reliable, affordable prescription drug benefit. We must ensure that the progress made to improve women's health continues. To this point, I urge my distinguished colleagues to join me in the following measures. I am working to improve the health and well-being of women--young and old. I will soon reintroduce the Osteoporosis Early Detection and Prevention Act and the Cancer Screening Coverage Act to give women a fighting chance against these diseases. I am working with my distinguished colleague, Connie Morella, to make women's health research a priority. We will introduce the Women's Health Office Act to make the women's health offices at the Department of Health and Human Services permanent. And for our littlest people and their moms, I have introduced the Breastfeeding Promotion Act, which supports and protects mothers who choose to breastfeed. Everyday, new medical studies are released highlighting the positive health effects of breastfeeding for both mother and child. We must continue to work hard to ensure that the priorities of our country include policies that promote healthy women and healthy families. I urge my colleagues to join me on these measures.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to women around the world for being honored on International Women's Day. International Women's Day, today, recognizes the achievements and successes of women around the world. It is also a day on which we work to advance the status of women everywhere. This is why I, along with my colleagues, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk); the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley); and the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), and over 60 original cosponsors, we are announcing that we will introduce our bill, the United Nations of 2001 on this important day. This bill will help save the lives of millions of women and children around the world and will work to bring equality to all people by restoring funding for UNFPA. Equal rights and equality for all people is crucial, whether they live in sub-Saharan Africa or Southeast Asia or the United States. Over the last 20 years, we have seen a commitment from countries around the world to honor women's rights, and women's voices are finally beginning to be heard. However, this success and the many others we have had is overshadowed by the millions of women around the world who do not even have the most basic rights. There are more than 600,000 women who are dying each year because of complications from pregnancy and childbirth. The inequality of girls and women around the world is real, but there are very real steps we can take to work together toward equality. Over 182 nations support funding for UNFPA, and the United States should likewise support it. We know that UNFPA works, that it saves lives. Each day we in Congress are confronted by many challenges for which we do not have answers: the answer to global warming, to the AIDS crisis, to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But we know what to do to save the lives of women around the world, and that is to fund international family planning through the United Nations Population Fund. UNFPA has been and continues to be a leader in the renewed commitment of the world community to stabilize global population and improve the status of women. UNFPA is the world's largest internationally funded provider of family planning and reproductive health services. UNFPA serves women, children, and families in 160 developing countries around the world where health care structures are fragile and unable to address the specific health needs of mothers and children. By funding UNFPA this year, in 1 year alone, 870,000 women will not be deprived of effective contraceptives; more than 520,000 women will be provided with health care support; and there will not be 500,000 unwanted pregnancies. There will not be 1,200 additional maternal deaths, 22,000 additional infant deaths, and 15,000 additional life- threatening illnesses and injuries to mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. So, on this day, March 8, International Women's Day, I am proud to introduce this bill, which will help bring equality to women everywhere and certainly help save lives.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this harmful resolution which will prevent America's workers from safer working conditions. Over two years ago, Congress mandated that the National Academy of Sciences conduct a study to review the impact of repetitive workplace motions. Now that the results are back, the Republican majority is disappointed. They don't like the results. So, they are trying to kill the rule entirely. This Disapproval Resolution is simply another attempt to delay and ultimately block implementation of critical ergonomic workplace guidelines. These reasonable standards, already issued by the Department of Labor, will ensure that 'workplace safety guidelines are in place to prevent increasingly common workplace injuries. More than 647,000 Americans suffer serious injuries and illness due to musculo-skeletal disorders each year. These injuries are currently costing businesses $15 to $20 billion annually in workers' compensation costs. Yet, it has been estimated that the ergonomics standards will prevent 4.6 million injuries over the next decade, and will actually save employers and workers $9 billion each year. Tragically, these injuries disproportionately affect women workers. Although women make up 46 percent of the workforce and 33 percent of those injured, 63 percent of repetitive motion injuries happen to women. Women experience 70 percent of carpal tunnel syndrome injuries that result in lost work time. This is unacceptable and we must act now to prevent these injuries. Americans who are willing to work hard each day to support themselves and their families deserve reasonable standards to prevent workplace injuries. Many of the workers who will be covered by these common sense guidelines often work more than one job just to make ends meet. They work long hours loading trucks, moving boxes, and delivering packages. Their jobs aren't easy, but they are willing to show up every day and do their best. The last thing these hard-working Americans want is to get hurt. These sensible standards will keep them on the job and prevent costly workplace injuries. Opponents of these common-sense guidelines claim that they will ``regulate every ache and pain in the workplace.'' This is simply not true. These standards will only ensure that companies make someone responsible for ergonomics standards and that employees are not afraid to report these injuries. This is hardly an overwhelming request. We must keep the Ergonomics standards in place. These standards protect hard-working Americans who deserve to work without the threat of injury. I urge all of my colleagues to stand with hard-working Americans and to oppose this harmful legislation.