Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to HANAC, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary celebration. For half a century, HANAC has been working to empower and serve the needs of New York City's most vulnerable residents. Founded in 1972 by Evangeline Douris and her late husband George T. Douris as the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee, HANAC has a long history of improving our community through a variety of public services designed to help seniors, immigrants, families, youth, and those fighting alcohol and substance abuse. HANAC continues its mission by developing, implementing, and administering the operation of service programs for the betterment of the community; providing these services to any and all who are in need without discrimination as to race, creed, national origin or other defining characteristic; and working closely with other providers, the city, state and federal governments for the betterment of the community. Through education programming, employment training, counseling, and senior and family housing, HANAC directly helps to improve the lives of over 35,000 people and their families annually. HANAC has grown into one of the city's largest providers of social services and continues to demonstrate its loyalty to a principle that is the bedrock of our nation: a community is strongest when those who live in it look out for one another. HANAC currently operates--either independently or in partnership with other entities--several hundred units of low-income senior housing with plans to expand this number by hundreds of additional units. As the city continues to face an affordability crisis in housing, HANAC has provided a critical resource allowing New Yorkers to spend their golden years in the communities in which they have long lived. In addition to its affordable housing, HANAC operates four senior centers which provide senior specific programming to thousands of Queens residents including New York City Housing Authority residents in western Queens. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the amazing work done by HANAC and in expressing my gratitude for the immense dedication of all the employees, board members, and supporters that have allowed HANAC to improve the lives of so many in our city.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize The Floating Hospital for its incredible work to provide healthcare services to medically underserved people living in New York City's Twelfth Congressional District, which I have the privilege to represent. Founded in 1866, The Floating Hospital was one of the first healthcare charities in New York City and was originally dedicated to caring for the sick children of families living in tenement homes. Today, The Floating Hospital remains committed to the mission of providing healthcare to those in need and provides primary medical, dental, specialty, behavioral health, infectious disease, and reproductive health services to families living in shelters and domestic violence safe houses throughout the city, as well as the medically underserved community of Northwest Queens. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked with The Floating Hospital to ensure that the public housing communities of Astoria, Ravenswood, and Queensbridge Houses in Northwest Queens have access to the healthcare that they need. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, in 2012, The Floating Hospital received a $920,833 federal grant to operate a community health center at Queensbridge Houses, which is the largest public housing development in the nation. Since then, The Floating Hospital has provided lifesaving care to the residents of Queensbridge Houses, including tests for COVID-19. Earlier this year, I also partnered with The Floating Hospital to bring a temporary medical care unit to public housing residents living at Astoria Houses. Since April, staff from The Floating Hospital have provided COVID-19 tests and vaccines to hundreds of residents, which were greatly needed given how few COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites were located within a walkable distance of Astoria Houses. Healthcare is and should always be a human right, and The Floating Hospital is helping to make that a reality for so many New Yorkers. I commend The Floating Hospital for its work in my district, under the leadership of the great Sean Granahan, and look forward to following their work to provide this critical resource those who need it. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the amazing work being done by The Floating Hospital and to wish them all the best success as they continue to expand health care options to the most underserved New Yorkers.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to The Knickerbocker Greys (``The Greys'') for their commitment in supporting children across New York City. Through their afterschool program, The Greys have instilled our nation's youth with the values of leadership, responsibility, and citizenship. The Greys are a 501(c)(3) charity and the oldest after-school program in the history of the United States. The organization is an institution within New York City, serving children ages 6 to 16. Cadets are afforded opportunities over the years to develop their character, confidence, perseverance, social skills, and problem solving in a fun and unique way. The Greys were founded in 1881 and incorporated in 1897 in the State of New York by Mrs. Augusta Curtis, who began the organization in response to a lack of after-school programming. Mrs. Curtis wanted to encourage activity for her son and his peers. A year into the program, Mrs. Curtis formed the Board of Knickerbocker Greys, composed originally of fourteen mothers. To this day, the Greys are run by a board of parents who are responsible for everything concerning the program outside of the weekly classes and events. The current board members are Adrienne C. Rogatnick (President), Oscar Ancajima (Vice President), Charles Giovanni Vanzan Coutinho (Secretary), John G. Philips (Treasurer), and Stephanie Tomlin (President Emeritus). Today, along with the Board, the Corps of Cadets' daily operations are run by Colonel David J. Menegon Commandant USAR (ret.) and Colonel Thomas F. Pike, Jr. USA Assistant Commandant, and the current Cadet Colonel. The organization is run entirely by volunteers who are dedicated to enriching the lives of New York school children. The group's name was derived from the original uniform's knee-length pants that were known as ``knickerbockers,'' and the color of the dress uniform, ``Cadet Grey.'' Over 4,500 New Yorkers have been members of the Knickerbocker Greys Cadet Corps over the past 141 years, including Nelson and David Rockefeller; Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; Pierpont Morgan Hamilton; Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr.; John Lindsay; Averell Harriman; and Lowell Thomas. The Greys have shown their commitment to New York City's children from all backgrounds, and pride themselves on being representative of the city's BIPOC communities, inclusive of children with disabilities, and accommodating of those with financial need. Cadets today receive leadership training and are given leadership opportunities as squad leaders, company commanders, and staff officers. Cadets develop skills to motivate others, practice empathy and patience, supervise junior cadets, and command a group of peers. Cadets undergo a series of experiences over the years that foster confidence, character, etiquette and social skills, perseverance, enthusiasm, public speaking, and leadership. The focus of each weekly meeting is to instill in each child a sense of self-discipline, compassion, and orderliness. Members of the Greys also engage in a variety of activities including field trips to historical sites, color guards, veteran parades, and community events. Today, the Greys are a part of living history and still proudly drill at the landmarked Park Avenue Seventh Regiment Armory (``The Park Avenue Armory''), as they have since 1902. Boys and girls from a diverse list of independent, magnet, parochial, and public schools located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and even Westchester County have been strengthened by their participation in the Grey's programming for decades and have emerged as young leaders throughout our nation. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Knickerbocker Greys for its 141 years of service to New York City's most cherished, our children.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. I rise to recognize Ms. Magazine for its work to provide comprehensive coverage of women's issues and to celebrate the magazine's fiftieth anniversary. When feminist activists Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pittman Hughes started Ms. Magazine in December 1971 with a 40-page insert inside New York magazine, few could have predicted its longevity and its far- reaching impact. But the magazine immediately struck a chord with women, selling 300,000 copies in eight days and generating 26,000 subscription orders and more than 20,000 reader letters within weeks. While most magazines marketed to women at the time emphasized domestic topics such as the importance of finding a husband, Ms. Magazine featured stories on prominent women's issues including abortion, the Equal Rights Amendment, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. In July 1972, the first issue of Ms. Magazine was published with an image of Wonder Woman on the cover. In the same issue, 53 women, including Billie Jean King, Nora Ephron, and Gloria Steinem, signed a ``we have had abortions petition,'' one year before the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe v. Wade. In the years following, Ms. Magazine has covered and influenced the feminist movement. On a personal note, the magazine also profoundly impacted my career aspirations and legislative agenda in both the New York City Council and in Congress. Over the course of my career, I didn't have to call Ms. Magazine five times to convince them to cover issues and legislation like the Debbie Smith Act, the horrific crime of sex trafficking, and the Equal Rights Amendment. Ms. Magazine also faithfully chronicled my 20-year fight to create the National Women's History Museum on the Mall. Without Ms. Magazines' coverage and advocacy, we might still be fighting. Women comprise half the population. But we get nowhere near half the attention on critical issues. Most other magazines and new outlets swoop in to cover monumental women's issues like the rollback of Roe. v. Wade. But Ms. Magazine is there every day to cover issues of importance to women and to shine the light on women's often-hidden contributions to all fields. I join millions of women worldwide in recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Ms. Magazine over the past 50 years, and in wishing them every success in the next 50. Because Ms. Magazine isn't just a magazine. It's a movement.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Urban Upbound for eighteen years of dedicated service to the Queens community. Urban Upbound is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Queens public housing residents with economic mobility and increased self-sufficiency. Urban Upbound was founded in 2004 by Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor and Debra-Ellen Glickstein to serve the residents of public housing across many areas of Queens, including Astoria, Woodside, and Far Rockaway. Urban Upbound serves the community through a variety of programs designed to provide low-income residents the tools they need to succeed. Its financial counseling program helps people tackle debt, budget incomes, and save money. The organization founded the Urban Upbound Federal Credit Union, the first credit union founded in Queens in the last 30 years. By offering low fees, rates, and flexible loan policies, Urban Upbound Federal Credit Union has saved its members hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most of all, the credit union encourages NYCHA residents to open bank accounts in a community where many do not have access to mainstream banks and face additional hurdles to securing a bank account. Urban Upbound has also helped over 25,000 residents prepare their taxes and file returns, helping them secure more than $25 million in tax refunds. Through this work, Urban Upbound promotes long-term asset building and provides economic mobility to the community. Urban Upbound's efforts extend beyond financial aid. The organization provides college counseling through SAT prep courses and advising, which has led to a 95 percent college placement rate for residents enrolled in the pre-college program. The heavy emphasis Urban Upbound places on the importance of education signals its commitment to the generational growth and success of its neighborhoods. Urban Upbound also provides employment services, helps create and polish resumes, conducts mock interviews, and provides career counseling, which has helped approximately 1,800 clients secure employment. When it comes to helping residents achieve their goals of a better life, Urban Upbound truly is a champion for the residents of public housing. Urban Upbound is hosting a gala to honor its eighteen years of service with the appropriate theme ``Celebrating Success.'' This year's festivities mark a return to in-person celebrations following the COVID-19 Pandemic, during which Urban Upbound provided the community with resource assistance. As a partner in New York City's COVID-19 Take Care Initiative, Urban Upbound helped individuals throughout the Queens NYCHA community find recovery care, practice quarantine protocols, and secure basic needs such as food, medicine, and laundry. This year's gala celebrates in the triumphant resilience of Urban Upbound and the community it proudly serves. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding work of Urban Upbound. For eighteen years, Urban Upbound has worked to help break the cycle of poverty and create a positive impact on low-income communities.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) on over 100 years of exceptional service to the communities of the United States, and appreciation for their fierce advocacy for the ideals of Hellenism. The Association was nobly founded in 1922 by eight forward-thinking Greek American immigrants to fight bigotry and discrimination. 100 years later, AHEPA continues to promote: education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, love of family and the pursuit of individual excellence--all to the great benefit of the United States. AHEPA continues to make great efforts to improve the quality of life for Americans in need, including through housing programs, scholarships, supporting medical research and caring for our nation's veterans. The charitable, service-oriented work of their many chapters throughout the globe are shining examples of what the Greek American community has brought to our nation--with all levels donating nearly $2,000,000 annually to countless charitable causes. In particular, AHEPA's National Housing Program has been a stable, proven sponsor of dignified housing for American's senior citizens. Through working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development their sponsorship has reached a sizeable portfolio of 4,467 units in 87 communities across 19 states. Throughout its history, AHEPA made significant and historic contributions to American society, and counts among their storied members: presidents and vice presidents of the United States, members of Congress, and ambassadors, among countless other public servants. AHEPA can be proud that it was one the leading contributors to raise funds for World War II Bonds, raised more than $253,000,000 for our nation during World War II, and because of the effort, AHEPA was named an official issuing agent for United States war bonds by the Department of the Treasury; no other civic organization had yet achieved that honor. Their historical contributions continued at pace and in 1990, AHEPA members donated $612,000 toward the restoration of Ellis Island, New York, receiving special recognition by the Department of the Interior. Particular attention has been paid by these devoted students of Hellenism to honoring the strong ties between Greece and the United States. They raised $110,000 for the creation of the George C. Marshall Statue on the grounds of the United States Embassy in Athens to celebrate the historic relationship between our two nations. In the wake of the horrors of 9/11, AHEPA raised over $1,000,000 to rebuild Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at the World Trade Center site, the only house of worship whose structure was destroyed on that terrible day. Out of love for Hellenism and their nation, they have accomplished these great acts of charity and brotherhood. These are just a few of AHEPA's good works that have benefited our Nation and our people for over a century. I know they will be continuing their good works, and I am certain they will continue to enjoy success for the next 100 years.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my dear friend, Patricia Falkenberg who has dedicated her life to advancing Jewish causes and supporting the arts. Patricia Falkenberg is a native New Yorker who grew up in Woodmere and graduated from Woodmere Academy. After graduating from high school Mrs. Falkenberg attended Mount Holyoke College and graduated with distinction in 1964. Since then, Mrs. Falkenberg has taken an extremely active leadership role in the Mount Holyoke community and received an Alumnae Medal of Honor from the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College in 2019. Mrs. Falkenberg is dedicated to supporting the arts and has served as an advisory board member of the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum for 15 years. To expand the Art Museum's reach Mrs. Falkenberg and her husband established the Patricia and Edward Falkenberg Lecture Series which arranges talks and exhibitions on campus from notable figures in the art world like Ai Weiwei. Mrs. Falkenberg is also deeply involved in supporting Jewish causes. She has been a member of the American Jewish Committee's Board of Governors for over 30 years and recently served as President of AJC's Women's Leadership Board. Madam Speaker, Mrs. Falkenberg is a dear friend of mine who continues to inspire me with her tireless advocacy and charitable work. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many contributions that Patricia Falkenberg has made to New York City and wishing her every future success.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis for his long career of public service to the citizens of the Hellenic Republic, notably, as the current Mayor of Athens. He previously served as the Governor of Central Greece, worked at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and held positions in the European Parliament in Brussels and the World Bank in Kosovo. He has served as the vice president of the Hellenic Agency for Local Development and Local Government. In his 2019 mayoral campaign, he visited 129 neighborhoods across Athens to become the capital's youngest mayor with the widest margin of victory ever. His commitment to his constituents is inspiring. Born in Athens on 16 March 1978 to New Democracy politicians Dora, who was the first woman to serve as Mayor of Athens, and Pavlas Bakoyanniss. He studied history and international relations at Brown University, graduated from Harvard University with a Master of Public Administration, and received his Ph.D. from St Antony's College, Oxford focusing on disruptions, identity politics, and foreign policy in post- Cold War Greece. His love for his hometown of Karpenis inspired him to run for local office. His deep empathy aided him in the first mayoral election, winning overwhelmingly. He served as the mayor of his hometown for three years. His positive impact on Karpenis were critical to his subsequent elections as regional governor and Mayor of Athens. His dedication to his citizens continues to this day in solving the pressing issues facing Athenians. As Mayor of Athens, the first thing he did early in the morning was go where the sanitation workers gathered and started their rounds to show the importance and the value they have on the community. As he described it, ``Being in local government means having to work from the bottom up. At the end of the day, it's about solving the problem, not talking about or to the problem.'' Mayor Bakoyannis is striving to make Athens greener and more sustainable by closing parts of city centers for cars to reclaim public spaces, creating more parks for the residents. In doing this, he is also protecting the archaeological sites of Athens, which makes up some of the richest cultural heritage of the Greek people and indeed humanity. To reduce emissions in the city, he initiated a project to narrow the car lanes in one of the largest avenues. He is dedicated to protecting Athenians from extreme heat and addressing the causes of climate change. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis for his dedication and service to the great people and especially the residents of Athens.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2551), to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish or otherwise provide an artificial intelligence training program for the acquisition workforce, and for other purposes.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 8466.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8466), to require the head of each agency to establish a plan relating to the safety of Federal employees and contractors physically present at certain worksites during a nationwide public health emergency declared for an infectious disease, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8466, the Chai Suthammanont Healthy Federal Workplaces Act of 2022, introduced by Government Operations Subcommittee Chair Connolly. The bill would require that all Federal agencies create detailed plans in preparation for a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to an infectious disease to protect the health and safety of employees, contractors, and subcontractors. The plan must include protocols to ensure workers have access to protective equipment, clean facilities, limited workspace occupancy, and on-site testing; that they are notified about exposures; and that accommodations are available to high-risk individuals. Federal workers showed great resilience as the Federal Government adapted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Living through the pandemic for more than 2 years should make it clear that we need to take precautions to prepare for the future, as COVID-19 is not the last public health emergency we are likely to face as a country, and government agencies need to be ready for that. The plans required under this legislation would protect workers and prevent the spread of disease. The agency must also prioritize in its plan the continuity of operations and government services through a public health emergency. The bill requires that safety protocols are clearly communicated to all employees and publicly posted. Holding agencies accountable for making these plans transparent to Federal employees and the public will help make everyone feel safer and better informed. The bill also includes strong oversight measures. Inspectors general at Federal agencies would assess implementation of these plans and report to Congress. The Government Accountability Office would conduct a study of the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic that can be applied to improve agency plans and improve communication with employees throughout an emergency. I commend Chairman Connolly for his forward-looking bill that would better prepare government agencies for future public health crises. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 8466. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and sponsor of H.R. 8466.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 8466, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8956) to amend chapter 36 of title 44, United States Code, to improve the cybersecurity of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure before us.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Connolly, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, and Ranking Member Comer for working on this important bipartisan measure. A version of this bill passed this House earlier in this Congress. It has been improved after receiving technical assistance from the General Services Administration and through discussions with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program Authorization Act would codify and improve the existing FedRAMP program in the General Services Administration. First established in 2011, FedRAMP is an important program that certifies cloud service providers that wish to offer services and products to the Federal Government. The FedRAMP certification process outlined in this bill is comprehensive, facilitates easier agency adoption, promotes agency reuse, and encourages savings. The FedRAMP process uses a risk-based approach to ensure the reliability of any cloud platform that hosts unclassified government data. One significant provision of this bill is the Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee. This committee would be tasked with key responsibilities, including providing technical expertise on cloud products and services and identifying ways to reduce costs associated with FedRAMP certification. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget would be required to issue regulations on FedRAMP and would ensure that agencies are not using cloud service providers without authorization. This bill supports a critical effort to keep our Nation's information secure in cloud environments. I urge all Members to support this bill and reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and sponsor of this important bill, H.R. 8956.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 8956 and yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3470) to provide for the implementation of certain trafficking in contracting provisions, and for other purposes.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on S. 3470.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3470, the End Human Trafficking in Government Contracts Act. S. 3470 was introduced by Senator Lankford from Oklahoma and has passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The bill would require the head of an agency to make a referral for debarment of a Federal contractor in response to Inspector General verification that the company has engaged in any form of human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking. Under current law, the referral is merely an action that the agency head may consider. Putting stronger penalties on contractors creates stronger incentives for them to be vigilant about eliminating human trafficking from their business. This bill helps to ensure that we use the U.S. Government's enormous purchasing power to combat human trafficking. Under this bill, the Office of Management and Budget would also submit a report to Congress on Federal Government actions to end trafficking in Federal contracts. Human trafficking is nothing short of modern-day slavery. It is estimated that human trafficking is a $150 billion global industry. It must be a priority to ensure that the U.S. is not contributing one dollar to perpetuate human trafficking through Federal contracts. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this straightforward legislation to further enforce zero tolerance for human trafficking in Federal contracts. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, combating sex trafficking by any means, in this case with using the power of our contracting system, is truly a bipartisan effort in this committee. Mr. Speaker, I support and urge passage of this bill, S. 3470. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.