Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond to my dear friend and colleague on the other side of the aisle who has attacked the Speaker of this House really unfairly and with false statements. The point is and the reality is that we have two oil men in the White House and their policies are the ones that have benefited Big Oil and hurt the American consumer. Now under the leadership of the Democratic Speaker and the New Direction Congress, we have been passing solutions for the first time to help American consumers and to help this country move into the 21st century with policies that are important for conserving energy, renewable energy, efficient technologies, and reducing energy prices for the long run. No, I will not yield. I have my time; you had yours. First of all what, the New Direction Congress passed was the first new vehicle fuel-efficiency standards in 32 years. We also passed an historic commitment to affordable American-grown biofuels. If the other side of the aisle was interested in moving us into the 21st century and conserving energy, why in the world didn't they pass new vehicle fuel- efficiency standards? We passed it. This Congress passed it. The Democrats passed it, and are forcing the car builders and others to move in with fuel-efficient standards. We also took action to lower gas prices by suspending oil purchasing for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. These are very important initiatives. Now the gentleman on the other side of the aisle, my very good friend, talked about the need to build new refineries. Well, ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, BP and Shell have publicly stated that they have no plans to build new refineries; instead, they prefer to expand existing facilities. These are their statements. Shell and BP all testified that they were unaware of any environmental regulations preventing them from building new refineries or expanding old ones. They can do that now. Internal memos from oil companies make it very clear that oil companies decided that they needed to reduce refinery capacity to drive up their profits. And the New Direction Congress is continuing to bring real relief to those feeling the pinch of the high gas and diesel prices, and ensuring the needs of families and businesses are put before the interests of Big Oil companies. Now my dear friend on the other side of the aisle talks about drilling, drilling, drilling, drilling, as if we could drill ourselves out of the challenges we face. The fact is that there are over 68 million acres on shore and offshore in the United States of America that are currently leased by oil companies and they are open to drilling and actually under a lease to do so but are not developed. Now we are talking about leases on 68 million acres of land that is owned by the American people. Now what Chairman Rahall says is use it or lose it, and I think he is absolutely correct. I support his bill, to say that you either drill on those 68 million acres or you give up your lease and let someone else drill there. That's what the Democrats are saying. We are not going to hand out more leases to the oil companies on public land that is owned by the public and is the land and the reserves of this country. We are saying to them if you have a lease, you use that lease. You drill. You're not going to get another one. And if you're not going to drill, then let's put it out for competitive bid and let someone else come forward and drill on that land. The fact is that 80 percent of the oil available on the Outer Continental Shelf is in regions that are already open to leasing, but the oil companies haven't decided if it is worth their time to drill there. The fact is that drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge wouldn't yield any oil for 10 years, and then would only save the customer, the consumer, 1.8 cents per gallon in 2025. The fact is that America uses a quarter of the world's oil consumption every day, but only 1.6 percent of the world's supply, so there is simply no way to drill ourselves to a solution. I repeat, while my colleagues were running this body, where were their solutions? I didn't see any. I didn't see them raising the mile per gallon of gas, I didn't see them conserving. I didn't see them investing in biofuels or moving forward with innovative energy solutions, as this new Democratic leadership has been doing. They have just held onto the failed policies of the past which have gotten us to where we are. As I repeat, we have two oil men in the White House that have been behind these policies. So I would say that the Democratic leadership has done a great deal to help the American consumer. They are facing many challenges. Their wages are stagnant. The price of gasoline is now over $4 a gallon. The price of milk is over $4 a gallon. So they are facing really inflation and many, many challenges. The Democratic leadership has come forward with a stimulus package to help the American taxpayer, the American citizen. We have come forward with a fuel-efficiency standard. We have come forward with many hearings today on the possible manipulation of oil in the futures market so that we can curb those abuses if they are documented. We are for drilling on the 68 million acres that are currently under contract and should be drilled on. So this Congress, I congratulate the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats and the relevant committees. We have passed legislation, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act. We have passed the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act. We have passed the Energy Price Gouging Prevention Act which will provide consumer relief by giving the Federal Trade Commission the authority to investigate and punish those who artificially inflate energy prices. President Bush has threatened a veto of this very commonsense consumer protection measure. So I say with all due respect to my wonderful colleagues and friends on the other side of the aisle, where were your ideas when you could pass them? Where are your ideas now? The ones that we are passing that helps the consumer and moves this country into the 21st century, and that makes a profitable use of land that is owned by the American people instead of giving more, and in many cases in a no-bid process to oil companies who are just sitting on it and not doing anything to help the American consumer. So I would say you brought it up, so I am just responding to some of your allegations. I feel this is such an important issue that I would like to yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague from the great State of New York, Congressman Serrano, on H.R. 6184, and I thank him for his leadership on this important bill. Announcement By the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank the gentleman for his statement. He has been a strong advocate for the Territories. He raises and highlights an important point that the Territories are included, and I appreciate his recognizing the many contributions from the citizens of Puerto Rico and other Territories to our great country. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to support this creative bill that is before us. I hope that it passes unanimously and moves to the Senate with swift passage. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I do object. We have a system. We have gone through it, and I feel we should move to a vote.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Just to respond to my dear friend and colleague on the other side of the aisle, I'm very appreciative that you're supportive of the bill before us, but I want to point out that there is nothing in this bill that would in any way prevent drilling. In fact, they can drill now on 68 million acres of land on which they have a lease. And we did have a vote, and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle did not support the vote that would compel the oil industry to start drilling or lose permits on this 68 million acres of undeveloped Federal oil reserves which they are currently warehousing and keeping domestic supply lower and prices higher. I believe that's a very balanced premarket approach. Use it or lose it. Let someone else drill there. And industry is only using a fraction of its leases now. And refining is not an issue. Refineries are running below capacity. But we have enacted in law, past laws, that are laws now, the Energy Independence and Security Act. This historic Act would increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon, and this is the first congressional increase in more than three decades. And this would be very helpful. And I'd like to place into the Record an entire list of laws that have been enacted by this Democratic leadership, laws that are coming up to be considered, including cracking down on price gouging, and legislation that the House has passed and we're waiting for the Senate to act on: the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act, the Energy Price Gouging Prevention Act. These are all important concrete steps, not rhetoric, but concrete steps to help consumers. New Direction Legislation Enacted into Law Energy Independence and Security Act in 2007--Historic energy legislation with provisions to combat oil market manipulation, increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020--the first Congressional increase in more than three decades--and promote the use of American biofuels. Signed into law, December 19, 2007. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act--Temporarily suspends the filling of the SPR, starting June 30th, to put more oil on the market to help drive down gasoline prices. Signed into law, May 19, 2008. Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008--The new Farm Bill makes an historic commitment to more affordable American biofuels and increases Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversight authority to detect and prevent manipulation of energy prices. President Bush vetoed this bill, but the Congress overrode that veto. Recent and Upcoming Legislation Reducing Transit Fares (H.R. 6052)--Gives grants to mass transit authorities to lower fares for commuters pinched at the pump and expand transit services. Cracking Down on Price Gouging (H.R. 6346)--Gives enforcement authority to the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and punish those who artificially inflate fuel prices. ``Use It Or Lose It'' for Oil Companies Holding Permits and Not Drilling--Compels the oil industry to start drilling or lose permits on the 68 million acres of undeveloped federal oil reserves which they are currently warehousing, keeping domestic supply lower and prices higher. Further Close the ``Enron Loophole'' for Petroleum Markets--Takes steps to curb excessive speculation in the energy futures markets, which experts have noted is driving up the price of a barrel of oil. Legislation that the house has passed Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act--Extends and expands tax incentives for renewable energy (including incentives for plug-in vehicles), retains and creates hundreds of thousands of green jobs, spurs American innovation and business investment, and cuts taxes for millions of Americans. The President has threatened a veto. The Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act--Combats record gas prices by authorizing lawsuits against oil cartel members for price fixing, and creating an Antitrust Task Force to crack down on anticompetitive behavior or market manipulation. President Bush has threatened a veto. Energy Price Gouging Prevention Act--This bill will provide consumer relief by giving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to investigate and punish those who artificially inflate energy prices. President Bush has threatened a veto. I'd like to remind my dear colleagues on the other side of the aisle that when President Bush came to office he had a $5 trillion projected surplus. We now have a series of records that have been given to us by the Republican leadership, only they are the wrong kinds of records. We have record debt that is galloping towards $9 trillion. Each and every American owes over $30,000 to this debt. We have the largest trade deficit in the history of this country, over $900 billion, and we have the largest deficit in the history of this country. We have lost more jobs in the first half of this year than have been lost since the Great Depression, and if we continue at this rate, we will lose over 1 million jobs in this year. Now, that is the record of the Republican leadership. But what is before us is a very important bill, one that I support, one that I urge my colleagues to support. And I urge my colleagues to support consideration of H.R. 6184, and I hope that we will have a bipartisan commitment to passing this legislation.

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

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the genocide perpetrated on the Ukrainian people by Joseph Stalin's murderous Soviet regime. This month, countless Ukrainian-Americans and persons of goodwill, including members of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the United Ukrainian American Organizations of New York, join together in a Walk Against Genocide in New York City in remembrance of the terrible events in the Ukraine in 1932-33 that took the lives of millions. Participants in the Walk are honoring the Ukrainians who perished in the famine by observing a moment of remembrance. Three quarters of a century ago, the Ukrainian genocide, also referred to as the Holodomor, or ``Death by Starvation,'' was consciously inflicted upon the Ukrainian people by the totalitarian tyranny of dictator Joseph Stalin. With its radical agricultural collectivization policies, Stalin's brutal Soviet regime caused widespread famine and mass starvation, systematically murdering millions of innocent men, women and children. The Holodomor was an intentional act perpetrated against the Ukrainians as punishment for their resistance to Soviet control. Evidence in the form of recently released KGB archival documents reveal the Soviet government's ruthless plans. The Commission on the Ukraine Famine created by the United States Congress in 1985 issued a report 3 years later confirming the existence of a deliberate policy to starve the Ukrainian people and concluded in 1988 that ``Joseph Stalin and those around him committed genocide against Ukrainians in 1932-1933.'' In sheer numbers, this genocidal tragedy ranks among the worst examples of man's inhumanity towards man, and offers one of history's starkest examples of the devastation that is wrought by oppressive governments when they use food as a weapon. The Holodomor was perhaps the greatest national catastrophe in the history of the Ukraine, and its emotional repercussions still affect the Ukrainian people to this day. By remembering that horrific period, we work towards a day when such atrocities will never again occur in the world. This year, the 75th anniversary of the famine was commemorated in Kiev and indeed throughout the world. All Americans should join in remembering this historical atrocity and resolve to act against future crimes against humanity. The Walk Against Genocide not only serves to commemorate the innocent men, women and children of the Ukraine who lost their lives, but also to take a stand against acts of genocide that still occur in the world today. The Walk Against Genocide is thus an uplifting manifestation of the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Madam Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in saluting the participants in the Walk Against Genocide and in recognizing the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the United Ukrainian American Organizations of New York on the occasion of the 75th anniversary commemorating the Ukrainian genocide.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, the Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand to pay tribute to the Fort Ticonderoga Association, the non-profit organization chartered by the State University of New York Regents to administer the great National Historic Landmark at Fort Ticonderoga. This July, the Association will open the Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center, which will house an authentic re-creation of the magasin du Roi, or ``King's Warehouse'', that stood on the Fort's parade ground from 1756 to 1759, as well as facilities for educational programs, lectures, and symposia. This month, the Fort Ticonderoga Association also observed the 250th anniversary of one of the bloodiest conflicts of the French and Indian War, the Battle of Carillon, by staging a two-day re-enactment of the conflict. The Fort Ticonderoga Association was organized in 1931. It has carried on the stewardship of the historic site by the Pell family, whose members have maintained the Fort since the early 19th century. William Ferris Pell, a noted businessman and preservationist, originally purchased Fort Ticonderoga and the surrounding lands to prevent the stripping of precious materials from the legendary stone forts that rest on the site. He established his summer home-turned- hotel, the Pavillion, on the beautiful grounds, offering affordable accommodations to travelers visiting the historic ruins for nearly six decades. Stephen Pell, his great-grandson, began restoration of the Fort and the Pavillion in 1908; subsequently, the site became a popular tourist destination and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Ticonderoga and the surrounding grounds have a rich history. Its site was originally chosen for its strategic location on the Ticonderoga peninsula on the shore of Lake Champlain that protected the portage to nearby Lake George. At the time, it was the French Empire's southernmost fort in the New World and a sensitive and strategic military installation coveted by the world's two largest empires, the British and the French. This July will mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Carillon, a major battle in the French and Indian War in which outnumbered French troops led by Louis-Joseph le Marquis de Montcalm successfully and valiantly defeated a British attacking force. On July 8, 1758, British General James Abercromby led a British and colonial army of 16,000 men against a small French force of 3,200 entrenched at Fort Carillon (the original name of Fort Ticonderoga). Despite being outnumbered by more than 4 to 1, the French forces prevailed and forced the British to retreat. In honor of their victory, the French erected a cross on the battle site, of which a reproduction still stands at the ``French Lines'' even today. A year later, British forces under Lord Jefferey Amherst successfully conquered the Fort. Fort Ticonderoga retained its strategic significance during the American Revolution. On May 10, 1775, American soldiers won their first victory in the Revolution when they captured Fort Ticonderoga in a surprise attack at dawn. The cannons from Ticonderoga were then hauled all the way across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by troops led by Henry Knox, and used to successfully prosecute the Siege of Boston, driving the Redcoats away from the Massachusetts Bay. Today, the Fort Ticonderoga Association strives to engage, educate, and entertain visitors by sharing the authentic stories of diverse cultures that met at the Ticonderoga peninsula in war and peace over the last 250 years. Its members achieve this goal through accurate historical interpretations, high standards of preservation, and able management of the Fort's world-class collections of scholarly works, through innovative educational offerings, and with operational excellence. Under the diligent care of the Association, Fort Ticonderoga has earned numerous awards, including the Upstate History Alliance Award of Excellence, the Adirondack Architectural Heritage Award of Excellence for the Kings' Garden Restoration, and the Preservation League of New York State Award of Excellence. Fort Ticonderoga also received a State and Local History Certificate of Commendation from the American Association for ``America's First Victory.'' Clearly, its role in American history left an important legacy for Fort Ticonderoga that resonates even today. Madam Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the enormous contributions to the preservation and stewardship of American history performed by the Fort Ticonderoga Association.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to WPIX-TV, the award-winning and groundbreaking New York City television station historically known to millions of New Yorkers as Channel 11. This month, the first independent television station in our nation's greatest city is celebrating its 60th anniversary. All Americans should pay tribute to its remarkable success in bringing thoughtful, newsworthy and entertaining programming into our homes over the course of the past six decades. Since its founding, WPIX-TV has been a leader in the field of television broadcasting. A pioneer, it established a standard of innovative, visionary programming that other TV stations have sought to emulate. It never lost sight of its mission to deliver the most accurate, timely, and pertinent issues of the day. Even as the television industry has undergone huge changes, WPIX-TV's originality, creativity, and understanding remain its hallmarks today. The flagship station of the CW Television Network, WPIX-TV is seen in more than 10 million homes. It has come a long way from the humble origins of its launch. The station's top-rated CW network programming, the award-winning CW11 News at Ten, the CW11 Morning News, its extensive library of hit movies, first-run programs, off-network sitcom favorites, quality children's programming and public affairs shows, and outstanding event coverage have contributed immensely to the station's success. Under the leadership of News Director Karen Scott and with outstanding reporting by veteran broadcast journalists like the Emmy Award-winning Marvin Scott, WPIX-TV's news programming remains widely respected, not just in the nation's largest media market, but around the country, and at the able direction of Vice President and General Manager Betty Ellen Berlamino, WPIX-TV continues to maintain its distinctive flair and brand identity. WPIX-TV has earned more than 150 Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding Morning News Program and for its News at 10. In addition, the CW11 has been honored with numerous Edward R. Murrow Awards, New York State Broadcasters Awards, New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Awards, New York Press Club Awards, and Deadline Club Awards for excellence in reporting, news coverage, public affairs, news specials, and features. Over the course of six decades, WPIX has marked numerous milestones in TV history, including the first use of instant replay, which took place on July 17, 1959 during its broadcast of a ballgame between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. WPIX also aired the first appearance on New York television of the Rolling Stones on ``The Clay Cole Show'' in 1964. From the Giants to the Yankees to the Mets, from Cap'n Jack McCarthy to Officer Joe Bolton, WPIX has enjoyed a rich and illustrious history. The little station that could, WPIX and its talented and hard-working employees have richly earned the right to celebrate the station's 60th anniversary. Its success derives from the resilience and drive required to realize the American dream. In addition to its broadcasting excellence, WPIX has dedicated itself to community service. In 1981, it partnered with the McCormick Tribute Foundation to create the CW11 Care for Kids fund. Since its creation, the fund has provided more than $7 million in grants to outstanding nonprofit organizations in the Tri-State area that address the unmet needs of kids and their families, including AIDS support services, drop-out prevention, drug abuse prevention/treatment, and child abuse prevention/treatment programs. These interests address a wide range of children's needs and the goal of this fund is not only to provide grants, but also significant programming that is important to families with children and teenagers. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the enormous contributions to our lives made by WPIX-TV Channel 11 New York.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, on June 9, 2008, I missed rollcall votes numbered 438, a resolution honoring the life, musical accomplishments, and contributions of Louis Jordan on the 100th anniversary of his birth; 439, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Black Music Month, and 440, a resolution congratulating James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for 100 years of service and leadership to the United States. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes numbered 438, 439, and 440.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to say ``thank you'' to the retired New York Giants' co-captain and Super Bowl champion, George Martin, for finishing his 3,200-mile trek across America to raise money and awareness for the sick men and women, heroes and heroines of 9/11 who are still suffering. His cross-country journey started in New York just after the sixth anniversary of 9/11. It continued through Washington, DC, in early October where he met with Members of Congress about legislation that is pending here. We met, and he continued on his journey. He finished in California last Saturday, and is now having a well- deserved rest. George is an inspiration to those of us in Congress who are working hard to pass H.R. 3543. We have over 115 cosponsors. It is the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and it is for the heroes and heroines of 9/11. It would treat and monitor all of those who were exposed to the deadly toxins, and it would treat those who are sick. It is the least we can do for these heroes and heroines. We should pass it before the seventh anniversary of 9/11.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, the administration's answer to record gas prices today is to allow drilling in Alaska's pristine wilderness and off our shorelines for little payoff a decade from now. What they don't tell you is that big oil companies already lease 68 million acres of public lands that they are not developing. Big oil companies are sitting on 81 percent of America's Federal oil and gas reserves, but all they are producing are complaints that it's not enough. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6251--the ``use it or lose it'' bill. This legislation would compel the oil industry to start drilling on the acreage they already lease before obtaining any new leases. Madam Speaker, if domestic drilling can bring relief to American families, what are the oil companies waiting for?

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Chairman, the run-up in gas prices is squeezing families and sending them in search of cheaper alternatives to driving. As a result, our public transit authorities are also feeling the pinch as rising fuel costs and record ridership strain their systems. Almost half of bus operators and two-thirds of rail operators have been forced to raise their fares. Today, we are considering H.R. 6052, the Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act, which provides grants to mass transit systems to reduce fares and expand services for commuters. Using public transportation saves the average household more than $6,000 a year and reduces dangerous carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. Madam Chairman, I urge my colleagues to get on the bus and support this bill.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I risk today in opposition to H.R. 6304, The FISA Amendments Act of 2008. As a representative from New York City, I know how important good intelligence is in ensuring that our Nation does not face another terrorist attack. However, we must ensure that we do not trample on civil liberties in the process. This administration has expanded the powers of the government to monitor the actions of American citizens with, unfortunately, too little oversight from Congress or the courts. While I appreciate the efforts to reach a compromise on this legislation, H.R. 6304 does not go far enough to protect the rights of the American people. The legislation allows for retroactive immunity for telecommunication companies that participated in the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program. I also am concerned that most Members of Congress will not have access to important reports issued by the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence. We should stand up for the Constitution and for the rights of our constituents by ensuring that their privacy is better protected.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today, along with Chairman Delahunt of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight, I am introducing legislation to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Since its founding, the United Nations has made many contributions to the global community in the fields of health, education, peace-keeping and humanitarian aid. For 63 years the United Nations has provided a forum for the achievement of international cooperation in solving the world's most pressing economic, social and humanitarian problems including climate change, trafficking in humans, combating global terrorism, and responding quickly to disasters such as the tsunami in South East Asia in 2004. The United Nations has visionary new leadership that should also be commended. Under Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations launched a multi-year campaign to improve awareness amongst global policy-makers at the highest levels regarding issues relating to violence against women. Joining us are Representatives Jim McDermott, Maurice Hinchey, Sam Farr, Madeleine Bordallo, Donna Christensen, Jose Serrano, Jim McGovern, Dennis Kucinich, Chaka Fattah, Robert Brady, Betty McCollum, James P. Moran, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Raul Grijalva, and Barbara Lee. I look forward to working with Chairman Delahunt and my other colleagues to pledge the support of Congress to the United Nations as the organization moves forward and to commend the United Nations for sixty-three years of good work.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center on the occasion of its Second Annual Testimonial Dinner. This year the Center will be honoring His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, with the Philippion Award. The Pan-Macedonian Studies Center was established in 1995 by Elias L. Neofytides, Fotis Gerasopoulos and Paul Evangelou to help forge links between generations and between persons of Hellenic descent living in the U.S. and Greece. The Center thus helped ease the transition for adults adapting to a new life in America and increase understanding between generations. The Pan-Macedonian Studies Center has showcased the best of American and Hellenic cultures. It sponsors programs for young and old, including offerings in sports, fitness, arts and crafts, and dancing; educational initiatives such as a lending library and tutoring; and services including lessons on health education, accounting, civics, and computer literacy. The Center also helps produce Macedonian TV programming airing on Queens public television, and publishes and disseminates books on Macedonian culture to schools and libraries in the United States at no cost. The Center is open to all, regardless of ethnic origin, and all its services and programs are free of charge. This year, the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center has selected His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios to receive the Philippion Award for his contributions to the Hellenic-American community. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios is a distinguished Macedonian who always brings ``peace and serenity'' into the hearts of the faithful adherents of his faith. He was born Demetrios Trakatellis in Thessaloniki, Greece on February 1, 1928. In 1950 he graduated with distinction from the University of Athens School of Theology. In 1960 he was ordained a deacon, and in 1964 he became a priest. He was elected Bishop of Vresthena in 1967, and served as an auxiliary bishop to the Archbishop of Athens with the primary responsibility for the theological education of the clergy. From 1965 to 1971, on scholarship from the Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, he studied New Testament and Christianity's origins and earned a Ph.D. ``with distinction'' in 1972. As Bishop of Vresthena, he then returned to his ecclesiastical position in the Archdiocese of Athens and in the ensuing years he held the responsibilities of the theological education of the clergy, youth ministries, and other duties related to theological conferences in Greece and abroad. In 1977, he earned a Th.D. in Theology from the University of Athens. From 1983 to 1993, the Bishop of Vresthena was the Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA. Serving as a faculty member for more than a decade, he taught many of America's Greek Orthodox clergy. He also taught at Harvard Divinity School as a Visiting Professor of New Testament during the academic years of 1984 to 1985 and from 1988 to 1989. After several years in the United States, he returned to Greece in 1993 to pursue full-time scholarly writing and research. At the same time, he resumed his responsibilities at the Archdiocese of Athens. Elected Archbishop of America in 1999 by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Demetrios was enthroned on September 18, 1999 at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City. As Archbishop of America, he leads a church of more than one and a half million Greek Orthodox Christians in the United States. He has done so with distinction, and in so doing has made enormous contributions to our Nation and our world. I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center and its distinguished honoree, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today we are voting yet again on legislation that will provide approximately $165 billion in funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the bill does not include the necessary language that I and many of my colleagues support to ensure that this war funding is not simply a blank check. I cannot vote for legislation to fund the administration's wrongheaded policies in Iraq without provisions that ensure that American troops will be coming home by a date certain. However, I will support the amendment that will provide critical funding for domestic priorities. This amendment will expand veterans' education benefits and extend unemployment insurance by 13 weeks for all States. Additionally, this amendment will direct nearly $3 billion to efforts to aid those who have been affected by the devastating floods in the Midwest. It is time for the President to listen to the American people who want the war in Iraq to end.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank the gentleman for his leadership on so many important issues and for supporting working families. This is the 21st century. Both the father and the mother have to work, and this is an important family friendly, family value legislation. How many times have we heard the friends on the opposite side of the aisle talk about family values? Well, today we will have an opportunity to vote and do something to help families. Today we will take up my legislation, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act. This bill will provide 4 weeks of paid leave to Federal employees when they have a new child or adopt a new child. If we truly believe in the value of family, then we need to value the work that families do. This means that we need to stop asking parents to choose between a paycheck and caring for a new child. Unlike a generation ago, today both parents work outside the home, and both need time off from work when they have a new child, yet most do not have access to paid family leave. By providing paid parental leave to Federal employees, H.R. 5781 establishes the Federal Government as a model employer. A recent study found that out of 173 countries, 169 countries offered guaranteed leave with income to women in connection with childbirth. This ties the United States with Swaziland and New Guinea in terms of what we are offering in paid leave for new families. This landmark bill is the first to provide paid family leave for new parents. It signals our commitment to valuing our employees and their families. This bill is good for the Federal agencies, it is good for Federal employees, and it is cost effective. The lack of paid family leave puts Federal agencies at a disadvantage when competing for the best and the brightest employees. Our Federal workforce is aging and many of our agencies are finding it difficult to recruit and retain younger workers. Providing paid parental leave would encourage younger workers who may be considering having a family to stay with the Federal Government. Paid parental leave is already offered by the largest and most profitable U.S. companies. My staff at the Joint Economic Committee found that the Federal Government lags far behind Fortune 100 companies in providing paid leave as part of their benefits package. Fortune 100 companies overwhelmingly offer new mothers paid leave lasting 6 to 8 weeks long. Federal employees who become new parents have the option of using their accrued vacation time, some sick days only if they're sick or tapping into a leave bank. This may work for the lucky families who never get sick, never need a vacation and are happy to rely on the kindness of strangers, but for many this is a second-rate solution, since even the best prepared employees often face difficult choices when children need their care. The only national policy that covers parental leave is the Family and Medical Leave Act which provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave and job protection. The Family and Medical Leave Act is important, but because it is unpaid, many, especially low wage or younger workers with limited savings, cannot afford to use it. H.R. 5781 is cost-effective. And the Congressional Budget Office reports that it is PAYGO compliant. In testimony in support of this bill, Daniel Beard, Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives noted: ``This approach saves money. Employee morale is always greater when an employer treats employees with dignity, especially in times of crisis.'' I could not agree more with him.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I know that many of you are scratching your heads and wondering how this bill can be PAYGO neutral. It is easy to explain. The $190 million is the amount that the agencies currently save on salaries when Federal employees who have a new child take their unpaid leave, as they are entitled to under the Family and Medical Leave Act. After we implement H.R. 5781, it will be up to the Federal agencies to implement this new benefit and whether they will ask for increased appropriations in the future. But let's remember, right now Federal employees who have a child bear both the burden of going without pay during family and medical leave, as well as coping with their new family expenses. This is an opportunity for us to put action behind our rhetoric on family values. I urge strong bipartisan support. It is supported by Tom Davis on the other side of the aisle, the ranking member of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee which considered and reported out this bill. And I thank Chairman Waxman and many others for their strong support.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, with Mother's Day and Father's Day behind us, it's time for us to practice what we preach. If we truly believe in the value of family, then we need to value the work that families do. U.S. workers, unlike most workers worldwide, do not have the right to take paid time off to care for the birth of a new child. That is why the House should offer a model to the rest of the country by passing the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act when it comes to the floor today. This bill provides 4 weeks of paid time off for all Federal employees to care for a new child. This landmark bill will be the first to recognize that parents need their earnings, even as they need time off, to care for their new child. Congress's action on family values should more than match its rhetoric. We should be the role model for all employers. According to a Harvard study, the U.S. ranks 169th in the world in terms of providing paid time off. We are tied with Swaziland. Tom Davis is bipartisan and has been a cosponsor for 10 years. Let's pass it unanimously in a bipartisan recognition of family values.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank my good friend and colleague for that generous introduction and for his strong leadership on this bill and in so many areas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5781, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2008. I am proud to be the author of this bill and pleased that a Democratic majority has brought this bill to the floor. I particularly want to thank Chairman Waxman for his extraordinary leadership on this and in so many ways, and also former chairman, Ranking Member Tom Davis, who has been a lead sponsor on this legislation since it was first introduced. I thank him deeply, and, of course, Subcommittee Chair Danny Davis. I am pleased to work every day with you on your committee, and George Miller, for their outstanding support of this bill. They are strong advocates for Federal employees, and I expect that with their leadership and support we will pass this bill today to help working families in the Federal Government. This bill is very important to me because I very painfully remember when I was pregnant with my first child, I was terrified of being fired. I was working for the New York State legislature, and I called the personnel office to inquire about their parental leave policy. I was told, leave policy, there is none, women just leave. I said, well, I intend to come back to work because I have to work. What is your leave policy? They said, we have none. Possibly you could apply for disability. I told her that the birth of a child is not a disability, it is a joyous event. I would say to my dear friend and colleague on the opposite side of the aisle that having a child is not a perk, it is important, it is important to the lives of the parents, it is important to the lives of our country. We should turn our family values rhetoric into a reality of providing some support to working men and women in the Federal Government. Balancing work and family is a challenge that most parents face and good workplace policy can go a long way towards helping them. We have come a long ways since I was told that women just leave, but not far enough. According to a report from the Joint Economic Committee, three- quarters, or 75 percent, of all Fortune 100 companies offer parental leave to new mothers with a median length of leave from 6 to 8 weeks. Now these are some of the most successful companies in the country. They should know a little bit about retaining workers. We also reviewed House offices and Senate offices. Most House offices, 85 percent, provide paid leave. Senate offices, 95 percent of the Senate offices, provide paid leave. The Armed Forces, they provide it also. They are not covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act but they recognize the importance of providing some paid time and leave for Federal workers and for their workers. The Federal Government has not kept up with the changing times and needs to become competitive with the private sector. Employees are now entitled to have 12 weeks of un paid leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act. As we have heard time and time again many families cannot afford to take unpaid leave and are therefore forced to choose between their new child and their paycheck. No one should have to make that choice. I would say that it's very difficult for new families. Not only does it cost roughly $12,000 to provide for a new child the first year, daycare is not available for newborns until they are 12 weeks old, so this puts tremendous pressure on families, where most parents have to work. We have heard about Ozzie and Harriet, you know, Ozzie worked and Harriet was at home. Now 60 percent of married women work because they have to, and we should be providing them with some help. Not only will this legislation help these new families in the Federal Government, but it will also help the Federal Government with recruitment and retention. Turnover is more expensive than providing paid leave. The average cost of turnover is about 20 percent of an employee's annual salary. Four weeks of paid leave is less than 8 percent of an employee's salary. This is an important piece of legislation to working men and women. I would say that providing paid parental leave to Federal employees is a great first step toward providing this benefit to all working Americans, and it is a critical step towards helping our families. I want to note that Senator Jim Webb and Senator John Warner, in a bipartisan effort, have introduced a companion bill in the Senate, and they have many cosponsors. The bill has a great deal of support because it is the right thing to do and will demonstrate our commitment to working families. To those who say we cannot afford to do it, I say we can't afford not to do it.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. We need to catch up with the rest of the world, as 169 countries already provide some form of paid leave. One hundred sixty-nine countries cannot be wrong. It is time for America to show that we value families, that we support families. We need to turn our rhetoric into the reality of a vote in support of this bill that will move forward with 4 weeks of paid leave for Federal workers. It's the right thing to do. I urge a strong bipartisan vote. I thank the staff on the Joint Economic Committee, my staff, the committee staff. They are important. They helped us move this bill to the floor today. Thank you for all of your hard efforts. I also want to thank Nan Gibson and Heather Boushey of my Joint Economic Committee staff, who have both worked tirelessly on this bill, providing excellent research and expertise. Finally, I want to thank Michelle Ash and Mark Stephenson of the Oversight Committee whose commitment to this issue and this bill have been critical to getting here today.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. In response to my good friend on the other side of the aisle, I referenced the 2006 U.S. Senate Employment Compensation Hiring and Benefits Study and the 2006 House Compensation Study which has the numbers that I was using on the floor. So we have that documentation for the record.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I disagree with my distinguished colleague on the other side of the aisle. I have heard heartbreaking stories from real Federal workers who would strongly disagree with you. I will give one example from a woman who had to go back to work with an open wound due to a C-section while giving birth. And it is not possible to use your paid sick leave. Sick leave is for when you're sick. And by our guidelines, you can use it only when you are incapacitated, when you're in the hospital, or bedridden. And it takes a long time to accrue these. Now, in terms of costs, the score from the Congressional Budget Office estimates that in 2010, the first full year that this could be implemented, it will cost roughly $190 million. To put this in perspective, this is less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the Federal payroll. The cost estimate predicts that approximately 17,000 women and 23,000 men who have worked for the Federal Government for at least a year and will have a child in the course of a year. They assumed that mothers will take advantage of this benefit 100 percent of the time, and men roughly 50 percent of the time. This amounts to approximately 1 percent of the Federal workforce using this benefit at a given year. There are also potential cost savings that can't be estimated by CBO. Providing this benefit will likely improve retention rates for Federal employees. Research shows that women who have access to paid leave, not just unpaid leave, are more likely to return to their jobs after having a child; and access to family leave can also improve productivity and morale. For example, in my office, I offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave to new parents on my staff. I have two current employees who have used my leave policy twice. Both have been with my office for many years, and I attribute the longevity of their employment to my family leave benefit. Additionally, in my office we've been able to offer this benefit at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I repeat, it has not cost the taxpayer one cent. We have not added additional staff but rather redistributed the work among the rest of the staff. While it does create more work for others, it has also given junior staff members opportunities to assume more responsibility, and it was a relatively smooth transition. The costs of this bill are relatively small compared to the positive effect that it will have on the lives of working families in the Federal Government. How many times have we heard the words ``family values'' from the other side of the aisle? It is time to turn family values into a reality in the lives of the workforce, and this is a way that we can help Federal workers, the largest employer in the United States, and make this important event in one's life, becoming a parent, really a joyous one in which they do not have to be stressed. I urge a ``yes'' vote.