Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, there is hardly a middle-class soul in our country who has not been impacted by this terrible economy. With 326,000 jobs lost, millions of Americans may lose their homes and their health care. All this as the price of food soars and the price of gas passes $4 a gallon and wages are stagnant. Mr. Speaker, we should invent a new word similar to stagflation that also includes gas and food. May I suggest ``stagasfoodlation'' to describe this terrible economy. Millions of men, women and children are caught up in an economic perfect storm not of their making where every avenue seems cut off. Today we will have the opportunity to vote for an extension of unemployment insurance to help these American families. Republicans should not try to block this last lifeline for these families.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss HR 6028, ``The Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008.'' This bill would fund, train and equip Mexican security forces that would help prevent the trafficking of guns and drugs over the U.S.-Mexico border. I will vote for this bill, but I have some concerns about the Merida Initiative. By supporting the Merida Initiative, the United States demonstrates its commitment to prevent the illegal importation of guns and drugs by partnering with Mexican and Central American governments. This initiative benefits the larger battle against organized crime, prevents drugs from hitting American cities and counties, and stymies gang violence from spilling over the border. I believe that Congress must ensure our money is being used to prevent illegal materials from coming over the border. We have a responsibility to protect American citizens from drugs and violence. However, we also have a responsibility to make sure the money we appropriate for foreign governments is not directly or indirectly leading to human rights violations. Human rights abuses cannot and should not be perpetrated by personnel trained using American dollars. I applaud Chairman Berman and the Foreign Affairs Committee for placing restrictions on the uses of this money and firmly support investigations into reports of human right abuses in countries receiving Merida Initiative funding. Human rights violations have been reported in Mexico but are insufficiently investigated. A constituent of mine, Brad Will, a journalist for the Downtown Express, was murdered while on assignment in Mexico. The suspected gunmen were local officials. Tragically, his family is still waiting for justice. While we must protect our own citizens from guns and drugs, we must exercise the necessary oversight to ensure that this funding is used appropriately.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, every month this year the Bush administration and the Bush economy has shed more jobs than it has produced, leaving millions of American workers competing against each other for the remaining jobs. We haven't seen this many people enter unemployment so quickly in over three decades. Today, the House will consider providing up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to workers who have exhausted the 26 weeks of regular benefits. The bill will provide relief to American families struggling through these tough economic times. Unemployment benefits are also important to economic recovery, with absolutely every dollar of the benefit checks going right back into the economy. And while the economy continues to weaken and costs for gasoline and food skyrocket every day, the need for government help is clear. Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues continue to oppose these efforts to assist millions of out-of-work Americans, even though they supported a similar extension in 2002, when job loss numbers were not nearly as bad as they are today. Mr. Speaker, as our economy continues to face tough times, Washington should explore every possible option to help those struggling. That is exactly what Democrats will do today in Congress, extend those benefits.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, authored by my friend and colleague, Chairman James Oberstar of Minnesota. As a New Yorker, I strongly support making travel easier, safer, and more affordable for my constituents and for all Americans who choose this method of travel. This bill mandates that preference be given to rail projects that have high levels of projected ridership and punctuality which will include the development of a high speed rail project between Washington and New York City. H.R. 6003 serves to improve not only the quality of service on the most popular rail line in the country, but also will increase the availability and accessibility of mass transit to individuals. In this era of skyrocketing energy costs and global warming, encouraging the development of efficient mass transit options is very important to improve our economy and protect our environment. As a frequent Amtrak user, I know how important it is for rail service in the Northeast Corridor to be in a constant state of ``good repair.'' I am sure that thousands of my fellow passengers, men and women traveling for business or personal reasons on this popular railway also will appreciate this requirement.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2268) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of Mother's Day, as amended.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous materials therein.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2268, a bill introduced by the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito) to create a commemorative coin honoring the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day. The 297 bipartisan cosponsors of this bill made clear that the Congress strongly supports recognizing the importance of Mother's Day in this way, and I am delighted to add my voice to this chorus. Mother's Day was first proclaimed in 1908 by the Matthews Methodist Episcopal Church of Grafton, West Virginia, in honor of one mother, Anna Reeves Jarvis. Congress designated the second Sunday in May to be observed as Mother's Day, and it was recognized as a national day to honor all mothers by President Woodrow Wilson on May 9, 1914. The bill calls for a silver dollar to be minted in 2014 with a design commemorating President Wilson's proclamation. The $10 surcharge proceeds from their sale is to go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a household word and organization in combating breast cancer, and to the National Osteoporosis Foundation for research purposes. I urge my colleagues to support this bill honoring Mother's Day and our Nation's mothers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, but would also like to recognize my own mother, as I am sure all of us in this body appreciate our mothers. This is an important resolution, and I am proud to be the Democratic sponsor with my good friend from West Virginia, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following correspondence: House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, May 22, 2008. Hon. Barney Frank, Chairman, Financial Services Committee, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Frank: I am writing regarding H.R. 2268, the ``Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act.'' As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains jurisdiction over bills that raise revenue. H.R. 2268 contains a provision that establishes a surcharge for the sale of commemorative coins that are minted under the bill, and thus falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, as part of our ongoing understanding regarding commemorative coin bills and in order to expedite this bill for Floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action. This is being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of Conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or similar legislation in the future. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 2268, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the record. Sincerely, Charles B. Rangel, Chairman.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, on June 9, 2008, I missed rollcall votes No. 388, Expressing support for designation of June 2008 as ``National Safety Month,'' 389, Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day; and 390, Recognizing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the entry of Alaska into the Union as the 49th State. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes No. 388, 389, and 390.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank my good friend and colleague from the great State of New York for his hard work on this and so many endeavors. And I rise today, as the cochair and cofounder on the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, in strong support of S. 254, to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Constantino Brumidi. I'm so pleased to join 307 of my colleagues here in this legislative body. We were led so well by our colleague and good friend, Representative Pascrell. And we acknowledge the hard work of Congressman Pascrell and also the Hellenic Caucus and the Italian- American Caucus in getting the necessary cosponsors. Brumidi was the son of a Greek father and an Italian mother. He fled Rome and immigrated to the United States in 1852. From 1868 to 1879, he was a resident in my congressional district of New York City. And while he was there, he painted 43 murals at St. Stephen's Church, which is in my district, and scholars come from around the world to study his work there, and here in the Capitol. He is most famous, however, for his artistic achievement here in our great Capitol. ``The Apotheosis of George Washington'' on the dome in the Rotunda is one of the highlights of his brilliant work. He was called the Michelangelo of the Capitol. He worked flat on his back on wooden scaffolding through the intense summer temperatures, and he created masterpieces throughout our Capitol. His artwork can be found in the Chamber, the House of Representatives Chamber, several committee rooms, the President's Room, the Senate Reception Room, and truly throughout the corridors of our Capitol. I am thrilled that we are recognizing such an outstanding artist and an important contributor to the history of art and the history of our Nation. The Capitol building is special because of its beautiful architecture and priceless artistic treasures. Without Brumidi's influence, tours of the Capitol simply would not be certainly as beautiful or interesting to Americans. He is truly deserving of the honor we are bestowing upon him. Like many immigrants, he has brought many treasures to our country. I thank all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their important work in bringing this legislation to the floor.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, as co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I rise today to recognize The Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations who today held a wonderful and historic event in the Capitol entitled, ``The Dynamics of the Hellenic Language.'' Attendees included His Excellency Ambassador Alexandros Mallias; Carolos Gadis, Minister-Deputy Chief of Mission; Stella Kokolis, President, SAE USE Region Educational Committee; Christos Polymeropoulos; Vassilis Polymeropoulos; Maria Gadis; and students from the Greek School of Plato in Brooklyn instructed by Eleftheria Ikouta and Despina Hotzoglou. I want to acknowledge the honorees receiving the ``Capitol 2008 Awards for Promoting Hellenic Language and Culture'': The Honorable Robert Menendez (D-NJ), The Honorable Olympia Snowe (R- ME), Dr. Anagnostis Agelarakis, Professor and Director of Environmental Studies, Angela Kalmoukos, Teacher, Lowell, Massachusetts, George Pumakis, founder of ``Athenian Academy'', Charter Schoolk Dr. James E. Alatis, Dean Emeritus, School of Languages and Linguistics, Theodore Spyropoulos, S.A.E. U.S.A. Coordinator, Anna Efstathiou Tziropoulou, Author-Professor of Historical Greek Literature, Alpine University, Zurich, Maria Makedon, Director, First Archdiocesan District, Department of Education, Antonis Diamataris, Publisher, ``National Herald'', and Dimitris Kastanas, President & Producer, NGTV. Professor John Antonopoulos, University of Staten Island, Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Vasiliki Tsigas-Fotinis, Ph.D., President, Hellenic Educators Association, NJ, Nina Gatzoulis, Professor of Modern Greek, University of New Hampshire, Helene Georgopoulou, Teacher, Peiraikon School, Chicago, Eleftheria Ikouta, Principal, Plato School, Brooklyn, Athena Krommydas, Principal, The William Spyropoulos Day School, Flushing, Dr. George Kafkoulis, Chairman, Co-Founder & President of the Archimedean Academy, Timoleon Kokkinos, St. Demetrius Astoria, Principal (Afternoon School), and Dr. John Kotsaridis, Director, Education Department, Stavropegial Monastery. Dr. George Melikokis, Principal, St. Demetrios School, Jamaica, Dr. Aristotle Michopoulos, Director of Greek Studies, Hellenic College, Marina Moustakas, Founding President, Hellenic Heritage Institute, Dr. Peter Nanopoulos, Director of Greek Education and Culture, Metropolis of San Francisco, Nikos Nikolidakis, Consul for Educational Affairs in USA, Dimitri S. Pallas (MD), Anna Stavroula Panas, St. Basil's Academy Teachers College Alumnae Association, Elias Pantelides, Director of Academy of Aristotle, St. George, Media, PA, Eleftherios Peroulas, Founder of Socrates Academy, NC, and Helen Petropoulou, St. George, Maryland. Sophia Tsagalis, St. Catherine School, Virginia, Catherine Tsounis, Adjunct Professor, St. John's University, Dr. Peter Yiannos, President, Tri-State American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture (AFGLC), Wilmington, DE Philadelphia Association, Dimitris Filios, Reporter, Cosmos FM, Dimitris Georgakopoulos, Publisher, Hellenic Voice, Theodore Kalmoukos, Reporter, National Herald, Stavros Marmarinos, Reporter, National Herald, Elias Neofyrides, Macedonia TV, Dimitrios Tsakas, National Herald, Apostolos Zoupaniotis, Publisher, ``Greek News'', and Panikos Panayiotou, NGTV. I was pleased to have celebrated the Hellenic language today with my many friends in the Greek-American community. I look forward to our continued friendship and collaboration on the many issues important to the United States and Greece.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to re- introduce the Access to Books for Children, ABC, Act, which would amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1996 to provide vouchers to mothers for the purchase of educational books for infants and children participating in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, WIC. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends daily reading to a child beginning when the child is 6 months old. Children who are exposed to books and reading before they start school are much more likely to graduate from high school than those who are not. The ABC Act will make it easier for children in the WIC program to develop literacy skills by placing books in the hands of children who may not otherwise have their own books in the home. With the ABC Act, we have an opportunity to provide nourishment for both the body and the mind to children who need it most.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding and for her leadership in this Congress, and I rise in strong support of my bill H.R. 5599, a bill to designate the Census Bureau headquarters Federal building for Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. The Census Bureau has just been relocated to a modern state-of-the- art building in Suitland, Maryland. I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Congresswoman Holmes Norton for their help in moving this bill forward. I introduced this legislation along with colleagues that have been strong supporters of an accurate census--Holmes Norton, Hoyer, Davis, Turner, Ruppersberger, Honda, Gonzalez, Wynn, Cohen, and Cannon--to honor Thomas Jefferson's contributions to the modern census and the Founding Fathers' vision of a truly representative government in which every American counts. Jefferson's role in establishing a republic based on the principle of fair representation emphasizes the historical significance of the American census and the way our government views and governs itself today. Jefferson's significant contributions to the early American census include his alerting the Nation to the importance of accuracy in census taking and his recognition of the need to fully represent newly acquired territories in the census. Historically, census taking was a negative thing. It was used for raising taxes for the militia. Thomas Jefferson, as Secretary of State, oversaw the first census in history, which was positive, which gave the people more than it took away by empowering those counted with a voice in their government. As we have heard in recent weeks, the 2010 census has some very serious challenges. Although much work remains to be done to ensure its successful implementation, naming this building for Thomas Jefferson underscores this Congress' commitment to getting it right and making sure that every citizen is counted. A fair and accurate census, putting political power in the hands of the people, is a uniquely American invention. Let us honor our Founding Fathers' legacy by celebrating Thomas Jefferson, the father of the modern census.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act. This legislation will extend and expand tax incentives for renewable energy and create hundreds of thousands of green jobs, along with providing critical tax relief to families as they face rising gas and food costs. With soaring gas prices hitting our constituents hard in the pocket book, we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, while protecting the environment. H.R. 6049 does this by increasing production of renewable fuels and renewable electricity, and encouraging greater energy efficiency. Specifically, the 6-year extension of the investment tax credit for solar energy, the 3-year extension of the production tax credit for biomass-, geothermal-, and hydropower-generated energy, and the 1-year extension of the production tax credit for energy derived from wind set us on the right path for decreasing our dependence on foreign oil. This bill would also provide critical tax relief to families at a time when they are paying more at the pump and in the grocery store. When passed, this bill would provide this relief through the ability to deduct State and local sales tax, tuition and other education expenses including the out-of-pocket expenses by teachers, the deduction of property taxes for non-itemizers and probably most importantly, relief for more than 12 million children through an expansion of the refundable child taxpayers earning $8,500 a year. These are commonsense items directed towards those who are in the most need of relief. It is no secret that the cost of living is increasing and wages are stagnant. These provisions will help the average American family receive some relief. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2744, the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act. I want to thank my friend and colleague from New York, Representative Tim Bishop, for his strong leadership on this issue. This bill corrects an oversight in the current version of the Family and Medical Leave Act, which did not take into account the unique circumstances of employment as a flight attendant or pilot. To qualify for leave under FMLA now, all employees must work a minimum of 1,250 hours per year, or 60 percent of what is considered a full-time work schedule in most industries. For flight attendants and pilots, however, there is a different standard for full-time employment. Their hours are calculated purely on the basis of ``in-flight'' time, which does not include any time in between flights, time spent preparing for a flight, or periods when they are on ``reserve'' status in the event that someone cannot fly their scheduled flight. An average full-time flight attendant works 960 hours per year. Additionally, pilots are prohibited by the FAA from working more than 1,000 hours per year, which automatically disqualifies them from leave under FMLA. The Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act will amend FMLA to reduce the hours-of-service requirement for flight crews, so that they will be eligible if they work 60 percent of a full-time schedule in their industry. Airline flight crews have difficult jobs, and the number of ``in- flight'' hours that they work does not accurately measure all that they do. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2744, to give flight attendants a benefit that so many other American workers already have.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the amendment offered by the distinguished chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Representative Waxman, that would make important reforms to the contracting process. Particularly, I want to note my support for provisions in the amendment based on my legislation which passed the House last month, H.R. 3033, the ``Contractors and Federal Spending Accountability Act.'' That bill and this amendment would fortify the current federal procurement system by establishing a centralized and comprehensive database on actions taken against federal contractors and assistance participants. It requires the contracting officer to document why a prospective awardee is deemed responsible if that awardee has two or more offenses which would be cause for debarment within a 3-year period. Additionally, it improves and clarifies the role of the Interagency Committee on Debarments and Suspension, and requires the Administrator of General Services to report to Congress within 180 days with recommendations for further action to create the database. Currently, federal agency officials lack the information that they need to protect our business interests and taxpayers' dollars. This amendment will make it easier for these individuals to prevent those who repeatedly violate federal law from receiving millions of dollars from the federal government. As a New York City Councilwoman, I successfully led an effort to implement a similar system. This system has aided the City of New York tremendously, and it has helped to prevent habitual bad actors and felons from being awarded city contracts. The United States is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world spending more than $419 billion on procurement awards in FY2006 and $440 billion on grants in FY2005. It is Congress's responsibility to ensure that the taxpayers' dollars are used wisely and not wasted by some contractors who are more interested in lining their pockets with profits than providing the American people with the goods and services they are paying for. I also want to acknowledge Representative Mark Udall for his supportive efforts to improve the federal contracting system, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, today the House is considering three amendments to fund the war in Iraq, enact important policies regarding the war in Iraq, and meet critical domestic needs. I will support two of these amendments. The American people want this wrongheaded war in Iraq to come to an end. More than 4,000 soldiers have lost their lives and billions of dollars have been spent. Yet this Administration insists on staying the course. I will not support the amendment that would provide nearly $163 billion through next summer to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While I believe that our efforts in Afghanistan are necessary and have not received sufficient attention or resources since the start of the war in Iraq, I cannot support devoting billions of dollars to a failed policy in Iraq, particularly when we are facing significant economic problems here at home. However, I strongly support the amendment that would enact several necessary policies regarding the war in Iraq including the complete withdrawal of American troops from Iraq by December 2009, ensuring congressional approval of any treaties between the United States and Iraq, no permanent bases in Iraq, and prohibiting torture techniques not authorized in the Army Field Manual. I hope that the final bill sent to the President will include these important provisions. Finally, I am pleased to support the amendment that will expand benefits for veterans, provide, food, disaster, and refugee assistance, help strengthen levees in Louisiana, enact contracting reforms, and extend unemployment benefits in all states for 13 weeks and in some states, an additional 13 weeks. We must continue to do all that we can to help those Americans who are looking for employment in these difficult economic times. I want to thank Chairman Obey and Chairman Mollohan for the inclusion of $210 million in funding for the Census Bureau. This is a welcome first step in repairing the mismanagement of the 2010 Census planning process by the Bush Administration, and it is a responsible action by this Congress. Full and fair representation is a fundamental building block of our democracy, and it is imperative that we guarantee every American is counted. While this funding is a critical first step, we must continue to hold this Administration accountable and restore the American people's confidence in our ability to fulfill this Constitutional mandate. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing additional funding for the war in Iraq so that we send the President the message he needs to hear: bring the troops home now.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I am proud to be the lead Democratic sponsor of H.J. Res 84, to stop governments from sponsoring anti-Semitism. I would like to thank Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for her leadership on this important issue. This month we have commemorated two very significant events. First, on May 2 we commemorated the 49th annual Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah, which reminds us of what unabated hatred and intolerance toward a group of people can result in. I am also proud to say that on May 14 we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the creation of Israel. Today, Israel, the Jewish Nation, is one of the greatest democracies in the world, a leader in the global economy, and one of our strongest allies. Yet, despite these obvious advances and successes for the Jewish people, anti-Semitism continues to flourish throughout the world and manifests itself in a variety of dangerous ways. This is why I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring H.J. Res 84, to stop governments from sponsoring anti-Semitism. I ask this in the wake of alarming findings issued from the State Department's ``Contemporary Global Anti-Semitism Report.'' The report concludes that ``over much of the past decade, U.S. embassies world- wide have noted an increase in anti-Semitic incidents, such as attacks on Jewish people, property, community institutions, and religious facilities.'' Perhaps even more alarmingly, some governments have helped foster these actions by spreading anti-Semitic sentiments through their policies or state- controlled media. We are all too familiar with Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's threat that ``Israel must be wiped off the map,'' and his numerous statements on Holocaust denial. We have seen the clips from Saudi state-controlled newspapers alleging that Jews were behind the September 11 attacks. In fact, the State Department's Anti-Semitism Report lists Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and Belarus as some of the countries with state-controlled media that distributes anti- Semitic materials. Not surprisingly, many of these countries have witnessed a rise in anti-Semitism, including anti-Semitic vandalism, caricatures, intimidation, and physical attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions. Madam Speaker, we have come so far in the past 60 years. But the increase in anti-Semitism as reported by the State Department threatens this progress. We must stand up against governments that sponsor anti- Semitism, which is why I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor H.J. Res 84.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 330. I was in a meeting and detained.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for H.R. 4008, the Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act. This is common sense legislation that will free hundreds of businesses, from large corporations to ``mom & pop'' operations from legal damages that could total hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars for their harmless failure to redact expiration dates from their credit and debit card receipts. This bill only provides relief to companies that otherwise complied with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, also known as FACTA, it preserves the right for a customer to sue if real harm or fraud has occurred and it does not eliminate a business's obligation to properly truncate the account number or to redact the expiration date from its receipts. I think it is important to point out that we are talking about businesses that did everything they thought they were required to do to comply with the new standards set forth by FACTA. These are businesses that purchased new machines, installed new hardware and incurred the expense of producing what they thought or were told was a compliant credit or debit card receipt. These are businesses that when they were told that they had to truncate the account numbers of credit and debit cards, they did so. One of my constituents, Steven Hanson, is such a business owner. He is the founder and President of B.R. Guest Restaurants. After FACTA was enacted into law, Steve tells me that he and his company spent more than $300,000 switching out credit card terminals in his restaurant to comply with the new law, only to find out that each and every new receipt he processed could result in a $100 to $1,000 fine. Steve tells me that B.R. Guest has a pending lawsuit against his company that could result in a $100 million liability. This is not a liability that B.R. Guest or many businesses could absorb. Without this relief, B.R. Guest and hundreds of other businesses could be forced to close up shop. In addition to B.R. Guest Restaurants, Zabars, Fairway Markets, Scholastic Books, Barneys/Jones Apparel Group, Estee Lauder, The Knot.com, Bally's North America, Buy Buy Baby and Ross Stores are among the New York Businesses named in similar lawsuits. It is also important to note that while the lawsuits filed against these companies are seeking damages totaling in the hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, none of the 500 lawsuits that have been filed, make any allegation of consumer harm. Identity theft prevention experts have testified that the truncation of the credit card numbers accomplishes the intent of the statute because a potential fraudster would not be able to perpetrate account fraud without having the entire correct credit card number. The real harm to the consumer would come if Congress does not act. Consumers will be forced to pay higher prices to help these businesses absorb the cost of these lawsuits or will be faced with fewer options as businesses are forced out of business because they can not afford their cost. This legislation enjoys wide bipartisan support and has been endorsed by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Restaurant Association, Retail Industry Leaders Association, The National Association of Theater Owners, The International Franchise Association, The National Council of Chain Restaurants and the Food Marketing Institute. Mr. Speaker, as I said, this is common sense legislation and I urge its adoption.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong to support of H.R. 406, which awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Alice Paul. Every American woman is indebted to Alice Paul for her lifelong dedication to women's suffrage. I am living proof of the advancements she has made for women. I am personally gratified that Congress is recognizing Alice Paul's contribution to American history. Alice Paul was the first cousin to my husband's grandmother. In fact, I named my oldest daughter after her. Alice Paul passionately devoted her entire life to the advancement of women's rights. She was an extraordinary leader, ingenious fundraiser, and a brilliant politician. Wholeheartedly focused on suffrage, she lived in a cold room so she would not be tempted to sit up late and read novels. Alice Paul truly revolutionized the suffragist movement. In 1913, Alice Paul and fellow suffragist Lucy Burns organized an impressive suffrage parade on the day before Woodrow Wilson's inauguration. In 1916, Paul founded the National Women's Party with the guiding philosophy of ``holding the party in power responsible.'' Paul adamantly believed that women should never expect to be given the vote, but that they must take it through their own accord. Under Paul's leadership, the National Women's Party was the first political organization in the United States to peacefully picket the White House. This political strategy is still widely used today. Originally the White House protests were tolerated by President Wilson. But as the women persistently picketed during the war, suffragist protestors were attacked by angry mobs and frequently arrested. The suffragist prisoners demanded to be treated as political prisoners and staged hunger strikes. Their demands were met with brutality as suffragists, including older women, were beaten, pushed and thrown into cold, unsanitary, rat-infested cells. Women were even force-fed against their will. Thanks to the countless sacrifices made by suffrage activists, American women were finally granted the right to vote in 1920. Yet, Alice Paul firmly believed that true fulfillment of women's rights was only advanced, not completely satisfied, by the achievement of suffrage. Paul drafted the Equal Rights Amendment for the United States Constitution in 1923. She devoted the rest of her life to this goal of constitutional protection for women's equality and today, feminists continue this pursuit. I have proudly continued her legacy by introducing the ERA every Congress since 1997. Alice Paul's lifelong efforts achieved great strides not only for American women, but for all women of the world. She founded the World Woman's Party in 1938. Paul and the World Woman's Party successfully fought for the inclusion of gender equality into the United Nations Charter. Their efforts also led to the establishment of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. This Commission continues to be a principal global policy-making body for women's advancement. Let us finally grant Alice Paul her rightful place in history. She is most deserving of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Her legacy opened the door for women's full participation in society and for that, we are forever grateful.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding to me and for his extraordinary leadership on this extremely important housing stimulus package. It is good for the country and good for my constituents in New York City. I strongly support it. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for this Housing Stimulus Package. It is good for our country and it is good for my constituents in New York. We all know we are facing a housing crisis. Foreclosures are at record highs, wages are stagnant and the markets continue to be volatile. This housing package will help restore order and provide the roadmap forward. In addition to the $300 billion voluntary program that would permit FHA to provide up to $300 billion in new guarantees to help refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages, we are doing a number of things to help the mortgage market. We are making permanent the current FHA and GSE loan limits we passed as part of our first stimulus package. Without this limit, the FHA limit in New York City would drop from $729,750 to $362,000 and the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac limit would drop from $729,000 to $417,000. This bill modernizes the reverse mortgage provision administered by FHA, allowing co-ops to be included for the first time. We are preserving affordable FHA-insured foreclosed multifamily projects. Including language important to New York City. This bill includes an amendment I offered that will provide for higher loan limits on homes that include a licensed child care facility. This bill is needed. It helps our communities and I urge its adoption.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill to H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008. This legislation will provide $15 billion in HUD-administered loans and grants for the purchase and rehabilitation of owner-vacated, foreclosed homes. This bill is a win-win for our communities. Not only will it help provide a bottom for local housing markets: by removing foreclosed properties that continue to drag down the housing values of whole neighborhoods, this program will allow for the creation of much needed affordable housing. Our communities are looking to us to help provide a solution to the subprime mortgage meltdown. They need relief now. I support the rule. This bill is the best vehicle for direct relief. I urge its adoption.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this very important rule, and I rise in strong support of the rule and for the underlying bill, a housing stimulus package that will provide real relief for struggling homeowners and will bring certainty to the markets. We are at a critical juncture in the subprime mortgage crisis. All of the data we have clearly demonstrate the severity of the problem. We have seen the perfect storm of stagnant wages, rising mortgage payments, and decreased home values, all of which have led to a record level of delinquencies and foreclosures. One recent study by the Pew Charitable Trust has found that one in two New York homeowners is projected to face foreclosure, primarily in the next 2 years, due to the subprime crisis. This same study documents the ripple effect this crisis is having on our entire economy. Their analysis found that 52 percent of all homeowners will likely feel the ripple effect of foreclosures from the subprime loan crisis. Communities are negatively affected as foreclosures drive down home prices overall, diminishing homeowners' equity in entire neighborhoods. Costs also accrue to our local government in the form of lost tax revenue and direct expenses for securing, policing, and disposing of abandoned properties. This is why this housing stimulus package is so terribly important. This is a well-crafted package which includes an expanded FHA Refinance Program totaling $300 billion. This voluntary program would permit FHA to provide up to $300 billion in new guarantees to help refinance at- risk borrowers into viable mortgages. The only way we are going to solve this problem is through a multi- prong strategy. We have fully engaged the regulators, industry is working with homeowners; but we also need sound public policy that allows for many of these unaffordable subprime loans to be refinanced into viable mortgages homeowners can afford. Another key part of this package includes the FHA and GSE modernization bills which we have already passed in this House but has yet to pass the Senate. The FHA bill will modernize the program opening it up to new homeowners and providing opportunities for long-term fixed mortgages. The modernized FHA will be the new financing option of many previous subprime borrowers, and it will be done in a way to ensure borrowers are receiving viable and affordable loans. The GSE bill will provide for a strong dependent regulator for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and the 12 Federal home loan banks. Again, this is a well-crafted package. I ask permission to revise and extend to include all of the important parts of this package. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this underlying bill. I rise in support of a housing stimulus package that will provide real relief for struggling homeowners and will bring certainty to the markets. We are at a critical juncture in the subprime mortgage crisis. All of the data we have clearly demonstrates the severity of the problem. We have seen the perfect storm of stagnant wages, rising mortgage payments and decreased home values. All of which have led to a record level of delinquencies and foreclosures. One recent study by the Pew Charitable Trust has found that one in 32 New York homeowners is projected to face foreclosure, primarily in the next two years, because of subprime loans. This same study documents the ripple effect this crisis is having on our entire economy. Their analysis found that 52% of all homeowners will likely feel the ripple effects of foreclosures from subprime loans. Communities are negatively affected as foreclosures drive down home prices overall, diminishing homeowners' equity in entire neighborhoods. Costs also accrue to local governments in the form of lost tax revenue and direct expenses for securing, policing and disposing of abandoned properties. That is why this housing stimulus package is so important. This is a well crafted package which includes an expanded FHA Refinance Program totaling $300 billion. This voluntary program would permit FHA to provide up to $300 billion in new guarantees to help refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. They only way we are going to solve this problem is through a multi- prong strategy. We have fully engaged the regulators, industry is working with homeowners, but we also need sound public policy that allows for many of these unaffordable subprime loans to be refinanced into viable mortgages homeowners can afford. Another key part of this package includes the FHA and GSE modernization bills that we have already passed the House, but have yet to be passed by the Senate. The FHA bill will modernize the program opening it up to new homeowners and providing opportunities for long-term, fixed mortgages. The modernized FHA will be the new financing option of many previous subprime borrowers and it will be done in a way to ensure borrowers are receiving viable and affordable loans. The GSE bill will provide for a strong independent regulator for Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the 12 Federal Homeloan Banks. It will also enhance Freddie and Fannie's mission to provide affordable housing. This bill will also make permanent the increased loan limits passed as part of the economic stimulus package. This increase is incredibly important in high-cost areas such as New York City in ensuring these products are available to our constituents. Again, this is a well crafted package and I urge my colleagues to support it.