Michael McNulty

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Protection Act of 2007.'' As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill along with my chief cosponsor, the Ranking Member of the subcommittee, Sam Johnson. We are also joined by Members of the Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over the Social Security number (SSN). This bill is modeled after legislation sponsored in prior Congresses by our friends and former colleagues Congressman Clay Shaw, and the late Congressman Bob Matsui, who were our predecessors on the subcommittee. The bill is the subcommittee's response to the growing problem of identity theft. Our subcommittee has held 16 hearings on identity theft and the misuse of Social Security numbers since 2000. Numerous experts have testified that identity theft is greatly facilitated by the easy availability of SSNs in public and private sector records and because of the rampant use of the number as an individual identifier. Once obtained, criminals use the SSN to impersonate their victims or unlock access to their good credit histories to open new accounts. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. Research by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2003 found that almost 5 percent of the adult population of the U.S.--some ten million people--were victims of some kind of identity theft in just a single 12-month period. A more recent private sector survey estimated the number of victims at 15 million in the 12 months prior to August 2006. Identity theft ruins individuals' good names and destroys their credit ratings. Identity thieves have stolen the homes of elderly retirees, and have caused innocent persons to be arrested when crimes are committed under a falsified identity. It has even ruined the future credit ratings of young children. The FTC reports that individuals spend $5 billion a year attempting to recover their good names and credit histories. Annual surveys find that businesses lose more than $50 billion per year to identity theft-related fraud. Victims often spend years recovering from the damage done by such thieves. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Inspector General have worked diligently to increase the integrity and security of the Social Security number, and the procedures used in issuing numbers and cards. But despite its value as a key facilitator of identity theft crimes, SSA has essentially no control over how the Social Security number is used by other governmental agencies or the private sector. The SSN was originally created for SSA's use in the administration of the Social Security programs. Its use has grown, piecemeal, by the federal government as a result of regulation or legislation, wherever a unique identifier was needed for official government purposes. However, no law of general applicability explicitly allows or specifically requires the private sector to collect, sell, or use the SSN to the extent that it is done so today. Although the Social Security Act requires government entities to protect the confidentiality of the SSN, no law exists that generally protects the privacy of the SSN in the private sector. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and other law enforcement experts have testified before the subcommittee that the current patchwork of laws that regulate how businesses and government agencies use and disclose personally identifiable information in their records leaves large gaps in protection for the SSN. While financial services and consumer reporting agencies are subject to some regulation controlling how and when they may disclose SSNs to third parties, there are limitations in these protections. Moreover, other industries remain completely free to buy and sell personal information about individuals with whom they have no business relationship. Sophisticated identity thieves have taken advantage of the gaps in protection and have been able to pose as users of personal information for purportedly legitimate purposes, gaining access to hundreds of thousands of SSNs sold by information brokers. Stalkers are also able to capitalize on the lack of protection for Social Security numbers and use them to locate and track their targets. For these reasons, the legislation we introduce today will restrict the ability of government agencies, private businesses and others to sell, purchase or publicly display Social Security numbers. In recognition that a general prohibition may disrupt legitimate government uses and business practices that rely on the SSN, certain exceptions are made for law enforcement purposes, national security, public health, where the health or safety of an individual is at risk in an emergency situation, to ensure the accuracy of credit and insurance underwriting information and certain other Fair Credit Reporting Act purposes, for tax compliance purposes, if incidental to the sale or merger of a business, to administer employee or government benefits, for limited research purposes, with the individual's affirmative and written consent, and to the extent authorized by the Social Security Act. Further exceptions may be made for other purposes by regulation. Among other new requirements, the bill also restricts the display of SSNs on the Internet, on government documents and identification cards and tags. The bill's provisions will be enforceable by civil and criminal penalties imposed by federal agencies or state attorneys general; and by a limited ability of citizens to stop a federal agency's lack of compliance and recover actual damages through federal court action. Madam Speaker, it is my expectation that this legislation will give us more control over how the SSN is used, in order to better protect the SSN from identity thieves and other criminals. I am proud to sponsor this bill and to join my colleagues as we move this legislation forward. A summary of the bill follows. Provisions Related to Social Security Numbers (SSNs) in the Public and Private Sectors Federal, State, and local governments would be prohibited from: Selling SSNs (limited exceptions would be allowed, such as to facilitate law enforcement and national security, to ensure the accuracy of credit and insurance underwriting information and certain other Fair Credit Reporting Act purposes, for tax purposes, for research purposes, and to the extent authorized by the Social Security Act). Further exceptions may be made for other purposes by regulation. Displaying SSNs to the general public, including on the Internet. Displaying SSNs on checks issued for payment and accompanying documents. Displaying SSNs on identification cards and tags issued to employees or their families; patients and students at public institutions; and Medicare cards. Employing prisoners in jobs that provide them with access to SSNs. Requiring the transmission of SSNs over the Internet without encryption or other security measures. The private sector would be prohibited from: Selling or purchasing SSNs (limited exceptions would be made for law enforcement (including child support enforcement); national security; public health; health or safety emergency situations; tax purposes; to ensure the accuracy of credit and insurance underwriting information and certain other Fair Credit Reporting Act purposes; if incidental to the sale, lease or merger of a business; to administer employee or government benefits; for some research; or with the individual's affirmative, written consent). Further exceptions may be made for other purposes by regulation. Displaying SSNs to the general public, including on the Internet. Displaying SSNs on checks. Requiring the transmission of SSNs over the Internet without encryption or other security measures. Making unnecessary disclosures of another individual's SSN to government agencies. Displaying the SSN on cards or tags issued to employees, their family members, or other individuals. Displaying the SSN on cards or tags issued to access goods, services, or benefits. Public and private sectors would be required to safeguard SSNs they have in their possession from unauthorized access by employees or others. Sale, purchase, or display of SSNs in the public or private sector would be permitted by regulation in other circumstances, when appropriate. In making this determination, regulators would consider whether the authorization would serve a compelling public interest and would consider the costs and burdens to the public, government, and businesses. If sale, purchase, or display were to be authorized, the regulation would provide for restrictions to prevent identity theft, fraud, deception, crime, and risk of bodily, emotional, or financial harm. A person would be prohibited from obtaining another person's SSN to locate or identify the individual with the intent to harass, harm, physically injure or use the individual's identity for an illegal purpose. Would specify that, wherever a truncated SSN is used, it must be limited to the last 4 digits of the number. (This truncation standard does not change the permissible uses of the SSN.) State law governing use of SSNs would not be preempted where state law is stronger. The National Research Council would be required to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of banning the use of the SSN as an authenticator. Enforcement New criminal penalties (up to 5 years imprisonment and fine up to $250,000) and civil penalties (up to $5,000 per incident) would be created for violations of the law relating to the display, sale, purchase, or misuse of the SSN, offering to acquire an additional SSN for a fee, and for selling or transferring one's own SSN. Prison sentences would be enhanced for SSN misuse associated with repeat offenders (up to 10 years), drug trafficking or crimes of violence (up to 20 years), or terrorism (up to 25 years). New criminal penalties (as much as 20 years in prison and fine up to $250,000) and civil penalties (up to $5,000 per incident) would be created for Social Security Administration employees who fraudulently sell or transfer SSNs or Social Security cards. The bill permits enforcement by the Social Security Administration (which would have civil monetary penalty authority); the Department of Justice (which enforces criminal violations of federal law); and state attorneys general (who would be granted civil enforcement authority over private-sector users and state and local government). In addition, individual victims affected by violations of this bill by federal agencies would be provided with limited legal recourse to stop an agency's violation and recover any actual damages they may have suffered.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to salute and pay tribute to the memory of Marine Sergeant Shawn Martin, who gave his life in service to his country in Iraq. He died on June 20. His funeral will be on Thursday morning. Sergeant Martin's death is a reminder to all of us that, regardless of how we feel about this particular war, that young men and women across our country put on the uniform of the United States military and are willing to go anywhere in the world at the direction of our government to protect American interests. It reminds me not to let even a single day go by without remembering with deepest gratitude all of those who, like my own brother, Bill, made the supreme sacrifice, all those like Shawn who made the supreme sacrifice, and all of those who serve in the military with great honor and then come back home, render outstanding service in the community and raise beautiful families to carry on their fine traditions. These are the things that I'm most grateful for today as a citizen of the United States of America. So today I extend my deepest sympathies to Shawn's wife, to his parents, to all the members of his family for his tremendous service to our country for making the supreme sacrifice, and we shall never forget this true American hero.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the important and essential role that oncology nurses play in providing quality cancer care and to recognize May as Oncology Nursing Month. Oncology nurses are the health professionals involved in the administration and monitoring of chemotherapy and managing the associated side-effects patients may experience. Every day oncology nurses see the pain and suffering caused by cancer and understand the physical, emotional and financial challenges that people with cancer face throughout their diagnosis and treatment. Since 1975, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) has been dedicated to excellence in patient care, teaching, research, administration and education in the field of oncology. The Society's mission is to promote excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care. I am pleased that ONS has 13 chapters throughout New York State which support oncology nurses in their efforts to provide high quality cancer care to patients and their families. I urge my colleagues to support ONS in its important endeavors and to recognize the oncology nurses in their communities for all they do for people with cancer.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, the 27th Annual Maimonides Scholarship Shining Examples Tribute Dinner will be held this evening in Albany, New York. The Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District in Albany, New York has been providing quality Jewish and General Education in the Capital Region, Albany, NY since 1980. It is a beneficiary of the United Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and has partnered with numerous area organizations and institutions over the years. Its motto is ``A Beautiful Blend--Torah and Worldly Experience'' following its namesake, Moses Maimonides (the Rambam), the great scholar, codifier, physician and philosopher. The Maimonides School will present Abraham ``Avi'' Losice the Dr. Morton Berger Memorial Award. The Berger Award is presented annually to an outstanding individual who combines Torah with worldly excellence. In addition, the Maimonides School will present Zahir awards to the following persons: Dr. Joe Adler, Lori Calka, Phil Chandler, Salia Galitz, Judy Kaskel, Rivka Kochman, Dr. Michael Lozman, Thomas Nathan, Raizel Neiman, Barbara Scher, Tanya Schwartz, Rita Shachne, Chana Sidi, Jack Sissman, and Rachel Weitz.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, last Thursday, April 26, on roll call No. 269, I missed the vote. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted in the affirmative.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I join today with many of my colleagues in remembering the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Today, April 24th, is the 92nd anniversary of this human tragedy. From 1915 to 1923, the world witnessed the first genocide of the 20th century. This was clearly one of the world's greatest tragedies--the deliberate and systematic Ottoman annihilation of 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children. Furthermore, another 500,000 refugees fled and escaped to various points around the world--effectively eliminating the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. From these ashes arose hope and promise in 1991--and I was blessed to see it. I was one of the four international observers from the United States Congress to monitor Armenia's independence referendum. I went to the communities in the northern part of Armenia, and I watched in awe as 95 percent of the people over the age of 18 went out and voted. The Armenian people had been denied freedom for so many years and, clearly, they were very excited about this new opportunity. Almost no one stayed home. They were all out in the streets going to the polling places. I watched in amazement as people stood in line for hours to get into these small polling places and vote. Then, after they voted, the other interesting thing was that they did not go home. They had brought covered dishes with them, and all of these polling places had little banquets afterward to celebrate what had just happened. What a great thrill it was to join them the next day in the streets of Yerevan when they were celebrating their great victory. Ninety-eight percent of the people who voted cast their ballots in favor of independence. It was a wonderful experience to be there with them when they danced and sang and shouted, `Ketse azat ankakh Hayastan'--long live free and independent Armenia! That should be the cry of freedom- loving people everywhere.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, this morning I had the honor of introducing our guest chaplain for today, my very dear friend and teacher, Dr. Rabbi Paul Silton of Temple Israel in Albany, New York. In order for House Members to have a greater understanding of Rabbi Silton's extraordinary accomplishments, I submit a more detailed description of his impressive background: Dr. Rabbi Paul Silton, Rabbi of Temple Israel, the largest conservative synagogue in northeast New York, received his B.A. in Philosophy from Boston University, an M.A. in Hebrew Literature and Rabbinical Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1970, and a Doctor of Divinity in 1996. At his graduation from the Jewish Theological Seminary, he was awarded the top prize in Pastoral Counseling. While at the Seminary, he studied at the Meir Yeshiva in Brooklyn and taught at religious schools in Fort Lee, New Jersey; Hartford, Connecticut; and Rumson, New Jersey. He also served as Gabbai of the Seminary Synagogue under the supervision of Dr. Rabbi Saul Lieberman and Dr. Rabbi Louis Finkelstein. Prior to his move to Albany, New York, Rabbi Silton spent 6 years as a teacher and Education Director at Camps Ramah in Glen Spey, New York and in Palmer, Massachusetts. Rabbi Silton arrived in Albany after serving as Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in North Adams, Massachusetts. While in North Adams, Rabbi Silton taught at Williams College and served as prison chaplain. Already in 1974, the pattern of Rabbi Silton's Rabbinate began to diverge from that of his colleagues. Here at Temple Israel, he began his career as Educational Director for students N-12, including the Communal High School, Camp Givah Director and assistant to Rabbi Kieval. In each of those areas, he actively fostered growth and change. Gradually the nursery school expanded into a full Early Childhood Center, servicing day care needs of pre-kindergarten youngsters and their parents. It now includes Baby and Me, Mommy (or Daddy) and Me toddler programs, and morning and afternoon nursery. The Religious School extended to 7 hours a week and featured a school-wide Israeli Dance Program, which eventually grew to present dance performances in Albany, Boston, and New York City. On Shabbatot and High Holidays, preprimary and primary children in addition to ``Juniors'' could now attend services especially designed for them. As they grew older, students could tour and study in Israel with double the amount of scholarship aid from generous member endowments and community sources. Adults could now attend class 5 days a week and occasionally participate in Hebrew Reading Marathons; Professor Stephen Berk's lecture series became a most successful Adult Education program. At Camp Givah, Rabbi Silton founded the Kibbutz Program, inspired the building of Yam Sarah (Givah's lake), the arts and crafts center, and the early childhood shelter. He introduced and developed programs in boating, gymnastics, computers, horseback riding, and Red Cross Boating Certification. For younger children who literally could not wait until next summer's Givah excitement, he originated and organized Camp Horef Katan, a winter camp. As Rabbi Silton's responsibilities increased, so his avid interest in many other areas continued to expand. He founded Holocaust Survivors and Friends in Pursuit of Justice and he hosted the first major 3-day national Holocaust conference for 1500 participants in April 1984 at Temple Israel. Since then he has organized a multitude of services for the community Kristalnacht and Holocaust Memorial commemorations, featuring international figures such as Beate Klarsfeld. He visited Germany several times in support of those testifying at war crimes trials, to officiate at an interfaith service in Passau, Germany, and at other events that united survivors and liberators. Silton's most passionate efforts, however, have focused on Temple and community. In addition to attending to traditional Rabbinical duties at Temple Israel, he greatly expanded the Bar and Bat Mitzvah roles of boys and girls, initiated full reading of the scrolls by women on various holidays, a women's prayer group, Rosh Chodesh benching, P'Sukei D'Zimra, and regular Torah reading; he introduced Birkat Kohanim on an ongoing basis, a hashkamah (early) minyan and a learners' minyan. He also began a daily study program of Jewish text which takes place every morning. This study program has continued for the past 10 years. In addition, he strengthened the daily minyanim, instituted Yom Kippur dialogues with inspiring international figures, initiated holiday dinners and workshops, organized Hassidic Song Festivals, Cantorial concerts and innumerable Kallot featuring international performers and scholars. Through the efforts of Rabbi Silton, Temple Israel has received numerous awards from United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism including those for: Israel Affairs, Camp Givah, Performing Arts, Community Relations and Israel/Masorti Affairs as well as Education Awards for Programming, High School Education and the Framework for Excellence Synagogue School Program Award. He assisted in the founding of HADAR, the award-winning Judaic Art and Book Center at Temple Israel. Rabbi Silton has also been featured in four books including The Outraged Conscience by Rochelle G. Saidel, 1984; Against the Stream: Growing Up Where Hitler Used to Live by Anna Rosmus, 2002; Out of Passau: Leaving a City Hitler Called Home by Anna Rosmus, 2004; and in a soon to be published book about the Sabbath by Christopher Ringwald. All of the above mentioned activities attracted the community to Temple Israel but Silton directly involved himself in countless community events as well. For nearly 20 years he directed the Communal High School and taught at the Bet Shraga Capital District Hebrew Academy. When Soviet Jewish immigration was at its height, he supervised the ritual circumcisions of nearly all Soviet immigrants' male children, arranged and officiated at the first Russian Jewish wedding and Bar Mitzvah of these newly settled immigrants in the Capital District. In addition to serving on a host of community boards and committees including the Police Review Board under Mayor Gerald Jennings, he initiated the first Jewish-Latino Seder, hosted the third annual Black-Jewish Seder, assisted the Aviva chapter of B'nai B'rith with the first Seder for the developmentally disabled, discussed Judaism with hundreds of church groups and taught basic Judaism classes and has lectured at area colleges including College of St. Rose, Maria College, Siena College, and SUNY Albany. He also worked with Mayor Jennings on the observance of Yom HaShoah to honor the late Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese ``Oskar Schindler''. In 1994, Silton built the first mikveh owned by Temple Israel to serve the congregation and the entire Capital district community. The building of the mikveh has been an inspiration to other conservative congregations throughout the country. An article about it will be coming out in the very near future of United Synagogue Review. On an ongoing basis, Rabbi Silton teaches in the Temple Israel Educational Center: junior high, high school, and adult education departments. Following the Six Day War, Rabbi Silton spent a year of study in Israel with his wife, Faye. While studying at the Hebrew University and the Rav Kook Yeshiva in Jerusalem, he learned to become a Mohel. Ordained in 1968 by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, he has officiated at thousands of B'ritol Milah from Syracuse to the Catskills to Western Massachusetts. Rabbi Silton and his wife, Faye, are the parents of Elana (Dr. Ari) Moskowitz, Michal (David, Esq.) Kahan, Dr. Akiva (Dr. Sharon) Silton, Tamar, Esq. (Jeremy) Epstein, Aviva (Ami) Robinson, Nava Silton and Shira Silton. They currently have 15 grandchildren.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome my very dear friend, Dr. Rabbi Paul Silton, and to thank him for offering the opening prayer this morning for the United States House of Representatives. Rabbi Silton has served the community of New York's Capital Region for over 30 years as Rabbi of Temple Israel, the largest conservative synagogue in northeastern New York. He began his career at Temple Israel as the education director where he was responsible for fostering growth at every education level, including the addition of an adult education program. Rabbi Silton has made enormous contributions not just to Temple Israel, but to the entire community. He founded the Holocaust Survivors and Friends in Pursuit of Justice. He also hosted a 3-day National Holocaust Conference for 1,500 participants at Temple Israel. He has also organized a multitude of services for the community Kristallnacht and the Holocaust Memorial commemorations. Through the efforts of Dr. Rabbi Paul Silton, Temple Israel has received numerous awards from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, in addition to education awards for programming, high school education, and the Framework for Excellent Synagogue School Program Award. I am proud to welcome my very dear friend, Dr. Rabbi Paul Silton this morning, and to thank him on behalf of the entire United States House of Representatives.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, in the spring of 1970, during my first term as Town Supervisor of Green Island, I testified against the War in Vietnam at a Congressional Field Hearing in Schenectady, New York. Several months after that testimony, my brother, HM3 William F. McNulty, a Navy medic, was killed in Quang Nam Province. I have thought--many times since then--that if President Nixon had listened to the voices of reason back then, my brother Bill might still be alive. As a Member of Congress today, I believe that the Iraq War will eventually be recorded as one of the biggest blunders in the history of warfare. In October 2002, I made a huge mistake in voting to give this President the authority to take military action in Iraq. I will not compound that error by voting to authorize this war's continuation. On the contrary, I will do all that is within my power to end this war, to bring our troops home, and to spare other families the pain that the McNulty family has endured every day since August 9, 1970.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, the American people join with the people of Greece in celebrating the 186th anniversary of the revolution that freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire. The bedrock of our close relationship with Greece is our mutual devotion to freedom and democracy and our unshakable determination to fight, if need be, to protect these rights. Greek philosophers and political leaders--Cleisthenes and Pericles and their successors--had great influence upon America's Founding Fathers in their creation of these United States. We, as a Nation, owe a great debt to Greece. Greece is the birthplace of democracy, as we know it. Thomas Jefferson said, ``To the ancient Greeks, we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves (American colonists) out of Gothic darkness.'' The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were an attack on democracy and freedom--not just against our people, but also against all freedom-loving people everywhere in the world. The Greek people understand this. I congratulate the people of Greece and wish them a Happy National Birthday.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute a very special constituent of mine on the occasion of his 85th birthday, which is today. He has been an outstanding son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and he has also been an outstanding public servant, having first been elected to public office in the year 1949 and having been elected to office in seven different decades. He served as a town supervisor and mayor, a sheriff, a member of the New York State Commission of Corrections. Mr. Speaker, I want to salute and pay tribute to him today on the occasion of his 85th birthday, the Honorable John J. McNulty, Jr., and, yes, Mr. Speaker, he is my dad.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 63. I strongly support H. Con. Res. 63, opposing the President's proposal to send 21,500 additional American troops into the middle of a civil war in Iraq. More than 5 years after the worst terrorist attack in the history of our country, the mastermind behind it--Osama bin Laden--is still alive, free, and planning another attack on our country. And the President rarely even mentions his name. Instead, he pursues a failed policy in Iraq. The number of American soldiers killed in Iraq now exceeds the number of lives taken on September 11, 2001, and this war has now lasted longer than our involvement in World War II. The President's response is to send more troops. This surge is nothing more than an escalation of the failed policy that has been tried several times already. I couldn't disagree more with the President. The Bush policy in Iraq will, in my opinion, go down in history as one of the biggest blunders in the history of warfare. Why? Because the terrorist who attacked us is still at large and the situation in Iraq gets worse by the day. Simply put, we went after the wrong guy! So what should we do now in Iraq? A target date for redeployment of our troops should be set, and their withdrawal from Iraq should begin now. Then the Iraqis who say they support their new government will have the incentive to step forward and volunteer for military service-- something they will not do as long as we offer to take all the enemy fire. As others have said, ``The Iraqis need to demonstrate that they want this new government more than we do.'' It's decision time for the Iraqi people. The President has submitted a supplemental budget request for almost $100 billion to further fund the war in Iraq. If Congress does not amend this proposal to include an exit strategy, I will--as I did on the last Iraq war supplemental on March 16th, 2006--vote ``no.'' Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, the President is going to come here tonight and by all indications he is going to call for a new era of cooperation. I hope that comes to pass. But that is not his record. On Iraq, he continues to ignore the American people, both parties in this Congress, and even his own generals. And our troops continue to suffer the consequences. On energy policy, I have been in this chamber for the last several years when the President has spoken, I believe eloquently, about the need to develop alternative sources of energy. Then he gave huge multibillion-dollar tax cuts to the oil companies. Health insurance is also a subject he is going to address tonight. In the words of former Governor Al Smith of New York, ``Let's look at the record.'' When this President took office, there were 39 million people uninsured in this country. Today that number is 47 million, up by 8 million people. We're going in the wrong direction. Mr. Speaker, I hope that in the year 2007, from the White House and from this administration, we get less talk and more action.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, as our colleague, the Honorable gentleman from New York, Sherwood Boehlert, prepares to retire from the Congress, I want to join the entire New York delegation in wishing Sherry a fond farewell and in commending him for a job very well done. Sherry Boehlert has served the people of the 24th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, and Seneca counties, for 12 consecutive terms. He has been my congressional neighbor to the west for as long as I have been in Congress. We have had the opportunity to work together on many issues, such as the Tech Valley initiative in upstate New York, the FAIR Alliance for transportation funding, and, of course, rooting on our beloved New York Yankees. With expertise and leadership in so many different fields, from the environment and the sciences, to transportation and homeland security, Sherry has not only capably served the people of his district, but also every citizen of New York and the United States. Sherry has earned the opportunity to spend more time with his wife, Marianne, their four grown children and five grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Sherry Boehlert a respected colleague and a dear friend. His presence and strong voice will be missed during the coming debates. There is no doubt, however, that his proud legacy of committed public service and bipartisan achievement, will live on for generations.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6111, legislation which enhances the innocent spouse equitable relief provision of the Internal Revenue Code. I believe that the enactment of this proposal will provide a straightforward and noncontroversial solution to the unfair treatment of innocent spouses under current law. Through only minor legislative modifications, this bill clarifies the statute's original intent, affording innocent spouses the necessary recourse to ensure their cases and circumstances are given a fair hearing. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield such time as she may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher).

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. McNULTY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of a former colleague, a patriot, and a dear friend. Tom Manton was the son of immigrant farmers from the west of Ireland--Thomas, of County Roscommon, and Margaret, of County Mayo. Consider his impressive life story: Born in Manhattan, reared in Queens, educated in Brooklyn, then 2 years in the Marine Corps, 5 years in the New York Police Department, 15 years on the New York City Council, and 14 years here in Congress. Thankfully, my career as a Member of Congress included a wonderful working relationship and tremendous friendship with Tom Manton. We worked together on a number of issues--most notably the quest for peace in Ireland, and the goal of uniting all the counties of Ireland. Tom served as Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs. I had the privilege of traveling with him and President Clinton to Northern Ireland. Tom was a leading force in getting President Clinton involved in the peace process. Tom was chiefly responsible for getting the president to agree to meet with Gerry Adams. Tom's commitment to the cause of justice and peace in Ireland, and his commitment to human rights, was a driving force that helped lead to the Good Friday Accords. But, Mr. Speaker, more than the working relationship, there was the friendship. In my first run for Congress, almost two decades ago, without hesitation, the man from Queens was there to help me. And thanks to Tom, and many others, I won. I am so grateful for the wise advice and good counsel Tom gave to me through the years. Mr. Speaker, before I even came to Washington in 1988 for the formal orientation, Tom Manton invited me to his office in New York City for an informal orientation. It was an invaluable introduction to what life in Congress was like. I never could thank him enough for that. In my later reelection campaigns, Tom was always there to help. Once I told him of an event that the Irish American community in my district was planning to help my campaign. Tom immediately said, ``Yes, I'll be there.'' And he was. We had the party in Albany, and Tom spoke on my behalf. He didn't stop there, however, because Tom Manton also sang on my behalf. And I shall always be proud to sing his praises!! Tom Manton rendered a lifetime of outstanding service to his family, his community, and his country. I am truly blessed and deeply grateful to have been able to count him as a friend.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, Tim Friedman has been a friend of mine since the first day I walked onto the House Floor 18 years ago. His interest in, and service to, this and other Members of the House has always been above and beyond the call of duty. As he heads to a well- earned retirement a bit to our south, I want my dear friend Tim to know that I will think of him often, and with tremendous gratitude for his extraordinary service. Thanks, Tim!

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, in accordance with my statement on Tuesday, I rise in opposition to the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I am in agreement with much of the content of House Resolution 861, particularly the expressions of gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our troops. The language of the resolution, however, includes a commitment to keep our troops in Iraq indefinitely and an outright refusal to set a date for withdrawal. For these reasons, I strongly oppose the resolution. Eighty-two percent of the Iraqi people want us out of their country, and 47 percent say it is justified to attack American troops. It is simply unacceptable to keep our troops in Iraq indefinitely under these conditions. I continue to call for the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq, and challenge the Iraqi people to stand up and defend their own country. Mr. Speaker, when we debated the original Iraq war resolution, the administration told us that Iraq was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction, that there were ties between Saddam Hussein and 9/11, and that Iraq was within a year of having a nuclear capability. Fast-forward to the deliberations of the 9/11 Commission. They concluded that there were no weapons of mass destruction, no ties between Saddam Hussein and 9/11, and no nuclear capability. Mr. Speaker, these votes weren't 8-4 or 7-5, they were all 12-0 that the very basis for the war did not exist. When I go back home, Mr. Speaker, and my constituents ask me to summarize where we are in the war on terror, I tell them this: As we approach the fifth anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in the history of our country, we have committed hundreds of billions of dollars in Iraq. More important, over 20,000 young Americans have either been killed or seriously wounded going after Saddam Hussein, who did not attack us, while Osama bin Laden, who did attack us, is still alive, free, planning another attack on our country. That, Mr. Speaker, is the very definition of failure in the war on terror. We went after the wrong guy. But after the invasion, did we have a responsibility to help the Iraqi people build a new government and a new way of life? The answer to that question is yes. And we have fulfilled that obligation. We have helped them through not one, not two, but three elections. It is now time for the Iraqi people to stand up and defend themselves. There is a general rule of military engagement that says that you do not signal to your enemy what you are going to do in advance. But there are exceptions to every rule, and there are two exceptions to this rule. Number one is that the insurgents in Iraq are using as a recruitment tool the argument that we have no intention of leaving their country, and that we're going to steal their oil--and it is working. It is fueling the insurgency. As for our friends in Iraq, those who want this new government and new way of life, they seem perfectly content to let our soldiers take all of the enemy fire. The problem with security in Iraq is not the system of training; it's the fact that the Iraqis are not stepping forward to defend their own government. So, today, Mr. Speaker, my basic disagreement with the President is this: He says that we should stay in Iraq until the Iraqis declare that they are ready to defend their own country; and I propose that we announce a timetable for withdrawal, start withdrawing our troops, and make our position very clear to the Iraqis: If they want this new government and this new way of life, they have to come forward, volunteer, stand up, and defend it. Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring our troops home.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in support of the resolution. I want to echo what others have said about the importance of family. When we talk about priorities, we have a long list and wide range of them. I think it is critically important to keep family first. I enthusiastically support the resolution, and I want to say how much our children, Nancy's and mine, Michele, Angela, Nancy and Maria, mean to us; and how much our five grandchildren mean to us, Teigin, Elijah, Lola, Morgyn and Daniel. They are the light of our lives. I thank the gentleman for bringing this resolution to the floor. I urge all members to support it.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, when we debated the original Iraq war resolution, the administration told us that Iraq was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction, that there were ties between Saddam Hussein and 9/11, and that Iraq was within a year of having a nuclear capability. Fast-forward to the deliberations of the 9/11 Commission. They concluded that there were no weapons of mass destruction, no ties between Saddam Hussein and 9/11, and no nuclear capability. Mr. Speaker, these votes weren't 8-4 or 7-5, they were all 12-0 that the very basis for the war did not exist. When I go back home, Mr. Speaker, and my constituents ask me to summarize where we are in the war on terror, I tell them this: As we approach the fifth anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in the history of our country, we have committed hundreds of billions of dollars in Iraq. More important than that, over 20,000 young Americans have either been killed or seriously wounded going after Saddam Hussein, who did not attack us, while Osama bin Laden, who did attack us, is still alive, free, planning another attack on our country. That, Mr. Speaker, is the very definition of failure in the war on terror. We went after the wrong guy. But after the invasion, did we have a responsibility to help the Iraqi people build a new government and a new way of life? The answer to that question is yes. And we have fulfilled that obligation. We have helped them through not one, not two, but three elections. It is now time for the Iraqi people to stand up and defend themselves. There is a general rule of military engagement that says that you do not signal to your enemy what you are going to do in advance. But there are exceptions to every rule, and there are two exceptions to this rule. Number one is that the insurgents in Iraq are using as a recruitment tool the argument that we have no intention of leaving their country and that we are going to steal their oil. And it is working! It is fueling the insurgency. As for our friends in Iraq, those who want this new government and new way of life, they seem perfectly content to let our soldiers take all of the enemy fire. The problem with security in Iraq is not the system of training, it is the fact that the Iraqis are not stepping forward to defend their own government. So today, Mr. Speaker, my basic disagreement with the President is this: He says that we should stay in Iraq until the Iraqis declare that they are ready to defend their own country; and I propose that we announce a timetable for withdrawal, start withdrawing our troops, and make our position very clear to the Iraqis: If they want this new government and this new way of life, they have to come forward, volunteer, stand up, and defend it. Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring our troops home.

Mr. McNULTY

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I join today with many of my colleagues in remembering the victims of the Armenian Genocide. April 24th will be the 91st anniversary of this human tragedy. From 1915 to 1923, the world witnessed the first genocide of the 20th century. This was clearly one of the world's greatest tragedies--the deliberate and systematic Ottoman annihilation of 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children. Furthermore, another 500,000 refugees fled and escaped to various points around the world--effectively eliminating the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. From these ashes arose hope and promise in 1991--and I was blessed to see it. I was one of the four international observers from the United States Congress to monitor Armenia's independence referendum. I went to the communities in the northern part of Armenia, and I watched in awe as 95 percent of the people over the age of 18 went out and voted. The Armenian people had been denied freedom for so many years and, clearly, they were very excited about this new opportunity. Almost no one stayed home. They were all out in the streets going to the polling places. I watched in amazement as people stood in line for hours to get into these small polling places and vote. Then, after they voted, the other interesting thing was that they did not go home. They had brought covered dishes with them, and all of these polling places had little banquets afterward to celebrate what had just happened. What a great thrill it was to join them the next day in the streets of Yerevan when they were celebrating their great victory. Ninety-eight percent of the people who voted cast their ballots in favor of independence. It was a wonderful experience to be there with them when they danced and sang and shouted, `Ketse azat ankakh Hayastan'--Long live free and independent Armenia! That should be the cry of freedom- loving people everywhere.