Gregory Meeks

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. I thank the chairman for his work and I thank the ranking member. Let me start off by thanking Mr. Levin also, because indeed I know he's been back and forth to Colombia, and he's made this a better trade bill with the action plan. And it was your hard work and dedication, Mr. Levin, and I thank you for doing that. Yesterday, I had a chance to talk briefly on the floor in regard to the economics of it, and I'm hearing a lot of people talk about the past of Colombia, but not some of the things that are taking place on the ground right now. I have heard a lot of individuals talk about how it may be devastating in reference specifically to the African Colombian community. But let me bring some facts to the issue, because I think oftentimes when I looked and talked to President Santos and the civil rights struggle right here in America, I see some similarities that we've got to think about because there's some positive things, a lot of positive things that happen on the floor. For example, for the first time we have the Victims and Land Restitution Law in Colombia that was passed by the Government of Colombia. We have at the Presidential program on Afro-Colombians. We have the development projects. We have the mining and prior consultation law. We have addressing discrimination law that has been passed. We have the Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Program that has been passed by the Colombian legislature. We have the Afro-Colombian leadership and scholarship program. We have the Martin Luther King scholarship program. We have the Equal Employment Opportunity initiative. All of this is done by the Santos government. We have the Pathways to Prosperity Women Entrepreneurs Mentoring Network. We have 400 scholarships for Afro-Colombian police. We have the emergency humanitarian assistance programs. These are just some of the programs that are happening on the ground right now that are benefiting African Colombians. When you talk about the leadership there, because I'm getting letters back and forth, this is a diverse leadership in Colombia. This is a diverse leadership here in America. And just as the goal is to make sure that we enact certain things into laws so that we can make changes to make it better for people for tomorrow, that is what President Santos has been doing. That's what has happened, and that's what is happening. Some say Santos is not going to carry it out. When Lyndon Baines Johnson became President, some said he wouldn't do anything.

Mr. MEEKS. But he did. He came with some of the most landmark legislation with reference to civil rights and voting rights in the history of this country, the same thing that I see happening right now on the ground with President Santos. Landmark, for the first time ever, legislation addressing the rights of African Colombians; and because of the work of Mr. Levin, also landmark rights addressing the rights of all in labor. I think that it's a positive thing and we should pass this Colombia free trade agreement because we are moving in the right direction. We're not there yet, but we're moving in the right direction.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I feel a sense of urgency about passage of the FTAs before us. Urgency because while we have been waiting on the passage of the agreements, South Korea has moved forward on trade with Europe, and Colombia and Panama are moving forward on several bilaterals of their own with Canada, China, and others. And trade is never just about economics. It's also about our relationships with other nations, our allies. It's about strengthening the rule of law, and it's about deepening ties. A recent report by the Council on Foreign Relations said it well, ``Trade has been and remains a major strategic instrument of American foreign policy. It binds together countries in a broad and deep economic network that constitutes a bulwark against conflict.'' But let me also talk specifically about the Colombia free trade agreement. Many of my colleagues have talked today about the violent past in Colombia and of the remaining vestiges of that past. Having traveled extensively in Colombia over the last decade, I can tell you personally that Colombia is not what it used to be. It's far from it. Even if it is not where it wants to be just yet, there has been major progress in Colombia, and this has been with a tremendous amount of cooperation with and between our great nations. The agreement with Colombia certainly has its many economic benefits for America. We are leveling the playing field for American business. Beyond that, what I want to emphasize right now is a role that the agreement plays in strengthening the rule of law, specifically as it relates to labor. The agreed-upon action plan between the Obama administration and the Santos administration brings about important changes that labor groups in Colombia have sought to solidify for years. In fact, several labor organizations in Colombia made public statements about the importance of the action plan. One of Colombia's major labor federations lauded the action plan, signifying that, if one of the results of the FTA is the advancement of labor and is an increase in the guarantees to exercise freedom of association, then the FTAs are welcome. Moreover, the federation and others have stated that this action plan will continue to fight against impunity.

Mr. MEEKS. I am pleased to say that just last month, the Obama administration announced that Colombia has fully complied with its commitments under the Labor Action Plan that was set for completion in mid-September. At the same time, the State Department also notified that Colombia is meeting statutory criteria relating to human rights that call for the obligation of U.S. assistance funds for the Colombian Armed Forces. Let's pass this agreement.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today I say that we have an opportunity. The camera of history is rolling, is watching what we do today. We can authorize the President to continue the limited use of the United States services, working in conjunction with NATO today so that we can show that we are united with our allies. Think about what history will say 50 years from now. We have an individual who was going to massacre his individuals. And by us stepping in, working in conjunction with our NATO allies, we are saving thousands of lives. What would have taken place historically if we had allowed the annihilation of the Libyan people? Let's stick together on this. From its inception, this has been an international initiative to enforce U.N. Resolution 1973 and the response to the request of Libya's Transitional National Council, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Arab League. President Obama deployed U.S. assets early, said he will continue just with what we have, our special assets, and then have no troops on the ground. The camera of history is rolling. Let's work together. Let's pass this resolution.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a student of the Month from the Sixth Congressional District of New York. Hillary Berkowitz is the valedictorian of the 2011 class of Benjamin Cardozo High School. She will be attending Barnard College in the fall. She challenged herself with the most rigorous of college preparatory courses that Benjamin Cardozo High School have to offer, and has attained a grade point average of 103.13. In May 2010, Hillary was the proud recipient of the Queens College Presidential Excellence Award granted to the ``best junior'' in each Queens high school, and she is currently a 2011 National Merit Semifinalist. She is a dedicated member of the school and actively participates in school events. She is the treasurer for her leaders club, volunteers in tutoring other students, and always helps her teachers in whatever way she can. Her college counselor has deemed her ``Benjamin Cardozo High School's finest'' and is an exceptional young woman. She has a great love for academia and the arts, and hopes that she can attend law school in the future. Her hard work and dedication to success have earned her the respect of her peers, her teachers, and the community. I know that she has a bright future ahead of her.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a student of the Month from the Sixth Congressional District of New York. Every month I seek to recognize students for their outstanding achievements and exceptional stride. I am here to recognize a student who warmed my heart. Britni is a senior at Excelsior Preparatory High School and is set to graduate this month. She is a very determined young lady who has served as the manager of the soccer team, was involved in the school's talent show, and participated in other school events despite her unique needs. Britni participated in the Upward Bound Program at Queens College, which focuses on improving academic achievement. Britni has excelled academically, passed Regents Examinations in various subjects, received commendations for passing all her classes, and has gone above and beyond to overcome social and academic challenges. Her family and friends have encouraged and motivated her to focus on her strengths and abilities. I am confident that she will be accepted into a college that will continue to support her academically and socially to ensure her success. Britni's Principal was extremely proud to recognize her hard work in school and the positive accomplishments that she continues to achieve. She is a great inspiration and a true example that if you work hard to achieve your goals, you can succeed.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendment I have regarding the St. Albans VA Hospital in New York. First of all, this is clearly a bipartisan bill. I have the support of my good friends Peter King and Michael Grimm of New York to stop the enhanced lease process for the St. Albans VA in my district. There is rarely a time that you have an issue where everybody has come together, and, clearly, here is an issue where members of the community and the veterans have spoken with one voice to say that what is being proposed there is against the best wishes of the veterans and the needs of the veterans and against the wishes of the community, basically changing the whole complexity of the community so that the people that live there would have a terrible injustice and disservice. Now, I know that the EUL process works in certain areas because part of it is supposed to be where the EUL process works with the community and veterans and everybody agreeing and working together. That is not the case in this scenario. In this scenario, we have veterans from all over--in fact, we have the Queens County Council of VFWs. We have the Vietnam Vets of America. We have the New York Vets Advocacy Group. We have the Department of New York District 1 VFW, United Council for Veterans Rights, Nassau County VFW, Vets Helping Vets, Inc., all of whom are supportive of this amendment saying that this is not in the best interests of veterans. The VA has come up with the idea of putting together a facility that doesn't even include a full-service hospital and is not based upon the number of vets that we have coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, they have put everything on the line for them, and here we have the opportunity to make sure that we do the very best that we can for our veterans. And here the whole community surrounds us, and we want what the veterans want. We want to stand behind them in 100 percent lockstep. And it seems as though, to some at the VA, there is a deaf ear in regard to that. So we will continue to fight. And what this bill says is that we will stop the EUL process in New York at the St. Albans facility because it is not what is needed. It is not what the vets want. It just seems to me that, instead of working with the community, the VA has chosen to go out and do a high-density residential area, residential building in this facility that is not even just for veterans, which will then have a devastating impact on the local community. So we're saying no, that shouldn't happen. You can't destroy the very fabric of a great community, and you can't produce something that does not benefit the very vets that we're supposed to be here to help. So, Mr. Chair, I urge support of this amendment regarding the St. Albans VA Hospital. I urge that we support our veterans who are absolutely united on this matter. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. The Homeland Security appropriations bill, which will be on the floor in just a few minutes, is a bad bill for America and an especially bad bill for New York, but it cuts funding for New York substantially. Almost 10 years after the attack on New York, we tracked down and killed Osama bin Laden, but the threat to the city of New York has not dissipated. New York is a prime target for terrorists because of what it symbolizes, a vibrant economic atmosphere where entrepreneurs can flourish, and a land of opportunity and freedom that serves as a gateway for the ``poor and the huddled masses.'' Unfortunately, this bill takes a hacksaw to the city's counterterrorism and security efforts. According to Mayor Bloomberg, this bill would jeopardize the continuity and operations of counterterrorism programs in New York City that New York City has under way. Cutting more than $100 million in Homeland Security funding for New York is not only nonsensical, it is dangerous. As my friend Peter King has said, this bill puts New York ``at risk.'' These cuts place an unconscionable burden on New York, and I will therefore vote against the bill.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a respected leader in my community, Rev. Dr. Henry Thomas Simmons, who is celebrating twenty years of dedicated service to the St. Albans Congregational Church in my district. Since March 1, 1991. Dr. Simmons has served as Senior Minister of the St. Albans Congregational Church in St. Albans, New York. Under his visionary leadership the congregation has grown from 400 to 1,200 active members who share mutual labors sponsoring just over fifty ministries for congregants and the community. In addition to his role as an ordained minister, Dr. Simmons has played an important continuous role as a father, husband, and grandfather. Dr. Simmons continues to serve as an advocate for his community by committing to serving his members within the church as well as the wider St. Albans community, which encompasses a variety of Queens' diverse population. Dr. Simmons began his public service as an ordained minister of the gospel as Associate Minister with the Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, DC, from 1973-1977. In August 1977 he was called to serve as Senior Minister of the Mayflower Congregational Church in Detroit, Michigan. After six years of leading that congregations' renewal as a vital urban church, Dr. Simmons was elected in 1983 as Secretary for Racial, Ethnic, and Minority Church Development for the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries in New York City. For eight years he assumed primary staff leadership for the denomination's evangelism efforts in new and urban church renewal for African American, Latino, American Indian, and Pacific Islander-Asian American churches before moving to Queens, NY. Dr. Simmons has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries; Chair of the United Church of Christ Search Committee for General Minister and President; and President of the Southeast Queens Clergy for Community. Empowerment, Inc, now known as Clergy United for Community Empowerment. Among the awards and honors Dr. Simmons has received are citations for outstanding ministerial leadership from the Michigan State Legislature, the Detroit city Council, the New York City Council, and honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees for contributions to racial and social justice from the Ursinus College and Huston-Tillotson College. Through his leadership, Dr. Simmons continues to represent wisdom and strength for the entire congregation of St. Albans Congregational Church. I am sure Dr. Simmons has faced many joys and challenges during his twenty year tenure at St. Albans Congregational Church, and I wish him continued success throughout the remainder of his time there. I applaud Dr. Simmons for all he has accomplished and for his unrelenting commitment to God, his family, public service, and the community of St. Albans.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. I thank the gentlelady from California. You know, I have been listening to the debate in my office, et cetera, and I agree with my colleague Mel Watt. Sometimes we get confused, I think. Maybe if we can just break this down to the common denominator. I used to be a prosecutor, and I asked the following question: If a burglar breaks into your house and steals your life savings, do you then go to the police department and ask the police department to have the investigator or someone there so you can try to find out who did it or put in measures to prevent it from happening again, because you ask him to look to see how they broke into your house, what they did, how can you fix it? Or do you say, we don't need a police department. Forget having the police department, so that other people's homes can be broken into also. That is really what we are talking about here. So in the aftermath of the largest crisis of our lifetime, a crisis that not only wiped out trillions of dollars worth of investments and savings but led to the exposure of what we talked about, the Ponzi schemes and crimes perpetuated against the American people, it is imperative that we don't handcuff the people who can look and put in preventive measures and make sure that we don't have this catastrophe again. The amount of money that the SEC and the CFTC are requesting, $160 million, is less than we spend a day in petroleum marketplaces, in Baghdad or Kabul. We all agree, this argument comes in, everybody knows that government needs to tighten its belt. But indiscriminate cutting across the board is not only absurd, it is dangerous. Reducing funding for the SEC and the CFTC is irresponsible and will lead to additional Madoffs in the future. I think that we owe the American people much more than that. What we are simply talking about here is making sure that those individuals whose responsibility it is to make sure that we don't get in this predicament again, that people don't lose their life savings, have the resources that are necessary to do it. That is what we are talking about. So I would urge that we not cut, but give the amount of money that is requested by the SEC and the CFTC, because I think that is what the American people would expect of us as being Members of the People's House, taking care of them and making sure that their life savings are protected.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Resolution Honoring Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the victims of this weekend's horrific shooting. I have had the opportunity to serve with Congresswoman Giffords on the Foreign Affairs Committee. In our time serving together, I have witnessed a courageous, hardworking, admirable public servant, dedicated to her constituents and to this Nation. Most importantly, Gabby is highly regarded and a family person. Just a few months ago, Gabby's cousin, Elisa Giffords, told my wife how proud she and her family are of Congresswoman Giffords and that they all know how important she is to her constituents. Those who know Gabby best, her family, love and respect her. Gabby Giffords has developed a reputation as an astute public servant. The community meeting she organized in Arizona, last weekend-- an event she had called `Congress in your Corner,' which exemplifies the essence of our democracy. Americans with varied views gathered peaceably to discuss how they could work together to improve their community. We all now know how this public gathering that aimed for positive community action ended tragically. A mother of two and wife of fifty years, Dorothy Morris; Judge John M. Roll, a devoted husband, father and grandfather; Church volunteers, Phyllis Schneck and Dorwan Stoddard; Gabriel Matthew Zimmerman, a 30 year old Congressional staffer, engaged to be married; and Christina Taylor Green, a third grader, there to meet a role model--Congresswoman Giffords--were all senselessly taken from us. While shocking, this horrific event cannot be allowed to detract from our obligations to our constituents or the need to peaceably assemble, a right Gabby so eloquently conveyed to us earlier this month on the House floor. With courage, confidence, and the same grace Congresswoman Giffords has displayed, we must work with and for each other in these hard times and in the months and years ahead. In this time of great sadness, I offer all the victims, their families, friends, and neighbors my deepest and most heartfelt prayers and well wishes. God bless you and God bless America.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. I want to thank the gentlelady from the Virgin Islands. I also want to thank the gentlelady from Houston, Texas, Sheila Jackson Lee, for that excellent statement on the Constitution and the 14th and the Fifth Amendments. I am so serious about this issue that on this night when I don't have much of a voice, it is important to talk about what is really going on here. When you think about the Constitution, the first thing that we were doing when we came back in the 112th was the reading of the Constitution. The Constitution was really put in place to help and protect Americans. It's one thing to read the Constitution. It's another thing to live the Constitution. I think the gentlelady put out the facts clearly down to the 14th and the Fifth Amendments, this is constitutional. I think it is also clearly what the Constitution, what the individuals who wrote in 1787, it was a committee of the Federal Convention, that it should remind us that the sacred text employs and empowers us to provide for and protect the American people. What is the most precious thing that one has? Is it money? What is the most precious thing? It's called life. Without life, what do we have? And what is the most important thing in living a good life? It's health. So wouldn't it seem that what would be the most appropriate thing to do is that we provide health care for Americans? It is without question I think that we can agree, whether we're Democrat or Republican, we believe that we have the best country on the planet, in the history of the planet. But look at the blemish that history will record on our great Nation if we do not provide or give access to health care for all Americans. This is a struggle that we have had for debate after debate after debate, from President before President before President. And finally this Congress did come together in the 111th Congress and said, we're going to provide health care to 95 percent of all Americans. No, we're not perfect. The fact of the matter is I don't know any bill that has ever been passed in any legislative body that is perfect. We've got to work, and in fact we talk about our union, to make it a more better union. The health care reform bill clearly does that. Now the logic to come and to repeal the whole bill confuses me. For even the Constitution of the United States of America was not a perfect document. Clearly for those of us who happen to be African Americans, when the Founding Fathers wrote it, they said we were only three-fifths of a human being. Clearly the Constitution didn't give women the right to vote. The document itself as it was initially written was flawed. But we as a Nation didn't say come and strike the entire Constitution; repeal the Constitution. That's not what was done. What we did was we said, Let's fix it. Let's look and see where we can agree upon to amend it. In fact, there was a small debate on the floor right here which Constitution would be read. Would it be the amended version? And that's what we talked about, the amended version of the Constitution. That's what was read here. So where is the logic now where we clearly have the law of the land to come and say, get rid of it all? You've clearly heard from the gentleman from Georgia and the others that have spoken this evening about making sure that there is no individual who's denied health care because of a preexisting condition. This bill assures us of that. If you have a child under 26 years of age, not working, they can stay on their parents' health care. Seniors and the doughnut hole, we fixed that. So if you've got a serious problem that you want to negotiate and talk about that's within this bill that's a problem, that's a flaw, that needs to be amended, then I think that as a body we can sit down and work together to get that done. And so I say when I look at where we are, or ask my staff, for example, in my little district in New York, the Sixth Congressional District.

Mr. MEEKS. Let me just end by saying this. Let's make sure that health care is not a privilege for a few but a right for the many. Let us make sure that we do not destroy this great health care reform bill that's now law.

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Who are we? We call ourselves American citizens. We're proud to be Americans. Why are we proud to be Americans? Well, we were raised in American schools, we loved our country, we studied our history, we wanted to prosper, we wanted to be able to do the things that cause us to be free. We care about children. What we're talking about here is a group of children who all they know is what we know. In fact, many of them had no idea that they were not American citizens. They grew up loving this country; they grew up aspiring for the same things that we have; then all of a sudden they find out that they can't continue with their education, they can't go into the military. If we are truly Americans, if we truly care about kids, if we truly stand for our core values, we will tell those children because those children are as much American as each and every one of us. Let's support the DREAM Act.

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. This is the United States House of Representatives, the United States of America. This is an institution that I am proud to be a Member of, and there comes a point in time in our lives when we just simply must do the right thing, keeping our priorities straight. This is a political body, but this is not a political issue. It should not be. It was not political when every man and woman went out to save and to sacrifice their own lives, in essence, on 9/11. They went out there not because they were Democrats or Republicans, they're black or white, they're from here or there. They went out there because this is the United States of America. This is the people's House. There comes a time for us not to be political but to take care of our own, and that's what this is all about. Our own are sick. Our own are dying. And we, in the people's House, need to come to their aid and come to their aid now.

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks on my own behalf and on behalf of my fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Colombia Caucus which includes Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Representative Henry Cuellar, and Representative Aaron Schock. As co- chairs of the Caucus, we recognize today the tremendous work and legacy of the Republic of Colombia's outgoing Ambassador to the United States, Carolina Barco. Since 2006 Ambassador Barco has been an exemplary representative of the government and people of Colombia. She has worked tirelessly to deepen the ties between the United States and the nation of Colombia, a key South American ally. Ambassador Carolina Barco has been an effective advocate on behalf of her country ensuring that we are well aware of the many ways that the United States can support a promising vision for the future and the continued progress of our ally, to the benefit of our entire hemisphere. There has been much progress for us to support. While she has been Ambassador to the United States, we have seen evidence of the commitment of Colombia to continue efforts to reestablish and maintain government control over its territory, fight drug trafficking and terrorist activities, reduce poverty, and become a more inclusive society. Despite Colombia's decades long conflict with guerrilla forces and paramilitary groups, public security has been restored in many areas previously under siege, and a stable environment for investment has been created. As Ambassador Barco passes the baton to her successor, we know that her country is on strong footing and her work here in the United States has created long lasting relationships that will continue to be fruitful; though she is leaving her legacy lives on. We wish her well on her future endeavors.

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Sometimes when I listen to the debate, you would think that President Obama inherited a large surplus and growing jobs. No, what my Republicans forget, that's not what President Obama inherited. That's what George Bush inherited and lost in 8 years. Why are we in this problem? It is for 8 years of bad economic principles that George Bush put forward. Obama inherited deficits and loss of jobs, 750,000 of them a year; and now we hear again the same old policy, attacking and wanting to privatize Social Security. Well, Democrats and the American people rejected that idea during the failed policies of the 8 years of George W. Bush, and we reject that policy again because we understand the significance and the importance that Social Security brings to our families, it brings to children and those who are retired who without Social Security would be in poverty. Social Security brings a sense of pride to those who have worked hard all of their lives so that they can have something at the end.

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. We need this bill. It is the right bill. Without lending from Wall Street, there could be no Main Street. This bill responsibly regulates the former to ensure the vitality of the latter.

Mr. MEEKS of New York. I thank the chairman for yielding. Today is truly a historic day largely because of the great, magnificent job of our chairman, Barney Frank, who we are so proud of. Very few people could have marshaled this bill in the way that he did. And because of him and that leadership, today we end too big to fail. We implement unprecedented consumer protections, and we issue rules that will prevent taxpayers from footing the bill for the irresponsible behavior of others while still--because I'm a New Yorker--maintain New York's standing as the world's financial capital. As Chairman Frank is fond of noting, this bill has death panels for the greedy financial institutions. If you are an institution that is causing systemic risk, this bill allows regulators to resolve you and dissolve you without recourse to any taxpayer money. I repeat. Let me emphasize, taxpayers will bear no cost for liquidating risky interconnected financial firms. This bill includes strong investor protections and transparency mechanisms. Through the use of stress tests, which Representative Dennis Moore and I advocated for and the results of which will be published, it will increase transparency for investors and increase the amount of information available for investors to make wise decisions with their hard-earned savings. Most importantly for my constituents, this bill establishes a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to police lenders to ensure that the predatory lending that Mr. Watt was talking about that ensnared so many unsuspecting Americans will be halted. Led by an independent director, this office will be able to act swiftly so consumers will not need to wait for an act of Congress for years and years and years to receive protection from unscrupulous behavior. As to interchange, we have placed explicit language in the bill to prohibit intrabrand price discriminations which would have put credit unions and community banks at a disadvantage. To address the concerns to the State treasurers and prepaid card providers for the underbanked, we explicitly exempt them from interchange fee regulation. And finally, by fixing concerns the Federal Government had, we potentially save the taxpayer $40 million per year, according to Treasury estimates.

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam Speaker, in early March, it was my pleasure and privilege to meet the new President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba. President Bongo was in New York in his capacity as head of state of the country that, for the month of March, presided over the United Nations Security Council. Gabon is one of three African countries that are members of the Security Council on a rotating basis. President Bongo came to office after the death of his predecessor last year. Between June and October, Acting President Rose Francine Rogombe, who had previously served as president of Gabon's Senate, led a smooth and swift transition. As a member of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, and Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, I understand the importance of the relationship between the United States and countries of the Central African region. In our conversation, I was impressed by President Ali Bongo's determination to improve the quality of life for the people of Gabon. He is committed to eliminating corruption that has plagued Gabon in the past. I was particularly interested in Gabon's role as one of the six members of the Bank of Central African States and as a member of the Economic Community of Central African States. Gabon's capital city, Libreville, is also the location of one of the key regional offices of the African Development Bank, and it is the headquarters of the locally-owned and operated Gabonese Development Bank. As one might expect, Central African countries, including Gabon, were hit hard by the global economic meltdown of the past few years. As a report from the International Monetary Fund noted on March 15, ``The Gabonese economy went through a difficult year in 2009 due to the unusual domestic environment because of painful social developments and the preparation of the presidential elections on the one hand and to the unfavorable international economic situation on the other.'' Given these circumstances, I listened carefully as President Bongo explained what his government and those of neighboring states were doing to stabilize currency in the region and to regularize customs and tariffs. He also expressed his desire for attracting more foreign investment to Gabon--especially beyond the dominant oil-industry sector--and his vision for how to achieve that. During his visit to the United States, President Bongo met with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Washington. Secretary Clinton said after their meeting that ``Gabon is a valued partner of the United States, and this visit gave us an opportunity to discuss a wide range of common concerns.'' She went on to thank President Bongo ``for his and Gabon's efforts on behalf of regional stability in Central Africa and for its leadership on the world stage, particularly at the United Nations.'' In line with my own conversation with President Bongo on the same topics, Secretary Clinton said ``We are very supportive of Gabon's efforts to diversify its economy, widen the circle of prosperity, and create new opportunities for its people'' and added: ``I want to recognize President Bongo's efforts to improve government efficiency, eliminate waste, and fight corruption.'' To offer a sense of the purpose of President Bongo's visit to the United States, I would like to insert in the Record an article from America.gov by Jim Fisher-Thompson entitled ``Gabon's President Meets Clinton, Calls Corruption Africa's Cancer,'' which was published on March 9. [From America.gov, Mar. 9, 2010] Gabon's President Meets Clinton, Calls Corruption Africa's Cancer (By Jim Fisher-Thompson) Washington.--Gabon's president, Ali Bongo, intends to use his country's two-year seat on the United Nations Security Council to highlight democratic reforms and his fight against corruption, which he terms a ``cancer'' sapping Africa's strength and potential. ``Unfortunately, when it comes to the African body, we have many diseases--and corruption is one of them,'' Bongo told America.gov in an interview after meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton March 8 at the State Department. ``Corruption is a major problem that has to be stopped,'' the African leader said, ``which is why we are committed to fighting it. We know if we want to build a better future with responsible people, we especially need accountability, and this is what has been lacking.'' Gabon, with a population of fewer than 2 million, is largely dependent on the energy and extractive (mining and timber) sectors and is the fifth- largest supplier of oil in sub-Saharan Africa to the United States. In 2009, the nongovernment group Transparency International rated the nation 106 out of 180 countries in its annual corruption index, tied with Argentina, The Gambia, Niger and Benin. After his election as president in August 2009 and before traveling to the United States, Bongo instituted a number of government reforms, including cutting Cabinet posts while restructuring the Treasury Department and launching an environmental effort called ``Green Gabon.'' At the same time, he streamlined government by eliminating several agencies and bureaucracies that were hindering innovation and investment in Gabon. He has also threatened criminal penalties for persons attempting to bribe public officials, according to a recent press report. Despite the challenges of corruption and reform, Bongo told America.gov: ``I remain optimistic about Africa's future. We know we will make mistakes; we will struggle, and at times we will fall. But we will get up and move forward.'' In international affairs, Bongo said U.S.-Gabon relations are ``very good,'' adding, ``We would like more progress on the economic front and are working on a trade agreement with the U.S. government.'' Acknowledging Gabon's new responsibilities on the U.N. Security Council, Bongo said, ``We are going to work very closely with the United States and all the permanent members of the Security Council to make sure that the world is a better place.'' He had earlier addressed the Security Council, which Gabon chairs for the month of March. Speaking to the press after her private meeting with the African leader, Secretary Clinton said, ``I want to recognize President Bongo's efforts to improve government efficiency, eliminate waste and fight corruption. ``We know, as the president knows, that economic progress depends on responsible governance that rejects corruption, enforces the rule of law, provides good stewardship of natural resources and delivers results that help to change people's lives for the better. ``We stand ready to support Gabon as it further strengthens its democratic institutions and processes,'' Clinton said. The secretary added, ``We are very supportive of Gabon's efforts to diversify its economy, widen the circle of prosperity and create new opportunities for its people. Gabon is participating in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and taking other steps that will give confidence both to international investors but, more importantly, to the people of the country.'' Speaking two days before the State Department issues its annual human rights report, Clinton said: ``I also want to applaud the leadership that Gabon has shown in combating human trafficking. We have forged new partnerships with the Justice Department, and Gabon is moving toward ratifying the U.N. protocol. This is one more example of the reform-minded leadership that President Bongo is bringing to his country.'' ``We've come a long way,'' Bongo responded. ``We've gone through a democratic process, and now we are moving forward. Good governance, [the] fight against corruption, diversity [in] our economy and our partners. This is what we're doing.''

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Malaysia's 50th anniversary of Independence. Since Malaysia gained its independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1957, Malaysia has made tremendous progress toward democracy and economic growth. The road to democracy and economic stability has not been easy, with a number of bumps along the way; however, I believe it is important to recognize Malaysia's perseverance in moving its democracy and economy forward. Today, Malaysia is a middle-income country with a multi-sector economy based on services and manufacturing. It is now our 10th largest trading partner and we are Malaysia's largest foreign investor. Since its independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia. Malaysia's GDP has grown by an average of 6.5 percent per year since 1957. The Malaysian government has taken an active role in ensuring that its economic development also benefits marginalized groups, such as the ethnic Malays and other indigenous groups. Through economic programs, such as the New Economic Policy of 1971, the National Development policy, and the National Vision Policy, Malaysia has demonstrated its commitment to eradicate poverty, enhance the economic standing of ethnic and indigenous groups, promote education, and its intent to focus on higher-technology production. I believe it is also commendable that Malaysia has set a national goal to become a fully developed economy by the year 2020. With its historical progress, I believe it is feasible and I look forward to witnessing their progress and deepening our bilateral relations in the years to come. In addition to our robust economic ties with Malaysia, I would also like to highlight our joint efforts to combat international terrorism. Malaysia has been a key ally to the U.S. and a leader in counter- terrorism and counter-narcotics in Southeast Asia. Through intelligence sharing, close cooperation in law enforcement, participation in joint exercises and trainings, Malaysia has been a tremendous partner in security cooperation. In May 2002, Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. on counterterrorism and we made a joint declaration that provides a framework for counterterrorism cooperation. As a progressive and moderate Muslim nation, Malaysia is a good example of a modern, prosperous, multi-racial, and multi-religious society. Since coming to power in 2003, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has provided opportunities for the U.S. to improve diplomatic and political relations with Southeast Asian nations. As a moderate secular Islamic nation, Malaysia's experiences and cooperation could play a key role in coping with religious extremism, countering terrorism, and exerting a moderate influence on the Islamic community in Southeast Asia. Under Prime Minister Badawi's leadership, Malaysia is adopting an ``Islam Hadhari'' approach, which encourages and emphasizes a view of Islam that is focused on development, social justice, and tolerance. Malaysia's progressiveness is highly commendable and has the potential to have great influence internationally. Malaysia has come a long way and, as a key ally to the United States, I would like to commend Malaysia for its continued progress and remarkable achievements and congratulate the people of Malaysia in their celebration of 50 years of independence.

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam 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 material thereon.

Mr. MEEKS of New York. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, on Sunday, we will be celebrating Mother's Day. On May 9, 2014, we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the declaration by President Wilson of having Mother's Day celebrated on the second Sunday in May. I speak in strong support of the bill on which Mrs. Capito also worked and drafted and for which she fought so hard to have a commemorative coin made for that day in honor of Mother's Day. As you know, Anna Jarvis, who is considered to be the founder of the modern Mother's Day, was born in Webster, West Virginia, on May 1, 1864. She loved her mother so much that, when her mother passed, the Governor of West Virginia and others came around and said, What a great idea it is to celebrate mothers. I don't know of a person in this House or in this Nation who does not appreciate the value of their mothers and the greatness that Mother's Day represents as it brings us together to celebrate mothers. What a brilliant idea 100 years ago by the President, in following the lead of West Virginia, to determine that we are going to have this day of celebration for mothers. What better thing for us to do than to have a commemorative coin established, which would also raise money for two very important organizations. One half of the profits, which would be received from the surcharge of $10 per coin, would benefit women's causes, including the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This would further research funded by the organization. The other half of the profits would go to the National Osteoporosis Foundation for the purpose of further research funded by that foundation. So, Madam Speaker, I stand here today in strong support of the passage of the commemorative coin to celebrate the 100th anniversary, the centennial, of Mother's Day as declared by President Wilson. I reserve the balance of my time.