Daniel Maffei

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, in this Nation's great history, the life of Harriet Ross Tubman is certainly a life worth recognition by this Congress and this country. Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross in 1822, dedicated her life to the emancipation movement as a leader of the Underground Railroad that provided enslaved African Americans a pathway to freedom in the North. She served for the Union Army during the Civil War and as a caregiver for the elderly by establishing the Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, where she lived out her life. She suffered from traumatic brain injury throughout her life after she was hit as a teenager with a heavy weight by a slave overseer who was trying to subdue another enslaved person. She was an advocate for women's rights and worked to get women the vote. After settling in Auburn, she dedicated much of her life and effort to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church there. In 2008, the National Park Service completed a special resource study to determine the most appropriate way to recognize the life of Harriet Tubman. The Park Service eventually came to the conclusion that a park should include two geographically separate units. One would be a tightly clustered set of buildings in Auburn, New York, and the other would include large sections of landscape that are evocative of Tubman's life both as a slave and as a conductor of the Underground Railroad on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Act, which I introduced, aims to further commemorate the life of Harriet Tubman by establishing the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Dorchester County, Maryland. Harriet Tubman Historical Park is located in Auburn, New York, and the part of that that includes historical structures like the Tubman home, the Tubman Home for the Aged, the AME Zion Church that she went to, and the Fort Hill Cemetery where she is buried. Mr. Speaker, last week this House passed legislation as part of the armed services authorization bill to establish a park in Tubman's honor. This week I hope the Senate will also pass this legislation and send it to President Obama for his signature. It is completely appropriate that this provision should be included, for, though not as well known as her activity on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman was one of our first African American women military veterans. She volunteered her time and efforts, traveling to the South to help the Union war effort by helping fugitives and serving as a nurse to Union soldiers in Port Royal, South Carolina. Eventually she was leading bands of scouts through the land around Port Royal, where her ability to travel unseen and fool her adversaries made her an ideal spy. Her group, working under the orders of the Secretary of War, made maps and collected important intelligence that aided the Union capture of Jacksonville, Florida. Subsequently, Tubman became the first woman to lead an armed assault during the Civil War. When Union Colonel James Montgomery and his troops attacked plantations along the Combahee River, Tubman went with them and guided three steamboats around confederate mines in the waters leading to the shore. More than 750 enslaved African Americans were rescued in the Combahee River raid and, according to the newspapers at the time, most of those newly liberated men went on to join the Union Army, largely due to Tubman's recruiting efforts. Mr. Speaker, Harriet Tubman lived for freedom and worked hard to extend freedom to hundreds of others. In doing so, she earned the Nation's respect and honor. A century after her death, I am proud to have worked so hard to establish a fitting memorial to her. I truly believe that Harriet Tubman's example of inner strength, persistence, her love of freedom, and her dedication to the Nation based on the principles of freedom makes her as relevant today as she was in her own time. Mr. Speaker, our time is filled with too much cynicism and people feeling powerless to do much to better our society. We should look to the example of Harriet Tubman, a true American patriot. She was someone for whom liberty and freedom were not just concepts but were principles worth working for and fighting for. According to Tubman's authorized biographer, Sarah Bradford, when Tubman had escaped from slavery in the Northern States, she said, ``I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything. The Sun came up like gold through the trees and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven.'' We, Mr. Speaker, should look to Harriet Tubman, an enslaved African American woman of slight physical stature and suffering from head trauma, and realize that the glory and heaven that is American freedom is there for us all if we are willing to work for it and to fight for it and to believe in it, as Harriet Tubman did.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas McNabb on his completion of 30 years as the National Secretary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of America (AOH). Thomas McNabb was born and raised in Auburn, New York, where he joined the Auburn Hibernian Division in 1955. Known as ``Mr. Hibernian'' around town, Tom has served his division in every capacity. He started many local Irish-American traditions such as the Friends of Ireland Annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon; he was also the founder of Auburn's Irish Festival. Thomas McNabb also served on the AOH New York State Board as Secretary, Treasurer, Organizer, State Director, and Vice President. Tom rose through the ranks to become the youngest AOH state President in 1975. Tom's unwavering commitment to the AOH was recognized nationally when he was elected National Vice President in 1976 and then later became the second youngest National President in 1978. Thomas McNabb was elected to his current position of AOH National Secretary in 1984. During his years in National Hibernian leadership, Tom met with numerous elected officials and prominent figures to promote and support Irish causes. Notable meetings included President Jimmy Carter, Members of Congress, as well as Catholic Bishops, Cardinals and Archbishops. In addition to Tom's great work in the United States, he has traveled to Ireland numerous times in support of the nation's causes. Tom was instrumental in the funding, building, and dedication of the Great Hunger Memorial in County Clare in 1995. This monument was the first memorial in Ireland to honor those who suffered and were lost during The Potato Famine, now renamed The Great Hunger. On top of his distinguished and devoted work for the AOH, Tom had worked as the Safety Inspector for the City of Auburn and served as an Auburn City Council member from 1995 to 2011. Throughout his life, Thomas McNabb has fully embodied the AOH Motto--``Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity''. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Thomas McNabb on his completion of 30 years as the National Secretary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of America (AOH). May he continue to be a leading force for good in an ever-changing world.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Thank you, Ranking Member Jose Serrano. Mr. Chairman, I am here because, on March 14, 2013, in my upstate New York district, a school librarian named Lori Bresnahan and a 10-year- old child were attacked in a mall parking lot. The attacker was facing Federal child pornography charges and was out on bail and ordered to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet. He disabled the bracelet, left his home, stabbed Mrs. Bresnahan to death, and sexually assaulted the young girl. In the days following the attack, it was revealed that the attacker had been removing and reassembling the GPS monitoring bracelet. The device sent out tamper alerts every time he disabled the device, but the Federal probation office responsible for monitoring this defendant before his trial failed to respond to 46 total tamper alerts. On the day of the attack, he again disabled his bracelet, and the office again ignored the alert. If they had investigated any of these 46 tamper alerts, maybe this tragedy could have been avoided. This appropriations bill funds the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the organization tasked with overseeing the system of Federal probation offices all over this country. After this case, I wrote to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, asking them to investigate this gross negligence. In their response was, ``Nothing can excuse the deficiencies in the supervision of this case,'' but it also said, ``Reduced resources due to the sequester is harming the efforts to keep it from happening again.'' Mr. Chairman, we have addressed the sequester for now, but serious funding issues remain. The administrative office is continuing to use their funding to backfill cuts they have had to make in previous years. We cannot allow funding issues to hamper efforts to prevent cases like this from happening again, and to be clear, this has happened again around the country. I ask that the committee take note of the serious problem and ensure that the administrative office gets the funds it needs to enact real reform and protect our communities. I want to thank particularly the ranking member's willingness to work with me, Chairman Crenshaw and your staff and the minority staff, your willingness to work with me on this. Tragedies do happen, but this one could have, should have been avoided, and I am dedicated to help Congress do anything in our power to make sure it never happens again in central New York or anywhere in this great country.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Karen DeCrow, a constituent of mine who passed away last Friday at the age of 76. Karen DeCrow was a trailblazer who fought tirelessly for women's equality and justice for all. Among her many accomplishments, Karen was a civil rights lawyer, a columnist for the Syracuse Post Standard, and a founder and president of the National Organization for Women, also known as NOW. She was the first woman to run for mayor in a major city in New York and was the only woman in her graduating class at Syracuse University College of Law. Karen championed the Equal Rights Amendment, which would have made discrimination against women unconstitutional; and she led the fight against gender discrimination in workplaces, educational institutions, and sports. I had the privilege of working with Karen as she remained active in NOW, serving as the vice president of the Greater Syracuse chapter up until her passing. Mr. Speaker, Eleanor Roosevelt was remembered as having lived by the phrase: It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. For those of us who strive for women's equality, Karen DeCrow lit a bonfire.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Emma L. Johnston. Ms. Johnston is a native of Syracuse, New York, and one of the founders of PEACE, Inc. (People's Equal Action and Community Effort, Inc.). On Wednesday, May 28, 2014, the Southside Family Resource Center in Syracuse, New York, will be renamed in honor of Emma Johnston. As a single mother, Ms. Johnston was able to lift herself out of poverty with the help of her community. The kindness and ready aid of her neighbors inspired Ms. Johnston to become one of the founding members of PEACE, Inc. in 1968, when it consisted of twenty employees and three programs. Today, PEACE, Inc. boasts fifteen programs, 400 employees, and fifty sites across New York. Its mission--helping disadvantaged individuals attain self-sufficiency--is visibly accomplished every day in Syracuse. This progress would not be possible without Ms. Johnston's pioneering work. Thanks to Ms. Johnston's tireless years of service, PEACE now includes services ranging from Big Brother, Big Sister to Energy and Housing Services, and from Men in the Lives of Kids to tax assistance. As PEACE has grown and developed, so has the New York community--a feat for which we truly cannot thank Ms. Johnston enough. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Emma L. Johnston for her tireless work with PEACE, Inc., and to wish her the best of health and luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a very heavy heart to honor and remember Jenna Hinman. Jenna Hinman was 26 years old. She and her husband, U.S. Army Sergeant Brandon Hinman, were thrilled to learn she was pregnant last year while Brandon was stationed at Fort Drum in New York State. But tragically this past month, during an emergency cesarean section to save the lives of their twin girls, doctors learned Jenna was suffering from a rare and very serious form of cancer. She and the medical teams at Cross Hospital and Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse fought the disease heroically for 2 months, but on May 5 she passed away. Jenna and her family's story touched the lives of so many people, strangers and friends alike, from around the world who were devastated to hear of Jenna's passing. There is no way to truly express the deep sadness that comes from losing someone so young with such a bright future ahead, to think about the beautiful baby girls that will have to grow up without their mother physically on this Earth. Mr. Speaker, the family gave me this bracelet to remind me to pray for Jenna Hinman while she was still alive. It says: ``Prayers for Jenna, God protect this family.'' Mr. Speaker, I pray that God will protect Jenna's husband, her parents, her brother, and particularly these young girls, and may God bless Jenna Hinman, a true American hero.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lt. Col. Edward Cook as the 2014 recipient of the Exceptional Community Volunteer Award at the United Way of Central New York Achievements in Caring Celebration at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse, New York. Lt. Col. Edward Cook, a member of the 174th Attack Wing based in Syracuse, is the standard bearer of dedication and commitment in serving his local community. Lt. Col. Cook lead a team of volunteers to collect food and toys during Drop Off Day for the Salvation Army's biggest event of the year--Christmas Bureau. Lt. Col. Cook coordinates all the logistics with his team to deliver food and toys, first to the Salvation Army, then to the Oncenter distribution point. The process culminates with Distribution Day, where Lt. Col. Cook once again leads his team to serve over 2,700 families who are most in need in Central New York. The level of commitment shown throughout the Christmas Bureau process is remarkable, particularly this past year's Drop Off Day, where Lt. Col. Cook and his team braved below zero temperatures outside to make sure the logistical intake of food and toys ran smoothly. This operation would simply not happen without Lt. Col. Edward Cook and his team. Lt. Col. Cook is present at every planning meeting throughout the year, and is always one of the first to step up to the plate for any other volunteer opportunity that may arise. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Lt. Col. Edward Cook as this year's recipient of the Exceptional Community Volunteer Award. We can only hope that all of us strive to have the same selfless dedication that Lt. Col. Edward Cook exhibits not only in protecting our freedom with the 174th Attack Wing, but in and around the community that we call home.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate Workers' Memorial Day, which is today, and honor those Americans who have lost their lives. From steel mills to nursing homes, offices to construction sites, we must work to strengthen safety measures for all those who still face hazards in the workplace. We must ensure that workers in all areas are able to do their jobs in a safe environment. That includes agriculture. Whether in a factory or on a farm, even one death on the job is too many. But in central New York, we are seeing far too many farmworkers being hurt and killed. In fact, two died in farm accidents in a single week recently. That is why I support the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's local emphasis program. My office and I have worked hard to ensure that dairies know the standards and have a reasonable time to comply. But on this Workers' Memorial Day, let's dedicate ourselves to making our farms safe workplaces and support OSHA's efforts to do so.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition of the legislation H. Con. Res. 96, the budget proposed by the chairman of the Budget Committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan). Unfortunately, this year's Ryan budget is more of the same recklessness and extreme partisanship that we have seen year after year from the House Republican leadership. According to the Democrats on the House Budget Committee, under Ryan's plan, middle class families in my district in central New York will pay an average of $2,000 more each year. Once again, the Ryan budget ends the Medicare guarantee as we know it, and it would turn Medicare, instead, into a privatized voucher program and would shift health care costs to seniors. It threatens to cut off critical investments in job creation and infrastructure, and it slashes education at a time when local school districts in central New York are already struggling to find the resources necessary to provide our children with the high-quality education that they deserve. This is not a balanced approach, and it is not a responsible solution. People in central New York and across the country need better. Congress must get serious about balancing the budget and about reducing the national debt and deficit, but not on the backs of our seniors and not on the backs of the middle class and certainly not on the backs of future generations of Americans. At a time when many central New Yorkers are still struggling as the economy recovers, we simply cannot accept the irresponsible policies of the Ryan budget. I call on my colleagues to reject the Ryan budget and to work together to create a bipartisan budget that gets our fiscal house in order and promotes economic growth, creates jobs, protects our seniors, and strengthens the middle class.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Vera House's 20th Annual White Ribbon Campaign. For more than 35 years, Vera House has played a key role in combating domestic and sexual violence in Central New York. Vera House provides a safe shelter and counseling services for victims of rape and sexual abuse and helps survivors rebuild their lives. This organization also provides life-saving prevention and education services to people across my district. Vera House serves over approximately 1,000 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes in a year. They also provide nearly 20,000 people in our local community with prevention and education services annually. It is critically important that we continue to support Vera House's ongoing mission to end domestic abuse and sexual violence, to empower victims, and to promote equality and respect in relationships. The White Ribbon Campaign is led by men and encourages all members of the community--men and women, young and old--to join these efforts. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand in support of Vera House's White Ribbon campaign to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Syracuse Housing Authority, celebrating its 75th Anniversary in providing quality, affordable housing to the residents of Syracuse. Established as one of the first housing authorities in the nation, the Syracuse Housing Authority opened the doors to its first development, Pioneer Homes, in 1938. This development began the continued success of the Syracuse Housing Authority, which now owns and manages 15 housing developments and over 2,500 apartments throughout the City of Syracuse. The Syracuse Housing Authority provides a home to over 15,000 individuals and families, while also supporting the health and well- being of its residents. Opportunities are available for residents of the Syracuse Housing Authority for education, medical services and homeownership. Under the leadership of Director Bill Simmons, the Syracuse Housing Authority cares deeply about its role as a leader in the City of Syracuse and provides safe, affordable housing to many members in our community, from young families to those neighbors who are elderly or living with disabilities. Aside from a place to call home, the Syracuse Housing Authority also offers a variety of programs to its residents to promote educational achievement, economic independence and job training. The Syracuse Housing Authority assists residents pursue their ambitions, building a stronger community for us all. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and commend the Syracuse Housing Authority on its 75th Anniversary of public service to our community. I look forward to its continued legacy and the exciting things yet to come from this outstanding organization.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, with what is left of my voice, to support Vera House's 20th annual White Ribbon campaign. For more than 35 years, Vera House has played a crucial role in combating domestic and sexual violence. Located in the Syracuse area in my district, Vera House provides a safe shelter, counseling services, and other services for rape and sexual abuse victims and helps survivors rebuild their lives. It also provides life-saving prevention and education throughout central New York. It is critically important that we continue to support Vera House's ongoing mission to end domestic abuse and sexual violence and to empower the victims to promote equality and respect in relationships. The White Ribbon campaign encourages all members of the community to join those efforts and to demonstrate such support by wearing a white ribbon. I urge my colleagues to support Vera House's White Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness of sexual and domestic violence.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chief Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan, Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs of the Six Nations of the Iroquois, the Haudenosaunee, as the 2014 Wisdom Keeper Award Recipient. The 2014 Wisdom Keeper award will be presented to Chief Lyons at The F.O.C.U.S. Wisdom Keeper Event on April 2, 2014 at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter in Syracuse, New York. The Wisdom Keeper Award recognizes community leaders that have enriched our community with their wisdom, perseverance and passion. Award winners are commemorated with bronze plaques placed in the F.O.C.U.S. Wisdom Keeper Garden in the City of Syracuse. Chief Lyons was an All-American lacrosse player at Syracuse University, playing next to the great two-sport All-American Jim Brown. Today, Chief Lyons is enshrined in the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Chief Lyons has relished in a spiritually rich and fulfilling life, and has contributed immensely to the cause of passing on a clean and fruitful earth to future generations. Chief Lyons is the recipient of The Earth Day International United Nations Award. Chief Lyons has also been awarded the National Audubon Award, the Elder and Wiser Award of the Rosa Parks Institute of Human Rights, as well as the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor. Chief Lyons has been a tireless advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples. He worked to establish the Working Group of Indigenous Populations at the United Nations in 1982. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders on Human Survival. Chief Lyons recently was awarded Sweden's Friends of the Children Award, along with Nelson Mandela. In 1992, Chief Lyons addressed the U.N. General Assembly as he commenced the International Year of the World's Indigenous People. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Chief Oren Lyons as the 2014 Wisdom Keeper Award recipient. May he continue to be a leading force for all that is good and fair for our future generations in an ever-changing world.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to commemorate Black History Month and recognize the 150th anniversary of the National Convention of Colored Citizens of the United States in Syracuse, New York. On September 9, 1864, the anti-slavery newspaper The Liberator included a call for the convention. Frederick Douglass, a writer, statesman and leader of the Abolition Movement, annotated an ``Address to the People of the United States.'' In his address to the people, Frederick Douglass explains, ``No notice should be taken of the color of men; but justice, wisdom, and humanity should weigh alone, and be all-controlling.'' The National Convention of Colored Citizens of the United States convened on October 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th of 1864 in Syracuse, New York. In October of 1864, Frederick Douglass came to Syracuse to discuss the state of the ex-slave following the Civil War. Douglass served as convention president, which drew nearly 150 delegates from all across the nation. During the meeting, the delegates crafted a document modeled after the Declaration of Independence, entitled ``Declarations of Rights and Wrongs'', which was read during the Convention in Syracuse. Central New York has a rich connection in history to the Abolition Movement. From Harriet Tubman and her tireless devotion to the cause, to Frederick Douglass with his Address to the People of the United States and ``Declaration of Rights and Wrongs,'' Central New York and the City of Syracuse have continued to lead the charge for equality. Mr. Speaker, we recognize the 150th anniversary of the National Convention of Colored Citizens of the United States in Syracuse, New York. Let us never grow old or weary of the struggle that our predecessors led, and let us work every day to uphold the values that Frederick Douglass and so many others demanded us to do at the National Convention of Colored Citizens of the United States.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of my predecessors, former Congressman George Wortley, who served as central New York's Representative during the 1980s for four terms. Mr. Wortley passed away on January 21 at the age of 87. Mr. Wortley was very well known as being a very friendly, kind, and personable man, an outstanding member of our community in central New York, a real neighbor to so many. He was born and raised in Tully, New York. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1948. He served in the Navy and then began his career as a newspaper man, serving as president and publisher of seven weekly newspapers, spanning more than four decades. He won his congressional seat in 1980 and went on to be a dedicated public servant throughout his time in the House. He was known for working with others in the best interest of our community. And while he served on the House Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs Committee, he was known for the development of the reverse mortgage annuity for seniors and was a significant force in reforming anti-money laundering laws to fight drug trafficking. He also served on the Ethics Committee, which is a service to all. He will be remembered across central New York for his genuine dedication to service. Services will be held Monday; and if any colleagues want any information on that, please see my office. Mr. Speaker, I would ask to have a brief moment of silence for Congressman George Wortley.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise to urge the Republican leaders to allow a vote on extending unemployment insurance benefits to the thousands of workers in my central New York district and the 1.3 million workers across the country who have lost these benefits. Because Congress has failed to act, hundreds of thousands of families are not having a happy new year. This important relief provides a lifeline to people who worked hard, they played by the rules, and they are out of work through no fault of their own. By providing this vital but temporary assistance to unemployed workers, this program ensures workers and their families are able to make ends meet during their job searches. Extending unemployment insurance should not be a partisan issue. In fact, this program was signed into law by President George W. Bush and has been reauthorized several times by members of both political parties during the time of economic recovery. If there are reforms needed to help get people back to work, then let's make those reforms, but don't toss out the whole program. Mr. Speaker, our economy is still recovering and thousands of hardworking central New Yorkers are still struggling to find a job. Failure to extend unemployment insurance hurts the economy across central New York and across this country. The Senate has already taken bipartisan action on extending unemployment insurance. It is time for the House to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I just don't understand why we don't just have a vote. It would help the economy, and it would help our families.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent central New York, home of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, which was also known as the Iroquois Confederacy. It includes the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Onondagas, the Cayugas, the Senecas, and, later, the Tuscaroras. It spread across New York, and was one of the earliest civil governments in territory that now lies within the United States and Canada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Oneidas' leader Ray Halbritter's efforts to change the name of the Washington, D.C., National Football League team. The name of the Washington football team is derogatory to the Native Americans of this country. For many Native Americans across the land, the name of the Washington football team is a deeply personal reminder of a legacy of racism and of generations of pain. The current campaign to change the team's name is supported by many groups and individuals, including Native American organizations, civic and government leaders, editorial boards, and many leaders, including my colleagues, Representatives Betty McCollum and Tom Cole, and many others in a nonpartisan effort. President Obama said recently: If I were the owner of a team and I knew that there was a name of my team--even if it had a storied history--that was offending a sizable group of people, I'd think about changing it. I wholeheartedly join this effort. I also believe that the owner of the Washington team and other NFL owners should meet with the Oneidas as they have requested. How can we achieve mutual understanding unless they are willing to meet? Mr. Speaker, in my office and with me now, I keep a replica of a Two Row Wampum belt, called the Guswhenta. It was lent to me by the Onondagas, and it symbolizes one of the first treaties between the Native Americans and the Europeans, concluded in 1613 between the Dutch and the Haudenosaunee. The two rows of wampum, which are beads made out of shells, represent Europeans and Native Americans. They are equal in size and travel together along a strip of white, representing peace. It was and still is a symbol of friendship and community. Although the years since this treaty was concluded have seen much devastation and tribulation for Native Americans, today, the Haudenosaunee endure and maintain their culture. We have much to do to improve our relationship between our two peoples after centuries of strife, conflict, and repression, but so many are working to mend the riffs and to restore the promise of brotherhood and respect that this treaty belt contains. I joined a group of canoers last summer--Native Americans, European Americans, Asian and African Americans--who rode together across upstate New York and to New York City in order to commemorate this 400-year-old agreement. Wouldn't it be great if, in order to show reverence and respect for the Haudenosaunee and the Native American tribes across this country, we could continue to do these things. Wouldn't it be great if, on this 400th anniversary of this groundbreaking treaty, we could right the wrong and change this NFL's team's name. Mr. Speaker, this treaty was perhaps the first, but it wasn't the last. In November of 1794, George Washington, whose portrait is one of only two portraits in this hallowed Hall, through his official representative, Tom Pickering, concluded the treaty of Canandaigua with the Haudenosaunee. President Washington had a six-foot-long treaty belt that was fashioned to ratify this treaty that our two peoples should live in peace and friendship. Mr. Speaker, George Washington, himself, respected the Native Americans of this country and their culture. Shouldn't the NFL team that bears his name do the same?

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to congratulate Nina Davaluri on winning the 2014 Miss America competition, and to proclaim our welcoming her back to central New York for her homecoming celebration this weekend. I had the privilege of meeting Nina when she was Ms. Syracuse, and I can tell you that she will be a different kind of Miss America. She graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School and then went on to the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in brain behavior and cognitive science. She was an exemplary student and, during her time in college, made the Dean's List and won several scholastic awards. She is also very involved in the community. She is talented and driven and civic-minded, and she believes in empowering women around the world through education and opportunity, and that is what she has been doing as Miss America. She has also already broken down barriers and changed the face of the Miss America competition as the first Indian American woman to be crowned Miss America. Madam Speaker, I would ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Nina Davuluri on her victory at the 2014 Miss America competition and wish her the best of success in all her future endeavors.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the career of Jerry Dennis, who has retired from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200United after 37 years of dedicated service. Jerry lives in Central New York and has tirelessly committed his career to strengthening our middle class and the local economy. He has many achievements to be proud of and deserves our commendation and public recognition for everything he has done for our community. Jerry started out as a servicing representative for SEIU Local 200 in 1978. He quickly moved up the ranks and was elected president of Local 200 in 1986, after the statewide Local was restructured into four regional entities. Soon after, Jerry turned his focus to organizing new members through the challenging union-busting times of the 1980's and 1990's. Moreover, Jerry helped grow membership by more than 1,000 people in just over a decade. When SEIU announced that it was working to build industry-focused locals on a state wide basis in 2000, Jerry led the charge in Central New York. With the backing of all five member unions, Local 200United was chartered in 2001, with Jerry as President. Jerry was elected to the Board of Auditors at the SEIU convention in 2004. Highly regarded in the labor community for his expertise and longstanding record of accomplishments, Jerry was elected to the SEIU Executive Board on June 4th, 2008. In May 2013, Jerry stepped down as president of SEIU Local 200 United. He continues to be involved as a Trustee on the SEIU Local200 Executive Board. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Jerry Dennis for his outstanding record of union and civic leadership and extend our sincere best wishes for a rewarding and gratifying retirement.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 450 on H.R. 1155, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained at a White House briefing on Syria. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 451 on H.R. 2747, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained at a White House briefing on Syria. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 452 on S. 130, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained at a White House briefing on Syria. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' personal explanation

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. On March 14, Lori Bresnahan, a school librarian who lived in my district, and a 10-year-old child were attacked in a shopping center parking lot. The attacker was facing Federal child pornography charges and was out on bail and ordered to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet. He disabled the bracelet, stabbed Ms. Bresnahan to death and sexually assaulted the young girl. It was later found that he had tampered with the bracelet 47 times, and each time, the Federal probation office in Syracuse did not respond. I wrote to the administrative office of the United States Courts, asking them to investigate this gross negligence. This is their response: The Director says, ``Nothing can excuse the deficiencies in the supervision of this case,'' but he also says, ``Reduced resources due to the sequester is harming the efforts to keep it from happening again.'' He continued, ``We are bracing for even larger reductions next year.'' An innocent woman was stabbed to death, an innocent child was sexually assaulted, and the answer from the courts is that their ability to keep it from happening again is limited because their funding was cut. This is unacceptable. To Lori Bresnahan and that young girl, we owe a full investigation, not excuses. Mr. Speaker, we owe them the guarantee that this cannot happen again. We owe them an end to the sequester cuts, which are affecting our Federal probation system. Administrative Office of the United States Courts, Washington, DC, June 14, 2013. Hon. Dan Maffei, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515. Dear Representative Maffei: I write in response to your letters to the Judicial Conference of the United States and to me as Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO). We share your grave concern with the crimes attributed to David Renz, a defendant under pretrial supervision and electronic monitoring by the federal probation office in Syracuse, New York. While nothing can diminish the severity of crimes attributed to David Renz or excuse the deficiencies in supervision of his case, our view--based on our knowledge from regular program reviews in the field and other ongoing communication with field offices from around the country--is that David Renz was not supervised in a manner typical of federal probation and pretrial services practices. The vast majority of the 200,000 defendants and offenders supervised every year remain arrest-free and comply with the conditions imposed by their supervising court. In instances where they are returned to prison, it is most often for technical violations (such as refusing to participate in treatment or associating with a known felon) rather than for new crimes. Such success does not come easily when dealing with high-risk defendants and offenders, and reflects the hard work of many dedicated employees of the Judiciary. Probation officers carry out their duties pursuant to statutes enacted by Congress and policies approved by the Judicial Conference. The AO is responsible for, among other things, investigating the work of probation and pretrial services offices and advising courts about Judicial Conference policies and best practices. As you know, the AO initiated an investigation into the handling of the Renz case shortly after learning of his rearrest. On April 9, 2013, a report based on that investigation--which included a number of findings that you cited in your letters--was submitted to the chief judge of the Northern District of New York, who directly supervises the probation office in that district. The chief judge has the authority to take personnel action and make other changes. We also re-submitted to the chief judge an earlier ``program review'' report, describing the work of the probation office in 2010. In the interest of transparency and public awareness, the court posted the report on their website. We reported to the chief judge that the probation office failed to make desired changes following the 2010 program review but, in consultation with the chief judge and the AO, the probation office has made substantial changes in response to our findings and recommendations in the 2013 report. Those changes have included dismissing and demoting certain probation office personnel, reorganizing the office's location monitoring unit, retraining staff, and inviting in a technical assistance team from the AO for consultation and training. In addition, the probation office indicated that it will cooperate fully with cyclical reinvestigations to be conducted (as funding permits) by the AO. Nonetheless, the AO is in the process of reexamining policy for and reviewing the operations of probation and pretrial services offices with respect to location monitoring. We appreciate your offer to introduce supportive legislation. At this time, the Judicial Conference does not have legislative recommendations related to the location monitoring program. After we complete our policy review, we may seek assistance from Congress. Of note, we will need to work within available funding. Funding for salaries and operations in the probation and pretrial services system has been reduced 14 percent this fiscal year, and resources for location monitoring, mental health and substance abuse treatment have been cut 20 percent. We are bracing for even larger reductions next year, and the vacancy rate in probation and pretrial services offices now stands at 25 percent. Your continued support of our appropriation request is much appreciated. The AO remains committed to public safety, and we appreciate your interest in our federal probation and pretrial services functions. If we may be of additional assistance, please do not hesitate to call our Office of Legislative Affairs at 202-502-1700. Sincerely, Thomas F. Hogan, Director.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the Syracuse VA Medical Center's Diamond Jubliee. The Syracuse VA Medical Center, Located at 800 Irving Avenue, first opened its doors on June 14th, 1953. For the past 60 years, the medical center has dedicated itself to providing superior care to veterans and their families. Part of VA Healthcare Upstate New York, the Syracuse VA Medical Center provides outpatient support to the greater Central New York area by operating community clinics in Auburn, Binghamton, Cortland, Massena, Oswego, Rome, and Watertown. The staff should be commended for their dedication and commitment to those who have served this nation. The Syracuse VA Medical Center has been recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Center of Excellence for its Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Polytrauma Programs. Additionally, the center is also the primary referral center for neurosurgery and urological renal stone treatment, which encompasses all of upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania veterans. On June 14, 2013, the Syracuse VA Medical Center will formally open their Spine Cord Injury & Disorder Center. This state-of-the-art center provides expanded services that our veterans deserve. The facility will serve veterans across Upstate New York who now travel to New York City or out of state to get spinal cord care. Our veterans deserve the best care this nation has to offer, and with the six-floor addition, the Syracuse VA Medical Center will continue to do just that. To mark this special occasion, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki will be present to deliver the keynote speech for the occasion. It is truly an honor to have Secretary Shinselci present to celebrate this momentous occasion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the Syracuse VA Medical Center's Diamond Jubilee event, and wish the center many more years of continued growth and success in its service of the veteran community of Central New York.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Onondaga Community College Men's Lacrosse team on winning the 2013 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship. On May 12, 2013, the Onondaga Community College Lazers defeated Nassau Community College 15-11, capturing their fifth consecutive NJCAA Championship. The national offensive player of the year, Onondaga attackman Randy Staats, contributed three goals and two assists, while the national goalie of the year, Onondaga goalie Warren Hill, had 17 saves in the national championship game. Warren was named top defensive player of the tournament. This was the Lazers' seventh national title in the last eight years. The Onondaga Community College Men's Lacrosse team made history with its record-setting 70th win in a row, setting a new record for consecutive wins at any level in the sport of lacrosse. This historic win is a testament to what can be accomplished when hard work and sound leadership combine to pursue a specific goal. Under the direction of Head Coach Chuck Wilbur, the Lazers have exemplified first class sportsmanship in their journey this season. The team should be commended for their achievements on the playing field, as well as in the classroom. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Onondaga Community College Men's Lacrosse team on their unprecedented achievements this season, and wish them continued success for many years to come.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Moravia High School Varsity Boys' Basketball team for their tremendous season in reaching the NYSPHAA Class C State Semi-Final. While they fell just short in overtime to Lake George in that game, I would like to commend each player for their hard work and team spirit all season. Congratulations to Cole Johnson, Chase Walker, Chandler Benson, Cody Flick, Dylan Powers, Tyler Raner, Greg Horner, Brett Denman, Jared Lyon, Sam Allen, John Earl, Stephen Nemec, Dylan Haskell, John Patten, and Griffen Amos. In addition, I would like to extend my congratulations to the head coach, Todd Mulvaney, to the assistant coaches, Brian Jackson, Pat Mott, Cory Langtry, and Chad Raner, and to the team managers, Carter Flick and Josh Cespedes. Finally, I wish to extend a special thanks to the parents, teachers and classmates who provided support and guidance to all the players. The Blue Devils finished their season with an impressive record of 23-3. Their success was driven by incredible work ethic and devotion to team. Again, congratulations to the Moravia High School Varsity Boys' Basketball team. Go Blue Devils!

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse in celebrating 150 years of proudly serving the Central New York community. The Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is the second oldest of its kind in North America. Located at 5655 Thompson Road in DeWitt, the center offers a variety of services that have enriched the lives of the Jewish community in Syracuse for generations. The center's Early Childhood Development Program introduces young children the important concepts of learning and teamwork. In addition, The Children's Department provides care whenever schools are closed, including: state and national holidays, school conference closure days, half days, and snow days. Many seniors take advantage of the community center's Senior Department for services ranging from affordable kosher meals to free manicures. Furthermore, the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse offers seniors an opportunity to stay active by utilizing the Neulander Family Sports & Fitness Center. Seniors can rest assured that the center provides instructors that take measures to ensure the safety and comfort of participants. Participation in these various programs allow seniors to stay involved in the community. On June 6, 2013, The Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will hold its Annual Community You Can Count on Gala, with its focus on honoring its rich heritage over the past 150 years. The Gala with pay tribute to the past presidents who have had an instrumental role in forming what the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is today. In addition to the 150th celebration on June 6, the Jewish Community Center will formerly recognize the renaming of the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse to the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing The Jewish Community Center of Syracuse and its 150 years of bettering the Syracuse community.