Daniel Maffei

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. I thank my distinguished colleague from New York. September 11, 2001, it's a day we will never forget. Many people lost family members and neighbors, but alongside the sorrow and loss, we witnessed incredible acts of heroism and bravery. Thousands of emergency responders and volunteers risked their lives and came to our country's aid when we needed them most. Many of them were my constituents, even though I'm from upstate New York. Many came down in the months following and the weeks following. Thomas Kwasnaza from Marietta, New York, was one of the heroes that day. He was working as a police officer on 9/11, and he actually trained with James Zadroga, who was one of the first NYPD officers whose death is attributed to toxic chemicals. Mr. Speaker, on that day Members of Congress and all Americans alike, Republicans and Democrats, pledged to do anything we could--anything we could--for the victims, their families, and the rescuers who went in after them. We didn't say we would do anything as long as it doesn't cost too much. We didn't say we would do anything as long as there was no chance that an undocumented worker could possibly benefit. We didn't say we would do anything as long as it protects offshore companies that get away with sheltering their taxes. We said we would do anything. And that's what we have to do. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Robert U. Roberts, a lifelong servant to the U.S. military and defense industry, on the occasion of his retirement from SRC, Inc., formerly Syracuse Research Corporation. A native of Hamilton, New York, Bob Roberts joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960 and soon after receiving his commission entered flight training at Dover Air Force Base. He flew more than 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia and in 1972, he became Director of Acquisition Management to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Special Projects. After 20 years of distinguished military service in numerous assignments at various levels of command, Bob retired from active duty in 1980. Bob received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters, Airman Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. He has always welcomed professional challenges and never declined an opportunity to serve his country. The list of Bob's active duty assignments is long and many Air Force personnel, both uniformed and civilian, count themselves fortunate for the opportunity to have served with and learned from Bob Roberts. Bob joined SRC in 1991 as president and CEO. His knowledge and leadership in U.S. government and private sector programs has greatly advanced SRC's capabilities to support numerous customers, including the Department of Defense, the National Air Intelligence Center, the Naval Air Warfare Center and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as state and local initiatives associated with economic development, technological innovation, environmental quality and academic-to-industry partnerships. SRC was fortunate to have Bob's leadership for nearly 20 years. Under Bob's direction, the company has seen tremendous growth, and continues its mission to keep America safe and strong by protecting its people, environment and way of life. An independent, not-for-profit research and development company with more than 50 years of experience in defense, environment and intelligence, Bob helped shape the company into what it is today--a resource that is delivering unique, next- generation solutions of national significance to our government. SRC plays a critical role in protecting America's freedom and Bob leaves SRC strong, successful and well-positioned to meet future challenges. Bob has been supported in his professional career by numerous close friends, strong relationships and his eight children. On behalf of the 25th District of New York, I would like to thank Bob Roberts for his many years of service to our Nation. Bob Roberts answered the call to serve his country, and his service has made a difference. We wish you well, Bob, and hope you know how deeply grateful we are for your contributions. Best wishes to you upon your retirement.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the service of Harold H. Hopkinson Jr. to Central New York. He dedicated his life to public service and to the betterment of his community. Harold H. Hopkinson Jr., graduated from the University of Maine in 1950 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Upon completing his education, Harold began a 35 year career working with Carrier Corporation in Syracuse, New York. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of New York and was a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers for over 35 years. Harold began his career in public service in 1957, when he was elected Village Trustee for the Village of Manlius. Prior to holding this position, he served a few years on the Village of Manlius Planning Board. In 1977, he was appointed Deputy Mayor of the Village of Manlius. During his illustrious career in public service, Harold has had an active roll in obtaining sanitary sewers for the Village, the planning of Mill Run Park, establishing the Manlius Fish Hatchery, organizing the Manlius Senior Centre, and starting the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Additionally, he also served as a member of the Manlius Library Board, the Manlius Historical Society and a founder of the New York State Designer Blacksmith Organization. Overall, at the completion of his term, Harold will have served 52 years as a Trustee for the Village of Manlius and 32 years as Deputy Mayor. This is indicative of Harold's life long dedication to his community. Madam Speaker, I invite the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the outstanding life contributions of Harold H. Hopkinson Jr. to Central New York.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, no one likes to pay taxes. The people in my district and all throughout our country work hard to make a living, and especially in tough economic times, it is difficult to give up a portion of that hard-earned money. But, most citizens also appreciate that our taxes allow us to have the country we do--our taxes allow us to send our children to school, to keep our country safe, to provide Social Security, and to maintain our way of life. In the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, ``Taxes, after all, are dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society.'' Yet, while many of our hard-working citizens understand this fact, they do not understand why our current tax code is riddled with loopholes. They don't like that certain people and certain industries-- especially those with high-paid lobbyists and heavy influence in Washington--get special breaks. They do not understand why some people and some companies get out of paying their fair share of taxes, or why we reward companies with tax breaks for sending jobs overseas. The worst of these special breaks allow companies to take advantage of U.S. tax deductions on income they make overseas. It actually rewards companies for taking business--and jobs--out of our country and sending them to China or India or elsewhere. Under current law, corporations can defer taxes on business income they earn through foreign companies while they take deductions related to that income when they pay U.S. taxes. In effect, we are encouraging corporations to ship jobs overseas--and then telling the American taxpayer to give them a special tax break! Not only is this provision unfair to taxpayers, it is unfair to companies that keep their operations in the U.S. and try to preserve American jobs. Those are the businesses that employ our hard-working citizens and keep our economy afloat. Those businesses look at our complicated tax code and cannot understand why their competitors that ship jobs overseas are favored with special breaks. And they don't understand why the United States has a higher corporate tax rate than most other industrialized nations--which brings me to my second point. At the same time we're creating loopholes for some, we're putting our entire business community at a competitive disadvantage in the worldwide market. China's corporate tax rate is 25%. The United Kingdom's corporate tax rate is 28%. Japan's corporate tax rate is 30%. The United States' top marginal corporate tax rate? 35%. The bill I'm proposing today aims to fix both of these problems. First, it will eliminate the irresponsible tax loopholes that only benefit certain sectors of certain industries. One loophole my bill closes, for instance, currently allows foreign corporations to avoid paying taxes on income they earn in the United States by funneling the money through different countries where we have tax treaties. This misuse must stop. We must strive to make our tax system fairer. And secondly, I do not believe that the revenue raised by closing these loopholes should just be thrown back into the federal budget. Instead, I think we should use this revenue to help boost the competitiveness of our entire business community, by sharply reducing our corporate tax rate, to 23%. This is a major tax cut that would allow companies from upstate New York and around the country to better compete in the global economy--and it would ensure that all companies benefit, not just those with good lobbyists. Between revenue raised by closing these egregious tax loopholes and added economic stimulus of lower corporate tax rates, this legislation provides a good balance. This competitive tax rate will give us back an edge--an edge over China and other countries whose tax laws have attracted corporations to move American jobs overseas in the first place. Our taxpayers, our businesses and our country deserve better, and this bill is a crucial first step toward making our tax system fairer for everyone.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, our current Tax Code is riddled with loopholes for big multinational corporations. Many industries, especially those with high-paid lobbyists, get special tax breaks, many of which actually reward companies for sending jobs overseas. The Syracuse Post-Standard pointed out these breaks cost us up to $123 billion a year. Now, most businesses employ hardworking citizens and keep the economy afloat. Where are the tax breaks for them? Instead, they pay one of the highest tax rates, 35 percent, simply because they are American businesses. We are putting our entire business community at a competitive disadvantage in the worldwide market while rewarding corporations that build factories in China and Mexico. Mr. Speaker, the bill that I have introduced this week will eliminate the irresponsible tax loopholes that move our jobs overseas and use the money saved from that to lower the corporate tax rate by a third. That would help create millions of manufacturing jobs and other jobs here in America.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize George B. Vashon, a distinguished 19th century figure in American history and the notable event that occurred recently to help remedy a past injustice. This gifted writer, orator, educator, abolitionist and lawyer, who was a leader in Syracuse's anti-slavery efforts for a period of time, was posthumously admitted to the Pennsylvania bar this spring after twice being denied because of his race. His life work helped improve the lives of countless African Americans, while his individual career achievements clearly proved the merits of his being granted this distinction 163 years later. George B. Vashon was born and raised in Pennsylvania and moved to New York, where he resided in Syracuse for some years. In his early years, he was exposed to many leading figures in the abolitionist movement through his father John B. Vashon's role as a leader of Pittsburgh's black community. One of the Vashons' close associates was New York philanthropist Gerrit Smith, a financier and activist of the anti- slavery movement. For a short period of time, he also represented central New York in the House of Representatives. William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass were also among the central figures in the abolitionist crusade who worked closely with John and George Vashon throughout their lives. With George B. Vashon's gifted scholarly abilities--he was fluent in several languages as a teenager and went on to become the first African American to graduate from Oberlin College--he chose to study law and pursue a legal career after college. Under the tutelage of Judge Walter Forward, who would later become Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, Vashon sought to practice law in his home state of Pennsylvania and applied for admission in 1847. His application was denied because of his ``negro descent.'' He was so distraught at this denial that he left Pennsylvania to live and teach in Haiti for a few years, but not before he applied for and passed the New York bar and became the first black lawyer in the state. Upon his return to the U.S., George B. Vashon moved to New York, where he opened a legal practice at the corner of Water and Warren streets in downtown Syracuse. Because of its proximity to Ohio and Canada, Syracuse had become a growing hotbed of activity along the Underground Railroad and Vashon was a central player at this time. With passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, Vashon's legal services were needed to assist runaway slaves gain their freedom. With the support of his friend Gerrit Smith, Vashon later went on to become the first black man to run for Attorney General in New York on the Liberty Party ticket. He also contributed to Frederick Douglass' newspaper, The North Star, and became one of the first black college professors in this country when he served on the faculty of New York Central College in McGrawville, New York. Years later, George would help found Howard University, where he would be the university's first black professor. He was later admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. In an effort to remedy the discrimination he faced when he initially pursued a legal career in Pennsylvania, two of Vashon's descendants petitioned the Supreme Court of Western Pennsylvania. Nolan Atkinson, Vashon's great-grandson, and Paul Thornell, Vashon's great-great- grandson were successful. On May 4, 2010, the Court righted a wrong in the history books. In doing so, they issued the following order: ``In acknowledgement of Mr. Vashon's credentials and achievements, this Court hereby admits George B. Vashon to the practice of law in the Courts of this Commonwealth posthumously.'' I am pleased to commend this important acknowledgement of this notable figure in American history. Syracuse is privileged to claim George B. Vashon as a key figure in our city's proud history of antislavery activism.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, this morning a team of Iroquois Indians attempted to board a plane for the United Kingdom to compete in an international lacrosse competition, where they would represent the Iroquois or Hodneshoni Nation on the world stage. Again they were denied entry because they were traveling on their own people's passports instead of U.S. or Canadian. Though the British invited this team to compete from the Iroquois Nation, they refused the Iroquois passports unless the U.S. officially said it was okay. But the U.S. refused to do so, even though dozens of Iroquois have traveled internationally, including overseas with these documents. Mr. Speaker, the Iroquois nationals team is not a security risk and willingly subjected themselves to fingerprinting and background checks. In fact, the U.S. State Department offered to rapidly expedite U.S. passports for much of the team. But to this team, accepting U.S. passports would be akin to renouncing their own national and ethnic identity. It's a matter of principle to them. The State Department and Homeland Security Department have lost the forest through the trees in refusing to allow the team to travel as citizens of an indigenous nation. Mr. Speaker, in the Academy Award winning film, ``Chariots of Fire,'' a Scottish running hero, Eric Liddell, is praised for sticking to his religious beliefs even when they threatened to keep him out of the 1924 Olympics. He's a true man of principle. Mr. Speaker, this team is a true team of principle.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, I rise to give the House an update on the situation concerning the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team trying to travel to the 2010 World Lacrosse Championship in Great Britain. Madam Speaker, I rose this morning to talk about how this team is trying to travel to this. They are traveling on their own passports as an indigenous people, and they were not allowed to board the plane multiple times. Since I last reported to the House, the State Department, because of the direct intervention of the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has become involved; and they have issued an assurance to the British Government that indeed this team, who have already subjected themselves to all the security considerations, including a full bio-scan, fingerprints and other background checks, that this team would be allowed back in the United States and was, indeed, a legitimate team. However, Madam Speaker, the British have not yet decided whether or not to let the team into this international competition. Madam Speaker, the 2010 World Lacrosse Championships are being hosted in Great Britain. This team, the Iroquois Nationals, that represent the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, or as they call it, the Hodnashone People, this team was invited, not to compete for the United States or Canada or any other country other than the Iroquois Country. They were invited because of their own national identity. And so it seems particularly odd and contradictory that the British Government would require them to have passports of a country that they don't feel that they're representing. Now, we do have many examples of times in our history when we've had people who've stood up to principle and have not been able to compete. In 1924, a Scottish Olympic star named Eric Liddell did not want to compete on the Sabbath. He was told that he would not be able to participate in the 1924 Olympics because of that. In the movie ``Chariots of Fire,'' which was an Academy Award-winning movie in 1981, this was chronicled; and he was called in that movie a true man of principle, a true athlete. His speed is a mere extension of his life, it's force; and we sought to sever his running from himself. Madam Speaker, if the British, or any national entity, seek to sever this Iroquois National team from their own national identity, then they are asking them to not be the athletes that they are. I urge the British Government to do everything in their power to make sure that once safety considerations are considered, that this team be allowed to go to travel to Great Britain and to be allowed to compete. These Iroquois, or Hodnashone, were the inventors of the game of lacrosse. It would be an international embarrassment if they're not allowed to compete. And they have been allowed to compete in other countries such as Australia and Japan. We cannot lose the forest for the trees. We cannot look at some bureaucratic excuse, particularly for the country that's allegedly hosting the Olympics in 2012 in London. If they're going to host an international game, they have to be ready to welcome an international team.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, many of the doctors in my Upstate New York district have started to turn away new Medicare patients because of the 21 percent cut that has already started, and seniors are fearful that their physicians may soon drop out of Medicare altogether. Those doctors who still accept seniors have taken huge risks with their practice. At a time when we should be promoting improved access to physicians, a doctor payment cut of this magnitude will only decrease access, especially for our seniors, and sometimes with tragic results. Seniors and their doctors should not pay the price for partisan politics. They should have the peace of mind to know that the doctor of their choice will be available to see them. And physicians should know that the work they perform will be reimbursed fairly, without having to worry about cuts month after month. Now, Mr. Speaker, while it is clear that the Medicare payment system is broken and needs to be fixed permanently, there is an urgent need to provide an immediate and temporary solution. If you cannot cure the patient, at least find a treatment. If you cannot administer a long- term treatment, at least stop the bleeding. Mr. Speaker, this band-aid is just that. It stops the bleeding temporarily. But lives and livelihoods are hanging in the balance. We have made a commitment to provide for our seniors, and I will stand with our seniors and our physicians.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Syracuse James Joyce Club's celebration of the 17th annual Bloomsday. Bloomsday is the day people from around the world celebrate the life of Irish author James Joyce and his novel Ulysses, which is heralded as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Ulysses chronicles the day the main character, Leopold Bloom travels into Dublin on June 16. This date had special meaning for Joyce. It was also the first date with his future wife Nora Barnacle. For these reasons, June 16 was marked as the special day Joyce's life and literary work, Ulysses would be celebrated. The first Bloomsday was organized in 1954 by critic, John Ryan, and author, Flann O'Brien. The day was named after Leopold Bloom in Ulysses. Ryan and O'Brien organized a day long pilgrimage along the Ulysses route. They planned a day to travel through the city, visiting the scenes from the novel. The night ended in what had once been called the brothel quarter of the city, the area which Joyce had called Nighttown. Born in Dublin, on February 2, 1882, Joyce was the son of John Stanislaus Joyce and Mary Jane Murray. Joyce's father struggled as a businessman and his mother was an accomplished pianist. Joyce grew up in poverty, and his family struggled to maintain a solid middle-class lifestyle. From the age of six, Joyce was educated by Jesuits at Clongoowes Wood College then Belvedere College in Dublin. It was in college that Joyce blossomed as a writer. His first published work was an essay on Isben's play When We Dead Awaken. Joyce went on to write several other works that sealed his place in writing history. I am proud that the Syracuse James Joyce Club continues to keep the life and work of Joyce alive. It is important that we remember the contributions he has made to literary history. I am pleased that the Syracuse James Joyce Club will gather people from the community today to share their favorite excerpts from Joyce's works. The Bloomsday celebration attracts over 300 people and is part of the CNY Chapter of the Irish American Cultural Institute. I commend the Syracuse James Joyce Club for keeping the legacy of one of the 20th century's greatest writers alive.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Environmentally Conscious Option Gift Card Act, or ECO-Gift Card Act. This bill gives gift card producers until January 31, 2011, to comply with several provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure, CARD, Act that we passed last year. The current deadline is August 22, 2010, and producers have found that the quick deadline presented many issues. If the deadline remains the same, most gift cards on the shelves of stores and in warehouses, which were produced before the law passed, will have to be removed and destroyed, and issuers and merchants will have to produce new cards that comply with the Fed rules. In addition to being an onerous burden on gift card issuers and merchants who sell the cards, the forced destruction of tens of millions of noncompliant cards would also result in needless environmental waste. The industry estimates that over 100 million gift cards would need to be destroyed and replaced, a waste volume that would take up more than eight football fields buried 12 feet deep in such cards. This extension of the deadline will give issuers and merchants a more reasonable transition period, and prevent a significant amount of environmental waste. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and look forward to its passage.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, I stand today to congratulate Charlotte ``Chuckie'' Holstein on being honored as the First Annual F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse Wisdom Keeper Award recipient. She has been an active member of the Central New York community, and for that I am very thankful. Chuckie is the founder of many organizations serving the people of Central New York, including F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, Leadership Greater Syracuse, Youth Leadership Greater Syracuse, the Syracuse/ Onondaga County Citizens Academy, the Syracuse Commission for Women, Meals on Wheels, and the City/County Office of the Aging. She has served the Central New York area as the Chair of Loretto, a Member of the Central New York District Board for Key Bank, a trustee of Cazenovia College and the Manlius Pebble Hill School, Chair of Advisory boards for the School of Social Work and College For Human Development of Syracuse University and a Member of the College at Brockport Foundation. Chuckie has also served her state, her nation, her faith and the world in a number of initiatives dealing with social justice, world peace and women's issues. In closing, I'd like to express my appreciation for all of the hard work she has done. Please join me in congratulating Charlotte ``Chuckie'' Holstein on being honored with the First Annual F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse Wisdom Keeper Award.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Chairman, I rise as the designee of Mr. Adler to offer an amendment on behalf of Mr. Adler and myself, and it is at the desk.

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Frank and Chairwoman Waters for bringing this bill and my amendment to the floor. We were all outraged when we learned that dozens of employees at the Securities and Exchange Commission were found to have been using their government-issued computers to view pornography. Some of these employees were senior staffers, earning as much as $222,000 a year. One SEC attorney in Washington, D.C., spent up to 8 hours a day watching pornography. An accountant in a regional office was denied access by the government firewall 16,000 times when he tried to access Web pages containing sexually explicit material. Mr. Chairman, this behavior, these abuses are not just an abuse of government resources but also of the public trust. It undermines confidence in our institutions. It subjects the thousands of SEC and other government employees who work hard every day to a diminishment, and, simply put, it is outrageous and unacceptable. This amendment is very simple. It simply says that if you are an FHA employee who is officially disciplined for viewing, downloading, or exchanging pornography, including child pornography, you lose your job. No private business in America would tolerate this kind of behavior, and there's no reason our government institutions should either. Again, very, very simple. If you're caught and officially disciplined for viewing, downloading, or exchanging pornography, you lose your job. It's that simple. This should not be a partisan issue, and I urge swift passage of this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentlewoman from West Virginia for her support of this amendment. I again want to reiterate that thousands and thousands of workers at the Securities and Exchange Commission and other government agencies are extraordinarily hardworking, would never engage in this kind of behavior. And, in fact, the reason why this amendment is so important is to protect their reputation for the important jobs they do. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. I thank the gentleman from New York. I also thank the gentleman from Florida for his graciousness. Mr. Speaker, I want to address exactly what the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) was talking about and, that is, Iran's involvement and what we can do about it. Indeed, it has been since 2007 that Israel, along with Egypt, has instituted this blockade of the Gaza strip to stop individuals from smuggling weapons, and over the course of the blockade, as we have already talked about, Israeli defense forces have diverted numerous ships, all without incident. Nobody ever wishes for fatalities or injuries to occur during the enforcement of a blockade, but the fundamental thing to understand is that Israel has the same right to self-defense as any country. Days before the incident, Israel notified Turkey and other governments participating that it would not allow flotillas to breach the blockade at Gaza, and as Mr. Weiner indicated at the beginning of this hour, humanitarian aid was allowed to be off-loaded in the Port of Ashdod. I am confident that the Israeli government will conduct a full and credible investigation regarding this incident, and it is imperative that we draw on the special relationship that endures between the United States and Israel and continue to stand by our ally. But I'm even more concerned that the media circus surrounding this incident may distract us from the real threat that Iran continues to pose, not just to Israel, not even just to its neighbors, but to the entire world, including the United States. The blockade was largely due to Iran's continued efforts to smuggle weapons, and we must keep an eye on that. Now, in fact, the U.N. Security Council actually passed a resolution today, Resolution 1929, which imposes new sanctions against Iran because of its suspected nuclear weapon program, the Revolutionary Guard, ballistic missiles, and nuclear-related investments. The resolution does expand on three previous sanctions on Iran by strengthening and expanding existing measures and breaking ground in several new areas. What the majority leader said about the United Nations is correct. We must always be somewhat skeptical about their resolutions. So the fact that even the United Nations is now passing this resolution should indicate a strong message about how dangerous Iran continues to be. It is increasingly important that the United States stand with the State of Israel and impose even stronger sanctions than the U.N. has. A nuclear-capable Iran poses a major threat to the entire world. By combining a nuclear weapon with a current missile program, Tehran would be capable of targeting American troops and its allies throughout the Middle East and beyond. Iran is one of the leading sponsors of terrorism and continues to spout anti-Semitic rhetoric regarding the State of Israel. President Obama has stated all options should remain on the table for dealing with Iran. However, currently tough sanctions that are strictly enforced remain the best option to try to persuade Iran's leaders to do away with their nuclear program. Both Chambers of the 111th Congress have already passed Iran sanctions legislation. Currently, the conference committee has been working on reconciling these different bills. The legislation would increase pressure on Iran by restricting their ability to purchase or refine petroleum products. Despite being one of the largest producers of crude oil in the world, Iran lacks adequate refining capability to meet its own domestic needs for gasoline. I believe only a consistent and appropriately tough sanctions policy will give the level of pressure on the current despotic State of Iran that has any chance of persuading Iran to drop its nuclear ambitions. The refusal of Iran to accept the existence of the State of Israel helped lead to the unrest in Gaza which helped lead to this incident. The U.N. Security Council resolution is a good step, but America has an obligation to lead and not just follow. I really thank the gentleman from New York for his indulgence.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, good relations between the State of Israel and Muslim nations are the exception rather than the rule. Everyone knows about the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Egypt as part of the Camp David Accords, which led to the assassination of President Anwar Sadat of Egypt. Israel's neighbor, Jordan, Under King Hussein and his son, King Abdullah II, have also developed good ties with Israel. More typical than Israeli-Egyptian or Israeli-Jordanian relations in the public's eye is the poisonous relationship between Iran and Israel, a situation fueled by the unrelenting hostility and anti-Semitism of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran and its particular brand of Shi'ite Islam seem particularly hostile toward Israel, which is understandably nervous not just about Iran's nuclear ambitions but its strong financial support of Hezbollah and its terrorist activities right in Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza. Given this situation, it would be surprising to most to learn that one of Israel's strongest friends in the region is Azerbaijan, a former Soviet Republic, with over a 90 percent Shi'ite population that has adopted a secular style completely opposed to Iran's sectarian government. Azerbaijan has chosen a very different path from that of its southern neighbor, even though there are over 20 million ethnic Azeris living in Iran, including the Grand Ayatollah himself, who is of Azeri descent. One possible explanation for Azerbaijan's positive relationship with Israel is the presence of a strong Jewish community in Azerbaijan for over 2,500 years. By all accounts, these Azeri Jews have always been well treated and never subject to the types of discrimination and hostility that confronted Jews, not just in Muslim nations, but the Christian nations of Europe. Israel and Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations in 1993, and Israel opened an Embassy in Baku one year later. Cultural ties also increased at this time. In 1994, a Yeshiva was opened in Baku, and other Jewish schools established years later. A new Jewish synagogue, one of the largest, if not the largest in Europe, opened in Baku in 1993 and currently there are synagogues in several other Azeri cities. Prominent Israeli visitors to Baku have included then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 1997, President Shimon Peres in June, 2009 and in 2010 Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Israeli trade, diplomatic and cultural missions to Azerbaijan are common place, and Israel is Azerbaijan's fifth largest trading partner, exporting over $3.5 billion per year to Israel, including supplying over a quarter of Israel's oil supply. Israeli exports and direct investments in Azerbaijan are also growing, creating strong economic ties between the two nations. On a political front, Israel and Azerbaijan cooperate closely on security issues. Israel supplies significant military equipment to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan provides Israel with valuable intelligence support, particularly regarding Iran. The two nations also work together to combat the growth of radical Islam. The close political, cultural, economic and security relations between Israel and a majority Shi'a but secular Azerbaijan present a model that needs to be encouraged, cultivated and spread throughout the Muslim world. However, this will not happen by itself, and, unless the United States begins to focus more on Azerbaijan's importance in the region, the very existence of this positive Azeri-Israeli relationship could be put in jeopardy. I would like to include in the Record a recent article from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, published on March 9, 2010, ``The Blooming Friendship Between Azerbaijan and Israel,'' by Anna Zamejc. The article quotes Baku-born former Israeli Knesset member Yosef Shagal on Azerbaijan's friendship with Israel'' ``Today, everyone understands why Iran wants to block the Azerbaijani-Israeli rapprochement by any means . . . It is one of the most important strategic priorities of the Islamic republic. Teheran is perfectly aware of the following: the stronger the connection between Baku and Jerusalem, the more weakened Iran will be.'' Zamejc goes on to discuss the tremendous pressure Iran is placing on Azerbaijan to cut its ties with Israel, pressure which is becoming more and more difficult to resist without strong support from the West, particularly the United States. The United States has spent too much blood, treasure and diplomatic capital trying to build peaceful relations between Israel and its Muslim neighbors for it to let this great example of success slip away. It is important that we pay greater attention to Azerbaijan for economic, strategic and security reasons, and in particular respond affirmatively to Azerbaijan either when it cooperates with the United States in these areas or demonstrates that a Muslim nation both can and should have positive relations with the State of Israel.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California and the gentleman from Wisconsin for their support of this legislation, which I do support on behalf of the community college team in my district. I wanted to quickly mention that the word Onondaga is an Hodenosaunee word, an Iroquois word. The Iroquois Confederation was a major Native American confederation of actually five and then six Native American Indian nations. Its capital was called Onondaga, and, indeed, the word means ``on top of the hill'' and was very, very close to where Syracuse is now--the city that I'm from-- and it's a very, very special place. The college that, indeed, these teams are from is named after that original people. Our community colleges are a tremendous asset that are too often taken for granted in our communities. In my community, we have one of the best community colleges, Onondaga Community College, and today I rise to congratulate two great lacrosse teams from this college. Before I do, I want to congratulate this college for its academics. This college is becoming one of the best 2-year institutions of higher learning in this country, thanks in large part to the leadership of President Debbie Sydow. Onondaga is at the forefront of providing education to its students, and exhibits excellence in the high-tech and cutting-edge careers that are becoming the future of the economy in central New York and, indeed, in the country as a whole, particularly in the areas of health care, environmental technology, and high-tech manufacturing. It has become a center for art, music, and culture in our community. And with its extremely popular residence facilities, it now offers the full college experience. After two or more years of study at Onondaga, students have gone on to transfer their credits and continue their education at some of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in this country, including Columbia, Cornell, Syracuse University, the Rhode Island School of Design, NYU, University of Southern California, and Clarkson. But I am here today to rise in congratulations of two of the college teams. I am going to congratulate one team now because that's the subject of H. Res. 561, and then I am hoping the gentlelady will yield to me when we consider H. Res. 563. I will talk about the other team. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Onondaga Community College Lady Lazers for winning the 2009 National Junior College Athletic Association women's lacrosse tournament. I am incredibly proud to represent the Lady Lazers. They had an incredible season and, of course, this national championship. In 2009, as mentioned, their inaugural season, the Lady Lazers defeated Monroe Community College 9-7 in the finals of the NJCAA women's lacrosse tournament at Herkimer County Community College. This was the conclusion of a fantastic season by a fantastic team. Three Lady Lazers were named First Team NJCAA All-Americans, and all of the Lady Lazers were tremendous representatives of Onondaga College and their community. The 2010 season is already well underway, and the Lady Lazers are currently ranked number two in the country with a 7-1 record. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the OCC Lady Lazers on a tremendous season and a 2009 NJCAA national championship.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. I thank the gentlewoman from California as well as the gentleman from Wisconsin. We have had a very, very good year in lacrosse last year in upstate New York. In fact, a good portion of the bills that I have come to sponsor on the floor have been congratulatory resolutions for all of the various teams that we have had. Syracuse University won its tournament. Le Moyne was second in its division in lacrosse, and we have already mentioned the OCC women. But, Mr. Speaker, I think the word that the gentleman from Wisconsin used, ``excellence,'' is the only way to describe this particular team. These young men had extremely high expectations on their shoulders, and yet they exceeded even those. So I rise to congratulate the Onondaga Community College Lazers for winning the 2009 National Junior College Athletic Association men's lacrosse tournament. I am incredibly proud to be the congressman who represents the Lazers, and I am incredibly proud of them for an undefeated season and their third national championship in the past 4 years. In 2009, the Lazers defeated Nassau Community College 9-8 in the finals of the NJCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Herkimer County Community College. This was the conclusion of a great season with many talented players, too numerous to mention here, but I will say that Jerome Thompson and Jon Fiorillo were named the offensive and defensive players of the year, and Head Coach Chuck Wilbur was named the NJCAA Coach of the Year. All of the Lazers are tremendous representatives of their school and their community. The 2010 season is well underway, and the Lazers are currently ranked number 3 in the country with an 11-2 record. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Onondaga Lazers on a tremendous season and a 2009 NJCAA national championship.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise after the recent public statements made by Vice President Biden and Secretary Clinton on the subject of new Israeli housing in east Jerusalem. While it is important for our country to play a mediating role in the Middle East peace process, it is also important that any disagreements be dealt with as friends would deal with disagreements, behind the scenes first and working them out in private before they are aired in public. The President and this administration clearly care deeply about peace in the Middle East and made it a priority for our country to play an active role in these negotiations, and I applaud the emphasis. However, using these tactics, which distance us from a long-time ally, doesn't serve the purpose of furthering these peace negotiations. When two allies with such a strategically close relationship as Israel and the United States air their disagreements in public, whatever those disagreements are, it puts all parties in an awkward position, including the Palestinian leaders who do want to engage in a peace process with Israel. I think airing these disagreements in public was a setback to the peace process. Instead, as we go forward, we should draw on the special relationship that endures between the United States and Israel to move forward.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 3186) to authorize the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 through April 30, 2010, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I submit the remarks for the Record that I delivered at the American Cancer Society in East Syracuse on Tuesday of this week in support of this historic health care reform bill. I have heard from thousands of constituents about the current health care reform debate. I've tried to listen to everything they've had to say--for and against health care reform. Their advice and their pleas and their stories and their criticisms have helped guide my advocacy on behalf of changes and improvements to proposals before Congress and my decision on the compromise legislation before Congress. Now that the President's changes will be incorporated into the final legislation, I will support this historic health care reform effort. I am voting in favor of this legislation not because I think it is perfect, but because I strongly believe it is in the best interests of my constituents--that it will make a positive difference in the lives of families, businesses, and hospitals in central and western New York. First, I'm voting for this because we need to do something to control rising health care costs that keep taking a bigger and bigger bite out of the household budgets of upstate New York. Skyrocketing health care costs aren't just crippling the U.S. economy--they're emptying our pocketbooks. My entire life is filled with stories about how people-- regular middle-class people--can't afford the health care they need. How insurance companies have denied needed care. How kids graduating from college can't find affordable coverage. How people with life threatening conditions need to hold bake sales and bowl-a-thons to pay health bills. Families go bankrupt not because they were irresponsible but because they trusted their insurance plans. More than 72 million adults currently have medical debt or problems paying their bills even though most of them have insurance. It has to end--and I honestly believe if we don't take action now it never will. Second, I'm voting for this because if we don't fix health care, businesses that are struggling to compete in a global economy will fall further and further behind. As premiums nearly double, employees in small firms will see offers of health insurance options almost cut in half. It is predicted the 41 percent of firms offering insurance in 2010 will drop to 23 percent in 2020. Not because they are bad employers but because they cannot afford it. Every industrialized nation has figured out a way to get people affordable coverage--the United States can, too. And finally, I'm voting for this bill because the county, state, and country are going broke due to health care costs. Sure, we could limp along another few years but if we do, it will only be harder to control those long-term costs. I know many people in my district will be encouraged that we are finally moving forward, that we are finally taking action on an issue that affects us all. I know others will be unhappy. Many of my constituents have strong concerns about this legislation. In fact, I share some of those very same concerns. I worked very hard to improve this bill. I led the fight to hold down the tax on medical devices. I advocated for businesses with less than 25 employees to get subsidies for health insurance and for a reduced burden on other businesses. I fought successfully to raise the threshold on any benefit surcharge so that it won't affect middle-class people in my district. This is not a perfect bill. But it is an important legislation that we need to pass to move this country forward. There are several criticisms of the proposal that do come up certainly across the country and even here in my district that I feel compelled to address. First, many argue that this is a government take-over of health care. That is simply not true. In fact, except for Medicare, Medicaid, the VA and other already existing programs, Americans would be covered by private insurance plans. A public option which I support is not even included in this plan. There are some additional regulations that give more rights to patients such as not allowing health plans to deny coverage due to preexisting conditions. But these are widely supported and necessary changes. To assert that these new patient rights are some sort of government take-over is absurd. Second, some will say that large majorities of the American public are against the President's plan. The Post-Standard printed an AP poll this last weekend that did show slightly more respondents nationwide opposed rather than supported the health care reform plans--by two percentage points--43 to 41. But for many it's not that the plan went too far but that it did not change enough. In fact, fully 82% of the respondents to that same poll wanted to change the health system a moderate amount or more. Only 17 percent said it should be changed a little or not at all. So this idea that Americans don't want change is simply wrong. In this region, it is particularly misguided. While it is true that my office has received many calls objecting to the health care debate, a vast majority of them have been from out-of-state--a purposeful and well-funded attempt to jam our lines so that my constituents cannot get through. And yet thousands did and while it is clear there are diverse opinions and that my constituents are more divided on this than any other major question we've faced so far, it is also clear from our office communications and our research that a majority of my constituents want me to work as hard as I can to improve health care proposal and support the changes we need. And I will do just that. Third, that the President's proposed changes will increase costs to businesses and taxpayers. But I ask compared to what? The current trajectory is already bankrupting businesses, states, counties, cities, and right here in central New York leading to higher and higher property taxes. Under the current system, health care will consume one of every three dollars in the U.S. economy--twice as much as it does today. The President's plan gets these costs under control by implementing nearly every idea suggested including Republican ideas on medical malpractice and increasing ability to buy insurance across state lines. It also over time implements real cuts in government spending on health care including eliminating some of the waste and subsidies. I believe that many of these cost savers will work. I know that doing nothing will bankrupt our country and our families and our small businesses. I know the Republicans in Washington have said that they want to make health care the central issue in the elections this coming November. Thousands and thousands of dollars have already been spent on ads running against me here in central New York. Some of these ads have been proven to be false. Far from convincing me to oppose the health care reform, they have strengthened my resolve. Because when people who have that much money feel so strongly that they run attack ads on you, chances are that what you're doing is in the best interest of taxpayers and ordinary families. So what's in this proposal? People who have been denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition will finally have access to affordable coverage. Insurers will no longer be able to drop your coverage when you get sick and are in the middle of treatment. Never again will you lose access to insurance if you get laid off or switch jobs. Small businesses and employers getting crushed by soaring health care costs will see lower costs. Never again will you be subject to annual or lifetime limits on what insurance companies will pay, protecting millions of Americans from the threat of medical bankruptcy. Insurers will be required to offer free preventive care, lowering your out-of-pocket expenses and helping ensure that diseases or conditions can be caught early on. Seniors who fall into the Medicare Part D donut hole will see lower prescription drug costs as immediate steps are taken to close the donut hole. Employers who cover their early retirees will receive temporary funds to help offset the cost of expensive claims for retirees' health benefits--lowering premiums and protecting coverage for early retirees. Insurers are prohibited from charging women more than men for health insurance or discriminating on the basis of domestic violence as a pre- existing condition. Required maternity services as part of the essential benefits package in the exchange. Young adults will now be able to stay on their parents' insurance much longer, through their 26th birthday. And finally, health reform will guarantee access to quality, affordable health insurance for 31 million Americans who don't have coverage today, also eliminating the annual hidden tax of $1,100 that American families pay to cover the cost of the uninsured. While the official health insurance exchanges are being created, a temporary insurance pool will be available for individuals with pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses. These benefits are all vitally important. But perhaps in the end it comes down to this: those opposed to health care reform are concerned that it will cost them more. This bill saves money and the further out you go, the more it saves. But it also saves something more precious-- it will save lives.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, this morning I stood at the American Cancer Society in my district and announced that I will support the President's historic reform effort. I am supporting it because right now skyrocketing health care costs aren't just crippling the U.S. economy; they are emptying pocketbooks in central and western New York. Regular, middle class people can't afford the health care they need. Insurance companies have denied care. Kids are graduating from college and they can't find care. People with life-threatening conditions need to hold bake sales and bowl-a-thons in order to pay their health care bills. Families are going bankrupt not because they were irresponsible, but because they trusted their health insurance companies. Now, experts and nonpartisan organizations say that this bill will save money. I believe that the cost-savers in this bill will save money, but I know that doing nothing will bankrupt our country and our families and our small businesses. I stood this morning with two remarkable women from my district. One had insurance and one did not. They are both battling cancer. For them, this debate isn't about partisan politics; it is about their lives. They strongly support this effort, and so do I.

Mr. MAFFEI

Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the forerunner of today's women military pilots, the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, who served during World War II. More than 1,100 women flew more than 60 million miles and provided crucial aid to our Nation in a time of war. From 1943 to 1944, they delivered aircraft from manufacturers in the United States to air bases throughout the country. Three women from my district--Virginia Meloney, Ann Elizabeth O'Connor, and Aleta Johnson--are being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal today in recognition of their service to our country as WASPs. Their fearlessness led the way for future women military pilots. It is long overdue that we recognize these incredible women. Our country thrives because of the bravery and dedication of our citizens like the WASPs. Ann O'Connor, a Syracuse resident since 1980, learned last year that this medal ceremony was going to happen. Her family told me it meant the world to her. Her daughter told me she would have loved to be here today, but Ann passed away in September of 2009. Her son and daughter and grandchildren are here and will attend the ceremony, and I know she is here today in spirit and through the eyes of her two lovely granddaughters. I congratulate all of the extraordinary WASPs who served our country. Thank you for your dedication and service.