Michael McMahon

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of this bill that provides legal protection for U.S. personnel working in two Balkans-based organizations. I wish to thank my good friend from California and the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Howard Berman, for introducing this important measure. The Office of the High Representative, or OHR, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office, the ICO, in Kosovo arose out of efforts by the international community, with the United States' leadership, to bring peace and stability to the Balkans following the conflicts in the 1990s. The OHR has been performing an invaluable function in overseeing the civilian implementation of the Dayton Accords, while the ICO has been ensuring implementation of provisions of the Comprehensive Proposal of the Kosovo Status Settlement. Over 200 Americans have worked at these organizations. H.R. 5139 amends the International Organizations and Immunities Act, or the IOIA, by authorizing the President to extend privileges and immunities to the officers and employees of the OHR and ICO. This technical fix seeks to help avoid costly and politically sensitive litigation in the United States' courts against employees of these organizations who are not otherwise guaranteed immunity under the IOIA. Unlike typical international organizations designated under the IOIA, neither the OHR nor the ICO is intended to endure beyond a limited timeframe necessary for implementing their mandates. Thus, H.R. 5139 enables the President to extend the privileges and immunities after these bodies are dissolved, since even then litigation may be brought against former employees or for records of the organization. It is of utmost importance that the United States Government protects its diplomats who serve in international organizations, often at great personal risk and sacrifice, from financial and personal ruinous litigation. In addition, we must preserve our ability to use informal institutions to conduct foreign policy and attract qualified personnel. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5139. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1324) expressing condolences and sympathies for the people of China following the tragic earthquake in the Qinghai province of the Peoples Republic of China on April 14, 2010.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I shall consume. Madam Speaker, I join in agreement with all the speakers who have spoken on this resolution, the importance of America's continuing friendship, support, and solidarity with the people of Israel. Many speak about how this is an issue that is so important for America's national security, and that is true. I'm a New Yorker. You may have noticed that. I know with my accent I didn't have to say it. But I was also in New York on September 11, and like so many New Yorkers, we saw firsthand the threat of terrorism right at our doorstep; not just the threat, but the reality. And it's that threat and that reality that the people of Israel live with every day. They are on the front line. So, yes, it is in our national interest. But it also speaks to the very morality and soul of our Nation that we stand by our friend, that we stand by our colleague in this world battle, and that is the nation of Israel. And so this bill is just one more step in that statement. It is important for America to do it because, if we didn't, then we would no longer be America.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time, and therefore, I yield the balance of my time.

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

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to urge my colleagues to pass H. Res. 1320, a resolution honoring the citizens of New York City, the brave men and women of the NYPD, the FDNY, and all our federal and state partners in law enforcement and homeland security for their vigilance and prompt response to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square this past Saturday, May 1, 2010. I heard the news of the Times Square incident while traveling in Afghanistan and Pakistan, examining the connections between extremism across the world and terrorist attacks on our own soil. And given the events of this past week, and the arrest of Faisal Shahzad the link is far too clear. This resolution, which I introduced with my colleagues Congressman Jim Himes, and Congressman John Hall, along with the entire New York delegation, is in honor of New York City's local law enforcement teams, federal agencies and vigilant citizens for keeping our city, people and country safe. We commend their excellent, professional police and investigative work that led to the quick arrest of this terrorist. Unfortunately, the fear of terrorism is never far from the mind of any New Yorker. On Saturday, we were all reminded of the heart-felt loss that we endured nine years ago on September 11, 2001 and how much our world has changed since that tragic day. New York City remains our nation's number one terrorist target--our greatest symbol of freedom, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. It is our nation's financial and cultural capital and as New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said yesterday, the terrorists are going to keep trying to attack us in New York City again and again. That is why the federal government must increase homeland security funding and protection for New York City. Anti-terror funding must be distributed in a way that prioritizes those areas that are most at risk for future attacks. I urge this body to increase funding and security programs in high priority areas like New York because protecting the homeland is just too important for politics as usual. Found immediately after the botched attack was a map on the Metro North Railroad to Connecticut identifying my own beloved Staten Island Ferry as a target and the subway stops that serve the Manhattan terminal as potential targets. Walt Whitman once said that ``The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people.'' On Saturday, two Times Square vendors--Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson--saw smoke billowing out of a SUV parked on West 45th Street in Times Square and took action. They immediately contacted New York City Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan who started evacuating the area and called for additional NYPD and FDNY support, including the bomb squad. These people saw something wrong and said something--and their actions saved lives and led to the arrest of a man who was seeking to kill countless numbers of innocent people. Although, the actions of everyone involved in preventing Saturday's potential tragedy are remarkable, all Americans need to remain alert-- and we in the Congress need to support the brave men and women of the NYPD, and law enforcement officers across the Nation with the resources necessary to keep our Nation safe. As Americans we learn not only from our mistakes but from our successes. The capture of Faisal Shahzad is commendable, but we have to examine why he was allowed to board an aircraft after being added to a no-fly list and why it took until literally the last minute before departure for him to be apprehended. We have got to get to a system for our security and our protection where we track every single person both entering and exiting our country. In addition we must also continue to support our military and intelligence operations abroad to dismantle these terrorist networks. I just came back from Afghanistan and Pakistan and I can tell you the front line of our security right here at home is in those two countries. Our troops are the front line of defense in protecting the homeland from terrorism and they deserve our support and appreciation. I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 1320.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I would to like commend Israel on her 62nd Anniversary since her founding. Likewise, it is the 62nd Anniversary of the U.S.-Israel bond, which remains strong and indissoluble. Israel is our fellow democracy, our tried and true ally. Supporting it is essential to the stability ant future of the Middle East. In fact Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East. In just 62 years a people that suffered at the hands of Hitler and European anti-Semitism built a nation. From the ashes of 6,000,000 who died in the Holocaust a people a nation rose to make a desert bloom. In 62 years Israel has made tremendous strides becoming a world leader in technology, agriculture, water resource management, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and so many other areas. The first generation of Sabras from Europe quickly welcomed new immigrants who were forcibly evicted from Arab lands. Further waves of immigrants came from the breakup of the Soviet Union, from Ethiopia and most recently from France. Israel has held steadfast to the principles of its founding fathers and been a welcome source for any Jew anywhere in the world seeking refuge. From the creation of Israel 62 years ago and its immediate recognition by the United States, the ties between our two countries continue to be strong. A democracy like ours, Israel's politics have been robust with many participants and many parties represented. Consistently throughout it history through wars and in times of relative peace, the Israeli people have made their democracy stronger and the relationship between the world's largest Jewish community and the world's largest diaspora community stronger. And any nation or group that chooses to treat Israel as a suspect state and threatens Israel, particularly with violence, should know that its actions ultimately do damage to the shared values that all democracies espouse. Following the failed Iranian elections in June, the Iranian regime has had its legitimacy wounded and its paranoia increased. Iran now takes a posture of increased repression at home and antagonism abroad. In that dangerous environment, Israel's leaders have every right to be concerned for their country's safety. While hope still exists for a free Iran, Europe, Israel and the United States must undoubtedly prepare for a more dangerous Iranian regime in the near term. We must prevent Iran's increased pursuit of nuclear weapons through hard-hitting sanctions, after all, I personally look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with Israel. There seems to be a certain line of thinking in the international community that Iran poses no threat. It is this very failure to prepare that puts Israel and the entire international community at risk. Now is the time to prepare. Mr. Speaker, I urge this Congress and the United States to make the Iranian regime pay a higher cost for its nuclear weapons pursuit. If we needed any further reminder, the protests in the streets of Tehran have made clear that words mean very little to Ayatollah Khamenei. The threat from Iran demands an effective policy response and our Israeli friends must see clear action from their age-old ally that, we are in this together. If the Iranian regime faced damaging economic pressure from a significant reduction in gasoline supplies, it may change course. And an ever present threat to Israel, and to global security, may be alleviated. Nothing endangers peace more than a refusal to face facts. Even as we set deadlines that are never met with Iran might begin, let's remember that they continue to enrich uranium and that a deadline with real consequences must be considered along with engagement-- otherwise engagement will be manipulated as a mere tactic for delay. I am glad that this House chose to face Iran today through voting to instruct conferees on the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act and support Israel, the Middle East and even the Gulf states against a growing threat in the region. I have high hopes that the international community will do the same. Once again, I congratulate, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the people of Israel our friend and ally on this momentous occasion. The U.S. was there ten minutes following Israel's founding and will be with her for many, many more years to come.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the service of David Possner to the youth of New York City. He has dedicated his life to educating the youth of our city and to the betterment of his community. David Possner graduated from the prestigious New York City Leadership Academy's Aspiring Principals Program and is currently an assistant principal at M.S. Q226 in Queens, New York. At this school, he is the supervisor of the Visionary School Academy. In this role, he is a role model and inspiration to his students. He is always available to assist students and their families, in or out of the classroom. David's commitment to education and community service is not limited to the classroom. He is always available to assist students and their families in both academic and personal matters. David is involved in numerous charitable organizations and has inspired many of his students to join him in these endeavors. He sees his role not just as an educator, but as a leader of youth. His tireless dedication to his life's calling makes him an inspiration not just to his students, but to educators across the country. I am pleased to inform you that David's hard work has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by the United States Senate, the House of Representatives, the New York State Assembly, and the New York City Council. The New York Post has called him ``a visionary who has made a deep impact on the lives of his students and fellow teachers.'' The one word that we could use to describe David would be ``hope.'' This has been his guiding principle for his entire career: hope in New York City, hope in our state, hope in our youth, and hope in our nation. Despite the constant challenges facing his students, he never gives up on them and always inspires them to strive for excellence. Madam Speaker, I invite the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the outstanding life contributions of David Possner to our city's and our nation's youth.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, today, I offer my deepest condolences to the country of Poland, its citizens, and the families of President Kaczynski, his wife and all those killed on April 10, 2010. That is why I rise today in support of H. Res. 1246, a resolution expressing sympathy for the people of Poland in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash that killed the country's President, First Lady and 94 others this past Saturday. Implausibly, this untimely tragedy occurred while President Kaczynski was on his way to commemorate the unspeakable injustices carried out upon the Polish people during the Katyn massacre. His ability to commemorate this massacre alongside Russian leaders for the first time, speaks volumes to his skill and understanding as a politician and a world leader. Through my position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Europe, I have witnessed President Kaczynski's efforts to strengthen US-Poland relations. He was truly one of America's most valued and trusted allies. His work for human rights and freedoms, not only benefited the people of Poland, but the entire international community. He will be long remembered and sorely missed. Most notably, he will remain a champion for democracy, a man whose journey took him from the Gdansk Shipyards to the presidency of a free people. His legend will live in the hearts and minds of all those who yearn for a better, more peaceful world.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, I rise this afternoon to speak to a very alarming and disconcerting issue that continues to grow unchecked around the world, and that is the debilitating and negative effects that the Islamic Republic of Iran is having around the world. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, we are very concerned about peace in the Middle East, and we know that it's very important that our great friend and ally, Israel, continue in negotiations with the Palestinians to come to a resolution of the issues that exist there. However, I believe we cannot expect success to come there unless we look at the role that Iran is playing on that issue and so many other dangerous issues around the world. It is acting in a way that is against the interest in our great ally Israel and our allies around the world and our Nation as well. Mr. Speaker, indeed the Palestinian negotiations in Iran are very much linked, but not in the way that those who want to pressure Israel would argue. The connection between these two critical foreign policy issues stems from Iran's perceived veto power over the ability of Israelis and Palestinians to come to terms. Acting as Iran's proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas are used to destabilize the region by engaging in hostile military activities or significant acts of terror at the will of the Islamic Republic. Furthermore, an environment conducive to peace is disrupted by the increased weaponization of the region. Already huge numbers of rockets have been illegally shipped to Hezbollah by Iran in violation of Security Council Resolution 1701. Likewise, arms and ammunition have been smuggled into Gaza and to Hamas through similar routes. Thus, for those who want peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Iran must be brought under control. But it isn't just in the Palestinian Authority where Iran is making trouble. Iran is training and funding actors hostile to the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq and also providing lethal munitions such as materials used in the IEDs to kill and maim our troops and allies. Examples of civil unrest throughout Iraq, northeastern Saudi Arabia, and even Bosnia have also been tied to the Quds force which conducts overseas operations for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. And we must not ignore Syria's partnership with Iran either. Syria is a client of Iran and together with Hezbollah--an Iranian-controlled entity--in neighboring Lebanon, Lebanese Christians and moderate Muslims fear raising their voices against the Syrian hegemony over Lebanon, reversing the gains made in the Cedar Revolution that resulted in the end of the Syrian occupation of Lebanon. Unfortunately, Iran's tentacles extend across continents and into our Western Hemisphere as well. Iran has entered into a strategic alliance with Venezuela, opening the path for Hugo Chavez to further his anti- U.S. activities in South America. And even more concerning, Venezuela is helping Iran circumvent the Security Council's economic sanctions and is also suspected of providing Tehran with uranium. Finally, as smaller Arab states in the gulf witness the rise in Iranian power, a power which will be confirmed once it reaches the nuclear threshold, they too will follow this path and attempt to forge an alliance with this new regional superpower. For this reason, Mr. Speaker, it is crucial that Congress move swiftly with the administration towards curtailing Iran's nuclear ambitions. Decades of inaction have allowed Iran's influence to sweep across the globe. We cannot allow Iran to move further as its influence creeps through our own hemisphere. Back in the 1930s as the power of Nazi Germany grew, people like Winston Churchill sounded the alarm. But all too often that alarm was ignored. The alarm is being sounded here in this Chamber and is being sounded across the world. We must act to stop the insidious influence of Iran around the world, and we must do it on every front. The time to act is now. And the way to act is, as I urge my colleagues, that we move swiftly to complete the passage of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act and the Iran Human Rights Violation Sanctions Act which we must bring to conference committee and send to the President for signature.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, PFC Brendan Marrocco of Staten Island, New York. Rocco, as his Brothers in Arms call him, is an inspiration to all of us and to all the men and women recovering over at Walter Reed Hospital. Rocco is the only surviving quadruple amputee of the Iraq war. His will to live, and his courage makes him a heroes' hero, and a shining lesson to us all. His family, like his brother Michael who quit his job, is always there for him. His fine father and mother raised one heck of a son. For Rocco's heart matches this Gotham City from which he comes. Could there be a bigger one? I ask that this poem, penned by Albert Caswell in honor of him, his family, and SGT Jeff Mittman, and all of our heroes of these wars, FAOY, who have come home to teach us all, be placed in the Record. Bless them all. Don't, Cry for Me! Don't, cry for me! Lift up your head, there's so much more I'm going to be! Don't, feel sorry for me! Yea, I've hurt . . . but, I'm growing ever stronger! Don't you see? Yea, its been hard . . . and it will always be! But, this is the life that I so chose to lead! But, on this road that we call life . . . there are no promises, or guarantees . . . All except, for what's deep down inside of me! Arms and legs, we all need! But, we can survive! But, without hearts . . . We so surely, can not so breathe! For all in life, of which is great . . . Love, valor, hope, courage, and honor . . . and so sacrifice . . . So emanates, from deep down inside of me! Sure, I'd love to touch and feel . . . Or run once again . . . upon my once two strong legs so very real . . . Still, all of this pain and heartache can not so steal . . . My heart, that which so beats inside of me! That which so heals all of me! Don't cry for me! Because, there's Staten Island steel inside of me! Yea . . . I'm up and running . . . can't you see? Well, you better get started . . . if you want to catch up with me! As I make the best of what my Lord God has so left to me . . . For all is possible, when hearts believe! People live such useless lives! Honor in death and freedom . . . are but for what I rise! As but what, I've so lived for . . . and die! And all of my most precious gifts, my arms and legs . . . And so all of this . . . I give to thee, and not ask why? Yea, I'd love to see . . . Or hear, all those words you're saying to me . . . But, my heart still hears and sees! For all I've lost, and is no longer part of me! For I can hear, far much more clearer now! And see . . . indeed! Standing here, now with but half a face . . . With such scars and burns . . . And such great burdens upon my soul as placed! As so bravely, I carry on . . . both night and day . . . But, in my Lord's eyes . . . my beauty so emanates! To make a difference with it all! As but what I so fought for, what I saw! As I so answered that most noble cause! As my new battle is to be won! To so shine upon this world, all in courage's sun . . . Giving hope to all, each and everyone! For in this minute, That we call life . . . Have you but so made a difference, I cry? All in this our Lord's eyes? And for all of those, who failed or not tried . . . It's but for you, I cry! Don't Cry For Me!

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise as a supporter of our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every single day to strongly oppose H. Con. Res. 248. Setting aside legitimate procedural objections to H. Con. Res 248, this is the wrong time to withdraw our troops from Afghanistan. Secretary Gates just wrapped up a visit to Afghanistan and our troops have successfully lifted the Taliban flag off of Marja, and are preparing to expand security to other Afghan regions. We are just beginning to implement General McChrystal's strategy to drive insurgents, terrorists and narco-traffickers out of Afghanistan, where they have comfortably plotted against the U.S. for years. U.S. and International Security Assistance Forces are laying the groundwork for the next push into the Taliban heartland of Kandahar, as we speak. Securing Kandahar will allow us to secure Afghanistan. If we have a peaceful Kandahar, we will have a peaceful Afghanistan. I support our Commander in Chief in his plan to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan on December 1, 2009. It is time to give this strategy a chance. This Administration has made the elimination of Al-Qaeda and the stability of Afghanistan a top priority. In addition, many of our coalition partners particulary the United Kingdom, and Canada and Muslim allies like Pakistan, have also stepped up their engagement and cooperation. They are committed to the fight and we should be as well. They know that a stable Afghanistan will bring stability and security to Pakistan and all of South Asia. Our troops now have the leadership and the vision to complete this mission. Their success militarily is working hand in hand with American and international humanitarian assistance and NGOs which are helping to educate women, clean drinking water and provide healthcare. Obviously sending Americans to war is our most serious obligation as Members of Congress. But equally serious is our obligation to care for our veterans. In my first year in Congress, working with Members on both sides of the aisle, we have already secured a record amount in mental health funding for our troops and to expand the number of mental health professionals at the DoD. This Administration and Congress is committed to making sure that our Veterans receive the highest quality of care possible both in the field and at home. Until then, our troops should be proud to help stabilize the region that has fanned the flames of radical hostility and extreme terrorist ideology that led to the horrors of September 11th. Afghanistan should never again be a launching pad for terrorist activities. We are the United States, and it is our duty to fight for democracy and fight against terror. I urge my colleagues to vote against H. Con. Res. 248 today and give the Afghanistan mission the fighting chance to succeed.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, today, I congratulate Greece on her 189th anniversary of independence. Greece has long been a close ally to the United States and rightly so, given that our founding fathers formulated the American political philosophy from the Greek ideals that were first conceptualized in 500 BC. Today, Greece is a partner in Afghanistan and continues to build bridges between cultures throughout Europe and the greater region. Greece promotes peaceful dialogue and understanding through its own negotiations, particularly in regards to its divided neighbor, Cyprus. Ending the occupation of Cyprus has long been a focus of my political career. Greece and Cyprus's steadfast commitment to finding peaceful people to people solutions to ending the occupation have touched and motivated my own work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In fact, Secretary Clinton described Cyprus as a strategic focal point in response to my questions on integrating the Island. Today, thousands of Turkish and Greek Cypriots pass through various passageways between the occupied North and the Republic of Cyprus. There has not been one incidence of violence and many Turkish Cypriots escape the congestion of the occupation and enjoy education and health benefits in the Republic that they do not have in the North. After over 35 years, it is time to bring peace to this island through a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation driven solely by the joint efforts of all Cypriots and Cypriots, only. On a similar note, Greece has for years pursued the deserved rights of the leader of the Orthodox Christians, the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I will continue to advocate for the Patriarchate's recognition. I believe that this recognition would not only benefit the Patriarchate's legacy, but Turkey's multi-cultural history, as well. Finally, I will work to make sure that a mutual agreeable name for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, is reached. After all, Macedonia is Greek! Through its great history. Greece has always approached its own matters with grace. I am particularly proud of the Greek-Americans who, through, their advocacy and hard work, today heard the great news that Greece has finally been granted visa waiver status. I cannot tell you how happy I am that families will finally be comfortably reuniting after years of a discriminatory status. I thank President Obama and Secretary Napolitano for their decision and once again congratulate Greece on all that it has achieved and of course, all that it will achieve.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 75, 76, and 77, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 78, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy, when on February 25-26, 1992, the town of Khojaly in the Nagorno Karabagh region of Azerbaijan was brutally attacked by Armenian forces. The town of Khojaly, which was home to 7,000 people, was completely destroyed; a total of 613 people were killed, of which 106 were women and 83 were children, and 56 of whom are purported to have been killed with extreme cruelty and torture. Additionally, 1,275 were taken hostage, 150 went missing; 487 people became disabled, 76 of whom are teenagers; 8 families were wiped out; 25 children lost both of their parents, and 130 children lost one of their parents. Sadly, Khojaly, a town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, now under the occupation of Armenian forces, was the site of the largest killing of ethnic Azerbaijani civilians. According to Human Rights Watch and other international observers, the massacre was committed by the ethnic Armenian armed forces, reportedly with the help of the Russian 366th Motor Rifle Regiment. As part of the population tried to escape the town of Khojaly, they encountered violent ambushes and were murdered. According to the Russian organization, Memorial, 200 Azerbaijani corpses were brought from Khojaly to Agdam within four days, and it was discovered that they were subjected to abuses, torture and mutilation. Human Rights Watch stated that ``we place direct responsibility for the civilian deaths with Karabakh Armenian forces.'' At the time, Newsweek Magazine reported: ``Azerbaijan was a charnel house again last week: a place of mourning refugees and dozens of mangled corpses dragged to a makeshift morgue behind the mosque. They were ordinary Azerbaijani men, women and children of Khojaly, a small village in war-torn Nagorno-Karabakh overrun by Armenian forces on 25- 26 February. Many were killed at close range while trying to flee; some had their faces mutilated, others were scalped.'' Time Magazine stated ``While the details are argued, this much is plain: something grim and unconscionable happened in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly 2 weeks ago. So far, some 200 dead Azerbaijanis, many of them mutilated, have been transported out of the town tucked inside the Armenian-dominated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh for burial in neighboring Azerbaijan. The total number of deaths--the Azerbaijanis claim 1,324 civilians have been slaughtered, most of them women and children--is unknown.'' Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, PACE, from Albania, Azerbaijan, and the United Kingdom stated in May 2001 in Written Declaration No. 324 that the ``Armenians massacred the whole population of Khojaly and fully destroyed the town.'' Khojaly was the first significant Azerbaijani settlement overrun by Armenian forces in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The forces next overran the Nagorno-Karabakh districts of Zangilan, Gubadli, Fuzuli, Aghdam, and Kalbajar, as well as the towns of Shusha and Lachin. Altogether, the occupied territories represent roughly 20 percent of the territory of Azerbaijan. And, altogether roughly one million Azerbaijanis were evicted from their homes over the course of the Armenian-Azerbaijan war. Madam Speaker, this is not the ringing condemnation that the survivors of Khojaly deserve but it is an important first step by an international community that has too long been silent on this issue. Congress should take the next step and I hope my colleagues will join me in standing with Azerbaijanis as they commemorate the tragedy of Khojaly. The world should know and remember.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1059) honoring the heroism of the seven United States Agency for International Development and Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance supported urban search and rescue teams deployed to Haiti from New York City, New York, Fairfax County, Virginia, Los Angeles County, California, Miami, Florida, Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, and commending their dedication and assistance in the aftermath of the January 12, 2010, Haitian earthquake, as amended.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, on January 12, 2010, the most devastating earthquake to strike Haiti in over 200 years ravaged the island nation and took with it hundreds of thousands of lives. The aftermath of this tragic earthquake will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, but through the tragedy over 50 Haitian and American families celebrated the moment when their loved ones were rescued from the rubble by the 511 brave volunteers of the USAID/OFDA-supported urban search and rescue teams deployed to Haiti. These teams, which hail from New York City; Fairfax County, Virginia; Los Angeles County, California; Miami, Florida; Miami-Dade County, Florida; and Virginia Beach, Virginia, in most cases alerted their rescue team commanders that they were ready and willing to serve in Haiti even before their activation by OFDA. Their heroism is a true testament to the American spirit and the underlying concern of all Americans toward their neighbors and friends. While highly skilled and experienced in this type of dangerous work, the challenges facing the search and rescue teams in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake were particularly daunting. One night, as New York's Task Force One team had already gone to base camp, the team rushed back to the streets of Port-au-Price when they heard rumors that there were still children trapped in rubble nearby. That night, an 8- year-old boy was pulled by the team from the rubble and thanked his rescuers with a big hug and a big smile. The rescue team also saved a little girl buried in the same massive pile of rubble where the team recovered the bodies of three other children that day. The U.S. task force teams arrived in Haiti completely self-reliant. They brought their own shelter, food, and equipment. New York City Fire Commissioner and Staten Island native Sal Cassano says the groups that were sent to Haiti were among the best trained in the world by, of course, his department and the police department led by Commissioner Ray Kelly. The teams assisted in all types of search and rescue operations, including concrete removal, void searches, and confined space searches. They truly made a difference in the lives that they saved and in the other international search and rescue teams which they trained as well. Altogether, the international search and rescue effort in Haiti resulted in over 130 lives saved. And although the search and rescue phase of the disaster relief effort in Haiti is over, many of the rescuers and members of the New York City Police Department have stayed on or will return to provide the Haitian national police, among other police forces, with training and technical assistance. It is essential that immediate rescue and relief efforts be followed with a sustained commitment to Haiti's long-term reconstruction and development, and I commend President Obama, with the support of this Congress, and his able team for their leadership in this area. I commend the great heroism of the seven United States search and rescue teams that served in Haiti and welcome them back to their homes and families in New York, California, Virginia, and Florida. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. I thank the ranking member of the committee for those remarks, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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