Michael McMahon

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1074) honoring the life of Miep Gies, who aided Anne Frank's family while they were in hiding and preserved her diary for future generations.

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. Anne Frank and her family's struggle to survive the Holocaust is known to millions around the world, but few realize that the story of Anne and the Frank family would never have been known had it not been for the selfless acts of Miep Gies, who passed away on January 11. The Frank family was ultimately captured by the Gestapo and deported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where Anne and her sister Margor died of typhus. Anne's diaries survived the war and continue to serve as an inspirational story of hope in the face of senseless tragedy and an important testament for future generations to the horrors of the Holocaust. Were it not for the selfless acts of Miep Gies, an employee of Anne's father, Otto, who aided the Frank family while they were in hiding and preserved Anne's diary, Anne's story would likely never have been known. Miep agreed without hesitation to hide and assist the Frank family to avoid persecution in the hands of the Nazis, and by doing so put her own life at risk. After the Gestapo discovered the Frank family's hiding place, Miep hid the pages of Anne's diary for safekeeping and years later returned them to Otto, the only surviving member of the Frank family. Miep Gies also shared her recollections to author Alison Leslie Gold for the book, ``Anne Frank Remembered,'' which was later made into a powerful documentary film. She recounted her extraordinary life with a self- effacing modesty that betrayed her unfailing courage and integrity, serving as a powerful symbol of resistance against the forces of oppression and injustice. We mourn the passing of this extraordinary woman, and honor her for her bravery and compassion. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Miep Gies' courage in risking her own life to hide and to provide for the Frank family and for preserving the memory of Anne Frank and the Holocaust. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to the prime sponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kilroy).

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

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

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 944) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on religious minorities in Iraq, 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 to include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. McMAHON. I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H. Res. 944 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on the status of religious minorities in Iraq. When the Iraq war began in 2003, little thought was given to the impact on Iraq's religious minorities. Only 3 percent of the population in Iraq is non-Muslim. These populations include Christians, Yazidis, Sabian-Mandaeans, Baha'is, Shabaks, Kaka'is, and a very small number of Jews. Although the new Iraqi Constitution recognizes Islam as the official religion of Iraq, it also states that no law may be enacted that contradicts principles of democracy or the rights and basic freedoms stipulated in the constitution. The constitution also guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religious belief and practice for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Although the Iraqi Government generally respects these rights, ongoing violence restricts the free exercise of religion, and this violence poses a significant threat to the country's vulnerable religious minorities. These minorities continue to suffer at the hands of terrorists, extremists, criminal gangs, and even at the hands of unsavory elements within the Iraqi Government. Sectarian violence, including attacks on religious leaders and religious places of worship, continues to hamper their ability to practice religion freely. Many experts consider the situation for Iraqi Christians as especially dire. According to Chaldean Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Andreos Abouna of Baghdad, the number of Christians in Iraq may have been cut in half since 2003. As documented by the State Department, Christians have been threatened with violence if they do not leave their homes. They have been accosted on the streets and have even been assassinated. Their churches have been bombed and destroyed. Reports indicate that other religious minorities face similarly treacherous situations. The Yazidis, who are considered heretical by many Muslims because of their beliefs, have suffered under a tremendous onslaught of violence. Another targeted group, the Sabian-Mandaeans, numbered about 60,000 in 2003. Today, only about 5,000 Sabian-Mandaeans remain in Iraq, meaning that more than 90 percent have left the country or have been killed. That is why we are considering House Resolution 944 today, and that is why I am proud to say that I am an original cosponsor of that resolution. This resolution urges the Government of Iraq to enhance security in places of worship in Iraq, particularly where religious minorities are known to be at risk. The resolution calls for the urgent training of an appropriate number of security forces to protect religious minorities. It also urges the Iraqi Government to take affirmative measures to reverse the legal, political and economic marginalization of religious minorities in Iraq. In addition, it asks the United States to consider implementing programs for religious minorities as part of its overall economic assistance to Iraq. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution in an effort to make certain that all religions survive and have a chance to prosper in the new Iraq. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 3 minutes to the prime sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters).

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

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim the balance of my time.

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

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1048) commending the efforts and honoring the work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in the immediate response to those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, 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 as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this resolution recognizes the tireless, selfless, and heroic efforts of the men and women of the USNS Comfort and the entire United States Navy in responding to the tragic earthquake that rocked Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, on January 12, 2010. While many have known about Haiti's long and trying history in the face of natural disaster, food shortage, volatile prices, and an unstable political system, this latest trial, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake has brought with it a sea of new challenges, directly affecting 3 million people, nearly one-third of the country's population. Amid the catastrophic destruction of homes, roads, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, and casualty estimates being measured in the hundreds of thousands, there is a deep need for immediate material aid and medical support for survivors. Within hours of the quake, the United States Navy was on the scene in Port-au-Prince to swiftly administer aid to the Haitian people. The USNS Comfort and its 1,200 crew members have since offered around-the-clock medical services for up to 900 Haitians facing a wide range of health issues and maladies, many of them critical. They have saved the lives of 98 percent of the ship's patients, a testament to the USNS Comfort's dedication and laudable medical capabilities. The 550 medical personnel aboard the Comfort represent a wide array of specialties, including trauma surgeons, and have been working around the clock, since even before the Comfort reached Haiti, as patients began arriving by helicopter while they were en route. This vessel's brave crew has brought with it rays of hope, and is a symbol of the United States' and international outpouring of aid and sympathy. In the wake of this terrible catastrophe, the Haitian people have once again called upon their reserves of courage and resilience, and the United States is proud to stand as a leader with them in their hour of need. I believe it is fair to say that the USNS Comfort is aptly named. It has provided comfort in terms of health and saving lives to the victims of this terrible calamity. I therefore, Madam Speaker, urge my colleagues to strongly support this resolution. House of Representatives, House Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, February 22, 2010. Hon. Howard L. Berman, Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: On January 27, 2010, the House Resolution 1048, ``Commending the efforts and honoring the work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in the immediate response to those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010'' was introduced in the House. This measure was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Our Committee recognizes the importance of H. Res. 1048, and the need for the legislation to move expeditiously. Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over this legislation, the Committee on Armed Services will waive further consideration of H. Res. 1048. I do so with the understanding that by waiving further consideration of the resolution, the Committee does not waive any future jurisdictional claims over similar measures. I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter and a copy of your response in the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Very truly yours, Ike Skelton, Chairman.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield as much time as he shall consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger).

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 rise today to acknowledge, congratulate, and honor the career and service of Chief Terrance ``Terry'' Thornton of the Fire Department of New York. In a long and distinguished career spanning nearly three decades, Chief Thornton courageously and selflessly served the people of New York City. He has truly earned the right to count himself among New York's bravest. From his humble beginnings at Engine 201 in Brooklyn in 1981, Terry quickly gained the trust and respect of his co-workers and superiors. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1991 and to Captain in 1998. Perhaps the best example of Chief Thornton's leadership and bravery was his selection to join the Special Operations Command of the FDNY. This elite unit is responsible for all types of emergencies in New York City. With responsibilities ranging from search and rescue to HAZMAT responses, the Special Operations Command accepts only the best of the best. To be selected for this is an honor that is earned only by those who perform their duties at the highest level of professionalism and competence. In 2004, Terry was promoted to chief of 21 Battalion in Staten Island, a crowning achievement to a truly stellar career. After serving in this capacity for 5 years, Chief Thornton is retiring from the Fire Department to begin the next chapter in his life. Madam Speaker, on a personal note, I have known Chief Thornton since we were both 14 years old. A better and truer friend neither I nor anyone in this chamber could ever wish to have. He is without question one of the most cheerful, friendly, kind, punctual, talkative, effervescent, convivial, and fastidious people I know. He has taught so many of us at home in Staten Island, NY the true meaning of bravery and courage. Not only has he dealt with the daily life-threatening situations he and his brothers faced while wearing the uniform of the New York City Fire Department, but also as a civilian he has brought his incredibly strong will of character to overcome the daily challenges that life presents. He has overcome great losses by learning to cherish and appreciate all of his gains. We join his family; his children Patrick, Kyla, John, and Tara; his best friend and love, Lisa and her children, his sisters and brother, and all of his friends in wishing him well.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009, an historic, bipartisan piece of legislation, smartly targets investment in Iran's hydrocarbon sector. Outside of the oil and natural gas industry, Iran has practically no economy and any international company that chooses to invest and assist Iran in importing or producing refined petroleum, enables Iran to buy time as it masters the nuclear cycle. This perilous cat and mouse game, ultimately endangers the security of the U.S. Israel and the global community. For those who question the effectiveness of stricter sanctions, I would point out the fact that already, due to U.S. pressure, at least 40 banks, including Deutsche Bank, UBS, Credit Suisse, and Commerzbank AK, have reduced business with Iran. Yet, despite increased pressure from the international community and 5 UN Security Council Resolutions, Iran still refuses to suspend its enrichment program and has pledged to build even more enrichment facilities. For this reason, H.R. 2194 is a necessary instrument in the tool box of international diplomacy that the United States can use to pressure Iran to engage in serious negotiations. While I commend the Obama Administration for its willingness to engage with Iran and offer new solutions, I fear that their dialogue and discussion isn't being met with true partnership by the Iranian regime. The Iranian Government continues to drag their feet and refuse to commit to honest dialogue. Madam Speaker, nuclear nonproliferation is a global responsibility. Through my position on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I included a provision in this bill to the President to issue a timely report on the trade and sales of petroleum extraction equipment between Iran and members of the G20. Sactions by the United States alone will not put the pressure on the Iranian regime unless they are met with equal restrictions by our friends and allies. I have devoted much of my efforts on the committee to promoting transatlantic relations and nonproliferation efforts, and I feel that there is no better way to engage with allies and foes-alike than to promote a nuclear nonproliferation regime and ending Iran's nuclear ambitions once and for all. This reporting requirement will allow the U.S. to weigh the efforts of the G20 members in the fight against nuclear proliferation and will ultimately further secure the United States, Israel and the global community. I am confident that this measure will undoubtedly give the Administration the leverage that it needs to negotiate with the Ahmadinejad regime, but the United States will need the support of the international leaders in trade and the energy sector to wean Iran off its nuclear ambitions.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment and in support of the underlying legislation. I commend the work of Chairman Frank, of Chairman Peterson, and of all involved, and I commend also the work of the gentleman from Massachusetts, who is a great friend and colleague, although I disagree with him on this amendment. This legislation is trying to minimize systemic risk, but the amendment will increase it, so I speak in opposition to it. By limiting to 20 percent the total combined, collective ownership of clearinghouses, exchanges and execution facilities, it will limit what facilities can ultimately clear trades. Less choice. Not more choice. The way to deal with concerns about conflicts of interest are through changes in governance, not through restricting ownership and investments. By concentrating the derivative trading market share in the hands of a very few inevitably large institutions, we are more likely to be creating systemic risk than we are to be mitigating it. Virtually all clearinghouses and exchanges are jointly owned, in which their vast majority of investors are swap participants. The underlying bill grants regulators the strongest authority to police the markets and to enforce capital standards. Support the strong standards in this bill. Support the regulations and transparency in this bill. Oppose this business grab through legislative fiat. The amendment is strongly opposed by the New York Stock Exchange, by the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, by LCH Clearnet, and by almost every single exchange and clearinghouse. It will cost jobs in New York in my district. This bill should be about improving transparency and enforcement, and about bringing fair and prudent regulation to the derivatives market while minimizing systemic risk. Instead, the proponents of this amendment are using the legislative process to promote one marketplace over the others, and it will cost jobs and capital formation from other exchanges. We are here today to reform American financial services and our regulatory structure, not to drive companies out of business, costing American exchanges jobs and money. The amendment will give an unfair advantage to one exchange, and it just isn't practical. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Chairwoman, I urge all of you to support the Murphy-McMahon-Kratovil amendment, which would protect end users and to be sure we better regulate the big investors as major swap participants. Although the regulation of derivatives is complex, the issue is extremely important to the proper functioning of our capital markets and to almost every business in America, and we need to get this right. Because derivatives are financial instruments that help all of us, they help keep our energy costs low and stable, if they're overregulated, it will cost my constituents back home more money for their electricity. They help insurance companies keep premiums low. They help companies complete construction projects on time and under budget. And despite the negative press and lack of understanding of the derivatives market, for the most part, the market works well. We cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater. We must work to protect the end users, good American businesses that are just trying to manage their cash flows and hedge against uncertain risks beyond their control in a cost-effective manner. To do otherwise would cripple American industries and jobs in this country.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise with a mix of sorrow and optimism as we wish farewell to Congressman Robert Wexler, a true friend, fellow New Yorker--by birth--and leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee as he moves ahead in the next stage of his successful career. Congressman Wexler leaves behind a great legacy as one of the first legislators to truly harness the great potential of a U.S.-Turkey partnership. This legacy is illustrated time and again through the warm reception Congressman Wexler receives from even the most skeptical audiences in Turkey, Israel and the Middle East. His example reminds us all of the power of diplomacy and American values. As an outspoken advocate for increased dialogue between the United States and Turkey, he has created an environment of increased stability, security and friendship for all people in not only the United States and Turkey, but throughout the Middle East. Turkey is a strong partner with the U.S. in combating terrorism, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. Turkey also is on the verge of a successful rapprochement with Armenia. Additionally, Turkey is actively engaged in facilitating multilateral negotiations that often complement U.S. foreign policy on delicate post-conflict matters, greater economic and trade cooperation and of course, global energy needs. As a founding co-chair of the Turkish Caucus and the Chairman of the Europe subcommittee, Congressman Wexler has played a key role in all of these achievements. Most recently, his work to facilitate greater communication between legislators in the U.S. and Turkey culminated in last month's announcement that the Congressional Turkish Caucus hit a record number of 104 Caucus members since its inception in 2001. Though the departure of Congressman Wexler is saddening and no doubt a huge loss to the Turkish-American community and the U.S. House of Representatives, I am encouraged that in his new position as president of the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation he will continue to bestow his vision of greater peace and understanding upon legislators and world leaders alike. I would like to thank Congressman Wexler for his great service to this country and look forward to continuing to work with him to develop a long-lasting diplomatic relationship with our allies in Europe and the Middle East.