Michael McMahon

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 743 which honors the life and work of accomplished Pulitzer-prize winning author Frank McCourt. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important resolution. Frank McCourt was an exceptional author and educator whose contributions are valued throughout America. He is remembered for his great literary masterpieces, including his well known autobiography, ``Angela's Ashes,'' which tells his story of growing up in the slums of Brooklyn, New York and Limerick City, Ireland. Frank McCourt's life is the story of a true American Dream. As a child of Irish immigrants, McCourt grew up during the depression and faced many grave challenges. McCourt was abandoned by his father, who was an alcoholic, at an early age. The family had seven children, three of whom died from disease. McCourt found himself struggling to hold down a job in order to feed his mother and surviving siblings. He worked to provide a stable and healthy environment for his family during a time of worldwide economic depression. McCourt dropped out of school at the age of 13 and worked a series of janitorial jobs in New York hotels. After serving in the United States Army, Frank McCourt was granted a formal education at New York University even though he never received the required high school diploma. Frank McCourt's professional career began as an educator in 1958 when he landed his first job teaching English at Ralph R. McKee Career & Technical High School (McKee) located in my district of Staten Island, New York. McCourt went on to teach in the New York City Public school system for 27 years. McCourt always had a passion for creative writing and storytelling, and it was through his work at McKee high school where he developed the idea for ``Angela's Ashes.'' Frank McCourt was once quoted in an interview saying that, ``children are the most precious material we have in our country.'' McCourt was a great example of a dedicated teacher and was an outspoken advocate for education. McCourt viewed teaching as the single most important profession in the country because teachers pave the way for our children's future and enhance their lives. When Frank McCourt passed away earlier this year, our Nation lost a great man, teacher, author, and friend. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 743 to honor the life, work and contributions of Frank McCourt.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Salinardi. Mr. Salinardi has done extensive work with the developmentally disabled population for the past 40 years. He has ensured that disabled individuals in my district have had their voices heard. Mr. Salinardi has spent much of his career improving the treatment of developmentally disabled individuals. From his 30 years of teaching developmentally disabled adults through his decades volunteering his time and knowledge, he has helped these individuals become productive members of our community. Richard serves as the Executive Director of Lifestyles for the Disabled Inc., overseeing all aspects of the agency. Richard has taken an aggressive and innovative approach, yielding remarkable results. While the Lifestyles for the Disabled family continues to grow, Richard has maintained a solid connection to his roots. As an alumnus of Wagner College, Mr. Salinardi started a program to have students from his alma mater volunteer their time at Lifestyles, maximizing their college experiences. Mr. Salinardi continues to volunteer his time with Special Olympics at Wagner College. The Special Olympics program at Wagner started 35 years ago with 10 athletes and has grown to over 500 athletes, training year-round. Since 1975, Richard has served as the Staten Island Area Coordinator and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics of New York. Mr. Salinardi is a truly great American and a dedicated community leader. Because of the devotion of Richard Salinardi, I know that disabled individuals on Staten Island and around New York City are in good hands. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Richard Salinardi for his dynamic leadership and acknowledging the impact he has made on the developmentally disabled of Staten Island.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Tompkins Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons that is now celebrating its 150th anniversary. This fraternal order has had a rich and long history filled with dedication to and compassion for the people of our community. The Tompkins Lodge's history dates as far back as the American Revolution when British officers and colonist met in the Guyon-Clark homestead in the New Dorp section of Staten Island. The War of 1812 brought a halt to Masonic activity on Staten Island but the lodge was reconvened in 1819 in the home of Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins, who also served as Grand Master of Mason of New York State. They met in various homes until 1825 when the Richmond Lodge had its first meeting on the top floor of the Nautilus Lodge. In 1839, the anti-Masonic movement had grown in New York and many lodges around the State surrendered their charters, but the Richmond Lodge stood firm and weathered out the storm. In May 1856, the lodge moved to the room occupied by the former Richmond Lodge, where it remained until a massive fire ripped through the Tompkinsville section of Staten Island. After many years in their location, the Tompkins Lodge moved in 1908 to their current location above the Stapleton Office of the U.S. Postal Service. From national programs such as their hospitals and senior living homes, to their works around Staten Island, the Tompkins Lodge is at the forefront of community service on Staten Island. Throughout their long and prestigious history, the Tompkins Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons has volunteered their time and skills to the improvement of our community. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the Tompkins Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons for the vigorous devotion to the people of New York's 13th Congressional District for the past 150 years.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Golden as he celebrates his 90th birthday this month. Mr. Golden is the grandfather of my constituent Stevie Lacy-Pendleton, and I honor him for being a great community role model. Throughout his life, Mr. Golden overcame many adversities. As the only son born into a family of young women, much was expected of him after his father's death. Still only a child when his father died, he took a job in the coalmines of Virginia to help support his family through the Great Depression. It was a different time in America. There were few jobs available especially for African-Americans, so Mr. Golden considered himself lucky, even blessed to have a job, no matter how difficult it was on a day to day basis. An early work accident left him unable to join the military, but it opened a door to higher education. He applied and was accepted to Central State, which later became Central State University. Throughout his college years, he continued to work and send money home, at times holding more than one job. Upon graduation, he became one of the few African-American engineers in America. He was hired by a federal defense contractor in Dayton, Ohio spending his entire career with them and retiring after over 40 years of service in 1989. During his 40 plus years as an engineer, he mentored countless young people as they began their engineering careers. He has always been a great community leader. He became an active member of the Middle Run Baptist Church which was founded by freed slaves and is one of the oldest such institutions in the country. As a member of the Middle Run Baptist Church for over 50 years, he serves as a senior deacon, assistant treasurer and a member of the men's choir. He supervises church maintenance and repairs, and cooks for the weekly breakfast program that is open to church members and non members alike. He also fills in as the driver of the church bus which helps transport seniors and people with disabilities. He was married to his devoted wife Frances for more than 50 years before her passing a number of years ago. Mr. Golden puts his religious beliefs into everyday action. He is a role model for young and old. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Charles Golden as we join with the members of his church who honored him on November 13, 2009, as a man who overcame insurmountable obstacles, and as the quiet man who has touched and made a difference in so many lives.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Giuseppe Taormina. His powerful voice, passion and talent make him the true ``King of High C.'' Mr. Taormina was born in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. He started voice training at a very young age and began performing in Sicily. When he arrived in the United States, he immediately auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera Company, where he was accepted into the Young Artist Program. Because of his beautiful voice, he received two scholarships as primo tenore while at Hunter College. Most notably, Mr. Taormina is the only person in the United States who has received the prestigious honor of Necklace Knight, ``Cavaliere di Collona'' and the noble title of Saint George in Carinzia Supreme Military Order. Mr. Taormina has had the honor to perform for the Kings of Yugoslavia and Bulgaria, as well as Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines. He has also traveled to the far corners of the world spreading his passion for music with the ``Ambassadors of Opera.'' On November 1st, Mr. Taormina performed at the 48th Annual Mario Lanza Ball, where he was the evening's special guest tenor. Mr. Taormina helped celebrate the life and career of Mario Lanza. His one of a kind tenor voice is a great tribute to a star that left us far to soon. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the talent and accomplishments of Giuseppe Taormina.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Allan B. Perel, a dedicated physician, leader in the MS community and a true humanitarian. He is one of Staten Island's ``everyday heroes.'' Dr. Perel was educated in New York City schools, attending Brooklyn College, and obtaining his medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. He completed his residency at Columbia University--Presbyterian Hospital and interned at Staten Island University Hospital. Dr. Perel is a great physician, and he gives back to his community. His has gone above and beyond by providing unprecedented care to those affected by Multiple Sclerosis and other life altering conditions. He has served as the Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Staten Island/ Chapter Site NYCMS Society for the past 15 years. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Staten Island Heart Society for the past 5 years and was the only Neurologist to have served as President of the American Heart Association. Dr. Perel also founded and served as the director of the Staten Island University Hospital--NYS Department of Health Certified Stroke Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Perel provided educational materials to the community and supported legislation that benefited both doctors and patients. He helps coordinate the Island-wide September 11 Memorial blood drive, and continuously supports charity walks for many causes. Dr. Perel has been an active participant of the Richmond County Medical Society since 1989. In July of 2008, Dr. Perel was selected to be the organization's president. On Saturday, November 14th, the Richmond County Medical Society honored Dr. Allan Perel for his tireless dedication to his profession and the people of his community. I wish to join this organization in praising the accomplishments of one of Staten Island's finest physicians. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Dr. Allan B. Perel on his dedication to the citizens of Staten Island.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the New York Yankees, baseball's most storied franchise, on winning their 27th World Series. After a hard-fought series, the Yankees won game six at home in the Bronx against the Philadelphia Phillies. Winning their record 27th World Series is something that the whole organization, city, and State can be proud of. I am elated to join my fellow Representatives from New York and Representatives from across this great country in honoring this historic moment. The Yankees have won more championships than any other baseball club in history. The Yankees certainly have a season to be proud of. After finishing at the top of the American League's Eastern Division, the Yankees went on to beat the Minnesota Twins 3-0 in the American League Division Series. Facing off against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the American League Championship Series, the Yankees fought hard to win the series four games to two. Under the leadership of team captain and ten-time all-star Derek Jeter, the Yankees have added another heroic chapter to the story that already includes such immortals and Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, and Don Mattingly. I am proud to not only be from the great city of New York, but I am also proud to represent the Yankees minor league affiliate, the Staten Island Yankees, also known as the Baby Bombers. The Yankees and their farm teams bring much to the places they reside. They bring, pride, hope, jobs, and on occasions such as this week, they bring happiness and joy to their many supporters.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I request to know how much time I have remaining.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would also echo the words of the gentlelady from Florida and all of those who spoke on the relevant issue this evening of the resolution which honors the incredible accomplishments that transpired in 1989, the fall of the wall, the opening of the gate, and the spirit of freedom that blew through Eastern Europe. And it was not the result of one individual or one group of people. Hundreds of thousands of people yearned and thirsted for freedom for decades, and it finally came in the great fruition of that physical breaking down of that wall. We heard tonight about the memory of Ronald Reagan, and we are reminded of what a great role he played in ordering Mr. Gorbachev to open the gate and tear down the wall. I would close by only reminding all of those in this Chamber tonight that I think if he were here, Ronald Reagan would be a little disappointed in those who come in this great august body at a time that we are honoring such a momentous occasion in the history of our world and use it to discuss things, though important, not relevant, and to seem to do so for political advantage rather than honoring the memory of those who lost their lives fighting and questing for freedom. They are an inspiration to all of us, and they should be for all time. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 833) honoring the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the 10th anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H. Res. 833, which honors the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the 10th anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Abdullah II. I would like to thank my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), for introducing this important measure. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mr. Speaker, is a strong ally and a great friend of the United States. Although our two nations have never been linked by a formal treaty, we have cooperated for decades on a variety of regional and international issues. In particular, the United States and Jordan have worked together to support our commitment to peace, stability, moderation, and modernization in the Middle East. With economic and military assistance, a free trade agreement, and close political cooperation, the United States has helped Jordan overcome the vulnerabilities it naturally faces as a result of its small size and lack of natural resources. Jordan's geographic position, wedged among Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, has sometimes made it the object of the strategic designs of more powerful neighbors; but it has also given moderate Jordan a strategically critical role as a buffer among those states. And its 15- year-old peace treaty with Israel has proven to be durable and an important force for regional stability. Jordan is a key partner in fighting international terrorism. Its security organizations are considered among the best informed and most adept in the region. For example, Jordanian intelligence reportedly played a role in assisting U.S. forces in killing Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the fugitive Jordanian terrorist mastermind who headed the al Qaeda organization in Iraq until his death in 2006. Jordan's moderate and pro-Western policies have made it at times a preferred target of regional terrorist groups. On November 9, 2005, bombings at three Western-owned hotels in Amman killed 58 people and seriously wounded approximately 100 others. The terrorist organization al Qaeda in Iraq claimed responsibility for this act. I am certain the United States will continue to stand with Jordan in its fight against terrorism. Mr. Speaker, in August, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hosted Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh in Washington. In her remarks following their meeting, Secretary Clinton said that ``after six decades of relations our partnership has proved both durable and dynamic. We will continue to work together in areas ranging from assistance with education, health care, water programs, to border security, good governance, and regional security.'' I am proud to say, Mr. Speaker, that the Congress is working alongside the Obama administration to achieve those goals. King Abdullah has won the admiration of many of us for his energetic and hands-on style of governing and for his commonsense approach to regional relations. He is a true friend of the United States and a true voice of moderation in an increasingly treacherous region. I have always found King Abdullah to be a sincere and insightful interlocutor as well as a strong spokesman for Jordan's interests. I congratulate him on the 10th anniversary of his accession to the Jordanian throne, and I wish him many successful years ahead. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the author of this resolution, Adam Schiff, along with Representatives Charles Boustany, Brian Baird, and Jeff Fortenberry for their leadership in directing the Congressional Jordanian Caucus. Such bipartisan cooperation can only strengthen U.S.-Jordanian bilateral relations. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 833, and I encourage all my colleagues to do likewise. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).

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

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 209) recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Iranian hostage crisis, during which 52 United States citizens were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981, and for other purposes.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. 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 yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 209, which recognizes the 30th anniversary of the seizure of the United States Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. In February 1979, shortly after the collapse of the Shah's regime, exiled religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Tehran and whipped popular discontent into rabid anti-Americanism. When the Shah came to America for cancer treatment in October, the Ayatollah incited Iranian militants to attack the United States. Shortly thereafter, on November 4, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun and its employees taken captive. The hostage crisis had begun. Sixty-six Americans were taken hostage by the Iranians. They were separated into small groups which were not allowed to communicate with one another. They were completely cut off from the outside world, even from their families. They were blindfolded whenever their captors took them outside their rooms. Meals were served irregularly and were often inadequate. Particularly worrisome for the hostages was the lack of adequate medical care. Many of them were senior Embassy staff with serious health concerns. Above all, there was the psychological pressure of never knowing if they would be harmed or executed, if and when they would be released, or what, if anything, the American Government was doing to help them. Mr. Speaker, our brave diplomats and servicemen were held for well over a year. The Iranians released a few of the hostages along the way, but 52 of the original 66 who were captured were held for the entire 444 days. All of the hostages made a heroic sacrifice for our Nation, and they deserve our eternal gratitude. We also lost eight courageous soldiers when their helicopters crashed in the Iranian desert on April 25, 1980, in a failed attempt to rescue the hostages. We honor their bravery and we mourn their loss. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to their families, Mr. Speaker. The Iranian regime's support for the holding of American hostages was a disgrace of the highest order, and it was far from the last time that the Iranian regime would show contempt for its international obligations, as we know. Iran continues to flout the will of the international community today with its nuclear weapons program and with its support for terrorism. Annually--and outrageously--the Iranian regime continues to mark the anniversary of the Embassy takeover as a celebration rather than as the badge of shame they should acknowledge it to be. This year, thousands of Iranian demonstrators turned the tables on the regime, fittingly using the occasion to declare their contempt for the Iranian leadership. Mr. Speaker, several of those who were taken hostage 30 years ago remain active in serving our Nation's interests today. One of them, Ambassador John W. Limbert, was a young political officer, already an accomplished Persian scholar, who was just finishing his third month at the Embassy when Iranian thugs took him and his colleagues hostage. Today, 30 years later, he is starting an assignment as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iranian Affairs at the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. For the past 3 years, he has been a professor at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, which has granted him leave so he can assume his critically important position. He is not only a scholar but a first-rate diplomat. We honor him today, wish him well on his new assignment, and look forward to working with him. I commend my friend, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry), for introducing this important resolution, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, at this time it is my privilege and honor to recognize for 4 minutes my distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee.

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

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 711. The Tamil people have been exposed to unspeakable tragedies by all sides in the most recent ethnic conflict. Yet, the so-called end to the conflict in Sri Lanka has only brought more suffering and brutality to the Tamil people. Housed in barrack-style IDP camps, without the option of release, these 300,000 refugees are repeatedly betrayed by Sri Lankan officials that claim to be protecting them from the LTTE, a terrorist organization who was uprooted this Spring. Furthermore, stories of torture and injustice seep through the high barbed-wire walls surrounding these camps, despite limited access to outside NGOs and the media. This is frightening and simply unacceptable. My message has always been clear: I will not stand for the atrocities being committed in Sri Lanka. Through my work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, I have worked with Chairman Berman to include a provision in the Foreign Relations Authorization Act to condemn the Sri Lankan government's inaction and to mandate a cultural exchange for the new generation of Sri Lankans to study tolerance in the United States. For three long decades, Sri Lankans have been pitted against one another. And, thousands of innocent lives have been lost. It is time for a new direction in Sri Lanka. It is time for a political solution and an integration of minorities in Sri Lanka. Clearly, it is not enough to release a small number of refugees to host families or, for that matter, to farmland--as the government has reportedly been doing. These people must immediately be allowed to return to their homes and to their daily lives.