Jerrold Nadler

Mr. NADLER of New York

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), the chairperson of the Rules Committee.

Mr. NADLER of New York. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 505, which condemns the murder of Dr. George Tiller, who was shot to death at his church on May 31. The resolution also offers the condolences of the House of Representatives to Dr. Tiller's family. I know that Dr. Tiller and his family are in the thoughts and prayers of every Member of the House today. I want to commend our colleague, the distinguished chairperson of the Rules Committee, my fellow New Yorker, Ms. Slaughter, for introducing this resolution. It is imperative that the House of Representatives speak with a united voice in condemning this crime. It is a sad reminder that medical personnel are still at risk from armed extremists who are willing to resort to deadly violence in order to advance their causes even when they cloak their cause in the language of life. There can never be room in a free society for the use of deadly violence to advance a cause. It is against everything this country stands for. I have no doubt there isn't a single Member of this House who would disagree. This resolution renews our commitment to the American principle that tolerance must always be superior to intolerance and that violence is never an appropriate response to differences and belief. As deplorable as this murder was, it was all the more reprehensible because the victim was targeted as he was leaving church. In the past 10 years, 38 people have been murdered in their place of worship and 30 more have been wounded. Dr. Tiller was a controversial figure. He was the target of threats and even a prior shooting because of his dedication to providing needed, if unpopular, services. He was murdered solely because of the work he did. The continued violence directed at abortion providers, including doctors and the people who staff their clinics, is well- known. Bombings, shootings, vandalism, and harassment all serve to warn women and their health care providers that they may pay a terrible price if they choose to avail themselves of their rights under the Constitution. This was not the first time a health care provider was similarly targeted. I am sure every Member of this House and every decent American, however they may feel or whatever they may believe on the question of abortion, will insist that this and every other question must be decided by our legal, constitutional, and democratic processes and not by murderous violence. I am sure we all condemn those people or groups who espouse or excuse domestic terrorism. But while violence has long been directed at the clinics and the people who work there, this time the killer chose, in addition, to invade the sanctity of the Sabbath. Murderous intolerance is never justified; even so, the idea of bringing death and mayhem to a house of worship strikes all people as particularly reprehensible. These acts include the murder of an Illinois pastor in the pulpit in March of this year; the murder of an Ohio minister in November of last year; the murder of an usher and a guest during a children's play in a Tennessee church in July of last year; the murder of four family members in a church in Louisiana in May 2006; and the shooting of a worshipper outside a synagogue in Florida in October 2005; not to mention the attempted bombings of two synagogues in Riverdale in the Bronx just a few weeks ago. Whether these acts of violence target one individual or an entire community of faith, we must all join together and speak out against them. I urge all of my colleagues to stand up to those who would bring their reign of terror into a house of worship and those who would seek to change American law by violence and unconstitutional means to express their opprobrium of this conduct by supporting this resolution condemning the murder of George Tiller and extending the condolences of this House to the members of Dr. Tiller's family. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 505) condemning the murder of Dr. George Tiller, who was shot to death at his church on May 31, 2009.

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlelady from California (Mrs. Capps).

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlelady from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mr. NADLER of New York

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

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 515 rightly condemns the murder of Army Private William Long and the wounding of Army Private Quinton Ezeagwula, who were shot outside the Army Navy Career Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 1, 2009. This dastardly attack on two young Americans who were simply standing outside the Armed Forces Recruiting Center where they worked should shock the conscience of all Americans. Private Long, who was 23, was murdered. Private Ezeagwula, who is 18, was wounded. They had answered their call to service and were willing to lay down their lives for their country, but the deadly attack came here at home, not on a field of battle halfway across the world. There are more than 1.4 million Active members of the Armed Forces protecting America, and more than 1.2 million Reserve members. There are more than 8,000 Army and Army Reserve recruiters, and more than 7,000 Navy recruiters, serving at more than 1,500 military recruiting stations and centers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Europe. Each one of these men and women are courageous patriots who deserve our support, and this deadly attack is nothing short of dastardly. This resolution offers the condolences of this House to the family of Private Long, expresses our hopes for a full recovery for Private Ezeagwula, and urges that the perpetrator or perpetrators of this senseless shooting be brought to justice. I want to commend our colleague, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks), for introducing this resolution. It is an appropriate statement of what I note to be the views of every Member of this House. At a time like this, it is important for all of us to stand together to support our men and women in uniform and to speak with one voice against violence directed against them. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I now yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder).

Mr. NADLER of New York. How much time do I have remaining, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. NADLER of New York. Well, I won't take that, but I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, we ask every member of our armed services--2.6 million men and women in the Active and Reserve forces--to be willing to lay down their lives for our country in defense of our freedom, if need be, and they are willing to do that. And every time, whether in Iraq or Afghanistan or anywhere else around the globe, a member of our armed services is killed in action there is a grieved family, a lover, a wife, a husband, a mother, a father, a son, a daughter for all of these who are grieved and whose loss can never be made up. And we sometimes, except on Memorial Day, forget about that. And this happens all the time, too often, and we don't think about it too much. We ought to think about it because our freedoms are dependent on it; our way of life is dependent on it. And none of us would be here enjoying our freedoms if it weren't for the willingness of our sons and daughters to do what they have to do to keep us safe and free. This resolution does not address all of that; it simply addresses two members of our armed services, one of whom was killed and one of whom was severely wounded. But the difference is that they weren't in a combat zone; they were murdered and wounded here at home, supposedly in a safe place. And it illustrates that even here at home not everyone is safe. So this resolution mourns the death of Private Long and the wounding of Private Ezeagwula, and it extends our condolences to the family of Private Long and our wishes for the best recovery to Private Ezeagwula. It is little enough that we can do, but it is really all we can do at this point. It says we are grateful. It reminds us of the sacrifices that are made. I appreciate Mr. Franks' introduction of this resolution. I urge everyone to support it. And as with the resolution I spoke of earlier today, I cannot believe anyone will not support it. So I urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw the motion.

Mr. NADLER of New York

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

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask the gentleman from Arizona if he is prepared to yield back at this time.

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NADLER of New York

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act (HR 2200). For the most part, this bill is a good bill. However, it contains a troubling provision extending the deadline to screen 100 percent of air cargo on passenger planes bound for the United States. Each year, over 6 billion pounds of cargo are transported on passenger planes within, or to, the United States. Almost half of this amount, 3.3 billion pounds of cargo, is carried on passenger planes that originate in foreign countries bound for the United States. There is no active requirement that this cargo be screened for explosives. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress passed legislation to strengthen aviation security, but it failed to address this glaring loophole. Just two years ago, Congress finally passed legislation implementing all of the 9/11 Commission recommendations (H.R. 1 in the 110th Congress), requiring 100 percent screening of air cargo by August 2010. Even though this deadline is more than a full year away, Section 201 of H.R. 2200 as reported by the Committee appears to grant TSA up to an additional two years from the date of enactment of this bill to screen inbound cargo for explosives. It makes no good sense to provide an extension a full year in advance of the current deadline. We must not wait to impose security measures until cargo reaches the United States. If we wait to check for a bomb on a plane when it arrives in Newark, or Miami, or Los Angeles, it may be too late. Congress recognized this and intentionally set a deadline for screening all air cargo abroad. We will have to reach international agreements to implement the requirement, and in some cases that could be challenging, but it is precisely for this reason that Congress set an aggressive deadline. It has been almost eight years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. We should have implemented 100 percent air cargo screening years ago. Only with vigorous oversight can we be sure that all stakeholders involved finally take action on this vital national security measure. The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) and Families of September 11th also oppose the inclusion of this provision. We search little old ladies' shampoo bottles. Certainly, we can screen cargo in the belly of the plane for explosives. I am also concerned about Section 405 of the bill, which would require that any person detained at the Guantanamo Bay facility on or after January 1, 2009 must be placed on the no-fly list. As the Distinguished Chairman has made clear, ``regardless of the nature of the disposition'' of their case. This provision could lead to extremely bizarre results. For example, a person who was cleared of any wrongdoing, and who has been shown to be not a threat to the United States, would still be required to be placed on the no-fly list. Where is the sense in that? We now know that most of the people who have been held at Guantanamo at one time or another were not a threat, and were not in fact guilty of engaging in hostilities against the United States. There are people still imprisoned at Guantanamo today who are there, not because they are a threat, but because our government can't figure out what to do with them. The Uigers, who are viewed as terrorists only by the repressive regime in Beijing, would be labeled as terrorists and added to the no-fly list. Is that the policy we want on the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre? I must reluctantly vote ``no'' on final passage.

Mr. NADLER of New York

Mr. NADLER of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Susan J. Spungin. In March of 2009, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) awarded the M.C. Migel Medal to Dr. Spungin at their Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute in Washington, DC. The M.C. Migel Medal was established in 1937 by the late M.C. Migel, the first chairperson of the American Foundation for the Blind. The award was created to honor professionals and volunteers whose dedication and achievements have improved the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. It is the highest honor in the blindness field. This year's recipient, Dr. Spungin recently retired from her position as Vice President of International Programs and Special Projects at the American Foundation for the Blind, and as Treasurer of the World Blind Union. An internationally renowned expert on the education and rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, Dr. Spungin joined AFB in 1972 as a national specialist in education. In this capacity, she identified nationwide issues affecting blind, deaf- blind, and severely visually impaired children and youths, and worked in partnership with schools, agencies, state departments of education, universities, the federal government, and other organizations to resolve those issues. Additionally, she was instrumental in shaping the American Foundation for the Blind's research and policy work, specifically, its national programs in the areas of early childhood development, aging, employment, rehabilitation teaching, low vision, orientation and mobility, and career education. Dr. Spungin's leadership and influence within the field of blindness and vision impairment are evident in her many publications and workshops, lectures, and keynote speeches she's presented around the world; in her mentorship of newer leaders in the field; and the awards and honors she has received and the enormous respect and reverence that greet her wherever she goes. Dr. Spungin's forty-four years of distinguished work on education and rehabilitation of blind people in national and international arenas is commendable and fully deserving of the commendation of the M.C. Migel Medal.

Mr. NADLER of New York

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reluctantly support the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009, H.R. 2346. A lot has changed since we last voted on supplemental spending bills for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The American people have spoken and we have elected a new President who has promised to end the conflict in Iraq. The President ordered a full review of our military policy and announced a firm date for the removal of combat troops from Iraq--August 2010. It is not as early as I would have liked, but he has announced that the end is in sight and he will draw that conflict to a close. This bill is consistent with that plan to safely redeploy our troops out of Iraq. I am, however, deeply concerned about our plans for Afghanistan. Immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001, I fully supported the initial war in Afghanistan. I support our efforts to destroy terrorist training camps and to pursue and defeat Al-Qaeda wherever it may be. I support providing the military equipment and support to our troops that they need to ensure their safety. I am more concerned, frankly, with the problem of mission creep. It is one thing to seek to ensure that Al-Qaeda cannot use sanctuaries in Afghanistan to plan attacks on the United States. It is quite another to seek to remake Afghanistan. I doubt very much that we will be able to eradicate their poppy crops, end corruption, and ensure equal rights for all in Afghanistan. Nor is it our job to remake Afghanistan. I am voting for this bill today, because it provides the funds for an orderly withdrawal from Iraq to an Administration I trust to arrange such an orderly withdrawal as soon as possible. It also supplies funds for aid to Israel, for combating HIV/AIDS, for combating the swine flu, and for many other worthwhile projects. But I want to be clear. I will not support an open-ended long term commitment in Afghanistan. I am concerned that the goals may very well be too ambitious, too vague, and too costly--in lives and treasure--for our country. I will continue to monitor the situation closely, and I will oppose funding for unrealistic mission creep. I do not take these votes lightly, and these votes do not occur in a vacuum. As circumstances both on the ground and, quite frankly, within the United States government change, each vote for military funding must be considered on its own merits. At this point, with a new Administration here in the United States and with the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan particularly dire, I have decided to vote in favor of the Supplemental Appropriations Act.

Mr. NADLER of New York

Mr. NADLER of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly remarkable New Yorker, Dr. Joel M. Levy, as he retires from the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network (NIPD). After forty years of dedicated service and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities, Dr. Levy helped grow YAI/NlPD from a small and struggling agency into one of the nation's leading providers of services for people of all ages with developmental and learning disabilities. Dr. Levy played a key role in transforming the field of disabilities and dramatically improving the lives of thousands of individuals and families. Dr. Levy's inspirational efforts helped create innumerable opportunities for those with developmental disabilities to experience greater independence, productivity and joy through community living, meaningful employment and volunteer activities. Furthermore, he has ensured that people with disabilities have access to quality physical and mental health care. And because of his commitment, Dr. Levy has positioned YAI/NIPD as an internationally acclaimed professional organization renowned for its conferences, training materials, research and publications in this field. In the course of a long and distinguished career, Dr. Levy has given hope to people with developmental and learning disabilities and their families. On behalf of myself and all New Yorkers, I thank Dr. Levy for his years of service to people with disabilities and their families and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. NADLER of New York

Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, this House faces a historic test. Will we act decisively to deal with some of the most destructive crimes in our society, violent assaults against victims who are singled out solely because someone doesn't like who they are? Whether committed because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability of the victim, these violent acts are particularly reprehensible because they target not just an individual but an entire group. These crimes do, and are often intended to, spread terror among all members of the group. They're intended to say to members of a group, don't be who you are. Don't go where you're not wanted. Do not exercise your civil rights to be yourself, to speak publicly, to go wherever you want. This bill enables the Federal Government to intervene, so as to punish such crimes and protect the rights of individuals and of groups unpopular in some quarters. Do not believe the scare tactics. This bill does not criminalize thoughts or speech. No one will be prosecuted because of what they say or think. No preacher need worry about a sermon. Only crimes of violence are punishable under this bill. The law routinely looks to the motivation behind a criminal act and treats the more heinous of them differently. Manslaughter is different from premeditated murder, which is different from a contract killing. We punish crimes differently if they are terrorist acts, defined as violent crimes that ``appear to be intended to intimidate or coerce the civilian population.'' Existing civil rights laws take a similar approach. A person who uses force to interfere with someone's federally protected rights such as voting, working, attending school and the like, commits a Federal crime. And that's been the law for many years. We treat an act of violence more seriously if the intent is to deny someone his or her civil rights. The only question this bill presents to Members is whether we believe people assaulted violently because of their identity deserve Federal protection. For many years Congress refused to adopt antilynching laws. Those were not proud times in our Nation's history. We now have the opportunity to do the right thing. I hope we do.

Mr. NADLER

Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, during consideration of the End GREED Act (H.R. 1575), my vote was recorded as ``no'' on final passage of the bill (rollcall No. 178). I intended to vote ``aye.''

Mr. NADLER of New York

Mr. NADLER of New York. The gentleman from Georgia obtained the floor in opposition after stating that he was not opposed and then stating that he was opposed. We have not heard a word of opposition to the amendment. We have heard some skepticism about the bill, but we have not heard a word about opposition to the amendment. I think, as a matter of order, that we are entitled to hear opposition to the amendment so I can make up my mind on this amendment.

Mr. NADLER of New York. Point of order, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. NADLER of New York. That is not in opposition to the amendment. That is in opposition to the bill.

Mr. NADLER

Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention once again to the crisis in Darfur and to thank the Genocide Prevention Project, Darfur advocates, and survivors of past genocides who have come together to mark this April as Genocide Prevention Month in order to raise critical awareness. In April 2009, the slaughter in Darfur will enter its seventh year. During that time roughly 450,000 have been killed and more than two million displaced. It is an international disgrace that on this April anniversary of the start of the genocide, the people of Darfur are suffering more than ever. Just recently thirteen international aid organizations were expelled from the area, severing the final lifeline. It is imperative that they be allowed to return. Along with Darfur, past civilian slaughters similarly mark anniversaries in April. These include the tragedies of the Holocaust, Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia, and Armenia. With this significance of April in mind, survivors of atrocity crimes have untied with advocates to observe Genocide Prevention Month this month--as a way to remind the world of its responsibility to the people of Darfur and to protect other civilian populations under threat. In April, survivors, and their descendents and supporters, will honor their dead with more than one hundred events. The plea at these events will be for protection for the people in Darfur and an effective global genocide prevention system. To launch the month-long commemoration, more than sixty survivor and anti-genocide organizations from around the world have signed the following statement: ``Remarkably, six genocides have major anniversaries in the month of April--a tragic testament to the international community's inexcusable failure to stop inhuman and barbarous acts. This April, we--survivors of genocide and mass atrocities, their descendants, and anti-genocide advocates--will honor those who were lost and those who survived. And we will urge immediate action to stop the ongoing Darfur genocide. Our collective voices will remind the international community to make its commitment to mass atrocity prevention absolute. Until we do, we are destined to repeat the most shameful chapters in human history.'' I now would like to enter into the Congressional Record a copy of this statement along with a list of the organizations that have signed it. I want to thank all of those involved in this effort. Their work is critical in making sure people never forget the human suffering in Darfur and commit themselves to preventing or stopping genocide, wherever and whenever it may occur. Genocide Prevention Month Statement Remarkably, six genocides have major anniversaries in the month of April--a tragic testament to the international community's inexcusable failure to stop inhuman and barbarous acts. This April, we--survivors of genocide and mass atrocities, their descendants, and anti-genocide advocates--will honor those who were lost and those who survived. And we will urge immediate action to stop the ongoing Darfur genocide. Our collective voices will remind the international community to make its commitment to mass atrocity prevention absolute. Until we do, we are destined to repeat the most shameful chapters in human history. Advocacy Project, Aegis Trust, Americans Against the Darfur Genocide, Armenian Assembly of America, American Jewish World Service, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian National Committee of Canada, Armenian Youth Federation, Eastern USA, Awareness Unlimited, Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU, Cambodian Americans for Human Rights and Democracy (CAHRAD), Canadians Against Slavery and Torture in Sudan, Center for Social Development (Phnom Penh, Cambodia), Colorado Coalition for Genocide Awareness and Action, Council for Prejudice Reduction, Citizens for Global Solutions, Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy, Darfur Alert Coalition, Dear Sudan, Do Something, Dream for Darfur. Educating Against Prejudices, Bosnian Library at the Conrard Sulzer Public Library of Chicago, Foundation Rwanda, FRA Nor Seround--Nouvelle Generation Armenienne, Generations of the Shoah International, Genocide Intervention Network, Genocide Prevention Project, Genocide Watch, Great Rainbow, I Stop Genocide, IBUKA, Institute for the Study of Genocide, International Association of Genocide Scholars, Investors Against Genocide, Kentuckiana Interfaith Taskforce on Darfur, Khmer Legacies, Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Liquidnet Holdings, Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur, Minnesota Interfaith Darfur Coalition, Miracle Corners of the World, Mothers of Srebrenica. New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, New Jersey Responds to the Crisis in Darfur Coalition, Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition, Public Interest Projects, Righteous Pictures, Save Darfur Coalition, Second Generation of Los Angeles (Children of Holocaust Survivors), Society for Threatened People, South African Holocaust Foundation, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, Southern Sudanese Voice for Freedom, STAND, Stop Genocide Now, Survivors Fund (SURF), The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, The Sparks Fly Upward Foundation, Three Generations, UN Watch, Voice of Witness, Youth Initiative for Human Rights.

Mr. NADLER

Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of acclaimed Russian-Jewish writer and humorist Mr. Sholem Aleichem, whose 150th birthday was this past Monday, March 2, and to congratulate Limmund FSU on the events it is sponsoring this week in New York City, Tel Aviv, and Kiev to commemorate this momentous event. Born as Sholem Rabinovitch on March 2, 1859 in Pereyaslav, Ukraine, Sholem Aleichem showed his writing talents at a young age. In 1879, he began publishing stories in Hebrew. Just a few years later, in 1883, he began publishing stories in Yiddish and, because Yiddish was not considered by some appropriate for legitimate writing, he adopted his now famous pseudonym: Sholem Aleichem. This was the beginning of a long and distinguished literary career, in which Sholem Aleichem wrote and published dozens of short stories, plays, and novels in Yiddish, Hebrew, and Russian. He is best known for his writing in Yiddish and his role as one of the preeminent Yiddish authors. His efforts, through his own works and his promotion of the writing of others, did as much as anyone to promote Yiddish as an art form. His works were widely popular, as they were both meaningful and humorous with an ability to teach and entertain. They also reflected the real lives and problems of their readers. Through his work, Sholem Aleichem left behind a rich portrayal of Jewish life and culture in Eastern Europe and Russia at the turn of the century. In fact, it was his stories that were the inspiration for the popular musical, Fiddler on the Roof. It is no wonder that he became known as the ``Jewish Mark Twain.'' Well after his death in New York City in 1916, his popularity continues to this day. His timeless works have been translated into many languages, including English, making accessible his unique literary talents to millions more. Monuments have been erected to him in Kiev and Moscow. And, in New York City, East 33rd Street, between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue, is named ``Sholem Aleichem Place.'' It is only fitting that we pause on this, the occasion of his 150th birthday, to celebrate Sholem Aleichem and his contribution both to Jewish life and culture and to humanity as a whole. Indeed, people will be remembering Sholem Aleichem all around the world thanks to the efforts of Limmund FSU. Limmund FSU is a volunteer organization whose goal is to help build bridges between Russian- speaking Jews and their Jewish history and culture. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Limmund FSU on the events it is sponsoring this week to honor Sholem Aleichem. It could not have picked a better person to honor and I want to thank everyone involved for their tremendous efforts.