Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1433) expressing support for designation of September 2010 as Blood Cancer Awareness Month, as amended.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to one of the sponsors of our legislation, a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend from Virginia (Mr. Moran).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Joseph M. Wojcik, a native and lifelong resident of South River, New Jersey. Mr. Wojcik's outstanding legacy of public service, commitment and dedication to his community, as well as civic achievements, are unquestionably worthy of this body's recognition. Joseph M. Wojcik's career of public service began early as a student studying at Rutgers University. While attending college, he ran for positions on the South River Board of Education and the South River Town Council. His enthusiasm for and commitment to service continued into his professional life when Mr. Wojcik served the South River Planning Board as well as the South River Recreation Commission. Furthermore, he has dedicated time to the South River Knights of Columbus where he has had the honor to serve as Deputy Grand Knight, as well as Grand Knight in recent years. Currently, Mr. Wojcik is actively working for the Borough of South River. Mr. Wojcik's time and energy has also been dedicated to engaging with the Polish community in Middlesex County, of which he is a member. His efforts have been repeatedly recognized and, in a special tribute to his status in the community, this year he has been given the honor of serving as the Grand Marshall of the Middlesex County Pulaski Day Parade. Mr. Wojcik's father led the same parade as Grand Marshall in the early 1980's. As a proud citizen of Polish heritage, Mr. Wojcik embodies what the Parade's highest honorary position entails. Madam Speaker, Joseph Wojcik epitomizes what it means to give back to one's community. Please join me in leading this body in acknowledgment of the extraordinary contributions of Joseph M. Wojcik. He has worked tirelessly throughout his life to assist the residents of South River and his dedication should be an inspiration to us all.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Her Excellency Ambassador Meryl Frank, honoree at the Jewish Outreach Institute's 2010 Tribute Evening. For many years, Ambassador Frank has dedicated her time to serve the local community and advocate on behalf of women's rights. Her numerous achievements and accolades have earned her this prestigious recognition bestowed upon her by the Jewish Outreach Institute. Ambassador Frank is a graduate of Livingston College, Rutgers University where she majored in history. She also earned multiple graduate degrees from Yale University in International Relations, Political Science, and Public Health in 1987 and 1988. As Mayor of Highland Park, Ambassador Meryl Frank dedicated her life to serving her constituents. During her tenure, she was known for her commitment to ethics and good government. Under her direction, Highland Park maintained their title as New Jersey's first green community. The Borough of Highland Park continues to promote a tradition of diversity throughout the community and currently also houses one of the best public school systems in the nation. Highland Park's success is a result of Ambassador Frank's dedication to the residents and displays outstanding leadership. Ambassador Frank touts thirty years of exceptional community service and advocacy work on behalf of women and children. Ms. Frank served at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Copenhagen, Denmark and prepared a report on the Implementation of the International Code on Breast Milk Substitutes. She has also served as Director of the Infant Care Leave Project at the Yale Bush Center in Child Development and Social Policy and President of the Women's Division of the American Jewish Congress. Ms. Frank co-authored and edited The Parental Leave Crisis: Toward a National Policy, was a key advocate of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act signed into law by President Clinton, and was an author of the New Jersey Family Leave Act signed by Governor Kean. As a result of her hard work, Ms. Frank was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in February 2010 after already having served as the U.S. Representative to the CSW for nearly one year. Her commitment to improving and empowering the lives of women globally has gained her acclaim as a mentor, trainer, and lecturer on women's leadership and political participation. Ambassador Frank's outstanding work has undoubtedly touched the lives of many individuals and is worthy of recognition by the Jewish Outreach Institute. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing Ambassador Meryl Frank. Her life-time devotion to helping others will continue to serve as a shining example of what steadfast commitment and determination can accomplish.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the life of Mrs. Judith Hurley Stanley Coleman. Mrs. Stanley Coleman, an active philanthropist and environmentalist in her community, passed away on August 1, 2010 at the age of 75. She was a model citizen and adored by her colleagues. Her faithful dedication and commitment toward others is unquestionably worthy of this body's recognition. Mrs. Stanley Coleman was raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey by her mother and grandparents. She graduated as valedictorian from Asbury Park High School in 1952 and later went on to earn a bachelor's degree in history from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Her academic accolades have earned her a position in the Asbury Park High School's Hall of Fame. Judith Stanley Coleman's exceptional record of community service can be traced back more than four decades. Mrs. Stanley Coleman served as a trustee and held various leadership positions on the boards of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth University, Rumson County Day School, Stevens Institute of Technology, Count Basie Theatre, the SPCA, and Monmouth Museum. Her passion for better, more accessible health care was matched by her love of community activism, politics, historic preservation and environmental justice. As founder and President of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, President of the Save Sandy Hook organization, and a trustee of the Monmouth Park Charity Fund, Mrs. Stanley Coleman fought hard to preserve Central New Jersey's beautiful natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Her work in the community continued with her involvement in public service and politics. Mrs. Stanley Coleman was a member of the New Jersey Highway Authority under former Governor Thomas Kean. She was also appointed the Chairwoman of the Middletown Planning Board and served with this organization for over thirty years. Mrs. Stanley Coleman remained an active member of the Republican Party, serving as New Jersey's Republican National Committeewoman for ten years and fundraising for various GOP candidates throughout the country. She was a leader determined to make a difference in the community. Mrs. Stanley Coleman's unending generosity and charitable activities have undoubtedly touched may lives and have helped countless people throughout Central New Jersey. As a result of her exceptional work, Mrs. Stanley Coleman received countless awards and honors for her achievements. She was awarded the 1983 Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Salvation Army's Others Award in 1984, and the 2003 Christine Todd Whitman Award of Distinction. Mrs. Stanley Coleman was also listed in the 1987 edition of ``Who's Who in American Women.'' Madan Speaker, Judith Stanley Coleman dedicated her life to philanthropy and environmentalism and her actions touched the hearts and minds of countless men, women and children. Her legacy has served as an inspiration to us all and she will be truly missed.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of James and Madlyn Aaron's long-standing dedication to their community and to applaud their many contributions to the public. I hope that their faithful devotion to the state of New Jersey may serve as an example to us all. James Aaron has been practicing law for 41 years and is a member of the New Jersey State Bar and Monmouth Bar Association. He is currently partner at the distinguished firm of Ansell Grimm & Aaron, based in Ocean, New Jersey. Jim has been able to connect his professional career with his desire to contribute to his community. He has served as a panelist for the Monmouth University Real Estate Institute and has lectured for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. In addition, Jim has been the City of Long Branch's City Attorney since 1994, has served as the municipal prosecutor and attorney for the zoning board for the City of Long Branch, and has held the position of Ashbury Park's City Attorney. In fact, he is the only City Attorney in the history of New Jersey to serve these cities at the same time. Jim's impressive legal career includes practicing before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals, and the United States Court of Claims. Mr. Aaron's active participation in New Jersey civic life extends to a variety of other spheres as well. In 2006, Jim was appointed the Commissioner of the New Jersey Racing Commission. He also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Hollywood Golf Club. In addition, because religion is important to him, Jim has attended Temple Beth Miriam for his entire life. He is now a member of the Temple's Board of Trustees. Jim's wife Madlyn Aaron was a school teacher in the Long Branch school system for over 33 years. She holds a B.A. and an MBA from Monmouth University, and her commitment to education has continued even after retirement. Madlyn and Jim sponsor the Leslie B. Aaron Scholarship Fund which provides a scholarship to a deserving Long Branch High School senior every year. They also sponsor Heimlich-Aaron Scholarship Fund which provides a scholarship for a worthy graduate of Temple Beth Miriam's Hebrew High School. The couple supports Monmouth University and the Monmouth Medial Center, and their contributions to civic life also include their active membership in the Long Branch Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps most notably, Jim and Madlyn recently served as co-chairs of the Temple Beth Miriam's ``Capital Campaign.'' The campaign successfully raised over $2.5 million dollars for the Temple. Madam Speaker, please join me in leading this body in acknowledgement of the dedication of James and Madlyn Aaron to their community. Their contributions to civic life and charitable and religious organizations make them tremendously valued citizens of my district and the state of New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh, a resident of New Jersey and honored member of the Indian American community. Dr. Parikh recently received the 2010 Padma Shri award from President Pratibha Patil of India, honoring distinguished Indians and people of Indian origin for their contributions to a wide variety of fields in public life. I applaud Dr. Parikh's achievements and dedication and recognize his work as it serves as an inspiration to us all. Dr. Parikh is a nationally acclaimed and respected allergist and immunologist and has used his time, money, and influence to advance the goals of the Indian American and Indian communities. With the Padma Shri award, Dr. Parikh becomes the only Indian American to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, and the Padma Shri. The Ellis Island Medal is the highest civilian honor presented to a U.S. immigrant for community and social service. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award is the highest honor the Government of India presents to non-residents. Publisher of Parikh Worldwide Media, Inc., the largest Indian American publishing group in the United States, Dr. Parikh's priority is to use the media to empower second-generation Indians assimilating to American society. His work with the media has a dual purpose: to expose mainstream America to the accomplishments and quality of the Indian American community and to encourage young people to pursue the American Dream. Dr. Parikh has also helped construct an influential Indian American lobbying force in Washington D.C., arranged several high-level meetings between U.S. and Indian lawmakers, and secured critical votes on multiple Indian issues. Dr. Parikh has worked closely with members of both houses of Congress and the Administration to develop a close, strategic relationship between the United States and India. Under his guidance, the Friends of India Caucus was created in the Senate. Dr. Parikh was also actively involved in the U.S.-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement. He currently serves as founding board member and Vice Chairman of the Indian American Republican Council, President of the Indian American Forum for Political Education and the board of the Federation of Indian Associations. As a community activist, Dr. Parikh has donated to charitable organizations in both the United States and India. Most notably, he accompanied former President Bill Clinton to Gujarat in 2001 following the devastating earthquake and in 2004 launched a humanitarian program to help tsunami victims. Dr. Parikh has worked to establish trauma centers in India and supports the One Teacher School in tribal regions. Moreover, Dr. Parikh has donated considerably to the Indian Independence Day Parade, the American India Foundation, Share and Care, and the Nargis Dutt Foundation. Dr. Parikh is one of the largest benefactors of both the Vraj Temple and the Vaishnavaite Temple. Madam Speaker, please join me in leading this body in acknowledgement of the extraordinary contributions of Dr. Sudhir Parkikh. He is a greatly valued citizen of the state of New Jersey, and I am honored to recognize him today.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the life of Mrs. Judith Hurley Stanley Coleman. Mrs. Stanley Coleman, an active philanthropist and environmentalist in her community, passed away on August 1, 2010, at the age of 75. She was a model citizen and adored by her colleagues. Her faithful dedication and commitment toward others is unquestionably worthy of this body's recognition. Mrs. Stanley Coleman was raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey, by her mother and grandparents. She graduated as valedictorian from Asbury Park High School in 1952 and later went on to earn a bachelor's degree in history from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Her academic accolades have earned her a position in the Asbury Park High School's Hall of Fame. Judith Stanley Coleman's exceptional record of community service can be traced back more than four decades. Mrs. Stanley Coleman served as a trustee and held various leadership positions on the boards of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth University, Rumson County Day School, Stevens Institute of Technology, Count Basie Theatre, the SPCA, and Monmouth Museum. Her passion for better, more accessible health care was matched by her love of community activism, politics, historic preservation and environmental justice. As founder and president of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, president of the Save Sandy Hook organization, and a trustee of the Monmouth Park Charity Fund, Mrs. Stanley Coleman fought hard to preserve Central New Jersey's beautiful natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Her work in the community continued with her involvement in public service and politics. Mrs. Stanley Coleman was a member of the New Jersey Highway Authority under former Governor Thomas Kean. She was also appointed the chairwoman of the Middletown Planning Board and served with this organization for over 30 years. Mrs. Stanley Coleman remained an active member of the Republican Party, serving as New Jersey's Republican National Committeewoman for 10 years and fundraising for various GOP candidates throughout the country. She was a leader determined to make a difference in the community. Mrs. Stanley Coleman's unending generosity and charitable activities have undoubtedly touched many lives and have helped countless people throughout Central New Jersey. As a result of her exceptional work, Mrs. Stanley Coleman received countless awards and honors for her achievements. She was awarded the 1983 Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Salvation Army's Others Award in 1984, and the 2003 Christine Todd Whitman Award of Distinction. Mrs. Stanley Coleman was also listed in the 1987 edition of ``Who's Who in American Women''. Madam Speaker, Judith Stanley Coleman dedicated her life to philanthropy and environmentalism and her actions touched the hearts and minds of countless men, women and children. Her legacy has served as an inspiration to us all and she will be truly missed.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of James and Madlyn Aaron's long-standing dedication to their community and to applaud their many contributions to the public. I hope that their faithful devotion to the State of New Jersey may serve as an example to us all. James Aaron has been practicing law for 41 years and is a member of the New Jersey State Bar and Monmouth Bar Association. He is currently partner at the distinguished firm of Ansell Grimm & Aaron, based in Ocean, New Jersey. Jim has been able to connect his professional career with his desire to contribute to his community. He has served as a panelist for the Monmouth University Real Estate Institute and has lectured for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. In addition, Jim has been the City of Long Branch's City Attorney since 1994, has served as the municipal prosecutor and attorney for the zoning board for the City of Long Branch, and has held the position of Asbury Park's City Attorney. In fact, he is the only City Attorney in the history of New Jersey to serve these cities at the same time. Jim's impressive legal career includes practicing before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals, and the United States Court of Claims. Mr. Aaron's active participation in New Jersey civic life extends to a variety of other spheres as well. In 2006, Jim was appointed the Commissioner of the New Jersey Racing Commission. He also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Hollywood Golf Club. In addition, because religion is important to him, Jim has attended Temple Beth Miriam for his entire life. He is now a member of the Temple's Board of Trustees. Jim's wife Madlyn Aaron was a school teacher in the Long Branch school system for over 33 years. She holds a BA and an MBA from Monmouth University, and her commitment to education has continued even after retirement. Madlyn and Jim sponsor the Leslie B. Aaron Scholarship Fund which provides a scholarship to a deserving Long Branch High School senior every year. They also sponsor the Heimlich- Aaron Scholarship Fund which provides a scholarship for a worthy graduate of Temple Beth Miriam's Hebrew high school. The couple supports Monmouth University and the Monmouth Medical Center, and their contributions to civic life also include their active membership in the Long Branch Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps most notably, Jim and Madlyn recently served as co-chairs of the Temple Beth Miriam's ``Capital Campaign.'' The campaign successfully raised over $2.5 million dollars for the Temple. Madam Speaker, please join me in leading this body in acknowledgement of the dedication of James and Madlyn Aaron to their community. Their contributions to civic life and charitable and religious organizations make them tremendously valued citizens of my district and the state of New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I want to thank my chairman. I want to differ strongly with the gentleman from Texas, as much as I admire him as our ranking member. I would remind the gentleman that this bill is fully paid for by eliminating tax loopholes that send jobs overseas. The fact of the matter is that many States have already budgeted for these Federal dollars and simply don't have their own State dollars to make up for it if they lose the Federal dollars. Traditionally, in the past, this was a bipartisan issue. Republicans supported it. And I would say that many Republican governors, including my own in my State of New Jersey, have asked for this money because they know that if they don't get it they're going to have a huge shortfall in their budget. I don't see this at all as a partisan issue, and I really don't understand why our ranking member continues to look at it that way. I think it's crucial that Congress extend extra help to the States to pay for their citizens who are on Medicaid. The Medicaid rolls have expanded considerably for States because of unemployment. Many people have lost their jobs and a lot more people are on Medicaid, and States with high unemployment will continue to receive additional percentage points. This legislation simply allows States to avert Medicaid cuts at a time when the economic recession requires a strong safety net. It's also the most efficient way to help States avoid further layoffs and service cuts that would otherwise slow the economic recovery. It is really bipartisan. Many Republican governors have asked for it, and this is something that in the past has always been done on a bipartisan basis. I urge support.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), one of the champions of this legislation.

Mr. PALLONE. I also ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield the 2 minutes that I have remaining to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), the sponsor of the legislation who has worked so tirelessly like I've never seen on this legislation and is so proud to be here tonight for its passage.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the other champion of this bill, a member of our committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time remains on our side?

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. This important legislation was reported by the Energy and Commerce Committee with bipartisan support on May 25 by a vote of 33-12. I would like to take a moment to thank the bill's sponsors, Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerry Nadler, as well as my colleagues from New York on the committee, Eliot Engel and Anthony Weiner, for their tireless work on behalf of this legislation. Beyond the immediate loss of life on September 11, today thousands of people are suffering debilitating illnesses from its aftermath. H.R. 847 would establish the World Trade Center Health Program, a program to screen, monitor, and treat eligible responders and survivors who are suffering from World Trade Center-related diseases, most commonly from the massive, toxic dust cloud that enveloped lower Manhattan. The bill also funds research to improve our understanding of the health effects of the exposures over time. Federal spending for the World Trade Center Health Program is capped at $3.2 billion and is fully paid for. The version before the House today is more than $1 billion less expensive than that reported with bipartisan support from the Energy and Commerce Committee. Today is an important step towards ensuring that the appropriate resources are available to take care of those who risked their lives to save others on September 11. I urge my colleagues to suspend the rules and pass the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 847) to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes, as amended.