Bill Pascrell

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member. Madam Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I'm honored to rise in support of H.R. 1851. I commend Chairman Frank and Chairwoman Waters for bringing this worthy legislation to the floor today. This bipartisan bill will increase efficiency in our section 8 housing voucher program and expand rental assistance opportunities, authorizing 20,000 new section 8 vouchers in each of the next 5 years, with a total of 100,000 new vouchers. Section 8 rental assistance is a critical and widely used program, with approximately 2 million vouchers being distributed by more than 2,500 local public housing authorities. I would like to draw attention to one specific provision of this legislation which will have widespread benefits, if we did nothing else today, and I think is the most meaningful thing we're doing today, by the way, if I may express my opinion, will have widespread benefits for housing authorities throughout this Nation, including those in my district. In 2004, a new formula was instituted to fund public housing authorities that administer the section 8 program. The formula was based on a snapshot of PHA activity for May, June, and July of 2004. As a result, whatever a housing authority's needs were during that short period, they have been stuck with that number ever since. It is simply irrational to fund a program today based on what its needs were 3 years ago. Some housing authorities were continually overfunded, some were underfunded. This provision left some housing authorities scrambling for funds and others with extra funding they couldn't access. The bill we are considering today fixes this inefficient and outdated formula, requiring HUD to use data from the most recent 12 months to determine section 8 voucher funding. It's going to help a lot of people, a lot of people. Now funding will be guaranteed for all vouchers in use. Even this administration has admitted that this flawed formula should be revised. I applaud the Financial Services Committee for including a fix in this legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 1851.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, we need a history lesson right here. Article II, the executive powers shall be vested in the powers of the President of the United States. He shall hold his office for a term of 4 years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term. The Vice President has a problem of figuring out which branch of government he belongs to. But in Federalist Paper No. 68, Alexander Hamilton was very, very clear about this. The appointment of an extraordinary person as Vice President has been objected to as superfluous. Take the Senator of any State from his seat as a Senator to place him in the President of the Senate would be totally ridiculous, would be to exchange a regard to the State from which he came a constant for a contingent vote. The other consideration is that as the Vice President may occasionally become a substitute for the President, in the supreme executive magistracy, all the reasons which recommend the mode of elections prescribed for the one apply for the great, if not with equal force, to the manner of appointing the other. It is remarkable that this, as in most other instances, with the objection which is made, would be against the Constitution of this State. Mr. Vice President, go back to the Constitution and learn where you belong.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of a man I am proud to represent in Congress and prouder still to call a close personal friend and trusted advisor, Mr. Peter Rendina, Jr. Pete is being recognized on Friday, June 22, by his colleagues, upon the occasion of his retirement from the Paterson Public Schools. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest freely elected body on earth, for he has a long history of dedication and commitment to the students of our great city. Through his years of teaching history and social studies especially, he has shown countless students the magnificence and power of our great Nation and democracy in action. Pete is a lifelong resident of Paterson. He is a graduate of School 18 and an Eastside High School Ghost. After graduation, Pete went on to continue his education at Jersey City State University, earning his degree in elementary education, working as a substitute teacher in the Paterson school system while continuing on his studies. After graduation, he became a full-time member of the Paterson Board of Education team. Since then, he has worked with many different grade levels, and taught a variety of courses. In the following years, Pete returned to Jersey City State, earning his Masters degree in Urban Education, Administration and Supervision. Soon he was serving as an adjunct professor, first at Upsala College and Passaic County Community College (PCCC), and later at Seton Hall University as well. He has circumvented the educational bureaucracy that constricts many teachers and earned the admiration and trust of his pupils. The respect he has earned from his students is unprecedented and unmatched. He serves not only as an educator but also as a mentor; he helps his students to handle not only the academic rigors of high school, but also the many other challenges they face. All the while, Pete has been living the lessons he teaches. His students learn about our government from someone who works in the field directly. Whether it was the 2 years he spent working as Congressman Herb Klein's district administrator, or the many years since that he has served as a special aide to me, he has been involved in the day to day affairs of our great government. His students have the benefit of learning civics from a teacher who works in the field and lives it first hand. In addition to his work in the classroom, he has made his mark as a coach and athletic director. Pete has coached softball, basketball, football, track and volleyball on the high school level. On the collegiate level, he has led the men's basketball teams at both PCCC and William Paterson College, and served as the athletic director at PCCC. His talent for motivating his athletes to perform to the best of their ability and reach their goals makes him a successful coach. Just as when he is in the classroom, his mentoring skills with his players enable them to succeed on and off the field. Outside of his profession, Pete has contributed greatly to the Passaic County community in a civic role. He has served as the president of the Passaic County Technical and Vocational High School Board of Education, as a member of the board of trustees of the PCCC Foundation, and as commissioner of the Passaic County Board of Social Services. His contributions to education, in Paterson and beyond, cannot possibly all be listed. Most importantly, he is a personality who, in every sense, cannot be replaced. I value his friendship and know that although he is retiring from teaching, his service to his community will continue. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the accomplishments of educators like Peter Rendina. I applaud the Eastside High School family for honoring Pete, and join them in wishing him a fantastic retirement. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the members of the Eastside High School Ghost family, the Paterson Board of Education, Pete's family and friends, all those whose lives have been touched by him, and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable achievements of Mr. Peter Rendina, Jr.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of an outstanding business, Schagen's Shoes, which will be closing its doors after 117 years of dedicated service to its clients, and by extension, to the greater community. It is only fitting that Schagen's Shoes and the Schagen family be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for all they have provided to the residents of Paterson as they fulfilled their American Dream. The history of Schagen's Shoes began in 1888, when Willem Schagen arrived in Paterson, NJ from the Netherlands. Having been an apprentice shoemaker in his native land, he decided to open a shop at 176 Lewis Street. At this shop he repaired shoes, but it was sales of ``ready made'' shoes that really made the business take off. In 1894, Willem married Reinoutje Eelman and built a house, said to be the first in the area with indoor plumbing, across from the shop. In 1909, Willem had another building erected at what is now 394 21st Avenue. It housed the business, an apartment for the family upstairs, and an attic, which later became a third floor to accommodate his 10 children. With the move, business grew, and in 1917 Willem's son Albert joined in the store. Soon, Albert married Rose Zuercher, and they had 2 children, Albert William and Rose Claire. Albert brought new ideas, adding comfort and orthopedic shoes. In 1930, Willem and Reinoutje moved to a new home in Glen Rock, and Albert and Rose moved above the store. In 1943, when Willem passed away, Albert assumed ownership of Schagen's and remained actively involved there until his death at the age of 93. In 1948, after graduating from East Side High School, serving in the United States Navy, and graduating from Columbia University, Albert William joined his father in the business. He, too, brought fresh ideas, and Schagen's began to emphasize corrective shoes and appliances for children. In 1951, Albert married Mina Heines, a fellow Paterson native, and they purchased a home in Glen Rock, where Albert still resides. They were blessed with a daughter, Wendy and two sons, Donald and Kurt. In 1963, young Albert became the new proprietor. Over the years, the clientele of Schagen's has represented a cross section of Paterson and the region. It has included professionals, doctors, lawyers, judges and political leaders, as well as many tradesmen and service personnel. The final owner, Albert W. Schagen, who devoted six decades to this multi-generational family business, retired on March 31, 2007, writing the final chapter of Schagen's Shoes' history. Schagen's Shoes was a vital part of the community for 117 years, and the generations of customers that were served so well over the years will surely miss the dedication and expertise of the Schagen family. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the efforts of family businesses like Schagen's Shoes. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the members of the Schagen family, all those who have been touched by their caring service, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of this business to the Northern New Jersey community and beyond.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court, the judicial branch of our government, has ruled that the President of the United States is not above the law, even during time of war. The Attorney General's office within the executive branch of government is undermining the entire judicial system. Over 400 U.S. attorneys have been confirmed over the last 20 years. Three have been fired for political partisanship during that time. However, in the last 9 months, nine have been fired because they didn't bow to the partisan pressures of the executive branch of government. The Attorney General has allowed these nine U.S. attorneys names to be trashed in the public. This is worse than Watergate. There is reason to believe that a cover-up occurred, and that will be worse than the dirty deed. How did each of these get on the list in the first place? And out of the original 30, how did you get off the list? What did you have to do to be removed from that list, Mr. Attorney General? This is not the moral high ground. No one is above the law.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill designed to equalize the competitive playing field between domestic and foreign users of certain distilled spirits used in the manufacture or production of non-beverage products. Non-beverage products include medicines, medicinal products, food products, flavors, flavoring extracts and perfumes, all of which are unfit for beverage purposes. The bill does this by allowing users that demonstrate to the Treasury Department that they are producing non-beverage products in a U.S. Foreign Trade Zone to avoid the excise tax on distilled spirits, which a foreign manufacturer of non-beverage product that uses distilled spirits does not pay. A Foreign Trade Zone is a restricted-access site authorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce and supervised by U.S. Customs where companies can use special Customs procedures for importing and exporting materials and finished products. Zones are located in or adjacent to a Customs port of entry and operated pursuant to public utility principles under the sponsorship of a corporation granted authority by the Commerce Department pursuant to the Foreign-Trade Zones Act and regulations. Authorized companies, of which there are many in New Jersey, therefore will be subject to continuous regulation by the Commerce and Treasury Departments as well as Customs. The bill preserves necessary safeguards for the government as it monitors which companies use distilled spirits for beverage purposes and which companies use them for non-beverage purposes. Such companies will be required to file regular reports with the Department of Treasury showing that the distilled spirits are used in the manufacture of non-beverage products. Currently, such manufacturers pay an excise tax of $13.50 per proof gallon and then must file for ``drawback'' with the burden on the claimant to show eligibility for drawback. Under the drawback procedure, the government rebates all but $1 per proof gallon, charging the companies a $1 administration fee. Companies subject to this procedure can have considerable cash flow tied up in this process for an appreciable period of time. Again, a foreign manufacturer of non-beverage products is not subject to such tax and consequently, is not burdened by the need to file for drawback. The imposition of this tax and burdensome drawback process on American manufacturers and producers put them at a competitive disadvantage, which I believe we should eliminate, while preserving the integrity of the government process to monitor the use of distilled spirits.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H.R. 2199, the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act. As cochair of the 8-year-old Congressional Brain Injury Task Force of over 110 members, I commend the committee under Chairman Filner's leadership. You've never, ever acted, through the Speaker, to do favors for veterans. You've always handled it in terms of your own responsibility. I salute you for that. For his ongoing endeavors to explore and thoughtfully legislate for the benefit of our Nation's many veterans suffering from TBI, I want to thank Jack Murtha, Congressman Murtha, for all his work over the last 5 years on this issue when it wasn't popular to talk about. The Veterans Administration has shown tremendous effort in addressing the needs of our returning vets, our returning troops on its own; however, I believe the large volume of returning TBI victims, the need for timely treatment and the immediate need for rehab, expertise and capacity require additional resources. Flexibility for the VA to form partnerships to ensure top-notch care for our service personnel is essential. 2199 is an excellent first step to ensuring our Nation's veterans the care they need and deserve. The bill establishes five new Veterans Administration research centers for TBI, which, without a doubt, produce new and exciting prevention and treatment techniques. A comprehensive TBI treatment program within the VA is long overdue. I want to commend the TBI screening program for veterans. We recommended it. Football teams throughout the United States screen students before they put on football equipment. I think that's important that we do that with our vets. I worked to establish it in the civilian realm. We should have it in the military. On behalf of the task force, I look forward to working with the Veterans Committee on this and other TBI issues in the future. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2199.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, today we will vote on H.R. 1700, which calls for putting 50,000 additional police officers on the street over the next 6 years, authorizing $600 million a year for the COPS program, and it also authorizes $350 million a year for the COPS technology grants, and $200 million a year for hiring community prosecutors. It is fitting today because today is the 26th annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service. Of all the cuts to needed domestic programs the Bush administration has devised over the years, the decimation of funds to our law enforcement personnel has to be among the most ill- considered and reckless. How he could ever stand next to any cop and do what he has done in the last 5 years is reprehensible. The COPS program is a proven winner, cutting crime and making neighborhoods safer across the Nation. More police on the streets means less violent crimes and greater vigilance. It just makes sense. According to the GAO study, between 1998 and 2000, the COPS grants are responsible for reducing crimes by 225,000.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, to both sides, thanks for coming together on this critical bill. Anthony, you have done a good job, and the chairman as well. There is nothing like the presence of a police officer. It is not only a deterrent to crime, but it is at the very heart of homeland security. That is why the British are way ahead of us. They have a bottom-up philosophy of looking at what is going wrong in the community. We cannot have a top-down. So 117,000 police officers later, to our rear right now is going the National Peace Officers Memorial Service, and we know who is there. But we know who is here. This is critical. We pray for these police officers on the streets every day. I agree with the gentleman from Ohio, the technology is just as significant as the number of personnel we put on the street. This administration tried to cut the FIRE Program, and they tried desperately to cut the COPS Program. It is a new day, and we started it in the sunshine.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I want to congratulate the chairman for a great job and his counterpart, ranking member. There's a lot of work that goes into this, a lot of work. But just 1 year ago today we were still debating the following: We were debating Federal agencies which still tended to spend needless energy fighting one another over turf and money issues. And it's always been unclear as to who is in charge. The basic issues underlined by the 9/11 Commission and other committees remain unresolved until now. With this piece of legislation, 1684, we are going to really jump into the middle and the center of the storm. We still have inability of police and fire departments to communicate with one another. We still have senseless rivalries among our agencies under our jurisdiction, and, three, there's still incompatibility in computer systems impeding data sharing. The institutions that we have oversight over must understand that they are the three major areas that they must do something about in a positive sense. This legislation before us, 1684, will strengthen the Department through better management and increased oversight. This finely crafted proposal is important to the security of the United States of America. So I commend you both. I commend the chairman for his valiant efforts to improve national security. As a former member of the committee, I've worked closely with him over the years, and can state firmly that no one works harder or smarter on issues that affect America's safety than the gentleman from Mississippi. I also know that working the legislative maze that is Capitol Hill is never an easy task, particularly when it comes to the wide array of turf battles between the various entities. I think the bill we vote on today, which will pass, is a prudent course charted to overcome those obstacles. Indeed, this bipartisan proposal includes many significant provisions aimed at strengthening and streamlining management, organizational personnel and procurement issues at the Department to facilitate execution of our mission. This bill authorizes $39.8 billion in appropriations, $2.1 billion needed over the request of the President of the United States. This side of the aisle, joined by that side of the aisle, will no longer shortchange Homeland Security in the resources and apparatus needed to do the job. This critical funding will help establish important offices, such as the Directorate for Policy, the Office of Health Affairs, and the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications. Areas that are crucial in homeland security but often are ignored. With this bill we no longer ignore the issues that have the potential to cause us severe harm if left unattended. The security of our homeland is as important as it gets. This bill takes this austere responsibility seriously. So I applaud the chairman. I applaud the committee and its fantastic staff for crafting sound legislation. And I implore the support of all my colleagues.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Andrews and the ranking member, my good friend from New York. In the book of Isaiah, chapter 6, the question is very specific: Who shall I send? Volunteers come forward all the time. They come through for us every time. They come through. Three thousand of them came through after 9/ 11. Thousands and thousands came through after Hurricane Katrina. As we go to the very heart and soul of this great Nation, let us serve these volunteers. Let us serve. I have spoken with these volunteers not only in New Jersey but throughout this great Nation. They always respond after these tragedies, and I said ``thank you.'' We are saying thank you, and we mean it. We are willing to put it in a law, a law of this Nation. I am honored to co-sponsor this and join with Rob Andrews, who has been a tremendous leader in public safety issues throughout the United States, and Carol Shea-Porter and Mr. Castle, real friends of the fire service. How we respond to catastrophes shows the character of our Nation. How we treat our emergency responders shows who we are as people. We take them for granted. Let's be honest. Congress must do everything in its power to help those who help others. We have heard about the 14 days a year as they carry out their duties. But, simply put, volunteers should not be penalized when they are off protecting lives of their fellow citizens. No volunteer should be terminated or demoted or discriminated against in their regular job when they are dealing with emergencies and providing vital assistance to the American family. This amendment ensures that the major contributions of volunteers can and will continue. It ensures that those who have the calling to help will not have to worry about the ramifications of their nobility. It is a wise amendment. It is a bipartisan amendment. I ask for the full support of everyone on this floor

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I object.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker; I would like to call your attention to the work of an outstanding organization, New Jersey Peace Action, which will celebrate 50 years of activism in New Jersey at an anniversary reception on Sunday, May 6, 2007. It is only fitting that New Jersey Peace Action be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for the very purpose of this organization is to help educate and engage New Jersey residents in the community and political activism. Their work helps Americans become informed and active in the democratic process. New Jersey Peace Action began as NJ SANE in 1957. That year the New York Times ran the headline ``We are facing a danger unlike any danger that has ever existed before,'' calling for an end to nuclear testing and asking Americans to redirect our energies, rediscover our moral strength and redefine our purpose. The National Committee for a SANE Nuclear Policy was formed, and its New Jersey signers became the base of NJ SANE. The following year, NJ SANE selected Dorothy Eldridge as chairperson. NJ local committees echoed National SANE campaign to end nuclear testing by exposing facts about radiation, and assumed a role as watchdog on an international crisis that threatened nuclear war. By 1960, NJ SANE had gained wide support. At four rallies they sponsored about ``Ending All Nuclear Theats--Our Best Chance for Peace,'' with Dr. Linus Pauling, they drew crowds of between 600 and 1000 people. In the next decade, the growth continued. Over 5,000 marchers took part in a 110-mile walk from McGuire Air Force Base to the UN to call for a permanent test-ban agreement with the USSR. NJ SANE campaigned to expose the true nature of nuclear war and end civil defense drills in schools. They worked to support President Kennedy's efforts toward a test-ban treaty, and when it was signed, continued opposition to drills in schools. Soon came the 1970s and efforts were turned to the crisis in Vietnam, and the group opened its first real office. Members marched on Washington, raised money for war-injured children in Vietnam, and began draft counseling in addition to other efforts. In 1975, NJ SANE successfully campaigned against President Ford's request for $522 million for the Indochina War. Soon Operation Transfer, a campaign to change national priorities, took off and NJ SANE supported two new coalitions, SEA Alliance and NJ Mobilization for Survival. As we entered the 1980s new issues emerged and NJ SANE remained on the front lines for peace. SANE responded to Iran and Afghanistan with a call to reason, emphasizing the development of safe renewable energy sources as alternatives to oil dependency. Nuclear freeze efforts strengthened, and the group became involved in issues concerning Central America. In 1986, SANE merged with the Nuclear Weapons Freeze locally and nationally. As we entered the 1990s, more issues arose and S/F was there to face them. There were rallies against the Gulf War, focus turned to economic issues, and the first concert for peace was held. In 1992, NJ SANE/Freeze became NJ Peace Action for a Sane World. In 1997 Virginia Ahearn and Bob Bender became Co-Directors, and Virginia continued on to be Director. Soon NJ Peace Action entered the new millennium, with a new Director, Madelyn Hoffman. Right after September 11, 2001, NJ Peace Action began holding vigils, more than 100 of them, in 12 different locations in support of addressing the attacks through international law rather than military action. The focus soon became opposition to the Iraq War. NJPA participated in the largest anti-war demonstrations since the Vietnam years. Memorials were held for the dead in Iraq, and a Peace Education Workshop was held for families. Although some of the causes have changed throughout the years, a surprising number are still left to work for. The members of NJPA today are still working to eliminate nuclear weapons, and protect civil rights. They promote peaceful conflict resolution at all levels, and educate others in their communities by reaching out to them at community events, working closely with other groups to protest war and work for peace. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the efforts of groups like New Jersey Peace Action. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the members of the New Jersey Peace Action, all those who have been informed and motivated by their work, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of this group to not only New Jersey but our entire Nation.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1868, the Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007, and I wish to congratulate the sponsor of this fine legislation, the chairman of Subcommittee on Technology Innovation, Congressman David Wu, and his ranking member, who understandably is not here today, Mr. Gingrey. I especially am supportive of the provisions of the bill that reauthorize and strengthen the Manufacturing Extension Program. This is very critical. I hope people were listening to Mr. Ehlers, who very cogently spoke and defined what this legislation is all about. Madam Chair, I represent a district with a long and proud history of manufacturing that goes all the way back to Alexander Hamilton and the birth of the American industry in Paterson, New Jersey. Sadly, we have seen the steady decline of our manufacturing base in America as the state of our competitiveness has fallen behind foreign nations. The MEP program, the Manufacturing Extension Program, is one of the most successful programs funded by the Federal Government today, and it has provided hope to our Nation's manufacturers. It is a nationwide network of not-for-profit centers in nearly 350 locations, serving all 50 States and Puerto Rico, whose sole purpose is to provide small- and medium-sized manufacturers with the services they need for success. The president of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Bob Loderstedt, captures this program best when he said, ``We have a public sector mission accomplished with a private sector mind-set.'' I am proud to say that this legislation today will increase funding by 8 percent per year and double the funding over 10 years, so that more small manufacturers will be able to better compete in the global marketplace. The MEP is certainly no Federal handout. Indeed, it is a public- private partnership for strong manufacturing growth, and these statistics bear this out: In fiscal year 2004 alone, MEP activities directly resulted in almost $2 billion in new sales and more than 12,000 jobs. MEP's ability to analyze the weaknesses of each manufacturer resulted in $721 million in cost savings. It also led to $941 million worth of investment and modernization to meet the future needs of manufacturers. I have seen firsthand the benefits of the New Jersey MEP as provided for manufacturers, and similar throughout the entire Nation. I believe that this is a very wise investment for us, and we can secure our Nation's manufacturing base. I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of this vital legislation. In conclusion, Madam Chair, let me say this. I think this is the beginning of finally having a manufacturing policy in this country. That is why we have seen the demise of manufacturing. Alexander Hamilton was right, we have a multifaceted economy; and we must understand, that won the battle and the debate with Thomas Jefferson. We cannot be one economy here. This is a multifaceted economy, and this is good for manufacturing, this is good for America, this is good for our small businesses.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. That dog doesn't hunt anymore. I'm sorry. Three things that are never discussed on this floor, never. Number 1, the pilferaging that's going on in Iraq right now make the few hairs we have on our head left stand on end. It is a disgrace that the American people's money has been stolen, to this day. Number 2, by the way yesterday, let me tell you what progress is. A half hour of electricity yesterday in Baghdad. I want to hear progress. Secondly, the redeployment of our troops. No one is saying cut and run. No one's saying throw out the American flag. You won't discuss redeployment to the borders to protect the safe havens. Number 3, let's talk about the amount of refugees that are in Iraq. Two million have left the country. What about the 1 million of Iraqis who have had to get out of their homes, who have no food or shelter? Don't you talk about progress. That dog doesn't hunt any longer. Face the facts. This is not reality TV.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, 1,460 days ago, we had lost 139 troops, brave men and women, in Iraq. 1,460 days later, Sergeant Michael Hullender from my district, from Little Falls, New Jersey, died on Saturday when an IED detonated near his patrol. He is one of 3,214 more troops that have died since supposedly major operations would cease. The President made the Iraqi people believe that a new day of democracy was dawning and that brighter times lay ahead. Even the reconstruction of Iraq has gone awry. Even the reconstruction has been bought by the filthy hands of contractors who are concerned only for profit. The President made the American people believe that the war was over, that the thousands of sailors who stood on the deck of that aircraft carrier that day were coming home soon. They did not. The President has an opportunity to mend his ways this afternoon. Let's see what he does.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on an issue on which our Nation is united and the House is united, an issue upon which people from different political parties, people from all races and religious faiths agree upon, and that is the issue of Darfur. It should be a lesson for the rest of the day, what Ms. Lee and what Mr. Smith are doing here. So I stand today as a proud cosponsor of this legislation, the Darfur Partners for Peace for 2007. And I wish to thank both Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Smith, and all the rest who had anything to do with this, my good friend, Congressman Payne, your personal experiences are heart wrenching, and America is listening. America and much of the world stands united on the fact that more needs to be done to end the ongoing genocide in Darfur and finally address the dire humanitarian situation in the region. I have never seen an issue affect young Americans more than this issue on Darfur. We need to tap that. They are engaged. A few nations, including China, have stood in the way of applying real pressure to the Sudanese Government to allow a real U.N. peacekeeping force so that the people of Darfur can finally have a sense of security, like every human being desires. Among those who arguably have not done enough to end this horrendous genocide are the nations of the Arab League. I ask the Arab League to hear our voices, not only in Darfur, but also in the northern part of the continent, also in the Middle East. They must come forward and have the courage and the guts to speak up and do something. The bill before us today would call upon that league to recognize the conflict in Darfur as genocide, the past resolution supporting and accepting a robust hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force, and to work with all the parties involved in the region. There can be no excuse for inaction. By most estimates, over 400,000 people in Darfur have died, and an astounding 2.5 million people have been made into refugees, creating a humanitarian crisis of shocking proportions. Terror comes in many forms, none of which are convenient. Many worry that the relative inaction of the Arab League to this crisis is subject to fuel the following falsehoods: The fact is that this conflict is not about Muslims versus non- Muslims because the people of Darfur are predominantly Muslim. This conflict is not about Arabs versus non-Arabs because the Arabs of Darfur have stood against the Sudanese Government's war. Quite simply, this conflict is about the Sudanese Government's attempt to subjugate and brutalize the innocent people of Darfur. President Bashir is not in denial. He is allowing the genocide.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 68, a resolution honoring the life and accomplishments of Gian Carlo Menotti, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 95. As cochair of the congressional Italian American delegation, I am especially proud to be here today to honor Gian Carlo Menotti. This award-winning composer and champion of artists was one of the most significant composers to emerge after World War II. A native of Italy, he was the sixth of ten children. He began writing songs when he was 7 years of age. If you can flash back to when we were 7 years of age, I know that maybe the Speaker was writing songs, but I wasn't. He wrote both the libretto and music for his first opera, ``The Death of Pierrot.'' He was an immigrant. So we are not only talking about his life, we are talking about all of those immigrants who came here with nothing and made something that everybody was affected by in his life. He came to this country in 1928. And his first full-length opera was ``The Consul,'' which premiered in 1950. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Music and in 1954 the New York Drama Circle Critics' Award for Musical Play of the Year. The piece was translated into 12 languages and performed in no fewer than 20 countries. In 1951 he wrote the Christmas opera ``Amahl and the Night Visitors,'' the first opera ever written for television in the United States. It first aired on Christmas Eve in 1951, and it remains the most popular work to this day. In 1958 he founded the Festival dei Due Mondi, which is the Festival of the Two Worlds, in Spoleto, Italy, as a forum for young American artists who were in Europe. This was a place for them to go to really bevel their skills so that they can communicate to the rest of the world the beauty of music. When the organizers of the Festival of Two Worlds searched for a city, they went to Charleston, a great city which Congressman Wilson spoke of, and I think that is where he was born. So they gave us not only Congressman Wilson, but they also gave us great music. It is a beautiful city, and they saw what was in Spoleto, Italy, and they tried to replicate that. Mr. Menotti founded the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston in 1977, and it has since maintained the tradition, and you heard the speaker previously speak about how many people go to that festival. I am proud to lend my voice today to the chorus of those in support of this resolution. True, Mr. Speaker, there was no TV series or reality TV reflecting the genius of this man. Thank God. His music spoke for itself and sounded for itself. And when we talk about television and what goes on the tube and what passes for reality and the series that we see and are exposed to that are supposed to reflect to us the ethnicity of certain groups, it is shameful that we do not give presence to this beautiful immigrant who gave his life, as the individual we honored last year, who painted the inside of this Capitol and wound up with nothing in his pocket at the end of it. These are the people that made America. Not the people that get whacked on series. And thank God it is going to be over pretty soon. So we celebrate the accomplishments of Gian Carlo Menotti not just for Italians, not just for Italian Americans, but for all of us. We are all immigrants. We are all immigrants. And so we say that word respectfully as we move towards the discussion and the debate about what our immigration policy will be later on in this year. And hopefully we will come to salient solutions which reflect the best of our immigrant population, every group, regardless of which continent you came here from. So thank you, Madam Congresswoman, and thank you, Mr. Wilson from South Carolina.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on the rollcall vote for the final passage of H.R. 1257, the Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act (rollcall vote No. 244), in order to return to my district to survey damage from the recent floodwaters that have severely affected many of my constituents. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the rollcall vote for final passage of H.R. 1257, the Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act (rollcall vote No. 244).

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the deeds of a person I am proud to represent, Mr. Robert E. Gut, who will be recognized on Thursday, April 19, 2007 on the occasion of his retirement, for his dedication to education and scholastic sports. Bob was born in 1932 to Antonina and Frank Gut. He and siblings Nellie, Stanley and Eugene grew up in the City of Passaic until the family purchased a home and moved to Garfield. Bob attended Holy Rosary Elementary and Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic, where his talents began to shine. He earned varsity letters in three sports each year and was captain of the baseball and basketball teams and co-captain of the football team. Upon his retirement, coach and athletic director Paul Kelly called Bob, ``The greatest athlete he ever coached--bar none,'' and ``a natural.'' Bob was named to the All State teams in all three sports. His record has stood the test of time; in 2000 he was named a Passaic County ``Player of the Century'' in football by the Bergen Record and Herald News. Bob caught the attention of some of our area's most legendary coaches, Al Yaskiw and Manlio Boverini of Passaic, Arthur Argauer of Garfield, and Paul Kelly of Pope Pius XII. They mentored him, and helped him earn numerous football scholarships. He accepted a full football scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he played offensive center and defensive linebacker. He continued to thrive, being part of a defense that in 1952 was number one in the Nation. In 1954, he returned to Passaic to coach football at Passaic High. Later that year, he completed R.O.T.C. and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was sent to Fort Knox, KY for training in the Armor Division, and assigned to serve in Germany. Bob married his wife, Florence, on April 17, 1955, and they moved together to Wieseck, Germany. While there, their daughter, Karen, was born in Frankfurt, Germany. In 1956, Bob returned from Germany and began his professional career teaching physical education at School 21 in Paterson. During his first year of teaching, he was transferred to Central High where he taught science and was the school's first track coach. In 1965, Central closed, and Bob moved to the new John F. Kennedy High School. While teaching at Kennedy, Bob coached many teams. He became the head coach of golf, track and tennis and was an assistant to many great football coaches like Nelson Graham, Aubrey Lewis, Joe Biscayan, Bob Smith, and Jim Bradshaw. In 1960-65, he was head football coach at Pope Pius XII while teaching at Kennedy. In 1966 he returned to the assistant coach role at Kennedy, and in 1974 became the Knights head coach. In 1974 the football team had its first undefeated season, going 9-0. Importantly, his team never lost a Thanksgiving game to Eastside, and shut the Ghosts out in four of the six games. In 1979, Bob became the Athletic Director at Kennedy High, which under his leadership in the 1980s and 90s, became known as ``Championship High.'' The Boys Basketball team won four County titles in a row, and a sectional title; the Girls team won five straight county titles and the Tournament of Champions. Championships, League and Sectional titles were also won by the Track, Cross Country, Soccer, Baseball and Football teams. As Athletic Director, Mr. Gut has organized the annual John F. Kennedy All Sports Awards Dinner, and he was involved in the creation of the Central-Kennedy Athletic Hall of Fame. Bob's professionalism has extended beyond Passaic County. He has long been a high school referee and umpire. He formerly served as President of the Tri-County Basketball Officials Association, which held tournaments for freshman and JV teams from 32 schools. He has served for the past 28 years as the Chairperson of Bowling in the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League. He has served for 20 years on the Advisory Board and Eligibility Committee of the NJSIAA, the governing body of high school sports in New Jersey, and has been the chairperson of the Eligibility Committee for the past 10 years. He also volunteers his time as part of the Passaic County Coaches Association, the Old Timers Association of Greater Paterson, and The Do-Good House. What Bob is proudest of is his strong moral and ethical standards, which led his coaches to nickname him ``The Monsignor.'' Sportsmanship has always been his first priority for his players, coaches, and the fans. This effort is shown by the many times the NJSIAA has given Kennedy its ``Sportsmanship Award,'' and the NNJIL Sportsmanship banners they have earned. Always important to Bob has been his family; he and Florence celebrated their 52nd anniversary this month. His daughter lives nearby with her husband Jim Giblin and their two children. His grandson James is a sophomore at The College of New Jersey and his granddaughter Kristen is a senior at Wayne Valley High School. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the efforts of dedicated public servants like Bob. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the students of the Paterson Schools, the City of Paterson, the State of New Jersey, Bob's family and friends, and me in recognizing Bob Gut's outstanding service to his community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to convey my support of H. Res. 300, which commends the achievements of the Rutgers University Lady Scarlet Knights Basketball Team and applauds the character and integrity of their student-athletes. This group often 10 extraordinary women, led by Coach C. Vivian Stringer, made the State of New Jersey proud by representing Rutgers University in the NCAA championship game. They were the first ever athletic team from Rutgers to play in any national championship. Not only did the Lady Scarlet Knights finish their outstanding 2006-7 season with a 29-7 record, coming back after losing four of their first six games, but they also managed to maintain a combined B+ grade point average. They truly excelled both on and off the court. I am especially proud to report that junior Essence Carson is a native of my hometown, Paterson, NJ. Essence attended two high schools, graduating from the Rosa Parks School for Fine and Performing Arts in 2004 where she studied piano, bass guitar, drums, and saxophone. She also competed athletically at Paterson Eastside High School in track and field where she won the 2004 state 400-meter title, volleyball where she was a three-time all-State selection, and basketball where she led her team to three straight county championships. Named to the Parade All-America Second Team and the USA Today Super 25 All-America Team as a senior in high school, Essence shined in the McDonald's and Women's Basketball Coaches Association--WBCA--All- America Games. In 2003, she played for the USA Basketball Youth Development Festival East Team, which won a gold medal. Now in her third year at Rutgers, Essence is a back-to-back Big East Defensive Player of the Year, a 2007 First Team All-Big East Honoree, a Region I All-American selection, and was named to the Big East and NCAA East Region All-Tournament teams. In only 3 years, she has managed to make more appearances in a Scarlet Knights uniform than any other player and averaged over 12 points and 6 rebounds per game this season. Mr. Speaker, Essence Carson and her teammates on the Rutgers University Lady Scarlet Knights Basketball Team are truly the best that this Nation has to offer. They are more then just diligent students and talented athletes. They are exceptional roll models for young women throughout this country. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, and I know we can expect great things from them in the years to come.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the deeds of an outstanding American, Mr. Bill Kane, who will be recognized on April 19, 2007 for his many years of service to organized labor throughout the region. Bill first became involved in the labor movement in 1967, as a member of the United Auto Workers Local 1612, in Philadelphia, PA while he was working at ITE Gould. Bill worked his way up through the ranks, serving as a Shop Steward, Executive Member at large, and Bargaining Committee Member for the local. In 1982, Bill was appointed to serve as a United Auto Workers International Representative. In this capacity, he serviced UAW Local Unions in New York and Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey. In 1989, he was chosen to serve as the New Jersey Area Director of UAW Region 9. He held this position until his retirement from the UAW in 1997. His dedication to his union brothers and sisters did not go unnoticed, and he served as the elected Secretary Treasurer of the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council from 1989 until 1994. In 1994, he was elected to lead this group as its President. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bill has always found time for public service. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the College of New Jersey, a member of the New Jersey Commission for National Service, a member of the State Advisory Committee of Rutgers University School of Labor Management and Relations, and a member of the New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission. As Bill retires as President of the Industrial Union Council, I know that he will continue to volunteer and help others. He will also be able to enjoy spending more time at his home in Westwood, NJ with his wife Darlene and daughter Marissa. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the efforts of dedicated community servants like Bill Kane. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, everyone involved in the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council, Bill's family and friends, and me in recognizing Bill Kane's outstanding service to his community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, rather than pulling out the tired old talking points of ``tax and spend,'' I wish my colleagues and my good friends on the other side of the aisle would actually read the Democratic budget resolution. Really, it makes for pretty good reading. If they did, they would see that nowhere in the budget do we call for any increase in taxes; nowhere. In fact, if the Republicans read our budget, they would see that it actually directs the Ways and Means Committee, of which I am a member, to come up with immediate relief for middle-income families who would otherwise be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Unless we reform that tax, 19 million families will have to pay higher taxes in 2007. The President played games with this tax, coming up with only a 1- year fix. You hear it in your own districts. Democrats are committed to coming up with a permanent solution. Our budget allows the Ways and Means Committee to extend other middle-income tax relief, including the child tax credit and marriage penalty relief, while remaining true to the PAYGO principle. Madam Speaker, this is a good budget that provides tax relief to middle-income families, and at the same time, finds balance within the next 5 years. I suggest we take a look at it.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Katrina was more than a natural catastrophe. The painful images of folks suffering, dying, and calling desperately for help will forever be seared in our collective conscience. I rise today in strong support of the Katrina Housing Relief Act, critical legislation designed to respond to the needs of hurricane victims by getting affordable housing in the gulf coast region expeditiously built. I want to commend Chairman Rangel for the steady hand he has displayed in crafting this legislation and also for the collegial spirit he has fostered on the Ways and Means Committee thus far. This is the second noteworthy tax package that has come to the floor in recent weeks, and I am heartened at the bipartisanship that has been displayed. And when it comes to helping those who suffered from Katrina, bipartisanship is the only way to operate. Unfortunately, the immediate response from Washington was handled poorly, insufficiently, and only exacerbated the suffering. Today, we take a step in the right direction. We need to get help to people and get them back in their homes, and this bill does that. H.R. 1562 strengthens existing tax incentives to builders of affordable rental housing by extending the current deadline within which those units must be inhabited by an extra 2 years, to 2010. The bill makes it easier for a greater number of homeowners to benefit from tax-exempt bonds issued by local governments for substantial renovations and to refinance existing residential mortgage loans. These are prudent, practical measures that will do a great deal of good for those in need. I implore my colleagues to support this bill. I again commend the leadership for bringing this to the floor.