Bill Pascrell

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Will the gentlelady yield?

Mr. PASCRELL. I appreciate the gentlelady for yielding. Madam Speaker, it is good to see you in the seat this evening. I support the Second Amendment. I was lucky enough to come into this Congress with my friend from New York, Carolyn McCarthy. She has been a champion for the issue against gun violence. I am proud to be here tonight supporting her legislation, H.R. 308, the Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act. The McCarthy bill will reinstate the ban on large capacity ammunition feeding devices that existed for quite some time, from 1994 to 2004, as the gentlelady from Long Island has said. As has already been stated, this bill bans the sale or transfer of high capacity magazines, those holding more than 10 rounds, by non-law enforcement civilians. I state that right now, Madam Speaker, to make it very, very clear, this is an issue close to my heart because I came to this Congress in January 1997 pledging my support to defend law enforcement officials throughout the United States of America. Many times those who illegally have these guns or have illegal guns, many times they are better armed than our police forces. Just think about it? When we raise our hands, if we are fortunate enough to be elected or reelected, we swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as you heard the gentlewoman just mention. Part of that pledge, or a reflection of that pledge, is how we treat our law enforcement officials besides just patting them on the back. So we want to not only have a law enforcement person, a police officer out there who is well equipped, who is well trained, but is in a better position to defend us than those who seek to destroy property or limb. It does not make sense. The failure of Congress in recent years to shoulder the ultimate responsibility of safeguarding our communities from gun violence is inexcusable. This is not rhetoric. This is common sense. These magazines, which contain so many bullets that can kill so many people, have no place in our towns, have no place in our cities. The tragedy in Arizona was a gut-wrenching reminder of what can happen when these weapons are legally available. We are not suggesting taking guns away from anyone who legally possesses them, and I can't emphasize that enough. And I know those who are very close to the gun community are very suspect of anything that will lead to a graduated taking of guns away from the people. That has never been the intent of the gentlelady from Long Island, and certainly that is not my intent whatsoever. And that is not simply an assuaging of the argument; that is the fact. This is not about guns. This is about reason. This is about sanity. This is about peace of mind. That tragedy will always remain in our minds. Our sister is hurting, and we pray for her recovery. The perpetrator of that heinous crime fired 32 bullets in only 16 seconds. He killed 6 people and injured 13. That did not happen that long ago, and yet, it is out of the country's culture mind. It is not there. It is not discussed. It is almost as if it didn't happen. Some people have said that it is not the gun but the person who commits the act of violence. While that may be the case, the shooter was taken down while reloading his weapon after those 32 bullets. If there had been fewer bullets in the magazine, he may have been thwarted earlier, saving other lives. So we are talking about this magazine that we want to take out of anyone's hands. We are talking about potential. We are talking about possibilities. We are talking about risk, and giving more of a chance to protect ourselves. And for a police officer, if a police officer was there, could have been in the crowd, should have been--all valued lives. And those are not the only numbers that are chilling. Nearly 100,000 people are killed by guns every year. Over 260 people will be killed today by a gun. This results in $100 billion annually in medical, security, and criminal justice costs. There is a reason that local enforcement and the U.S. Conference of Mayors supports this legislation: Because the ban worked when it was in effect for those 10 years. If it didn't work, we wouldn't be here tonight. Records show that while the Federal assault weapons ban was in effect, the number of high capacity magazines collected by police fell dramatically. This is a return to the same standard we have in many States, including my home State of New Jersey, and the law of the land from 1994 to 2004. There is no question that it is constitutional. This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. Let's not make it that. This is not about taking all guns away from law-abiding citizens. It has nothing to do with that, either. This is about saving lives. And right now we pray for our own buddy, our own sister, who was just here not too long ago. Where is she? I didn't see her the last few days. She's healing. We thank God she is in the position to heal. We can do something about this reckless nonsense without violating the Constitution of the United States of America which we have all pledged to adhere to. I yield back to the gentlelady from Long Island, and I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. I didn't come to speak on this issue tonight but another issue, but I can't help but look at the graphic message that's right there in front of everybody, in front of the country, about the financial, Great Recession, depression--who was charged and how many were convicted. This is a very, very, very sad omen. If we go back into the nineties and into the first decade of this century, very, very specific, as we understood what was going to come, you need to have a Justice Department that's willing to stand up and fight the very people who many times fund our campaigns. Now, if you can't say it, then you shouldn't be here. AIG is a perfect example. They became the poster child of everything that was going wrong in our financial institutions. But AIG, in 2003 and 2005--rather, 2003 and 2005, got what are called deferred prosecutions. Deferred prosecutions to me are the very center, the very apex of what is corrupt about those moneylenders in the temple. Now, what is AIG all about? They made and packaged many of these financial deals that we read about it for so many years. And people look at this and they read about it. They may not know all the specific definitions about every one of these packages, these financial products, as they were called, but they do understand that nobody ever pays for anything, and nobody ever is held accountable. So how can people, the average person who is struggling, particularly now, see it's all right when things are going well, the AIGs become simply a fault, a sand pebble on the beach of our brains. But the fact of the matter is, when things get tough, then you will wonder where this money is going. Because money doesn't disappear into the ocean, it doesn't disappear into the atmosphere, into the sky. It goes someplace and it winds up in someone's pocket. It's simple one-on- one mathematics, beyond the course. When you look at deferred prosecutions and how many corporations got deferred prosecutions, where the government said, where the Justice Department said, look, if you straighten out and fly right, and we will have a Federal monitor there to make sure that you don't do the financial practices that you did before, then we will let you go. No one will be prosecuted, and no one will be taken to task, and no one will go to trial, and no one will, therefore, ever be convicted. My friend, it did not work with AIG, and it hasn't worked with any of the large corporations. You know what? I don't blame one party for this. We were part of the situation as well, and until we stand and tell the truth about our own implications in this thing, this is never going to be changed. People want to be confident in their government and their Justice Department, to get to those people who made money on the backs of the working men and women of this country.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the deeds of an outstanding American, Julie Tatti, who will be recognized on Monday, February 28, 2011, by the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) for her many years of dedicated service to her community. She will be retiring from the role of Executive Director, but she has another important distinction--having been with the DPD for nearly 40 years, she is also its longest tenured staff member. It is only fitting that she be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for she has brought joy and comfort to many others through her efforts. Julie was born on April 8, 1948 in Jersey City, to Catharine and Stephen Feehan. She grew up in Bergenfield, NJ and graduated from St. John's Elementary School and the Academy of the Holy Angels. She continued her education, going on to earn a bachelors' degree from the College of St. Elizabeth and a Masters' degree in Special Education from William Paterson University. She began her service at the Department for Persons with Disabilities nearly four decades ago, working as a counselor and lifeguard at Camp Alexander, the agency's summer camp for the disabled, and then, in 1973, as the coordinator of Special Religious Education. She was responsible for organizing religious education programs for children and adults with disabilities. She went on to become the Director of Wayne House, the second home operated by the DPD. As the agency grew, Julie transitioned into an administrative role, serving as Associate Executive Director until December 1, 2007 when she was appointed Executive Director. For Julie though, this has not just been a career, but a ministry that has allowed her to achieve spiritual growth and fulfillment through her faith. Julie has been a dedicated leader and an inspiration to all of the DPD staff members and residents. Julie has truly led by example and has been an active volunteer within the agency for years. She is always there with a helping hand and an ability to assist all involved in the DPD. The agency's programs, as well as the residents and her co- workers, have all thrived under her guidance and through her efforts. Julie Tatti will always be an important part of the DPD family and her loving impact will always be felt by all who live and work there. Although she is leaving her position as Executive Director, I know her commitment will continue and that she looks forward to having more time to spend with her husband Lou Tatti (who she met in 1972 while working at Camp Alexander), and family, including the residents for whom she cares so much. 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 Julie Tatti. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the Department for Persons with Disabilities, all of its' residents and volunteers, Julie's family and friends, and me in recognizing Julie Tatti's outstanding service to her community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention an outstanding individual and a source of inspiration to many, Mrs. Mary Anne Sudovar, who celebrated her 100th birthday on September 18, 2010. Born in Shelton, CT, in 1910 as Mary Anne Sullivan, she is the oldest of nine children. As a result of her father's job as a construction foreman in the 1920's, Mary's family was forced to relocate frequently. Consequently, they lived in Massachusetts, North and South Carolina, Virginia, and New Jersey in addition to Connecticut. Mary's propensity to travel extended outside the United States as well. During her lifetime she has visited France, Egypt, Israel, Rome, and Scotland. In 1938, Mary was wed to Stephen Sudovar (d. 1998) of Garfield, NJ. Shortly afterwards, the couple moved to Wayne, NJ, where they began to build a life together. Mary and Steve had four children: Marianne, Kathleen, Stephen, and Barbara. Mary has 16 grandchildren and is fortunate enough to also enjoy 16 great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Mary recalls some of her fondest memories over the past century: walking around Packanack Lake, dancing the Polka with her husband, Steve, storytelling, and relaxing on cool summer evenings. Today, Mary continues to be the life of the party and constantly has visitors. She serves as a source of inspiration to her soon-to-be 37 person family with her beautiful smile, encouraging words, and upbeat attitude. When asked about the secrets to a long and healthy life, Mary quickly declared, ``Hard work and always managing to smile-- regardless of the situation.'' The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing outstanding members of the community like Anne Mary Sudovar. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Mary's family and friends, the residents of Wayne, NJ, and me in congratulating Mary on her 100th birthday.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. To zero out one of the most effective and efficient programs in the Federal Government--and all objective observers have come to that conclusion. And yes, we do have to cut. That's why we're here. But we don't have to cut what is an essential service when we know what the results of this legislation have brought. I have been on Homeland Security from day one. I think I know it. But that's beside the point. Today, we know what the results have been of this legislation. So, for the 2,400 firefighters right off that bat that would be laid off, because this is a 3-year plan, there's certain matches that have to go into it. Those matches have been reduced so that other local communities can get involved. When we see what happens with many Federal programs that go through States and never wind up to do what they have to do, this stands out above everything else. It is not enough for us to pat firefighters on the back, to bring our grandkids to get up on the fire engines when we are pulling the rug out from under them. When this passed 10 years ago, there were fire companies throughout the United States that had to push their equipment to the fire. We are here at 1 o'clock in the morning questioning that this is not a priority of ours and we can't afford this right now. I can tell you what we can't afford. We can't afford other things in other places, but we need to protect our first responders. If we meant what we said on 9/ 12/2001, then we need to do something right now to protect them. This is a visceral subject, there's no question about it. I have not heard one argument where this legislation has let us down one iota. In fact, it has delivered what it said it was going to deliver. Whether you be volunteers or career firefighters, you are assisted by the SAFER bill, and we made it that way. When you look at the FIRE Act itself, that act went to all the small departments. In fact, we skewed it. The first 2 years of the program was to go to smaller fire departments, not to big cities, and we followed through on that. Do you know how these applications are evaluated? They're evaluated by peers. It costs us very little to do it. That's why it's efficient as well as an effective program. We should all belong to the Police Caucus and the Fire Caucus. They don't need our pats on the back. They don't need our words of inspiration. What they need is some help to put enough people out there. These are people's lives we're talking about. How dare we even consider. You talk about 6 years ago. The conditions of our municipalities large and small are quite different now than they were 6 years ago. They're laying off cops and firefighters. Someone mentioned when we were discussing the COPS program earlier this evening--last night--they were talking about what happened in Camden, New Jersey. They're laying off half the fire department and half the police department. Don't we have some responsibility in this? And, by the way, that part of Homeland Security which protects the Nation and protects them through our first responders, since they're the fire people there, God knows, when a catastrophe occurs, what, are we putting the brakes on that? Are we going out on recess? These are the line between us and perhaps disaster. We cannot. Much of the equipment that was bought in the FIRE Act, competitive bidding, much of that equipment saved lives already. Most of the firefighters--all of the firefighters--who were hired, because we wanted to give someone in every town some edge when they were down below the ranks that they should have, those firefighters save lives. Mr. Chairman, we need bipartisan support on this amendment. It is good for America, and it works. No one has questioned that this evening. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. PASCRELL. We used to argue at one time on this floor whether or not to help communities to support the police department. We argued here on this floor as to whether this was a Federal issue, whether the Federal Government had any responsibility in terms of firefighters--I remember the debates--and police officers, and we made a decision on a bipartisan basis that it was a responsibility because we needed to protect the homeland. So Democrats and Republicans supported the protection in trying to help communities fight crime and put out fires. We made that on a bipartisan basis, and it is a shame that we do not even consider the COPS program as part of homeland security because, if you don't have it here, you have it nowhere. This is a security issue. It is a priority. How many officers in the past 2 months have been shot down doing their job in this country? Double last year. And we know that small communities and large communities have taken advantage of the COPS program. This is important to our communities. I was a mayor of the third largest city in New Jersey. I know what those police officers on the street in the communities mean to protecting folks in my town where I still live. I know the results. Since 1992, I know those results inside and out. You heard Mr. Weiner, who showed us the charts about what it has meant right across the United States of America. We're making a big mistake here. Throughout the United States of America, everybody, citizens know that when they see police officers walking the beat, they know there is a priority that the Federal Government has not forgotten. I ask you, you cannot do to police officers and you cannot do to firefighters what this budget, at least for the next 6 months, is being represented by the other side. We are going to take up a FIRE Act pretty soon, the SAFER Act pretty soon with our firefighters. We can't do this. We can't pat them on the back and say, Great job. We can't go to the parades and say, Look at this; this is the protection we have in America, and do this in a program that's successful. No one has stood and questioned the success of either of these programs. No one. I haven't heard one word tonight. If a program wasn't working, if cops weren't doing their job on the beat, then you'd stand and you would defend that particular position. This is not the way to do it. This is not the way to protect the homeland. This is not the way to pat police officers on the back and then send them out there without the resources and without their brothers and sisters fighting alongside of them to protect the United States of America. Mr. Chairman, this is a very serious problem. We argue vociferously on this floor to protect the soldier in the field in foreign lands. I'm here today to support DeFazio, Weiner, and the rest of the folks who have talked on this, to defend our police officers on the street. We owe them no less. I ask you to restore this money, the money that has been taken away in this 7-month budget. I don't think it's fair, and I don't think it's wise.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, as a former mayor, I have always believed that our Nation's first responders constitute both our first and our last line of defense for the American people. This continuing resolution before us today fails our first responders. Regrettably, we are treating these public safety officers as being non-security, discretionary spending and have subjected them to drastic cuts. Real homeland security starts on our streets. We all remember on 9/11 when we were attacked on our own soil. It was our brave cops and firefighters who ran into the burning buildings. The Federal Government was not there. To say that funding our cops and firefighters is not national security spending is ludicrous. Our brave local police officers and firefighters who protect our streets day and night are the very essence of our national security. Earlier in the process we debated the COPS Program. An amendment tonight restores critical funding for its counterpart, the FIRE Act and the SAFER Grant programs. The continuing resolution significantly reduces funding for the FIRE Act and eliminates all funding for SAFER grants, over $510 million in cuts in total. This would absolutely be devastating for our public safety professionals who rely on this funding for the equipment and personnel they need to protect our communities. The FIRE and SAFER grants help local fire departments equip, train and maintain their personnel, preparing them to respond to all forms of an emergency. And things changed, didn't they, after 9/11? An independent evaluation of the FIRE program published by the U.S. Fire Administration concluded that it was highly effective in improving the readiness and capabilities of firefighters across the Nation. I may add, Mr. Chairman, that the FIRE programs and the COPS programs are among the highest efficiency and most effective programs run by the Federal Government. The money goes directly to the communities, so States can't skim off the top. They are effective and they are competitive, and no one has challenged that in 10 years. SAFER has been critical to many local departments who, as a result of recent economic downturns, have been forced to cut personnel and services. What effect would cuts to these programs have? Let's go to the real world and not the video. Bethesda Volunteer Fire Department in Coleman, Alabama, they used the FIRE grant to purchase personnel protective equipment which now allows them to enter a burning structure to search for victims and to extinguish the fires. Previously, the department did not have the proper equipment to do this. Today they have greatly reduced the amount of total-loss structures in their region. North County Fire Protection District in Holbrooke, California, they were able to purchase emergency backup power generators. During the 2007 San Diego firestorms, power failed throughout the community early on the first day and was not completely restored in the community for 2 weeks. The emergency power generators they purchased with their FIRE grant allowed them to keep all of the facilities fully functional. Before the Belle Chasse Volunteer Fire Department in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, received a SAFER grant in 2008, the department could not comply with the National Fire Protection Association standards. There is such a thing. Before we cut something, we should know what the alternatives are. Its initial alarm assignment capability was only 20 percent in that time. That insufficient level of service put the communities and the volunteer firefighters at considerable risk for injury or even the loss of life. Thanks to a SAFER grant, the department was able to hire 45 firefighters, increase the rate of compliance, and it is now estimated that the compliance is 90 percent and they have increased their initial alarm dispatch with three more engine companies.

Mr. PASCRELL. Together, FIRE and SAFER grants have provided over $7 billion in firefighter jobs, equipment and training for local fire departments. It is serious business. We are talking life and limb, and we are talking about property here. To me, cutting these critical programs is wrong, especially when local fire department budgets are already strained. We are facing it in all of our districts. You know that. My amendment restores the funding for FIRE and SAFER to their fiscal 2010 amounts: $390 million for FIRE, $420 million for SAFER. Because of the rule, we are forced to reluctantly take funding from DHS Science and Technology. If this amendment passes, I hope we can restore some of the funding during conference. I hope that both sides will come together on this. It has bipartisan support. We need to protect our firefighters. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of an outstanding individual who I am proud to call a friend, Albert Manzo, who will be recognized by the Roma Club as their 2011 Man of the Year for his distinguished service and dedication to his community. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for his story is a true embodiment of the American Dream. Albert is co-owner of The Brownstone, one of New Jersey's premier catering facilities, located in my hometown of Paterson. In addition to working long and tireless hours to provide guests with the finest dining and party experience, Albert gives freely of himself, and is willing to listen and lend his support to numerous charitable organizations. The Brownstone is an important part of the greater Paterson community, and a special place for so many families who mark life's milestones with gatherings there. Albert also serves as a Commissioner with the North Jersey District Water Supply, and served as the first Chief of the Passaic County Deputy Sheriff's Division. Albert also sits on the Board of the Passaic County Technical Institute Education Foundation, as well as serving as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for North Haledon, NJ. Albert is a past President of the Paterson Rotary and a member of Passaic Valley Elks Lodge 2111. He is a Board member of CROC--Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer, and served on Paterson's Blue Ribbon Committee to Review Public Safety. Albert has been married for 26 years to his lovely wife, Caroline, and they have three beautiful children, Albert IV, Lauren, and Christopher. The Manzo family currently resides in Franklin Lakes, NJ. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the efforts of individuals like Albert Manzo. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Mr. Manzo's family and friends, all those whose lives have been touched by him, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Albert Manzo to his community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today as someone willing to work towards reforms that will create jobs, strengthen our middle class, and pay down our debt. I am in favor of comprehensive tax reform with lower rates. I'm in favor of removing regulations that hurt competitiveness. I'm ready to make the hard cuts we need to pay down our deficit. I think we can all agree on those principles. We might have to change some of the policies, but we agree on the principles. But what we have here today contains no policies, no ideas, and very few principles. This is a budgetless resolution. It calls for a reduction in spending to pre-2008 levels but provides no specifics. What family in America would sit down at the kitchen table and set up a budget without a bottom line? We could be here discussing Mr. Ryan's idea to replace Medicaid with vouchers. We could be here discussing the plan to cut public education spending 50 percent and to eliminate Amtrak and public broadcasting. Let's discuss those things. Or we could be debating the plan Majority Leader Cantor hailed, which would result in the absence of 4,000 FBI agents and 1,500 DEA agents. We may disagree with those policies, but I am here to work to solve problems. And to say we will drop spending levels up to 30 percent but provide no specifics is being less than genuine. Colin Powell recently said this: ``I am very put off when people just say let's go back and freeze to the level 2 years ago. Tell me what you're going to cut, and nobody up there yet is being very, very candid about what they are going to cut to fix the problem.'' The public has been very clear; job creation should be our top priority. So far we have abandoned the principles of pay-as-you-go and added $230 billion to the deficit by repealing--you voted for it-- health care.

Mr. PASCRELL. Thank you, Mr. McGovern. Before us is yet another piece of legislation being used as a political gimmick instead of an honest conversation to seek out compromise with the purpose of aiding the economy. As a new member of the Budget Committee, I am willing and eager to work hard to find comprehensive, bipartisan solutions to strengthening our economy. Please let me know when you're ready to sit down and talk and work.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. That means that the people of Texas pay, the people of New Jersey pay, the people of California pay. In essence, everyone pays for those who don't have insurance. Let's get straight on this. We can't afford this, and we must reject repeal.

Mr. PASCRELL. I thank the gentleman for yielding. There is not one Member of Congress in these distinguished Halls that has not been called upon to help a constituent who has been threatened to have their insurance taken away from them. Whether it was heart disease, whether it was cancer, asthma, high blood pressure--I've been through many of them. And isn't it interesting that when the congressional office intervenes, they give things a second thought. It should not be that way. Who are the 2,000 economists we're talking about that are wondering about this health care act? Are they the same ones who predicted enormous increases in the economy of the United States in the last 10 years? Oh, those 10 years we wish to forget, we have amnesia. Whether it be in town halls or small groups, when I have asked individuals to raise their hands if they were against closing the Medicare doughnut hole, allowing children to stay on a family's health plan until 26, ensuring Americans are not denied insurance for preexisting conditions, no one raises their hand. In the last debate I had, Madam Speaker, just before the election, my opponent didn't raise his hand and I went through 18 of these very specific parts of the health care legislation. In my district alone, repeal will increase the number of uninsured by 66,000. I can't vote for this repeal. I can't let them down or their insurance will go up. How about the business person? Sixty percent of businesses who go into bankruptcy it's because of the health care bills they can't afford. I can't let them down either. Before I conclude, I want to make this point, Madam Speaker: last October, Federal Judge Steeh found the mandate constitutional because by forgoing insurance, individuals are making an economic decision to pay for their health care costs later out of pocket. That's how we get stuck with the bill. We need to end this.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with all of my colleagues here to honor the victims of the tragedy in Tuscon and to speak of our great colleague Gabby Giffords. We are all encouraged by the signs of recovery that Gabby is showing every day she has been in the hospital. Our prayers are with her, her husband Commander Mark Kelly and her entire family. As Co-Chair of the Traumatic Brain Injury Taskforce I know Gabby faces a long road. We now she is receiving the best care in the world-- but even more importantly we all know that she's a fighter and that's exactly what she's doing now. On Monday in honor of the victims in Tucson I called for a Week of Solidarity in the 8th District of New Jersey. I love that word ``solidarity'' and all it represents. I wanted all our faith leaders to hold services and events this week--in order for our collective community to reflect on this national tragedy and pray for the victims and their families and for all of America. As tragically occurred in Tucson, too many of our communities have been afflicted by gun violence--as a nation now is the time to heal with our words and find unity where there may be strife. I find it especially appropriate that the end of this week will culminate with the observance of Martin Luther King Day--a man who gave our entire Nation the chance to find solidarity with each other--it is a bond that serves us well in the wake of this tragedy. The victims in Tucson truly embody the greatest spirit of our Nation, you had individuals from every different background, both young and old, coming together as citizens to take part in one of the most essential rites of our representative democracy--it is indeed government of the people, by the people, for the people. I hope we will all look towards Gabby's example and use it to guide us towards a better public discourse with each other--I think we can all agree that too often these days our political rhetoric has gotten overheated and vitriolic. Lower our voices and raise our commitment to peaceful resolve. I want to make this very clear, this is not about being on the left or the right--the shooting in Tucson was an attack on all Americans from a perpetrator who tried to strike at the very heart of our great democracy. Being from Paterson, NJ and it being the day after Alexander Hamilton's birthday, I am reminded of one of the greatest political debates in the history of our Nation between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. The nature of the debate between Hamilton and Jefferson was as monumental in their day as it is in ours--their arguments went to the very core of our Nation in its infancy and the issues they debated remain contested to this day--yet despite the gravity of their discussion not once did they cross the line from fierce disagreement to considering violent solutions. I hope we will use this occasion to pause and recognize that in our great Nation we each have a responsibility to stand shoulder-to- shoulder with our fellow citizens in times both good and bad. Names of the Victims: Chief Judge John Roll, 63; Christina Taylor Green, 9; Dorothy Morris, 76; Phyllis Scheck, 79; Dorwan Stoddard, 76; and Gabriel ``Gabe'' Zimmerman, 30, (Giffords's staff as a Community Outreach Director).

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Section 7: ``All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills.''

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I am proud to say that we are finally doing the right thing to support our heroes from 9/11. The agreement we have here today is much less than we originally hoped for--but more than four and a half years after the death of NYPD Det. James Zadroga-- I am here to say that we need to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act right now because we are losing these brave souls as we speak. I'm sad to say its now been nine years since 9/11 and it has taken this long to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act-- nine years is too long to wait and watch as our first responders from that day continue to suffer physically and emotionally--nine years is late, BUT its not too late to do the right thing. We need to pass this bill and we need to pass it now. Nine years ago we gave those brave souls the `all clear' sign, but we now know that we were exposing those men and women to a poisonous dust that would stay with them for the rest of their lives. I am proud to say that we found a way to pay for this bill so that we can do the right thing for our 9/11 workers AND for our children who will bear the debt of the decisions we make today. Let me be clear, this isn't just a bill for New York and New Jersey-- this is a bill for all Americans. We know that people from all 50 states were in lower Manhattan on or after 9/11 and now are facing serious health concerns--there are 435 Congressional Districts and 431 of them are represented by the names of constituents on the World Trade Center Health Registry. After 9/11 we all said we would be there for these brave first responders--but today if we vote against this bill we are asking those same brave individuals to come to Washington, year after year to fight for their health benefits--do we expect them to come here ten years from now? By then it may be too late for many of these men and women who responded to their nation's call of duty. I urge all my colleagues to support the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act--once and for all let us stand up for these brave Americans.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call your attention to the life and work of an outstanding individual, the late Sergeant Willie James Quince of Paterson, New Jersey, whose life was celebrated during a memorial service on Monday, November 29, 2010, at the First A.M.E. Zion Church. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for he served countless others throughout his lifetime. Sergeant Willie James Quince was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1921 to Mr. Remer Quince and Helen Braswell. His family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he finished elementary school and graduated from Industrial High School. He went on to courses at Purple Kerpels School of Mechanical Dentistry in New York City, NY. He then studied 4 years at the Jones Barber School in Atlantic City, NJ, and the Interracial Barber College in Atlantic City, NJ, graduating in 3 years. After graduation, he moved to Paterson, N.J. in January 1958 and opened Quince's Barber Shop. He was married to Mary M. Quince for 61 years, and together they raised five children, Wiley ``Sonny'' Quince, William A. Quince (Linda), Madgeline Z. Quince, Sylvia A. Lucas, and Kelvin C. Quince (Cora); and also now have 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Mr. Quince was a faithful husband, dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a committed community servant. He earned many accolades and had a long record of accomplishment as a forerunner for civil rights and a leader throughout Paterson. He was a long-time member of First A.M.E. Zion Church, where he was elected Man Of The Year multiple times, served on the Board of Trustees for 31 years and served as Chairman for 15 years. He also served on the Stewart Board, Usher Board, The Dreamers, The Kitchen Cabinet, and The Zion Seniors. He served our nation as a Drill Sergeant during World War II Army Air Force and received the Medal of Good Conduct, WWII Victory Medal and ATO Medal. He was an Honored Life Member of the NAACP Paterson Branch, a member of the Habitat for Humanity Paterson Chapter Tenants Selection Committee for Home Ownership. He was the first African-American elected chairman of the Paterson Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and he served as Project Housing Manager of Christopher Columbus Housing Development and as Manager of the Riverside Terrace Housing Development. He also served as Paterson's Fourth Ward Leader of the Passaic County Democratic Party for many years. He was known for his superb social mannerisms and good conversation. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the lifetime achievement of a giving person such as Sergeant Willie James Quince. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Willie's family and friends, and me in recognizing the late Sergeant Willie James Quince's outstanding life of service to his community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attenion the work of an outstanding medical practice Ferraro Medical Associates, P.A., which is celebrating its 65th Anniversary of dedicated service to its patients, and by extension, the greater community. It is only fitting that Ferraro Medical Associates, and its late founder Dr. Stephen P. Ferraro, be honored in this permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for the comfort and care that it has provided to so many Paterson families. Dr. Stephen P. Ferraro was born in 1920 in Paterson, NJ to Angelo and Natalizia who emigrated from Sicily to the United States. They had four children, two of whom died untimely deaths leaving Stephen and Joseph. Stephen's parents ingrained in their sons the importance of education, and became successful themselves, owning multiple properties in Paterson. Dr. Ferraro attended School No. 15 and graduated Eastside High School in 1937. In high school he was very athletic but music intrigued him most and he played the violin for the Eastside orchestra. After graduation he earned a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame University in 1941. Stephen developed a passion for medicine and flying which lasted a lifetime. In 1946 Dr. Ferraro obtained his degree of Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University Medical School. He graduated in the top of his class. He returned to Paterson to pursue his career. He did a rotating internship at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson. In 1947 he was certified and passed the State of New Jersey Board as Doctor in Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Ferraro then decided to join the United States Air Force University School of Medicine in Randolf, Texas and became a USAF Flight Surgeon, spending three years in Okinawa. In the Air Force he saw many in great need and he was determined to always be a ``people doctor'' and provide his service where the need was greatest. By 1950, when he returned from spending four years at Boston City Hospital, becoming Chief Surgical Resident, he had met a nurse named Betty. He went to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and became Chief Surgical Resident from 1954-1956. Betty followed him and worked alongside him as his operating room nurse. They later married at St. Anthony Church in Paterson and had six children-- Stephen Jr., Natalie, Angelo, Lisa, Lucia and Barbara. Dr. Ferraro never forgot the city he came from. In 1957 he became attending surgeon of St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center in Paterson. He soon decided to open his own practice at 414 Broadway. Betty was always by his side and was his nurse at the practice. Together they were the perfect ``team.'' The office was on the first floor and their apartment was on the upper levels. He became the Co- Chief of Department of Surgery at Fairlawn Memorial Hospital, attending surgeon at Saddle Brook Hospital, Police Surgeon and City of Paterson physician, Medical Director of Nabisco Brands, Inc., assistant professor at Seton Hall University Department of Surgery and also became Medical Examiner for Federal Aviation-Class A, and USCIS Civil Surgeon. Dr. Ferraro was a distinguished and respected physician who with all his qualities provided the best to his patients and left a remarkable legacy to his children. Dr. Ferraro's children admired their father for instilling the importance of education in them. When his children were very young he would always encourage them to read. They spent time with their father around the office. Dr. Ferraro was a great role model, allowing them to see the medical world in his office as one of the choices for their lives. Lisa Ferraro followed her father's footsteps and graduated from Ross University Medical School. In 1984-1987 she completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson and immediately went to work with her father. Dr. Lisa Ferraro was Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 1987 and joined attending staff Internal Medicine at SJHMC. She has worked as school physician for Public Schools Nos. 5, 8, 28 and Kilpatrick School. She was assistant Medical Director at Nabisco from 1987-1992 and has taught first year medical students from UMDNJ, as well as forth year foreign medical students. In 2000 she was appointed as Civil Surgeon for USCIS. In February 2010 she became Certified in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Ferraro left a truly wonderful legacy in Paterson. In April 1996 Dr. Stephen and Dr. Lisa Ferraro registered the office as a corporation, Ferraro Medical Associates, P.A. Despite the challenges, the office still serves our community at 414 Broadway. Presently the practice provides medical care to approximately five hundred patients a month. It is estimated that close to half a million patients have passed through the doors at 414 Broadway. Although Dr. Stephen P. Ferraro departed from this earth in 2002, he left a legacy of perseverance as well as a well recognized practice, which continues to thrive under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Ferraro. Her siblings are all successful professionals in their fields. Stephen P. Ferraro, Jr. M.D., is an orthopaeadic surgeon in Redding, California, Angelo Ferraro, M.D., a cardiologist, Spokane, Washington, Lucia Ferraro, M.D., an anesthesiologist and Critical Care, Sherman Oaks, California, Natalia Ferraro is a homemaker and professional photographer and Barbara Tabano is a homemaker and operates a family business, The Sock Company, with her husband Jim. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the efforts of wonderful people in my District. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join all of the patients and friends of the Ferraro family, all those who have been helped throughout the years, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions they have made to the community in Paterson and beyond.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the story of an outstanding individual, Mr. George W. McCullough, III, who will visit New Jersey's 8th District on Sunday, December 12, 2010, for he is a great example of service to our Nation and communities. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for his story is a true embodiment of the American Dream. George W. McCullough, III serves as Supreme Governor of the Loyal Order of Moose for 2010-2011. He was elected to this post, which also serves as chairman of the Moose International Board of Directors, at the 122nd International Convention in Nashville in July 2010. He had previously served as Supreme Jr. Governor in 2009-2010, and Supreme Prelate during 2008-09. He is a Life Member of Charlotte, NC Lodge 1113, having been sponsored by his father in 1969. He immediately took an active role, serving on all standing and special committees, and holding all chairs, including Past Governor. He stepped in as acting Administrator for an eight month period. He has been an active Ritualist for more than 20 years, and has been honored as an International Champion in Ritual Competition. He has served on all the committees and chairs of WENOCA Moose Legion 78 and is a Past North Moose. He has served the North Carolina Moose Association on several District committee posts, as District President, and on most Association Committees; he is a Past President of the Association by Service. He was also conferred the honor of Past President by both the Louisiana and Minnesota Moose Associations. Mr. McCullough served on the International Community Service Committee before his appointment to the Mooseheart Board of Directors in 1994. A member of the 150 Division of the Moose 25 Club, he received the Fellowship Degree of Honor in 1978 and the Pilgrim Degree of Merit in 1990. He was awarded the Shining Star as International Moose of the Year for 1995. He is an ordained minister of the Baptist Church, and he is a U.S. Army combat veteran with service in Vietnam, holding the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart among other decorations. He and his wife Sue reside in Charlotte, where he owns and operates McCullough & Associates Auto Electric. The McCulloughs have two daughters, two sons, a daughter-in-law and two grandsons. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the efforts of individuals like Mr. George W. McCullough, Ill. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, George's family and friends, all the members of the Loyal Order of Moose, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Mr. George W. McCullough, III to our Nation.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, our families are hanging by threads-- literally--as we debate this tonight. We know the economic wreckage that occurred between 2001 and 2008. Double unemployment, flat wages, and unbridled greed. We didn't do a very good job in correcting the problem in the second 2 years since we took over, no question about it. So these are perilous times. And I say to my friend from Arizona, both sides agree. We need extraordinary remedies in extraordinary times. Ordinarily, your side and our side would vote against this legislation because it's not paid for. But these are not ordinary times. You have said in the past ``no'' to tax relief that every American, even billionaires, could take advantage of, if an extra 2,800 estates don't get a massive tax break at a cost of $60 billion. We had an agreement on the estate tax. H.R. 4151 provided a $7 million exemption for families, affecting less than 0.02 percent of the country. That wasn't good enough. So when the negotiations over the next tax relief for America's middle class started, opponents saw the chance. They decided to take the middle class hostage, agree with the tax relief for all of America, only if 2,800 additional estates worth over $7 million were also provided billions more in tax relief. The truth of the matter is that I don't know any working class families that own estates worth over $7 million. Maybe you do in your district. No, you said to middle class tax relief, if the top bracket is not extended for the top 2 percent, so as to give $63.2 billion to 315,000 families making over $1 million a year. I ask for your support of this amendment.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. One of the most important reforms expands eligibility to all workers whose jobs have been moved overseas, not just for those jobs that were lost to our free trade partners. If we allow this provision to expire, workers whose jobs have been shipped to China or India could be ineligible for TAA benefits. They will be out of luck. All in all, the Department of Labor estimates that, thanks to these reforms, an additional 155,000 trade-impacted workers were eligible for the TAA program. In New Jersey, almost 90 percent of the workers who received TAA benefits were eligible because of the reforms that we passed in February of 2009. We must continue to fight for those jobs. We must continue to keep American jobs here. For those who get unavoidably left behind, providing them with the opportunity to get support and retraining at a place like Passaic County Community College, in my district, in Paterson, New Jersey, through the TAA Community College Grant program is the least we can do, Mr. Speaker, for our workers who have been hard hit in the last 10 years.