Bill Pascrell

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, it must be clear to everyone in this body, Democrats and Republicans, that the best way to get out of this recession is to encourage consumer spending, and this bill does that. Retail, rational consumption.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, nearly 9,000 rockets, missiles, and mortars have been fired into Israel since 2001, terrorizing the Israeli people. More than 6,000 of them have fallen since Israel withdrew entirely from the Gaza Strip and Hamas took over its leadership in 2005. The range of these rockets continues to grow, putting more of Israel's population in danger. The humanitarian situation in Gaza also worsens by the day, and scores of civilians have been hurt or killed in the fighting. Hamas terrorists embed themselves in private homes, schools, mosques, hospitals, and use innocent Palestinians as human shields. I fully support Israel's right to defend itself against the constant barrage of attacks from Hamas. However, it is imperative that both the Hamas government in Gaza and the State of Israel stop this cycle of violence that has caused hundreds of casualties, before it gets worse. Israelis in Southern Israel and Palestinians in Gaza live in constant fear for their lives, and this is unacceptable. The Bush Administration must immediately take all necessary measures, in conjunction with the world community, to broker a peaceful and sustainable resolution to this volatile situation. Should the President heed this call, it will bolster the incoming Obama Administration's efforts as it advocates for a lasting peace. Military action will not result in an enduring resolution of these long simmering tensions. It is only through diplomacy and a strengthening of the Israeli Palestinian reconciliation process that a sustainable two state solution will be achieved. The violence must stop and the healing process begin, before more civilians are hurt and more lives are destroyed.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure today to introduce the ``Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Act'' as my first act in the 111th Congress. This bipartisan legislation was approved by the House in October 2007, and would designate a National Park at the majestic Great Falls in Paterson, NJ. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation as soon as possible. Fifteen miles west of New York City, the Great Falls was the second largest waterfall in colonial America. No other natural wonder in America has played such an important role in our nation's historic quest for freedom and prosperity. At the Great Falls, Alexander Hamilton conceived and implemented a plan to harness the force of water to power the new industries that would secure our economic independence. Hamilton told Congress and the American people that at the Great Falls he would begin implementation of his ambitious strategy to transform a rural agrarian society dependent upon slavery into a modern economy based on freedom. True to Hamilton's vision, Paterson became a great manufacturing city, producing the Colt revolver, the first submarine, the aircraft engine for the first trans-Atlantic flight, more locomotives than any city in the Nation, and more silk than any city in the world. New Jersey's Great Falls is the only National Historic District that includes both a National Natural Resource and a National Historic Landmark. In a special Bicentennial speech in Paterson with the spectacular natural beauty of the Great Falls in the background, the late President Gerald R. Ford said, ``We can see the Great Falls as a symbol of the industrial might which helps to make America the most powerful Nation in the world.'' Preeminent Hamilton biographers, an esteemed former Smithsonian Institution curator, the former chief of the National Park Service Historic American Engineering Record, and distinguished professors at Yale, Princeton, Harvard, NYU, Brown and other universities have filed letters with the National Park Service strongly recommending a National Historical Park for the Great Falls Historic District. Editorial boards, Federal, State, and local officials and community groups have also endorsed the campaign to award a National Park Service designation to the Falls. Scholars have concluded that Pierre L'Enfant's innovative water power system in Paterson, and many factories built later, constitute the finest remaining collection of engineering and architectural structures representing each stage of America's progress from a weak agrarian society to a leader in the global economy. It is a little known fact that L'Enfant was hired by Hamilton to create Paterson as the sister city to Washington, DC, having completed his plan of Washington only months before arriving in Paterson. Madam Speaker, Congress must act now to pass this vital piece of legislation, so that we may fully recognize these cultural and historic landmarks that have played such a seminal role in America's history.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure today to introduce the Concussion Treatment and Care Tools (ConTACT) Act. This bipartisan legislation provides our schools and coaches with the tools needed to ensure that student athletes receive the proper care for sports-related concussions. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation as soon as possible. On October 16, 2008, Ryne Dougherty, a 16-year-old from Montclair, New Jersey, tragically died from a brain hemorrhage after returning to play football without fully recovering from a concussion sustained earlier in the season. Unfortunately, this is not the first story of a young athlete losing his or her life early to a head injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, as many as 3.8 million concussions related to sports and recreation are estimated to occur in the United States each year. After sustaining one concussion, an athlete becomes as much as four to six times more likely to sustain a second concussion, and if an athlete is allowed to return to play without fully recovering from a concussion, they may face tragic consequences. Repeat concussions can result in cumulative neurological damage and have been shown to significantly worsen long-term outcomes including depression and other psychological problems. In rare cases, a repeat concussion can trigger ``second impact syndrome'' which can be marked by the swelling of the brain, permanent brain damage, or even death. Because damage to a maturing brain can be catastrophic, it is even more important to ensure that the proper care is provided to young athletes. Fortunately, repeat concussions and ``second impact syndrome'' are highly preventable if sensible guidelines and procedures are adopted. Many college and professional athletic associations--including the National Collegiate Athlete Association, NCAA, the National Football League, NFL, and the National Hockey League, (NHL)--and other national provider organizations--including the American Academy of Neurology, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Athletic Trainers' Association, and the Brain Injury Association of American-- have all adopted guidelines for the management of concussions. Despite education efforts by CDC, however, much of this information has not made its way to our local middle schools and high schools. Furthermore, pre-season and post-concussion testing technologies are widely used in college and professional sports to provide a baseline against which coaches and providers can determine when athletes are ready to return to play. These technologies are widely available and fairly affordable at as little as $500 a year. Unfortunately, these tests are not commonly used in middle and high school sports. By providing coaches, athletes, and parents with the tools and information needed to identify and understand the signs, symptoms, and implications of concussions, we can help to prevent needless deaths and countless injuries. The ConTACT Act will convene experts and stakeholders to establish a consensus set of concussion management guidelines and provide states with the resources to adopt, disseminate, and ensure the implementation of concussion management guidelines for student athletes. Madam Speaker, Congress must act now to pass this vital piece of legislation, so that we may provide our young athletes with the safety and protections that they deserve.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of veteran, civil servant, and author Major General John E. Murray (United States Army Retired). Born in Clifton, New Jersey, November 22, 1918, General Murray was drafted into the United States Army in 1941 as a private leaving his studies at St. John's University and rose to the rank of Major General. The career that followed was to take him through three wars, ten campaigns and logistic and transportation operations throughout the world. He earned his LL.B. from New York Law School in 1949, LL.D. in 1975 and M.A. from George Washington University in 1961. He was a member of the New York and United States Supreme Court Bar as well as a member of the Korean Bar. He fought and served bravely during the Korean War and went on to become the Director of Army Transportation in 1969 and 1970. He then served as Chief of Logistics to the Pacific Command and Chief of Logistics for the Military Assistance Command from 1972 until late 1973, under the command of Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. After the cease of hostilities in Vietnam, he remained as chief military in charge of intelligence operations and support of the Vietnamese Armed Forces. President Reagan called General Murray back to service in 1988-1989 where he served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. He was inducted into the Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame, located at Fort Eustis, Virginia in 2001. After retiring from the military he served as Vice President of the Association of American Railroads and as special counsel to American International Underwriters. He served on the White House Agent Orange Working Group and the Defense Intelligence Task Force on POWs and MIAs. He also served with the White House Office of Science and Technology on epidemiological studies and with industry of a variety of legal and logistics matters. General Murray lectured at Georgetown University on Crisis Management and at the National Defense University. He was a prolific author of articles involving logistics and business matters and also contributed book reviews to Time-Life books and National Defense Transportation magazine. Publications include Lawyers, Computers and Power; War Transport; Show Biz; The Myths of Business and the Business of Myths; Sweet Adversity; and The U.S. Army, how it Motivates. Among his numerous awards were the D.S.M.; Legion of Merit; the Italian War Cross, Knight Order Crown of Italy; and decorations from the Korean and Vietnamese Governments. Madam Speaker, I was truly saddened by the death of General Murray. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with his daughter Valerie, of Norfolk Virgina, his granddaughter Shana and grandson Andrew of Norfolk Virginia; his brother Danny of Arlington Virginia, and a large extended family.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of an outstanding religious institution, St. Bonaventure Parish in Paterson, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 130th Anniversary of dedicated service to its parishioners, and by extension, the greater community. It is only fitting that St. Bonaventure Parish be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for all the spiritual home it has provided to American families, especially those just embarking on their path to the American dream, and the dedication to the entire community that helps keep this deeply rooted parish family growing towards the future. St. Bonaventure Parish was founded in 1876 by a group of six Franciscans who had been expelled from Prussia by Otto Von Bismarck. They came to the United States and asked Bishop Michael Corrigan of Newark for a place to live and minister. Just then, a group of Carmelite priests who had been displaced from Bavaria returned to their homeland, leaving a partially constructed monastery on Ramsey Street in Paterson. The Franciscans moved to the building and in 1877 the bishop elevated the church to parish status. Soon the monastery was completed and the religious community built a parish church. St. Bonaventure's was the area's first Franciscan community, and served for many years as its center of activity. The monastery functioned as a seminary, a novitiate, a retreat house and a motherhouse of the Holy Name Province, established in 1901. Thousands received the Franciscan habit here and began their period of initiation into religious life. From St. Bonaventure's, the Franciscans established dozens of missions and parishes in New Jersey and throughout the Eastern United States. Many others who studied at the monastery went on to serve abroad. The monastery once operated St. Anthony's Guild, which published countless books and pamphlets here before its move to New York City. The parish has built its tradition by giving its parishioners spiritual roots in their neighborhood, providing a deep sense of community to those who have grown in the church, receiving their sacraments there, as well as welcoming newcomers to the surrounding area. The St. Bonaventure's parish family has expanded throughout the years to include many parishioners who have moved out of the neighborhood, but return with their families to worship at the parish. Building on its legacy, it is looking to reach out to some of the newest residents around the parish, many of whom are from Central and South America, and just beginning their American journeys. They are seeking as they move into the future to see more parishioners young and old become involved in the church's ministries that reach not only their faith community but the greater Paterson region. I am certain that St. Bonaventure's will continue to thrive and enrich not only those who worship there but so many others in need throughout the area. The job of a United States Congressman involves so much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the efforts of wonderful, thriving community like St. Bonaventure Parish. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join all of the parishioners and clergy of St. Bonaventure Parish, all those whose faith has been enriched throughout the years, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of St. Bonaventure Parish to the church community and beyond.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of a great man, Hon. Ronald G. Marmo, who will retire after more than forty-one years at the Passaic County Courthouse. He will be honored on November 17, 2008 by his friends and colleagues for his outstanding service to the community. 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 his community. Judge Marmo was born in my hometown, Paterson, New Jersey, on June 8, 1942, to Tony and Rose Marmo. He grew up in the Stony Road section of Paterson, and attended St. Bonaventure Elementary School, and then went on to St. Bonaventure High School. Throughout his years at St. Bon's, he was taught by Franciscan nuns and priests, who instilled values and imparted teachings that served him well throughout his careers. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall Law School. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Gordon H. Brown, Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey Criminal Division in Passaic County. Upon completion of his clerkship, he was appointed an Assistant Prosecutor in the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. He served in that office for twenty-two years, under five different County Prosecutors. In 1970, he was designated Chief Trial Councel and in 1975 he was appointed Chief of the Trial Section, a position he held for fifteen years. Notwithstanding his supervisory position, his primary role throughout his years with the Prosecutor's office was as a trial attorney. He served as the State's attorney in hundreds of jury trials including dozens of homicide cases. He tried two lengthy capital cases which each resulted in a jury verdict of the death penalty. He was commonly assigned the trials of the most celebrated cases. Governor Jim Florio appointed him Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey in 1990. Judge Marmo was assigned to the Civil Division for two years, and later for two years to the Family Division. Otherwise, Judge Marmo was primarily assigned to the Criminal Division. He served for ten years as the municipal prosecutor for the Borough of North Haledon, as well as serving ten years as the municipal prosecutor for the Borough of Ringwood, where he has resided for thirty-eight years. Judge Marmo and his wife Pat have been blessed with two children and eight grandchildren. Their daughter, Kim Ann is married to James Martin, and they are the parents of four children, Ryan, Connor, Blake and Raegan. Their son, Michael Marmo, and his wife Christine, also have four children, Shannon, Kelly, Jennifer, and Michael. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the accomplishments of community leaders like Judge Marmo. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Judge Marmo's family, friends, and everyone he has worked with throughout the years, and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable achievements of the Honorable Ronald G. Marmo.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, if we had approved the legislation on Monday, we would not have been able to pass the tax extenders package, which includes business and energy tax extenders. The AMT patch, we all worked hard on that across the aisle, whether you wanted to pay for it or not was the debate, and the additional disaster assistance as well as mental health parity. I think these are important. Alexander Hamilton, my idol, was very clear that there are immutable principles of moral obligation. Monday I voted ``no,'' and I know that the enemy of the good is the perfect. But since Monday we have improved certain parts of the bill. And there is some junk in this bill. There are no two ways about it. But that is not unique on this bill. So to help the American people, I am now supporting today's financial package. And it's really the McCrery-Rangel team that got me to this point. You guys have worked closely together. You are a good model and example for what we should be doing. I pray that I'm doing the right thing. I believe so in my heart. God bless this country. We will prevail. Madam Speaker, the legislation we have before us today arises at a vital time when Americans are suffering under a rapidly failing financial market and collapsing housing market. My ``no'' vote on Monday was among one of the most difficult votes I have had to cast in my 12 years as a Member of Congress. My goal in Congress has always been to fight for the best interest of ordinary Americans--to fight for the American worker, the American small business owner, the people who make up the heart and soul of our nation. I thought of them when I voted ``no'' on Monday because that bill fell short of helping those people who are suffering the most from this financial crisis. Today, I stand before you far from assured that this legislation is a s good as it can be but understanding that we cannot stand back and allow our financial markets, credit markets, housing market, pension plans, and small businesses to collapse under the weight of the errors made by Wall Street. Lead by Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Frank we have taken an inadequate 2\1/2\ page proposal and developed a more substantial bipartisan piece of legislation which we present today. I support the addition of the increase to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FDIC. It is exactly the type of bottomup, community approach we need to put liquidity back in to Wall Street. Furthermore, if we had approved the bill on Monday we would not have been able to pass this tax extenders package that includes business and energy tax extenders, an AMT patch, additional disaster assistance as well as mental health parity. I am certainly disappointed that these provisions are not paid for but it would be unconscionable to allow the American people to suffer without this tax relief. Today's bill is not perfect but we have done what we needed to do for the American people. In truth if you gave every Member of Congress a chance to draft a proposal to address this crisis we would have 435 bills in front of us today--the enemy of the good is the perfect. Since Monday we have improved this bill to help the American people and therefore I am supporting today's financial rescue package. I urge all my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on an issue that has an impact on millions of Americans, and that is the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. I wish to thank my colleague, Chairman Rangel, for his leadership. The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act is a vital piece of legislation. The tax incentives are the best way to bring renewable energy into the American home. The bill will extend $42 billion of expiring temporary tax provisions for 2 years through 2009. These are bread-and-butter tax cuts that millions of Americans count on. Jobs could be lost if Congress fails to renew these tax incentives. These are bread-and-butter tax cuts, and we believe, on this side of the aisle, that if you're going to cut taxes, you find money to do it so that you don't run the government like Enron. That's why we are in the position we are in on Wall Street. And you're trying to make this Wall Street. These extenders not only impact the businesses that claim them, but also their customers, suppliers and others. The restaurant industry is projected to spend $70 billion over the next 10 years for building construction and renovation. Every dollar spent in the construction industry creates more than 28 jobs in the overall economy, for every dollar. Failure to renew the research tax credit would also encourage businesses to move their work out of the United States. The United States used to have an attractive research tax credit. Other countries have recently taken the lead. Countries like China now have more attractive research tax incentives, luring research jobs away from the United States. Inaction in this area would hurt our middle class. Madam Speaker, the basic question is, should we pay for what we're doing, or should we kick the can down the street and put the burden on our children and our grandchildren? The answer is no.

Mr. PASCRELL. I would agree with much of what my friend just said, by the way. Your district did not invent unemployment. We have had unemployment in my district for at least 4 or 5 years. We've been trying to get our hands around that. It's not an easy thing to do. But, in conclusion, we want to pay for what we do.

Mr. PASCRELL. And so am I.

Mr. PASCRELL. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Will my friend yield?

Mr. PASCRELL. The problem is back in 1998 there were just a few people that were eligible. It didn't make it less onerous, but there were many less people that were subject to the AMT tax. That was the difference. You know what the situation is today, my friend from California.

Mr. PASCRELL. Texas, mind you, with a 200 percent larger population than the State of New Jersey, has roughly half the number of folks who file for the AMT. This is simply not an equitable tax system. It is very clear to all of us on Ways and Means, it is clear to the American people. More and more become eligible, and they have to be informed by those people who do their taxes, ``oh, by the way, you are susceptible to the AMT.'' ``What are you talking about?'' This administration has consistently ignored the tough issues. We could have dealt with the AMT permanently if this administration had taken tax reform seriously. But they refused to sit down with this Congress to have these important discussions. Now we need to take a stand and make these significant changes. In a week we will have to take many stands, because we allowed things to get worse. I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on the extension of the AMT relief for 2008.

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, the legislation we have before us today arises at a time when our American workers are suffering under a failing housing market and struggling financial market. I want to commend Mr. Neal and Mr. Reynolds for being advocates for this, not just yesterday, but through the past many years. This is an injustice on the middle class in America. We know it very clearly. I want to commend you, Mr. Neal, for trying to get this done on a permanent basis and paying for it. The sin of this administration is trying to provide tax relief for folks and not finding a way to pay for it. Now we see what situation we are in. Kudos to you. You stuck to your guns. The economic burden on the American worker is enormous, and it should compel us to take a bold and affirmative stand on serving their best interests today. As a proud cosponsor of H.R. 7005, the AMT Tax Relief Act of 2008, I want to also thank our distinguished colleague, Chairman Rangel, for bringing it to the floor. We must remind ourselves that the impact on the AMT as it currently stands will continue to harm the wrong taxpayer. The AMT no longer targets just wealthy taxpayers engaged in tax avoidance. Instead, it targets the unintended taxpayer, the middle class family. The AMT is not adjusted for inflation. In the absence of an indexing provision, it is largely responsible for the rising numbers of middle class taxpayers subject to the AMT. Filers in high-tax States are more likely to face the AMT to a surprising degree. In my State, the State of New Jersey, one of the three highest ranking States in terms of AMT filers, in my home State of New Jersey, $800 million in AMT taxes were paid last year. The three States of New Jersey, New York and California account for 40 percent of the country's 3.15 million AMT returns, just those three States. You tell me about justice in the tax system. Texas, a State with 200 percent larger population than New Jersey, has roughly half the number of AMT filers.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, it is time to remove the stigma and to destroy the barriers for individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction. Experienced by many of our returning brave soldiers, on the front page of USA Today, finally we have a breakthrough here. A society of denial results in stigmatizing the admonition of emotional problems. For far too long we focused on the external injuries to the body and ignored the maladies of the mind. For too long it seemed as if we could not treat what we could not see. But modern medicine and science is showing us that these are real diseases with real treatments. It shows us that there is hope, as stated by Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Ramstad. Mr. Speaker, this is a civil rights issue. Parity removes the discrimination against a population that has been discriminated against and stigmatized. This is a humanitarian issue. Without parity, we allow those with illnesses to continue to suffer. In closing, I would like to say that Paul Wellstone was a great and admirable man. He was a champion for this legislation. Today we honor him by passing this bill. The time is right. Let's pass this today.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the life of an outstanding individual, John S. Peragallo, who passed away on September 12, 2008 at the age of 76. He will be remembered for his life long dedication to his family, friends, and his family business. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for he brought joy and peace, through his craft, to many others throughout his lifetime. John was born in New York, but was a lifelong resident of Paterson, NJ. He graduated from Eastside High School in 1949 and went on to take several classes at Newark College of Engineering. He served our country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a chaplain's assistant and a member of the honor guard. Since John's childhood, he helped his father in the family business of building and servicing pipe organs. The Peragallo Pipe Organ Company was founded by his father, John Peragallo, Sr., in 1918, after learning the craft as an apprentice with the famous E.M. Skinner Organ Company. John Jr. joined the company in 1949 and made the business stronger with a close father-son relationship. John Peragallo, Jr. was President of the company. He was responsible for the construction and care of many of the pipe organs throughout New Jersey, and for the complete renovation of the organs at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. John Jr.'s sons, John III and Frank, have been actively involved in the business since the 1980's and now a fourth generation of Peragallos, Janine, Anthony, and John IV, work alongside them. The company has installed almost 700 new organs and currently maintains about 400 along the east coast, including those at St. Patrick's Cathedral. John was a member of the American Guild of Organists, Northern NJ Chapter, St. John Vianney/St. Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity and was active with the Boy Scouts of America when his sons were younger. John and his wife Christine met at the St. Anthony's Church Carnival in Paterson in 1955, and he took her to the Plaza Theatre in Paterson on their first date. Christine was indoctrinated into the family business on their second date, which was to a church so John could check the organ. They married eleven months after meeting and had a dynamic, spontaneous, loving marriage of fifty-two years. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Christine, his children John III and his wife Kathleen, Frank and his wife Josephine, Stephen and his wife Debra, and Christine Egan and her husband Christopher, his 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson, and his sister Catherine Miller and her husband Charles. Although John passed away, his spirit will always be with us. John will forever be remembered for the love he shared with his family and friends, and for the music that is made with the grand instruments that John spent his life constructing and maintaining. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing individuals like John S. Peragallo. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, John's family and friends, all those who have been touched by the sacred music that he helped to create, and me in recognizing the contributions of John S. Peragallo.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, this is a very important piece of legislation because we not only recognize the Constitution of the United States, but we do what President Clinton said just a few weeks ago in Denver, and that is, that we will be known by the power of our example, rather than the example of our power. This is what makes America the greatest country in the world. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate both the signing of the Constitution and the fundamental principles of the document that each of us pledge to uphold and defend when we take our oath of office. And I am proud to wear this every day by my heart, as with our great patriarch in the Senate, Senator Byrd. Alexander Hamilton once said, ``The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.'' The Constitution upholds our rights. We are given these rights by our Maker. That's what makes us all equal at birth, regardless of our religious background, our ethnicity or anything. Hamilton understood that the rights our founders enshrined in the construction come not from men but from God. That's what makes us all equal, not the Constitution. Today, 221 years after its signing, public school students across the country will be studying the history of the Constitution. They will learn about James Madison, the father of the Constitution and his vision for the Federal Government. They will learn about the separation of powers into a legislative branch, and executive and judiciary branches, and they will learn about the checks and balances designed to keep one of those departments, one of those areas, those branches from growing too powerful. Hear me, Mr. Speaker. These are the enduring principles that have stood the test of time. They've become the inspiration and the basis for the governments of countless countries around the globe. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if, on this day when we celebrate this Constitution, I did not discuss the willful disregard for the fundamental principles of our Republic that we have seen over the last 8 years. Today we have an executive that has disregarded the checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution that have sustained our government for the past two centuries. They have shown complete contempt for article I, section 8, which defines the powers of the Congress in their management of the war and of our economy. I am sad to say that we all have allowed this power to be ceded, both sides of the aisle. Neither party has been a sentinel of our precious Constitution. We have seen nothing but obstruction in our attempts to perform meaningful oversight of our Federal Government. The administration's secrecy and unwillingness to cooperate with the Congress' constitutionally mandated oversight powers have reached the point of ridiculousness. We have actually had to sue the Federal Government-- hear this--the Congress had to sue the Federal Government because they refused to comply with duly authorized subpoenas. This is not a respect of the Constitution. This is a disregard. The fourth amendment bans ``cruel and unusual punishment'' and the fourteenth guarantees ``due process under the law.'' Sadly, America is now seen as a country that will hold detainees indefinitely and torture them without bringing charges. The Constitution prohibits ``unreasonable searches and seizures,'' yet we do know that this administration established a program to secretly wiretap on Americans who did no harm to their country, who love their country. Today, the Congress honors the Constitution. Over the past 8 years, it seems like the Executive has forgotten even its existence. This is not hyperbole. This is documented. The redactive administration has corrupted the ideals of our forefathers. They fondled fear to cover up their addiction to secrecy and will be held accountable soon.

Mr. PASCRELL. The Constitution belongs to neither political party, neither party, nor is it a document to be possessed solely by the President's attorneys. The most egregious apologists of the constitutional interpretation are those down at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue who thought it was the throne they were defending. The Constitution truly completed our separation from Great Britain, thank God. We are no longer their possession, nor are we the possession of the executive branch of government. We will be known by the power of our example, and not the example of our power. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on an issue on which our Nation is united, an issue that has had an impact on millions of Americans, and that is the issue of restoring the highway trust fund. I stand today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 6532, and I wish to thank my distinguished colleagues, Chairman Rangel, Chairman Oberstar, and Ranking Member Mica for bringing it to the floor for our consideration. H.R. 6532 put $8 billion into the highway account for the highway trust fund. It is critical to address the projected shortfall in the highway trust fund that would endanger nearly 380,000 jobs. The solvency of the trust fund is necessary to preserve highway investment and provide predictable, long-term Federal funding on which highway projects and State transportation budgets depend. This funding enables States to continue to finance highway projects that improve safety, ensure mobility, accessibility, increase the movement of people and goods, and promote a sound economy. Our Federal- State highway partnership is essential to the success of our Nation's surface transportation system, and those States must be assured the transportation funding pledged to them under Federal law, we hope, that will be available. Coming from the State of New Jersey, which has the highest per capita population in the Nation and is dealing with an aging infrastructure, I know that this projected shortfall would have been devastating not only for the transportation projects but especially for job creation at this difficult time. In New Jersey alone, we have seen the loss of over $305 million in Federal highway funds, which would have been compounded by the loss of over 10,000 jobs. That is why it is so imperative that we come together in a bipartisan fashion, to ensure that this shortfall is addressed properly. I am glad to see that the Bush administration finally acknowledged the crisis with the highway trust fund, despite the President's earlier veto threat. Looking ahead, we know that families are using less gasoline, hybrid cars are increasing mileage rates, and car pooling is taking more cars off the roads.

Mr. PASCRELL. I thank the gentleman. Our Nation is facing a difficult economic environment. Commuters are flocking to increased bus and rail options due to fuel costs. We hope that those options are available. Just when we need more investment in highways and transit, the resources and the sources are dwindling. This administration has consistently ignored the tough issues, such as advancing a real plan for renewal and expansion of the highway trust fund. In the immediate term, I urge all my colleagues on both sides to vote ``yes'' on the Highway Trust Fund Restoration Act.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Susan Cole for her 10th year of service as president of Montclair State University. Throughout her distinguished career, as an educator, advisor, and director, Dr. Susan Cole has been a tireless advocate for all New Jersey's residents. Dr. Cole has a long and accomplished record of service in the field of higher education, having served as the vice president for university administration and personnel at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey from 1980 to 1991. Later, Dr. Cole became president of Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota serving from 1993 until 1998. Dr. Cole has also served as a visiting senior fellow at the City University of New York and an associate university dean Antioch College. Governor McGreevey appointed Dr. Susan Cole his co-chair of higher education transition team and she also held this post within his cabinet. Never failing to answer the call of service, Dr. Cole has also served within the cabinets of Governor DiFrancesco and Governor Whitman. Today, as the eighth president in the history of Montclair State University, Dr. Susan Cole oversees New Jersey's fastest growing university with the utmost commitment to its continued expansion. When Dr. Cole finds time in between her 17,000 students at Montclair State University, she continues to devote her time to serving New Jersey residents. Realizing that education doesn't end outside of the classroom, Dr. Cole serves on the board of directors for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Liberty Science Center, and the American Council on Education. While her already mentioned accomplishments speak for themselves, Dr. Cole has also served on the boards of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Mountainside Hospital, and the Property Tax Convention Task Force. Not only serving New Jersey, Dr. Cole has also served the State of Minnesota. Notably, Dr. Cole has served on the boards of Twin Cities Public Television, the Saint Paul Foundation, Western Bank, and as chair of the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. I would like to personally thank Dr. Susan Cole for her contributions to the State of New Jersey, and to the educational welfare for thousands of students. Again, I would like to congratulate her on her 10th year of exceptional service at Montclair State University.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, traumatic brain injury is one of the signature wounds of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and there is much to be accomplished. For the estimated 320,000 soldiers who have sustained a brain injury, the war will not end when the last shots are fired. For this reason, I applaud the committee for its work to make progress in treating veterans with TBI. As co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, I am proud to say that we have accomplished a lot over the past year in honoring our commitment to soldiers and veterans with brain injuries. The Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury opened its doors in November. The FY 2008 Defense Authorization established new TBI programs for rehabilitation, reintegration, research, and civilian-military cooperation. We reauthorized the Traumatic Brain Injury Act in April, establishing new connections between HHS, the Department of Defense, and the VA. And now this month, all soldiers will begin to receive pre-deployment cognitive assessments establishing individual baselines against which each soldier can be properly screened for a brain injury so that they may receive the care that they need and deserve. In this bill, the committee has recognized the need to improve care for veterans with TBI by fostering cooperation between DOD and VA through joint programs, by improving the ability to track patients diagnosed with TBI, and by encouraging systemic TBI screening for veterans. New research is, however, showing that there is considerable overlap in the occurrence of brain injury and mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, the Rand Corp. recently estimated that as many as 27 percent of soldiers with PTSD and depression have also sustained a brain injury. In light of these disturbing figures, Mr. Chairman, would you be willing to work in the Conference with the Senate on language to recognize the relationship between and co-occurrence of TBI and PTSD among our armed services? I want to thank the gentleman from Texas and his staff for working so hard on this legislation and making a commitment to our injured veterans. Our soldiers have fulfilled their duties bravely and honorably, and they deserve nothing less than treatment and care that is commensurate with the heroic deeds they have undertaken.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. I rise today in strong support for the rule for the conference report on the Higher Education Opportunity Act, and I thank Chairwoman Slaughter and Congresswoman Matsui for bringing this rule to the floor. I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon on this great achievement. H.R. 4137 is a comprehensive bipartisan bill that will reauthorize the Higher Education Act while addressing concerns about the cost of education, restoring integrity and accountability to student loan programs, and expanding college access and support for low-income and minority students. I greatly appreciate that H.R. 4137 includes a version of legislation which we've worked and I've worked on for about 6 years, the Campus Fire Safety Right To Know Act. I became involved in this issue of campus fire safety after experiencing the horrible aftermath of a catastrophic fire at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, in 2000. That fire killed three young freshman and wounded 58 other students in a dorm on campus. The campus fire safety reporting requirement in H.R. 4137 mandates that colleges and universities provide prospective and current students and parents with a report on the school's campus safety policies and records. Educating students about fire safety during their time in school will have a strong impact on the choices they make in the future. If we can influence what they learn, we can create a more fire-safe generation for tomorrow and potentially save thousands of lives. Mr. Speaker, I want to once again state my strong support for the rule and urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4131. As the first member of my family to attend college, I applaud the chairman and the ranking member for their dedication to making the dream of a college education a reality for so many Americans who otherwise would not have had that chance.