Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in remembering one of the most tragic days in the history of Northern Ireland. It was on January 30, 1972, that British soldiers opened fire in a brutal show of force again Irish Catholic protesters which left 13 dead and a number of others wounded. Following the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the demonstrators had been engaged in a peaceful protest against a repressive system which deprived them of basic rights in their own country. As a member of the House International Relations Committee who has visited Northern Ireland a number of times to monitor the Orange Order parades and document civil rights violations against the Catholic residents of Garvaghy Road, I understand the historical roots of the conflict and the intense passions of those on both sides of the divide. The tragic events of September 11th in our own Nation have drawn us closer to the people of Northern Ireland and other countries where fear of violence and personal harm is a fact of daily life. As we stand in solidarity with the people of Northern Ireland, I believe the United States should do everything in our power to ensure the success of the peace process which was moved forward through the work of former President Clinton's special envoy, Senator George Mitchell. In order to continue progressing towards a future of peace and reconciliation, it is important that the disturbing questions of the past be put to rest. Therefore, the new investigation into Bloody Sunday must be far-reaching and complete. There remains a strong sense of outrage regarding the original inquiry into Bloody Sunday, when Lord Widgery's probe hastily concluded that the violence against unarmed civilians was justified. Mr. Speaker, the history of our nation is intertwined with that of Northern Ireland, and it is fitting that as we remember the victims of Bloody Sunday and their families, we continue to support the cause of peace and justice in Northern Ireland.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I guess I did not think any Members looked at their screens in the office, at least after we adjourn, but I too was looking at the screen and I saw the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal) come and say that he was looking at his screen and saw that there was a program, so to speak, being held. I fussed at my scheduler, who was out to lunch, because I did not know about this, but I am so glad that I was listening. I too want to simply add to what has already been said about a person that I have just respected for as long as I have been here in the House. I think that first connection, as I am from the 10th Congressional District too, of New Jersey, but I knew there had to be something good about the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior). We had the same number. And then looking at his high school achievements, I tried to play a little ball and I see where Dave was a quarterback on the championship team at the Catholic school he attended and earned a scholarship to college and just worked his way through the military. But the issue that Dave has really dealt with, I recall when I was in county government many years ago, we talked about a ``bottle bill,'' and it was because Dave sort of pushed that environmental concern ahead many years ago when he was in government in Michigan's State legislature. We talked about environmental protection for PCBs, in that Dave was always worrying about people who might be afflicted by these diseases that many times went unnoticed because the big guys sort of kept things quiet, even though they knew they were injurious to the health of people, and it was Dave who talked about these birth defects that were being created. The statement of ``let us separate the warrior from the war,'' taking the Vietnam era veterans and separating them from an unpopular war, and as people turned their backs, I think it was a disgrace the way Vietnam veterans were treated; but Dave talked about that and sort of raised the issue, along with the whole question of the Nicaragua Contras in El Salvador, those brutal death squads, when we traveled down there together. It was Dave always on the side of things that were for justice, for those who were down and out, the HOPE scholarships and increasing Pell grants, increasing minimum wage. These are the areas, the SAVE Act, which really went to help guidance counselors. So I am just proud to say that I know Dave. I had the opportunity to vote in 1991, and there was not even a question when he ran for his current position. I happen to pick winners in that, even in the new one too, Dave; so one of my strengths in Congress is that I know how to pick the winners. It does not say much about me, but it does say that maybe I have good judgment. I do wish the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior) well. I appreciate the courage that he takes when there are difficult votes to give, unpopular votes. We have talked about many of these issues. I think some of the things that we have talked about in the past, now others are seeing that there are issues that we should have been talking about all along which might have made a difference in where we are today. It has been my pleasure to know you. Mr. Speaker, as we draw this, what has turned into a Special Order, to a conclusion, I am pleased to yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt).

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me, Mr. Speaker. Let me once again commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the subcommittee, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), who brought this before the full committee, and as I indicated, the leadership of the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) on Committee on International Relations, on which he has served for so many years. Mr. Speaker, Zimbabwe is one of the most important countries in Africa. Many of us remember the people of Zimbabwe's courageous struggle for independence that took many years of fighting with Mr. Nkomo and Mr. Mugabe and others. As I recently said in a letter to President Mugabe, indeed, post- independence Zimbabwe clearly demonstrates much of the best of Africa and what Africans are capable of doing, despite decades of repressive white rule, as we saw in Rhodesia, by Ian Smith's government. After independence, white Zimbabweans were embraced, not chased out of the country, nor mistreated, as many cynics predicted would happen. Human rights were largely respected and the rule of law prevailed across the country. Mr. Speaker, Zimbabwe has long been a model country with a stable government, a good educational system, and a modern economy. But in recent years, conditions have gone from bad to worse, in large part due to poor leadership. The economy is in shambles, human rights abuses are extensive, and there seems to be little respect for the rule of law. The once vibrant independent press is under intense pressure, and the independence of the judiciary has been compromised due to intrusive government actions. The United States is not the only government concerned about the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe. According to an article in today's New York Times, several neighboring countries, including South Africa and Botswana, have expressed their frustrations with the government of Zimbabwe's obstructionist behavior. The Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act is a small effort on our part to help bring much needed stability to Zimbabwe. Why this legislation now and why Zimbabwe? Simple: Zimbabwe is too important to ignore, and the legislation offers a credible policy option to deal with the challenges that face Zimbabwe today. Unfortunately, the situation in Zimbabwe is deteriorating by the day. Dozens of people have been killed, the rule of law is nonexistent, and authoritarian tendencies have reached a very dangerous level. I strongly believe it is in our interests and in the interests of Zimbabwe and Africa not to allow another African country to go down this way. Instability in Zimbabwe threatens the entire sub-region of southern Africa. We cannot afford to have another Somalia in southern Africa. Mr. Speaker, some people have deliberately portrayed this legislation as punitive, and sanction legislation. They are dead wrong. What are the key objectives? Simply put, Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act has three key objectives. One, a just and equitable land reform, consistent with the rule of law. Two, a conducive environment for free and fair elections. And, three, the respect for human rights and the rule of law. Mr. Speaker, if the above conditions are met by the Government of Zimbabwe, the legislation, one, authorizes $20 million for land reform, and an additional $6 million to promote democracy. Two, it will assist in debt relief. Three, it will support lifting of restrictions by the IMF and the World Bank. Fourth, we would urge our country to have AGOA, the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, introduced in Zimbabwe. So this is a bill to say let us have transparent elections. Let us allow the rule of law. Let us let the independent parties have their platform told. And by doing that we will embrace and we will move Zimbabwe back. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill that will go a long way in strengthening our ties with the people of Zimbabwe who truly deserve our support. We must be steadfast in our commitment to the people of Zimbabwe. We should not and must not turn a blind eye to abuses in Zimbabwe, and therefore I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 102. Let me thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for moving this important piece of legislation through and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), whose long interest in foreign affairs throughout the world and his own experience has been an example of leadership to our committee. Let me commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), who has led the Subcommittee on Africa into a forward-moving committee, and the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), who not only on this bill dealing with hunger, but his leadership on legislation focusing the attention of the Global AIDS Fund with the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), who should be commended for his tireless effort on behalf of people of the world who are less fortunate. While the Nation's attention is understandably with the war in Afghanistan, Congress has made a firm pledge to poor and hungry people in Africa with this legislation, H. Con. Res. 102, Hunger to Harvest: A Decade of Concern for Africa, which calls for significant new poverty- focused development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa. Hunger to Harvest would increase poverty-focused assistance to sub-Saharan Africa by $1 billion. According to Bread for the World, the national grass-roots organization that works with antihunger programs, and they have actively lobbied for this bill, a commitment of $4 billion a year from the G-8 countries would cut world hunger in half by the year 2015. The U.S. share of that would be $1 billion, which translates into a mere penny a day for each American. We can certainly afford that. We have the means to effectively attack hunger and we have the means to feed every child in the world where, as it has been mentioned, 200 million children out of 800 million people go hungry every day. We have the means to save the precious lives of innocent children when, in developing countries, 6 million children die every year, mostly because of hunger-related illnesses. The world produces enough food to feed its growing population, so the issue is not the sufficiency of food. The issue is about access and distribution. The long-term solution to hunger in sub-Saharan Africa, therefore, must include strengthening agriculture as a source of food and income and improving basic health and education in sub-Saharan Africa. We cannot as a country say we are for development and not deal with the issue of hunger, which inhibits progress, growth, and life, nor can we effectively fight the war on terrorism and win if we do not deal with conditions of hunger and poverty which can lead to feelings of disillusionment and marginalization. Helping Africa work its way to prosperity is not only the right thing to do but it also makes good sense to America's workers. The United States holds approximately $13 billion in investments in sub-Saharan Africa, more than in the Middle East or Eastern Europe, and the total U.S. trade with sub-Saharan Africa exceeds that of the entire former Soviet Union. What Congress will do in enthusiastically passing the Hunger to Harvest Resolution is join our G-8 partners and the World Bank in expressing support for the long-term development initiatives of African governments as expressed in the new Program for African Development announced by Presidents Mbeki of South Africa, Obasanjo of Nigeria, Wade of Senegal, and Bouteflika of Algeria. I have been inspired by this bipartisan effort and by the work of Bread for the World. With more than a third of the Members of the House cosponsoring this resolution from both sides of the aisle, I think together we can fight hunger and poverty in Africa. Let me once again commend the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) who has fought tirelessly to reach this milestone. While our two parties may disagree on some issues, it is wonderful to see that ending hunger and aiding in Africa's development is something we can all agree on. At a time when more and more Americans say the U.S. would benefit from greater involvement in world affairs, America has helped put Congress on record. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to pass this bill.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, according to UNAIDS, each day 17,000 people die from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria worldwide. While the world's attention is appropriately focused on September 11 and our new war on international terrorism, we cannot ignore this ongoing tragedy. We have a tragedy occurring daily with HIV and AIDS, a tragedy on the scale of the black plague of the Middle Ages. The United States, as has been mentioned earlier, should be putting at least $1 billion in the global fund to fight HIV and AIDS. In Zimbabwe, for example, AIDS has taken so many lives that agricultural output has decreased by 50 percent in the past 5 years. By 2005 there will be more than 10 million orphan children in Africa. The number of AIDS deaths can be expected to grow within the next 10 years to more than double the number of deaths caused by all other illnesses that we know. We can do more. We must do more. It is the right thing to do more.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time and allowing me to express my appreciation for the work done by Senator Lautenberg. Let me commend, in addition to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo) for bringing this legislation to the floor. I am pleased to rise in support of this measure to designate three buildings located at the Federal Aviation Administration's William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City as the Frank R. Lautenberg Aviation Security Complex after one of New Jersey's most distinguished and dedicated public servants, my friend and my former colleague, Senator Frank Lautenberg. Senator Lautenberg is well known throughout New Jersey and the Nation for his prolific legislative achievements, but even before his election to the United States Senate, he worked tirelessly in pursuit of the American dream. He is proof that this country is great, because of what he was able to do even before he was elected to the United States Senate. His is indeed a classic American success story. Born to immigrant parents, as we have heard, who were forced to move consistently in search of work, his father worked in the mills, his mother worked in other types of jobs during World War II, at Prudential doing work there, but he set his goals for himself in his early life. He remembered what his parents told him, that he could be anything he wanted to be, and he never wavered in the quest to fulfill his aspirations. After completing high school in Nutley, New Jersey, he enlisted in the Army, serving in the Army Signal Corps in Europe during World War II. After the war, he earned a degree in economics from Columbia University, using the GI Bill, which was a bill where America said we are going to educate our returning veterans. So many Americans were able to lift themselves up because the Federal Government made a determination that we should help our returning servicemen. As a matter of fact, that program, where many people talk about government is too big, that set the United States of America far ahead of the world, and that is why we have been able to achieve the prominence that we have today. After the war and after he earned his degree, then he got into the spirit of American entrepreneurship and joined two boyhood friends in establishing a payroll service company, Automatic Data Processing, ADP. Senator Lautenberg was a champion of the revitalization efforts throughout New Jersey. Following my election to the House of Representatives in 1988, I was always able to count on Senator Lautenberg as an advocate of major economic development efforts, including the world-class Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, which helped to stimulate economic development; and now Newark is moving back to the prominence that it once had: the development of the waterfront; millions of dollars in funding for Urban Core mass transit programs, including the Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link, Bergen Rail, and throughout the State. Senator Lautenberg gained a national reputation as a powerful voice for environmental protection, fighting for safe drinking water, clean air, a ban on ocean dumping of sewage, clean beaches, prevention of oil spills and a strong Superfund bill to clean up toxic sites. Senator Lautenberg has worked to improve educational opportunities in our Nation so that coming generations will have the chance to live the American dream as he has. Senator Lautenberg helped author the Hope Scholarship, which provides a $1,500 tax credit for college students. He fought to improve our public schools by providing important resources, including new computers, so that students will be prepared for high-tech jobs in the future. He even put his own money up to say that any kids who graduate from the elementary school that he went to could go to college, and he would pay the way. A strong supporter of affirmative action, Senator Lautenberg has fought discrimination based on race, religion, disability or sexual orientation. He was a staunch supporter of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and in 1991 he supported the Civil Rights Act strongly. He has supported full funding for the Legal Service Corporation to ensure that all individuals have access to legal protection. In addition to his work here, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel with Senator Lautenberg, where an entire community center for education, for the help of young children in Israel, is there as a contribution that he has done. So his work has been worldwide, and I think it is no more fitting and proper today, as has been indicated by my colleague from Paterson, that when air transportation is being questioned, when there is, as we know, the horrible act of yesterday, where a tremendous accident happened over in New York, that we need to be sure that we have the opportunity to name a facility in the name of such a great person. So I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring the great former colleague, Senator Frank Lautenberg.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, too, rise in support of H.Res. 276, praising Joseph Vincent Paterno for his steadfast commitment to academics, service, and citizenship, and congratulating Joe Vincent Paterno for his many coaching accomplishments, including his 324th career coaching victory. During this time of tribulation and trial and uncertainty and terrorism, accidental plane crashes, it is a pleasure to be able to stand up to praise a great American person that exemplifies what America is all about, a man who stands for commitment, stands for the mind, the body, and the spirit. Joe Paterno is one of the greatest coaches of all times. As has been indicated, he served for 16 years as an assistant coach with Penn State University after playing at Brown and then went on to coach for a total of 51 years. He has been head coach since 1966. We have heard of his accomplishments. He led the team to 19 bowl victories, more than any other person in his profession. He is the only coach to win four New Year's Day bowl games: the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the Cotton Bowl, the Orange Bowl. He also won the Fiesta Bowl. He had five perfect seasons. He had seven undefeated regular seasons. Twenty of his teams that he coached finished in the top 10. Twenty-six of his teams finished in the top 20, and 26 times his team was rated the best in the East. He went on to break the record of Pop Warner with his 322nd, and then on to beat Bear Bryant with his 323rd, and finally, to have the record with his 324th victory. He has been selected to the National Football Foundation and Coaches Football Hall of Fame as the first active coach ever to received its Distinguished Americans Award. He has won Coach of the Year honors an unprecedented four times with balloting from his colleagues, an award that is given by one's peers. Paterno sent more than 200 players to the National Football League, two of whom, his linebackers, Jack Ham and fullback Franco Harris, have been enshrined into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. As a matter of fact, Joe Paterno changed football, finding out that if you have a good quarterback, one good running back, but a host of good linebackers, you can become the national champs. As a matter of fact, many of his outstanding linebackers came from our State of New Jersey. One reason that Rutgers has not done well and that Penn State has is that Joe Paterno learned that the best football players in the country, especially defensive linebackers that he wanted to highlight, lived in New Jersey. So Joe Paterno would come to the Newark Boys and Girls Clubs Annual Banquet where the all-state team was unfolded by New Jersey's only major paper, the Newark Star Ledger. Joe Paterno would always speak at that dinner and end up with commitments from half of New Jersey's top ball players. So we certainly appreciate Joe Paterno and what he has meant to New Jersey. I have been in his company on a number of occasions at some of those dinners 10, 15, 20 years ago. One of my local fellows graduated from Seton Hall Prep School; Chet Parlavecchio was one of those linebackers that Joe Paterno took to Penn State. Chet became the cocaptain of the football team and became one of the outstanding players. As has been indicated, Joe Paterno did not only mold good outstanding ball players, he also was well respected and one of the most admired figures in college athletics because he also had a commitment to academics. This is what Joe Paterno said: ``The players who have been most important to the success of Penn State teams have just naturally kept their priorities straight. Football a high second, but academics an undisputed first.'' That is what Joe called ``The Great Experiment,'' to prove that athletes could also be good students. He changed the image of what an athlete could be. He is highly recognized for his support of scholarships, as we have heard, $3.5 million that he has contributed to Penn State academics areas. Penn State has produced at least one first team All-American in 30 years in academics. They have graduated over 68 percent of their entering class teams and have had 80 percent of men going to the school for 4 years. Penn State has had 20 first-team academic All-Americans, 14 Hall of Fame scholar athletes, and 16 NCAA postgraduate scholarship winners. He has really done a great job. He is the recipient of three honorary degrees, one from his alma mater, a Doctor of Laws from Brown, a Doctor of Human Letters from Gettysburg College, and a Doctor of Laws from Allegheny College. So it is a pleasure for us to change the focus here this evening, but to pay tribute to a great American, a person, as I have indicated, that I have been proud to know, a person that I respect as a former high school football coach and track coach back at South Side High School. When I was a teacher, I could really appreciate the combination between athletics and sports. So he is really what we call the real stuff. He is really what makes America great, and I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to a very special couple, David and Lois Hudson, who will be honored this weekend in Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Hudson has recently celebrated his 90th birthday and Mrs. Hudson her 85th birthday. Married for over six decades, David and Lois Hudson are the proud parents of Dorothy Lee Bacon of Colonia, New Jersey and Betty Louise Smalls of Great Falls, Virginia and Fort Lauderdale, Florida and proud in-laws of Roscoe C. Bacon and Douglas T. Smalls. They also take great joy in their three grandchildren: Douglas Timothy Smalls, Jr. of Great Falls, Virginia; Sabrina Lynne Bacon of Randallstown, Maryland; and Kyle Erik Bacon of Owings Mills, Maryland. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Hudson a number of years ago in the 1950s when we worked side by side at Port Newark, as I followed in the tradition of my father and grandfather who had both worked there during the late 1940s and throughout the next few decades. Mr. Hudson was a popular co-worker who established an excellent professional reputation as the best Big Fork Lift Operator in the business. It was always great to see him and his wonderful wife Lois throughout the years. I was also fortunate to form a friendship with their daughter, Dorothy Lee Bacon, when we were both active in the NAACP Youth Councils and College Chapters. I also had the privilege of knowing Betty and Doug Smalls for many years and we reestablished our close ties when I came back to Washington, D.C. Mr. Hudson was born on October 29, 1911 to William and Katie in Killian, South Carolina and raised in Blythewood, South Carolina. His early education took place in a two-room schoolhouse until the Great Depression required that he remain at home to help out. He became an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Choir Leader, Deacon, and member of the Usher Board. In 1937, he joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Newark, where he served as President of the Choir, President of the Gospel Chorus, and Chairman of the Deacon Ministry. His career at the Atlantic Terminal in Port Newark, where he served on the Local Union 825 Negotiating Committee, began in March of 1937 and continued until his retirement in 1976. He was a member of the St. James Lodge, The Royal Arch Chapter #4, the Shriners Temple and The Rebecca Court. Mrs. Hudson was born in Blythewood, South Carolina where she attended Bethel Baptist Elementary School. After her marriage, she was also active in the Tabernacle Baptist Church, serving on the Young Women's Guild; the Gospel Chorus; the Missionaries; the Willing Workers, the Women's Ministry; and in the position of Church Clerk and currently, Deaconess. Trained as an Operation Room Technician, Mrs. Hudson worked at Union Hospital in New Jersey for seven years, the second African American to hold that position. For several years, Mr. and Mrs. Hudson owned and operated Watson Avenue Seafood Market in Newark and were also the proprietors of Dav-Lo's Restaurant. She contributed her time and talent to her community through volunteer work in positions such as Air Raid Warden, Finger Printing Technician, ambulance driver for the Roselle Volunteer Ambulance Corporation and member of the Roselle Service Women's League. Mr. Speaker, let us send our congratulations and best wishes to this remarkable couple, Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, and wish them continued health and happiness.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, although I do not intend to object, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey to explain the resolution.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. We certainly once again would like to express our appreciation for the gentleman bringing this resolution to the floor. As it has been indicated, New Jersey was very severely impacted by September 11. The fourth plane that left out of Newark Airport, which is in my district, the PATH train that goes to the World Trade Center leaves Newark and in 15 minutes or so it is at the site of what is ground zero, now. So we are very closely involved. We feel the impact on our districts, and we once again would like to commend the men and women in blue. We had a service just on Wednesday. I went back to the district in Newark. We had a service at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, where we honored policemen and firemen there on Wednesday. The concerned citizens of the hospital did this. It was just continued recognition for the great work they have been doing. Mr. Speaker, once again I thank the gentleman.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I rise this evening to commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Ferguson) and to acknowledge the tremendous work of the New Jersey State law enforcement officers. They do this work on a daily basis, and we took this work for granted for many years. However, the most recent events on September 11 demonstrated their heroic effort when many of the law enforcement officers from New Jersey went to New York to attempt to save lives of citizens who were the unfortunate victims of a terrorist attack. We do owe them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and commitment to save the lives of all citizens of our great country. These men and women work tirelessly and they work to try to serve the people of New Jersey and, in turn, they did risk their lives to ensure our personal safety. The people of New Jersey applaud the efforts of the law enforcement officers as they are willing to die even to protect the families of our State. As a former educator, I recognize the men and women in law enforcement who are on the front lines of our schools and our streets, who preserve the rights of our smallest citizens to live in a safe community, our young people as they go to and from school. We must continue to support the work of the individuals who serve the people in New Jersey for law enforcement and throughout the country, but we would certainly like to highlight those courageous men and women from our great State of New Jersey. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez).

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for those timely remarks. We appreciate the great work he has been doing in the Congress and in the State of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Ferguson).

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my concern regarding H.R. 1992, the Internet Equity and Education Act of 2001. With life's demands and responsibilities, those who seek to improve their skills and advance their education are seeking alternatives to traditional colleges and universities. As we move into the 21st century, the Internet has proven to be a useful and powerful tool in providing distance learning courses across the Net. While I do strongly support nontraditional schools and the use of the Internet in education, H.R. 1992 eliminates the protections implemented several years ago to protect against abuse and fraud and unadvisedly impacts on the expansion of distance learning. During congressional hearings before my committee several years ago, case after case revealed fraud and abuse, especially from for-profit and correspondence schools. Students were subject to aggressive and deceptive recruiting tactics. They were enrolled in classes they did not want and need. They had instructors that were not even there and that many times were inept and did not show up. To add salt to the wound, the same students who took out loans to pay for useless education were harassed and ultimately sued because of defaults on loans. Some proprietary schools in my district encouraged students to apply to their schools for loans far beyond their needs were recommended. Equipment and tuition costs were taken out first. In many instances, students stayed there for several years, gaining no real education or skills, but then were asked to repay these loans and harassed. The committee recognized in 1998 a need to enact a 12-hour rule to ensure that nontraditional programs offered the same amount of instruction as traditional schools. Right now, H.R. 1992 offers no guarantee to make certain the amount of educational instruction is comparable and sufficient. We must not move in haste to change provisions that have contributed to the reversal of high-default loans of the 1990s. These safeguards have contributed in ending deception and fraud and created a standard that has ensured a quality education for all students. The substitute offered by the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink) will help distance education grow, but to grow in a proper sense; to grow so that it is not fraught with fraud. We need to protect against abuse; and if we have the abuse, we need to be careful that aggressive recruiting tactics as we saw in the past are not included. Therefore, I strongly urge support for the Mink substitute to this premature bill.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Reverend William D. Watley and his family as he celebrates his 17th anniversary as Pastor of Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey. Reverend Watley has been an active and involved leader, implementing a number of innovative programs, including a successful effort to feed over one thousand people weekly. He also established the Intergenerational After-School Program and sponsors Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and an HIV AIDS Ministry that educates the community about the disease. A former president of Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, Dr. Watley initiated the Adult Basic Educational Program, the St. James Bible Institute, The Christian Learning Center, New Life Ministries, Community Bible Study, Men and Women's Bible Studies and the Pastor's Bible Study. His fourteen year quest to build St. James Preparatory School, a Christian Academy, came to fruition a few years ago. St. James is world renowned for its Wednesday ``Sweet Hour of Praise'' Service, which I have had the privilege of attending many times. The service in its eleventh year has grown from one worshipper to hundreds. Dr. Watley serves as chairman of the St. James Preparatory School: A Christian Academy, St. James Social Services, and St. James Credit Union. He serves on the boards of the New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency, Horizon Mercy, Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark, United Movie Corporation, the World Council of Churches, National Council of Churches, African Methodist Episcopal Church First District and Beth Israel Medical Center. He has authored several books and articles and is currently writing a book. He has a long and distinguished record in the areas of education, pastoral practice and youth services. Dr. Watley holds both the Doctor of Philosophy and Masters of Philosophy degrees from Columbia University in Ethics and Theology respectively. His B.A. degree is from Saint Louis University. He has also completed the Institute for Educational Management Program at Harvard University. Dr. Watley is married to Muriel Watley and they are the proud parents of two children and a granddaughter. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in extending our very best wishes to Dr. Watley and his family as they continue their dedicated service to the church and the community.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I am in full support of the Boehlert-Kind- Gilchrest-Dingell amendment. This amendment will increase funding for conservation programs and give farmers and ranchers the ability to solve water quality problems, to improve the health of the land and to protect wildlife. Conservation programs preserve land by encouraging farmers not to farm on highly erodible lands, provide assistance in controlling polluted water runoff and encourages preservation of wetlands. This amendment successfully addresses the concerns of 70 percent of all farmers who produce at least 80 percent of all agricultural products by increasing conservation programs accessible to all kinds of farming. This amendment does not take money away from the agriculture community. It will simply shift $1.9 billion a year away from commodity programs to conservation programs, which will subsequently reach more regions of the country. This amendment also extends the wetlands reserve program. This program continues to be popular in my area of the country in New Jersey, and I am equally pleased to acknowledge the benefits that this amendment will provide to States along the Mississippi River as well as the West and in Florida. I would even like to see us go further, but I will ask that we fully support this amendment and urge my colleagues to vote for it.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey as staff and supporters celebrate 100 years of service to our community. Newark Beth Israel experienced its humble beginning a century ago, when a small group of women known as the Daughters of Israel raised $4,000 to open Beth Israel Hospital on the corner of Kinney and High Streets in Newark. The Beth quickly outgrew its original quarters and moved to its present location in 1928. In the ensuing decades Newark Beth Israel grew and changed in order to adapt to the community's needs, and was the site of numerous medical breakthroughs. During a Founders Day celebration which officially marked the 100th anniversary of the signing of the hospital's original charter, employees and physicians were joined by Paul A. Mertz, Executive Director; Robert Marks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Lester M. Bornstein, former President of The Beth in signing replicas of the original charter. Victor Parsonnet, M.D., signed a replica of the original charter next to the name of his grandfather, Victor Parsonnet, M.D. Dr. Parsonnet's two grandfathers (the other is Max Danzis, M.D. were among the founders of Newark Beth Israel Hospital in 1901. Lester Bornstein, former President of Newark Beth Israel who served the medical center for 36 years, also signed the charter. The charter is being displayed in the lobby during the Centennial events. Throughout this year, there will be numerous events scheduled to celebrate the Centennial, including monthly historical displays; a parade in conjunction with the center's Annual Fall Health Fair; a commemorative quilt with the theme ``A Century of Caring''; in-hospital theme days, held once a month to celebrate each decade of the 20th century; group outings and contests for employees and physicians; and an Alumni Day to welcome back retired and former employees of the Medical Center. The Centennial celebration will also include several major events: Visionaries in Medicine Science: A Series of Symposia Celebrating the Centennial of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center presenting on the topics ``Healthcare and Cultural Diversity,'' ``Cardiovascular Disorders,'' ``Dentistry,'' ``Pediatrics,'' ``Nursing,'' ``Renal Medicine'' and ``Genetics and Molecular Biology.'' Mr. Speaker, in celebration of the important role that The Beth has played in our community throughout the decades, there will be a Centennial Gala at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 6, 2001. Let us join in offering our congratulations and best wishes for continued success to the entire Newark Beth Israel community--the medical and nursing staffs, the ancillary services and administration, the Auxiliary and of course, the many dedicated volunteers who give so generously of their time and talent.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to travel with the President to New York today, with other colleagues from the region, to view the devastation left in the aftermath of Tuesday's tragic events and to meet with the volunteers and professionals who have made such a heroic effort to help the victims and their families. Tonight, we stand united in sending a message to the world that we will rise above this senseless act; that we will not let the actions of a group of fanatics destroy our spirit. As we move to give the President the authority to use all necessary and appropriate force in responding to these unprovoked attacks, let us be sure that we remain true to our American principles by enacting a plan which protects the American people and strengthens the bonds with our allies. However, as we raise our powerful swift sword, let us be mindful of the fact that the overriding majority of people who live in these rogue nations are themselves victims of their governments. They are being oppressed by their leaders. I stand committed to working together to build an effective anti- terrorism policy which will make our country and our world safer so that we will never have a recurrence of the nightmare we experienced last Tuesday again.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday's tragic events touched the residents of my congressional district in a profound and personal way. United Flight 93, one of the fateful flights on that most horrifying of days, departed Newark International Airport, which I represent, carrying innocent passengers who would become pawns in the most senseless act of terrorism that you can imagine. In addition, thousands of New Jersey residents travel back and forth each day from Penn Station, in my home city of Newark, to New York, where many hold jobs at the World Trade Center. This morning, families in New Jersey communities continue the agonizing wait for word on the fate of their loved ones. As we struggle to comprehend and confront the magnitude of this shocking attack on the United States, let us, above all, remember the victims, the employees, the volunteers, the visitors, the firemen, the policemen, the EMTs, who put their lives on the line. Let us put a human face on this tragedy which claimed the lives of so many people, who shared the everyday dreams and hopes we all have, people who only wanted to live their lives in peace, to see their children grow up healthy and happy. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families of the victims who are suffering such immense pain. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing appreciation for the humanitarian efforts of all those who have stepped forward to offer assistance in this time of need. Please join me in praying for all of the families who have suffered the loss of loved ones or who still anxiously await news about survivors. This is the time to come together and to reaffirm that we will always remain one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a New Jersey Public Servant, Evelyn M. Moore, who is retiring after almost two decades of service at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, one of the Nation's premier health sciences universities. Ms. Moore began her service to UMDNJ in the field of government and public affairs in 1983. During the course of her 18-year tenure, she has been continually promoted, in recognition of her outstanding service and performance, ultimately achieving the title of Manager of Federal Government Relations in December of 1998. Evelyn M. Moore will officially retire from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey on September 28, 2001. It is with mixed emotions that the University community will celebrate Evelyn's retirement. Her years of diligent service as the foundation of UMDNJ's Department of Government and Public Affairs, have been invaluable to both the University and to Members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation. Her ability to communicate the University's agenda and issues, through her remarkable writing ability, translating complex issues to accessible language for internal and external audience, helped advance many projects and initiatives. Her advocacy of the University has resulted in great gain for UMDNJ, the state of New Jersey, and the health and welfare of our citizenry. She has played instrumental roles in the creation of the Child Health Institute of New Jersey, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and in working with us here in Washington to secure critical funding for AIDS/ HIV, minority health education, environmental health sciences, infectious disease and tuberculosis research, and to advance the protection of New Jersey from bioterrorism. These are but a few of projects on which I am proud to say I have worked with her and the University. I know that many Members of the New Jersey Delegation have also benefited from and appreciated her assistance. We join with Evelyn's friends and colleagues at the University in the administration, faculty, and staff who will miss her and wish her the best and happiest years in her retirement.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very special person, Mrs. Connee Gartland, on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Family and friends will gather this weekend in Dennisport, Massachusetts to celebrate this milestone. Constance Doris Fischer Gartland was born on August 7, 1921 in Boston, Massachusetts to Alfons and Louise M. Fischer. She earned a B.S. Degree in Education from Salem State College in 1943 and a Master's in Business from Boston University in 1945. During her distinguished career as an educator, she held the position of Business Education Teacher at Mary Brooks School and Academie Moderne, both in Boston; and Weston High School in Weston, Massachusetts. On October 7, 1950 Connee married Edward V. Gartland, Jr. They became the proud parents of four children: Susan, Pamela, Deborah and Edward V. III and eventually the proud grandparents of five grandchildren; Brian and Kevin Anderson, Delaney and Riley Cruickshank, and Edward V. Gartland IV. They lived in Newton, Massachusetts and spent summers in their home in Dennisport. With warmth and generosity, Connee and Ed opened their hearts and home over the years to neighbors and friends of all ages and from all parts of the country. There was always lively and enjoyable conversation in their home because of their may interests and activities. During the winter, Connee now lives in Fort Myers, Florida where she is a member of the Development Committee at her church. Other memberships include the Women's Club, the 9-Holers Golf League, where she held the position of Treasurer; and the staff of the Lake Fairways Newsletter, The Informer. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in sending our congratulations to a wonderful person, Connee Gartland, who has touched so may lives as a former educator, parent, grandparent, and friend. Let us extend our best wishes for a Happy 80th Birthday and continued health and happiness.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan recently completed his first year of service as head of state, and I would like to take this occasion to congratulate him and comment on a few of Taiwan's achievements. Taiwan has long been a friend of the United States. Over the last decades, Taiwan has made great strides towards becoming a model of rapid political reform. Taiwan subscribes to the private enterprise system and offers its people one of the highest standards of living in Asia. In terms of its trading relations with us, Taiwan represents our seventh largest export market, thus providing many jobs for our manufacturers. In addition, more than 30,000 Taiwan students are studying at U.S. colleges and universities. The U.S. is the number one destination for most of Taiwan travelers. Taiwan and the United States share many values in common such as attachment to freedom, democracy, and human rights. One of the most notable feature of President Chen's administration is his championing of human rights. For many decades, human rights had been a taboo subject in Taiwan until Taiwan's martial law was repealed in 1987. In recent years, the government has been cooperating with civic groups to recognize the government's past mistakes and has taken concrete steps to help raise human rights awareness. Under the sponsorship of the Human Rights Foundation, in 1999 a monument was erected in Green Island, off the southeast coast of Taiwan, opposite Taitung County. The monument was to help people remember the many victims who were imprisoned and died in Green Island, a notorious prison camp. To prevent future violations of human rights, Chen's government has made every effort to guarantee its people the most basic human rights--freedom of expression, the right to assemble peacefully, and freedom of association. There will be no more prisoners of conscience and no more extrajudicial killings. Civil liberties are to be respected at all times. In his inaugural address delivered on May 20, 2000, President Chen committed Taiwan to upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, and the Declaration and Action Program of 1993 Vienna Conference on Human Rights. In essence, President Chen believes that every citizen ought to enjoy the right to work, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the right to an education, the right to medical care, the right to participate in elections, and the right to social security in the event of unemployment, illness, and disability. Also, President Chen has urged the Taiwan legislature to consider drafting legislation to protect the rights of women, children, the elderly, and the indigenous people, laborers, and soldiers. Clearly, there is a long way to go and human rights work is a never ending effort. It is appropriate that we applaud Taiwan's many efforts in upholding and maintaining human rights for its people. Taiwan is indeed fortunate to have its president as its foremost human rights champion.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute a very special person, Mrs. Audrey West, who will be honored at a Gala Retirement Celebration on Friday, June 29, 2001 by the Newark Preschool Council, Inc. Board of Directors and Head Start Policy Council for her eleven years of dedicated service. Audrey West began her Head Start career in September 1990. She has brought a wealth of administrative experience in providing social services and human development strategies to the operational goals of the Newark Preschool Council. Mrs. West's leadership encompasses a broad vision and wide range of knowledge, expertise, mobilization skills and community strengthening approaches, which were vital to the successful implementation of new programs demonstrating the mission of the Newark Preschool--to prepare our children to enter kindergarten READY TO LEARN READY TO READ. As the Executive Director of the Newark Preschool Council, Mrs. West has led an agency that is on the cutting edge of the national movement to develop family advocacy and sound educational beginnings for our children as they begin their successful journeys toward good citizenship. Mrs. West's accomplishments, role modeling and mentorship certainly serve as an outstanding example of generosity and community involvement. A native of Trenton, New Jersey, Audrey West received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Howard University, Washington, D.C. Ms. West holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University. She served ten years as the Director of the Newark Division of Public Welfare (1968-1978) and ten years as the Deputy Director and Director of the New Jersey Division of Public Welfare in the Department of Health and Human Services (1978-1988). A true pioneer, she was the first African American to serve in these positions. Audrey West was also Special Assistant to the Commissioner in the New Jersey State Department of Personnel (1988-1990). Mr. Speaker, we in New Jersey are so proud of Mrs. West and it is a pleasure to share her achievements with my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives. Please join me in expressing our congratulations to her for a job well done and our best wishes for continued health and happiness as she begins a new phase of her life.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring an outstanding public servant, Mr. Alexander Christofides, who was chosen to receive the Commissioner's Citation, the Social Security Administration's highest honor award. This prestigious award is presented to those select employees who have made exceptional contributions meriting agency-wide recognition. Based on Mr. Christofides' superior accomplishments and exemplary performance, he was chosen for this high honor. Mr. Christofides was selected based on his outstanding performance as an Operations Supervisor in the Clinton Hill District Office. He won praise for his innovative efforts in regard to service delivery to the customers of his District Office, which resulted in reduced waiting times and speedier claims processing. Furthermore, it was Mr. Christofides' extraordinary leadership and motivational skills which enabled his entire staff to work together for the public good, in a true spirit of teamwork, towards a shared goal. Mr. Speaker, Alexander Christofides embodies the finest tradition of government service. We are proud of his dedication to his work, his problem-solving ability and the high standards of excellence he has set in the workplace. Let us take this opportunity to extend our appreciation and congratulations to Mr. Christofides and to wish him continued success. We are indeed fortunate to have a man of his caliber serving in the Social Security Administration.