Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, it has now been 1 full year since the Indian regime kidnaped Jaswant Singh Khalra, the general secretary of the Human Rights Wing, Shiromani Akali Dal. For 1 year, Mr. Khalra has been subjected to imprisonment and torture in the world's largest democracy. What did Mr. Khalra do to deserve such a fate? He exposed the brutal tyranny of the regime. Mr. Khalra published a report in which he exposed the fact that more than 25,000 Sikhs have been abducted by the regime, tortured, murdered, and then cremated after their bodies were declared unidentified. Many families are still waiting for some word on their loved ones. The cremations were to cover up the responsibility of the police. Mr. Khalra is in the custody of the intelligence bureau. An eyewitness has confirmed that he has been tortured severely. He was threatened by the Tarn Taran police chief, Ajit Sandhu, after publishing his report. ``We made 25,000 disappear,'' Mr. Sandhu told him. ``It would not be hard to make one more disappear.'' This is a clear threat to Mr. Khalra and all others who might expose the Indian regime. Is this how India defines freedom of speech? Mr. Speaker, the kidnaping of Jaswant Singh Khalra is just one of many examples of India's tyranny against the Sikhs and others who are outside the rigid caste system. Their national integrity and their basic human rights are violated on a daily basis. America is the conscience of the world. It is our responsibility to oppose this kind of oppression with everything we have. The United States Government must demand the immediate release of Jaswant Singh Khalra and we must support the Sikh Nation in achieving the full and complete independence of the Sikh homeland, Khalistan.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, few institutions have enabled the expression of the noblest ideas of humankind as has the United Nations. Listen to the words that begin the Charter of the United Nations written 50 years at the end of World War II: We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to establish conditions under justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, and for these ends to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors. . . . Listening to those words and seated at the conference to establish the United Nations in San Francisco in April 1945 were Mary McLeod Bethune of the National Council of Negro Women, Mordecai W. Johnson of Howard University, W.E.B. DuBois and Walter White of the NAACP. These are not just words. After speaking with the brave and noble men that serve under U.N. command, I can conclude that they are proud to be a part of a military that brings together all countries that have common interest. A U.N. representative from MINURSO stationed in Tundouf said, ``It allows me to make my life count for something and it allows me to give back to the ones that are less fortunate than I.'' The United Nations is a sum of the whole of all nations. The command and control of armed forces of the United Nations are men and women that make sure that our enemies are kept at bay, that regional security and peace are more than just words, and prevention of further aggression by any one state. The War Powers Act is not absolute. The United States cannot be the world's policemen. We need the United Nations. Chapter VII, article 51 of the U.N. Charter states that if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations, we must take the measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. This is the wrong time to implement this bill. Iraq has violated international law, Security Council Resolution 688. Our vital national interests are at stake. Bosnia, Haiti, and other countries that require chapter VI type activities are vital to protect the weak from the strong. This bill is wrong, it ties the President's hands. In peacetime, they protect us. I cannot with good conscience support this bill, the United States Armed Forces Act. I would like to just conclude that multilateralism does matter.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on August 18, during our August district work period, one of my mentors will celebrate his 88th birthday. This special person is Mr. Fred Landolphi. When I was a young teacher, Mr. Landolphi was the principal of my school, South Side High School in Newark, NJ. I learned a great deal from him. Today, several of my philosophies can be directly attributed to him. I would like to share with my colleagues one of Mr. Landolphi's bright moments to illustrate why he has been such an influence on so many lives. In 1960, Mr. Landolphi was selected Principal of the Year in the annual nationwide search for outstanding elementary and secondary school heads by Croft Publishers. The judges based their choice of Mr. Landolphi on the nominating statement submitted by his faculty. This statement read in part: In justice, a manual on ideal school administration is necessary to convey the qualities of Fred Landolphi, for he is the creative center of the activities of South Side High School, both within the school's physical plant and in the community in general. When he assumed the principalship of the school, morale, good manners, scholarship, loyalty and devotion had reached an unpleasant ebb. A fine by disunited faculty was valiantly, but aimlessly and dejectedly, trying to adjust to a complete turnover in the nature of the student body. An unhappy and rebellious student body was vociferously and, in some cases, violently reacting to the school situation because they were without clearly stated principles of behavior, without clearly stated scholastic aims, without leadership in the cohesive and inspiring aspects of school spirit. This dismal situation has slowly, patiently, and decisively changed since Mr. Landolphi became our principal. He has accomplished the material rejuvenation of the structure and the revitalization of student-teacher-community morale. At the time, Mr. Landolphi spoke of a principal that had guided him through this 29-year teaching career. He felt that you had to give the students a feeling of confidence. You had to let them know that you're interested in them and that you only bawl them out because you care for them. Mr. Landolphi established the South Side Scholarship Fund because he noted that while the most gifted of his students were able to win scholarships, other youngsters with great potential were denied a college education because of poverty. As a teacher and youth advocate, I have treated the thousands of young people with whom I have had contact just as Mr. Landolphi did. I treat them with respect and challenge them to plan and reach for the stars. For more than 20 years at high school seniors awards programs, I have presented the Donald M. Payne Award to seniors who are not the stars of the graduating classes but have done the best they can, sometimes under difficult circumstances, to become a productive member of our society. I want them to know that doing one's best is extremely important. That was something I learned from Mr. Landolphi. I want to personally thank him for the confidence he showed me during my first teaching assignment. We had many discussions about my experience as a new teacher. He always put a positive spin on any dilemma. In 1970 I became president of the YMCA of the USA probably as a result of Mr. Landolphi's encouragement and support. He supported my concepts of after-school programs and encouraged me to continue to work with our young people through the ``Y'' experience. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will want to join me and many of Mr. Landolphi's former students as we wish him a happy birthday and wish him and his wife the best.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the New Hope Baptist Church of Newark, NJ. On Sunday, September 15, 1996, they will celebrate the 93rd Founder's Day and Mortgage Burning Service. I ask my colleagues to join with me in praising their diligence and applaud them on a job well done. Their level of community service is phenomenal and the 10th District of New Jersey is fortunate to have this church as one of our own. New Hope Baptist Church was organized in 1903 by two sisters, Addie and Maggie Divine. Their first pastor was Reverend Jesse Williams. The current pastor, Rev. Charles Everett Thomas, began his tenure position at New Hope Baptist Church in 1968 and 10 years later he began a fundraising project to expand the church. They have shown that this is a church with the open door that administers to the needs of the whole man. The members and supporters of the church have worked diligently for several years to realize their dream. Expansions and overall growth culminated in their final move, on September 13, 1987 into their new edifice. This church has reached out to the community with a day care center, an apartment complex, a food and clothing ministry, and a minority trade training program. Their support of the community has been stellar and this is part of what makes their success and growth so exciting. As we witness the growing number of churches being burned around this Nation and communities being engulfed by fear it is encouraging to see a mortgage burning instead of a church burning. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating New Hope Baptist Church on their 93rd Founder's Day and Mortgage Burning Ceremony. May God continue to bless the members of New Hope Baptist Church.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, like so many communities across America and some parts of the world, New Jersey's 10th Congressional District lost some of its members in the crash of TWA flight 800 on July 17. This evening at the St. Matthew AME Church in Orange, NJ, a memorial service, organized under the direction of Orange Mayor Mims Hackett, is being held for Olivia Simmons, one of the victims. By all accounts, Olivia Simmons was a caring individual who cherished life. She did what she could to make life as beneficial as possible for others. Ms. Simmons was a teacher in the Newark school system for 28 years. She taught at the Clinton Avenue School and the Broadway Elementary School. In the past several years, Ms. Simmons was also a school librarian. Ms. Simmons loved the written word and dedicated her life to opening new horizons by encouraging others to appreciate books and other written material. She was an avid, reader who belonged to literary clubs and the International Reading Association. Ms. Simmons valued multiculturalism. In addition to her teacher/ librarian duties she also was a flight attendant for 21 years. Because of her love and respect for our different cultures, she traveled during weekends and summers. Mr. Speaker, we also lost another in that terrible crash, Daryl Edwards. Mr. Edwards was a flight attendant with TWA for 18 years. He was born in Newark, NJ and raised in East Orange, NJ. He graduated from East Orange High School. He attended and graduated from American University in Washington, DC. One of Mr. Edwards' delights was cooking. He was an accomplished chef, having been graduated from the Peter Kamp Culinary School in New York City. He owned a catering business. Mr. Edwards gave and received great joy through his culinary art. Mr. Speaker, Olivia Simmons and Daryl Edwards were two warm, friendly and caring individuals. Their absence will be felt. However, although we will miss them, we're glad they were here.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of American workers and in support of an increase in the national minimum wage. Every day, we hear how the living standards of Americans are steadily eroding. And finally, we are looking at a bipartisan effort to increase the living standards for millions of Americans who are looking to take personal responsibility and keep them and their families off welfare. Consider that since the early 1970's, the benefits of economic growth have unevenly distributed among workers. Raising the minimum wage would help ameliorate this trend. The positive effects of the minimum wage are not felt solely by low- income households, but minimum wage workers are overrepresented in poor and moderate-income households. Consequently, the minimum wage is an important component of a broad- based policy to help low-wage workers, particularly in households that are working hard to keep themselves and their families in self- sufficiency. With wages stagnant, people are spending less money. As a result, companies profits are way up and inflation adjusted wages and benefits are climbing at less than half the pace of previous economic expansions. And with growth in consumer spending down, that means that per capita GDP growth is way below projected trend. So what does all this mean for you? As many of my colleagues on the other side are seriously considering reductions in the earned income tax credit, workers who are impacted by a stagnant minimum wage are in large part the same people who would be hurt by cuts in the tax credit. And in this age of personal responsibility, here's the incentive to move out of poverty. I know that my colleagues vote in favor of this small effort to help hard-working Americans struggle to keep themselves and their families out of poverty. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a man who brought honor to the House of Representatives through his grace, kindness, and sense of decorum, Ham Fish. As a Representative from a neighboring State, I had long admired Ham Fish even before coming to Congress. After my election I was fortunate enough to develop a personal relationship with him. In August 1994 we traveled together as a part of a delegation attending a conference in Berlin under the Aspen Institute. Ham added so much to the experience because not only was he extremely knowledgeable, but he and his wife, Mary Ann, were two of the most gracious, accommodating and generous people I have ever met. Their helpfulness and sense of humor pulled us through, especially when one of our Members got into a funny predicament. I will not relate the details here, but Ham and Mary Ann's willingness to extend themselves for others was unparalleled and will not be forgotten. Ham Fish and I shared an interest in international relations, and although he lived in the cold war era and served in the Naval Reserve, he firmly believed that we could and should work together to achieve peace. During the 1950's he served as vice counsel in Ireland. I will be visiting there next month, and I will certainly think of Ham when I see that beautiful country which has been seeking peace for so long. He was well loved by the Irish people because he shared their hopes for their homeland, as well as their characteristics and their friendliness and their love of life. As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I wanted to especially note that Ham Fish, although unassuming as an individual, was a passionate champion of causes in which he believed. A long-time supporter of civil rights, he continued to stick to his principles, even fighting for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 when it was unfairly assailed by his own party as a quota bill. He sponsored amendments to the Voting Rights Act so all Americans would have access to the political process. In addition, in conclusion, he pushed for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure that no American would be unfairly denied opportunities the rest of us enjoy. Ham Fish was proud to be from the old school, when courtesy and civility were the marks of a true gentleman. The Fish legacy should be remembered and honored in this day and age. There is too much divisiveness, both here in Congress and throughout the Nation. Let us resolve to honor Ham Fish in the best possible way by following the outstanding example he set. Our condolences go out to his wonderful family: His wife, Mary Ann, his four children, his sister, and his eight grandchildren.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I rise to express my strong support for restoration of funding for the Legal Services Program. As Americans, we should strive to make the words ``equal justice under the law'' not just a concept, but a reality. Unfortunately, Americans who lack financial resources do not have equal footing in our system of justice. All over the country, thousands of people seeking legal help are being turned away because legal service programs have been forced to cut staff and to reduce the services they are able to offer. Many of those served are abused women and their children who turn to the courts for protection. As we continue the national dialog on family values, shouldn't we be helping these families who have no where else to turn? Legal services programs are prohibited from engaging in legislative or administrative advocacy, thus addressing concerns raised by some Members of Congress. We are all aware of the fiscal constraints under which Congress is operating, but should we put a price on the American principle of equal justice? Let me point out that in this comprehensive Commerce, State, Justice appropriations bill, funding for legal services represents less than one-half of 1 percent of the $29.5 billion in the Commerce, State, Justice. I urge my colleagues to join me in restoring funds for the Legal Services Corporation.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3734. ``End welfare as we know it'' was what was said during the last campaign. Let us take a look at this question of ending welfare as we know it. On June 27, 1996, the Committee on the Budget released the Republican vision, and I use that word loosely, of welfare reform; and some of the details that have surfaced, they certainly need to be looked at more closely. Currently the welfare system in this country is one that in some cases does foster cycles of dependency. Many times an individual cannot get off of welfare rolls because she cannot get a job that will provide a living wage for herself or her family, get quality child care for her family, get adequate housing for her family, get adequate health care for her family. If we are going to end welfare as we know it, does this bill help to accomplish those things? The answer is definitely no. Providing jobs and job security will change this type of system to promote one that encourages self-sufficiency. However, we are unwilling and we are unable to invest the necessary resources in our families. However, without the adequate support in places, opportunity for employment, opportunity for day care, opportunity for an adequate salary, and to promote and encourage self-sufficiency, taking this punitive approach to drop people from the welfare rolls will certainly do more harm. In our subcommittee a resolution that was brought up to say that if a person cannot find a job when the time expires, will they be able to continue to have benefits, and the Republican Members of the committee all voted no, throw the children out. So because we are not addressing the root causes, the lack of adequate jobs, the underlying conditions of the problem will continue to exist. An experiment conducted in my home State of New Jersey and also in Illinois found that 80 percent of welfare recipients who found jobs were able to break the cycle of poverty. It was very simple. They were able to work their way out. Yet, only 2 percent of those that had to depend on the system were able to break the cycle of poverty. The answer is jobs. We had 100 jobs available in the city of Newark. Fourteen hundred people started to get in line at 6 a.m. for those 100 jobs. It was not even 100. They said possibly up to 100, but maybe 50. Fourteen hundred people went and waited for hours and hours to apply for the jobs. So the answer is certainly there. Remember, there are 9 million children who receive welfare, which is about 65 percent of the welfare rolls. Today there are over 14 million children living in poverty. One out of five children go hungry every day. Let us defeat H.R. 3734.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on June 29 while we were back in our districts for the Independence Day District Work Period, the State of New Jersey lost one of its champions, the Honorable John S. Watson, Sr. A man of many firsts, he chose to use his experiences, talents, and resources to serve the public. Mr. Watson served six terms in the New Jersey General Assembly beginning in 1981. He served on the assembly housing and urban policy committee and the assembly appropriations committee. His diligent work on the appropriations committee resulted in Mr. Watson being named assembly minority budget officer. In 1992, he was appointed chairperson of the assembly appropriations committee, making him the first African- American legislator to hold such a position. His tenure in the assembly afforded him the opportunity to author numerous appropriations committee resolutions funding programs in housing, arts, health, education and human services. He sponsored legislation establishing a set-aside program for the acquisition of African-American art--the first in the Nation's history. He also sponsored legislation creating the New Jersey Pre-College Program for High School Students and the Minority Opportunity Skills Training [MOST] Program. He was also responsible for the legislation which permanently established the State's Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Commission. Prior to his service in the general assembly, Mr. Watson served ten years on the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders. I had the privilege of meeting him when I served on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1972 to 1978. Mr. Watson was first appointed to the Board in 1970, where he became the first African-American to be elected freeholder in the history of Mercer County. He went on to become the first African-American to serve as president of any Freeholder Board in the State of New Jersey. He became an active member and leader of the New Jersey Association of Counties and the National Association of Counties. In 1992, Mr. Watson used his knowledge of the State, its leaders and his coalition-building skills to create the New Jersey African-American Political Alliance. I am honored to serve as chairman of the alliance which is a statewide coalition of political and other leaders that works to influence decisions that affect our communities and secure equity in the political arena. Mr. Watson served the organization with distinction as a vice chairman and was an integral part of many of our successes. He not only served the people of New Jersey through his legislative work but he was active in many civic organizations including the Trenton Branch NAACP, Junior Achievement, New Jersey Juvenile Delinquency Commission, Trenton State College Equal Opportunity Fund [EOF] Community Advisory Board, and the Delaware-Raritan Canal Commission. Mr. Watson's work and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He holds an honorary doctorate of laws degree from Richard Stockton State College, Pomona, NJ. The Edison State College Institute for Public Policy in Trenton, NJ, was renamed the John S. Watson, Sr., Institute for Public Policy. The newly constructed community center of the Patton J. Hill School in Trenton, NJ, was named in honor of Mr. Watson. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will want to join me as I pay tribute to a man of conviction, commitment and achievement, and offer my condolences to his four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to inform my colleagues of the induction of my cousin, Richard Gee, into the ninth annual Newark Athletic Hall of Fame. I am especially proud of Rick's swimming prowess because he was taught by his mother, my Aunt Rosie. Rick was great high school varsity basketball material, however, he chose swimming as his competitive sport. During Rick's high school career he was an outstanding freestyle swimmer. After his graduation from Newark's Central High School in 1952, Rick attended Howard University on a swimming scholarship. He was cocaptain of the Howard University swim team in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He won 12 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association [CIAA] championships. Rick also won the Outstanding Individual Swimming Award in 1954, 1955, and 1956. In his senior year, Rick was named the winner of the White Blazer Award, Howard's highest athletic award. After graduation from college, Rick joined the U.S. Army where he continued his swimming career. In 1958, he won three freestyle championships for the Army. Rick has been a member of the U.S. Master Swimming Association since 1985. He is listed as one of the U.S. Masters top swimmers in three individual events in 1986. He was also a member of two national relay teams and won individual events in 1987 and 1988. Rick's induction into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame places him among such greats as Leon Day, Larry Hazzard, Marvin Hagler, Monte Irvin, Rick Cerone, Ray Dandridge, Al Attles, Allie Stolz, and Moe Berg. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will want to join me as I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Richard Gee.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago I was proud to bring to the attention of my colleagues, the birthday of my aunts Ozalee Payne and Rosalee Gee. On Monday, July 15, 1996, they will celebrate their 80th birthday. The bond that keeps sisters close is a special one. When the twins were born 8 decades ago in what is now Monticello, FL, their two older sisters, Laura and Sallie, took care of them while their mother recuperated. Laura took care of Rosie, while Sallie was in charge of Ozie. Until my Aunt Laura was moved to a nursing home a few years ago, all of the sisters lived in their own apartments in the same building in Newark, NJ. They were always close enough to help each other and enjoy each other's company, yet distant enough to lead their separate lives and enjoy their own interests. The protection and nurturing they showed each other extended to those of my generation. My mother, Norma Garrett Payne, died when my sister (Kathryn), my brother (William), and I were small children. As you can imagine, our mother's death was devastating to us. Our father's job prevented him from being with us as much as he felt he needed to be. To solve some of the problems, my brother and I went to live with Aunt Rosie and our late Uncle Richard while our sister lived with Aunt Sallie and our late Uncle William. We were eventually brought together--our grandparents, the late William and Ollie Payne Williams, bought a three-family house and the families moved together. It was during these times that our grandmother and aunts had the greatest impact on our value system. We had a Christian upbringing and were taught to take care of and respect each other. Our late father, William E. Payne, was ever grateful for their help. When my wife, Hazel, died when our children were small, the cycle repeated itself. I had the help of my brother and sister and aunts in protecting, nurturing, and teaching values to my son, Donald, Jr., and my daughter, Wanda. I am ever grateful to them. Mr. Speaker, a loving and supportive family is wonderful. This weekend our family is gathering to celebrate the birthday of our aunts. As we count our blessings for still having them in our lives, I am sure my colleagues will want to join us as we say ``Happy Birthday Aunt Ozie and Aunt Rosie''.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, July 11, Kabili Tayari is being honored for his lifelong commitment to justice. This event is being held at Jersey City State College in Jersey City, NJ. Kabili Tayari is a true believer of empowerment. Malcolm X's statement, ``use any means necessary'' comes to mind as I think of Kabili. Although he is a man of many strategies, he has chosen education as his ``weapon'' of choice in fighting the injustices of our society. In 1989, New Jersey's Governor appointed him to the Jersey City Board of Education. He has served the board in a number of capacities. He served as chairperson of the legislative committee from 1991 to 1996. He was vice president of the board from 1993 to 1995. On May 2, 1996, he was elected president of the Jersey City Board of Education. Although Kabili has served the citizens of Jersey City through its board of education, he has also shared his talents with other organizations. They include the Association for Retarded Children, the New Jersey State Conference of NAACP Branches, the Hudson County College Education Opportunity Fund, the Essex County College Education Opportunity Fund, the New Jersey Martin Luther King Commemorative Commission, the Region II National Title I/Chapter 1 Parents Organization, the Parents Council of the Jersey City a.k.a. Citywide Parents Council, and the Jersey City State College; his alma mater. He has held leadership roles in each of these groups that work for the empowerment of our citizens. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will want to join me as I congratulate and thank Kabili Tayari for his dedication and commitment to making life better for so many.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, family reunions are an important part of our personal histories. During the July 5th weekend, the descendants of Lemon and Joanna Chapman gathered in White Hall, MD, for their 22d annual family reunion. Families are important institutions. They are, so to speak, our proving ground. Our first lessons in life are taught and learned in the family. It is there that we learn to love, dream, respect, disagree, forgive, share, take orders, have faith, along with other life skills. The foundation of the family is there when we need it. The stronger and more stable the foundation/family the safer and more confident we are when we venture. We often hear about the destruction of the family and how our young people are without family values. Unfortunately, for some, those are valid statements but there are many, many strong and caring family units in our communities. The Chapman family is one of those strong and caring families. I commend the members of this family for recognizing the importance of the family, its values, and its history. As a society, we must do all we can do to build upon the strength of these families to help strengthen the fabric of the Nation. Mr. Speaker, the Lemon and Joanna Chapman family has produced many fine citizens. I would like to wish them and their friends a healthy, happy, safe and prosperous year until they meet again.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge and honor the retirement of Mr. Lester Bornstein who ends 38 years of service to the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Bornstein on his incredible accomplishments as president of the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Mr. Bornstein began dedicating his time and energy to the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in 1957, serving as assistant director. His role changed in later years and he supported the Beth Israel Medical Center as acting executive director, executive director and as a member of the board of trustees. I had the opportunity to work closely with Mr. Bornstein when I was a member of the Newark Municipal Council and when he served on my 10th Congressional District health care task force. Mr. Bornstein is an incredibly skilled man who is dedicated to serving his community. He took initiative and helped to ensure that the Beth Israel Medical Center remained in the community at a time when many other city hospitals were leaving. I admire this commitment that has always been an integral part of this fine man's persona. As reporter Angela Stewart of The Star-Ledger noted in her June 21 article, ``Those who have watched him work over the years say Bornstein has managed to strike an almost perfect balance between civility and his driving ambition to make the inner-city hospital a respected institution.'' His goal has been and continues to be realized. In 1968, Mr. Bornstein also helped secure a $10 million loan to construct a patient care pavilion. Recently, the Lester M. Bornstein Center for Emergency Services officially opened to patients. It is clear that Mr. Bornstein has been an important driving force for the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to thank Mr. Bornstein for being a strong leader of the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and for keeping his promise to the community and the people of Newark. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in applauding his career and wishing him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding work that is being done on behalf of women by the East Orange Welfare Department, in my district in New Jersey. For the past 10 years, the East Orange Welfare Department has dispel some of the negative stigmas associated with women and welfare and to recognize and applaud the achievements of women in the community. Too often, women are the subject of the cruel realities of gender discrimination, sexism, sexual harassment, and the like in this historically male-biased society. The East Orange Welfare Department has taken on the responsibility of speaking out on behalf of the accomplishments of women, and glorifying rather than stigmatizing them. We must join the East Orange Welfare Department as they recognize the invaluable impact that women have had on every facet of our modern communities. The East Orange Welfare Department has served to support its citizens by the coordination of fiscal, medical, and social services in the community and has been instrumental in providing an environment intent on fostering financial independence and self-sufficiency. Its recent call to honor women is simply another example of the department's firm commitment to not only help those in need, but to lend a voice to those too frequently unheard. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending the dedicated employees at the East Orange Welfare Department for their outstanding work in advancing the progress of women.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Johnnie B. Booker on her stellar career and wish her well in her retirement. Ms. Booker's excellent work came to my attention through her outstanding service at City National Bank in Newark, NJ. There, she provided the impetus for invaluable economic growth and opportunity in my district, and for that I am most grateful. She has been a dedicated public servant for over 20 years, and it is an honor for me to recognize her accomplishments here today. For the past 2 years, Johnnie B. Booker has been a champion of minority rights and equal opportunity in her position at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [FDIC]. There, she managed the corporation's oversight of programs to include minority- and women- owned business and law firms in contracting activities, with both expertise and care. Her work was invaluable in the corporation's quest to achieve equal opportunity and to create an environment which fosters and embraces diversity. Johnnie B. Booker is an incredibly skilled women, one whose experiences touched the lives of many. She served as a civil rights specialist as well as the director of consumer affairs and civil rights at the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. She also has worked for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD where she refined and polished her managerial and administrative aptitudes. It is an honor for me to rise today in commendation of such a genuinely generous and dedicated public servant. Johnnie B. Booker has been committed throughout the course of her career to serve those in need and to protect the rights of minorities and women. I hope you will join me in applauding her career and wishing her well in the future.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the retirement of the esteemed Vice President and Chief Ethics Officer of The Prudential, Mr. Stephen R. Braswell. Mr. Braswell began his career with The Prudential in Jacksonville, Florida in 1963. He held a wide variety of positions before rising to the position of Vice President of Prudential's Group Insurance Department. In 1975, he was transfered to Prudential's Government Relations Division in Washington, DC where he was responsible for Prudential's federal government relations. Mr. Braswell spent five years, working with Congress, the White House, Federal Regulatory Agencies, and the National Trade and Business Organizations. In 1981 Mr. Braswell was named President of Southwestern Operations in Houston, Texas with overall responsibility for ten southwestern states. He also served as Senior Vice President in charge of Human Resources and as President of the Prudential Property and Casualty Company for four years. Mr. Braswell ends his years of service from the New Jersey headquarters as the Senior Vice President and Chief Ethics Officer of The Prudential. Mr. Braswell has been personally involved in the communities in which he has lived. He served as President of both the Jacksonville, Florida and Houston, Texas Mental Health Associations. He also has acted as Vice Chairman of the Metropolitan YMCA Board and served on the Board of Trustees of the Rice Center, while he was a resident of Houston. His commitment to excellence and dedication to service clearly extend past the realm of his professional commitments. His involvement is admirable. The retirement celebration honoring Mr. Braswell's many years of service will take place on the twenty fourth of June. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Mr. Braswell for 33 years of service and devotion to the Prudential.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, this evening a retirement dinner is being held in honor of Ralph Milteer. Mr. Milteer is ``a man for all seasons.'' He has spent all of his adult life helping others. When I think of achievers, Ralph is always on my list. His achievements have benefited him personally but more importantly, they have benefited many, many New Jerseyans. Ralph Milteer is a product of the East Orange, NJ, school system where he attended elementary and high schools. After graduation from Montclair State College Ralph returned to the system as a teacher. For 36 years, he has been affiliated with the same school system in many different capacities. He has been a classroom teacher, a counselor, a coordinator, a director, an administrative assistant, and an assistant principal during his career. Ralph believes in being prepared and has spent a great deal of his life attending school. He has done a great deal of graduate work and received his Master's degree from Newark State College Graduate School. Coursework at the NASA Center is also a part of his resume. Ralph has used his experience in the classroom in a great deal of his community work where he has been active in many recreation programs. Ralph's love of the communities he serves is evident in his work in East Orange and in his hometown of Hillside, NJ. He has been active in the Citizens' Advisory Committee of the Hillside Board of Education, a member of the Hillside Board of Education, and president of the Hillside Democratic Club. Realizing that he could serve his community better from an elected position, Ralph was elected to the Hillside Township Committee where he has served as the Finance Commissioner, the deputy major and major of Hillside for two terms. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will want to join me as I offer my congratulations to Ralph Milteer and extend my best wishes to him and his family for a happy, active and healthy future.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and as a cosponsor of the Church Arson Prevention Act, I rise in strong support of this measure. It is imperative that we take immediate action to strengthen the ability of Federal law enforcement officials to respond to the alarming increase in church burnings in the South and other parts of the Nation. These incidents of hate call to mind ugly images of cross burnings and Klan rallies by false patriots determined to divide this Nation. Communities are now living in fear that their sacred houses of worship will be reduced to ashes overnight in the wake of this destructive spree. We need to send a clear signal to the perpetrators of these hate crimes that every law enforcement resource available will be used to bring them to justice. Not only does this bill clarify that Federal officials can become involved in investigations of church fires affecting interstate commerce; it also removes the current requirement that $10,000 in damage must occur before Federal intervention. Mr. Speaker, we know that a church is more than just the brick and mortar which make up the building. It is a place of hope and spiritual renewal, a center where communities gather in celebration of one of our most precious freedoms, the freedom of religion. Many congregations also run important services out of their church buildings, such as food pantries to feed the needy, activities for young people, and programs for seniors. The loss of a church is devastating; it goes far beyond the material loss and inflicts enormous emotional pain. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and stop the epidemic of hate and violence which has no place in this Nation.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to invite my colleagues to join with me in congratulating and thanking the United Way of Essex and West Hudson. The United Way held their annual Celebrity Read Program which encourages inner-city youth to broaden their horizons and have hope for their futures. The program asks adults, both famous and not so famous, to attend classrooms and read passages from their favorite book about the accomplishments of people of color. This year's program had a phenomenal level of participation, with twice as many reading volunteers as last year. Their words of inspiration touched the lives of more than 10,000 children. Among the more well-known participants were news reporters; Terrie Williams and Reggie Harris and former New York Giants football player, Harry Carson. One of the aspects of the program is that their definition of celebrity includes local business people, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens from the community. This program makes it possible for individuals to take part in their community, share their wealth of knowledge and experience, and be a source of inspiration to our inner-city youth. It is wonderful to see that this outstanding program has not just continued but grown since last year. I urge other communities, nationwide, to follow their lead and motivate children with programs such as this one. The Celebrity Read Program is one that should take place in as many cities as possible. I would also like to extend a most sincere thank you to the Celebrity Read Program and to the 400 celebrity readers for taking the time to interact with the leaders of the next generation. We should celebrate children for they are our greatest resource. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me this opportunity to share with my colleagues some of the exciting events that are taking place in the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey to ensure our future.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina and the gentleman from Oklahoma for bringing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Chairman, as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I rise to express my outrage at the senseless desecration of African-American churches and also to extend my sympathy to the ministers and their congregations all over the country who have lost their places of worship. Our thoughts are also with members of the other churches and synagogues which have been defaced. These incidents of racial and religious bigotry remind us of other painful episodes in our history which we had hoped never reoccur. Sadly the legacy of racial division is kept alive not only by those who carry out these acts, but by others who crate an atmosphere which not only tolerates but encourages bigotry. We can turn on our radio any day of the week and hear right-wing talk radio hosts spewing forth words of hatred to appeal to those in the audience who are discontented with their lives and are looking for scapegoats. In my area, the radio talk show host Bob Grant, who is courted by some politicians, has built his career out of making offensive and hurtful statements. He finally pushed things too far the day of the tragic accident when the plan carrying Ron Brown and others went down. On his radio show he said, upon learning that initially there was one survivor, Bob Grant joked that his pessimism led him to believe that the late Secretary may have survived. Although this radio talk host was fired, he was immediately picked up by another radio station. And we call this corporate responsibility? The most recent church bombing in Oklahoma reminds us that these evil incidents are not confined to the Southeast. The Department of Justice has received reports of incidents in States like Maryland, where the target was a Quaker meeting house; in my home State of New Jersey. We have had them in Richmond; Seattle, Washington; and in other parts of New York State this has occurred. Mr. Speaker, we must stop these senseless burnings.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor a very special couple, Frank and Ruth Izzo of Elizabeth, NJ. On June 8, Mr. and Mrs. Izzo will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Frank Izzo served his country with distinction in Germany and France during World War II, as a member of the United States Army. Ruth Izzo worked for a pharmaceutical company for 13 years. the Izzos have two children, Marlene and Anthony. In the tradition of his father, Anthony dutifully served his country in Vietnam and became a decorated veteran of that war. The Izzos have four grandchildren--Darla, Robert, Frank, and Christopher--from their daughter Marlene. Mr. Speaker, it is my feeling that we can all look to this couple for inspiration. In a time when divorce rates are astoundingly high and society is suffering as a result of this, the Izzos show us that it is possible for married partners to work, raise children, and remain happily committed to each other. I would like to wish them many more years.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor a very special couple, Mr. and Mrs. John Malone, formerly of Elizabeth, NJ. On Sunday, June 23, 1996, John and Elizabeth Malone will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows at St. Walburga Monastery in Elizabeth, NJ. John Malone served the city of Elizabeth for 36 years as a firefighter before retiring from the force in 1985. Elizabeth Malone worked with the telephone company before retiring in 1986. This couple managed to raise four children in the process, who have since given them six grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is my feeling that we can all look to this couple for inspiration. In a time when divorce rates are astoundingly high and society is suffering as a result of this, the Malones have shown us that it is possible for married partners to sustain their respective careers, raise a family and remain happily committed to each other. I wish them many more years of happiness.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of my colleagues, an extraordinary partnership between the city of East Orange and the post office that serves its residents. The people of East Orange are just proud of their heritage as one of the cleanest cities in America. Unfortunately, as in so many other communities, buildings and structures in East Orange have become the targets of senseless disfigurement by thoughtless vandals leaving an unwelcome trail of graffiti. Mayor Cardell Cooper and Postmaster Henry Smiley have joined forces to help bring the sparkle back to East Orange. Their joint effort, part of a larger citywide project to eliminate graffiti, will result in the repainting of all 260 mail collection boxes in that city. The Postal Service will be providing free paint and brushes. Participants in the City's General Assistance Employability Program will do the painting. While this project will have mail and relay boxes looking as good as new, the Postal Service' East Orange Service Team is planning beyond that. Local residents and businesses will have the opportunity to ``Adopt a Box,'' receiving a special certificate and the supplies necessary to keep the mailboxes they adopt free of graffiti. Fifty gallons of blue and green paint may not sound like much, when spread over a city that is home to 75,000 people, but it can make a big difference. A single coat of paint can make a shopper feel welcome, a visitor feel at home, and a prospective resident come back and take a second look. One of the goals of the Postal Service is to be a good citizen in every community it serves. Besides contributing to a record 91 percent on-time delivery performance in the local area, Postmaster Smiley and his staff and taking a leading role in helping to make their community a better place to live. The partnership between the city of East Orange and the U.S. Postal Service is a solid example of the benefits of this type of cooperation.