Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, we are gathered here this evening to pay tribute to one of the true heroes of our time, a man who earned a stellar national reputation but who also holds a very special place in the hearts of those of us from his home State of New Jersey and those who had the privilege to serve with him, former Congressman and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, the Honorable Peter W. Rodino. I feel privileged to hold the seat in Congress which Chairman Rodino previously held from 1948 until his retirement 40 years later in 1989. It is certainly a testament to his outstanding work here in the House of Representatives and the high esteem in which he was held among his constituents that he won reelection to Congress 19 consecutive times over the course of his career. From my personal experience growing up in Newark, New Jersey, I was inspired to enter public service after reading stories in the newspaper I delivered as a youngster, the Star Ledger, about the work of my local Congressman, Peter Rodino, and the passion he brought to his job. We felt proud to have such a hardworking and dedicated public servant representing our interests in Washington, especially since I lived in the neighborhood in the old North Ward of Newark where he served and lived. Peter Rodino was a driving force behind all of the major civil rights legislation and opened up doors of opportunity for an entire generation. Throw his service on the House Judiciary Committee he authored the majority reports on which the civil rights legislation of 1957, 1960, 1964 and 1968 were based. In addition, he played a key role in the passage of the fair housing bill in 1966. He was active in the movements to establish a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, and to provide the District of Columbia with a voting delegate. During the Watergate hearings, Chairman Rodino won praise from both sides of the aisle for his fairness, even-handedness and sense of decorum. He carried out his constitutional duty, but it was not a role he chose or relished. In fact, he broke down in tears after the Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment against a President not of his own party. That kind of sensitivity and compassion is indeed rare today in the political arena. After his retirement from Congress, Congressman Rodino continued working diligently, serving as a distinguished visiting professor of constitutional law at Seton Hall University in Newark, New Jersey. I was excited during my first term in Congress to be part of a successful effort to secure over $5 million for the establishment of a model center for social justice at Seton Hall University School of Law, the Peter W. Rodino, Junior, Institute of Social Justice. Despite all of his achievements, Peter Rodino was most proud of being the son of an Italian immigrant who achieved the American dream. In fact, in a tribute to his Italian heritage, he sponsored the bill that made Columbus Day a Monday national holiday. He never forgot where he came from and he always had time to help other people who needed a hand. In fact, after his passing on May 7, the Star Ledger ran a story about a sixth grade student, Christina Rodriguez, who had never met former Congressman Rodino, but called seeking an interview for a school paper she was writing. Although he was in the middle of celebrating his 95th birthday with friends and family, he generously spent 45 minutes giving her a firsthand account of a chapter of history that took place long before she was born. Mr. Speaker, former Congressman Rodino was not only an admired leader and a great champion for all of the right issues, he was also a wonderful human being. Let us express our deep appreciation for his service in Congress. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Joy; his son, Peter W. Rodino, III; his daughter, Margaret Stanziale and her husband Charles Stanziale; his three grandchildren, Carla Prunty, Maria Stanziale and Talia Rodino; and his twin great-grandchildren, Annabel and Charlotte Prunty. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), who served on the Judiciary Committee with Mr. Rodino, the current ranking member on the Committee on the Judiciary, who has served in the Congress for close to 40 years.

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

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts. At this time I yield to another person who had the privilege to serve with Congressman Rodino on the Committee on the Judiciary, an outstanding attorney, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman).

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) for those kind words. I know his wife, Joy, will appreciate those words as she is watching this tonight in the comfort of her home with other members of her family. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers).

Mr. PAYNE. Let me thank the gentleman from Michigan for his institutional memory and to really bring alive those trying days when this Nation was on the brink of which way to go. We really appreciate his recounting history. He made it alive again. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the caucus Chair of the Democratic Party.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) for bringing history alive. As we have indicated before, I think this is a wonderful opportunity for America, and I hope that these tapes will be shown in law schools and around the country so students who will take the mantles of government and judiciary positions will know what a wonderful person this was. At this time I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), who also served on the Judiciary Committee with Chairman Rodino, who actually was a resident of New Jersey before moving to Massachusetts.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the minority whip for his participation. I am sure those words are of comfort to the family. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), the ranking member on the Committee on Ways and Means, a person who served with Congressman Rodino on the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on World Refugee Day, to pay tribute to the indomitable spirit and courage of the world's refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP's), as well as the brave people who help them rebuild their lives. I recognize the generosity of the United States and its assistance to refugees. However, the next year promises to be a unique opportunity for the return of refugees, and in order to seize this opportunity, we must increase our investment in long-term development to make refugee returns durable. I also urge the Bush Administration government to do more to protect current refugees, resolve the conflicts that produce refugees, and prevent future refugee crises. Among the most vulnerable groups of people in the world are those who are displaced, whether as a result of conflict, persecution or other human rights violations. Often losing everything but hope, refugees and IDP's are among the great survivors of our time. Initially, the fear that refugees and IDP's must overcome may be the immediate one of trying to escape the horrors of war and persecution, the pain of losing homes and loved ones, and the ordeal of flight. Refugees and IDP's deserve our respect--not just for enduring the dangers and violence of the crises that made them refugees--but also for the courage they show in rebuilding their lives and contributing to society in difficult or, unfamiliar circumstances. Albert Einstein, Victor Hugo, Congressman Tom Lantos, Thabo Mbeki, Marlene Dietrich, and Paul Rusesabagina (of Hotel Rwanda fame) were all refugees whose phenomenal achievements earned the world's respect. Today's refugees are also heroes and deserve no less than our respect. But giving our respect to refugees and IDP's--truly honoring their courage--requires much more than flattering rhetoric and pledges of solidarity. It requires us to look back at what the world has done well to assist refugees and IDP's. It also requires us to deepen our understanding of the perils and fears they continue to face. In addition, if we truly want to celebrate their courage, it means we must focus our attention on what still needs to be done to help them. People have fled persecution from the moment in history when they began forming communities. The tradition of offering asylum began at almost the same time. And when nations began to develop an international conscience in the early 20th century, efforts to help refugees also spread across the globe. In 1921, Fridtjof Nansen was appointed as the first refugee High Commissioner of the League of Nations, the forerunner of the United Nations. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) began as a small organization, with a three-year mandate to help resettle millions of European refugees who were still homeless in the aftermath of the Second World War. Since that time, the organization has continually expanded to meet the growing needs of refugees and other displaced people. In more than five decades, the agency has helped an estimated 50 million people restart their lives. Today, a staff of more than 6,000 people in more than 100 countries continues to help some 17 million persons in every corner of the world. Today I commend the outstanding, tireless work of the UNHCR. However, as a former high commissioner said, the fact that the world still finds a need for the UNHCR should serve as a sobering reminder of the international community's continuing failure to prevent prejudice, persecution, poverty and other root causes of conflict and displacement. In our tribute to the world's refugees, it is important not to forget the internally displaced persons, or IDP's. Last week, during his first few days as the 10th U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres reminded the world that millions of internally displaced people are not currently being cared for. The internal displacement problem is one of the biggest neglected humanitarian problems that we face. The abstract term ``internal displacement,'' created to distinguish IDP's from refugees, fails to convey the immense human suffering most internally displaced people are forced to undergo. The act of displacement itself often is accompanied by violence and the most serious human rights violations such as killings, torture, kidnappings and rape. IDP's are a very vulnerable category and most of them receive less assistance than refugees in camps. Whereas refugees have managed to cross borders to escape persecution, the internally displaced, for various reasons, are stuck within the same borders between which forces of violence and persecution continue to hunt them. The number of people ``of concern'' to UNHCR, including IDP's, grew last year by over 2 million to 19.2 million. The increase was mainly the result of a rise in the numbers of internally displaced people and stateless persons to 7.6 million--up from 5.3 million at the end of 2003. Of the world's approximately 25 million IDP's, 13 million are in Africa. Sudan has the largest IDP population in the word, with between 5 and 6 million displaced persons. Sudan also is the country with the largest number of newly displaced persons in 2004 (about 1 million, mostly in Darfur, where a total of 2 million IDP's survive on a day-to- day basis). Sudan is followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 2.3 million IDP's. In Colombia, Afro-Colombians continue to be caught in the crossfire between government troops and rebels. Afro- Colombians represent a disproportionate level of the country's IDP population of more than 2 million, which represents the world's third largest IDP population. Iraq and northern Uganda each have around 2 million IDP's. Despite the scale of the worldwide internal displacement crisis, its destabilizing effects on regional security, and the vulnerabilities of many internally displaced populations, the U.S. and other members of the international community have been slow in addressing the issue. Refugees, usually far more visible, continue to receive a great deal more international attention, although their number is only about half that of IDP's. The IDP problem is a humanitarian challenge, as well as a challenge to peace-building and post-conflict recovery. For example, it will be extremely difficult to rebuild Sudan with millions of persons uprooted and on the move. As we see in the massive displacement crises of Colombia and Somalia, the U.S. and the rest of the international community are far from being capable of effectively responding to or preventing such emergencies. Due to the chronic under- funding of aid agencies by donor governments, the IDP problem will not likely see progress towards a solution any time soon. Unless we change this shameful status quo. Today, I call on the Bush administration to take three specific steps to help the internally displaced. First, I call on the Bush administration to actively pressure countries that are using the global ``war on terror'' to justify brutal repression and the displacement of millions. In 2004, several governments continued or intensified anti- rebel military campaigns labeled ``counter-terrorist'' operations, which resulted in new internal displacements and prevented return, including in Chechnya (Russian Federation), Aceh (Indonesia), Colombia, northern Uganda and Nepal. Second, I call on the Bush administration to reexamine the effectiveness of U.S. bureaucratic structures that are intended to assist IDP's. Currently, the responsibility for assisting IDP's is shared between the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration and the U.S. Agency for International Development; however, this responsibility is poorly defined, suffers from lack of coherence, and is vulnerable to bureaucratic turf battles. Regarding IDP's, the relationship between PRM and USAID must be better defined in order to facilitate the creation of a more effective system to monitor and assist the internally displaced. Finally, I call upon the Bush administration to set up a fund specifically intended to assist IDP's. IDP's continue to fall through the cracks in our handling of crises. Establishing such a fund--to be administered by the appropriate government agency--would serve as a first step toward not treating IDP's as an afterthought. It would also serve as a model to the international community that would facilitate an improvement in how we address the sad phenomenon of internal displacement. In summary, let us not neglect IDP's, for their struggle is often just as dangerous as that of refugees, and their courage also merits a tribute today, a tribute that translates to humanitarian action. Today, the worldwide suffering of uprooted peoples continues. There are currently nearly 20 million refugees and other persons of concern to the UNHCR, the majority of whom are women and children. Afghans remain by far the biggest refugee group in the world at 2.1 million. In Sudan, the increase in refugees in 2004 accounted for the largest increase in the world. Sudan produced 125,000 new refugees, mostly people fleeing genocide in the Darfur region to neighboring Chad. The total number of Sudanese refugees world-wide rose to 731,000 in 2004, from 606,000 in 2003, an increase of 20 percent. Recent trends give some room for guarded optimism. On June 17, the UNHCR reported that the global number of refugees fell 4 percent in 2004 to 9.2 million, the lowest total in almost a quarter of a century. Repatriations are also up. In 2004, a total of 1.5 million refugees repatriated voluntarily, an increase of some 400,000 over the previous year. The 2004 returns include 940,000 refugees who went back to Afghanistan and 194,000 who returned to Iraq. In addition, over the past few years, successful repatriation operations in Africa and the countries of former Yugoslavia have reduced significantly the number of people of concern to the UNHCR. In Burma, recent developments are providing a basis on which to plan for the eventual return of refugees in Thailand. Across the globe, resettlement continues expanding through the practice of group resettlement. The UNHCR, with support from the U.S., has succeeded in helping several million people begin new lives. Despite the good news, though, numerous serious challenges remain. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the numbers of refugees increased by 2.4 percent, pushing the total number of Congolese refugees up to 462,000. In Northern Uganda the murderous Lord's Resistance Army continues to abduct thousands for use as soldiers and sex slaves. In Burundi, under pressure from Rwanda, the Burundi government recently announced that 10,000 Rwandan asylum seekers who had fled Rwanda since the beginning of April in fear of persecution over the 1994 genocide would not be granted asylum, despite not having been screened to see if they met the definition of a refugee. Already, at least 5,000 of the refugees have been returned to Rwanda, and because the UN was not granted access to the refugees, many fear they were forced to return. In Afghanistan, there is a need for more comprehensive solutions for Afghans still outside their country, and dialogue between the UNHCR and relevant governments and other stakeholders in the Afghanistan situation must continue. In addition, although a peace deal in January officially ended Sudan's north-south conflict, at least 7,500 people had fled into Uganda this year, and refugees and IDP's say that food distribution had stopped in camps inside Sudan. Because of its long history of displacement, and since Africa Refugee Day corresponds with World Refugee Day in many countries, Africa merits special attention in this examination of refugees and IDP's. Africa hosts approximately 3 million refugees, about 30 percent of the world's total. Africa also hosts 13 million IDP's, or more than half of the world's total IDP population. In Africa today, return and reintegration opportunities abound if we can get the politics of peace right. There are an unprecedented number of repatriation and reintegration operations currently underway--particularly in Burundi, Liberia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, and Somalia. In 2004, refugees from Liberia (100,000), Burundi (90,000), Angola (64,000), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (30,000) returned to their countries in large numbers and the UNHCR started a program intended to help an additional 340,000 Liberians repatriate. In March 2004, the UNHCR took an important step to act on the improved prospects for the return home of millions of long-time refugees in Africa. The UNHCR launched its Dialogue on Voluntary Repatriation and Substainable Reintegration in Africa. The Africa Dialogue calls on the international community to seize this unique opportunity for the return of up to 2 million refugees and several million displaced persons across the continent, and it stresses the need to invest in long-term development to make returns durable. Today, the Africa Dialogue continues to make progress; however, considerable challenges still lie ahead. Returns must be matched by post-conflict reconstruction and reintegration in order to break the cycle of violence and make repatriation sustainable. The populations of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia all await the outcome of political negotiations, and the U.S. and the UNHCR must lend their support to these peace efforts while assisting the victims of conflict. Of great concern, the genocide being perpetuated by the government of Sudan in that country's Darfur region has forced approximately 2 million Darfurians to become internally displaced. In addition, more than 200,000 Sudanese have fled Darfur and are now living in camps in neighboring Chad. For the UNHCR mission in eastern Chad, where 300 UNHCR staff assist a total of 213,000 refugees in 12 camps, the U.S. has given $18 million in 2005, or half of all donors' contributions. However, the UNHCR still lacks about $40 million to cover the 2005 needs-based budget. Across the border from the camps in eastern Chad, the situation in Darfur is more dire. In Darfur, the mismatch between humanitarian capacity and human need grows more deadly by the day. The UNHCR Darfur mission has a total of 25 staff. The U.S. has provided no money for UNHCR operations in Darfur in 2005, although half the year has already passed. There is now a disgraceful $30 million shortfall from what the UNHCR needs in Darfur for 2005. The lack of security is still a tremendous problem, partly due to an increase in small arms trafficking. Government-recruited and armed Arab militias, also known as Janjaweed, continue to target civilians, and in April, rape, kidnapping, and banditry increased. Aid workers are still at great risk of being targeted. Due to the conflict and failed harvests, the food situation is serious. More than 3.5 million IDP's are in critical need of food and are running dangerously short of water. The World Food Program does not have what it needs to feed persons of concern past July. Local Sudanese officials are pressuring some IDP's to return to their villages, despite the constant threat of government-supported Janjaweed militias and other armed groups. Although the presence of the AU force in Darfur promises some protection, it will never be sufficient. A country of concern that is often forgotten is Western Sahara, a swath of land in West Africa that lies along the Atlantic Ocean. In camps in Algeria, about 165,000 refugees from Western Sahara, a country that has been occupied illegally by Morocco since 1975, continue to live in ``deplorable conditions,'' according to a recent report from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The government of Morocco has promised the people of Western Sahara, the Sahrawi, a vote to determine their own future. However, more than a decade later, that vote has yet to occur, and Morocco continues to disregard international law. No progress has been made in UN efforts to find a solution to the dispute between Morocco and the Sahrawis. The U.S. must put pressure on Morocco, not only to end the exile and suffering of Sahrawi refugees, but also to allow a free, fair and transparent referendum to determine the country's future and prevent the creation of more refugees. Another source of concern is Tanzania. A generous host of refugees over the last 30 years, Tanzania continues to host Africa's largest number of refugees. However, recently, a troubling policy shift seems to have emerged, reflecting an increasingly harsh stance towards refugees. Local and national politicians are feeling increasing pressure from their constituencies due to the perception that refugees receive more attention and assistance than local communities and have in some cases publicly blamed them for crime and the spread of disease. In 2004, the government frequently did not provide protection against refoulement, the return of persons to a country where they feared persecution; on a number of occasions, the government refouled refugees and refused persons seeking asylum or refugee status. In addition, the government at times did not cooperate with the UNHCR during 2004. Although repatriations of Burundian refugees living in Tanzania continues, the U.S. and the international community must engage Tanzania regularly to ensure that the country does not turn its back on those in need, and on decades of humanitarian tradition. At the least, we must listen to Tanzania's concerns and explore options to provide more support to what has traditionally been the most hospitable country in Africa for refugees. The best solution for refugees is voluntary repatriation, or going back to one's original homeland once all the key conditions are in place. However, for some people who fled their homes amid conflict and widespread human rights abuses, returning is still a distant prospect. For this reason, finding creative solutions for meeting the needs of refugees and the local populations that host them is critical. One example is the Zambian Initiative, a government-led ``Development through Local Integration Project'' established in 2002. The Zambian Initiative has promoted a holistic approach in addressing the needs of refugees and Zambians living in refugee hosting areas in the Western Province of Zambia. By facilitating cooperation between the host communities and the refugees, the UNHCR and the Zambian government have enabled the production of food and housing, thus alleviating the effects of a food deficit, poor infrastructure and limited access to services and economic opportunities. The presence of refugees can stretch local resources and infrastructure and exacerbate poverty. However, in Zambia, local development committees involve the local populations and refugees by identifying needs and projects in areas such as health and education. While voluntary repatriation of Angolan refugees continues, the Zambian Initiative has created a sense of ownership while pursuing durable solutions for refugees through local integration. We must commend and encourage this type of innovative approach to refugees and the pressure their presence can place on local populations. Let us use World Refugee Day to call for more such innovation, so that refugees will not be trapped in the same sad status quo. The donor response to the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004 was admirable and generated unprecedented world-record contributions, thanks in part to the dramatic nature of the tsunami, its effects on numerous countries, and its timing, the day after Christmas. However, other humanitarian catastrophes, especially the needs of refugees and IDP's in Africa, remain virtually ignored. As UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Egeland has pointed out, in many ways, Africa has a silent tsunami several times each year. If you look at the numbers in Sudan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you see that the impact of conflict on refugees and IDP's is equivalent to a tsunami every few months. Today, we have an opportunity to honor the courage of refugees and IDP's by recognizing the magnitude of their suffering, but to do this we must act out of the same compassion that drove us to alleviate the suffering of the tsunami victims. The UNHCR is working hard to resolve many of the protracted situations around the world. But it is a labor and resource-intensive endeavor, requiring sustained international attention and continuing donor support, including support from the United States. The same is true of UNHCR's advocacy efforts and its work to ensure a smooth transition from repatriation to reintegration, rehabilitation and reconstruction so that refugees can go home and stay home. The results show that an investment in solutions is a good investment indeed. The U.S. has shown great hospitality and generosity in hosting and assisting refugees and other displaced people. In 2004, the U.S. welcomed 52,000 refugees from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. In absolute terms, the U.S. continues to be the leading donor to UNHCR and for humanitarian assistance to refugees world-wide. However, as a proportion of national wealth, the U.S. contribution to refugees and IDP's lags far behind most western countries. The persistent failure of donor government, including the U.S., to provide funding for relief efforts is the most critical flaw in the humanitarian aid process today. The UN Consolidated Appeal (CAP) is a collaborative assessment of the minimal financial commitment necessary to provide essential emergency assistance in humanitarian crises. Despite the CAP, all assistance programming is under-funded by almost 35 percent every year, leaving tens of millions of men, women, and children around the world to suffer needlessly. The recurring shortfall in financial assistance is not the only thing hindering our response to the refugee and IDP crises of the world. In the last five years, global food aid has dropped by nearly 50 percent, despite an 8 percent increase in the number of chronically hungry people in the world. In addition, funding delays continue to jeopardize the progress of emergency relief for refugees and IDP's. In Somalia in recent years for example, nearly 50 percent of all funds received for emergency assistance arrived in the last quarter of the year. And currently, reportedly due to bureaucratic delay, the U.S. has still not contributed any funds to the UNHCR operation in Darfur, although we are already in the second half of 2005. The U.S. must act as a leader to address the persistent and damaging delays in funding for refugees and IDP's. If the U.S. wants to reform the UN and render the international donor community more effective, this is a good place to start. Therefore, I call on the Bush administration and other members of the international community to increase financial commitments to humanitarian appeals for refugees and IDP's. At the least, the international community should pledge to provide 75 percent of the aid requested in the CAP pledge in order to ensure that the most critical emergency relief programs remain funded. Many prosperous countries with strong economies complain about the large number of asylum seekers and refugees, but they offer little to prevent refugee crises. Humanitarian action is of limited value if it does not form part of a wider strategic and political framework aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict. Experience has shown time and time again that humanitarian action alone cannot solve problems which are fundamentally political in nature. Yet all too often, humanitarian organizations like the UNHCR have found themselves isolated and alone in dangerous and difficult situations (such as Darfur), where they have had to operate without adequate financial and political support. Therefore, we must invest in lasting solutions: conflict prevention, return, and reintegration. We must support the UNHCR's efforts to ensure international protection and assistance to refugees and IDP's through a range of solutions, including improved management of operations. We must not demonstrate a lack of political commitment to solving refugee problems during the post-conflict phase, when the spotlight of the international media has moved away. We must more fully recognize the link between human displacement and international peace and security. History has shown that displacement is not only a consequence of conflicts; it can also cause conflict. Without human security, there can be no peace and stability. The U.S. must recognize the link between refugees and IDP's, on the one hand, and stability and the seeds of democracy on the other. If we are to honor the courage of refugees and IDP's today, we must come together with the UNHCR, nongovernmental organizations, and other donor governments to actively pursue durable solutions. If we fail to do so, refugees and IDP's will remain in their miserable conditions-- surviving on a handful of maize each day, living in immense boredom under windblown tents, and clinging to their hope amid memories of atrocities. On World Refugee Day and every other day, let us show the refugees and IDP's that we are with them. Having endured conflict, rape, abduction, trafficking, chronic hunger, squalor, and other unspeakable suffering, the courage of refugees and IDP's has been tested beyond what we can imagine. However, despite their courage, they remain vulnerable to the loss of hope. If we will allow them to lose hope, we allow them to lose courage. In our tribute to their indomitable courage, we must pledge never to let that happen. We must pledge to help them rebuild their lives today, to commit ourselves to long-term solutions, and to prevent the nightmare from reoccurring tomorrow.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to offer heartfelt congratulations to Monsignor Joseph J. Granato as he celebrates 50 years in the priesthood. Father Joe, as he is affectionately known was ordained on June 4, 1955, at St. Lucy's Parish in Newark, New Jersey. As a youngster in his First Ward neighborhood of Newark, Father Joe embraced the Catholic traditions that were intricately woven into the lives of his family and friends. His Catholic school education began at Sacred Heart Cathedral Grammar School and included Our Lady of Good Counsel High School and Seton Hall University. He attended Darlington Seminary where he studied diligently and paid close attention to his prayers of obligation. Although Father Joe yearned for his mom's cooking and the camaraderie of his old neighborhood while in the Seminary, he was appreciative of the jovial exchanges he shared with his fellow seminarians. Father Joe's religious assignment to St. Lucy's Parish has been a true blessing to him and his congregation. In addition to being close to his own home, Father Joe flourished under the guidance of Father Ruggiero until his death in 1966. Father Joe took responsibility for the CYO, Drum Corps, Children of Mary, Altar Boys, sick calls, First Friday calls and confessions. He was subsequently appointed Administrator in 1971 and in 1977; he was assigned by Archbishop Peter Gerety as the Pastor of his beloved St. Lucy's. On July 16, 1979, Father Joseph J. Granato was awarded the honor of being named Monsignor by His Holiness, John Paul II, which the humble Father Joe attributed to the virtue of the people of St. Lucy's rather than himself. Father Joe has worked hard to transform the neighborhood around St. Lucy's. His leadership along with the cooperation of the city, state and federal government has resulted in the removal of the old abandoned high-rise apartments which have been replaced with new beautiful townhouses. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Granato has served his church and the community well over the past 50 years. He has received several awards including the first Msgr. Joseph Granato Italian Culture Award from Seton Hall University and an induction into the Our Lady of Good Counsel Hall of Fame. St. Lucy's Parish is thriving under his guidance and leadership. I know my colleagues join me in wishing Father Joe a very happy 50th anniversary.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to acknowledge the Monumental Baptist Church of Jersey City, New Jersey as it celebrates its 105th anniversary. Established in 1900, Monumental was incorporated in 1904 and has been serving the needs of its congregation and the community continuously. Throughout the illustrious history of Monumental Baptist Church, effective leadership has been at the core of all the accomplishments the church has had. Beginning with Pastor William Edwards and continuing with Pastors Garlick, Smith, Fitzgerald, Webb, Ashley and the current pastor, Reverend Joseph L. Jones, Sr., Monumental has made many enhancements over the years. In addition to its leadership, the success of all of Monumental's initiatives can be attributed to the faith, hope, commitment and prayers of the loving membership that fill the pews of this landmark facility. In fact, Monumental Baptist Church is blessed to have 55 members who have fifty or more years of continuous membership. Clearly, that statistic is representative of the marvelous activities taking place at the church. Recently, Monumental Baptist Church was officially approved as a 501(c)(3) religious organization. The church's finances have improved over the years enabling the on-going renovations and upgrades to church owned properties. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Monumental Baptist Church and the surrounding community have every right to be pleased with the lasting contributions that the church has made to the residents of Jersey City. I am pleased to congratulate Monumental Baptist Church on its 105th anniversary.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honor an extraordinary public servant, Earl Phillips, as he says farewell to the Peace Corps and embarks on a new life journey. Mr. Phillips has diligently served as the Country Director for the United States Peace Corps for the Eastern Caribbean for 6 years. However, his lifetime achievements do not stop there. Ranging from community revitalization to capacity building, Mr. Phillips' incredible generosity has touched many lives. As his wife, 5 children and 7 grandchildren can attest, he has dedicated his life to the betterment of others. So much so, that even after raising his children, he and his wife Victoria decided to join the Peace Corps and served as volunteers in Ghana, West Africa from 1996-1998. While at that post, Mr. Phillips played a significant role in the planning of President Bill Clinton and the First Lady's trip to Ghana--the first leg on their historic tour of the African continent. He also has incredible ties not only to the great State of New Jersey but also my Congressional District. As a resident of Newark, he excelled as an athlete at South Side High School. After attending Howard University and serving in the military, he returned to our hometown where in 1970, he became President of the Urban League. From 1972-1973, he served as the Director of the High Impact Anti-Crime Commission. During his tenure, he designed and supervised a national program that reduced street crime by 20%. Upon leaving the anti-crime commission, he worked, for 5 years, as the Director of the Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RHA), also in Newark. He later went on to serve as the Executive Director of 4 additional housing authorities in large metropolitan cities. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring Mr. Earl Phillips, as he leaves the United States Peace Corps, and in expressing appreciation to him and his wonderful wife Victoria for their service to our Nation. During his time in the Peace Corps, he served as an outstanding spokesman and goodwill ambassador for his country. Beyond the Peace Corps, his life achievements speak volumes about his generosity and dedication to a cause bigger than himself. I am proud to have him as a dear friend and wish him never-ending success in his future endeavors.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in honor of Mother Odessa Bonner who received the Life Time Achievement Award on June 5, 2005 at the Saint Paul's Calvary United Church of God's Joint Usher Board's 36th Annual Day. Mother Bonner has been a dedicated member of Saint Paul's Calvary United Church of God's Usher Board for over 30 years. Her willingness to lend a helping hand has made it easy for the Usher Board to declare her 2005's Usher of the Year. She has devoted herself to assisting those in need through her outreach work at community food banks, various shelters and soup kitchens throughout Union and Essex counties. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues here in the US House of Representatives to join me in honoring Mother Odessa Bonner as she accepts the Life Time Achievement Award as Usher of the Year. I am proud to have had her in my Congressional district and wish her never- ending success in her future endeavors.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to one of this country's great civil rights leaders, Rev. John H. Scott. On May 7, I had the opportunity to attend a tribute to Rev. Scott, honoring the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the John H. Scott Memorial Fund in Tallulah, Louisiana. This living memorial was started at the request of Rev. Scott at the end of his life, and now provides scholarships to young people, as well as supporting other projects that advance the aims and ideals of the Reverend's life. Rev. Scott was a minister and a civil rights leader who was devoted to improving the quality of life for African-Americans in this country. He was born in 1901, in a small, almost all-black parish in Louisiana, where black schools, businesses, and neighborhoods were thriving, but existed in almost total isolation from their white neighbors. He came to see that this seeming independence was not commensurate with equality, and he dedicated his life to the pursuit of that equality for all people, of all color, in all places. He was a farmer, as well as a pastor for twenty-five years, president of the local NAACP for thirty-three years, and chairman of the East Carroll Ministerial Alliance for five, while still finding time to make regular visits to hospitals, senior citizens' homes, and prisons. His twenty-five year struggle for full voting rights for African-Americans is an exemplar of how individual people can indeed change the world. Armed with a passion for justice and ready to fight no matter what the cost, his local, grassroots efforts became a national movement that ultimately convinced Attorney General Robert Kennedy to join his crusade for equality for all. Despite growing up under the oppressive injustice of Jim Crow laws, and knowing the risks it presented to his own life and the lives of his friends, neighbors, and family members, he was unfaltering in his quest for progress. His book, Witness to the Truth, which was compiled by his daughter, Cleo Scott Brown, is a collection of his writings and transcripts of his interviews; and I recommend it to all who wish to know more about the history of race relations in this country. We must understand the truth about our past struggles if we are ultimately to see success, because, in the words of Rev. Scott, ``So much of what we will become depends on how we start.'' And Rev. Scott helped us start well. His life is a testament to the tenacity and courage that daily fortified our civil rights leaders and sustained them in their struggle to ensure human rights for every person, regardless of race, gender, or economic circumstance. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Rev. John H. Scott, and I acknowledge my own indebtedness here today. He once wrote, ``History is of little value unless it inspires one to greater endeavors, or serves to guide against the mistakes of the past.'' As the first African- American elected to this great body from my State, I know that I have been inspired to greater endeavors by people like Rev. Scott, whose lives paved the way for my accomplishments. I'd also like to thank Dr. Elsie Scott for bringing this extraordinary Foundation to my attention and to commend the other Scott family members including Jewel Scott, Johnita Scott, and Louis G. Scott. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to honor the memory of Rev. John H. Scott, and I know that all of my colleagues here join me in paying tribute to this man of uncommon distinction who history will remember as a great warrior in the struggle for civil rights.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, as a cosponsor of the Woolsey amendment calling on the President to develop and implement a plan to begin the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and to take other steps to provide the Iraqi people with the opportunity to control their internal affairs, I rise in support of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, although I strongly opposed the preemptive war in Iraq, which the administration promoted based on false information and which has resulted in tragic loss of American and Iraqi lives, I would have supported as many troops as necessary in Afghanistan where our enemy, Osama bin Laden, was. I do not believe that it would be fair to abandon the Iraqi people at this juncture. So, therefore, we should look towards having the United Nations create an international peacekeeping force to keep Iraq secure. I would also like to take this opportunity, though, to commend a group of activists in my congressional district who are lending their voices to the important debate about our future in Iraq. South Mountain Peace Action, representing residents of Maplewood and South Orange, New Jersey, are strongly committed to seeking an international solution, led by the United Nations, and a rapid return of U.S. soldiers. Nearly 80 percent of Maplewood and South Orange voters and 52 percent of New Jersey voters voiced their agreement that President Bush's war in Iraq is the wrong war at the wrong time in the wrong place. The war has already exacted a heavy price. More than 1,600 American lives have been lost and over 10,000 servicemen and women have been wounded. More than 100,000 Iraqi civilians have lost their lives, and $210 billion have been spent. I urge support of the Woolsey amendment.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my uncle, John Garrett, Jr. and I ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to this outstanding American patriot. John Garrett, Jr. was a Staff Sergeant and platoon leader of the 229th Port Company attached to the 1st Engineer Specialist Brigade of the 1st Army and on June 6th, 1944, his contingent of 75 men was responsible for transporting ammunition to the landing Allied Forces. He was extremely proud of his service in the Army during WWII; however, he was disheartened that the role of African American soldiers who helped lead our country to victory was not accurately depicted in history. Their names were not mentioned, their achievements were not celebrated, and their sacrifices were not honored. He considered it his mission to correct the historical omissions of the role of African American soldiers, and he developed a comprehensive collection of historical information, including visual displays and artifacts that he used during lectures to community groups and to the many schools where he was invited to speak. He would speak about the contributions of African Americans in battle that history did not record. He told about the Tuskegee Airmen, the Red Ball Express, and the lesser-known Fighting 369th--a group of African Americans, largely from New York City, who valiantly chose to fight for a country that gave them only minimal civil rights and would not even allow them to carry arms or participate in battle. But this band of patriots would not be deterred, and eventually fought as Americans for our ally, the French. They were so fierce in battle, in fact, that the enemy called them ``The Hell-Fighters,'' and they would later come to be known as The Harlem Hell-Fighters. He was tenacious in his attempts to have the recognition due African American soldiers afforded them, and was the catalyst for the movement that eventually led President Clinton to recognize those soldiers; as a result, a number of African American soldiers who had been overlooked for the Purple Heart were later awarded that medal in recognition of their service in WWII. Purple Hearts were not the only awards withheld from African American soldiers. President Eisenhower, when presenting Letters of Commendation, chose to send Letters to white soldiers only. My Uncle John was directly responsible for President Clinton's decision to award Letters of Commendation to those African American soldiers who participated in the D-Day Invasion and whose service had gone unmentioned and unrecognized for decades. One of my uncle's most treasured experiences, capping off his life's work, was visiting Washington last Memorial Day weekend for the official dedication of the long-awaited World War II Memorial. As a veteran of the war, he and his wonderful wife Ruth, who were married over 60 years, were able to view the moving ceremony from special seats and also mingled with the crowds, enjoying great camaraderie with other World War II veterans gathered together for this historic occasion. John Garrett, Jr. lived life to the fullest. When he and his wife attended my Annual Congressional Ball in March, they danced the night away, outlasting most of the others on the dance floor. He also made a point of traveling to Washington every fall to participate in the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. Mr. Speaker, let us honor John Garrett, Jr. for his patriotism and his service to our country. He was tireless in his fight to ensure that all our soldiers received the honor that was due them. He was a role model for our community, enlightening thousands of school children with the true story of the role African Americans played in our Nation's history, and instilling in them pride for the legacy of their ancestors. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Ruth, his son Kenny and his granddaughter, Cindy.

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 congratulating Mr. Maurizio Izzi of Rome, Italy, and in welcoming him as he becomes a fellow American citizen. On May 11, 2005, Mr. Izzi will take the oath of allegiance at Faneuil Hall in Boston. On Saturday, May 14, family and friends will gather to celebrate this milestone in Mr. Izzi's life. Mr. Izzi follows in the tradition of his great aunt, Maria Valente, who became a citizen in 1961 and now resides in Arlington, Massachusetts. In the year 2000, Mr. Izzi took his first job in the United States at the Empire State Building as a Configuration Management Consultant. On May 20, 2000, he married his lovely and charming wife, the former April Peloquin. They now reside in Hopedale, Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, we are all fortunate to live in this land of opportunity, and Mr. Izzi embodies the qualities that have made our nation great: a spirit of perseverance, industriousness, devotion to family and love of country. It is a pleasure to welcome him as a fellow American citizen.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, earlier today before returning to Washington, I had the privilege of participating in a remarkable and inspiring event organized by the owners of Hobby's Delicatessen and Restaurant, a proud Newark institution for the past ninety-five years. In a spirit of generosity and patriotism, Michael and Marc Brummer, co-owners of this family-owned and operated establishment, have organized a campaign known as ``Operation Salami Drop'' to provide a culinary piece of home to our troops in Iraq specifically the 42nd Infantry ``Rainbow'' Division based in Tikrit. Initially, Michael sent a care package of hard salami and black and white cookies to his former college roommate, Captain Michael Rothman, who is currently serving our country in Iraq. Upon hearing how well the package was received by Captain Rothman and his fellow soldiers, the Brummer brothers decided to send salami to the entire 42nd Infantry Division stating, ``We had been looking for something we could do for our troops and this was a perfect fit.'' Having patronized Hobby's for many years, I can attest to the fact that this show of community spirit is in keeping with the reputation of this wonderful institution that has served generations of New Jerseyans, New Yorkers and connoisseurs of the deli world. As a young executive at Prudential, I would converse with the older Mr. Brummer, who would engage his customers in lively conversation. When other businesses moved to the suburbs, Hobby's remained a part of our neighborhood, faithfully serving their loyal customers. The business has been owned by Samuel Brummer since 1962, and his sons joined him in the late 1980's. Sam's lovely wife Ronni handles accounts receivables, and his hardworking 94-year-old mother-in-law Helen still handles the bills. The Newark community has rallied around our troops by participating in ``Operation Salami Drop''. For ten dollars, customers can buy a salami and deli mustard to send to a solider in the 42nd. Customers also have a chance to write a note to the soldier receiving the package, adding a nice personal touch. The Newark Branch of the United States Postal Service also became involved by providing boxes and assisting in the shipping process. ``It doesn't matter how you feel about the war,'' Marc Brummer said. ``This is a chance to show the troops that you care about them.'' Today Hobby's hosted the ``Departure Ceremony,'' shipping the first two tons of salamis to Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring Hobby's Delicatessen and expressing our gratitude for the contribution they have made to our troops overseas.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an outstanding State Department professional, Lawrence Dunham, as he retires after three decades of dedicated government service. Mr. Dunham served as Assistant Chief of Protocol for Diplomatic Affairs at the State Department and also assumed the position of Acting Chief of Protocol when he was designated to manage the transition from the Clinton to the Bush administration. He is well-respected by Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle for his expertise, organizational ability, and exceptional diplomatic skills. During his distinguished career, Larry--as he is known by his friends--managed relations with foreign embassies in Washington and consulates throughout the United States, handling issues of accreditation, privileges and immunities under international law. As a senior career officer in the bureau, he resolved sensitive cases involving diplomatic immunity, recognition of foreign officials, and establishing and breaking relations. He also organized participation of foreign government representatives in major national events, leading a team which arranged for more than 80 delegations from abroad and 180 ambassadors representing foreign governments to attend the State Funeral of former President Reagan. Mr. Dunham represented the State Department on television and radio broadcasts, in meetings with Congressional staff, journalists, and as an expert witness. He served as a speaker to groups including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Association of Secretaries of State, Smithsonian Associates, spouses of new foreign ambassadors, and consular corps throughout the United States. Among the awards he received were the Superior Honor Award for outstanding service in upholding international legal principles; Meritorious Honor Awards for initiative and leadership in monetary conservation and improvement in efficiency, and for outstanding managerial skills in restructuring work and improving service; the Secretary's Certificate of Recognition; the Commanders' Cross, Austria; and the Order of Queen Isabella, Spain. A graduate of George Mason University School of Law, Mr. Dunham and his lovely wife Deborah reside in Annandale, Virginia. He is being honored on Friday, April 22, 2005 at an event at the DACOR-Bacon House in Washington, D.C. which will be attended by a number of ambassadors representing nations which he has assisted during his career. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Larry Dunham on his retirement and in expressing our appreciation for his many years of exemplary service to our Nation.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to acknowledge the Sacred Heart Parish of Jersey City, New Jersey on the celebration of its 100th anniversary. Sacred Heart's role in serving the community began before the parish was approved and continues to this day with the St. Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen. The Parish consists of a campus of buildings that include the Dominican Priory, the Church, the School and the Parish Hall. While those buildings define the physical presence of the parish in the neighborhood and Jersey City community, the most important and lasting features of the parish are the people of Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart Parish was approved by Bishop O'Connor on February 14, 1905. The Church building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram who was guided in the Dominican tradition by Father McNicholas, O.P. and Spanish Gothic was the basis for the church design. The long history of Sacred Heart School is a story of deeply rooted faith, passionate work and a belief that the spirit inspires all undertakings. It encompasses the response of a parish, the Sisters of Charity, dedicated teachers and volunteers. It is a story of children educated in knowledge and values. And, it is a story of a good seed planted and sown and brought to fruition. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that the Parish of Sacred Heart and the surrounding community have every right to be proud of the lasting contributions that Sacred Heart has made to the residents of Jersey City. I am pleased to congratulate Sacred Heart on its first 100 years.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize a valued institution in my Congressional district. For the past ninety years, the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson has been dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls as well as the elimination of racism. Founded at a time when women suffered through inhospitable working and living conditions, the YWCA of the USA was founded, in 1858, in order to fight for gender parity. The early pioneers of the organization realized that they could overcome racial and gender discrimination by banding together to form strong alliances of determined women. Since 1914, the Essex and West Hudson affiliate of the YWCA has provided the highest quality in health and fitness, recreation, education, child development and social services programming. Over nine decades, it has evolved from offering camping activities to providing childhood development classes to pregnant and parenting teens. Currently, the Essex and West Hudson affiliate serves nearly 200 children in its after-school programs, over 500 children in its summer camps and over 200 birth through 5 year-olds in its early childhood education programs. In commemoration of 90 years of service, on May 19, 2005, the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson will celebrate the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art building. This facility will house amenities such as a computer learning center and an Aquatics & Fitness Complex. I salute the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson as they ``celebrate nine decades of excellence'' for their dedication to women, girls and the community at-large. I am proud to have this organization in my district and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in memory of Antoinette Denise Williams-McCeary who was a life long resident of my Congressional district. Mrs. Williams-McCeary, lovingly known by friends and family as ``Toni'', was the third of 10 children and a mother of one. In 1982, she began work in the financial services field. Unfortunately, that career came to an abrupt halt after developing pulmonary sarcoidosis, a multi-system disorder that currently has no cure. Yet as the saying goes, ``when one door closes another one opens''. Instead of resigning in defeat, she became a champion of the less fortunate through volunteer work. She served as coordinator of the Self Help and Resource Exchange (SHARE), a program that is engaged in self-help food distribution systems, economic development, community service and educational programs. Mrs. Williams-McCeary also gave of herself by feeding neighborhood children and assisting her church in various capacities. Ms. Williams-McCeary passed away on April 9, 2000. Her family created the Antoinette Denise Williams-McCeary Foundation in order to carry on her legacy of giving. The organization's primary focus is to provide financial assistance to the National Sarcoidosis Resource Center which conducts research in hopes of finding a cure. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring Antoinette Denise Williams- McCeary, who in life and death continues to help others in need. I am proud to have had her in my Congressional district and wish her foundation never-ending success in its future endeavors.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. John Petillo on his inauguration as the third president of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. UMDNJ has been a vital resource for the people of New Jersey for more than 30 years. Comprised of eight schools on five campuses, a behavioral health network, and Newark's University Hospital, UMDNJ provides world-class education to practicing and future healthcare professionals and scientists, including physicians, dentists, researchers, nurses, and scores of allied and public health professionals. With more than 13,000 employees, UMDNJ is the eighth largest employer in New Jersey. There are nearly 19,000 UMDNJ alumni, the overwhelming majority remains in New Jersey. It is estimated that the University's health care and educational programs touch the lives of two million persons yearly. Dr. Petillo brings many strengths and talents to this important appointment. He has enjoyed an extensive career in the corporate, nonprofit, academic and theological fields. He has served as the chief executive officer for several national corporations, chancellor for Seton Hall University, and as a member of the board for many nonprofit foundations. More recently, Dr. Petillo served as the first president and chief executive officer of the Newark Alliance, a nonprofit organization composed of representatives from private and civic groups whose shared goals is to improve the educational opportunities and economic redevelopment in Newark. Prior to joining the Newark Alliance, Dr. Petillo was chief executive officer at Tribus Companies, Care Advantage, Inc., and Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. As president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Dr. Petillo was influential in eliminating the reserve deficit and replacing it with a reserve surplus. During his tenure he advocated legislation requiring all health insurance carriers to underwrite individual policies regardless of medical histories. In addition to serving leadership roles with corporate organizations, Dr. Petillo has also served as chancellor of Seton Hall University and the Archdiocese of Newark. While chancellor and chief executive officer at Seton Hall, Dr. Petillo was credited with completing the first development campaign in the institution's history and significantly increasing the residential student capacity. He also succeeded in achieving competitive salaries for the full time faculty, expanded institutional research, and with faculty consensus and monitoring instituted merit compensation. In June 2003, Dr. Petillo was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey by Governor James E. McGreevey. In June 2004, Dr. Petillo assumed the responsibilities of Interim President of UMDNJ. The Board of Trustees named Dr. Petillo University President on November 16th, 2004. Dr. Petillo has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Personnel Services from Fordham University, an M.A. in Counseling from Seton Hall University and an M.P.A. from Rutgers University. Under Dr. Petillo's stewardship UMDNJ is embarking on a new chapter in its history--proud of its accomplishments and focused on its future as a leader in health sciences research, education, and healthcare. UMDNJ and the State of New Jersey are fortunate to have the benefit of Dr. Petillo's leadership. I look forward to many more accomplishments made possible through the University's considerable intellectual capacity and fulfillment of its community service mission.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to those who would commemorate Earth Day 2005 by pledging our efforts to ensure that our childrens children may enjoy the same Earth we celebrate today. And it is those children who will pay the price if we do not. Children are usually at greatest risk of suffering environment- related health problems, with race and poverty playing a disproportionate role, especially minority children from families living below the poverty line, according to EPA reports. Concern that minority populations and low-income populations bear a disproportionate amount of those adverse health and environmental effects led President Clinton to issue Executive Order 12898 in 1994, in order to focus Federal agency attention on these issues, leading to the establishment of the office of Environmental Justice Strategy at the EPA. The EPA defines Environmental Justice as the ``fair treatment for people of all races, cultures, and incomes, regarding the development of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.'' This has long been a concern of the environmental community, especially among minority and low-income communities who have come together to organize and fight for equal protection under the law. The environmental justice movement really got its start in Warren County, North Carolina where a PCB landfill ignited protests and resulted in more than 500 arrests. These protests prompted a U.S. General Accounting Office study, Siting of Hazardous Waste Landfills and Their Correlation with Racial and Economic Status of Surrounding Communities, which found that three out of four of the off-site, commercial hazardous waste landfills in Region 4 (comprising eight States in the South) happened to be located in predominantly African- American communities, although African-Americans made up only 20 percent of the region's population. More important, the protesters put ``environmental racism'' on the map. Since that time, attention to the impact of environmental pollution on particular segments of our society has been steadily growing in the form of the Environmental Justice Movement. This movement contends that poor and minority populations are burdened with more than their share of toxic waste, pesticide runoff and other hazardous byproducts of our modern economic life. The EPA's Office of Environmental Justice Strategy was created to address these issues, but thus far has done little to improve the situation for minority and low-income communities. In fact, an EPA Evaluation Report released last year found that 10 years after its issuance, the EPA ``has not fully implemented Executive Order 12898 nor consistently integrated environmental justice into its day-to-day operations. EPA has not identified minority and low-income, nor identified populations addressed in the Executive Order, and has neither defined nor developed criteria for determining disproportionately impacted.'' It goes on to say that when the Agency restated its commitment to environmental justice in 2001, they did not emphasize minority and low-income populations, which was the intent of the Executive Order. The report found that even after 10 years after its implementation, the EPA had not developed ``a clear vision or a comprehensive strategic plan, and has not established values, goals, expectations, and performance measurements.'' We must continue to bring attention to the documented environmental health disparities suffered by low-income and minority communities throughout the country, raising awareness so that together we might seek solutions. I call upon the Office of Environmental Justice Strategy to make this issue a priority as it was designed to do more than 10 years ago. This is a very real threat for my constituents. The EPA has announced that the entire State of New Jersey is officially designated as out of compliance with the agency's health-based standard for ozone. The entire State is out of attainment for smog, and all counties that are monitored for soot levels are also out of attainment. Studies have shown that New Jersey's air pollution levels cause 2,000 premature deaths every year. At this rate, pollution ranks as the 3rd most serious public health threat in my State. Only smoking and obesity kill more New Jerseyans each year. In addition, child asthma rates are on the rise--especially in our cities--and the threat of mercury pollution puts all of us at risk, but most especially infants, children, and pregnant women. The Bush Administration's efforts to weaken protections established under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts have compromised the long fought-for protections we have won since the Inaugural Earth Day back in 1970. We must stand firm in our objections to environmental policy that favors industry at the expense of nature and public health, and we must oppose irresponsible legislation, such as Clear Skies, that claim to protect the environment even while it is attempting to degrade it. As we celebrate Earth Day, I hope that all of us can pledge to do more than just talk about these issues and to commit to act in support of those things which we speak about so passionately today. We must dedicate ourselves to full enforcement of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. We must rid our lakes, rivers, and streams of dangerous mercury pollution to ensure the safety of all Americans. We must oppose any more delays and restore full funding to the clean-up of toxic waste sites that threaten the health and safety of our Nations children. We must take seriously the threat of pollution to public health and act to alleviate the suffering of the urban minority and low-income populations, as well as the 5 million American children who now suffer from asthma. These are big goals, but the stakes could not be higher. We must protect our precious natural resources and the health and safety of all Americans, especially urban, minority, and low-income populations who bear the brunt of our failure to do so.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 256 because the bill does not protect disabled veterans from creditors.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ernest W. Aschermann on the occasion of his 85th birthday. Mr. Aschermann, who was born of German immigrant parents who passed through Ellis Island at the turn of the century, turns 85 on April 18th. We honor Mr. Aschermann for having been a great football star at Ossining High School in Ossining, New York, earning him a full scholarship to Syracuse University. Upon graduation, Aschermann returned to his alma mater to teach, coach, and be a mentor to many over 37 years. Aschermann still holds the distinction for having the only undefeated baseball team in Ossining history. He was the husband of Vivian Bernice Ottaviano and the father to Ernest and Kurt. At a celebration in Ossining on April 9th, over 40 family members will travel from across the country to celebrate this great American's birthday. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Mr. Aschermann as he achieves this momentous milestone, and I invite my colleagues to join me in extending our most sincere best wishes for many more to come.