Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) for allowing me to have this unanimous consent and let me commend the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus for having this special order dealing with some of the very trying problems of our time. In this new millennium, we will face many hurdles and we are going to hear the first the State of the Union address tonight. But today I would like to rise this afternoon to discuss the true state of the Union as it is, not as we would like it to be. We have our true land and then there is wonderland. And it is great in wonderland because all things are nice and we have the road that leads to all good things. However, the true state of the Nation is more grim. It is time to face reality. There are too many people in our Nation who are still struggling. They are not enjoying the benefits that have been awarded to the more privileged among us. While the White House tries to put the best face on the economy, the fact is that we have lost about 2.5 million jobs in the last 2 years. Long-term unemployment is at a 20- year high. While the wealthiest Americans enjoy the benefits of tax cuts, which was tilted their way, millions of Americans continue to live paycheck to paycheck, although the unemployment rate has dropped .1 percent. There are more people unemployed this month than were last month because thousands and thousands have dropped out of the hunt for a job because of the long-term unemployment. And they have just given up, they have fallen out. So the unemployment rate is not even a true reflection of what is going on. The response of the Bush administration to this inequity is to make lopsided tax cuts permanent. Our friends across the aisle who used to rail against budget deficits only a few years ago are now willing to overlook the largest, most alarming budget deficit in the history of this great Nation. Under former-President Clinton's budget policies, we amassed a healthy budget surplus, which has now been totally squandered. We used to talk about mortgaging our children's futures. We do not hear that anymore. What this means is that resources that can be channeled into positive action to address such key problems as jobs, health care, education, housing are no longer available. They have been drained by the irresponsible tax cuts for the very wealthy in our Nation. The state of the Union today is weaker in many other ways. Racial disparities in health care continue to take a toll on minorities. Yet the administration's response to this national health crises is to sweep it under the carpet. The Washington Post reported last week that a Federal report on racial disparities was rewritten for the first time in our history by the Department of Health and Human Services to hide the fact that minorities in our Nation receive inferior health care for a wide range of diseases. In fact, the final draft of what was supposed to be a scientific study dropped the detailed descriptions of health disparities and removed a reference to national problems. This is a serious matter because studies have shown that even among patients with identical diseases and similar income levels, minorities are less likely to receive the same quality of care for diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart problems, AIDS, and other illnesses. As our colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), pointed out, the first draft of the ``Health Care Racial Disparity Report'' mentioned the word disparity 30 times in the key-finding section, while the final version mentioned the word only twice and then even failed to define it. As a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I remain concerned about inequities in education of our children. This marks the 50th anniversary of the historic Brown v. the Board of Education decision which banned segregation in schools. Yet, the fact is that our schools have not reached the goal of racial integration. About one-third of African American students go to schools that are 90 to 100 percent African American. About 70 percent attend schools that are composed primarily of minority students. We need strong leadership at the top to reverse this trend and to really leave no child behind and to ensure access to a quality education for all of our students. We are one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; and we need to make that plan and dream a reality. Mr. Speaker, we can only make our country stronger and we are better if we are willing to examine the real state of the Union and seek real solutions to our problems. I hope we can pull together and address these issues so that we can begin to move forward again in crucial areas including the economy, health care, and education.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and offer my congratulations to a hero in my community, Mr. William Thomas. During this holiday season, we are lucky to have such a heartwarming reminder of the goodness within the human spirit. As Mr. Thomas was riding to work with his wife, Jamelia, and two of their children, on East Hazelwood Avenue in Rahway, NJ, he saw a group of people gathered along the river's edge. Upon stopping, he observed a woman flailing in the water. Disregarding his own safety, and not much of a swimmer himself, Mr. Thomas dove into the 50 degree water to rescue the drowning woman. Struggling to control the panicking, hysterical woman, he managed to pull her close enough to the shoreline for police officers to draw her from the river. He then returned home to quickly shower and change clothes, setting out again on his drive to work at the Woodbridge Developmental Center in Avenel. He later discovered that the drowning woman also worked at this state-run residential facility for the mentally and physically impaired. They had never met. Without a thought for his welfare, Mr. Thomas placed another human's life above his own. I am touched by his sacrifice and his service. I am honored by his presence in my community, and I ask you to join me as I salute Mr. Thomas and his outstanding display of compassion and bravery.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize an outstanding public servant from my home state, Senator Richard J. Codey; as he ascends to the position of President of the New Jersey Senate. Senator Codey is being honored by his many friends and family members at a special ceremony at the Essex County Hall of Records in Newark. Senator Codey has established an outstanding reputation for both his legislative achievements and his contributions to the community. Senator Codey was elected to the Assembly in 1973 and re-elected three times. He has served in the Senate since 1981. He represents the 27th legislative district, which includes Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Maplewood, North Caldwell, Orange, Roseland, South Orange, West Orange, and part of Newark. Senator Codey was selected Senate Co- President for the 210th Legislative Session beginning January 8, 2002. He will be selected President at the 211th Session of the Legislature in January, 2004. Senator Codey was Senate Minority leader from 1998 until 2002. He chaired the Senate Health, Institutions and Welfare Committee from 1982 to 1992, and has been a champion of the mentally ill and disabled in state institutions and group homes statewide. As a result of an undercover investigation he initiated, strict background checks and improved training standards for all employees of state psychiatric institutions were put into effect. Senator Codey has received numerous honors and awards, including the state Psychiatric Association's ``Citizen of the Year'' award and the state Mental Health Association's service award. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Senator Codey is a licensed insurance broker and president of the Olympic Agency. He is married to the former Mary Jo Rolli. They are the proud parents of two sons, Kevin and Christopher. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Senator Codey and wishing him all the best as he continues his outstanding public service.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by commending the subcommittee chairman and our ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa), who has demonstrated tremendous leadership on this whole question of international studies. His background and the need for internationalizing our workforce, internationalizing our universities, bringing attention to Hispanic-serving institutions and ensuring that they get their just do as we move forward to educate the workforce in this Nation is second to none. It is certainly a pleasure for me to serve with him on this Committee on Education and the Workforce. I rise in strong support of H.R. 3077, the International Studies and Higher Education Act of 2003. Education programs are vital to our Nation's colleges and universities. It is imperative that we train young men and women of all backgrounds to be prepared for our increasingly global society. Today we live in a global village. Everything is interdependent. World trade organizations, world bank organizations, organizations that deal with world health, the current campaign to eradicate polio in countries needs to have physicians from throughout the world, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control needs to have doctors that reflect the various cultures of the world. So as we look at education, even though it is on a college level, we need to see the impact that it will have and should have in other agencies such as health, such as banking. So we must do more to prepare our students to take their place. Unfortunately, though, this bill does not go far enough in recruiting and maintaining minority students in the field of international service. During the markup of the bill, I introduced an amendment which would have authorized the establishment of a Ralph J. Bunche scholarship for selected undergraduate fellows in the Institute for International Public Policy. We will be celebrating 100 years of Dr. Ralph Bunche's birth. The scholarship would have helped to underwrite the cost of studies of minority students. Dr. Ralph Bunche was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. He did a tremendous amount of work in the Middle East, and he was a dedicated person during the 20 years he worked in trying to achieve global peace. The scholarship I was proposing would have helped to underwrite the cost of studies of more diverse students, minority students, in our country because in order for us to really have a foreign service that truly reflects the diversity of America, we must have more students from minority groups. We must have more Asian Americans and more Hispanic Americans and African Americans in our foreign service if we are, in fact, going to be successful. The institute was created in 1992 in order to attract and retain women and minorities who are underserved. This legislation was supported by the United Negro College Fund and the American Council on Education; and hopefully as we move forward, that legislation will be adopted. Mr. Speaker, I do support H.R. 3077, but in the future, hopefully, we can be a little more sensitive so we can really, truly have our foreign service reflect the great diversity of our Nation.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional institution within my community, the Eureka Lodge No. 52, and to congratulate its members on reaching an exceptional milestone. Soon these men will celebrate the lodge's tradition of 100 years of dedication to their community and to each other. From its humble beginnings in a barber shop in New Jersey, a group of men, led by Hodges Ford, sought to begin a Masonic Lodge in Montclair. The barber, Brother Joseph Hooper, joined these men, guiding their vision, and helping them to establish what is now Eureka Lodge No. 52. The first lodge was founded on December 5, 1903, in Bloomfield, not Montclair, as there was no available hall to be found there. On January 22, 1904, Eureka Lodge No. 52 held its first meeting at Arab Hall, with 18 members--3 more than the minimum requirement of 15. In December of 1909, the Lodge was rewarranted and moved to Montclair at the request of the officers and members. Thus began their many years of service to the community, remaining faithful to their claim that they are ``founded upon unity and brotherly love.'' The Eureka Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary on December 3, 1953, at the Ivanhoe Inn in Irvington, NJ. On November 21, 1965, the Lodge reached what it considers to be the pinnacle of their achievements--the laying of the cornerstone in their $50,000 Masonic Building. This building has become a source of pride for its members and the people within the community as it continues to be a meeting place for an affiliation with a long and distinguished past, proudly claiming 3 of its members as Most Worshipful Grand Masters. I hope that you will all join me in congratulating the men of Eureka Lodge No. 52, whose members, both past and current, have been devoted to fraternity, fellowship, and service to their community.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the legendary columnist, Jerry Izenberg, and his immense contributions to the Newark community through his organization, Project Pride. Jerry Izenberg has been a newspaperman for over 52 years, most recently with the New Jersey Star-Ledger, contributing columns that have appeared throughout the United States, as well as Puerto Rico, Alaska, Mexico, Canada and Italy. As a sportswriter, Jerry Izenberg's accomplishments are incredibly vast. Over his career, he has won numerous literary awards and recognitions, has been inducted into seven Halls of Fame and has been an integral part of the sports world in the United States. To this day, he continues to leave his mark on the sports writing world, all the while inspiring numerous young writers. And above all, Jerry Izenberg has also managed to be a dedicated family man, with his wife, Aileen, four children and four grandchildren. Despite all of these remarkable professional and personal accomplishments, I can say with confidence that Jerry Izenberg is most proud of his work with Project Pride. As a native of Newark, New Jersey, Jerry knew of the hardships that the people of that area face on a regular basis. When he founded Project Pride Incorporated 25 years ago, Jerry Izenberg took the personal initiative to create hope and opportunity for the children of Newark. Over the 25 years of its existence, Project Pride has helped send 902 kids to college, allowed the kids in Newark K-5 schools to study a variety of subjects and funded numerous community and athletic programs that have kept as many as 1,000 Newark kids off the streets. What is more amazing, Project Pride has accomplished all of it without accepting a single penny from Federal, State or local funds. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Education and Workforce Committee and a former teacher, I understand the significance of the work that Jerry Izenberg has done for the city of Newark. I know that my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives not only join me today in recognizing the tremendous contributions of Jerry Izenberg and Project Pride, but also commending Jerry for his own personal dedication to continue providing the opportunity to so many of our youths.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two exceptional members of my community, Mr. and Mrs. James and Susie Pierce, and to congratulate them on reaching an exceptional milestone. On September 22, 2003, this inspiring couple celebrated their 75th Anniversary, surrounded by family and friends. Married in 1927, they moved in 1932 from Georgia to the Booker T. Washington Housing complex in Jersey City, NJ, where they still reside. James was 19 and Susie was 15. Mrs. Pierce has served New Jersey for many years as a Licensed Day Care provider for the State. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have been members of Emmanuel Pentecostal United Holy Church since 1932, amassing 72 years of devotion and service. Susie served as Trustee for 40 years, President of the Ushers for 47 years, Women's Day Chairperson for 30 years, Hospitality Committee for 30 years, Acting Church Treasurer for 3 years, and YPHA for 12 years. She has been both a fieldworker for the New Jersey District United Holy Church Sunday School and Chairperson for the finance department of New Jersey's District Ushers Union. In 1979, she was Women's Day's Woman of the Year and on Mothers' Day in 1986, she was honored by Jersey City Housing as the mother who has lived longest in the development. James has retired from his years of service at the Domenico Bus Company and has held the positions of Deacon and Trustee at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church. He has committed himself to community service by recruiting neighborhood children to Sunday School and Church, even picking them up himself so that they might attend. These children, now adults, have grown and matured in the Lord, a living testimony to James' legacy. Their beautiful family includes 4 children: James, a Serviceman in San Antonio, Texas; Akua Clark, a bank Vice-President in Franklin Park, NJ; Linda Stokes, a Guidance Counselor at Public School No. 8; and John, a Construction Worker in Jersey City. They also have 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. These fine people have been pillars in my community, and I am honored to call them my neighbors. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me today in saluting Mr. and Mrs. Pierce for their many years of service to their city and to their church community.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on July 14, 2003, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall vote No. 357, the Ackerman-LaTourette amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill which would require that the USDA expend no funds to approve meat from downed animals--animals that are too sick to walk or stand--for food. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero. Kevin A. Bianchi, 40, was among three members of a Navy helicopter crew confirmed dead in a crash in Sicily on July 16, 2003. The fact that his older brother, Robert, a Navy helicopter pilot, was killed in a crash in the Philippines in 1986, adds to the enormous grief that his family now feels. Kevin Bianchi came from a proud family tradition of Navy servicemen. Two of his three brothers served honorably with Kevin in the Navy. Indeed, Kevin himself graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in May 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science. He led fellow servicemen as captain of the Navy Wrestling team, and was commissioned and assigned to the Naval Academy staff as an Assistant Physical Education Instructor and Assistant Wrestling Coach. In June 1991, Cmdr. Bianchi reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey California where he earned a Masters of Science degree in Information Systems Technology Management. Finally, in March 2001, he went to Newport, Rhode Island to attend the College of Naval Command and Staff at the United States Naval War College where he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. His glittering academic career was mirrored by his successful service record. He served with honor on the Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet in Virginia, and was promoted to the position of Air Operations Officer of the Pacific Fleet in San Diego, California. He was decorated on countless occasions in recognition of his service success. In addition to various service awards, Cmdr. Bianchi earned an Air Medal and Navy Commendation and Achievement Medals. Mr. Speaker, I am sure that my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives are inspired, as I am, by Cmdr. Bianchi's remarkable patriotism and exceptional valor. He was proud to serve his country, and refused to give up his career even after his family had been struck by tragedy. That Cmdr. Bianchi continued to put his life at risk on a regular basis, even after the loss of his brother in 1986, is proof of his unassailable courage and dedication. Let us join in extending our condolences to Cmdr. Bianchi's parents, who have now lost two sons in service to our Nation. Our thoughts and prayers will be with his loving wife Rita Barrie, and their three children, Kevin, Christopher and Julia.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to mark the 156th anniversary of Liberian independence. On July 26, 1847 a young African American man from Virginia named Joseph Jenkins Roberts declared the colony of Liberia in West Africa an independent republic. The anniversary of this great day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the history and progress of this nation. The recent civil strife and the impending humanitarian disaster add a sense of urgency to our thoughts. In 1820, the American Colonization Society founded the Republic of Liberia, with a grant from President James Monroe as a place to send free Black Americans. Over the years, freed slaves and their offspring continued to settle in this small West-African state. In 1847, the people of Liberia declared their independence. They gave their country a flag and a constitution modeled on that of the United States. However, independence did not spell the end of Liberia's close historical links with the United States. American companies, such as the Firestone Rubber and Tire Company, have played an important role in shaping the Liberian economy. Liberia has been an important political ally of the United States. During the two World Wars, the republic allowed the United States to station troops on its soil. As the Cold War reached its peak, a mutual defense pact was signed and the United States built communications facilities to relay a ``Voice of America'' signal throughout the continent. Unfortunately, the progress that Liberia made over the years has been spoiled by over a decade of civil war. The war has claimed the lives of 300,000 people, and has recently intensified, causing a humanitarian disaster on a large scale. A half of the population has been forced to flee their homes. Disease, death and destruction have become everyday elements of Liberian life. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues in the House will agree that immediate action is imperative in Liberia. Every day that we delay intervention, more lives are lost. The people of Liberia call out for our help. We have a moral obligation to act. Plans for a multinational peacekeeping force led by the United States in conjuncture with troops from the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States have been suggested. I am pleased to note that the President announced this morning that the United States will be positioning our military forces off the coast of Liberia to begin the process of assisting in this situation. My only hope is that this offer of assistance will soon be translated into practical concrete aid. Let us give the people of Liberia something to celebrate this Independence Day. Let us help this great people recover the liberty from which their country takes its name. Let Liberia live!

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened to inform my colleagues of the death of Mr. Cole A. Lewis. Mr. Lewis was special to many. He was a man of conscience. His principles and ethics were impeccable. He did whatever he could. He was the true example of humanity. His life experiences shaped the man he became. He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland where he graduated from the country's second oldest high school, City College. After high school he went off to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. During World War II he enrolled in the U.S. Navy's V-12 program at Brown. He was commissioned in 1945 and served in the post-war occupation of Japan. He returned to Brown in 1946 where he graduated in 1947 with his original class. Cole Lewis and Nat Brush were married after graduation and moved to Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Lewis was employed by the Prudential Insurance Company of America. He held many positions there including pioneer systems analyst for the installation of the company's first computer, and ending as vice president of community affairs. Mr. Lewis used his position in the community affairs department to benefit social and cultural programs in Newark and throughout the state. Although he was responsible for funding many of these programs he became personally involved. He was the founding director of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, chairman of the New Jersey Committee for the Humanities, and an active officer and board member of Planned Parenthood, the Integrity House, The Catholic Youth Organization, the Education Law Center and many other groups. Mr. Lewis was employed with Prudential for 37 years. Upon his retirement he became comptroller of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, serving nine years. His second retirement was brief, when he joined the staff of the Education Law Center, a pro bono advocacy group dedicated to bettering educational opportunities for underprivileged children in the state. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues would have liked to meet Mr. Lewis who would have celebrated his 77th birthday this past weekend. I am also sure my colleagues would have extended their condolences to Mr. Lewis's family--his wife, Nat; and his two daughters, Susan Kenny and her husband, Thomas; and Deborah Sexton and three grandchildren; Sarah Kenny, Austin Kenny and Laura Sexton.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I strongly oppose the dismantling of the Head Start program, a program that has proven to be a winner since its inception 38 years ago. These changes will result in lowering the quality and effectiveness and quite possibly end one of the most successful programs in the Nation. The New York Times said on July 11, 2003: ``The Bush administration has mastered the art of producing speeches and press that bear little resemblance to the legislative program they purport to describe.'' ``This block grant approach has loopholes that the President either does not understand or fails to acknowledge.'' The Boston Globe on June 16, 2003, said: ``Over Democratic objections, they [Republicans] advanced a bill that would transfer Federal control of the program to as many as eight States,'' which has 33 percent of the students, ``in a demonstration project. The measure requires those States to serve the same number of children and provide the same services. But there is no guarantee that the quality of services will be maintained, and there is no extra money to handle the new enrollees.'' The Star-Ledger of New Jersey on February 20, 2003, said: ``Against the backdrop of Bush's anemic education budget, the President's proposal is to turn Head Start into a [block] grant program, to hand responsibility for delivering preschool services for poor children to the States,'' and this is very ``suspect.'' Let me just hold up, if I can, some of the mail that I have received from my district. Some are petitions with 10 names on it. I have never received as much mail from my constituents as I have on this particular bill. So I would just say that I have not heard parents say change it. I have not heard educators say change it. I have not heard people who are researchers say change it. Let us defeat this bill and keep the program as it is.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2210 will dismantle Head Start, resulting in lowering the quality and effectiveness and quite possibly ending one of the most successful programs our Nation has ever had. Since its inception, Head Start has served over 20 million children. Its focus on the whole child extends through recognizing the importance of the family, not only the institution. Its full-day, full-year programs provide preschool children of low-income working families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and parental support. The bill really does a lot. It brings in parents that work with the teachers. It brings in parents who have helped design the program. It emboldens the parents then to become interested in also improving their education. It has local vendors being able to provide services to that local Head Start program. It is a program that really has a tremendous amount of impact on a local program. And having this sent to the States, I think, goes in the wrong direction; and I ask the defeat of the rule.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to an outstanding professional, Ms. Jonita Whitaker, who has served as a State Department Pearson Fellow in my Washington Congressional Office for the past year. Under this excellent program, Foreign Service Officers work on Capitol Hill, learning the legislative process and sharing their expertise in international relations. I believe the program provides tremendous benefits to both members of Congress and to the State Department professionals who participate. Over the past year, Jonita has proven to be a shining star on my staff. As a member of the House International Relations Committee, I have benefited tremendously from her extensive knowledge, her expertise in foreign affairs and immigration law, her foreign language skills, and most of all, her passionate dedication to public service. Jonita quickly mastered the many complex global issues we deal with on a daily basis. Jonita has played a leading role as an advisor on a number of key issues, including developments in Iraq, the movement to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, efforts to reach a political settlement in Cyprus, the peace process in Northern Ireland, daily updates on developments in Africa, and the eradication of polio world-wide, among her many other contributions. Reports she provided to me when she traveled to Northern Ireland to witness the Orange Order parades were enormously helpful. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to thank Jonita Whitaker for all of her hard work and to wish her continued success as she moves forward in her career.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very special person whom I am privileged to call a friend, Mr. Arthur Coles III, on the occasion of his retirement. Arthur Coles III was born in Newark, New Jersey and attended Monmouth Street Elementary School, West Kinney Junior High, and Arts High School. While at Arts High School he played varsity basketball under Coach George Voller. The playgrounds of Newark were the place to be during Arthur's teenage years and he was taught the X's and O's of basketball by legendary Charlie Johnson, Arthur Johnson Sr., Eugene Robinson and William Pony Wilson. Upon graduation from Central State University Wilberforce, Ohio in 1967, Arthur returned to Newark, New Jersey and accepted a teaching position at Weequahic High School. Arthur has served in many positions at Weequahic High School: art teacher, teacher to assist the principal, interim head basketball coach, assistant basketball coach, class advisor, and Father's Club mentor. He also coached at his Alma Mater, Arts High School for 2 years. Arthur was the recipient of numerous city council proclamations; his coaching record includes league championships and other recognitions for his achievements. He is an original founding member of the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame and served as President for five years. Among his many talents, he is a gifted artist. He produced the National Urban League National Tee Shirt for two years, the Black United Fund Poster, 100 Black Men National Poster, and the Black Policeman's Association National Poster. At Bethany Baptist Church, Arthur is a very active member, coordinator of security and supervisor of the community farmer's market. His hobbies include fishing and cooking. Arthur's induction creates the first African American Father/Son Inductees. Married to Geri Woods Coles. God makes everything possible. I feel especially pleased with this great achievement especially because I knew and worked with Arthur's father, the late Sam Coles. Sam is probably smiling down on us now, enjoying the success of one of his mentees, as he watched so many of Newark's finest for so many years.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume just to conclude by thanking the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia. Mr. Speaker, 2 million people have died as a result of the practices of the government of Sudan; 4 million have been displaced. We have had the EGAT nations attempt to come to a conclusion, a solution to this problem. We continually push this issue of slavery. It must be abolished, and other human rights abuses in Sudan must end. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano).

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for those comments. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), who has worked very hard on this issue herself.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of this resolution. First of all, Mr. Speaker, let me commend the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano) for introducing H. Res. 194 concerning the ongoing problem of slavery in Sudan. This resolution keeps Congress on record in opposition to this inhumane practice. I also would like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), chairman of the Africa Subcommittee, for his support of this resolution and for his continued good work as it relates to the problems on the continent of Africa; and with his leadership we have been able to have many hearings and to discuss many of the problems there. I would also like to compliment the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for his interest and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), ranking member, for the strong support that he has given these resolutions. In spite of the universal condemnation of the practice of slavery in Sudan, the government has stonewalled on issues of slavery, claiming it is a matter of rival tribes engaging in hostage-taking over which it has little control. Prior to this, they actually denied the fact that there was any kind of engaging of people in slave trade. Now they admit it, but say it is just a traditional thing. Mr. Speaker, between 5,000 and 14,000 children have been abducted in Sudan since 1983. Millions of girls have been forced into domestic service worldwide while boys have been trafficked to the gulf to work as menial laborers. Yet the Government of Sudan only takes half measures to convince the international community that it is taking the crime of slavery seriously. While they claim that there are laws in their country that prohibit slavery, there is no aggressive enforcement of those laws and no special courts dedicated to this singularly heinous practice against children. Mr. Speaker, this Congress has never wavered in its demand to end slavery. With this resolution, we urge the administration and all international bodies to continue pressure to end this practice of slavery. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) for his wonderful resolution and those who support it. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 80. Mr. Speaker, House Con. Res. 80 calls on the U.S. to support the Peace Parks Foundation of Southern Africa. The Peace Parks will support the establishment of a transfrontier conservation area involving several countries in southern Africa to boost tourism and to help alleviate poverty. The effort by the Southern African Development Community, SADC, will allow the free movement of humans and animals across international borders. It represents a major advance in conservation efforts worldwide. The Peace Parks will not only contribute to conservation but also to economic development, job creation, and peace and understanding between the countries involved. This is a big step forward. Animals have no borders. They move throughout. However, borders that have been written by countries sort of presented a problem, and for the countries in the SADC region to come together to say that you can cross our borders, for the people to be able to cross the borders so that the animals could be protected is very important. As a matter of fact, a tragedy has happened recently in Kenya because of the lack of rain in the game parks right outside Nairobi. There are tremendous numbers of game there, including lions and tigers. But the Masai people have cattle, a tremendous amount of cattle. Cattle is a way to express wealth. During the past 4 or 5 months, because of the drought, the wildlife has moved outside of the park grounds seeking water. As the wildlife, the zebras and other animals go out, the lions must follow them, and they have gotten near Nairobi. There have been killings of Masai cattle. Unfortunately, the Masai people have said that they need to have some protection and, actually, during the past month or so, have killed 10 lions in the area around Nairobi. They are saying we should be compensated for the last of our cattle. So there is a very important aspect to wildlife, and I hope that the new government of Kenya will be able to have some program to compensate for the tremendous loss to the Masai people. But this is an example where countries are coming together, creating jobs, and living with the wildlife can serve as an economic engine. So I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 80. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, let me commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for bringing this important legislation to the floor. When President Bush announced his MCA initiative, I originally was skeptical and concerned about the rigid eligibility criteria and those groups who would be determined eligible. But after considering what the MCA could do for development around the world, I offer my support; and I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure this program works and also to make sure not only that we do not cut back our other foreign assistance commitment but to keep this program and bring it to its full force. During the recent trip of the President, he spoke about the MCA and pledged to the heads of state from Africa his commitment to make sure that the Millennium Challenge Account is fully funded. I am concerned about the fact that the MCA is not fully funded and this Congress has only appropriated $800 million this past cycle. How will we ever make the $5 billion we were supposed to do over a 3-year period? The administration requested $1.3 billion, but only $800 million has been appropriated. So I urge the restoring of the full amount to the Millennium account.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona. My colleagues in the Committee on International Relations and I have worked hard to ensure that the authorization of the Millennium Challenge Account stays true to its original purpose and objectives. Those were to reduce poverty, to reward good governance, and to encourage free market activity. The MCA, as passed through the Committee on International Relations, would focus in the first year on the low-income countries that are IDA eligible, meaning those countries which are determined to be the poorest countries in the world by the World Bank, and expand the pool to include low-income countries that meet the historic cutoff for IDA in the second year, and then establish a separate competition for lower-middle-income countries in the third year. The NGO community and think tanks such as the Center for Global Development and the Brookings Institution have advocated focusing funding on just the low-income and IDA-eligible countries. However, I am not pushing for that, and we said that we do believe that the third tier should come in. I could not agree more with the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez). We have overlooked Latin America. However, we should not take what the concept of the Millennium Challenge Account is to do and, therefore, say that we should include many of the Latin American countries that are in the lower-middle-income tier. I think we need to focus on Latin America. I think that we have a responsibility to do something there. But I think it should be a separate program that we should take a look at how we adjust the problems of immigration and so forth in this hemisphere. I stand supportive of the opposition to the amendment. There are even lower-middle-income countries in Africa, such as South Africa and Namibia, where there is a skewed income level but they are ineligible also, and they should be because we should deal with the poorest of the poor, especially those countries that are trying to have good governance, that are looking to improve. I urge the defeat of the Kolbe amendment.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, post-September 11, 2001, and in the aftermath of the campaign in Iraq, the eastern Mediterranean is increasingly a focus of attention for policymakers, news organizations, academics and government leaders around the world. In this geographic neighborhood of perennial tensions, a U.S. ally, Turkey, continues to delay the economic and political development of Cyprus, regrettably refusing to end its military occupation of the island's northern third. For almost three decades, Cyprus has been a country characterized by economic growth, political maturation and determination to overcome the legacy of division wrought by Turkish intervention. Even though Cyprus will join the European Union (EU) in May 2004 and will someday be in a position to weigh in on discussions regarding future Turkish membership, Ankara continues to display an unfortunate and unnecessary intransigence that is not in its own long-term strategic interests. Maintaining roughly 35,000 troops and tens of thousands of Turkish settlers in the northern sector of Cyprus since 1974, Turkey has repeatedly defied U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for the immediate withdrawal of its troops from the island. No one underestimates the value of Turkey's geographic location and-- prior to U.S. involvement in Iraq, at least--its value as a regional NATO member. Despite this key role, Turkey's refusal to cooperate in the face of repeated worldwide calls to end its occupation of northern Cyprus cannot continue to go ignored. As a member of the House International Relations Committee, I am troubled by this ongoing and unnecessary partitioning and weakening of what is proving to be a booming state--Cyprus. It is time we recognize this situation for what it is and insist Turkey cooperate actively in its prompt solution. Measures that serve to build confidence should certainly continue, but not as an exercise to delay the inevitable: the reunification of the island state of Cyprus as a complex, modern, multi-ethnic Mediterranean state. Due to this inexplicable separation, Cyprus holds the dubious distinction of being the only European state with its capital divided, as barbed wire quite literally carves the country in two. Two historically well-integrated ethnic communities of predominantly Christian Greek and Muslim Turkish heritage are required to live in a very artificial segregation. Turkey treats the northern third of the island it occupies as an impoverished, second-tier province, rather than allowing it to join in an increasingly successful Cyprus. Despite a history of unsuccessful efforts by American and U.N. diplomacy to effect a resolution of issues that were created by the Turkish invasion, the government of Cyprus has persisted in its efforts to peacefully reunite the two communities and bring European prosperity to both. Meanwhile, the leaders of Cyprus have succeeded in creating a modern economy and have achieved a level of growth that qualified Cyprus to receive an invitation for EU membership, a Continental ``seal of approval.'' Thereafter, EU leadership made it clear to Turkey that its own aspirations to join the EU depended upon its cooperation in tolerating the accession of Cyprus to the EU, and hinted that successful resolution of the Cyprus problem would go a long way toward reducing opposition to Turkey's EU accession. Turkey, although recently permitting limited buffer zone crossings within Cyprus, has dragged its heels on a strategy to resolve the overall situation, which will in effect deny the northern third the benefits of EU membership. On April 30, the Cypriot government introduced a series of new economic, political, and social measures designed to ease the hardships of Turkish Cypriot compatriots disadvantaged by the status quo--such as providing improved medical care, expanded employment opportunities, facilitated trade and movement of goods, and participation in free and open national elections. One must view these welcome developments, however, with utmost caution. Neither the recent partial relaxation of movement restrictions through the U.N. cease-fire line nor the government's pro-active recognition of its Turkish Cypriot citizens' most pressing needs should be mistaken as a substitute for formal diplomatic efforts to reach a negotiated, comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus situation based on the U.N.'s internationally endorsed framework. Today, Turkey faces economic and social challenges, although none of them pertain to its Mediterranean neighbor, Cyprus, aside from the estimated $500 million a year that its occupation of Cyprus drains from the Turkish economy. Turkey's difficulties in reforming its military and legal system, respecting the rights of its ethnic minorities, and heeding the EU's advice on steps it needs to take if it wishes to join the EU should offer the necessary incentives for it to take progressive steps on the issue of Cyprus. The time has come for the United States to advise Turkey's leadership--in very clear terms--that its occupation of Cyprus must quickly come to an end. Turkey, today with lessened leverage over the United States, should not be allowed to continue blocking resolution of the situation in Cyprus. The only chance Turkey has to modernize by joining the EU is to release Cyprus from the grip of its aggression and show the world that Turkey itself has turned the corner and is an increasingly enlightened global citizen. Then, and only then, Cyprus can be reunited, bringing security and prosperity to all its citizens and a glimmer of peace to the eastern Mediterranean.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring a true American hero, Sergeant First Class Gladimir Phillipe, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country when he lost his life in Iraq two weeks ago. At a funeral service over the Fourth of July weekend at St. Joseph the Carpenter Church in Roselle, New Jersey, hundreds of friends, family, and members of his community came to pay their last respects to this outstanding young man who strived to achieve the American dream. The son of Haitian immigrants and one of nine children, Sergeant Phillipe wanted to move forward in life and to make a meaningful contribution to his country. His family is hard-working and close-knit; his father is a machine worker for a manufacturing company in New Jersey. Sergeant Phillipe joined the Army in 1988, a few years after graduating from Elizabeth High School. He served admirably in both Bosnia and the Persian Gulf. He also distinguished himself by serving as an interpreter during President Clinton's trip to Haiti in 1998. As we remember the inspirational life of this fine young man, let us offer our thanks for his service to our country. Let us also extend our deepest sympathy to his family--his father, Renisse; his stepmother, brothers and sisters, and his son, Cassidy.