Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute and honor African American servicewomen who served their Nation with distinction and great courage as the 369th Historical Society pays tribute to women in the military in celebration of their Annual Women's History Month Awards Dinner Dance taking place at the elegant Eastwood Manor in the Bronx, New York. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, in which I served in the United States Army. In recognition of the 369th Historical Society's salute to women in the military this month, I would also like to pay special tribute to all of the no longer forgotten heroes, African American Servicewomen who served our Nation valiantly during the Korean War Era, and during a time when the military was ordered to desegregate. On July 28, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 mandating equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin, initiating an end to segregation in the Armed Forces and in the military. African American servicewomen, because of their small numbers, were often the first and, sometimes, the only to train, command, work and live in desegregated settings. Women like Army Nurse Captain Eleanor Yorke, Private Sarah Keys, Dovey Johnson Roundtree, Mary Teague Smith, Helen Gentry, Freddie Mae Hopson, Annie Graham and Ann Lamb not only served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, but they were major factors and contributors in bringing down and wiping out Jim Crow in the United States military. In 1952, Army Nurse Captain Eleanor Yorke was the only female passenger among 4,200 men sailing on military transport from the Far East to San Francisco. Captain Yorke had spent more than two years in Japan and eight more months in Korea treating war wounded. On the 13- day trip home, her fellow passengers treated Captain Yorke like a queen. Besides being the only woman aboard military transport, Captain Yorke was one of only about 600 women, only a few of whom were African American, stationed in Korea during the entire three years of the Korean War. ``It was a terrible eight months, but I was too busy to be scared. We received the wounded 20 to 45 minutes after they were hit, treated them on the spot and than shipped them to the rear depending on how badly they were wounded. They came by helicopter and ambulance. The helicopters flew continuously from dawn to dusk and the ambulances rolled on constantly. It got pretty rough at times, working under artillery bombardment, and many times, I was rocked to sleep in my army cot from the reverberations.'' Captain Eleanor Yorke, Army Nurse Corps, speaking to a reporter from the Baltimore Afro American in May 1952. Also in 1952, two African American military women challenged segregation law to end Jim Crow policies on interstate transportation. Private Sarah Keys was on leave, travelling in uniform on a bus from New Jersey home to North Carolina. When the bus reached Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina after midnight, there was a change of drivers. The new bus driver requested that Private Keys, seated toward the front of the bus, exchange seats with a white Marine, also in uniform, seated near the back of the bus. Keys refused. She was arrested, detained overnight in jail, and fined $25.00. Convicted of disorderly conduct, Keys began a legal battle against discrimination and prejudice. Dovey Johnson Roundtree, a former WAC officer and then an attorney in Washington, DC, agreed to take the Keys case. In 1942, Roundtree had volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) at the advice of her mentor, Mary McLeod Bethune. Bethune had worked for years to desegregate the military, both men's and women's services, and actively recruited qualified African American candidates. Roundtree became one of 36 African American women to graduate in the Army's first class of commissioned officers. After World War II, she attended Howard University Law School on the GI Bill, becoming one of the school's first female law students. Dovey Johnson Roundtree and her partner Julius Robertson initially filed suit for Keys in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in October 1952, but the court decided the suit was out of their jurisdiction and refused to hear the case. Roundtree then filed suit with the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). The suit, Keys v. North Carolina Coach Company, stated that Keys had experienced unjust discrimination, undue and unreasonable prejudice, and false arrest and imprisonment on the basis of race and color. In 1955, an eleven-man ICC commission agreed with Keys and Roundtree and reversed the separate-but-equal Jim Crow policy in force on all interstate transportation since 1877. A few months later in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus, and a 381-day boycott ensued. The Supreme Court subsequently ruled that state and local segregation laws for public transportation were unconstitutional. In Fort Lewis, Washington, Mary Teague Smith, the Detachment Commander of a predominately African American WAC Unit noticed that women in her unit were promoted more slowly than white women in other units. Commander Smith complaints went up the chain of command without results, and by 1952, she was reassigned to Japan. Desegregation efforts usually meant placing African Americans into white military units. White women assigned to the detachment complained because they were in the minority; the Secretary of the Army informed a congressional committee on the armed services of intentions to reassign personnel so that African American women would comprise only 20 percent of the unit. The detachment at Fort Lewis, Washington was an exception. It remained predominantly black throughout the Korean War. Helen Gentry remembered the transition of the Air Force from segregation to desegregation. ``I experienced the termination of the Air Force segregated by race when our base unit was integrated in 1949-50. As an Intelligence Specialist I was assigned to a Fighter Wing headquarters at McChord Air Force Base, Washington. My top secret clearance attuned me to world wide events long before public revelation, events such as our extensive spy plane flights over the Soviet Union.'' In 1949, the first flight of African American Women in the Air Force (WAFs) graduated from an eleven-week basic training course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. These 17 women from 11 states were a small group compared to the 330 trainee strength of white flights, but on graduation day, they came in third in the first ``All Basic Training Parade,'' competing against over 10,000 men. In 1949, the Air Force officially mandated desegregation and the service disbanded Jim Crow units. In the United States Navy, African American servicewoman served in desegregated units. Freddie Mae Hopson enlisted in the Navy in early 1952. In 1953, she received an assignment to Hawaii as the assistant to the Foreign Liaison Office of the Port Control Office at Navy Headquarters where she once served as hostess for a USO dance for soldiers returning from Korea. ``There were 3000 men and 1000 females . . . the band would play three songs . . . 1000 men would be allowed into the hall and at the end of the third song, they would be sent out one door and the next 1000 would be let in the front door . . . That was indeed an experience.'' Stated Freddie Mae Hopson. African American women were not allowed in the U.S. Navy until 1944 after months of debate to define the service's racial policies. Once they were allowed to join, women in the Navy served in desegregated assignments, but the numbers were minute. In early 1948, the Navy could claim only one African-American woman officer and only six African- American women among an enlisted force of 1,700. New York's first African American Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., charged that the status of black women in the Navy proved that the service was practicing ``not merely discrimination, segregation and Jim Crowism, but total exclusion.'' The Navy worked to improve its public image and during the Korean War, announced the achievements of African American women through black newspapers. In the Marines, African American women had never served in the Marines until Annie Graham and Ann Lamb volunteered in 1949. Annie Grimes became the third to enlist in 1950 and the first black woman officer to retire after a full 20-year career. Segregation shaped many of their experiences. Off-base they were not welcome in public places with their fellow Marines and on-base, white beauticians would not cross the color line to provide standard personal services. The American cultural climate of the time relegated most women to non-professional, low-paying jobs and promoted a feminine ideal of domesticity and maternalism. The armed forces reflected this attitude, offering women ``pink collar'' jobs with little room for advancement. As the Korean War began, the effects of decades of protest, and political and legal activism had made few inroads into racial segregation. The inequities of the ``separate-but-equal'' doctrine of the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision still shaped public policy, race relations and white attitudes in most of America. Madam Speaker, African American women who volunteered in the military during this period broke through barriers to gender and race in order to serve their country and test new policies. The 369th Historical Society is an all volunteer non-profit organization, chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. Established in 1960 to collect, preserve and maintain artifacts, books, papers, photographs, film and articles on the history of the 369th Regiment, its allies and affiliates, and of African American soldiers who served in the Military Service of the United States. The 369th Historical Society Museum is housed in the 369th Regimental Armory, home of the famous Harlem Hellfighters. The Museum's holdings consist of an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts of the 369th Soldiers from WWI to the present. As we remember and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, let me thank the President of the 369th Historical Society, Major General Nathaniel James, Ret. and all of the officers and staff for your annual tribute to women in the military and for preserving the history and contributions of African American servicemen and servicewomen whom served our nation with distinction, courage and honor.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the challenges and difficulties that our Black veterans encounter as they embark on reintegrating to civilian life. I would also like to commend the Honorable Larry Kissell for introducing H. Con. Res. 238, and his conviction on recognizing the importance of their military sacrifices and patriotism. The story of the African American soldier is one of extraordinary faith, hope and determination in the face of bitter disappointment over denial of their well-earned rights to full citizenship. It is a story of inspiration, leadership and a refusal to accept ``no'' for an answer. Ultimately, it is a story of their victory over legal segregation and discrimination. Their story speaks of their long struggle for equality and willingness, in each instance, to forsake violence in their struggle for justice. Black Americans have fought for their country going back to the Revolutionary War when 5,000 Black men risked their lives in the cause of independence. Serving in the Continental Army, mostly as infantry and artillerymen, they fought in the first battles at Lexington and Concord, and crossed the Delaware with George Washington. Overwhelmingly, they resisted the enticements of the British enemy, who offered promises of freedom if they would join the Redcoats. Yet, after the victory, the first of Black America's military heroes were met, not with parades or accolades, but with whips and chains as they as they surrendered their weapons for bondage on the plantation. African Americans also served in the War of 1812 when the Battalion of Free Men of Color helped to save New Orleans in a counterattack against the British invaders. The nation reneged on the rhetoric of General and later president Andrew Jackson who told the Black fighters, ``You surprised my hopes. The nation will applaud your valor.'' Fifty years later, in the Civil War, 200,000 Black men took up arms and manned military vessels, one out of ten of the entire Union army. Among the most famous was the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, which gained its modern-day fame in ``Glory,'' a movie depiction of their heroic attack in the first wave of the assault on the beaches of Charleston. The regiment was wiped out. Black soldiers not only had fought well, they provided the margin for victory when finally called upon as reinforcements by President Lincoln to bolster the devastated Union army. But even following this victory in the Civil War, when they fought not just to preserve the Union but to end slavery in the existing states, the nation went back on its promises. While Emancipation had ended the evil practice of legal slavery and allowed a short breathing space of freedom and political participation, less than two decades later Black Americans were bound by the new set of legal shackles of Reconstruction and Jim Crow. Regardless of these negative circumstances, Black troops broke the societal constraints. One such group, the 369th Harlem Hellfighters, was the first African American Regiment during World War I. Faced with surmounting discrimination and rabid racism in the U.S., they were sent to fight with the French troops against the Germans. Not only did these Black troops serve the longest stretch in battle without replacement, 191 days, they did not lose ground or men to enemy capture. This all Black unit earned the Croix de Guerre, France's highest military honor, yet upon returning to their homes in the U.S., they were vilified and discriminated against as they had been before the war. Again, during World War II, our Black soldiers proved their loyalty and commitment to the United States. The Tuskegee Airmen, America's first Black military airmen, helped break through the constraints of a segregated military when, inspired by their bravery and achievements, President Truman promulgated Executive Order Number 9981 in 1948. Many of these Black veterans fueled the Civil Rights movement through their courage and strength to change the status quo and fight for equality. Black Veterans have time and time again proven their loyalty and patriotism to a country they were instrumental in building. They have led the charge in breaking the shackles of slavery and discrimination. We must stand in support of our brave men and women in the Armed Forces as they return in increasing numbers to find that their employment prospects are limited. Others are suffering the detrimental effect of multiple deployments and PTSD. It is our duty as a nation to assist those who have so valiantly fought for our freedoms by providing the tools necessary for them to fairly compete in the job market whether it is psychological counseling for trauma experienced while in combat or job training to bolster the unique skill sets they have acquired during their time in the service.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of our former colleague, Congressman John Murtha. He died on February 8, 2010, at age 77, following complications of surgery. John represented Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District for 36 years in Congress, longer than any Pennsylvania lawmaker. John Patrick Murtha was born June 17, 1932 in New Martinsville, West Virginia, and moved to Pennsylvania as a child. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1962 with a degree in economics and did graduate work in economics and political science at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Congressman Murtha dedicated his life to serving the nation he loved, first in the military. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952, during the Korean War period, and served until 1955, joining the Reserves. Then, during the Vietnam conflict, he volunteered for combat and served as an intelligence officer in 1966 and 1967. John received the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for this service, retiring from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990. One of the first Vietnam veterans to sit in the House and a career reservist, John effectively applied this valuable insight to his work in Congress. As the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, he worked tirelessly for the benefit of the nation's troops and their families. For his political courage in speaking out against the Iraq war, and his dedication to principled public service, John was awarded the 2006 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. Congressman Murtha has earned a well-deserved place in history as a patriot, war hero and statesman. The nation will miss his dedication and vast experience in lawmaking, and we will miss him as a dear friend and generous mentor. I express my condolences to John's wife Joyce and their three children, and I urge everyone to honor and remember our colleague, John Murtha.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise with great pride, admiration and sadness as I pay tribute to my dear friend and life-long buddy, Brother James E. Booker, Sr., as we celebrate the passing of one of Harlem's greatest National Correspondents and Political/Community News Columnists at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Harlem. As I speak with profound honor and respect for my friend Jimmy, I ascend to celebrate a life well-lived and to also remember the many journalistic professional accomplishments of this remarkable man. Always dressed in his signature bowtie look, Jimmy Booker penned his name in history. He was the classic newspaperman, a writer with a remarkable flare for accuracy, integrity and style. Jimmy's columns, ``The Uptown Lowdown'' and ``Top Drawer Stuff,'' were informative, edgy and insightful capturing unfolding stories about Harlem, Black New York. City Hall, Albany and our Nation's Capital. James E. Booker, Sr., was born in Riverhead, New York to Fletcher and Elizabeth Booker on July 16th, 1926. He was reared, attended school, and worked on his father's farm in Riverhead, New York. In 1948, Booker graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC, with a Bachelor's in Arts in Journalism, and then moved to New York City to begin a career in Journalism working as a reporter for the Amsterdam News in Harlem. In 1950, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He later returned to his job as a Journalist with the New York Amsterdam News. Jimmy referred to his 16 years at the Amsterdam News, where he eventually became Executive Editor, the most exciting of his journalistic career. He traveled the country, interfacing with such notables as the Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harlem Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, National Urban League Director, and Whitney M. Young, all of whom he developed a first name relationship with. On December 22nd, 1956, he married the former Jeanne Carol Williams, in New York, and moved to the newly erected Lenox Terrace, where he lived for the remainder of his life. In 1964, the couple had a son, James E. Booker Jr. (Reverend James E. Booker, Jr). In 1966, Jimmy took his family to Washington, DC, to work as Special Advisor to President Lyndon Baines Johnson. In 1968, Jimmy returned home to Harlem, and opened up his own public relations business, ``James E. Booker Associates'' on 527 Madison Avenue in New York City. Jimmy leaves behind a great written legacy of stories, history, adventure, and legendary achievements that will continue to uplift all of our African American families to the highest levels of advancements. Jimmy story includes some of the most important historic episodes of the 20th century. When Fidel Castro arrived in Harlem in 1960, Jimmy Booker was there, interviewing the young Cuban for one hour at the famed Theresa Hotel. Figures like Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and National Urban League founder, Whitney M. Young. Even the notorious Bumpy Johnson who ruled the streets of Harlem did not escape the pen. Jimmy knew first hand how dangerous a man he was. ``He put a gun to my head and told me he didn't like what I had been writing,'' Booker once told a group of friends one night at the Theresa Hotel where he frequented, amusing listeners with many incredible tales. He covered us many times, Percy Sutton, Basil Paterson and David Dinkins, the infamous Gang of Four with those same remarkable attributes that made us so revered in his famous national and local weekly columns. He served the cause of justice by covering the biggest stories of the Civil Rights Movement, giving the world insight on groups like the NAACP and the Black Panthers Party. For years his column in the Amsterdam News was chocked full of tidbits and gossip about Harlem, the kind of ``who shot John'' stuff that never failed to keep readers' attention. Later, during his tenure at the New York Beacon, he maintained his tireless contact with every facet of the community's activities, roving from board meetings, to funerals, to rallies, to wherever the action was. Booker's Columns were published weekly in many independent and syndicated news and community publications including: ``The Afro Times,'' The Daily Challenge,'' ``Big Red,'' and ``The Twilight.'' Jimmy was also a very close advisor to many politicos, activist and community organizations, past and present, including Lloyd E. Dickens, ``The Fox'' J. Raymond Jones, Fred E. Samuels, Professor Preston Wilcox, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Edward Fordham, Inez E. Dickens, Keith L.T. Wright, C. Virginia Fields, Hazel N. Dukes, Dr. Annie B. Martin and the NAACP to name just a few. Jimmy was also fond of Harlem's Nightlife where he covered many luminaries, entertainers and personalities like Count Basie, Billy Eckstine, Sammy Davis, Jr., Charles Honi Coles, Leroy Myers, Gregory Hines, Pop Brown, George Benson, Nat Davis, Irene Reid, Jimmy ``Preacher'' Robins, Gloria Lynne, Savion Glover and the Prince of Harlem, Lonnie Youngblood, at the Theresa Hotel and later at Harlem's famous Showman's Jazz Cafe. Mr. Booker held court on a regular basis with his longtime friends Al Howard, Mona Lopez, Diamond Lil Pierce, Tanya Alfonso, Ida Fernandez, and members of ``The Showman's Elites'' and ``The Disciples.'' He will long be remembered for his extraordinary commitment, humor, liveliness, energy, wisdom, discipline, principle and clear purpose which won the admiration of all who were privileged to come to know and work with him during his distinguished career. Jimmy E. Booker, Sr. was called home on Friday morning, February 5th, and his home going services took place on February 9th, at Harlem's historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was a major stop on the Underground Railroad. Madam Speaker, I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe and experience his example as a personal inspiration. Though Jimmy is no longer with us, we will continue to keep his memory alive in our hearts and minds, and continue to honor his legacy with our advocacy for the issues he cared about the most. We are all blessed to have known, Jimmy E. Booker, Jr., a titan of a man who witnessed history with a pen that gave us all life.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I stand before you to express my support for the three House Resolutions on today's legislative calendar honoring the Americans who responded courageously and humanely after the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12th. We all remember the startling and sobering televised images of the aftermath of the earthquake. The men and women being honored today, in the military and amongst our first responders, ran to the epicenter of this tragedy to help save lives. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing these individuals with House Resolutions H. Res. 1066, H. Res. 1059, and H. Res. 1048. I would especially like to recognize New York Task Force One, the FEMA-sponsored urban search and rescue team, made up of 80 members of the New York Police Department and the Fire Department of New York, who were successful in freeing six individuals from the rubble. The immediate response from our citizens to the tragedy in Haiti has been heartwarming, demonstrating the decency and compassion we all have for our fellow mankind during difficult times. Even those who have not been formally recognized in the resolutions noted above are partners in this shared effort to overcome such a disaster. Within 24 hours following the quake, we saw Americans from a cross section of society-- from elected officials in Washington to everyday residents all over New York City--reach out and offer assistance. Even today, the statistics are hard to believe, almost 50 percent of Americans have donated to the Haitian relief efforts and there are still thousands waiting in line for their turn to assist on the grounds. As a nation, it has warmed my heart to see us dedicate our efforts, and commit ourselves to supporting, the long-suffering Haitian people, now and into the future. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in recognizing those who offered their time and effort to assist those in Haiti and challenge them to stay the course until Haiti is made whole again.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the legacy of Lee Archer, who--despite facing a host of racial injustices--tirelessly defended our Nation as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American unit of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Archer died last Wednesday in New York City at the age of 90. The Harlem-raised Airman is credited with defeating four-and-a-half enemy aircrafts. He has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 18 Clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, and a host of other accolades honoring his service to this country. Most recently, Archer and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen were conferred the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by Congress. Before Archer retired from the military in 1970, he flew 169 combat missions--three times the typical number for white pilots--and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. Archer's deftness at piloting was incontestable; nonetheless, enlisting in the Army Air Corps proved to be no easy feat for him. In 1941, he was rejected from pilot training on the sole basis of his race. Originally deemed too intellectually inept to fly a plane, Blacks were not allowed to join the Army Air Corps until the 1940 appointment of Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., as the Army's first Black brigadier general. Archer graduated from pilot training in 1943 and joined the all-Black Tuskegee Airmen. The experiences of Archer's father, a World War I veteran, taught Archer that willingness to lay down one's life for his country does not necessarily assuage the racism that he faces. In a 2008 interview with the Journal News, Archer stated of his father: ``he came home from World War I and nothing had changed despite the fact that he fought his butt off for our country.'' Lee Archer's devotion to breaking barriers extended far beyond his experiences in the U.S. Military. After retiring from the military in 1970, the New York University-educated Archer was named Corporate Vice President of one of America's most successful companies, General Foods, thereby making Archer one of the first Black executives of a major American corporation. In 1987, his legacy was broadened when he founded Archer Asset Management, a venture capital firm. Archer's successes as an entrepreneur, executive, and serviceman are unparalleled. Notwithstanding the bigotry and racism that he faced in his attempts to defend his country, Lee Archer became an imperturbable force in the U.S. Military. Archer and his comrades proved that African Americans, too, possess an extraordinary capacity to provide exemplary service to our Nation. Although he was not always able to take advantage of the principles of freedom and equality upon which this Nation was founded, he assiduously defended these principles, and invariably impacted the future of our country.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I want to thank my colleagues, and especially Dr. McDermott, for bringing this piece of legislation to the floor to give some assistance to American citizens who found themselves in Haiti during this tragedy. This comes under the Social Security system, and I'm glad that Dr. McDermott was able to bring it to the floor. I have never been more proud of the Congress, my country, and, indeed, citizens throughout the world for rallying to the cause of these young people.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, Dominican Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and applaud the economic, cultural, and social contributions Dominican Americans have made to this great nation. Dominicans living in our shores have been motivated by the value of hard work and the bonds of family--the same pillars of our society that has built this great nation for over 230 years. It also gives us an opportunity to consider the many Dominican American achievements, on the island and in the United States. Many of our hemisphere's firsts were established on the shores of Quisqueya. One of those firsts was the sound of Bachata, a guitar-based evolution of the Bolero often compared to the Blues with prevalent tales of heartbreak, sadness, and bitter-sweet romance. The genre began in the countryside and rural neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic and slowly made its way on to small venues. The musical group Aventura, with its unique style of Bachata, hip hop, and R&B fusion, finally brought the genre onto the world stage. The group, which formed in 1996, includes lead singer and featured composer and producer Anthony ``Romeo'' Santos, guitarist and producer Lenny Santos, bassist Max Santos, and composer Henry Santos Jeter. As of today, Aventura is one of the most unique artists on the music scene. Since its humble beginnings, the group has sold over 1 million albums worldwide. After well over a decade of sparring in the music business, these four young, dynamic Dominican Americans with a seldom- seen chemistry continue to auto-produce soulful, original music that gleams with excellence. In the past year alone, the Bronx-based Bachata band has had the most successful Latin album, spending over five months at No. 1 and spawning four No. 1 singles. Aventura has not only contributed significantly to the history of the world community, they have also contributed substantially to many of our world's poor and less fortunate communities. From benefit concerts to toy drives, they reach out to help those in need. Even as we pray for those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti, the group has pledged to donate to the relief efforts and will also allow Red Cross volunteers to accept donations on-site at four of their Madison Square Garden concerts, deemed the last tour, later this month. Since the initial wave of Dominican migration to the most recent arrivals of today, Dominicans have worked hard to contribute to our national identity, educating us all on their culture and traditions and enriching the quality of our shared futures. Aventura solidifies that sentiment in every way. This award-winning group is not just a sense of pride for all Dominicans in our nation and abroad but for all Americans. Madam Speaker, for this, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues in the Congress join me in paying tribute to not only the triumphs of Aventura, but also the invaluable impact that this quartet has had on our country and the world.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1270 Fifth Avenue Cooperative in my Congressional District. 1270 has the distinction of being the first middle-income co-op in my and surrounding Congressional Districts and the only residential co-op in Manhattan that is a cooperative nonprofit corporation. Incorporated on August 8, 1957, under the New York State Cooperative Corporations Law, the building was constructed with a stream of funding from Section 213 of Title II of the National Housing Act. The $4.5 million dollar mortgage held by the Federal Housing Administration has since matured in November of 1999. Despite the neighborhood's initial negative reaction to 1270s construction, there was a tremendous demand for the apartments. At a time when segregated housing in Manhattan was still the norm, 1270, which was unrestricted regardless of race, gender, or creed, and priced for middle-income residents, was seen by minorities and liberal-minded folks as a desirable place to live. By November 1959 when the building first opened for occupancy, 194 of the 201 available units had been sold. The remaining seven apartments were sold and occupied by July 1961. Making history for 1270 had its difficult moments. A board of directors was quickly elected in order to tackle problems as they surfaced. Throughout the years of struggle to establish and maintain a viable middle-income cooperative in East Harlem, the families and individuals at 1270 held together through a tremendous sense of home and community. Men and women who arrived as young adults lived and raised their children, and grew old here. Neighbors became lifelong friends and took care of each other. There is no better measure of 1270's success than the fact that people who move there, stay there. Of the 201 shareholders, 69 percent have been there for more than 10 years; 44 percent for more than 20 years; 35 percent for more than 30 years; and 17 percent for more than 40 years. The average length of residency is 21.6 years. 1270 was and continues to be called home by multiple celebrities and other notables, including: Odetta, internationally celebrated folk singer; James Dumpson, former commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Welfare; Elaine Jones, former executive director of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund; Verne Oliver, former headmaster of New Lincoln School; Debbie Allen, television and stage actress; Phylicia Rashad, television and stage actress; Charles Henry Alston, internationally acclaimed artist; Ruth Slenczynska, internationally acclaimed concert pianist; Gus Trowbridge, founder of Manhattan Country School; Lois Small, founder of senior dance group, ``The Steppers''; the family of Ralph Bunche, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; the family of Harry Belafonte, singer; and the family of Johnny Mathis, singer. 1270 has not only survived, but it has thrived through the years. Current neighborhood beautification projects have magnificently transformed the setting of the building's home. 1270 faces the Harlem Meer section of New York City's Central Park and the Conservatory Gardens, which have been restored and maintained with an endowment. The on-site Museum of African Art adds a part of the building to New York's Museum Mile. Sightseeing buses now regularly stop in the neighborhood for tours. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of 1270's 50th anniversary, as we look back on the successes of the National Housing Act, we can all feel a sense of pride. For many long-time residents, the soul of this section 213 building can never be separated from its historic roots.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first Black republic in the New World, as it celebrates its 206th anniversary as a nation, and for serving as an inspiration to all who support democracy. On January 1, 1804, General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti (Ayiti), declared Haiti's independence after years of war against the French colonizers. This historical rebellion, in which an army of former slaves defeated one of the world's greatest powers, was the only successful slave revolt in the New World and a clear example of the human race's universal thirst for freedom. Haiti's legacy of courage and triumph over oppression led indirectly to America's western expansion. The defeat of the French Napoleon Army by the Haitians, albeit indirectly, helped America expand its territories towards the West with the Louisiana Purchase. The loss of its most profitable colony forced France to sell others, including what was then called Louisiana, which represents around 23 percent of United States territory today. As we take this time to honor the second free nation in the history of the Western Hemisphere, second only to the United States, let us recommit our friendship and support to the people of Haiti as it moves toward economic and political stability. Although problems remain, Haiti is on target to recapture its legacy of resilience and valor. It is this same valor that was used when supporting the United States with additional troops during the American Revolution and we thank them for their support and sacrifice. This past year, Haiti has received unprecedented diplomatic attention which has resulted in political stability, economic growth, greater access to education, and success in the fight against the AIDS/HIV epidemic in the country. These reports bring a sense of pride to all those who know Haiti's history and its significance to all freedom- loving people. We call to the attention of my colleagues the outstanding direction of President Rene Preval and Haiti's diplomatic representatives, Ambassador Raymond Joseph and Consul General Felix Augustin. I thank them for their leadership and service to the country of Haiti, even during the most challenging of times. They are champions of democracy, and I salute them for their dedication to fulfilling Haiti's legacy. I would also like to recognize former President Bill Clinton in his capacity as United Nations special envoy to Haiti, for rallying new international and corporate support. Madam Speaker, I invite you and our colleagues in joining me to celebrate Haiti's independence and committing ourselves to supporting them in the future.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4462) to accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquake in Haiti, as amended.

Mr. RANGEL. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, all of us have witnessed this horrendous event that has taken place on our continent; and I know that, whether Republican or Democrat, we all want to be able to do whatever we can to ease the pain of these poor people. That's why I'm glad that Mr. Herger is here representing the Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee, which did not hesitate to meet and decide on just what we could do as a committee to make it easier to encourage people to make contributions. I know all over the country that people are collecting clothes, food, and things of that nature; but the bottom line is that they need cash; they need checks. This is what we have decided to do. So we have a nonpartisan bill here on this which deals with the technicality. It's available on the Web site of the Joint Committee, www.jct.gov, and it's listed under Document No. JCX-2-10. This bill allows Americans and others to make generous cash contributions to the charities of their choice; and at the same time, it allows them not to have to wait until next year to be able to deduct these as charitable contributions. It accelerates the time that this can be done between now and March so that any contribution that is made can be deducted on the 2009 tax return, which is being prepared now for April 15. In addition to that, there has been some question as to how you can document the actual payment if it were made on the cell phone or if it were made without actually having proof of a charitable deduction. The only proof that could be made would be by using the telephone bill, and there was a question as to whether or not that would be considered as sufficient evidence of making the contribution. This bill will, indeed, make it possible for text messages to be relied upon, text messages which are used on cell phones, when claiming these charitable contributions. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek). He is a member of the Ways and Means Committee, but, more importantly, he has been so closely identified in the bringing back of Haiti before this tragedy. He has been there, and we admire and respect the contributions he is making to rebuild this great nation.

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to yield 2 minutes to the majority whip, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn). There is no question that he has provided the leadership on this issue and inspired the Ways and Means Committee and so many other Members in the Congress. Haiti has a true friend in the heart of Jim Clyburn, our Democratic whip.

Mr. RANGEL. I yield 2 minutes to a member of the Ways and Means Committee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4462, as amended.

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I close this on the high note that America has shown its greatest, especially in this Congress. I want to thank Scott Murphy, a new Member, for insisting that we move forward on this. Of course, the Republicans, Mr. Herger and Mr. Camp, who joined together with Democrats to prove that when Americans want to do things, that party labels don't really mean that much. I do hope that the rest of the country would see what we have done and take advantage of this legislation in order to make certain that they have an accurate recording of the contributions that they make through the telephone as well as to take advantage of the expediting of deductions that are being recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. I hope everyone would vote for this bill and let this be a symbol as to what this Congress can do. It's not just for Haiti, but for ourselves and the rest of the free world.

Mr. RANGEL. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the struggles of the Haitian people in the aftermath of the disastrous earthquake that hit the island nation on January 12, 2010. The images of the aftermath of the earthquake are startling and sobering reminders of the power of nature and of our obligation as human beings to assist those who are less fortunate. In the short term, Haiti's emergency needs are overwhelming. Even with the death and casualty toll estimates still coming in, we know that there is an urgent need for food, medicines, water, emergency shelter, and equipment. The immediate response from our citizens has been gratifying. Within 24 hours following the quake, we saw Americans from a cross section of society--from elected officials in Washington to everyday residents all over New York City--reach out and offer assistance. The Obama Administration, for its part, has pledged its full support for rescue and humanitarian assistance. I applaud President Obama's decision to pledge $100 million in relief aid. It is clear that there will be an even greater need for a long-term commitment to rebuild the nation's infrastructure, and to provide educational, security, and economic assistance. As the leader in our hemisphere and Haiti's most important political partner, the United States should lead the way in supporting these efforts. There will come a time when the people of Haiti are no longer headlines in the media; and yet they will still be in desperate need of help from the international community. It is at this time that we must pull together and unite to help the citizens of Haiti rebuild their country. Similar to a national public works program, the building and repairing of roads and bridges, schools, hospitals and health care clinics, and the undertaking of massive reforestation should create much needed jobs for Haitians. I would also like to thank President Obama and Secretary Napolitano for granting the thousands of Haitian nationals in America with Temporary Protective Status. This humanitarian gesture will allow our Haitian brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends, many of whom have been among us for several years, to remain here, work hard, and contribute to the efforts of rebuilding their homeland while in America. Haiti has been a long-time friend and ally of the United States, and now it is our turn to exercise our friendship in their time of need. Madam Speaker, I invite you and my colleagues in joining me to dedicate our efforts, and commit ourselves to supporting, the long- suffering Haitian people, now and into the future.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 50th Anniversary of 1199 SEIU as a healthcare workers union. For the union, the last 50 years have been challenging ones. Through its efforts, much has changed for the better, and they have been a large part of that change. In the words of founder and former president Leon Davis, it is a history of ``tough struggles and pioneering advances, decent wages, and working conditions instead of poverty, respect on the job instead of contempt, security instead of fear, and hope instead of despair.'' The 1199 changed history in 1959 when a drugstore union made up of pharmacists joined the Civil Rights Movement and set out to organize 30,000 predominantly Black and Latino workers in New York City's voluntary hospitals. The union succeeded in signing their first collective bargaining agreement with Montefiore Medical Center that year. Today, the union is 350,000 healthcare workers strong, in hospitals, nursing homes, and homecare agencies throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Washington, DC. And they continue to grow despite these difficult times. Aside from raising labor standards and restoring dignity to their members, 1199 has been a leading force for social and economic justice for all. It is why Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., called 1199 his ``favorite union.'' And it is why they were the only labor union Malcolm X chose to speak before. The union was once the headquarters for Cesar Chavez's national grape and lettuce boycotts, as well as the headquarters for Nelson Mandela's visit to New York when he was released from prison. In all its years of activism in electoral politics, the union's greatest crowning achievement was in 2008, when it dispatched thousands of members--many of them for several months--to help elect Barack Obama as our nation's first African-American president. For all its achievements over the many years of service, including being champions of worker rights, I applaud 1199 on its 50th anniversary and have pledged to its president, George Gresham, that the union can continue to count on my strong support in the many years ahead. So Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of 1199 United Healthcare Workers East of the Service Employees International Union. As 1199 looks back at its historic accomplishments over the last 50 years, let's join it in looking forward to the next 50 years, meeting the challenges that lie ahead with the same spirit, determination, and strength that has shaped who it continues to be today.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Let me first thank Chairman Neal for the great job that he has done over the years in terms of presenting legislation that is so sorely needed in this House. And let me speculate in terms of how far is it going to go that we are going to have this partisanship in the House of Representatives. You know, we have a saying that once we're overseas, we leave the Democratic label and the Republican label behind us. But believe me, the flag and the credibility of the United States' credit is on the line. And whether it's the Chinese, the Japanese, or the European Union, it seems to me that the pride that we once had in terms of being the leader of the world, not only in fiscal policy, but in foreign policy, is on the line. No one out there in our communities is going to look at this as a Republican issue or a Democratic issue. They're going to look at it as an American issue. And they're going to look at the Congress. Why? Because we have the full faith and credit of the United States of America in our hand. People have political problems with raising the debt limit, but our country has fiscal problems. And Treasury has assured us, as he has the minority, that they don't have these fiscal gimmicks in order to play around with it. I know a lot of people know it's going to pass, and so, therefore, they're not going to vote for it. But somebody--maybe our kids and grandkids--is going to ask, Did the United States of America ever forfeit and didn't pay its debts? And some historian teacher will say, yes, they did. And they will want to know what Congress did it, and who did it; they're not going to ask whether you're a Democrat or Republican. So we've got plenty of time to fight--we have at least a year. But, please, when the credibility of the United States of America is on the line, don't ask which side you're on; be with your country.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Chairman Obey, let me thank you for not just saying what are we going to do about the jobs, but bringing this all together and doing something about it. One of our great Presidents, Jack Kennedy, once said that sometimes your party just asks too much of you. I know that's what my Republican friends must feel today, because there is no question in my mind that they have just as much compassion in their heart for those jobless people as we do. They know, as we do, that those who have lost their homes, lost their dignity, lost their job, didn't do it by being Democrats or being Republicans. I recognize that when you go in a room and make a decision to say ``no,'' you are kind of stuck with it, so we are not naive enough to believe that I can change your mind about what you already decided, but I do hope that when you go back to your home districts, and you recognize what is happening to people who are jobless, many of whom are hopeless, many have lost their skills and many who hope soon it will not continue, have lost what it's like to believe that in this great country there is no limit to how far that you could go. So maybe next year would be different. Maybe the guys in the street will be following you around, as we find people grabbing Members of the Congress, saying, Hey, my dad needs a job, Congressman, Congresswoman, can you help? We're trying to help. It was a big crisis and a lot of blame to go around. But collectively someone thought that TARP would work. Well, it had some successes. One thing is certain: We're not going back there. This time it's not the banks. It's not Wall Street in my area. It's now going to be Main Street, so that once again you have an opportunity to explain what are you doing in the Congress. Well, I know it didn't go over big to say that you were bailing out banks. It certainly didn't go over in my district. How about we're trying to bail out our people. We're trying to restore the hope and confidence they had. We're trying to keep kids in school. We're trying to put food on their table. Sure, we talk about food stamps and food pantry, but we're trying to restore that dignity that make Americans so much different from other people. In the Ways and Means Committee, where we have jurisdiction over COBRA, this is another step to have dignity. You lose your job, you lose your health care. What a terrible thing to be looking for work and you're sick and you can't even go to the doctor. Worse still, if there are sick people in your family and you don't have the insurance. Well, the Federal Government comes in not with handouts but saying can we give you a hand with your responsibility to provide health care? And that's what we've done on our committee. We've taken unemployment benefits. You know, you can get enough checks for the length of time----

Mr. RANGEL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In any event, we got aid out there for school construction. It's not just to make certain that we have a place for our kids to learn to become the leaders of tomorrow but also that people can get bricks and mortar and rebuild those schools and renovate those schools, and that's what we're doing. We've been able to make certain that at least the Ways and Means Committee can join in with the other committees, under the leadership of our great Speaker and Dave Obey, to be able to say this is not all that we want to do; this is all that we can do. Maybe over the holidays you might be able to get back to your leadership and say, We've been faithful. But we've found out that many in our districts have lost jobs, lost their home, lost their health insurance, and really lost hope. Just saying ``no'' is not going to work.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize A. Philip Randolph for his great life's work, demonstrating an unyielding struggle for human rights that impacted all marginalized groups in society during his time. He was an influential leader who had a hand in the civil rights and labor movements. A. Philip Randolph firmly believed that workers' rights and civil rights went hand in hand. He was influential in speaking out for African American rights during the 1930s and 1940s, focused particularly on labor and employment issues, and he was the leading force behind the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Not only did he lead a 10-year campaign to organize the Pullman Porters and served as the organization's first president, but Randolph directed the March on Washington movement to end employment discrimination. He was also elected a vice president of the newly merged AFL-CIO in 1955. Mr. Randolph was instrumental in changing the way Black Americans were treated in the workplace, and workers today are still benefiting from his efforts. A. Phillip Randolph realized the importance of organizing Black workers and used this position to advocate for desegregation and respect for civil rights inside the labor movement. It is only fitting that we recognize Randolph for his contributions as a founding father of the early civil rights movement. A. Philip Randolph struggled for social, political, and economic justice for all working Americans, and recognizing him in Congress is a long overdue honor that Randolph's legacy deserves.