Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 369th Infantry Regiment on their 100th anniversary. Constituted in June of 1913, this regiment was the first African American Regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. The U.S. Army's 369th Infantry Regiment, popularly known as the ``Harlem Hellfighters,'' was the best known African American unit of World War I. Federalized in 1917, it prepared for service in Europe and arrived in Brest in December. The next month, the regiment became part of the 93rd Division and continued its training, now under French instructors. In March, the regiment finally received its Federal designation and was reorganized and reequipped according to the French model. That summer, the 369th was integrated into the French 161st Division and began combat operations. While African American valor usually went unrecognized, well over one hundred members of the regiment received American and/or French medals, including the first two Americans--Corporal Henry Johnson and Private Needham Roberts--to be awarded the coveted French Croix de Guerre. Spending over six months in combat, perhaps the longest of any American unit in the war, the 369th suffered approximately fifteen hundred casualties but received only nine hundred replacements. Unit histories claimed they were the first unit to cross the Rhine earning the epithet ``Hell Fighters'' from their enemies. After considerable effort by Colonel Hayward, the 369th was welcomed home with a parade in February 1919 and reabsorbed into the National Guard. More than one million people witnessed the triumphant parade from Lower Manhattan, up Fifth Avenue to my beloved village of Harlem. The marching band led the troops, and as they turned off 110th Street onto Lenox Avenue the band began to play. Today the lineage and tradition is carried on by the 369th Transportation Battalion, which has since become the 369th Corps Support Battalion. The Harlem Hellfighters continue to serve at home and overseas. This year we honor a group of men whose selflessness and valor propelled them to protect and serve the very country that left them a perpetually marginalized group of American society. A group of men who fought to defend this country whose dream of freedom was ironically and unremorsefully built on the backs of their ancestors with no avail even as their sons fought for that same ideal decades later. The history of the Harlem Hellfighters is one of dedication and profound spirituality that reminds us that the efforts we make today has everything to do with the world we create for our future. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues stand together to recognize such an historic day as our nation marks the 100th year of the 369th Infantry Regiment's dedication to this county. A Celebration of their remarkable service to this country and of the spirit and unwavering strength they displayed throughout.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, since 1995 the first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week (NPHW) to recognize the contributions of public health and to highlight issues that are important to improving it. Public health improves the conditions and behaviors that affect the health of each and every one of us. Public health ensures that we have safe, healthy communities. This is why I hope that all Americans will join me in observing National Public Health Week April 1-7, 2013. This year's National Public Health Week theme is ``Public Health is ROI: Save Lives, Save money.'' It highlights the value of prevention and the importance of well-supported public health systems in preventing disease, saving lives and curbing health care spending. Much like the business world, ROI indicates the return on investments. Investing just $10 per person each year in proven community-based public health efforts could save the Nation more than 16 billion within five years. That's a $5.60 return for every $1 invested. America spends more than twice what most other industrialized nations spend on health care and we still have poor health outcomes. A major reason for this startling fact is that we spend only 3 percent of our health care dollars on preventing diseases as opposed to treating them, when 75 percent of our health care costs are related to preventable conditions. I was a proud sponsor of the health care reform law which was enacted on March 23, 2010. I feel passionate about uninsured Americans who suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The Affordable Care Act, as it is commonly called, ensures that more Americans than ever before will have insurance coverage for mounting medical expenses. Also included in this bill is the creation of the Prevention and Public Health Fund, a new mandatory fund for prevention and public health. The Fund is intended to provide a stable and increased investment in activities that will enable communities to stay healthy in the first place. Thanks to the great work of the American Public Health Association (APHA) which serves as the organizer of National Public Health Week and the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, great strides have been made to raise awareness about public health and prevention. However, our work is far from done. In Congress, I will continue to support reliable funding of public health and stand-up for the Prevention and Public Health Fund which helps to provide funding for community-based prevention activities and programs that reduce deaths due to preventable causes. Our current and future generations must not be deprived of the opportunity to live long, healthy lives. Working together, I am optimistic that we can achieve this outcome.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, April 10 marks a significant date for the relationship between the United States and the Republic of China, our dear friends in Southeast Asia. This is the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act that codified the bond that we share with Taiwan. Even though we have been friends and allies for much longer, it was the Taiwan Relations Act that officially outlined the importance that both nations place in each other. We are strong partners in trade, peace and democracy. When it comes to trade, Taiwan imported $25.9 billion from the United States in 2011. This is an incredible 40% increase over 2009. It shows the focus Taiwan is placing on buying American goods which translates to jobs here in the United States. In New York alone, exports to Taiwan were over $1 billion. We also appreciate the many Taiwanese companies, such as Young Stuff Apparel Group and China Airlines that have invested in New York. We look forward to our continued friendship and partnership with Taiwan for many years to come.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sadness as I pay tribute to one of Harlem's distinguish dynamic and influential members, Arthur ``Artie'' Georges, who passed away on January 29, 2013. As I speak with profound sorrow, I ascend to celebrate a life well lived and to remember with fondness the accomplishments of a remarkable leader. It is without question that Artie's outstanding contributions to the Holcombe Rucker Basketball League, the National Association of Each One Teach One, Inc. and our famed Harlem Week Golden Hoops places him in a very special category in a long line of remarkable men who have given so much to our children and to the Greater Harlem community and beyond. Artie's passion for public service is well documented by his important and outstanding 30-year career work as a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Counselor--at a time when heroin crippled and took the lives of so many of our best and brightest young men and women. Artie served his Nation proudly in the United States Army and was a loyal member of the Colonel Charles Young American Legion Post 398. An advocate of education, he loved being a part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and Basketball Tournament Weekend; the Pelham Fritz Basketball League Scholarship Fund; and the John Hunter Memorial Camp Fund. Great men like Artie are precious gifts we temporarily have in this world, but their assistance, contributions and accomplishments are far remembered and everlasting. Artie was a dear friend and was known to many of us as a brilliant hardworking community leader who dedicated his life work to the education of our youth. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March On Washington, let us celebrate the life of our beloved Arthur ``Artie'' Georges who dedicated his life to our youth and the Black American Experience.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, recognize, and celebrate the New York 25th Annual Celebration of National Black Nurses Day. On Friday February 22nd, the National Black Nurses Association recognized, honored and awarded the New York Black Nurses Association, Queens County Black Nurses, Caribbean American Nurses Association, Kappa Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority and Theta Chi Chapter of the Chi Eta Phi Nurses Sorority for their excellence of service and outstanding contributions in the field of nursing to citizens in the State of New York. The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) was organized in 1971 under the leadership of Dr. Lauranne Sams, former Dean and Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama. NBNA is a non-profit organization incorporated on September 2, 1972 in the state of Ohio. NBNA represents 150,000 African American registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, nursing students and retired nurses from the USA, Eastern Caribbean and Africa, with 83 chartered chapters in 34 states. The mission of the National Black Nurses Association ``is to provide a forum for collective action by African American nurses to investigate, define and determine what the health care needs of African Americans are and to implement change to make available to African Americans and other minorities health care commensurate with that of the larger society.'' In 2003, the National Black Nurses Association became one of the five founding organizations of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA), along with Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association, Inc., National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association, Inc.; National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Inc.; and, the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. This collaboration gives voice to 350,000 minority nurses. Dr. Betty Smith Williams is the NCEMNA President and a past NBNA President. Its goals include support for the development of a cadre of ethnic nurses reflecting the nation's diversity; advocacy for culturally competent, accessible and affordable health care; promotion of the professional and educational advancement of ethnic nurses; education of consumers, health care professionals and policy makers on health issues of ethnic minority populations; development of ethnic minority nurse leaders in areas of health policy, practice, education and research; endorsement of best practice models of nursing practice, education, and research for minority populations. I was pleased to cosponsor legislation, a proposal brought forth by Dr. Catherine Alicia Georges, past President of the National Black Nurses Association and Chair of the Nursing Department at Herbert H. Lehman College--The City of University of New York, that resulted in the U. S. Congress establishing the first Friday in the month of February as the day to recognize the contributions to healthcare made by Black nurses. I have a special place in my heart for the work of nurses, as my own dear sister was a retired nurse and I am keenly aware of the role that nurses, especially Black nurses have played in addressing the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of all patients--a cornerstone of this organization. I am so very appreciative for the many contributions of the Black nurses to the City of New York and our Nation. Let me congratulate and salute all of this year's award trailblazers in the field of nursing who have contributed locally, nationally and internationally. Your dedication and devotion to the health needs of everyday Americans is most commendable and deserving of Congressional Recognition. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, let us also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of National Black Nurses Day.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud Secretary Duncan's appointment of David Johns to head the new White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. David's expertise will be critical in helping to address the academic challenges that many Black students face. America's educational system has undergone a remarkable transformation in the years since segregation, and we must continue to move forward to ensure equality of access and opportunity for education for all. Here in Congress, I have advocated for advancing the educational opportunities for minorities through increased funding to public schools, federal fellowships, and tuition reimbursement programs. However, substantial obstacles to equal educational opportunity still remain in America's educational system. Black students lack equal access to effective teachers and principals, safe schools, and challenging college-preparatory classes. It is no coincidence that over a third of them do not graduate from high school on time, and those that do are not nearly as prepared as their peers. I look forward to working with David to bridge this gap and to provide all Americans regardless of race or gender the skills they need to compete in the workforce. Education is the key to success in today's world, and everyone in America is entitled to equal opportunity to obtain a degree, get a good paying job, and live fulfilling lives. America needs to come together to solve the problems of today in order to create a brighter future tomorrow. I am confident that David Johns will help us get there sooner.''

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sadness as I pay tribute to one of the most dynamic and influential members of the State of New York, Dillard T. Boone II, who has passed away recently. As I speak with profound sorrow, I ascend to celebrate a life well lived and to remember with fondness the accomplishments of a remarkable leader. Mr. Boone was an accomplished senior executive with extensive experience in organizational management and business administration. He was an experienced project manager in both the public and private sectors. A resident of Mount Vernon, New York for 14 years and serving in City Government for 3 of those years, Mr. Boone serves his community through arts and culture and business. He is the principal producer of many of the city's cultural activities. He has worked with local businesses in producing special events, such as the two-day Katrina Relief Concert held in Mount Vernon. He served as the Chairman of the A'Vatar Foundation of Westchester, a non-profit, multicultural arts organization, created to fill the gap of cultural difference. The organization has collaborated with the City of Mount Vernon's Department of Recreation over the past 11 years, in producing the Summer Breeze Concert Series, which has presented a series of concerts directed at the cultural diversity of the city. Jazz, & Gospel, Traditional & Italian Classics, Brazilian Fest, Klezmer Music, Dominican Fest, Caribbean, and world music have been the core direction that the organization has successfully maintained. Previously a Harlem resident for 30 years and a member of St. Charles for more than 25 years, Mr. Boone began his professional career working for the City of New York. He first served as a supervisor for social services, then promoted to Deputy Director, the Office of Labor Relations for Human Resources Administration. Upon graduating from Cornell University with a Masters degree in Industrial Labor Relations, Mr. Boone was then appointed to Assistant Commissioner with the Agency for Child Development. There he supervised the technical department of engineers, architects, and building inspectors, as the project manager for major construction and renovation of 140 head start and day care facilities citywide. After leaving city government he was appointed to District Manager, Community Board #10, Manhattan (Central Harlem) where he was the Administrator of the Community Board that represented over 150,000 Central Harlem residents. Mr. Boone became manager of residential and commercial property as on-site manager at Concourse Village, (Bronx, NY), 2,000 units and 4 commercial spaces, then Rochdale Village, (Queens, NY), 6,000 units and 74 commercial spaces, Mr. Boone then embarked upon his current professional career of arts and entertainment. He will be remembered as President of the International Entertainment Enterprises (IEE), a special events and production management company which specializes in the business of the arts and entertainment industry. He was the first manager of the renowned Boys Choir of Harlem. In addition, he was Concert Manager, for Dionne Warwick, the O'Jays, Nancy Wilson, Roberta Flack, Max Roach, Kool and the Gang, and many more acclaimed artists. To list his numerous affiliations would exhaust the limits of this record, but I would be remiss not to acknowledge his significant and very productive years as a senior advisor to The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. Chamber president, Lloyd Williams expressed, on behalf of the Chamber and HARLEM WEEK, Inc., profound sorrow to no longer have the mind, thoughts, direction, recommendations and the spirit of Dillard as a part of the annual planning and programs. Mr. Williams pledges to continue his extended family relationship with Dillard's children, two of whom are his ``godchildren.'' His was indeed a life of remarkable consequence and memorable production and he will truly be missed by so many who relied on his managerial skills and that magnificent voice and smiling face, and none more remorseful than his wife and five children. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of the March On Washington, the Inaugural Ceremony of President Barack Obama, let us celebrate the life of our beloved Dillard Boone who dedicated his life to the black experience and African American culture.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great sorrow to announce the death of a Harlem legend, Reverend William M. James. Revered James was considered by many the benevolent ``Patron Saint'' and Spiritual Crusader of Harlem. He passed away late last month at the age of 97. Over his time in the ministry, he dedicated more than 60 years of his life to improving the lives of the people of Harlem. As a man of God, Reverend James spread the message of God, love, and peace throughout Harlem. For those who had the privilege of meeting him or knowing him personally, he touched the lives of every single person in his presence. Reverend James' passion was spreading the word of God, and teaching the people in Harlem to embrace and love the Lord and Jesus. His exuberance for his job was infectious and affected everyone around him. Harlem has come a long way over the years, and we have seen a huge amount of revitalization in my District. I know that a lot of this can be contributed to the work of Reverend James. He was a strong advocate of educational advancement. The Reverend saw education as a way to create an equal playing field for everyone, giving the underprivileged the opportunity to achieve success and the American Dream. Reverend James was a well-connected man, but never used his connections for personal gain. Instead, through his close relationship to lawmakers, such as myself, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Mayor Dave Dinkins, Reverend James was able to fight for the people of Harlem with others whose only goal in life is to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. Education wasn't the only thing that Reverend James fought for during his life. He was also a huge supporter of the Arts. Reverend James dedicated a great deal of time to preserving the world famous Harlem landmark, the Apollo Theater. He considered it an important link for future generations to Harlem's important musical past. Reverend James also was the Chairperson of the Harlem Urban Development Corporation that works to develop economic and industrial opportunities in order to create positive growth and change in Harlem. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me and the New York Congressional Delegation in paying tribute to Harlem's beloved Reverend. Reverend William James guided the people of Harlem with compassion and tenderness. His spirituality and faith in God guided him throughout his life's quest to enhance the lives of the underprivileged. He will be forever missed all the people of Harlem and by everyone who's life he touched.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for presenting the National Great Debate Series. On Saturday, March 2, the NAACP New York State Conference, under the leadership of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes in partnership with Starbucks, NAACP Region II Youth and College Division, the NAACP Connecticut State Conference, Bill Lynch Associates and Positive Workforce, Inc. hosted in New York City's Village of Harlem's First Corinthian Baptist Church ``The Great Debate''--Howard University vs Columbia University. For the first time, this highly acclaimed event took place outside of an academic building in hopes of stimulating the consciousness and interest of young people who might not otherwise be exposed to debates as a platform for the advancement of civil rights issues and education. Over 1600 youth and community leaders from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York converged at Harlem's historic First Corinthian Baptist Church to witness, support and participate in ``The Great Debate''. Inspired by Denzel Washington's 2007 movie, ``The Great Debaters'' in 2008, Connecticut State Conference President Scot X. Esdaile, created the ``NAACP Great Debate series''. The debate series, which is one of a kind in the country, brings together highly acclaimed debate teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) to compete against their Ivy League counterparts. The teams debate some of the most pressing social, cultural, and political issues of today. The first debate was held at Woolsey Hall on the Yale University campus where students from Howard University and Yale University demonstrated their oral prowess. Since this first debate, interest in the series has grown exponentially. In 2011, Howard University squared off against Yale University on the topics of charter schools and District of Columbia (D.C.) statehood. In 2012, the Youth & College Division hosted the Great Debate between Wiley University and Harvard University during the 103rd Annual NAACP National Convention in Houston, Texas in a debate over the controversial ``Stand Your Ground'' law. This year, moderated by Drexel University's Dr. Charles A. Williams, III, Howard University and Columbia University debated over New York City's Police Department controversial Stop and Frisk Policy, and also debated whether hand guns should be banned in urban cities nationwide. As Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, let me congratulate my sister, Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference, Scot X. Esdaile, President of the Connecticut State Conference and Marvin Bing, Director of Region II for bringing the NAACP Debate Series to New York City and my Congressional District. I also want to give special praise and thanks to Senior Pastor, Reverend Michael A. Walrond, Jr. and First Lady and Executive Pastor, Dr. Lakeesha Walrond of the First Corinthian Baptist Church for hosting this historic debate at Harlem's landmarked faith based institution. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of the March On Washington, the 100th Birthday of Rosa Parks, let us also celebrate the 104 years of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People that has dedicated its life's advocacy and game changing work, under the leadership of Chairman Roslyn M. Brock and President and Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Todd Jealous to enhancing Civic Engagement, Criminal Justice, Economic Development, Education and Health for all Americans across this Nation.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Life of Harlem's Matriarch Ms. Fannie E. Pennington, who passed away on Wednesday, February 13 at the age of 99 years old. On Friday, February 22, the Village Harlem joined together at Abyssinian Baptist Church to celebrate the amazing and historic life of Fannie E. Pennington who was a faithful and dedicated servant to the Lord and to our Nation. Great women like our wonderful Fannie Pennington are precious gifts we temporarily have in this world, but their assistance, contributions and accomplishments are far remembered and everlasting. Our beloved Fannie lived a full and spiritual life--a life well spent and dedicated to the uplifting of African Americans and women. Daughter of Matthew Mark and Hattie Harris, and a descendant of the Balanta Fula Tribes of Guinea, Fannie and her late sister Amelia were baptized and christened into the family of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church by the Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. At Abyssinian, Fannie Pennington became one of the most devoted members, serving on the Progressive Ladies Usher Board, the Welcome and Hospitality Committee, which was once known as the Adam Clayton Powell Overseas Club. Ms. Fannie Pennington greeted and hosted historic world figures and American Icons such as Haile Selassie, Mary McCloud Bethune, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Many of our friends will remember Fannie as a vivacious and beautiful personality, who tended bar in several of Harlem's elite dining institutions and establishments. She was also an official representative of the Barmaid Charity Organization, which raised money to send inner city kids to summer camp. I will remember Fannie for her loyalty and support to Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., her years of service to the New York City Board of Elections and the Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club, where she was dedicated to registering young people to vote. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and the 100th Birthday of Rosa Parks, let us also celebrate the 99 years of our beloved Fannie E. Pennington.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I introduced the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Medal Act (H. R. 1303) in the 112th Congress. This bill is being introduced to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Shirley Chisholm. Shirley Chisholm was a pioneer. She was the first African-American woman elected to Congress in 1968 where she served until 1982. She represented Brooklyn's 12th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. ' In 1972 Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American to seek the nomination of a major party for President of the United States. Shirley Chisholm was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW). This posthumous gold medal presentation will recognize Shirley Chisholm for her activism, independence and groundbreaking achievements in politics during and after the civil rights era. Both her election to Congress and her candidacy for the presidency raised the profile and aspirations of all African-Americans and women in the field of politics. An historic figure in American political history and a champion for social justice, Shirley Chisholm died at the age of 80 on New Year's Day 2005. it is befitting that Congress bestow its highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal, to former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm posthumously.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join millions of people across the world in congratulating Madam President Park Geun-hye as she ascends to the Presidency. This historic occasion of swearing in a female to the head of government reflects the tremendous leaps that The Republic of Korea has made to become a shining example of one of the most successful democracies in the world. South Korea has emerged from the ashes of war into a giant in Asia and throughout the international community. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Armistice and the mutual military treaty, I am pleased to reaffirm my commitment to strengthening the bloodshed U.S.-Korea alliance in my capacity as a Member of the U.S. Congress. South Korea is among the closest allies of the United States, having contributed troops in support of United States operations during the Vietnam war, Gulf war, and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, while also supporting numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions throughout the world. In addition to being a major military ally to the United States, South Korea is our nation's seventh-largest trading partner. As the Ranking Member of House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, I look forward to working with President Park's Administration to implement the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. As a Korean War Veteran, I could not be more proud to witness today's Dynamic Korea. Seoul's skyscrapers, booming businesses and rising apartment buildings are a testament to the resiliency and determination of the Korean people. I send my best wishes to President Park and applaud the people and country that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join millions of people across the nation to celebrate Black History Month. This year's theme, ``At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington,'' acknowledges two pivotal impacts on American history. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation to end slavery in the South and to preserve a republic for all people. A century later, hundreds of thousands of people of all backgrounds marched to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., seeking equality for everyone in America. It was also where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous ``I Have A Dream'' speech which echoes through the nation even until this day. Both events marked the beginning of endless opportunities for minorities serving as foundations for the structure of public organizations of the 21st century. Fighting for equality is a constant struggle that requires the efforts of all of us in our time. As we celebrate the 150th year of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March of Washington, we must keep working towards progress by reducing poverty and encouraging higher education in our communities. I have dedicated my life to promoting equality for all as I continue to remember the racial and social injustices that took place many years ago. I will remain persistent in advocating for progress alongside my fellow Colleagues in Congress.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to acknowledge the life and the legacy of the late Congresswoman Cardiss Collins. Congresswoman Collins was the first African American woman to represent a Midwestern district in this Congress. During her more than 20 years in service here, she boldly represented the Seventh Congressional District of Illinois after the untimely death of her husband, Congressman George Collins. She also led her peers with distinction as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Now I ask, Mr. Speaker, for all of my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence to honor Congresswoman Cardiss Collins.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I don't think anyone challenges the fact that we have to stop overspending. You just can't simplify it and say, ``Stop spending.'' The problem that we have now is that the debt ceiling has nothing to do with the full faith and credit of money that has already been spent. We'd have plenty of time to talk about taxes and spending if we'd talk about concurrent resolutions, if we'd talk about sequestration; but if what you're saying is that if there is a budget that I have to vote ``yes'' or ``no'' on and if one budget says that one way to close and reduce the deficit is to go after the people who are the poorest, the most sick, and the oldest and call that ``entitlement cutbacks'' and if I don't vote for that then it means that the government is not going to pay me, well, I can go home very easily and tell them that a bad budget is worse than no budget and that, once again, we are holding hostage the spending cuts that a lot of people want that should be negotiated. Perhaps we've got a 3-month reprieve, but the fact remains that this is holding up the President and our country from getting on with what we should do when the fiscal impact of this in our country and throughout the world is dangerous.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Thank you so much, Mrs. Lowey. I want to thank Chairman Rogers for the manner in which he has handled this crisis and certainly congratulate Mrs. Lowey for the leadership that she has provided this House over the years, but especially at a time when we needed her the most, that she was there to bring the people together, Republicans and Democrats, to do the right thing. I want to thank, too, and encourage the new Members of Congress to take advantage of this great opportunity they have to see what the House of Representatives is all about, notwithstanding the bad publicity that we get. For whatever reasons, the 112th Congress failed to respond to what was a part of the feeling and the fabric of this great body where every American would know that if ever they were involved in a crisis-- earthquakes, floods, or fires--that they could depend on their colleagues in the House of Representatives to respond. It was never a question of whether they were Democrats or Republicans, whether they came from a red State or a blue State; it was how fast can we help, and you can depend on that help. For whatever reason, the 112th Congress failed, but now we are asking the new Members to join with those that were here before in bringing together people in this Congress to once again rebuild that reputation that we had so rightly enjoyed, and that is that, if you have any type of problem in this great Nation and you need the help of your colleagues, you can depend on the House of Representatives, the people's House, in coming forward to provide those aids. We cannot bring back the lives, the homes, and the hopes that so many people have lost, but we can say in the people's House that we respond to the problems that people have. I thank you again, Mrs. Lowey, for your leadership that you've provided, and I look forward to working with you and Chairman Rogers in the future.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I was just asking my friend, Joe Crowley, is there a legislative possibility that we could bring this to the floor. I think everybody has enough compassion for the Speaker after what he's been through with his own party trying to get some bills to the floor to understand that anything, even something this enormous, could have fallen between the cracks. What a great opportunity to say let's try to put these pieces together. In any event, nobody has said it's impossible to do it; and if it's just a question of pride in terms of party unity, I can't think of anything at this time that would be better served than to have all of America especially thank the Speaker for reconsidering trying to help the lives of tens of thousands of American people. Once again, I don't know what my chances are going to be getting into Heaven, but the absence of listening to the compassionate support of the religious community is deafening to me. I know their strong position about same-sex marriage and about women controlling their bodies and all of those things. And I say, if you write the book, you have the rules, do what you have to do. But, my God, when it comes to caring for people, not New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, not just the United States, but all over the world, can't there be some people that have compassion to know that this is what God expects us to do? That's why we say, in God we trust, because we're supposed to take care of fiscal calamities, which we fail, but the compassion is not in the parties, it's in the people. And these people could be your neighbors today and someone else's neighbor tomorrow. And this great United States, what a great insurance policy to have, to have friends from different communities, different backgrounds to know, as we say in the hood, we got your back. That's what it's all about. People all over the world, when they have a problem, no matter what the political differences are, know that America will have enough compassion to put aside those differences and to send out our men, our women and our firefighters over there, to do what, to help. How do we possibly explain to our kids and grandkids that when it came to Americans, when it came to people who fight and die for this country, that we not only didn't help, but worse than that, we turned our back on them?

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. This is no profile in courage for me to be voting for this bill. It reminds me of the joke we use to have on Lennox Avenue, where someone stopped hitting you on the head with a hammer and you're supposed to say, ``Thank you so much for the relief.'' We created this monster. We're the ones that have said--at least the Congress has said in the majority in the House--do what you have to do but, for God's sake, don't ask the top 2 percent of the wealthiest people in this civilized country to pay their fair share. And while you're thinking about taxing people, why don't you start talking about cutting people off from unemployment compensation? Why don't you think about not providing so much for the sick and the aged? Why don't you start privatizing these things? This was not the America that I knew when I came to the Congress. This was something that a handful of people from nowhere came here and started preaching that we had to destroy Big Government and the vulnerable who had no lobbyists, who had no one to come to, were saved by us, by responsible people who came together and said, basically, Have you lost your mind? What are you doing? How can you go home and tell the people this is what you created? And so we paused and common sense has prevailed, and we can at least go back home and say, Not now, but they're coming again. They have all types of words that they're using, like the debt ceiling, but all it means is that they're coming after us and they're coming after the President. They'll be talking about sequestration. What will it mean? Cutting benefits from people that need them the most. And with all due regards to the other body for once doing what the House could not get together in doing, we never even saw how they paid for some of these things, things that we would have handled differently when we had to pay for those doctors who work very hard for the Medicare. And people say, Well, how are you paying for them? And everyone had amnesia in not knowing. Well, after it's over, they'll get paid, but this Congress will make certain that the providers of health care are not penalized for this Congress doing the right thing.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I know there are many people watching us late this night that truly don't believe that the House of Representatives can turn their back on any Americans and any part of this great Nation. But, Mr. Speaker, maybe you could help us by reminding the people that we have a switchboard down here. It's 202-225-3121. It may not be able to do anything because the leadership just walked away without the courtesy of saying that they didn't have time to deal with the millions of people whose lives have been affected. Maybe, Mr. Speaker, if you can remind Americans who are just watching that maybe they should call and ask the Congress and ask the Speaker, Please, reconsider. We're going to be here tomorrow. We were told to be here tomorrow. Whatever happened to make someone angry tonight, the people that are suffering as a result of this disaster, they're not responsible. Don't make them pay for it.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Let me thank the Speaker for the service that he's given to the Congress. Some day someone may review our conduct here in the House, and one of the speakers on the other side, I guess he's gone, but he said shame on the Congress. I just wanted to join with him on that. But I also want history to record that they may ask what the heck was Rangel doing down there when this was going on? What happened? And I hope the Record is abundantly clear that this was outlined in a campaign. It was a Presidential campaign. And the President said that as a result of America getting into wars and not paying for it, and as a result of wrongdoing in Wall Street, and the result of a whole lot of people getting out of work, that we had to have a program to raise the money and to pay down on the deficit by cutting back programs. It seems as though what has happened here is that the Republican Party missed something. Maybe it was election night. Maybe it was a small group of the Republican Party. But they really didn't believe, or don't believe that the President won. And this whole idea of protecting 2 percent of the population actually was on a vote. The people voted, and the President said he was going to protect 98 percent of the taxpayers. And so somehow this is not being understood. Further from that, if you have to have more savings, and I agree that we do, why would you go, of all places, to the most vulnerable? My friend from Wisconsin often tells me how fast food stamps have arisen in the last 2, 4, 6 years. I wonder whether he's ever taken time to find out whether there's any relationship between the increase in unemployment and increase in food stamps. So I just want to be recorded, Mr. Speaker, this ain't for real.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I don't rise to talk about and to give accolades to Congressman Cleaver because he has served the Congressional Black Caucus so well. And the reason I don't is because I can't imagine that he won't continue to serve us as he has this capacity to do. I know that Congresswoman Judge Fudge is going to do a remarkable job, but there is a uniqueness about Reverend Cleaver, Pastor Cleaver, City Councilman Cleaver, Mayor Cleaver, Congressman Cleaver. God has given these terrific assets to be able to take complex, emotional problems and to talk to you like he's known you all of your life as he helps you to work with him to try to find some solution. Every time I hear him give a talk, I vision him in his church talking about those things that give inspiration to so many people that have lost hope, and especially now, as many have lost their homes and lost jobs. As we struggle in this Congress today, in trying to bring some balance in terms of our deficit, our spending, as well as our raising the revenue, I cannot help but look at the reverend, Congressman, chairman in terms of the words of Matthew, when Jesus made it abundantly clear that, although the rich were not asking Jesus for comfort as related to providing for the sick and the naked and the poor and the underprivileged, somehow Jesus had said what Emanuel Cleaver follows, that it's not what we do here in the Congress for Members of Congress, indeed, it's not what we do for the rich and the middle class, but the basic question we all have to decide is: What did we do for the lesser among us, the vulnerable, the sick, the aged, and the poor? Certainly, Emanuel Cleaver provides a conscience for all of us that are privileged to serve in this august body.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Harlem's community leader Dorothy Mae Skinner, who passed away on Monday, November 26, 2012. I first met Dorothy in my early years in the U.S. House of Representatives in her role as a community activist, concerned resident, and devoted parent. Dorothy was very engaged in the war on drugs in the 1970's and 1980's and became active with the New York City Police Department 30th and 32nd Precincts and community councils. Dorothy was both friend and foe of the neighborhood drug dealers, for they all loved her but knew she was leading the fight against them, a fight she handily won. As President of the Block Association, she organized block parties, jazz mobiles, Halloween parties in Hamilton Park, and coordinated activities with the Police Athletic League (PAL). Dorothy Mae Skinner joined the Board of Directors of the West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc., one of Harlem's oldest and largest community based development organizations, which was established more than 30 years ago to revitalize the under-invested West and Central Harlem communities--riddled with dilapidated and abandoned buildings. Dorothy served as Chairperson of West Harlem Group Assistance Board of Directors for over 20 years and served as the Secretary until her passing. She helped guide the vision of WHGA to recreate a community in which all responsible residents, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders are mobilized and firmly committed to working together willingly and cooperatively. This ensured that Harlem was positioned to enter the 21st century as a safe, socially stable, healthy, economically sound, well-educated and informed, and politically strong community. Dorothy Mae Skinner was born on June 22, 1926, to the late Herman and Gladys Harris. She was the eldest of 12 children born to that union. With that size family, Dorothy grew up with a great sense of family values, which continued with her own family. Dorothy met and married Robert Skinner on December 24, 1946. They were married for 34 years and were blessed with 6 children: (Butch) Robert, (D.G.) Dorian, Roberta, Rene, Diane, and Cheryl, whom she nurtured and cherished. She is pre- deceased by her eleven siblings and her husband, Robert. Dorothy loved to travel and it did not matter if it was local or long distance. She continued to preach and teach family values, as she believed in family outings. Every weekend during the summer she would either take her children away, or send her children to the movies or penny arcade. Most people reserve a hotel room when going on vacation, but Dorothy would rent an apartment for a week to accommodate her children and their friends. She also organized yearly dude ranch trips during the summer and Ski trips during the winter. Educated in the NYC public schools, Dorothy was a determined young woman who received her GED at age 35 and continued her education and attended City College of New York. She truly believed in education and was employed by the NYC Department of Education for a number of years, nurturing and caring for many young lives, until her retirement at age 65. Many years later, as she would often sit on her stoop, former students, now grown, would stop by and chat with her. Dorothy was very involved in the Mt Pisgah Baptist Church where she served for several years as Deaconess. She was known to many as Mrs. Skinner, Dorothy, Grandma, or Grandma Dee. Dorothy enjoyed scratchoff and sometimes made a pretty penny too, which kept her scratching. Mr. Speaker, great women like our beloved Dorothy are precious gifts we temporarily have in this world, but their assistance, contributions and accomplishments are far remembered and everlasting. I ask you, my colleagues, to join me in celebrating the life of Dorothy Mae Skinner.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Well, I thank you for this opportunity. It's always difficult when Members' political careers are interrupted. We're going to miss Betty Sutton on our side, and of course we're going to miss Mr. Kucinich for all the great work he's done. I remember, Congressman LaTourette, when your former Member, Lou Stokes, was on the floor and he demonstrated his friendship in a way that certainly most Members on both sides will never forget. And Mr. Austria is leaving. One of the main reasons why I did come to the floor is because of Jean Schmidt. When I first heard that she was defeated, they told me that her opponent had said that I endorsed her and that's the reason she lost the race. So I wanted to make it abundantly clear that while I did not endorse her politically, I certainly would have said what a nice lady she has been in being kind and gentle and Republican at the same time, and I thought that was quite an achievement. Ms. Schmidt has managed to disagree with so many of the differences we have in policy; and yet the first thing that you would ever see on her face is a smile, asking you how you are feeling and having a genuine concern about that. I personally will miss you and miss the greetings that we had for each other and sharing each other's family experiences. It's really a classic example in showing what this great body used to be and what it can become when people can just take a few minutes and realize that we may all come from different political philosophies, but we are still the brothers and sisters and children of God. I also want to thank Judge Fudge for giving me this great opportunity in speaking with her great Buckeye delegation. Thank you so much.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, my Colleagues and I were pleased to learn that the government of Taiwan (Republic of China) has pledged to donate $1.3 million to the United Way International, Habitat for Humanity International, the states of New Jersey and New York, and New York City for post-Sandy relief. During October of this year, Hurricane Sandy devastated much of New York, New Jersey and other parts of the Northeastern United States. Many lives were lost from these storms as were houses and many personal belongings. Having my congressional district in New York City, I witnessed a lot of this destruction firsthand. These two charities mentioned above, among many other relief agencies, have done an excellent job in collecting funds for the victims. They were at the frontlines in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and need our help to rebuild themselves. The contributions from Taiwan will continue to provide these organizations the financial support that they need to continue to be effective. A ceremony marking the transfer of funds to the charities will be held in Washington, D.C. on December 6, 2012. Taiwan's donation is a most generous act by the people and Taiwanese government. Taiwan gave generously to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was a major donor to the Twin Towers Fund as well as the Pentagon Memorial Fund. Taiwanese friendship for us is everlasting and commendable. This is another example of the continuing warm relations between the people of Taiwan and the people of America. We are grateful of their compassion in these difficult times.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Harlem's historian and Black Filmmaker, William ``Bill'' Miles. William Miles was born in Harlem, New York, and has used his deep knowledge and experience of Harlem to produce films that tell unique and often inspiring stories of Harlem's history. Based in New York City at THIRTEEN/WNET New York Public Media, William Miles produced many films dedicated to the African-American experience that have been broadcast nationwide over the Public Broadcast System, PBS. Bill Miles' interest in creating historical documentaries was nurtured through 25 years of restoring archival films and early feature classics for Killiam Shows, Inc. and the Walter Reade Organization in New York City. Bill Miles breakthrough film was Men of Bronze, which opened at the New York Film Festival in 1977 and was later broadcast on PBS. This film tells the story of the black American soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, who, because of segregation in the U.S. Army, fought under the French flag in World War I. The regiment spent more time in the front-line trenches than any other American unit, fighting alongside French, Moroccan, and Senegalese soldiers. First organized in 1916 as the 15th New York National Guard Infantry Regiment and manned by black enlisted soldiers with both black and white officers, the 369th Infantry is known for being the first African-American regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. The regiment was nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters and the Black Rattlers, in addition to several other nicknames. Federalized in 1917, it prepared for service in Europe and arrived in Brest in December. The next month, the regiment became part of the 93rd Division (Provisional) and continued its training, now under French instructors. In March, the regiment finally received its Federal designation and was reorganized and reequipped according to the French model. That summer, the 369th was integrated into the French 161st Division and began combat operations. Dubbing themselves ``Men of Bronze,'' the soldiers of the 369th were lucky in many ways compared to other African Americans in 1918 France. They enjoyed a continuity of leadership, commanded throughout the war by one of their original organizers and proponents, Colonel William Hayward. Unlike many white officers serving in the black regiments, Colonel Hayward respected his troops, dedicated himself to their well-being, and leveraged his political connections to secure support from New Yorkers. Spending over six months in combat, perhaps the longest of any American unit in the war, the 369th suffered approximately fifteen hundred casualties but received only nine hundred replacements. Unit histories claimed they were the first unit to cross the Rhine; they performed well at Chateau- Thierry and Belleau Wood, earning the epithet ``Hell Fighters'' from their enemies. Exhibiting extraordinary valor, the 369th, an integral part of the Fourth French Army, fought on the front until the Armistice. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive the 369th showed exceptional bravery, especially on September 29, 1918, during the liberation of Sechault, when a third of the regiment suffered casualties. Whereas African American valor usually went unrecognized, during its service, the regiment suffered 1500 casualties and took part in the following campaigns: Champagne-Marne, Meuse-Argonne, Champagne 1918 and Alsace 1918. One Medal of Honor and many Distinguished Service Crosses were awarded to members of the regiment. The most celebrated man in the 369th was Pvt. Henry Lincoln Johnson, a former Albany, New York, rail station porter, who earned the nickname ``Black Death'' for his actions in combat in France. In May 1918, Johnson and Pvt. Needham Roberts fought off a 24-man German patrol, though both were severely wounded. After they expended their ammunition, Roberts used his rifle as a club and Johnson battled with a bolo knife. Johnson was the first American to receive the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) awarded by the French government. By the end of the war, 171 members of the 369th were cited for their heroism and decorated with the Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honor. Upon their return to the United States, the Harlem Hellfighters were honored by the City with a victory parade up Fifth Avenue. During World War II, the 369th distinguished itself at Okinawa, and later fought in the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf Wars and the War on Terror in Afghanistan. The unit serves today as the 369th Sustainment Brigade. Mr. Speaker, as a Korean War Veteran and Member of the 369th Harlem Hellfighters Veterans' Association, I included this comprehensive history of the 369th Regiment as documented in film by our beloved William ``Bill'' Miles because these brave Men of Bronze were game changers that fought as proud Americans to protect and serve our nation. As I continue to talk about the great work of my dear friend filmmaker Bill Miles, I must also recognize his best known artistic documentary, I Remember Harlem, a four part comprehensive series, which chronicles the history and changes of the Village of Harlem and changes from its beginnings in the early 1600s through the early 1980s. The program's episodes include segments on Harlem's early history and settlement, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression in Harlem, the Civil Rights Movement and political activism in the era of Malcolm X, and the problems and redevelopment of the '70s. Miles spent three years researching materials for I Remember Harlem, which traced Harlem's 350- year history. As a visual counter to the oral histories in the film, Miles unearthed archival photographs and motion picture stock footage along with newsreel films, much of it rare and never before seen by the general public. In early 1982, one year after it was broadcast, I Remember Harlem won an Alfred I. DuPont Columbia University citation and an American Film Festival Award. Bill Miles, president of Miles Educational Film Productions, Inc. produced and directed The Different Drummer: Blacks in the Military (1983) concentrated on African-American soldiers in recent decades. A three-part documentary that explores the history of blacks in the American Armed Forces. Part One, ``Unknown Soldiers,'' examines the earliest black involvement in the military, from the Civil War to World War I; Part Two, ``The Troops,'' continues that history from World War II to the war in Vietnam; Part Three, ``From Gold Bars to Silver Stars,'' features interviews with today's highest-ranking black officers, who describe their how they rose up the military ladder. Miles's three-part program Black Champions (1986) dealt with a three- part chronicle of the historic achievements by black athletes in America. The documentary uses rare archival footage to illustrate how many black champions, both famous and little-known, successfully challenged racism to achieve a level of prominence almost always denied them in other areas of American life. ``Who Will Wear the Crown?'' (Part One) examines early black participation in sports, focusing on the athletic departments of segregated Negro colleges during the first half of the century. ``New Times: The Integration of American Sports'' (Part Two) explores black pioneers who became superstars in the white sports arena. ``Looking For Tomorrow: Black Athletes and the Sporting Life'' (Part Three) focuses on the world of corporate sports and the financial and emotional pressures facing black superstars. Important topics included the impressive performances of various black athletes at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Jackie Robinson's integration of Major League Baseball, Althea Gibson's achievements in tennis, and the careers of early black football stars. Miles co-produced the film on literary legend James Baldwin: The Price of a Ticket, which debuted in 1989 as an episode of PBS's American Masters series. James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket captures on film the passionate intellect and courageous writing of a man who was born black, impoverished, gay and gifted, by using striking archival footage to evoke the atmosphere of Baldwin's formative years-- the Harlem of the 30s, his father's fundamentalist church and the emigre demimonde of postwar Paris. Newsreel clips from the '60's record Baldwin's running commentary on the drama of the Civil Rights movement. The film also explores his quiet retreats in Paris, the South of France, Istanbul and Switzerland--places where Baldwin was able to write away from the racial tensions of America. Writers Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, Ishmael Reed, William Styron and biographer David Leeming place Baldwin's work in the African-American literary tradition--from slave narratives and black preaching to their own contemporary work. The film skillfully links excerpts from Baldwin's major books--Go Tell it on the Mountain, Notes of a Native Son, Another Country, The Fire Next Time, Blues for Mister Charlie, If Beale Street Could Talk--to different stages in Black-white dialogue and conflict. Bill directed Black Stars in Orbit (1990), a documentary that profiles black astronauts and the contributions of African-Americans who worked behind the scenes in the NASA Space Program, featuring Edward J Dwight Jr., Ronald E McNair, Frederick D. Gregory, Patricia S. Cowings, Isaac T. Gilliam, IV, Guion S. Bluford, Jr., Charles F. Bolden, Jr., Mae C. Jemison, Robert H. Lawrence, Jr. Robert E. Shurney, Lee Archer, Jr. and George Carruthers. Black Stars in Orbit was followed by Liberators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World War II (1992), which Miles co-produced with Nina Rosenblum. Liberators, featuring actors Denzel Washington, Louis Gossett Jr. and Leon Bass is a documentary film account about Black American soldiers in World War II who combated racism in the segregated military and on the home front. In April 1945, some Black American soldiers were among the first `liberators' to enter Nazi death camps, encountering the survivors described by one GI as ``walking skeletons.'' Bill Miles and Nina Rosenblum collaborated and co-directed, The Black West, which is part of a three-volume series of the TBS Emmy award- winning film and Cable Ace nominee series, The Untold West. Narrated by Actor Danny Glover, The Black West episode depicts the story of African Americans of the early western frontier of the late 19th century. The segment salutes the black cowboys of the western wilderness who fought alongside their Native American and white counterparts during the development of the frontier. The contributions of these nearly forgotten African-Americans are portrayed through realistic re- enactments, including a special segment on cowboy Bill Pickett, one of the best rodeo performers of all time. Mr. Speaker, Bill Miles' life's work is dedicated to exploring the entire African American Experience including the history, culture and achievements of African Americans from their arrival in America in the 16th century to their achievement as astronauts, aeronautical scientists, and engineers. Mr. Miles has won an Emmy Award, has been nominated for the Oscar, and was inducted into the Black Filmmaker's Hall of Fame. Among numerous other awards garnered both at home and abroad, he has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Independent Video and Filmmakers, AIVF in acknowledgment of his outstanding contribution to the history of African American in the medium of film. I ask you and my colleagues to join me in a very special congressional salute to Harlem's Historian and Black Filmmaker William ``Bill'' Miles, a titan of a man who has documented the history and contributions of African Americans and the Black American Experience with film, a camera and a lens.