Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I have been so moved by the preceding gentleman's remarks about the good work that Americans can do, especially when the argument is which side are we on, terrorism or freedom. I don't know how many cases in the world that the United States of America can intercede in, but I do know that, as we see these horrible examples of what people can do to their own people, that we have thousands of Americans who have volunteered to support our flag and the integrity of the United States who have been killed. And it just seemed to me that when we're talking about the protection of a human body, whether it's losing a limb or your sight or your face, no matter what it is--and especially your life--that if America is going to take this position, all Americans should be prepared to make the sacrifices as the gentleman before me has. I think it's so unfair and borders on corrupt when people talk about where our American men and women should be, defending freedom in foreign countries, when America hasn't spoken. Presidents haven't declared war. And we find ourselves talking about volunteers when it's abundantly clear that everybody does not assume the same sacrifices, whether we're talking about taxes or loss of life. So whether we're talking about Australia, Afghanistan, Iraq, before the people make a decision--and that's what we're for in the House-- before they make a decision, at least say that everyone has to participate in that decision and not those who, for economic reasons, find themselves in communities with the highest, the very highest unemployment. And I laud what happens to all of us who volunteered, because when that flag goes up, you salute the flag. The President becomes the Commander in Chief, and there is only one thing to do. And that's win and protect the integrity of the United States. But I submit that we have to have a draft that's a part of--what?-- the United States, and not a plea for those people, for economic reasons, who will have to protect themselves. I don't think I've ever said this before, but I was thinking that my brother volunteered long before Pearl Harbor, which today we commemorate, and so he was unable to say, nor I, that he volunteered because we were being attacked. Several years later, in 1948, when the war was over, I volunteered, and that was before the North Koreans invaded South Korea. I would like to walk away by saying how patriotic we both were; but really what motivated me was the excitement my mother would get in receiving a check from my older brother. It wasn't a question of whether she loved him more; it was that she needed it. I was a teenager--11, 12 years old. The one thing I knew, I wanted to make my mother as happy as my brother did and send her that allotment check. Yet, today, I have medals, and I've been lorded by the Koreans and everyone else; but when I think about it, there were economic reasons that made me a ``hero,'' and there are economic reasons that make the heroes that we have who defend our country and our flag so well. I didn't expect to talk about that; but in hearing that, 70 years ago, we were attacked and of the American lives that were lost and then of coming back to what has happened in Afghanistan, I am reminded of how unfair this system is for the greatest country in the world and of the hope and division that we're losing and of what separates us from so many other countries in which you can be born into the pits of poverty, and yet you can always dream that, in this great country, you can succeed. So many Members of Congress and so many members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are the first ones who ever went to college--their parents were the first ones in generations who were able to become professionals--and then had the great honor to represent the United States of America in this Congress. I am sorry to have deviated from why I came to the well. What I can say to other Members is: God bless America. We have to keep fighting for equality and justice for all.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Harlem Double Dutch Classic, which competition takes place every year at the world famous Apollo Theater. I also would like to recognize the National Double Dutch League and my good friend Mr. David A. Walker who passed away in 2008, and the rise of director Ms. Lauren Walker, Mr. Walker's daughter. David A. Walker, the founder of the National Double Dutch League made Double Dutch into the game it is today. Together with Ulysses Williams, whom he met while working for the New York City Police Community Affairs division, were able to make the game into a competitive team sport that quickly gained momentum as a World Class Sport. By 1974 Double Dutch had gained enough popularity to have the first tournament of fifth through eighth graders, in which almost 600 students participated. Double Dutch has since become a citywide, national and international sport. Community centers and school throughout the national have thousands of students compete to be champions of this wonderful sport. For 18 years, Walker served the American Double Dutch League as president, and later went on to form the International Double Dutch Federation, the National Double Dutch League, which we are honoring today, and the Dynamic Diplomats of Double Dutch team. Walker managed to create an approach to the sport that has spread throughout the world as the default method to compete. Double Dutch has risen and fallen in popularity over the years, but Walker was able to help the game stand the test of time and rise once again in its full glory. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to educate themselves on this important sport that has changed the lives of young girls and boys throughout the nation and the world. We must honor the man that has helped put our children's energies into safe pass times such as this, and David A. Walker was that man. I know that his daughter will carry on his legacy and keep this incredible sport alive and thriving.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Congressman Charles Gonzalez. I am sad that after seven great terms in the House, Congressman Charles Gonzalez will not be seeking reelection. Picking right up from where his father left off, Charles has been a tremendous leader for the people of the Texas 20th Congressional District and the United States. Charles and I share the honor of representing large Hispanic communities. As the Chairman of the Hispanic Caucus and his tenure in Congress, he has fought fiercely to better the lives of all Hispanics in America. We both proudly co-sponsored the DREAM Act. We both share the belief that everyone in America deserves the equal opportunity to pursue the American Dream. Charles and his compassion will be greatly missed. I wish him and his family all the best and more.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere concern over the unjust imprisonment of Alan Gross by the Cuban government. A true humanitarian, Mr. Gross was sentenced in March to 15 years in prison for ``acts to undermine the integrity and independence'' of Cuba. Before the sentencing earlier this year, Mr. Gross had already been imprisoned for two years without charge. He was in Cuba as part of a USAID contract to provide support to members of the Cuban Jewish community when he was arrested. He was helping to improve their access to the internet and to build an intranet. Never did any of his actions pose a threat or danger to the Cuban government. Because of his unethical imprisonment, Mr. Gross, who is 62 years old, is declining in health and spirit and quick action must be taken. Mr. Gross is an international development specialist and social worker. He has positively impacted the lives of people in over 50 countries, including the West Bank, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and Haiti. His work has always focused on helping people. I join my constituents of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, Mr. Gross' wife Judy, their two daughters, and my Colleagues Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Chris Van Hollen in calling for the speedy and unconditional release of Allan Gross.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic spirit of one of the most remarkable women in our nation's history by celebrating National Transit Tribute to Rosa Parks Day. Commonly known as ``the first lady of civil rights'' and ``the mother of the freedom movement,'' Rosa Parks is a heroine who will be forever remembered for her courage to stand up for what she believed. On that fateful December 1st evening in 1955, Rosa Parks had the strength to refuse to sit in the back of the bus, where blacks at the time were segregated from white riders in the front. By this simple yet heroic protest she inspired blacks across America to fight for their rights. I am honored to have been part of the Civil Rights Movement she helped fuel. Because of her vision for equality, America has made great strides toward a more perfect union. It was a great privilege to attend the ceremony on October 28, 2005, when our nation bestowed Rosa Parks the highest honor by allowing her body to lie in honor in the Capitol of the United States Congress. She was the first American who had not been a government official to be paid this tribute. She was also the first woman and the second black person to lie in honor. The story of Rosa Parks is proof that everyone in our great democracy, in this case a 42-year-old black woman from Montgomery, Alabama, can change the course of our country and help pave a better tomorrow for future generations. I hope we can be inspired by Rosa Parks to continue our fight for equality and justice for all Americans.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, ahead of tomorrow's announcement, today I rise to recognize the empowering Freedom Sister's Exhibition being showcased in The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center in my Congressional District. The Exhibition will be officially on display starting February 4 thru April 22, 2012. Often when the civil rights movement is discussed, male figureheads whose visibility in boycotts, legal proceedings, and mass demonstrations dominated media coverage in the 1950's and '60s are the first memories we recollect. Sometimes missing and often forgotten from these memoirs are a group of extraordinary women who, while less prominent in the media, shaped much of the core and spirit of civil rights movement. The Freedom Sister's Exhibition shines a light on the many women that at times history seems to overlook. As the Member of Congress whose district encompasses the historical community of Harlem and in response to an overwhelming sentiment from both my local Education and Arts & Culture constituencies, it was enormously important to me that the Smithsonian bring the traveling exhibition to my beloved community. Nine out of the twenty women being paid tribute to, have walked the streets of the great village of Harlem. Constance Baker Motley, Harriet Tubman, Ella Baker, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Dr. Betty Shabazz, Sonia Sanchez, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, and Ida B. Wells all dared to dream the impossible: equality for all. The exhibition also pays tribute to the success of such notable women as Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Barbara Johnson, Fannie Lou Hamer, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Kathleen Cleaver, Mary Church Terrell, Septima Poinsette Clark, Dorothy Height, and C. Delores Tucker. I cannot stress the importance of such a marvelous showcase of these important women. The Civil rights movement was spearheaded by many exceptional men such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, but these women among many others also fought for equality with a commitment to strengthen our Nation and making a difference for all Americans. Let me thank Jacob Morris, Executive Director of the Harlem Historical Society for bringing this great exhibition to my attention through my District Representative, Socrates Solano. According to the information imparted to my office by the Harlem Historical Society, it was my understanding that New York was not initially considered as a venue for this wonderful traveling exhibit's National tour. Let me also thank Zead Ramadan, Chair of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center for agreeing to host this truly historic exhibition. Mr. Speaker, like Harlem, there are those in our country that ardently desire that its sons and daughters as well as our teachers and educators are given the opportunity to appreciate and learn more about these great women of courage who have had such profound historical significance. I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues, with the gratitude of our fellow citizens, join me in commending the Smithsonian Institute for paying tribute to our beloved Freedom Sisters through their traveling exhibition.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today we unite in solidarity to eradicate HIV/AIDS in our communities across the world. We stand together to raise awareness about the epidemic so we can prevent further spread of the deadly virus and give hope to the 33.3 million people worldwide who are suffering from this terrible illness. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over one million people are HIV positive. What is even more tragic is that one in five people infected are unaware of it. HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of death for both the African American and Hispanic communities and presents a great hazard to our society. I believe Congress has a moral obligation to continue funding to eliminate HIV/AIDS despite our budgetary challenges. Earlier this year I introduced the National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act which would authorize several federal health agencies such as the National Institute of Health, Office of Minority Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the CDC to intensify awareness prevention, community outreach, testing, behavioral research, and increase grants to faith-based organizations in the African American community. This year's theme for World AIDS Day is `Getting to zero'. That means zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. These are common goals shared globally regardless of race, religion or political ideologies. Yet we can only accomplish these goals in America if we work together, Democrats and Republicans, in supporting bold initiatives and legislation to combat HIV/AIDS in our communities.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. My colleagues, I once again rise asking that we immediately consider extending the Federal Unemployment Compensation Act. It seems as though I walked into this movie before, last year, and we were begging once again that we throw away the labels of being Democrat or Republican and reach out to make an appeal as to what makes this country different from other countries. This is the only country in the world that no one wants to leave and everyone wants to come in. And it's not because of the differences we have with the rich and the poor. It's that always in this country we extended hope. We allowed people to believe that they were never really truly alone. And then we find a circumstance that Americans, hardworking Americans are trying to fulfill that American Dream--once again not to become a Wall Street broker, and certainly not to be living a life of poverty, but to join that middle class that has been the engine for hope and economic advancement for our country. And we find this situation now that, through no fault of their own, these dreams have been shattered. People have not only lost their jobs, but they've lost their self-esteem, they've lost their savings, they have not been able to send their kids to college. And so what is it that we can do since it's abundantly clear that in this Congress there is a gridlock? And we don't want you to lose hope because there's things that Americans can do. It's not just waiting for this Congress to act, because you hold in your hands the power to control this Congress. And we should not have to wait until next year in order to say that you can express yourself at the polls. No indeed. Every Member of Congress--435 of us here--are anxiously waiting for your call, and I hope that call would be a call of compassion. It should be a call from our ministers, from our Catholics and Protestants and Jews and synagogues and Mormons and Muslims saying that in America we should not have the vulnerable carrying the pain of mistakes that have been made. We should be hearing from our civic leaders and our voters and calling Republicans, Democrats, and Independents saying we did not send you to Washington to display just what a good Republican you are or what a good Democrat you are. We should talk about this sign up here, ``In God We Trust.'' Doesn't that mean something about taking care of the vulnerable, the unemployed, those without homes, without jobs and without hope? Doesn't it mean that we have a tradition as Members of Congress? And doesn't it mean that our voters have a responsibility not to just say how bad we are, but to say how good they are for making certain that they're monitoring our conduct, not through a poll, but through our action. The question is, How did your Congressman vote on extending unemployment compensation? Rather than wait for the good or bad news, call now. Call today. Call every day this week. They'll never have a Thanksgiving or a Christmas that they used to have, but they can't give up hope. They can't give in and they can't give up. So I am saying for America, you don't have to go and protest, even though I appreciate the fact that these courageous men and women are doing it. You don't have to walk those civil rights marches. But you can at least get in touch with your Member of Congress, remind him or her of their constitutional responsibility, and remind them of their moral responsibility to the vulnerable among us, the sick, the aged, the unemployed, those that played by the rules, and we know have nothing to do with the situation they find themselves in economically. We can make a change, but it's going to take the American people to come together and say they're mad as hell and they're not going to take it anymore. So let's make an appeal that America takes the Congress back. Direct not ourselves to do things in order to get reelected but direct we do things because it's the right thing to do.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to honor the life of Rodney Carroll, a community activist from my district. Rodney was a very active member of his community, a loving husband and father. Rodney's work with the Department of Youth and Community Development will live on forever in the city of New York. As Vice-Chair of the Community Action Board he had a sincere enthusiasm for this position. He was a very determined person and would do everything he could to achieve his goal of making sure the youth and their families would have community organizations that were effective to their needs. His work with Social Service Employee Union Local 371, DC 37 as a staff representative and organizer also will never be forgotten. He continuously fought for workers rights in the community. Rodney was the definition of a true Harlemite. The future of New York City's youth has vastly improved because of the work this man has accomplished. Rodney believed in our youngsters and their work. They are most fortunate to have had someone like him stand up for what's right and get them the resources that they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the life of this very honorable man. Let's encourage others to continue helping communities the way Rodney Carroll did. Our body must continue to recognize community leaders like him because they are the one's who have a direct impact on the lives of the children in our communities. The youth in this country are better off because of people like Rodney.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. At a time that government is held in such low esteem, it's time that we all really say to each other that we all love America and we respect America. And all over the world people are just trying to get here. Recently, we talked about In God We Trust, and the question is whether God is going to continue to trust us. Because the fact is that one of the things that makes our country different is that people don't come here to become rich. They come here to be respected. And that is what we have learned, no matter whether it's Jew or gentile or Mormon, every religion emphasizes the fact that we have a moral obligation to take care of those people that are vulnerable, whether it's our kids, our old folks, or sick people. We don't talk that way in the House. We talk about Medicare, education, Medicaid and Social Security. But all of those things, including the opportunity to have a job, make America what it's supposed to be. It's the hope for the future that our kids will have a better opportunity than we did. Let's say God bless America, and let's work and make certain that we do all that we can do.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birthday of Ms. Sarah Boyd who turns 100 years old on November 22, 2011. Born to Sanders Aye and Annie Aye on November 22, 1911, in Eastover, South Carolina, Ms. Boyd is the youngest of her four siblings, two brothers, and two sisters. She received her education from The Weber School in Eastover, South Carolina and lived in the city of Columbia, South Carolina where she met and married Ernest Boyd. In 1945, they moved to my Congressional District in Harlem, New York where she has remained ever since. Nicknamed ``Doll'', it is remarkable to imagine all that she has been able to witness during her remarkable life. When she was born, the 27th President William H. Taft was in office and Jim Crow Laws ruled the land. She lived through the Civil Rights Movement during the Sixties and saw President Barak Obama elected as 44th President of the United States of America. She has seen our great nation in times of peace and in times of wars. She has lived through the Great Depression, and has been part of our country's strength and resolve during this past century. Let us look to her today for inspiration as we face many challenges. A couple of her anecdotes are: ``Make sure to get plenty of rest'' and ``Don't eat meat a few hours before going bed.'' But most of all, she often says: ``God is Good'' and ``He will make a way! If you take one step, God will take two.'' Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor such an extraordinary member of our community on her 100th birthday. I wish Ms. Sarah ``Doll'' Boyd, as well her daughter Annie, son-in-law Levi Carter, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and twin great, great granddaughters many more joyous days.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great cultural pride to join Byron Lewis, CEO of Uniworld Group, Woodie King, Jr., Founder and Executive Artistic Director of New Federal Theatre and Voza Rivers, Co- Founder and Executive Producer of New Heritage Theatre to celebrate the life and theatrical achievements of renowned actor, author, director and educator, Shauneille Perry. On November 13, 2011, at Harlem's landmarked Riverside Church, the Uniworld Group, New Federal Theatre and New Heritage Theatre will join hundreds of actors, playwrights, designers, technicians, and students in the field of Black Theater to say thank you to Shauneille Perry for her historic accomplishments and contributions to American Theater. Shauneille Perry was born on July 26, 1929 in Chicago to a very prominent African American family. Her father, Graham T. Perry, was one of the first African American Assistant Attorney Generals for the State of Illinois. Her mother, the former Laura Pearl Gant, was one of the first African American court reporters for the City of Chicago. Ms. Perry is also the niece of real estate broker and political activist Carl Augustus Hansberry and Africanist scholar William Leo Hansberry. She is also the first cousin of Carl Hansberry's daughter, Lorraine Hansberry, famous playwright and author of the 1973 Tony Award Best Musical, ``A Raisin in the Sun''. Shauneille attended Howard University, where she was a member of the Howard Players under the direction of Owen Dodson. In 1950, she received a B.A. in drama from Howard. Her studies followed at the Goodman Theatre Art Institute in Chicago, where she received her M.A. in directing. She is also a Fulbright Scholar at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. In Chicago of 1957, Perry married Architect Donald Ryder. Several months later, she received national exposure as the second place winner in the 1958 Picturama Contest, an essay competition sponsored by Ebony Magazine. She took advantage of the prize with her husband, which was a $4,000, three-week tour of Paris. By the end of the decade, the couple relocated to New York City, where it did not take long for her to establish herself as an actor. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she acted in various productions on the New York stage including The Goose, Dark of the Moon, Talent '60, Ondine, Clandestine on the Morning Line and The Octoroon. Her work as Lilly Ruth, a pregnant girl in the short-lived off-Broadway production of Clandestine on the Morning Line received particular notice. After her many successes as a performing actor, Shauneille switched her career toward writing, directing, and raising a family. Following in the footsteps of Vinnette Carroll, the first great African American playwright, stage director, and actor to direct on Broadway with the hit gospel revue, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, Shauneille became one of the first African American women to direct on the New York stage. Her notable works on the Broadway and on the national and international tour stage include one of her early efforts, the Mau Mau Room, at the Negro Ensemble Company. It was the first major stage production of a play written by J. E. Franklin. Shauneille Perry staged the productions of Strivers Row, Looking Back, the music of Micki Grant by Rosalie Pritchett, Sty of the Blind Pig by Phillip Hayes Dean for the Negro Ensemble Company, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl produced by Voza Rivers at Harlem's Roger Furman's New Heritage Theatre, the award-winning production of Paul Robeson, and the original off-Broadway production of J. E. Franklin's play, Black Girl for Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre, which became a film directed by another award winning actor and civil rights activist Ossie Davis. A gifted writer of several plays including ``Pearl,'' a short story collection and children's musical Mio, which she staged as a workshop production at the New Federal Theatre in the fall of 1971. Shauneille's work includes Sass and Class, In Dahomey, Music Magic, Daddy Goodness with Clifton Davis; Last Night, Night Before, Things of the Heart, Marian Anderson's Story, and Sounds of the City, a 15 minute daily soap opera that aired on the Mutual Black Network in the mid-1970s for Byron Lewis' Uniworld Group, Inc. Shauneille Perry's other gifted works include the KCET teleplay of John Henry Redwood's Old Settler starring Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen, Black Beauties for Equity Fights Aids and the narrative for the 2005 Harlem Exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York. An innovator and contributor of the Black Arts Movement, Shauneille Perry has been honored with four AUDELCO Awards, two CEBAS, the Lloyd Richards Award of Directing (National Black Theatre Festival), the Black Rose of Achievement (Encore Magazine), the distinguished Howard Player and Alumni Awards, and the Scholar Achievement Award from Lehman College of the City University of New York, where she was a professor of Theatre and Black Studies. Mr. Speaker, please join me and a grateful nation in celebrating the life and theatrical achievements of Shauneille Perry as a living legend of the American and Black Theater. Her talented works and legacy will forever remain in our ever-changing world. With her accomplishments and contributions, the Black Theatre community has had the opportunity to help advance the quality and heritage of the American Theatre.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Education Week, which was established 90 years ago, and is taking place from November 14-19, 2011. I ask all of my constituents to please join the National Education Association (NEA) and myself in celebrating National Education Week. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to honor the hard work of our students, dedication of our teachers, educators, and all those in our community who help our students to succeed. Providing high quality education to every student in our Manhattan Congressional District and across America has always been one of my life's top priorities. This past summer I introduced the Rebuilding America's Schools Act, which would increase aid for school construction and renovation across the country. My passion for improving our children's education is also why I continue to fight alongside President Barack Obama to pass the DREAM Act, which would provide 360,000 high school graduates who are undocumented with a legal means to work and attend college, and could provide incentives for another 715,000 children of illegal immigrants between the ages of 5 and 17 to finish high school and pursue higher education. I strongly believe that we must give every possible amount of support to our students, teachers and educators so that future generations of Americans will have the ability to succeed in a global economy and face the challenges of tomorrow. I would like to recognize all the public and charter schools in our District, and the numerous unions and organizations dedicated to educating our community such as the United Federation of Teachers, the New York State United Teachers, the Support Workers' Union, Harlem YMCA, Harlem Children's Zone, Harlem Center for Education, Children's Aid Society of East Harlem Center, and all the employees of the New York City Department of Education. I would also like to encourage all the students in our District to keep working hard and reach for the stars because you are our future.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran myself in a so-called ``Forgotten War'' in American history, I know what it is like to come home and feel unrecognized. The Montford Point Marines for too long have been unsung heroes. These men fought abroad to preserve our freedom and democracy, then came home and had to fight for their civil liberties. On the eve of 11-11-11, the United States Senate passed legislation, which the United States House of Representatives voted unanimously 422- 0 to honor the Montford Point Marines with the nation's highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal. These truly great American men fought in some of the bloodiest battles of World War II-- the first Black Marines in the Navy. After 70 years, they have finally received the honor they deserve for a legacy we must not forget to pass on to our future generations. At the time of their military service, discrimination and violence toward Blacks in America were rampant. Black Marines were sent to untraditional boot camps; they were segregated and instead received training at Montford Point, a facility at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. One of these heroic men is my beloved brother, the Honorable David N. Dinkins, who is also the first African American and 106th Mayor for the City of New York. He recounted some obstacles he and his comrades faced in an interview: ``Italian and German prisoners of war, some of them were guarded by Black soldiers. They were treated better than those people who were protecting our country; soldiers and Marines.'' My brother David further stated. ``During training, Black Marines were often kicked, slapped, could not eat until the whites had finished, and were routinely passed over for promotions.'' He even heard stories of some Black Marines following orders to march into a river where they soon drowned. Despite their hardships, the Montford Point Marines proved to be a solid force within our military, just as capable as any group of white Marines. Originally organized to serve as a temporary surge in manpower, the Blacks trained at Montford Point comprised roughly 10 percent of the Marine Corps strength during the war and were to be disbanded after hostilities ended. Montford Point Marines won praise from several white officers for their heroism during the seizure of Okinawa and at Iwo Jima. They were even sent to Nagasaki to clean up after the atomic bomb was dropped. Documented by the Montford Point Marine Association, much of that heroism occurred with the 51st Defense Battalion, which arrived at Saipan in the Mariana Islands to support the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions of V Amphibious Corps. While they were assisting the combat units, one of their own, Private First Class Leroy Seals of Brooklyn, New York, was shot and died the next day of his wounds. The Montford Point Marines picked up their rifles that day, fought back the Japanese, and even destroyed one of the Japanese machine guns from the beachhead perimeter side-by-side with the white combat units. In February 1945, a group from the 51st landed on Iwo Jima with the 5th Division, 28th Regiment. The combat regiment came ashore and it seemed that taking Iwo Jima would be a cakewalk. The Japanese, however, had planned an ambush. They (the Japanese) had placed guns on either side of Mount Suribachi and were firing at will onto the Marines on the island. The Black Marines of the 8th Ammunition Company landed during the second or third wave and somehow they kept ammunition in the hands of the combat units throughout this deadly firefight. Repeatedly the Black Marines delivered the much-needed ammunition. Though the Japanese actually shot two trucks from under one of the drivers, he kept coming back. Combat Marines who thought they had seen everything cheered this young, Black Marine from their foxholes. The Montford Point Marines knew their job was to keep the combatants supplied and they did so with great valor and at great expense to their company. The Japanese soon saw this and began to make their assault on the Ammo Company as well as the combat Marines. The Montford Point Marines rose to the occasion by fighting off these attacks as they continued their supply missions. This is the courage and stamina that lead Admiral Nimitz, Commander of the Fleet in the Pacific to say, ``On Iwo Jima, in the ranks of all the Marines who set foot on that Island uncommon valor was a common virtue.'' Those early Montford Point Marines were the catalyst for the great presence of African Americans in the Marine Corps. By the time that camp was closed for recruit training in 1949, over 21,000 recruits were trained and molded there. In July of 1948, President Harry S Truman issued Executive Order No. 9981, ending segregation in the military altogether. In September of the following year, Montford Point was deactivated, ending the legacy of inequality. Twenty years following World War II, during August 1965, a group of enterprising Marine veterans and active duty Marines from Philadelphia organized a reunion. The purpose was to renew old friendships and share experiences of former comrades who received recruit training at Montford Point Camp, Camp Lejeune, and New River, North Carolina. This group, chaired by then Master Gunnery Sergeant, Brooks E. Gray, USMC, held a meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and formulated and developed plans for a National Reunion. The response was overwhelming and 400 Marines from all over the country convened at the Adelphia Hotel in Philadelphia. In 1966, the Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. received its Charter and founder Brooks E. Gray became the Association's first National President. Next year, the Marine Corps will officially begin teaching all their servicemen and servicewomen about the Montford Point Marines. There is a museum dedicated to their service located at Camp Gilbert H. Johnson in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The Montford Point Marines Association continues to work tirelessly to preserve their stories, which serve as a reminder of the struggles behind us and the challenges ahead. In order to truly appreciate their legacy, we must continue sharing this story. Sunday, November 6, the New York Metropolitan Chapter of the Montford Point Marine Association honored the 69th Anniversary of the original Montford Point Marines and the 44th Anniversary of the New York Chapter at the elegant Antun's Caterers in Queens, New York. The New York Chapter also acknowledged the 236th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps and honored their National Convention Award recipients. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join my colleagues and a very grateful nation as we congratulate my dear friend James Maillard, President of the New York Metropolitan Chapter and the Montford Point Marine Association as we finally pay tribute to our courageous first Black Marines.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran of the Korean War, known today as the ``Forgotten War'', I am honored with great American pride and democracy to salute all my fellow comrades, buddies and all of the officers and members of The 369th Veterans' Association on this very special day as we celebrate Veterans Day 11-11-11. 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 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 (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. Whereas 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. 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 awarded by the French government. By the end of the war, 171 members of the 369th were awarded the Legion of Honor. During the war the 369th's regimental band (under the direction of James Reese Europe) became famous throughout Europe. It introduced the until-then unknown music called jazz to British, French and other audiences, and started an international demand for it. At the end of the war, the 369th returned to New York City, and in February 1919, paraded through the city. Thousands lined the streets to see them: the parade began on Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, proceeded uptown past ranks of white bystanders, turned west on 110th Street, and then swung on to Lenox Avenue, and marched into Harlem, where black New Yorkers packed the sidewalks to see them. The parade became a marker of African American service to the nation, a frequent point of reference for those campaigning for civil rights. In the 1920s and 1930s, the 369th was a regular presence on Harlem's streets, each year marching through the neighborhood from their Armory to catch a train to their annual summer camp, and then back through the neighborhood on their return two weeks later In World War II, the formation was organized as the 369th Antiaircraft Artillery Regiment, and served in Hawaii and along the West Coast. The Harlem Hellfighters have served in every major conflict since its inception, including Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. The unit survives today under the command of Colonel Reginald Sanders as the 369th Sustainment Brigade Battalion of the New York Army National Guard. As a veteran myself in a so-called ``Forgotten War'' in American history, I know what it is like to come home and feel unrecognized. On the eve of 11-11-11, the United States Senate passed legislation, which the United States House of Representatives voted unanimously 422-0 to honor the Montford Point Marines with the nation's highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal. These truly great American men fought in some of the bloodiest battles of World War II--the first Black Marines in the Navy. After 70 years, they have finally received the honor they deserve for a legacy we must not forget to pass on to our future generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join my colleagues and a very grateful nation in very special congressional salute to my dear friend General Nathaniel James, Retired, National President and all of the officers and members of The 369th Veterans' Association, Inc. as we celebrate our Veterans Day 11-11-11.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. My colleagues, some of you may have read that the protesters at Wall Street are now being subjected to attacks by the police and law enforcement for loitering and other violations. There is no question in anyone's mind that the right to free speech has restrictions and it's not an open end and we have to be considerate of the people who are adversely affected. But there is also a moral issue, in addition to the constitutional issue, that no one can challenge that these protesters have brought to the attention of the American people: the fact that we have a moral obligation to take care of those people who are vulnerable, take care of those people who are sick, take care of the people that are aged and our children, not just before birth but after birth. The fact that we are talking about turning these questions over to 12 Members of Congress--it's not just unconstitutional; it is immoral. So I'm calling on the spiritual leaders of our country: Don't leave this vacuum. Bring in the Catholics and Protestants and all the religions to say there's something wrong with the formula that we have for the poor.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 90th birthday of dear beloved spiritual leader, Chief Apostle William L. Bonner at the National Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC) Day at the Greater Refuge Temple in Harlem. Let me also note that on Saturday, November 5, 2011, the Greater Refuge Temple, which is the ``Mother Church'' of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, paid special tribute to Bishop Bonner's 50 years of service and pastoral leadership to the greater COOLJC church family and community throughout our great Nation. Founded by the late apostle Bishop Robert C. Lawson, D.D., LL.D., The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ had its inception in the year 1919. Bishop Lawson, then Elder Lawson was invited to a prayer meeting, which was in progress in a basement in the 40th Street area of New York City. So energetic was his service to the Lord that his fame spread abroad and reached the ears of Mr. and Mrs. James Burleigh and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Anderson. These two blessed couples opened their homes to Elder Lawson and their home today is affectionately thought of as the ``Cradle of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ''. Within a short period, the congregation outgrew its place of worship, having approximately 200 members, and larger quarters had to be sought. Bishop Lawson purchased the sight at 52-54-56 West 133 Street and relocated his thriving church. It was there that his vision was enlarged and the Lord lay upon his heart to conduct a tent revival and great numbers were added to the church. Under the thriving ministry of Apostle Lawson, many preachers, missionaries, and teachers were sent into the field establishing numerous works. To the far-flung isles of the sea, to the continent of Africa and to the Caribbean, these Christian heralds went carrying the apostolic message. It was in the year 1932, that Bishop Lawson initiated the radio broadcast over the stations WGBS. He broadcasted successfully over WHOM and WINS. The broadcast is presently continuing over station WBNX every Sunday evening. In August of 1945, as the church out grew its quarters on 133rd Street, Bishop Lawson relocated the church and congregation to 124th Street and 7th Avenue. This building is known as the ``Mother Church'' of the Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In two short years, the indebtedness of the church was lifted and on Christmas day in 1947, the mortgage was burned. It was in 1944 that Bishop Lawson sent Bishop Bonner to Detroit to pastor the First Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a storefront. Today, it is a 2,500-seat edifice known as Solomon's Temple. Bishop William Lee Bonner was born on November 12, 1921 in Bolden County Georgia, to Emmett and Janie Bonner. Bishop Bonner was married to the late Ethel Mae Smith Bonner. He is the father of two children, Ethel Mae Bonner Archer and William Lee Bonner, Jr. Bishop Bonner's ministry began in the 1940s under the tutelage of the late Bishop Robert C. Lawson, (1883-1961), founder of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. His first pastorate was the Green Avenue Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Brooklyn, New York. In 1961, upon the death of Bishop Lawson, Bishop Bonner became the pastor of the 3,000-member mother church, the Greater Refuge Temple in Harlem, New York City. Apostle Bonner currently pastors churches in Detroit, Michigan, New York City, Washington, D.C., Jackson, Mississippi, and Columbia, South Carolina. He is the Chief Apostle and Senior Prelate of the General Assembly of the Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. This is an international body of churches. Under his administration, the assembly has grown from 155 churches in 1961 to over 500 churches and missions throughout the world. He has faithfully kept the charge of the founder Bishop Lawson, to ``Add Thou to It''. Bishop Bonner received his religious education and the Doctor of Divinity through the Church of Christ Bible Institute in New York City. Listed in ``Who's Who in Religion'' In 1985, Bishop Bonner's ministry is based on prayer and faith in God. His message is one of hope and deliverance. He believes that those who pray can expect a miracle. On December 12, 1989, Bishop William L. Bonner founded The Refuge Temple of Washington, DC. The first services were held at Days Inn, at 12th and K Streets, NW. The next year, Kelly Miller Junior High School became the church's final temporary home. On June 1, 1991, the first service was held at the new edifice for Refuge Temple Church. On July 20, 1993, Bishop Bonner established The Refuge Temple of Columbia, South Carolina. It was organized with only 22 members and grew to 700 in 3 months. The church is located on 12\1/2\ acres in the Eau Claire section of Columbia. Pastor Bonner's ministry in Columbia also consists of the Family Life Center, Retirement Community and the W. L. Bonner Bible College. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in bestowing this special congressional honor to Chief Apostle William L. Bonner's on ``National COOLJC Day'' at the Greater Refuge Temple Church in Harlem, NY.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great cultural pride to join Byron Lewis, CEO of Uniworld Group, Woodie King, Jr., Founder and Executive Artistic Director of New Federal Theatre and Voza Rivers, Co- Founder and Executive Producer of New Heritage Theatre to celebrate the life and theatrical achievements of renowned actor, author, director and educator, Shauneille Perry. On November 13, 2011, at Harlem's landmarked Riverside Church, the Uniworld Group, New Federal Theatre and New Heritage Theatre will join hundreds of actors, playwrights, designers, technicians, and students in the field of Black Theater to say thank you to Shauneille Perry for her historic accomplishments and contributions to American Theater. Shauneille Perry was born on July 26, 1929, in Chicago to a very prominent African American family. Her father, Graham T. Perry, was one of the first African American Assistant Attorney Generals for the State of Illinois. Her mother, the former Laura Pearl Gant, was one of the first African American court reporters for the City of Chicago. Ms. Perry is also the niece of real estate broker and political activist Carl Augustus Hansberry and Africanist scholar William Leo Hansberry. She is also the first cousin of Carl Hansberry's daughter, Lorraine Hansberry, famous playwright and author of the 1973 Tony Award Best Musical, A Raisin in the Sun. Shauneille attended Howard University, where she was a member of the Howard Players under the direction of Owen Dodson. In 1950, she received a B.A. in drama from Howard. Her studies followed at the Goodman Theatre Art Institute in Chicago, where she received her M.A. in directing. She is also a Fulbright Scholar at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. In Chicago of 1957, Perry married Architect Donald Ryder. Several months later, she received national exposure as the second place winner in the 1958 Picturama Contest, an essay competition sponsored by Ebony Magazine. She took advantage of the prize with her husband, which was a $4,000, three-week tour of Paris. By the end of the decade, the couple relocated to New York City, where it did not take long for her to establish herself as an actor. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she acted in various productions on the New York stage including The Goose, Dark of the Moon, Talent '60, Ondine, Clandestine on the Morning Line and The Octoroon. Her work as Lilly Ruth, a pregnant girl in the short-lived off-Broadway production of Clandestine on the Morning Line received particular notice. After her many successes as a performing actor, Shauneille switched her career toward writing, directing, and raising a family. Following in the footsteps of Vinnette Carroll, the first great African American playwright, stage director, and actor to direct on Broadway with the hit gospel revue, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, Shauneille became one of the first African American women to direct on the New York stage. Her notable works on the Broadway and on the national and international tour stage include one of her early efforts, the Mau Mau Room, at the Negro Ensemble Company. It was the first major stage production of a play written by J.E. Franklin. Shauneille Perry staged the productions of Strivers Row, Looking Back, the music of Micki Grant by Rosalie Pritchett, Sty of the Blind Pig by Phillip Hayes Dean for the Negro Ensemble Company, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl produced by Voza Rivers at Harlem's Roger Furman's New Heritage Theatre, the award-winning production of Paul Robeson, and the original off-Broadway production of J.E. Franklin's play, Black Girl for Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre, which became a film directed by another award winning actor and civil rights activist Ossie Davis. A gifted writer of several plays including Pearl, a short story collection and children's musical Mio, which she staged as a workshop production at the New Federal Theatre in the fall of 1971. Shauneille's work includes Sass and Class, In Dahomey, Music Magic, Daddy Goodness with Clifton Davis; Last Night, Night Before, Things of the Heart, Marian Anderson's Story, and Sounds of the City, a 15 minute daily soap opera that aired on the Mutual Black Network in the mid-1970s for Byron Lewis' Uniworld Group, Inc. Shauneille Perry's other gifted works include the KCET teleplay of John Henry Redwood's Old Settler starring Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen, Black Beauties for Equity Fights Aids and the narrative for the 2005 Harlem Exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York. An innovator and contributor of the Black Arts Movement, Shauneille Perry has been honored with four AUDELCO Awards, two CEBAS, the Lloyd Richards Award of Directing (National Black Theatre Festival), the Black Rose of Achievement (Encore Magazine), the distinguished Howard Player and Alumni Awards, and the Scholar Achievement Award from Lehman College of the City University of New York, where she was a professor of Theatre and Black Studies. Mr. Speaker, please join me and a grateful nation in celebrating the life and theatrical achievements of Shauneille Perry as a living legend of the American and Black Theater. Her talented works and legacy will forever remain in our ever-changing world. With her accomplishments and contributions, the Black Theatre community has had the opportunity to help advance the quality and heritage of the American Theatre.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate with the parishioners of my beloved Old Broadway Synagogue as it marks a century of service to the Harlem Jewish community. For 100 years, Old Broadway Synagogue has been one of many important components contributing to make Harlem a stronger, more peaceful and diverse community. The history of the Old Broadway Synagogue is parallel with that of the American story. It is the story that shows dedication, passion, struggles, which ultimately lead to prosperity. In 1911, when a group of businessmen arrived in America, they came together to establish an institution in order to exercise and enrich their religious beliefs. For thirteen years, early members congregated in a small, available space of bars and cafe. Even its lack of sufficient location to convene, the group brought together an even closer community. In 1924, the institution had transformed into a Synagogue, which has become a part of Harlem's rich and diverse history. The Old Broadway Synagogue was opened for service as it was situated between Manhattan Street and Lawrence. The Synagogue's effort to educate the local community is written all over the name given by the early Founders. They chose ``Chevra Talmud Torah Anshei Marovi'', which means, the ``Society for the Study of the Torah for the people of the West''. In the last century, the Synagogue has been well-received by the community. Dedicated members have continued to contribute to the construction and renovation of the Synagogue. Today, Old Broadway consists of seventy dedicating members, all who are very devoted to teaching and spreading the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Jewish traditions. When speak about the long and proud history of this synagogue, one cannot forget many great leaders who have brought this worship place together and forward. Rabbi Jacob Kret had made tremendous contributions in terms of leadership and history of the synagogue. He was a native of Ostrow Mazowiecka, a city located in northern Poland. After the Second World War broke out, Rabbi Kret left to Lithuania but was later captured by Soviet troops. Among many, he was sent to Siberia. In 1950, the Krets family arrived in United States; later he became a spiritual leader of the Synagogue. After the war ended, refugees from Europe arrived in United States. Many were in need of shelters. The Krets family generously accommodated and assisted them during the new transition process. Mr. Speaker, this kind gesture is one of many reasons Old Broadway Synagogue remains so important in my community and my heart. I can truly say that Old Broadway is my Synagogue. The story of this religious institution reflects, so clear, the similar story of the devoted Americans and migrants; that is we always reach out to the people who are in need of help. Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my remarks today by expressing my utmost appreciation for Old Broadway for all it has done for this community. Even if Old Broadway Synagogue were, perhaps, a smaller religious institution, but it is undeniable that the history of this institution is long and rich, where the congregation's action positively impacted Harlem. I would like to once again congratulate Old Broadway on its 100th anniversary.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my warm congratulation for All Souls' Episcopal Church for its monumental 150th Anniversary. All Souls' Episcopal Church has lived up to its mission since its early establishment. Today, the Church continues to serve the Harlem community residents with great pride. For the last 150 years, All Souls' have walked through difficult paths, but each time the congregation and the leadership has been able to overcome the struggles. All Souls' long history began in 1859 when early members gathered in a large room of a Depot on Sixth Avenue. Two years later, due to an unexpected demographic expansion, the leadership saw that it was necessary to relocate to a more suiting location. The construction of a new Church began. The consecration of the 48th Street became the home of the community up until 1906. In between this period, at least until 1902, All Souls' had reached its apogee. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Herber Newton, the Church was considered the most ``fashionable'' out of all churches in town. Reverend Dr. Newton's preaching and charisma were able to draw members from all classes and backgrounds. At this time, the exploding list of membership brought back the reconsideration of relocating the Church. The consecration was moved from 48th Street to 66th Street. In 1902, Reverend Dr. Newton retired due to advancing age. The congregation was grateful for his leadership and bright visions. In 1906, All Souls' merged with the Church of the Archangel and relocated to the present location on 88 St. Nicholas Avenue. The two Churches stood side by side, sought strength for one another while reaching out to the community with high dedication and enthusiasm. In the 1920s, the drastic change of demographic of the era was noticeable. Hispanics and African Americans began to move uptown, where at the time this area was heavily consisted of Caucasian population. A great lesson was learned with this new change. While our Nation was sunk into a deep racial violence and movements against the Black communities, All Souls' took the utmost civil action to defeat racism that occurred within the Church's leadership. The disagreement, which led to bitterness took place between the Vestry and Reverend Dodd, displays a valuable lesson for many to learn--one must stand up to speak for his or her principle despite social surrounding pressures. The courageous act of Reverend Dodd and Bishop Manning eventually enabled ``all people in the neighborhood'', regardless of race and color, to attend the services. The livelihood of the Church was revived under the leadership of Reverend Lauder. Under his ministry, All Souls' was able to welcome old and new members. In addition, the Church was able to contribute to the community through programs. Reverend Lauder led the congregation and the community to establish a program, which reached out to assist those who needed shelters. This action strongly reflects the mission of the church from the beginning and sends a genuine message to the community that together there is nothing we cannot do. All Souls' Episcopal Church has contributed much to the strength and growth of Harlem. In the last few years, All Souls' has provided after school and summer programs, which were made available not only to Church members but to the entire community. This is the kind of message our community needs. Not only that All Souls' preaches the idea of openness and lending hands to those who have less than us, but it actually put the idea to practice and have certainly made an impact on one's life. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, allow me to take this moment to wish All Souls' Episcopal Church and its congregation a special 150th Anniversary in this extraordinary moment of their history. With one and a half century of chronicle, struggles, and achievements, I can say without hesitation that All Souls' has become an essential element leading to the remarkable transformation of Harlem. The victory in the battle against racism within the Church contributed to the overall victory of the Civil Rights movement about four decades later. I am grateful for this institution's existence and its extensive efforts to reach out to all people regardless of race or color.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the AIDS Service Center of New York City, for their 20 excellent years of serving Manhattan by helping New Yorkers suffering from HIV/AIDS and providing them the support to rebuild their lives. What started out as a small organization in 1990, the AIDS Service Center stands today as a pillar in my community's ongoing fight against the deadly disease that disproportionately affects African-Americans and Hispanics in the District. Through the leadership of Director Sharen Duke and the Center's dedicated Board and staff, the AIDS Service Center has provided services to over 1,800 people each year, and engages with 18,000 people through their peer education and community outreach initiatives. The work done by the AIDS Service Center of New York City is so crucial and needed all throughout our nation. In New York alone, over 100,000 people live with HIV/AIDS, and thousands more are unaware that they are living with this terrible virus. I am forever grateful for the significant impact the Center is making in the lives of people in Manhattan. I hope all my Colleagues in the House today will join my community and me in once again congratulating the AIDS Service Center of New York City for their 20 years of passionate service. We must continue to advocate and support for our fellow brothers and sisters living with HIV/AIDS until this epidemic no longer threatens the way of their lives.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Last Christmas the gift that we gave to the unemployed was the shock of their lives, as they thought that the Congress would not extend the unemployment compensation. So this morning, I'm joining with Congressmen Stark, Doggett, Levin, and Crowley to make certain that we don't do that again this year. The opposition to the extension last year was due to a large number of Republicans truly believing--and voting against the bill--that these people really would rather receive unemployment checks than look for work. Of course it's more than just the salary when you are working. It's the pride and dignity of knowing that you are taking care of your family, you are responsible for putting food on the table, clothing on your children's backs, and all of those things that America has come to believe as just the normal way of life. With the poverty numbers growing so fast and the unemployment going up so fast, a lot of people are losing hope in terms of finding a job. As a matter of fact, it's oftentimes forgotten that in order to qualify for extended unemployment comp, you have to be qualifying for a job. But because jobs are so scarce and people want to remain with a little bit of dignity and not just automatically increase the rolls of poverty, we ask that this body, in the name of humanity, think about these people as they would think about themselves if suddenly they found themselves without work and without their savings and without health care and without the resources to save their families from disaster. In addition to that, when we go home next week--and again, we will be home--talk to some of the local vendors. We all recognize that it's small businesses that are really the backbone of our economy, as it's the small businesses that produce the jobs. But one of the problems they're having is, if consumers don't buy, they can't sell, and they cannot continue to hire people, which adds to the vicious cycle of unemployment. So if those people truly believe that they want to spur the economy, allow these people to be able to buy the goods and services that they would normally buy if they were employed. And for God's sake--since the day before yesterday we made it abundantly clear that we trust in God-- so for God's sake, let's get a jobs bill on the floor. Let's put aside our party labels. Let's just put the election aside long enough to be able to get our country back to work. More and more people are not only losing their jobs, but the most important ingredient, I think, that America has: giving hope to people who don't have much. If we take that away from them, by seeing the solid pillars of our society without work, without the ability to take care of their families, little hope that it gives for those people that have been consistently unemployed as the job market shrinks, and so I do hope that there will come a time, and very, very soon, that there will be no need in this great country for unemployment compensation because we would have been able to have a jobs bill that would include severe cuts in terms of expenditures that we make but also would include putting revenue on the table so that we just don't balance the budget at the expense of those people who have little or no resources. The United States of America, unfortunately, is becoming one of the countries that have the widest gap between the handful of 1 percent of the people that own almost half of the wealth of this great Nation. That formula doesn't work economically, it doesn't work morally, and it doesn't work spiritually. So we all have to come to the table to save this Nation, whether we are wealthy or whether we hope one day to become middle class and wealthy, because without the country having hope for the future, there's absolutely no hope for the people who are looking for employment to raise their family and to forever protect this great Nation.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, as we see the Nation going through such pain, I rise once again to see why we can't get along, why Republicans and Democrats find it almost impossible to try to raise some solutions to the problems we face. There is no question that there are many Republicans in the House and Senate that believe that the most important contribution that they can make to our country is to get rid of the President. But at the same time, we have 14 million people that have lost their jobs, many have lost their homes, their savings, their hopes for the future. Probably double that number we find underemployed. And the millions and millions of people in districts like mine where people have actually given up hope that they can restore their dignity and get the resources necessary to provide for their families. Yesterday, the House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would support the motto ``In God We Trust.'' I reluctantly supported it because I didn't want anyone to believe that I didn't trust God. But I felt awkward because I didn't see where that was the question. The real question, I would think, is, does God trust us? Does God trust us to do the things that every religion says we should be doing? Are we trusted to provide care and compassion for the vulnerable? Are we trusted to know that we have a responsibility to the sick, to the aged, to the disabled? That's where God really counts, no matter what your religious background is. And to talk about a motto and sharing that, I don't think that has to be challenged. What is challenged is, what are we going to do about it? Why do we find people young and old around the country protesting against the disparity that exists between the poor, who God said through his servant Jesus, his son Jesus, that they should be taken care of? And the Scriptures are not too kind--at least not as kind as I am--to the rich. But common decency would expect that there be fairness in the resources this great Nation would have. And that when we find that less than 1 percent of Americans control 42 percent of the national wealth, would we find that our educational system is definitely not going to allow us to be competitive in the future? When we see that the American Dream--and that to me is the most important part of my pride in being an American; you don't have to succeed in America, but the hope and the dream that people from all countries can come here and have an opportunity to break out of their class system, out of poverty, and join the middle class. Even those who came as slaves and had their backgrounds just eliminated; their names, their culture, their songs, their history, but nevertheless, because of the Congress and trust in God they, too, have been able to achieve, even to the extent of becoming President of the United States and honored Members of the Congress through the Congressional Black Caucus. So once that hope is challenged by anybody, then it means for the whole world the symbol that America is supposed to be. It's not one that improves your quality of life but finds us having people losing hope in the system. The fact that we don't speak out when thousands of young Americans, brave warriors, are being killed and have been killed in countries that their families have no idea where the countries are located or what the issues were, and the necessity of protecting oil has no longer been the issue. So I say, yes, in God we trust, but we've got a few days left to see whether or not we can have God trust in us.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as October comes to a close, I rise today to celebrate what was Domestic Violence Awareness Month as well as bring attention to the one of many serious issues mainly women and children in our society are struggling with domestic violence. In the United States, every nine seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten by stalkers or her partner. And believe it or not, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury for women in America. According to a study, victims of domestic violence are more than rapes, muggings and car accidents combined. It really is difficult to see that even in this great Nation of ours such unfortunate events can take place. We, as a nation, must take collective action to make the case that violence is not the solution and it never is acceptable. Each year, ten million children in this country have witnessed various forms of violence within the household. This, itself, I believe, is unfortunate. The result of these acts has weakened women's voice and positioned children in a situation where they have to grow up without parents. There is no doubt that domestic violence creates viral impacts for our society. Each year, the Federal government injects hundreds of million of dollars fighting against the cause by creating support programs. In a smaller scale, many have suffered physically and emotionally. In addition, victims would be forced out of work due to injuries; this further positions them in a more economical disadvantage. Women in this country and around the world deserve more respect. They are the important element in our society. In fact, they are the mothers of our Nation's future. This epidemic must be stopped. Many of us know that violence against women has existed for a very long time in our history. When the settlers set foot in America, they adopted an old English common law, which authorized a husband to use force upon his wife, for correction purposes. Not until 1871, that we began to see women's liberation movements, which ultimately abrogated men's legal right from committing violence on his spouse, at least in Alabama. It became a nationwide concern in 1970 when the issue was put under magnifying lens, while grassroots movements began to grow. Prior to the movement in 1970s, domestic violence was not considered a public issue, since violence mainly took place in one's private property. At the time, the government had taken measures to ensure victim's access to care and support. Though not until a decade later that legislations were proposed as an attempt to take on the issue. In 1994, two legislations were enacted as an effort to respond to this ongoing problem, the Family Violence Prevention and Service Act and the Violence Against Women Act. In 2006, the Congress reauthorized VAWA 2005 and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act 2005. These legislations have created new programs to assist and ensure the safety, well-being of survivors and victims. I am also pleased to see that the President has been showing strong support for this campaign. For FY2011, President Obama requests $649 million dollars for violence against women programs. As of last year, there are 1,920 shelters to house and assist victims, nation-wide. Our Nation has come a long way on this issue and we still have many more unmet challenges to face. Brighter days are ahead of us. I would like to take this moment to recognize all my colleagues in the House of Representatives, government agencies in the great State of New York, local non-profit organizations such as Greater New York City Chapter of The Links, Dominican Women's Development Center, Safe Horizon 100 Black Women, and many others in my Congressional District who have shown tremendous dedication and enthusiasm to fight domestic violence, whether it is to seek for more protection or to ensure that support programs continued to be funded. Mr. Speaker, in my very own district a not-for-profit organization, We All Really Matter or W.A.R.M., is leading the community to reach out to battered women who have just been released from the shelters. On the 27th of October, W.A.R.M. will be holding its Second Annual Domestic Violence Panel to present positive faces of women who have been abused. This event will be a great resource for the community to learn more about domestic violence as well as allowing victims the break the silence. We must continue to do all we can to eradicate violence in every household in America. I strongly urge victims to speak up and reach out to your local community about the issue. Do not allow shame and fear to silence you. The best way to solve a problem is to confront it, not to shy away from it. You are the voice of change in our community. Our commitment is to ensure that there will be no more victims. We all really matter and we all deserve to live in a community where there is no place for violence.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my growing concern on the current state of our Nation's immigration reform. On October 2nd, I had the privilege of attending a press conference at the Church of the Ascension. I was joined by many of my constituents, my colleague Congressman Luis Gutierrez of Illinois, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, members of New York City Council, local city officials, and numerous immigration rights advocates to discuss immigration reform and a landmark bill that will change the way the City of New York Department of Corrections works with the federal immigration authorities and to reduce unnecessary immigrant deportations in New York City. Mr. Speaker, we all live in a nation built by immigrants. When our great grandparents first arrived, they had hope to escape from religious persecution or perhaps economic and political repression; they had hope to work hard so they can build strong families and make a decent living with respect and dignity. The United States of America is known to be a country where anyone with good moral standing, courage, endurance and the desire to do the right thing can achieve and live the American Dream. The least we can all do for one another is to pave way, not to inflict pain. Upon their arrival, those newcomers had never been given legitimacy to help grow this Nation. They were very well welcomed, simply because this vast Nation desperately needed builders. Those people worked hard, sacrificed to strengthen the agriculture, infrastructures and all other things our generation relies on. Present day immigrants are still important to our national economy. In a time when our national economy is in peril, losing this part of our community would cause industries to collapse. The United States would not be the same without our ancestors, who were, in fact, the product of immigrants. They have contributed enormously to the standing of our economy and will continue to do the same in the future. I believe that it only is fair to treat them with justice and fairness. We certainly do not want to look back in 20 or 30 years and have our grandchildren ask: how could we be so cruel? America can not be known as a place where Federal agencies simply disregard local people and laws in order to detain, deport immigrants, separate families and loved ones. Folks, who are in the custody of local New York authorities, have been, in the last two or three years, subjected to be detained, questioned and can potentially be deported by ICE. Mr. Speaker, some of these folks had no prior conviction. They post no threat to our society. Thus, deserve a second chance. Ultimately, we may have an honest and extensive debate on whether or not we would like to use amnesty or banishment as a method to fix our own problem, but it is imperative that the procedure is done with respect to the law and basic human rights. I would like to praise my colleague, Congressman Luis Gutierrez, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Council Member Melissa Mark- Viverito, Council Member Danny Dromm, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and Make the Road NY Organization for their enormous efforts to bring to the attention this issue. I would also like to praise the New York City Council for taking a bold action to limit the Immigration and Custom Enforcement's authority over New York City Department of Correction. We certainly can not allow agency such as ICE to detain and deport people without the appropriate legal basis. The introduction of Int.656-2011 certainly is a stepping stone to a true, effective reform. I would like to take this moment to show my sincere appreciation for Pastor John P. Duffell for allowing the use of the site to advocate the reform. This is truly a humanitarian concern and Churches through out the country should not shy away from helping those who are in need. I encourage more mosques, synagogues, churches throughout this country to teach and advocate local people about immigration reforms. People incline to think that religion and politics should not mix and that religious institutions should stay away from this matter. Though this isn't so. This matter is not about politics; it's not about winning or losing; it's about people who just want to work hard and live well. We want to treat and praise them like we have to our ancestors. Finally, I encourage all my colleagues to consider immigration reform as a serious concern and that we can no longer neglect to establish a legislative reform that is fair, effective and serve the best of the whole. Deporting people, tearing families apart, build a wall to keep people out is not real reform; it is a temporary solution to a problem. We need a sensible immigration policy which will allow the best, the brightest and those who are willing to work hard to continue the great chapter of our Nation's history. Mr. Speaker, America is strong because people come from all over the world with the intent to achieve the American Dream. The will of the people, as history have shown, have strive our nation to success from every corner.