Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Occupy Wall Street Movement and to bring the voices of the long-oppressed 99% back to the Representatives who are supposed to represent them. Truly, when I think of the vision of democracy today, instead of our gridlocked Congress, where we can hardly speak to each other because of deeply polarized political differences, I look to the Occupy Wall Street groups burgeoning across the country. They took to heart the value of the freedoms of speech and assembly consecrated in the Bill of Rights, and put them to practice. They are convening in open air town halls to give voice to the voiceless and organize as a unit. Here in Congress, every vote comes with a fight. After it is all said and done, the disagreement remains and the bitterness deepens. Out there in the General Assemblies of these ``Occupation'' sites, decisions are made by consensus. Who has it figured out better? Some are quick to dismiss the protesters as a bunch of kids who do not know what they are doing. I beg to differ. Yes, the Occupy Wall Street groups have no established leadership team. But that is very much by choice. And in many ways, these eclectic gatherings are so much stronger as a collective of equals. Each individual, from child to senior, has taken initiative to help in a way best suited to his or her interests and abilities. They have voluntarily taken up posts to welcome newcomers, to offer legal advice, to provide medical relief, to cook, to clean, to entertain, and to be sure, to discuss policy, from sustainability to electoral reform. And yes, these General Assemblies do not have a bill of solutions to present for deliberation on the floors of Congress to rectify the problems facing our country. But they have deliberately chosen not to present a list of demands as an organizational strategy. In the second issue of the New York occupation newspaper, cleverly named the ``Occupied Wall Street Journal'', they declared: ``No List of Demands. We are speaking to each other and listening. This occupation is first about participation.'' And they are right. All they need to know is that they are discontent with the status quo in this country and are willing to do something about it. This is what democracy is all about. If the people do not express their point of view, how are their voices supposed to be represented? The fact is that the people have been trying to communicate their grievances--through phone calls, letters, petitions, national conferences, and other traditional methods of organizing--yet we, their elected representatives, have failed to produce legislation to adequately address their needs. Now they are mad as hell, and I do not blame them. In fact, I thank them for containing their anger and organizing in a non-violent manner. My colleagues, it is our sworn duty to listen to our constituents and represent their views. Why are we not honoring the position of the 99%? Why do attacks on the 99% persist? What more do the American people have to do to get its Congress to wake up and actually deliver the systematic changes that are necessary to lift this country out of its fiscal recession and spiritual depression? The American Dream needs to be revived with some real changes before it withers away like the millions upon millions of dreams deferred. Americans have been suffering long before these market crashes, bubble bursts, and quagmire wars. This movement is not about ephemeral concerns and will not be mollified by superficial fixes. The problems highlighted by Occupy Wall Street contingents around the country are deeply entrenched structural issues and we must address them earnestly and develop permanent, holistic solutions. We can no longer afford to patch one sleeve with the other. It is abundantly clear that a total make-over is needed. The process will be difficult, but we must undertake the challenge. We cannot simply bicker on and watch more than a quarter of our children grow up in poverty. We cannot simply hype up the promises of higher education and abandon our students when they are locked down with debt. We cannot simply wait for the ``market god'' to do its wonders and leave our families to suffer as the prices go up and real wages go down. It is not only our job to rectify these wrongs, it is our moral obligation. I call on all my colleagues to listen to the voices of the people and act. Let us collaborate in good faith and reaffirm that this is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The American public is sick and tired of waiting. It is time to get to work. Once more I urge spiritual leaders all across the country to take an active role in this movement. Every faith tradition affirms the value of social justice. This is the time to fight for a more perfect nation, one that would more closely embody the ideals upheld in our holy books. I ask all faith leaders to encourage their congregants to contact their elected officials and make sure that their views are faithfully represented. Lastly, I would like to remind all the leaders of the world that this movement is not stopping at Wall Street, in New York, or even within the bounds of the United States. More than 1,500 cities around the globe committed to launching united campaigns for global change on October 15, 2011. The ``Occupation'' is poised to continue, growing persistently as more and more people step out and speak up. Never forget that the power of government is derived from the consent of the governed. Their will and support are the foundations on which our nations were built. Listen to the 99%, preserve peace, and ensure justice to all.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it appeared sometime yesterday that the Congressional Budget Office looked at statistically where the wealth of this country is being held and came to the conclusion that 1 percent of America's high earners have 42 percent of the Nation's wealth. It also pointed out that one out of every five kids, American kids, is born into poverty. Well, certainly one might look at the income tax system to see whether or not this disparity is being dealt with. But if you do, you will find out that we have aggressively protected income for people who are wealthy enough to invest it at lower rates than lower income people who work hard every day and yet have a higher rate of their income that they have paid taxes on. What does this unfairness mean? Well, one thing I can tell you is that you're not going to have too much noise from the spiritual community because somehow they're silent as we deal with the question of budget deficits and budget cuts. They haven't responded to the fact that many of these cuts have to deal with income after retirement, with Social Security. Others deal with the ability to pay for health care. Others just deal with the plight of not being able to put food on the table, to get health care. In other words, it's all biblical as to what is wrong about the disparities in income. But there are other things that we don't talk about. You can rest assured that this includes some of the benefits that the 1 percent have. Why is it that we know or that we can suspect that in this war where we lost so many lives, where so many people have been wounded, that our brave men and women coming home will subject themselves to a lack of funds to deal with their physical and mental problems, and yet we somehow know that that 1 percent was not involved in defending our great Nation? Oh, we take it for granted that those people who can't get jobs would volunteer, but we can almost know without any investigation that the wealthiest of Americans never found themselves protecting our flag. What else can we tell? Well, we can tell there's a limited amount of money that billionaires can spend. And we don't expect them to be at the local supermarket or buying a pair of socks or going to the drugstore looking for prescriptions. No, they hold on to their money. They invest their money. They don't even lend their money. But having said that, one thing is clear, that if we have the other 99 percent of the people that are not wealthy, and if it was possible for them to get a fairer shake and have more expendable income, you wouldn't have to put out ads for them to buy, that they have the needs and they would be purchasing. And small businesses depend on these people--not the barons, not the tycoons, but they depend on the people in the neighborhood. That's why the stores are located there. So it's not a question of having consumer confidence. It's a question of consumers not having the money to buy what they need. But I really think the worst thing of all when we just overlook and don't pay attention to that is the American Dream that is being shattered, because we do know that poverty means you're not going to have good health; you're not going to get the kind of education to get out of poverty. Poverty means that you lose the hope and the dreams of this great Nation. And more than poverty and wealth, what really is the engine that makes our Nation so great is people from all over the world believe you can make it in the United States of America. But when you are now going through decades of poverty, kids not able to go to college, those that graduate not able to find jobs, our young people and older alike running to the streets and protesting, explosion of this type occurring all over the great United States, then the hopes and dreams that are the engine that makes our country so great are limited in their ability to bring the scientists and the doctors and the people we need for this country. One percent of our wage earners, 42 percent of the Nation's wealth, there is something wrong with that formula.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I hope schools, businesses, the faith community, families, and community organizations in our Manhattan Congressional District will join together this week in celebration of Red Ribbon Week, taking place October 22-30, 2011. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people have the opportunity to make a pledge to a drug-free life. Red Ribbon Week also honors DEA Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena who died on February 7, 1985, while fighting against drug trafficking and abuse, as well as all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit. Established in 1988, Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans. The National Family Partnership estimates that more than 80 million people participate in Red Ribbon events each year. The campaign is a unified way for communities to take a stand against drugs and show intolerance for illicit drug use and the consequences to all Americans. Nearly one million New Yorkers reported using illicit drugs in the past year (16%). The only way to change this trend is by educating our youth on the dangers and effects of illegal drugs with initiatives like Red Ribbon Week. I have seen firsthand how drug use can ruin a life, and the crippling effects it can have on families and neighborhoods. I ask our community to reach out to our children by helping them make a pledge to a drug-free life.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to highlight the National Debt Crisis. We are in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Our deficit has ballooned to the highest sum in history, 14.8 trillion. Our nation's unemployment hovers at 9.1 percent and a record 46.2 million Americans live in poverty. This problem cannot be sustained without running the risk of destroying our Great Nation. As I stand before you, I make a plea to our spiritual leaders throughout the United States to be heard and to speak out for the gridlock that exists here in Congress. It seems to me whether we're dealing with the Koran or the Bible or the Torah, one thing that is abundantly clear is that we have a moral obligation to take care of the vulnerable among us, especially during our current economic crisis. This great nation now has broken all records in terms of our middle class actually being shrunk as people are forced into poverty. Therefore, cutting funding to entitlement programs will exacerbate this problem. Let the churches, synagogues, mosques and the temples be open so people can express themselves. Our spiritual leaders could encourage people not just to pray but to become active. So whether you're a Protestant, Catholic, Jew, Gentile, Mormon or Muslim, this is a time when America needs you. The Congress has an obligation as well. Let this Congress attempt to be more civil and recognize that we have a responsibility that goes beyond the election. We have a responsibility to the American people and our National Debt is a priority that we must address. Since the 1970's Keynesian economics has been the guiding principle for both parties. It stated that you should spend when times are bad to stimulate the economy and balance the budget when times are good. Therefore, the Government must increase spending to fill the void left by the private sector in a Recession. However, the Republican Party has abandoned this principle of economics in favor of ``Reaganomics.'' The Republican Party has prioritized cutting taxes and decreasing spending. While this would make sense when the economy is strong, trying to balance the budget this way in a Recession is dangerous. The tax cuts will cost the Federal Government $65 billion for 2011 alone. They will continue to add to the debt, while the Government struggles to raise revenue. Without revenue the Government cannot fund vital social programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, among others. Moreover, with low revenue the Government cannot pay its bills and its debts. As a result, the Government has been forced to borrow from countries such as China and Japan, as well as the Social Security program and the United States Postal Service. Republicans have argued that Social Security is unsustainable and is contributing to the debt; however Social Security has run surpluses for decades. The Government has used these surpluses to fund their spending, including the high spending under President Reagan. We cannot continue borrowing from Social Security. Social Security was created to last, without contributing to the debt. The program cannot pay benefits if it does not have the resources to do so. Furthermore, Social Security cannot borrow; therefore it cannot increase the federal deficit. Hence, years of tax cuts and borrowing from Social Security have pushed the program near insolvency. Additionally, borrowing from the Post Office has caused it to go broke. Republicans have called for privatizing the Post Office because it is unsustainable and cannot be subsidized by the government. On the other hand, tax cuts have forced the Government to borrow from the Post Office to make up for lost revenue. This has resulted in the devastation of the U.S. Postal Service. The biggest amount of spending goes to health programs like Medicare, which accounts for 15 percent of the GDP alone. That is the main reason Democrats supported the health care bill. The Health Care law was meant to bring health care costs down, but Republicans seek to repeal the law. Other developed nations have managed to keep their health related costs low on a single-payer government-backed health care system. We must control the soaring health care costs if we are to decrease spending and the national debt and repealing the health care law is not the way to do it. It is abundantly clear that Republicans only seek to benefit their base of insurance companies. Tax expenditures should also be on the table when discussing how to cut spending. They include tax breaks on mortgage interest and employer-provided health insurance. Tax expenditures add hundreds of billions of dollars a year to our debt. They decrease the amount of taxes individuals and businesses pay, thereby decreasing the amount of revenue the Government takes in. Moreover, tax credits are also a form of spending, which ``fiscally conservative'' Republicans claim they want to cut. However in 2009, House Republicans introduced new housing subsidies that gave a $5,000 credit to Americans that reliance their homes and $15,000 in credits to those buying homes. These tax credits are a form of spending that Republicans do not have a problem with. If we are serious about cutting spending than we must look at these tax expenditures, which account for more than the total cost of all non- defense programs, excluding Social Security and Medicare. So when we consider cutting spending on programs that benefit the poor and elderly, we should also take a look at tax expenditures, which help the middle class and wealthy. Democrats and Republicans alike should make a valiant effort to work together in other to save our beloved country. We must look at cutting spending on all programs and not excluding tax expenditures from the list. Moreover, we must increase taxes on the wealthy, so we can stop borrowing from Social Security and effectively bankrupting the program. In order to balance the budget and decrease the debt, the government must receive revenue. This revenue can only come from increasing taxes. Spending cuts alone will not help this country recover. In fact, sharp cuts can force us back into a recession and will stunt our economic recovery. Therefore the best option is to cut spending gradually, not rapidly like Republicans propose and to increase taxes. Most economists agree that this is the best method to improve our economy and to decrease our debt. Democratic and Republican voters are in agreement on programs that should be cut and where spending should be increased. Democrats and Republicans support cuts for the highway system, air travel and railroad, medical research, subsidies to agricultural corporations with large farms and defense spending. However, both voters support spending increases for job training, energy conservation and renewable resources, elementary and secondary education, higher education and agricultural subsidies to small farmers. It seems like the electorate is much less polarized than the government. Mr. Speaker, if Democratic and Republican voters can agree on where spending should be decreased and where it should be increased, than why can't we? At the end of day, we must work together to ensure America's prosperity and the well-being of our nation. This is the only way to get us out of the current economic crisis we are in.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, during National Fire Prevention Awareness week, I would like to encourage that we as a community make preparations to protect our families and neighbors from the tragedy and destruction caused by fires. This is a great opportunity to thank our community's firefighters who are the first to respond and put themselves at risk for our safety. Our Manhattan Congressional District is fortunate to have many brave first responders, including those from the Uniformed Fire Association of Greater New York, FDNY Engine 69, Ladder 28, Battalion 16 ``Harlem Hilton,'' FDNY Engine 53, Ladder 43 ``El Barrio's Bravest'' and FDNY Rescue 3 ``Big Blue,'' and the Vulcan Society, Inc. We must continue to show our cooperation and appreciation towards our firefighters, first responders and those who continuously ensure our neighborhoods are safe. Simple precautions such as installing and maintaining smoke detectors in every apartment unit and on every floor of our homes and buildings, having an escape plan, and following fire codes can save countless lives. I would hope that people in my District and all across our great nation would take proper measures to prevent fires and potential harm in our communities.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, during National Fire Prevention Awareness week, I would like to encourage that we as a community make preparations to protect our families and neighbors from the tragedy and destruction caused by fires. This is a great opportunity to thank our community's fire fighters who are the first to respond and put themselves at risk for our safety. Our Manhattan Congressional District is fortunate to have many brave first responders, including those from the Uniformed Fire Association of Greater New York, FDNY Engine 69, Ladder 28, Battalion 16 `Harlem Hilton,' FDNY Engine 53, Ladder 43 `El Barrio's Bravest' and FDNY Rescue 3 `Big Blue,' and the Vulcan Society, Inc. We must continue to show our cooperation and appreciation towards our firefighters, first responders and those who continuously ensure our neighborhoods are safe. Simple precautions such as installing and maintaining smoke detectors in every apartment unit and on every floor of our homes and buildings, having an escape plan, and following fire codes can save countless lives. I would hope that people in my District and all across our great nation would take proper measures to prevent fires and potential harm in our communities.''

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, I stand once again to make a plea to our spiritual leaders throughout the United States to be heard and to speak out against the gridlock that exists here in the United States Congress. I do this feeling very comfortable since we open up our session with a prayer and as everyone can see and many have taken for granted, it says: ``In God We Trust.'' Clearly, the protesters have caused quite a bit of inconvenience for my colleagues and the constituents in New York, but the fact remains that they speak out for a frustration that most all Americans have. Uncertain as to what the future holds for them, many have lost their jobs, their savings, pulled their kids out of school; and they are frustrated that we in the Congress hardly talk to each other because of the depth of polarization. And yet beyond the politics of it all, whether it's Democrats or Republicans, when you think about it, this recession can only be stopped and unemployment lowered by a combination of two things, the reduction of our spending and the raising of revenue in order to increase not only the confidence that people have but the necessity of having economic growth so America can regain its status among civilized nations. Yet we find very little movement here because there's some that have already embarked on the 2012 campaign. They do that even though millions of Americans are suffering painfully, seeking relief now and not waiting until the end of next year. It seems to me, whether we are dealing with the Koran or whether we are dealing with the Bible or the Torah, one thing is abundantly clear, that those who believe in a superior force would know that one of the things that we have a moral obligation to do is to take care of the vulnerable among us. This great Nation now has broken all records in terms of our middle class actually being shrunk as people are forced into poverty. One out of every five kids in the United States of America is born into poverty, and we find that a smaller number of people in our country are controlling nearly half of the wealth. There's something wrong with that equation, and certainly this is the time to fill that vacuum. For those who believe there's no direction to the protesters, there may not be direction, but they certainly expect that their government should be there for them. Their government is gridlocked. Our spiritual leaders could encourage them not just to pray, but to become active, find out who the Members are that represent them in the Congress, ask them to be voting on these bills that can create economic growth or can create jobs. And so whether you're Protestant or Catholic or Jews or gentiles or Mormons or Muslims, this is the time that America needs you. This is why our Forefathers have never written out religion. While it cannot dictate which religion, if any, you should have, certainly we do have freedom of religion. And as the protesters have a constitutional right in order to speak out to release their frustrations, I think we have a spiritual responsibility to take those parts of the proclamations that they're making, the protestations that they're making, and those parts that take care of trying to get the vulnerable to get a fair shake out of this economic disaster we find ourselves in, let us take care of our aged, our sick, those that are in poverty. Let Social Security and Medicaid and Medicare be something that's not a gamble, but something that the American people can depend on. Let the churches and the synagogues and the mosques and the temples be open so people can express themselves, and let this Congress attempt to be more civil in recognizing that we have a responsibility that goes beyond the election. We have a responsibility to the American people. So I conclude my remarks and make my plea.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea to the United States and his address to the Joint Session of Congress on October 13, 2011. His visit to our great nation is another significant step in broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation between our two sovereign nations. For more than 60 years an enduring friendship has existed between the United States and the Republic of Korea which has been of enormous economic, cultural, and strategic benefit to both nations. Our countries share common ideals and a clear vision for the 21st century, where freedom and democracy are the foundations for peace, prosperity, and progress. During the Korean War the United States and the Republic of Korea forged a bloodshed alliance. Approximately 1,789,000 members of the United States Armed Forces served in-theater along with the forces of the Republic of Korea and 20 other members of the United Nations to defend freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea from 1950 to 1953. Since 1975, the Republic of Korea has invited thousands of American Korean War veterans to revisit Korea in appreciation for their sacrifices. Currently more than 28,500 members of the United States Armed Forces have served annually in the United States Forces Korea to defend the Republic of Korea against external aggression, and to promote regional peace. The Republic of 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. As a Korean War veteran, I am proud to see that in the 60 years since the outbreak of the Korean War, the Republic of Korea has emerged from a war-torn economy into one of the major economies in the world and one of the largest trading partners of the United States. The success of Republic of Korea is a shining example of the peacekeeping efforts and contribution made by the United States. I would like to congratulate President Lee Myung-bak for recently being awarded the World Statesman Award for his leadership in furthering democracy, freedom, peace and human rights, on September 20, 2011, by The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an interfaith organization founded and presided by my good friend, Rabbi Arthur Schneier. I applaud President Lee Myung-bak's many accomplishments, including his tenure as the CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Member of the Korean National Assembly, Mayor of Seoul, and as the 10th President of the Republic of Korea. Under his presidency since 2008, Republic of Korea has emerged as one of the key players on the international scene through hosting the 2010 G-20 Seoul Summit. Now with the passage of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, I hope that the economies of both the United Sates and Republic of Korea would continue to prosper as our partnership remains strong.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to commemorate the Bicentennial and 201st anniversary of Mexican Independence Day, which occurred on September 16, 2011. As Mexicans everywhere celebrate the historic independence of Mexico from Spanish rule, this momentous day is significant because it represents a sign of justice and equality-- rights valued and protected in our great country of the United States. It also represents the day when Mexico was able to begin its quest for freedom for the people of that beautiful and spirited country. Our two countries will continue to make sure that the rights of the people come first. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on the date that Father Miguel Hidalgo y Castillo, a priest in Dolores, Guanajuato, frustrated with Spanish rule, rang the church bell to gather the people of the town. Hidalgo ignited a fire among the listeners, requesting that the people of Mexico join him in rising up against Spanish rule. Just as the soldiers in the American Revolutionary War fought on behalf of our country, these courageous, patriotic men fought to gain the independence of their beloved Mexico. This event known today as Grito de Delores or ``Cry of Delores'' is joyfully celebrated every year on September 16 by Mexicans all over the world. The red, white, and green flag is proudly displayed on this day during festivities. El Centro Comunitario Mexicano, or as it is popularly known, CECOMEX, is one of the oldest active, not-for-profit organizations for Mexican Americans in my Congressional District and the City of New York. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Sandra Perez, it has worked independently as a community organization in my beloved East Harlem community, catering to the needs of our newcomers. I want to publicly thank them for all their work. I would also like to commend Carlos M. Sada, Consul General of Mexico in New York for all his hard work on behalf of Mexico. He continues to assist and protect the citizens of Mexico while facilitating trade and extending a cordial friendship with New York. The model of Father Miguel Hidalgo-Costilla's resolve and sacrifice for independence and liberty makes him an icon for what beleaguered peoples of the world need most today in their leaders. His martyrdom for Mexico and for the future of their republic can provide light upon all communities. Let's pay respects to those courageous men who fought on behalf of Mexico to help position the country where it is today. Mr. Speaker, let me conclude on this, Mexico's two hundred and first anniversary of independence, by vowing a renewed commitment between the United States and Mexico as both of our nations continue to confront the global issues of our time. I call upon my fellow Members of Congress to join me in celebrating Mexican Independence Day in honor of all the Mexican immigrants and descendents, not only in my district, but throughout this great nation and the world. Viva Mexico and may God and the Virgin of Guadalupe bless The United Mexican States and the United States of America.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of a great man, Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, who was truly an American hero and a committed civil rights legend. His life and dedication fighting in Birmingham, Alabama, on behalf of the segregated black community will never be forgotten. The Reverend helped create the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy and served as secretary for several years. During his lifetime, Rev. Shuttlesworth was beaten and arrested several times for his activism. His church and home had even been bombed, but he persevered in his struggle. The many sit-ins and boycotts he led helped advance a people and a nation forward from the evils of segregation to enjoy many of the freedoms we have today. As we reflect on the sad passing of one of the greatest inspirations of the Civil Rights movement, I hope everyone back in his hometown, Birmingham, Alabama, and across the nation reflects on his legacy with gratitude and admiration. I speak on behalf of all the people of New York's 15th Congressional District when I say we are all thankful for what Rev. Shuttlesworth accomplished.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great pride and as a life member to recognize the 75th Anniversary and Diamond Jubilee Celebration of our beloved NAACP New York State Conference. On October 7 thru Oct. 9, 2011, The New York State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its 75th Anniversary Conference and Diamond Jubilee Celebration, at the Westin Times Square Hotel and Conference Center in New York City. The Celebration will honor the rich history of the NAACP and examine critical issues challenging all New Yorkers. Delegates and participants will enjoy interactive workshops on education, health, civic engagement, economic empowerment and criminal justice. The NAACP New York State Conference has been a vital programmatic component of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for 75 of the 102-year history of the oldest, most effective and most respected civil rights organization in the Nation. The New York State Conference has played a pivotal role in moving the agenda for freedom and equality forward under the leadership of dynamic State Conference Presidents, each of whom addressed critical issues during their tenure. Dr. James E. Allen, the first President, took on the challenge of expanding the number of branches all across the state. From 1936 to 1952, the number of branches grew from 15 to 45, providing local civil rights advocacy in every corner of the state on a wide range of issues. The succeeding Presidents have built on that solid foundation and added to the scope and innovative advocacy techniques. They were Mrs. Effie Gordon, Dr. Eugene T. Reed, Judge William Booth, Donald Lee, Raphael Dubard and the current President, my sister, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes. Through its seventy-five year history, the New York State Conference has been a leading force in driving the missions and goals of the Association. The first Prison Branch of NAACP was chartered in New York. The Youth and College Division grew as a vigorous power to be reckoned with, and continues to be outspoken and on the front line of advocacy today. Under the leadership of Dr. Hazel Dukes and the first Executive Director David Bryant, Esq. the New York State Conference State opened its offices in lower Manhattan in 1978. Shortly before the historic Centennial Celebration of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 2009, the state conference relocated its office to a beautiful spacious Suite at 1065 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan. The state-of-the-art office is run with an Administrative Assistant, support staffs and interns to facilitate activity throughout the state to the 56 adult units, Youth, and College Chapters from Harlem to Highland Falls, Brooklyn to Buffalo, Syracuse to Suffolk County, Albany to Amityville and all points in between. New York State Conference Civil Rights Advocacy over the years has included historic demonstrations, marches and mobilizations. Like the memorable 160-mile march from New York City to Albany to underscore our civil rights issues, the Over-ground Railroad project to promote voter registration and voter participation throughout the State of New York, marches and demonstrations to protest police brutality and the murders of Michael Steward by Transit police and Eleanor Bumpers by Public Housing police. The New York State Conference held one of the largest demonstrations in Howard Beach to protest the racial murder of Michael Griffin and in Middletown, New York to protest the police murder of the son of NAACP branch President, Maude Bruce. Reflecting on these important moments and milestones, President Hazel Dukes said, ``The New York State Conference has been a vital component of the National NAACP for 75 of its 102-year history. We have played a pivotal role in moving the agenda for freedom and equality forward. The celebration of our 75th Anniversary gives the State Conference an opportunity to review past challenges, celebrate accomplishments and be emboldened by future possibilities.'' Members and guests of the NAACP from the tri-state area will participate in numerous events during this milestone weekend. The Conference begins Friday, October 7 at noon with registration and the opening plenary at 2:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., the Rev. Dr. Gregory Smith, Senior Pastor and the Congregation of the historic Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church will host an Ecumenical Service in Harlem featuring keynote speaker the Honorable Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the National NAACP. The service will also highlight a performance by Vy Higginson's Gospel for Teens Choir, recently featured on CBS' 60 Minutes, by legendary News Correspondent Barbara Walters. On Saturday, October 8 from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., a number of interactive workshops and trainings on health, education, civic engagement, criminal justice and economic development are scheduled. I will be bringing welcoming greetings to all of the delegates and special guest assembled for the 75th Annual Luncheon, which begins at 12 Noon and features our dynamic leader, the Honorable Dr. Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of our NAACP National Board of Directors as the keynote speaker. Other speakers include the Hon. Alphonso David, New York State Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights, Michael Mulgrew, President United Federation of Teachers, Reverend Edward Mulraine, Unity Tabernacle Baptist Church Mt. Vernon, New York, and our beloved State Conference President Dr. Hazel N. Dukes. The activities of the day culminate with the 75th Diamond Anniversary Awards Dinner Dance. Cheryl Wills, Anchor NY1 News and author of ``Die Free'' A Heroic Family History,'' will be the Mistress of Ceremony. The evening speakers include my longtime loyal friend, supporter and ally, George Gresham, President of the mighty SEIU Local 1199. The closing program will take place on Sunday, October 9, 2011 with a breakfast, Church Service, and a legislative session presided by Judge Laura D. Blackburne, Chairman of the Crisis Magazine and by Kenneth Cohen, Sr., Regional Director of the Metropolitan Council of NAACP Branches. Mr. Speaker, let me take a moment to salute my sister, Hazel N. Dukes as we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee of our New York State Conference. For as long as I have been involved with the NAACP and a Member of Congress, Hazel has always been an outspoken opponent of policies that she felt undermined the achievements of the civil rights movements of the 1960s and today. Hazel's political career has made her one of the most important black activists and campaigners of the last quarter of the twentieth century; I am proud of her stance to reduce class sizes in our New York City Schools and for equal and fair education for all children. Hazel can be a one-woman band, but her advocacy and hard work create and orchestrate for change. I ask my colleagues and a very grateful Nation to join me in a very special congressional salute to the NAACP New York State Conference celebrating their 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am sad to learn that the House of Representatives will be losing a strong leader with the retirement of my dear friend and Colleague, Congressman Jerry Costello. In the U.S. Congress, he fought hard to protect the environment and promoted progressive development of infrastructure. I am privileged to have worked with Jerry in the past 23 years he has served in this great Institution we both so love. Jerry has been a steadfast steward of the public interest from his early days in law enforcement to his more than two decades in the House of Representatives. Throughout his public career he has demonstrated time and again how colleagues can reach across the aisle to find compromise for the good of the nation. I wish Jerry the best of luck with his future endeavors. His service to the people of Illinois' 12th District has been impeccable and he will be dearly missed by both his constituents and colleagues.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. RANGEL. I rise in support of the Waxman amendment. As long as Mr. Waxman has been in the Congress, he should know that recently a new group has arrived here, and there are three things that you shouldn't do, and that is ask for anything that might be good for the President of the United States, ask for anything that could improve the environment of the people that breathe the air, and for God's sake don't ask them to bring up any bills that could create jobs. Having said that, it just seems to me that we're involved in a political fight that concerns Democrats and Republicans and others; and yet you would think if you listened to the debate that the air in which we breathe, there's a Democratic area and there's a Republican area, or when you start talking about this is saving lives through providing an opportunity for our youngsters to be able to grow up in a healthy environment that we're just talking about Democratic babies. What we're talking about--pardon the word ``scientific''--is a connection between pollution of the air and how people breathe it and what happens to their general health. I don't really believe that anyone challenges the fact that whether it happens on a 9/11 site or on a coal mine that what you breathe is going to have an impact and if indeed it leads to illnesses, that's going to be very costly. And so it just seems to me that if we concentrate on what can we do, I know there are people who don't like the President, but there are millions of people that go to sleep every night wondering what the heck are we doing in the Congress, and it just seems so unfair for us to go back and say, we cannot bring out a bill that the President proposed that's going to create jobs. It would be different if we said we're going to bring it out, and we're not going to vote for it; or we're not going to bring it out because we have our own bill. It just seems to me that very few Americans are going to sleep at night wondering what happens at cement factories throughout the United States. Maybe those from Texas or those that have one or two in their districts might have some concern as to whether it would cost their employers and businesspeople in order to clean the air, but that's a constant problem we always have when it costs a little extra to do the right thing to extend the value and, indeed, the condition of life. But to get back to jobs, there's something going on in America; and I don't know whether or not it reaches the floor, since the best place to find out what's going on in the country is right here, as we come from 435 different areas and we come to tell what's happening. In New York, people are mad as hell. They're not going to take it anymore. They're not against Democrats; they're not against Republicans. They just don't see why they have to suffer the way they do after some of them have lost their ability to go to school, have lost their jobs, have lost their savings, have no idea what the future looks like for them, and we're not even giving them hope. Hope has made our middle class, not the rich that control most of the Nation's wealth, and certainly not the poor that people all over the world would like to escape. But when you see the hope for the middle class just dropping and squeezing and pushing people into poverty, it seems to me that we have a higher responsibility than that. Often I ask for our spiritual leaders to help us, because, hey, it's right over the Speaker: ``In God We Trust.'' That means that we don't have to trust each other, but maybe if some of the rabbis, ministers, and Catholics could come down and try to get our priorities in order, because if you're talking about human life, that includes the ability to have health care, to have a healthy environment in terms of housing, and I think we do have a moral obligation not only to get ready for the polls in 2012 but to do something for the people who are so completely helpless now. I would like to emphasize that there's no way to split up the jobs with Democrats or Republicans, and so we are not being fair to the Republicans or that the cement is going to hurt us and not you. These things are so nonpolitical that I just hope that someday, and someday very, very soon, we will respond to the frustrated people we have, even the wealthy, and come up with something on the floor that whether we win or lose, we can be so very proud that we're doing something to improve the economy, put America back to work, have things once again made in America. I want to thank the gentleman from California for at least directing us to the right track, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, a very significant milestone is upon us. The Republic of China (Taiwan), our close friends in Asia, will be celebrating their 100th anniversary on October 10th, 2011. Many congratulations are in order for Taiwan and their President Ma Ying-jeou on this special occasion. With all the turmoil in the middle- east, Taiwan should be an inspiration to those countries that are looking to have a government of the people and for the people. Taiwan is a very young democracy, only having their first Presidential elections in 1996. During this time, though, they have had three peaceful transfers from one party to another. Long gone is authoritarian rule; it has been replaced with a true democracy. As a proud American and a believer in the democratic process, it is refreshing to see Taiwan following in our footsteps when it comes to governing their people. My hope is that countries throughout the world that are in crisis can look at Taiwan as another example of how to structure a government that enables both its country and people to thrive. Again, congratulations to The Republic of China (Taiwan) on your 100th anniversary.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. This morning I was pleased to see that the Conference of Catholic Bishops has organized in order to influence Washington as it relates to the question of same-sex marriage and abortion. I think that we all agree that these are moral issues and under our country's freedom of speech, the churches, the synagogues, the temples, have a right and, indeed, in their case, an obligation to speak out on the actions of Congress that they disapprove of morally. I hope that this is a signal to other religious institutions that what this country is going through is not only a financial crisis, but a moral crisis. And perhaps the other religions might broaden their agenda to talk about what I truly believe is a priority and concern of every religion, and that is a deep-seated moral obligation to take care of the vulnerable in our society. Whether it's the lesser of our brothers and sisters, whether it's the sick and the aged, there's something about Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, about having a home and a job that to me has something that involves a moral obligation. When a great country like the United States, a beacon for people to come to from all over the world in order to be successful, finds itself with so much of our national wealth being concentrated in the hands of so few people, never before has this happened in history, where we find more and more children and adults going into poverty in historic numbers. We find the shrinking of our middle class, where all of our dreams and aspirations are planned, born, and conceived in the United States of America; where we have so many brave American men and women fighting causes in foreign countries that their parents don't understand and they come home with emotional and physical disabilities; that we can never thank them for their courage; and when we see young people on Wall Street and the Wall Streets around this country protesting, and they're being ridiculed because they have no leaders, they have no single cause, they never knew each other, they're not organized. But neither is America's pain and concern organized. People are mad as hell. They really think that they've been let down. They worked so hard to achieve what they had achieved in this great country; and the greatest thing about America is not what you've achieved, in my opinion, it is having the hope that you can make it in America. So that's why it is so painful to see how this middle class that was more recently, if you look at history, formed in this country, where people thought having a car and a home and a job, sending your kids to college for an education, being secure in your retirement, and knowing that one day health care would be available for everybody--are these just political issues? No. I think they're moral issues. And that's why when I went down to meet with the protesters, I had hoped that more of our spiritual leaders would be there to give guidance, to give encouragement, to give direction so that we can say that this is a civilized society and people can't just break the law and scream; but they can demand attention, and that's what they are doing. So it seems to me that we in the Congress are getting involved too politically and ignoring the pain and the suffering that's taking place in this country today. When we can find one of the parties saying that they will not entertain a bill that's being proposed to us in order to put America back to work, when they say that their primary goal is to get rid of Obama, when they say that no jobs bill is going to be accepted except what they pick and choose, when they refuse to bring to the floor of this House something that we can discuss to give hope back to the people, I think that's not just a political question. I think it's a moral question as well. God--yes, God--bless America.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am sad to learn that the House of Representatives will be losing a strong leader with the retirement of my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Jerry Costello. In the U.S. Congress, he fought hard to protect the environment and promoted progressive development of infrastructure. I am privileged to have worked with Jerry in the past 23 years he has served in this great institution we both so love. Jerry has been a steadfast steward of the public interest from his early days in law enforcement to his more than two decades in the House of Representatives. Throughout his public career he has demonstrated time and again how colleagues can reach across the aisle to find compromise for the good of the nation. I wish Jerry the best of luck with his future endeavors. His service to the people of Illinois' 12th District has been impeccable and he will be dearly missed by both his constituents and colleagues.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great Harlem and cultural pride to recognize the 10th Anniversary of the HARLEM Arts Alliance, Inc. as they kick off their Fifth Annual Arts Advocacy Week 2011 at the Riverside Theatre at Harlem's New York City Landmark--The Riverside Church. The Riverside Church is the tallest Church in the United States known for its elaborate Neo-Gothic architecture, which includes the world's largest tuned carillon bell. The HARLEM Arts Alliance, HAA, is a not-for-profit arts service organization committed to nurturing the artistic growth, capacity and development of artists and arts organizations based primarily in Harlem and the greater Harlem communities. With a membership of over 750 individual artists and arts organizations, HAA plays an essential role by helping to build the resources, network, and capacity of its richly diverse association. HAA also maintains strong partnerships with numerous arts organization and institutions throughout New York State, the region and the nation to maintain vital collaborative efforts to promote the arts in communities. Harlem Arts Advocacy Week events will take place from Sunday. October 2, 2011 through Sunday, October 9, 2011 to highlight the importance of the artists, arts, and cultural institutions that have consistently contributed to the cultural and economic fabric and vitality of Harlem and beyond. This year's theme, ``Harlem Arts & Culture: Resurgence and Renewal'' will focus on the revitalization of selected Harlem cultural institutions during the challenges of the economic downturn and the shifting dynamics of Harlem. On Monday October 3, 2011, at The Riverside Church Theatre, the HAA will present the first Humanitarian Award to legendary Actor, artist and international human rights activist Harry Belafonte to kick off its Fifth Annual Arts Advocacy Week. The Alliance will also pay special tribute to award winning Actress and civil rights pioneer Ruby Dee with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout its 75-year history, The Riverside Church has been an influential stronghold of activism and political debate on the nation's religious and political landscapes. Thus, it is very symbolic and appropriate that the Alliance honor these two giants, Harry Belafonte and Ruby Dee within this great Cathedral. Danny Simmons, a visual artist, philanthropist, and former Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts will receive the Alliance's Arts Leadership Award. The Harlem Arts Advocacy Week begins on Sunday October 2, where the New Heritage Theatre Group, Riverside Theatre and the City College of New York will present ``Through the Night'' a one-man play starring Obie, NAACP and Audelco award winner, Daniel Beaty. On Monday October 3, the HARLEM Arts Alliance and Hue-Man Book Store & Cafe present Harlem Arts Advocacy Week's opening reception and panel discussion with noted black female playwrights entitled, ``Black Women Playwrights: They Speak. Who Listens?'' featuring Esther Armah, Radha Blank, Kirsten Greenidge and Kymberle Joseph. On Tuesday October 4, the HARLEM Arts Alliance and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce will hold their business membership meeting and present a discussion forum entitled ``Public Art: Advancing Diverse Perspectives.'' The forum will feature a presentation on the design and development of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Circle with visual artist and landscape architect Algernon Miller followed by a panel discussion moderated by Curtis Archer, President of Harlem Community Development Corporation. On Wednesday October 5, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in collaboration with the HARLEM Arts Alliance will host ``The Schomburg's Kick-Off to a Season on the Cutting Edge!'' The evening will include guided tours of two exhibitions: ``Malcolm X: A Search for Truth'' and ``Romare Bearden: The Soul of Blackness/A Centennial Tribute,'' a book signing by Center Director, Dr. Khalil Muhammad along with a performance showcase of Harlem Arts and Cultural organizations. On Thursday October 6, HARLEM Arts Alliance will host a panel discussion, ``Basic Legal Issues in Managing Human Resources,'' presented by Lawyers Alliance for New York, at The Dwyer Cultural Center. On Friday October 7, HARLEM Arts Alliance will host the opening reception for the Strivers Art Circuit Tour, a self-guided walking tour of Harlem Art Venues and Artist Studios. A reception will take place at The Strivers Garden Gallery. The New Heritage Theatre Group will also present a new play entitled ``SAVIOUR?'' by Esther Armah, directed by Passion and featuring Michael Green and Jimmy Aquino, at the Dwyer Cultural Center. Let me take this opportunity to thank all of our Harlem Arts Advocacy Week community sponsors, supporters and collaborators as we celebrate ``Harlem Arts & Culture: Resurgence and Renewal'' during the Fifth Annual Harlem Arts Advocacy Week 2011. Mr. Speaker, the HARLEM Arts Alliance under the tremendous leadership of Chairman Voza Rivers and Executive Director Michael Unthink has contributed daily to the survival and enhancement of Harlem's beloved cultural artist and arts organizations. During these tough and economically challenging times, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting and celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the HARLEM Arts Alliance as they continue their advocacy for the arts on behalf of a very grateful nation.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I come to the floor on this noncontroversial bill and as a proud member of the Ways and Means Committee to show the Congress and the country that we are concerned about more than just taxes. I want to thank Mr. Davis for his leadership in this area and especially my friend Mr. Doggett, who have stuck with the committee in trying to make certain that we improve the life of those people who are so vulnerable in our society. To think that one out of five children in America, the United States of America, is living in poverty, to recognize that 46 million people, a family of four makes less than $22,000 is certainly not what has inspired so many people to get out of poverty and move into the middle class, which is the heart of America and the heart of our economy. This bill does just that. It comes to us to look to give authority to the States to see what works, to make certain that people don't have to stay on welfare, that they can have a goal in being fully employed. And it takes a way the image that we have, as a country, that we applaud people who are being executed, that we applaud those people that don't have health insurance. No, America is more than that. And during these hard times, we have to make certain that we do as the members of this committee, a classic example is Mr. Doggett, is Mr. Davis, both on a hardworking committee, but care enough about the people in our country to show that this is bipartisan. And the people that are poor, the people that are in need, the people that are without homes and without hope are not Democrats; they're not Republicans. They are people in our country. And we have an obligation to show that there is a need for government. There is a need for caring. And I am proud to be a member of this committee and a Member of this Congress to show that's what our country is all about.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great jubilation to recognize the WHCR 90.3 FM Public Radio Station, also known as The Voice of Harlem, to recognize the station's twenty-five years of broadcasting in New York City. As I speak with profound elation, I ascend to celebrate the hard work and devout effort of WHCR and the amazing people who have contributed to its success all these years and have truly made it Harlem's Voice. WHCR will commemorate their twenty-five years of broadcasting on Friday, September 16, 2011 at the prestigious Aaron Davis Hall. In my community of Harlem, WHCR is well known for its service as a non-commercial public radio station. Owned and operated by the City College of New York, WHCR gives both City College students and community members the skills to host and produce music and talk shows. The station seeks to empower its listeners by providing informative, educational and cultural programming that speaks to the diverse populations of Harlem, Upper Manhattan and some sections of the Bronx, Queens, and New Jersey. People around the world can listen to and watch programming on WHCR online. WHCR offers a mixture of music and talk programming and has 20,000 terrestrial, Internet listeners weekly, and 8,000 Internet viewers. The station has served for twenty-five years as the voice of a community that is greatly underserved by the mainstream media. On-air personality Dee Ramey, the host and producer of the ``I Love Jazz!'' show on WHCR, is one of those amazing people who have contributed so much. Her show's mission is to drive demand for jazz music, serve as a cultural resource, and connect an increased number of musicians, music presenters, and listeners to community radio, by providing entertainment and information to the growing listenership of WHCR jazz shows. Her valiant efforts have created a new generation of jazz and music connoisseurs in Harlem. Dee took the initiative to create the first annual ``I Love Jazz'' Fan Award in an effort to further promote music and the arts throughout the greater community of Harlem. It is my honor and privilege to present this year's ``I Love Jazz'' award on behalf of my colleagues in the United States Congress to Kevin Walters, the owner of ``Creole Supper Club,'' located in my District in East Harlem. Kevin is a New Yorker at heart with a strong passion for fine music and art and truly deserving of this recognition. Dee Ramey's ``I Love Jazz'' radio show airs biweekly on Wednesdays from 6 pm-8 pm and offers an eclectic mix of musical styles. The show unleashes the passion of the jazz fan by inviting individuals to spread their love for jazz through sharing their personal experiences, favorite music, and unique insight into the world of jazz. Interviews with prominent artists and jazz luminaries are a feature on the show, and to name just a few, have included Gradie Tate, Jimmy Heath, Jimmy Scott, Gloria Lynne, Nat Hentoff, Melba Moore, Thelonious Monk, Jr., Wycliffe Gordon, George Gee, Bobby Sanabria, Loren Schoenberg, Billy Mitchell (Mr. Apollo), and Camille Yarbrough. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting WHCR 90.3 FM Public Access Radio, on their 25th anniversary.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the New York City street renaming of East 111th Street, between 1st Avenue and Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive after my beloved friend, political ally, and the late former New York City Council Member Philip Reed. Elected in 1997, Phil represented East Harlem and Manhattan Valley, and parts of the Upper West Side and the South Bronx. He left office in 2005, unable to seek re-election to a third term because of term limits. He was a Democrat, and the first openly gay black member of the City Council. Phil passed away on November 6, 2008, two days after fulfilling his last wish to vote for and witness the election of Barack H. Obama as President of the United States of America. Born on Feb. 21, 1949, Philip Reed, a New York native, was the son of a black father and a white mother. He and a twin sister, Elinor, were raised by their mother and stepfather, both white, in an upper-middle- class Manhattan world of civil rights activism, prep schools, and Martha's Vineyard. Phil dropped out of Ohio Wesleyan University and received conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War. Philip Reed began his activism, participating in the Civil Rights Movement, the Free Speech Movement, and the Vietnam War protests, as a student and tennis athlete. He took part in civil disobedience at the University of California, Berkely Campus in Oakland and was arrested. He later became a leader in the Gay Rights Movement and was one of the legendary participants of the Stonewall Riots, which were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. As a local community activist, Phil worked with Central Park West North Block Association, Community Board 7 and the NYPD to rid Central Park North and the surrounding Manhattan Valley neighborhood of drugs, crack cocaine, trafficking and prostitution. He challenged the Community Board and Borough Presidents to bring issues that are more diverse to the board, and increase the number of minority appointments to the Community Board. As a Democratic District Leader, Phil helped to make Three Parks Independent Democratic Club one of the largest and most diverse productive Independent Democratic clubs on the upper West Side Manhattan Valley and city of New York. As a New York City Councilman, Phil Reed is responsible for authoring and passing historic legislation to ban racial and religious profiling in New York City, the use of cell phones in places of public performances, and predatory lending. As Chair of Consumer Affairs, he created identity theft legislation to protect all New Yorkers and sought to reform and increase vendor licenses for all potential entrepreneurs living in the city. As a member of the Aging Committee, he directed funding to purchase vans, upgrade kitchens and food pantries for senior centers and programs. He renovated libraries to include air conditioning and fought for and secured funding to preserve and expand El Museo Del Barrio, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of the City of New York, which Mayor Giuliani tried to relocate to the Tweed Building in lower Manhattan. He created cultural pathways along the East 103rd Street Corridor, installed new historic street lamps and poles, planted trees and installed tree guards along the East 116th Street, West 106th Street, East 138th Street and East 106th Street corridors. He led, managed and funded the Frederick Douglass Memorial Circle and West 110th Street Gateway Project and directed funding that increased the number of police emergency call boxes throughout the northern end of Central Park. He funded new technology for computers and science labs for public schools throughout the entire district. As Member of the Health Committee he protected and preserved HIV/AIDS funding from cuts and made sure those funds were distributed to the areas and agencies in the field that did the work and outreach. He kept the Health Department from closing the 115th Street Community Health Office and dental clinic in East Harlem. He organized one of the largest coalitions to fight against the redevelopment of the 100th Street Bus Depot, and even though the community lost that fight, he made the MTA spend an additional 15 million dollars to add a roof and state of the art ventilation system to enclose and protect asthmatics from diesel fuel exposure. Because of that coalition's fight, the MTA purchased a record number of clean air and hybrid buses. He re- established and nurtured the East Harlem Asthma Working Group and at the urging of Senator Hillary Clinton in 2003, the group held New York City's First Annual Asthma March. Phil's annual asthma symposiums were effective and known throughout the city. Phil will be greatly remembered for his work to improve, create and refurbish open space and directed most of his capital dollar allotments to the restoration and creation of parks and playgrounds throughout the Eight Council District and beyond, including Hudson River Park, Riverside Park Ball Fields and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Circle. Phil funded a nature pathway boardwalk and bridge on Randall's Island, and today thousands and thousands of public school children from East Harlem and beyond are learning hands-on about nature and their environment through programming through the Randall's Island Sports Foundation. Parks funded by Philip Reed: Peoples Park and Playground (Mon Haven), Brook Park (Mott Haven), Millbrook Playground (Mott Haven), Happy Warrior Park and Playground (Manhattan Valley), Frederick Douglass Ball Field, Playground and Pool (Manhattan Valley), Riverside Ball Fields (Manhattan Valley/Upper West Side), Broadway Malls & Water Truck (Manhattan Valley/Upper West Side), Booker T. Washington Playground (Manhattan Valley), Thomas Jefferson Ball Fields and Recreation Center (East Harlem), Robert McNair Park and Playground (East Harlem), Central Park Zoo & Tiger Bathrooms (Central Park), Wagner Houses Playground (East Harlem), East 103rd Street Community Garden (East Harlem), 97th Street Park Avenue Mall (East Harlem), Randall's Island's Nature Boardwalk and Pedestrian Bridge (Randall's Island/Ward Island). Mr. Speaker, please join me, the city of New York and a very grateful Nation as we celebrate the legacy of a true American hero by the street renaming of East 111th Street, between 1st Avenue and Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive as ``Philip Reed Way.''

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Mid-Manhattan Branch's 45th Anniversary as they celebrate their 10th Annual Freedom Fund Roy Wilkins Award Luncheon on Saturday, September 17 at the elegant Marina del Rey in the Bronx, New York. In the mid 1960's a group of citizens, concerned that there was no NAACP Branch in the Mid-Manhattan area, met for several months to plan a branch. Over 500 letters co-signed by Roy Wilkins and Ralph Bunche, invited hopefully interested residents to a meeting at Freedom House (120 Wall Street, New York, NY). The meeting began the enrollment of members that continued until the 50-membership requirement for the Charter was obtained. On June 8, 1966, The Mid-Manhattan Branch received its Charter from the National Office of the NAACP. Among those playing a key role in securing the Charter were Tom Allen, Harold Bailer, Gloster Current, Max Delson, Shirley Stewart Farmer, Bernard Leannan, Stanley Lowell, Morris Milgram, Bill Morrison, Frederick O'Neal, Betty Stebman and Roy Wilkins. In 1973, branch members agreed that a building was needed to maximize the services to the community. On May 25, 1978, Roy Wilkins and Benjamin Hooks dedicated the Roy Wilkins Center Building in a special ceremony. For forty-five years, the Mid-Manhattan Branch has been an advocate for all its citizens in the struggle for civil rights and equality in playing an active role in confronting the gaps and disparities in healthcare, economics and education funding. Today, under the leadership of Branch President Geoffrey E. Eaton, the Mid-Manhattan Branch has over 760 members, with ten working Committees--Act-So, Criminal Justice, Civic Engagement, Education, Fundraising, Health, Housing, Membership, Veteran Affairs and Youth Council. The NAACP, under the leadership of our Chairman Roslyn M. Brock, and President Benjamin Todd Jealous is more diverse and more active than before and the Mid-Manhattan Branch continues to be actively and directly involved with voter education, registration and mobilization, as well as youth development and enrichment programs like mentoring and mentorship. The Mid-Manhattan Branch has brought their informative General Membership meetings closer to the community and to the public at large and are broadcast monthly on Manhattan Neighborhood Network Cable Television (MNN). This year, they held their second annual Criminal Justice forum featuring the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshall Service, NYPD, featuring the role of women in law enforcement at Wadleigh School for the Performing Arts. They are empowering more parents on issues of education and focusing more time on HIV/AIDS Awareness, Obesity and other health concerns. At the 102nd National Convention in Los Angeles, Mid-Manhattan took 2nd Place in the Thalheimer Award competition. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting all the officers, executive committee and members of the NAACP Mid- Manhattan Branch as they celebrate their 45th Anniversary of their founding Charter and 10th Annual Freedom Fund Roy Wilkins Award Luncheon.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of my good friend and outstanding recording artist Dionne Warwick as she proudly celebrates her 50th year in the recording industry. M. Dionne Warwick has, over an illustrious four-decade career, established herself as an international musical legend. Her reputation as a hit maker has been firmly etched into public consciousness, thanks to nearly 60 charted hits since ``Don't Make Me Over'' began its climb up the charts in December 1962. As a performer, she has charmed and entertained audiences on every continent, amassing a worldwide audience. Dionne received her first Grammy Award in 1968, and in doing so became the first African-American solo female artist of her generation to win the prestigious award for Best Contemporary Female Vocal Performance. In recent years, Dionne's pioneering efforts have focused on leading the music industry in the fight against AIDS. Her Grammy-winning, chart topping, single ``That's What Friends Are For,'' lead the way by raising, literally, millions of dollars for AIDS research. Throughout the world, Dionne has devoted countless hours to a wide range of humanitarian causes, serving as the U.S. Ambassador for Health throughout the Eighties. In 2002, she was named a global Ambassador for the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization. Dionne has spearheaded the long overdue development and production of a history book that will detail African and African-American history for use in schools, libraries, and bookstores throughout the world. She continues her work as a socially conscious and concerned global citizen. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my fellow colleagues join me in celebration for such a national icon. With such a legacy of accomplishments and achievements, there is no question on how she has lasted over 50 years in the music business. As she looks forward to another decade of great music, nothing seems impossible to Dionne, a woman who has inspired and empowered millions through her music, her performances, and her work as a humanitarian.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from New York, the Honorable Bob Turner, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but I am not aware of any reason why the House should not see him sworn today.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the great privilege of bringing to you our newly elected Member, the Honorable Bob Turner.