Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. At this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Stark), the chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health. I would like to take this time to thank him for the great work he's done over the years, not just for our committee, but for this Congress, and I would like to thank him publicly.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington, Dr. McDermott, who worked his whole career down here to improve the quality of health care for all Americans. (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. No one has worked harder on this bill than Congressman Lloyd Doggett from Texas, and it's my honor to now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman.

Mr. RANGEL. Could I ask how much time I have remaining, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. RANGEL. I yield 2 minutes of that time to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) and ask him to share the great contribution he has made and the loopholes we find in the Republican substitute.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin, Ron Kind, and thank him for the great contributions he has made to looking at health care the way it should be, and that is value and not volume. (Mr. KIND asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I'm not going to be as difficult with the Republicans as some of my colleagues because I'm glad at the end of the day they finally understood the problem. And even though it was only Tuesday that they actually put something together for us to look at, at least we know that some of them are going in the right direction. It's going to be tragic to explain this to the American people not only now but in the future as to when they had a great opportunity. They lost it on Social Security. They said government would become too big. They lost it on Medicaid. They said that would be too much for the poor folks, that they should have freedom instead of health care. And they certainly lost it in Medicare where they made it appear as though it was going to be a Big Government takeover. And now it just seems to me that they've proven how well government can do in these programs. And the fact that in lieu of just plain freedom, in lieu of telling people that they can get insurance if they're at risk, the whole idea that they're proud of people who cannot afford to do this at least to have the opportunity to do it. So, Mr. Speaker, I just hope that some of those on the other side might allow morality to go beyond just party loyalty. At this time it gives me pleasure to present to this body Chairman Waxman, who has done so much to make this a reality.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Thank you, Mr. Waxman, and also Chairman Miller. As most of you know, the legislation from the three committees was blended, but so were our great staffs blended. We are here to thank them all for the great work that they put in, the countless hours that they put in to make this legislation a reality. On the staff of the Committee on Ways and Means in the office of the Health Subcommittee, I would like to thank Chairman Pete Stark, who worked on this legislation, Janice Mays, John Buckley, Cybele Bjorklund, Debbie Curtis, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Jennifer Friedman, Geoff Gerhardt, Tiffany Swygert, Drew Crouch, Marci Harris, Tom Tsang, Drew Dawson, Ruth Brown, John Barkett, Matthew Beck, Lauren Bloomberg, Brian Cook, and Cameron Branchley. Because this legislation was the product of the three committees, I would like to thank the Health staffs of the Committee of Energy and Commerce as well as Education and Labor. We are indebted to our staffs for the work that they have done. We want to thank the capable analysts at the CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation. We may not always agree with all of the work that we have done, but we have put in a lot of long hours. They've worked day and night for all of us, for the Congress, and for our great country.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from New York, the Honorable William L. Owens, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker and my colleagues, on behalf of the delegation of the great State of New York, I have the honor to present to you this outstanding member of New York, this outstanding member of our great country. Bill Owens was born in Brooklyn, raised in Long Island, and conducted his business life and service to this great country in upstate New York. As a retired United States Air Force captain, he has a beautiful wife, who is with him today. He has three children and two superstar grandchildren, and it's my understanding that another addition will be added to this group. Bill is a hardworking lawyer and a businessman from upstate New York. He is a job creator. At the former Air Force base in Plattsburgh, he was able to bring some creative activity, bring together businesses, and as a result of that, was able to bring 2,000 jobs to the great State of New York, most of them from Canada. He comes here today as a supporter of education, as a supporter, naturally, of jobs, as a supporter of making this country all that she can be, and certainly as someone who would like to see all American citizens have access to health care, as most of you, I know, do. So, Bill, we will be working with you and working for you. Congratulations. Our heartbeat is heavy for your victory, which we know is the Congress' victory and our Nation's victory.

Mr. RANGEL. I yield to my friend, the minority leader of the State of New York, and welcome him joining in with us, Congressman Peter King.

Mr. RANGEL. My colleagues, Congressman Bill Owens.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3548) to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the temporary availability of certain additional emergency unemployment compensation, and for other purposes.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, along with the Ways and Means Committee ranking member, Mr. Camp, we asked the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation to make available to the public a technical explanation of the bill. The technical explanation expresses the committee's understanding and legislative intent behind this very important piece of legislation. It is available on the Joint Committee's Web site at www.jct.gov and is listed under the document No. JCX-44-09. Over 6 weeks ago, the House sent legislation in a bipartisan way to the Senate to extend unemployment insurance for workers who live in high unemployment districts, high unemployment States, that have already used all of the tiers of the benefits available under current law. Since that time, hundreds of thousands of workers have lost or gone without unemployment compensation. This committee, with the leadership and working together in a bipartisan way, sent to the Senate a bill which allowed an additional 14 weeks of unemployment benefits in every State and a total of 20 weeks in high unemployment States. Our committees worked hard together in order to soften the blow that so many hundreds of thousands of people have felt. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to Chairman Jim McDermott, who, over his lifetime, has spent so much time in trying to improve the quality of lives of those that have suffered economic deficits in this great country of ours, and with the permission from the Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memoriam of my dear friend, Labor Pioneer and Civil Rights Leader Willie James, who departed this life peacefully on Friday, October 30th, 2009. This strong spirited and God-fearing man dedicated his entire life to uplifting the hopes and dreams of African Americans and people in the Labor Movement and we are all consumed by his passing. In February of 1996, Willie James made labor history, when he became the first African American elected to serve as President of the Transport Workers Union, Local 100. A native New Yorker, Willie James was born in Harlem Hospital on April 28, 1936 to the late Charles James and Geneva Nelson Surrency. From 1954 through 1957, Willie served his country in the United States Air Force as a proud member of the 80th Supply Squadron, Depot Special, and received the Good Conduct Medal for his demonstration of honor, efficiency and fidelity with great distinction. While in the service, he and a few other airmen formed a doo-wop vocal group that covered songs by the Platters and other groups. Willie was an accomplished Baritone and often told how the group was so good that people in Morocco thought they were the real Platters. After serving in the Air Force he returned to Harlem finding work as a shipping clerk. Later in life he developed an attraction for exotic plants and beautiful flowers and in 1964, God blessed him with his own beautiful rose when he met and married Rosabelle. Their marriage lasted 41 years when she departed this life in 2005. Shortly after marriage he became a New York City Police Officer and in 1967 he began his career with the Transport Workers Union, TWU, Local 100 under the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority, MABSTOA. He started with a metal-plating company where he was assigned to a unit with workers who were perceived as derelict workers beset by alcohol and laziness. Not looking down upon anyone but seeing the opportunity to help others; he discovered his masterful skill of organizing workers. He told the workers that if they worked with him he would make a case to the management to get them higher wages. After a series of meetings and negotiations with the bosses he won them a raise, and developed a promotional ladder for himself. He rose through the ranks of TWU Local 100 and held a series of positions: MABSTOA DIVISION II Bus Operator; Division II Recording Secretary; Vice Chairman and Chairman at Amsterdam Garage; the Executive Board's Director of Education and Training; and Financial Secretary Treasurer. As he continued climbing the ladder of TWU he recalled how he continuously endured blatant racism. Defying the odds in 1996, as the first African American elected to serve as President of the Transport Workers Union Local 100 Willie set the mark that raised the bar for all of us. Willie continued to climb the ranks in the TWU and in the labor movement. Serving as Vice President of the New York AFL-CIO; Vice President of the New York City Central Labor Council and Vice President of the International Transport Workers Union. In addition to his sufficient contributions to the labor movement Willie James was a senior executive for The Municipal Credit Union serving in a variety of roles. From 1983-1992, he served as Upgrade Training Director; from 1992-1994, he served as Treasurer; from 1994- 2000, he served as President; from 2007-2009, he served as Acting Chairman; and in May 2009, Willie served as the Chairman. The Municipal Credit Union is one of the oldest and largest Credit Unions in the State of New York with more than 300,000 members and $1.3 Billion dollars in assets. In the struggle for Civil and Human Rights, Willie James, a Prince Hall Master Mason of Joppa 55 and founding Member of the Society of Afro-American Transit Employees, SAATE, furthered his accomplishments and dedication to helping others by serving on the Executive Board Committee of the New York Branch of the NAACP; Executive Board Member of the Black Trade Union Leadership Committee; Executive Board of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist; Member of the 100 Black Men of America, Incorporated; and Member of the Board of 500 MEN Empowerment. Willie was also deeply involved in many civic and community organizations. He was an ordained Deacon at Mount Hermon Baptist Church in the Bronx, New York; and a very active Member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. He served as a Deacon at Rockland Baptist Church in Pomona, New York until his death. Willie James firmly believed that when the opportunity presents itself, one should selflessly help somebody without expecting something in return. He often quoted. ``Just ask the person who you are helping to pass the baton of love and concern to others in this race of life.'' Willie loved to sing and at every labor march and rally he used his mighty baritone voice to sing out against injustices and inequality; for fair wages and jobs; and Human Rights for all. I will always remember the songs of freedom and struggle that bellowed from the heart of this moral man. Willie and his late wife Rosabelle leaves to cherish their memory: His sister, Janet Surrency Monroe; two children, Charles James and Daisy Moyd; three grandsons, Everett, Damon and Kiel; eleven great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Madam Speaker, As a result of Willie James service to our Nation, he leaves a multitude of colleagues, constituents, benefactors, and laborers to continue the work he had manifested in his life for their prosperity and for future generations to come. Though Willie is no longer with us, we will continue to keep his memory alive in our hearts and minds, and continue to honor his legacy with our advocacy for the issues he cared about the most.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 783, ``Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month,'' and celebrating the vast contributions of Hispanic-Americans to the strength and culture of the United States. Through the centuries, millions of Hispanic men and women have traveled to the United States looking for the American dream and a better future for their families. They are today spread far and wide across the 50 States. Their arrival resulted in a remarkable mixture of Hispanic culture, traditions, music, food, and language with the American way of life. The Census Bureau reports that Hispanic Americans are the largest ethnic minority in our Nation today, representing 15 percent of the total population. Hispanic Americans have created their own companies and businesses and are an integral part of the American workforce that keeps our economy moving forward. There are Hispanic Americans serving in the Senate and House of Representatives, but we must do more to increase these numbers and diversify Capitol Hill offices with better Hispanic representation. This year, Sonia Sotomayor, a Bronx native of Puerto Rican descent, became the first Latina to sit on the Supreme Court after being nominated by President Obama. Finally, we must pay respects to the over one million Hispanic veterans who have fought valiantly to defend this nation. On both big and small scales, Hispanic Americans have left their mark, their heritage, and their contributions on this great country. Their music is heard through voices like Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, and Tito Puente. Their food is widely available in menus across the country. Their Spanish language we have grown accustomed to hearing, understanding, and loving. Hispanic American heritage is culture, life and beauty. I urge all my colleagues to extend their support to celebrate a cultural heritage and contribution that makes us the country we are.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the launching of the new National Street Basketball Professional League and to also honor my friends and our nation's legend's of Street Ball. National Street Basketball Association is a non-profit sports league organization headquartered in New York City. The corporation was established to promote amateur and professional street basketball and provide the highest competition platform of specialized league teams globally. National Street Basketball Association offers professional basketball athletes (21 & older) who meet NSBA criteria with try-out opportunities to represent one of the statewide professional league member team divisions and compete on a national platform. In addition, the company provides amateur basketball services for youth, such as camps, clinics, tournaments and Life-Skill workshops. The company also devises custom training post and pre-season workouts to prepare athletes for their next level whether professional, college, varsity or AAU basketball. National Street Basketball Association coordinates with elected officials, district leaders, local community and outreach organizations that support youth in sports. The company also sanctions local, regional and national ``Street-ball'' tournament organizations worldwide. Beginning the summer of 2009, the NSBA will host ``Pro-Ball Classic'', an unlimited men's basketball tournament nationwide through which they will select, try-out and establish the first six (6) member teams to represent their city and compete in their professional league. Each tournament city is divided in three (3) divisions, East Coast, West Coast and the Midwest with plans of adding a Men's International Division by 2010 when the league tips off. Madam Speaker, at this time, I want to salute the 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees to the National Street Basketball Association, our Playground Legends of Street Ball: Nate ``Tiny'' Archibald, Ernie Brown, Freddy Crawford, Miles Dorch, Howie Evans, Artie Georges, Leroy Hendricks, Bobby Hunter, Zack Husser, John Isaacs, Floyd Lane, Johnny Matthis, Bob McCullough, Tony Rosa, and Reggie Threat Sr. Congratulations to my all of my friends and role models that grace the courts of our playgrounds and basketball Courts throughout Harlem, New York City, the Nation, the world and in the National Basketball Association (NBA). For two consecutive weekends in October 2009, the National Street Basketball Association will launch its first nationwide annual fundraiser initiative, ``Hoops For Hope.'' This unique instructional basketball skills clinic will provide for young male and female athletes with the basic fundamentals of basketball, refine those skills already learned, Life-Skill workshops on Drug Prevention, Peer Pressure, Conflict & Resolution and allow for drills and play situations. This initiative will not only educate but rally the support of these youth athletes and further assist the American Cancer Society's efforts to help those suffering from this disease, become fearless and overcome it. This spectacular event plans to feature guest speakers from the medical field, professional athletes from the NSBA, and district and community leaders in support of raising awareness of Cancer, encourage screening for early detection and promote basketball as an alternative to destructive leisure time activities and way to stay physically fit for life. In addition, the American Cancer Society Teen Challenge will conduct Health Workshops on Tobacco Control and Teen Smoking. Let me congratulate and recognize Kim Champion, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Street Basketball Association. Kim is a former veteran Sports Executive, President of Creating Athletes For America Inc. with over 20 years of sports marketing and management expertise. She is also the founder of Women of Excellence Awards, Playground Hall of Fame, and the ``Pro-Ball'' National Basketball Classic tournaments. Finally, let me also congratulate and recognize Jose Morales, Executive Vice President of the National Street Basketball Association. Jose, a legendary basketball executive in his years of basketball has headed up some of the biggest Street ball leagues on the East Coast, such as Triple Threat/Ron Artest Youth League and the FLAMES and Queensbridge Unlimited Pro-Leagues. He also helped promote and showcase some of NBA's top athletes in the league today including: Ron Artest, Rafer Alston, Lamar Odum, Eric Barkley and other all stars of the hardwood.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Let me thank my dear friend, Peter King, for taking time out on behalf of the entire delegation to give us an opportunity to pay tribute to one of our great Members of Congress and certainly one of our great eloquent members of the New York State congressional delegation. I think John McHugh epitomizes what most Americans really look forward to when they think of their government or their Congress or their House of Representatives, and that is a guy that has principles, that sticks by them, and yet finds a way to get away from the harshness of partisanship during the time that he is representing their particular interests. This is especially so when one person of a party that probably has been for a lifetime has an opportunity to serve this great Nation under the leadership of a President from another party. I think that that really tests, whether you are Republican or Democrat or Independent, your willingness to understand that there are so many different ways to serve this great Nation. When he was called, it's my understanding that he didn't hesitate to respond when President Obama asked him to serve as Secretary of the United States Army. I think during the rough partisan times that we are going through now, that we ought to take advantage, as you have seen fit to do, Mr. King, to point out that it's not like this every day, it's not like this every year, and that fortunately the New York State delegation have managed to disagree without being disagreeable, to maintain our friendships, to have mutual respect. And at the end of the day when we have done our responsibility in one particular Federal job, that we are able to move forward and look forward to working with each other again. Let me single you out for doing this on behalf of the delegation, on behalf of the Republicans, and, I would like to say, on behalf of the entire Congress.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise to thank President Barack Obama for his steadfastness in dealing with the state of emergency in my beloved Puerto Rico. An explosion at the fuel storage complex in Catano ignited a fire on Friday, October 23rd, that burned for two days, spewing thick, toxic smoke across the Caribbean region and forcing hundreds of people on the island to evacuate their homes. The fire affected 21 of the fuel depot's 40 tanks. The damages are now estimated at $6.4 million. In a press statement issued by the office of the President's Press Secretary, President Obama swiftly declared that an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the President ordered federal aid to supplement Governor Fortuno's funds and other local response efforts in the area struck by explosions and fire. The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate all disaster relief efforts. The purpose of this swift action is to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the locals, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act. This will save lives, protect property and public health and safety, and lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the municipalities of Bayamon, Catano, Guaynabo, San Juan, and Toa Baja. Although it's true that we can't personally drive those fire engines and we can't personally distribute aid, there are still lots of other ways in which we can all help. I, and my fellow colleagues here in Congress, can make sure that our government does not stray from its initial commitments and that bureaucratic red tape does not impede any relief efforts to the affected area. We can also appeal to constituents in our own home districts to give to the local charities that are involved in this effort, like the Red Cross or Catholic Charities. We must never forget that our country's strength lies not just in the size of our military, but also in the depth of our compassion. Any effort will go a long way in relieving the suffering that continues to be felt by our fellow citizens and Commonwealth neighbors to the south.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Council of the city of New York's Resolution No. 2166, calling upon the U.S. House to pass H.R. 658--the Access to Postal Services Act. Thanks to our work in Congress, H.R. 22--the U.S. Postal Service Financial Relief Act, has passed the House and similar legislation has cleared the Senate. This great legislation assists the U.S. Postal Service with financial expenses and stops the unnecessary closure of neighborhood post offices, increasing community input as the Postal Service reorganizes its branches throughout the city of New York. If we do not follow-up with the speedy passage of H.R. 658, the Postal Service will be forced to close over 700 locations throughout the United States, including 53 locations in New York city alone. In addition to the borough of Queens, Manhattan will be adversely affected with the closure of 25 locations, which includes my Harlem community. In my own district, the Tejeda Post Office was almost a victim to these closures. The well-regarded institution was named after a member of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment who was killed during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq on April 11, 2003. He died at the tender age of 26. But thanks to the help of people like District Leader Maria Luna, City Councilman Robert Jackson and Assemblyman Denny Farrell and Adriano Espaillat, as well as Councilmember-Elect Ydanis Rodriguez, Community Board 12, and the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, a grassroots coalition came together and demanded that it remain open. We ought to work to make sure that nothing of the sort happens in communities across this great nation. Both these bills will assist people in staying connected with the world, while not hoisting greater financial burdens on New Yorkers or other Americans who rely on these nearby post offices. Senior citizens and low-income Americans would be most vulnerable to these shutdowns, and as Americans, we ought to look after the most vulnerable in our society. May the Congress work as quickly as it can to alleviate this problem and ensure that these post offices remain open.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise the passage of S. 1793, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people with HIV/AIDS who rely on the Ryan White Program, I would like to express my appreciation to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and to the Members of the U.S. House for having voted in favor of extending this important program for four more years. The Ryan White Program is the largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS. It funds programs to improve availability of care for low-income, uninsured and under-insured people with HIV/ AIDS, and it provides funding and technical assistance to local and state primary medical care providers, support services, healthcare providers, and training programs. HIV/AIDS is one of the fastest expanding epidemics in the United States, affecting more than 1 million people in the country. Over 530,000 low-income people with HIV/AIDS depend on the services provided through the Ryan White program. In my home of New York City, as of June 30, 2008, 104,234 people have been diagnosed and reported to be living with HIV/AIDS, including 63,899 living with AIDS. There are approximately 32,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in New York City that use Ryan White Part A services for medical treatment, support services, and other care that they would not otherwise be able to afford. People with the disease and care providers will benefit greatly from the extension of this program. There is a growing demand for these services because of the increase in infected people; I am pleased that this bill includes an increase in the authorization level for the program by 5 percent every year for the next four years. The bill passed with strong support from both parties, in a 408 to 9 vote, and it will now go to the President's desk for signing into law. This is a great accomplishment. Again, I am pleased that this great body understands the importance of this program and will fund it for another four years, but let us please keep in mind that more still needs to be done to end this pandemic.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise with great pride as I pay tribute to my dear friend and life-long buddy, Thornton J. Meacham, Jr., Esq., as we celebrate one of Harlem's greatest legal advocates at the great Cathedral of Riverside Church in Harlem today. As I speak with profound honor and respect for my friend Thornton, I ascend to celebrate a life well-lived and to also remember the many legal professional accomplishments of this remarkable man. Thornton Meacham etched his name in history as a passionate and dedicated legal advocate for all African-American lawyers and legal professionals throughout this city and Nation. Thornton's death on October 4, 2009, brought immense sorrow and loss to me, his family, his friends, and to the countless lives he touched over the years in our beloved community. I am blessed to say that I was able to have spent some time with Thornton during his final days. As we said our goodbyes, he left in my heart a reminder of all the many exciting moments of his life and all of the good times we shared together. He was undisputedly one of Harlem's greatest lawyers, largely responsible for blacks being admitted to the New York Bar Association. This strong-willed and exciting man represented Harlem in all of its glory, and we are all consumed by his passing. Thornton J. Meacham, Jr. was born on March 10, 1917 in Terrell, Arkansas as the first son to Dr. Thornton J. Meacham and Lila Celesta. His younger brother, Dr. Henry Wade Meacham, who also had an outstanding professional career passed away in 2004. After the family moved to Jackson, Tennessee, Thornton attended public school and graduated from Lane College. Upon his graduation from college, Thornton was accepted to attend law school at Harvard University, Columbia University and New York University, but chose to attend Fordham University, thus becoming the second African American to attend Fordham University and the first to graduate from its Law School in 1942. Just a few years ago, we all celebrated Thornton's 66th Anniversary of his graduation from Fordham Law School. He loved Fordham Law and dedicated his entire life to helping young aspiring jurists succeed. Admitted to the Bar in 1943, Thornton set the mark that raised the bar for all of us. He was the first Black attorney to join the legal staff of the Office of Price Stabilization on Broadway in New York; first to argue a case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; first African American to be featured on the cover of The New York Law Journal; first to try both criminal and civil cases in the Bronx and Queens County Courts; and the first to open a law practice in Harlem. Thornton always spoke of his experiences in the 1950s when the New York City Bar Association refused him membership due to his race. During segregation, he tried and won cases in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey. He represented Hulan Jack, Congressman Adam C. Powell, Dorothy Dandridge, Louis Armstrong, Bessie Buchanan, Mile Davis, the NAACP and Carver National Bank--a legacy of history that makes us all proud to be Americans. Thornton Meacham was Counsel to the law offices of Assemblyman William T. Andrews, Judge Harold Stevens and Attorney John Briggs. He later became a Law Partner to Judge Thomas Dickens. Thornton, along with some of Harlem's elite class of attorneys, co-founded the Harlem Lawyers Association, which later merged into the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. Thornton Meacham was a very active member of the National Bar Association (NBA) and was acknowledged as a legal dignitary by the organization on several occasions. He was a recipient of the NBA Wiley A. Branton Issues Award and in 1994, he was inducted into the prestigious National Black Association Hall of Fame, which recognizes lawyers who have practiced for over 40 years and have made significant contributions to the cause of justice. Thornton was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Williams Institutional Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Harlem. Meacham's extraordinary accomplishments as a revered legal professional exemplified the pioneering leadership of many through his commitment and exemplary service to the legal community. He will long be remembered for his extraordinary commitment, humor, liveliness, energy, wisdom, discipline, principle and clear purpose which won the admiration of all who were privileged to come to know and work with him during his distinguished career. Madam Speaker, I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe and experience his example as a personal inspiration. Though Thornton is no longer with us, we will continue to keep his memory alive in our hearts and minds, and continue to honor his legacy with our advocacy for the issues he cared about the most.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, as we celebrated the election of President Barack Obama as the first African-American President of the United States, I rise to pay tribute to motivational speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of his critically acclaimed one-man show, ``The First Black President of the United States,'' which made its debut in the Art Gallery of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building in my beloved village of Harlem, New York. Since 1982, Dennis Rahiim Watson, a Bermuda born and Harlem raised former actor comedian, has made a major contribution for over a quarter of a century to black and white youths of America. Throughout his life, he has inspired, motivated and challenged over 5 million youth and adults alike with his one-man show, ``The First Black President of the United States.'' Dennis has thrilled audiences at high schools, colleges, and universities among them Harvard, Notre Dame, Howard, University of Georgia, Tufts, NYU, CCNY, Malcolm-King College, Illinois State University and University of Pittsburg. Former President William Jefferson Clinton in a letter to Dennis stated that, ``for over a quarter of a century you have used your role as the First Black President of the United States to give disadvantaged youth an insight into the future and its possibilities, and by your own example you have helped to provide countless young people with the tools and encouragement they need to reach their god-given potential. Your life's work has been a true investment in the future of our Nation.'' More recently, President Barack Obama in a letter praised Watson for his role as the First Black President of the United States by stating that, ``theatre has the power to inspire and the power to teach and it's important to use that power to lift up and honor our highest ideals.'' ``You have broadcast the message in your role as the First Black President of the United States that all children can dream big dreams and that anyone regardless of the color of their skin can achieve anything. Anyone can grow up to become President of the United States.'' I congratulate Dennis Rahiim Watson on his latest achievement of becoming the new Chairman of the National Youth and Gang Violence Taskforce and President and CEO of the Center for Black Student Achievement. Your commitment to the value of educating our youngsters and listening to their concerns is irrefutable. So, Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing my good friend Dennis Rahiim Watson. His success is a testament to his historic and tireless commitment to bringing African-American youth the vision, the hope, and the dream that an African-American could become President in our lifetime before anyone ever knew it was remotely possible.