Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, may I make a parliamentary inquiry?

Mr. RANGEL. Under what circumstances could a senior Member of this august body protest the shutdown of government at this time?

Mr. RANGEL. Well, I am asking from a parliamentary point of view. I don't want to violate the House rules, but as a Member of Congress representing 700,000 people, I feel that I have to scream out in protest as to what is happening to the country and my constituents. There has to be some way for me in a parliamentary way, without violating the House rules, to express myself.

Mr. RANGEL. With all due respect, that has nothing to do with my parliamentary inquiry, nothing at all. The rules for unanimous consent do not have anything to do with a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. RANGEL. Are you saying that you are ignoring my parliamentary inquiry? I am just asking.

Mr. RANGEL. That is how I started. I could ask the reporter, but I don't want to waste a lot of time on this weekend legislative session. I started asking permission to make a parliamentary inquiry, and that was granted.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I don't want to prolong this, but aren't you talking about a unanimous consent request?

Mr. RANGEL. Well, I am talking about a parliamentary inquiry. If you tell me I am out of order for making a parliamentary inquiry, I am not prepared to challenge the Chair, even though I truly believe that you and I know you will be incorrect.

Mr. RANGEL. Well, how do you state it properly? I ask: How could I properly state the feelings of my constituents as a member of this august body in a parliamentary way? What could be more parliamentary than that?

Mr. RANGEL. So the parliamentary inquiry is not going to be recognized?

Mr. RANGEL. Okay, I accept that.

Mr. RANGEL. I ask unanimous consent that the Speaker and the Parliamentarian take a good look at the rules of this House so that Members can protest the closing down of the United States Government.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, since 1968, America has annually celebrated the National Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of those whose ancestors came from South and Central America, Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean. The start day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15th, is significant because it is also the anniversary of independence for some Latin American countries such as: Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th. This year's theme, ``Hispanics: Serving and Leading our Nation with Pride and Honor,'' highlights the tremendous impact Hispanics have made in all sectors of our society. It is individuals like Thomas Perez, the country's first Cabinet Secretary of Dominican descent, who reminds us that willingness to work hard can help achieve great success. Secretary Perez is not only a role model for youths in our congressional district, but also an inspirational example of the American Dream. I am proud to represent a congressional district with one of the largest and diverse Hispanic populations in the country. Our District is blessed to have great organizations that provide very useful services to my Hispanic constituents such as: Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriquena, Institute for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Elderly, Hispanic Federation, El Museo del Barrio, Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, Casabe House Development Fund, Inc., the Dominican Women's Development Center, El Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano, Inc., the PR Dream, Boriken Neighborhood Health Center, Dominican Sunday, Inc., The Dominican Bar Association, the Hispanic Community Organization for Life, El Asociacion Tepeyac de New York, New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, MASA, Acacia Network, Casita Maria, and Comunilife. I am grateful for their continuous efforts to improve the lives of people in our district. I will tirelessly continue to fight for various issues that are most important to our Hispanic community, such as comprehensive immigration reform which can create a path to citizenship, and provide more opportunities for Hispanics to achieve the American Dream.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I have enjoyed in this House is sincerity. There's not a Member of this House that thinks the President of the United States is going to delay, repeal, or tear apart the Affordable Care Act; but if there's politics involved, I understand that. I'm a politician. It just seems to me that if you have a plan, a strategy, and the whole world is saying that a handful of people are destroying the credibility of the Republican Party and therefore taking down the Democrats and the Congress with them--even the President of the United States--then I think it's safe to say it's time to look for some credibility so that we can regain being a two-party system. So I didn't come here this morning to get arrested, but I did, because there are tens of thousands and millions of people that want to become Americans. They don't want to knock Republicans. They don't want to knock Democrats. They want to be Americans. Bring up the immigration bill. Let's vote these new, wonderful citizens in, and maybe they can bring some sense to the parties.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, on October 10th our good friends in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, will celebrate their 102nd year. Known to the people of Taiwan as Double Ten day since it falls on the tenth day of the tenth month. This is Taiwan's National day and is revered and celebrated with as much excitement and fanfare as we celebrate the Fourth of July here in the United States. Taiwan has been a strong ally and economic partner for many years; and remains as such today. The two way trade between Taiwan and the United States is around $63 billion per year. Taiwan was the United States' 11th largest trading partner and the 7th largest purchaser of agricultural exports from America in 2012. Due to this high volume of trade between our two countries, it is in our best interest to see Taiwan remain competitive in the global arena. There are two areas that would help Taiwan in this regard. It would be beneficial to both the United States and Taiwan if both countries would sign a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA). With this agreement in place, there would be greater protections for investors from both countries allowing these investors have greater confidence. Additionally, Taiwan should be included in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP is a multi-nation trade agreement which is currently being discussed by countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and the United States (among others) to ``enhance trade and investment''. Since Taiwan is a vital part of the Asian economy and an APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) member, they should be able to join the TPP as well. Please join me in wishing Taiwan a successful National Day with the hopes that they can remain competitive on the world stage by moving forward with these agreements.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, Congress has designated September as National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited condition which affects an estimated 100,000 individuals in the United States and millions globally. While the disease is most common among African Americans, it also occurs in people of Hispanic, Indian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. Sickle cell anemia is the most common form of sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a serious disorder in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. ``Sickle-shaped'' means that the red blood cells are shaped like a crescent. They tend to block blood flow in the blood vessels of the limbs and organs which can cause pain and organ damage. Tissue that does not receive normal blood flow eventually becomes damaged. This is what causes the complications of sickle cell disease. Creating more awareness and education about this disease remains a challenge of changing attitudes and dispelling myths about both the disease and about those who suffer from it. While those suffering from Sickle Cell are living longer, they continue to endure stigma and other psychosocial issues, including stress, that continue to be associated with the disease. Much of the stigma is based on myths and misinformation. Imagine going to a hospital ER and hearing the term ``frequent flyer'' or ``drug seeker'' to describe someone who has had to return to the ER often for a Sickle Cell Crisis? Imagine being labeled a ``drug addict'' and being looked at as a common narcotic drug seeker because you require excess doses of narcotics as a form of treatment for crisis pain? Imagine being told, ``You should be used to this pain by now!'' These are just a sampling of stories shared by sickle cell disease sufferers. Persons with Sickle Cell Disease may face this stigma throughout their lives but especially immediately after transitioning from pediatric to adult care when coordination of health care services are limited or non-existent for this population. One way our Nation can make progress in addressing the issue of stigma and other issues related to Sickle Cell Disease is to identify the areas where we can move forward quickly while debating the broader areas of concern. That is why I urge Congress to reauthorize the Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2013 (SCTA). The reauthorization of this bill will highlight the need to increase awareness and understanding of this disease, promote education and research, provide funding for treatment, new drugs and expand the development of transition services for adolescents to adult health care. As we consider our strategy toward improving care and treatment for Sickle Cell patients, I believe we must consider the long-term costs of stigma and other psychosocial issues. I applaud Sonja L. Banks, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and the members of the organization for their efforts to promote awareness of this important issue. We must continue to educate ourselves, health care providers, school health nurses, and the business community about the specific and broad aspects of this crippling and chronic disease and advocate for new discoveries, advancements and breakthroughs for Sickle Cell, the most common and oldest inherited blood disorder.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, is it the Chair's ruling that you cannot rule whether or not a resolution that's agreed to by the House and the Senate does not go to the President? Is that the Chair's parliamentary ruling, that you cannot give us an answer to that basic parliamentary question?

Mr. RANGEL. The current proceeding, if I am not correct, involves a concurrent resolution. The whole world knows what is before this House. Is the Chair saying, from a parliamentary point of view, that we can't deal with the issue of an agreement between the House and the Senate? Is that the ruling?

Mr. RANGEL. I yield back because I know my friend knows a better answer than that. We've been around a long time.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I thank Ranking Member Fudge for giving me this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I was sitting in the back and I heard one of the Republicans say that what Moses would want--and he was talking about some picture--and I just came up to say that I just talked with Moses, and he's not in support of this legislation. As a matter of fact, he referred me to other biblical things about how we treat the lesser of our brothers and sisters. He directed my attention to the disparity between the rich that we have in this country and the very poor. I got the impression after reviewing Matthew that if we're going to refer to Moses, you can't ignore Jesus, who had some concern about the rich people that did not treat their brothers and sisters fairly. I don't know how it ends, but it seems as though they were trying to get into Heaven and he told them to go to hell. I don't know how it spins out, but everything that seems to be happening in this House strikes against us helping the kids and the vulnerable and helping the sick and the aged. So I would suggest that if we have to go to the Bible, everything we're trying to do to hurt the poor is not going to count for us when we need God the most.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2013 recipients of the coveted Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Presented annually by the National Ethnic Coalition or Organizations (NECO), the Ellis Island Medal of Honor pays tribute to our Nation's immigrant heritage, as well as individual achievement. The medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from various ethnic backgrounds who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage. We honor these outstanding individuals because they create a better world for all of us in the future by the work they do today. Since the Medal's founding in 1986, more than 2,000 American citizens have received Ellis Island Medals of Honor, including six American Presidents, several United States Senators, Congressmen, Nobel Laureates, outstanding athletes, artists, clergy, and military leaders. This medal is not about money, but about people who seized the opportunities this great country has to offer and who used those opportunities to not only better their own lives but make a difference in the lives of those around them. As we all know, citizens of the United States can trace their ancestry to many nations. The richness and diversity of American life makes us unique among the Nations of the world and is in many ways the key to why America is the most innovative country in the world. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor not only celebrate select individuals but also the pluralism and democracy that enabled our ancestors to celebrate their cultural identities while still embracing the American way of life. Even in the midst of difficult financial times, this award serves to remind us all that with hard work and perseverance anyone can achieve the American dream. In addition, by honoring these remarkable Americans, we honor all who share their origins and we acknowledge the contributions they and other groups have made to America. I commend NECO and its Board of Directors headed by my good friend, Nasser J. Kazeminy, for honoring these truly outstanding individuals for their tireless efforts to foster dialogue and build bridges between different ethnic groups, as well as promote unity and a sense of common purpose in our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the good works of NECO, and in congratulating all of the 2012 recipients of the Ellis Island Medals of Honor. 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients Mohamed Mike Ahmar, Varoujan Altebarmakian, MD, William C. Anton, Bharat H. Barai, MD, Brian Boitano, Noreen Salah Burpee, Hon. Woody Burton, Wendy Y. Chao, Melvin L. Cheatham, MD, Alina Cho, Byung Chang Cho, Im Ja P. Choi, Jerry L. Chong, Esq., Candice Chulee, Seamus Connolly, David C. Dauch, Warren Will David, Vidyasagar Dharmapuri, MD, Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Russell J. Ebeid, John David Eckstein, MD, Dr. Jamshid Ehsani, Mia Farrow, Joseph Fiorentino, RADM Moira N. Flanders, USN (Ret.), LTG Michael Flynn, USA, Jamshid Ghajar, MD, PhD, Hossein Gharib, MD, MACP, MACE, Dore J. Gilbert, MD, LTC USAR, Hubert Guerrand-Hermes, Xavier Guerrand-Hermes, Yong Hwa Ha, Kenneth S. Hershon, MD, Victoria Shoghag Hovanessian, Yousef Javadi, Hratch Kaprielian, Ara Kevork Karajerjian, AIC, CPC, Patricia J. Kennedy, Rep. Peter T. King, Michelle King Robson, Vahid Kooros, Kenneth Julius Kovach, Jackson H. Kuan, MD, Christopher J. Kuelling, Esq., Arthur Bihua Liu, Captain Gordon A. Loebl, USCG, Dr. J. Phillip London, RADM Brian Losey, USN, James Lu, Col. Robert M. Lucania, USAF (Ret.), Christine Eliska Lynn, Fasha (Farshad) Mahjoor, Dertad Manguikian, MD, Yvonne Marceau, Danny Masterson, Gail J. McGovern, Hon. Gregory J. Melikian, USAF (Ret.), Mark R. Melton, David Merage, Gary Mervis, Robert S. Milligan, H.E. Albert Alexander Montague, MG Patrick A. Murphy, USA, Kikanza Nuri-Robins, EdD, MDiv, 1st Lt Steven Ortiz, MA ANG, Mahendra R. Patel, Ramesh J. Patel, David Anthony Pope, John Psaras, Bruce Ramer, Alma Rangel, Assistant Chief Joseph J. Reznick, Monsignor Robert J. Romano, Ronald J. Ross, M.D., F.A.C.R., Pardis Sabeti, MD, DPhil, Homa Sarshar, Kamala Saxena, MD, Jack G. Shaheen, PhD, H. John Shammas, MD, Thomas Sherak, Deputy Chief Steven J. Silks, Anthony Spavone, Stephen J. Squeri, Valavanur A. Subramanian, MD, Aso O. Tavitian, Silvia Tchakmakjian, George Solon Tsandikos, Russell Thayer Tutt, Jr., Col. Lee A. Van Arsdale, USA, (Ret.), Argyris ``RJ'' Vassiliou, Richard A. Vermeil, Frank A. Visco, Wyan Hua Wang, Dionne Warwick, Wim Wiewel, PhD, Dar-yih David Wu, Vahe Stephan Yacoubian, MD, Christopher G. Zizza.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I was prepared to respond to the chairman and ranking member for their legislative courtesies they had extended to me. I appreciate the tribute being paid to me which, unusually, I was awkwardly unprepared for. But I do want to thank the gentleman for his friendship in more ways than just this resolution, as well as Tom Sheehy, who worked with your staff, and, of course, my friend from New York, J.J., on the committee staff. He guided to make certain that this almost-legislatively impossible resolution was so expediently brought up to be considered by this august House. On Saturday last, the President of the United States, along with our congressional colleague, who is now the Secretary of the Department of Defense, and the Secretaries of all of the Armed Forces groups, got together to honor the veterans of the Korean War. It was a sight to see so many Korean veterans from so many different parts of the country. They were reminded by the President that we had been labeled--those that participated--as what was referred to as ``the forgotten war.'' Because most all of the world knew about the importance of America being involved in saving democracy in World War II. And Vietnam, for good or bad, everyone knew people that went there. But somehow, in the middle of that, no one really missed us or knew where Korea was--or it didn't appear there was too much concern. When we did return, unlike the Vietnam veterans, who really had unfairly been treated, but fortunately for us, we were never missed, except by our families and friends. People never knew where we were. The Congress was not as kind to us as they had been to the veterans. Having said all of that, it was a wonderful tribute. Veterans turned out from all over. Certainly, there were comrades that were part of the 20 countries that were part of the United Nations. And when the North Koreans invaded South Korea, those of us that were called to go to South Korea to defend them were going to a country that we never knew to fight for a people that we never met and for causes that were not well known. And the war has never really been called a war. It's never been called a truce. It still is a division between these people. But as a result of the United States and the United Nations' efforts, millions of lives lost--54,000 Americans killed, 100,000 Americans wounded, and close to 9,000 either captured or missing in action--one would say, With all of the blood and money, what did we get out of this? And that's what we discussed Saturday with the Korean War veterans. What we got out of this was the integrity of the United States of America. That any commitment that we had made to the United Nations not only would we be participating but we would lead, as we did under the direction of General MacArthur. And today, as we look back and see that, out of the rubble of a country that had been reduced by war, and we take a look at what exists in the northern part, as this division still exists today, in Communist North Korea, we have seen a people that had no jobs, no homes, no resources, but they did have hope. Out of the South Korean hope and dream came a nation, a new nation, a nation that demonstrated what democratic people can do; an economy was built, and a friendship and a partnership with the United States and freedom-loving people all over the world. So today, we don't just say as Korean veterans that we know where Korea is. We say that no matter how little a part we played, that we can look back and be proud as Americans that we have, in a small part, been possible to see this small nation become a world power, not only in terms of its military, but its friendship in terms of America's national defense; not only in terms of friendship, but being one of our wonderful trading partners that provides jobs for Koreans and Americans. So it only makes sense, as a great country of ours that still has the scars of the Civil War, that we should want Koreans, North and South, to find some way to seek unity, to find some way to understand the values of democracy, to find some way that the thing that democracies are willing to fight and die for exists in that peninsula. I want to specifically thank Hannah Kim of my office for doing what staff does for all of us in getting people even from the other body to understand how important this was to the President and to the Congress; and, of course, to the Speaker's staff, who worked closely with Chairman Royce--that's Mike Sommers and Dave Schnittger. And on the other side of the Capitol, Todd Womack, chief of staff of Senator Corker, and Mike Henry and his gang, as chief of staff of Senator Tim Kaine. And on behalf of all of the veterans, I can tell you, as I yield my time back to the chairman, that we all have felt that America really did love us; they just needed an opportunity to express it. So we thank you for this resolution. It's not just for me and Koreans, but it's also for Korean Americans. So many Asians, and especially Korean Americans, they love Korea, but they love our country best.

Mr. RANGEL. If the gentleman would yield, I thank you so much, my dear colleague from New York.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 17th Bombardment Wing, Light of the Far East Air Forces Fifth Air Force. The mission of the 17th Bomb Wing was to conduct night interdiction, reconnaissance of enemy supply and communications lines, seek enemy troops, and close air support of troops during the Korean War. The 17th Wing was composed of the 34th Bomb Squadron, the 37th Bomb Squadron, and the 95th Bomb Squadron. With great conviction, courage, and perseverance, the 17th Bombardment Wing flew 960 sorties in June 1952. Additionally, the 17th Wing set a new record of flying 93 sorties in just one night. 17th Wing set another new record for B-26 type aircraft, flying an average of 102 hours per aircraft per month. By October 1952, astoundingly, the Wing set yet another record performing 1000 sorties in that month. The 17th Wing acquired the nickname of the black knights because of their night missions. The 17th Wing was the first wing to conduct work in two theaters of operation, Asia and Europe. The motto of the 17th Wing is Toujours Au Danger, meaning Ever into Danger. Even in the face of danger, the 17th Wing successfully completed many operations including the notable Spring Thaw, Bottle Neck, and Little Switch operations. Working to the last hour, the 17th Wing executed its last mission just minutes before the 2200 effective time of the cease-fire. The 17th Wing is a successor of one of the 15 original combat air groups formed before World War II. It was also the Wing that provided the crew and equipment for the famous Doolittle Raid, which grandiosely elevated and fermented American morale during World War II. The 17th Wing is now succeeded by the 17th Training Group. I am pleased to announce that there are approximately 780 members still alive today. Just to mention a brave few, Ted Baker, gunner of aircraft, Antonio Fucci, gunner of aircraft, Robert Pruett, gunner of aircraft, Charles Tucker, pilot, Donald H. Eaton, flight engineer, and Arthur Haarmeyer, navigator bombardier. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Day which occurred on July 27, 1953 by honoring the vast achievements of the 17th Bombardment Wing, Light of the Far East Air Forces Fifth Air Force. We thank them for their extraordinary valor and strength during the Korean War.