Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the Democratic whip of the House.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones).

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 15 seconds to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird).

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means. (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), the senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the ranking member on the House Committee on the Budget.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I really think that the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means has adequately concluded this debate. God forbid, if the safety and the solvency of the Social Security system and the Medicare system, the future education of our children, affordable housing, be placed in Republican hands, then the situation is worse than I ever thought. No, you do not have to be an economist to figure this move out. What we are talking about is borrowing money, making insecure the Social Security system, privatizing the Medicare system, not having enough funds to and keeping every child behind. And why are we doing this? Are we borrowing it for spending, or are we borrowing it for tax cuts? I think the American people understand what we are doing. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the motion. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sandlin), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner), an outstanding member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), who has made such an outstanding contribution to the Committee on Ways and Means and Congress. (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is so sad that the gentleman constantly refers to this as some type of a game. I am certain to the millions of people without jobs and without hope that they consider this tax cut just as repugnant as the words that have been uttered about this class warfare. It is a class warfare, and it is the working class that are the victims. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), our distinguished leader.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am even more frightened now that the chairman has indicated publicly how little he knows about what the Senate is doing since he has been on television all night sharing with us that he has been negotiating with the Senate, but I accept his lack of understanding of where the conference is going to be. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the Democratic whip.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), an outstanding member of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Congress.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today, on what would have been his 78th birthday, I rise to honor one of the great leaders of this nation, El- Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, also known as Malcolm X. As an African-American advocate of racial pride and self-determination, Malcolm X was one of the premier leaders during a point in history where African-Americans were systematically denied the rights enjoyed by White Americans. His teachings during the civil rights era focussed on helping African- Americans to deny negative stereotypes impressed upon them by the greater White society and economic empowerment through community building with other African-Americans. His contributions to the civil rights movement were instrumental in helping African-Americans and other minorities achieve access to social and economic institutions historically denied to them. It is for these reasons that I feel it is necessary to acknowledge him on this day--his birthday. While I will provide a short biography of Malcolm X in these remarks, I encourage you to read the Autobiography of Malcolm X and come to more intimately know one of the 20th century's Renaissance figures. Malcolm X was born as Malcolm Little to a Baptist minister in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19, 1925. As a sad foreshadowing of Malcolm X's own life, Malcolm's father was killed in Michigan for his attempts to fight racial oppression. He lost his mother to a mental institution. Arrested in 1946 for burglary, Malcolm gained knowledge of the Black Muslim movement in prison and joined the Nation of Islam. After leaving prison in 1952, like other members of the Nation of Islam, he changed his last name to ``X'' as a means of shedding linkages to the White slaveholders that had given him and other African Americans their family names. Malcolm became one of the most effective speakers for the Nation of Islam. He increased membership, founded new mosques, and was eventually assigned to be Minister of the Nation of Islam's Harlem mosque in New York. In 1963, disagreements with Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam, caused Malcolm to leave the Nation of Islam and make his pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia in search of knowledge about the international Islamic Movement. In Mecca he witnessed the union of all races and developed an approach to ending racial oppression that differed from that of the Nation of Islam. Upon returning to the United States, he formed his own organizations, the Organization of Afro- American Unity and the Muslim Mosque Inc. Malcolm became a victim of death threats as a result of his views. On February 14, 1965, Malcolm's home was firebombed, with his wife and children escaping unharmed. Just a week later, Malcolm was shot to death at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, where he was preparing to speak. Malcolm X had a profound influence on Americans of all races and around the world. Black and White Americans alike responded to Malcolm's forceful speech, and his strength in the face of hostility. African-Americans viewed him as a beacon of hope and strength that could help to end racial oppression in America. While he is often portrayed as a black militant leader, encouraging the concepts of black nationalism or separatism and black pride, his later years focussed increasingly on forming a framework for world brotherhood and human justice. He is often quoted as saying that race is ``not a Negro problem, nor an American problem. This is a world problem, a problem of humanity.''

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great enthusiasm in support of H.R. 1018, the bill designating the building located at 1 Federal Plaza in New York City as the ``James L. Watson United States Court of International Trade Building.'' I first introduced this bill in the 107th Congress when it was passed in the House but failed to be brought up in the hectic closing days of the Senate. I commend Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar for their commitment to this initiative and willingness to move the legislation early in the 108th Congress. I look forward to speedy action in the Senate to ensure enactment of this legislation that honors one of this nation's greatest jurists. This bill will attach Judge Watson's name to the courthouse housing the U.S. Court of International Trade where he served for 36 years until his death, having achieved senior status in 1991. He was appointed to what was then the United States Customs Court in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Reorganized and renamed by Congress in 1980, the court deals primarily with matters involving trade, including the classification and valuation of imported goods, tariffs, customs and duties and charges of unfair practices by U.S. trading partners. Judge James L. Watson, who died at the age of 79 in the fall of 2001, was a fine man, a distinguished jurist and a pillar of the Harlem community where he was born. I was honored to have served as one of his law clerks soon after my graduation from law school. Judge Watson was the nation's most senior African American federal judge, and was the first Black Customs Court judge in modern times assigned to cases in the deep South. As was the practice in the Customs Court, he was also assigned to preside over various criminal and civil matters in Federal District Courts across the country. The scion of an accomplished family of lawyers, public servants and business people with roots in Jamaica, West Indies, Judge Watson had a distinguished career in New York, prior to his service on the Court of International Trade. After his service in the U.S. Army in WWII, he graduated from New York University and Brooklyn Law School. Moving from the private practice of law into the political arena, he was elected to the New York State Senate, where he served from 1954 to 1963, when he was elected to the Civil Court. Long before this legislation, Judge Watson had placed his stamp on the functioning of the Court of International Trade. In 1970, he helped modernize the court, bringing it more in line with the rest of the federal judiciary and, as chairman of its committee on rules and practices, was instrumental in rewriting its rules and communications systems. Judge Watson was a trailblazer in government and the law, with a reputation for fairness, good judgment, and the common touch with people. I will never be able to thank him enough for his service to our community and to our nation. More personally, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity he provided me as a young lawyer and the wisdom he instilled, which guides me to this day.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of my colleagues, I rise to share an important article which originally appeared in the Dominican- American publication, Quisqueya Life, on April 1, 2003. Translated into English by the Independent Press Association of New York, this article details achievements of four women of Dominican heritage that have risen to become instrumental players in the usually male-dominated world of New York City politics. They are role models for boys and girls of all racial and ethnic groups, young leaders that are dedicated to making the government live up to its highest ideals. They are just some of the many Dominicans who are making a positive difference in the lives of Americans in New York and across the nation. [From Quisqueya Life Magazine, Apr. 1, 2003] Women With Political Power in New York (By Nathalie Jerez) ``Educate a man and you educate one person. Educate a woman and you educate a whole family,'' said Ruby Manikan. New York State was one of the epicenters of the Women's Suffrage movement in North America. It took more than a century of struggle for the women of this nation to gain access to the voting booths and participate equally in the election of public representatives. This struggle for equal rights is the foundation of a generation of women who now exercise rights prohibited to their ancestors. The same state that until 1915 did not permit women to vote, today counts among some of its most important political figures four women of Dominican origin who have overcome discrimination not only against their gender but against their race as well. Lourdes Ventura, Assistant District Attorney in Corona, Queens Lourdes Ventura's story is an example of what courage, commitment, and determination can do for a person. As a grade-school student, Ventura was told that she would never go very far in life because she was the daughter of Dominican immigrants, her family was dependent on public assistance, and because she was a woman. Today, those who tried to discourage Lourdes should know that this Latina is the Assistant District Attorney in Queens. Among her many accomplishments in this office she investigated cases of discrimination in areas like housing, credit, labor, education, and public services. Lourdes has also served as the president of the Association for Latin-American Law Students and recently traveled to South Africa with the Center for Legal Resources to do community-based work. In 1998 she returned to Queens from the University of Buffalo to start her career as a lawyer. She proved herself by gaining the position of Assistant District Attorney, the first Dominican woman to ever hold the job. Since her return to Queens, she remained active in community work, something she promised herself as a student that she would always do. Lourdes uses a quote from writer Maya Angelou as her personal motto: ``Even though you try to drag me down, like the wind, I will rise.'' The secret to her success, she says, has been to maintain focus, work hard and, above all, to be proud of her origins. ``I never forgot my roots. The history of my people is what makes me special. I think the power to dream, to grow, and to make progress is what takes us where we want to go,'' Lourdes said. Lark-Marie Anton, Mayor's Press Secretary This is a woman who has made good use of her education and grabs the bull by the horns. Lark-Marie is responsible for supervising all press and publicity functions for various New York City agencies and offices, among them the New York City Housing Authority, the NYC Commission for the United Nations, Consular Corps and Protocol, the Department of Records and Information, the Commission on Women's Issues, the Office to Combat Domestic Violence, the Art Commission, and the Office of Veterans' Affairs, to name a few. She is also the voice of the Mayor. Of Dominican and Lebanese heritage, Lark-Marie is just 25 years old. She was born and raised in New York, and graduated from Marist College with degrees in Communications and Public Relations and Psychology. She later earned a Master's Degree in Communication Studies from the University of West Virginia. After returning to New York with her degrees, Anton worked as a producer on projects such as the 2001 MTV Movie Awards and TV Funhouse on Comedy Central. These experiences gained her an internship as a reporter for WNBC and a job as Polling Supervisor for the Marist Poll Institute. Lark-Marie is a firm believer in the power of education and has taught as an adjunct faculty member at Marist College and as assistant professor at the University of West Virginia. Alexandra Ventura Born and raised in Queens and of Dominican heritage, Alexandra Ventura is the director of the New York State Citizenship Unit [which helps people through the naturalization process]. Through dedicated service, Alexandra built a bridge between the Dominican community and the Governor by bringing the needs of Dominican and other immigrants to the state's attention. Before the creation of the Citizenship Unit, Alexandra had worked side by side with Governor Pataki as Assistant Advisor on Special Projects and Protocol since 1997. Alexandra achieved a great deal for the Latino community by fighting for better conditions and developing programs to benefit Latinos in New York. Through her position, Alexandra launched interesting campaigns and oversaw the integration of the state government and the needs of Dominican immigrants. In 1998, she helped Mayor Giuliani organize aid for the Dominican Republic after Hurricane George. Alexandra graduated from Syracuse University with two Master's Degrees, one in Political Science and another in Public Administration. In 2002, the Dominican-American National Round Table, for which she served as Assistant Secretary, elected her to its Board of Directors. Alexandra is also a member of various organizations such as 100 Hispanic Women and the American Society for Public Administration. Diana Reyna, District 34 City Councilmember Diana Reyna represents Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Bedford- Stuyvesant, Brooklyn in the City Council. She has led a distinguished career in public service fighting for community issues. Since 1997 until her swearing-in as Councilmember in 2001, Diana worked as the head of personnel for Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez. Before this she was a legislative aide. As a Councilmember, Diana has been active and constant in the community that she represents. For example, in answer to the need for bank services in the Bushwick area, she helped found a federal credit union and serves on its board of directors. The credit union provides the community with services that before were absent. Councilmember Reyna has also organized community activities. Now she is the coordinator of United Brooklyn and the ``South Side Task Force,'' Latino groups who offer a community forum for residents to express their opinions. She is also the facilitator of the North Brooklyn Public Housing Coalition and the Fathers of Bushwick, two other organizations that help residents get involved in the decision making process. Diana is a graduate of Pace University in Pleasantville, New York. She was born in Brooklyn and is the daughter of two Dominican immigrants who came to New York in the early 1960s. Las Mujeres Con Poder Politico En Nueva York ``Si educas a un hombre estas educando a una persona, pero si educas a una mujer, estas educando a una familia.'' Ruby Manikan El Estado de Nueva York fue un lugar clave durante el surgimiento de los movimientos que exigian el derecho a votar de las mujeres en Norteamerica. Mas de un siglo les tomo a las mujeres de esta nacion llegar hasta las urnas y participar, al igual que los hombres, en la eleccion de sus representantes. Esa lucha por alcanzar la igualdad de derechos es la base de una generacion de mujeres que ejerce labores antes prohibidas para ellas. El mismo estado de Nueva York que hasta el ano 1915 no permitia al sexo femenino tomar decisiones politicas, hoy tiene entre sus ciudadanas mas influyentes en la politica a cuatro mujeres de origen dominicano, que han roto la doble barrera de la discriminacion, por su raza y por su sexo. Lourdes Ventura, Una fiscal en Corona, Queens La historia de Lourdes Ventura es un ejemplo de lo que el coraje, el compromiso y la determinacion pueden hacer de una persona. Cuando era estudiante de las escuelas primaria y secundaria, Ventura encontro gente que le advirtio que nunca llegaria a ninguna parte porque era hija de inmigrantes dominicanos, porque era una mujer y porque su familia dependia de la ayuda publica. Hoy aquellos que insistian en poner trabas a las pretensiones de Lourdes deben estar enterados que esa latina es Asistente del Fiscal General. Entre sus actividades como fiscal ha hecho, precisamente, la labor de investigar casos de discriminacion en viviendas, credito, empleos, educacion y lugares de acceso publico. Lourdes ha sido Presidente de la Asociacion Latinoamericana de Estudiantes de Leyes y estuvo en Africa de Sur, trabajando con temas de la comunidad a traves del Centro de Recursos Legales. En 1998 volvio de la Universidad de Buffalo a Queens para iniciar su carrera de abogada desempenandose como Asistente del Fiscal de Distrito, en ese momento era la unica descendiente de dominicanos ocupando esa posicion. Desde que regreso a Queens se ha mantenido activa en los trabajos comunitarios, algo que se prometio a si misma hacer, cuando aun era estudiante. Lourdes ha hecho suya la frase de la escritora Maya Angelorous, ``Aunque trates de arrastrarme en la tierra, como el viento, yo subire''. El secreto de sus logros, senala, ha sido el mantenerse enfocada, trabajar duro, pero sobre todo, no sentirse avergonzada de sus origenes. ``No olvido mis raices. La historia de mi gente es lo que me hace especial. Creo que el poder de sonar, de desarrollarse, de progresar es lo que nos hace llegar a donde queremos.'' Lark-Marie Anton, Secretaria de Prensa del Alcalde Michael R. Bloomberg Esta es una mujer que ha impuesto su conocimiento y se mantiene con ``la sarten por el mango''. Lark-Marie es responsable de supervisar las actividades de prensa y publicidad de varias agencias y oficinas de la ciudad de Nueva York. Entre ellas, la Autoridad de Viviendas, Comision de la Ciudad para las Naciones Unidas, Cuerpo Consular y Protocolo, Departamento de Record e informacion, Comision sobre asuntos de la mujer, Oficina para combatir la violencia domestica, Comision de Arte, y la oficina de asuntos de los veteranos, solo para nombrar algunas. Ademas es la portavoz y el contacto del alcalde Bloomberg. Con una herencia dominicana y libanesa, esta joven mujer, de apenas 25 anos, nacio y crecio en Nueva York. Se graduo en el Marist College en Comunicacion y Relaciones Publicas, ademas de psicologia. Luego, estuvo en la universidad de West Virginia en la que obtuvo una maestria en Estudios de Comunicacion. Al llegar a Nueva York con los titulos obtenidos, Anton trabajo como productora en proyectos como 2001 MTV Movie Awards y TV Funhouse en el canal Comedy Central. Su experiencia abarca un internado como reportera de WNBC, canal 4 y como Supervisora de Encuestas del Instituto Marist Poll. Lark-Marie es una fiel creyente del poder de la educacion y ha participado como instructora adjunta en el Marist College y como asistente de profesor en la Unversidad de West Virginia. Alexandra Ventura Nacida y criada en Queens, de raices dominicanas, Alexandra Ventura es la Directora de la Unidad de Ciudadania del Estado de Nueva York. Ventura con su dedicacion ha logrado crear un puente entre la comunidad dominicana y el gobernador George Pataki, llevandole a este, las inquietudes y necesidades de los inmigrantes dominicanos, y por supuesto de otras nacionalidades. La directora de esta unidad, creada por Pataki en ano 2001, trabaja al lado del gobernador desde el ano 1997 con las labores como Asistente Especial de Proyectos Especiales y Protocolo. La senora Ventura ha desempanado funciones de gran importancia para la comunidad hispana, abogando por mejores condiciones, y desarrollando programas en beneficio de los hispanos de Nueva York. Desde su posicion Alexandra ha desarrollado interesantes campanas y ha permitido la integracion del gobierno estatal en asuntos relevantes para los inmigrantes dominicanos. En el ano 98, debio asumir la tarea de asistir al alcalde Guiliani en los trabajos de ayuda a la Republica Dominicana tras el paso del huracan Georges. Graduada en Syrcuse University, con una maestria en Estudios Politicos y otra en Administracion Publica, en el ano 2002 la Mesa Redonda Dominico-americana la designo como miembro del Consejo Directivo y presto servicio como Secretaria Asistente del mismo. Ademas la Ventura es miembro de varias organizaciones como ``100 Hispanic Women and the American Society for Public Administration. Diana Reyna, Concejal de la Ciudad de Nueva York, distrito 34 Diana Reyna, representa a Williamsburg, Bushwick y Bedford- Stuvesant en el Consejo de la Ciudad. Ha desarrollado una carrera distinguida por el servicio publico, destacandose como parte del personal de La Asamblea Estatal, abogando por los asuntos de la comunidad. Desde 1997 hasta su juramentacion como Concejal en el ano 2001, Reyna trabajo como jefa de personal del asambleista Vito J. Lopez, antes de esta designacion, fue ayudante legislativa. Su trabajo como concejal ha sido activo y constante en la comunidad a la que representa. Como ejemplo podemos citar que, en respuesta a la necesidad de servicios bancarios en la comunidad de Bushwick, coopero en la fundacion de una union federal cooperativa, en la que fungio como miembro del consejo directivo. La cooperativa provee a la comunidad donde opera servicios que antes estaban ausentes. La concejal Reyna tambien ha realizado actividades comunitarias. Actualmente es la coordinadora de Brooklyn Unidos y ``South Side Task Force'', agrupaciones latinas que proporcionan a los residentes locales un foro para expresar sus intereses sobre los temas de sus vecindarios. Ella es tambien la facilitadora de la Coalicion de Viviendas Publicas del Norte de Brooklyn y de la Coalicion de Padres de Bushwick, otras dos organizaciones que ayudan a los residentes a envolverse en los procesos de toma de decisiones. Reyna es graduada de la Pace University de Pleasantville, Nueva York, nacio en Brooklyn y es hija de dos inmigrantes dominicanos que llegaron a Nueva York a principios de los anos 60.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, on April 4, 2003, the country and the city of New York suffered a tremendous loss when a plane carrying real estate developer Anthony Fisher and his wife, Anne, crashed 35 miles northwest of Boston. He was one of this city's greatest jewels, a dear friend who dedicated his many talents to both the financial and cultural future of our fine metropolis. Mr. Fisher was a founder and partner at the equity firm of FdG Associates, as well as a senior partner at the prestigious real estate firm of Fisher Brothers Inc. His development efforts, including the Alliance Capital Building in Midtown, Park Avenue Plaza, and Third Avenue, proudly continued his family's tradition of redefining the city's physical and commercial landscape. However, the city has lost not only a successful businessman, but also a social entrepreneur whose energy and philanthropy were as magnificent as any of one of his buildings. As chairman and chief executive officer of the Intrepid Sea-Air Foundation, I will fondly remember how he often put his money where his heart was, ensuring that both our city and our country did not forget the tireless efforts of its military veterans. Although he never formally served, he understood the debt that we owe to those that put on the uniform and the duty we all share in ensuring that those who are fortunate to return are well- cared for and appreciated. Above all else, my sincerest condolences go out to Tony's five children, who have lost two loving parents. My heart goes out especially to his niece Tora, the sole survivor of this horrible crash. I join his family and friends in wishing her a speedy and successful recovery. Words, no matter how true or eloquent, can rarely ease the pain of such a terrible tragedy. However, we can all draw strength and comfort in knowing that much of who Tony was still remains for the world to enjoy and marvel. His legacy and love will endure forever, in the buildings he erected, the charities to which he contributed and the hearts that he touched.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel).

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green). (Mr. GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, could I have information as to how much limited time remains.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).