Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of my colleagues I rise to introduce statements delivered in connection with the Special Joint Session of Congress convened in New York City on September 6, 2002. In commemoration of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, a Special Joint Session of the Congress convened at Federal Hall in the City of New York--the location of the first meeting of Congress in 1789. At the conclusion of this historic session, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg hosted a luncheon for members of Congress and many other national and community leaders, as a gesture of thanks from the City of New York for all of the help that it received in recovering from the attacks. I believe that the nature and occasion of the event necessitates its inclusion in this commemorative document so that, along with the events at the Special Joint Session, it can be recorded for posterity. The attendees heard from the Mayor, the Governor of New York, George Pataki, Senate Majority Leader, Tom Daschle, Minority Leader, Trent Lott, Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert, House Minority Leader Gephardt, and Mrs. Susan Magazine, Assistant Commissioner of the Family Assistance Unit of the Fire Department of New York City. As the Dean of the New York State Delegation, I also addressed those in attendance. Mayor Bloomberg: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Mike Bloomberg, and I'm pleased to be the mayor of the city of New York. Thank you. There is an expression that you will hear in New York frequently at this time of the year that you may or may not be familiar with. It sounds like ``chana tova,'' which means ``happy new year.'' And for those of you that care, happy new year. (Applause) Speaker Hastert, Majority Leader Daschle, Minority Leader Gephardt, Minority Leader Lott, distinguished members of Congress, including the dean of New York state's delegation, the Honorable Charles Rangel . . . (Applause) . . . and our two great members of the upper chamber, Senators Schumer and Clinton . . . (Applause) . . . good afternoon. I am delighted to welcome you to New York for this truly historic occasion. Today, we hearken back to the early days of our republic, when the first Congress convened in New York and George Washington was inaugurated as our president. Many of our founding fathers lived in New York in those days, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Hancock and others. So many others, in fact, that the painter of ``The Declaration of Independence,'' the famous canvas that hangs in the Capitol Rotunda, had to move to New York to finish his work. It's often been pointed out that the decision Congress made to move the capital from New York to a new site on the banks of the Potomac, in effect, gave the U.S. two capitals. We now have one capital in Washington, DC, for the government, and one here, for business and culture. Rather than feel slighted, New York has always embraced its role. Today's joint session, for however briefly, made New York the nation's capital once again. But now we'll just have to revert to our regular status: as capital of the free world. (Applause) I would like to acknowledge an institution, first, without which this day just would not have been possible, the Annenberg Foundation. The foundation generously donated $1 million to cover all the travel, food and security expenses associated with today's wonderful show of support for freedom. (Applause) We are blessed to have with us today, from Pennsylvania and from California, Lee Annenberg. Would you please stand and let us say thank you? (Applause) Congress's decision to return to New York symbolically closes a circle at a crucial time in our history. It brings Congress back to its first home, if only for one day, to send a message to the nation and the entire world: The spirit of this city and the spirit of this country remains unshaken. (applause) We are as united today as we were when the first congress met in Lower Manhattan more than 200 years ago, because our commitment to freedom has never been stronger. (Applause) As a nation, and as a city, we've learned a lot about ourselves on September 11th, when the unimaginable became a reality. What happened down the street from here wasn't just an assault on New York, it was an attack on our nation and on all freedom-loving people around the world. That day, as the world watched, our rescue teams battled the smoke and the chaos. It didn't matter whether you came from Astoria or Atlanta or Australia, from Queens or Kansas or Kenya, New York was everybody's home town that day. The stakes for our nation were raised. Someone placed a big bet that they could destroy New York, a city that has contributed immeasurably to building the greatest democracy on Earth. This city has responded. This nation has responded. America is a nation founded on a particular set of ideas: the right to express yourself as you see fit, the right to worship God in your own way, the right to live without fear. What happened on September 11th was not only an attack on our people, but on those freedoms and our basic way of life. And all Americans understand that. New Yorkers recognize that we would not have made it through the darkest days in our city's history without our nation's help. It poured in from around the country in the form of food, equipment and volunteers, and through emotional and moral support beyond value. And I want all Americans to understand that we know you were there for us when we needed you and we will be there for you if you ever need us. (Applause) Congress has also stood with us. More than we ever had a right to expect, you helped and are continuing to help New York to rebuild and recover. And on behalf of all New Yorkers, it is my honor to say, ``Thank you.'' (Applause) As you know, our work is not done yet, not by any means. But the recovery that began on 9/11 and the work we've done since simply could not have happened without your support. And let me also convey our appreciation to President Bush for his courageous leadership in a time of crisis, for coming to New York to share our grief and to share our determination to not just endure the tragedy visited upon us, but to emerge stronger from the events of September 11th. (applause) I am pleased to report that, with your help, we have made triumphant progress since that day. Because of remarkable bipartisan cooperation among all levels of government, labor and the private sector, we finished the recovery work at the World Trade Center site ahead of schedule, under budget, and with no additional loss of life. (Applause) This while the search for the remains of our loved ones went forward with dignity and honor. We created a temporary memorial in Battery Park, where the Sphere sculpture from the World Trade Center Plaza now sits. Next Wednesday, during the one-year commemoration of that fateful day, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and our secretary of state, Colin Powell, along with the heads of state from around the world, will join a ceremony there. At that observance, an eternal flame will be lighted near the base of the sphere in honor of those we lost, and to show that democracy and freedom will always endure. (Applause) We also honor those we lost by building a better city for the future. With Congress's help, we are doing just that. Largely due to an economic incentive program which you have funded, many companies that were displaced plan to rejoin those, such as American Express, Merrill Lynch and Dow Jones, that have already moved back and made long-term commitments to staying in Lower Manhattan. Because of a residential incentive program you have funded and because Lower Manhattan is a great place to live, more than 90 percent of the housing in Lower Manhattan is currently occupied. And the federally funded liberty bonds program will spur billions of dollars in construction in Lower Manhattan for new commercial spaces and housing. The federal, state and local governments have forged a genuine partnership to revive Lower Manhattan and to rebuild our essential transportation, telecommunications and energy structures. Just last month, FEMA granted us unprecedented flexibility to spend federal funds to create a transportation center for the 21st century that will make Lower Manhattan more accessible than ever. The future of Lower Manhattan is promising, as is the future of all New York City and indeed of the entire country. Here, our city continues to be the safest large city in the nation. We have committed increased resources to combat the new threats we now face from enemies foreign and domestic. We've strengthened our counterterrorism and intelligence operations. And as they take on new burdens, our police department continues to drive crime down. New York has no intention of relinquishing its title of capital of the free world. (Applause) New York is a city of big ideas, big projects and big events, and that will never change. For example, in the year since the September 11th attack, New York City has been host to a World Series, the New York City Marathon, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, where I was inaugurated, the World Economic Forum, a new international film festival, the Fourth of July fireworks spectacular telecast nationally, the U.S. Tennis Open currently going on, and last night's Times Square kick-off of the NFL season, where I met Jon Bon Jovi. (Laughter) (Applause) We even held a world-class grand prix bicycle race right here on Wall Street this summer. Since we're not the type to rest on our laurels, we are trying to convince both the Republican and Democratic National Committees to hold both conventions here in the year 2004. (Applause) As a matter of fact, this joint session is a perfect opportunity to go after both at the same time. How bipartisan can you be? (Laughter) We are also pursuing a Super Bowl and the 2012 Summer Olympics. (Applause) I see Nancy Pelosi is here from our fellow Olympic finalist San Francisco: Do you want me to arm- wrestle for it, Nancy? (Laughter) I better start training though. After all, Nancy, you are the minority whip, so. But that's just the kind of ambition you'd expect of this city. And, if anything, 9/11 has made us even more committed to demonstrating the energy and vibrant cultural life of our city. We will create a memorial on the site of the World Trade Center that everyone can be proud of; a memorial that not only honors those that were taken, but reaffirms the values that triumphed on that day and the days after. In our actions, in our passion, we can do great things and show that we not allow our lives to be ruled by fear, and be guided by the very principles of democracy which you the Congress represent and which the terrorists found so threatening. When you look at New York today, when you look at the city where people from all parts of the world live next to each other, where more than 120 different languages are spoken and where virtually every religion in the world is practiced, you realize what makes America and what makes New York great. We thrive because of our diversity, because of our respect for one another and because a free society is a strong society. In conclusion, let me recall what our president said about that September morning. He described it as a battle between fear and freedom. By convening in our city, you, the U.S. Congress, have demonstrated to all New Yorkers and all the world that fear can never prevail as long as freedom is strong. Thank you very much. (Applause) Thank you. Thank you. Please be seated. One of our founding fathers, an eminent New Yorker, Alexander Hamilton, wrote in ``The Federalist Papers'' that quote, ``Energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government.'' New York state is fortunate to have an energetic chief executive, who has wisely and skillfully guided our city and state through the crisis created by the attack of 9/11. Our next speaker is the great governor of the wonderful state of New York, the Honorable George E. Pataki. (Applause) Governor Pataki: Thank you very much, Mayor Bloomberg. And thank you for those inspiring words on behalf of the people of New York City. To Speaker Hastert, Leader Daschle, Leader Gephardt, Leader Lott, ladies and gentlemen of the 107th Congress, welcome to the greatest city in the world. (Applause) It's been 212 years since Congress last gathered here, only blocks away from where we're assembled right now. It was here that America's first Congress met, here that George Washington took the oath of office and here that the Bill of Rights was ratified, protecting the freedoms of American citizens. So it is altogether fitting that you, the men and women of the 107th Congress, have returned here to affirm once more our nation's commitment to preserving those freedoms from those who would seek to destroy them. We meet nearly one year after the worst terrorist attack ever launched against the United States. Our nation is 226 years old, but the vigilance needed to preserve our liberty and to protect our democracy must be eternal. It was in this spirit, fueled by our love for America and our reverence for freedom, that New Yorkers responded in the early morning hours of September 11th. And in times of crisis, there are no stronger people than the people of New York. Police officers, firefighters, court officers, port authority officers, EMTs, construction workers, volunteers and citizens from all backgrounds rushed to the scene in a demonstration of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. We met adversity with resolve. We answered terror with strength. We responded to evil with good. We defeated hatred with tolerance. Your assembling here today sends a powerful message to the people of the world, to our allies and to our enemies. Inspired by the strength, perseverance and compassion of our heroes and the people across America, our unity and our resolve has only grown stronger. We will remember. We will rebuild. And we will move forward with the unity and confidence of a free people. Our sadness from the images of destruction and our memories of those we lost on September 11th will forever be embedded in our minds. Yet when we look back on that fateful day, we will look back not just in sadness, but also with pride, in the actions of New Yorkers and of Americans across this great land, who stepped forward in our cities in our nation's hour of adversity. And to President Bush, and to this united Congress, you stepped forward for New York and for America, helping families and helping this city to recover, to rebuild and to reclaim its destiny. You came to ground zero. You saw the destruction. And like so many other Americans, you responded and did your part. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I'd like to say thank you. (Applause) Freedom is our legacy and our inalienable right as citizens of this great nation. It is our heritage. It is our birthright that was established here by the first Congress 212 years ago, and then reaffirmed today by this Congress 212 years later. Your presence here today means a great deal to all Americans, but especially to New Yorkers. It shows we have not forgotten, nor will future generations of America forget. A century from now, they will know that the terrorists failed. They will know that in the face of destruction--we faced destruction with determination. We turned despair into hope. And we turned tragedy into triumph. We are united in our fight against terror. And in our defense of freedom, we are vigilant, we are strong, we are New Yorkers, we are Americans. Thank you. God bless New York. And God bless the United States of America. Thank you. (Applause) Mayor Bloomberg: Fourteen days after September 11th, New York's newspaper, The Daily News, first proposed New York's hosting of a joint congressional session. It wrote that such a session would be a symbol, quote, ``of unity, strength and resolve such as the world has never seen.'' Now I would like to introduce the earliest governmental champion of that idea, the dean of New York's congressional delegation, Charlie Rangel. (Applause)

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, in June of 2000, President Clinton allowed me the great honor to take some veterans back to Korea in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War. They were all members of the Second Infantry Division. We left Fort Lewis, Washington, in July and August of 1950, and we had left more men behind dead than came home. The raggedy group of veterans that went back, all black because we were in a segregated infantry unit, most had not gone to college, and, like myself, some had not even finished high school, we thought then that we were fighting for our country. But the more education I got, the more sophisticated I got, I realized we were fighting for the United Nations. Then when I became a Member of Congress and I led this same group of tattered veterans back to the same battlefields, they asked, why did Congress send them to South Korea and expose them to North Korean and Chinese warfare? And I had to tell them that this Congress never did send them there. No vote was ever taken in this Congress to say that they were at war with the people of North Korea or the People's Republic of China. I made a vow to them, and I am keeping it today, that never will I delegate the responsibility of considering the dangers of war. I will not leave it to the President, unless he brings me evidence that we are in danger. I will not give it to the United Nations, because I do not believe that this sacred responsibility should be transferred. And I do believe that each and every one of those veterans, if they thought our beloved country was in trouble, would be the first to stand up to salute the flag and be prepared to destroy what enemy we had, preemptive or not. I am against this resolution.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in advocation of H. Res. 569, legislation expressing support for the President's 2002 National Drug Control Strategy to reduce illegal drug use in the United States. Nearly 20,000 Americans, many of them children, die from drug related incidences every year. This ongoing drug menace is the gravest threat to our youth whether they are killed by drug overdoses or are caught in the crossfire of rival drug gangs. When some claim that Iraq poses the most imminent threat to our national security, I see a more imminent threat in the well-established link between the profits from illegal drug dealing and the financing of many of the world's leading terrorist organizations. These organizations include the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia. It is because of these threats that I am proud of the efforts of law enforcement in the eradication of illegal drug use. In supporting this bill we honor the efforts of those who fight on the front lines of the Nation's struggle against illegal drug use. The drug menace is truly a threat to our homeland security.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4085, legislation to increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. As we debate the validity of committing young Americans to another conflict overseas I feel it is important to support legislation honoring our commitment to care for those disabled in past service to our country. Many of our disabled veterans find themselves unable to keep pace with the cost of living as they advance in age. This is especially true for those who must rely on prescription drugs to mitigate the effects of their service-connected disabilities. These veterans must often choose between food, shelter, and medication. I support the provisions of this bill designed to mitigate these adverse economic conditions experienced by our disabled veterans. It is extremely important that we support those who have secured our freedom in the past. As we debate the possibility of war we most honor past obligations.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, in over 32 years I have never seen an issue that has been more important to me and probably to many of you who have served here than to decide the question of putting our men and women in the Armed Forces in harm's way. It just would seem to me that there is no question that if anyone in the House or the other body thought that our Nation was in eminent danger, that we would have no doubts about taking a preemptive strike and destroying that force before they attempted to harm us. The President of the United States has said to us that time is not on our side. Well, it may not be, but there are a lot of questions I would like to believe that our constituents will be asking us and that we should be getting answers to these questions before we give up our authority to declare war and turn it to the President of the United States to subjectively make a decision as to whether or not we are in danger. We are not talking about a danger like 9-11. We are talking about a potential danger that is somewhere in the future. Whether it is 1 month or 1 year, one thing is clear, nobody has said that we are in danger before November 5. That date just comes up, not as frequently as 9-11 does. But it seems to me as I have traveled around the world, one of the things that I have been so proud of in saying is that with all the problems we have in the United States of America, one thing is that we never start a fight with anybody; that we were always there talking about democracy and believing that when people and communities and nations had disputes, that we were there to talk about those bonds of law, of due process, of diplomacy. We felt so proud to set up the United Nations in such a way as to say that before we destroy each other, let us attempt to talk this out. The President has reluctantly, but beautifully, gone to the United Nations and laid our case before the leaders of the nations of the world, and I have never felt more proud of being an American than to hear him prod them to do the right thing and to complain about the negligence in which they have not enforced the United Nations resolutions as relates to Saddam Hussein and Iraq. But, strangely, it ends up with him saying, ``And if you don't do the right thing, if you don't abide by international law, if you don't respect the resolutions that you have enacted, then I will unilaterally go into these countries and justice will be done.'' I do not expect that I would want the defense of the United States to be left to other countries. But if there is no imminent danger, but danger that is perceived, especially as the President has said, danger to the surrounding nations around Iraq, those that are within the direct threat of bio-chemical weapons, those that can be hit by the missiles, then I wonder why, when the President talks about coalitions, that he does not mention any of these countries? Israel is in direct danger of a strike by Iraq if we invade, as well as Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Why at least, if not the European countries, why are these countries not saying let us go to the United Nations and we will prove to you that this man is a demon and not just a threat to the United States of America, but a threat to everything that free countries believe in? It just seems to me that we will never, never, never be in a position to chastise the governments of Pakistan and India, of North and South Korea, of Georgia and the Soviet Union, that we will never be able to tell them that they cannot take their subjective fears and strike against the other nation without taking their complaint to the United Nations, because we are the ones that have said that, yes, we will go to the United Nations, but we are not bound by the United Nations. I think we should say that, but I think we should come back to the United States Congress and ask for permission, if that is necessary.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, so many times we see Republicans coming on over to the Democratic side and Democrats going on the other side and some of the newer Members wonder, What is that all about? Well, it is about what they call the good old days. The days where people were elected to represent their districts and at the same time thought that we could disagree without being disagreeable. And if they had any problems in trying to figure out what type of legislator that I am talking about, I refer them to my friend, my brother, my colleague, Ben Gilman. And I say ``brother'' because we can have a lot of problems with our brothers, especially on some of the votes that he is being lauded for on the other side. But one thing is abundantly clear, that he believed in everything that he was doing, and that he would put himself out of the way to try to listen to the problems of different people in different parts of our country or in different parts of the world. Ben and I traveled all over fighting the scourge of drugs. It was one task force that no one really volunteered to go on. We went into the mountains, the valleys. We stood in Colombia and saw what the rebels have done. We have known the list of people that have died in these countries fighting the drug traffickers. We went into Mexico and saw just how corrupt they were and stood up against them. And I do not think in any of these countries whether anyone knew who the Democrat was and who the Republican was because we went there together as Americans. We went to the United Nations as Americans, and we worked and fought on so many issues that both of us are proud of. We have so many friends outside of the Congress; and, indeed, I was so privileged to be a part of his wedding to his beautiful Georgia. I do not know basically what he wants for the future. And I do not even know how his political career was cut so short so fast. But I know one thing, whatever he decides to do with the rest of his beautiful life, that I am not going to allow what happens in this floor or what happens in Albany to stop the wonderful friendship that my family has enjoyed with Ben and his family over the years. And for the new Members, if they do not know what I am talking about, ask people about Ben Gilman. Members can do their job and be faithful to their party. Members can fulfill their commitment to their constituents and their country, but they just do not have to be mean- spirited about it. We love Ben and we are going to miss him.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to join with my colleagues in paying a richly deserved tribute to the memory of our esteemed and devoted colleague here in the Congress, Congresswoman Patsy Mink. The character of the life she lived could be summed up in just a few words: she was compassionate, dedicated, strong-spirited, a tireless worker, a real trailblazer, and an inspiring leader. Congresswoman Mink was self-sacrificing and sincerely devoted to her constituents and to this House. After becoming the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress in 1964, Congresswoman Mink won a reputation for taking the lead on issues involving civil rights, education, the environment, poverty, as well as opposition to the Vietnam War. She was one of the first legislators to call for the impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon over Watergate, and her pioneering campaign for equality for women was credited with helping to make the issue a focal point of Democratic politics. Congresswoman Mink was extremely proud of the leading role she played in 1972 in the passage of Title IX of the Education Act which as a result opened many doors and provided opportunities for young women in athletics. More recently, she opposed the toughening of welfare laws signed by former President Bill Clinton. Mink has served in the U.S. Congress for 24 years. She was a ``voice for the voiceless'' and worked diligently for those who are oftentimes forgotten such as the poor and the disenfranchised. Congresswoman Mink was a petite woman with a big heart and great intellect. It was a privilege to serve with her in the House and observe as she combined charm with an unlimited energy and the highest integrity. Her leadership and passion for justice will be missed not only by those who served with her, but by her constituents which she proudly served. In closing and to sum up the impact which I believe Patsy Mink has had, I would like to paraphrase the words of Abraham Lincoln who stated in a memorable address: ``The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but can never forget what they did here.'' My deepest condolences to her husband John and daughter Wendy, and to the constituents to the second district of Hawaii.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. ``Whereas on September the 11, 2001, thousands of innocent people were killed and injured in a combined terrorist attack involving four hijacked aircraft, the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon; ``Whereas in the aftermath of the attacks, thousands more were left grieving for beloved family and friends, livelihoods were compromised, and businesses and property were damaged and lost;''

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, leaders of the House and the Senate, on behalf of Ben Gilman, Senator Schumer and Senator Clinton, and the entire New York congressional delegation, we would like to thank you for your support of this resolution that gives us in New York an opportunity to say thank you for the way you responded to the attack on our city and our State. You give our mayor and our governor an opportunity to be here on this historic event to say you did not treat us like New Yorkers, you treated us like Americans.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride in their achievement to pay tribute to and recognize Harlem's national famous Little League team. In an historic achievement Harlem's Little League made the Harlem community and the United States proud when they successfully placed third in the Little League World Series. Coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the team pulled together and progressed to the semi-finals of the Little League Series, a notable achievement for a team which up to this year had not made the playoffs. On August 27, 2002, the team came home to a first-class victory celebration in which I was pleased and proud to participate. I hope that these kids have once again taught us that we can come together as a community and understand that anything is possible. And, today it is my pleasure to bring the Harlem Little League's achievement to the attention of my colleagues. [Fron the New York Post, Aug. 27, 2002] Harlem Heroes Safe at Home (By Lorena Mongelli) Harlem's small-fry slugger heroes got a major-league welcome home yesterday by hundreds of rooting relatives and frenzied fans, who admitted they never expected the team to make it as far as it did in the Little League World Series. ``They never really said that winning was what they were all about--;but this team came back as winners,'' U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) crowed amid the cheering crowd at Marcus Garvey Park on 122nd Street. Moms and dads furiously shook pompoms, friends waved signs and dozens of people broke into chants of ``Go Harlem!'' as the bus carrying the team pulled into the park around 4 p.m. and let off the local champs, who made it to the series semifinals. The somewhat-sheepish players said they were surprised by all the hoopla--;but not exactly complaining about it. ``I didn't know there were going to be all these people here--;it feels good,'' star pitcher Alibay Barkley said. Third baseman Andrew Diaz, 12, added: ``We gave something to Harlem to make them feel proud. I feel like a champ. I didn't expect all these people to come and show their support.'' Beaming coach Morris McWilliams noted the kids' varied backgrounds--;and how they pulled together to pull off a third-place finish. ``I hope that through all this, we can come together to understand that anything is possible,'' McWilliams said.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, in viewing the tremendous achievements of tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, once again on display for the pleasure of their many fans at the U.S. Open in my hometown, New York, one must acknowledge the legacy of past trailblazers, the parental roles of Richard and Oracene Williams and the natural ability of tennis's most recent stars. Tennis pioneers Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe successfully gained national and international status despite legal and customary exclusion of African-Americans from tennis during most of the 20th century. In 1951 Althea Gibson was the first African-American of either gender to play in U.S. Open and also in 1951 she became the first black American to play at Wimbledon. In 1957 Gibson made history by winning the Wimbledon singles and doubles championships. Breaking ground in the game of tennis, she also became the first Black female to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Despite the confines of race, gender, and class, she transcended the role of black female athletics and became a spokesperson for racial equality and inclusion by challenging racial segregation in American society. By challenging and ultimately transforming the racial and social climate in sports, Gibson created a legacy and opened opportunity for future black tennis players. Similar to the achievements of Gibson, Richmond, Virginia native Arthur Ashe rose to prominence in tennis. Noted for his grace, hard-hit topspin, and outstanding backhand, Ashe won the 1968 U.S. Open, the Australian Open, and the Wimbledon title in 1975. Following in a great tennis legacy, Venus and Serena Williams have also made history by becoming the first sisters to win Grand Slam crowns individually and collectively in the 20th century. Almost fifteen years ago, Richard Williams stood on a crumbling tennis court in Compton, California and told his daughter Venus that she was going to be one of the best tennis players in the world. For Williams, a neighborhood tennis coach, this was a bold and idealistic vision because no Black person had excelled in the game since tennis greats Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. However, despite the odds and the inability to provide expensive and private tennis lessons, Williams and his wife recognized and nurtured the natural ability of Venus and her youngest sister Serena. Similar to the challenges faced by Gibson and Ashe, the issues of race and class were always prevalent in their matches against white competitors. In meeting those obstacles, their parents fostered a work ethic that encouraged them to play aggressively and to always strive to be the best. While catering to their talents, the Williams also valued the education of their daughters and did not allow their schooling to take a back seat. Unlike some parents who sacrificed schooling for competitions, the Williams strongly advocated education and viewed it as a top priority. By instilling a victorious attitude, value in education, and graceful demeanors, Richard and Oracene Williams have given sports and the world two talented athletes and young women who are true role models. Considered the most dominant players in recent tennis history, Venus and Serena Williams have revolutionized and literally transformed the sport with forty-three professional titles between them. Venus and Serena have broken racial and socio-economic barriers with pride and poise by illustrating to the world that tennis is a sport for all people. The pair made history by becoming the first African-Americans to win national and international titles since tennis pioneers Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. Claiming her first Grand Slam victory in 2000 at the age of twenty, Venus Williams became the first African-American female champion at Wimbledon since Gibson in 1957 and 1958. Elevating her game to the next level, Venus is the first American woman since 1924 to win an Olympic gold medal in both singles and doubles. She holds the women's record for the fastest serve at 127 miles per hour, and is one of the seven women to win the singles title in both the Wimbledon Champions and the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001. Creating history in her own right, Serena Williams is currently the number one ranking female tennis player. Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Serena is only the second African-American woman ever to win a Grand Slam singles title. She is also the sixth American woman to win the U.S. Open singles title since 1968 and is the fifth woman to win both singles and doubles Grand Slam titles in 2002. Among other note-worthy titles, the sisters are the first in professional tennis history to each win a Grand Slam singles, the first to be ranked in the top ten simultaneously since 1991, the first to win a Grand Slam doubles title together, the first to compete against one another in Women's Tennis Association Tour Final, and the first to win an Olympic gold medal in doubles together. Recently, rated the numbers one and two women players in professional tennis, the Williams sisters have broken ground in rewriting tennis history with their historic wins. Inspiring and encouraging thousands of young players from different racial and socio-economic backgrounds, Venus and Serena have become role models for young women of their generation. They have gracefully illustrated and proven that through hard work, dedication, teamwork, and determination all dreams can be achieved. Moreover, the sisters have embraced the notion that high moral and ethical standards and strong family values are the ingredients to success. Putting rhetoric with action, the Williams sisters are actively engaged in encouraging young people in minority communities to become interested in tennis. They are opening doors of opportunity in tennis for young people of color all over this nation and as a result of their work will leave a living legacy of young champions of color in the years to come. In viewing their accomplishments, the Williams sisters have continued the long tradition and outstanding achievements of blacks in tennis. Furthermore, they have shown the world the continued legacy of Blacks in tennis, the spirit of sportsmanship, and the gift of serving and encouraging young people around the world.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call to the attention of my colleagues the growing health problems of Latino children. The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that Latino children have suffered from ``a disproportionate number of health problems that have been poorly studied.'' Diabetes, obesity, and asthma are disproportionately prevalent in the Latino community. Additionally, about 30% of the Latino population are uninsured and of those that do have health insurance, many have problems gaining proper access to medical attention. Language barriers often continue to exist despite the executive order issued by President Clinton in August 2000 ``mandating that physicians who receive Medicaid and Medicare funds provide interpreter services for patients who do not speak English.'' Yet citing cost, national medical associations are opposed to implementing these services. Far too little health research has been conducted within minority populations. This fosters a lack of clarity in the etiology of common diseases among minority communities. As a result, medical practitioners are hampered in developing culturally sound intervention that promotes the well-being of minority individuals. For example, why do Latino children tend to receive less pain medication than white or African-American children while hospitalized for limb fractures? Access to health care, quality of care, health insurance coverage, environment, and lifestyle are most likely the contributing factors, but we do not understand the dynamics of why minorities, especially children, are not benefiting from our health care system. Eliminating health disparities in minority communities has been a major goal since the year 2000. In that year, the Office of Research on Minority Health (ORMH), originally established in 1990, was elevated to the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD). This effort was encouraged by Congress to ``promote minority health and to lead, coordinate, support, and assess the NIH effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities'' and to ``reach out to minority and other health disparity communities.'' It is imperative that we begin to envision this country as a place where all populations have equal opportunity to live long, healthy, and productive lives. More research on health disparities in minority populations must be conducted and doctors, health officials, and the American people must recognize that these disparities are a very real problem. We must take a stand to seriously address the health disparities within Latino children and other minority populations. [From the New York Times, July 26, 2002] Health Problems of Latino Children One in every six American children is Hispanic, but it's hard to find them in the research on child health. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, Latino children suffer from a disproportionate number of health problems that have been poorly studied. Diabetes is on the rise, and Latino boys have the highest rates of obesity among young people, but researchers don't know why. They also don't know why Puerto Rican children have rates of asthma higher than those in any other region. Many of the statistics pose mysteries that go beyond the fact that Hispanic children are less likely to be covered by health insurance than are children in other ethnic groups. For instance, Latino children who are hospitalized with limb fractures receive less pain medication than do white or African-American youths. No one seems to know why, and data is hard to collect because Hispanic children are often included in the categories of white, black or ``other'' in medical research. Many researchers also ignore these children and their parents by excluding non-English-speakers from their studies. Much more research is clearly necessary. Meanwhile one obvious place to start narrowing the health gap for Latino children is the language barriers. President Bill Clinton issued an executive order in August 2000 mandating that physicians who receive Medicaid and Medicare funds provide interpreter services for patients who do not speak English. The rules are flexible, but the national medical associations have opposed them as being too costly. Given the disturbing data on the state of Latino children's health, their objections send the wrong message.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in celebrating the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Signed on July 26,1990, the nation took its first step to incorporate the disabled community back into mainstream America. Armed with 21st century technology and a warmhearted community, these Americans are able to interact smoothly with friends, family and coworkers in factories, office buildings, sports facilities, parks and even on the Internet. This Act has tapped into the full potential of individuals who were often excluded from the rest of the world. The ADA has opened amazing doors for all people. Buildings, sidewalks and public transportation have become more accessible, allowing for ease in conducting everyday business. The use of screen-readers and voice-recognition software has brought the once unknown world of the Internet to all computer users. No longer will people with impaired vision or dexterity be limited to the available resources. The ADA has given employees with disabilities access to the tools they need to perform their job. Technological advances have been fully integrated into the workplace and I believe society is ready for the work-at-home employee. As a member of the Bicameral Disabilities Caucus, I am a strong proponent for continued efforts to break down further barriers preventing our disabled community from living healthy, productive lives. With one in five Americans suffering from a debilitating ailment, we have a better understanding for the need to continue supporting both legislation and technology for tomorrow's generation. Mr. Speaker, the Americans with Disabilities Act had the same impact on disabled Americans in the 1990s as did the Civil Rights Act had on African Americans back in the 1960s. I believe that the will of the people have spoken declaring not to discriminate against any person. With these pieces of legislation side-by-side on the same pedestal, we can observe our constantly changing, and more accepting, country and truly say that we are proud to be Americans.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, this year is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902). Schools, universities, libraries, and organizations around the country are celebrating his life. I want to take the time to recognize an outstanding individual who has contributed greatly to this country. Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri to abolitionist parents and attended high school in Cleveland, Ohio where he first began writing poetry. At his father's encouragement, Hughes attended Columbia University to studying engineering for a ``practical'' job. However, Hughes left the field in order to pursue his love for words. Hughes received a scholarship to Lincoln University, in Pennsylvania, where he eventually received his B.A. degree in 1929. His first published poem was ``The Negro Speaks of Rivers'' and became one of his most famous works. Hailed as a genius, Hughes gave the gift of words to a country in turmoil. His writing began to flourish during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920's and 30's, a time in which racism, war, the Depression, and other social ills plagued this nation. Hughes traveled throughout Europe, West and Central Africa during the early 1920's and returned to Harlem in 1924. In the following year he moved from Harlem to Washington, DC. While in our nation's capital, he was heavily influenced by the blues and jazz scene. His work captured the dynamic of black music on paper, inspiring academia to study and recognize the uniqueness of black music as being an authentic American art form. Some of Hughes' most famous works are Not Without Laughter (1930), The Big Sea (1940), and I Wonder As I Wander (1956), his autobiographies. His poetry includes Tambourines To Glory (1958), The Weary Blues (1926), The Negro Mother and other Dramatic Recitations (1931), The Dream Keeper (1932), Shakespeare In Harlem (1942), and The Best of Simple (1961). In all, he wrote 16 books of poems, two novels, three collections of short stories, four volumes of editorial and documentary-type fiction, 20 plays, children's poetry, musicals and operas, 3 autobiographies, a dozen radio and television scripts and dozens of magazine articles. He also edited seven anthologies. He continued throughout his life to write and edit literary works up until his death on May 22, 1967 when he succumbed to cancer. Later, his residence at 20 East 127th Street in Harlem was given landmark status by the New York City Preservation Commission. His block of East 127th Street was renamed ``Langston Hughes Place.'' We are inspired by the words of Langston Hughes; ``We build our temples for tomorrow, as strong as we know how and we stand on the top of the mountain, free within ourselves.'' Hughes was a notable figure in America's history and his voice will live on throughout future generations.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on its celebration of the 40th anniversary of its Independence. I will spend a brief moment describing the beginnings of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and describe its ties with the U.S. Trinidad was settled by the Spanish a century after Columbus landed there. The original inhabitants--Arawak and Carib Indians--were largely wiped out by the Spanish colonizers, and the survivors were gradually assimilated. Although it attracted French, free Black, and other non- Spanish settlers, Trinidad remained under Spanish rule until the British captured it in 1797. During the colonial period, Trinidad's economy relied on large sugar and cocoa plantations. Tobago's development was similar to other plantation islands in the Lesser Antilles and quite different from Trinidad's. The smaller island of the pair, Tobago became known first as Tavaco, then Tabagua, then as Tobago. This was the name given by its tribal people who used a long stemmed pipe in which they smoked a herb called Vcohiba, known today as tobacco. During the colonial period, French, Dutch, and British forces fought over possession of Tobago, and the island changed hands 22 times--more often than any other West Indian island. Tobago was finally ceded to Great Britain in 1814. Trinidad and Tobago were incorporated into a single colony in 1888. If Trinidad was a sugar economy in the 19th Century it became an oil economy in the 20th. With the advent of the automobile and the conversion of the British Navy from coal to oil the search for and the production of oil received a strong boost. Oil was discovered in the Guayguaygare, Point Fortin, and Forest Reserve areas in Trinidad. Over time oil and oil related exports came to dominate the economy and transformed much of populace from a rural to an urban one. Besides oil, another important event was the establishment of U.S. bases on the island in 1941. This was agreed to in exchange for 50 destroyers which at the time was sorely needed by an overstretched Britain. These bases included a large chunk of the Chaguramas Peninsular as well as an air base at Wallerfield. The G.I.s injected American culture and money into a stagnant economy and shifted the focus of country from Britain to the U.S. More important, U.S. Marines helped construct numerous roads including the important Northern Coast Road which still is functional today. In the 1950s, the British sponsored the West Indies Federation as a potential post-colonial model, in the belief that most of the Caribbean islands would be unable to survive politically or economically on their own. The Caribbean peoples thought otherwise and the Federation collapsed in the early 1960s. In Trinidad and Tobago a movement was being born in the 1950s. After receiving his Ph.D. and serving as assistant professor at Howard University, Eric Williams returned to Trinidad and Tobago and formed the People's National Movement (PNM), a political party of which he became the leader. In September of 1956, the PNM won the national elections and he became the chief minister of the country from 1956 to 1959, premier from 1959 to 1962, and prime minister from 1962 to 1981. During his term as prime minister, Williams led Trinidad and Tobago into full independence within the Commonwealth in 1962. Eric Williams is considered the father of Trinidad and Tobago. He died in office on March 29, 1981. After its 1962 independence, Trinidad joined the United Nations and the Commonwealth. In 1967, it became the first Commonwealth country to join the Organization of American States (OAS). Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. enjoy cordial relations. U.S. interests focus on investment and trade, and on enhancing Trinidad's political and social stability and positive regional role through assistance in drug interdiction and legal affairs. A U.S. embassy was established in Port of Spain in 1962, replacing the former consulate general. Today, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains a stable government with close ties and a working relationship to the United States. Evidence of government stability is represented in the fact that U.S. investment in Trinidad and Tobago exceeds one and one-quarter billion dollars. In addition, Trinidad and Tobago is becoming the leading importer of liquefied natural gas to the U.S. It also is active in the U.S.-initiated Summit of the Americas process and fully supports the establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas. This has made Trinidad and Tobago one of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean. With a population of 1.2 million people and the size of the state of Delaware, Trinidad and Tobago maintains strong relations with its Caribbean neighbors as well. As the most industrialized and second- largest country in the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has taken a leading role in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), and strongly supports CARICOM economic integration efforts. The two countries also share its people and culture. There are large numbers of U.S. citizens and permanent residents of Trinidadian origin living in the United States. These individuals keep strong cultural ties to their country of origin. About 20,000 U.S. citizens visit Trinidad and Tobago on vacation or for business every year, and over 2,700 American citizens are residents. In addition, Trinidad like carnivals are held in numerous cities across the U.S. with a major celebration occurring in Brooklyn every Labor Day. The republic of Trinidad and Tobago is moving confidently forward in the 21st Century. As they celebrate their 40th anniversary let us give recognition to a nation that has realized its potential by fostering both economic and social growth.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late President of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Joaquin Balaguer. President Balaguer passed away on July 14th in the national capital of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Mr. Balaguer was a long time friend of the United States. He held the presidency of the Dominican Republic from 1966 to 1978 and again from 1986 to 1996. Mr. Balaguer was born in Navarette in the Dominican Republic. He is the son of a Puerto Rican father of Castilian descent and Dominican mother of Spanish blood. He wrote books, including volumes of poetry and political science. At the age of 14, he wrote a collection of poems called, ``Pagan Psalms.'' After graduating from law school in Santo Domingo, he became a member of the foreign service, where he served in Madrid and Paris in the 1930s. He earned his doctorate of law from the Sorbonne in Paris. He also taught law at the University of Santo Domingo before becoming vice president in 1957 and president in 1960. Mr. Balaguer served under dictator Rafael Trujillo as cabinet member, diplomat, vice president and President for over three decades beginning in the late 1930s. After General Trujillo was assassinated in 1961, Mr. Balaguer was thrusted into the leadership of the Dominican Republic. He quickly changed the name of the capital from Ciudad Trujillo back to Santo Domingo, the city's original name. He fled to exile in New York City after riots and political turmoil erupted in 1962. While living in New York City, he formed his lasting right-wing political party. He returned to the Dominican Republic only after U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson sent 20,000 U.S. Marines to the island nation to put down a leftist mutiny within the army in April 1965. With the support of the U.S., he was elected president in 1966 in one of the Dominican Republic's first freely contested elections. He established, in just a few years of his election victory, the first solid middle class by implementing massive public work projects and economic reform, even though he was elected at a time when 60% of the nation was unemployed and two-thirds of its population was illiterate and its streets and towns were in ruins. His first term was viewed as ``pseudo'' dictatorial in that he led with a firm grip and used the country's military to rule the country at the same time he made weekly visits through the nations small villages, visiting residents and passing out medicine to the sick and toys to children and listening to the desires of all. Mr. Balaguer was defeated in presidential elections in 1978 after serving three terms. He remained leader of the political party he founded in the 1960's, now called the Social Christian Reform Party, and in 1986 won another bid to power. He won elections in 1990 and 1994. In 1996, under increasing pressure from the U.S. and international bodies due to suspected election irregularities, he agreed to resign. Mr. Balaguer remained an important figure in the political party he created until his death. Some herald him as the most influential Dominican. [From the Washington Post, NewsBank NewsFile Collection, July 15, 2002] Joaquin Balaguer Dies at 95, Longtime Dominican Leader (By Richard Pearson) Joaquin Balaguer, 95, the authoritative and paternalistic president of the Dominican Republic for more than 20 years between 1961 and 1996, died July 14 in the national capital of Santo Domingo. He had been hospitalized since July 4 for bleeding ulcers. He served briefly as president in the early 1960s, then held the office again from 1966 to 1978 and a third time from 1986 to 1996. President Balaguer, who has been called one of Latin America's caudillos, hardly projected the image of a strongman. An award-winning poet, he had been a career diplomat and law professor before entering the political arena. He was a little over five feet tall, was lame and nearly deaf, and wore thick glasses before going blind with glaucoma in the 1980s. His mentor was the notorious military dictator Rafael Trujillo, who ruled the country with an iron hand from 1930 to 1961. The future president held a variety of posts under Trujillo, dealing largely with education, foreign affairs and administration, before being elected vice president on a ticket headed by Trujillo's brother, Hector, in 1956. In 1960, the brother stepped down, and President Balaguer took office. Real power remained with Rafael Trujillo until his assassination in 1961. After that, President Balaguer began liberalizing the government with such changes as legalizing political activities, promoting health and education improvements and instituting modest land reforms. But without the army backing of Trujillo, President Balaguer was too closely identified with the late dictator's unpopular actions to continue in office. He was forced into exile in New York. Juan Bosch, a leftist, became president until overthrown by a military coup. In 1965, Bosch's supporters took to the streets to restore him to power. Chaos seemed to erupt in the nation of 8 million people, which shares its Caribbean island with Haiti. The United States, fearing that a left-leaning Bosch might help turn his nation into another Cuba, dispatched U.S. Marines to the Dominican Republic, supposedly to protect U.S. lives. Those who had begun protesting U.S. involvement in Vietnam added this action to the list of mistakes made by the Johnson administration. The Marines were replaced by an Organization of American States presence, order was restored and President Balaguer returned to his native land. He and his Social Christian Reform Party won the 1966 presidential race, despite charges of fraud, and went on to win two more consecutive terms. Newsweek, which characterized President Balaguer as ``slight, ascetic and sad-eyed,'' reported in 1965 that he was ``neither an orator, nor a schemer,'' adding that many Dominicans considered him ``an honest, kindly reformer.'' President Balaguer lost the 1978 and 1982 presidential races, then was again victorious in 1986. He won reelection in 1996 (defeating Bosch) and in 1994. Two years later, after increasing criticism for vote fraud in the 1994 election, he resigned. He was unsuccessful in a 2000 bid to return to the presidency. President Balaguer received mixed marks as head of his country. Soon after he took office the first time, critics were stifled, many going into exile while others were imprisoned or disappeared. Vote fraud and corruption seemed constants in the Dominican Republic, regardless of who was president. He instituted large-scale public works, including the enormous 1992 Christopher Columbus Lighthouse. President Balaguer also brought about modest reforms and made a weekly habit of walking through his nation's small villages, visiting residents and passing out toys to children and medicine to the sick and listening to the desires of all. Through it all, he managed to largely keep in the good graces of the United States, with the Dominican Republic becoming a huge recipient of U.S. foreign aid. President Balaguer, whose only interests were collies and antique cars, never married and had no children. He wrote books, including volumes of poetry and political science. He was fluent in English and French as well as Spanish. But politics became his life. He was head of his political party until his death, continuing to broker political deals and to counsel not only his party colleagues but other high figures, including presidents, as well. In the 1980s, when foes tried to use his blindness against him during a presidential run, he said, ``I will not be asked to thread needles when in office.'' Joaquin Balaguer Ricardo was born in the small town of Villa Bisono, the only son of eight children. His father was born in Puerto Rico of Castilian descent. His mother was a Dominican of Spanish blood. The future president, who won a poetry award as a teenager, graduated with a degree in philosophy and letters from the Normal School in Santiago and was a 1929 graduate of the University of Santo Domingo law school. He was a state attorney in the land court before entering the foreign service in 1932. He served in Madrid and then in Paris, where he received a doctorate in law and political economy from the University of Paris in 1934. In 1936, he was named undersecretary of state for the presidency. In the 1940s, he served as ambassador to Colombia and Venezuela. He entered the cabinet as secretary of education and culture in 1949 and became secretary of foreign affairs in 1954. He also taught law at the University of Santo Domingo before becoming vice president in 1957 and president in 1960. He defended the Trujillo years as a time when a strong hand was needed to rule a backward nation not yet ready for democracy. Yet in his 1988 autobiography, President Balaguer admitted that his first presidency, when he was the figurehead chief of state for the brutal and bloody Trujillo, was ``the saddest and most humiliating'' time in his political life. President Balaguer also had at times deplored the ``unavoidable excesses'' of his own security forces and deplored corruption, though stoutly maintaining that corruption stopped at his door.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound pleasure that I speak today in honor of the 164th year of Emancipation and the 40th anniversary marking Jamaica's independence from Great Britain. On August 6, 1962, Jamaica won its political independence from the colonial rule of Great Britain. This year, Ambassador Seymour Mullings will be leading the Jamaican and Jamaican-American communities in the United States in their yearly tradition of celebrating freedom from colonialism and slavery. To give a brief history, Jamaica's first inhabitants were the South American Arawak Indians. In 1494, Columbus arrived on the island and claimed the land for Spain. Suffering a similar fate of the nearby Caribbean islands, the Arawak Indians were enslaved or died from diseases carried over by the Spanish settlers during their 160 year reign. In 1655, the island was captured by the British and immediately started the large-scale importation of Africans for slave labor in the sugar plantations. The inhumane nature of slavery made slave revolts a common phenomenon in Jamaica. Both freed and escaped slaves (Maroons) continually fought their British captors for their right to live free. The most famous of these rebellions happened in 1831 by Reverend Sam Sharpe. Known as the ``Christmas Rebellion'', this insurgence lasted for four months and is credited for bringing about the end of slavery. Today, Sam Sharpe is recognized as a national hero in Jamaica. It was not until after the American Colonies declared themselves independent from England in 1776 that the abolition movement began to flourish throughout Jamaica. March 1, 1808 marked the year when slave trade between Africa and Jamaica was abolished by the British Parliament. In 1834, the Emancipation Act officially ended slavery; however, the slaves did not gain complete freedom until four years later on August 1, 1838. Many ex-slaves settled down as small farmers in the Blue Mountains, far away from the plantations they used to cultivate. Those who stayed on the plantations now received compensation for their labor. Struggles over land culminated in the Morant Bay rebellion, leading to the deaths of two Jamaican national heroes: George William Gordon and Paul Bogle, and forcing Great Britain to proclaim Jamaica as a crown colony in 1865. Inspired by the political ideas of Marcus Garvey, a national movement for independence began in the late 1930s. Political parties started forming and years later in 1944, Jamaica was proud to hold its first democratic elections. Over a decade later on August 6, 1962, full political independence was granted, allowing Jamaica, a new member to the British Commonwealth, to draft its own constitution and create a bicameral Parliament with elected representatives and a Prime Minister. Jamaican-born Marcus Garvey was ultimately recognized as one of America's greatest Black leaders. He challenged the myths of racial inferiority and inspired hundreds of thousands of Black American supporters with hope for a better future. It is my hope that this Congress will support my bill, H.Res. 50, to exonerate this internationally renowned leader in the struggle for human rights. I ask my colleagues to join me today in clearing Marcus Garvey's name in honor of Jamaica's Emancipation from slavery and Independence from colonialism. With 4,411 square miles of beautiful beaches, mountains and farms, Jamaica overcame centuries of economic and social struggles to become internationally acclaimed in all aspects of human culture, including tourism, music, and sports. Millions of tourists from all around the world vacation in Jamaica and experience for themselves the beauty that the inhabitants of this great nation get to see year round. Although it is a small island nation of only two million people, Jamaica has had a remarkable impact upon the world of music. With its reggae beat played throughout the world, Jamaica has produced the musical stylings of Harry Belafonte, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley. The country is involved in all sports competitions, including cricket, soccer, basketball, boxing, and even more remote sports like baseball, hockey, and bobsledding. Great Jamaican athletes such as Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis and Patrick Ewing of the New York Knicks have contributed extensively to the American sports culture. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to speak in recognition of what has been accomplished by the people of Jamaica as we celebrate its independence. Jamaica has elevated itself from the perils of slavery and oppression to a country of great power and prestige. As we move forward, I am confident that our friendship with Jamaica will continue well into the future.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I did not know how many other Democrats the distinguished chairman was going to laud here, but I see they all fled the floor. Mr. Speaker, on this historic occasion at two o'clock in the morning, the chairman would like for everyone to believe that we are embarking on a trade agreement that is going to cause the free world to thank us for the great work that we have done. Of course when one would ask how many people in this august body has had the opportunity to read the 304 pages of this bill we are referred to the Web site and e-mail to find out what is here. So I guess basically what the chairman is saying is, do not vote for the bill because we can assume that the Members do not know exactly what is in these 304 pages. What he is suggesting is that Members trust him. So maybe we can staple him to whatever newsletter we are going to send out to tell people what we have done for the free world and how this is going to help the workers. But I doubt very seriously whether we can wave the flag and be so proud of the fact that, when we are talking about international trade, he had to find two Democrats that made it possible, when Democrats in the House are almost half of the House. What we should be doing when we deal with foreign policy and when we deal with trade is to be able to say when that American flag goes up that it was a bipartisan effort that we made; and that deals were not made in the middle of night or Members not selected one or two, but it means that we come together to find out what is in the best interest of the United States of America and not what is in the best interest of the majority. In the final analysis, the work that we do in this House is not the work of Democrats, it is not the work of Republicans, it is the work of the people in the House of Representatives that have a responsibility to deal with the commerce provisions of the United States Constitution. Now, there are some people that may not care what happens in the World Trade Organization. They may say let the executive branch negotiate and we give up these powers. But when the final day is written and it is over and the history is written, it is going to be what did the United States of America do to set standards for the rest of the working people in this world. A lot of people have suffered and died for the right of unions to be able to come and to give us a decent wage, vacation, and all those things. We do not expect that in developing countries, that they would assume our standards. What we do hope is that they would be able to assume our dreams, our aspirations, and be able to do that. On this side of the aisle, we say that should be incorporated in each and every agreement that we have, no matter how undeveloped a country is. But, listen, the best time to talk about our best work is when everyone is sleeping. The best time to talk about what we did is when no one knows what we have done. The best time to bring up a historic bill is 1 a.m. in the morning and debate it until 3 a.m. in the morning. So I guess we are going to find out what happens in this bill at some time, at some place, but this is no way for this Congress to be conducting its business. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means and one who has fought for trade throughout his career. (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior), the former whip.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), the senior member of the New York delegation, and, at the same time, on behalf of the delegation, thank him for the great service he has provided to his country and to this Congress. (Mr. LaFALCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)