Steven Rothman

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republic of Cyprus as it finishes out its first rotation of the European Union Presidency. For a small country like Cyprus, this is a significant event in their history and I want to recognize one of their Presidency's major accomplishments. I would like to thank Cyprus for successfully overseeing the implementation of new European Union sanctions that were imposed on Iran to target their nuclear and ballistic missile program. Iran continues to be a threat to the United States, Europe, and our closest ally in the Middle East--the Jewish State of Israel. These sanctions will go a long way towards ensuring further stability in the Middle East and helping Israel to maintain its security. These are the toughest sanctions yet to be imposed by the EU and I believe they will work in concert with those imposed by the U.S. Congress. Again, I'd like to congratulate the Republic of Cyprus for its oversight of this implementation and overall for a successful first rotation as EU President.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exceptional service of Marc Cevasco, who has served with great distinction on my staff for more than seven years. From his humble start as an intern in my Washington DC office to ultimately serving as my Chief of Staff, Marc has demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic, poise under pressure, tremendous intelligence, and the highest moral character. Over the past seven years he has held nearly every position on my staff and, regardless of the task at hand, always approached his duties with the utmost professionalism. Marc is truly one of the most effective, reliable and ethical people I have ever met. He is also indefatigable, as it was routine for him to be the first one into the office in the morning and the last one to leave at night. As a member of my senior staff, Marc served as my primary policy advisor and directed the legislative staff. In addition, he was responsible for helping me with my top priority as a Member of Congress: ensuring the security of our country. In addition to all his other responsibilities, Marc served, brilliantly, as my staffer on national security issues, managing my work on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Marc was born in Belleville, New Jersey. His parents, Andrew and Doreen Cevasco, raised him and his sister, Alison, and his two brothers, Andrew and Kevin, in Rutherford, New Jersey. He attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, New Jersey and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. While he worked long hours in my office, Marc made time to further advance his education, earning a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College in 2010. Marc and his wonderful wife, Jenna Grant Cevasco, were married last June and they are expecting their first child next spring. Prior to joining my staff, Marc served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Sacramento, California. He worked at a transitional housing agency for homeless individuals who suffered with mental illness and substance abuse. Marc has not forgotten these experiences working with the overlooked and marginalized in our society and he carried the ideals of service and social justice with him to his work on Capitol Hill. Marc has provided indispensable leadership to my staff and has been a trusted voice of counsel to me. He has my deepest respect and greatest appreciation for all of the many contributions he has made to my office and the well-being of my constituents and our country. Mr. Speaker, I would like to formally and forever thank Marc Cevasco for his service to me, to the House of Representatives, to his home state of New Jersey, and to his country.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ira Marks for his dedicated leadership and service to the Borough of Fair Lawn, a community that I have the pleasure of representing in New Jersey's Ninth Congressional District. At the end of the year Ira will be retiring from his position as Director and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Borough, a position he has held since 2006. Mr. Marks is a dedicated public servant and I am pleased to recognize him as he completes his distinguished career. Mr. Marks first began working in the Office of Emergency Management in 1997. Since then he has served as Local Emergency Planning Committee President, Shelter Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, and Emergency Management Coordinator. He has been integral in restoring the borough after several natural disasters, including flooding from Hurricane Irene, and assisting in medical training. Mr. Marks has demonstrated his talent for combining community service with his training and knowledge of the health field to improve the Office of Emergency Management. Furthermore, Ira Marks has served as a volunteer for the Borough of Fair Lawn since 1978 while working in the private sector. He spent 21 years in the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, donating his time and holding the offices of Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Trustee. Among his many accomplishments, Ira aided in obtaining a grant for 10 automated external defibrillators for the training of Fair Lawn police officers. Ira was recognized for his excellent work when he was awarded the Distinguished Volunteer Service Cross in 1995, as well as the Hackensack Medical Center Award for EMS Excellence of Life Saving in 1998. Ira is a graduate of Monmouth University in New Jersey, a veteran of the Army National Guard, and a wonderful New Jerseyan. His extraordinary dedication to public service is an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Ira Marks for his tremendous service to our community. I join with the grateful residents of the Borough of Fair Lawn in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to our community. His leadership and dedication to service have improved the lives of many and I wish him an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents and dear friends, Mr. Anthony Cureton, who is the President of the Bergen County, New Jersey Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). I commend Anthony Cureton for receiving the 2012 Outstanding President Award by the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP and for his continued community service to Northern New Jersey. Anthony Cureton was born in Englewood, New Jersey and completed his early education in the Englewood Public School System, culminating with his graduation from Dwight Morrow High School in 1986. After high school, he was hired by the City of Englewood as a police officer. During his 23 years as an officer, Anthony has had the opportunity to not only ``protect and serve'' the community he grew up in, but to assist and encourage others to seek education and self-improvement. In 1991, Anthony became a mentor to Junior High School students in Englewood, teaching the importance of education, as well as building socialization skills and being a role model for others. Mr. Cureton graduated from New Jersey City University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He has also studied and received advance degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University, University of Notre Dame, and the International City/Council Managers Association University. In 2004, Mr. Cureton graduated from the West Point Command and Leadership Program sponsored by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. As Bergen County NAACP President, Mr. Cureton has been active in addressing a police shooting in Garfield, a series of hate crimes against synagogues, and the layoffs of secretaries and teachers' aides in Englewood. He also helped revive a long-dormant NAACP chapter at Bergen Community College. Mr. Cureton, currently a sergeant with the Englewood Police Department, received the 2012 Outstanding President Award on September 8 at the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP during the annual convention in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Mr. Cureton was chosen from a field of 42 branches, 12 college chapters and 25 youth councils for his excellent stewardship of this local branch and his effective advocacy in the community. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues will join with me in honoring Mr. Anthony Cureton for his admirable service to the community of Bergen County, New Jersey and to his continued commitment to the NAACP.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ms. Shauntiera Douglas, a resident of Garfield, New Jersey, and a fine young scholar-athlete on the occasion of her earning a national title at the New Balance Nationals Track and Field Championship. Ms. Douglas, a senior at Garfield High School, placed first in javelin at Nationals on June 15th and 16th. Inspired by the memory of her niece, Destynne, Ms. Douglas has achieved great recognition in athletics in both Track and Field and basketball. Shauntiera was named ``Female Athlete of the Week'' by the Bergen Record this past February for her leadership and performance on Garfield High School's girls basketball team, in addition to numerous accolades in her main sport, javelin. Ms. Douglas won her first javelin state championship this past year at the New Jersey State Meet of Champions, throwing 150 feet and 3 inches. Her championship is Garfield High School's first javelin state championship and only the second track and field championship in the history of the school. Shauntiera's most important honor, however, came just one month ago at the New Balance National Track and Field Championship in North Carolina, where she threw 148 feet 7 inches, a full 9 inches further than her next competitor, to capture the national championship, beating out the previous record-holder. This high honor is a fitting finish to an impressive, undefeated season. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Shauntiera on her state and national championship titles. Her accomplishments on the field demonstrate her commitment to her team, her love of her sport, and her determination to succeed. I join with all of my constituents in New Jersey in honoring her achievements and wishing her continued success in her athletic and academic endeavors.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Sakellaris, in recognition of his years of service to both the Greek-American community and to all New Jerseyans. It gives me great pleasure to join with the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey in celebrating his achievements at their annual banquet. Mr. Sakellaris was born in Volada on the island of Karpathos and came to America with the last wave of immigration of the decade 1965 1975. He has distinguished himself in his devotion to community involvement, both in the Karpathian community and beyond, serving as a friend and a model of accomplishment. Notably, his outstanding two-year service as chairman of the Karpathian Federation resulted in such a considerable increase of funds that the Foundation was able to purchase the ``Karpathian Home'' in New Jersey. He has also achieved success as a restaurant owner, first with the ownership of Al's Diner in Jersey City and afterwards Lyndhurst Diner in Lyndhurst. As a founding member of Pan Gregorian Enterprises in New Jersey, Mr. Sakellaris was instrumental in the formation of the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey. Through his tireless work with Andres Comodromos, Tassos Efstratiades and the founding Board members, Mr. Sakellaris helped to establish a sound and productive organization. He served as Executive Vice President of the Federation and currently is a Chairman of the Board of Pan Gregorian Enterprises of New Jersey. Throughout his career, Mr. Sakellaris remained enthusiastically involved in political life, taking an active role in supporting several Philhellene political figures in New Jersey, such as Senator Bill Bradley, Senator Robert Menendez and Governor Jim Florio. In 1986, he joined the Michael Dukakis for President Committee, becoming one of the strongest supporters of the Greek American presidential candidate. John Sakellaris has also served the Greek Orthodox Church in many capacities, including his service as a president of the Association of Voladioton ``Saint Anargyroi'' and president of the parish council of Saint Demetrios Church in Jersey City. He was also a member of the Metropolitan Council of the Metropolis of New Jersey. For his selfless service, Mr. Sakellaris was awarded the title of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable work of Mr. John E. Sakellaris, whose service and tireless efforts have touched the lives of the entire Greek-American community in New Jersey. I join with the grateful members of the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey, and all of my constituents in northern New Jersey, in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to the community.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3541, the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2012. Contrary to its misleading title, H.R. 3541 would do nothing to prevent sex discrimination, but instead, would be a huge step backwards for gender equality, by enacting dangerous restrictions on women's reproductive rights. This legislation would place harsh criminal penalties on doctors, asking them to read minds, profile women, violate doctor-patient confidentiality, and make them fearful of providing legal health care. It is a reckless attempt to restrict women's health care rights simply to score political points, and yet another reprehensible example of politicians practicing medicine without a license. American women can and should be trusted to make morally and intellectually sound decisions about their own health.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Calvary Baptist Church. Since its founding in 1927, the church has provided a sanctuary of worship and service to the faithful of Garfield, New Jersey and the surrounding area, and I extend my sincerest congratulations as the proud congregants celebrate the church's 85th anniversary. Under the current visionary leadership of Reverend Calvin McKinney, Calvary Baptist Church carries on the strong tradition of faith, service, and fellowship began by its original members. Its reach extends beyond to those who gather weekly within its walls to worship to all those it services through humanitarian efforts, in the North Jersey area and beyond. Its informed congregation, in matters religious, civic, and political, is a model for the community at-large. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable Calvary Baptist Church, a venerable house of worship that has touched the lives of the faith community and all who live in the Garfield area. I join with the grateful congregants, and all of my constituents in Northern New Jersey, in celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Calvary Baptist Church of North Jersey at Garfield. I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate many more anniversaries with our friends at Calvary Baptist Church.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Calvin McKinney of the Calvary Baptist Church for his unwavering commitment to the development of community and faith in Garfield, New Jersey. I extend my sincerest congratulations to him on the occasion of his June 6, 2012, 40th anniversary of pastoral service to the congregation. Under the visionary leadership of Pastor McKinney, Calvary has established a reputation for its extraordinary humanitarian efforts. In 1998, the Calvary Community Development Center was established to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps in the community by providing clothing, food, and emergency assistance to those in need. Dr. McKinney's faith further inspired him in 2003 to guide his congregation in the construction of a $10 million, 1,500 seat sanctuary which includes educational, fellowship, and administrative complexes. While administering an ever-expanding ministry, Rev. McKinney enjoys a full preaching ministry that has taken him throughout this country, as well as the continents of Africa, Europe, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. One of the most memorable moments in his career came during the Centennial Session of his beloved National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. in Birmingham, Alabama where he was honored with the opportunity to preach in 1980. He served as the youngest Moderator in the history of the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association from 1986 to 1990; and served from 1996 through 2000 in an unprecedented tenure as one of the youngest presidents in the history of the 300,000 member General Baptist Convention of New Jersey. Dr. McKinney's exemplary leadership later earned him the title of President Emeritus. In addition to his role as pastor and a denominational leader in the Baptist Church, Pastor McKinney serves the community in a wide-range of capacities. He presently works on the Governor's staff as Chair of the Commission on Faith-Based Initiatives for the State of New Jersey. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the U.C.C. Day Care Center #100; a trustee of Passaic County Community College; a board member of the Bergen County Urban League, NJ; an executive board member of the Garfield/Lodi Branch of the NAACP, NJ; and a member of Mt. Zion Lodge #50, F. & A.M. (PHA) of Hackensack, NJ. He and his wife Brendalyn are the proud parents of three children: Terence Lamar, Gina Lynelle, and Calvin James; and the proud grandparents of Terence Laquan, Timothy Lamar and Mason James. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable work of Dr. Calvin McKinney, whose tireless efforts have touched the lives of the Calvary Baptist faith community and all who live in the Garfield area. I join with the grateful congregants of the Calvary Baptist Church, and all of my constituents in northern New Jersey, in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to the community.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) final rule detailing requirements for accessible entry and exit for pools and spas under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and in opposition to a provision included in the Commerce, Justice, and Science FY13 Appropriations Bill to inhibit DOJ's enforcement of this important rule. Over twenty years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the accessibility of swimming pools and other recreational facilities remains important to people with disabilities around the country. The 54 million Americans living with disabilities deserve to finally be able to enjoy these facilities to the same extent as others in our society. The Department's process to develop accessibility guidelines for swimming pools began over 7 years ago on September 30, 2004, and the DOJ published the final rule on September 2010 after receiving feedback from all stakeholders and the public. DOJ delayed compliance until May 21, 2012 and issued guidance at the beginning of this year, clarifying the intent of the final rule. The final rule ensures that small, family-owned business are not overburdened, by only requiring installation of fixed pool lifts for existing pools and spas if it is ``readily achievable,'' meaning that it is not overly costly or burdensome. It strikes an appropriate balance between the needs of Americans living with disabilities and our businesses. The need for pools and spas to be accessible for people with disabilities is not a new idea, but one that has been in federal law for more than 2 decades. The requirement to remove barriers to accessibility to swimming pools for people with disabilities has been part of the statutory requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act since it was passed in 1990, almost 22 years ago. The regulatory process is functioning just as it was intended to. People with disabilities should be able to enjoy the same recreational amenities and opportunities as every other American. Delaying the effective date of the regulations any further will mean another season where people with disabilities will be denied the opportunity to use pools when they travel on vacations with their families or on business.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police on 100 years of leading the way in providing the highest level of professional and ethical police services. I join with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police in recognizing their centennial anniversary to commemorate the many years of their outstanding leadership. These servicemen and women are exceptional in both their professional field and community service to the public. The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is one of the oldest, largest and most respected police executive associations in the country. Membership includes the sworn chief executives of local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the state of New Jersey. Since its founding in 1912, the Association has been a driving force for implementation of the latest techniques, technology and methodologies in New Jersey police agencies. In 1945, they began administering professional entry level and promotional examinations for non-civil service police departments. As the responsibilities of the organization continued to grow, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police developed the Command and Leadership Academy in 1993 for law enforcement executives in New Jersey. Striving to uphold its mission of maintaining the highest standards for law enforcement, the Association provides command school, executive and professional development, administrative, management and leadership training for New Jersey police professionals. In that same vein, the Association offers at no cost full portfolios of model policies and resources to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. It also established and administers New Jersey's law enforcement agency accreditation program. In addition to all these services, the association founded, coordinates and hosts the annual New Jersey memorial service for officers killed in the line of duty--the first of its kind in the United States. After a century of service to New Jersey, I join the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police in honoring this exceptional organization and its members who have dedicated themselves to delivering quality service to both the law enforcement community as well as the citizens of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and honor all of its members for their role in keeping this wonderful organization going for so many years. I know I join with all of my constituents in wishing the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police continued success as they proudly serve the communities of New Jersey.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Herbert Dardik, the Chief of Vascular Surgery at Englewood Hospital, in recognition of his designation as honoree at the Englewood Hospital's 2012 Gala. For more than 50 years, Dr. Dardik has demonstrated his abiding commitment to Englewood Hospital and to its patients. He served with distinction as Chief of Surgery from 1984 1995 and from 2000 2011, playing an instrumental role in establishing the surgical program's outstanding record of excellence. During his tenure, Dr. Dardik led pioneering efforts in the field of vascular surgery, developing new techniques to facilitate carotid artery surgery and the umbilical cord vein vascular graft, used worldwide to prevent gangrene and salvage lower limbs. He founded the Vascular Fellowship Program in 1978 and has trained generations of world-class vascular surgeons. Today, Dr. Dardik serves as Chief of Vascular Surgery and as Senior Medical Director of the Hospital's Institute for Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery. He lives in Tenafly with his wife Janet. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable career of Dr. Herbert Dardik, whose tireless efforts have benefited patients everywhere. I join with the grateful guests of the Englewood Hospital Gala, and all of my constituents in northern New Jersey, in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to the good health of our community.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Euro-American Brands, in recognition of its designation as honoree at the Englewood Hospital's 2012 Gala. What began as a childhood passion for sweets today stands as a model for success, ingenuity and perseverance. Founded in 1990 by siblings Dite Van Clief and Tami Targovnik, in partnership with Peter Leiendecker, Paramus, New Jersey-based Euro-American Brands (EAB) is one the nation's premier importers of confections and specialty food products. EAB's love of sweets soared to new heights in 2010. Joining forces with its supplier of 20 years--Ritter Sport, a popular German confectionery brand--they introduced the Strawberry Creme Bar to support the fight against breast cancer: 100% of the profits earned by EAB from sales of the Ritter Sport Strawberry Creme Bar benefit The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Hospital. Their efforts yielded much-needed support for The Breast Center which provides lifesaving medical services to countless women in need. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor this remarkable company, and the great work they are doing in support of the Breast Care Center at Englewood Hospital. I join with the grateful guests of the Englewood Hospital Gala, and all of my constituents in North Jersey, in thanking the Euro-American Brands for its generous contribution to the good health of our community.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. I thank the gentleman for the time. Madam Speaker, today Newark, the State of New Jersey, and the United States of America lost a hero, and the world lost, especially those that needed help, those who were being persecuted, they lost a champion. Don Payne's family, they've lost their patriarch, the strong, gentle, warm, beautiful, handsome hero who held them together all these many years. And like so many others, but in a very special way, I lost, we lost a dear, dear friend. I loved Donald Payne. I know he loved me. We spent many times together as dear friends, buddies, laughing and joking, but also many great times speaking about the very, very serious issues confronting our State, his district, my district, the country, and the world. Donald Payne led an extraordinary life. A young, African American man from very humble beginnings did not have it easy growing up in America and didn't have it easy acquiring political power that enabled him to help everyone, whether it was in Newark or Essex County or New Jersey, the United States or in the world. History will record that this young man from Newark, Donald Payne, literally saved tens of thousands of lives--he did--all over the world. In America, in Africa, and in Northern Ireland. And he was known throughout the world as a champion of the downtrodden, those in need, and a champion of human rights. He was a longshoreman; he was a teacher; he was a waiter. He was an elected official from New Jersey who made us all so proud, but he was a citizen of the world. He was a leader in this world. And he leaves behind a legacy, not only as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, family man, but also as a dear, loving friend. Beneath that strong, serious statesman's demeanor was a warm, charming, funny, irreverent, smart, and great friend. I will miss him very, very much. God bless you, Don Payne, my friend. God bless you, Congressman Donald Payne, you iconic figure for America and the world. We will miss you dearly, but we will never forget you.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey on 100 years of developing girls of courage, confidence, and character. Since its founding in 1912, the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey have both served our community and molded the next generation of women leaders. I join with the Girl Scouts in recognizing their Centennial Celebration--Women of Achievement honorees. These women are exceptional within their professional field and community service to our communities. Lourdes Cortez, President and CEO of North Jersey Federal Credit Union, is the first Hispanic woman to be President of a Federal Credit Union in New Jersey. Tammie A. Horsfield, President of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, is the first full time woman President of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce. Norma Tempel, President of Etched In Stone Waterjet Fabrications, Inc., is the founding member of the New Jersey chapter of Professional Women in Construction. Honorable Camelia M. Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor, is the first Latina county prosecutor in the State of New Jersey, the first woman prosecutor in Passaic County, and the first lead prosecutor of Dominican ancestry in the United States. Toni Zimmer, President of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, is the first African American woman to run for state assembly in Sussex County in Northwest New Jersey. She was also elected the first African American President of the League of Women Voters in New Jersey. Finally, the late Mrs. Frederick Frelinghuysen will be presented with the Mitzi Golbek Spirit of Girl Scouting Award for her early patronage of the Girl Scouts in 1917. After a century of service to Northern New Jersey, I join the Girl Scouts in honoring these outstanding leaders who are paving the way for tomorrow's women. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to celebrate the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey's 100th anniversary and honor all of its volunteers and participants for their role in keeping this wonderful tradition going for so many years. I know I join with all of my constituents in wishing the Girl Scouts continued success as they proudly serve the communities of Northern New Jersey.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. I thank the gentleman from New York for the time. Mr. Speaker, this matter of whether to extend the payroll tax for middle class Americans for 160 million Americans is a no-brainer for most Americans. It has to be done. 160 million Americans should get a tax increase because the Republicans don't want to share the sacrifice of cutting spending and balancing our budget? We have to pay for the sins of the Republican majority who want to balance the American budget on the backs of working class Americans, seniors, veterans, and the middle class? That makes no sense. It's not right. Now, my colleague from the other side of the aisle says that the Democrats want to take money from Social Security to pay for this. That's not true, Mr. Speaker. In my opinion, that is obviously not true. This is from the party, Mr. Speaker, that wanted to privatize Social Security. The Republicans wanted to privatize Social Security, and everyone knows it. I'm not going to yield. The Republicans just voted last year to end Medicare. So the American people are not fooled about whose side the Republicans are on and whose side the Democrats are on, Mr. Speaker. The Democrats are for working people, for the American middle class, for seniors, for veterans, for labor. So the Republicans say, Mr. Speaker, that they want 160 million Americans to have their payroll taxes go up. They want 50 million senior citizens in America to be threatened with the loss of health care because they are going to deny the doctors who treat the seniors full reimbursement for their treatments. And they want to cut unemployment benefits that put food on the table for tens of millions of Americans who are out there looking for work because the Republicans do not want to share the sacrifice. They want to cut spending on the backs of the middle class working Americans and seniors. They voted to privatize Social Security. They voted to end Medicare. Who is anybody kidding when they say that this bill to extend unemployment benefits, to keep the payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans, and to keep seniors having doctors care for them because the doctors will still get full Medicare reimbursement has anything to do with seniors? The Democrats are for Social Security, Medicare, and seniors, and everyone knows it. It's time for our Republican colleagues--I'm a Democrat who voted against TARP and for the car company bailout--to get their priorities straight. Vote for this continuation of unemployment benefits, for unemployment insurance, and full payment to doctors who take care of our Nation's seniors.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend and mentor, Mayor Gerald A. Calabrese of Cliffside Park, in honor of his 87th birthday. Mayor Calabrese is the longest-serving mayor in the state of New Jersey, having begun his 49th year in office in January. After first being elected to the Cliffside Park Borough Council in 1955, Gerry was elected mayor in 1959, and has served continuously as the Borough's chief executive since his reelection in 1965. During Gerry's time as mayor, Cliffside Park has enjoyed unprecedented growth, largely thanks to his leadership. He is well-known for gaining many federal, state, and county grants to help his community. Highlights from his tenure include the building of Cliffside Park's current Borough Hall, the public library, and a senior citizen housing development, which was one of the first of its kind in New Jersey to be built using federal grants. Moreover, Gerry has proven his strong leadership by finding other innovative ways to improve his community while saving the taxpayers money. Under his guidance, Cliffside Park is about to embark on a major redevelopment program by building a joint DPW facility with neighboring Fairview. Cliffside Park and Fairview are the first communities in the state to combine their DPW facilities. Not only was a new facility desperately needed, but by vacating the property the DPW currently sits on, the town made valuable land available for development which will now go on the tax rolls. In addition to his public service in Cliffside Park, Gerry served in the Navy and is a member of the American Legion Post 126 as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the AmVets. He is also a former professional basketball player, having played for the Syracuse Nationals during the 1951 and 1952 seasons. Gerry was inducted into St. John's Athletic Hall of Fame for his years on the basketball team. Mayor Gerald A. Calabrese is the pinnacle of integrity and effectiveness. It is no wonder that he received two standing ovations during his swearing-in ceremony in January of this year and has been called a ``second father'' and ``iconic public servant'' by so many respected public officials. Mayor Calabrese has been a role model for me, as he has been for so many others in New Jersey whom Gerry has helped during their careers. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the birthday of my constituent and dear friend, Mayor Gerald A. Calabrese. I join with the grateful residents of Cliffside Park in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to our community.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, County Surrogate Michael Raymond Dressler, for his dedicated leadership and service to our community as the recently re-elected Judge of the Surrogate's Court of Bergen County. Surrogate Dressler has committed himself to a life of public service and I am pleased to recognize him as he continues his distinguished career. Surrogate Dressler was first elected to be the Bergen County Surrogate Court Judge in 1996. Since then, the public has demonstrated their resounding approval for his work, re-electing him in 2001, 2006, and yet again in 2011. While in office, Judge Dressler has demonstrated his talent for combining innovative community service with reasoned fiscal responsibility. Among many other first's, he created the first Guardianship Monitoring Program in Bergen County, which utilizes volunteers to monitor the work of Court appointed guardians, ensuring they care for the frail and elderly as promised. Surrogate Dressler also organized the creation of the Surrogate Court's Satellite Office Program in which the services of the Surrogate Court are brought directly to municipalities such as Fort Lee, Ridgewood, Wallington, Norwood and Park Ridge. Surrogate Court employees offer services such as probating of wills and administering estates to those who cannot make the trip to the Surrogate Court in Hackensack. These innovative programs are operated and maintained at no additional taxpayer cost. Also, as a lifetime advocate for education, Judge Dressler spends a great deal of time promoting awareness of the probate process, the necessity of a Will and other documents, through his speaking tours, addressing numerous civic groups and service organizations. His publication of a comprehensive booklet entitled ``How to Probate a Will in Bergen County,'' is available to all Bergen County residents in English, Spanish, and Korean. These initiatives are just a few of many examples that reflect how his hard work extends well beyond the walls of his office. As Surrogate, Michael Dressler was elected by his peers and served as President of the Constitutional Officers of New Jersey. He presently serves as a member of the New Jersey Highlands Council. He was honored as the YMCA of Greater Bergen County's Person of the Year in 2009. Mike Dressler was first elected to public office as Councilman of Cresskill in 1974. In 1983, the people of Cresskill elected him to serve as their Mayor, a position he held until 1991. That same year he was the youngest person ever appointed to the position of Counsel to the County of Bergen--New Jersey's most populous county. His extraordinary dedication to public service serves as an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my dear friend, Surrogate Michael Raymond Dressler, on another re-election. I join with the grateful residents of Bergen County in thanking him for his innumerable contributions to our community. I am confident that his leadership and dedication to service will continue to improve the lives of countless New Jerseyans.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, Freeholder Bernadette P. McPherson, for her service to our community as an elected member of Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Bernadette has dedicated herself in service to her community, and I am pleased to recognize her as she completes another chapter in her distinguished career. In 1999, Bernadette was elected Councilwoman in the Borough of Rutherford, serving as the first female Fire Department Liaison. She also served as the Borough's Mayor from 2000 until 2007. Bernadette was first elected to the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2002, serving as the Board's Freeholder Chairwoman from 2002 through the 2006 term. She currently chairs both the Law and Public Safety Committee and the Organization and Internal Affairs Committee. Freeholder McPherson is also a member of the Budget and Finance, Cultural and Historic Affairs, Veterans Liaison, and New Jersey Legislature committees. Bernadette graduated Magna Cum Laude from LaSalle University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English in 1983. She attended both Seton Hall Law School and then Temple University School of Law where she earned her J.D. in 1986. Bernadette has lived in Rutherford since 1987 with her husband David, an outstanding and highly-regarded attorney, and their four wonderful children. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my dear friend and constituent, Freeholder Bernadette McPherson, on her final Freeholder meeting. I join with all her family and friends, as well as the grateful residents of Bergen County in thanking her for innumerable contributions to our community.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, Robert F. Halsch, in honor of his 30th anniversary with the Bergen County Community Action Partnership. Since 1984, Bob has provided exceptional leadership to this multi- faceted anti-poverty organization. As Executive Director he is responsible for supervising 250 employees who run programs related to health, housing, mental health, substance abuse, education, child care, Head Start, immigration, nutrition, energy, asset development, and economic and community development. Highlights from his tenure include the opening of new Head Start sites, creating a new Federally Qualified Health Center and chartering the first new federal credit union in New Jersey in two decades. Under Bob's leadership, Bergen County CAP was selected as the inaugural recipient of the 1st Annual Charles E. Braithwait Award for Leadership by the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) for creating new models for economic opportunity for low-income families and the agencies that serve them. Bob is also the founder and CEO of Community Housing in Partnership, Inc. (CHIP), a HUD certified Community Housing Development Organization created in 1989. This is a New Jersey not-for-profit real estate development company that has developed affordable housing for persons with special needs, homeless persons in transition, older adults, first time homebuyers and low-income renters. Acting as the designated developer for the Jersey City Redevelopment Authority, CHIP recently completed the re-development of a city block in an economically distressed area of the city. Furthermore, in partnership with the National Community Action Foundation and Southern New Hampshire University, Bob helped initiate a master's program for the benefit of the Community Action Agency Network. Community Action Agency employees from around the Nation have been working toward their master's degrees through this online program. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my dear friend, Robert F. Halsch, on his 30th anniversary as Executive Director of the Bergen County Community Action Partnership. I join with the grateful residents of Bergen County in thanking him for innumerable contributions to the development of our community. I am confident that his leadership and dedication to service will continue to be a blessing to countless New Jerseyans in need.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about common cents. Currently it costs more than a penny for the U.S. Mint to make a one cent coin and more than a nickel to make the five cent piece. This problem is currently being examined at the request of the U.S. Mint. Over the next two years, a Pennsylvania company has been contracted by the Mint to conduct research and development for more economical alternative metallic materials for the production of all circulating coins. As this study begins, I would like to submit into the Record one possible solution, offered by David L. Ganz, a friend of mine, a member of the Board of Freeholders of Bergen County, N.J., and a former president of the American Numismatic Association. In an op-ed in the Sunday New York Times from August 21, 2011, Mr. Ganz took on the issue of the penny and proposes a specific solution, which I hope that the study will review along with other alternatives. [From New York Times, Aug. 20, 2011] Penny Foolish (By David L. Ganz) In this time of fiscal strain, Americans can find some savings by simply looking in their purses and pockets. Because of increases in commodity prices, it now costs more than one cent to make a penny and more than five cents to make a nickel. The United States Mint, sensitive to the risks of changing the composition and feel of our coinage, has been reluctant to revise the composition of these two coins. But that is precisely what the Mint--which last year produced 4 billion pennies and 490 million nickels--should do. While eliminating the penny has been debated for decades, it is not a realistic option; the penny has tremendous symbolic value and removing it would have the effect of raising prices--particularly for people of modest means, who use currency the most--because retailers would round up. Reducing the size of the coins is impractical because of the cost of recalibrating vending machines and the need to ensure that the coin is not interchangeable with any foreign coin. Changing the composition of the penny by using less costly materials is the only feasible alternative. The Mint, part of the Treasury Department, has changed the size or composition of the cent more than a dozen times since 1793. Two of the most recent alterations were the switch to zinc-coated steel in 1943, caused by the wartime shortage of copper, and the switch to zinc with copper plating in 1982, a response to rising commodity prices. Past debates have brought forth a variety of unconventional suggestions: plastic (used as sales-tax tokens--representing fractions of a cent--in the 1930s, but cheap-looking), industrial porcelain (Germany and Thailand tried this, but it breaks easily); and vulcanite rubber (used as currency in Guatemala early in the last century, but too exotic for American tastes). Metallic alloys are probably the best choice for a new- composition penny and nickel. The precise choice needs to reflect four values: cost effectiveness, security of supply, aesthetic acceptability and minimal disruption to vending machines. (Pennies are not commonly accepted by machines, but are sometimes inserted anyway; a penny of a different composition could cause machines to jam.) In a 1976 study of the penny, the Research Triangle Institute rejected chromium, tin, titanium, copper-aluminum- nickel-zinc derivatives and zinc mixtures. At current prices, none of these would be cost-effective. In practical terms, that leaves two basic metallic groups: an aluminum alloy, which is better, heavier and stronger than the pure aluminum cent proposed in the 1970s, but still expensive, and steel, which is the clear favorite for affordability and security, but poses technical challenges. The best approach is to meld the two. Aluminized steel is ideal because it is available coiled--squeezed by rollers and then put into a lasso-like form that can be fed directly into a coining press. It would work for the penny and the nickel-- and the dime, if it is ever threatened. Let's use a new aluminized-steel alloy that allows the Mint to produce an affordable penny. Ideally, this would be accompanied by a redesign, and a collector's-edition one-cent coin made of gold and silver. This would complement the success the Mint has had with the state quarters program and with collectors' coins made of precious metals. Contrary to the song, pennies do not come from heaven. Ours come from the Mint, which must supply them now and in the future. Let's reintroduce the penny as a coin that matters, and put its production on a sounder financial footing.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Sungbae Ju, for his exemplary public service and devotion to the performing arts. Dr. Sungbae Ju is the President of both the Garden State Opera and The Figaro Group, and is an accomplished musician. He holds a Masters Degree from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, a Doctoral Degree from the Yeshua Theological Seminary and an Honorary Doctor Degree from the Universidad Christiana De Bolivia. He has experienced unmatched levels of professional success, including performances at notable New York and New Jersey performances venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the New Jersey and Bergen Performing Arts Centers. He has also performed in operas including ``The Barber of Seville'' and ``Rigoletto'' with singers from the Metropolitan Opera. Dr. Ju and his family are members of the New Jersey State Opera, and are widely renowned and respected for their numerous recitals to benefit worthy causes throughout the nation. Dr. Ju has always tried to use music as a tool for improving and developing communities. With that in mind, Dr. Ju and others formed the Garden State Opera, Inc., a non- profit organization that aims to unify the community with music in order to aid those in our global community who live without food, hope, human rights and with the threat of disease, terror, poverty and war. In addition to the Garden State Opera, Dr. Ju and his family have volunteered their musical talents and services at over 130 events, including various holiday concerts and Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Celebrations at the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police, NJ State Police, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Air Marshal Service in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Labor Department, Bergen County Public Safety Institute, Honor Legion Police Department and for many Asian and Korean-American communities. Dr. Ju is also involved with many other cultural organizations throughout Bergen County including his positions as Chairman of the Korean American Day in New Jersey, Event Chairman of Northern-Eastern Korean Festival at New Overpeck Park, and Board Member of the Multi- Cultural Committee in the Bergen County Sheriff's Department. Additionally, he has received a multitude of awards from Members of Congress, the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly, the Newark and New York divisions of the FBI, the DEA in New Jersey, the TSA, the Federal Air Marshall Service, the U.S. Labor Department, the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police, the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, the Ambassador of Taiwan Consul General, and the Bergen County Public Safety Institute. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Dr. Sungbae Ju, and thank him for his devotion to the performing arts, the Korean-American community, and the American community at large, both in the great State of New Jersey and across the Nation.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for the repeal of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'' Today, we are one step closer to our nation's promise of liberty and justice for all people. The repeal of this misguided policy has ensured that our country's laws are applied equally and that gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members will no longer have to lie about who they are in order to serve their country. It will also enhance our national security. As a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I believe that one of my most important jobs is to ensure that the U.S. armed forces remain the best equipped, best prepared, and most powerful in the world. By sending home more than 13,500 motivated and qualified patriotic service members since 1994, who were willing and fit to serve this country, ``Don't Ask Don't Tell'' has without a doubt weakened our military. I was privileged to have had the opportunity to vote in favor of its repeal. Today, all those in our society who are ready, able, and willing to serve in the U.S. military will be guaranteed their right to do so. The U.S. Constitution, specifically the 14th Amendment, requires the government to apply our laws equally. Now, only negative conduct, not one's sexual orientation, will be grounds for dismissal from our nation's military. Investing many millions of dollars to train these individuals and then dismissing them, in the absence of bad conduct, has wasted many millions of precious taxpayer dollars and compromised our national security. As we celebrate this major milestone, many formerly discharged service members will reenter the armed services to serve alongside their friends and military family. We must ensure that the U.S. military treats all of our service members equally. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals must have access to the same rights as their hererosexual peers. Anything less is unacceptable and utterly un- American.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. I thank my distinguished chairman and the ranking member for this conversation. Madam Speaker, Congress has found the money over the years for disaster relief for all other parts of the country time and time again, whether it was forest fires in the West, droughts in the Southwest, flooding in the Midwest, tornados in the South. Now the Republican majority in the House of Representatives says that when the Northeast suffers devastating flooding as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, you won't get enough to cover all of your damages and we're going to have to cut other investments in programs that create manufacturing jobs in America. That's simply outrageous. I saw firsthand the devastation that occurred in my district in northeastern New Jersey. Thousands of my constituents lost their possessions, were forced to evacuate from their homes or were without power for days, and critical infrastructure was damaged. Recovery efforts are beyond the means of the State and local governments. Our neighbors, our local communities, our local businesses need Federal help to rebuild and they need it now in full, just like every other part of the country in all the years past. This is not a partisan matter in the Northeast. My Republican Governor, Governor Chris Christie from New Jersey, said our people are suffering now and they need Federal support now, and he was right. It is time to meet the disaster needs of American citizens in New Jersey, in northeastern United States of America, to do so now and in full. And the Republican majority should get rid of the bill it has now--which I'm going to vote against--and give full relief to the American people from New Jersey. We've been paying the tab for others for a long time. We need the help now.

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey

Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, the Jewish State of Israel is essential to America's national security. The Jewish State of Israel guards the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, and helps us with the oil and other activities in the Persian Gulf near Iran. Our relationship is mutually dependent, and so extremely important to both countries' vital national security. But what's happening this week at the U.N., the Palestinians are going to the U.N. to avoid negotiating a peace agreement with Israel. The Palestinians want the U.N. to do what they won't do, negotiate a peace agreement. Yet the Palestinians are made up of Hamas and Fatah. Hamas is a terrorist group with the blood of innocent Americans on their hands. Hamas' charter says they will never recognize Israel's right to exist. Fatah is coming to the U.N. through their President Abbas, even though President Obama and the Congress have said, Go negotiate peace with Israel. Why would the Palestinians do that to the United States' vital national security interests and America's best friend in the region, the Jewish State of Israel? Because they are refusing to make an agreement to live in peace with the Jewish State. The Congress has spoken. We will withdraw aid from the Palestinians, and the Palestinian people will suffer. The Palestinian leadership must withdraw from the U.N. and go to the negotiating table without pre- conditions with the Jewish State of Israel.