José Serrano

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great p1easure that I rise today to pay tribute to the Sports Foundation, Inc. (SFI), a non-profit organization in the Bronx that will hold its 16th Annual ``Claude Buddy Young Dinner'' in acknowledgement of community leadership, on June 30th, 2005. Using sports, education, health and the athletic arena as a model, Sports Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people by developing innovative programs that foster development of the skills and qualities necessary to produce socially responsible citizens and community leaders. Since 1969, SFI has provided a full spectrum of youth development services and events to urban and at-risk youth, including sports and recreation, counseling and mentoring, educational and career development, and drug prevention and health awareness services free of charge. Through these services SFI has been able to impact over 100,000 young people. The success that this organization has enjoyed over the past 36 years is due in large part to the great people who make up SFI. If it were not for their tireless efforts to empower the next generation of leaders, SFI would be nothing more than a great idea. I am proud to represent individuals who have the courage and conviction to take action when they see the need for improvement within the community. Mr. Speaker, on June 30th, SFI will hold its annual dinner in which they pay tribute to individuals within the community who have complemented their efforts in the South Bronx. This year's honorees includes a wide array of influential leaders, including the late Yolanda Garcia, whose good works helped to provide adequate housing and cleaner air for Bronx residents. It is my hope that SFI and all of this year's honorees will continue to serve as a bridge between despair and hope for young people living in the South Bronx. Mr. Speaker, as they celebrate their 16th Annual ``Claude Buddy Young Dinner'', I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the Sports Foundation Inc. for more than thirty-six years of service to the youth of the South Bronx.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. 1. Sergeant Gerardo Moreno 2. Sergeant Lee Duane Todacheene 3. Petty Officer Third Class Fernando A. Mendez-Aceves 4. Staff Sergeant George S. Rentschler 5. Specialist Tyanna S. Felder 6. Captain Brent L. Morel 7. Sergeant First Class Marvin Lee Miller 8. Private First Class Christopher D. Mabry 9. Sergeant First Class William W. Labadie Jr. 10. Specialist Isaac Michael Nieves 11. Staff Sergeant William M. Harrell 12. Lance Corporal Phillip E. Frank 13. Lance Corporal Levi T. Angell 14. Lance Corporal Christopher B. Wasser 15. Corporal Nicholas J. Dieruf 16. Lance Corporal Michael B. Wafford 17. First Lieutenant Joshua M. Palmer 18. Specialist Jonathan Roy Kephart 19. Sergeant Felix M. Delgreco 20. Corporal Matthew E. Matula 21. Lance Corporal Elias Torrez III 22. Corporal Michael Raymond Speer 23. Private First Class Chance R. Phelps 24. Private First Class Eric A. Ayon 25. Staff Sergeant Don Steven McMahan 26. Specialist Michelle M. Witmer 27. Specialist Peter G. Enos 28. Private First Class Gregory R. Goodrich 29. Staff Sergeant Toby W. Mallet 30. Specialist Allen Jeffrey ``A.J.'' Vandayburg 31. Staff Sergeant Raymond Edison Jones Jr. 32. Sergeant Elmer C. Krause 33. Airman First Class Antoine J. Holt 34. Specialist Adolf C. Carballo 35. Specialist Justin W. Johnson 36. Sergeant William C. Eckhart 37. Private First Class George D. Torres 38. First Lieutenant Oscar Jimenez 39. Lance Corporal Torrey L. Gray 40. Corporal Daniel R. Amaya 41. Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence S. Colton 42. Chief Warrant Officer Wesley C. Fortenberry 43. Private First Class Nathan P. Brown 44. Sergeant Major Michael Boyd Stack 45. Lance Corporal Robert Paul Zurheide Jr. 46. Lance Corporal Brad S. Shuder 47. Private Noah L. Boye 48. Corporal Kevin T. Kolm 49. Staff Sergeant Victor A. Rosaleslomeli 50. Specialist Richard K. Trevithick 51. Sergeant Christopher Ramirez 52. Specialist Frank K. Rivers Jr. 53. Staff Sergeant Jimmy J. Arroyave 54. Sergeant Brian M. Wood 55. Specialist Dennis B. Morgan 56. Specialist Michael A. McGlothin 57. Specialist Marvin A. Camposiles 58. Private First Class Clayton Welch Henson 59. First Lieutenant Robert L. Henderson II 60. Sergeant Jonathan N. Hartman 61. Staff Sergeant Edward W. Carman 62. Lance Corporal Gary F. Van Leuven 63. Lance Corporal Ruben Valdez Jr. 64. Lance Corporal Michael J. Smith Jr. 65. Captain Richard J. Gannon II 66. Corporal Christopher A. Gibson 67. Private First Class Leroy Harris-Kelly 68. First Sergeant Bradley C. Fox 69. Specialist Christopher D. Gelineau 70. Corporal Jason L. Dunham 71. Private First Class Shawn C. Edwards 72. Staff Sergeant Cory W. Brooks 73. Petty Officer Third Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal 74. Petty Officer Second Class Christopher E. Watts 75. Petty Officer First Class Michael J. Pernaselli 76. Staff Sergeant Stacey C. Brandon 77. Staff Sergeant Billy J. Orton 78. Chief Warrant Officer Patrick W. Kordsmeier 79. Captain Arthur L. ``Bo'' Felder 80. Specialist Kenneth A. Melton 81. Lance Corporal Aaron C. Austin 82. Sergeant Sherwood R. Baker 83. Sergeant Lawrence A. Roukey 84. Staff Sergeant Abraham D. Penamedina Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished Members from both sides of the aisle who have participated tonight. I would also like to thank the veterans and their families who have contacted my office to express their support for this effort, and other Members' office. Unfortunately, a single hour is not enough time to recognize each of our fallen citizens. My colleagues and I will continue this tribute on Monday evening for as many tomorrows as it takes to properly thank those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation. I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of my colleagues to thank the brave men and women who continue to serve our Nation in both Iraq, Afghanistan, and overseas. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families in these times.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment. The irony of this amendment would be amusing if its implications were not so serious. On one hand, we are providing SCAAP funding to help our States and localities incarcerate criminal aliens that pose a danger to our communities; yet, on the other hand, the gentleman's amendment would make it harder for our State and local law enforcement agencies to catch criminals in the first place. Many law enforcement agencies have carefully built a relationship of trust with their immigrant communities over the years. If we were to damage this trust by confusing a State's law enforcement roles with Federal immigration enforcement roles, we would be hampering the ability of our police departments to perform their primary function: protecting communities from crime. That is why police departments in our districts do not want this amendment. The amendment would have a chilling effect on immigrants' willingness to report crimes and cooperate with government overall, because immigrants are less likely to come forward with tips or to testify as witnesses if doing so could lead to deportation or other adverse consequences. The effects of the amendment would be devastating. Law enforcement agencies, whether performing counterterrorism or other public safety functions, must rely on cooperation from immigrant communities to operate effectively. Furthermore, the harm of this amendment would extend beyond law enforcement. Public health could be harmed if, out of fear of being reported to the INS, immigrants were reluctant to make use of State and local services. For instance, I imagine many communities throughout the Nation consider it in the best interest of all of its residents, documented or not, to ensure that everyone gets a vaccine shot for their children from city hospitals. If an undocumented person were presented a choice between deportation and risking illness, I am sure that person would make a choice that is not in the best interest of the community. In closing, please understand law enforcement gets information and wants information from the immigrant community. If they now become Federal immigration officers, that information will not be forthcoming.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. I understand that, Mr. Chairman, and with a prior agreement, I do not know if it was manifested through the Chair, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan) has ceded that position to me for the time being.

Mr. SERRANO. Then I will stand corrected and very quietly sit down.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I also rise in opposition to the amendment. I think that as our country asks other nations throughout the world to join us in the fight against terrorism, we should be trying in every way possible to bring people closer to us, not to separate ourselves. Now, granted, there are many people here, and many people throughout the diplomatic world, that have problems and concerns about the way the U.N. is functioning right now; but it is still better to be a very active member of the U.N. rather than in opposition to the U.N. The U.N. is still the only body on Earth capable of dealing with so many of these issues. And rather than run them out of town, rather than continue to put ourselves in arrears, which we, under the leadership of the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Wolf), accomplished recently, to take our country out of arrears at the U.N. in terms of our dues, this would put us right back in; and I just think it is the wrong message. Are there problems? Yes. Should we address them? Absolutely. Should we demand reform? Absolutely. But we do not demand reform by withdrawing, but rather by staying involved.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).

Mr. SERRANO. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the bill providing appropriations for the science agencies, the Department of State, Justice and Commerce and several related agencies for fiscal year 2006. As in past years, I wish our 302(b) allocation could have been more generous, but that is not the fault of this committee. However, I am impressed with how much the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Wolf) was able to accomplish with the allocation he was given. I would also like to say what a pleasure it has been to work with the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Wolf) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan) and the outstanding majority and minority staff on this bill. On this subcommittee, there is an excellent working relationship among all of the members, and I credit the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for that. Many important priorities were funded in this bill, and some of the highlights include increases for counterterrorism and counterintelligence activities at the FBI, restored funding for DEA's mobile enforcement teams, and the demand reduction assistance, much more than requested for the MEP program, funding levels for NOAA that I hope we can continue to increase as we move through the process, significant increases for NASA and the National Science Foundation, full funding at the requested level of $1.3 billion for international peacekeeping activities, a wonderful way, in my opinion, for us to use our military and our resources, contributions to international organizations that I hope can be increased to the requested level before the final bill is completed. I would be remiss, however, if I did not express concern about the burdens on the Legal Services Corporation from restrictions on their use of non-Federal funds. But I am pleased that funding was provided at last year's level and above the administration's request. Some needs will go unfunded at SBA, and the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), the ranking member, will speak to that in a short time. But fortunately, the committee was able to provide funding for the microloan program. Again, Mr. Chairman, I congratulate both the ranking member and the chairman for a good bill, and I will support it.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to baseball legend Luis Rodriguez Mayoral. For his outstanding service to the game of baseball, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade will honor Mr. Mayoral by having him serve as the Puerto Rican Grand Marshall for the world-famous parade June 12, 2005 in New York City. Mayoral has been involved in baseball for over thirty years as a scout, manager, journalist and author. Throughout his many years of service to the game, he has had a positive and important impact on the sport and many of its players. Mayoral's resume is long and impressive. He served as a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox from 1972 to 1980 and as General Manager for the Arecibo and San Juan Baseball clubs in Puerto Rico from 1983-1985. He has also served as director of Spanish broadcasting for the Texas Rangers and as Latin American Liaison for the Detroit Tigers. In addition to this experience, Mayoral has been an important baseball broadcaster and journalist. He has broadcast over 2,000 baseball games for CBS, including All-Star and World Series games, and served as chief baseball correspondent for Puerto Rico's EI Vocero newspaper for 18 years. He also found the time to write five books about baseball including a well received biography of the late, great Roberto Clemente. As a result of his hard work and dedication, Mayoral has received numerous honors and awards. He has been honored by the Puerto Rican, Mexican and Laredo-Texas Halls of Fame. He was also a guest of President George W. Bush in the White House in 2001 and was named Puerto Rico's Sports Commentator of the Year. Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues already know, I have a deep love and respect for the game of baseball. It is my belief that it is not just a game but an institution that has helped to bridge the gap between generations of Americans. As a lover of the game, I have a deep respect for all those who have had a hand in building and sustaining this uniquely American institution. While the players get all the attention, people like Luis Mayoral play a key role in making the game what it is by finding the players, bringing the joys of the game to the people, and expanding its accessibility. Mayoral's efforts have not only helped to bring new talent to the game but also new insight. For his many years of service to the game of baseball, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Luis Rodriguez Mayoral.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to the 47th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, which will be held on June 12, 2005 in New York City. This parade, which celebrates the heritage of the Puerto Rican people, is one of the largest outdoor events in the United States. The first New York Puerto Rican Day parade, held on Sunday, April 12, 1958 in ``El Barrio'' in Manhattan was a wonderful event presented in the heart of the city's Puerto Rican community. In 1995, the overwhelming success of the parade prompted organizers to increase its size, and transform it into a national affair now known as the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. This magnificent New York institution now includes participation from delegates representing thirty one states, including Alaska and Hawaii and attracts over 3 million parade goers every year. The great success that this parade has enjoyed over the years is a result of the tireless work of many individuals from all walks of life--who are dedicated to preserving and celebrating Puerto Rican heritage and culture. Leading this effort is the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1995 with the mission of increasing the self awareness and pride of the Puerto Rican people in order to promote economic development, education, cultural recognition, and advancement. The Parade up New York's Fifth Avenue, while certainly the most visible aspect of the celebration of the Puerto Rican people, is not the only event associated with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.'s activities. More than 10,000 people each year attend a variety of award ceremonies, banquets and cultural events which not only help to highlight but also strengthen the special relationship shared by Puerto Ricans and the City of New York. Over the years, the two have developed a symbiotic relationship--Puerto Ricans sharing a vibrant and beautiful culture and helping to turn New York into a bilingual city and the City of New York helping Puerto Ricans to flourish economically, politically and culturally. The annual parade captures the spirit of this special relationship and celebrates its success. Mr. Speaker, as a Puerto Rican, a New Yorker, and a Member of Congress, it is an honor to participate in this national event every year in which thousands of individuals march along Fifth Avenue in celebration. The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is a communal cultural treasure, national in scope and impact, and one that unites all New Yorkers. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Puerto Rican people and to all who have worked to ensure that the upcoming parade is a success.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are a constant reminder of the high cost of war. As they have done throughout America's history, selfless men and women continue to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We as Americans may disagree on when, where, or if the country should go to war but we must all agree that the men and women who stand ready to sacrifice their lives for their Nation deserve nothing less than the respect and admiration of us all. As we commemorate the contributions of our fallen soldiers on this Memorial Day, I want to pay special tribute to Sergeant Cornelius Charlton and Private First Class William Thompson, two brave African American soldiers from the South Bronx who were posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their outstanding service in the Korean War. The stories of these two soldiers are dramatic but largely unknown. Sergeant Charlton was living in the Bronx, New York when he enlisted. Originally assigned to a desk job, Charlton volunteered for combat duty with Company C of the 24th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division. On June 2, 1951, Charlton's platoon commander was wounded and evacuated from the field. Charlton took command of the unit's assault against Hill 543 and knocked out two enemy positions. Even though he had suffered a serious wound, Charlton led a third charge to capture the hill. Without regard for his own safety, he personally attacked the last enemy position on the other side of the hill. Fatally wounded by a grenade, Charlton struggled onward and single handedly took out the enemy. As a result of his indomitable courage, superb leadership, and gallant self sacrifice, Sergeant Charlton was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor. Private First Class Thompson enlisted in the army in 1945 at the young age of 18. His address at time of enlistment was the Home for Homeless Boys in the Bronx. Thompson was described by his friends as being helpful and cheerful but few if any of his friends believed he could succeed as a soldier. However, he proved them all wrong. On August 2, 1951 near Haman, Korea, enemy forces mounted a surprise attack on Pfc. Thompson's unit. Acting quickly and decisively, Thompson set up his machine gun in the path of the onslaught and pinned down the enemy, giving his unit time to withdraw to a more tenable position. Although hit repeatedly by enemy fire, he continued to return fire until he was mortally wounded by an enemy grenade. Thompson's dauntless courage and gallant self sacrifice saved the lives of many in his unit and earned him a posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor. What makes the stories of these two men so outstanding is the fact they were African Americans fighting for a country that refused to fight for them. These two men epitomized every characteristic we expect our soldiers to possess: selflessness, dignity, courage and honor. Mr. Speaker, fortunately, there is a group of dedicated veterans, the Friends of Charlton Garden, who are working tirelessly to preserve the memory of these fallen heroes in the Bronx by establishing a memorial park aptly named the Charlton-Thompson Korean War Veterans Memorial. I am proud of the work that the Friends of Charlton Garden are doing to ensure this monument stands as a symbol of gratitude to the selfless acts of heroism displayed by all of our fallen soldiers, and I know in my heart that we as a legislative body must do more to supplement their good works. I'm sure that the Friends of Charlton Garden would agree that we can build no monument large or grand enough to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. The closest we can come to repaying these soldiers is to work to ensure that the world knows war no more. As idealistic and impossible as it may seem it is what their souls cry out for. So, Mr. Speaker, it is what I will continue to work for and it is what I ask my colleagues to work for. Surely, there can be no greater monument to our soldiers than peace.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo) for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, first off I would like to compliment the gentleman from Kentucky (Chairman Rogers) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo), for their hard work on this bill. The bill's top line total is $1.3 billion, or 4 percent above the President's request, and $1.7 billion, nearly 6 percent above this year's enacted level. The bill achieves these numbers without conceding to the President's request to increase the Federal security surcharge on airline tickets by $3. Mr. Chairman, I want to strongly state my support for the efforts of the gentleman from Kentucky (Chairman Rogers) in this bill to ensure accountability, which is long overdue. I understand that the top management at DHS has had a very difficult management task on their plate from day 1, pulling together all of these different agencies and making sure that they play and work well together. I believe, however, that these challenges are cause for more, not less oversight on the part of the Congress. After September 11, Congress voted to grant the Department of Homeland Security a broad scope of authorities. This means that if managed properly, the Department is uniquely positioned to protect us from terrorism. On the other hand, if managed improperly, it is also uniquely positioned to do great harm. For instance, since the PATRIOT Act and the Homeland Security Act, I, along with many others in this body, have spoken out constantly on the need for our antiterrorist agencies to safeguard our constitutional rights and civil liberties. Mr Chairman, I believe that if in the process of getting the bad guys we step and throw away the Constitution, eventually it is the terrorists who would have won the battle. Congress is the most essential body for protecting Americans from these types of excesses and missteps by the Department. Furthermore, the American people have also charged us with ensuring that every dollar that the government spends, especially on something like homeland security, is spent in a way that yields the most benefit. The most significant way that we in Congress carry out this vital task is by controlling the way the money is spent, and that is what the gentleman from Kentucky (Chairman Rogers) has spoken to for so many times with the support of the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo). We cannot just open up this new part of our funding, if you will, in this Congress and dole out all of these dollars without having some accountability. The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo) and especially the gentleman from Kentucky (Chairman Rogers) well understand that this is not our personal money, this is the taxpayers' dollars, and the taxpayers complain a lot about how we spend the money. This time we have a new department, new agency, new spending sources, new funding levels, and we can from day 1 try to pull the strings in and have some control. So I would hope that today, during this debate, those who may be officially or personally offended about how some things happen around here understand that there is a greater task; that is, the protection of the people and the protection of the taxpayer. First off, I would like to commend Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Sabo for their hard work on this bill. The bill's top line total is $1.3 billion (4 percent) above the president's request and $1.7 billion (nearly 6 percent) above this year's enacted level. The bill achieves these numbers without conceding to the President's request to increase the federal security surcharge on airline tickets by $3. I am strongly supportive of Chairman Rogers' efforts in this bill to ensure accountability at DHS, which is long overdue. I understand that the top management of DHS has had a difficult management task on their plate from day one: pulling together all these agencies and making sure that they play well together. I believe, however, that these challenges are cause for more--not less--oversight on the part of this Congress. After Sept. 11, Congress voted to grant the Department of Homeland Security a broad scope of authorities. This means that, if managed properly, the Department is uniquely positioned to protect us from terrorism. On the other hand, if managed improperly, it is also uniquely positioned to do great harm. For instance, since the Patriot Act and the Homeland Security Act, I, along with many others in this body, have spoken out constantly on the need for our antiterrorist agencies to safeguard our Constitutional rights and civil liberties. Congress is the most essential body for protecting Americans from these types of excesses and missteps by the Department. Furthermore, the American people have also charged us with ensuring that every dollar that the government spends--especially on something like Homeland Security--is spent in a way that yields the most benefit. The most significant way that we in Congress carry out this vital task is by controlling the way money is spent--and, if necessary, denying the Administration requests if they are unable or unwilling to respond to our concerns. Chairman Rogers recognized this point when he built accountability into this bill. I would also like to take a moment to highlight some of the funding levels in the bill that I believe are inadequate. I understand that when it comes to something like our safety and security from terrorist attacks, any final amount of funding means that tough choices must be made. One important area that suffers a severe cut in this bill, however, is funding to our state and local programs, which the bill reduces by 11 percent from this year. The Administration and many on our committee have noted that this cut is in response to the sluggish pace at which the Department and states move these funds out to local agencies, so that they can be spent. But I don't believe that slashing funding for these essential programs is the right approach to making them work better. These state and local governments are on the front lines in our struggle against terrorism, and still have many needs that are going unmet. Most notably, fire grants, which, as the Ranking Member notes, are the most successful grant program at DHS are reduced by $115 million from current levels--16 percent--even as we are finding that our firefighters are still largely unprepared to respond to catastrophic terrorist acts. In addition, State homeland security formula grants, local law enforcement terrorism prevention grants, and urban area security grants, all of which are especially important to my district and other high risk areas, are reduced by 14 percent. As the bill moves to Conference, I am hopeful that we can find a way to address some of these deficiencies, and I look forward to working with the Chairman and Ranking Member on these issues. In closing, I believe overall that this is a good start to tackling many of the problems that have plagued the Department from its inception, and I urge all my colleagues to support it.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Wallace I. Edgecombe for over 30 years of service to Hostos Community College in the Bronx. On Thursday, May 12, 2005, Hostos will honor Wally with a celebration that will also serve to raise funds for students who wish to study the Arts at Hostos. In 1982, Wally oversaw the founding of Hostos' Culture and Arts Program, of which he became director. Twelve years later the Center for the Arts and Culture was constructed and under Wally's leadership the Center has become one of the premier multi-arts centers in the New York metropolitan area, presenting a virtual who's who of visual and performing artists of color. Now one of the pre-eminent Latino arts centers in the nation, the Hostos Center has presented and/or commissioned works by such internationally known musicians as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Orquesta Aragon, Ruben Blades and Dizzy Gillespie. Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Wally holds a Bachelors degree in History and Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. He has served as a panelist and site evaluator for the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, the Lila Wallace- Readers Digest Arts Partners Program, and the Rockefeller Foundation. Wally has also served on the boards of the Museums of Contemporary Hispanic Art, the Bronx Council on the Arts, the Bronx Arts Ensemble, and the South Bronx Community Action Theatre. Mr. Speaker, what makes Wally so special is his commitment to ensuring that the students of Hostos and the entire Bronx community are able to experience the beauty and richness of the Arts. I am thankful to Wally for helping to brighten the lives of so many of my constituents and I hope he continues his commendable work in the heart of the South Bronx. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a great man and a dear friend of mine, Mr. Wallace I. Edgecombe.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to the Tepeyac Association. This outstanding organization has served the Latino American community in New York for the past 8 years. Their unyielding dedication to the building of a strong Mexican-American and Latino community in New York is commendable. In the South Bronx, Mexican immigrants have played an important role in helping to reenergize various neighborhoods. The vibrant Mexican- American community brings added diversity and flavor to an area already rich with Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and African Americans. The result is a wonderful confluence of cultures that help to bring the Bronx to life. I am happy to welcome this new group of immigrants to our community. They, like the groups that have come before them have helped to make life in the Bronx as vibrant and diverse as it is today. The tremendous strides that this community has made not only in my district but throughout New York, is in large part due to the great work of the Tepeyac Association Tepeyac is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 network of 40 community based organizations, whose mission is to promote the social welfare and human rights of Latino immigrants in New York City with a focus on those who are undocumented. Founded in September, 1997 by Mexican community leaders, the Association is the only public resource dedicated to organizing Mexican immigrants in the 5 boroughs. Tepeyac is also dedicated to informing and educating Mexican immigrants and their families about their rights and available resources. Through its grassroots structure and leadership the Association serves over 10,000 members. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to debate legislation in the 109th Congress that will affect the lives of immigrants, it is important that we remember that we are a nation of immigrants. All of our families came to the U.S. in search of a better life, and the American Dream. To be anti-immigrant is to forget our history, and to reject the very values that make our country so great. I will continue to fight against policies that are hateful and unwelcoming to those who comes to this country seeking a better life. It is my hope that organizations such as Tepeyac will continue to make the transition into American life easier for the Mexican-American community. On this day, Cinco de Mayo, 2005, I salute the many contributions that Tepeyac has made to the South Bronx. I thank the Mexican-American community for its continuing contribution to American life and culture and for playing such an important role in revitalizing our inner cities. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Tepeyac.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to the Morris Heights Health Center as they celebrate 25 years of providing quality health care in the Bronx. On May 5, 2005 the Morris Heights Health Center Foundation will hold its Silver Anniversary Benefit Gala. For twenty-five years the Morris Heights Health Center has been providing affordable, quality health care to the Bronx Community. Founded by Morris Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association, Morris Heights Health Center obtained a small federal planning grant in 1980 to address the medical abandonment of the community. In 1981 the Health Center opened a modest facility of 7,000 square feet with a staff of 6 and treated just under 3000 patients in its first year. Under the leadership of Founding President and CEO Verona Greenland and the Center Board of Directors the Morris Heights Health Center has developed into a comprehensive health care organization with a staff of 400 providing primary and specialty care, dental, mental health, and supportive services to 50,000 patients annually at 5 facilities and in 4 public schools. The Morris Heights Health Center has accomplished many feats throughout its quarter century in the Bronx. In 1988, the Center sponsored the first free standing birthing center in a low income neighborhood in the country (The Women's Health and Birthing Pavilion of Morris Heights Health Center). In 1989 the Center's model HIV Treatment and Prevention Program was selected by the federal government for replication throughout the country as a part of the Ryan White Title III HIV Program. In their efforts to serve more people, the Center plans to build a new $29 million, 116,585 square foot, 6-story mixed use facility that will include low-income, senior citizen housing, commercial services and an expansion of medical services. This program, which is being constructed in partnership with the Mount Hope Housing Company, shows an increased understanding that healthcare and housing issues are intertwined. Mr. Speaker, Morris Heights Health Center has served as a strong voice for the medically underserved in my community. They have helped thousands of Bronx residents address their healthcare needs without mortgaging their futures. In a district in which impoverished families struggle to make ends meet, it is comforting to know that such a dedicated organization is working to ensure residents receive quality health services. I am glad to count organizations such as Morris Heights Health Center Foundation as allies in the effort to improve the neighborhoods and communities in the Bronx. I want to thank Morris Heights Health Center for their twenty five years of service to the people of the Bronx and I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this fine organization.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Hostos Community College Men's and Women's basketball programs for bringing championship trophies home to the Bronx. I am proud of this dedicated group of students for showing excellence on and off the court. Under the leadership of Coach Renee Bostic the Hostos women's basketball team set goals for themselves before the start of the season. Their relentless dedication and hard work paid off as they were the winners of the 2005 CUNY Athletic Conference Edison Basketball Championships for the second year in a row. Not to be outdone, the men's team led by Coach Robert Holford captured the 2005 NJCAA Men's Division III National Championship. This marks the first national basketball title won by a CUNY school since the 1950 CCNY men's basketball team captured both the NCAA and NIT titles. Like the women's program the men set early goals and followed through with their incredible work ethic. These two programs have done surprisingly well despite the fact that they have been in existence for no more than three years. It is a great compliment to this institution that only in its third year of existence the men's team has won a National Championship and that only in its second year of existence the women's team has already repeated as CUNYAC regular season and Tournament champions. The success that these two programs enjoyed on the court is much more than a reflection of their skills with a basketball but a reflection of their character. To reach the level of competition that these young people have achieved one must acquire certain qualities that will not only aid him/her in sport but in life as well; qualities such as discipline, patience and perseverance. I am proud to say these athletes have carried these qualities over to the classroom and are all top tier students. Vince Lombardi once stated that ``excellence is not a sometime thing.'' With their performance on and off the court, I think the men and women's basketball teams of Hostos Community College have demonstrated that these are words they live by. Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that if these young men and women continue to exert themselves on and off the court they will be victorious in the game of life. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the outstanding student athletes of Hostos Community College in the Bronx.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise during this month devoted to the celebration of Black History to pay tribute to Mr. Shaun Belle, an outstanding individual who continues to be a great asset to the people of my community. Shaun is the president and CEO of the Mount Hope Housing Company, a community organization that develops and manages affordable housing as well as provides sustainable programs such as youth services, employment and job training for youth, real estate development, and family asset building. Shaun has held several key financial and management positions in various corporations and previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Mount Hope and its affiliate corporations. He is actively involved in community revitalization and redevelopment in the Tri-State area. In addition to his leadership at Mt. Hope, Shaun serves as chairman of Comprehensive Community Revitalization Inc.; Board Treasurer for The Institute for Urban Family Health; Board Director of the Primary Care Development Corporation and he is a former board member of the Bronx Area Health Education Center. Shaun holds degrees in Economics and Business Management from Howard University and is a graduate of the Columbia University Institute for Non-Profit Management. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School's Executive Education Program. Throughout his career Shaun has helped to revitalize not only dilapidated areas of the Bronx but also the lives of people in those areas. As a direct result of his efforts more young people in the Bronx have the necessary skills to hold a job and more parents are able to provide better lives for their families. Mr. Speaker, during the month of February it has been our tradition as a nation to honor the achievements and contributions of legendary African Americans such as Dr. King, Robert Smalls, and Dr. Carver; leaders who dedicated their lives to uplifting not only their people but their nation as well. I believe that it is important that we continue not only to recognize these great Americans but also to pay homage to those who continue in their footsteps today, dedicating their lives to uplifting this nation. In that spirit I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Shaun Belle for his outstanding service to the people of my community.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the efforts of a number of Bronx-based organizations to organize a major energy and environmental symposium in the Bronx. This event, sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Energy at Bronx Community College and the Bronx Initiative for Energy and the Environment at The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, will broaden the audience for, and awareness of, renewable and alternative energy technologies. For many years, the South Bronx has suffered from high levels of pollution, which have led to public health problems in the area. For instance, asthma rates among children are 250 percent higher than in the rest of New York City. The South Bronx can benefit greatly from the use of energy-efficient and clean fuel technologies. Many businesses, developers, and other stakeholders, however, are unaware of both what they can do and where they can go to find these tools. This symposium will answer those questions, and help make the South Bronx a healthier and more environmentally sound place to live. Mr. Speaker, the importance of this conference cannot be understated. This conference is an opportunity to promote technologies that can improve the energy efficiency of our buildings, prepare our students for the workforce through education and training, and promote practices that will help to strengthen our economy. I am confident that this conference will lead to greater community participation in efforts to improve the quality of life in the Bronx. I would like to thank the President of Bronx Community College, Dr. Carolyn Grubbs Williams for her leadership on these issues. I also congratulate the Center for Sustainable Energy, the Bronx Initiative for Energy and the Environment, and the Bronx River Research Group for their efforts in making this conference a reality. Lastly, I would like to thank the many other partnership organizations involved in the project, including: Rebuild America program at the U.S. Department of Energy, New York Power Authority, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, New York City Energy $mart Communities, and several Bronx-based businesses. I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating all the parties involved for their dedication to these important environmental and public health issues, and in wishing them continued success in the years to come.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, during this month dedicated to the celebration of Black History, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Hans Hageman, an outstanding individual who has dedicated most of his life to helping children in East Harlem, NY. Hans is the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Harbor, Inc., a 67 year old multi-service youth organization located in East Harlem. The Harbor's mission is to empower children and their families to become full, productive participants in society through education, cultural awareness and social services. A lifelong East Harlem resident, Hans is a graduate of the Collegiate School for Boys, Princeton University, Columbia University Law School, and the U.S. Army 101st Airmobile Air Assault School. As former Chief Counsel for the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, he worked on solutions addressing long term and entrenched problems facing the East Harlem Community. Frustrated by the familiar faces he saw coming through the system, he realized that to truly impact the social pathology in East Harlem, he must reach out to the children of the community and help guide them before they fell victim to the cycles of poverty, violence and crime. This strong belief motivated him to return to Exodus House, one of the nation's first residential drug rehabilitation centers, with a 30 year history of serving the East Harlem Community which was founded by his parents Reverend Dr. Lynn and Mrs. Leola Hageman. In September of 1993 Hans and his brother Ivan opened the East Harlem School at Exodus House, an independent intermediate school on the Exodus House site designed to more fully address the needs of at risk children and their families. Hans has also served as Minority Chief Counsel and Staff Director to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution and as an Assistant District Attorney in the Office of Special Narcotics Prosecution of New York's County District Attorneys Office. Hans is the recipient of the 2001 Essence Award; the Robin Hood Foundation's Hero Award; the East-Harlem Urban Center's Community Service Award; the Black Princeton Alumni Community Service Award and numerous others. Mr. Speaker, this past week we bid farewell to Ossie Davis, a great American who was a strong voice for social justice and human dignity. Ossie, who got his start in Harlem, may be best remembered for the moving Eulogy he delivered at the funeral of Malcolm X. In speaking of Malcolm's relationship to Harlem he said: ``For Harlem has ever been gracious to those who have loved her, have fought her and have defended her honor . . .'' During this month devoted to the celebration of Black history I want to pay tribute not only to these two great sons of Harlem but also to those who continue to work on behalf of those who are voiceless. In that spirit I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring another son of Harlem who continues to love her, fight her and defend her honor, Mr. Hans Hageman.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise during this month devoted to the celebration of Black History to pay tribute to Mr. Ted Jefferson, an outstanding individual who has been actively involved in my community for more than 40 years. For the past 18 years, Ted has served as the Executive Director of the Bronx Shepards Restoration Corporation. He has been a leading force in the Bronx in providing affordable housing through rehabilitation or new construction. The Bronx Shepard's Organization offers home ownership opportunities to first time home buyers, a weatherization program with an annual budget of over 1.5 million dollars and a variety of other programs that are of direct benefit to residents of the Bronx community. An example of Ted's leadership was the construction of the Daniel Nickerson Arms building, a home for the frail and elderly. He led Bronx Shepards in developing what began as a vision into what now stands as a model of how the government, the private sector and the local community can overcome insurmountable odds when working together. Ted has also served the community as a volunteer with the Morris Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association, the Webster Action Committee, Community Board #13, Community Board #6, the Twin Parks Association, the Community Advisory Board of the Local Initiative Support Corporation and the Bronx Borough President's transition team. He is presently a member of the board of the Marcella Brown Foundation and the President of Black United Leadership in the Bronx. Ted's philosophy is to develop a vision for the Bronx in which all of its residents have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life through the development of educational, social, economic and housing opportunities. Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month we honor individuals such as Harriett Tubman, and Rosa Parks; African Americans who sacrificed their own well-being so that all Americans could have the opportunity to enjoy the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today I want to honor not only these great Americans but also those who in the spirit of selflessness, continue to help others achieve a better life. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Mr. Ted Jefferson for his outstanding service to the people of my community.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise during this month dedicated to the celebration of Black History to pay tribute to Ms. Cathy Stroud, an outstanding woman who has dedicatd her life to empowering others. Cathy was born in New Bern, North Carolina. She attended J.T. Barber High School and received her bachelors degree from Livingston College. For the past 18 years she has served as the Tenant Association president for her building. In this role she works as a liaison between tenants and management helping to resolve disputes that may arise between the two. Committed to uplifting the people of her community, Cathy serves as Executive Director of River Watch Inc., a neighborhood network center, which is committed to developing and implementing educational and training programs to empower residents of the Bronx. She also directs a youth activity center that provides homework assistance, fun activities and trips for community youth. A widowed mother of three, grandmother of seven and adopted grandmother of four, Cathy still finds the time and energy to serve as the New York State Committeewoman of the 77 AD and be an active church official at Refuge Temple Annex. Mr. Speaker, during this month of February in which we celebrate Black History it is important that we give extra praise and recognition to African American women, who overcame not only racial discrimination but gender discrimination as well. Strong women such as Mary McCloud Bethune, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, who was also known as Moses on the account that she led so many of her people to freedom. I believe that we have an obligation to continue not only to recognize these strong influential women for the many contributions they have made to American society but also to recognize the women of today who overcome oppression in order to lead the people of their community from the bondage of despair. In that spirit, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Cathy Stroud.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Bronx African-American History Project which is dedicated to finding, promoting and preserving the history of African Americans in the Bronx, New York. Fordham University's Department of African American Studies and the Bronx County Historical Society have launched the African American History Project in order to respond to the growing demand for information about Blacks in the Bronx from schools, churches and community organizations. The goal of the project is to create and collect the resources necessary to tell the story of African Americans in the Bronx and to get that story out to the public through lectures, media appearances, books, articles, public exhibitions, and documentary films. This important project has been operating for over two years. During that period its research team--headed by Dr. Mark Naison, Dr. Peter Derrick, Brian Purnell, Patricia Wright, Delores Munoz, and Colleen McCafferty--have accumulated more than 100 interviews and catalogued countless personal records and mementos for preservation and public education purposes. The Bronx is home to the eighth largest concentration of African Americans in the country, but unfortunately not much has been written about this diverse population. As a result, events such as the migration of upwardly mobile black families from Harlem to the Bronx in the 1930's and 1940's; the development of the Bronx's eclectic musical culture fusing jazz, rhythm and blues, Latin Music and Calypso; the rise of Black political leadership in the Bronx or the migration of West Indians and West Africans to the Borough have been missing from textbooks and oral histories. Now this history will be available to the world thanks to the Bronx African-American History Project. Mr. Speaker, Aristotle once stated: ``If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.'' As a result of the extraordinary efforts of Fordham University, the Bronx County Historical Society, and active citizens such as Leroy Archible, Harriet McFeeters, Nathan Dukes, James Pruitt, Robert Gumbs, and the late Arthur Crier Jr., the world will be able to observe the beginning and development of the African-American community in the Bronx and thus gain a deeper understanding of its rich and beautiful history. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to all who have been integral in the development of The Bronx African-American History Project.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sympathy that I rise today to give a final farewell to an outstanding woman and a dear friend. Ms. Yolanda Garcia passed away on February 17, 2005 at the age of 53. She was an inspiring person who gave so much of herself for the benefit of others. Words can't explain how much she will be missed by all who knew her. This daughter of the Bronx accomplished so much in her lifetime that it would be impossible for me to sum it all up here today, however; I would like to take a moment to highlight the great contributions she made to the people of my community. Yolanda was a co-founder of ``We Stay/Nos Quedamos'' Committee, Inc., a community based organization located in the South Bronx. ``Nos Quedamos'' was founded as a response to New York City's Melrose Commons Urban Renewal plan which would have displaced some 6,000 people from their residences and businesses. In order to save not only her own home and business but those of her neighbors as well, Yolanda organized tenants, homeowners, property owners, local non-profits, and business people to deliver the message ``We Stay/Nos Quedamos''. The group won the right to become equal partners with the city of New York in planning for the community's redevelopment. Through ``Nos Quedamos'', Yolanda coordinated a collaborative, community-based planning process resulting in the creation of a more environmentally friendly plan that created new affordable housing without displacing people from the community. Yolanda, who lost a son to asthma, struggled mightily to ensure that other families would not have to suffer such a tragedy. She became a strong leader in the South Bronx environmental movement which has blossomed in recent years. Her organization joined the Organization of Waterfront Neighborhoods to fight the expansion and proliferation of waste transfer stations in the South Bronx and teamed up with the South Bronx Clean Air Coalition to shut down a medical waste incinerator that had fouled the air for ten years. In 2000, as a tireless leader in the fight to keep New York City's children safe from asthma, Yolanda established a multi-year partnership with New York University and local nonprofits to conduct research and community education about the causes of the asthma crisis. No city, state or nation could exist without individuals willing to give all of themselves for the good of the greater population. These individuals often possess qualities that enable them to uplift and inspire their peers. Yolanda Garcia was indeed one of these individuals. After the loss of her son to asthma, Yolanda did not pack her bags and leave the Bronx. She stayed and fought to improve the air quality to ensure that no other mother would have to endure the pain of losing a child. If everyone possessed such love in their hearts we would undoubtedly be able to enjoy heaven here on earth. As a result of Yolanda's courage to stand up and say: ``Nos Quedamos/ We Stay'', countless children will breathe a little easier and countless residents will be able to live in affordable housing. Although she has passed on, her good works will continue to benefit many generations to come. Surely, that is the mark of a great life. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know this selfless, kindhearted gallant woman and as she is laid to rest on this the 3rd day of March 2005 I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to my friend.