José Serrano

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) for something they said that is important to us New Yorkers, that the attack may have been physically on New York, but the fact is it was on the whole country, and New York feels so grateful for the fact that this Congress has seen to our needs and then what we are doing here today. We New Yorkers pride ourselves in being a tough people, resilient people. We are hurting right now. We, in some ways, have been brought to our knees, but we will bounce back. The Big Apple will come back because we are a tough people and resilient people; but more than anything else, Mr. Speaker, we are a grateful people; and today my city is grateful for the fact that in spite of all the rubble and all the pain, this Congress has seen fit to single us out for that special help. So let the message be heard everywhere that, yes, the target was the Twin Towers and the target was New York City in that particular instance, and the Pentagon and Pennsylvania; but it was an attack on the United States of America; and no one, no one will bring us totally down, not in New York, not in Washington, not in Pennsylvania, not throughout this country.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, yesterday terrorists unleashed a highly organized attack on the symbols of our Nation's prosperity and power. In an instant, this tragic attack destroyed the lives of many Americans. Yesterday morning, countless numbers of ordinary people in my city and in Washington woke up on a beautiful late summer day and went about their lives as they always have. Lawyers and accountants, janitors and clerks arrived at their places of work to start another day. But the events that soon consumed us all changed that forever. We never expected this to happen on our soil, and in a profound sense, we have lost some of our innocence. How can I begin to verbalize my sorrow over the deaths of so many wonderful people, individuals whose lives touch others deeply in an endless interconnected fabric. These individuals each had unique stories, friends, and family who loved them and depended on them. In an instant, husbands lost wives, children lost parents, and siblings lost brothers and sisters. This is heartbreaking. The perpetrators of these acts intended to create fear and to bring our society shuddering on its knees, but they have failed. Today as we begin the process of clearing the rubble and rebuilding, we are more united and more dedicated in our core beliefs of liberty and democracy. Yesterday I was in New York City. It is hard to express in words the devastation that this act has brought to my city. The people of New York and the people of our Nation have responded with generosity, courage, and patriotism. During this time of great sadness, we as a Nation are witnessing the spirit of hope. Let there be no misunderstanding, the American people will not let this terrible act diminish our spirit or force us into fear. As I left New York City this morning on my way to join this important discussion and express my support for this resolution, I was startled to see the skyline of my city without its two great towers standing above all others. In their space, I only saw a cloud of smoke rising up to the sky. Yet, even without those towers watching over my city, we will continue to embrace our freedom and live out our principles of democracy. Those faceless terrorists may think that they have won a great battle, but they have only made our country more dedicated to its core principles and ready to defend those principles against any threat. Mr. Speaker, yesterday terrorists unleashed a highly organized attack on the symbols of our nation's prosperity and power. In an instant, this tragic attack destroyed the lives of many Americans. Yesterday morning, countless numbers of ordinary people in New York and Washington woke up on a beautiful late summer day and went about their lives as they always have. Lawyers and accountants, janitors and clerks arrived at their places of work to start another ordinary day. But the events that soon consumed us all changed that forever. We never expected this to happen on our soil, and in a profound sense we have lost some of our innocence. How can I begin to verbalize my sorrow over the deaths of so many wonderful people, individuals whose lives touched others deeply in an endless interconnected fabric? These individuals each had unique stories, and friends and family who loved them and depended on them. In an instant husbands lost wives, children lost parents and siblings lost brothers and sisters. This is heartbreaking. The perpetrators of these acts intended to create fear and to bring our society shuddering to its knees. But they have failed. Today, as we begin the process of clearing the rubble and rebuilding, we are more united and more dedicated to our core beliefs of liberty and democracy. Yesterday, I was in New York City and it is hard to express in words the devastation that this cowardly act has brought to our city. The people of New York City, and the people of our nation, have responded with generosity, courage and patriotism. During this time of great sadness, we as a nation are witnessing a spirit of hope. Over the last day and a half we have seen countless examples of courage as our emergency workers and our firemen and policemen risked their lives to save others. They exemplify the best values of our nation. Ordinary people reached out to offer whatever they could to assist and stood in long lines to donate blood. And in the end, many of them paid the highest price in order to save others and help them keep their families and friends from suffering such unbearable tragedy. Let there be no misunderstanding, the American people will not let this terrible act diminish our spirit or force us into fear. As I left New York City this morning on my way to join this important discussion and express my support for this resolution, I was startled to see the skyline of my city without its two great towers standing above all the others. In their space I only saw a cloud of smoke rising up to the sky. Yet, even without those great towers watching over the city, we will continue to embrace our freedom and live out our principles of democracy. Those faceless terrorists may think that they have won a great battle, but they have only made our country more dedicated to its core principles and ready to defend those principles against any threat.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to Sister Miriam Thomas, S.C., a phenomenal individual who has devoted her life to enhancing the lives of others. After her 50 years of ceaseless work to educate and counsel others, and improve the communities she lives in, I take great pride in honoring Sister Thomas's 50th anniversary of service to God and humanity with this congressional tribute. Sister Thomas was born and received her early education in South Brooklyn. Upon graduation from high school, Sister Thomas answered the calling to devote her life to God. At age 18 she entered Sisters of Charity where she received an invaluable theological education as well as a degree from Mount Saint Vincent College in the Bronx. Once she professed her vows, Sister Thomas brought her newly-honed ministry skills to Ascension Grammar School in Manhattan, where she remained for 8 years. She then relocated to Ponce, Puerto Rico where her education was enriched at Catholic University. At this point, with more years of training and instruction, she was ready to take on the South Bronx. There, she was assigned to St. Athanasius Parish where she has shared her gift of easing souls and invoking smiles for the past 39 years. Mr. Speaker, in 1972, Sister Thomas, along with her neighbors, heard that a woman who served as the administrator of Simpson Street Development Association was murdered while on the job. Courage and an unfaltering sense of devotion allowed Sister Thomas to stand up and fill this important position. There, with a tireless and supportive staff, Sister Thomas works miracles daily by providing social services and emotional guidance to people in need. Beyond these commitments, Sister Thomas also sits on the South Bronx Community Board 2 as chairperson. Her involvements in other community-based organizations are too numerous to mention. She says that her ceaseless community involvement was inspired by Father Louis Gigante, a visionary and dear friend. Sister Thomas's ability to take the Gospel and translate it into language that speaks to the hearts and souls of nearly every St. Athanasius parishioner, has made her a priceless component of many people's spiritual and earthly lives. I am not the first to recognize her contributions, of course. Of the many rewards Sister Thomas has received throughout her years of service to the Church and humanity in general, she most treasures being named a Sister of Charity and her acceptance as a resident in the Hunts Point Community of the South Bronx. Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of representing the 16th district of New York where Sister Thomas practices her faith each and every day and I am truly delighted to acknowledge her today. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable woman.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, once again it is with pride that I rise to pay tribute to the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, on its thirteenth year of celebrating the culture and contributions of the Puerto Rican community to our nation. The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade will be held on Sunday, August 5, in my South Bronx Congressional District. The event is the culmination of a series of activities surrounding Puerto Rican Week in the Bronx. Under the direction of the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee, Inc., the parade has grown into one of the most colorful and important festivals of Puerto Rican culture in the five boroughs of New York City and beyond. The Parade brings together people from all ethnic backgrounds, including Puerto Ricans from the Island and all across the nation. It is an honor for me to join once again the hundreds of thousands of people who will march with pride along the Grand Concourse in celebration of our Puerto Rican heritage. The Puerto Rican flag and other ornaments in the flag's red, white, and blue will decorate the festival. As one who has participated in the parade in the past, I can attest to the excitement it generates as it brings the entire City together. It is a celebration and an affirmation of life. It is wonderful that so many people can have this experience, which will change the lives of many of them. There's no better way to see our community in the Bronx. The event will feature a wide variety of entertainment for all age groups. The Parade will end with live music, Puerto Rican food, crafts, and other entertainment. It is expected that this year's parade will surpass last year's number of visitors. In addition to the parade, the many organizers have provided the community with nearly a week of activities to commemorate the contributions of the Puerto Rican community, its culture and history. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this wonderful celebration of Puerto Rican culture, which has brought so much pride to the Bronx community.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Earnest L. Rice, who is about to retire after a long career with United Parcel Service and will soon relinquish his post on my Military Advisory Board. Earnie Rice has had a long and distinguished career with UPS, starting in 1967 as a package car driver. Over the years, he rose within the ranks of his company and eventually reached the post of Operations Manager. Now, at the end of his career, Earnie is the Community Relations Manager for the Metro New York District, a position he has held for the past eight years. Earnie Rice has also worked hard for his community. In the past, he served on the Board of Directors of the Harlem YMCA, and worked with the American Cancer Society as well as City Meals-on-Wheels. Mr. Rice also served his country honorably in the Vietnam War. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Rice. he has been a great asset to our community and we will miss his contributions to my Military Advisory Board. I wish him luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bishop Eric McDaniel, who was consecrated by his Senior Bishop, Sherman Watkins, in Columbus, OH, during the Holy Convocation of the Higher Ground Assemblies on June 23, 2001. Bishop Eric McDaniel is the oldest of four children born to Bishop Allen and Lady Richardine McDaniel, and the proud father of Brittney and Bria McDaniel. As a child, Eric McDaniel demonstrated a gift for a life in ministry, in the areas of music and the preached word. At the age of 13, he became the church organist and choir director. At the age 16, he accepted his call to ministry and preached his initial sermon. His combined musical talent and personal faith in God inspired Bishop McDaniel to write songs. He had no idea that one day his songs would reach the level of success that they have. Some of his songs include: ``It Shall be Done,'' ``Spirit Touch Me One More Time,'' ``Thank You,'' ``Come Unto Me,'' ``Restore Your Joy,'' ``When We Reach That Place,'' among many others. In May 1993, Bishop McDaniel responded to the call of God to the office of pastor, and founded the Lord's Church Family Workshop Center, Inc., in the Bronx, NY. In June 2000, he was appointed to the office of Bishop and was consecrated one year later by his Senior Bishop. Mr. Speaker, Bishop McDaniel is a fine example of a great community leader and a person dedicated through his faith to helping others. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Bishop Eric McDaniel and in wishing him continued success.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, reserving my right to object, and I will not object, but I just wanted to know, does our agreement now leave, to the gentleman's understanding, any amendments that are not covered by time limits?

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, do we know exactly how many?

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, if I may, I know we have come pretty close to the end of this process, and I just wanted to take this opportunity once again to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Wolf) for the work he has done on this bill, for the way in which he has treated me and our staff and our Members, for his understanding of these issues, and for the fact that this bill, which started out at the beginning of the day, actually last night, in my opinion to be a very good bill, has even become a better bill by some of the changes that we have made today, especially the issues concerning the Small Business Administration. I want to thank both staffs that are here with us at this time for the work they do. It is not only a service to us, the membership of this House, but I can assure you all it is seen as a service to our country and all of its citizens and residents. I wanted to once again thank the chairman for having an understanding of the needs that the minority needed in this bill and for putting together a bill that in fact speaks to so many issues and speaks to them in the proper way. We know that in conference there will be some changes, but we are hopeful that no one will hurt this project and this product, which is very good. On a personal level, I just want to thank the gentleman for his hospitality, for his treatment of myself and our staff and our membership, and just to tell the gentleman that it has been wonderful working with him; and I look forward to continuing this process.

Mr. SERRANO. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I agree with my chairman that we will look at this juvenile delinquency program in Houston, as we continue consideration on this appropriations bill. I thank the gentlewoman for her concern in once again bringing this issue to us. The gentlewoman has our word that we will look at it as we go along and try to help in every way that we can.

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

Mr. SERRANO. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of a colloquy with the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). I understand that the gentlewoman from Texas will not be offering further amendments to the bill, but I will ask her to describe a program in her district.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word, and I rise in strong opposition to the gentleman's amendment. In recognition of the importance that is placed on peacekeeping operations, the Bush administration requested and this subcommittee approved $844 million for the U.S. share of the U.N. peacekeeping budget. U.S. participation in U.N. peacekeeping missions means that the U.S. does not have to bear the human, financial, or political burden of keeping the peace on its own. Of over 34,000 U.N. peacekeepers, observers, and military police serving in missions as of July 1, only 661, or less than 2 percent, of these individuals are Americans. The U.N. recently lowered the U.S. assessment rate for U.N. peacekeeping from 31 percent to 27 percent. The U.S. has a responsibility to U.N. peacekeeping as a permanent member of the U.S. Security Council, through which it can veto any mission. U.N. peacekeeping missions are helping to maintain peace and stability in regions that are vital to U.S. interests such as the Middle East, Africa, and the Balkans. U.N. peacekeepers help to build peace in war-torn, unstable regions by providing humanitarian assistance, clearing mine fields, monitoring human rights and elections, and disarming the parties and allowing them to return to civilian society. Again, as in the previous amendment, this is one that is misguided. I have stood, as many have on this floor throughout the years, and spoken against military intervention on our part. I, however, believe that the best way for us to participate throughout the world in these situations is in a peacekeeping effort, and that is why I support them. I support what the subcommittee has done with this appropriation, and I would hope that we defeat this amendment.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Paul amendment to prohibit funding for U.S. contributions. In my opinion, this would be not in the national interests of our country. With the support of the U.S., the U.N. and its agencies contribute dramatically in promoting international peace and security, nonproliferation, nuclear safety guards, human rights, reduction of health problems, humanitarian assistance, cooperation against international crime and sustainable development. In addition, the U.N. is leading the fight against HIV- AIDS. The U.S. contribution to the U.N. and its affiliated agencies allows the United States to support these many important efforts without bearing the burden ourselves. The U.N. and its affiliated agencies have been responsive to our calls to incorporate financial and other reforms into their overall management practices, and we are continuing to press for even further improvements. At the urging of the U.S., the U.N. has streamlined its bureaucracy and cut waste from its budget. The Secretary General has been leading the fight and the U.N. has chartered a path of reform which has included the reduction of over 1,000 positions and maintenance of a no- growth budget, not even to keep up with inflation for 8 years. The U.S. should recognize these achievements by paying our full share. The administration has been working hard to achieve the benchmarks contained in the Helms-Biden arrears authorization. It would be a tremendous setback to incur new arrears, just as we are working effectively with various U.S. organizations to allow us to pay those we already owe. Now, I recognize, Mr. Chairman, that on this House floor on many occasions people rise up with great anger towards the U.N. and what they perceive to be this fear of creating a separate world government that will somehow rule the whole world. The U.N. is far from that. But it is a group that works together to bring peace and to try to bring harmony throughout the world. There is a lot that needs to be done throughout this world, and the U.N. plays a major role; and therefore we should play a major role. So, to pull out, which is basically what this does, would be a terrible mistake; and I would hope that we defeat this amendment.

Mr. SERRANO. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Roybal-Allard) for the purpose of a colloquy with myself, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), and several other Members.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, reserving my right to object, and I will not object; we certainly worked this out and I am fine with it, this side is fine with it. I just wanted to clarify one point. This covers, obviously, these amendments; and all other amendments then are still under the 5-minute rule, under the original rule?

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I will be very brief. I just want to reiterate what the chairman just said. We, of course, support the gentleman's amendment; but if we run into this problem that the gentleman's bill is not passed, we would hope that he will join us in making sure that this language is put back in. He is shaking his head.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, we are in support of the gentleman's amendment; and we congratulate him on his work.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I will be very brief. I just wanted to rise in support of the gentleman's idea. On my wall here in my Washington office I have two pictures in one special section. There is a picture of Dr. Martin Luther King and another one, a photograph of Bobby Kennedy. It was those two individuals that invited my generation into public service and into activism at the community level; Dr. King obviously through his work on the civil rights movement and bringing us all together, and it was Bobby Kennedy who taught my generation that politics and government service were in fact an honorable profession. I remember the time he came to the South Bronx and campaigned there when he was running for Senator of New York, how excited everybody was at his excitement about public service, to a generation of Americans, many from the minority community, who were turned off to the system and turned off to politics. Bobby Kennedy continues to be that figure in my life that I look to as one who paid the ultimate price for asking all of us to come together to stand up for what we believed in. So I think at a minimum the gentleman's idea is one that we should fulfill. I would hope as we move along we pay attention to this idea and that we do rename the Justice Department building in honor of Bobby Kennedy. So I support the gentleman, and I commend the gentleman for the work he does on this.

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

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