Albio Sires

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Federal holiday. This milestone gives us the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King's profound legacy and revel in the incredible example he has given all public servants. As a vital figure of the modern era and instrumental leader during the Civil Rights Movement, he paved the way for equality and justice for all. His lectures, dialogues, and leadership inspired, and continue to inspire, generations of individuals to question the status quo and demand change. Throughout his life, he also emphasized the importance of public service, which he continuously participated in through his work as a minister, community organizer, and civil rights activist. It is for this reason that MLK Day is the only Federal holiday observed as a national day of service. The MLK Day of Service empowers citizens to volunteer in their communities, discuss social problems, and create viable solutions. I see no better way to commemorate this incredible individual than by continuing on with his legacy of service and encouraging others to find ways to serve their communities.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, and all the victims of the Tucson tragedy. On January 8, Representative Giffords was hosting an event to simply engage with her constituents. At that event, a man fired shots at the Congresswoman, her staff, and the assembled crowd. Due to this senseless act, six people are dead and fourteen others are injured, including the Congresswoman, who remains in critical condition. I have had the pleasure to serve on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs with Congresswoman Giffords, and it has been nothing less than an honor to work with her. Her passion and commitment to her constituents and her country is unyielding, and she has always approached her work in Congress with the attention and respect that it deserves. I was shocked and saddened to hear of this attack. On Saturday morning, six people attended an event held by their local representative, and for this, they lost their lives. In a democratic country that symbolizes hope and freedom for so many, it is difficult to witness and impossible to understand this hateful act. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of all Americans, go out to the Giffords' family, the families of the Congresswoman's staff, and all those impacted by this tragedy. I would also like to thank that day's heroes for their quick reactions that undoubtedly saved many lives. The actions of these individuals and the outpouring of support from around the country give us all strength during this difficult time.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Thomas J. Deverin, a lifelong public servant in New Jersey. Mr. Deverin recently passed away in Edison, New Jersey. Born in Perth Amboy, he lived in Carteret for 60 years, the town in which he would later become Mayor. He served as a legislator in the New Jersey State Assembly for eleven terms, serving as a member of the Assembly Joint Ethical Standards Committee, the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Health and Human Services Resources Committee throughout his tenure. Additionally, he led the Assembly in various different capacities including Majority Leader Pro Tem, Minority Leader Pro Tem, Speaker Pro Tem and Majority Conference Chairman. He not only faithfully served the district, he also served the country as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II in the European and Asiatic Theaters of War. Mr. Deverin dedicated his life to public service and the legacy he leaves behind in New Jersey will certainly not be forgotten.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the senseless and heinous attack that took place on New Year's Day in Alexandria, Egypt, during a Coptic Christian mass ushering in the new year. The suicide bombing that took place 20 minutes into 2011 took the lives of 23 Christians and wounded more than 90 others. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Egyptian Government has linked the al-Qaeda terrorist organization to this brutal attack. Whoever the perpetrators may be, their actions epitomize the definition of evil and remind us of the constant struggle around the world against terrorism. Security must remain a priority in Egypt and all freedom- fighting nations. This event illuminates the unprecedented prejudice facing this minority population and the evident inter-religious struggle and violence that is plaguing Egypt. This deplorable act of violence is yet another example of the escalation of violence against Egypt's Coptic Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the population. I offer my condolences to the families of victims who perished in the bombing, and I hope the Egyptian Government honors their promise with a swift and thorough investigation of this vicious crime.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, on December 21, 2010, I missed rollcall vote numbers 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662, and 663. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 657, ``yes'' on rollcall 658, ``yes'' on rollcall 659, ``yes'' on rollcall 660, ``yes'' on rollcall 661, ``yes'' on rollcall 662, and ``yes'' on rollcall 663.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chairman Jim Oberstar. A man who has devoted his entire life to public service and has been the longest-serving representative in Minnesota history, he will be sorely missed. Chairman Oberstar is known to all as a leading expert on aviation and transportation issues. In addition to having unparalleled knowledge on transportation issues, he is also known to be gracious, sincere, and jovial. Particularly to those who sit with me on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Chairman Oberstar is also known as a friend. Shortly after I joined the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I was honored to have the Chairman visit my district in New Jersey. Together, we went to the Bayonne Bridge and rode the Hudson Bergen Light Rail. I was honored that the Chairman took time out of his busy schedule to visit my district and my constituents. I quickly learned that Chairman Oberstar is always looking to solve the transportation problems that Americans face. He has graciously visited the districts of many of my colleagues, and I am sure that he has had many stimulating conversations with them about how we can make our transportation systems work better for our constituents. Chairman Oberstar's background tells much about the person he is today. His father was a coal miner, his mother worked in a shirt factory, and during high school and college he worked in the open pit mines to pay for his education. His family instilled in him a strong sense of public service and 47 years ago, the Chairman began working for his hometown Representative. In 1974, he was elected to Congress and took the place of his former boss. He is the first member of Congress to serve as clerk and chairman to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Serving terms in both the minority and majority, Chairman Oberstar has always worked in a bi-partisan fashion to successfully implement transportation policy. As Chairman, he pledged to enhance safety and security, invest in infrastructure, and address the twin challenges and global climate change. The Chairman accomplished these goals not only through passage of legislation, but also by exercising oversight with numerous hearings. His work in transportation policy has affected many Americans throughout the Nation. While the last transportation hearing on December 2nd may have been the last time for the Chairman to yield the gavel, I have no doubt that we will all continue to hear of his contributions to Minnesotans and all Americans. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to applaud Chairman Oberstar and wish him continued success.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the passage of the DREAM Act by the House of Representatives on December 8, 2010. I am a longtime supporter of the bill, and I am thankful that we finally have the opportunity to move forward with this significant and life- changing legislation. With the passage of the DREAM Act, an estimated 800,000 young people that have been kept in the shadows and overlooked by this country would be given what they never had before: a chance. Currently, there are young people in this country who know no other home, yet they do not have access to the opportunities that make this country strong. They are unable to resolve their immigration status and therefore can offer little to the country that they love. The DREAM Act would make it possible for those brought to this country as young children who have grown up in the United States to contribute to the United States and achieve their full potential. This bill is carefully constructed to target only those people most deserving of this opportunity. To earn conditional immigration status, these young people must demonstrate that they have graduated high school, obtained a GED, or been accepted to an institution of higher learning. They must also have arrived in the United States before they were 16, have lived in the United States for at least five years before the bill's enactment, and be under 29 years of age. After a minimum of thirteen years and if additional requirements are met, those eligible can apply for U.S. citizenship. The contributions of these young people would benefit our country and our economy, and I would like to thank my colleagues who supported this extraordinary legislation. This bill would allow young people throughout the country to pursue the kind of futures that they deserve. It would also allow our country to take advantage of the talents that these bright young people have to offer. The enactment of the DREAM Act would give young people the chance to better themselves and in turn would make this country a better place.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Taiwan as it celebrates its 99th National Day on October 10th, 2010. This national holiday, known as Double Ten Day, commemorates the 1911 uprising that led to the creation of the Republic of China. After years of one-party rule, Taiwan has held three democratic presidential elections and two transfers of power. I am very excited to see this young democracy blossoming in East Asia. During an address earlier this year, Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou offered this statement, ``It is only under a true democracy that one's citizens can live without fear according to the law, and share in the burdens as well as benefits of good governance.'' While Taiwan is a young democracy, it has taken steps to conform to international standards with respects to rule of law and protection of human rights. To this end, Taiwan has codified the following United Nation's documents into domestic law; The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Taiwan's budding commitment to democratic practices is impressive. I look forward to the United States partnering with President Ma and Taiwan for many years to come.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th anniversary of the St. Ann's Italian festival in Hoboken, New Jersey. This is a momentous occasion for the city of Hoboken and St. Ann's Parish, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this moving and historically important event. This festival not only celebrates the Hoboken community but also the dynamic Italian heritage and culture that has shaped this great city. I am proud of the history of St. Ann's society and festival that was originally established to preserve the customs, heritage, and faith of a group of courageous immigrants from the small town of Monte San Giacomo. Many of these immigrants traveled to New Jersey, a new land with a strange language and customs to seek better opportunities. Bonded by the traditions of their homeland and desire to preserve these customs they created the St. Ann's Society. In later years with perseverance and dedication the society was able to raise enough money to establish the St. Ann's Church on the corner of Seventh and Jefferson in Hoboken. This festival is a celebration of these bold individuals and their devotion in preserving their cherished traditions. Since the first festival in 1910, it has grown in participants and festivities, again showing the joyful and powerful energy this festival draws from inside and outside of the community. It now features all types of Italian cuisine, including the famous ``zeppole'' made from a secret recipe that has been faithfully guarded by the members of the St. Ann's Society, and operatic music and singers. The most important aspect of this festival, that has been preserved year after year, is the procession of the statue of St. Ann and a framed picture of San Giacomo, put on display to honor the memory of the St. Ann Society descendents and to preserve their cherished faith and traditions. I know this year's festival will continue to memorialize all the wonderful things this festival has come to represent. I congratulate the St. Ann's society and parish on 100 years of successful festivals.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I am outraged by the persistent failure of the United Nations Human Rights Council to fulfill its responsibilities to promote and protect human rights. The U.N. Human Rights Council has consistently targeted Israel and recently displayed a flagrant disregard for a strong human rights agenda with the election of the Cuban ambassador as vice president of the council. The State Department 2009 report on human rights described Cuba as a totalitarian state that continues to deny its citizens their basic human rights and commits numerous and serious abuses. It is appalling that a country with such a poor human rights record has been elected as a leader of a body to create, to protect, and promote universal human rights. While these election results are absurd, they are reflective of a larger problem--the overall state of the U.N. Human Rights Council. The council doesn't need to improve its record on protecting human rights; it needs to reverse its record. If the council continues to ignore its own members' egregious human rights records and persists in its anti- Israel campaign, then maybe the United States should move its funds and participate elsewhere.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, right now 15 million out-of-work Americans are relying on Congress to work together and immediately extend unemployment benefits to help them make ends meet while they're looking for a full-time job. Right now the unemployment in my State of New Jersey is 9.7 percent, with nearly half a million out of work. Now is not the time to stall in providing assistance to those who need it most. Earlier this month, the House passed a bill to restore emergency unemployment benefits for unemployed Americans and their families through the end of November. The Senate must now follow our lead and act swiftly in passing an extension of benefits to send to the President's desk. Doing so would not only provide a much-needed lifeline for jobless Americans and their families, but it makes economic sense. The CBO has suggested that extending unemployment benefits is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy. It is our duty to act now and provide relief for millions of unemployed Americans and their families.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1722, the Telework Improvements Act of 2010. This bill will modernize the Federal Government and establish our Federal agencies as a model for telework. During the month of February, when snowstorms shut down D.C. and other parts of the east coast, telework was used to keep our government operating at an optimum level. However, according to the Office of Personnel Management, only 56 percent of government agencies have formally introduced telework in their continuity of operations plans. Teleworking benefits are economic, social, and environmental. The Congressional Budget Office scored this legislation as deficit neutral, and telework produces savings from reduced office space as well as increased productivity during emergencies in inclement weather. H.R. 1722 would allow employees more flexibility and create a higher quality of life. Also this legislation would reduce traffic congestion. Traffic congestion costs our Nation billions of dollars in wasted fuel, time, and productivity. Congestion is very prevalent in my district in New Jersey, which is just across the river from New York. However, it also is a problem that is growing in rural areas throughout this country. Transportation contributes nearly 28 percent of the greenhouse gasses emitted in the United States, and teleworking can act as a tool to lower this number. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 1722.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to an important initiative of the Federal Highway Administration called the Long-Term Bridge Performance program. This program is proudly being led by Rutgers Center for Advance Infrastructure and Transportation in New Jersey. The Long-Term Bridge Performance program is envisioned as a 20-year comprehensive examination of our nation's ``workhorse'' highway bridges. The team at Rutgers has been inspecting, evaluating and monitoring a representative sample of seven bridges nationwide. These pilot studies are instrumental in gathering reliable information, such as how to maintain safe and satisfactory traffic flow. The researchers will analyze and apply the data to facilitate improved life-cycle cost and predictive models, better understanding of bridge deterioration, and more effective maintenance and repair plans. Ultimately, this study will promote the safety, mobility, longevity and reliability of our Nation's highways. As the highway system grows older, it is important to be sure that our Nation's bridges are safe and reliable. I am proud that Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation is leading the way in helping the country tackle its complicated transportation issue. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Rutgers University.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, the disaster in the gulf has made it increasingly evident that we must reevaluate our Nation's energy policy to prioritize renewable energy sources and focus on a clean energy economy. It is unfortunate that it has taken a man-made tragedy of this scale to open our eyes to both the economic and environmental dangers of offshore drilling and our reliance on fossil fuels. In addition to ensuring that BP is held accountable for the damages done to the gulf coast community, we must take this time to refocus on clean energy policies to ensure that a catastrophe of this nature never occurs again. Comprehensive energy reform will not only help protect our pristine coastlines, but it will insist on ensuring that America stays competitive in the global economy. According to a new poll released by the Pew Research Center, the American people are now on our side and strongly support alternative energy production. Now is the time to launch a cleaner, smarter, more cost-effective energy future to protect our environment and create millions of clean energy jobs.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the orderly and peaceful election that took place in Colombia. I congratulate the President-elect of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, and I commend the people of Colombia for their relentless dedication to the democratic process that was shown through this election. In an increasingly volatile region, Colombia has continued on the path towards reform while combating drug trafficking and terrorism, efforts which have had a positive effect on Colombian and American national security. Additionally, Colombia has made remarkable progress on other fronts, emerging as an important growth market and as a leading center for Latin American business. In the face of hostility towards U.S. interests and values, Colombia has consistently proven itself to be an important friend, a reliable partner, and a champion for democracy. The positive bilateral relationship between the United States and Colombia has been based on many common strategic and ideological interests, reaffirming Colombia's position as an important ally and as a longtime friend of the United States. Again, I congratulate President-elect Juan Manuel Santos on his victory. I look forward to a continued partnership between our two nations.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my outrage at Fidel Castro's recent anti-Israel comments. In response to Israel's interception of the flotilla in May, Fidel Castro published a statement in which he absurdly asserts that Israelis would like to send Palestinians to be cremated, as the Nazis did to the Jews. Castro's comments are outrageous and cruel. He ignorantly disregards the horror of the Holocaust and the suffering of the Jewish community. To suggest that Israel will consider a Nazi-inspired genocide of the Palestinians is inexcusably malicious. This propaganda was not only published by the Cuban regime but then widely distributed. His offensive comments clearly portray the prejudice and anti-Semitic position of the Cuban regime. Castro's words cannot shame or erase the democratic tradition in Israel and the strong relationship Israel shares with the United States. I ask my colleagues to continue to work with Israel towards a peaceful solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people. And I encourage my colleagues to view Castro's comments for what they are, the dangerous scheme of a brutal dictator, designed to hurt the people of Israel and obstruct the peace process.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month. This May marks the fifth Jewish American Heritage Month, a month that highlights the many contributions of the Jewish American community. In 2006, we celebrated the first Jewish American Heritage Month after the diligent work of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz led to the passage of the Jewish American Heritage Month Resolution in 2005. While the Jewish American community contributes to our country each and every day, this month is a special time to recognize and teach about the achievements of Jewish Americans. For over 350 years, the Jewish Community has contributed to our rich, diverse, and shared culture in this country. Despite the long history of Jews in the United States, Judaism as a culture is not widely understood by all Americans and instances of anti-Jewish prejudices unfortunately do occur. This month, events are happening all over the Nation to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by promoting awareness of Jewish Americans' traditions and impacts. Jewish American Heritage Month provides all of us with an opportunity to learn more about the Jewish people and dispel misconceptions. Last winter, the Daniel Pearl Education Center sponsored a trip for 70 teenagers from Middlesex County in New Jersey to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The students, from all different backgrounds, had the opportunity to visit the museum and hear from a holocaust survivor. I also offered remarks at this event to echo the life and death importance of tolerance and understanding. The United States is a country of millions of people from countless distinct backgrounds. It is because of the values and freedoms inherent in our society, that so many diverse cultures are able to find success here. I am pleased to join my colleague in the House of Representatives tonight in honoring the many successes of Jewish Americans.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the bicentennial of the Republic of Argentina. Two hundred years ago in Buenos Aires, a week-long series of revolutionary events took place, known as the Revolucion de Mayo, which set in motion events that led to Argentina's momentous declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. Since gaining independence, Argentina has emerged as a leader in Latin America and as a valuable ally to the United States. In the western hemisphere, Argentina has always been a friend who shares our values of freedom and democracy. In the global arena, it continues to be an important economic partner, with nearly 500 U.S. companies currently operating within its borders. As a founding member of the United Nations and in its most recent position as Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations, Argentina has also proven to be a cogent diplomat. Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a globally competitive agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Additionally, as a country that has been richly endowed with culture, varying from eloquent tangos to loyal soccer fans, Argentina remains one of the cultural epicenters of Latin America. The positive bilateral relationship between the United States and Argentina has been based on many common strategic and ideological interests, securing Argentina's position as an important ally and friend to the United States. I commemorate this historic occasion with Argentineans in the United States and again congratulate the people of Argentina on 200 years of independence.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the achievements of an inspiring student athlete, Melissa Beyruti of Kean University. Melissa, an All-American senior basketball guard from Union City, New Jersey, finished her career this past March to become the NCAA Division III leader in all-time games played with 128. She also became Kean's all-time leading scorer, closing out her career with 1,974 points, and she holds the NCAA all-division record for career three pointers with 397. In addition to being chosen for the 2010 NCAA Division III State Farm Coaches' All-American Team, Melissa has been named as both the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Metro Region Player of the Year and the New Jersey Athletic Player of the Year. Highlights of her career have been featured in The New York Times and Sports Illustrated. Melissa has served as both an exemplar student athlete and role model for young girls and women, making her family, university, and the community of Union City very proud. She is an inspiration to many, and I want to congratulate her and her family. I look forward to her many future successes on and off the court.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month we witnessed the tragedy of an inter-country adoption gone wrong when a 7-year-old boy was forced back, alone, to Russia. Last year over 12,000 children from around the world were adopted by American families, yet only a fraction of these adoptions were processed by accredited adoption agencies. The others occurred under an unregulated process that may not have the best interests of the families or the child in mind. Just over 2 years ago, the United States became a full member of the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption. Under the Convention, the United States requires that inter-country adoption service providers be accredited to improve transparency and accountability. Unfortunately, these rules only apply to adoptions from countries that have signed the Convention. Adoption agencies who work for non-Convention countries do not need to meet the accreditation requirements, and these agencies continue to conduct unregulated adoptions, creating a double standard for the treatment of children and families. We must strengthen the adoption practices by requiring accreditation for all countries' adoption service providers. Universal accreditation will create an adoption process that is lawful, safe for the child, and respectful to the families involved.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, as today is tax day, it is important that American people are aware of the savings and tax cuts brought to them over the past year. In conjunction with President Obama, we have ensured that tax breaks no longer focus on the wealthy, but rather on the hardworking Americans. With the enactment of the Recovery Act, we are able to provide tax breaks for many aspects of American life, from investing in small business, to investing in energy efficiency, to sending your child to college, to buying a new car. These tax reductions are helping families and businesses across America get back on their feet while spurring business investment and job creation. All totaled, Congress has enacted over $800 billion in tax cuts, including 25 within the Recovery Act. Perhaps one of the most critical provisions of the past year was the Making Work Pay tax credit, which is dedicated to providing 95 percent of all American workers with a tax break, including 254,000 residents in my district alone through the reduction in tax withholdings by their employer. As Americans return their tax forms today, a majority will find that a portion of their burden has been lifted through the swift action of this Chamber.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Urban League and celebrate their 100 years of service. Since 1910, the National Urban League has grown to have more than 100 affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Their work impacts the lives of more than 2 million across the nation and I applaud their contributions in fighting for historically underserved urban communities. In my district, which is 100 percent urban, there are active National Urban League affiliates who work hard to provide vital sources such as delivering social services and programs. New Jersey's 13th Congressional district is incredibly diverse and is made up of 47.6 percent Latinos, 12.8 percent African Americans, and 5.6 percent Asians. Among my constituents, 39.6 percent are foreign born, and this diversity enriches our communities. Through the hard work of the National Urban League, many of my constituents are becoming empowered to gain better access to education, employment, housing, and health care. The 100th Anniversary of the National Urban League also coincides with the publication of their 34th edition of The State of Black America. This riveting report features contributions from our nation's brightest scholars, politicians, and professionals and demonstrates just how severely our urban and minority communities are being impacted in the areas of economics, education, health, civic engagement, and social justice. For the very first time, The State of Black America, included a Hispanic index. In the report, an Equality Index of 100 percent would signify that minorities are on par with Caucasians; however, this report found that African-Americans received an overall Equality Index of 71.8 percent and Hispanics received an overall score of 75.5 percent. Clearly, there is more progress to be made. The area of economics represents the greatest disparity between minorities and whites, and the unemployment statistics were the most disconcerting. In 2009, African-American unemployment was 14.8 percent, Hispanic unemployment was 12.1 percent, and white unemployment was 8.5 percent. Further, for adult black men, the unemployment rate was 17.8 percent as compared to 8.8 percent for white men. For adult black women, the unemployment rate is 12.1 percent as compared to 7.3 percent for white women. The high rate of national unemployment is impacting all Americans, but is having a particularly devastating effect on African-Americans. In an effort to combat these sobering numbers, the National Urban League introduced The National Urban League 's Plan for Putting America Back to Work. This six point plan targets $168 billion in spending over two years through: (1) direct create job creation, (2) expansion of the Youth Summer Jobs program, (3) creation of urban jobs academies, (4) creation of green empowerment zones, (5) expansion of the hiring of housing counselors nationwide, and (6) expansion of the Small Business Administration's Community Express Loan Program. Together, these recommendations will address the jobs crisis that our urban communities are facing. The National Urban League's Centennial initiative is, ``I AM EMPOWERED,'' and sets a goal for every American to achieve access to a quality job which includes a living wage and good benefits by 2025. Let us all work together and make this goal a reality. Madam Speaker, I applaud the National Urban League for their dedication in serving our communities and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their 100 years of achievements.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of allowing public transit agencies to flex their Federal transit funding for operating expenses. Current law forbids transit systems in areas with a population of over 200,000 to use funds for operating. This has forced transit agencies across the country to cut services at a time when people are using transit more than ever. In 2008, transit use reached its highest level in five decades. In my home State of New Jersey, you can take a bus to any part of our State, and there are nearly 1,000 miles of rail line. Building this dynamic transportation system took years to develop, yet routes are being slashed because of the high cost of operating expenses. All across our Nation, public transportation routes are being closed, and it is critical that we find a solution for our constituents. Congressman Carnahan has introduced a bill, H.R. 2746, that would allow public transit agencies to use some of their Federal funding for operating expenses. I am proud to cosponsor this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that gives transit agencies the flexibility necessary to continue their great service.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, we must not let this historic opportunity slip away. If we do not act, rising health care costs will continue to crush families and businesses, forcing small business owners to choose between health care and jobs. If we do nothing, in 30 years, $1 out of every $3 in our economy will be tied up in the health care system. If we fail to pass reform, premiums for both single and family policies could more than double by 2020, continuing to pad the bottom line of insurance companies at the expense of the American workers. If we can pass health reform, consumers will be able to select their insurance plan and doctors, and they would no longer be denied coverage because of preexisting conditions and they can keep their coverage when they change jobs. Finally, reforming our health care system will allow us to free up more money for jobs and for economic activity while assisting small businesses to add an estimated 80,000 new jobs. Mr. Speaker, how long are 46 million uninsured Americans supposed to wait? The American people deserve to take back control over their health care system.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4853, the Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010. This legislation would extend the FAA's aviation programs and taxes for 3 more months, through July 3, 2010. Funding authorization for aviation programs expired at the end of fiscal year 2007, and since then, 11 extensions have been passed. Although the House passed Chairman Oberstar's bill, H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009, on May 21, 2009, the Senate has not acted on this legislation. Passage of a comprehensive reauthorization bill is necessary, but for the time being, we must once again pass an extension reauthorizing the FAA's aviation programs. Included in this bill are also two very important surface transportation provisions. These provisions would alleviate concerns raised by Members of the House earlier this month when we passed the House amendments to the Senate amendments of the HIRE Act. Specifically, section 9 of this bill will amend the HIRE Act and resolve House concerns with the formula of distributing highway funding in the HIRE Act. This bill would share among all States the $932 million for projects of national and regional significance and the national corridor programs. Under the Senate's bill, four States would automatically receive 58 percent of this funding and 22 States would receive no funding at all. Under this bill, all States will be allowed to compete for these programs. This bill also distributes additional bonus formula funds to 13 current State highway formula programs, as opposed to only six of the highway formula programs. While the Senate Surface Transportation Act Extension Act skewed highway formula funding to certain States, this bill acts as a remedy. Additionally, these two surface transportation provisions would put into law Majority Leader Reid's commitment to rectify the two differences between the House and the Senate transportation extension bills. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing the FAA Extension Act, which includes several important provisions.