Albio Sires

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor efforts in my district to end homelessness. County and municipal governments, non- profit organizations, and business leaders, with guidance from the federal government, have joined together to end chronic homelessness. For nearly three years, the Alliance to End Homelessness in Hudson County has worked collaboratively to develop the ten-year plan with input from government officials, nonprofit organizations, and those agencies working closely with Hudson County's homeless population. The Alliance's ten-year plan consists of 45 action steps to end homelessness that includes building 650 units of housing and providing health care and support services to homeless individuals and homeless families dealing with temporary dislocation due to fire, job loss, domestic abuse and other crisis. This collaboration is important because wide support is needed to solve this problem. Recognizing that, United Way of Hudson County is honoring TD Bank for their work to end homelessness; Governor Jon Corzine for his leadership in the state on this issue; and Dr. Philip Mangano the former Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council to End Homelessness for his guidance and advice in establishing Hudson County's Alliance. So I rise today to offer my support to the United Way of Hudson County and the Alliance to End Homelessness in Hudson County and I wish them continued success in their fight against homelessness.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, every day my constituents share with me their personal stories. I often hear about their passport or mortgage troubles. But perhaps more than any other concern, they tell me of their family's struggle to stay healthy or to get treatment when they become sick without health insurance. They tell me how they have worked all their lives, only to lose their retirement savings when they need serious medical treatment. These stories are unacceptable, just as it is unacceptable that one in five Americans are uninsured. Now is the time to act. For each day we delay, an additional 14,000 Americans lose coverage. There are four items that must be included in the final legislation to fix our health care system. First, we must ensure coverage so that everyone has access to health insurance. Second, we must improve the quality of care. Third, we must contain costs while investing in preventative care. And finally, individuals must be guaranteed their choice of health insurance plans and doctors. If we can pass a bill that incorporates these four principles, we will have made a real and lasting impact on the lives of people.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I missed the following votes on June 15, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted yes on rollcall 336 on H. Res. 430, yes on rollcall 337 on H.R. 2325; and yes on rollcall 338 on H.R. 729.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak for those oppressed in Cuba that cannot speak for themselves. As the administration is moving forward with immigration talks, as the Organization of American States is welcoming Cuba, I rise to remind my colleagues in Washington and my friends abroad that when you deal with Cuba, you are not dealing with a benign regime. You are dealing with a dangerous regime. The regime's most recent crackdown has surfaced in the oppression of religion. In May 2008, Pastor Omar Gude Perez was arrested and charged with human trafficking. When no evidence was found to support the charges, the Cuban regime simply changed the charges. He is now on trial for ``counter-revolutionary conduct.'' A man who has been dedicated to his religion now faces years in prison. Last week, 30 evangelical, nonpolitical pastors were arrested by Cuban authorities. This is a clear attack on religion by the Castro regime. On top of these atrocities, we hear that two Castro spies may have been working among us in our government for decades. It is crucial that the United States Government move slowly and cautiously in our relationship with Cuba. In light of this, the administration must not make any further decisions regarding Cuba until a comprehensive damage assessment is completed and Congress is fully briefed.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chair, today I rise to give my full support for the passage of H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. I believe defense, diplomacy and development are the three key components of our national security strategy. This bill will give the Department of State and Peace Corp the tools necessary to ensure that diplomacy plays an integral role in furthering U.S. foreign policy goals. H.R. 2410 strengthens our diplomatic corps by giving the Department of State the authority to hire over 1,500 new foreign service officers and improve their language capabilities. The bill also seeks to double the number of Peace Corps volunteers in the field. Peace Corps volunteers are vital to U.S. diplomacy as they are often the only American faces in some of the world's most remote places. Finally, this legislation establishes the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation to expand the number of U.S. students studying abroad, learning new languages and fostering cultural understanding. Mr. Chair, H.R. 2410 puts us one step closer to developing a global security strategy that uses diplomacy as a crucial tool to help ensure our safety at home and abroad. I would urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation. Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 2401, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. This legislation will enhance our national security by providing adequate resources to the State Department, which has been underfunded for the last 8 years. Diplomacy and international development are key components to any national security agenda. I was also pleased to see that title nine of the bill, which enhances the Merida Initiative, includes provisions to further combat gun trafficking and drug cartels. However, I was greatly disappointed that the House Homeland Security Committee was not included in the development of this title or the previous Merida Initiative legislation. The Department of Homeland Security plays a significant role in the Merida Initiative by coordinating through its agencies that are assisting Mexico and other foreign governments address issues surrounding smuggling, trafficking and violence at our borders and internationally. Thus I firmly believe this committee should have been allowed to play a role in this legislation. As Chairwoman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counter Terrorism, I have held several hearings on issues affecting the Merida initiative. These hearings focused on the ongoing violence along our southern border, drug trafficking, weapon trafficking and cash trafficking. My subcommittee and the full committee on Homeland Security have been at the forefront of addressing the threats posed by drug trafficking organizations and other transnational crime syndicates. Many of the recommendations made during our recent hearings, including southbound border check points for cash and guns going into Mexico, have been implemented along the border. The hearings also emphasized that many agencies--including the Department of Homeland Security--will need to work together closely to stop these growing transnational crime networks. The Merida Initiative would not be as effective without the constant and tireless work of the brave men and women at the Department of Homeland Security. I hope that in the future more consideration will be given to the role the Department of Homeland Security plays implementing critical security initiatives like the Merida Initiative. My colleagues on the Committee on Homeland Security look forward to working with our friends on the other relevant committees to continue to develop, implement and improve initiatives such as the Merida Initiative. I ask my colleagues to support the underlying legislation.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two very distinguished women for their service in our Armed Forces. Victoria Del Regno served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 to 1972, and Isabella De Marco served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 2004 and is currently an active duty reservist. Both women were selected as the Co-Grand Marshals for the Memorial Day parade in Bayonne, New Jersey, in my district. Ms. Del Regno and Ms. De Marco were both born and raised in Bayonne, served as nurses in the military, and both are members of the F.A. MacKenzie American Legion Post 165 in Bayonne. Mr. Speaker, for the first time in the 91-year history of the parade, two females were selected by the parade committee to serve as Grand Marshals. I am proud that this year's parade honors the service of women in the Armed Forces. These two women and their contributions are outstanding examples of women who are serving and who have served in our military.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, now is the time to stand up for American consumers. Too many families and hardworking Americans are struggling through this difficult economic recession. Credit card companies that charge unwarranted and unanticipated fees have been hitting Americans hard during our economic hardship. Despite massive government intervention to encourage lending, many credit card companies are still cutting back on credit, imposing new fees and raising rates--even for those who pay on time and never go over the limit. This is unacceptable. In passing the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights, we will even the playing field by providing critical protections against these unfair, yet all too common, credit card practices. This bill will also provide tough new regulations on credit and companies in order to protect consumers from excessive fees, enormous interest rates, and unfair agreements. Ending abusive credit card practices that continue to drive America deeper and deeper into debt is a critical element in our economic recovery.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, a healthy learning environment for our children is the gateway to a brighter future. Unfortunately, too many of them attend schools that are crumbling, making it harder for teachers to teach and students to learn. In fact, research has shown better quality schools have higher rates of student achievement. For this reason I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act to modernize, upgrade, and repair school facilities across this country. This legislation creates healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient learning environments for our Nation's children. In addition to improving our schools, this bill will play an important role in protecting our environment and improving our economy through the creation of environmentally sound schools and the creation of thousands of new construction jobs. Madam Speaker, I represent an urban district where many students would benefit from the modernization of these schools. By passing this bill, these students and others across this country will get the opportunity to learn in a healthier and sounder environment.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the Record my position on the following votes I missed on May 12, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 243 to table the motion, ``yes'' on rollcall 244 on H. Res. 413; and ``yes'' on rollcall 245 on H. Res. 378.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Volunteer First Aid Squad of Weehawken, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary on May 8, 2009. This organization has provided 40 years of free emergency medical service to the Township of Weehawken and the North Hudson Community. In 1969, the Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad was the first volunteer squad to form in Hudson County. It is now only one of two remaining volunteer squads still operating in the County. Over the last forty years, the squad has responded to over 75,000 calls for help, providing initial medical treatment and transportation to the appropriate medical facility at no charge to the patient. The squad primarily covers the Township of Weehawken, and for the last twenty years, the Town of Guttenberg, it has been directly involved in all of the most serious incidents that have struck the metropolitan area. In 1993 the squad responded to Manhattan to provide assistance to the World Trade Center when it was first attacked by terrorists. It then coordinated treatment of tens of thousands of the victims that were evacuated to New Jersey after the second terrorist attack in 2001. Two years later the volunteer squad provided comfort to thousands of commuters who were stranded in New York City during the blackout of 2003. Most recently, the squad coordinated the response of over 50 emergency medical service units who responded to the Weehawken Ferry Terminal to assist treating passengers of the ``Miracle on the Hudson'' plane crash. The squad has been a training ground for many residents who have chosen careers in the medical profession. Over, the years, the volunteer squad has been honored to have six members who have gone on to become medical doctors, and hundreds who have chosen careers as nurses, paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Please join me in congratulating the Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad and all members of the squad for providing the residents of Weehawken, Guttenberg and North Hudson with excellent emergency health care.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, the current housing crisis has had devastating consequences for homeowners in communities throughout New Jersey and the country. Our Nation is faced with the highest foreclosure rate in 25 years. Millions of families may lose their homes to foreclosure this year because too many lenders approved loans that homeowners could not afford to pay. By passing H.R. 1728, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2009, we have an opportunity to curb abusive and predatory lending. Specifically, the bill outlaws many of the destructive industry practices that marked the subprime lending boom in the first place. It also establishes a simple standard for all home loans, ensuring that borrowers can repay loans they are sold. Finally, it protects tenants who rent homes that go into foreclosure. This legislation marks a critical step in the rebuilding process of our economy while providing the American consumers with the protection they deserve. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, in February, the House passed a resolution supporting the goals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. National Girls and Women in Sports Day works to celebrate female athletes' achievements, to acknowledge the positive influence of sports participation in women's lives, and to urge equality and access for women in sports. On April 21, 2009, Mackenzie Brown, a sixth grade Little League pitcher from Bayonne, New Jersey, in my district, threw a perfect game. Throwing fast balls and change-ups, she struck out 18 batters. All of them were boys. Mackenzie is the first girl in the city's history to throw a perfect game. Her achievement was so impressive that she was asked to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Mets game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mackenzie also excels in the classroom. She has consistently been an honor roll student at Henry E. Harris School in Bayonne. Mackenzie's achievements exemplify the important and beneficial role that sports can play in girls' lives. 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 field.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, my constituents worry about the rising cost of health care. Today, I rise to let them know we are working to make health care more affordable and accessible. We already strengthened and improved the State Children's State Insurance Program. Nearly 11 million children will benefit from actions by enrolling them in health insurance programs and expanding access to dental and mental health benefits. This year, we voted to increase funding for health care information technology, saving billions of dollars and reducing private health insurance premiums for families. We also increased Medicaid funding, protecting coverage for millions of low-income and elderly Americans. While more needs to be done, that is why I will vote for President Obama's budget. He sets aside more than $630 million over the next 10 years to reform health care, reduce Medicare overpayments to private insurance, and reduce drug prices to rein in high costs that are a drag on our entire economy. I urge everyone to support this budget.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 161 I inadvertently miscast my vote. I intended to vote ``no'' on that question. I ask unanimous consent that this statement appear in the Record adjacent to that rollcall.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, today I rise to speak to middle-class families facing job loss or shrinking incomes. They may feel left out of the bailouts. That is why I am happy to report that the President's budget will help them by making the $800 Make Work Pay tax cut permanent; by expanding the child tax credit for millions of families with children; by making college more affordable by making the $2,500 American opportunity tax credit permanent; by permanently protecting millions of middle-class families from being hit by the AMT; by expanding the earned income tax credit; by expanding the current tax credit for saving for retirement and providing for automatic enrollment in IRAs and 401(k)s; and by eliminating capital gains on small businesses. The President's budget cuts taxes for 95 percent of Americans, while the budget invests in programs that create jobs, makes education affordable, and encourages clean American energy. It helps the middle class, which is why we must pass this budget.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of House Resolution 194, supporting the goals of International Women's Day. Women have come a long way in our nation; leading graduation rates at universities, running major corporations and being elected to the highest levels of government. I am proud to live in a country where more women than ever before are being elected to office and I am proud to serve with the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, many women around the world continue to be less fortunate; living in poverty, without access to health care, education or basic human rights. We must continue to be their voice, so that women all across the world will one day have the ability to make their own decisions about their lives. I hope that by providing women with the tools to educate themselves, they are better equipped to provide for their families, protect themselves against HIV/AIDS, end cycles of domestic violence, and fight for their rights. Mr. Speaker, we must continue to support the goals of International Women's Day to ensure the further advancement of women in our country and around the globe.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Sustainable Building Industry Council honored the Garden Street Lofts in Hoboken, New Jersey, at their Beyond Green High Performance Buildings Awards. I am proud of the accomplishments of MAST Construction and all those involved in the project. I am pleased that their important work has been recognized. The Garden Street Lofts project, completed last November, successfully converted an 80-year-old warehouse into a ``Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design'' silver-certified building with 30 loft-style residences and over 7,000 square feet of retail space. The building also is located within reach of multiple forms of public transportation, further increasing its appeal and environmental benefits. I commend this sustainable project, and I thank the Sustainable Building Industry Council for including it in its Beyond Green Awards program. MAST Construction continues to provide the 13th Congressional District of New Jersey with exceptional facilities. It is my hope that the Garden Street Lofts will serve as a successful example for other developers.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate National Peace Corps Week and to honor the agency's 48th anniversary. Since the Peace Corps began in 1961, over 195,000 volunteers have served in 139 countries around the globe. Currently, there are over 7,800 Peace Corps volunteers serving in 76 countries, including two of my constituents. Jaskirat Singh is currently serving in Jordan until September 2010, and Antoinette Day is currently serving in Bulgaria. I am incredibly proud of their service and the lasting contributions they are making to improve the lives of people in the communities where they are serving. I would like to commend all the Peace Corps volunteers for their dedicated service to our Nation and for expanding and creating new opportunities for people in the developing world.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to discuss H. Res. 114, the National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which I introduced. Dedication, teamwork, discipline, courage, victory, and overcoming defeat can all be learned by participating in sports. Athletics are one of the best opportunities for personal growth, and yet there has not always been an equal opportunity for everyone to participate. In 1971, only 300,000 women participated in high school sports and fewer than 32,000 competed in college sports. Thanks in large part to Title IX, opportunities for girls and women to participate in sports have expanded, so that today ten times more women participate in high school sports and five times as many participate in college sports than in 1971. However, we still have a long way to go. High school women still receive 1,300,000 fewer opportunities to participate than do boys, and the money spent on women's sports is far less than that spent on boys' sports. National Girls and Women in Sports Day exists to overcome the final barriers for women in sports by celebrating female athletes' achievements, acknowledging the positive influence of sports participation in women's lives, and urging equality and access for women in sports. On February 4, 2009, the 23rd National Girls and Women in Sports Day was celebrated in schools and communities across the country. The Stevens Institute of Technology, in my district, recognized a woman, who truly embodies the ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Emily Woo, a senior chemical biology major at one of the most demanding scientific institutions in the country, is an athlete, scholar, and leader. She boasts a 3.6 cumulative grade point average in a demanding major. She holds five different school swimming records and has been captain of the women's swimming team for two years. As if that were not enough, her coach credits her with turning the swimming program around and being the best leader he has ever encountered. Emily Woo exemplifies the benefits of participation in sports. When girls and women participate, they are more likely to get better grades in school and are more likely to graduate. As little as four hours of exercise a week from sports activities may reduce a girl's risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis and obesity. Most importantly, when girls and women play sports, they have a more positive body image, higher levels of confidence, and are more likely to develop self-discipline, initiative, and leadership skills. National Girls and Women in Sports Day, an event sponsored by the National Girls and Women in Sports Coalition, increases awareness of the importance sports play in the lives of girls and women. I introduced this resolution to support the goals and ideals of this important day and to encourage schools and communities to continue and increase opportunities for girls and women in sports. As a former athlete, I know firsthand the benefits of competing in sports; my life is richer and more well-rounded because of those experiences. Everyone regardless of background should have equal access to sports, and I commend the National Girls and Women in Sports Coalition for their work to give everyone a chance to play.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, last week American companies announced that they will be laying off more than 102,000 employees in the coming weeks. The economic situation is clearly getting worse, and Congressional Democrats are taking steps to get people back to work and to save jobs that without action will be lost in the next few months. Last week, the House passed legislation that will save and create 3 to 4 million jobs. We will create nearly half a million jobs by investing in clean energy. Our economic package also puts nearly 400,000 people to work repairing crumbling roads, bridges and schools. In another effort to jump start our economy, it also gives 95 percent of Americans an immediate tax cut. Madam Speaker, economists told us that we needed to act boldly and swiftly to address our Nation's troubled economy. This week, the Senate must pass the economic recovery package so that we can begin the long process of turning this economy around. Failure to act, as some on the other side of the aisle seem to be more happy to do, is simply not an option.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, if we want the recovery package to be successful, we must invest in projects to benefit our economy in the short term and in the long term. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act does just that. Investing in our infrastructure creates 40,000 new jobs in New Jersey and has long-term benefits that will modernize our crumbling infrastructure. The recovery plan also provides additional long-term investment in energy, health care and education. Specifically, this bill provides New Jersey with $3.4 billion over 2 years to modernize our schools, enhance our educational technology and increase aid to students. Finally, this legislation provides immediate and direct tax relief for 95 percent of working families, and for job-creating small businesses. By helping the average American employer and employee with their taxes, we ensure they have income to grow their businesses and make investment in the future. I urge support for the bill.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work by rescue and nonrescue workers in the New York and New Jersey region in responding to January 15's emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549. I commend them for their amazing efforts to safely rescue the flight's 155 passengers. I would like to publicly thank Captain Chesley Sullenberger and the flight crew whose heroism and guidance helped everyone survive the water landing. Secondly, the quick reactions from New York Waterways ferry operators and the area's first responders should be recognized and commended. Their quick response allowed all passengers to exit the plane before it was fully submerged and to be quickly retrieved from the frigid waters. New York Waterways, a ferry company based in Weehawken, New Jersey, that usually shuttles commuters back and forth across the Hudson River, played a critical role in the rescue efforts. Boats were able to reach the crash site within minutes of impact and deliver passengers safely to the shores of New York and New Jersey where they could receive medical attention if necessary. Fortunately, major injuries were few. And I am extremely thankful for the response of New Jersey hospitals, including Christ Hospital, Palisades Medical Center, Hoboken Medical Center and Jersey City Medical Center, that treated the injured and those suffering from exposure to extremely cold temperatures. I am inspired by the heroic efforts of all involved that led to the rescue of all 155 passengers. And I am impressed by the teamwork that contributed to this successful rescue mission. I would also like to recognize the following New Jersey-based organizations that came to the aid of Flight 1549: Weehawken and all Regional Emergency Management Services, Office of Emergency Management and Hudson County, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, Police Departments of Weehawken, Union City, Guttenberg, West New York, Port Authority of New York New Jersey, and New Jersey Transit, Hudson County Sheriff's Department.

Mr. SIRES. Hudson County Sheriff's Department, Weehawken Parks and Recreation and Senior Center Staff, Arthur's Landing Restaurant of Weehawken, Sheraton Hotels of Weehawken, Modell's Sporting Goods Store of West New York, and the Office of Mayor Richard Turner of Weehawken and Mayor Brian Stack of Union City.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Bayonne Public School No. 14. PS-14 was recently honored as a National Blue Ribbon School for its innovative gifted and talented program. The school not only prepares students for the technological challenges of the 21st century, but they also offer an accelerated academic program and provide exposure to the arts. In addition to national recognition, New Jersey Department of Education recognized PS-14 as a ``star school'' because it implements cutting-edge policies, allows parents, local businesses and the community to get involved, and has not lost focus on student achievement, which is most important. I want to congratulate principal Janice Lo Re and the Bayonne school superintendent, Dr. Patricia McGeehan, for this outstanding recognition.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the State Children's Health Insurance Program or SCHIP. This is a successful, popular, bipartisan program that currently provides private health care coverage for more than 6 million children who would otherwise go without care. I am very proud to stand here today and say I will vote for a bill that provides health care to children in need, and that President-elect Obama said he would sign into law. Our action could not come at a better time. With rising unemployment, many families can no longer afford their health insurance. This bill brings them needed relief. Now parents can find comfort knowing their children will have access to health care while they look for a new job. This is particularly important in my home State of New Jersey. FamilyCare in New Jersey serves 122,000 children every year, a small percentage of which come from families with incomes up to 350 percent of the poverty line. It is expensive to live in my State, and even these families need help getting by. I am happy that this bill maintains the State's right to serve these families. Today we get to make a real impact on the lives of many struggling families. I am proud to support H.R. 2, the SCHIP Reauthorization Act of 2009.