Albio Sires

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, for the last 7 years, Vice President Cheney has perfected the art of meaningful oversight and avoiding any accountability to the American people. But who would have ever thought that such a defiance would lead the Vice President to the absurd, claiming that he is not a member of the executive branch. That's right, Cheney does not want to play by the established rules of safeguarding classified national information. He is now saying that he is not actually a member of the executive branch. If the Vice President is not a member of the executive branch, shouldn't he be forced to turn over information to the congressional Democrats requested regarding his secret energy task force? After all, Cheney used executive privilege as an excuse for his secrecy. Also, why should the office of the Vice President receive funding through the bill that funds the executive branch? That bill is actually on the floor today, and the House Democrats will offer an amendment to remove funding for the Vice President's office from this bill. House Democrats are not going to support the Vice President's latest attempt to avoid any accountability to the American people.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. I will yield.

Mr. SIRES. Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word. I really want to thank Congressman Weiner, this has been an issue that is close to his heart, for offering this amendment. Let me start my remarks talking a little bit about 9/11. I was the mayor of a small community across from New York, and I was a citizen. I watched as the Towers burned. I will never forget that vision in my mind. It was a symbolic blow to the Nation's spirit. But we have recovered our spirit. Today, America stands strong and proud again. And an important part of the recovery is due to the fact that we were able to get back to work. In short, we got back our lives. As the Secretary of the Interior, Ms. Norton, said on September 12, 2001 while standing at the Hoover Dam, ``Even though atrocities such as those of September 11 can affect us, they cannot close us down.'' That is why I am cosponsoring this amendment today. The only national park that remains closed from 9/11 is the crown of the Statue of Liberty. I hope that with this amendment we will open up the crown for visiting once again. Yes, it is symbolic, but symbols are important. And let me say that there are three sites that most immigrants, when they come to the area, like to look at. One is the Statue of Liberty, the other is going up the Empire State Building, and the other is Niagara Falls. We can go to the other two, but we cannot go all the way up to the Statue of Liberty. I thank my friend from New York for proposing this amendment and for his time.

Mr. SIRES. We do have the Statue of Liberty in New Jersey, and we have the better side facing New Jersey.

Mr. SIRES. Absolutely.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker. I rise to honor Hoboken City Councilman-at- Large Ruben Ramos, Jr. during Hoboken Cultural Week 2007. Ramos, Jr., who was born and raised in Hoboken, is the first Puerto Rican from, Hoboken to be nominated to the New Jersey State Assembly. At age 25, Ramos, Jr. became the youngest councilman to be elected in the City of Hoboken in 1999, representing the 4th Ward. That same year, Ramos, Jr. was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. A proven fighter, Ramos, Jr. underwent rigorous chemotherapy treatment and was declared cancer free a year later, going on to become one of the most outstanding Hoboken citizens of Puerto Rican heritage. Two years later, in 2001, Ramos, Jr. ran successfully for Councilman- at-Large, and became the youngest City Council President in the history of Hoboken. He was re-elected to the City Council in 2005. During his 8 years serving on the Hoboken City Council, Ruben Ramos, Jr. has been able to work effectively with its members to bring effective development to the city and the waterfront. Ramos, Jr. took action to create more open space while expanding much needed residential parking spaces. Councilman Ramos, Jr. also helped clean up the Housing Authority and created the town's summer employment for teenagers program in city departments. In the national arena, Ramos, Jr. was selected by Al Gore's 2000 election committee to serve on the Platform Committee of the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, where he delivered a stirring keynote speech. Ramos, Jr. was also chosen by the Democratic National Committee to serve on their credentials committee during the presidential campaign. Councilman Ruben Ramos, Jr. is a graduate of Farleigh Dickinson University and has taught Social Studies to sixth, seventh and eighth- grade students for the last 10 years. Aware of their needs and hoping to shape the lives of young residents in the area, Ramos, Jr. has volunteered with the Hoboken Boy's and Girl's Club. Please join me in honoring Ruben Ramos, Jr. during Hoboken Cultural Week and congratulating his wife Norma, his two beautiful daughters, and the Puerto Rican family members who helped shape the outstanding life of this young elected official that has become a role model for his fellow citizens.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Lowey amendment. This amendment would clarify existing language in the Foreign Operations bill that would only, and I repeat, only allow for NGOs to receive U.S.-donated contraceptives. This amendment makes it clear that only contraceptives will be donated and made available to millions of men and women around the world. Not funding. By increasing global contraceptive supplies, this will help many women and men overseas plan their families, protect against sexually transmitted diseases, and minimize at-risk pregnancies. Mr. Chairman, since the administration reinstated this policy in 2001, 20 nations have stopped receiving U.S. shipments of contraceptives. Women and children in these countries often suffer from high maternal and child mortality rates because of a lack of adequate health care and access to family planning. I believe we must give hope to these women and families by providing them with the contraceptives they need to make their own decisions regarding their families. And I also think it is essential to provide individuals with the tools they need to protect themselves against the spread of HIV/AIDS. I rise in support, and I urge all the Members to support this amendment.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chairman, the funding that has been provided over the past 10 years to support the pro-democracy movement in Cuba has been working. U.S. assistance has provided books, newsletters and other informational material to the people of Cuba, as well as over 385,000 pounds of medicine, food and clothing. According to a USAID report, U.S. assistance has also funded journalism correspondence courses for more than 200 Cubans, and the publication of about 23,000 reports by independent Cuban journalists about conditions and events in Cuba. Although the Cuban regime restricts nearly all political dissent, and denies its citizens the basic rights of free expression, association and assembly, our funding and assistance has allowed the pro-democracy and civil resistance movement in Cuba to dramatically increase in recent years. As evidenced in this chart, from just 2004 to 2005 there was a 54 percent increase in the number of civil resistance actions reported on the island. Some of these civil resistance acts include citizens unwilling to cooperate with regime officials in repressing pro- democracy activities, and citizens boycotting regime control meetings and mass gatherings. By supporting this amendment, the pro-democracy movement in Cuba can continue to organize, communicate their vision for the future of the Cuban people, and prepare to assume the role in the process of democratic transition. But it is also important to realize that Cuba now is at the same stage that Spain was many years ago when they had a dictator for 40 years. The world looked to Spain and saw that many of the institutions promoting democracy prevailed. If we don't work to promote dissidents who are pro-democratic dissidents in Cuba, we're not going to have any institution when the changes for a Cuban democratic island will exist.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, during further consideration of H.R. 2764 pursuant to House Resolution 498, the Chair may reduce to 2 minutes the minimum time for electronic voting under clause 6 of rule XVIII and clauses 8 and 9 of rule XX.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert J. Burrows, a respected and invaluable resident of the 13th district of New Jersey. Mr. Burrow's life set a higher standard in public service and dedication to the well-being of his community through his roles in the areas of education, public office and congressional service. Robert Burrows made Bayonne, NJ, his home for the last 50 years. He was instrumental in shaping the City's government, making his mark after serving as Bayonne's First Ward Councilman from 1994 to 1998, Mr. Burrows also served as Commissioner of the Bayonne Board of Adjustment, later becoming vice chairman. Robert Burrows helped shape the future of the City of Bayonne as a citizen-appointed Member of the Hudson/Bergen Bayonne Light Rail Advisory Committee. In this capacity, he led Bayonne in becoming the first stop of the historic light rail system that has brought expansion and economic development to the region. Mr. Burrows also served as trustee of the Board of Education during the construction of the Midtown Community School. Throughout his life, Mr. Burrows was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society, St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish Council, the Bayonne Sicilian Club, and Irelands 32. Mr. Burrows also served on the Board of the Bayonne Community Museum and was First Chairman of the Bayonne Historic Preservation Commission. His love for public service was also demonstrated as a member of the New Frontier Democrats. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Robert Burrows was a graduate of New York University. He was a dedicated employee of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 42 years until his retirement as vice president of the Claims Division. From 1998 to 2006, Mr. Burrows served as congressional aide to U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, and I was proud to have him serve in my office until his retirement. I congratulate Bob and his family for his dedication to the constituents of the 13th congressional district and in particular, to the residents of Bayonne. The outpouring of expressions of condolence to his wife Marie, his children and grandchildren are evidence that his commitment to helping others will be deeply missed. I join them in mourning the loss of a true gentleman, whose memory will live in the hearts of the many people he touched.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, through a congressional debate on the Iraq supplemental funding bill, Senate and House Republican leaders said that significant improvements will be needed to be seen by September in Iraq, otherwise a serious course correction might be needed. We'll see if Republican leaders will continue to back those words and will finally join us in moving the Iraq war in a new direction, or will they move the deadline to a later date like they have done in the past. It will be interesting to see if they stand by their statements in light of General David Petraeus' acknowledgment over the weekend that conditions in Iraq were not improved by September. The general also indicated that stabilizing Iraq will take as long as 10 years. Mr. Speaker, Democrats remain committed to forging a new direction in Iraq. In the coming months, Democrats will continue to hold President Bush accountable to fight to ensure that the Iraqi people take control of the country. A 10-year commitment is simply unacceptable to us. Now we will see if the Republicans will stand by their past statements and join us in the efforts in September.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chairman, it was clear on September 11 that one of New Jersey's critical security weaknesses was the protection of chemical security plants and facilities. New Jersey did not wait around years for the Department of Homeland Security to enact strong chemical security regulations. Our State took the initiative to protect its citizens by enacting strong chemical security laws. This House is taking action to make sure that my State will be able to keep our strong standards. The fiscal year 2008 Homeland Security appropriations bill will prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from overturning New Jersey's chemical security regulations. I represent part of the area known as the ``most dangerous 2 miles,'' right near Port Elizabeth in New Jersey. Securing the infrastructure along this corridor is not only important for the safety of my constituents and the residents of New Jersey, but also for the entire Nation. That is why it is so important that the Homeland Security appropriations bill contains $400 million to protect critical port facilities and infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, the Homeland Security appropriations bill has my support because it is vital to the security of my constituents, the State of New Jersey, and the entire Nation. Thank you.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, for the first 4 months of this year, the new Democratic-led House approved key legislation that will move us in a new direction and allow us better defense of our Nation and strengthen our military. Unfortunately, time and time again, the President has either vetoed our efforts or has threatened to veto. During our first 100 hours, we passed a bill implementing the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission, including improvements in securing our ports, our border and our infrastructure. The administration currently opposes this legislation. This House also approved the Rail and Mass Transit Security Act, which requires the Homeland Security Department to develop plans to protect our rail and mass transit. Despite strong bipartisan support here in the House, President Bush has threatened to veto it. Mr. Speaker, protecting our homeland is not a partisan issue. This House approved both of these critical homeland security bills with the votes of both Republicans and Democrats. I would hope the President would stop being an obstructionist and instead support our important bills.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, on May 16, 2007, I missed rollcall votes Nos. 350, 351, 352. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 350, ``yea'' on rollcall 351, ``yea'' on rollcall 352, ``no'' on rollcall 353, ``present'' on rollcall 354, and ``no'' on rollcall 355.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chairman, I first would like to thank Chairman Frank for his efforts in bringing this bill to the floor today, and it's because of him this bill is supported by the Treasury Department and the very government-sponsored entities the bill impacts. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1427. It creates a single regulator of the three government-sponsored entities. By having one regulator, future problems in the housing economy will be prevented by providing real and strong oversight of the secondary mortgage market. Secondly, this bill creates an Affordable Housing Fund. This fund will provide an opportunity for millions of working Americans to afford housing that will allow them to raise their families in a safe and stable environment. Some will even be able to buy a home because of this new fund. Hardworking Americans want a safe and stable place to call their own. We have the opportunity here today to support the American dream of home ownership by passing H.R. 1427. And just as important, we can do this with proper oversight. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1427.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, our most important job as lawmakers is to ensure the safety of the American people. Our local law enforcement officers serve communities across this Nation as the first line of defense against crime. The number of police on our streets matters for the security of every city in this Nation, and we have a responsibility to ensure that these officers are in place. That is why Congress worked with President Clinton in the 1990s to create the COPS program. Through this program, more than 100,000 cops were hired, putting police in every neighborhood in our Nation. But when President Bush came to office, he eliminated the COPS program, with no objections from the old Republican rubber-stamp Congress. As a result, crime substantially increased over the last decade. Madam Speaker, today this Congress has an opportunity to reverse these troubling trends by passing the COPS Improvement Act. This legislation would allow communities to hire 50,000 police officers over the next 6 years so we can better protect our communities.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Affairs be discharged from further consideration of the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 28) congratulating the City of Chicago for being chosen to represent the United States in the international competition to host 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and encouraging the International Olympic Committee to select Chicago as the site of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, with President Bush's veto last week, it is clear that if this Congress is going to take this war in a new direction, we need some of our Republican colleagues to join with us. Unfortunately, it seems that the House Republicans are still willing to blindly follow the President, no matter the facts in Iraq. Consider this statement from Minority Leader Boehner over the weekend. He said, and I quote, ``We want a clean bill. We don't want artificial deadlines. We don't want artificial measures in there to try to ensure failure.'' Let's not forget that the artificial measures that the minority leader is referring to were actually measures designed by President Bush himself to hold the Iraqi Government accountable. These are critical measures that will put the pressure on the Iraqi Government to make political, diplomatic and economic reforms. So far, none of these benchmarks have been met. It is time that the House Republicans realize that the status quo is no longer acceptable to the American people. We have to keep pressure on the Iraqis to initiate these reforms and bring our troops home.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, 4 years yesterday, President Bush sent a strong message to the American people, to our troops, and to the world, that our mission in Iraq was accomplished. Can you imagine that? Four years later it is clear that this was just one of the many miscalculations on Bush's administration's part. Over the past 4 years, we have lost more than 3,000 additional troops, tens of thousands more have been severely injured, and hundreds of billions of U.S. taxpayers' dollars have been spent. Now a dangerous civil war is being waged with no end in sight. The American military did its job. Military experts agree that there is no military solution to the war in Iraq. That is why this Congress approved an emergency supplemental bill last week that sent a strong message to the Iraqi Government that this is the time to get their political house in order. American troops are not going to be there indefinitely. Mr. Speaker, President Bush was wrong 4 years ago. He's wrong now as he vetoes this bill. It is time for the President to work with this Congress to come up with a plan to end this war.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 347) recognizing the historical significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart).

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time.