Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the sponsor of the bill, Mr. Patrick Murphy, who is really responsible for our being here today. He has worked so hard on this legislation, and, of course, as I have said to many staffers along the way, this makes a whole lot of sense, and I want to thank him, and, of course, Mr. Platts and people that have worked on this and kept it going.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York. The boys basketball team last month won the New York City Public School Athletic League, PSAL, city championship. It is really referred to as the High, as it is affectionately known in Brooklyn, and has a long known history of athletic excellence. I'm not standing here recognizing the High's boys basketball team only because it won its first PSAL championship in 31 years or because it has several players who college scouts are seriously recruiting. All of that is noteworthy and I think it is just great that that has occurred. But I also stand here because of the coach, Ruth Lovelace, the coach of the High's basketball team. She is the first woman in the history of the PSAL to take a male team to the championship and win. Ms. Lovelace did not do it alone. She did not shoot or dribble a ball or even get fouled. Rather, she provided the leadership to take them all the way. Ms. Lovelace starred in basketball at the High, played both at Hilbert Junior College and Seton Hall. As coach, she won 377 times and lost only 108 games during her 15-year tenure. Coach Love and the team have been featured in documentaries on ESPN, NBC, and CBS. Coach Love would not have had the opportunity to lead a male team to a basketball championship without Congress's efforts to pass title IX in 1972. This signature piece of legislation opened the doors for women like Ruth Lovelace to participate in organized sports. Again, I applaud the Boys and Girls High School boys basketball team for having a winning season and making the residents of the 10th Congressional District of Brooklyn, my fellow Brooklynites, so proud. I would like to just enter the names of these great athletes into our Congressional Record because they are not only great athletes, they're also great scholars, they're also great gentlemen, and I think that within itself is something that we should recognize today. I would like to recognize Jonathan Arroyo, Dominique Bostick, Ralph Colon, Leroy Truck Fludd, Anthony Hemingway, Leroy Isler, Darren Kirby, Christopher Lockhart, Nkosi Brown, Jamal Mapp, Aaron McBurnie, Saequahn Pettus, Jeffland Neverson, Jobse Reyes, Antoine Slaughter, Calvin Sterling, Michael Taylor, Jerry White, Brandon Williams. And let me just recognize the coaches. First I want to recognize the athletic director, Sheila Shale; and then head coach, again, Ruth Lovelace; and her assistant coaches, Elmer Anderson, Jeff Wiggins, and Gene Carroll for the outstanding job that they have done on behalf of these young people who I know will go on to college and to make all of us proud. So it's my honor and my pleasure to say to the Boys and Girls High School we are so proud of you and what you have done to bring back the pride to Brooklyn that we rightfully deserve. Congratulations, Boys and Girls High School.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Thank you very much for yielding time to me. Of course I want to commend the members of the Autism Caucus for their outstanding work that they're doing. I also hope that this resolution will bring about awareness and support for autism. Madam Speaker, let me just say that we know that more research is needed, and I think that any way that we can make it possible for people to focus on it and to understand how important these additional resources are makes a whole lot of sense. I just want to commend my colleagues for their outstanding work that they have done to bring us to this point. I am hoping that, as a result of this, we will get more Members involved and, of course, more people involved in this issue, because there are still a lot of unanswered questions. At any time we can create a situation where people will focus on it, then I think answers will be coming forth. So I just want to commend my colleagues for this effort. I look forward to working with them because this is a very serious problem. It is one that should not be ignored, and it is one on which we really should spend time making certain we get the word out in order to get the kind of research that we need to have in order to bring about a solution.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences on the passing of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Born March 24, 1912, in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Height went on to become one of the most influential civil rights activists and a symbol of African American advancement in the United States. After graduating with a Master's degree in psychology from New York University, Dr. Height continued her early career with postgraduate work at Columbia University and the New York School of Social Work. In her lifetime, she eventually received 36 Honorary Doctorate Degrees, along with a plethora of awards in recognition of her outstanding work in the field. In 1937, she was invited to join the National Council of Negro Women in her quest for women's rights to full and equal employment, pay and education. This is when her career as civil rights activist began. She fought for equal rights for both African Americans and women alongside of the big six of the civil rights movement--Dr. Martin Luther King, Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph, James Farmer, Roy Wilkins, and John Lewis. She served in many leadership roles with prominent groups such as the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, National Council of Negro Women, and the YWCA. Among her many awards, Dr. Height was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the US Congress--our nation's highest honors bestowed upon extraordinary citizens like Dr. Height. Dr. Height passed away on April 20, 2010. It is with deep sadness that I offer my condolences to her family, friends, and to the many lives touched by Dr. Height.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. I would like to thank the gentleman from Memphis, Tennessee, for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1104, commemorating National Crime Victims' Rights Week and its theme, ``Fairness. Dignity. Respect.'' I would also like to reflect upon a topic that is of deep concern to me: violence against women. Domestic violence has a profound psychological impact on victims and survivors. There has been a 35 percent increase in domestic violence shelter bed use since 2002. Increased shelter utilization is evidence of the displacement and psychological havoc that domestic violence wreaks on families. We must put a stop to this. Nationally, one-half to two-thirds of residents in domestic violence shelters are children. In fact, on one day in 2007, 13,485 children were living in a domestic violence shelter or in a transitional housing facility. Another 5,526 sought services within nonresidential programs. Children who experience or who witness domestic violence are more likely to become abusers or victims, themselves. Beyond the home, violence in the form of sexual assault carries with it similar lasting psychological and sociological effects. According to data provided by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 60 percent of cases are never even reported to the police. We know that one in six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, with college-aged women four times more likely to be sexually assaulted. Both domestic violence and sexual assault have lasting implications on the lives of victims, survivors and their families. It is important, Mr. Speaker, while working towards crime prevention, that we continue to treat victims and survivors of sexual assault and of domestic violence with fairness, dignity, and respect. We must work together as a Nation to bring awareness to these important issues so that we may prevent further abuse. I thank the gentleman from Memphis, Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) for granting me the time.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Let me thank the gentleman from Memphis for yielding to me, because I had an opportunity to work very closely with Dr. Hooks. I recall we moved the NAACP to Brooklyn, and he was the president of NAACP at the time we moved them to Brooklyn. I was always impressed with his dedication and commitment to people. Dr. Hooks was really committed to change in a positive way; and, of course, having the opportunity to work very closely with him, I had the opportunity to observe him as he moved with people. He had just a way of bringing about coalitions where people would disagree with each other, but Dr. Hooks could pull them together and some way or another get them to begin to talk and work together. He is going to be truly missed. He was a person that has truly made a difference in this world as a result of his attitude and what he has done on behalf of the people. So may I say to his family, you have my deepest, deepest sympathy; but, here again, we can be thankful that we had an opportunity to live during Dr. Hooks' lifetime. There is no question about it, he made this world a better place for all of us to live.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Michael Keller and his tremendous impact on the community. Mr. Keller has been an important part of the Brooklyn community in many ways. Through his participation at the YMCA, Mr. Keller has strengthened our community and reminded us of the importance of investing in our youth. Mr. Keller has been a part of the YMCA since 1977 when he volunteered in a youth swim program. Since then, his roles have included Day Camp Director, Program Director, Membership Director and for the last 14 years, Executive Director of the East Orange (NJ) YMCA, Flatbush YMCA and later the Long Island City YMCA. When he isn't spending time at the Y, Mike volunteers his time in other youth related programs and activities. He is a coach in the Gioia YMCA baseball and basketball leagues, and has served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for his local Boy Scout Troop. Additionally, Mike is currently a member of the Queensborough Rotary Club and has served as president of a number of Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs as well as other community organizations. Mike is a native of the Bronx and has a BA in English from Brooklyn College. He resides in Harlem with his wife, four children and grandson. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Michael Keller.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration of Dr. Dorothy I. Height on her 98th Birthday for her unwavering dedication and contributions to society. Her commitment to social work and those who are underserved have been indelible. Dorothy I. Height was born in Richmond, Virginia. At an early age, she moved with her family to Rankin, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Rankin High School. While in high school, she received a scholarship to Barnard College; however, upon her arrival, she was denied entrance. During that time, Barnard only admitted two African Americans per academic year and Ms. Height had arrived after the other two students had been admitted. She did not let this disappointment deter her; she would later attend New York University, where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in only four years. After college, Dr. Height worked as a teacher in Brownsville Community Center in Brooklyn, New York. She was also very active in the United Christian Youth Movement after its founding in 1935. Her undying commitment to women and families led her to her work as a case manager for the welfare department in New York. In 1937, she would join the National Council of Negro Women and her career as a pioneer in civil rights began to unfold. In 1938, Dorothy Height was one of ten young people selected to help Eleanor Roosevelt plan a World Youth Conference. Through Ms. Roosevelt, she met Mary McLeod Bethune and became involved in the National Council of Negro Women. That same year, she was hired by the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). She worked for better conditions for black domestic workers, leading to her election to YWCA national leadership. She was active in developing its leadership training and interracial and ecumenical education programs. Throughout her career, Dr. Dorothy I. Height has remained a tireless leader in the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. Her life exemplifies her passionate commitment for a just society and her vision of a better world. She has worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph, and many others. Dr. Height has participated in virtually all of the major civil and human rights events in the 1950's and 1960's. For her tireless efforts on behalf of the less fortunate, President Ronald Reagan presented her the Citizens Medal Award for distinguished service to the country in 1989. Dr. Height is known for her extensive international and developmental education work. She initiated the sole African American private voluntary organization working in Africa in 1975. In her numerous decades of national leadership, she has served on major policy-making bodies affecting women, social welfare, economic development, civil and human rights. She has received numerous recognition and awards. Recently, she was appointed to the Advisory Council of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities by President Bush. Dr. Height has remained a model of social consistency. She has inspired me as a social worker, community organizer and policy maker. She embodies the spirit of commitment. It is with immense honor and pleasure that I recognize her historic efforts and legacy and wish her a very happy birthday. May this year bring with it all the success and fulfillment her heart desires. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Dorothy I. Height a Happy Birthday.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Somsri Suwannapreecha for her contributions to the care of the Brooklyn community. Somsri Suwannapreecha was born in Chiangmai in northern Thailand. She graduated high school valedictorian at a very young age and beat out her school peers with a top score for admittance to medical school. After earning a medical degree from Chiangmai Medical University (CMU) in 1969 at the age of 22, Somsri went on to train in a pediatric residency program at CMU. While there, Somsri did research for the Illinois Project of Malnutrition and Vitamin A deficiency, collecting blood and delivering medical care and immunizations in rural Chiangmai. After moving to Bangkok, Somsri became the first senior resident of Institute of Dermatology. She helped found the dermatology clinic and pediatric ward at Paolo Memorial Hospital, the first and best private hospital in Bangkok. Here Somsri met Dr. Siew Ratanaprasatporn, the director of the otolaryngology department and they were married. In 1978, fearful of communism, the Ratanaprasatporns immigrated to the United States and settled in Staten Island, New York. At Staten Island University, Somsri repeated residency training in pediatrics to meet the requirement for United States medical licensure. After owning and operating several clinics which broadened her clinical experience caring for patients of any age and sickness, Dr. Ratanaprasatporn opened a walk-in clinic, operating six days a week, for the past 30 years at 2108 Linden Boulevard. Her late husband worked beside her as an otolaryngologist as did many doctors of different specialties, including dentistry. In spite of the loss of her husband and the Federal economic recession in 2007, Dr. Ratanaprasatporn still aspires to keep the clinic up and running to continue serving generations ahead. Dr. Ratanaprasatporn has been involved in Thai associations and served on a committee of CMU alumni association to fundraise scholarships for exchange of CMU and Columbia University. Some of the fundraising has gone toward building a Thai temple on Long Island. Dr. Ratanaprasatporn enjoys shopping, dining and cooking and is known for her charm, calm manner and friendly smile. She is also blessed with four children, two sons and identical twin daughters. Eldest son Richard, 29, is an attending physician at Downstate Medical Center of Brooklyn and John, 25 holds a doctorate degree in Mathematics at Temple University, Philadelphia. Twin daughters, Linda and Lisa, 21, are top students in Program in Liberal Medical Education at Brown University, Rhode Island. Dr. Ratanaprasatporn's hope is that her children will continue her legacy of service to the East New York community in years to come. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service of Dr. Somsri Suwannapreecha.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Shirley McIntosh for her years of service in education and to her community. Shirley McIntosh retired from Catholic Charities in 2008 and looks forward to retiring from the New York City Department of Education in 2010. Shirley was born and raised in New York City in the Sugar Hill area of Manhattan. She is the mother of two daughters, Omoyele and Dara. Shirley's educational preparation includes B.A. in Psychology from Hunter College, and Masters in Reading Instruction from Brooklyn College. Shirley worked in different capacities in the Builders for Family and Youth Division of Catholic Charities. She received recognition for her service to the developmentally disabled adults that lived in the group homes where she worked for twenty-two years. It was very rewarding to her to be instrumental in providing individuals with opportunities that improved the quality of their lives. Shirley will retire in June 2010 after 21 years of service with the New York City Department of Education. It has been important to her to not only prepare her students academically, but also encourage them to embrace their culture. A constant in her teaching career has been to make children aware of the contributions of their ancestors and recognize the fortitude demonstrated by them to overcome the many obstacles they encountered. She believes strongly in the importance of children knowing about how their world came to be. During her career she worked in the ``Parent Involvement Program'' at P.S. 181 and has conducted parent orientations and workshops that provided parents with ideas of activities to engage their child. Shirley has been an active participant and supporter of school-wide events. She enjoys the creative thought and excitement that is generated through themes. It is an opportunity to express her creativity, strengths and talents. She has voluntarily involved herself in the School Leadership team and Curriculum Committee at P.S. 181. After retirement, Shirley will continue in the business she and her daughter, Omoyele, have established--a company that provides educational and career workshops for high school students. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Shirley McIntosh.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Tyne L. Newman for her achievements in television, the arts, and her community. Tyne L. Newman was born in Queens, New York and is the middle of three children. Growing up, she had aspirations of becoming an actress/ director and wanted to work in television. As an adolescent, she attended Salvation Bedford Day Camp where she met actor Emmanuel Lewis. Enthused and inspired she knew exactly what path in life she wanted to take and began writing her first screenplay. Hard work in the South Ozone Park community as a youngster earned her Salute to Youth award in tribute to the late Congressman Joseph Addabo. Tyne attended John Bowne High School and received her bachelor's and master's degrees in communications/business. After college, she began working at Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT), known today as BCAT TV Network. She began as a production assistant and worked her way up to her current position as Production Manager. At the BCAT TV Network, Tyne has worked on two State of the Borough addresses and three candidate debates--most recently with former council member District 39 and now Public Advocate Bill deBlasio, and former council member District 20 and now New York City Comptroller John Liu. In addition, Tyne has produced over 160 episodes of ''Brooklyn Elected Officials.'' During an internship at Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Tyne was privileged to work with actor Ben Vereen on ''Broadway: The American Musical.'' Tyne has been a faithful member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church since her early childhood and currently works on the Pulpit Community, Combined Choir, Youth Ministry and the Arts/Culture Ministry. Tyne also directs, produces and writes plays for the children in her Brooklyn church community. She has a special love for children and choreographs dance moves for gospel music for their enjoyment. In 2006, Tyne met Everton Griffith and in 2008 they were married. They currently reside in Westchester, New York. Tyne enjoys being an active participant in her community and spearheaded a campaign to ``Rock the Vote'' by organizing local community members in the Van Siclen/Dumont area block, registering a noteworthy amount of individuals to participate in the presidential election of 2008. Tyne currently owns/operates her own videography business entitled Tru Vision Entertainment. Ms. Newman has been the recipient of numerous honors and enjoys acting, singing, writing, skiing and shopping. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tyne L. Newman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Katya Rattray for her commitment to social service and her years of service in the Brooklyn community. Katya Rattray's story is that of the quintessential American immigrant experience. Katya Rattray was born in Georgetown Guyana of mixed race parentage and spent her early years in Guyana and Nassau, Bahamas before immigrating to the U.S. almost three decades ago. Tragedy struck with the passing of her father Patrick Thorne, a sworn land surveyor, while she was still a teenager. She and her family, mother Eslyn Thorne and brother Maxim Thorne, immigrated to the United States in search of a better future. Katya deferred her studies and worked in retail and administrative services in the legal and banking industries in New York to help support her mother and younger brother. Throughout this period however, she kept her eyes on the goals of resuming her education and giving back to her community as best she could. Upon resuming her studies, she excelled at Rutgers University where she double majored in sociology and women's studies. She became a Mabel Smith Douglass Honors student focusing on racial justice in the U.S. and the plight and struggles of young women of African descent in the period leading up to and through the Civil Rights movement. She later went on to achieve a masters in business administration with a dual specialization in marketing and logistics from the University of Miami and embarked on her career in the private sector as an international management consultant focusing on issues facing minority communities. Katya also served a brief stint as a political campaign manager, before joining the executive management of Brooklyn Child and Family Services, Inc. (BCAFS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization that receives millions in public and private grants. She has served as both the Interim Executive Director and the Head Start and Early Head Start Program Director. She oversees a full range of early educational and comprehensive social services to over 800 families in a predominantly low-income population where many are African American, Latino and immigrant. BCAFS has been a provider of community-based education, social and other supportive services in the Bedford Stuyvesant, Fort Greene, Flatbush, Bushwick, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg and surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods since 1963. Under her leadership, Ms. Rattray has engineered a significant transformation to the operations of the program and drastically increased its operating efficiency, program outreach and education outcomes; no small feat in these trying times. She has achieved an almost one hundred percent enrollment in the program that is unprecedented in this history of the organization, community partnerships have dramatically increased, and once again a Policy Council from the community is vibrant and engaged in helping the agency, all hallmarks of the Head Start ethos. Under Ms. Rattray's stewardship, Brooklyn Children and Family Services is once again poised to become a beacon in the 10th Congressional District of New York. Katya is married to her soul mate, Ken Rattray, an international management and technology consultant, and together they have three wonder children, Kyra, Kenneth Patrick (KP), and Kalyn. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Katya Rattray.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gloria Williams, who has made important contributions to education throughout her career in Brooklyn and internationally. Born and raised in the small rural village of Bartica, Guyana, South America, Gloria Williams hails from a large family of ten and is blessed with one son, Robert. She is the beneficiary of an amazing journey that focuses on being allowed to play a deciding role in the future of children's lives. Ms. Williams is currently an Assistant Principal of Intermediate School 292, located in East New York, Brooklyn. Gloria spent her formative years in Guyana and completed her secondary education in Zambia. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary education from the University of Guyana and began her teaching career in 1984. She later migrated to the United States of America was awarded two masters Degrees: one in Literacy Education and the other in Supervision and Administration from Touro College in New York. Gloria is fortunate to have found her niche in the field of education and has been charting courses in that arena for the last twenty-six years. She has held the positions of teacher, staff-developer, assistant-principal and principal and has made it her mission to lead young people in the right direction. Her passion is curriculum development and instruction and she works assiduously to ensure all students in her charge have opportunities to engage in a rounded productive education. Ms. Williams has been credited as being a member of the dynamic team that transformed Intermediate School 292 in East New York, Brooklyn from a struggling, failing school to one that is now the pride of East New York. Being cognizant of the struggles and sacrifices her parents endured to ensure her success, Ms. Williams has founded the Educating All Guyanese through Literacy and Education (EAGLE) foundation where she seeks to empower children in need. Through her foundation, Gloria donates school supplies to students in Guyana and conducts professional development sessions for teachers and other educators in the hope of enhancing the teaching and learning process so that ultimately, all benefit. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Gloria Williams.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Carol Wilson-Smith for her continued service and commitment to the health care field. Carol Wilson-Smith is currently the Director of Rehabilitation Medicine at Kings County Hospital Center (KCHC). She is responsible for overseeing all operations of the department, managing the budget, and for ensuring that all patients receive the most effective rehabilitation that allows them to maximize their function to be re- integrated into their community. One of the many challenges of her position is adapting to the changing healthcare/managed care requirements as resources dwindle and patients' demands increase. Carol began her career as a public school teacher specializing in Physical Education. After fourteen years in this role, she changed careers and attained a Physical Therapy degree. She has since practiced as a Physical Therapist at Harlem Hospital and Kings County Hospital, in the New York City Department of Education and in Home Care and moved on to become the Director of Physical Therapy and subsequently of Rehabilitation Medicine, EMG/EEG and Early Intervention at KCHC. Her ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on policy and decision making in the health and wellness field on a larger scale. She received her secondary education at St. Joseph's Convent in Port- of-Spain, followed by a Teacher's Diploma from the Trinidad and Tobago Government Teachers College. She enrolled in the Physical Therapy program at Mona Campus, University of the West Indies before migrating to the United States of America where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at Howard University. Ms. Wilson-Smith received a Master of Arts in Motor Learning from Columbia University, and a Master of Public Administration from New York University. Currently she is enrolled in a Doctoral Program at Boston University. Recently appointed to the New York State Board for Physical Therapy by the Regents of New York City Department of Education, Carol has worked with the Foreign Credentialing Commission for Physical Therapy for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). She is a member of the Trinidad & Tobago Alliance USA, Inc., and is a member of the Board of the University of the West Indies Alumni Association New York Chapter, providing educational scholarships to deserving candidates from both organizations. As a devoted mother of three children: Naila, Kayode, and Karim she lives by the maxim: To whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48). Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Carol Wilson-Smith.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Amote Sias, for her commitment and contributions to education and the New York City community. Amote Sias is the founding principal of Brooklyn Collegiate, a College Board School, located in the Ocean-Hill section of Brownsville, Brooklyn and services 575 students in grades 6 through 12. She is a visionary leader who is passionate about her students and staff having and being the best. Principal Sias started her career in education as a teacher in 1982 in Nassau County Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) as a Math and Social Studies teacher and department chairwoman. She transferred to New York City Board of Education to be able to give back to her community. From 1985 to 1999, she taught grades kindergarten through twelfth in various subjects including, English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Computer Science. From 1999 to 2001, she was the Leadership Development Coordinator for Brooklyn and Staten Island High Schools (BASIS). As the Leadership Development Coordinator, she was responsible for training principals, teachers, students, and parents in the areas of leadership, conflict resolution, cultural competence and team building. Because of her dedication and effective leadership, she advanced on to become the Director of Community Engagement for the new small schools of Brooklyn High Schools Superintendent and New Visions for New Schools Organization. After the reorganization of the Department of Education in 2003, Principal Sias was asked to take on the position of Project Manager of Region 5 for the creation of new small schools within boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. This responsibility included recruiting and organizing the prospective school teams, training the teams, engaging the community in the process and serving on the committee which recommended the schools to be selected. In the midst of her work, Dr. Kathleen Cashin, Regional Superintendent of Region 5 afforded her the opportunity to become a principal at EBC of Public Service High School in East New York. While working as principal of EBC, Principal Sias wrote a proposal which was approved for the creation of Brooklyn Collegiate, which opened in September 2004. In June of 2008, Brooklyn Collegiate celebrated its first graduating class with seventy four percent of all seniors graduating and eighty-five percent of those students attending college. Simultaneously working for the Department of Education, Principal Sias has served as an adjunct professor of English at Long Island University Brooklyn Campus for four years and rose the rank of Associate Professor. As an ordained minister since 1999, she pastors The Church without Borders and Assistant Pastor of Provision of Promise Miracle Family Worship Center located at 347 Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn. She has received numerous awards and honors including ``Principal of the Year,'' 2008-2009. She was the host of ``Words of Wisdom for Daily Living'' a daily radio program on WLIB, 1190AM. As a well rounded individual, Principal Sias has a passion for the things of God and enjoys traveling, reading and playing sports. She firmly believes ``we can and we will succeed!'' Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Amote Sias.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Wendy Rich for her years of contribution to education in New York City. Wendy Rich was born in Brooklyn, New York, during the time of the Baby Boomer years. She grew up in Cambria Heights, Queens, where she attended P.S. 176, J.H.S. 59, and Andrew Jackson High School. Her father, Joseph Trachtenberg, worked as a salesman in the garment center. Her mother Hilda, a stay at home mom, worked as a school secretary for after school and summer programs in District 29 in Queens, New York. Wendy is the mother of two sons; Jared, an attorney in Brooklyn, New York, and Greg, a teacher who is on a mission to expose his students to great works of literature. Wendy's educational preparation includes a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in behavioral science from Queens College. In the summer of 1970, she went on an archeological dig in Northern California which helped spark a lifelong interest in other cultures and natural things. In 1972, after college graduation, she married Harris Rich, who was an English teacher. This was during the Vietnam War and many men were getting deferments by working in urban schools. Wendy worked as a substitute teacher since teaching jobs were difficult to find. She got her first teaching position in 1973 at P.S. 92 because of federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act funds. In 1974, a year later, she was laid off with the other 10,000 teachers most recently hired, to balance the city's budget. In 1977 she resumed teaching at P.S. 181 as a fourth grade teacher. After a few years at P.S. 181, she was given an opportunity to teach science. She was able to teach students amazing content with lots of freedom for 17 years. This opportunity opened other doors; she volunteered to be on the teacher's advisory group for the Prospect Park Audubon Center. Since the fall of 2003, she has been teaching graduate students at Brooklyn College the course Teaching Science in the Elementary Schools. After years of hard work and dedication, in June of 2009, Wendy and her husband Harris retired from New York City Department of Education. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Wendy Rich.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in commending Mamie Williams for her many years of service to her community. Mamie Williams is blessed to turn 83 years old on January 11, 2010 and commits her life to cheerfully helping others. First and foremost is her mother, Irene Kibler, who turned 101 years of age September 9, 2009. Mother Mamie brought her mother to New York form Savannah, Georgia to take care of her in 2005 because the trips back and forth from New York to Savannah became extremely difficult for her, but she never ceased to do all she could. However, when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, it became inevitable that she continue to live in New York. Dr. Rev. Sean P. Gardner, Sr., awarded 3 plaques to her in 2001-- ``Mother Wisdom'', ``Mother Love'', and ``Mother Charming'',--her pastor of Eastward Missionary Baptist Church located on First Avenue in Manhattan. She is Chaplain of the Senior Usher Board and a member of the Mothers' Board. In 2008 she also received an award from the Filial Piety Society. In 2009 she received an award for ``Mother of the Year'' in recognition of the care she always extends unselfishly with love and compassion. That same year she was presented an award by Major Bill Greene of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve, from Toys for Tots Christmas Club in ``Grateful Acknowledgement for the Special Relationship Shared with Children.'' She received a Certificate of Appreciation from Volunteers of America and a Certificate of Acknowledgement from Boys Town Christmas Appeal. Mother Mamie is a member of the Joint Public Affairs Committee (JPAC), and attended the Institute for Senior Action (IFSA), where she graduated in the spring of 2003. IFSA is a leadership advocacy training course requiring graduates to commit to pursuing action within their communities, something she's been doing for many years. She also sings with the Unique Musical Society of New York, orchestrated by Professor Robert Newton, for 25 years. Mother Mamie has been taking care packages to hospitals and nursing homes for many years no matter how bad the weather is and gives care packages to her neighbors to take home when they stop by to visit with her. Her thought is: ``store up treasures in Heaven by giving them away on earth.'' Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Mamie Williams.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Beverly Collier, for her commitment to human services and her many contributions to her community. Beverly Collier is the Director of the ``My Turn Program'' at Kingsborough Community College, in Brooklyn, NY. She is a native New Yorker and was raised in Queens, NY. She attended Baruch College, CUNY where she received a Masters in Business Administration and Management. Ms. Collier has a graduate certificate in Aging from Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging & Longevity of Hunter College (formerly Brookdale Center on Aging). As the Director of the My Turn Program, Ms. Collier oversees the registration and advisement of the program's students, all of whom are over 60 years of age. The program allows senior citizens to take courses on a matriculating or non-matriculating basis, and currently has over 500 students enrolled in day and evening classes. The majority of Ms. Collier's professional experience has been in human services, specifically providing services to elders and their families. Prior to joining Kingsborough Community College, she worked for Services for the Underserved as the Senior Vice President for Home Care Services for 23 years and played a critical role in the expansion of the Home Care division. In this position, Ms. Collier managed two home care agencies and a home modifications program for disabled individuals. In addition to her administrative positions, Ms. Collier is an adjunct instructor in the Human Services Department at New York College of Technology in Brooklyn, NY where she has taught courses in the management of human service organizations and gerontology. She is also a workshop facilitator and has conducted a series of trainings in effective communication and management skills for the Research Foundation of CUNY in New York City and upstate New York. Recently, Ms. Collier has combined her professional background in elder care with her personal experience as a care giver for her late mother, Ethel Collier, by developing and presenting trainings to professional and family care givers. She is passionate about the opportunity to share her caregiver story through helping others care for their loved ones. In 2009, Ms. Collier was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Unique People Services a non-profit organization providing services to individuals and families affected by developmental disabilities, mental illness and AIDS. She has also volunteered with the Speakers Bureau of the Medicare Rights Center and the Home Care Council of NYC. Ms. Collier loves to travel and has been fortunate to visit Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, Argentina, Guyana, England and more. Her travel has mostly been for pleasure. In 1996, however she traveled to Argentina to deliver a presentation on hiring and training home care workers to health care professionals who were working to expand a similar program in their country. The trip was organized by the CUNY Consortium for the Study of Disabilities. Ms. Collier lives in St. Albans and is the mother of two adult children; her daughter, Maia Rosser, is a social worker, and her son, Akunna Rosser, is a guidance counselor. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Beverly Collier.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives is preparing to vote on historic health insurance reform legislation, H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act. We have spent more than a year debating this important bill that will provide 32 million Americans health insurance. In my home district, New York's 10th Congressional District, access to affordable health insurance will make a tremendous difference in the lives of men and women who have been burdened by the escalating costs of health care. We can no longer wait to stem the rising tide of the uninsured and underinsured, implement important reforms to prevent insurers from discriminating against persons with pre-existing conditions and enact important measures to rein in costs. When this bill is signed into law, millions of Americans who do not have health care today will finally walk the pathway to coverage. American families will no longer face bankruptcy when a loved one gets ill and seniors will finally get relief from the high cost of prescription drugs due to our expanded coverage under Medicare Part D. Importantly, we are doing all of this without adding one penny to the federal deficit. In fact, this bill will reduce our federal debt by $143 billion over the next ten years, and hundreds of billions more in the years thereafter. Health insurance reform is an issue I have been committed to throughout my long congressional career. We have been close to this day before, but this time, at long last, I am confident we will see this legislation signed into law. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues who supported this bill.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to clarify several points in Section 1334 of H.R. 3590, regarding the Office of Personnel Management's authority to provide oversight and set premiums of multi- State plans. OPM, of course, has administered the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program for over 50 years, and that program has served as a model for the Exchanges envisioned under this legislation. In administering the FEHB Program, OPM has been able to address the problem of uniformity of benefits and requirements across State lines using its authority under 8902(m) of Title 5. Section 1334(a)(4) of the Senate-passed bill states that ``the Director shall implement this subsection in a manner similar to the manner in which the Director implements the . . . Federal employees health benefit program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code''. The intent of this provision is that OPM oversee multi-State health plans in the same manner in which oversight is provided under the FEHB Program for the purposes of uniformity of health insurance plans. OPM should exercise this authority, as it does in the FEHBP, to ensure that multi-State plans offer uniform benefits, negotiate premiums with multi-State plans, and require these plans to set aside a certain amount of reserve funds. Moreover, it is imperative that OPM issue rules and guidelines as necessary to effectively and efficiently administer the multi-State plans, including for uniform adjudication procedures for disputes involving the multi-state plans. Another issue that requires clarification is the interaction between the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of OPM. The legislation gives the Secretary broad authority to issue regulations governing the operation of State Exchanges. Any rule or regulation governing plans offered on State Exchanges would affect OPM's administration of the multi-State plans, which will also be offered on the Exchanges. There are overlapping responsibilities between HHS and OPM with regard to the multi-State plans offered on State Exchanges. The legislation envisions that the Secretary of HHS will coordinate and consult with the Director of OPM on any policy decisions that would affect the administration of multi-State plans. This joint effort is essential to ensuring the proper operation of the multi-State program as envisioned by Section 1334. Under section 1334, OPM is directed to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to the ongoing administration of the FEHBP. The intent of this provision is to ensure that essential resources are not pulled away from FEHBP in order to start up the new program created by this bill. However, where greater efficiencies can be found from the administration of both programs jointly, we would expect OPM to adopt that approach. Lastly, section 2714 of H.R. 3590 would allow unmarried adult children to remain on their parent's plan up to the age of 26. Congress intends that this mandate apply to individual FEHB plans in their capacity as private health insurers and to the FEHBP as a group health plan. This Congressional Budget Office incorporated this interpretation of section 2714 in preparing its cost estimate of the legislation. Given the economic conditions in country, this is an important reform that will help families across the country, including the families of federal employees and retirees. I am pleased to support this provision as one of many reforms that will improve health care coverage for low and middle income Americans.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Caron Marie Martin Clovie for her commitment to serve communities in need in Brooklyn. Caron Marie Martin Clovie is the President and Founder of Sister, Sister In-Law. Sister, Sister In-Law began as a group which provided affirmation and bonding and has grown to a women's group whose mission is to mentor and lead the young women in our communities toward a positive and productive future. The organization encourages women to love themselves and to love one another. The motto is designed to uplift and empower each other, it teaches that ``A Sister Can't Fly With Just One Wing.'' Caron Marie Martin Clovie was born on March 10, 1955 to Jessie and Lillie Martin. Her community roots begin in East New York Brooklyn, working for the neighborhood youth corps and the anti-poverty programs of East New York. Caron's focus was ensuring the safety and well being of the adolescents in the community. With a strong focus on females, she worked for the anti-poverty programs of East New York until called to work for the Health & Hospital Cooperation (HHC). Health care became Caron's passion. In 1975 she worked for the East New York NFCC, a pilot program for a new way to administer health care to underprivileged families. After working hard at this facility she became a clerical supervisor in less than a year. The need for quality health care began to increase fast. A new site was built on Pitkin and Pennsylvania Avenue. The small facility became the East New York D&TC. Caron's career ride continued with HHC where she was hired to work for another new program called The Metro Plus Health Plan. This program was designed to ensure quality health care for all who needed it. Caron enjoyed this, her career met her passion as her job was to make sure that affordable quality care was available to the residents of East New York. Caron became field manager and was assigned to the Brooklyn North, where her team was responsible for the enrollment of more than 300 families in their first quarter. In addition to planning Sister, Sister In-Law's annual `Girls Summit' this May, Caron is currently working at Odyssey House in their adolescent facility for girls only. She is married to Robert Clovie and has raised two sons: Aaron and Jameek. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the work of Caron Marie Martin Clovie.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ellen Carlisle-Smith, a leader in education in New York City. Since the beginning, it has been instilled in Ellen Carlisle-Smith, that the correct way to live your life is to do what is right. What was right for Ellen Carlisle-Smith was to achieve a valuable education; She attended public schools in Queens, New York. After high school graduation, Ellen registered for classes at the City College of New York for her Bachelor's in Elementary Education. Setting a new standard for educated women during this era, Ms. Carlisle-Smith received a Master's Degree in reading from Columbia University, followed by a Master's in early childhood education from City College of N.Y. Ellen was selected to participate in a special program in NY for aspiring supervisors. She accomplished her certification in administration and completed this advanced degree in Supervision and Administration from City College of N.Y. Ellen values the teaching and learning process, and believes that education gives all a solid foundation that will promote high standards, knowledge and leadership for a better life. Growing up with the encouragement from her educated mother, Ellen remembers vividly how her mother instilled within her the everlasting value of a good education. In Harlem in 1978, she began teaching third grade, then grades kindergarten, second and fourth for the next nine years. Her principal recognized her effectiveness as a classroom teacher and assigned her to a reading specialist to remediate struggling students in reading and writing. Ellen taught a total of sixteen years in her first Harlem school. In 1994, she was promoted to a Reading Coordinator's position in Brooklyn, NY. Ellen briefly relocated to Texas in 1996 for six years where she had a valuable learning experience as a principal intern/assistant principal. She returned to NY in 2002 and was offered the Assistant Principal's position at P.S. 399 in Brooklyn, NY. This journey taken by Ellen Carlisle-Smith brings her to where she is today as Principal of Public School 6, Brooklyn, NY. Ms. Carlisle-Smith's philosophy of education begins and ends with the belief that educators must value all children. From that, she feels responsible to ensure that students will be provided with a quality education that will develop their academic, social, and creative abilities. As Principal of P.S. 6, Ms. Carlisle-Smith is most proud of all students and staff. She greatly values how everyone works together and protects each other, all in the sake of unity and strength. Throughout her career, Ellen has been recognized by her colleagues for her hard work and many achievements. In June of 1998 she was awarded a ``Certificate of Achievement'' from Plano, TX. When Ms. Carlisle was an Assistant Principal at P.S. 399, she was presented the ``Performing Arts Award,'' in June 2004, April 2005 and April 2007. The NYS Education Deptartment awarded her the Rapidly Improving Gap Closing Schools Award. Ellen was presented the City Council Citation Award in March 2009 for outstanding citizen for both community and the great City of New York. Ellen's hobbies are reading, knitting, baking and gardening. She loves spending time with her two adult children, Tracey and Craig. Ellen has an identical twin sister, Emily. She is also a member of the Presbyterian Church of Saint Albans, Queens, N.Y. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of Ellen Carlisle-Smith.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Marie Lily Cerat, for her service to the Brooklyn community, commitment to education and promotion of Haitian language and culture. Marie Lily Cerat came to the United States in 1981, and made Brooklyn, New York her adopted home away from her native Haiti. She has been an educator with the New York Public education system for over eighteen years. At present, she works as a Resource Specialist with the Haitian Bilingual/ESL Technical Assistance Center (HABETAC) at Brooklyn College where she is responsible for planning and conducting professional development sessions for teachers working with Haitian English language learners in the public schools and Haitian parents. She is co-founder and Advisory Board member of Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees (HWHR), a thriving and respected community-based organization in Brooklyn. The organization was created by Ms. Cerat and Ninaj Raoul, in 1992, after the two returned from working with the U.S. Department of Justice as a Haitian Creole language specialist in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They assisted in translation and other human services with the Haitians housed on the U.S. base after the 1991 coup d'etat against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in Haiti. At its beginning, HWHR provided English as a Second Language (ESL) and adult Literacy programs, but its services have since extended to advocating on behalf of Haitian refugees and immigrants, defending worker exploitation, and lobbying against anti-immigrant policy. Cerat has huge interest in literature, writing and the arts, and is a doctoral student in the French Doctoral program at the CUNY Graduate Center where she will pursue a specialization in francophone literature and international human rights. She holds a master's degree in English/ Creative Writing from the City College of New York and a bachelor's degree from the College for Human Services. The respect and promotion of Haitian language and culture, human and girls/women rights are among some of the issues she is most passionate about. In 1997, she published a West African folktale, Do Toti), The Turtle's Back, in Haitian Creole for children. She has written a commentary for National Public Radio, which was aired in 2001 as part of the Racism Conference in South Africa. Over the years, she has contributed writing to a publication on Haiti by the Network of Educators on the Americas (NECA), two biographical essays on Vodou are part of the 1998/2005 Ten Speed Press book, Vodou: Visions and Voices by the photographer Phyllis Galembo. She is a regular contributor to Haiti Liberte, a weekly Haitian newspaper in New York. Most recently, one of her short stories was selected to appear in an upcoming (2010) anthology by the Haitian-American writer/editor Edwidge Danticat. Marie Lily Cerat is currently at work on a novel, In the Light of Shooting Stars. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Marie Lily Cerat.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Aylan Dawkins for her continued dedication to the service of others. Mrs. Aylan Dawkins was born and raised in the beautiful island of Trinidad. After several visits to the United States, she decided to relocate to New York in 1987. She is married to Paul Dawkins, who is a corrections officer. They have three loving children; Aisha, Darwin, and Devon. Aylan is also a proud grandmother to one grandchild named Ethan. Mrs. Dawkins joined Interfaith Medical Center in 1996 and worked in the Home Care Department for 1 year. She was then transferred to the Finance Department and eventually moved on to the Chief Financial Officer's Department. At present, she is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer. In her capacity as Executive Assistant, Aylan represents the Finance Department on a number of committees set up by the institution including the annual ball which raises money for the hospital and honors outstanding members of the community. She also organizes the summer golf outing which has given the hospital visibility in the health industry. Aylan became a Certified Nursing Assistant in 1997. She devotes her weekends to service at the Isabella Geriatric Center where she extends her recognizable compassion, patience, and understanding to the elderly. She excels in customer satisfaction, team effort, and providing professionalism and courteous service with a smile at all times. She is extremely hardworking and dedicated at work and at home. Mrs. Dawkins is a devoted religious woman and the rock of her family. She organizes yearly family picnics, summer events, and also enjoys cooking all her favorite dishes for her friends and family. Aylan Dawkins is certainly a dynamic woman. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Aylan Dawkins.