Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Bettie L. Jones who has retired after devoting over 25 years as an Associate Director and Human Resources Business Partner for Global Operations, Foreign Exchange Sales & Trading and Fixed Income Trade Support for a leading Investment Banking and Securities firm on Wall Street. Mrs. Jones was responsible for administrative management, staffing, coaching and employee relations. In this capacity, she delivered, facilitated, and conducted motivational presentations about in-person job readiness workshops, seminars and panels. During her professional career Mrs. Jones was an active member of several Business Advisory boards such as the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, Department of Education Virtual Enterprise Program, JOB, Inc., National Business Disability Council, the New York Academy of Finance, and a member of the Urban Financial Services Coalition. She was commissioned to facilitate multiple workshops, panel discussions, seminars and focus groups with diversity organizations, including CUNY Graduate Center, Baruch College of Economics and Finance, Academy of Finance, Hunter College, Mission Society Hope Program, National Mentoring Program, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the New York City Department of Education. Mrs. Jones partnered and maintained relationships with several non- profit organizations including the Mayor's and Governor's offices resulting in receiving the ``NYS NDEAM Regional Employment Alliance'' award and the ``Governor's VESID Placement Consortium'' award in recognition of her dedication and commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities. In addition, Mrs. Jones was awarded the New York City Department of Education Virtual Enterprise ``Partner in Leadership Award'' in recognition of assisting High School students in career development. Currently Mrs. Jones is a volunteer consultant with the Workforce 1 Center in Harlem conducting career-readiness workshops for the community training and Employment Resources program. Mrs. Jones is married to Robert Jones and they have one daughter, Kenya, and two grandchildren, Ejaaz and Amani. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Bettie L. Jones.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Cerisa Howard, a native of New York born to William E. Clark and the late Lela F. Clark. Ms. Howard has worked with St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation for 13 years in various positions. She started as a Youth Coordinator working with at-risk youth in the community where she found jobs, scholarships, facilitated college enrollment, initiated educational trips and acquired funding resources to aid youth. Additionally, Ms. Howard has helped youth with everyday life issues and has always been available to lend a listening ear. Ms. Howard, also, has worked as a clerical supervisor in the Human Support Department of St. Nicholas High School. In this capacity she managed clients' files, supervised the clerical staff and assisted the nurses with home visit documentation. Presently, she is the Senior Property Manager of the St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation, now known as the St. Nicks Alliance, Where Opportunity Grows. She manages 275 housing units with a maintenance crew that administers repairs, upkeep, and security. Ms. Howard is a member of Berean Baptist Church, under the Pastor of Rev. Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. She is the Vice Servant Leader of the Pastoral Support Ministry and serves as the coordinator of the annual Thanksgiving Dinner that is served for the homeless and shut-ins on Thanksgiving Day. Ms. Howard is a loving mother of two sons, William and Raymond, and the proud grandmother of twin grandsons, Ryan and Tylan. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Cerisa Howard.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Leonel Urcuyo and his commitment as a physician of mental health. After graduating college in Nicaragua and medical school in Madrid, the newly titled doctor began an internship at McGill University in Montreal and did his residency in Psychiatry at New York University, Bellevue Medical Center. By 1975, Dr. Urcuyo was a certified Psychoanalyst for the American Institute for Psychoanalysis for the Karen Horney Psychoanalytic Institute and Center in New York City. For the past 27 years Dr. Urcuyo has held varying positions at Woodhull Hospital including service as Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and President of the Woodhull Medical Group. Dr. Urcuyo received one of the highest honors from the Woodhull Auxiliary Annual Gala, and the distinguished Health Excellence Award from Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation/Urban Resource Institute. He is also the proud recipient of the Unsung Hero Community Service Award for Helping Hands, and mostly recently received a Service Citation from New York University School of Medicine. He is the founding member of the Association of Hispanic Mental Health Professionals, and has published and lectured on many topics including: delivery of care issues, language barriers in evaluating pathology, bilingualism, cross-cultural issues in mental health and chemical dependency, language and psychotherapy, meaning of silence in psychotherapy, elective mutism, cognitive restructuring, depression and suicide. Dr. Urcuyo is married to Sue Ellen Carney, Ph.D., and is the proud father of two children, Dr. Sergio Urcuyo and Ms. Anya Elena Urcuyo. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Leonel Urcuyo.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Deacon Willie James, an extraordinary community organizer who will be missed by Brooklyn. Deacon Willie James a native New Yorker, was born in Harlem Hospital on April 28th, 1936. When he was 18 years old he entered the Air Force and served 4 years doing a stint in Maine and Morocco. Of his many accomplishments, he was a very proud member of the 80th Supply Squadron and received the Good Conduct Medal for his demonstration of honor, efficiency and fidelity. Willie had a true love of music and was an accomplished Baritone. While in the service, he and a few other airmen formed a doo-wop vocal group that covered songs by the Platters as well as other groups. Willie would often say that the group was so good that the people in Morocco actually thought they were the real Platters! Later in life he would return to Harlem finding work as a shipping clerk. What Willie considered the highest point in his life, was when he met and married his late wife of 41 years, Rosabelle Moyd. It would prove to be a blessed union of love. Shortly after marriage, he joined the New York City Police Department and then in 1967 began his career with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 under the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MABSTOA). He started with a metal-plating company where he was assigned to a unit with workers who were perceived by some to be derelict workers beset by alcohol and laziness. Never one to look down upon anyone, but seeing the opportunity to help others; he discovered his masterful skill of organizing workers. He told workers if they worked with him he would make a case to management to get them higher wages. After a series of meetings and negotiations with the bosses, he won raises for the workers and developed a promotional ladder for himself. He rose through the ranks of TWU Local 100 and held a series of positions; MABSTOA DIVISION II Bus Operator, Division II Recording Secretary, Vice Chairman, Chairman at Amsterdam Garage, Executive Board as Director of Education and Training and Financial Secretary Treasurer. As he continued climbing the ladder of TWU he recalled how he continuously endured blatant racism; but in February 1996 he defied the odds to become the first black President of TWU Local 100. He was quoted as saying ``The members don't care what color I am as long as I protect their jobs''. In addition to his roles with TWU Local 100 he was Vice President of New York AFL-CIO, Vice President of the New York City Central Labor Council and Vice President of international TWU. He also held the title of Chairman for one of the oldest and largest Credit Unions in the State of New York, the Municipal Credit Union. Willie would further his accomplishments by attaining the post of Executive Board Member of the New York Branch of the NAACP. I could continue to list all of Deacon Willie James' accomplishments, because they go on and on. I will just say that the world will truly miss this deeply involved civic community organizer. I am happy that I had the opportunity to work with him on many special projects and to live during his lifetime. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Deacon Willie James.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. I would be delighted to yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. TOWNS. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the Bronx, Mr. Serrano.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Does the gentleman have other speakers?

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. How much time do we have available on this side, Madam Speaker?

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, before I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York, I would just like to say that, for a moment there, I thought the gentleman from Texas was trying to help us close a doughnut hole, but after a point there, I wasn't sure as to where he was going. First, he praised the Yankees, and then at the same time, he indicated that there were some problems. The point is that, at the end, he indicated that he was very supportive of the Yankees. We want to thank you for that. I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).

Mr. TOWNS. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I just want to make certain my friend from Utah understands what we are talking about here this morning. I think he is confused. I think he thinks this is H.R. 3962, but this is a resolution congratulating the 2009 Major League Baseball World Series Champions, which is the New York Yankees. I want to make certain that he understands that's what this discussion is about because for a moment there I thought he was talking about H.R. 3962. I understand that debate is going to be tomorrow. I don't know whether he is generally a day early in matters of this nature or what, but the point is that I just want to make it clear to let him know that's what we are talking about, the New York Yankees who won the World Series, and this resolution deals with that. I just want to sort of remind him, just in case he had forgotten what we were talking about. He is a very good friend of mine, incidentally. We have been traveling together and all of that. I am telling you this morning I am convinced that he is confused. This is about baseball, of the Yankees winning the World Series, and he keeps thinking it's about health care. I just want to make certain that he knows that because I listened to his comments very carefully, and I can't see anything that connects with baseball in the conversation that he has put forward. I thought maybe one time he was talking about somebody striking out, but then I listened real carefully, and no, maybe he is talking about hitting a home run. Then I listened a little carefully, and he wasn't talking about a home run. Then I realized that he was just confused about the issue this morning. Let's me just say to you, Madam Speaker, the story of the New York Yankees and the story of baseball is the story of America. With hard work, talent, the support of a community, and a little bit of luck, they have been able to find success. When I think about the Bronx and what this team has done, not only for the Bronx but for the City of New York and the Nation in terms of how people rallied around, and the economic development that has come out of it and the fact that people have been able to be provided with a lot of things they would not have been able to be provided with as a result of their success and as a result of them being placed in the Bronx, I want you to know that I see this as truly a team effort in terms of the community being involved; of course, in terms of the City of New York being involved; and of course, the Nation being involved because of the fact that, as my colleague from New York, Congressman Engel, pointed out that you see people all around the world wearing hats that say New York, New York Yankees, because they are proud and they know in terms of what the team has meant not only to the city but to the Nation. On this note, Madam Speaker, I, of course, say to my colleague, this is H. Res. 893 congratulating Major League Baseball and not H.R. 3962.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, let me say to the gentleman from Utah, one of the great athletes of our time holds records in terms of kicks, field goals, extra points, all of that, a person who should be deeply indebted to sports and to athletics because I am certain that he said sometime during his life that I would not be what I am or I could not be what I am if it had not been for sports. I am sure he has made speeches and has said that along the way, that everything that I am and everything I hope to be, I owe it to football. I am certain he said it. But then to come this morning and to ignore the accomplishments of a team that won the World Series--and we are pausing for 20 minutes to say congratulations--I don't think, to me, that's out of line. But I do think that when you twist it and you talk about something else that's not related to the resolution, I think that's unfair, and I think that I would use a word that might be a little strong for him. I would say that's inappropriate on this occasion anyway, recognizing that I know that he has been very involved in athletics. Of course, Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the Yankees again and to say to them and to Mr. Steinbrenner and, of course, Randy Levine and all of them that had the opportunity to put together this magnificent team that has made all of us proud. Of course, we again salute the New York Yankees, the world champions, who happens to be a team that is based in the Bronx.

Mr. TOWNS

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

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 893) congratulating the 2009 Major League Baseball World Series Champions, the New York Yankees.

Mr. TOWNS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud New Yorker to call up this resolution honoring the New York Yankees on the occasion of their victory in the 2009 World Series. With this win, the Yankees once again have broken their own record as the most successful Major League Baseball franchise, and of course the most successful professional sports franchise in our Nation's history. The achievements of the Yankees are made even more remarkable by the high caliber of the teams they faced throughout the season and in the playoffs. The defending champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, had an outstanding season and performed well during the World Series. But Wednesday night, the Yankees once again returned the World Series trophy to New York City, the 27th time they have done this. We are proud of our Yankees, and I could go on and on for hours discussing the Yankees. I recall just last weekend I spent time with friends of mine, Dr. Witherspoon and Dr. Brown, talking about the Yankees of yesteryear and today. And of course we talked about the long line of outstanding players and the great success that they have had. We talked about Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and of course now we can talk about Matsui as well. We have important business to consider in this House today and tomorrow, but it is fitting that we take a small amount of time now to congratulate the New York Yankees on their World Series victory. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from Utah for his kind words. I am happy to hear him say something great about New York, and of course our Yankees in particular. I would like to yield 7 minutes to the gentleman from New York who actually represents the area where the Yankees play, and of course that's Congressman Serrano from the Bronx, New York.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Maria Larriuz, a dedicated community servant and activist. Maria Larriuz, born in 1934 and raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico, moved to New York in 1955 and married Angel Manuel Larriuz in 1958. They raised two children together: Angel Manuel Larriuz, Jr. and Bernice Burkarth. Ms. Larriuz was an active leader in her community's trusted civic associations, contributing in a variety of roles to the New Lots Lions Club for the past 30 years and serving as secretary of the Homeowners Association, Inc. She was also a member of the Rosetta Democratic Club, helping District Leader Earl Williams at meetings, and served as a volunteer hostess for the inauguration of President Barack Obama earlier this year. Ms. Larriuz was also someone who championed breast cancer awareness and the high incidence of diabetes in her community. Ms. Larriuz was honored on numerous occasions for her work, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship from the Lions Club and an award from the Knights of the Blind, and now rests eternally at the Pinelawn National Park with her loving husband who served our country. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in remembering Maria Larriuz, whose extraordinary accomplishments will continue to be felt in her community for many years to come.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Deputy Chief David P. Barrere. David Barrere began his career in law enforcement as a Patrol Duty Officer at the 63rd Precinct in Brooklyn, New York on April 25, 1990. He then was assigned to the 32nd Precinct in Harlem as a Patrol Supervisor in 1994, and subsequently as a Sergeant and a Lieutenant at the 75th Precinct for three additional years. David Barrere was promoted to Captain in 1999, and served as Captain and Executive Officer of the 67th Precinct before his promotion to Commanding Officer of the 76th Precinct in Red Hook, Brooklyn. He continued his remarkable progression through the ranks of the New York Police Department in 2002 when he was assigned as Commanding Officer of the 114th Precinct in Astoria, Queens, where he was later promoted to Deputy Inspector and then to Inspector. In September 2005, he returned to Brooklyn to command the 75th Precinct. Today, he serves as the Commanding Officer of the Central Robbery Section, where he was again promoted to Deputy Chief. Chief Barrere is currently writing his thesis in Criminal Justice while studying at Long Island University. He also graduated from the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. Chief Barrere and his wife Patricia of 15 years are the proud parents of three children: Kristina, Jennifer, and David. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Deputy Chief David P. Barrere for his extraordinary record of service to New York's 10th Congressional District and to New York City at large.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 3792, The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. Nearly twenty years after the enactment of the landmark Ryan White Act, Congress renewed its commitment today to provide primary medical care and treatment for uninsured or underinsured people living with HIV/ AIDS. For nearly two decades, low-income Americans living with HIV/AIDS have relied on the life-saving benefits offered under this program and I am pleased to join my colleagues in reauthorizing this important legislation. Currently, New York State is home to 120,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS--the second highest rate of reported AIDS cases in the nation. That number includes 25,000 people who reside in Brooklyn. The Ryan White Act has been, and continues to be, a lifeline for those New Yorkers and Americans living with HIV/AIDS. As medical costs continue to rise, the reauthorization comes at a critical time. It provides for an important five percent increase across every category of funding. Additionally, several new provisions included in the bill focus on reducing the disparities in access to health care among racial and ethnic groups who are disproportionately affected by the virus. By passing the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 yesterday with an overwhelming majority we not only restored a sense of hope and dignity for those dealing with the everyday struggles of this disease, but we also demonstrated our nation's steadfast commitment to ensuring that 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality care and treatment.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jeffrey Maddrey, Inspector of the 75th Precinct and an honorable public servant. Inspector Maddrey is a graduate of John Jay College, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, and is also a graduate of Columbia University's Police Management Institute. Inspector Maddrey is presently pursuing a Master's Degree in Human Services Management and Leadership at St. Joseph's College. Inspector Maddrey became a member of the New York City Police Department in 1991 at the age of 20. Upon graduation from the Police Academy, Inspector Maddrey was assigned to the 110th Precinct in Queens, New York. He was promoted Sergeant in 1998. Upon his promotion to Lieutenant in 2001, he served in the 67th Precinct, then successfully in various capacities as Captain in the 72nd, 60th, and 70th Precincts, and Commander of the Brooklyn South Task Force. On January 1, 2006, Captain Maddrey was assigned to the 73rd Precinct as Commanding Officer. He was then promoted to Deputy Inspector in December of 2006 and Inspector in November of 2008. Inspector Maddrey is currently the Commanding Officer of the 75th Precinct and also a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. His service to the residents of East New York, Brooklyn is exemplary. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jeffrey Maddrey.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a tireless leader in the community. Born and raised in Boligee, Alabama, Delores Thomas began her career at Alabama State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Shortly thereafter, Delores Thomas received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia Law School. Upon successful completion of her Juris Doctorate, Delores Thomas was admitted to the State and Federal Bar Association in Georgia and New York. Delores Thomas began her legal career as a staff and management attorney for the Housing Immigration and Unemployment Law Units at Brooklyn Legal Services. She also served as an Administrative Law Judge with the New York City Parking Bureau and was president and organizer for the Legal Services Staff Association for District 65 UAW. Delores Thomas began years of succession to various judicial posts throughout her career. In March of 1994, Delores Thomas was appointed as Judge in the Housing part of Civil Court, handling landlord and tenant issues. In November of 2002, Justice Thomas was elected to the Civil Court bench, becoming the first African-American elected to a countywide judgeship. Justice Thomas' most recent appointment is to the Supreme Court. While serving on the Supreme Court, Justice Thomas was assigned to the Matrimonial Trial Part of the Supreme Court. Justice Delores Thomas is currently one of four judges in Kings County, Brooklyn, and the only African-American judge assigned to hear and determine matrimonial cases pertaining to dissolution of marriages and custody of children. Justice Delores Thomas serves as a member of various organizations, such as the Judicial Friends, the National Association of Women Judges, the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Brooklyn Women's Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association. In her civic capacity, Justice Delores Thomas is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Society, the Eastern Star Organization, and Church Women United, Inc. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this relentless and dynamic public servant.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a tireless leader in the community. Born and raised in South Carolina, Betty Williams began her educational pursuits at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She then received her law degree from New York Law School. Always one to know the true importance of education, Ms. Williams obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Betty Williams was elected to Kings County, Brooklyn Civil Court in November of 2000. On March 31, 2009, Justice Williams as appointed Acting Supreme Court Justice by the Chief Administrative Judge of New York State, Ann Pfau. She continues to preside over the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Center, affording long-term substance abusers the opportunity to receive treatment instead of incarceration. Justice Williams serves in various capacities as Co-Chairperson of the National Association of Women's Judges (NAWJ) Women in Prison Committee, attending the NAWJ's Fourth Annual Meeting with the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and National Women Leaders of the Judiciary, Chairperson of the New York State Chapter of the NAWJ Legislative Subcommittee and the past chairperson of the Chapter's Women in Prison Committee. Justice Williams is also a board member of the Downtown Brooklyn Waterfront Local Development Corporation, the Community Advisory Board of the Bayview Correctional Facility, and the New York Chapter of the NAWJ. Justice Williams is a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, the Brooklyn Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the Kings County Criminal Bar Association, the Judicial Friends, the World Community of Social Workers, Church Women United, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the St. Paul Community Baptist Church. In recognition of her loyalty and service, Justice Williams has received numerous awards, including the National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Equal Justice for Children Service Award, the New York City Department of Education Leadership Award, the New York Law School Black Students Association Outstanding Achievement Award, and the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Alumni Association's Julia S. Brook Achievement Award. Justice Williams was also the first woman in New York State to be awarded the Abraham Markoff Scholarship Award from the New York State Bar Association Workmen's Compensation Division. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this selfless and faithful public servant, Honorable Betty J. Williams.