Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend Doctor Pastor Laurent Louis, a man dedicated to serving God, his family and the community. Pastor Laurent Louis was born on February 12, 1956 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He attended Lycee Petion a school that stressed duty, responsibility and serving others. In June 1978, he graduated high school and studied theology at the International Seminary of California. He is a caring father, loving husband, devoted pastor and a committed community leader. At the age of 15, Pastor Louis began serving his church and the community with great respect and responsibility. He taught Sunday school and led the youth to a spiritual and disciplined life while devoting time and energy to his community. People in his community elected him to be the General Secretary of the soccer teams of the Croix Des Bouquets. He later became a sports broadcaster and an impartial referee in his sportive career. He knew health and sports can lead to good academics and a successful life. Pastor Louis came to New York City in January of 1981 and soon fell in love with the Big Apple. He saw the need for his community to organize spiritually, and he immediately joined Emmanuel Baptist Church. It did not take his pastor long to discover Pastor Louis' leadership and appointed him assistant pastor, youth president and leader of the missionary. He accomplished his mission so well that when there was a need for a station church at Coney Island, Pastor Louis was selected to take on the task; within a few months there were 40 members. Pastor Laurent Louis also founded an academic club to have students help one another. He understood how to bring good people together from the community to help in this endeavor. This club saved many young students and 95 percent succeeded academically. With good will and the help of good people, Pastor Louis was able to accomplish so much for his community. Pastor Louis has been happily married for 25 years, and enjoyed a successful life with his wife Marie Mireille Louis and their six children. His first daughter Deborah, his sons Nathanael and Benjamin are attending college. His daughters Eltamar and Jessica are in high school and Johanna is in elementary school. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Laurent Louis.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. I would like to thank the Federal Workforce Subcommittee chairman, Mr. Lynch, for the outstanding job that he has done. I'd like to thank Chairwoman Maloney for her leadership on this issue. I would like to thank the majority leader, Steny Hoyer, for his work on it, and I'd also like to thank Congressman Connolly for his work as well. The gentlewoman from New York has worked tirelessly to make the Federal Government an environment that is supportive of working mothers and fathers. I want to thank her for her efforts and, may I add, a job well done. We need to recognize that the Federal Government is the largest employer in the United States and that its policies should set a tone for the country. H.R. 626 provides Federal employees with 4 weeks of paid parental leave for the simple reason that no employee should have to choose between caring for a new child or their paycheck. By providing 4 weeks of paid parental leave, H.R. 626 makes a strategic investment in the Federal workforce. This bill will help the government recruit and retain young, talented employees. As the Federal Government prepares for a wave of upcoming retirements, we need to attract this segment of the population to help us take on some of the challenges facing this country. This bill also provides potential cost savings to the American people. The taxpayers directly benefit when the government retains existing employees rather than having to hire, retrain, hire, retrain. That is expensive. Let me also add, the country is better served by an experienced and productive Federal worker that is able to adequately provide for the health and well-being of their newborn or newly adopted child. The long-term societal benefits of promoting healthy families and early child development are enormous. We in the Federal Government have a unique obligation to set an example for the rest of the Nation, both in values that we promote and in the way we responsibly manage taxpayer-funded programs. This bill accomplishes both goals. It benefits children and families and will enable us to recruit and retain top-notch Federal employees whose work benefits the entire Nation. For all these reasons, I urge all the Members to support this family- friendly legislation that says to the world we care about our children.

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. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 2182, the Enhanced Oversight of State and Local Economic Recovery Act. H.R. 2182 will help ensure efficient and effective use of the taxpayers' money provided to State and local governments for stimulus projects. This legislation grew out of a hearing the Oversight Committee held on the Recovery Act. Many State and local officials responsible for overseeing spending of stimulus dollars pointed out to us that in these troubled economic times, they are under tremendous pressure to conduct their normal oversight work, let alone cope with the increase that the Recovery Act requires. Our hearings, Mr. Speaker, made clear, that State and local governments need additional resources to monitor the large infusion of funds the Recovery Act directs. H.R. 2182 will provide State and local governments with the flexibility to set aside a portion of their stimulus funds for auditing, contract and grant planning and management, and investigations of waste, fraud and abuse. The bill also permits State and local governments to use the Federal supply schedules of the General Services Administration for stimulus projects. The GSA schedules are prenegotiated Federal contracts for a range of common goods and services. This is a win-win situation because it will allow State and local governments to acquire certain items without engaging in time-consuming contracting procedures while guaranteeing the lowest rate price for them. Lastly, H.R. 2182 requires the Office of Management and Budget to give detailed guidance to State and local governments to ensure consistency in their reporting of job creation data. Our State and local governments are on the front lines of the efforts to fight mismanagement of Recovery Act dollars. Their success is vital to making the stimulus work for the American people. Let me pause here and thank Ranking Member Issa, who has worked very closely with me in crafting this legislation, and I want to thank him for that. I would also like to thank Representative Kucinich, who has worked with us, Representative Platts, and Representatives Welch and Connolly for working with me on this bill. I should note that the legislation incorporates part of H.R. 1911, which was introduced by Representative Connolly from Virginia. H.R. 2182 is a strong bill. I urge all Members to support this critical oversight and accountability measure. And I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to reiterate my strong support of H.R. 2182 as it provides State and local governments with the flexibility and resources they need to properly monitor the stimulus project. In our hearing, they asked for help, and of course, with Congressman Issa and with members of the committee, we are now giving them that help. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of this measure. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2182) to amend the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide for enhanced State and local oversight of activities conducted pursuant to such Act, and for other purposes.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today, May 19, marks the second annual World Hepatitis Day, when the need for greater public awareness towards prevention and treatment of this silent killer is recognized internationally. Hepatitis is a prime example of an issue that must be addressed now, as Congress and the administration work together to create a sustainable health care system for future generations. Of those infected with viral hepatitis C, more than three-quarters are unaware of their infection, making the long-term consequences of HCV infection, including cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer, a greater, greater danger. A study about HCV released just yesterday by Milliman Incorporated, one of the Nation's most respected firms, tells a troubling story. They are saying that over the next 20 years, medical costs for patients with HCV infections are expected to increase from $30 billion in 2009 to over $85 billion in 2024. Chronic viral hepatitis is a leading cause of primary liver cancer, one of the fastest growing cancers, which significantly impacts 6 million Americans and has a 5-year survival rate. The minority population will be disproportionately affected. Hepatitis C is twice as common among African Americans as among whites. As a Member of the United States House of Representatives, I will continue to support increased funding towards public education, early detection, testing and counseling for patients. We cannot afford to be silent about this disease any longer. We must speak out and take action. That is what we need to do to curtail this very, very serious problem.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. I rise to talk about the passing of Rev. John Pratt of the Zion Shiloh Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. He pastored that church for 30 years. John Pratt is going to be missed in the Borough of Brooklyn. He was the kind of person that was always involved in community efforts. Whatever you needed to have done, John Pratt was a person that you could count on. Not only that, he was unusual in many ways, because you could talk to him and, of course, he wouldn't call a press conference on you. You just could have a discussion with him and then he would do whatever it was, and you didn't have to worry about him calling a big press conference to let the world know that you had asked him to do something. He was the kind of person that was able to pull people together. He was a coalition builder. We are going to miss John and his coalition skills because he could talk to anybody at any point in any time. And that was the thing that he was able to do so well. I will never forget that when my mother passed, how John was there on behalf of my family. So let me say to the Pratt family that you have my support in every way. If there is anything I can do, just let me know. I would be delighted to do it, because he was there for me, and I want to be there for you.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove Representative Wasserman Schultz's name from H.R. 1137.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Steven L. Zelkowitz, a visionary leader in our community and an inspiration to all of New York. Steven L. Zelkowitz, an independent energy consultant and attorney, is a senior veteran in New York's energy industry. He began as an attorney in private practice, representing utilities and energy companies for twenty years. He then joined Keyspan Corporation, serving as its General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Vice President, and eventually President of the Energy Assets & Supply Group. At every point in his career, Mr. Zelkowitz distinguished himself by his keen understanding of New York's energy needs, his tireless work ethic, and his loyalty. Steven L. Zelkowitz has also earned an excellent reputation for supporting local organizations and institutions of higher learning. Mr. Zelkowitz serves on the Board of Trustees of Brooklyn Law School and is chair of its Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Brooklyn Bar Association, a member of National Board of Governors of the American Jewish Committee, a member of the American Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, and a past chair of its Public Utility Law Committee. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Steven L. Zelkowitz, a well- respected leader in Brooklyn's business and educational communities. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Steven L. Zelkowitz.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Constance V. Hay-Alleyne. Constance has lived life as a goal oriented and knowledgeable Registered Nurse with ambitious and humanitarian social motivations. Constance is well known in the Panamanian and Caribbean communities. Her delightful intellectual curiosity has served her professional growth well. She holds a BSN and MSN degrees from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York and Georgetown University, in Washington D.C, respectively. She has distinguished herself as a competent Nurse Manager and Administrator for over three decades, in the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Washington D.C areas. In 1981, she joined the United States Army Nurses Corps, served as a Captain, active duty and in reserve. At home, Constance has raised her four children to love and respect everyone especially their elders. She encouraged them to have positive outlooks in life and motivation to do ``as much as they can'' with care and dignity. It could not be otherwise since this has been an inheritance from her parents: John who died at the age of 114 and Imogene, at age 82. Faithful to that motto, she has been involved in many other activities such as a mediator at the Safe Horizon Brooklyn Mediation Center, as a Board Member of the Community Board 5 and as the Chair for Education and Training for Tashia's Life, a lupus foundation. She was miraculously rescued from the September 11, 2001 disaster at World Trade Center. This encounter made her redefine her mission on earth, realizing that God had saved her life for some special purpose. She serves the Lord at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Canarsie, Brooklyn, where she functions as a Lay Ecumenical Minister, as well as a Vestry. Throughout her career, Mrs. Hay-Alleyne has received numerous awards and recognitions including: being featured in ``Who's Who?'' in Nursing in Cambridge.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ruth Silber, a dedicated public servant for 26 years. Ruth Silber is a volunteer at Public School 273 in New York City. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and has lived in Brooklyn for eighty- three years. Mrs. Silber has worked diligently for the Teamster's Union for the 26 years prior to her retirement, and death of her husband, Mr. Silber. Following her retirement, Mrs. Silber volunteered with P.S. 273 to assist in the library. Mrs. Silber considers volunteering in school the ``love of her life'', along with her children and grand-children, and brings a constant youthful insightfulness to her volunteer work. Madam Speaker, Please join me in recognizing Ruth Silber for her time and dedication to public service.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Matthew Polite, a leader in his community and an inspiration to all of New York. Matthew Polite was born in 1905 on the Island of St. Helena, off the coast of South Carolina. The only son of a former slave, Matthew understands well how freedom is a cherished gift to be used in the service of your fellow man. Matthew Polite and his wife, Netha, were wed in 1926. They moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he worked as a baker in Wholesome Bakery. After some years, they moved again to Miami, Florida where he continued as a baker. Matthew and his family moved to New York City in 1954. There he became the Deacon for the Orange Baptist Church in the Bronx, forging a lifelong relationship with the congregation. He served the church community with honor and distinction for many years until his retirement in 1969, when he returned to his hometown in Stavenhagen, South Carolina. Matthew Polite has since returned to New York City, surrounded by his friends and family, including his four children, nine grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, fourteen great-great grandchildren, and two great-great-great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Matthew Polite, a shining example of dedication to community service for all of New York. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Matthew Polite.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Reverend Timothy Wright, a loving husband, a dedicated father, faithful pastor, and compassionate humanitarian. Grammy-nominated singer and composer, and also my dear friend. Sadly, last week, Reverend Wright, the founder of the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center in Brooklyn, passed away. He had suffered for nearly a year with complications resulting from a tragic traffic accident that claimed the life of his wife, grandson, and of course the driver who hit his car head on. Despite his struggles against improbable odds, having undergone numerous surgeries, Reverend Wright maintained unwavering faith in his God, even in the darkest hour. Through his example, he showed us that, although he was physically down, he was spiritually vibrant. Committed to his professed calling in life, one of the reverend's main desires in his last days was to return to his Brooklyn pulpit where he could encourage his congregants. I believe that his ability to be selfless during great suffering is evidence of a man who treasured, loved and lived life to the fullest that way as well. Rev. Wright understood and demonstrated that life is not defined by everyday circumstances, nor is it about one's accomplishments. He defined life by his love for people. Rev. Wright's life was embodied in the example of the way he treated people and by the sacrifices he made for his family, for his church and for the Brooklyn community. It was not uncommon to find him giving tirelessly for a charitable cause, lending an ear to someone in despair or even extending personal resources to help anyone who needed him. He reached out to those society had thrown away. The reverend thought that adversity kept you humble and that sacrifice was a way to demonstrate faith in God's promise. Many the world over will remember the surmountable feats Rev. Wright accomplished as a renowned musician. Having released more than a dozen gospel albums over the span of his 40-year career, Rev. Wright's songs of praise and worship were a blessing to all who had an opportunity to hear and to experience the testimonies he shared through his music. From his 1984 song ``Testify'' to his Grammy-nominated album ``Come Thou Almighty King,'' Rev. Wright's music touched millions all around the world. His final one was ``Jesus, Jesus.'' That was a tremendous record, and of course, many people were able to purchase it and to know him in terms of what he was all about. Born and raised in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, the passing of Rev. Wright is a great loss to Brooklynites, to New Yorkers and to, in fact, the world over because of his humanitarian spirit and, of course, his dedicated life in terms of how he felt and served people. He was an important voice and tireless advocate, concerned about the everyday issues that strangled his fellow neighbors. He hoped for the things his community hoped for, and he cared about the things that his parishioners cared about--family, friends and community. The immeasurable contributions and countless investments that Rev. Wright made in the lives of people will far outlive his time on this Earth. Now absent in life, he will remain forever with us as his music, message and his legacy live on. Let me just conclude by saying, ``Sleep on, Rev. Wright. Sleep on. You truly made a difference, and I'm happy to have had an opportunity to know you and to live during your lifetime.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Workforce Memorial Day. As a Nation built on the strength of our workforce, it is important that we honor those who have lost their lives while struggling to support themselves and their families. For many Americans, going to work can be a dangerous activity, and one in which many of the harms could potentially be mitigated with the enhancement and enforcement of strong workplace health and safety protection laws. Each year over 5,000 deaths result from occupational hazards. In 2007, 81 of these deaths occurred in New York City alone. Many of these might have been prevented by the enforcement stronger workplace safety standards. Today, on Workforce Memorial Day, I urge my fellow Members of Congress to join me in commemorating our workforce, their dedication, and their perseverance, while resolving to create a safer and healthier work environment for all.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Robert B. Catell, a visionary leader in our community and an inspiration to all of New York. Robert B. Catell was raised and educated in New York City, having earned both his Bachelor's and his Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the City College of New York. A Registered Professional Engineer, Mr. Catell also attended Columbia University's Executive Development Program and the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School. Robert B. Catell began his career in New York's energy industry in 1958 at Brooklyn Union Gas. As the corporation evolved into the nation's fifth-largest natural gas distributor, Keyspan, Mr. Catell established himself as a leader for the corporation, guiding it through multiple transitions in a growing, competitive industry. Robert B. Catell is now the Chairman of National Grid, U.S. following the acquisition by National Grid of Keyspan Corporation. He is also Chairman of Northeast Gas Markets, of Alberta Northeast Gas Ltd., and a member of the Board of Directors of KEYERA Energy Management Ltd. Robert B. Catell is also a leader in securing New York's economic, educational, and cultural future. He co-chairs the Board of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and chairs the Long Island Association. He also serves as member of the Board of Directors/Trustees for many local organizations, including the Business Council of New York State, the Partnership for New York City, the Energy Association of New York State, the City College of New York 21st Century Foundation, and the New York City Police Foundation. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Robert B. Catell, a dynamic community leader for all of New York.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to Congressman Connolly from the great State of Virginia.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to Congresswoman Carol Shea- Porter from New Hampshire.

Mr. TOWNS. I recognize the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) for 1 minute.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1804) to amend title 5, United States Code, to make certain modifications in the Thrift Savings Plan, the Civil Service Retirement System, and the Federal Employees' Retirement System, and for other purposes.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), the chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I recognize one of the hardest working Members in this body, the chairman of the Federal Workforce Subcommittee, Stephen Lynch, for 3 minutes.

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

Mr. TOWNS. Let me begin by first thanking the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for his input. Let me thank the staff for all their input. I'd like to thank Congressman Skelton. And of course I'd like to thank Congressman Lynch for all the work they've done to make this bill better. I'd like to reiterate my strong support for H.R. 1804. It will provide much-needed enhancements to the Thrift Savings Plan and to the Federal Government's retirement system. I urge all of my colleagues to join in supporting the passage of this measure and, of course, because I think it will do so much for the servicemen and, of course, the widows of servicemen. And I think that we owe them that. And this legislation is not perfect, but it's a giant step in the right direction. So I'm hoping that my colleagues will support this legislation. And let's move it very quickly through the House, and let's get it to the President's desk for him to be able to sign it. Thank you so much for the support that we've gotten from everyone.

Mr. TOWNS. I yield back the balance of my time.