Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Thank you. Let me thank all of you for participating in this Special Order. It was said earlier on, I think by Congresswoman Lee, that one reason the food costs have increased along with fuel costs is that fuel is required to both produce and transport food. So in this regard, the rise in fuel costs is felt not only at the pump but at the grocery store as well because people are paying more for our gas. So I want to thank you for highlighting this tonight because this is something that we just can no longer stand back and ignore.

Mr. TOWNS. Thank you, the gentleman from Georgia, for his remarks. Of course, he's right on the issue. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. We look at the fact that there has been a 5-year trend of record oil profits under this administration. In 2007, the big five oil companies raked in a profit of $127 billion. That's ``B'' as in ``boy.'' It is simply unacceptable that consumers are bearing these costs while corporations continue to profit. Now, the gentlewoman from California, to whom I'm getting ready to yield, has been at the forefront. She has been saying this now for a number of years. Of course, I would say to you that I wish that the country had listened to her because I'm certain, if they had listened to her, we would not have the mess that we have now. It's my honor to yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from California, Barbara Lee.

Mr. TOWNS. It affects a lot of things. First of all, when you look at young people and you talk about the gas prices and what it costs for them to go to work, it prevents them from purchasing a home. They can't afford to buy a home and pay all of these high prices for gas. And of course the fact that some buses are not running, which as you indicated means children are going to have to walk to school because of the fact that these buses are saying we are not making a profit because of the gas prices. So when you look at the facts, they do not have affordable housing, and the fact that they can't afford to buy a home because of the gas prices, and of course we need to look at tax incentives and things that will bring about this discussion that we need to have because this is a serious problem. And to ignore it, it is not going to go away. It is going to get bigger and it is going to get worse. We have to come together with a policy that is going to protect not only the seniors, the young, and the middle-aged, to protect America. This is something that we must do. We can no longer allow and have the rich continue to get richer and at the same time having people in a position to have to make a decision whether they are going to buy gasoline or whether they are going to buy food. That is wrong, and we should not stand for it. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. TOWNS. From Washington to New York 2\1/2\ hours?

Mr. TOWNS. On that I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson).

Mr. TOWNS. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. TOWNS. Let me thank the gentlewoman from Texas for her remarks, because, let's face it, she is right. We need to end our addiction to foreign oil. We have to do that. I mean, there are no ifs, ands and buts about it. That is something we must address. Of course, the gentleman from Georgia has been out at the forefront talking about this issue, and, of course, we are delighted he has joined us in this discussion tonight. We are happy to have Hank Johnson from the great State of Georgia, who is a leader on this issue as well. Thank you for joining us. I yield to you.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the balance of the time I yield to the Congresswoman from Jacksonville, Florida, (Corrine Brown).

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have left?

Mr. TOWNS. I want to talk about the energy situation tonight. When I go back to my district, the number one subject today is that people are talking about the cost of fuel. Of course, the other one is affordable housing. But when you look at it, they are all connected. Of course, when you talk to the taxi drivers, they are saying we cannot make a living because of the fact that gasoline is so high. The bus drivers, the same thing. Hardworking people are finding it almost impossible to make it today because of the price of fuel. Of course, this is something that has happened all of a sudden. In 2005, gasoline was $2.20 per gallon in December of 2005. Now, today the price of gasoline is $4.10 per gallon. That is June 19, 2008, according to the Energy Information Administration, the agency that collects official energy statistics for the United States Government. In other words, gas is just creating a tremendous problem in this Nation. Now I know people will say, Well, here's the solution. But let me just say to you there is no silver bullet here, that there is no single solution to this problem. But I think the worst thing in the world to do is to continue to ignore the problem. You have people saying, Well, ethanol is the solution. Then you have others will say that the fact that ethanol might not be the solution, but we need to make certain that we create cars that will go further. All these things are good, but when we are dealing with a problem like this, whenever you make a decision or make an adjustment, there's always something else that is going to happen. Hybrid cars. People are coming in now saying that, Look, we are having problems. The blind, in particular. We travel by sound. We can't hear. We are getting knocked down in the parking lots. Senior citizens are getting knocked down. So we need to look at all these things to be able to bring about safety, but at the same time we have to be able to make certain that the fuel prices come down so people don't have to make a decision as to whether they buy gas or whether they buy food. I mean that is where we are. People who have been volunteering, providing care for seniors, driving them to the shopping mall and driving them to various places, are now saying, I can't do it any more because of the price of gasoline. That, to me, is a shame and a disgrace in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, that we are not paying more attention to our seniors, and of course, as a result, things are getting worse. What I would like to do now is to yield some time to the gentlewoman from Texas, who has been very involved in these issues over the years. Of course, it's my pleasure to yield to her because she understands how important this issue is, the gentlewoman from Texas, Sheila Jackson- Lee.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 2472, a bill originally introduced by Representative Wynn of Maryland, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John Salogub, an active citizen of the Carnarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn and president of the 69th Precinct Community Council. In addition to his work with the 69th Precinct Community, John is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 59 and American Legion Post 573; indeed, John is a military veteran and served his country from October 1967 through May 1971. John attended New York City Public Schools PS114 and IS211. It is with great honor that I recognize John Salogub for his commitment to Brooklyn and service to his country.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Ellen Gale Cates, an exemplary citizen. Ms. Cates is the Assistant Program Director for the Wellness Center under the umbrella of the Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center, Inc. (BSFHC) in Brooklyn, New York. She has been a part of the Bedford Stuyvesant Family since 1994. The Wellness Center provides those who enter its doors with the tools, support and encouragement to better manage their health and wellness. The primary focus of the Wellness Center Team is to those who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Ms. Cates is also the coordinator of the Faith Based Initiatives Project for the Bedford Stuyvesant Wellness Center. This project provides assistance in coordinating informative programs on HIV/AIDS prevention, education, counseling and testing for emerging churches and communities of faith. This project focuses on the responsibility of the communities of faith and community based organizations collaborating on affecting changes. Several ministries have been reached and have started their own programs through this initiative. Ms. Cates and the Wellness Center have been able to continue this on-going project through their affiliation and support from the NYC National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, INC. Ms. Cates was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg as a member of the NYC Health and Human Service HIV/AIDS Council Committee, serving her 2-year term faithfully. Ms. Cates has served on several advisory boards, the longest being the South Brooklyn Legal Services Inc. She is an Active member of both the NYC DOHMH Office of Minority Health Borough of Brooklyn Ecumenical Advisory Group Faith Based HIV Task Force and the Faith-based High Blood Pressure Task-force. Ms. Cates is a newly appointed member of Women of Faith Advocating Change (WFAC), chaired by Reverend Dr. Cheryl Anthony. WFAC is comprised of female clergy leaders, community service providers and elected officials representing Brooklyn neighborhoods. The mission is to address the disparities that adversely impact African American women and girls and find viable faith solutions through education, information and advocacy. Ms. Cates has been a passionate yet a ``quiet storm'' in the fight against health disparities with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS in the urban community. Ms. Cates has determined that advocacy and leadership will be her path of alliance in this fight against HIV/AIDS in honor of those deserted hero's family members and friends who gave up their battle. Prior to her coming into the non-profit sector, Ms. Cates worked as a telecommunications manager with Verizon for over 20 years. While transitioning from the corporate sector she worked with the NYC DOHMH as a Community Associate AIDS Hotline Counselor for more than 10 years. Ms. Cates holds a Bachelors Degree in Christian Education; and an Associates Degree from Pace University and an Associates Degree in Medical Assistance from the College of Staten Island. Ms. Cates serves at the St. Stephens United Church of God, as an Associate minister, under Bishop M.D. Williams, Overseer, in Brooklyn, New York.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Robert C. DeSouza, a very special resident of the Springfield Gardens Community. Bob, as he is affectionately known through the area was born in Clarendon, Jamaica. He graduated from Kingston College and then went on to pursue an education in Business Management at the University of the West Indies before he came to the United States in 1982. Here he earned a B.S in Business Administration from Iona College in Westchester, New York. Mr. DeSouza, the CEO of Trans Continental Express Shippers, has garnered the respect of his peers, his immediate community and the Jamaican Diaspora at large. He is largely responsible for the awareness and education of the Shipping Fraternity which he has been associated with for over 25 years. His company sponsors countless public and private events, offers scholarships and financial support to community residents locally and in the Caribbean region. He is the epitome of humility and character. His commitment and unwavering service and dedication to the community have earned him numerous awards and accolades such as The Jamaica Consul General Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Jamaican and Caribbean Community. His other accomplishments include: The Proclamation Honor by the City Council of New York, The Proclamation Award by the Brooklyn Borough President, The Corporate Award of Excellence from Empire State Grand Chapter, and the Man of the Year Award for Outstanding Community Service from Heartbeats of Jamaica (Father Gregory Ramkissoon-Mustard Seed), to name a few. He is a member of the New York State Board of Realtors, American Society of Notaries, Cambria Heights Civic Association, St. Albans Chamber of Commerce and the Treasurer for the Kiwanis Club of Rosedale/ Laurelton Queens, New York. Despite his busy and hectic schedule, Bob finds the time to share with the elderly, the Little League Baseball of South East Queens, and assists with youth counseling within the community. He is a person who you will always hear saying something uplifting and positive. He still lives in Springfield Gardens New York and is married to Arlene and is the proud father of two sons, Robert Jr. and Darren.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Vincent HoSang, CEO and President of Caribbean Food Delights, a nationally and internationally renowned wholesale trade corporation that produces Caribbean delicacies. HoSang was born in Springfield St. James, Jamaica to Mr. and Mrs. Henry HoSang, and was the eighth child of ten. As a child, HoSang had aspirations of becoming a medical doctor but halted his studies to help his uncle manage a family grocery store. However, it was this introduction to food services that placed HoSang on the road to founding a lucrative corporation. In February of 1968, HoSang migrated to Bronx, NY where he saved enough money to buy a fast food store known as ``Kingsbridge Delight,'' which sold fried chicken, shrimp, ribs, and French fries. In 1980, HoSang bought ``Sunrise Bakery'' on Dyre Avenue; HoSang changed its name to ``Royal Caribbean Bakery'' and expanded the corporation into a 20,000-sq ft. wholesale trade company in Mount Vernon, NY. In 1993, HoSang bought 73,000 sq. ft. of land property in Tappan, New York where he founded Caribbean Food Delights, which produced various Jamaican cuisines. Since then, Caribbean Food Delights has expanded to become internationally recognized and received the Forbes award on February, 5, 2007. Along with his success, HoSang finds time to give back to the communities he's belonged to. Vincent HoSang Family Foundation, founded in 2003, and it contributed $150,000 worth of scholarship money to business students at the University of the West Indies; this is just one example of the many ways HoSang attempts to serve others. In closing, Vincent HoSang has dedicated his life to helping others through philanthropic giving and through food services.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend Kimberly Council-Haigler of Brooklyn, New York, for the achievements of one who provide selfless contributions to their community. The daughter of Mr. Benjamin and Rev. Linda Council, she is the oldest of five and the mother of two. In 2003 she gained her license and was ordained at the Berean Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Arlee Griffin Jr. She Received a Bachelor of Arts from North Carolina Central University and a Master of Science in Library Science from Pratt Institute. Rev. Council is active in her church and professional community overseeing the Young Adult Ministry and Youth Ministry. At the same time she serves as the superintendent of the Young Adult Sunday School Department, an instructor at the Berean Bible Institute and sits on the Board of Directors of Berean's Christian Education Ministry. Currently she works as a Reference Librarian at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. She is a member of the Law Library Association of Greater New York where she has served on the Board of LLAGNY's Board of Directors, and co-chair of LLAGNY's Student Relations Committee. She is also a member of the American Association of Law Librarians and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority incorporated. Her service to the community is outstanding and deserves grave recognition.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dennis Hawthorne, owner of Dennis Shipping, a renowned shipping company located in Brooklyn, NY. Hawthorne is a native of Jamaica, NY and migrated to Brooklyn, NY in 1985 where he founded Dennis Photography and Shipping. In addition, Hawthorne founded the Caribbean American Shippers Association which is now the largest Caribbean American shipping company in Brooklyn. Hawthorne's success has led him to pursue various humanitarian efforts in Brooklyn and its East Flatbush community. Hawthorne once stated ``give a community of good people, good services, respect and opportunity, and the potential for growth is inevitable.'' Hawthorne has committed to service and supports various outreach programs; he has donated time and money to community organizations including the East Flatbush Friends Education, Caribbean American Outreach Association, Children Outreach of Jamaica, Kings Highway Development Project, local churches, senior civic organizations, and schools. It is important that we recognize Hawthorne, not only for his success through his Brooklyn-based business, but also for his commitment to serving the citizens of Brooklyn.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Clarence E. Koonace, who helps serve his community through developing innovative medical technology. Before his career as an engineer, Koonace served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Mr. Koonace obtained a degree in business administration from Farleigh Dickerson's Edward Williams School and an Electronic Engineering Degree from DeVry Institute. On July 1, 1986, Clarence founded the Mordenrn Rad Ltd. Koonace's organization, provides sales and service to medical imaging cliental including NYC Fire Department's medical Division and NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, private clinics, private practices, and consultation to vendors of X-ray equipment. In addition to his career in engineering, Koonace is also an ordained deacon and member of Liberty Baptist Church of Brooklyn, New York. He is the husband to Evon Koonace and the father to two children, Crystal Bonita and Trevor Lamont. It is with great honor that I recognize Koonace today for his service in improving health care technology and improving the lives of others.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn, its Pastor Dr. David A. Hampton, first lady Hope Hampton and its congregants in honor of ``Golden Circle Day.'' Dr. David A. Hampton is the tenth Pastor-elect of Bethany Baptist Church. Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, he is a former scholar from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, where he graduated Summa Cum laude. As described by his congregants, Pastor Hampton is a dynamic speaker who can reach and encourage persons of all ages. As indicated by his receipt of numerous awards, including the Martin Luther King Human Rights Award, Pastor Hampton demonstrates immense dedication and service to his congregants and the Brooklyn community. He has also been acknowledged by the Center of Leadership Development for his outstanding leadership skills. Pastor Hampton is fortunate to have a warm-hearted congregation composed of avid Baptists. With his congregants' strong faith and his infallible ability to deliver inspiring messages, Pastor Hampton has encouraged members of Bethany Baptist to continue in their faith and service to their community, which establishes Bethany Baptist as an invaluable community resource. As such, the commitments of Bethany Baptist Church and its congregants transcend their faith and is deserving of due recognition. Further, the members of Bethany Baptist Church demonstrate devotion to their faith, which is visible in their undying commitment to remaining active members of the church for over 50 years. In an effort to commemorate their contributions, the church has planned ``Golden Circle Day,'' which is dedicated to honoring those who are a part of the esteemed ``Golden Circle.'' This is a tradition that many look forward to because it offers a chance to pay homage to members of the Bethany Baptist Church family. In keeping with the traditions, there will be a host of special services slated for June 8, 2008 at Bethany Baptist Church, located at 460 Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Brooklyn, New York. The following members are duly recognized as members of Bethany Baptist Church's ``Golden Circle.'' Marian Alexander; Annie Anderson; Charles Allen; Margaret Allen; Norma Applewhite; Virgie Baldwin; Bettie Barbour; Louise Barton; Linda Bascombe; and Patricia Belk. Gaither Bellamy; Josephine Blaizes; Daisy L. Bryant; Essie M. Brooks; Helen Brown; Mabel Burroughs; Phyllis M. Bynum; Mary Carpenter; and Edith L. Carson. Pearl Clarke; Wilbert Clarke; Adeline Clinton; Darnley Crichlow; Barbara D. Crosby; Lynda F. Dandridge; Louise Daniels; Gladys C. Drake; Willie Edmond; and Ozie Edmond. Gloria Ellis; Tommy Felton; Helen Fierce; Ethel M. Folk; Frances Ford; Frances Frayer; Maurice L. Fredericks; Winifred Fredericks; Jusselyn James Gittens; Hyacinth Golden; and Fredrick Gordon. Katie Graham; Bernice Graves; Iris Hall; Elizabeth Halyard; Malcolm Halyard; Richard Harris, Sr.; Shirley Harris; Miriam C. Hassell; Helen Hill; and Marcia Hill. Alberta Holt; Willie Holt; Annie Hubbard; Inez B. Hunt; J. Frank Hunt; Thomas O. Irby; Amanda M. Jackson; Daniel Jackson; Donza James- Frasier; and Jusselyn James-Gittens. Mabel Jenkins; Joyce E. Jiggetts; Eddie Johnson; Girlene Johnson; Alberta Jones; Delores C. Jones; Evelyn P. Jones; Margaret Jones- Chaplin; Kay B. Jordan; and Betty Keith. Rosa M. Key; Mabel Kellogg; Florence O. King; Ronald King; Harriet H. Kinebrew; Wade N. Lassiter; Lillie B. Lawrence; Jaynette Lawson-Jordan; Juanita Lewis; and Lauriano Green. Priscilla Lucas; Evelyn J. Lymus; Fannie Marcus; Joseph F. Mariner; Willie Belle Mariner; Norva T. S. Matthews; Clarence McDonald; Joseph H. McDowere; Frances McDuffie; and Eleanor McIntosh. Ruth McKie; Mona McLaughlin; Emma Miller; Arnold Neckles; Molly Neckles; Netty Brown-Nembhard; Oswald Nembhard; Jacqueline Norris; Dorothy Odle; Herbert Oestricher; and Sidney Oestricher. Jeff Palmer; Bertha Patton; Mildred Peoples; Jasper E. Peyton; Mildred D. Pittman; Alfred Porter; Fannie Porter; Benjamin Pugh; and Earnest Randolph. Evelyn Randolph; Juanita Randolph; Leona Rhodes; Mary Alice Ridley; Dorothy Rudisel; Rosa Sawyer; Helen Seaberry; Alberta Scott; Janet Small; and Kittie Sneed. Esther Smith; Dorothy Spain; Hazel R. Speer; Sadie Stewart; Marie Sullivan; Gertrude Sumter; Mamie R. Thomas; Lula Turner; Eleanor Warren; and Josephine Washington. Frances Watkins; Virgie Whitaker; Doris Williams; Julia Williams; Teesdale P. Wilson; Jacqueline Winstead; Patricia Wynn; and Ernest Wynn.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise as a member of the House Azerbaijan Caucus, to honor Azerbaijanis around the world, as they prepare to celebrate Republic Day on May 28. Republic Day commemorates Azerbaijan's declaration of its independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, becoming the first democratic secular republic in the Eastern hemisphere. Despite its short existence, 1918-1920, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan had achieved considerable success in state building and creation of educational foundations for future generations. The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan granted suffrage to women shortly after its creation, ahead of most Western democracies. Despite all of its successes, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was not in a position to withstand the occupational forces of the then newly formed Soviet Russia. Consequently, Azerbaijan had temporarily lost its independence in 1920 and later was included into the U.S.S.R. In 1990, Azerbaijan regained its independence from the U.S.S.R., ending 70 years of Soviet rule. Meantime, Azerbaijanis will never forget the tragic events of January 1990, forever known to all Azerbaijanis as Black January, as the Soviet army crushed peaceful demonstrations in the streets of the capital Baku. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the independence was approved by the Constitution. Since its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has been an invaluable ally and is among the first nations, who offered unconditional support to the United States in the War Against Terror, providing its airspace and the use of its airports for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, Azerbaijani troops continue to serve with distinction in Afghanistan and in Iraq. Azerbaijan is also a founding member of GUAM--Organization for Democracy and Economic Development, which includes Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova. Azerbaijan is a leading nation in regional economic cooperation through development of various international projects. Azerbaijan is also one of the key players in European energy security matters. Madam Speaker and dear colleagues, please join me in thanking the people of Azerbaijan for their sincere friendship towards our country, and congratulate Azerbaijanis around the world on the 90th anniversary of Republic Day. I also would like to thank and congratulate my Azerbaijani-American constituents, lead by Naimi and Naila Amiraliyev, for their tireless efforts in developing and strengthening the friendship and understanding between our nations.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call my colleagues' attention to the historic occasion of the Brooklyn Bridge's 125th birthday. In 1883, citizens of New York City and Brooklyn took the first step toward uniting their two cities. Then, the Brooklyn Bridge opened to the public, bringing to life the dreams and plans of John and Washington Roebling. It is this bridge that captures the imagination of the world, appearing as a symbol of Brooklyn and New York City as far away as Europe and Asia. After 60 years of political, financial and technical discussions, including a six-lane tunnel proposal in the 1830's, John Roebling's plan was approved, the New York Bridge Company was formed, and in 1869, construction of the bridge finally began. The bridge was built over a period of 14 years in the face of enormous difficulties. Washington Roebling, John's son, had always been a man, who liked to be on site during the construction, and often he could be found instructing others what to do and many times doing manual work himself. Washington actually spent more hours in the working chamber than anyone else for fear that any slip might prove to be disastrous. Unfortunately, in the summer of 1872, Washington Roebling had to be carried out with caisson disease. From this point on, he remained painfully paralyzed and became known as the ``man in the window'' as he never returned to the site of the bridge, but watched it from his townhouse, directing the construction through his wife, Emily Roebling, who acted as an intermediary. In total, 27 people died during the construction of the bridge, some of the worse accidents happened during cable rigging and others were crushed by swinging blocks. In the end, John Roebling's claim that ``the great towers will be ranked as national monuments . . . as work of art and a successful specimen of advanced bridge engineering,'' came to life. On May 24, 1883, with schools and businesses closed, the Brooklyn Bridge also referred to as the ``Great East River Bridge'' and costing $15 million was opened with hundreds of people attending the spectacular ribbon cutting event. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent the congressional district that begins once you cross this magnificent structure and is one of New York's most spectacular and evocative landmarks.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove myself as a cosponsor of H.R. 4749.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Evangelist Betty J. Wright, founder of ``Apple of His Eye'' Ministries and outreach ministry for those who understand a personal walk with God. A native of Augusta, Georgia, Evangelist Wright was raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is a graduate of the High School of Fashion and is an alumna of the Fashion Institute of Technology of (F.I.T.). Thereafter, Evangelist Wright matriculated at O.M. Kelly Bible Religious Institute, where she earned her Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Religious Education. Evangelist Wright is the wife of Elder Timothy Wright, mother of five sons--Danny, Donny, David, Derrick and Dwayne--mother-in-law to four daughters-in- law, and the grandmother to many grandchildren. In August 1990, Evangelist Wright's husband, Elder Timothy Wright, began his pastoral duties and founded the Grace Tabernacle Christian Cerner COGIC. Her recent elevation to the office of Co-Pastor resulted from her tireless support of the Grace Tabernacle ministry. In the years prior, Evangelist Wright was a member of Washington Temple COGIC from 1958 to 1990 under the leadership of the late Bishop F.D. Washington. In closing, Evangelist Wright has proven to be a great example to many young people that she has encountered.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Bedford Academy High School, located in Brooklyn, New York, for the achievements of the principal and faculty. Bedford Academy opened its doors in 2003 to a group of 100 underperforming students. Principal George Leonard used his 13 years of experience in educating the community's youth to create a unique learning environment that combined strict discipline with an atmosphere of compassion and encouragement. Bedford Academy graduated nearly all of its students in its first class, the class of 2007. Many continued on to attend various colleges such as, Long Island University, Temple University, Stony Brook, Morehouse, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, to name a few. Under the leadership of Principal George Leonard, Bedford Academy High School received a 90 percent-plus pass rate on all New York State Regents exams. To achieve this level of success, Bedford Academy conducts rigorous after-school tutoring almost daily and on Saturdays. As a result, Bedford Academy is now ranked the number one school in Brooklyn and the number two school in New York City. Lastly, Principal Leonard has stated that his ``vision is for every Black and Latino in the inner city to have an opportunity to learn just like anyone else in the country.'' In addition to his vision and the model set by Principal Leonard and the dedicated faculty of Bedford Academy High School, their commitment has profoundly influenced the student body to achieve academically and personally.