Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on October 10, 2011, The Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrates their 100th anniversary and I want to congratulate our friends in Southeast Asia on this most important of milestones. One hundred years ago a Chinese doctor, Sun Yat-sen, rose up against the Qing rulers of China to free his people from their tight grip. The end result of this uprising led to the formation of what is now known as The Republic of China (Taiwan). Over these last 100 years, Taiwan has become a beacon of democracy in the Pacific and a champion for peace and human rights in that part of the world. Taiwan is a strong proponent of the same freedoms we enjoy here in the United States such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of religion. Taiwan's President, Ma Ying-jeou is also to be congratulated for his work in maintaining peace in the Pacific by reducing tension with China, their neighbors along the Taiwan Strait. Again, congratulations to Taiwan. We look forward to our continued friendship over the next 100 years and beyond.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Ms. Dolores Reid Barker, a charismatic Brooklynite who carries the energy to inspire and motivate others. Ms. Dolores Reid Barker is a native of Colon, Panama but was raised in the Costa Rican province of La Lola by her maternal grandparents. Ms. Barker received her primary and secondary education in Costa Rica before migrating to the United States to pursue her quest and rich interest in attaining advanced degrees. With dedicated and focused attention, Ms. Barker obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brooklyn College, a Masters Degree in Special Education from Long Island University, and a second Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision. Through her academic achievements, Ms. Barker developed a relentless focus on the student-teacher relationship as a prerequisite for sustained student success. It was this emphasis that drove Ms. Barker to assume the first of several positions in the academic environment as a bilingual teacher, eventually becoming staff developer/resource specialist and assistant principal. It is of most importance to Ms. Barker that she clearly communicates her vision of high achievement and teacher accountability in order to build a positive rapport with the parents of children. Ms. Barker currently holds the position of principal of one of New York City's elementary schools, PS 95 Queens, where she raised the schools' evaluation from mediocrity to high achievement. Within her community Ms. Barker is very active with her Seventh Day Adventist church and several organizations. The organizations Ms. Barker works with include the Concerned Women of Brooklyn Inc., the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Phi Delta Kappa, The Interfaith Medical Auxiliary and Assistant Coordinator of the New York State Geography Bee. She has also been the recipient of many awards for her ardent advocacy for teaching, learning, and leadership. The latest two were the Certificate of Excellence which was presented to her by the Community District Education Council, and Educator of the Week which was featured on Univision, Channel 41 New York. A piece of inspiration that motivates Ms. Barker is found in Philippians 4:13, ``I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'' Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Dolores Reid Barker for her contribution to the education of Brooklyn students and the community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as the ranks of the unemployed continue to swell, all eyes have been focused on the plight of the middle-income working Americans. Many of their fortunes have changed dramatically for the worse. Many have lost their homes to foreclosure, many have seen their retirement accounts all but disappear, and, sadly, many of those who have been out of work for months have fallen below the poverty level. From 2006 to 2009, more than 7 million Americans joined the ranks of the poor. Next week, on September 13, the Census Bureau will publish its annual report on poverty and income. We expect dire news again. These are not just poor people; they are poor Americans. The vast majority of poor people in this country are not poor because they are lazy and don't want to work or to do better. Many people are poor because they grew up in poverty and could not find the means to escape. They were trapped by failing schools, broken families, poor nutrition, and hopeless conditions. In recent years, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of children living in poverty. It looked like we were making progress at the turn of the century when the child poverty rate dipped to 16 percent. By 2009, the rate has risen to 21 percent, with 15.5 million children living in poverty. This disturbs me greatly. Children who grew up in poverty are more likely to be poor during adulthood. Children who were born in middle class families have a 76 percent chance of being middle class. Poor children only have a 35 percent chance of escaping poverty. On Friday, September 16, in conjunction with the National Association of Social Workers, I will be conducting a forum on The Future of New York City's Children. One thing we will be doing is taking a look at what we are doing for children in poverty. This is still the greatest nation on Earth. We are still the richest nation on Earth. There is just no good reason why so many of our citizens are living in poverty. We must do better.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Oleg Smurygin for his continued contribution to the health care initiatives of his community. Mr. Smurygin was born to a middle class Jewish family to Yuriy and Bella Smurygin on April 7, 1966, in Kiev, Ukraine. He attended school in Kiev from 1973 until 1983, when he was recruited into the army for two years. Mr. Smurygin served as a Sergeant in the army from 1985 until 1987 under Special Forces by the border of China, Khabarovsk City. Once Mr. Smurygin was discharged in 1987, he attended the University of Kiev, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in the Arts in 1991. In 1992, Mr. Smurygin and his family decided to relocate to the United States as refugees. He supported his family working at Victory Memorial Hospital in Brooklyn, New York as a full time regular security guard. With more experience, Mr. Smurygin was promoted to shift supervisor and eventually to Director of Security in 2006. Spending over 10 years at Victory Memorial Hospital, he was awarded Victory Memorial Hospital 10 Year Award of Excellence. When the Victory Memorial Hospital closed its doors in 2009, Mr. Smurygin headed to the PAIN Institute as a Business Manager. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Mr. Oleg Smurygin.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Michael Urbino for his service to and excellence throughout his community as a model citizen. Mr. Michael Urbino is a well-rounded, results-oriented, innovative, and persevering man, who fervently upholds the belief that there is no finish line, but a constant struggle that keeps one challenged. A native of the Philippines, Mr. Urbino was a pioneer of a business conglomerate in New Jersey and New York. Since a young age, Mr. Urbino professed an interest in business and as such, he went about to complete a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in Business Administration at the University of Santo Tomas, followed by a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. From 1985 to 2001 he accumulated substantial experience in sales and marketing of pharmaceutical products while working for multinational companies like Mead Johnson-Bristol Myers, American Home Products, Abbot Laboratories and Novartis. As an executive at ABN-AMRO and at Philippine Savings Bank, prominent banks in the Netherlands and in the Philippines, respectively, Mr. Urbino became exposed to financial services. After much experience, Mr. Urbino founded his first of three corporations, Axis Point Alternative Solutions, Inc, in 2006. Axis Point operated as an employee leasing and certification company to healthcare professionals with the State of New York and the State of New Jersey. Shortly after, in 2007, Mr. Urbino registered American Healthcare Facility Management Group (AHFMG). A three-division entity, AHFMG offers licensing, administrative, and managerial services to health professionals. Mr. Urbino also values the importance of educating and training health providers from grass roots. This longing gave birth to Adriland Institute, which offers vocational medical courses covering various medical specialties. Mr. Urbino has had a long professional career purposed to provide people the tools necessary to carry on an optimal future for themselves as well as society. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the work of Mr. Michael Urbino.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Carolyn Faulkner for her activism in her community among the youth and with her Church. Ms. Faulkner has been the loving wife of Melvin Faulkner for the past 48 years and have three beautiful children: Lenora, Tasheba (Nikki) and Leonard. They also have had the joy of raising eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Ms. Faulkner attended school in Brooklyn, New York, at P.S. 83, P.S. 54, and Bushwick High School. She always had a passion for business and was poised to have a career within the business community. With her husband, Ms. Faulkner began catering and coordinating weddings in her church, Pilgrim Church. She and her husband were successful at their craft and decided to open One Stop Wedding Corporation, which handled everything from invitations, to designing bridal wear, and honeymoon traveling. Together they have been in business for over 38 years, but have now focused their attention to planning wedding travel. Ms. Faulkner, however, has continued to be an instrumental voice in her community and has been a part of many organizations. Currently Ms. Faulkner is a member on the Executive Board for Community Board 5, and is an active member of the following groups: Rosetta Gaston United Democratic Club; Rehoboth Cathedral under Bishop Gerald Seabrooks; Brooklyn Clergy/ N.Y.P.D. Task Force; and a former member of Churches United For Worldwide Action, Inc. Among all else, Ms. Faulkner's greatest passion is working with youth. In February 2004, she started workshops in schools which enlightened children and parents on gang awareness. If necessary, Ms. Faulkner would attend Family Court and the Supreme Court with the youth to recommend these teens to enter into a preventative program. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Ms. Carolyn Faulkner.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Michael Goldberg for his continued activism in the community. Mr. Goldberg was born and raised on Manhattan's lower east side as the youngest of three in a blue collar family. He grew up working part time for his family's store, while also attending school in Brooklyn. Mr. Goldberg's interest in journalism and passion for local politics encouraged him to stay in Brooklyn to attend Brooklyn College. Pursuing a political science degree and working for local newspapers, Mr. Goldberg was exposed to many in the legal profession which served as a springboard for his career. After attending Brooklyn Law School, Mr. Goldberg held a position with a landlord-tenant law firm in Central Brooklyn. His success propelled him to form Goldberg & Lustig with Harvey Lustig who has been his law partner for the past 26 years. This became one of the premier landlord-tenant firms in Brooklyn, establishing a loyal roster of clients over the years. Mr. Goldberg's success in the area has given life to the local community's businesses and has been critical in its economic vitality. Protecting many local small business owners and tenants from losing their locations, Mr. Goldberg has gained a positive relationship with his community. Mr. Goldberg is happily married to his loving wife Jeryl, and together they have raised two bright children: Lee and Lyssa. In his hometown of Long Island's South Shore, Mr. Goldberg remains heavily involved in the local synagogue as the Men's Club President for the past five years. Mr. Goldberg strongly believes that lawyers hold a special responsibility for improving our society and furthering our democratic way of life. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and success of Mr. Michael Goldberg.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Harvey Lawrence and his exceptional service to the public health of his community and his ongoing public service career. Mr. Lawrence began his career by attaining a Master of Science degree in Management Science and Policy Analysis from Harriman college and SUNY Stony Brook. He is also a graduate of the Johnson & Johnson/UCLA Health Care Executive Certificate Program. Mr. Lawrence has been serving in the capacity of President and CEO of the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center since January 2009. Before his ascent to President, Mr. Lawrence served as the Corporation's Executive Vice President and COO. Since working with the Brownsville Family Health Center on 1994, Mr. Lawrence has been responsible for most of the new initiatives and expansions the corporation has taken on. Using his vast experience in public finance and non-profit development, Mr. Lawrence has been able to accelerate the growth of this corporation and provide more services to the public. Mr. Lawrence began his public service career as Management Trainee at the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey and quickly gained experience in NYC's Office of Economic Development. Mr. Lawrence is a former non-profit developer for affordable housing and vice president in the investment banking, public finance and real estate divisions of the former Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank. Using his knowledge, Mr. Lawrence maintains his position as the executive Director of the City's Industrial commercial Incentive Board and Senior Finance/Development Director at the NYC Public Development Corporation. Mr. Lawrence is a man of exceptional character and one that has been humbled through his ability serve those with greater needs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Mr. Harvey Lawrence.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Celal Secilmis for his ongoing ability to serve his community through public service and education. Mr. Secilmis was born in Sarikamis, Turkey in 1953 and was raised in Mersin, Turkey until his early adult life. After graduating from Istanbul Academy of Economic and Commercial Sciences in 1974, he went on to complete a Graduate Certificate Program at Istanbul University, Institute of Business Economics. Mr. Secilmis has had a life in academia--deciding to move to America in 1975 after winning the Turkish Government Scholarship to do doctoral studies in the United States. Under this scholarship, Mr. Secilmis attended Georgetown University for a Masters Degree in Management, and then received an MBA degree from LIU. Mr. Secilmis continued his dedicated studies at City University of New York's Graduate Center in Financial Economics with emphasis on ``Agency Theory: Bonding and Monitoring Costs.'' Upon completion of his graduate studies, he worked as a professor of finance at Baruch College, CUNY, until 1995. Mr. Secilmis had started his own business, but shortly returned to the academic arena to fill the role of adjunct professor, which is his current profession. In addition to being an adjunct professor, Mr. Secilmis also serves as the CEO and President of CEL Group of companies: Seckin Management, CEL Management, Semerica Trading, Inc., ATA Marketing Co, Inc., and ATA Construction USA, Inc. Mr. Secilmis is also the current President of Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as his term expires in 2012. Mr. Secilmis is happily married to Olcay Soymen and together they have two sons Seckin and Ata and a daughter, Deniz who is married to Adam Beaulieu. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and success of Mr. Celal Secilmis.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Mark Gladstein for his ongoing ability to serve his community by providing advanced health care options. Dr. Mark Gladstein is a founder and a medical director of Brooklyn's leading pain management facility, Pain Institute of New York. He is offering his community an expert team of personnel that have completed over 4000 procedures per year--retaining the recognition of being the fastest growing, advanced, and most diverse pain management practice in New York. With locations in Brooklyn and Queens, Dr. Gladstein's practice serves over 2,500 patients from all five boroughs as well as outside of New York City and all walks of life, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Being in practice for over 8 years, Dr. Gladstein has gained the trust and respect of the community by providing the most advanced care in the field. Their patients receive quality care in an accredited state-of-the-art office and ambulatory surgery facility. To this end, the entire skilled staff follow one simple philosophy: pain is an individual struggle and requires a unique and personal approach to manage. This approach allows Dr. Gladstein and his staff to personalize their attention to patients in a unique way. Over the past years, Dr. Gladstein's achievements have been recognized by his peers and patients alike. He is a recipient of multiple Patient's Choice Awards, Consumer Research Council of America Awards as well as multiple teaching awards. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many accomplishments of Dr. Mark Gladstein.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. James Aurora for his exceptional service to his community and the youth. James Aurora is a third generation of owners of the now famous Sonny's Collision Specialists in Queens, New York. This renowned business has been serving the Brooklyn community for 60 years and has gained a distinct reputation for quality customer service. Mr. Aurora has built an operation that employs 25 professionals that offer clients guaranteed personal attention. In the years that Mr. Aurora has been operating Sonny's Collision Specialists he has never known any unsatisfied customers. Every customer of Sonny's has only experienced top notch service in the most expeditious manner. Jimmy Aurora knows the importance of giving. Sonny's is not only a staple in the community for their expertise in auto body collisions, but they are famous for their giving spirit. Mr. Aurora on a yearly basis has sponsored cricket teams, baseball leagues, and boys' clubs, along with donating thousands of dollars towards autism awareness and the American Cancer Society. He has not only provided a necessary service to his community but he has found the means to give more to those in dire need. Mr. Aurora lives by the company's motto: ``Perfection is not an accident.'' Jimmy proudly represents his heritage and family legacy by ensuring that Sonny's Collision Specialists continues to be a leader and trendsetter in auto body collision work. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Mr. James Aurora.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Archie Warner for his professionalism as a public servant for the United States Postal Service and for his contribution to the Brooklyn community. Mr. Warner has been promoted throughout the Postal system in a relatively quick manner during his 38 year tenure. Mr. Warner's long and successful career began with an appointment in the United States Postal Service as a Distribution Machine Operator. He was then promoted to Supervisor of Mails, then another later position as a supervisor. During his time at the USPS, Mr. Warner was promoted several times in the Customer Services sector. He was promoted to Manager of Customer Services EAS 18, followed by another promotion to a higher level Manager, EAS 21, and finally promoted in 2000 to Manager, Customer Services Operations or Area Manager for the North. This area encompasses Cadman Plaza Station, Pratt Station, Metropolitan Station, Williamsburg Station, Brownsville Station, Bushwick Station, Greenpoint Station, Red Hook Station, Shirley Chisholm Station, Wyckoff Heights Station and the Collections Unit. Throughout his loyal career with the USPS, Mr. Warner is most proud of when he became the manager of Brownsville. For Mr. Warner working as the manager of Brownsville he was able to see firsthand how the station changed for the better, and in turn improved the community. Mr. Warner has enjoyed working with the United States Postal Service and views his contribution as a direct service to community businesses and citizens. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Archie Warner.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. James Aurora for his exceptional service to his community and the youth. James Aurora is a third generation of owners of the now famous Sonny's Collision Specialists in Brooklyn, New York. This renowned business has been serving the community for 60 years and has gained a distinct reputation for quality customer service. Mr. Aurora has built an operation that employs 25 professionals that offer clients guaranteed personal attention. In the years that Mr. Aurora has been operating Sonny's Collision Specialists he has never known any unsatisfied customers. Every customer of Sonny's has only experienced top notch service in the most expeditious manner. Jimmy Aurora knows the importance of giving. Sonny's is not only a staple in the community for their expertise in auto body collisions, but they are famous for their giving spirit. Mr. Aurora on a yearly basis has sponsored cricket teams, baseball leagues, and boys clubs, along with donating thousands of dollars towards Autism awareness and The American Cancer Society. He has not only provided a necessary service to his community but he has found the means to give more to those in dire need. Mr. Aurora lives by the company's motto: ``Perfection is not an accident.'' Jimmy proudly represents his heritage and family legacy by ensuring that Sonny's Collision Specialists continues to be a leader and trendsetter in auto body collision work. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Mr. James Aurora.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Harvey Lawrence and his exceptional service to the public health of his community and his ongoing public service career. Mr. Lawrence began his career by attaining a Master of Science degree in Management Science and Policy Analysis from Harriman college and SUNY Stony Brook. He is also a graduate of the Johnson & Johnson/UCLA Health Care Executive Certificate Program. Mr. Lawrence has been serving in the capacity of President and CEO of the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center since January 2009. Before his assent to President, Mr. Lawrence served as the Corporation's Executive Vice President and COO. Working with the Brownsville Family Health Center since 1994, Mr. Lawrence has been responsible for most of the new initiatives and expansions the corporation has taken on. Using his vast experience in public finance and non-profit development, Mr. Lawrence has been able to accelerate the growth of this corporation and provide more services to the public. Mr. Lawrence began his public service career as Management Trainee at the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey and quickly gained experience in NYC's Office of Economic Development. Mr. Lawrence is a former non-profit developer for affordable housing and vice president in the investment banking, public finance and real estate divisions of the former Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank. Using his knowledge, Mr. Lawrence maintains his position as the executive director of the city's industrial commercial incentive board and senior finance/development director at the NYC Public Development Corporation. Mr. Lawrence is a man of exceptional character and one that has been humbled through his ability to serve those with greater needs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Mr. Harvey Lawrence.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Oleg Smurygin for his continued contribution to the health care initiatives of his community. Mr. Smurygin was born to a middle class Jewish family to Yuriy and Bella Smurygin on April 7, 1966, in Kiev, Ukraine. He attended school in Kiev from 1973 until 1983, when he was recruited into the army for 2 years. Mr. Smurygin served as a Sergeant in the army from 1985 until 1987 under Special Forces by the border of China, Khabarovsk City. Once Mr. Smurygin was discharged in 1987, he attended the University of Kiev, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in the Arts in 1991. In 1992, Mr. Smurygin and his family decided to relocate to the United States as refugees. He supported his family working at Victoria Memorial Hospital in Brooklyn, New York as a full time regular security guard. With more experience, Mr. Smurygin was promoted to shift supervisor and eventually to Director of Security in 2006. Spending over 10 years at Victoria Memorial Hospital, he was awarded Victory Memorial Hospital 10 Year Award of Excellence. When the Victory Memorial Hospital closed its doors in 2009, Mr. Smurygin headed to the PAIN Institute as a Business Manager. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Mr. Oleg Smurygin.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Mark Gladstein for his ongoing ability to serve his community by providing advanced health care options. Dr. Mark Gladstein is a founder and a medical director of Brooklyn's leading pain management facility, Pain Institute of New York. He is offering his community an expert team of personnel that have completed over 4,000 procedures per year--retaining the recognition of being the fastest growing, advanced, and most diverse pain management practice in New York. With locations in Brooklyn and Queens, Dr. Gladstein's practice serves over 2,500 patients from all five boroughs as well as outside of New York City and all walks of life, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Being in practice for over 8 years, Dr. Gladstein has gained the trust and respect of the community by providing the most advanced care in the field. Their patients receive quality care in an accredited state of the art office and ambulatory surgery facility. To this end, the entire skilled staff follow one simple philosophy: pain is an individual struggle and requires a unique and personal approach to manage. This approach allows Dr. Gladstein and his staff to personalize their attention to patients in a unique way. Over the past years, Dr. Gladstein's achievements have been recognized by his peers and patients alike. He is a recipient of multiple Patient's Choice Awards, Consumer Research Council of America Awards as well as multiple teaching awards. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many accomplishments of Dr. Mark Gladstein.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Howard Kagan for his support and dedication to serving Brooklyn and its youth through public advocacy and educational programs. Mr. Kagan was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was the fifth of five children. He graduated from Brooklyn College where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and later received his Master of Science Degree from Brooklyn College. For several years Mr. Kagan taught English and Math at the Middle School level as he has certification in General Education and Special Education. Working in the education field, Mr. Kagan has held the responsibility of being a teacher, educator and special education teacher for the New York City Board of Education for 20 years. He was also a Track Four Coordinator for Severely and Profoundly Handicapped children. Following his tenure at the New York City Board of Education he went to Brooklyn Law School and received his J.D. degree in 1989. He has had a private practice since 1989 specializing in all forms of personal injury cases, including slip and falls, auto accidents, medical malpractice and general negligence. His private practice is an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau since 2008 and has an A+ rating. Mr. Kagan has been actively practicing law for 22 years and has hosted an internship program for college and law students. Furthermore, Mr. Kagan advises law students and recent law graduates on how to start their own practices and on the basics of Tort law. As a lawyer Mr. Kagan was admitted to the New York State Bar in June of 1989, and is admitted to practice in New York State and New Jersey. Besides his love for people and children, Howard loves reading, stained glass, traveling, Jai alai and flying Cessna 150's. Mr. Kagan has four children of his own; two sons who are attorney's and one who is currently studying at Columbia Dental school. He has also been happily married for 25 years. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and success of Mr. Howard Kagan.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Oleg Smurygin for his continued contribution to the health care initiatives of his community. Mr. Smurygin was born to a middle class Jewish family to Yuriy and Bella Smurygin on April 7, 1966, in Kiev, Ukraine. He attended school in Kiev from 1973 until 1983, when he was recruited to into the army for 2 years. Mr. Smurygin served as a Sergeant in the army from 1985 until 1987 under Special Forces by the border of China, Khabarovsk City. Once Mr. Smurygin was discharged in 1987, he attended the University of Kiev, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in the Arts in 1991. In 1992, Mr. Smurygin and his family decided to relocate to the United States as refugees. He supported his family working at Victory Memorial Hospital in Brooklyn, New York as a full time regular security guard. With more experience, Mr. Smurygin was promoted to shift supervisor and eventually to Director of Security in 2006. Spending over 10 years at Victory Memorial Hospital, he was awarded Victory Memorial Hospital 10-Year Award of Excellence. When the Victory Memorial Hospital closed its doors in 2009, Mr. Smurygin headed to the PAIN Institute as a Business Manager. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Mr. Oleg Smurygin.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. James Aurora for his exceptional service to his community and the youth. James Aurora is a third generation of owners of the now famous Sonny's Collision Specialists in Brooklyn, New York. This renowned business has been serving the community for 60 years and has gained a distinct reputation for quality customer service. Mr. Aurora has built an operation that employs 25 professionals that offer clients guaranteed personal attention. In the years that Mr. Aurora has been operating Sonny's Collision Specialists he has never known any unsatisfied customers. Every customer of Sonny's has only experienced top notch service in the most expeditious manner. Jimmy Aurora knows the importance of giving. Sonny's is not only a staple in the community for their expertise in auto body collisions, but they are famous for their giving spirit. Mr. Aurora on a yearly basis has sponsored cricket teams, baseball leagues, and boys' clubs, along with donating thousands of dollars towards autism awareness and the American Cancer Society. He has not only provided a necessary service to his community but he has found the means to give more to those in dire need. Mr. Aurora lives by the company's motto: ``Perfection is not an accident.'' Jimmy proudly represents his heritage and family legacy by ensuring that Sonny's Collision Specialists continues to be a leader and trendsetter in auto body collision work. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Mr. James Aurora.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the important and essential role that athletic trainers play in providing quality health care across our nation. Our nation's health care system is complex and every day people with many different health needs are served by legions of caring, qualified, and professional athletic trainers. Athletic trainers are health care professionals who hold at least a bachelor's degree in athletic training. Almost 70 percent of athletic trainers have a master's degree or PhD. Athletic trainers are licensed health care professionals who provide injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to patients of all ages. Athletic trainers work under the direction of physicians to provide care to patients. Historically, they worked with athletes in secondary schools, colleges, universities and professional sports. Today, about 50 percent work outside of these athletic settings. Many athletic trainers are employed by clinics, hospitals, physician offices, commercial workplaces, the United States Armed Forces, and performing arts companies. The focus of athletic trainers' care is to prevent injuries and support patients and clients in their rehabilitation efforts to regain function as quickly and safely as possible. Athletic trainers pass a national certifying exam. In most of the 46 states where they are licensed or otherwise regulated, the national certification is required for licensure. Athletic trainers maintain this certification with required continuing education. They work under a medical scope of practice, and adhere to a national code of ethics. Unfortunately, in 2005, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a policy to prevent physicians from employing anyone other than a physical or occupational therapist and speech language pathologist to provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services in a physician's office. Due to all of these facts, I have proudly introduced the Athletic Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2011. This bill would make the following improvements: Ensure coverage of and improve patient access to physical medicine and rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B; Allow physicians to choose from a wider range of highly qualified health professionals to serve patients' needs; and Restore the ability of athletic trainers to provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services incident to a physician's services. I strongly support the vital role athletic trainers play in our health care system. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this important group of health professionals and co-sponsor the Athletic Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this bi- partisan legislation that will help protect consumers against dangerous products that may do them harm. This legislation affects a broad spectrum of our economy, from the manufacturers of toys to the children that play with them. I am truly delighted that Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to support a plan to increase the safety of all children's products manufactured in this country. I am also pleased that this bipartisan agreement addresses some of the unintended consequences of the original legislation without sacrificing the safety requirements that I believe are necessary to protect our children. Our committee has had several months of consultation with industry officials to alleviate the burden placed on them by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act's (CPSIA) new standards and regulations. These common sense reforms such as allowing flexibility for the CPSC to exempt specific products and exclude certain used children's products were supported by many of the stakeholders that will be affected by the legislation we are considering today. I again want to commend Chairman Bono Mack and Ranking Member Butterfield for coming together and bringing this improved legislation to the floor. I encourage my colleagues to vote yes on this legislation, I also urge my colleagues to continue to work together in the spirit of bi-partisanship to protect the standards of safety that our constituents demand of us.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I received a call yesterday from a senior citizen in my district that disturbed me greatly. It tore at my heart to hear the fear in her voice as she begged me to do all that I can to protect senior citizens, and I assured her that I would. She went on to say how hard she worked during her life. She kept her part of the bargain, and now she expects her government to do the same. It really bothers me to hear some people suggest that poor Americans and senior citizens who get checks from the government are freeloaders. Everybody in Congress gets a check from the government. How can they consider themselves as being different? We need to stop, regroup, and think about what we are doing. We need to think about all those people who have played by the rules, and now we want to change the rules in the middle of the game. Mr. Speaker, that is wrong.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today, Congressman Ed Towns joined millions of grateful recipients in celebrating the 46th anniversary of the enactment of Medicare, signed into law on July 30, 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson. Today, Medicare provides comprehensive health care coverage to 47 million Americans, including 39 million seniors and eight million people with disabilities under the age of 65 years old. Many consider Medicare one of the crowning achievements of the Democratic Party. ``On the 46th anniversary of Medicare it is important to recognize the profound impact it has had on American families. Slightly more than half of Americans over the age of 65 years had health coverage in 1964. Today coverage is virtually universal,'' stated Towns. ``Because of Medicare, millions of Americans enjoy guaranteed benefits and affordable premiums for health care at a time in their lives when they need it most.'' Medicare is arguably the best anti-poverty program to ever come out of Congress. Nearly 30 percent of seniors lived below the poverty line in 1964. Since Medicare was signed into law that number has dropped to 7.5 percent. Recent studies have shown, the average Medicare beneficiary saves hundreds of dollars per year in premiums because of Medicare. Most Americans believe Medicare must be preserved, regardless of age. ``Support for Medicare is nearly universal among Americans across the political spectrum, yet we have heard recently proposals that would end the program as we know it,'' Towns stated. Some of my colleagues passed a budget that would replace Medicare with a voucher system where seniors would be forced to spend $6,000 on average to purchase private insurance. I have made a commitment to vigorously fight any policies that would change Medicare. Medicare is a program that has worked well for millions of Americans and their families and I will do all I can to preserve it.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend Reginald Lee Bachus on the occasion of his installation as pastor of the Mount Ollie Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn has long been known as the ``Borough of Churches'' and has a rich history of outstanding contributions by churches of many denominations to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The Mount Ollie Baptist Church is one such religious institution that has a long history of service to Brooklyn and has been led by a succession of outstanding clergy. The Mount Ollie Baptist Church was organized and founded in 1932 by the late Reverend Henry Milerson and was incorporated on October 4, 1937 in Brooklyn, New York. The present edifice built under the leadership of Pastor R. D. Brown, established Mount Ollie Baptist Church as the first Baptist church to be constructed in the Brownsville community. In 1987, Reverend Spurgeon E. Crayton was called to pastor Mount Ollie Baptist Church and directed a ministry with many innovative programs that impacted the entire Borough of Brooklyn. The installation of Reverend Reginald Lee Bachus as pastor of Mount Ollie Baptist Church continues the tradition of outstanding preachers who have led this great church. Reverend Bachus is a product of Prairie View A&M University where he earned a B.S. in electrical engineering, and Yale Divinity School where he earned his Master of Divinity degree and distinguished himself as a member of the 2009 Admissions Committee, Senior Class Officer, Chair for the Yale Divinity School Baptist Student Fellowship, and an officer of Yale Black Seminarians The son of Reverend Reginald E. Bachus, pastor of the historic Friendship Baptist Church in Chicago, IL and grandson of Reverend Dr. C.L. Bachus, pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS, Pastor Bachus embodies the spirit of prophets and lives by the creed, ``woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!'' (1 Corinthians 9:16). On behalf of the residents of Brooklyn, New York, I am delighted to welcome this outstanding preacher to our Borough and look forward to many years of his leadership as pastor of Mount Ollie Baptist Church. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Reverend Reginald Lee Bachus.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day in America. There are people who have to choose between paying their bills and eating a decent meal. All I hear is that we have a spending problem. ``We have a spending problem. We have a spending problem.'' I want to be sure we do not try to solve our spending problem on the backs of the poor, on the backs of children and on the backs of our senior citizens. We have been cutting services for the poor, children and seniors for years. Go back and look at the record, and you will see that this is a fact. If you add up all of the money we are spending on children and seniors, it would not begin to make a dent in the Federal deficit. We spend less than 10 percent of the budget on children. That means we are not seriously investing in the future of this Nation. When we cut programs like WIC, we are literally taking the food out of the mouths of babies, so I say our priorities are certainly misguided or upside down. When we cut tens of millions of dollars from juvenile justice delinquency programs, then we'd better get ready to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on more prisons. When we look to save money by cutting Medicare and Social Security, we really do a disservice to the senior citizens in this country. Senior citizens have worked all of their lives putting a good portion of their paychecks into a system that paid for the well-being of their parents and grandparents. If the truth is to be told, today's seniors have paid more than $2.5 trillion extra into Social Security so that it would be safe, and here we are talking about making cuts. When President Ronald Reagan signed the law to increase the payroll tax, it was to make sure Social Security would be there for future generations; but the government spent the money, and now we want to make seniors pay again. That is wrong. Our senior citizens have paid enormous sums of money into Medicare, and now people are talking about ending it as we know it. Certainly, rising health care costs are causing Medicare problems, but we can fix those problems without making it a voucher program. I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to take a deep breath and to think clearly about what we're doing. Children and seniors are the most vulnerable citizens in our country. They are depending on us to use sound judgment and not be swayed by the political gamesmanship. I stand here this morning to tell you that I intend to fight for the well-being of our children and our senior citizens. Of course, we need to uncut, uncap and get some real balance into this discussion, recognizing the fact that our children and our seniors must be protected. Of course, every time I hear one of our Members talking about the fact that we need to cut Medicare, that we need to cut WIC, I think that we need to stop and take a real, real deep breath and recognize that, when we do that, we end up creating other things, and we do not save money.