Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lion Leroy Foster for his tireless work on behalf of his community. Leroy Foster is a charter member of the Laurelton Lions Club. Since the club's inception in 1980, he has maintained a 100 percent attendance at all meetings and events. His dedication has shown throughout his 21 terms as a Member of the Board. During those 21 terms, he has served as President, first Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, as well as the Chair of numerous Committees. Leroy earned is BBA in Accounting from Pace University. He is currently a Second Vice President of the TIAA-CREF directing the Tax Reporting Division. He is the father of two children. Tanya and his deceased son, Leroy Jr. Leroy works extensively for his community at the district level. He is currently serving as a Board Member of the Habitat for Humanity Brooklyn Chapter. He has also served as Vice District Governor, Zone Chair, Region Chair and many other distinguished positions. While serving as District Governor, Mr. Foster organized the members of his district to build houses in Brooklyn and Queens. Having a long and distinguished career as a delegate, he has attended international, national, regional, state and district conventions and Leadership Forums. In addition, Leroy has received numerous awards for his community service. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow and is a recipient of The Boy Scouts of America Citizenship Award to name a few. Mr. Speaker, Lion Leroy Foster has devoted his life to serving his community. However, what sets him aside from his peers is that he has never faulted in his commitment. Lion Leroy Foster is and has been a man to respect and emulate. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable man..

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Simmons T. Valeris, an entrepreneur with a flame burning deep within allowing him to succeed in all of his endeavors. Mr. Valeris has distinguished himself from his peers as being the only minority Multiple Franchise Dealer/Operator of Mobil Oil Corporation in the tri-state area. Mr. Valeris, a native of Port-au-Prince, migrated to Brooklyn, New York in 1968. He is a graduate of Prospect High School and Long Island University. Simmons T. Valeris furthered his education by entering the Mobil Pre-Installment Dealer Training program, which ultimately led to his success as a Mobil Oil Franchise owner. Mr. Valeris can take pride in the fact that he is a life-long learner, constantly keeping up with the latest in technology. Throughout Valeris' 27-year career as a Mobil Oil Corporation franchiser he has had an illustrious career with the Mobil Corporation, receiving many awards and honors. For twelve consecutive years, Simmons received recognition for the ``Top Retailer Sales'' in the region. He also earned seven ``Circle of Excellence Awards'' for consistently meeting or exceeding corporate objectives. In addition to his duties at Mobil, Simmons also holds various memberships and is an active member on many community boards including the Boards of the Bronx Community College Auto-Lab as well as the Greater New York Dealers Association. Aside from his entrepreneurial success, Simmons places an important emphasis on family. He credits his parents, Marie and Timothy Valeris, for raising him. He explains that his mother was a pioneer businesswoman, and hence his inspiration. He vowed to follow in her footsteps and become a successful businessman, and this commitment has led him to his present successes. Simmons' pride and joy are his two children, Dwayne and Monique. Mr. Speaker, Simmons T. Valeris has contributed throughout his life to his community as a successful businessman and experienced leader. For his service, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of James Tillmon, Director of Community Development for Genesis Homes/H.E.L.P.--USA serving Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Mr. Tillmon has led an exemplary life of both community and public service. One of eight children bom in Brooklyn, New York to the late Louise Tillmon and Dr. Walter E. Baker, James Tillmon graduated from South Shore High School. Mr. Tillmon holds a BA in Communications from Antioch College as well as a Masters in Urban Planning from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. James started his career in community service in 1988 when he worked in Syracuse, New York as a Vista Volunteer for one year. As a Vista Volunteer, he worked with youth between the ages of 16 and 21. James left Syracuse and joined the Department of Commerce's Census Bureau as a Field Operations Supervisor where he assisted and trained a ``Swat Team'' for troubled neighborhoods for two years. Continuing where he left off in the field of public service, in 1991 James joined the United States Peace Corps as a volunteer in Equatorial Guinea. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, he organized and helped engineer plans for economic development within the region. In addition he supervised humanitarian projects and trained volunteers. After leaving the Peace Corps, he worked in the Kings County District Attorney's office as a Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor. In addition, as a Public Safety Corps Team Leader, he has worked with the New York City Housing Management with emergency residential placement. James left the District Attorney's office to become the Community Relations Liaison at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan. James has also served as Chairman of the Health Committee on the Brooklyn Community Board #1 as well as on the Board of his Alma Mater, Antioch College. He has received much recognition for his public service including a City Council Citation for his outstanding service. Mr. Speaker, James Tillmon has devoted his life to helping others. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Dr. Abdul-Nasser Adjei for his commitment to promoting health education and care in the Ghanaian migrant community in New York City. Dr. Adjei is also the proud husband of Memuna and father of two loving children, Melda and Nasser Jr. Abdul-Nasser Adjei was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. While completing his preliminary education, in his native country, he earned an academic scholarship to study medicine in Turkey at the Hacettepe University Medical School. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Adjei migrated to the United States where he continued his education. Dr. Adjei did his residency training at the College of Physicians and Surgeons and Harlem Hospital Center. While there, he specialized in internal medicine with a sub-specialty in cardiology. He then moved to SUNY Downstate to continue his fellowship in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Adjei is currently part of a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York; he strives to keep his patients in good health while educating them about their health. In his endeavors to better his patients, Dr. Adjei is under the leadership of Dr. Luther Clark. As the President of the New York area Gonja Association of North America (GANA), Abdul-Nasser Adjei has dedicated the last five years of his life to promoting good health and education for the Ghanaian community. The GANA is a nonprofit organization aimed at improving the lives of Ghanaians both in Ghana and abroad through sponsorship for education and health. The organization has established a scholarship fund for education of indigent children. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Abdul-Nasser Adjei has devoted his life to educating his community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly hard-working man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Wendell Niles, President and Chief Executive Officer of Niles Communications Group, Inc., in recognition of his contributions to the East New York community. Wendell has and continues to be at the forefront of visual communications. In 1967, he joined the award winning Rodgers Studio where he worked on many noted accounts including Bulova Watch. Mr. Niles served in the United States Army as a graphic design specialist in Strategic Communications as well as a musician in the 36th Army Band. During his two-year service in the Army, he was promoted four times and received numerous awards and citations. Wendell Niles' talent for visual communications has been cultivated since a young age. He graduated from The High School of Art and Design as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in media arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Wendell's work and efforts have made an impressive impact in the African American community. He is highly recognized for his ability to develop and implement creative strategies that are effective in reaching the African American consumer marketplace. In fact, Niles Communications Group, Inc. is becoming one of the most successful and most sought after African American owned graphics and communications companies in the United States. Some of his clients include African Heritage Network, National Black Leadership Commissions on AIDS, and many more. In addition to working 90 hours a week to build his company, he serves on the boards of both the National Alliance of Market Developers and the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Memorial Committee. He is also an active and participating member of the New York Software Industry Association. In addition, for more than 20 years, he has served as a mentor, instructor, and coach to members of his community. Wendell also sponsors disadvantaged students who want to enter the field of media arts and entrepreneurship. Mr. Speaker, Wendell Niles has devoted his life to helping members of his community. For his service, he is worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the Reverend Al Sharpton has been sitting in jail now for over two weeks alongside his activist colleagues Roberto Ramirez, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, and Councilman Adolfo Carrion Jr. For committing the uniquely American crime of peacefully protesting the United States military's training activity on Vieques. One of the great joys of being an American is knowing that it is your right to express your opinion regardless of whether or not your government agrees with it. In this instance we have a situation in which the ``Vieques Four''--as they have come to be known--were arrested simply because they happened to be standing on Navy property. The basic issue here is that the United States should stop military training on the island of Vieques and leave the island to the citizens of Puerto Rico. While I support the United States military, I do not believe that military readiness will suffer in any way if training activities are moved to another location where local residents do not have to live in fear of misguided ordnance, noise from training activities or the environmental and health problems which have occurred as a result of the training activities. I urge the administration to take very seriously the concerns of those who oppose the U.S. military training activities on Vieques. While the previous administration tried very hard to achieve a balanced compromise which might ultimately result in the U.S. military leaving Vieques, that solution was not an answer. The only answer is for the U.S. military to leave the island of Vieques and pay for a comprehensive clean up of the site the military has used for training exercises for over the past sixty years. Hundreds of protesters, who have previously been arrested, were simply punished with a summons and a fine. This would seem to be a reasonable approach. However, the one difference between previous punishments and this one is that the administration has changed hands. The current administration has decided that peaceful protesters, especially those with political notoriety, should be singled out and used as examples of what will happen if one dares to oppose the government's policies. This is an outrageous abuse of prosecutorial powers. I have joined several of my colleagues, led by my good friend and colleague Congressman Anibal Acevedo-Vila, in pressing the U.S. Attorney General to review these unduly harsh sentences being given by federal judges in San Juan and to request that prosecutors in Puerto Rico seek appropriate sentences for similar offenses in the future. Although we have not yet received a response, the administration has actively opposed the appeal filed by these defendants in federal court illustrating their apparent decision to ``stay the course''. Why is this case being pursued with such vigor? Should a non-violent activist really receive a 90-day jail sentence when his or her actions can only be reasonably characterized as minor. The sentencing of the ``Vieques Four'' is not reasonable, not fair, and should not stand.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the contributions of One World-One Heart, Inc. and it's supporting organizations for there work that exemplifies our nation's unity, respect for your neighbor, and cultural exchange through inter-generational activities and programs. One World-One Heart, Inc. a New York based non-profit organization, provides access to educational, recreational, cultural and intergenerational programs for participants from all ethnic, religious, economic and cultural backgrounds. The organization also provides programs at the elementary, high school and senior citizen level that encourage intergenerational interaction, respect for peers, and multicultural appreciation and understanding. Every year in June, the organization partners with other long standing organizations that share the philosophy of service to community and creates free public events to disseminate positive messages in a fun way. ``The Taste of Pizza'' Month, which continues to expand every year, includes a wide range of communities. In four short years, the campaign has mobilized other non-profits; educators, community leaders, business, and elected officials to help spread the message of non-violence in our schools; unity and multi-cultural appreciation to youths and adults alike. The message is disseminated through pizza. Pizza serves as a symbol of the rich diversity of our society and is used by educators to explain concepts in areas of mathematics, history, and culture. Certainly the message is a simple, but powerful one. One World-One Heart and its supporters, by taking the program nation-wide will celebrate it's citizens and supporting organizations from coast to coast including World Champion Dough Thrower, Tony Gernignani; PMQ Magazine; Pizza Hut; Sharing in Neighborhood Experiences (SHINE); Plainview Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School; Cox Radio, Inc., Clear Channel Communications, and others; who will help to present a series of free public events and in-school programs. At the end of the program, all will enjoy, ``Tony Modica's Pizza Dance'' a celebratory group dance which was created specifically for the first ``pizza'' celebration. We all have more in common than we sometimes can imagine. It is through the recognition of commonalities, such as pizza, which help to break down barriers of misinformation and misunderstanding. One World- One Heart, Inc. and its supporters are positive examples of how private citizens and non-profit organizations can make a difference in the community with the support of business and government. It is for these reasons that I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing, One World-One Heart, Inc. and the ``Pizza'' in proclaiming June, ``National Taste of Pizza'' Month.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today is a very sad day as we remember what it was like before that time twenty years ago when our friends and neighbors, acquaintances and co-workers began to fall gravely ill in what should have been the prime of their lives. It is hard to remember that time before we had parades, rallies, walks and forums specifically devoted to raising desperately needed awareness and money to pay for potential remedies to battle this global pandemic. In the early days it seemed that we fought fear, discrimination, rumors and gossip almost as much or more than the virus itself. Today, while we are still fighting those battles, there have been great strides in the efforts to control this insidious illness. Nevertheless, this is no time for back-slapping as the strides that were made are falling victim to the misguided belief--particularly among young people--that HIV/AIDS is no longer a serious threat. Moreover, while those strides were real, the medical miracles that were discovered were not available to everyone. The high cost of drugs and the lack of availability of adequate quality healthcare remain significant barriers to real progress. As we look back over these twenty years we see an all too real killing field of lives lost across the globe. An estimated 21.8 million people have died as a result of this virus. Currently, 36.1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS; almost half of those diagnosed are women, and over 1.6 million are children. I applaud the recent efforts of major pharmaceutical companies through the ``Accelerating Access'' and ``Secure The Future'' initiatives that offer hope to African patients in nine countries both in terms of access to new medications at realistic costs and the development of an infrastructure system that can deliver care. I am also encouraged to see and hear the commitment of this Administration to the cause of fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. In the United States the casualty list from HIV/AIDS is smaller yet no less significant. According to the latest study released by the CDC, almost 754,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in the US: 438,795 people have died from HIV/AIDS over the past twenty years. HIV/AIDS has become the leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. African Americans are 10 times more likely than whites to be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and also 10 times more likely to die from it. New York State and New York City still have the largest number of HIV/AIDS in the country and, my congressional district has the highest incidence of new HIV/AIDS cases of any area in New York City. For example, Brownsville has more people living with HIV/AIDS than 12 states. It has the second highest number of blacks living with HIV/AIDS in all of New York City. In addition, East New York has the third highest population of women living with HIV/AIDS. As much as we have done to combat this virus, both in the US and abroad, we must do more. That is why I am pleased that local community based organizations like New World Creations Resource Center, Inc. are sponsoring a rally and march, ``the AIDS walk for the Caribbean'' on July 1 to highlight the continuing HIV/AIDS crisis in African-American and Caribbean-American communities in New York. I hope that in five years when we mark the next milestone in the history of this dreaded disease, we have something positive to report. Until that time, I urge my colleagues to join me in redoubling our efforts to promote prevention, education and treatment for HIV/AIDS. This is a battle that we must continue for the future of our nation and for the world at large.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased that the House of Representatives will act today to extend the Section 245(i) program which would allow family and employment-based immigrants who are already eligible to become legal permanent residents to adjust their immigration status while remaining in the U.S. The four month extension provided in H.R. 1885, offers a direct benefit to many people who are the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Those individuals who are eligible for permanent residence status will be able to remain in the U.S. while their visa applications are processed. This relief will protect families from separation as they seek to finally regularize their status. Without this extension, many immigrants would be forced to make the difficult choice of leaving the country and being barred from re-entry for as long as 10 years, or remaining in the U.S. as undocumented aliens. I am pleased that we are able to take this humanitarian step today to promote family unity for thousands of people who will soon become our ``newest Americans''. I am hopeful that the House's vote today will lead to quick action by the Senate and a bill being signed into law by the President. And I would urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, as the recent past ranking member of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over superfund, I am proud to be an original co- sponsor of the small business liability protection act. This bill that sits before us today includes a significant achievement that has eluded us in the past, small business relief. I congratulate the bipartisan coalition that has worked together to achieve this worthy end. Small business which disposed of basically household trash or very small quantities of waste materials containing hazardous substances should not be a target of environmental cleanup efforts if they are not responsible for the environmental damage. Instead we should continue to pursue the polluter pays principle. The limits established by this legislation strike the right balance between the protection of small business and the continued protection of the environment. This will ensure that small business does not get inappropriately caught in a web of litigation. We have worked long and hard to bring relief to small business owners. I am pleased that we have come to a bipartisan conclusion. I believe that bipartisan congratulations should be offered to the leadership of the Energy and Commerce Committee as well as the Environmental and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of my colleagues an important report that was recently issued by the Annapolis Center for Science-Based Public Policy. Asthma is a serious disease that is often undetected, misdiagnosed and not properly treated. I am hopeful the Center's Executive Summary will help to enlighten my colleagues about the importance of addressing the problems associated with asthma. Executive Summary This report defines asthma, evaluates trends, and reviews how it is studied. It reviews potential triggers of asthma attacks and their proper management, which can dramatically decrease morbidity and prevent mortality. The report recommends prudent steps that decision-makers, doctors, and patients should take in combating the disease. Several major points of the report are as follows: Asthma is a serious disease, with a great impact on public health and the economy; Asthma has a disproportional impact in the United States on minorities, the poor, and children; Asthma is a complex disease. We do not have a complete picture of asthma because we have an insufficient understanding of all the interacting mechanisms. Because of this, there is no universally accepted definition of the disease; Because of the lack of a completely acceptable definition of asthma, it may be under-diagnosed or over-diagnosed; We do not yet know all the causes of asthma. Genetic factors play a role but these alone do not explain the disease. The strongest (but incomplete) evidence exists for interactions between genetic factors, indoor environmental allergens and tobacco smoke; however, finding ``the cause'' (or causes) of asthma will take time and money. Underlying causes, unlike immediate triggers, are speculative, or highly speculative, requiring much more research. A national asthma registry is needed. Action strategies aimed at eliminating some suspected environmental risk factors may reduce the prevalence of asthma attacks but are not guaranteed to reduce the incidence of new cases of asthma. There is evidence that dust mites, cockroaches, cat dander, spores of the common airborne mold, and Alternaria (a type of fungus) play an important role. It seems reasonable to clean homes, workplaces, and schools to reduce exposure to these triggers. This may not prevent all asthma attacks, but it may lessen their frequency and/or severity; Asthma is a very manageable disease. Much of the current morbidity and mortality is avoidable; Many asthmatics and their doctors do not take the disease as seriously as they should; Clinical guidelines for asthma treatment need to be followed; Better disease management is the strategy most likely to yield benefits for asthmatics at this time. Better disease management will result from specific programs to educate physicians and patients along with programs to ensure better access to care for all asthmatics.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Doctor David C. Forbes, Sr., Senior Minister and Pastor of Christian Faith Baptist Church, on the occasion of his receipt of a doctorate in sociology from the University of Virginia. Doctor Forbes was one of eight children born in Raleigh, North Carolina to a Pentecostal Bishop and a sainted mother. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shaw University, a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University and Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary. He has also been awarded several honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Divinity by the Richmond Virginia Seminary, Doctor of Humane Letters by Shaw University and Doctor of Divinity by Shaw Divinity School. Doctor Forbes was active in the civil rights movement during the 1960's having served as the North Carolina representative for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Doctor Forbes came to the gospel ministry after an extensive career in education, which included teaching at the elementary and university levels. He was also involved in counseling and social program administration. In addition to the ministerial role, he was Assistant Professor and Director of Admission, School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University for some twelve years. From 1979-1984 Dr. Forbes served as Pastor of St. Peter Baptist Church, Glen Allen/Richmond, Virginia; and from 1983-1990 Senior Minister and Pastor of Martin Street Baptist Church, Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Forbes currently serves as Consultant to the President and Dean of The Shaw Divinity School. Doctor Forbes has also volunteered on numerous committees and boards. He currently serves on the Human Services Taskforce of The North Carolina Local Government Partnership Council, the Board of Building Together Ministries, Board of The United Way of Wake County, and the South-East Raleigh Improvement Commission. In addition, he has a number of publications to his credit. In fact, he is in broad demand as an evangelist, church development consultant, workshop facilitator and keynoter. Dr. Forbes is married to the former Hazel Baldwin of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. He is the father of three children, a son, Reverend David C. Forbes, Jr. founder and Pastor of the Columbus Christian Center, Columbus, Ohio, and two daughters, Mrs. Cheryl Forbes Lassiter, a banker in Raleigh, and Denise Colene Forbes, a music teacher in Bronx, New York. Dr. Forbes proudly answers to ``Pa Pa'' and ``Grand Pa'' to five grandsons and four granddaughters. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Doctor David C. Forbes, Sr. has devoted his life to serving his community his church and his people. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today as he is awarded a truly hard-earned honor. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Doctor David C. Forbes, Sr. on the occasion of his receipt of a doctorate in sociology from the University of Virginia. Doctor Forbes was one of eight children born in Raleigh, North Carolina to a Pentecostal Bishop and a sainted mother. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shaw University, a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University and Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary. He has also been awarded several honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Divinity by the Richmond Virginia Seminary, Doctor of Humane Letters by Shaw University and Doctor of Divinity by Shaw Divinity School. Doctor Forbes was active in the civil rights movement during the 1960's having served as the North Carolina representative for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Doctor Forbes came to the gospel ministry after an extensive career in education, which included teaching at the elementary and university levels. He was also involved in counseling and social program administration. In addition to the ministerial role, he was Assistant Professor and Director of Admission, School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University for some twelve years. From 1979-1984 Dr. Forbes served as Pastor of St. Peter Baptist Church, Glen Allen/Richmond, Virginia; and from 1983-1990 Senior Minister and Pastor of Martin Street Baptist Church, Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Forbes currently serves as Consultant to the President and Dean of The Shaw Divinity School. Doctor Forbes has also volunteered on numerous committees and boards. He currently serves on the Human Services Taskforce of The North Carolina Local Government Partnership Council, the Board of Building Together Ministries, Board of The United Way of Wake County, and the South-East Raleigh Improvement Commission. In addition, he has a number of publications to his credit. In fact, he is in broad demand as an evangelist, church development consultant, workshop facilitator and keynoter. Dr. Forbes is married to the former Hazel Baldwin of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. He is the father of three children, a son, Reverend David C. Forbes, Jr., founder and Pastor of the Columbus Christian Center, Columbus, Ohio, and two daughters, Mrs. Cheryl Forbes Lassiter, a banker in Raleigh, and Denise Colene Forbes, a music teacher in Bronx, New York. Dr. Forbes proudly answers to ``Pa Pa'' and ``Grand Pa'' to five grandsons and four granddaughters. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Doctor David C. Forbes Sr. has devoted his life to serving his community, his church, and his people. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today as he is awarded a truly hard-earned honor. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 29, a number of Sikh leaders got together for Khalistan Day celebrations in Stockton, California. Overall, the event was very successful and it featured a number of outstanding speakers, including Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, and Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon, the Managing Editor of the International Journal of Sikh Affairs. Unfortunately, something that happened to Dr. Sekhon seriously marred this otherwise successful, celebratory event. According to Burning Punjab, an online news service, a leading supporter of Member of Parliament Simranjit Singh Mann made a ``death threat'' against Dr. Sekhon after Dr. Sekhon strongly criticized Mr. Mann. Most of us in this House have been subjected to strong criticism but we have never threatened our critics nor would we permit our supporters to do so. That is not the democratic way. Mr. Mann, a former member of the Punjab police who has become an Indian politician, has been silent on this event. If Mr. Mann wants to be taken seriously as a leader in a democratic state, he must condemn the threat that his supporter made and issue an apology on behalf of his party to Dr. Sekhon. Otherwise, people will see that there is no difference between Mr. Mann and other Indian politicians. The Indian government's oppression of Sikhs, Christians, Muslims, and other religious minorities in India has been very well documented. Has that oppression now extended to an effort to suppress their critics in free countries like ours?

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, April 13 was the anniversary of the founding of the Sikh Nation by Guru Gobind Singh, called Vaisakhi Day. It is the most important of Sikh holidays. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Sikhs on Vaisakhi Day. Sikhs have made many contributions to American life in fields ranging from agriculture to law to medicine. One Sikh, Dalip Singh Saund, even served in the House of Representatives, representing a California district in the late 50s to the early 1960s. Sikhs are suffering from significant persecution in India. Since 1984, according to The Politics of Genocide by Inderjit Singh Jaijee, over 250,000 Sikhs have been killed by the Indian government. A new report from the Movement Against State Repression--an organization that should not be necessary in a democracy--confirms that tens of thousands of Sikh political prisoners are being held in illegal detention in India without charge or trial, some for as long as 17 years! This confirms what Amnesty International had previously reported. 19 of us from both parties sent a letter to the President last month urging him to get involved in freeing these political prisoners. This is part of a pattern of repression against religious minorities that engulfs India. In India, there has been an ongoing campaign of terror against the Christian community since Christmas 1998, which many of us have discussed in the Record. It has included killing priests, burning churches, raping nuns, and burning a missionary and his two young sons to death in their jeep while they slept. Muslims have also been subjected to fierce religious oppression. It is time for India to live up to the standards of a democratic state. The fact that Vaisakhi Day this year coincided with the Jewish celebration of Passover, which celebrates the escape from slavery, and the Christian celebration of Good Friday and Easter, celebrating the triumph of life over death, should underline the importance of freedom, life, and basic human rights for all people. American is the hope of the world. It is the land of freedom. We must take a stand for freedom. It is time to stop American aid and trade with India until it respects basic human rights. Also, it is time to declare our support for self-determination for the people of Khalistan, Kashmir, Nagalim, and all the other nations seeking their freedom. This would be a great way to celebrate Vaisakhi and Easter, by doing our part to bring freedom to all the people and nations of the subcontinent. I am including the Council of Khalistan's press release on Vaisakhi Day in the Record for the information of my colleagues. A Time for Freedom Washington, D.C., April 9, 2001--Citing the words of Guru Gobind Singh, who said ``Recognize ye all the human race as one,'' Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, extends Happy Vaisakhi Day wishes to the Sikh Nation, Happy Easter wishes to the Christian community, and Happy Passover wishes to the Jewish community. ``It is interesting that these celebrations and the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, author of the American Declaration of Independence, all come together at this time,'' Dr. Aulakh said. The Council of Khalistan is the organization leading the Sikh Nation's struggle for freedom for its homeland, Khalistan. Vaisakhi Day, which marks the formation of the Khalsa Panth by guru Gobind Singh in 1699, falls on April 13, which is also Mr. Jeferson's birthday. This year, April 13 is also Good Friday in the Christian calendar. April 15 is Easter. The Jewish holiday of Passover started this past weekend and runs for eight days, concluding this coming weekend. Passover celebrates the Jewish people's escape from slavery in Egypt. Good Friday is the observance of Jesus's death on the cross, followed on Sunday by the Resurrection. It celebrates not only the resurrection of Jesus, but also the triumph of life over death and the resurrection of spirit in every person. ``The coming-together of these important occasions is a time to celebrate freedom,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``As the Jewish community celebrates the escape of their ancestors from slavery in Egypt, let us rededicate our efforts to the cause of freedom for the Sikh Nation,'' he said. ``As Thomas Jefferson wrote, when a government becomes destructive of the inalienable rights of any people, `it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.' Guru instructed the Sikh Nation to oppose tyranny wherever it is found. Let us step up the struggle against the tyranny that engulfs our own people,'' he said. ``As Christians celebrate the triumph of life, let us devote ourselves to protecting the life of our Sikh brothers and sisters and the Sikh Nation by liberating our homeland, Khalistan, from Indian occupation.'' Dr. Aulakh called on the Sikhs in Punjab, Khalistan to observe Vaisakhi as a day of prayer and introspection, not working or doing business with the Indian government, but taking a day to go to the Gurdwara and celebrate the lives of the Gurus and remember their words. He also urged them to pray for freedom for the Sikh Nation and also for every other people in the world. ``India is not a democracy for Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, and other minorities,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``Congressman Rohrabacher was right when he said that for minorities `India might as well be Nazi Germany.' '' Police witnesses have confirmed that the police tortured and murdered the former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Gurdev Singh Kaunke, and human- rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Sikhs ruled Punjab up to 1849 when the British conquered the subcontinent. Sikhs were equal partners during the transfer of power from the British. The Muslim leader Jinnah got Pakistan for his people, the Hindu leaders got India, but the Sikh leadership was fooled by the Hindu leadership promising that Sikh would have ``the glow of freedom'' in Northwest India and the Sikhs took their share with India. Sikhism was not even recognized in the Indian constitution as a separate religion, while Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc., were recognized. Discrimination against the Sikh Nation took place in every sphere. After the Golden Temple attack, the Sikh Nation stepped up its struggle to achieve its God-given right to the free. Tens of thousands of Sikh political prisoners are rotting in Indian jails without charge or trial. On October 7, 1987, the Sikh Nation declared the independence of its homeland, Punjab, Khalistan. No Sikh representative has ever signed the Indian constitution. The Sikh Nation demands freedom for Khalistan. The government of India has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 200,000 Christians since 1947, over 70,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of Tamils, Assamese, Manipurls, Daltis (the aboriginal people of the subcontinent), and others. The Indian Supreme Court called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs ``worse than a genocide.'' Government-allied Hindu militants have murdered priests, and raped nuns. Hindu radicals, members of the Bajrang Dal, burned missionary Graham Stewart Staines and his two sons, ages 10 and 8, to death while they surrounded the victims and chanted ``Victory to Hannuman,'' a Hindu god. ``Democracies don't commit genocide,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``India should stop the repression and allow a plebiscite on the future status of Kashmir, Nagaland, and Khalistan,'' he said. ``Only freedom will bring peace and justice in South Asia.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, in honor of National Minority Health Month, today I am introducing the ``Medicaid Obesity Treatment Act of 2001`` to elevate the visibility of a national health epidemic that is wreaking particular havoc upon our minority communities. For too long, obesity has escaped adequate attention from both policymakers, scientists and the general public. With this bill, which will simply provide Medicaid coverage for medically necessary treatments for chronically obese beneficiaries, I hope to raise the level of attention to this devastating illness. The Medicaid Obesity Treatment Act of 2001 is the first legislation ever introduced in the Congress to specifically address the need to ensure access for all Americans to drug therapies designed to treat obesity and its related comorbidities, and I am proud to be its sponsor. Obesity has truly become a national health care crisis. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 60 percent of Americans over 20 years of age are overweight or clinically obese. Weight-related conditions represent the second leading cause of death in the United States, and result in approximately 300,000 preventable deaths each year. According to the Surgeon General, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has almost doubled among America's children and adolescents since 1980. It is estimated that one out of five children is obese. The epidemic growth in obesity acquired during childhood or adolescence is particularly threatening to the national health because it often persists into adulthood and increases the risk for some chronic diseases later in life. The prevalence of obesity in America is at an all time high, affecting every State, both men and women, all ages, races, and education levels. Disparities in health status indicators and risk factors for diet-related disease are evident in many segments of the population based on gender, age, race and ethnicity, and income. Overweight and obesity are observed in all population groups, but obesity is particularly common among Hispanic, African American, Native American, and Pacific Islander women. Too many Americans, particularly urban residents, have inadequate access to fresh produce and healthy food products. Too many Americans have desk jobs that afford them little opportunity to maintain adequate physical conditioning. And for For years, obesity was considered a lifestyle choice. Now, however, it is increasingly understood to be an illness with serious health consequences. It is proven that overweight and obesity are associated with significantly higher mortality rates. Additionally, obesity substantially increases the risk of other illnesses, including breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep disturbances and respiratory problems. The costs of obesity on the public health system are truly staggering. The total cost, both in terms of health care and lost productivity, of obesity alone was estimated as $99 billion in 1995. As it becomes more prevalent, obesity's toll on the national economy will only grow. There is some promising news, however. Science has made great strides in recent years to both understand and combat obesity. Several new drugs offer great promise in the fight to prevent and treat obesity and its related comorbidities. Unfortunately, however, coverage of these drugs is excludable under Medicaid due to an eleven year old provision that allows states to exclude weight loss drugs, even in cases where these drugs have the potential to save lives. This provision is based upon the outdated notion of obesity as a ``lifestyle choice'' and the notion of anti- obesity medication as cosmetic in nature. These notions, and the provision based upon them, are no longer valid scientifically, and must be stricken from the law. Medically necessary medicine for the treatment of chronic obesity should be covered under Medicaid like any other medically necessary drug. This is the purpose and goal of this bill. Although this expansion in Medicaid coverage might incur some marginal cost to the overall program, requiring states to cover proven obesity medication may actually reduce Medicaid expenditures as a result of decreases in the costs associated with treating obesity- related comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease. Given the numerous collateral benefits of reducing obesity, in addition to the underlying treatment of obesity for the disease that it is, it makes good sense and good public policy to provide Medicaid beneficiaries access to life saving antiobesity medicines. Finally, as the Congress looks towards the formation of a prescription drug benefit for all Americans, we must be wary of simply importing the outdated notions implicit in Medicaid coverage definitions which might have the effect of denying access to medically necessary weight loss drugs. Any prescription drug benefit must provide coverage for medically necessary medications for chronic obesity consistent with its coverage of other medically necessary disease treatments. Obesity is a growing epidemic across the nation which must be addressed with more than just words. This bill offers an important first step towards stemming the tide against this preventable killer. During this year's observance of National Minority Health Month, I am pleased to introduce this bill to both highlight the epidemic of obesity, which strikes particularly hard in the minority community, and to do something substantive about it. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carmela C. Rodriguez of Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Rodriguez is a deeply religious person who has dedicated herself to serving her church, her community and her native culture. Ms. Rodriguez was born and raised in Panama City, Panama. She migrated to the United States in 1963. Nevertheless, she remains proud of her Panamanian roots. She has expressed this pride through service. She is the President of the Day of Independence Committee of Panamanians in New York and she organized the first Panamanian Independence Day Parade. Ms. Rodriguez is also committed to her religion and her community. She is a Eucharistic Minister of Service at Our Lady of Charity Church; she is the First African American woman to be inducted as a Franciscan Friar in the Immaculate Conception Province, and she is the Grand Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. In addition, she serves her community by conducting AIDS education workshops and donating food as well as clothing for needy children. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Carmela C. Rodriguez is a woman of deep conviction whose religious and community involvement illustrate that she does not believe it is enough simply to live in a community, but rather one must serve that community as well. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today, and I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 933.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheryl Boyce of Canarsie, for her many years of leadership in the civic and religious communities. Ms. Boyce believes that to live in the community it is important to serve your community as well. For this reason she has spent nearly two decades as an active community resident. She has been an active member of the Bay View Tenants Association, serving as the financial secretary, recording secretary, and editor of the Association Newsletter. In addition, she organized the Association's first clean up day. Ms. Boyce has taken a particular interest as a mentor, serving as a Girl and Boy Scout Leader and a chaperon on numerous youth outings. Sheryl is also an active member of St. Albans' Episcopal Church. She is on the Altar Guild and serves as a treasurer of the Episcopal Church Women. She has been elected to the Vestry for the third time and serves as a mentor to the altar girls and boys. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Sheryl Boyce is a woman of deep religious conviction who has served her community and her church with the same level of dedication. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today, and I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nikki Antoinette Bethel of Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Bethel has been a leader throughout her young life both in her academic as well as her professional careers. Ms. Bethel is a product of the New York City Public School System, having attended St. Mark's Day School, PS 383--Philipa Schuyler Middle School and Edward R. Murrow High School. While in high school, Nikki was elected into Who's Who in American High Schools for three consecutive years, she represented New York as a Congressional scholar and she received the ``Progress through Justice'' Award from the District Attorney of Kings County. After high school Nikki went to college at the University of Maryland where she again exhibited her leadership abilities: serving as a resident assistant for each of her four years, the Vice-President of the Black Women's Student Council, a teaching assistant, a section leader of the Honors 100 Colloquium, a delegate of the Black Student Union, and a member of the University's honor program. After graduating with honors, Nikki went on to receive her Master of Education at Harvard University. Once her education was complete, Nikki brought her leadership skills and penchant for achievement to Merrill Lynch's Human Resources Management Training Program. After becoming an Assistant Vice- President, Nikki went in search of new challenges as an MBA Recruiter for Investment Banking Sales and Trading at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. Mr. Speaker, Nikki Antoinette Bethel is a dedicated young woman of tremendous achievement. As such she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today, and I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring special recognition to one of Brooklyn's shining stars, Diana B. Wooten. Diana is the daughter of Joseph and Councilwoman Priscilla Wooten and a life long resident of the East New York community of Brooklyn. She is a prominent part of the Wooten extended family that consists of herself, her brother Donald, sister Deborah and three nephews. Her nephews are also her ``godsons'' and she takes this responsibility seriously. Diana is committed to being totally involved in guiding their development. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Sociology from the State University of New York at Albany, she returned to her roots better known as Brooklyn, New York and began an outstanding career in the health service community. On the record and off the record, Diana is always involved in assisting others. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Bright Light Home Care Services in East New York. She has worked for the Health Science Center of New York, LaGuardia Hospital and Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Diana is well known but is still a very private person. She does so many good deeds anonymously to better the lives of others. One among the many is currently serving as President of Single Working Parents, a group that gives respite care to single working parents of children from ages 5 to 13. She is a life-long member of the Grace Baptist Church where the current pastor is the Rev. Jacob N. Underwood. She is an active member of Grace Baptist where she also sings in the choir. Because of her contributions to Brooklyn, Diana is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Douglas X. Alexander for his many contributions to his East New York community. Douglas was born and raised in Brooklyn. He attended New York City Community College and received a degree in marketing from Baruch College. He has been a business leader for many years, recently completing a successful career as a Vice President at Chase Manhattan Bank. Douglas's professional career, while challenging, did not fulfill his need to serve his community. As a result, he continues to be a dedicated community leader, serving as chairman of the Brooklyn Advisory Board of the New York Urban League, a board member of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Revolving Loan Fund, on the board of the St. Francis De Sales School for the Deaf and the New York Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Douglas has also served as a Zone Chairman, a Region Chairman, Cabinet Secretary Treasurer, a Vice District Governor and a District Governor of the Lions Club. There is no doubt that while Douglas will be retired from his professional job, he will continue to work very hard on behalf of his community. His work has not gone without recognition. He has received the Black Achievers in Industry Award for the Harlem YMCA, the Man of the Year Award from the Brooklyn Branch of the NAACP, and a Melvin Jones Fellowship from the Lions Club. Mr. Speaker, Douglas X. Alexander has been a role model for youth, a community leader and a business leader who firmly believes that if he can help someone along life's way then his living shall not be in vain. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today, and I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly outstanding man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today it gives me great pleasure to rise in honor of Gus McIver Sanders on the occasion of his retirement from the New York City Police Department. Mr. Sanders was born on January 19, 1942 in Darlington, South Carolina. He graduated with honors from high school and received a two- year basketball scholarship from the Friendship Junior College in Rockhlll, South Carolina. He decided early on that he needed bigger challenges than his small town in South Carolina had to offer so he moved to New York City where he worked for Fairchild Publications. He worked at Fairchild for a few years before he joined the Army. He was stationed in Germany and worked in communications. When his tour of duty ended, he returned to the United States and used his military experience to get a job with the phone company. After several years with the phone company, Gus decided to shift his focus to his true love, helping people. He applied for a job as a police officer with the New York City Police Department. He was sworn in to protect the citizens of New York City on October 29, 1973. He went to the police academy and from there was assigned to the 83rd Precinct in Bushwick, NY where he would stay until his retirement this year. Gus was an active police officer. He has made numerous arrests and made a point of helping as many people as he could in the Bushwick community. He had a variety of assignments during his tenure on the force including foot patrol, mobile patrol, warrants, plain clothes anti-crime and community affairs. Over the past ten years he has been assigned to the community affairs division of the 83rd Precinct. As a Community Affairs Officer, P.O. Sanders has placed the people of Bushwick first. He has helped organize a variety of special events for children and the community including an annual children's Halloween party, a Christmas party, a community picnic, and the Precinct's National Night Out Against Crime. He also volunteers for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to the homebound elderly. In addition, he has helped the homeless and victims of fires find housing in their hour of need. Mr. Speaker, Gus McIver Sanders is a dedicated community and public servant who has served the people of Bushwick and the New York City Police Department with honor and dignity. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today, and I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Betty Coleman-Long of Brooklyn, New York for her commitment to her community and her joy of life. Mrs. Coleman-Long is one of four siblings, two brothers, Michael and Charles Coleman and one sister, Mozelle Wickham. She is married and the proud mother of two, Paige L. Long, MD, and Courtney Long, a published author. Mrs. Coleman-Long owns and operates Gospel Den in Bedford Stuyvesant and is an active member and worshiper of Brown Memorial Baptist Church. She is also the forner president of the Floral Club. Betty takes advantage of the many opportunities to celebrate the culture of New York as she is an avid theater and moviegoer, jazz aficionado, and she enjoys dining out. There is no greater joy in Betty's life than her religious beliefs. Mr. Speaker, Betty Coleman-Long is a parent, a business owner, and a strong believer in living life to its fullest, yet she never loses sight of her deep religious convictions and the importance of her community. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today, and I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harriet Tubman and her hard work and dedication to social justice. Harriet Tubman is credited with freeing many African-Americans from slavery. She is remembered for her work with the Underground Railroad, her life and commitment to helping others gain their freedom. Mrs. Tubman was born a slave, in Bucktown, Maryland. The date of her birth is unsure, but it is believed to be March 10, 1820. She was born Araminta, but decided later to take on her mother's first name instead. Starting life on a plantation, she grew up doing hard labor in the fields and suffered repeated beatings. At the age of 13, she was struck in the head by an overseer with a heavy weight that fractured her skull and subjected her to continuous blackouts. After her owner died in 1849, Mrs. Tubman was able to escape to Philadelphia on the Underground Railroad. In 1850, the Fugitive Slave Law was passed. The law criminalized providing assistance to runaway slaves. This new law did not stop Mrs. Tubman, however, from repeatedly making trips back into the southern states where she eventually freed about 3,000 slaves, including her elderly parents using the Underground Railroad. Since she freed so many people from slavery, Harriet Tubman became known as the ``Moses of her people''. Despite these achievements, Harriet Tubman's role as a member of the Union Army's forces, during the Civil War, is not widely recognized. She later reported to General David Hunter at Hilton Head, South Carolina in 1863 where she worked as a nurse, scout, spy and cook for the Union Army. During the War, Harriet led a bold raid in South Carolina that freed over 800 slaves. In 1884, after the Civil War, Harriet Tubman married John Tubman a freed slave. Four years later, her husband died leaving her to live the latter portion of her life in poverty. Nevertheless, Mrs. Tubman campaigned to raise funds for black schools. She also created the Harriet Tubman Home for Indignant Aged Negroes in her own home. As we end our celebration of Women's History Month, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Harriet Tubman for her hard work, extraordinarily contributions toward social justice and her service with the Union forces by supporting my legislation to posthumously award her veteran status.