Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and achievements of Councilman Enoch Williams. While attending the needs of a racially and ethnically diverse constituency, Mr. Williams has been a member of the New York City Council, representing the 41st Councilmanic District, since 1978. Prior to entering elective office, Mr. Williams served as the executive director of the Housing Development Corporation of the Council of Churches of New York City. He was also a community-organization specialist in the now-famous Youth-in-Action, Inc. anti-poverty agency, where he developed the skill of working with community groups, guiding them to create housing and employment in the innercity. While making important strides in his role as a councilman, Enoch has managed to contribute to his community in other meaningful ways. Currently, he is the civilian director of the New York City region of the Selective Service System. He is a member of the American Institute of Housing Consultants, the Community Service Society, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Urban League, and the Unity Democratic Club. In addition, the councilman served as an elected delegate to the 1992 Democratic National Convention, having served in the same capacity in 1968 and 1972. He also served as Democratic district leader from 1986 to 1994. As a veteran, Major General Williams has again proven his commitment to his country. He was appointed Commander of the New York Guard in 1990. After serving as an enlisted member during World War II, General Williams earned his commission in 1950, and has enjoyed over 30 years of active service. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, both the Bronze and Silver, and Silver Selective Service System Meritorious Service Medals. He retired in June 1995 as Commander of the New York Guard, with the rank of major general. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Councilman Enoch Williams for all of his years of faithful service to his country and to the 41st Councilmanic District of Brooklyn, New York.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gamble on their 50th wedding anniversary. While raising their six children, Mr. Gamble worked as a printer and Mrs. Gamble worked as a supervisor with the Home Energy Assistant Program. Currently, they are proud parents of 6 children and grandparents to 13 grandchildren. Over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Gamble have been strong supporters of their community. Because of his solid presence in their neighborhood, Mr. Gamble is often spoken of as the ``Mayor'' of Jefferson Avenue. As a past president of the Sand T Block Association, Mrs. Gamble has spent inexhaustible hours contributing to efforts which have made that community close knit. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating them in passing this milestone in their lives.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to acknowledge that on November 7, 1997, the SUNY/Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center will celebrate 30 years of service to the borough of Brooklyn and the city of New York. The center was established in 1996 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller, the New York State Legislature, and State University of New York. Throughout the years, the Brooklyn Center has served over 200,000 residents, enrolled 50,000 students and graduated approximately 28,000 adults and young adults. These graduates have become high school principals, corporate executives, college professors, city and State employees, secretaries, computer technicians, and mechanical drafters. Over the past 5 years the Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center's alumni have contributed $7 million to the city and State treasuries. This program has also made it possible for 800 former welfare recipients to become gainfully employed. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege for me to congratulate SUNY/Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center, and to wish them many more productive and prosperous years.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, we have a unique opportunity today to assist American business as well as supporting economic development in the Caribbean. The Caribbean basin is now the 10th largest export market for the United States greater than even some European countries. Our U.S. exporters maintain a trade surplus with the Caribbean and have done so for the past 11 years. Additionally, every 100 jobs in the Caribbean apparel sector creates 15 apparel jobs in the United States. Additional American jobs are also created in the textile, distribution, and retail sectors. We must acknowledge, Mr. Speaker, that NAFTA has been detrimental to the Caribbean. According to the ITC, Mexico's share of the garment assembly market has increased 50 percent, while the Caribbean share has dropped by 15 percent, since 1993. The Caribbean Textiles and Apparel Institute reports that, between 1995 and 1996, more than 150 apparel plants closed in the Caribbean resulting in the loss of 123,000 jobs. The bill before us today, H.R. 2644 will level the playing field for the Caribbean. It will ensure that Caribbean countries are prepared to meet their obligations, ranging from market access to intellectual property rights, as part of the free trade area of the Americas. To participate in this program, CBI countries must satisfy the additional criteria of adherence to internationally accepted rules of international trade and the observance of internationally recognized workers rights. I would urge my colleagues to support the bill and I urge its passage under suspension of the rules.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Vera Phanelson, a tireless worker and member of my district. Because of her commitment to children with mental illnesses, Ms. Phanelson's career has centered on providing care and assistance to the children who are working to overcome the challenges of these illnesses. As a counselor at Blueberry Day Care Center and an educational assistant for the board of education and the Madison Day Care Center, Ms. Phanelson has provided a great service to our community and I would like to extend my thanks for all of her efforts. Also, she has been a long-standing charter member of the East New York Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.; a member of good standing at Holy Sacred Baptist Church; and a worker at the Rosetta Gaston Democratic Club in Brooklyn. It is people like Ms. Phanelson, and thousands like her, that allow communities such as East New York to thrive and grow. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to pay tribute to Ms. Vera Phanelson. Although it pained me to hear that she will be moving out of my district to Maryland, I am sure, through her work in the district, she has sown the seeds for others in our community to follow in her footsteps and provide the needed services for those who live there.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and achievements of Nancy L. Schuckman. Ms. Schuckman was born in the east New York section of Brooklyn and has dedicated her professional life to educating the children in that area. Soon after Nancy graduated from Brooklyn College in 1961, she began her career teaching at P.S. 202. For over 30 years Nancy has managed to provide invaluable services to everyone at P.S. 202. While working at the school, Ms. Schuckman has served as, an innovative and dedicated classroom teacher, a coordinator of social studies, reading, and physical education, a teacher trainer, a UFT chapter chairperson, an acting assistant principal, and a principal. Rarely, do we see the type of commitment, to an area and school, like that shown by Nancy Schuckman to P.S. 202. There is no doubt that she has left an indelible mark on all the teachers and students that she has come in contact with. Her professionalism and her dedication to education, and the style in which it is administered to students, is the benchmark for others who follow in her footsteps. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Ms. Schuckman and all her contributions in the field of education.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and achievement of Reginald B. Allen, Jr. His dedication to the city of New York, and the country has proven incomparable. For 26 years, Mr. Allen served as a gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Mr. Allen also served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts before retiring from service in 1980. Mr. Allen has worked hard to improve the lives of fellow veterans, he was appointed by Mayor Edward I. Koch to the Veterans Advisory Board of New York City's Office of Veterans Affairs and the New York Korean Veterans Memorial Commission. Presently, he is a member of the New York State Senate's Veterans Advisory Council. Mr. Allen has always been committed to bringing vital services to the people of New York City. After joining the Addiction Services Agency as a supervising addiction specialist, Mr. Allen has supervised the Court Referral Project to the Kings County Criminal Court and has supervised drug specialists who referred addicts and abusers to programs for treatment in place of incarceration. Currently, he is a supervisor for the Food Stamps Program of the Human Resources Agency. Clearly, our district has only benefited from his tireless efforts. Mr. Speaker, the Council of the City of New York have honored Mr. Allen with a proclamation; I join them in congratulating Mr. Reginald Allen for all of his years of service.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and achievements of Councilman Enoch Williams. While attending the needs of a racially and ethnically diverse constituency, Mr. Williams has been a member of the New York City Council, representing the 41st Councilmanic District, since 1978. Prior to entering elective office, Mr. Williams served as the executive director of the Housing Development Corp. of the Council of Churches of New York City. He was also a community-organization specialist in the now-famous Youth-in-Action, Inc. anti-poverty agency, where he developed the skill of working with community groups, guiding them to create housing and employment in the innercity. While making important strides in his role as a councilman, Enoch has managed to contribute to his community in other meaningful ways. Currently, he is the civilian director of the New York City region of the Selective Service System. He is a member of the American Institute of Housing Consultants, the Community Service Society, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Urban League, and the Unity Democratic Club. In addition, the councilman served as an elected delegate to the 1992 Democratic National Convention, having served in the same capacity in 1968 and 1972. He also served as Democratic district leader from 1986 to 1994. As a veteran, Major General Williams has again proven his commitment to his country. He was appointed commander of the New York Guard in 1990. After serving as an enlisted member during World War II, General Williams earned his commission in 1950, and has enjoyed over 30 years of active service. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, both the Bronze and Silver, and Silver Selective Service System Meritorious Service Medals. He retired in June 1995 as commander of the New York Guard, with the rank of major general. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Councilman Enoch Williams for all of his years of faithful service to his country and to the 41st Councilmanic District of Brooklyn, NY.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, India may dress like a democracy for Halloween, but it is only a costume. That was proven again last week when a Christian religious festival in Ludhiana was shut down by police gunfire. According to the Tribune of Chandigarh, 19 police and 9 Christians were injured in the incident. Two vehicles were also damaged, the newspaper reported. Those Christians were merely holding a five-day festival on the theme ``Jesus Christ is the answer.'' Is there something wrong with this in a secular democracy? Apparently, the Indian authorities think so. The festival was met with protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, and the Bajrang Dal. These are militant Hindu political organizations that do not believe in religious tolerance. It was at their instigation that permission to hold the festival was withdrawn. However, when assurances were given that no ``magical healing'' would occur and no conversions would take place, the festival was allowed to go on. That's right, Mr. Speaker, the festival was only allowed to take place in the secular democracy of India after the authorities were assured that no conversions would take place. In other words, if people became Christians as a result of what they saw and heard at the festival, then the festival would be closed. Secular democracy in action. On October 22, activists from the militant Hindu organizations tried to set the festival's location on fire. The electric lights were damaged. These religious terrorists were not punished. No action was taken against them. Is this how India protects its secular tradition? While this was going on, the Indian regime is attempting to arrest the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the spiritual leader of the Sihk Nation. Here is another fine example of religious tolerance by the world's largest democracy. Finally, the Christian festival was closed by the authorities. the attendees then began a dharna, or what we would call a sit-in. For this act of peaceful resistance, the tyrannical forces of Indian theocracy opened fire on them. Mr. Speaker, such a country is unworthy of the label ``democracy.'' We rightly protest human-rights violations in China, including the mistreatment of Christians, Buddhists, and others. Yet India is 100 times more oppressive than China. We must take strong measures to bring democracy to South Asia by cutting off U.S. aid to this theocratic satrapy, placing an embargo against it, and declaring our support for the self-determination of the Christians of Nagaland, the Sikhs of Punjab, Khalistan, the Muslims of Kashmir, and the other South Asian people and nations struggling for their freedom. We must also include India in any sanctions taken against countries that fail to observe religious freedom. Those measures will stand as our contribution to political, cultural, and religious freedom in South Asia. I am introducing the story from the Tribune of Chandigarh into the Record. [From the Chandigarh (India) Tribune, July 16, 1997] DSP Hurt in Brickbatting Ludhiana, October 26.--The police opened fire in the air and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse an agitated mob of Christians last night as many as 19 policemen, including a DSP and nine Christians were injured in the brickbatting and lathi charge. Two vehicles were also damaged. The Christians had started a five-day programme on ``Jesus Christ is the answer'' festival from October 22, to October 26 on the Chandigarh Road. They claimed that they were holding their prayers and thousands of Christians were participating in the same. On the other hand BJP activists of the Shiv Sena and the Bajrang Dal objected to the holding of the festival alleging that the Christians were resorting to conversions and indulging in ``magical healing.'' The administration on the first day withdrew permission to hold the festival but on the assurance that no magical healing would be done and no conversions would take place, it relented. However, groups opposed to the holding of the festival continued their protest dharna near the venue of the festival. The police had made elaborate security arrangements. According to a spokesperson for the Christians, the district administration yesterday forced them to wind up the festival as tension was brewing up in the town. He said that on October 22 an attempt was made to set the venue on fire and electric lights were damaged. But the administration did not take any action against the rioters. He said as the announcement for the cancellation of the festival was made the youngster started a dharna on the Chandigah Road. The police lathi charged them and chased them to the CMC Chowk were other Christians had collected in protest against the cancellation of the festival. The spokesman said a deputation of the Christians had also met the Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, at a village in Muktsar district two days ago and apprised him of the situation. The SSP, Mr. Dinkar Gupta, said as many as 19 policemen were injured in the brickbatting. He said the police force was outnumbered at the CMC Chowk and had resort to a lathi charge and open fire in the air to protect themselves.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to day to urge my colleagues to support Community, Migrant and Homeless Health Centers and other community-based providers that comprise successful models for health care delivery across this Nation. Community health centers benefit the residents and the areas where they are located in many ways. First, with the partnerships between business, government and the people, community residents have a greater sense of control over the quality of health care and the means of gaining health care. This is particularly shown in the health centers that are governed by consumer boards. These boards, where more than half of the board members are patients, represent the community served and give local residents a voice regarding the programs and center's services. With community representation on these boards, responsiveness is no longer a concern--who best knows what services communities need than the people who reside in the community? Second, health centers service communities which are traditionally and chronically underserved. Often, the inner cities, migrant farmworker communities, and isolated rural areas benefit greatly from these health care services. These often forgotten populations also now have access to quality managed care; health centers provide comprehensive primary and preventive health care. All patients, especially women with their particular health care concerns, can look forward to up-to-date yearly medical exams. We know that the key to health care is taking preventative measures. With community health centers, we can do this by low-income seeing patients early and regularly. Finally, health centers save money. In total, they provide cost- effective, high-quality health care. The total costs for patients are on average 30 percent lower than for other providers serving the same populations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support community health centers. In my district these centers have played a vital role, as I am sure they have done in other districts, and we should support them as they continue to support our communities.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, let us put the facts on the table. In 1982 Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which placed responsibility for the management of spent nuclear fuel, beginning in 1998 and for its ultimate disposal, with the Federal Government. Since 1982 Congress has watched as successive Departments of Energy have attempted to move Federal nuclear waste programs forward, without any success, for a variety of reasons. Progress in this crucial problem has been painstakingly slow. How long must we wait? Last year, this inaction resulted in a number of utilities suing the Department of Energy to fulfill their obligation to accept spent nuclear fuel beginning January 31, 1998. The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the utilities on this issue. However, there is still no mechanism in place to establish an interim storage site that would enable the department to move forward with the acceptance of the waste. The establishment of an integrated spent fuel management system, as established by our bill, H.R. 1270, will permit the Secretary to realize safety, efficiency and the economic benefit of a comprehensive design. In short Mr. Chairman, a centralized interim storage facility would mean high-level waste would be consolidated at one site instead of 40 different sites throughout this country. Let me assure my colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Markey], who painted a picture of trucks running 100 miles an hour through tunnels, let me assure him that they will be ticketed. Now, some have argued that the utilities are merely crying wolf, that an interim facility is not needed because utilities can expand their own site storage. Well, let me stress here today that an interim facility is absolutely critical. The Nation's 107 nuclear plants face storage emergencies today. As we consider this legislation, 10 plants no longer have room in their original facilities. Next year, 27 will run out of space. And by 2010, 80 will lack any capacity to store waste at all. Moreover, H.R. 1270 postpones construction of an interim storage facility until the year 2002. This 4-year delay will give the Secretary of Energy an opportunity to submit a viability assessment of the Yucca Mountain repository to the President and this Congress. Since 1982, utilities have paid over $13 billion into a nuclear waste fund. Yet the Federal Government has not lived up to its responsibility to establish a Federal storage facility. We must stop shucking and jiving. Let us not delay any longer our responsibility to store the Nation's nuclear waste. I urge my colleagues to vote aye and stop the procrastination. The time to move is now.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, another disturbing violation of human rights has occurred in Punjab, Khalistan. On August 21, according to several reports, a police subinspector in Bathinda forced a local widow and her adult son to strip naked, then tortured them in front of each other. Apparently, the widow's other son eloped a few months before that and for some reason, the police were seeking information about his elopement. In their unwarranted pursuit of this private information, they took the extreme measure of torturing two people. Unfortunately, this is not unusual in India. Torture, rape, and even murder are common, everyday occurrences in Punjab, Kalistan, in Kashmir, in Nagaland, in so many parts of India's brutal and corrupt empire. An elected mayor was tortured in front of the people merely for being an Amritdhari Sikh. In Bombay, 33 Dalits--``Black untouchables''--the aboriginal people of South Asia were killed during a peaceful protest. In Kashmir, at least 20 reporters were beaten during a protest at the Chief Minister's office. They were protesting the police beating of a fellow reporter from Agence France Presse who had instructed his photographer to take a picture of a woman being beaten by the police. These are recent incidents, not old information. Sadly, these are just a few of many recent incidents of torture, brutality, and murder by the Government of India. This is completely unacceptable. We must stop taxing our own people to support these brutal rulers. The time has come to impose stringent economic sanctions on this regime until basic human liberties are observed. Finally, this Congress must put itself on record in support of freedom for all the nations of South Asia. This is what our principles demand of us. We must do our duty to the people of the world.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the recent bombing of a market in New Delhi and a train outside New Delhi are terrorist acts that must be condemned by all decent people. The loss of life and the injuries to people are tragic, but I especially want to note that the explosions injured five Australians and two Japanese visitors to India. I note that the Council of Khalistan, the organization leading the Sikhs in their struggle for freedom from Indian oppression, issued an excellent press release condemning these bombings as ``a cowardly and reprehensible act against God and man.'' The Indian regime blames the bombings on a ``Sikh terrorist'' organization called Shaheed Khalsa. If they are responsible, they deserve the condemnation of the civilized world. But even the Indian press is reporting that no one has ever heard of this organization before. It just appeared on the scene very suddenly, at the moment when it is most convenient for the Indian Government. Even the Decca Herald newspaper reports that this organization is a fraud. It is likely that Shaheed Khalsa is a front for the Indian Government. The bombings were apparently carried out using RDX explosives, a weapon known to be in common use by the Government. This is the same explosive the regime planted on American citizen Balbir Singh Dhillon, a Sikh businessman, father of two, and activist who went to Punjab to visit family and some Sikh religious sites. India has a record of state terrorism. In November 1994, the newspaper Hitavada reported that the Indian Government paid the late governor of Punjab, Surendra Nath, $1.5 billion to create terrorism both in Punjab, Khalistan, where Sikhs are in the majority, and in the neighboring state of Kashmir, which has Muslim majority. The terrorism creates an excuse to crack down and kill even more Sikhs. More than 250,000 Sikhs have already died at the hands of the Indian Government since 1984, according to numbers issued by the Punjab State Magistracy and by a coalition of human rights groups. It has also killed more than 200,000 Christians since 1947, over 53,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Manipuris, and others. It has also killed thousands of Dalits, black untouchables, the aboriginal people of South Asia. Over 60,000 cash bounties have been paid to police officers for killing Sikhs like little Arvinder Singh, a 3-year-old child who was killed along with his father and uncle. The police claimed that the three were terrorists and received a $30,000 cash bounty for their murders. On September 4, over 1,000 Indian security forces launched a raid on a Sikh church, called a Gurdwara, in Chandigarh. They illegally arrested nine Granthis, the local clergy. Three of the Granthis were severely beaten and tortured. No charges were filed against any of the Granthis. This happened on the very same day that we were voting on whether to cut aid to India and just a week before the state funeral of Mother Teresa. Mr. Speaker, we must ask the question, who benefits from these bombings? Clearly, no one could believe that the Sikhs benefit. They will only suffer more bloodshed and repression as a result of these horrible acts. The Government of India, however, sees its country falling apart from the weight of its domination of a diverse land with many nations and 18 official languages. They are desperate to keep their empire together. These bombings provide a perfect excuse to suspend the elected government in Punjab, impose direct rule from New Delhi, and increase the repression and bloodshed. Responsible Members of Congress and decent people everywhere must speak out against this genocidal policy. We should support all the freedom movements of South Asia by word and deed. We must go on record in support for freedom for Khalistan and all the nations of South Asia, and we must stop U.S. aid to this terrorist regime and place it under embargo until the freedom of all peoples and nations in the region is respected. Only then will India truly be able to call itself a responsible, secular democracy. I am placing the Council of Khalistan's press release on the bombings into the Record. Dr. Aulakh Condemns Indian Government Bombings of Market and Train in Delhi Area Washington, D.C., October 2.--Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, today strongly condemned the bombing of a market in New Delhi and a train outside New Delhi. ``This is a cowardly and reprehensible act against God and humanity,'' he said. Although the Indian government blames the bombings on a ``Sikh terrorist'' group called Shaheed Khalsa, Dr. Aulakh pointed out that no one has ever heard of this organization. ``It appeared out of thin air,'' he said. ``I suspect that it is yet another terrorist organization convened, armed and controlled by Indian security and intelligence services, if it even exists at all.'' ``These bombings are desperate acts of a desperate political party,'' he said. ``If you want to find out who is really responsible, investigate Congress politicians who have lost electoral support. Ask the question: Who benefits from these bombings?'' Dr. Aulakh said. The Congress Party supports the ruling 13-party coalition. ``Every time the ruling party, in particular Congress, loses control of State government in Punjab,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``These bombings begin to occur throughout Punjab and Delhi. It then allows Delhi to suspend the government and impose direct rule in the name of maintaining law and order. At that point, police and security personnel shut down the press, the courts, rights groups and Sikh temples and the slaughter of our Sikh brothers and sisters begin anew. These bombings allow the police to continue their extortion, kidnapping and murder-for-cash bounty rackets.'' He noted that Delhi has suspended Punjab state government nine times, every time a Sikh party wins power they are never allowed to finish their term of office. On September 4, a week before the state funeral for Mother Teresa, 1000 Indian security troops raided a Sikh church (Gurdwara) in Chandigarh and illegally arrested nine clergy (Granthis). Three were severely beaten in jail. None of the Granthis was charged with a crime. The government has murdered more than 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, according to Punjab State Court and human rights groups findings. Over 60,000 cash bounties have been paid to police for killing Sikhs. ``The bombings show that India stops at nothing to end the freedom struggle,'' Dr. Aulakh said. On Oct. 7, 1987, the Sikh Nation declared its independence from India, forming the separate country of Khalistan. The Council of Khalistan was formed at that time to serve as the government pro tempore of Khalistan. It leads the peaceful, democratic, nonviolent independence struggle. ``India's artificial empire is collapsing around them, so the regime resorts to acts of terrorism to keep it together.'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``The democratic nations of the world must rise up and condemn this cowardly act and the reign of terror it advances.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. W.J. Hall's 36th pastoral anniversary at Bethel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. Dr. W.J. Hall is a native of Oxford, NC. He assumed responsibilities as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in June 1961. Prior to his appointment at Bethel Baptist Church, Reverend Hall had a vast amount of experience in pastoring in Henderson and Oxford, NC, respectively. His pastoring was coupled with teaching in the public school system of North Carolina. Since Dr. Hall's tenure at Bethel Baptist Church, many wonderful things have happened to the Church, to the people of the congregation, and to the South Brooklyn community as well. As a civil rights activist, Dr. Hall worked very closely with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by helping minorities obtain employment. Moreover, in the South Brooklyn community that surrounds Bethel Baptist Church, Dr. Hall has made it possible for minorities to have medical services such as family planning and pre-natal care. Dr. Hall also established the Bethel Baptist Church Day Care Center which provides day care for children of working parents. The center also allows qualified professionals gainful employment within the community. As senior pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Reverend Hall has led the congregation through two extensive renovations to Bethel Baptist Church, and is currently embarking upon another major renovation. Through his zealous advocacy, Dr. Hall's has made it possible for parishioners to improve their credit rating and to have the freedom to borrow money through a Federal credit union. Presently, Dr. Hall has plans on the drawing board for a Senior Citizens Housing Development. He is truly a beacon of hope for the Brooklyn community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Dr. W.J. Hall on the occasion of his 36th pastoral anniversary at Bethel Baptist Church.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Delores Bacon- Finch. Delores has been a dutiful employee for the New York Police Department as a police administrative aide. During her professional career Delores has performed a number of duties. In 1985 she was assigned to the community affairs community meetings with the community council, the youth council, block associations, churches, and local development corporations. A dedicated community activists, Ms. Bacon-Finch feeds the homeless, assists senior citizens, works with the Kiwanis Club, struggles to curb gun violence and drug trafficking. Delores even finds the time to visit hospital patients. The efforts of Delores Bacon-Finch are noteworthy and deserving of recognition. I am pleased to introduce her to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Arnold Brown. Arnold was born in New York City and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and Central State University. He also attended Pennsylvania State University, where he received his masters degree. Since 1983, Arnold has served as the head teacher for preschool and kindergarten. He is indeed a rarity, an African-American male elementary schoolteacher. Mr. Brown undertook the noble profession of teaching because of his deeply maintained optimism, especially as it pertains to young people. Arnold has been recognized by day care workers for his exceptional work. In addition to his labors of love, Arnold Brown enjoys reading, chess, physical fitness, and sports.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marcelle Miranda, director of community affairs for the East New York Diagnostic Treatment Center in Brooklyn. Marcelle performs the critical function of community education and outreach and spreading the message of primary care and preventive medicine in the East New York and Brownsville communities. Ms. Miranda also coordinates and performs liaison with other community based organizations. The eldest of four children born to Ida and Frank Miranda, she emigrated from Georgetown, Guyana, to Brooklyn, New York, in 1966. Marcelle graduated from Stuyvesant High School, attended Bennett College, and the School of Dentistry at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Miranda began a new career in journalism when she became an editorial trainee at Newsday. Since that time, she has been an effective journalist, marketing consultant, and spokeswoman. Marcelle is the chairwoman of Cypress Hills West Block Association, serves as a tutor, and is a strong advocate on behalf of individual health care rights. She is the mother of two children, and resides in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. I am pleased to recognize her accomplishments.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of Mr. Darren Pearson. Darren is an established entrepreneur, which includes three real estate businesses. Prior to developing his real estate businesses, Darren worked as an account executive for Amergold Corp. He also worked for Vanguard Oil Corp. as a fuel salesman in the commercial and barge departments. He was subsequently promoted to director of public relations for Vangaurd. After leaving Vanguard, Darren worked as the real estate sales manager for the Charles E. Simpson Real Estate Co. Darren is active in the Brooklyn and Manhattan communities. Darren also hires and trains college-bound students as trainees in real estate management and office administration. I am pleased to recognize Darren's community involvement and contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angelyn Dione Johnson of Queens, New York. Ms. Johnson is a graduate of Boston College and was fornerly employed with the U.S. Census Bureau. Angelyn graduated from Southern University School of Law and formerly clerked for the Louisiana Black Caucus. She is presently running for civil court judge in Brooklyn. A dedicated mother and wife, Angelyn balances the duties of a working professional community-minded citizen. Married to Cyril Jefferson, who is also an attorney, they are the proud parents of three children. The Borough of Brooklyn is the beneficiary of her unwavering commitment to community and family.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jesse Martin, a loving husband, father and concerned community activist. Jesse was born in Albany, New York, and married his high school sweetheart Lillie Cooper. The father of seven children, Mr. Martin reflects old world values. Jesse's professional career began in the Garment District of New York City. Subsequently, he went to work for the Model Cities Program and has performed admirably as the superintendent of maintenance for a major house development, the Marcus Garvey Village. The residents of the complex know, love and respect Jesse Martin. Jesse has been a wonderful role model in his home, on the job, and in the community. Jesse has earned a reputation for working hard, being loyal and being committed to serving his community. It is my pleasure to recognize his accomplishments and contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phoebe Layne. Ms. Layne is the director of community affairs for Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center. Ms. Layne has been an activist for over 30 years. She is a member of the Community Board 13 and the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club. Phoebe helped to establish the First Canarsie League, an auxiliary of Brookdale Hospital. She has worked tirelessly to help implement city ambulance outposts throughout Brooklyn. She helped create a grass roots effort to bring CPRA training to her community as part of her involvement with the hospital and many other civic organizations. Phoebe is a woman of vision. She is also a member of the Interagency Council for the Aging in East Flatbush, east NY, Brownsville/Ocean Hill, and district No. 18. She is the mother of two sons, and three granddaughters.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Juan D. Martinez. Mr. Martinez is a product of the New York City Public School System and has committed himself to the pursuit of education and community improvement. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, graduated from Mercy College, and received his masters degree from Long Island University. Juan has 15 years of professional experience where his responsibilities have steadily increased. He has served as an educator, lecturer, program coordinator, executive director, and trainer. Presently, Mr. Martinez serves as the president of Progress, an organization which provides technical assistance in capacity-building to community-based organizations throughout New York. Juan is well known for his community efforts which include his serving as president of school district 14, and his founding of the Progress High School in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. I am proud to recognize the efforts of Juan D. Martinez.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alicia Ponce de Leon. Alicia is a native of Puerto Rico, in addition to being the proud mother of three children. Alicia is accustomed to overcoming personal obstacles. As a single mother, she has committed herself to helping others to improve themselves through education, empowerment, and employment opportunities. Alicia has obtained associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees. For the past 17 years, Ms. De Leon has served as the executive director for the Ladies Committee for Puerto Rican Culture, Inc., an organization committed to improving educational opportunities for minority groups. Alicia is an elected member of Community School Board 23 in Brooklyn. She also is a member of numerous professional organizations. Her commitment to community activism is truly noteworthy. It is my pleasure to recognize her valuable contribution.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Willie Wren, Sr. For over 20 years he has dedicated his life to serving New York City's vulnerable and neediest children and families. An electrical engineer and business major, he began his public service as chairman and founder of the Freewill Day Care Center. After retiring from the New York Transit Authority, he became the executive director of the Miracle Makers, Inc. The organization is a growing multiservice agency and has administrative offices in Brooklyn and Queens. The Miracle Makers serve predominantly people of color and many working class ethnic groups. With vision and purpose, Mr. Wren helped to develop a plan to work with managed care providers in providing health and social services to many other agencies. I am pleased to acknowledge his tireless efforts.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, when millions of Americans must make the difficult decision to put an aging relative in a nursing home, we trust the institution to care properly for our loved ones. But as a recent General Accounting Office [GAO] study points out, nursing homes across the United States don't always treat the 1.8 million residents like family. At a time when the nursing home industry is undergoing explosive growth as a result of an aging population, my recently introduced Nursing Home Public Information Act of 1997 would allow families to make an informed choice when choosing a nursing home. By directing HHS to publicly disseminate information currently compiled in databases maintained or available to HHS concerning nursing homes, this bill takes a step in the right direction toward educating the public. While most nursing homes adhere to Federal and State regulations, each year billions of dollars are lost to fraud and abuse. According to the GAO, Federal Medicare and Federal/State Medicaid programs paid nursing home providers more than $35 billion in 1995. The Department of Justice estimates that as much as 10 percent is lost to fraud and abuse. By aggressively targeting five States, the Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], through Operation Restore Trust, has obtained 74 criminal convictions and recovered $67.3 million for Medicare. More than four dozen civil suits have collected $72.8 million in fines and settlements, and companies have returned another $47.4 million. Convicting abusive providers, levying fines, recovering overpayments, negotiating settlements--all these actions are necessary to reduce fraud and abuse. But they will never be more than the second best way to do this. The best way is to prevent fraud, abuse, and waste from occurring in the first place. This requires informing the public. As a recent Government Reform and Oversight Human Resources Subcommittee hearing revealed, the public receives little or no information relating to fraud, abuse, and quality of care in nursing homes. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join my efforts to assist millions of families across the Nation by supporting the Nursing Home Public Information Act of 1997.