Ed Towns

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.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as friends of Jamaica everywhere celebrate its 35th anniversary of independence, we pause to recognize and commend our democratic neighbor to the south and extend our heartiest congratulations to the Government and people of Jamaica and to Jamaican-Americans throughout the United States. I place in the Congressional Record, for the benefit of my colleagues, the 35th anniversary messages issued by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Right Honorable P.J. Patterson and the Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Dr. Richard L. Bernal. 35TH ANNIVERSARY INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA,

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as cosponsor of H.R. 198.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to highlight the accomplishments of Mr. John L. Edmonds, a prominent real estate developer in New York City. Mr. Edmonds and the Edmonds Group specializes in the development and rehabilitation of housing units for low- and moderate-income families. It is the dream of every American family to own their own home. The Edmonds Group has been directly responsible for making home ownership a reality for many families in New York. The group utilizes a combination of sources to achieve home ownership, including Federal funds, HUD tax credits, and State and local loan guarantees. As the largest minority developer in the city of New York, Mr. Edmonds has recently developed five low-income housing projects in Manhattan. Despite fierce competition, the Edmonds Group has been able to prosper and has a 100 percent completion rate of projects it has undertaken in New York City.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Mr. Morti Hirsch, a long- time resident of Brooklyn, for his outstanding civic contributions. Morti is the owner of Active Fire Sprinkler Corp., the largest fire sprinkler company in Brooklyn. His company employees several hundred Brooklynites. A professional engineer, Morti Hirsch is affiliated with the American Society of Sanitary Engineers, of which he is a past president. He has also been the past president of the New York Fire Sprinklers Contractors Association. Active in many professional arenas, Mr. Hirsch also founded the Brooklyn Navy Yard for Foreign Business, of which 200 small- and medium-size companies are members. Mr. Hirsch was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where he has lived for over half of his life. For the past 27 years he has worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and is the father of three children, Eve, Joseph, and Ann. I am pleased to acknowledge the contributions of Mr. Morti Hirsch.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Seth Edwards for his valuable contributions in the banking industry. Mr. Edwards is a vice president in Chase Manhattan Bank's Community Development Group, and is the manager for Chase's community affairs in Brooklyn. During his 28 years of service with Chase, he has performed a variety of duties at international posts in Greece, the Middle East, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. Seth was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Liberia, West Africa. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Liberia with degrees of anthropology and sociology. He joined Chase after a year of graduate study in France, and a tour of duty in South Vietnam with the United States Army. He is presently on the board of the HOPE Program and on the business advisory council of community school district 13. I am pleased to acknowledge Seth Edwards' contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Brian Douglas of Cablevision of New York City has been a vital contributor in the field of telecommunications. As the public affairs manager for Cablevision he is responsible for government relations, community affairs, and public relations. His duties include administration of the company's franchisee requirement with the city of New York, dealing with elected officials, educational outreach, and responding to the public and the press. Brian has been employed by Cablevision since 1988 and is formerly a sales representative for Time Warner's Brooklyn Queens Division. He holds a B.A. in television and radio from Brooklyn College and graduate degree in mass communications from Drake University. Brian is also a member of the National Association of Minorities in Communications [NAMIC]. I am pleased to commend Brian for his numerous contributions and to introduce him to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Anthony Watson for his outstanding contributions to the health care community. Mr. Watson is the president and chief executive officer of the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York [HIP], one of the largest health maintenance organizations [HMO's] and the largest HMO in the northeastern United States. HIP is celebrating its 50th anniversary and Anthony Watson has played a pivotal role for HIP since 1985. Anthony has almost 20 years of experience in major public health agencies. He was formerly the supervising public health adviser at the Centers for Disease Control [CDC], the former deputy director of the New York City Comprehensive Health Planning Agency, in addition to having served as an instructor in health planning at the Herbert J. Lehman College of the City University of New York. Anthony has received numerous accolades and awards. He serves on various boards. Mr. Watson resides in New York City with his wife, Desiree, and their two children, Alayja and Sheridan.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure and privilege to honor Mr. DeCosta Headley for his contributions in the community of Brooklyn. Mr. Headley is the founder of the Rosetta Gaston United Democratic Club and a dynamic player in the political and economic affairs of the communities of Brownsville and east New York. DeCosta was raised in Brownsville and east New York, and has been instrumental in providing college scholarships for youth, jobs for community residents, and full services for senior citizens. As an entrepreneur, Mr. Headley is the president of Diversified Flintlock Corp., a general contracting company. His company has built numerous medical centers, low-income affordable housing units, and has just recently completed a senior citizen housing unit of Berean Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn's east New York neighborhood, and a branch of the Carver Federal Savings Bank in Harlem. DeCosta has been widely recognized for his civil, political, and corporate endeavors. I am pleased to commend his efforts and recognize his vast contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Charles E. Simpson for his consistent and competent efforts in the field of corporate reorganizations, divestitures, and workouts. Presently, Mr. Simpson is in charge of bankruptcy/creditors' rights department of the firm of Windels, Marx, Davies and Ives in New York City. During his professional career, Charles has developed an impressive track record on behalf of clients such as Bancorp, Pantry Pride, Central Railroad, Braniff, Vanguard Oil & Service, and a host of other companies. Mr. Simpson is a member of numerous boards, including the Brooklyn Red Cross. He served in the U.S. Army, attended Harvard Law School, and received his undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University. I am pleased to highlight Mr. Simpson for his tireless and persistent endeavors.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Frank Lonardo for his vast contributions on behalf of organized labor. Mr. Lonardo is a 40-year veteran of the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL- CIO. He is the president of ILA 1814 and was reelected International General Organizer at ILA's 1995 convention. To his credit, Mr. Lonardo has worked his way through the ILA organization. He started working on the docks of Brooklyn as a teenager and throughout his career has served in a number of capacities, including assistant treasurer of the Brooklyn Longshore Credit Union, and as assistant to the president of Local 1814. Among his other duties, he has served on the executive board of the New York City Central Labor Council and is a trustee of the New York Maritime Ports Council of the Maritime Trades Department. Frank and his wife Patricia are the parents of four children, Jeanine, Frank Jr., Joseph, and Alicia.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Peter Campanelli provides vital clinical services to individuals afflicted with mental illness. In his capacity as president and chief executive officer for the Institute for Community Living, Inc. [ICL], he is confronted with a difficult task. He has organized and directed a private not-for-profit corporation for the purpose of development and operation of community residences for the mentally ill within the catchment areas of two large State psychiatric hospitals. ICL currently provides approximately 560 residential beds within various levels of care. Truly, Dr. Campanelli provides vital services to a constituency desperate for health and social services. Dr. Campanelli's career of commitment and dedication is exemplary. He combines his passion with pragmatism. Additionally, he passes on the breadth and depth of his experience through the process of teaching in the university environment. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce him to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Yashpal Arya. Dr. Arya is chief of gastroenterology/endoscopy at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. He has worked at Wyckoff since 1976. Born in India, and medically trained in his homeland, Dr. Arya has established an impressive portfolio of professional achievements. He is a member of numerous committees and organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the New York State Medical Society, and the Queens Medical Society. Additionally, he has been the recipient of the Isadore Caputo Memorial Award from Wyckoff Medical Center, and the Teaching Excellence Award from Wyckoff Medical Center. I am pleased to recognize the contributions of Dr. Arya, and wish him continued success in the medical profession. The community of Brooklyn is fortunate to have a medical practitioner with Dr. Arya's background and commitment working at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time, and I want to begin by saying that I want to thank Members on both sides of the aisle and the leadership for moving this bill very quickly. Also I want to thank the staff on both sides of the aisle who have done a superb job. I could call the names, but I will not get into that because I might just leave a name out. The Better Health Plan serves over 40,000 Medicaid recipients in the New York area. This plan provides services all over the five boroughs of New York City, including my district, which has close to 2,000 beneficiaries. Better Health Plan offers many innovative health care programs for its Medicaid members and helps them become better consumers of health care, which is very, very important. The plan also offers a wide variety of preventive services, including vision, hearing, lead screening tests and also provides counseling services for alcohol and tobacco and drug habits as well. The legislation waives the Medicaid 75-25 rule and will continue to make this plan available to New York residents. My colleague mentioned earlier that there were some other New York plans that were also concerned about the fact that they were not included in this legislation. It is my hope that the waiver will come about and that we will not have to do that, but in the event it does not occur, I would like to assure him that I will join him in doing everything that I can to make certain that they are included because we need to make certain that people do not need to have frustration and tension because of the fact the 75-25 rule is in effect. Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues, the gentlemen from New York, Messrs. Paxon, Engel, Manton and Lazio, and also thank my staff person, Brenda Pillors, who worked very hard on this.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hazel L. Dukes, president of the New York State Conference of NAACP Branches. Ms. Dukes is a great woman of courage and strength, dedicated to equality for all Americans. As an active champion of the community, Ms. Dukes is known for her unselfish devotion to economic and social justice. Ms. Duke's tremendous commitment is shown by her involvement in numerous organizations including Delta Sigma Theta; State University of New York, Board of Trustees; Stillman College, Board of Trustees; Phelps Stokes Institute, Board of Trustees; State of New York Martin Luther King Commissions, Board of Directors; and Metro Manhattan Links Chapter, Inc., Executive Committee, to name a few. As a champion of justice, Ms. Dukes has been the recipient of numerous awards including Academy of Distinction--Adelphi University; Academy of Women Achievers Award--YWCA City of New York; John La Farge Award for Interracial Justice--The Catholic Interracial Council of New York; Distinguished Service Award--The Federation of Negro National Civil Service Organization; Women's Honor Roll--Town of Hempstead; Guy R. Brewer Humanitarian Award--New York State Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. As a Member of Congress, I salute Ms. Dukes as a shining beacon of hope, and a trailblazer in our community's struggle for justice. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Ms. Hazel Dukes for her outstanding contributions to the community and to the nation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eugene L. McCabe, a dedicated advocate of social and economic empowerment. During his tenure as president and chief executive officer of North General Hospital in Harlem, the hospital became a model for primary health care and community development initiatives. A unique aspect of this model is an integrated computer network and innovative financing which Mr. McCabe played a key role in marketing this future delivery system concept. Prior to joining North General, Mr. McCabe was affiliated with Deleuw Cather/Parsons and Associates. As the firm's regional director, Mr. McCabe directed the agency's New York staff in activities to launch a $2 billion rail transportation joint venture involving seven private firms. Mr. McCabe has over 20 years of experience in management consulting including Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc., an international consulting firm. Mr. McCabe's board memberships and community affiliations parallel his commitment to economic and social progress. He is vice chairman of the Apollo Theater Foundation, the operating entity for the world famous Apollo Theater, vice chairman of the Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation, member of the Harlem Business Alliance, the National Executive Service Corps [NESC], and other organizations involved in rebuilding the community. As a Member of Congress, I salute Mr. McCabe as a shining beacon of hope for the community. His tireless efforts have blazed a path for many to follow. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Mr. Eugene L. McCabe for his outstanding contributions to the community and to the nation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the momentous occasion of Dr. Oscar C. Allen and Hattie Lawson Allen's 50th wedding anniversary on June 14, 1997. The celebration was elegantly orchestrated by the couple's daughters, Dr. Adele Allen and Dr. Carol Allen, both medical doctors and accomplished pianists. Dr. Oscar Allen was born in Baltimore, MD, where he attended public schools prior to his entering Virginia State College [VSC]. After graduating from VSC he received his bachelor of science degree. Oscar Allen entered and graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC, and received the degree--doctor of medicine in March 1944. Dr. Allen managed to garner numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career. Among his most notable professional credentials are his awards for his Outstanding Physician Award from the Provident Clinical Society of Brooklyn; Physician Honoree of the State University of New York, Downstate Health Science Center; Alumni Award of the Greater New York chapter. Included, and most important in his impressive list of accolades is Dr. Allen's union and dedication to his lovely wife, Mrs. Hattie Lawson Allen. Mrs. Allen is a retired educator and was for many years the assistant principal of Clara Barton High School. In addition, Hattie is the co- author with Dr. Vashti Curlin, of a book entitled ``Barron's: How To Prepare for the Practical Nurse Licensing Examination,'' first published in 1979. Hattie has managed to garner numerous distinctions, including her membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the several civic and community organizations. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Dr. Allen and Hattie's family and friends, in recognizing the momentous occasion of Dr. Allen and Hattie's golden wedding anniversary.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in celebrating the 25th anniversary of title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972. With the passage of this landmark civil rights law, millions of women and girls in our Nation have enjoyed increased social and economic opportunities. There is no doubt that Title IX has made it possible for them to become important players in the world of sports and in other arenas. Today, 2.4 million American girls participate in high school sports, a tenfold increase from two decades ago. It is much better today, and it will be much better 25 years from now. However, we must not forget that the struggle continues. Sexual harassment and discrimination against women in our schools has not been obliterated. Yes, we still have much to accomplish--as a recent NCAA report made abundantly clear--and we must aggressively continue to pursue equality. Give women fair playing time and opportunity and the trends indicate they will show the same levels of desire and ability in athletics as men. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we must continue to support title IX. Our future generations are counting on us to uphold the mantle of equal rights for all Americans.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by saying that I was hoping that when we got involved in this process that maybe something positive would come out of it. But we are starting out in a way that we have no credibility right from the outset, that we are just starting out, chairman subpoenaed everybody, people that really had nothing to do. The only thing they did was make a contribution to the Democratic Party. He subpoenaed them. And the fact is that we are wasting money. The Senate side is doing the same thing that we are doing, that if somebody lives in Alaska, they would come here because they are being subpoenaed by the Senate, and as soon as they get back home, within 24 hours they could be subpoenaed to come back by our committee. Mr. Speaker, that is a very obvious waste of money, waste of time, and also the fact that we are not really accomplishing anything. The other part which I think that, if we are going to do something, we should at least have credibility. It is very obvious that this is a situation where the Republican Party is trying to gain advantage over the Democratic Party. I am not interested in any kind of campaign reform, so I urge my colleagues to vote ``no''.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my Save Our Youth Initiative's Congressional Youth Council. One of the major challenges facing Brooklyn, and other parts of our Nation, is finding ways to open doors of opportunity for youth who constitute a disproportionately large share of the unemployed, underemployed, and incarcerated. Through the Save Our Youth Initiative, I am striving to eliminate this bleak outlook for our youth, and to provide the necessary resources so that youth can build successful lives. An important vehicle in this effort is my Congressional Youth Council. Since spring 1996, the Youth Council's leadership role in the community encourages youth to become more active citizens. Through organizing community forums such as a Youth Town Hall meeting attended by over 200 youth and adults, participating in public hearings and other local events, and discussing policy issues with public officials such as Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, these youth blossomed into dedicated advocates. Each young leader--Macie Black, Keisha Walters, Jerome Jeffrey, Anjanee Pitambar, Alicia Lawrence, Francis Williams, and Akilah Holder--is a shining beacon of hope for the future of our community. I am tremendously proud of their achievements in both school and the community. This month, five of these dedicated youth advocates will receive their New York State high school diplomas. They have truly shown that Generation X is a generation of excellence. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting all of the members of my Congressional Youth Council.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have given special recognition and honor to the children of class 4-304 of New York City Public School 208 at 4801 Avenue D in Brooklyn on May 30, 1997. I am delighted to have presented to the children of class 4-304 official Congressional Triumph Certificates for their magnificent drawings, poems and short stories on immigration. The following children interviewed their parents and represented their cultures through their art; bringing to life the special aspects of their homes: Efuru Ballantyne; Richina Bicette; Laurae Caruth; Trevor Cayenne; Daniella Marie Clarke; Harrah Creary; Crystal Crossman; Valerie Delice; Kentasha Dickson; Dana Doyley; Ajani Edwards; Adonna Ferrell; Shariel Goldson; Zanita Green; Martin Gustave; Brandon Haynes; Colleen Hinkson; Shawn Hobbs; Alex James; Jodel Jeremie; Lauren Jones; Casey Gabriella Jones; Virginia Lowe; Makeda Marshall; Terrill Ocona; Torin Perez; Ricardo Suares; and Samantha Ward. These students' creative expressions detailed how immigration laws affect their families, specifically because they come from all parts of the world: Haiti, Africa, Japan, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grendada, St. Vincent, and Guyana. The teacher of this brilliant class is Ms. Sandra Cinkay. I commend Ms. Cinkay for her tutorage.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend two incredibly brave youth, Lavar Foster and Shaliek Rivera, for their heroic efforts. On May 5, 1997, these P.S. 346 sixth graders rescued a senior citizen from an attacker. Not only did they save her life, but their detailed descriptions ultimately led to the criminal's capture. What makes their accomplishments so remarkable is that they did not let their young age or small size prevent them from extending a helping hand to a fellow citizen. For their fearless efforts, they were also named ``New Yorkers of the Week'' by New York 1 News. Lavar and Shaliek are shining beacons of hope for the future of our community. Citizens such as these are few and far between. They are truly role models for Brooklyn and the entire Nation. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Lavar Foster and Shaliek Rivera for their outstanding contributions to the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to highlight the great achievement of Ms. Shadia Borum, president and CEO of the Little Wonders of the World, Inc., and the 10 young talented wonders of Public School 137, located at 121 Saratoga Avenue in Brooklyn. On May 30, 1997, each of these children received $1,000 in U.S. savings bonds held in trust until their 18th birthday or entrance into college. Little Wonders of the World, Inc., is the only organization of it's kind; a Brooklyn based, not for profit 501(c)(3) education management company. The purpose of this organization is to raise children's educational standards and to uplift their self-esteem by increasing their opportunities for intellectual growth. This organization's dedication to children is exemplified by its development of educational programs, the organization of special events and creation of motivational contests for inner-city school children between the ages of 4-12 years of age in grades K-6. Little Wonders of the World, Inc., created ``The Art of Cooperation Contest.'' This contest is a motivation contest, open to children in third, forth, and fifth grades, that promotes cooperative behavior between the children, teachers, and family. The goal of this contest is to have all the participants develop their own successful method of cooperation through poetry, art of essay. This year's winners are: Chinae Albritton, Wesley Bankes, Christin Barratt, Crystal Brown, Crystal Foster, Crystal Hawley, Kenneth Jenkins, Chanelle Lugo, Luis Ortiz, and Roberto Ortiz. I am delighted that the Little Wonders of the World, Inc., is available to the young children of Brooklyn. I commend Ms. Shadia Borum and Little Wonders of the World, Inc., for its vision and execution in developing this outstanding service center.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Barbara Faison who is a hard worker and is dedicated to her family, friends, and community. Barbara Faison started her community in the late sixties, when East New York was experiencing a race riot. She worked with the Congress of Racial Equality [CORE], under the leadership of Roy Innis. She also worked for former New York Mayor John Lindsey who asked her to serve as a youth liaison in the East New York community. Barbara became a union representative of Local 144 and a housing activist where she assisted homeowners who were confronted with eviction. She also established ``hot lines'' for abused children and served on the area policy board. Her community work at St. Gabriel's Church also included efforts to feed sick, poor, and homeless people in the surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, Ms. Faison is a member of the Rosetta Gaston Club. Barbara has remained active in both youth and senior citizen issues. I an pleased to recognize her many contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an established entrepreneur, Darren K. Pearson. He developed and is currently running three businesses in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. Mr. Pearson's businesses include a full-service real estate firm, apartment building management, and construction and maintenance. Before becoming involved in real estate, Darren worked as an account executive for Amergold Corp. He also worked for Vanguard Oil as a fuel salesman in the commercial and barge departments. His duties included fuel sales to Con Edison, PSE&G, and LILCO. He was subsequently promoted to director of public relations for Vanguard and was responsible for the home oil transfer program, which provided oil to needy families at either a discount or no cost. His success in that position led to his promotion to vice president of procurement and industrial sales for Vanco Oil Co., a subsidiary of Vanguard. Darren is the chairman of the Men's Caucus for Congressman Towns, a member of 100 Black Men, Inc., and senator David Patterson's Progressive Professional Network. As a young businessman, Darren hires and trains college-bound students as trainees in real estate management and office administration. I am pleased to introduce him to my House colleagues.