Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, public service is not an option for everyone, but it is the foundation upon which Jacqueline Ward has built a career. Jacqueline has been on the frontline of numerous political campaigns, and has demonstrated her tenacity and passion for participating in the political process. Her many talents have been utilized by a host of New York State and city political luminaries, including, former Governor Mario Cuomo, Mayor David Dinkins, Comptroller Carl McCall, and Brooklyn county leader Assemblyman Clarence Norman. Jacqueline Ward has acquired considerable background in accounting and bookkeeping services as a result of her work with numerous businesses which provide financial services. Ms. Ward has a 17-year-old son Mark, and resides in Jamaica, NY. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the public service career of Ms. Jacqueline Ward.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Priscilla Lyon is a diligent worker on behalf of the First Baptist Church of Brownsville, where she organized the first Vacation Bible School. She functioned as director of that position for 5 years. Additionally, she has taught the youth Sunday School, supervised the youth choir, and provided services to the youth missionaries. Presently, she serves as the chairperson of the Women's Ministry, is the director of the Feeding Ministry, serves as the director of the Shekina & Praise Dancers, and is the instructor of the Senior Missionary Circle. Priscilla Lyon also finds time to perform liaison work for the Women's Fellowship. Born in South Hampton County VA, she is the third of six children. Her hobbies are sewing, crocheting, drafting, millinery, and decorating. Respected and adored by her fellow church members, she was honored at the Henry House in September 1996. She is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. It is my privilege to highlight her achievements and contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the Borough of Brooklyn is blessed with a tremendous resource of talented citizens who are dedicated to improving their community and making it a better place to live. Danyce Holgate- Wilkins is one of those dedicated citizens. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, and received her undergraduate degree from Stonybrook University, and her law degree from Howard University School of Law. Since obtaining her law degree, Danyce has worked in a variety of capacities, including a clerkship with the Honorable Judge Bruce Wright, in addition to working in the law firm of Gaston and Snow in Boston, MA. She also has worked as an assistant corporation counsel for the city of New York. Danyce is involved in a host of local political endeavors, in addition to serving on the board of the Association of Black Woman Attorneys. Additionally, she is a member of the board of the Tri- Community Development Corporation, and the Parent Teacher's Association. Danyce is married to William Scott Wilkins and is blessed with two wonderful children, twin girls, Danah and Danielle.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the many years of invaluable community service of Beverly Britton Fraser, Esq. Ms. Britton Fraser, an attorney, has committed her life to winning justice for the poor. Despite numerous opportunities offered by corporate law firms and government agencies, Ms. Britton Fraser, a University of Buffalo School of Law graduate, has zealously worked as a trial attorney for the Legal Aid Society. This native Brooklynite was also a ``Partner in Education.'' As such, she visited inner-city schools and talked with students of all ages about her profession, substance abuse avoidance, and attaining personal goals through education. As a person who has always been influenced by an intense desire to give back to her community, Ms. Britton Fraser has wholeheartedly pursued her goals. In 1992, in the course of her career as a lawyer, Ms. Britton Fraser met and married Errol Fraser, a certified public accountant. The couple currently resides in Brooklyn where she is a court attorney for Judge Bernard Fuchs of the New York City Civil Court. She continues to pursue that the belief that ``justice is being served for all,'' but particularly for those who are poor and downtrodden in our community. For these reasons, it gives me great pleasure to Salute Ms. Beverly Britton Fraser, a community hero. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Ms. Britton Fraser.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the accomplishments of Ms. Salena Glenn who has dedicated her life to public service. For numerous years, she has strived to ensure that Brooklyn resident's concerns are heard. As chief of staff for Enoch Williams, Ms. Glenn oversees the daily operations of his office and attends community meetings of school boards, district service cabinets, and community precinct councils. In addition to her work as chief of staff, Ms. Glenn coordinates various community projects throughout Brooklyn. Born in Orangeburg County, SC, she enjoys a reputation as a community leader. As president of the Unity Democratic Club, Ms. Glenn has worked to enlighten the central Brooklyn community about the advantages of participating in the political process. Ms. Glenn truly serves as a shining beacon of hope for the Brooklyn community. A resident of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Ms. Glenn has a daughter Delores, and a son, Nathaniel. She also enjoys a reputation as an outstanding soloist in the Antioch Baptist Church Choir. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the many years of invaluable assistance she has provided youth and the community-at-large. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Salena Glenn.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to introduce my colleagues to Lydia Maldonado Diaz. Ms. Diaz reflects the type of community commitment and civic duty that our society desperately needs. After residing in New York City for 32 years, she and her husband moved to the community of Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, where she was confronted with a host of illegal activities. Lydia joined the local block association and began to make a difference. Today, Lydia is actively involved in the Community Coalition to Restructure P.S. 76, an abandoned school building on her block, and she has presided as the chairman of that organization. For 24 years she worked for the Cornell University Cooperative Extension as a community educator; a position from which she retired in April 1995. Throughout her personal and professional pursuits, Lydia has been guided by her strong spiritual convictions. She is the proud mother of four adult children, and the grandmother of six. I am pleased to recognize her positive contributions to the Brooklyn community of Cypress Hills.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on January 23, 1997, the National Cancer Institute's Consensus Panel reviewed data on breast cancer and concluded that it could not recommend regular mammograms for women in their forties. In light of voluminous data and statistical evidence supporting mammograms for women in this age group, I am deeply concerned. Approximately 29,000 American women will contract this disease between the ages of 40 and 49. Recently, Senator Olympia Snowe led a bipartisan coalition which introduced a Sense of the Senate resolution, Senate Resolution 47, concerning the need for accurate guidelines for breast cancer screening. We strongly support her efforts, and believe this is a positive step toward helping women. The resulting 98-0 vote shows that our Senate colleagues are fully aware of the critical nature of this issue. I am also diligently working to ensure that women have clear direction from the Government. In fact, in 1994 the Subcommittee on Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations, which I chaired, published a report, ``Misused Science: The National Cancer Institute's Elimination of Mammography Guidelines for Women in Their Forties,'' which raised concerns about the National Cancer Institute's decision to change its mammography guidelines. Prior to publishing this report, I convened a hearing where numerous agencies, organizations, and individuals, included Senator Snowe, testified about the impact of NCI's decision on the lives of women. The message from all respected voices is clear: mammograms can save the lives of women in their forties, a disproportionate number of whom are African-American. As a concerned Member of Congress, on February 5, 1997, I introduced a Sense of the House resolution, House Resolution 40, encouraging Members to make a unified, unequivocal statement that women between the ages of 40 and 49 need clear, accurate guidelines for breast cancer screening. I urge you to support this resolution to lead the charge for saving women's lives.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the untimely death of Yvonne Marie Taylor, who passed from this life much too quickly. She was the late wife of LeBaron Taylor. Yvonne Taylor was born May 1, 1943 in Detroit, MI to her loving parents, Charles and Eldora Ridley. She was reared in a strong Christian environment and her faith guided her every action. A graduate of Northwestern High School in Detroit, she subsequently attended Central State University. After returning to her native Detroit, she met and married LeBaron Taylor. During their 29-year marriage she was a faithful and loyal spouse. Yvonne was the consummate mother, unceasingly dedicated to her two children, Eric and Tiffani. Talent and a commitment to hard work were the hallmark of Yvonne who worked as the administrative director of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association. Her community and civic affiliations included membership in the South Jersey Chapter of Links, Inc., and For Women Only. A member of Bethel AME Church in Moorestown, NJ, Yvonne Taylor maintained strength and faith even during her most trying days. May the memory of her bright spirit sustain her family and friends.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the New York City Chapter of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America [VICA] which will celebrate Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Week in New York City, February 11-17, 1997. As a nationally recognized organization comprised of students, professional members, and dedicated teachers, the purpose of VICA is to provide educational and leadership opportunities for young people as they prepare for the 21st century. Through the efforts of more than 12,000 student members in its New York City Chapters, VICA encourages improvement of vocational and leadership skills, scholarship, citizenship and community service. Moreover, through professional development activities, members learn how to work with others, hold office and direct the affairs of the group and how to compete honorably with colleagues on the local, state, and international levels. During my tenure in the House of Representatives, I have also personally witnesses the hard work and dedication of members, such as Ms. Janice Jones and Mr. Jerome Jeffrey, who have graciously represented the East New York High School of Transit Technology Chapter of VICA at numerous community events within the 10th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the many years of invaluable assistance this organization has provided youth and the community-at-large. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Week.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our colleague from Illinois, the gentlelady, the Honorable Cardiss Collins. For more than 22 years, Cardiss has represented the Seventh Congressional District in ``The Windy City'' of Chicago. She leaves with a rich history of legislative accomplishments. In addition to being the longest serving African-American woman in Congress, Cardiss will always be remembered for her championship of quality health care for women and minorities, enhanced consumer protection and promotion of minority business enterprise. Her legislative efforts improved access to cancer screening for poor and minority women. She authored landmark legislation and investigations on both aviation security and toy safety. Having served with Cardiss as both a member of the Commerce Committee and the Government Operations, now Government Reform and Oversight Committee, I know of no better leader than our current ranking Democrat on Government Reform. The leadership she demonstrated as both the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee chair of the Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness and the Subcommittee chair of the Government Operations Subcommittee on Government Activities and Transportation, only intensified when she became the ranking member of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee. Time and again she was called upon to defend the actions of the current administration; Cardiss did so without rancor and bitterness. Her ability to get the job done with a mixture of wit, intelligence and down right good humor will be definitely missed. It has been my honor to serve with Cardiss during her last 13 years in the House.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, elections were recently held in Kashmir. It was the hope and expectation of many that these elections would clearly demonstrate the political preference of the Kashmiri people. The conduct of the elections themselves, however, made this determination impossible. At least one independent Indian-based NGO, the All Indian Peoples Resistance Forum [AIPRF], found that people in Kashmir were not in favor of the elections. They viewed the elections as ``a design to continue the `annexation' of Kashmir.'' This perspective was verified, according to the AIPRF, by the lack of participation in the referendum. In several of the polling sites, the turnout was no higher than 6 percent by 4 p.m., a short time before the polls closed. Yet, the press reports in India indicated a final turnout of 60 percent. The AIPRF also found numerous instances of security forces pressuring people to vote when they were clearly reluctant to do so. Certainly, we should make every effort to support real self- determination initiatives for the people of Kashmir. A referendum that is not free and fair is not real self-determination. I remain hopeful that the future of Kashmir can be determined through democratic and nonviolent avenues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, triumph over adversity and beating the odds are success stories that need to be heralded. I am pleased to highlight the achievements of Josephine Nieves, MSW, Ph.D., the first Latina to head the National Association of Social Workers [NASW]. As a trained social worker, I have a personal affinity for the very important work that social workers perform. As the head of a 155,000 member association, Dr. Nieves brings more than 30 years experience to the job. Most recently, she was a Presidential appointee to the U.S. Department of Labor, where she was in charge of the Office of Job Training Programs. Prior to her assignment at the Department, she worked for former New York Mayor David Dinkins and served as commissioner and spokesperson for the New York City Department of Employment. Josephine grew up in a single-parent family in New York City's communities of East Harlem and the Bronx. Her mother worked in a factory for 40 years to provide for her family. Dr. Nieves was the first to graduate from college. She obtained her master's degree in social work from Columbia University, and her doctorate from Union Graduate School, Antioch University Consortium of Colleges and Universities. Dr. Nieves believes in making positive contributions. She was a founding member of the National Puerto Rican Forum, ASPIRA, and the NYC Urban Coalition. Josephine also has served on the board of the Henry Street Settlement, Greater New York Fund, National Congress of Neighborhood Women, and Museo del Barrio. An engaging, articulate, bilingual spokesperson for the social work profession, she resides in Silver Spring, MD, and New York City. Her successes to date are a prolog to her future successes at NASW. I am pleased to introduce her to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my distinguished colleague from Tennessee, the Honorable Harold Ford. During 11 consecutive terms of service in this body, Harold distinguished himself as a champion for meaningful welfare reform and an advocate for economic development for both urban and rural America. He will long be remembered as one who served his constituents with the same fervor that he dedicated to the crafting of legislation in the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Because of his leadership, Central Station in downtown Memphis was revitalized; the Memphis Housing Authority was able to devote $47 million toward its revitalization programs; and Memphis will now have a new Job Corps Center. His work as chairman and the ranking Democrat of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources in large measure enabled us to enact a welfare reform bill that strengthened the initiatives for work without hurting the Nation's vulnerable children. I personally enjoyed the ability to work with him on health care reform issues in the 102d and 103d Congresses. The gentleman from Tennessee will be sorely missed. I am gratified, however, that his son Harold, Jr., is poised, to continue his legacy in the 105th Congress. I wish him the best in his retirement from this body and I am certain that he will continue to be a voice that speaks in the people's interest.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to highlight the sterling efforts of Ruth Salzman, executive vice president for the Chase Community Development Corp. [CCDC]. Ruth was named to direct commercial lending for CCDC in 1992. She is tasked with the challenge of providing loans to minority and women-owned small businesses located in low- and moderate-income communities, in addition to addressing the needs of community-based nonprofit organizations. Businesses in the tristate area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have been recipients of loans from Chase, under the auspices of Ruth Salzman. In an era when it is fashionable to eliminate access to capital for groups desperately in need of access to capital, most notably minorities and women who own small businesses, it is comforting to know that Ruth Salzman is working overtime to support these groups. Ruth's expertise and training are traceable to her work with Chemical Bank, where she managed a specialized lending portfolio known as the Community Policy Lending Unit, which provided capital loans to nonprofit organizations that developed transitional and permanent housing for people with special needs. Ms. Salzman is a graduate of the Wharton Graduate Division and received her B.A. from Brooklyn College. She is married to Ira Salzman and is the mother of two children. Ruth's efforts have opened doors for many minority and female small business owners who have known nothing but despair in their efforts to secure commercial loans. Her efforts deserve recognition and commendation, and it is my honor to introduce her to my fellow colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the stalwart efforts of Alan Hevesi, who, as New York City's 41st comptroller has fought to ensure financial integrity in the budgetary process. A veteran of the State Assembly, Alan has been involved in the negotiation and passage of 18 balanced budgets. Alan Hevesi has been a champion of affordable health care, education reform, and the rights of people with disabilities. His efforts were instrumental in passing legislation that cracked down on Medicaid fraud and nursing home abuses. Under Alan Hevesi's administration, the number of audits conducted by the comptroller's office has doubled, generating $42 million in direct cash savings for the city of New York. Other efforts he has directed resulted in the elimination of individuals from welfare and their placement in meaningful jobs. Additionally, pension funds for which the comptroller is a trustee and advisor, are ranked in the top quartile for performance and the bottom quartile for costs. The stellar performances of this exceptional individual are attributable to his vast energy, commitment, professional and academic training. He received his undergraduate academic training from Queens College, and his Ph.D in public law and government from Columbia University. Alan Hevesi and his wife Carol have three children, Laura, Daniel, and Andrew. I am pleased to recognize his vast contributions and to introduce him to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, service in the field of public and mental health is demanding and admirable. Dan Still has been performing work in this arena for his entire career, a career which began with the U.S. Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control [CDC] working on the epidemiology of communicable diseases. Subsequently, he accepted an assignment with the New York City Department of Health and served as the administrative director of childhood lead poisoning and control, and later as the deputy administrator of the Department of Health. When the New York city Health Services Administration was dissolved, Mr. Still assisted in the establishment of the Department of Mental Health Retardation and Alcoholism Services. He was later appointed assistant commissioner for administration, with a subsequent promotion to deputy commissioner for management and budget. Mr. Still has extensive expertise in the financing of community mental hygiene programs and helped develop and implement numerous reforms of the system in New York State, culminating in the Community Mental Health Resources Act of 1993, landmark legislation that reinvests mental health funding from State psychiatric facilities to community services. Dan is married to Lydia Still, an early childhood teacher, and they have two children in college. Mr. Still is active in an array of community activities and civic organizations. I am pleased to commend him for his efforts and contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call attention to the 85th national day of the founding of the Republic of China. Not only for its rapid implementation of democratic policies and reforms but also for its responsiveness to trade imbalances between our two countries should the Republic of China on Taiwan be honored and congratulated on this historic occasion. One proper way to celebrate the Republic of China's national day is for us to recognize Taiwan's campaign to reenter the United Nations and other international organizations. There really is no reason to deny the Republic of China membership in the United Nations. In my mind, Taiwan's membership in the United Nations is in total conformity with the U.N. principle of universality; will definitely contribute to peace and stability in East Asia and will serve the interests of the United States. Today, we have taken a small step in advancing this campaign by the House adopting House Concurrent Resolution 212, which supports Taiwan's entry into international organizations. In commemoration of Taiwan's 85th national day, I extend greetings and best wishes to President Lee Teng-Hui, foreign representative, Ambassador Jason Hu. May Taiwan continue to prosper and to one day soon be welcomed back into the community of nations.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to voice my support for the measure before us today which endorses the European Parliament's support of Taiwan's efforts to join the Community of Nations. Taiwan has demonstrated its commitment to democracy and its respect for the principles of justice, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. We should commend the Government and people of Taiwan for conducting democratic and peaceful elections in spite of the overt aggression displayed by the People's Republic of China. I join my colleagues from the International Relations Committee in voicing support for Taiwan's efforts to obtain better representation in international organizations, including those bodies answerable to the U.N. General Assembly. I am hopeful that this resolution will signal important support for Taiwan's inclusion in the Community of Nations, including membership in international organizations.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of the maternity stay agreement reached in the Conference Report on VA-HUD appropriations for fiscal year 1997. The Maternity Stays provision ensures that newborn babies and their mothers receive appropriate health care in the critical first few days following birth. The 48-hour minimum stay is consistent with steps being considered by some States and is very similar to the bill which I introduced during the 104th Congress, The Mother and Child Protection Act of 1996. The typical length of stay over a decade ago for a woman and her infant after delivery was 3 to 5 days for a vaginal delivery and 1 to 2 weeks for a caesarean delivery. Over the past few years the typical length of stay decreased to 24 hours or less for a uncomplicated vaginal delivery and two or three for caesarean. In some regions of the country, hospitals are now discharging women 6 to 12 hours following a vaginal birth. The Conference Report on VA-HUD Appropriations for fiscal year 1997 will stop this problem from occurring. I am pleased that my colleagues all agree that shorter hospital stays are placing the health of many newborns and mothers at risk. We all agree that the shorter stay increases the incidence in newborns of jaundice, dehydration, phenylketonuria [PKU], and other neonatal complications. Prevention has always been a way to cut health care costs. However, discharging mothers and newborns early creates its own costs. No longer will a child have to suffer brain damage or other permanent disabilities because they did not receive adequate early care, insurers will not be forced to pay for treating patients for conditions which could have been prevented or lessened if caught earlier. Mr. Speaker, the VA-HUD appropriations for 1997 will allow new mothers to focus on learning to care for their newborns and themselves instead of being concerned with when their insurance will run out. I also want to lend my full support of the mental health parity provisions contained in the 1997 VA-HUD Conference Report. As a trained social worker, I am quite comfortable with expressing the important of providing mental health coverage to the mentally ill population. The mental health parity provision will help to eradicate the stigma that is commonly placed on mental health patients. This provision will begin to wash away the deep rooted ignorance of thinking that mental illness is due to some sinful behavior. This kind of stigma has kept many individuals from seeking help, and it has prevented health professionals from providing needed services. It is my honest belief that the stigma associated with mental health will be greatly reduced by this provision. No longer will patients be too embarrassed to seek help. And, no longer will providers be forced to turn patients away, and thus discriminate between illnesses. I urge the adoption of these provisions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3871, which the House passed by voice vote last week, waives the 75-25 Medicaid requirements for two New York City plans. Together, these plans currently serve approximately 60,000 members. Without the waiver authority in this bill, these members would be endangered of losing their access to quality primary care services before the end of the year. I want to thank the Commerce Committee chairman, the Health and Environment Subcommittee chairman and the ranking minority member and our subcommittee's ranking member for their cooperation in expeditiously moving this bill forward. I want to also thank the gentlemen from the other side of the aisle, Mr. Greenwood and Mr. Franks, for joining me as cosponsors of this legislation. Let us hope that our colleagues in the Senate will move quickly to approve this legislation before adjournment.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to take this opportunity to congratulate and recognize the distinguished career of Mr. Alvin C. McPherson. I commend his storied dedication and exceptional community commitment to my colleagues. Born in Princess Anne County, VA on October 28, 1928, to a family of 17 children, Mr. McPherson would soon assume the great task of caring for his younger siblings before joining the U.S. Army. Mr. McPherson's demonstration of leadership and ability extends from his early childhood. Accordingly, upon completing his military duties, he moved to Brooklyn, NY, where he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs, retiring in 1984 after 30 years of service. Led by his strong conviction to serve, Alvin McPherson has been an active member of many organizations involved in civic activities. His concerns led him to be a member of the New York Urban League, past chairperson and associate member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and past correspondence secretary of the Mary McCloud Day Care Center. In addition, Mr. McPherson has served his community in a similar fashion as; a chartered member of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Block Association, and as a member of the board of directors, BHRAGGS, Inc. Currently, Mr. McPherson is a member of the George P. Davis Post Number 116, American Legion, the Brooklyn Historical Society, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Bhrags-Tompkins Park Senior Citizen Center, and Masonic member of Joppa Lodge Number 21 A.F. & A.M. Alvin has been the recipient of over 175 citations, certificates, and awards. Frequently cited and honored by political organizations and civic leaders in New York, Mr. McPherson continues to receive local and national honors that reflect his long and tireless efforts to the greater Brooklyn community. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to highlight the accomplishments and diligent work of Mr. McPherson. McPherson views his efforts as a way to give back; therefore. I extend to him my best wishes for continued success.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues that Friday, September 6, marks the anniversary of the kidnapping of human rights Jaswant Singh Khalra by the Punjab police. Mr. Khalra observes this anniversary still in custody, his whereabouts unknown. His wife states that he is in the custody of India's brutal Intelligence Bureau, one of the agencies involved in beating an elderly Sikh leader in need of emergency medical treatment. According to an eyewitness who shared a jail cell at Nangal Police Station with Mr. Khalra last October, Mr. Khalra had been beaten into unconsciousness at that time. One can only imagine the brutal torture he has suffered in the past year. I am inserting into the Record a press release on this gruesome anniversary from the Council of Khalistan. Mr. Khalra was general secretary of the Human Rights Wing (Shiromani Akali Dal) at the time that he was kidnapped. In that capacity, he published a report showing that the Indian regime had kidnapped more than 25,000 young Sikh men. These innocent Sikhs were then tortured and murdered by the police. Their bodies were declared ``unidentified'' and cremated to cover up police responsibility. After publishing this report, Mr. Khalra was told by the Tarn Taran police chief, Ajit S. Sandhu, ``We made 25,000 disappear. It would not be hard to make one more disappear.'' Just last month, however, the government confirmed the policy of mass cremations. Its own Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the Indian Supreme Court that it had ``prima facie evidence'' of at least 984 such cremations based on its preliminary investigation. The Supreme Court justices who heard the case called the mass cremation policy ``worse than a genocide.'' The investigation is ongoing, but no one has yet been punished for these brutal acts. The Indian regime refuses to punish Mr. Sandhu. Despite an indictment against Mr. Sandhu and eight other police officers involved in kidnapping Mr. Khalra, he has not yet been arrested. Instead, he gave an interview to an Indian newspaper in which he said that he is proud of his actions. Why is Mr. Sandhu still at large? If India is serious about the democratic values it so loudly proclaims, it would be appropriate to observe the anniversary of Mr. Khalra's kidnapping by releasing him, ending the mass cremation policy, and arresting and trying those responsible for these atrocities. Otherwise, the United States, the nation that is truly the world's largest democracy, should stop all aid to the Indian government and institute an embargo against India so that American companies cannot prop up this repressive tyranny with their dollars. It is the only decent thing to do.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Brooklyn-born Antonio ``Tony'' D. Martin attended Boston University and the New School for Social Research where he earned his masters degree in health science administration and policy. He began his career in health care 13 years ago at the Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York and later moved to Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn. Since 1991, he has served as the executive director of the East New York Diagnostic and Treatment Center [ENYD&TC] transforming it into a fully accredited New York State article 28 health center. Mr. Martin's success is largely attributed to his belief in teamwork, which has resulted in the expansion and strengthening of the ENYD&TC's role in the East New York community. Through his leadership, the center has actively collaborated with various churches, schools, and community organizations to create and launch health care programs such as: breast health and mammography services; medical and dental clinics; child adolescent mental health clinics; family-based mental health clinics; HIV/AIDS counseling, testing, and education; and mental health services for the homebound. His newest endeavor, a school-based health center placed in local Beacon schools, will provide primary care, mental health, and dental services to students and community residents. In addition to his role as executive director, Mr. Martin serves as a mentor and role model to youth. As a result of this personal commitment, he is a highly popular speaker on both health and youth issues. Mr. Martin's ability and achievements have been recognized by various organizations and elected officials such as the Lions Club; Rosetta Gaston Foundation; People Alliance Community Organization; Grace Baptist Church of Christ; Reeder Youth Care; Congressman Edolphus ``Ed'' Towns; Assemblymen Clarence Norman, Jr., Nick Perry, and Darryl Towns; and former mayor David Dinkins. His accomplishments are a testament to his commitment to improve both the quality of life and health for Brooklyn residents. I am pleased to introduce him to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Kwabena Addei was born to Akua and the late Kwado Addei, an Ashanti chief, in Oyoko, near Kumasi, Ghana, in West Africa. He received his early education from the Achimota British Preparatory School in Accra, Ghana, graduated from Cambridge University in England, and received his medical degree from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Following an internship at Metropolitan Hospital, Dr. Addei completed his residency in surgery at Nassau Hospital--now Winthrop University Hospital--in Mineola, NY. As an attending surgeon, he entered private practice, and assisted in establishing Winthrop Hospital's academic affiliation with the surgery department at State University of New York at Stony Brook Medical Center. In addition to private practice, Dr. Addei is the director of surgical education at Winthrop University Hospital and an associate professor of surgery at the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and holds memberships in the American Medical Association, the National Medical Association, the Nassau Surgical Society, Alpha Omega Alpha--the medical honor society, One Hundred Black Men of Nassau/Suffolk, Inc., the National Society of Poets, and is a founding member of the American Association of the Clinical Anatomists. He has also served as the newsletter editor and cochairman of the Scientific and Continuing Education Committee-- Brooklyn, Long Island Chapter, American Medical Association; executive committee member of the board of directors, American Cancer Society, Long Island Division, Inc.; medical consultant, Sickle Cell Clinic of Nassau Hospital; and director of the Trauma Unit, Winthrop University Hospital. Dr. Addei has also published his research in many professional journals such as the Journal of Surgical Research and American Journal of Surgery. Dr. Addei's community spirit has been honored by various groups: The Westbury Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.; the National Association for the Study of Black History and Life; the Long Island Black History Association; and the Mothers Group of Westbury. In addition, Dr. Addei has been selected, for 10 consecutive years, to receive the Award for Outstanding Teaching. Community School District 19 in East New York, Brooklyn, presented Dr. Addei with an award of appreciation for his dedication and concern for the welfare of the students in the district's seven middle schools. I am pleased to introduce him to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as president and CEO of Managed Healthcare Systems, Inc. [MHS], Karen L. Clark has pioneered the concept of community-based managed care in New York City. In leading MHS from its inception 2 years ago to its current position as the fourth largest provider of Medicaid managed care in the city, Ms. Clark has demonstrated that a minority-controlled and operated, for-profit health maintenance organization [HMO] can successfully deliver quality health care to residents of inner-city neighborhoods that have traditionally lacked extensive medical and health services. With a mission to improve the quality of life for Medicaid recipients and other medically underserved citizens by elevating their health status, MHS, under Ms. Clark's stewardship, has designed a health plan that seeks to increase its members' utilization of services by helping them foster a relationship with a primary care physician, educating them about the importance of wellness and preventive care and offering them a series of creative outreach and case management programs. Ms. Clark brings extensive experience in health care management to MHS. A graduate of Rider College and the Columbia School of Business, Ms. Clark was senior vice president for Healthcare Management Alternatives [HMA], an innovative inner-city health plan in Philadelphia, from 1989 to 1993. At HMA, Ms. Clark was responsible for quality assurance, utilization review, and provider relations for approximately 85,000 residents of South and West Philadelphia. Prior to joining HMA, Ms. Clark served at Travelers Health Network of New York from 1987 to 1989, initially as director of operations and provider relations and then as executive director. As executive director, she was responsible for development and maintenance of the provider network for the Travelers' managed health care division in Metropolitan New York and northern New Jersey. Ms. Clark has also exemplified her pioneering spirit through prior positions with such companies as Whittaker Health Services, Interracial Council for Business Opportunity, Managed Health Plan, Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York, Manhattan Health Plan, and Lancaster & Co. As a shining beacon of hope, Karen Clark has made a difference through her tireless undaunted mission to improve the health of urban communities faced with diminished resources. I am pleased to introduce her to my House colleagues.