Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Mae Powell of Brooklyn is an exceptional human being and educator. Born in North Carolina, Mae has resided in New York most of her life. She is a graduate of Brooklyn College, and currently serves as a special education teacher in district 13. Mae has been an educator for over 30 years. An innovative educator, she subscribes to the shared learning approach. Mae's colleagues have elected her to serve as a U.F.T. union delegate and as district screening committee member for the selection of school administrators. A crowning achievement in Mae's portfolio is her dedication to fostering the entrepreneurial abilities of young people. Mae is the mother of three children and four grandchildren, and embodies the attributes of academic achievement, community service and professional dedication. I am pleased to recognize her selfless efforts.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mrs. Merle Bagley for her contribution to the Brooklyn community. Mrs. Bagley migrated to New York from North Carolina in the 1960's. Her life's work has revolved around her dedication to children, not only her own, but society's children. She has successfully raised 10 children, a major accomplishment in itself. But equally important is the community work she has done on behalf of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Youth and Action Board, where she serves as the vice president of the Pacific Street Block Association, and is a member of the Earnestine Grena Senior Citizen Center. Mrs. Bagley has been involved in community work since her retirement, and has lived in the East New York section of Brooklyn since 1973. She is active in the Linden Houses Tenant Association, and is an appointed member of Planning Board 5 and Area Policy Board 5. Merle Bagley's efforts have enriched the community she lives in and loves, and I am pleased to bring her to the attention of my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, there is no greater calling than attending to the education and nurturing of our children. For the past 22 years Leticia P. Johnson has been performing that very vital task. Leticia is a graduate of Brooklyn College and received a master's degree in supervision and administration. Leticia believes that early childhood learning sets the stage for positive human development. Leticia has dedicated herself to getting society and educators to focus on the total needs of our children. Leticia's participation in various organizations reflects her commitment to children. She is a member of the National Black Child Development Institute, and is the cochair of the Early Childhood Task Force. Leticia is also a member of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Conference Inc. For the past 10 years she has served as the director of Young Minds Day Care Center, sponsored by Fort Greene Citizens Council Inc. Brooklyn sees the fruits of Leticia's efforts each time a child is nurtured and educated in her institution. I am happy to acknowledge her selfless efforts.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Jacqueline Charity, who serves as deputy director for access and compliance with the New York City Board of Education, for her years of service. Ms. Charity has amassed an impressive resume of selfless service in the cause of educating young people. She has been directly responsible for programs targeted at talented and gifted students, in addition to her outstanding supervision of the College Bound Program. Recognizing that it is essential for students to be competitive in math and sciences, Ms. Charity undertook the challenge to establish a math-science program at Stuyvesant High School. Jacqueline attended primary and secondary school in Brooklyn, and received her undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College, and her masters degree from New York University. A devoted mother and wife, Jackie finds the time to provide extensive community service in her church and for numerous civic organizations. Among her numerous awards is recognition from the Jack and Jill organization and the YWCA. Jacqueline maintains her spiritual center by serving as a eucharistic minister/lay reader at St. Phillips Episcopal Church. I am pleased to be able to bring the accomplishment of this noted Brooklyn educator to the attention of my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the Borough of Brooklyn is fortunate to have Rosa Liverpool as a citizen. Rosa has been an achiever in spite of adversity. She was the first African-American graduate from the Slovak Girls Academy, and subsequently earned her undergraduate degree from Mercy College, and her master's degree in counseling from Manhattan College. After receiving her degrees, Rosa began working for the city of New York. She has particular expertise in early identification and reporting of abuse and neglect of children. In 1979 Rosa began working with patients and their families who were addicted to opiates. Presently, Ms. Liverpool is the district guidance counselor for community school district 19. She is also the child abuse and neglect liaison as well as the suicide prevention specialist for district 19. Rosa has been actively involved in the east New York community of Brooklyn. Ms. Liverpool chairs the education committee for the Rosetta Gaston Foundation, and is also a member of community board No. 5. She has worked with local storeowners to provide donations for block activities, and coordinated job fairs for east New York residents. Rosa leads by her example, and is destined to leave a lasting legacy.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Dr. Rose Zuzworsky for combining personal and community activism with her deep religious convictions. Rose has been a resident of Cypress Hills for 30 years. She began her community involvement in Blessed Sacrament Parish. She serves on several advisory committees including the pastor's advisory council, and is the chairperson of the environment subcommittee of the Cypress Hills Community Coalition. Rose's interest in environmental concerns is both personal and professional. Dr. Zuzworsky has worked closely with a number of religious organizations and coalitions, and has been a guest lecturer to academic and community groups. In recent years she has volunteered in the recycling division of the department of sanitation. In 1992 she participated in the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro. There is no doubt that Rose's theological training greatly influences her philosophy relative to the environment, as evidenced by her doctoral dissertation which examined the theological and practical dimensions of environmental concerns. The world needs more people to take up the cause of environmental protection, and I am pleased to have her as an ally in that cause.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jacqueline Bergman has distinguished herself as the first female member president of the International Association of Lions Clubs, and I think it is important to recognize this landmark achievement. In 1987 she was installed as the first woman member of the Brooklyn Downtown Lions Club. This is indeed significant because it demonstrates that barriers to advancement for women are being overcome. Ms. Bergman has served the Lions organization well. She has chaired major fundraisers, been the recipient of the organization's highest award by being designated as a Melvin Jones Fellow, and edited the club's newsletter. Jacqueline has also served as a delegate to numerous district, State and international conventions. Jacqueline lives in Brooklyn Heights, has two children, Andrew and Mona, and adores her grandson Andre. Her commitment to service is only exceeded by her desire to do the best job possible. I am honored to recognize her dedicated efforts.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker Lois McDaniel is a native of Batesburg, SC and embodies the philosophy that hard work pays big dividends. Lois attended South Carolina State College and Pace University's evening program. She currently serves as the calendar information officer for the department of city planning and secretary to the New York City Planning Commission for land use and zoning matters. In her capacity she conducts televised public hearings at city hall for the New York City Planning Commission. Prior to joining the department of city planning, Ms. McDaniel served as executive secretary to the president of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corp. A homeowner in East New York since 1969, Lois has been involved in numerous civic activities within the Community Board 5 area. Her efforts have supported senior citizens, block associations, the Democratic Club of East New York, and Union 1180. Ms. McDaniel is actively involved in food drives for City Harvest's food distribution program for the homeless, and is also involved in numerous other charitable efforts. I am proud to acknowledge her efforts to serve the people of Brooklyn.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Ms. Tushia N. Fisher who is employed as a special assistant to the New York State Senate minority leader, Martin Connor. She is a student enrolled in the State University of New York Empire State College, in a combined master's degree program in political science. Tushia is a remarkable example of a 1990's woman, dedicated to her family, striving to improve herself as a single parent, and dedicated to improving and empowering her community. Tushia believes that children are our future. She has embarked on a campaign, starting with her 6-year-old son Jamere Jamison, to improve the plight of African- American youth. Her efforts include volunteering at the Interfaith Hospital holiday drive, as well as the City Kids Foundation. Additionally, Tushia is an active member of Concord Baptist Church. She provides a wonderful example for single and dedicated parents about how to pursue personal and professional development while providing volunteer service to her community. I am happy to cite this wonderful community success story.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, there is no greater calling than attending to the education and nurturing of our children. For the past 20 years Leticia P. Johnson has been performing that very vital task. Leticia is a graduate of Brooklyn College and received a master's degree in supervision and administration. Leticia believes that early childhood learning sets the stage for positive human development. Leticia has dedicated herself to getting society and educators to focus on the total needs of our children. Leticia's participation in various organizations reflects her commitment to children. She is a member of the National Black Child Development Institute, and is the cochair of the Early Childhood Task Force. Leticia is also a member of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Conference Inc. For the past 10 years she has served as the director of Young Minds Day Care Center, sponsored by Fort Greene Citizens Council Inc. Brooklyn sees the fruits of Leticia's efforts each time a child is nurtured and educated in her institution. I am happy to acknowledge her selfless efforts.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Ms. Tushia N. Fisher who is employed as a special assistant to the New York State Senate Minority Leader, Martin Connor. She is a student enrolled in the State University of New York, Empire State College, in a combined master's degree program in political science. Tushia is a remarkable example of a 1990's woman, dedicated to her family, striving to improve herself as a single parent, and dedicated to improving and empowering her community. Tushia believes that children are our future. She has embarked on a campaign, starting with her 6-year-old son Jamere Jamison, to improve the plight of African- American youth. Her efforts include volunteering at the Interfaith Hospital holiday drive, as well as the City Kids Foundation. Additionally, Tushia is an active member of Concord Baptist Church. She provides a wonderful example for single and dedicated parents about how to pursue personal and professional development while providing volunteer service to her community. I am happy to cite this wonderful community success story.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Jo Anne Simon is an outstanding community activist who represents the brownstone community of Boerum Hill in downtown Brooklyn. Ms. Simon is the president of the Boerum Hill Association. The association serves the historic community that has thriving merchant businesses. Jo Anne works closely with local community board and public officials to ensure that critical issues such as education, crime prevention, historical preservation and quality of life issues are responsibly addressed on behalf of community and neighborhood members. Ms. Simon recognizes that her efforts must be special because Boerum Hill is a very special Brooklyn enclave. An attorney and former teacher of the blind, Jo Anne has been very active in the disability rights movement. She is a founding member of the Association of Higher Education and Disability, a national organization which advocates for equal access to higher education. She currently serves on its board of directors. I am pleased to bring Jo Anne Simon's community activism to the attention of my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jacqueline Bergman has distinguished herself as the first female member president of the International Association of Lions Clubs, and I think it is important to recognize this landmark achievement. In 1987 she was installed as the first woman member of the Brooklyn Downtown Lions Club. This is indeed significant because it demonstrates that barriers to advancement for women are being overcome. Ms. Bergman has served the Lions organization well. She has chaired major fundraisers, been the recipient of the organization's highest award by being designated as a Melvin Jones Fellow, and edited the club's newsletter. Jacqueline has also served as a delegate to numerous district, State, and international conventions. Jacqueline lives in Brooklyn Heights, has two children, Andrew and Mona, and adores her grandson Andre. Her commitment to service is only exceeded by her desire to do the best job possible. I am honored to recognize her dedicated efforts.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the Borough of Brooklyn is fortunate to have Rosa Liverpool as a citizen. Rosa has been an achiever in spite of adversity. She was the first African American graduate from the Slovak Girls Academy, and subsequently earned her undergraduate degree from Mercy College, and her master's degree in counseling from Manhattan College. After receiving her degrees, Rosa began working for the city of New York. She has particular expertise in early identification and reporting of abuse and neglect of children. In 1979 Rosa began working with patients and their families who were addicted to opiates. Presently, Ms. Liverpool is the district guidance counselor for Community School District 19. She is also the child abuse and neglect liaison as well as the suicide prevention specialist for district 19. Rosa has been actively involved in the East New York community of Brooklyn. Ms. Liverpool chairs the education committee for the Rosetta Gaston Foundation, and is also a member of Community Board No. 5. She has worked with local store owners to provide donations for block activities, and coordinated job fairs for East New York residents. Rosa leads by her example, and is destined to leave a lasting legacy.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mrs. Merle Bagley for her contribution to the Brooklyn community. Mrs. Bagley migrated to New York from North Carolina in the 1960's. Her life's work has revolved around her dedication to children, not only her own, but society's children. She has successfully raised 10 children, a major accomplishment in itself. But equally important is the community work she has done on behalf of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Youth and Action Board, where she serves as the vice president of the Pacific Street Block Association, and is a member of the Earnestine Grena Senior Citizen Center. Mrs. Bagley has been involved in community work since her retirement, and has lived in the East New York section of Brooklyn since 1973. She is active in the Linden Houses Tenant Association, and is an appointed member of Planning Board 5 and Area Policy Board 5. Merle Bagley's efforts have enriched the community she lives in and loves, and I am pleased to bring her to the attention of my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Lois McDaniel is a native of Batesburg, SC and embodies the philosophy that hard work pays big dividends. Lois attended South Carolina State College and Pace University's evening program. She currently serves as the calendar information officer for the Department of City Planning and secretary to the New York City Planning Commission for land use and zoning matters. In her capacity she conducts televised public hearings at city hall for the N.Y.C. Planning Commission. Prior to joining the Department of City Planning, Ms. McDaniel served as executive secretary to the president of the Bedford- Stuyvesant Restoration Corp. A homeowner in east New York since 1969, Lois has been involved in numerous civic activities within the Community Board 5 area. Her efforts have supported senior citizens, block associations, the Democratic Club of East New York and Union 1180. Ms. McDaniel is actively involved in food drives for City Harvest's food distribution program for the homeless, and is also involved in numerous other charitable efforts. I am proud to acknowledge her efforts to serve the people of Brooklyn.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Solomon-Dooley substitute. This substitute will not, and I repeat, will not increase consumer costs or add unnecessary regulations on the dairy industry. During a time when entitlements such as food stamps and other child nutrition programs are being cut back and streamlined, it appears only logical that the Solomon-Dooley substitute would be adopted. Unlike the committee's dairy provisions, the substitute will not increase dairy product costs. In fact, it will save $350 million, and will not require milk solids to be added to fresh milk. Parents and children who depend on WIC and school lunches should not have to be concerned about the freshness of milk or its increased cost. I urge my colleagues to support this sensible amendment. Do not listen to the numbers that they are just grabbing out of the air. This is a cost- saving amendment and is the right thing to do.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Bliley], chairman, and the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Dingell], ranking member, and of course the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Fields], the chairman of the subcommittee, and the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Markey], the ranking member of the subcommittee. I am pleased that this conference report contains a new initiative to assist in the development of capital funds for small businesses. This telecommunications development fund will provide low-interest loans to small businesses with $50 million or less through up-front spectrum auction payments. I would like to thank the leadership of the committee for bringing this momentous legislation forward and for supporting my efforts to assist small businesses.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, in 1989, the National Cancer Institute [NCI] recommended that women age 40 to 49 undergo biennial mammography screening and an annual mammography at age 50. Six years later, without the consensus of any medical or cancer organizations and against the recommendation of its own national advisory board, NCI eliminated its mammography guidelines for women in the 40 to 49 age group. Last Congress, Mr. Speaker, the Subcommittee on Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations, which I formerly chaired, found that the elimination of these guidelines was without scientific foundation. In fact, the subcommittee issued a report entitled ``Misused Science: The National Cancer Institute's Elimination of Mammography Guidelines for Women in Their Forties.'' In that report, we recommend that ``NCI further research on American women, in the 40 to 49 age group, to determine the importance of mammography screening. Fortunately, others have produced new research to demonstrate that both early detection and screening in younger women can be beneficial in combating this disease. Of the 180,000 cases of breast cancer that are diagnosed each year at least two-thirds, if detected early enough, give women the choice of a breast-conserving procedure--a lumpectomy, rather than a mastectomy. Moreover, a recent CBS investigative report by Michele Gillen has highlighted the importance of mammography screening in the early detection of breast cancer and the inability of the NCI to explain its abrupt changes to the guidelines in 1993. Even more troubling is the fact that the Gillen investigation has uncovered that NCI now wants to back away from recommending any mammographies for women age 50 and over. This kind of callous attitude could lead to insurance companies refusing to cover the cost of mammography screenings. Over 40,000 women will die from this disease in 1996. If you can recommend an appropriate daily allowance for vegetables in the American diet, you should be able to recommend life-saving screenings for American women. I say to NCI tonight don't eliminate the only tool American women have to protect themselves against breast cancer. Retain the original 1989 guidelines for mammography screenings and self-breast exams.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me say to the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Mfume] that you can count on me to be a soldier in your army for justice as you continue to fight on the outside as you have been able to fight on the inside. One that note, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Mfume].

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee].

Mr. TOWNS. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. TOWNS. I yield to the gentlewoman from Michigan.

Mr. TOWNS. I would be delighted to yield to the gentleman from Ohio, the dean of the Ohio delegation [Mr. Stokes].

Mr. TOWNS. I yield to the gentleman from Georgia.