Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson. Hattie was born on July 20, 1938, in Beuna Vista, Georgia. Her parents are the late Woodward Thomas Person and Hattie Williams- Persons. During her adolescence, Hattie loved to laugh and had a zest for learning; she completed two grades in a single school year. Hattie migrated to New York City in 1959. She resided on Washington Avenue with her aunt and uncle, Fannie and Elder Williams. Her uncle was the founding pastor of the Evergreen Church of God in Christ, where Hattie was a dedicated member for several years. In 1972, she joined the New Canaan Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. A.L. Cunningham and the current pastor, Rev. Richard J. Lawson. Hattie's dedication to the Lord and her church compelled her to work tirelessly in pursuit of the crown she will receive in heaven. In her service at Evergreen Church of God in Christ, she served as a trustee, data entry secretary, hospitality committee president, Christian councilmember, Women's Day Committee secretary, and special projects organizer. At New Canaan Baptist Church, Hattie was senior choir president, Georgia/Alabama Club president, Traveling Mass Choir member, Matron Mission Club member, Women's Day chairperson, Pastor's Aide Club member and church clerk. Hattie loved organizing projects and was dedicated to upholding the legacy of the African-American experience. She was involved in extensive community activities: yearly Black History Month celebrations, youth with educational trips to Washington, D.C., literature handouts, yearly family reunions, fundraising, and various events designed to bring family and friends together (including her famous Reach One, Teach One program). Hattie can only be described as a passionate, purposeful, ambitious, and charitable person. She was always willing to lend a hand in support of a cause, whether large or small. Hattie was an employee of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in New York for thirty years before retiring. Hattie was always dedicated to the service of her community. She will be dearly missed by all who worked with her. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of Ms. Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rev. June Montague. Rev. Montague is a woman who dares to make a difference. She entered ministry in 1978, in an era when men dominated the ministerial offices and women were denied the opportunity to preach from the pulpit or hold spiritual leadership offices. Despite this adversity, she preached the word with faith, boldness and power, paving the way for other women with similar callings. Rev. Montague was baptized and raised in the Methodist church, serving in the choir, teaching Sunday school and counseling young people. She was called to the Deliverance ministry in the early 1970s, under the leadership of the late Apostle Arturo Skinner. Rev. Montague sat at the Apostle's feet and was nurtured in the way of holiness and the ministry of Deliverance. Anointed by God to carry on the vision of the Deliverance ministry, Rev. Montague organized and founded the United Pentecostal Deliverance Temple Church in 1980. The ministry started in a basement and then reached into the streets and schools. The congregation outgrew its first store front building at 1125 Church Avenue, Brooklyn (1980-1988) and relocated to 75 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn (1988-1991). The need to have adequate space to worship further led the Church to its present site, 810 East 49th Street, Brooklyn (1991-present). The Church is dedicated to providing the community with exposure to, and instruction in, the teachings of Christ. Rev. Montague received her Biblical training at the Bethel Bible Institute and the New York School of Bible. Her achievements include honorary doctorate degrees in Divinity and Humane Letters. She received awards for outstanding achievement in Church and Christian Development and International Evangelist. Rev. Montague was also awarded Pastor of the Year by the Church Women United. Rev. Montague has been on the battlefield for over thirty years, sharing the gospel across the globe, such as London, South Africa, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Costa Rica. Because of her faith and labor of love, thousands have received salvation, healing, and liberation from the captive of their souls. She has a unique talent for breaking down the revealed word in terms that everyone can understand, whether it be the learned or the unlearned. Another chapter of this book is about to be written. Rev. Montague vows to continue the Deliverance ministry. She acknowledging that greater works are on the horizon, knowing that she was called to ministry for such a time as this; a time of widespread theological and moral apostasy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of Rev. June Montague.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Gloria Thomas. Gloria Thomas was born and raised in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York. She currently resides in the East New York community, where she has lived for 35 years. Ms. Thomas is a graduate of Manual Training High School and later attended New York Community College. She has a certificate in Advanced Church Ministries from the Evangelical Training Association. For over twenty years, Ms. Thomas worked as a payroll manager for Robert B. Samuels Electrical Contractors. She retired in 2000 and became a volunteer at the Penn Wortman Senior Center. On November 15, 2002, she became the President of the Penn Wortman Voices and later served as the program committee chairperson as well (June 2004-2010). As part of her duties, Ms. Thomas coordinated programs to entertain, inspire, and empower seniors. She is currently President of the FGC Penn Wortman Voices, where she and other choir members sing songs of inspiration at various events. Ms. Thomas attends Universal Baptist Church where Reverend Dr. James R. Green, Jr. is the pastor. She has been a member of this church for over 20 years. Prior to her retirement, she served in the Food and Clothing Ministry, Celestial Choir and the Liturgical Dance Ministry. She is committed to securing a better quality of life for seniors. As a newly recruited board member of the East New York Council for the Aging, Inc., her primary goal is to continue to support the mission of providing adequate programs and services for seniors. Ms. Thomas was featured in ``Remembered Lives,'' Our Times Press, December 2005. On May 20, 2006, the East New York Interagency Council for the Aging honored Ms. Thomas for her outstanding service and commitment to seniors. She also received a Beacon of Hope Award on August 5, 2006, from the East New York United Concerned Citizens, Inc. for her contribution and diligent work in the East New York community. Ms. Thomas remains a committed member of the community. She still works closely with the New York Branch of the NAACP, the Local 3 IBEW Retirees Association (Brooklyn Chapter); and the East New York Interagency Council for the Aging. She thanks God for the energy and strength to continue her work in the community. Ms. Thomas has a daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Paul Gary. She also has a granddaughter, Imani Safiya Gary, whom she loves dearly. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of Ms. Gloria Thomas.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Fay Douglas-Lane for her service to and excellence in the practice of nursing. Fay was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Her extensive nursing career began at the University Hospital of the West Indies' School of Nursing, where she received certification in both medical and surgical wards. Throughout her life, Fay provided critical services to her community as a nurse, mentor and volunteer to those in need. Fay began her career in 1983, as an Operating Room nurse at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. For nearly nine years she served in this capacity. She left Downstate Medical Center for a brief period, but returned in 1994. When Fay returned, she served in supervisory roles until her promotion to Associate Nursing Director in 2003. Fay has a unique understanding of perioperative nursing; her expertise was instrumental to the healthcare team at SUNY. Among her accomplishments, Fay championed and facilitated the Team STEPPS Program, an evidence- based teamwork system designed to improve quality, safety and efficiency for perioperative services. Fay retired from Downstate Medical Center on December 31, 2010. Fay has always been committed to achieving excellence in the practice of nursing. She was involved in the Brooklyn Chapter of the Association of Operating Room Nurses, including two separate terms as President. She also served as mentor to numerous Registered Nurses, Operating Room Technicians, Nursing Assistants, and Resident Physicians. Fay was not consumed by hospital work. She devoted time to assisting teachers and staff at P.S. 397, a children's elementary school in Brooklyn, NY, and has been actively involved in the Parent Teacher Association of Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn. Fay also spent significant time volunteering. In 1986, she worked with a team of doctors and nurses to care for the poor and needy in Jamaica, West Indies. In 1998, she contributed her time and service to the People United to Save Our Children Community Choir. Fay has a strong commitment to her faith. In March of 2000, she received a certificate for Outstanding Christian Services from Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn. In December 2010, she was ordained a deacon at Berean Baptist Church, where she has been a member for over twenty years. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Fay Douglas-Lane.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Chair, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 836. This legislation would repeal any underlying authority for loans and other assistance to unemployed homeowners at a time when we still have nearly nine percent of our Nation out of work. The effects of this bill would kill the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program before it has any chance of helping homeowners who are in desperate need of immediate assistance. It is troublesome to me how we as a nation can bail out banks, the automobile industry and even other nations. However, when a neighbor has lost their job through no fault of his or her own, we are willing to sit on our hands. Mr. Speaker, this is the wrong message to send to our constituents. The Emergency Mortgage Relief Program will provide $1 billion to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is projected to help 30,000 to 50,000 distressed homeowners. The bridge loans that will be disbursed through this program will be at zero interest to the borrower. This will allow homeowners a chance to receive some relief from payments until they are able to find a job, or are able to resume payments through other means. Madam Chair, this Congress must ask itself who we value and more importantly who do we stand with. Congress must stand on the side of homeowners. I urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 836.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chair, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 830, the FHA Refinance Program Termination Act. This bill would terminate the authority for the FHA to guarantee new single family refinance loans under the FHA refinance program at 97.75 percent of the home's value. I am concerned that the Republican plan would kill a program that offers a cost effective approach to assisting underwater borrowers achieve sustainable long-term homeownership. This Congress should be committed to helping struggling homeowners stay in their homes. Instead it seems we are taking up measures that would only complicate this effort. According to the FHA nearly one quarter of American homeowners are underwater on their mortgages. Terminating a program that would allow hard-working Americans who are current in their mortgages the ability to stay in their homes will only add to our nation's foreclosure crisis. Mr. Chair, homeownership is the American dream for many families in this country. The FHA Refinance Program will give the American people a chance to keep their dream alive by allowing lenders the ability to write off mortgage principal, at no cost to the tax payer. This Congress must stand with the distressed homeowners in this country who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Before moving forward we should ask ourselves who do we value, and more importantly who do we stand with? Congress must stand on the side of the homeowners in this country. I urge my colleagues to vote no H.R. 830.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, recently we have seen many breakthroughs in cross-strait relations: direct, scheduled flights, direct shipping and postal services, a framework for financial cooperation and investment. On June 29, 2010 Taiwan and Mainland China signed the historic Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in Chongqing, China. At the moment, Taiwan's Strait Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) are discussing and exploring further measures to improve cross-strait relations. It is apparent to the international community that the tone of Taiwan-mainland relations has improved significantly. With the conclusion of numerous cross-strait agreements, economic and cultural ties between Taiwan and mainland China can be expected to grow in the future. I am happy to see increased stability in the Taiwan Strait and upsurge in Taiwan-mainland economic, cultural and people-to-people contacts. Mr. Speaker, these acheivements would not have been possible without the hard work of President Ma Ying-jeou and the leaders of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and the Straits Exchange Foundation. On the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Straits Exchange Foundation, I applaud the courage shown by President Ma in taking steps to improve cross-strait relations. Again, on this anniversary, it is my belief that future stability in the strait will depend on open dialogue between Taiwan and Mainland China, free of force and intimidation and consistent with Taiwan's flourishing democracy. In order for Taiwan to deal with Mainland China confidently, Taiwan needs to be confident in its role in the international community, its ability to defend itself and its place in the global economy. The United States must continue to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations. We must help Taiwan feel that it has the physical capacity to resist intimidation by selling defense articles and services to Taiwan, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). Lastly, we must explore new initiatives to expand our economic relationship with Taiwan.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 570, the Dental Emergency Responder Act of 2011. I urge my colleagues to support this act as it is a necessary step towards ensuring our nation's readiness for national emergencies. As a member of the New York City Congressional delegation, I am no stranger to tragic, national events. In the wake of September 11, 2001, we witnessed thousands of citizens banding together to heal the community. Similarly, when Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast, Americans again came together to help those in need. The people of our Nation stand together as a community in times of great sorrow. For this reason, Government should do all that it can to ensure that individuals with great skill are afforded the opportunity to assist in times of need. For too long, dentists have been prohibited from assisting in times of emergency. However, this profession is composed of highly trained, and capable medical professionals, many of whom have offices that can easily convert into triage facilities when needed. When this bill is enacted, states will be able to include, if they choose, dentists as part of the emergency response plan. The important decisions about how a state responds to a crisis will still be left to local authorities. Enactment of this bill simply provides decision makers with more options to respond to tragedies and emergencies. I urge all of my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 570.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Fay Douglas-Lane for her service to and excellence in the practice of nursing. Fay was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Her extensive nursing career began at the University Hospital of the West Indies' School of Nursing, where she received certification in both medical and surgical wards. Throughout her life, Fay provided critical services to her community as a nurse, mentor and volunteer to those in need. Fay began her career in 1983, as an Operating Room nurse at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. For nearly nine years she served in this capacity. She left Downstate Medical Center for a brief period, but returned in 1994. When Fay returned, she served in supervisory roles until her promotion to Associate Nursing Director in 2003. Fay has a unique understanding of perioperative nursing; her expertise was instrumental to the healthcare team at SUNY. Among her accomplishments, Fay championed and facilitated the Team STEPPS Program, an evidence based teamwork system designed to improve quality, safety and efficiency for perioperative services. Fay retired from Downstate Medical Center on December 31, 2010. Fay has always been committed to achieving excellence in the practice of nursing. She was involved in the Brooklyn Chapter of the Association of Operating Room Nurses, including two separate terms as President. She also served as mentor to numerous Registered Nurses, Operating Room Technicians, Nursing Assistants, and Resident Physicians. Fay was not consumed by hospital work. She devoted time to assisting teachers and staff at P.S. 397, a children's elementary school in Brooklyn, NY, and has been actively involved in the Parent Teacher Association of Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn. Fay also spent significant time volunteering. In 1986, she worked with a team of doctors and nurses to care for the poor and needy in Jamaica, West Indies. In 1998, she contributed her time and service to the People United to Save Our Children Community Choir. Fay has a strong commitment to her faith. In March of 2000, she received a certificate for Outstanding Christian Services from Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn. In December 2010, she was ordained a deacon at Berean Baptist Church, where she has been a member for over twenty years. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Fay Douglas-Lane.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support the Kline-Foxx-McCarthy- Hastings amendment, which would prohibit the use of funds by the Department of Education for the implementation of the Gainful Employment Act. I am concerned that if this rule is implemented, it will apply an unnecessary broad-brush approach to a complicated situation. This rule, if implemented in its proposed form, will effectively close high-quality programs while leaving programs of questionable value open. So this is not the way to deal with this issue. We all know that a college education, whenever possible, is one of the best paths a student can take to secure employment in a time when our Nation's unemployment rate is just under 10 percent. In some communities, it's double that. Let's not close off any meaningful job training programs. The Department should not forget that these programs serve 2.8 million, and many of them are economically disadvantaged minority students who will lose access to the educational opportunities that they cannot get elsewhere. These students are nontraditional and need the extra assistance offered by these flexible programs. Supporting this amendment is supporting access and choice. Supporting this amendment is supporting educational opportunities for minorities. A ``yes'' vote is a vote for economically disadvantaged students. Many of them are the first in their families to attend college. These students wish to have the opportunity to attend a flexible program that trains them to be the best they can be. I urge my colleagues to understand how important this is to be able to provide an opportunity for these young people in many instances. One incident; you cannot draw national conclusions because you know one student that did not finish. You can pick the finest university and the most prestigious university in this country and you can find examples. Let us be serious. We need to provide opportunities for people to be able to have a better quality of life. On that note, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson. Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson was born on July 20, 1938 to the late Woodward Thomas Person and Hattie Williams-Persons in Buena Vista, Georgia. Hattie was a delightful youngster who loved to laugh and had a zest for learning, completing two grades in one year in grade school. Hattie migrated to New York City in 1959 where she resided on Washington Avenue with her aunt, Fannie Williams, and maternal uncle, Elder Eugene Williams, founding pastor of the Evergreen Church of God In Christ. Hattie was a dedicated member of Evergreen before changing her place of worship in 1972 where she joined the New Canaan Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend A.L. Cunningham and Reverend Richard J. Lawson, current pastor. Hattie's dedication to the Lord and her church compelled her to work tirelessly in pursuit of the crown she will receive in heaven. In her service at Evergreen Church of God In Christ, Hattie served as a Trustee, Data Entry Secretary, president of the Hospitality Committee, Christian Council member, Women's Day Committee secretary, and special projects organizer. In her service at New Canaan Baptist Church, this servant of God was president of the Senior choir, president of Georgia/ Alabama Club, member of the dynamic traveling Mass Choir, member of the Matron Mission Club, Chairperson of Women's Day, Pastor's Aide Club member and Church Clerk. Hattie loved organizing a project and recruited any and everyone who crossed her path. She was passionate about upholding the legacy of the African-American Experience through her yearly Black History Month celebrations, empowering youth with educational trips to Washington, DC, giving out literature, overseeing yearly family reunions, and organizing various fundraisers and events bringing family and friends together, including her famous Reach One, Teach One programs. Hattie can surely be described as a people person, a mover and shaker, a person of purpose and passion, always lending a hand in support of some cause, albeit large or small. Hattie was an employee of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in New York for thirty years before retiring. After retirement, she joined the campaign for Congressman Edolphus Towns and was later hired to work at the Towns' House of Representatives District Office on Court Street, downtown Brooklyn. She was always dedicated to the service of her community. Hattie will be dearly missed by all who worked with her. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to voice my unequivocal support of the right of the 600,000 residents of the District of Columbia to be self-governed. There is no reason on Earth that these American citizens must take orders from the federal government on how best to use locally-collected tax dollars. The federal government already dictates to them how they must use their federal taxes. Now this body wants to deny them the freedom to decide what to do with their local taxes. We have heard a lot of talk in recent days about how much we as Americans cherish our freedom and liberty. Yet, there are those among us who believe that freedom and liberty ends for residents of the District of Columbia when they make decisions contrary to their wishes and beliefs. The District of Columbia, like any other local jurisdiction, should have the right to pass its own laws and spend its own local-taxpayer raised funds without congressional interference. I am certain most of you would resist federal interference in the local affairs of your cities and counties. Whether it involves matters of health, safety or the education of children in your Districts--these are decisions best left to the people who must live or die with their choices. Who are we in this body to ram our beliefs and ideology down the throats of others? I understand why my colleague Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and the people of the District of Columbia are angry and upset. I urge you to let the people of the District of Columbia decide what to do with their tax dollars. If liberty and self-governance is available for some Americans, then it should be given to all Americans.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the people of Azerbaijan in remembrance of the tragic events of Black January, when at midnight of January 19, 1990, 26,000 Soviet troops stormed the capital city of Baku with tanks and armored vehicles. That night the Soviet military machine intended to restore public order by bulldozing innocent people and firing on peaceful demonstrators, including on women and children. According to Azerbaijani records, as a result of this merciless act authorized by then President Mikhail Gorbachev, 130 people died, 611 were injured, 841 were arrested, and 5 went missing. Human Rights groups have condemned the Baku incursion for its attacks on medical personnel, ambulances and even hospitals. The punishment inflicted by Soviet soldiers was intended as a warning to nationalists, not only in Azerbaijan, but in other Republics of the Soviet Union. The Soviet use of force in Baku was a desperate attempt to rescue the totalitarian regime. However, Black January had the opposite effect on Azerbaijan. It consolidated the rising independence movements in the country and united the Azerbaijani nation in their quest for freedom. Azerbaijan has developed into a thriving country and has become an essential partner of the United States in the region, collaborating on strengthening energy security and working together to counter terrorism and extremism. I would like to thank the Azerbaijani people for their friendship and share my thoughts and prayers with the families of those who gave their lives fighting for a better Azerbaijan. The United States will continue to work with Azerbaijan and other countries in the region to promote human rights, maintain stability, strengthen institutions, enhance the rule of law, and settle conflicts.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 2, the Patient's Rights Repeal Act. In the 112th Congress, the American people were promised a focus on our economy. Today however, rather than discussing legislation that would strengthen our economy, legislation that would create jobs, or even legislation that would reduce our nation's deficit, we are discussing the repeal of legislation that protects more than 500 families in my district from bankruptcy due to the costs of healthcare. We are discussing the repeal of legislation that would give tax credits to 117,000 families in my district and a 35% tax credit to the 11,400 small businesses in my district who choose to offer coverage. If our intent here is truly to create jobs, why would we repeal legislation that since its enactment, has contributed to the creation of more than one million private sector jobs, including more than 200,000 jobs in the healthcare industry? Mr. Speaker, I am not here to represent the insurance industry or the pharmaceutical industry. I am here to represent the interests of the ordinary Americans that reform will protect. Repealing the Affordable Care Act would be in direct opposition to those interests by increasing our national deficit by one trillion dollars over the next two decades and preventing tens of millions of uninsured Americans from gaining coverage. In my district alone, 37,500 people will receive coverage under this law, and 75,000 seniors on Medicare will receive improved care, giving them full access to our healthcare system, which is the ``best in the world.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask you, what is the point in having the ``best healthcare system in the world'' if more than thirty million Americans, including the 37,500 in my district, do not have full access to its benefits? What is the point of having the ``best healthcare system in the world'' if insurance companies are allowed to deny people coverage when they need it the most, based on ``pre-existing conditions.'' It is wrong. You know it's wrong. This law has corrected it and we should not mess with it. There may be weaknesses in the health reform law, but based on an average of 117,000 private sector jobs created per month since its passage, I strongly believe that it is a good starting point for efforts to make our nation stronger. The Affordable Care Act is good for not only our seniors and the uninsured, but all Americans who not only deserve, but need access to quality, affordable healthcare. In the name of the hundreds of thousands of constituents in my district, in the name of the Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center and 30 other community health centers that will receive increased funding to provide my district with better care, and in the name of the tens of millions of Americans that we fought so hard for in passing reform, I will vote no on this bill, and any other efforts to undermine the legislation passed last year. Instead I hope we can begin a meaningful conversation about moving forward, using this established framework to continue to strengthen our nation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Louisa Josefina Morris on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Louisa Josefina Morris was born in Colon, Panama on January 17, 1911 to Elmina Cox and Charles Watts. She was raised by her grandparents Ella and Ernest Beury in Panama's Gatun, Cristobel Canal Zone. Her grandparents proved to be important role models; they provided a loving and caring home for her to develop and grow. Louisa met and married Irving Benjamin Morris, and together, they had five children: Irene Walker, Davina Morris, Olivia Aikens, Leo Morris, and Elisa Morris. In 1958, Louisa left Panama and relocated to the United States, where she got a job at a local hospital. She became a citizen five years later. Her children and husband all came to the United States shortly after Louisa. All of her children grew up and had children of their own, giving Louisa and Irving many grandchildren. Louisa contributed to raising the first generation of her grandchildren. Now each of her grandchildren has children of their own. Through the past 100 years, Louisa has lived a full life, through World War I and World War II, Vietnam, segregation, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and the election of President Barack Obama, and says now that she has seen it all, and has had the pleasure of doing what many have not been privileged to do. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of Louisa Josefina Morris.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rise in strong support of S. 372, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2010. I want to congratulate Senator Akaka and the other Senate sponsors of S. 372 for their efforts. I commend the persistence they have demonstrated in championing this good government bill. I'm proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 1507, the bipartisan companion bill to S. 372. H.R. 1507 was introduced by Representative Van Hollen last year. I want to thank Mr. Van Hollen and all the co- sponsors of H.R. 1507, including Mr. Platts of Pennsylvania. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership in support of government whistleblowers. This legislation is long overdue. Different versions of this legislation have been introduced in every Congress for the last 12 years. The Oversight Committee has long-recognized that enhancing whistleblower protections will help the Congress to fulfill its role in bringing about more honest, accountable, and effective government for the American people. Federal employees are often the first to witness abuses or misconduct that presents a risk to the taxpayers. Providing strong protections for those who disclose misconduct helps to promote a more accountable and transparent federal bureaucracy. This legislation provides a means of securing justice to those individuals who are punished for doing the right thing. During Committee hearings on this legislation, we heard from courageous government workers who risked their careers to promote the common good. Mr. Franz Gayl, a civilian employee in the Marine Corps, testified about the retaliation he faced. Mr. Gayl blew the whistle on significant delays in the acquisition process--delays that were costing Marines their lives in Iraq. Defense Secretary Gates ultimately agreed with the proposals put forth by Mr. Gayl on troop protection. However, Mr. Gayl remains at risk of losing his job. This bill will help Mr. Gayl, and many others like him. We have heard from dozens of whistleblowers who support this bill. I want to acknowledge one in particular. Mr. Robert Maclean is a former Federal Air Marshal who was fired after disclosing a threat to aviation safety. Mr. MacLean's case has been lingering for far too long under the current system. He has championed this bill because he knows first hand that the current system is broken. I thank him for his efforts on behalf of the country. As many of you remember, the House of Representatives passed similar legislation by a 331-94 vote in the 110th Congress. The House also unanimously passed whistleblower protections as an amendment to the Recovery Act at the beginning of this Congress. Unfortunately, that amendment was stripped out in conference with the Senate. After a long process in the Senate, this bill comes before the House for a third time. I am pleased the House-Senate compromise we are considering includes important provisions from the House bill. For the first time, the bill will allow Federal workers the right to a jury trial in Federal Court under some circumstances. The legislation we're considering today is a good compromise. However, I'm disappointed that the Senate did not agree to extend similar whistleblower protections to government contractors. I am also disappointed that we could not come to an agreement with the Republican side on extending protections to employees in the Intelligence Community. In spite of the bill's imperfections and limitations, I wholeheartedly endorse this agreement. This is a good government bill that will help to curb waste, fraud, and abuse in the Federal Government. I encourage the Senate to act quickly on our modifications, and send the bill to President Obama without further delay.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2142, the Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act. I applaud Representative Cuellar for his Herculean efforts in getting this bill through the process. This is a common sense bill that will improve the performance of the Federal Government. This bill was approved by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform by voice vote on May 20, 2010. The House passed the bill by voice vote on June 16, 2010. The Senate amended the bill and passed it by unanimous consent on December 16, 2010. H.R. 2142 modernizes and strengthens the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993. This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget to develop governmentwide priority goals that cut across agency programs. This will help agencies work together to reduce duplication and improve efficiencies. This bill requires each agency to identify performance goals and to perform frequent performance reviews. This will provide agencies and Congress with the information needed to make responsible decisions regarding priorities and resources. The Senate amendments to the bill will improve the transparency of the performance management process by establishing a single website that will allow Congress and members of the public to access the results of performance assessments. This legislation provides greater accountability by requiring agencies to consider input from Congress and members of the public when developing priorities and by requiring the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on agency implementation of this legislation. The Senate amendments retain important provisions from the House- passed bill establishing performance improvement officers at each agency and establishing a performance improvement council. These are not new ideas as they were required by an Executive Order issued by President George W. Bush. Putting these provisions, as well as the rest of this bill in statute will provide a certain framework for both the current and future administrations. A vote in favor of this bill is a vote in favor of an efficient, effective government. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding time, and of course the ranking member as well. I rise to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 841, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. Today, environmentally friendly vehicles are quickly becoming a staple in the lives of Americans who are attempting to go green. I applaud the use of technology that decreases air pollution and fossil fuel consumption; however, we must address an unforeseen consequence of such innovation. Over the years, we have heard tragic stories involving pedestrians and hybrid or electric vehicles. Not too long ago, news accounts were the story of a young child hit by a hybrid car. This accident was not caused by a driver's negligence or a car's manufacturing defect. It occurred because the child never heard the approaching car. The hybrids: engines were simply too quiet. Environmentally friendly vehicles such as hybrids often fail to produce audible sounds when driven. The silent nature of these vehicles, coupled with the growing popularity, presents a dilemma: How do we protect individuals dependent on sounds for their safety, such as unsuspecting pedestrians and the blind? The solution lies in the Pedestrian Safety Act. This act requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of the minimum level of sound required for environmentally friendly vehicles. Once this safety standard is determined, it will be applied to all new automobiles manufactured or sold in the United States beginning 2 years after the standard is issued. This is an effective way, not only to prevent avoidable injuries to pedestrians, but to do so without impeding innovation with stringent regulations. It is clear that environmentally friendly vehicles are growing in popularity. While it is important to embrace technology that benefits our environment, we must do so with the safety of all citizens in mind. This bill successfully passed the Senate last week and has been a long time coming here in the House. Our Chamber's companion bill, H.R. 734, has 238 bipartisan cosponsors. The bill coming to us from the Senate is even stronger. It is completely deficit neutral and supported by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the National Federation of the Blind, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, and the American Council of the Blind. Before I conclude, Madam Speaker, let me take a moment to thank my colleague and friend, Representative Cliff Stearns, who has worked over the years with me on this bill. I want to thank staff members James Thomas and Nicole Alexander for their tremendous assistance in helping us move this important legislation forward. I would also like to thank Emily Khoury and Dana Grayson and all other staff that have made this moment a reality. This bill has been a model of bipartisanship and will benefit pedestrians across the country for years to come. I urge all of my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me in supporting this very important legislation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, S. 3167 is an important, bipartisan measure that will help ensure stable, effective management at the Census Bureau for years to come. With preparations for the 2020 Census already underway, this body has the opportunity to make sure it is the most accurate and complete census in history. The measure would protect the independence of the Census Bureau from political interference by giving its Director the independence to report directly to the Secretary of Commerce. The Department of Commerce oversees many agencies, and so giving the Census Bureau greater independence from Commerce will help keep it a priority throughout the 10-year cycle of the census. It will also help keep Congress informed on the status of the census throughout the decade, helping us to foresee and prevent problems. The bill will also extend the term of the director of the Bureau to five years, with a limit of two terms. This will align the term of the Director more closely with the decennial census's planning and implementation phases. In addition, it will help free the director from the whims of presidential politics, keeping a new president from changing directors in the middle of a census. I think this is so important, especially since the 2020 Census will occur during a presidential election year. A fixed term sends a message that we consider the Census Bureau to be an agency with a scientific mission, like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics. We must make sure that the professionals at these agencies, including the Census Bureau, are given the ability to do what they do best, insulated from politics. We know the significance of the decennial census: an undertaking so important that the founding fathers enshrined it in the Constitution. However, GAO has deemed the last three decennial censuses ``at risk,'' which is something we in Congress cannot accept. S. 3167 will implement some of GAO's recommendations on the Census, and also has the support of leading statistical organizations and the seven living former directors of the Bureau, directors who served under Democratic and Republican presidents alike. The bill comes at no cost to taxpayers, and is the result of careful, bipartisan negotiations. I'd like to thank the gentlewoman from New York, Representative Maloney, as well as the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Representative Dent, for their leadership on the bill, the gentleman from Missouri, Representative Clay, for his leadership on the Census with the Information Policy Subcommittee, and I'd also like to thank Senators Carper and Coburn for the hard work they put into passing the legislation unanimously in the Senate. I encourage all my colleagues on both sides to join me in voting in favor of S. 3167.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Adele V. Trapp. For 53 years, Mrs. Trapp has served as Den Mother to Cub Pack 263 of the Greater New York Council of Boy Scouts of America, located at St. Philip's Episcopal Church. This dedication earned Mrs. Trapp a spot in the Guinness Word Book of Records. Mrs. Trapp was born in Barbados, West Indies, and will be turning 97 on February 26th. She is a founding Board Member of St. Mark's Day School and recently retired from the New York City Department of Education, where she received a Quality of Work Life Program Award for 30 years of dedicated service. At the time of her retirement, she was the oldest employee in the Department of Education; this feat was acknowledged in a feature article published in the New York Daily News. Prior to her work with the Department of Education, Mrs. Trapp served as Secretary to the Comptroller in the New York City Transit Authority. Mrs. Trapp has been honored for her community service by countless officials and organizations, including Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz and the Crown Heights Lions Club. In addition to her honors and accolades, Mrs. Trapp is a proponent of the nation's labor movement. As a proud member of DC 37 and the Union shop steward, Mrs. Trapp provided key testimony in the Union's successful efforts to get the Department of Education to pay paraprofessionals on Brooklyn/Queens Day and to compensate them for previous unpaid work on those days. Mrs. Trapp also has a strong commitment to her faith. She has been a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church for 67 years and received two awards: the Service to Church and Community Award from St. Matthew's Deanery and the Bishop's Medal of Distinguished Parochial Service. Besides enjoying the company of her large family and many friends, Mrs. Trapp has been a bowler for 50 years and is a member of the Women's International Bowling Congress. In 2009, she was recognized in El Paso, Texas, for her 30 years of participation in the natural tournaments. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Mrs. Adele V. Trapp.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Elisha Ackie. Elisha Ackie is one of those members of our society who has always been committed to our community's needs and dedicated to helping others; she is a songbird of religious verses and music, who celebrates that the Lord is her Shepherd. Elisha Ackie was born on December 14, 1903 in Carriacou, Grenada, West Indies and migrated to New York in 1988. She is the proud mother of Jean Ackie, grandmother of two and great-grandmother of eight and great-great grandmother of two. Her long life is a testament to her legacy of family values and inter-generational family commitment. Even on the dawn of her 107th birthday, she continues to bring her family together for occasional dinners and gatherings. Elisha Ackie is commended for adding joy and flavor to our 10th Congressional District in New York. She is also celebrated for the many stylish hats that adorn her beautiful face. This role model of work ethic, family life and sharing of daily bread will most certainly ensure that upcoming generations of her family, and those whose lives they touch, will continue to be fruitful members of our American society. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Elisha Ackie.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my support for a piece of immigration reform that is long overdue: The American DREAM Act. In my district, as in the rest of the country, the children of immigrants are being denied the benefits of education and a future they once believed in. Under our current laws, children of immigrants are able to attend American elementary and high schools, but hit a glass ceiling when faced with the prospect of higher education. This is because their immigration status precludes them from opportunities that make college education affordable, such as in-state tuition and federal loans. If an individual is placed into a circumstance without choice, I ask, is it right to force that person to spend the rest of his life paying the consequences? The American DREAM Act offers a swift and appropriate means of reforming this flaw in our nation's immigration laws. If enacted, individuals who were brought to the United States before they were 16 can become permanent residents when they are admitted to an institution of higher education or serve for 2 years in the military. While several similar bills have been introduced in recent Congresses, this reform has not had the opportunity to succeed until now. This nation was built by immigrants and we should encourage those who want to become Americans to pursue education. It is time to take initiative; let us help millions of young people take a step towards achieving the American dream. Let us pass the American DREAM Act.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Derek Phillips. Derek Phillips received his Master's Degree in African American Studies from the State University at Albany, NY and later received another Master's Degree in School Building Leadership from Mercy College. He completed his undergraduate studies at the State University at New Paltz. An Educator by profession, Derek taught History at Park West High School for one year. He went on to teach Math and History for eight years at the New York City Public School Repertory Company, a school for ``under-credited'' high school students. While at PSRC, he also served as the college advisor. Derek taught at the Eight Plus Learning Academy for region ten at Wadleigh High School in Harlem, NY for four years. The Eight Plus Program was a school for ``at-risk'' eighth graders who failed to fulfill the necessary requirements for promotion to high school. While at Eight Plus, he served as Math teacher, Dean and Site Coordinator. He also taught Social Studies and Global History at the Choir Academy in Harlem. Currently, he is an Assistant Principal at Queens Academy High School, a school for under-credited and over- aged young people. In addition to being an educational leader, Derek is the Founder and Executive Director of the Real Dads Network--an organization that is committed to educating, supporting and empowering Black fathers. The Real Dads Network received national recognition in Ebony magazine, June 2010 as one of the top ten resources for dads. Additionally, Derek serves as a spokesperson for fatherhood in several ways: by appearing as a guest on radio such as 98.7 Kiss FM's Open Line and Al Sharpton's Hour of Power, as a guest on the BET Special, Black Men the Truth, and as a panelist at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference on Fatherhood. Derek was also featured in the New York Daily News' ``Spotlight on Great People,'' and created the Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance, which has been adopted in other major cities. He contributed to the best-selling book I Got Your Back: A Father and Son Keep It Real About Love, Fatherhood, Family and Friendship, by Eddie Levert Sr. and Gerald Levert with Lyah Beth leFlore and co-directed and produced the award-winning documentary ``Black Men on Fatherhood'' with commentary by the late Ossie Davis. Derek is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and through his works, words and actions, he is committed to educating, uplifting, and empowering our youth. His motto is ``if everyone does a part, then no one is left doing the whole thing.'' He resides in Peekskill, NY with Maria, his loving wife, and Jordyn and Maya, his two beautiful daughters. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Derek Phillips.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Frankee Cooper. Ms. Cooper was born on October 10, 1992, in Brooklyn, New York. She is the daughter of two proud parents, Mary and Steven Cooper; the granddaughter of Bertha and Charlie Johnson; and holds the loving support of her mother's fiance, and future stepfather, Wilbert Tee Lawton. Ms. Cooper is a very dedicated student that excels at everything she puts her mind to. Ms. Cooper attended various private schools during her academic career in Brooklyn: Emanuel Baptist Church Christian School, Saukofa Academy, Saint Paul's Community Christian School and Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. Ms. Cooper always strived toward academic excellence. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Cooper maintained her honor roll status throughout high school and successfully graduated with an Advanced Regents Diploma. Ms. Cooper was also inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars. Beyond Ms. Cooper's dedication to academics, she has a clear commitment to philanthropy. Throughout high school, she volunteered at food banks, nursing homes and hospitals. In total, she donated over 100 hours of her personal time for the benefit of others. Involvement in community service enabled Ms. Cooper to realize her leadership potential; she later became Vice President of her school's Leadership Council and a member of her school's student government. She single- handedly managed an annual school fundraiser for her high school's sister school, St. Mary's, in Kenya. At graduation, Ms. Cooper was surprised with an honor bestowed to only two seniors every year: a place on Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School's Wall of Who's Who, an honor also bestowed upon the Hon. Rudolph W. Giuliani, former Mayor of New York City. Ms. Cooper has dreamed of becoming a doctor since she was two years old. In 2007, she was accepted into the Arthur Ashe Program at Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, New York. This highly competitive program was designed to provide opportunity for inner-city students who exemplify outstanding academic success and show an interest in the medical field. From a pool of 5,000 applicants, Ms. Cooper was one of only twenty-five students accepted into this prestigious program. She graduated at the top of her class in 2010. Today, Ms. Cooper is a freshman biology major at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She is already an active member of the Howard community; recently, Ms. Cooper was elected President of her residence hall, the Bethune Annex Residence. When Ms. Cooper graduates, she plans to continue her education at Howard University Medical School. She hopes to live her dream of one day becoming a doctor. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Ms. Frankee Cooper.