Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 6369, the Expanding Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2018. The Small Business Act sets forth a government-wide 23 percent goal of Federal contracts that should be awarded to small businesses. Each Federal agency is charged with setting its own small business goals which are to reflect the maximum possible opportunity for small businesses within that agency. By promoting the use of sole-source contracts to small businesses, this bill adds to the government's pool of suppliers. This results in higher-quality goods and increased job creation for the economy as these direct awards require the small businesses to do the majority of the work and not subcontract out. I urge Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Chinese American Medical Society as they host their 55th Annual Scientific Symposium and Annual Red Lantern Gala. As the oldest and one of the largest Chinese American medical societies, CAMS provides meaningful support for Chinese American medical students, educates the Chinese American community on health issues that disproportionally impact Chinese Americans, and is a leader in research on the ever-changing field of medical practices and medical technology. The Chinese American Medical Society's 55th Annual Scientific Conference and Red Lantern Gala stands as a testament to CAMS's dedication to recognizing talent and hard work from skilled professionals who dedicate their lives to improving the health of others in the Chinese American community. I would like to specifically congratulate S. Chiu Wong as a recipient of the CAMS Scientific Award, as well as the Chinese American Nurses Association and UnitedHealthcare Asian Initiatives as recipients of the Community Service Awards. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting the Chinese American Medical Society for decades of lifechanging work.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Henry Street Settlement, as it celebrates its 125th year anniversary on September 13, 2018. Henry Street Settlement is a non-profit organization located in Manhattan's Lower East Side. In 1893, Henry Street Settlement was founded by Lillian Wald, one of the most influential social reformers of the 20th century. At Henry Street, Wald and her colleagues developed a pioneering model for social reform, spearheading comprehensive social services and educational instruction for New Yorkers living in poverty. Today, Henry Street Settlement provides a variety of services including education, employment, health and wellness, and housing, to over 60,000 New Yorkers each year. A bedrock of the community's history, Henry Street has helped welcome immigrants, integrate neighborhoods and alleviate poverty. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Henry Street Settlement and its leadership on this special 125th year anniversary. These dedicated individuals exemplify outstanding leadership through their public service to the community. I wish Henry Street continued success in many more years of service.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Masaryk Towers on the special occasion of its 50th and 51st Anniversary Rededication ceremony. This complex is more than brick and mortar. Built at the height of the Civil Rights movement, and three decades after the New Deal and the 1934 Federal Housing Act, the Masaryk Towers development is a symbol of vision, innovation and hope in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. We all know and embrace the rich history of the Lower East Side from the arrival and settlement of hard working immigrants seeking freedom and the American Dream to the history of poor tenants living in crowded subpar tenements, with unsanitary and unsafe housing conditions. From the 1900's to the present, government initiatives have sought to improve the quality of life for its citizens. In the 1930's, after the stock market crash, our nation had more than 12 million unemployed people, many of whom faced homelessness. This crisis pushed New Yorkers, especially immigrants, into decades of despair. After World War II, New York City saw a peak in population, but also a massive flight by the middle-income. families, industries and businesses to the suburbs, leaving lower-income working families behind. Recognizing a need to help address the housing crisis facing working families, New York State Representatives Senator MacNeil Mitchell and Assemblyman Alfred Lama created the Mitchell-Lama program in 1955. In 1967, Masaryk Towers was completed under the program and named after Tomas Masaryk, the first President of Czechoslovakia. Today, Masaryk Towers consists of more than 1,100 apartment units and is home to thousands of residents in Manhattan's Lower East Side community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Masaryk Towers and its leadership: President Bernice McCallum, Board Officers Laura Pagan and Ted Reich and the entire Board on this special anniversary, and for their dedication and commitment to preserving Masaryk Towers for future generations.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Helen Keller Services (HKS) on its 125th anniversary, which will be celebrated at its Gala at the Liberty Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York on September 13, 2018. I am pleased to learn the news of the non-profit organization's move this fall of its headquarters to a new 44,000-square-foot state-of-the- art facility located in my district at 180 Livingston Street in Brooklyn. This modern structure will house new classrooms and training rooms; a specialized gym for pre-kindergarten students; new offices and workstations, a Low Vision Center and a technology training space. Since 1893, Helen Keller Services has been steadfastly committed to improving the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired or have combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in communities of their choice in Brooklyn, the surrounding communities, and the entire New York Region. On behalf of all residents of the 7th District and indeed all New Yorkers, I offer best wishes and heartiest congratulations to HKS.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my congratulations to the First Chinese Baptist Church located in Chinatown, one of Manhattan's historic neighborhoods, as it celebrates its 92nd year anniversary on August 12, 2018. It is with great pride that I congratulate this longtime church from my district on its 92nd anniversary. The First Chinese Baptist Church, established in 1926, evolved from the Morning Star Mission in a then strife-torn neighborhood and became part of the rich fabric and history of the Chinatown community. Over the past 92 years, the church served as a safe haven for the community's Chinese Americans and immigrants during the early half of the 20th century at the time of the Chinese Exclusion Act and turmoil in China. Founded by Dr. Mabel Lee, a Chinese-American pastor, community organizer, feminist and suffragist, the church created a community that has served thousands of Chinatown residents. Lee advocated for continuous education and taught English to congregants who passed down her teachings to those who arrived later. Additionally, during World War II, many men from the church served in the United States Armed Forces. Today, the First Chinese Baptist Church continues to hold weekly worship services open to all and offers English classes, sponsors basketball teams, manages youth summer mentorship programs, and assists those seeking citizenship. It works with community-based organizations to conduct special events and support immigration rights and social justice throughout the year. Its dedication to service for God and country, education, advocacy and respect for individuals has been the cornerstone of the First Chinese Baptist Church and has not diminished in its 92-year history. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the First Chinese Baptist Church and its leadership on this special 92nd year anniversary. The Church has long exemplified outstanding community and public service to the greater New York City community. I wish them continued success and many more years of service.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of service led by the late Delores Hadden Smith. Delores, fondly known as ``Dee'' was a resident of Gowanus Houses and always looking for a way to give back to the community she cherished. For 44 years, Delores served as an educator in the New York City public school system. Her passion for teaching was contagious, as she was adored by her students and recognized for the ``Who's Who Among American Teachers'' national honor. Delores was also active in public service outside the classroom. By engaging with Parent Teacher Association boards, South Brooklyn Colony House board, Community Board 6, Gowanus Old Times Day Committee and many others, she coordinated local events, much to the delight of her fellow community members. In 2010, she was honored with an Honorary PhD in Humanities from Cathedral Theological Seminary. Described by those who loved her as someone who brightened every room she filled, Delores' memory will be cherished forever. A faithful member of the Bethel Baptist, she taught Sunday School, Youth Choir and more. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Delores Hadden Smith and her family for her lifetime of hard work, joy and service.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with much sadness that I rise today to honor the passing of the Venerable Elder Si Chen, a passionate spiritual leader and teacher. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and friends who will remember him as a tireless advocate for kindness, freedom and justice. Elder Si Chen was born in 1932 in Panxian, China and came to the United States in 1971 to spread Buddha-Dharma. He became the abbot of the Mahayana Buddhist Temple of New York in 1974. Three years later, Elder Si Chen founded the Burmese-Chinese Buddhist Association at Wonderful Enlightenment Temple in Chinatown, New York, New York, which continues to welcome everyone. In 2000, he purchased 199 acres of land in Thompson Ridge, New York and established the Guardian of Nation Temple to create a space for Buddhist-American multicultural exchanges and spread Mahayana Buddhism. He brought together the Buddhist community of New York through classes, summer camps, monastic retreats and spiritual trips to China, Thailand, Myanmar and India. Today, members of New York's Buddhist and Asian American community are inspired and grateful for his service, wisdom and leadership. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Venerable Elder Si Chen for a life of extraordinary leadership and advocacy in New York City and globally.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, look at these young, innocent faces. I suspect many of these children are seeing the House floor for the very first time. It is unfortunate that their first experience in this temple of democracy, the people's House, is to be here as we call our government to stop terrorizing children on the U.S.-Mexico border. This past weekend, Madam Speaker, I traveled with Leader Pelosi and the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. What we saw there was heart-wrenching. We have heard the audio of children crying: ``Mami, papi.'' Madam Speaker, it begs the question: Has our Nation lost its way? But nothing is as heart-wrenching as seeing children's faces in person, kids who were just taken from the arms of their parents, and children in cages crying for their parents. This is child abuse. Let's be clear, Madam Speaker, this travesty could end today. Donald Trump could end this today by a single phone call. To my Republican friends on the other side of the aisle, I simply say this: What happened to the party of family values? History will remember this moment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chair, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ranking member for her leadership on this issue. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5735, the THRIVE Act. H.R. 5735 has a worthy goal. Helping individuals struggling with addiction to access treatment and recovery services is certainly important, but despite these intentions, H.R. 5735 has significant flaws which, in the end, make the bill unworkable. My primary concern is that H.R. 5735 carves out 10,000 existing Section 8 vouchers for use in this pilot program without authorizing new funding for any additional vouchers. This essentially decreases the number of Section 8 vouchers in circulation and increases wait times for millions of other households already seeking a voucher. Those forced to wait will include low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness. You cannot just change words in the law. You need to open your checking account or your checkbook. Currently, only one in four households who are eligible for Federal affordable housing assistance receive it. In New York City, we have more than 150,000 people waiting for a voucher. While I fully support helping all people with substance abuse disorders and recognize the important role affordable housing plays in an individual's recovery process, providing affordable housing for individuals with substance use disorders should not come at the expense of others in need. HUD's Affordable Housing and Section 8 programs are woefully underfunded. Instead of providing Section 8 vouchers to just those with substance use disorders, we should be providing significantly more resources and expanding the Section 8 program to help all those in need. Additionally, this bill places arbitrary time limits on the individuals participating in the demonstration program. This is counterproductive and out of step with other existing supportive housing programs. Finally, while H.R. 5735 seeks to help individuals suffering from substance use disorders, it does nothing to address the fact that many people with these disorders lose their housing because of the harsh eviction policies in Federal housing assistance programs. I support the ranking member in her continued effort to ensure those individuals with substance use disorders face fairer eviction procedures and ban one strike policies that cause tenants to lose their assistance for a single incident of drug use.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chair, again, H.R. 5735 has a worthy goal. However, this bill is plagued with a number of problems, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it unless you provide the resources to make this legislation work.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. Mr. Speaker, as we debate today, Puerto Rico continues to reel from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, a once-in-a-generation disaster that fueled a humanitarian crisis. Nearly all 3.3 million residents of Puerto Rico lost power following the hurricane. Drinkable water and adequate food supplies became scarce throughout the island. Many have since endured the longest blackout in U.S. history. We all remember when President Trump went to Puerto Rico last September. While he was there, he said that--based on the then-reported 16 deaths--Maria was not ``a real catastrophe. . . .'' Every day it becomes increasingly clear how out of touch that statement was, and every day the magnitude of this disaster becomes clearer, as does the incompetence of this administration's response. Just last week, the Harvard School of Public Health released a new estimate suggesting the death toll is staggeringly higher than previously thought. The Harvard study is just an estimate. However, if the number most often cited from that report--4,645--proves accurate, then Maria would rank as the second worst natural disaster in U.S. history. No matter what the President said, that is a real catastrophe. Now, as Puerto Rico continues struggling as thousands still do not have electricity and as we still do not know the total number of lives lost, we are entering another hurricane season. Yet Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands remain vulnerable should another storm come barreling out of the Atlantic into the Caribbean and make landfall. We should remember the 2017 hurricane season was not just devastating for the Caribbean. We cannot forget how the Houston area suffered under Hurricane Harvey. Houston's layout and the city's infrastructure also proved vulnerable to the flooding, causing $125 billion in damage. Yet despite 2017 being one of the worst in history for natural disasters and even though we are entering another hurricane season, our public infrastructure systems remain vulnerable. The motion to recommit is very straightforward. It would ask the Secretary of the Army Corps to work to restore and strengthen the resiliency of public infrastructure in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and in the mainland for areas damaged by Maria, Irma, and Harvey. This is common sense. It will mean we are better prepared for the next major hurricane. It could potentially save lives. In Puerto Rico, for instance, this would allow needed upgrades to the Guajataca Dam. The 90-year-old dam, located on the northeastern shore of the island and owned by Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, was severely damaged after Maria. While the Corps did good work preventing the collapse of the dam, this was a temporary band-aid. American families living in Puerto Rico still face imminent danger. The Corps should invest in this critical infrastructure project seeking to prevent future damage from another storm. In other areas throughout Puerto Rico, rivers, lakes, and wetlands serve literally as sinks for water to drain into. To control massive flooding in the next hurricane season, the Corps needs to make the necessary investments for flood control, something else this motion will help advance. Mr. Speaker, sadly, the administration largely abandoned Puerto Rico after Maria. Now we are learning the death toll from this tragedy will be heartbreakingly high. This Congress has a moral obligation to do everything possible to prevent future deaths and to protect our fellow citizens. That is what this motion to recommit will do. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this motion to recommit, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. I am opposed in its current form.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and achievements of Maria A. Thomson who was a tireless lifelong leader and advocate for the community of Woodhaven, Queens which she dearly loved. On January l0th of 2018, Mrs. Thomson passed away, leaving behind a lifelong legacy of community service and civic engagement. She earned the respect of city and state leaders, in fact she was known as the unofficial ``Mayor of Woodhaven''. With over 40 years of community activism, Mrs. Thomson's accolades and accomplishments are numerous. I hope to highlight some of her life's work today. Mrs. Thomson was a dedicated public servant who cherished public safety and quality of life. Early in her career she was elected President of the 102nd Precinct Community Council, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. She later founded the volunteer local Civilian Patrol. As a result of her leadership, she earned the unique distinction of being the first and only civilian to be recognized as the 102nd Precinct's Honorary Police Officer of the Month. Furthermore, she annually honored the fallen heroes of 911 and our nations veterans. To better ensure the delivery of government services to Woodhaven, she joined Queens Community Board 9 where she served for three decades. In addition, Mrs. Thomson served as the Executive Director of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation for more than two decades and led the Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID). She understood that small and independent businesses are vital to boosting the local economy, creating walk to work jobs and shaping a neighborhood's identity. Mrs. Thomson enjoyed promoting and showcasing Woodhaven's Jamaica Avenue business corridor by hosting the yearly ``Wonderful Woodhaven Street Festival'' and other events. Whether she advocated for small businesses or led the fight to landmark the cherished Forest Park Carousel, her passion emanated from her strong sense of civic pride and duty. Her advocacy, passion and dedication to the betterment of Woodhaven was immeasurable. Mrs. Thomson truly set the bar for what it means to be a community activist and leader. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Maria A. Thomson's distinguished life of public service and accomplishments. Our neighborhoods are enriched because of her vision and leadership. We mourn her passing and cherish her legacy.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Loisaida Inc. Center Festival Committee on its 31st Annual Celebration in the Lower Eastside of Manhattan, New York. The festival was initially founded by grassroot leaders in the LES and led by Puerto Rican activists and Latino residents in the 1970's during a dark period in the community. Its goal was to provide a festive local fair for underserved families who could not afford to go away for the holiday weekend. Loisaida Inc. was formally incorporated as a local development corporation in 1978. Throughout the years, a once single block event is now a major cultural celebration attracting more than 30,000 visitors. The fair features the Nuyorican--Latin American cultural contributions to the historic immigrant tapestry of the LES. It is a chance for locals and visitors alike to enjoy day long theater, craft, music and delicious food. This year's theme is Bridging Resurgence: From Sandy to Maria, an urgent reminder of the continuing struggles of the Puerto Rican people and New Yorkers who suffered after Sandy. The Loisaida Center remains committed to the Island's recovery as an affirmation of the neighborhood's Puerto Rican heritage. I also want to recognize and congratulate this year's VIVA Loisaida honorees for their tireless lifetime commitment to social justice and bettering the community: Damaris Reyes, Executive Director of GOLES; Dr. Manuel Moran, Founder of Teatro SEA; Aixa O. Torres, community leader and President of Alfred E. Smith Housing Residents Association; and Luis and Abigail Rivera owners and son and daughter of Adela Fargas, beloved community icon and founder of Puerto Rican restaurant Casa Adela. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the rich history and legacy of The Loisaida Center Festival.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to S. 2155, which strips back and weakens many of the regulatory tools and safeguards we enacted in Dodd-Frank. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker: this bill will make our financial system more vulnerable to a financial crisis. The bill undermines important safety and soundness protections like stress tests and capital requirements, key reforms that Democrats put in place following the financial crisis that prevent the risk of bank bailouts and protect our economy and taxpayers. The bill also weakens critical consumer protections like Dodd-Frank's enhanced HMDA data monitoring and reporting requirements. Under this bill, 85 percent of depository institutions are excused from these important requirements. While many financial institutions say that these reporting requirements are too onerous and too difficult to comply with, S. 2155 will make it harder to determine if lenders are serving the credit needs of minority borrowers and to identify harmful and discriminatory lending patterns. Instead of eliminating important tools like HMDA, we should be finding ways to eliminate discrimination in lending.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, as ranking member of the House Small Business Committee, I support targeted reforms that provide relief for community banks and local credit unions, but this bill does none of that. It is a solution in search of a problem that harms consumers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this dangerous bill.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend the happiest of birthday wishes to Mrs. Eladia Velez, a resident of the Lower East Side, New York, and a centenarian, who celebrated her 100th birthday on May 19, 2018. Eladia has lived a life characterized by hard work and unyielding selflessness, and is a pillar of her community. From an early age, Eladia exhibited an outstanding work ethic and profound concern for others. Eladia Velez was born in 1918 in Carolina, Puerto Rico and was one of three children. She later married and had four children. She was a stay-at-home mom and also cared for her ailing mother. When her mother passed, her brother encouraged her to earn her high school degree which she proudly accomplished. In 1948, Eladia and her husband came to New York City to work and build a new home for her family, leaving their children back in Puerto Rico. In 1950, she reunited with them in the Lower East Side. Eladia worked as a seamstress and after a year of hard work, she was promoted to supervisor at the factory. In 1989, she returned to Puerto Rico due to a family matter. She remained there and pursued her interest in human services to become a social worker. For three years she provided services to the children and families of Carolina, Puerto Rico. She then subsequently returned to New York City where she has been living since with her family. Eladia symbolizing decades of longevity and hard work, this occasion reflects an important milestone in a growing segment of American life: the Centenarian. Over the years, special individuals like Eladia have contributed to our nation and witnessed remarkable changes and extraordinary progress. She has lived through some of the most exciting times in our nation's history. Today, Eladia enjoys the company of her beloved children, grandchildren and community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Velez on this special occasion of her 100th year birthday.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a trailblazer and pionera of community arts and education, and a friend, Frances Lucerna, who was bestowed the title of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) by the Bank Street College of Education on May 10, 2018. Frances is the Co-Founder and Artistic Executive Director of El Puente, a non-profit Brooklyn based community and youth development organization that promotes the arts, leadership, peace and social justice. This organization was founded at the height of the gang and drug epidemic in the Williamsburg, Brooklyn community. Frances, a former dancer believed that arts and culture could be spiritually healing and transformational for young people and their families. Since inception in 1983, El Puente has positively transform the lives and future of hundreds of underserved and low-income at risk-youths with its arts, dance and literacy-based after school programs. It has introduced and opened the doors to the theater and film for many young people. In addition, the holistic approach to art combined with academic enrichment programming and activities is unique and has positioned El Puente to be one of the most celebrated Latino cultural organization's in my district. Without a high school for participants to further their interest and education in the arts and social justice, in 1993 she championed and founded El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice High School. It was the first school in the country dedicated to human rights and a national model for community based schools serving students from 9th through 12th grade. In 2012, Frances spearheaded the development of the Global Justice Institute, El Puente's training, research, and development center, which engages individuals and organizations from around the world in learning about El Puente's social justice practices while creating strategies for sustainable, community-driven change for a more healthy, vibrant, livable community. Her advocacy, passion and dedication to strengthening the human condition is immeasurable. She has earned the respect of leaders, both local and global. Although she is the recipient of numerous awards, being conferred the title of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) reaffirms her life's work and significant contribution to society. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Frances Lucerna for a distinguished life of public service and accomplishments. My district is enriched because of her vision and leadership.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the contribution of seven centenarian residents of Everlasting Pine HDFC on Chung Pak Local Development Corporation ' s Elderly Appreciation Day, and in recognition of Older American's Month and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Built in 1993 through a HUD senior supportive housing program, Everlasting Pine HDFC has provided a home and a community to low-income seniors. Safe and affordable housing is essential to low-income seniors and allows residents to live independent and vibrant lives. Symbolizing decades of longevity and hard work, this occasion reflects an important milestone in a growing segment of American life, the Centenarians. Over the years, these special individuals have contributed to our nation, witnessing remarkable changes and extraordinary progress. They have lived through some of the most exciting times in our nation's history. Li Keng Tsuei, Hai Liu, Mark Chan Sze, Rong Guo Xin, Ng Kwa Ying, Wu Siu Ying and Yee Mee Ting are all lifelong residents of Chinatown who are 100 years of age and older. They have individually contributed to the fabric and welfare of their neighborhood and New York City. They have earned the respect and affection of people from all walks of life. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these remarkable centenarians and wish them continued health and happiness.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the leadership and staff of Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) on their 35th anniversary. This non-profit organization located in the Cypress Hills and East New York community was created in 1983 at the height of a nationwide grassroots movement to preserve and improve urban communities. Today, after thirty-five years of dedication and commitment, CHLDC has helped transform Cypress Hills into a robust and thriving community. CHLDC works to provide crucial services such as: economic development; homeownership and housing development; entrepreneurship; education services; public safety; and open space. CHLDC has championed many projects from helping to create the first dual language school to developing more than 400 affordable housing units across the neighborhood. Thanks to their help, numerous hardworking local families have been able to realize the American Dream of homeownership. On this 35th anniversary, I would like to take the opportunity to commend Michelle Neugebauer, Executive Director, Mr. Harold Green, Board President, staff and members for their tireless and unconditional commitment to our community.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and extend my sincerest wishes to a remarkable woman, Ms. Florence Bass. Florence was born in the heart of Brooklyn, New York and throughout her life, broke down gender barriers in education and military service. Growing up in the early 20th century, Florence remembers a life in Brooklyn filled with horse-drawn fire trucks, unpaved roads and time helping at her family's neighborhood candy store. Raised in a family that valued education, Florence was fortunate to attend many great schools, including New York University. Later moving to New Orleans to attend Tulane University, Florence earned a Masters Degree in Social Work. At the start of World War II, she returned to New York City serving as a social worker to the Auxiliary Military Hospital Services. As one point, she was stationed at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, a pivotal site that's importance to the American's efforts earned it the nickname ``the Can-Do Yard.'' After the war, Florence worked for the Jewish Family and Children's Resettlement program to help refugees. Now at 104, Florence is a beloved community member living in Brooklyn Heights. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Florence Bass for her lifetime of hard work and service.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and extend my sincerest wishes to Presiding Judge George B. Daniels of the United States District Court of Southern District in New York on the occasion of his 65th birthday and life of service. Judge Daniels began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney for the Legal Aid Society of New York, one of the oldest non-profit providers of legal aid across the nation. Judge Daniels earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Yale University in 1975. In 1978, obtained a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Among other accomplishments in a distinguished career, in February of 2000, he was appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, where he serves today. Judge Daniels is an adjunct Professor at Brooklyn Law School, serves on numerous boards and commissions and is engaged with many law and professional organizations. The members of New York's legal community are grateful for his service and are inspired by his lifelong contributions towards strengthening our judicial system to protect and uphold the rights and liberties of all Americans. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Judge George B. Daniels for his life-time of public service and to wish him a memorable 65th birthday.