Rep. Joe Crowley: Cuts to Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Programs Are "Penny-Wise & Pound-Foolish"

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), released the following statement in opposition to the Republicans’ proposed cuts to nutrition programs for families, seniors and children in the 2012 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2112). This legislation includes a devastating cut of $650 million to one of our nation’s most important anti-hunger programs – the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). In New York State, this could mean almost 20,000 participants could be kicked off the WIC program. In addition, the bill slashes food aid for low-income seniors through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and help for food banks through the Emergency Food Assistance Program at a time when seniors, families and anti-hunger organizations are all struggling to get by. Congressman Crowley voted against the bill, which ultimately passed by a vote of 217-203.

“At a time when families, seniors and children in New York and around the country are relying on food assistance more than ever, the Republicans’ legislation would slash access to nutritious food, counseling on healthy eating and health care referrals for those who are struggling.

“This bill is penny-wise and pound-foolish. Republicans claim they are making these cuts to reduce the deficit and get our fiscal house in order, but this bill is not the way to make that happen. What will the costs be down the road as children grow up without a healthy start because they have a hungry stomach?

“Despite not being willing to end tax breaks for oil companies making tens of billions in profits and corporations taking advantage of overseas tax loopholes, Republicans are more than ready to cut programs on the backs of those who are struggling to survive in this economy. Our priorities should be about helping working families and those in need – not eliminating benefits that are already stretched thin.”

Statements on Congressman Anthony Weiner's Announcement of his Resignation from New York Congressional Colleagues

Statement from Rep. Joe Crowley on Weiner Resignation

“Anthony has been a strong advocate for his community and an influential legislator. Although I was deeply disappointed in his behavior, this is a sad way to end his congressional service. I know Anthony and Huma well and I know brighter days are ahead for them and their family. I wish them the best during what is surely a difficult time in their lives.”

Statement from Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns on Weiner Resignation

“Despite his personal problems, Congressman Weiner was an extremely effective lawmaker who had a positive impact on his constituents and the nation as a whole. He championed many causes, and was tireless in his efforts to make life better for all Americans. His voice will be missed. My heart goes out to Anthony Weiner and his family at this difficult time and I hope forgiveness and reconciliation rules the day. I wish them only the best”.

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Congressman Anthony Weiner Resignation

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in regards to Congressman Anthony Weiner’s announcement of his resignation:

“This is a sad day, but Anthony has made the right decision for himself, his family and the Democratic Party. He will be sorely missed by me and his constituents. I wish him the best.

Rep Joe Crowley Applauds Delta, US Airways Agreement that Will Create New Jobs in Queens

Airline Slot Exchange Paves Way for Delta’s $117 Million Investment in LaGuardia Airport

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a chief deputy whip in the Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives, applauded the revised agreement reached today between Delta Airlines and US Airways to transfer takeoff and landing slots between LaGuardia and Washington Reagan National Airports. This agreement paves the way for Delta to move forward with its $117 million planned investment to build a new terminal at LaGuardia Airport, generating thousands of new jobs in Queens and increasing economic activity in and around the airport.

“This deal is a win-win for New York’s 7^th Congressional District. Not only will this deal improve air service and reduce noise pollution, it will also create thousands of new jobs for Queens,” said Congressman Crowley. “In today’s economic climate, we should do all we can to encourage private sector employers, such as Delta, to create jobs.”

Under the agreement, Delta airlines would operate an additional 110 slots at LaGuardia Airport, and would give up some of its slots at Washington Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, the airline would begin a multi-million dollar construction program at LaGuardia to connect the existing Delta and US Airways terminals. An estimated 6,000 new jobs would be created as a result of this agreement, including construction, airport operational and tourism-related jobs. Additionally, Delta would phase out use of older, loud turbo-prop planes for quieter jets – resulting in less air noise polluting the communities around the airport.

Since 2009, Crowley has led efforts in support of a deal, including spearheading a bipartisan letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that encouraged the department to quickly approve the transfer of slots.

Rep Joe Crowley Applauds Legislation to Lower Electricity Prices for New York Consumers and Businesses

Crowley Praises Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg for Efforts to Prevent Summer Rate Hikes

Today, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a chief deputy whip in the Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives, applauded Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg, and the New York State Legislature for expediting passage of a tax relief bill that will prevent homes and businesses in Queens and the Bronx from being hit with a spike in electricity bills this summer due to an adverse ruling by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) earlier this year. Last month, Crowley, working closely with Mayor Bloomberg, led a bipartisan City delegation letter to the FERC seeking an appeal of the ruling and a delay in any resulting electricity price increase until all appeals were final.

“Families in Queens and the Bronx are struggling to make ends meet, and a spike in electricity prices on top of rising food, housing and gas prices would have made life even more difficult for them,” said Crowley. “I salute Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg for their tireless efforts in working with the Legislature to pass this critical electricity relief bill and I am pleased to have been a part of the effort to stop these rate hikes before they were passed on to consumers this summer.”

In January, the FERC ruled that City tax benefits for private electricity generators would no longer be calculated in the expected energy needs of the City. These tax benefits are used by the City to lower the rates paid by consumers for the cost of electricity. This adverse ruling could have led to an increase in electricity prices City-wide by up to $525 million a year, or an increase in electricity rates for every business and resident of New York City by 10-15 percent starting this summer.

The text of the bipartisan letter spearheaded by Crowley is below:

April 1, 2011

The Honorable Jon Wellinghoff
Chairman
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20426

Dear Chairman Wellinghoff,

We are gravely concerned about the impact of the Commission’s January 28th order (“Order”) on the New York Independent System Operator’s November 30, 2010 demand curve filing (ER11-2224), which will significantly increase the price paid for electricity supply by New York City customers over the next three years. If the Order is not reversed, the electricity rates of our constituents will rise dramatically without any clear justification or benefit.

The Commission’s decision to disregard any of the existing tax abatement opportunities made available by the City of New York, in addition to the other changes contained in its Order, could contribute to a rate increase for New York City electric customers of up to $525 million annually. This would represent up to a 12% increase in summer electric bills for the average residential customer in the first year alone. In its Order, the Commission decided that it would apply no tax abatement in determining the target price for building new generation capacity in New York City, even though the New York City Industrial Development Agency had approved a revised tax policy specifically intended to encourage new, clean and efficient generation in New York City.

Electric reliability is important, and providing adequate economic incentives for new electric generation when needed is also important. But, given the current and expected surplus of generation in New York City, higher capacity payments to generators are neither necessary nor justified and would instead provide windfall profits for the current NYC electric generators.

Furthermore, the existing generators are generally exempt from property taxes. And there are two New York City generators that are under construction and expected to come on line shortly that will also not be paying property taxes, including one project that is physically located in New Jersey (and which is planned to be electrically connected to New York City).

New York City, Con Edison, the NYISO, the State Public Service Commission and Consumer Protection Board and others have accordingly petitioned for rehearing of the Order, and we request that you do take the time to fully reconsider the impact of the Commission’s Order on the customers and citizens of the City of New York. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Joseph Crowley

Edolphus Towns

Anthony D. Weiner

Eliot L Engel

Charles B. Rangel

Yvette D. Clarke

Jerrold Nadler

José E. Serrano

Gary L. Ackerman

Michael G. Grimm

Carolyn B. Maloney

Gregory W. Meeks

cc: Commissioner Cheryl LaFleur

Commissioner Phillip Moeller

Commissioner John Norris

Commissioner Mark Spitzer

Rep Joe Crowley Fights Republican Effort to Cut Unemployment Benefits for Millions of Americans

Today, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a Chief Deputy Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives, spoke out during the Ways and Means Committee’s consideration of Republicans’ H.R. 1745. This legislation would end the guarantee of federal unemployment insurance, resulting in over 4 million Americans losing their extended benefits this summer unless states provide coverage for them. Over 270,000 workers in New York are currently receiving these emergency benefits.

Crowley’s remarks as prepared are below:

“For over 100 days of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, we have heard nothing but tick-tock as we awaited a jobs bill.

“And now, they tell us they have a bill – it’s even named the JOBS Act.

“Well, the tick-tock is being replaced by a cuckoo clock, because I’m not seeing the jobs in here.

“What is their great plan to help the economy? Cutting off emergency unemployment benefits.

“I’m not sure how that is supposed to create jobs or grow the economy, especially since economists have repeatedly shown that unemployment benefits help stimulate the economy.

“But the Republicans would end these benefits.

“Now, they say that States can choose to keep funding unemployment insurance, on their own, if they want to.

“But some states are cutting even the standard 26 weeks of benefits – do we really think states are going to be able to shoulder the federal government’s responsibility?

“That’s too much to burden the states with during these difficult times.

“This is a federal program that Congress has consistently voted to extend in order to help those out of work through no fault of their own.

“Many of my colleagues on this committee voted for the law that extended these benefits through the end of this year.

“And now, you want to cut short that promise.

“You might remember this law as the one that also extended tax cuts for the richest Americans – as long as Republicans are looking to break their promises, maybe we should cut short the extension of the tax cuts, too.

“So I ask my colleagues, what will you say to those unemployed workers in your district who will find their benefits cut off much sooner?

“Are you going to tell them that they’re not trying hard enough to find work, and that’s why you’re adding in redundant job search requirements?

“Are you going to tell them that they have to stop ‘living large’ on the federal government’s dollar, since as I’m sure we’re all aware, the average unemployment benefit reaches a whopping 70% of the poverty line for a family of four?

“I don’t know about you, but I can’t tell that to my constituents, because it’s just not true.

“Every week, I hear from workers in my district who have been looking for work, who rely on these federal benefits and who continue to face the difficulties of an economy that is just beginning to recover.

“The policies put into place by President Obama and Democrats in Congress have created 2 million new private sector jobs over the past 14 months, but there are still fewer jobs than before the recession began in 2007.

“At the same time, Republicans have cut job training programs, assistance to dislocated workers, and job creation programs like the TANF Emergency Fund for states to use.

“How are these cuts helping workers? I suppose just like this bill does – it only helps them know who is on their side and who is not.

“This is not a jobs bill.

“I guess we will continue the tick-tock of waiting for a true jobs bill, but in the meantime, this bill is just cuckoo.”

Crowley Speaks Out Against GOP’s Pro-Tax Increase and Anti-Choice Bill

Below are Congressman Joe Crowley’s (D-Queens, the Bronx) remarks as prepared for delivery on the House floor today during debate on the Republicans’ H.R. 3 – legislation that would infringe on Americans’ rights to make decisions about their own health as well as prohibit employers from receiving tax credits for employees’ health care coverage if the plan includes abortion care, ultimately raising costs for employees’ health insurance and burdening America’s small businesses:

“Mr. Speaker, on the Republicans’ 100^th day of majority rule in the House, I stood speechless on the House floor at their failed campaign promise to focus on job creation and economic growth.

“They say actions speak louder than words, and it is true.

“For all the Republicans’ talk about putting Americans back to work, their actions demonstrate this is the least of their priorities. Instead, they have cut jobs, raised taxes and reduced Americans’ access to health care.

“The bill being debated today also has no jobs component whatsoever. In fact, it will raise taxes and hamper small businesses. In their ideological zeal to restrict women’s right to choose, the Republicans have prioritized a measure that the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce calls a “slap in the face” to small business owners.

“My colleagues, please remember that your actions, not words, are what truly speak for you.

“If you vote for this bill, you are voting to raise taxes and hurt small businesses.

“I urge you to vote to uphold your campaign promises.

“Vote no on this bill and let’s get back to work on America’s priorities.”

Rep Joe Crowley Responds to Death of Osama bin Laden

Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) issued the following statement on the death of Osama bin Laden:


"The United States promised we would bring justice to bin Laden, and now that promise has been fulfilled. Osama bin Laden met the kind of end he deserved. I hope it provides at least some level of consolation to those who lost loved ones as a result of his heinous terror attacks.


“In particular, my thoughts and prayers are with the families from New York and across America who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. There is no doubt the world is a safer place without bin Laden, but our efforts to eradicate the threat of terror will continue without pause and on behalf of everyone who has been killed or injured as a result of senseless terror and violence.


"I salute the hard-working men and women of our military and intelligence services for carrying out such a skilled and dangerous operation. I also commend President Obama for his strong leadership in making this happen.”

Rep Joe Crowley Gives GOP the Silent Treatment (Video)

100 Days into the 112^th Congress and Still No Jobs Bill from the GOP

Crowley: “I’m… Speechless”

Today, Congressman Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a chief deputy whip in the Democratic leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives, “spoke out” on the fact that after 100 days into the GOP majority in Congress, Republicans have yet to produce a bill that will create jobs.

Senator Gillibrand, Rep Crowley Introduce Resolution to Honor Geraldine A. Ferraro

Members of New York’s Delegation Join in Support of Paying Tribute to Ferraro

Resolution Passes Senate by Unanimous Consent Late Last Night

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) introduced matching resolutions in the Senate and House to honor the life and accomplishments of former Congresswoman and Vice-Presidential candidate Geraldine A. Ferraro. The resolutions, which recognize Ferraro’s service to Queens and New York, as well as pay tribute to her indelible impact as a trailblazer in American politics, passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent late last night.

“Geraldine Ferraro was more than a pioneer who inspired me, and generations of women, she was also a great friend and mentor,”Senator Gillibrand said. “I will greatly miss her many words of wisdom, encouragement and advice. While her passing is a great loss for our country, I know that her legacy will live on forever. I was inspired by her convention speech when she said, ‘The issue is not what Americans can do for women, but what women can do for America,’ and am humbled to be part of the next generation of women leaders carrying on her life’s work. I am proud to join Rep. Crowley in introducing a resolution honoring the extraordinary life of Geraldine Ferraro.”

”Gerry may have made her mark on the nation’s consciousness as a member of Congress and a candidate for vice president, but she was much more. She was a wife, a mother, and above all, an inspiration to both those who knew her and those who simply knew of her,” said Congressman Crowley. “As the Representative of her former district, Gerry was a great mentor and friend, and she had a profound influence on my service to the people of Queens. It is with great honor that I join Senator Gillibrand in introducing a resolution to honor the life and legacy of this incredible woman who will forever remain a fixture not only in American politics, but in our hearts.”

The resolutions, co-sponsored by the entire New York State delegation, recognize Ferraro for helping to “tear down barriers to the full and equal participation of women in national politics.” From working her way through law school, to being one of 16 women in the House of Representatives, to her selection as the first woman to be a candidate for Vice President on a major political party’s ticket, Ferraro paved the way for the next generation of American women.

The resolutions also laud Ferraro’s fight for women’s rights, marking her legislative achievements while serving the 9^th Congressional District of New York, as well as her efforts to fight for women’s rights around the world when she later served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Additionally, the resolutions highlight Ferraro’s distinguished career as a district attorney in New York, her rise in the Democratic Party’s leadership, and her life-long commitment to public service.

The text of the Senate and House resolutions is below:

Honoring Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro, the first woman selected by a major political party as its candidate for Vice President of the United States, and extending the condolences of the Senate on her death.

Whereas Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro served the people of the 9^th Congressional district of New York for 6 years;

Whereas, Congresswoman Ferraro worked her way through law school at Fordham University, at a time when very few women did so;

Whereas, Congresswoman Ferraro then joined the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, where she supervised the prosecution of a variety of violent crimes, including child and domestic abuse;

Whereas, in 1978 New York’s Ninth Congressional district in Queens elected Congresswoman Ferraro to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she was one of only sixteen women members of the House;

Whereas, when she was nominated as the running mate of Vice President Walter F. Mondale in the 1984 presidential race, Congresswoman Ferraro became the first woman ever chosen to run on the national ticket of either of America’s two major political parties;

Whereas, Congresswoman Ferraro’s candidacy continues the progress begun by women who achieved political firsts before her and helped to tear down barriers to the full and equal participation of women in national politics;

Whereas in January 1993, President Clinton appointed Ms. Ferraro a United States Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, a role from which she championed the rights of women around the world;

Whereas, Geraldine Ferraro's 1984 bid for Vice President helped our daughters join our sons in believing they could achieve anything they set their minds to;

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) the Senate recognizes that Geraldine Ferraro’s vice-presidential candidacy forever enriched the American political landscape and forged a new path for women of the United States;

(2) the Senate pays tribute to Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro's work to improve the lives of women and families not only in the Ninth Congressional District of New York, who she represented so well, but also the lives of women and families all across the United States;

(3) the Senate requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro; and

(4) when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro.

Geraldine A. Ferraro, First Woman on Major Party Ticket, Dies at 75

RIP Geraldine Ferraro (August 26, 1935 – March 26, 2011)

Geraldine A. Ferraro, the former Queens congresswoman who in 1984 strode onto a podium to accept the Democratic nomination for vice president to take her place in American history as the first woman nominated for national office by a major party, died on Saturday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was 75.

The cause was complications from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that she had battled for 12 years, her family said in a statement.

Statement from NYC Comptroller John Liu on the Passing of Former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about the passing of Former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro:

“Geraldine Ferraro was an extraordinary New Yorker and American who set new standards of public service and shattered the glass ceiling for women in our nation. All the while, she never forgot her values of fairness and equal opportunity, and never forgot her roots in NYC and Queens. Geraldine Ferraro leaves behind a great legacy.”

Statement by NYC Public Advocate Bill De Blasio on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Geraldine Ferraro was a true trailblazer who inspired enormous pride among women, Italian-Americans and all New Yorkers. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ferraro family as we all mourn the loss of one of New York’s most inspirational and dedicated public figures.

Statement from Congressman Joe Crowley on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), released the statement below on the passing of Geraldine Ferraro. Crowley is the current Representative of portions of Ferraro’s former district.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Many pay tribute to her as a trailblazer in American politics, but we in Queens will also remember her as a determined and tireless advocate for our community. An inspiration to us all, Geraldine Ferraro helped pave the way for our daughters to achieve anything they set their minds to. As the Representative of her former district, I am proud to call Geraldine a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Geraldine’s family and I join the entire country in mourning one of America’s great public servants.”

Statement from Congressman Gregory W. Meeks on the Passing of Geraldine Anne Ferraro Zaccaro

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6) released the following statement today in regards to the passing of Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro:

“All Americans are saddened by the news that Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro passed away early this morning at the Massachusetts General Hospital. At the age of 75, this fighter for women's rights and social justice finally lost her heroic twelve year struggle against multiple myeloma. As always, she was surrounded by her loving family. A profound appreciation of her life and legacy is in the thoughts of millions of admirers.

“While most Americans associate the name Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro with being the first woman and first Italian American vice-presidential nominee of a major political party on the 1984 Democratic ticket, her former constituents and indeed all residents of the borough of Queens remember her as an effective member of the House Democratic leadership and a skilled Member of Congress who ably advocated and legislated not only for her congressional district, but also the borough, New York City and New York State. I have the additional honor of having worked with her decades ago in the office of the Queens County District Attorney.

“On behalf of the constituents of the Sixth Congressional District, my wife, Simone, and I extend heartfelt condolences to the Ferraro-Zaccaro family.”

Statement From Former Councilman Eric Gioia On The Passing Of Geraldine Ferraro

"Geraldine Ferraro was the first of her kind and one of a kind. Growing up in Queens I got to know her at my family flower shop and have valued her wisdom and guidance my whole life. To me she was a mentor and a friend, to the nation she was a trailblazer as the first woman to run on a national ticket, to Queens she was our voice in Congress, to her family she was a loving wife and mother and to my two young daughters she is an inspiration that shows they can achieve anything through hard work. New York and the country are better off because of Geraldine Ferraro and she will be truly missed - but never forgotten."

Rep Joe Crowley: "Republicans' Spending Bill is March Madness"...

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a chief deputy whip in the Democratic leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives, issued the following statement on his vote against the Republicans’ short-term spending bill. The House passed the three-week spending measure that will keep the government funded through April 8.

“The Republicans short-term spending bill is March madness. The question for members of Congress is not whether to cut the deficit, but how. The Republicans’ answer? On the backs of middle class Americans. We need a responsible plan that will move our country forward without derailing our economy, not slash and burn cuts to initiatives that create jobs and will weaken the middle class. Democrats stand willing to work toward this goal and keep our government operating, but it cannot come at the expense of hard-working Americans.”

Rep Joe Crowley Standing Up for the Middle Class

Crowley Criticizes GOP for Voting to Raise Taxes on American Families

Today, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a Chief Deputy Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives, criticized Republicans for voting to increase taxes on hard-working, middle class American families. Included in the Republican Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 (H.R. 4), a bill to repeal the onerous 1099 reporting provision in the Affordable Care Act (P.L.111-192), is a $25 billion tax increase on the middle class. The Republicans’ tax increase would mean that slight changes in income throughout the year could force middle-income families to owe significantly more taxes on their health benefits.

“Well, it certainly didn’t take long for Republicans to break their campaign pledge to not raise taxes on the American people. Republicans’ broken promise not only came fast and furious, it came on the backs of hard-working, middle class Americans,” said Congressman Crowley. “Repealing the 1099 provision should be about lifting a burden on America’s small-businesses, not about placing one on the middle-class. But today, Republicans chose to do just that – further burden hard-working American families.”

Crowley, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, spearheaded the effort to block Republicans from raising taxes on middle-income families as part of H.R. 4. Crowley offered an amendment to prevent any tax increases on the middle class during the Ways and Means Committee’s consideration of the Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (H.R. 705), a bill that was later incorporated into H.R. 4. Along a straight party-line vote, Republicans rejected the Crowley amendment and, in turn, rejected their own pledge to not raise taxes on American families.


Congressman Crowley is a seven-term representative from the 7th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He serves as chief deputy whip in the Democratic leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for all tax, trade and Social Security issues, as well as health and retirement security.

Crowley Hosts Local Black History Month Event with Guest of Honor U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

Nearly 1,000 7^th Congressional District Residents Join in Event to Honor Local African-AmericanLeaders for Their Service to Their Community

2011 Honorees Include State Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry and State Committeewoman Barbara Brown

Special Guest of Honor U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. and Congressman Crowley

On Thursday, February 17^th, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) hosted a Black History Month event with special guest The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr., U.S. Attorney General. Nearly 1,000 7^th Congressional District residents gathered at the Dreiser Loop Auditorium in Co-op City to hear Attorney General Holder speak and to honor two local community leaders, State Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry and State Committeewoman Barbara Brown.

Holder, who was raised in Queens and is the first African-American to serve as the U.S. Attorney General, spoke to his vision for a more equitable future based on the lessons of our shared history.

“Black History Month is a time to pay tribute to the rich history of African-Americans and to look ahead to ways we can all work together to build stronger communities and a stronger nation,” said Congressman Crowley. “As a son of New York, a product of our city’s schools and community, and a history maker in his own right, Attorney General Holder is truly an inspiration to us all and I am honored to welcome him to New York’s 7^th Congressional District for this very special and meaningful event.”

left to right, event honoree State Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, Attorney General Holder, event honoree State Committeewoman Barbara Brown, and Congressman Crowley

During the event, Crowley recognized two outstanding community leaders as this year’s honorees: State Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry and State Committeewoman Barbara Brown. Crowley acknowledged Assemblyman Aubry’s tireless efforts to improve the way we treat drug addiction and his 18 years of service to the people of Queens as a member of the State Assembly. Highlighting her lifelong dedication to her community, Crowley recognized Committeewoman Brown for her role as a social activist and community advocate, and for her commitment to serving residents and families of the Bronx.

“What makes our country great is the strength of our communities and the values of civility and virtue that all of this year’s honorees have dedicated their lives to,” said Crowley. “Assemblyman Aubry, Committeewoman Brown, and our guest of honor, Attorney General Holder, have each made a lifelong commitment to improving their communities and to promoting compassion and understanding in their neighbors,” said Crowley. “Their efforts serve as a guiding light as we work together to build a better future for all.”

Attendees at the event were treated to performances by local talent including the Tillers Liturgical Dance Ministry and the Combined Choir, both of the Antioch Baptist Church of Corona. The invocation was led by Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith Jr., Church of the Savior, and the benediction by Rev. Sheldon E. Williams, Co-op City Baptist Church.

Crowley has hosted an annual Black History Month event every year since 2000. To read Congressman Crowley’s remarks from this year’s Black History Month event, please click here.

Congressman Crowley is the seven-term representative from the 7^th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the House of Representatives.

Rep Joe Crowley Warns Slashing Title X Will Hurt Families, Women, Economy

Today, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) spoke out against Republicans’ efforts to eliminate federal funding for Title X of the Public Health Service Act in the Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1), a move that would deny over five million low-income Americans access to critical health services. Title X helps clinics provide high-quality and affordable preventative health services, including cancer screenings, immunizations, contraception, prenatal care and a range of women’s health services. Crowley, a staunch supporter of the program, leads the yearly charge to increase funding for Title X.



Below are Congressman Crowley’s remarks from the House floor as submitted:

“I rise today in support of the Title X program, which is a critical health program to serve low-income women and men. Unfortunately, the bill before us today would eliminate funding for this program, denying over five million patients the services they need and have trouble affording elsewhere.

“My colleagues on the other side of the aisle may try to say this is just about spending – but the result is an attack on health services for low-income Americans.

“The Title X program provides funds to over 4,500 clinics in all 50 states. These clinics provide a wide variety of preventive health services to women and men – such as screenings for breast and cervical cancer, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, and providing prenatal care to ensure healthy babies and mothers. And, they provide contraceptive services to enable women and men to plan for their futures, resulting in better health outcomes for all.

“For many low-income patients, these clinics are their only access to low-cost preventive health services.

“The Republicans’ resolution is an attack on low-income patients and the health care they rely on.

“How many cases of breast cancer will go undetected as a result of this cut? How many men will forgo testing for prostate cancer? How many sexually transmitted diseases will go undiagnosed and untreated? How many babies will be born with health problems, such as low birth weight, because their mothers were unable to get the prenatal care they need?

“These questions aren't just hypothetical - study after study has shown the benefits of Title X and how we would suffer without this program.

“For example, without Title X, unintended teen pregnancies would increase by 60 percent each year - an additional 390,000 teenage girls getting pregnant because they had no more access to low-cost contraceptives.

“Is that what we want?

“This isn't just about spending - if it were, my colleagues would recognize that the Title X program saves nearly 4 dollars in Medicaid costs for every dollar spent. They would also recognize that in just one year, the services provided by Title X clinics saved state and federal governments $3.4 billion.

“And yet we're cutting the $317 million this program gets – that’s right, million, when the benefit is in the billions!

“What we should be doing is strengthening this program and others like it, not gutting it.

“We will all be paying for the results of this cut down the road.”

Congressman Crowley is the seven-term representative from the 7th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He serves a Chief Deputy Whip in the House of Representatives and is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

Rep Joe Crowley Calls for Investigation of Financial Aid Companies

‘Financial Aid Should be a Boon to American Families, Not a Boondoggle’

Today, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate allegations of companies misleading families of students seeking assistance in securing financial aid, following a new report by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

“Financial aid is supposed to be a boon for American families, not a boondoggle,” wrote Crowley in a letter to FTC Chairman Jon Liebowitz.

This week, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported that it has received “complaints from parents who paid money upfront to a company that promised to find scholarships and grants for their child but ultimately did not deliver.” In addition, the BBB has heard reports of companies misleading families to believe that they are providing a unique service, when in reality they are charging money for information that is already widely available at no cost or for services that produce no results.

“The idea that companies are trying to make a buck off of American families who are doing nothing more but trying to manage the high price tag of a college education is appalling,” said Crowley. “These are tough economic times, and misleading families into believing they should pay for information that is already available at no cost is the ultimate cheat. With student financial aid deadlines on the horizon, I urge the FTC to take urgent action and investigate this matter thoroughly.”

In addition to calling on the FTC, Crowley also plans to introduce legislation next week to ensure families are made aware of these abusive practices.

The full text of the letter sent to FTC Chairman Liebowitz is below:

February 4, 2011

Jon Liebowitz
Chairman, Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Chairman Liebowitz,

I want to express my serious concern and request action relating to a recent Better Business Bureau report exposing activities by companies allegedly taking advantage of families searching for financial aid for higher education.

On February 1^st, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported that multiple companies may be hurting families of students applying to colleges and universities through misleading practices. The BBB states that it has received “complaints from parents who paid money upfront to a company that promised to find scholarships and grants for their child but ultimately didn’t deliver.” Companies have also been reported as leading families to believe that they are providing a unique service, when in reality they are charging money for simple information that is actually available for free elsewhere. The BBB further outlines the practices such companies use to solicit business.

This new report is deeply disturbing. At a time when our nation faces unprecedented economic challenges, students must able to fairly and transparently access the funds they need to give them a chance at success. Financial aid is supposed to be a boon for American families, not a boondoggle.

I urge you to closely examine the claims made by the Better Business Bureau and take urgent steps to protect families from any misleading practices in the student financial aid industry, including options available under the terms of the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act. I plan on introducing further legislation to help ensure that families receive the information they need about what may amount to abusive practices.

This situation is urgent, with many students set to file their financial aid forms in the coming weeks. I look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,



Joseph Crowley

Member of Congress

Congressman Crowley is the seven-term representative from the 7^th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He serves a Chief Deputy Whip in the House of Representatives and is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.