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WASHINGTON - On this Thanksgiving Day, as always, we thank the Almighty for the greatest of blessings: our families and loved ones, and of course, our health. We remember the gifts that we sometimes take for granted--the food that nourishes our bodies, the shelter that protects us from the elements, and the strength to provide for ourselves and our families.
At so many funerals this year, I have tried to remind the grieving relatives of the times they had enjoyed with their departed loved ones. Words never seemed enough. Today again, as we reflect on those missing from the Thanksgiving table, we pray to remember the good times and be grateful for them.
As we look about our surroundings, there are so many reasons to be thankful. Our community may not be perfect, but everywhere there are improvements. In Central Harlem and surrounding areas of Washington Heights, Inwood, and El Barrio, new stores, shops, and restaurants have opened and doing well. They bring not only their conveniences but jobs, and renewed vibrancy and excitement to our neighborhoods.
In East Harlem, the Auto Mall, the first automobile dealership in Upper Manhattan in many years, is in full swing, providing commerce, jobs and educational opportunities.
On the west end of 125th Street, we've broken ground on the Hudson pier, an exciting recreational and commercial project that will create green park space for our families to enjoy as well as employment opportunities..
On the strip along 125th Street, the Apollo Theatre again stands out as a venue for top entertainment. Its marquee, dark for several years, now spotlights the names of top flight performers appearing on the Apollo stage.
Visitors from near and far arrive in busloads to enjoy the restaurants and nightspots in the fabled capital of Black America--and on Sundays, some join in praising the Lord and swaying to the gospel music in our churches.
This Thanksgiving, we also have reason to be grateful for recent developments in the realm of politics. Last November 7, in what may have been the most important election in recent history, voters across America took back their government, returning the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate to the control of a Democratic majority.
President Bush said his party had taken a "thumping" by Democrats who turned out in record numbers--particularly our young people--to end 12 years of Republican control of Congress. The people were fed up with a Congress that was more interested in sacrificing our brave soldiers and Marines in wars overseas than in providing jobs, health care and good education at home.
My constituents also reelected me to represent them in Congress, giving me the opportunity to become chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, one of the most powerful in Congress. I am extremely grateful for that opportunity and will do everything in my power to justify my constituents' confidence in me.
I wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
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