Congressman Charles Rangel recognized several African American performing artists in June, Black Music Month, promoting legislation he has introduced in Congress honoring their contributions to music and to the struggle for civil rights. Black Music Month was initiated by President Carter in 1979.

The Congressman entered the following statement in the Congressional Record:

Music has a deep historical significance to African Americans, who are truly the founders and keepers of American music. The roots of gospel and blues can be traced back to the slave plantations. During slavery, African Americans sang songs and clapped hands to communicate with one another and to uplift their spirits. The music helped to sustain enslaved people and provided an outlet to express their suffering and aspirations. During the Civil Rights Movement, African American musicians offered encouragement and hope for an America in which all people would be treated equally. By creating and popularizing gospel, blues, jazz, funk, disco, pop, and hip-hop, they have inspired and entertained people of all races around the world.

I have introduced legislation in the 110th Congress to honor just a few of the great artists who have had a lasting impact on the American musical song book.

Lionel Hampton, an accomplished jazz musician, band leader, US goodwill ambassador, became a musical icon in a career that spanned more than 50 years until his death in 2002. He composed more than 200 pieces and was honored by President Clinton with the National Medal of Arts in 1996. The University of Idaho's music school and annual jazz festival are named in his honor.

The extraordinary Lena Horne was not only a Broadway performer, world renowned singer, and actress, she was a steadfast civil rights activists. Putting her career on the line, she proudly spoke out against racial discrimination. As a result, she was blackballed. Her hardships were not in vain as she blazed a trail for those who would follow in her footsteps as Hollywood stars. She was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. Her most recent album, Seasons of Life, was released in January of 2006. She currently resides in New York and on June 30, 2007, will turn 90 years old.

James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul" who passed away in December 2006, had a monumental influence on popular music in America and around the world. During the sixties, many of his songs were more than dance hits and became anthems for the Civil Rights Movement. His music instilled pride in African Americans as they were fighting for equality. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and was the recipient of the 34th Annual Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.

The phenomenal Ray Charles overcame blindness and personal problems to become one of America's most inspiring artists. His music advanced the civil rights movement and united Americans. He has been credited with singing the most popular rendition of America the Beautiful. His version of Georgia on My Mind is an official Georgia state song. In 2004, the year of his death, he was ranked 10th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. In that same year, he passed away.

These musical legends and many other African American musicians have contributed to American music and the nation's cultural identity around the world. I urge my colleagues in Congress and people around the world to celebrate, honor, and cherish the contributions of African American musicians, especially during Black Music Month.

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Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement responding to the Supreme Courts decision June 28 on school desegregation:

"The Supreme Court's decision in Parents Involved v. Seattle School Dist. No. 1 is more than just a disappointment. It's a slap in the face to all those who have fought to ensure that this country lives up to promise of liberty and the ideals laid out by our founding fathers. It's a monumental step backward in the fight against the cruel reality that even in the 21st century, there are still far too many areas where racial discrimination and segregation exist, especially in education.

More than fifty years ago, nine courageous men struck down the status quo policy of 'separate but equal.' They recognized that segregated schools inevitably lead to inequality because majority white schools get the most resources. Unfortunately, yesterday's decision makes it easier for governments on all levels to turn their back on Brown v. Board of Education. It renews the risk of deepening current racial segregation, facilitates increased patterns of re-segregation and helps tolerate inferior schools for children of color.

Diversity -- and all of the benefits it brings to our country economically, socially and spiritually -- is more than just a worthy goal to be pursued by our local schools. It is a necessary one. In an increasingly global marketplace, we do our children and our institutions a disservice if we do not have a learning environment that is reflective of society.

Justice Stevens is painfully correct that those who worked hard to support the letter and spirit of Brown v. Board of Education would disagree with the current court's ruling. It is a tough lesson and a sad reminder that unless we remain vigilant, an election here and a change in the bench there can easily erode what is right and just."

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In Washington, DC, last week, Congressman Charles Rangel (center-standing) hosted a meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegation with members of the House Ways and Means Committee, which he chairs. CARICOM requested extension of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and capacity-building assistance to enable the region to increase its competitiveness in the global economy.

First Row (Left to Right): Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, PM, Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Owen S. Arthur, PM, Barbados; Hon. Lisa Shoman, Foreign Minister, Belize; Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, PM, Dominica; Hon. Keith Mitchell, PM, Grenada; Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo, President, Guyana; Hon. Daniel Dorsainvil, Minister of Finance, Haiti; Hon. Anthony Hylton, Foreign Minister, Jamaica; Hon. Stephenson King, PM Saint Lucia; Hon. Louis Straker, Foreign Minsiter, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Hon. Ramdien Sardjoe, VP of Surinam; Hon. Patrick Manning, PM Trinidad and Tobago; Hon. Edwin Carrington CARICOM.

Standing (Left to Right): Sander Levin (MI); Wally Herger (CA); Donna M. Christensen (VI); Sam Johnson (TX), Kevin Brady (TX), Jerry Weller (IL); Jim McCrery (LA); Chairman Charles B. Rangel (NY); Dr. Denzil Douglas (PM, St. Kitts and Nevis); Richard Neal (MA); Kendrick Meek (FL); Shelley Berkley (NV); Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA); John Lewis, Artur Davis (AL); Ron Kind (WI).

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Congressman Charles B. Rangel delivered the following words on the floor of the House of Representatives in tribute to former Michigan Rep. Guy Vander Jagt, who passed away on Friday, June 21 at the age of 75, after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer:

"The tear that you hear in the voice of the gentleman from Michigan [Rep. Fred Upton] is felt by everybody that knew Guy Vander Jagt. I was with him on Tuesday morning with his beautiful wife Carol, and I would want everybody who knew this man to know that there was a big smile on his face, that wonderful voice of his was resonant, and even though he did not stay lucid for long periods of time, the only thing, the only thing that he talked about was his House of Representatives.

I really sincerely hope that those Members, Republican and Democrats, that had an opportunity to see a true Republican with the compassion and sensitivity and understanding that it takes all of us to make this Congress and this country work, that maybe those of us who knew Guy would make some kind of special effort to be tolerant with each other, which is what he was talking about, in hopes that new Members that never had the opportunity to enjoy that type of camaraderie will move in that direction.

We will miss him, but those who knew him, we have a constant reminder that when things get rough for us on this floor, there was a guy like Guy Vander Jagt, and as strong as a Republican as he was, that he cared enough about this House to care for all us.

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New York Lawmaker Is Joined by Senators Max Baucus, Mike Crapo, and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson in Bi-Partisan Initiative to Assist U.S. Farmers and Travelers.

Congressman Charles Rangel today joined a bi-partisan group of lawmakers in unveiling legislation to remove restrictions on agricultural trade with Cuba and to end the embargo on U.S. travel to the island.

Congressman Rangel attended the press conference with Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee who co-authored the bill and introduced the Senate version. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), both strong advocates for change in U.S. Cuba policy, were also at the podium.

"I am very pleased to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to work in a bi-partisan manner to fix a policy that has been broken for years," Congressman Rangel said. "A policy that in 50 years has done nothing to change Cuba but only harms everyday Americans, our farmers and our business people should be changed. That is what this bill is designed to do."

At the time of the press conference, 39 members of the House had signed on as original co-sponsors of the bill.

The bill's major provisions would:

• Remove prepayment requirements for agricultural exports to Cuba
• Allow direct payment by Cuban customers to U.S. banks
• Remove the ban on American travel to Cuba
• Provide expedited U.S. visas to Cubans involved in agricultural purchases from the U.S.
• Eliminates onsite verification requirements for U.S. medicines and medical supplies sold to Cuba
• Protects U.S. trademarks in Cuba

Provides funds to promote U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba

Under the current policy, U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba which had risen dramatically after a change in the law in 2001, are now decreasing due to a more restrictive interpretation of the law since 2005.

Companies in 38 states have signed contracts to sell commodities to Cuba, with total sales of $2 billion since 2001. According to various estimates, the banking regulations are costing American producers $200 to $300 million. It has been estimated that lifting the travel embargo entirely would create 20,000 new jobs and $1 billion in revenues to the U.S. travel industry.

In addition, travel by Americans to Cuba, which is strictly limited under rigorous Treasury Department regulations, has decreased by 50 percent since the tightening of those sanctions in 2004. Most dramatically impacted has been travel by Cuban Americans to visit their relatives in Cuba. They are only allowed one visit every three years, even in the event of medical emergencies or deaths in the family.

"It's no secret that these policies are driven by politics and electoral concerns that have nothing to do with Cuba," Congressman Rangel said. "But the sad fact is that everyday Americans are being hurt, and our farm and business sectors are paying the price for a failed policy."

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Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement praising this year's 50th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade:

I can't think of anywhere else I would rather be on the second Sunday in June than in New York and marching in the Puerto Rican Day Parade. It's more than just a celebration of Boricua pride. It's what makes this city and this country great.

Hundreds of thousands of people, Latinos and non-Latinos, come down to enjoy a weekend of cultural events that include art exhibits, entertainment spectaculars and sporting events all over the city. Of course, I particularly enjoy the ones in my backyard in El Barrio, at places like the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, El Museo del Barrio or during Saturday's famous music and street festival on E. 116th Street.

The weekend, especially the parade, has changed a lot in the last fifty years. It's moved from April to June, from uptown to downtown, and from a New York celebration to a national extravaganza. Yet one thing remains the same: when Puerto Ricans stroll down one of New York's famous Fifth Avenue, we are all reminded that they, through their hard work and dedication, they have helped transform and build this country to what it is today.

Citizens of this land since 1917, young men and woman from both the island and the U.S. mainland have taken up arms to defend this land, from World War I all the way through today in Iraq. That includes the famed 65th Infantry, which like many segregated units overcame racism in and out of the military to have their bravery and valor recognized by a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, a Gold Bravery Medal of Greece, nine Distinguished Service Crosses, 250 Silver Stars and more than 500 Bronze Stars.

My good friend David Dinkins is often been quoted as saying that New York, like the rest of the world, is a gorgeous mosaic of different races and cultures. The people of Puerto Rico have been a key part of that mosaic in the city and in my district, fighting as brothers and sisters side by side with African Americans and other ethnicities in the civil rights movement and on behalf of social justice, affordable housing and better healthcare. Their star athletes have brought energy and distinction to sports on several levels and their top students have graduated leaders in fields as diverse as medicine & science to law & academia. They've been musical pioneers across various generations, combining Carribean rhythms to create salsa in the late 60s & 70s, adding their artistic and lyrical skills to the foundation of hip-hop in the late 70s and 80s, and helping to fuse reggae and hip-hop today's in latest craze of reggaeton.

The stars of the Puerto Rican community, past and present, are too many to name here, but there's no doubt they would surely light up any sky. All share in the distinction of not just being role models to their people and those who share a common Latin American culture, but everyone who dreams of a better life for themselves and their families.

Of course, like all communities, there are still more challenges to be met. Too many Puerto Rican children in America and on the island grow up in poverty, are the victims of crime and suffer from preventable diseases. Too many seniors are facing an insecure future that has them choosing between rising rents and expensive prescription drugs. Intense debates about everything from economic development to the island's political future still divide the community here and abroad.

However, all that seems to melt away, every year during the second Sunday of June. Organizers do a great job of reminding us of the richness of Puerto Rican culture, of the community's achievements & accomplishments and the potential for greatness that lies ahead.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to not just these citizens, but also the parade's founders and current leaders for giving us another day that we can all share in the diversity of this great land. Only in New York. Only in America.

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Congressman Charles B. Rangel praised the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for allowing Americans to temporarily travel to Canada, Latin America and the Carribean without a passport, as long as they have proof of having applied for one.

"I have to commend DHS for listening to the needs of Americans, who often just wanted to see loved ones abroad or take a well-deserved vacation," said Rangel. "They have shown real leadership in trying to correct a mistake, instead of blindly following a course that is clearly having problems."

According to the relaxed rules, adults still awaiting a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov.

The Department's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was intended to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors as mandated by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. However, as early as last fall, Rangel and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus had urged the agency to revisit their decision. DHS conceded to delay the implementation of the requirements until June 1, 2009 for land crossings at the borders and for cruise passengers traveling within the Western Hemisphere.

The delay did little to prevent record number of applications and long waiting times since the beginning of the year. Rangel said his offices were being inundated with phone calls from constituents who had applied in some cases as early as February. Rangel said the issue was symptomatic of some the problems that DHS and immigration officials experience in processing not just passport requests, but visa petitions and citizenship applications.

"We need to wait until we have the technology and personnel in place to process the demand for all these applications," said the Congressman. "Security is not just about regulations. We have to invest the time and money to help provide federal agencies with practical resources that they need to implement these requirements."

DHS officials said that travelers who have not applied for a passport should not expect to be accommodated. The temporary decision also does not affect entry requirements to other countries. Americans traveling to a country that requires passports must still present those documents.

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