the program provides a cost-effective, responsible alternative to expensive and ineffective incarceration, saving taxpayers more than $17 million last year alone.

There is great concern in minority communities, in particular, that once this happens, the already low minority high school graduation rate will plummet even further.

It is not just necessarily about the ethnicity or the person's language barriers, but it has to do with a comprehensive look at all of the contributions that the diversity of our Nation makes.

a U.S. Representative from the State of New York

It is certainly my honor and my privilege to be here to both be a witness and to speak on behalf of Ms. Jacqueline A. Berrien.

Earlier this session, the House unanimously passed H.R. 559, which is what we call the Fast Redress Act of 2009.

It has really become a very serious problem out there for many Americans who are traveling of Muslim descent, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Irish American, children.

In addition to being a member of this committee I am also chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cyber Security, and Science and Technology for the House Committee on Homeland Security.

I want to also take a moment to commend Mayor Michael Bloomberg, our deputy mayor, Linda Gibbs, and our health commissioner, Tom Frieden, for their response, work, vigilance, and keeping New Yorkers informed and safe.

Our inability to rapidly and accurately trace diseased and exposed animals increases the likely spread of disease.

It is clear that animal identification is and should be a tool of U.S. Department of Agriculture.