Ackerman and the 110th Congress

WASHINGTON - In a speech that was received like a healing balm to the overwhelmingly Democratic audience, Congressmember Gary Ackerman from New York's 5th Congressional District pointed out that the economy, though strong was not strong for everyone. &#8220A rising tide raises all boats,” he said, &#8220Which is great for the people with boats, but if you're standing in water you end up getting white water up your nose.”
Ackerman was addressing a delegation of Queens community leaders who were his guests in Washington for the inauguration of the 110th Congress, the swearing in of the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives and his own oath of office.
Ackerman addressed the concerns of the Democratic base saying that his comments didn't just apply to the working poor, that the gap between rich and poor had widened so much that those in the $50,000 – 200,000 range don't even get much help.
Under the current administration and the previous Congress it was only those at the very top who got benefits. &#8220You can't take away the middle rungs,” Ackerman said. &#8220People shouldn't work hard, come home tired, and not be able to feed their family.”
He pointed out for the group the subtle changes in tone and emphasis of the 110th Congress. Ackerman noted the symbolic nod to organized labor intended to strengthen the lives of working people which was encapsulated in the name change from the Congressional Committee for Education and The Workforce to The House Committee on Education and Labor.
Ackerman, a Jew, said that he celebrated the religious diversity of America and was proud that despite opposition from some quarters, the first Muslim ever elected to congress would be sworn in with his hand on the Koran. Pointing to the separation of church and state as a traditional and fundamental tenet of American democracy, Ackerman told the gathering that the Koran that would be used was on loan from the Library of Congress, having been obtained from the private library of Thomas Jefferson.
&#8220Christians place their hand on the New Testament - I use the Old Testament. It doesn't matter, you could be sworn in on the dictionary,” he joked. What mattered is that this is America and these are this man’s beliefs and they should be respected. &#8220Diversity makes our country strong,” Ackerman said. &#8220We take the best of people. We find the best, and the good, and the genius of common people prevented from making a contribution to their country of origin.”
Speaking of the 110th Congress he said, &#8220It's not about getting even, it's about getting better. It's about making our country well.” He expected the new Congress to achieve more in the first 100 hours than the 109th achieved in 300 days.
Ackerman conceded that the road ahead was not without obstacles. &#8220Despite having the majority, we don't have the super majority we need to override a Presidential veto.”
He said that he expected this Congress to pass important legislation such as funding for stem cell research; fully funding the &#8220no child left behind” program, and tackling the prescription drug fiasco.
Ackerman is now the chair of the subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, under the auspices of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and is excited to be tackling issues of such weight and complexity.
&#8220Peace in the Middle East is a tremendous challenge. We will be exercising an oversight function. There will be no more free rides for the President,” he said.
He said that the United States will have to talk to Iran. &#8220We make peace by talking to our enemies,” he said. Ackerman said that Congress would listen to the President, for example his proposal to increase troops in Iraq, but would not support him blindly.
When asked about the chances of ending funding for war, Ackerman said the issue would have to be looked at as a party. How we leave? When we leave? Moreover, what the impact will be on Iraq would be the important questions.