Latest Press Releases from Charles B. Rangel

Rangel Deplores House Gop Violence Against Women Act

2012-05-16T22:14:03Z

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement condemning the Republican version of the Violence Against Women Act, which passed the House on mostly partisan 222 to 205 vote. The GOP leadership rejects Democratic requests to also permit a vote on the Senate bill that passed with bipartisan support. The Senate bill provides new protections for gay, immigrant, and Native American victims of domestic abuse while the House version does not:

"Today, House Republicans have once again proven that they are more interested in scoring political points than in bipartisan governance. Instead of agreeing to a Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that passed with considerable Republican support, my Colleagues have decided to deliberately make it harder for immigrant, Native American, and LGBT victims of domestic violence to get their due recourse against their aggressors. This is both an affront to the rights of the abused and a classic case of blaming the victim instead of giving them the opportunity to defend themselves.

Playing political football with the victims of domestic violence is the clearest example to date of the conservative war on women. Over 300 organizations devoted to women's rights, racial equality, and civil justice have declared open opposition to the bill, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Organization for Women, the American Bar Association, the NAACP, the National Council of La Raza, the Human Rights Campaign, the United Church of Christ, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the National Congress of American Indians. This, if anything, should indicate the wide swath of opposition among the American people to such a partisan bill.

President Barack Obama already said he would veto the House version of the Violence Against Women Act if it comes to his desk, and I strongly urge my Republican Colleagues to pass the bipartisan Senate version of the bill so that victims of domestic violence are able to protect themselves from their aggressors."

Rangel Commemorates 150th USDA Anniversary

2012-05-15T19:37:46Z

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which takes place on May 15th:

"As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), we should reflect upon its successful efforts in making unprecedented gains that bring food to our communities. American consumers now spend, on average, less than 10 percent of their disposable income on feeding their families - the lowest in the history of the world.

Among the USDA's greatest achievements is its success in helping the most vulnerable Americans put food on the table. I applaud the accomplishment of the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in both fighting hunger among low-income Americans and economically stimulating local communities. Every $5 in SNAP benefits generates almost twice that amount in the neighborhood economy. Research shows that low-income households that participate in the program have increased access to the essential vitamins and minerals that is recommended for everyone.

I applaud the good work done by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, as well as that of our local organizations that work in tandem with the SNAP program to help feed New York families. The efforts of the Food Bank for New York City, the Yorkville Common Pantry, and the Bailey House have been particularly vital in providing food to the families who need it. That is why I have fought Republican efforts to cut this important program in the Congress. The SNAP program is just one example of important USDA policy innovation and I hope that the next 150 years will bring even greater advances in affordable nutrition for our country and the world."

Rangel: Honoring Women By Protecting Their Health

2012-05-14T20:47:46Z

New York, NY – Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement in recognition of National Women's Health Week (May 13-19) and National Women’s Checkup Day (May 14):

"Women help provide the bedrock for America's families and communities, and their health is a top priority for our nation. During National Women's Health Week we reaffirm our commitment to providing affordable healthcare for women and making sure insurance companies cannot consider being a woman a 'pre-existing condition.'

I am deeply proud to have sponsored the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which gives women control over their healthcare decisions while expanding their healthcare rights. The ACA prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to women for pre-existing medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Starting in 2014, insurance companies will no longer be permitted to discriminate against women with pre-existing conditions or to charge women higher premiums than they charge men.

Because of this monumental legislation, women can choose their own doctor from any primary care provider, OB-GYN, or pediatrician in their health plan's network without a referral when they join new health plans. This law also creates new insurance exchanges that expand preventative care and basic health services for women, including maternity care, well-women visits, mammograms, and pap smears. This Monday marks National Women's Check-Up Day, which serves as reminder that women should schedule a visit with their doctor to discuss which screening tests they need. Many of these tests will be free thanks to the ACA.

During National Women's Health Week, I encourage all women to take steps to protect their health so they can live longer and healthier lives."

To learn more about National Women’s Health Week and to find a National Women’s Health Week event in your community, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw.

To find information on free screenings for women in Harlem, visit www.gethealthyharlem.org.

Rangel Welcomes President Obama To District

2012-05-14T20:27:40Z

New York, NY - Congressman Charles B. Rangel today welcomed President Barack Obama to his Manhattan Congressional District, as the President was visiting Barnard College to deliver a commencement address to the school's nearly 600 female graduates.

"I am proud to welcome President Obama to Northern Manhattan," said Rangel. "It's a tremendous honor to have the President come to our district to address Barnard's graduating class about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in a world that is being shaped by women leaders more than ever."

The President's visit comes as he and Rangel have been fighting to pass laws that would help ease the rising cost of college tuition. On May 10 Rangel introduced the Student Loan Interest Deduction (SLID) Act of 2012, H.R. 5719, which would increase the tax deduction for student loan interest rates to $5,000 for singles and $10,000 for married couples. The bill would also remove the income restriction on the deduction and repeal the current 5-year limitation on deducting student loan interest from federal taxes. SLID has received bipartisan support, garnering eight original co-sponsors, as well as the endorsement of six education trade organizations.

Rangel and President Obama have also supported legislation that would prevent interest rates on subsidized student loans from doubling from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent in July. House Republicans passed a bill that would freeze these interest rates at 3.4 percent by slashing a fund that pays for cancer screenings for women. Both Rangel and President Obama oppose this bill, and instead support paying for the interest rate freeze by closing tax loopholes for Big Oil.

Added Rangel: "President Obama has always stirred up excitement among America's youth. College students are thrilled to have a President who understands the burden of high tuition and takes action to help them. We should work to make college affordable for everyone in America so that they will be prepared to compete in an increasingly globalized marketplace and to meet the challenges that this country faces."

Rangel Introduces Student Loan Interest Deduction (SLID) Act

2012-05-11T23:20:44Z

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles Rangel introduced the Student Loan Interest Deduction (SLID) Act of 2012 as a means of helping to relieve students of the crushing burden posed by the loans that have slid them into debt.

The SLID Act, H.R. 5719, would increase the tax deduction for student loan interest rates to $5,000 for singles and $10,000 for married couples. The bill would also remove the income restriction on the deduction and repeal the current 5-year limitation on deducting student loan interest from federal taxes.

"The recent controversy over the Stafford loan interest rate reduction has raised national awareness of the true costs of higher education and the heavy burden it places on America's students," said Rangel. "Already, the rising costs of tuition and high unemployment rates for recent graduates have created a student loan debt crisis. Forcing them to pay high taxes on an already overwhelming amount of debt makes education less affordable than it should be."

The bipartisan effort to make college more affordable has garnered the support of eight original co-sponsors - Reps. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Richard E. Neal (D-MA), John B. Larson (D-CT), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), John Lewis (D-GA), and Jim Gerlach (R-PA) - which reflects the wide range of support for this student tax cut.

Additionally, the SLID Act has received the endorsement of six education trade organizations, indicating great enthusiasm for the bill from the education community. The endorsing organizations are the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

"College students are the future engine of our nation," said Rangel. "They are the ones who will continue to make this country great in the years ahead. We should make affording education easier for them to meet the challenges that this country faces in times to come. This bill will help to pave a smooth road ahead for our children and grandchildren as they fulfill the promise of the American Dream."

Rangel Joins Levin, Mcdermott And Waxman To Commemorate May 10 Agreement On Trade

2012-05-10T23:20:49Z

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel today joined Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI), Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim McDermott (D-WA), and Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the “May 10 Agreement” on trade. The Agreement ensured strong and enforceable labor and environmental standards in U.S. free trade agreements, and struck a balance between incentivizing innovation and providing access to affordable medicines in developing countries.

Said Rangel: "The May 10 Agreement was the culmination of a movement to have not just free trade, but fair trade. It helps countries; more importantly, it helps people. We started with a goal of bringing fairness and compassion to trade. With this Agreement, we made progress."

When Democrats retook the House majority in 2007, the Bush Administration finally acquiesced to demands made by Rangel, who served as Ways and Means Committee Chairman, for a trade policy that protects the environment and provides greater access to healthcare for citizens in developing countries. The four free trade agreements that had already been concluded by the Bush Administration were reopened and renegotiated to make these fundamental changes.

A briefing was held in a Ways and means Subcommittee hearing to mark the five-year anniversary. Speaking at the event as panelists were Stephanie Burgos, Senior Policy Advisor for Oxfam America, Thea Lee, Deputy Chief of Staff for AFL-CIO, Leah L. Summers, Esq., Vice President of International Affairs at Mylan Inc., and Sascha Von Bismarck, Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency

Added Rangel: "The May 10 Agreement joined American moral values and trade policy. By promoting more efficient trade while expanding access to healthcare in developing nations, it let the world know that the American government is not at the service of Wall Street."

Rangel Condemns House GOP For Gutting Aid To Poor And Elderly

2012-05-10T22:45:50Z

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel today harshly rebuked House Republicans for passing a reconciliation bill that would replace deep, across-the-board budget cuts passed as part of last year’s debt ceiling agreement with cuts specifically aimed at programs providing aid for senior citizens, working parents, and children. The bill passed on a 218-199 mostly party-line vote.

"Democrats want to reduce the deficit," said Rangel. "But we are calling for a balanced approach that asks millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share. Republicans have instead decided to engage in political gamesmanship by choosing to slash funds for cancer screenings, child immunizations, and programs that benefit women and children, the poor and the elderly."

When House Republicans passed the Ryan Budget it laid out a reconciliation process that included six committees tasked with proposing alternate cuts to the sequestration ordered by the debt ceiling deal.

The Republican-majority committees approved cuts for funding to food stamps, the Dodd-Frank financial regulation law, and preventative screenings in the healthcare reform law. Because the cuts are aimed largely at especially vulnerable citizens, many organizations have come out in strong opposition to the reconciliation. Easter Seals, the National Women’s Law Center, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Voices for America’s Children have opposed the bill.

Added Rangel: "There are 1300 elderly men and women in East Harlem alone who depend on Meals-on-Wheels to remain healthy and independent. It's morally wrong for Republicans to insist on taking away my constituents' next meal to give tax subsidies to Big Oil. Republicans need to work with Democrats to find a solution to our nation's debt problem without devastating the most vulnerable Americans. "

Rangel Applauds $10.3 Million Federal Grant For New York Job Training

2012-05-10T21:50:41Z

New York, NY - Congressman Charles B. Rangel commended the Obama Administration and the Department of Labor for providing New York State with $10.3 million in federal funding for reemployment and job training services.

"Career transition assistance is much-needed relief for those New Yorkers who have lost their jobs in the wake of the economic downturn," said Rangel. "Federal investments like these are the key to restarting growth and putting money back in the pockets of the American people."

The grant was announced as part of the Labor Department's Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) initiative. Funding is slated to help the state provide individualized job search and training services to New Yorkers currently receiving unemployment insurance.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the grant award in recognition of the success of New York State's One-Stop Career Centers. Job coaches at these state-funded centers reach out to businesses with job openings and connect them with unemployed Americans. Career Centers also engage in a comprehensive skills assessment with every jobseeker to analyze and fulfill short-term training needs. Past grants have, on average, successfully connected unemployed New Yorkers to jobs two weeks sooner than otherwise.

Added Rangel: "Our state has been historically successful at connecting unemployed New Yorkers with their desired job openings. Career training programs are a prime example of successful investment on the part of the federal government. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his ability and leadership in bringing resources to New York."

The federal grant will be used to bring the number of job coaches to 135 at 53 One-Stop Career Centers across the state. New Yorkers can find more information concerning state job training services at www.jobs.ny.gov.

Rangel Applauds House Passage Of Export-Import Bank Reauthorization

2012-05-10T15:37:31Z

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel joined Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim McDermott (D-WA) to applaud the House's reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank.

The mandate of the Export-Import Bank is to support U.S. exports and the employment of American workers. The Bank uses its authority and resources to finance exports primarily in circumstances when alternative, private sector export financing may not be available or is prohibitively expensive or risky.

"American businesses must be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to compete with China's thriving export sector," said Rangel. "The Export-Import Bank helps small and medium-sized companies expand by opening up new markets for their products. Exports are a critical ingredient to our economic recovery and to job creation. Europe and China are scrambling to generate export credit; American exporters will need equal financing to compete in the increasingly globalized marketplace."

Under the old law, the U.S. Export-Import Bank could not provide loans, guarantees or insurance at any one time in excess of $100 billion. The Bank was expected to reach that limit before its authorization expired on May 31.

The Bank seeks to level the playing field for U.S. exporters by matching credit support that other nations provide to their exporters. From 2006-2010, China issued over $203 billion in new medium- and long-term export credit financing, which is four times the amount invested by the United States in absolute dollars, and ten times more as a share of GDP. Countries like China do not always comply with international guidelines relating to export financing, and the Bank is developing new tools to confront this challenge.

Added Rangel: "With this action America takes another step on its path to economic recovery. By supporting our small businesses, we can ensure that American job growth will continue and our economy will remain the world's largest and most vibrant."

Rangel Honors Educators During National Teachers Appreciation Week

2012-05-09T22:00:35Z

Washington, DC - Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement on National Teachers Appreciation Week, which takes place May 7-11, 2012, recognizing the dedication and tireless efforts of our teachers in educating America's students:

"I am pleased to recognize our teachers for their dedication and tireless efforts in educating America's students. National Teachers Appreciation Week is a wonderful opportunity to honor the hard work our teachers perform daily to make a difference in the lives of students across the country.

While teaching is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding. I strongly believe that we must give unconditional support to our educators so that future generations of young Americans will have the ability to succeed in a global economy and face the challenges of tomorrow.

On National Teachers' Day, we honor our local educators and acknowledge the crucial role each teacher plays in making sure that every child receives a quality education. Throughout my Congressional District there are stories of young people who are succeeding, not only because of test scores, but also because of a teacher who realized their talent, believed in them, and helped them to believe in themselves. It is because of these great teachers who make a positive impact on the youth, achievements gaps between poor and minority students and their non-minority peers are beginning to close.

It is also my pleasure to thank our teachers in the military community this week. More than 1.2 million school-age military children are being educated by dedicated teachers in classrooms across the country. These educators help young ones ease transitions into a different school and a new community as they relocate from a military base to another.

This week and throughout the year, I encourage parents to thank teachers for their hard work, care and sacrifice. I will continue to offer my gratitude and appreciation to our spirited teaching champions for their outstanding achievements on behalf of our nation's students and their future."

President's Support Marks Historic Moment In Fight For Marriage Equality

2012-05-09T21:15:02Z

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement today after President Obama declared his support for marriage equality:

"I am proud that President Barack Obama today announced his belief that marriage equality should extend to all Americans. The President's announcement marks what I hope will be one of the final steps towards total equality for LGBT Americans.

I have been a staunch advocate of LGBT rights throughout my career. I was one of the 66 members of the House who voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. I knew then that it was discrimination, pure and simple. We lost that battle, but fortunately the tide has turned in favor of same-sex marriage.

I am proud that my home state of New York helped spearhead the movement towards marriage equality when it legalized same-sex marriage last July. That year I voted to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and gave my unwavering support to help pave the way for openly gay and lesbian soldiers to serve their country.

The arc of history moved forward today for millions of LGBT Americans who deserve the same rights and privileges enjoyed by every other couple. We should all be proud that President Obama bravely stood up to be the first American president to give a ringing endorsement to marriage equality. We must continue fighting for equal rights for every American citizen."

Rangel Condemns GOP Student Loan Obstructionism

2012-05-08T22:15:51Z

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement condemning the Republican refusal to debate student loan policy in the Senate:

"Once again, our Republican Colleagues have proven that they are more concerned with playing politics than with governing the country. In refusing to even debate a bill that would prevent interest rates on student loans from doubling, the Republican leadership has made it clear that it is not open to reasonable debate or compromise.

The interest rate on subsidized student loans is set to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent in July. This means that it is now time for decisive action to prevent the burden of student loan debt from continuing to crush American college students and their families - harming the future engine of our great nation.

At the very least, the GOP should be willing to start a discussion on the best way to protect our students and their families. Disagreement over policy is one thing; refusing to debate those disagreements is another. If we don't act soon, tens of thousands of college students could find themselves even deeper in debt. One thing is clear: the future of our economy is at stake, and we are running out of time."

Rangel Kicks Off 2012 Bronx Week Celebration

2012-05-08T22:08:24Z

New York, NY - Congressman Charles Rangel joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. at the Rotunda of the Bronx County Building to launch Bronx Week 2012, a week-long celebration of the unique social and cultural aspects of the borough which takes place May 10-20, 2012.

"The Bronx offers a distinctive vigor that is unmatched by the rest of the city which makes it a great place to live and work. It is the home of the Yankees, hip-hop, and home of some of the hardest working New Yorkers out there," said Rangel. "I am proud to be part of a celebration that honors the values that make this borough so rich in culture and traditions."

Bronx Week 2012 features over 120 mostly free events all over the borough. The events, such as the Bronx Bankers' Breakfast, Senior Day, the Centenarian Celebration, Environmental Day, the Bronx Ball, the Urban Farms Trolley Day, and the Film Festival Gala. The festivities also include the Grand Finale where hip-hop artist Fat Joe, supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford, world renowned cinematographer Sol Negrin, and critically acclaimed jazz legend and long time Bronx resident, Valerie Capers, will be officially inducted into the Bronx Hall of Fame.

Highlights of the festivities include a first annual solar energy conference and the Health Fair. Bronx Week will conclude, as it has in previous years, with its annual Bronx Parade and Food & Arts Festival on Mosholu Parkway. The venue will feature a multitude of local food and arts vendors that have helped shaped the Bronx. The parade will conclude with its annual concert which, in celebrating "Bronx Pride," will include appearances by legendary hip-hop artist Doug E. Fresh, critically acclaimed salsa stars of Los Hermanos Morenos, and other talented performers. More information about Bronx Week 2012 events can be found here: "I love the Bronx.com."

"Bronx Week is a prime example of a way in which we can commemorate the storied history of this great borough and forge the connections between us to make the Bronx a stronger community as a whole," said Rangel.

Rangel also added: "I applaud the efforts of Bronx Borough President Rueben Diaz Jr., community organizations, and local small businesses owners for making this celebration possible each year. I encourage all New Yorkers to participate in Bronx Week celebrations."

Bronx Week is organized each year by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and the Bronx Tourism Council. Sponsors include the New York Yankees, Montefiore Medical Center, Con Edison, Affinity Health Plan, United HealthCare Community Plan, Assurance Wireless, Kyocera, the Bronx CUNY Colleges, Health First, Emblem Health, The New York Hispanic Cosmetology & Beauty Chamber of Commerce, Citi, Verizon, BronxNet, Domino's Pizza, News12, the Bronx Design Group, and the New York Daily News.

Rangel: Jewish Heritage is America's Heritage

2012-05-08T19:24:06Z

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles Rangel issued the following statement to celebrate Jewish Heritage Month throughout May:

"May is the month in which we give praise to America's vast Jewish community. Since our nation's founding the Jewish-American community has played a valuable role in shaping our nation for the better. From politics, to culture, to business, there is no segment of society that has not been influenced by leaders from the Jewish faith.

Judaism is a faith that promotes peace, a strong work-ethic, and giving back. Synagogues and Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) throughout the United States build up their local neighborhoods by providing access to education, molding the youth to have productive futures, and helping the less fortunate. Most people would consider this to be charity. In the Jewish tradition, this is known as Tzedakah and it is what lies at the heart and soul of America's Jewish community.

I am very proud and thankful that my Manhattan Congressional District is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the country. Some of the better-known institutions of Jewish faith in our district include Yeshiva University, the Jewish Theological Seminary, Ansche Chesed, Chabad Lubavitch of the West Side, the Mount Sinai Jewish Center, Jewish Home and Hospital Lifecare, Project Dorot - Kosher Meals for the Homebound, Bend the Arc, and several more. One leader in particular, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, has been world-renowned for his efforts to promote peace and justice. I am working with my colleagues to see that he is properly recognized for his achievements with the Congressional Gold Medal.

This Jewish American Heritage Month we shall continue to recognize what strengthens us as a nation. I congratulate Jewish people everywhere for their contributions to our community and to our country. To them I say Shalom and Kol Tov."

Rangel: Local Student Artist Wins Rangel's 2012 Congressional Arts Competition

2012-05-07T20:06:46Z

Beaulac's Artwork To Be Displayed In The Capitol For The Next Year

New York, NY - Today Congressman Charles Rangel joined local arts leaders, students and parents as he announced this year's winner, Srey Beaulac of the The Dwight School, of the 15th Congressional District's Congressional Arts Competition, at the Harlem State Office Building. Beaulac will travel with her parents to Washington, D.C. to participate in a national reception that will bring together winners from all congressional districts throughout the country. Her painting will then hang in the U.S. Capitol until May 2013.

"The earnest ambition shown by these students who submitted their artwork is laudable," said Rangel. "Art is a language of passion and creativity that has no words. I am proud that the contestants have chosen to speak to the country through their submissions and represent the talent that reflects the tradition and legacy of our arts community."

The Congressional Art Competition is part of the nationwide effort hosted by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to display the artistic talents and abilities of students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. Last year, "Cat's Cradle" by Grace Yoon of the Trinity School was selected as the winning artwork in our district.

This year's winner was chosen among seven finalists, whose work has been on display in the Art Gallery of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building for over a week, after letters were sent out to local high schools soliciting participants. The pieces were judged by a group of local arts community leaders that included: Dr. Marta Moreno-Vega of the Caribbean Culture Center, Dr. Voza Rivers of The Dwyer Center, Dr. Jorge Pina of the Dominican Foundation Culturarte of New York, Mr. Michael Unthank of the Harlem Arts Alliance, Mrs. Rocio Alvarado of El Musio del Barrio, Ms. Thelma Golden of the Studio Museum of Harlem, Mr. Thomas Lunke of the Harlem Community Development Corporation, Mr. Gregory Mills, Curator of the Harlem State Office Building Art Gallery, and Ms. J.J. El-Far of the Harlem Arts Festival.

"The arts are a crucial pillar in the development of our communities and youth. My Democratic Colleagues and I are committed to securing funding for the arts and related educational programs," said Rangel. "New York City is the global epicenter for artistic expression and culture. I am proud to represent these talented participants, their schools, and to work with local art leaders who tirelessly dedicate their time for the betterment of the community. "

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 as an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of students in their districts. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition. One piece from each congressional district is displayed for a period of one year.