When it comes to standing up for New Yorkers and fighting to ensure that we get the support and the respect that we deserve; when it comes to protecting the security and well-being of working families across our great nation, there is no finer, more determined, or more vigilant public servant in our nation's capital than Manhattan's own, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.

She is a spirited and accomplished leader whose commitment to ending the abusive practices of the credit card industry resulted in the Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights, which was signed into law by President Obama in May of this year.

Certainly, I could not ask for a better partner in my efforts to help Lower Manhattan recover from the devastation of 9/11. Representative Maloney's vigorous fight for federal assistance and her ongoing efforts to gain enactment of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to fund the care of those made ill as a result of the attacks, has been and continues to be invaluable to the city and to my community.

Whether it is modernizing and strengthening our financial industry or championing women's issues, improving the education our children receive or ensuring intelligent health-care reform, Congresswoman Maloney is the kind of leader New Yorkers need, especially in these difficult times.

I firmly believe that there is no elected office that would not be enhanced by her vision, her class and her drive, and I have no doubt that she would have been an effective and respected Senator. However, her seniority in the House of Representatives will give her added responsibilities and effectiveness that will benefit all New Yorkers.

I am delighted that Carolyn Maloney will continue to be my congressional representative and a partner in leading New York toward a better and brighter future.