Supporting the goals and ideals of National Urban Crimes Awareness Week.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor the week of Monday, February 22, 2010-Friday, February 26, 2010.

For Monday, February 22, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote #49 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4425), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #50 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4238).

For Tuesday, February 23, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #51 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1083, which provides for consideration of H.R. 2314), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #52 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1066), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #53 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1059), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #54 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1039), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #55 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1046), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #56 (on agreeing to the Hastings (WA) amendment to H.R. 2314), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #57 (on agreeing to the Flake amendment to H.R. 2314), ``no'' on rollcall vote #58 (on agreeing to the Abercrombie amendment to H.R. 2314), ``no'' on rollcall vote #59 (on passage of H.R. 2314).

For Wednesday, February 24, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #60 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1098, which provides for consideration of H.R. 4626), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #61 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1074), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #62 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 944), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #63 (on motion to recommit H.R. 4626 with instructions), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #64 (on passage of H.R. 4626), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #65 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1085).

For Thursday, February 25, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #66 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1105, which provides for consideration of H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #67 (on motion to concur in Senate amendments to H.R. 3961), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #68 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 227).

For Friday, February 26, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #69 (on agreeing to the Reyes (TX) amendment to H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #70 (on agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment to H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #71 (on agreeing to the Schauer amendment to H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #72 (on motion to recommit H.R. 2701 with instructions), ``no'' on rollcall vote #73 (on passage of H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #74 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 238).

I thank Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Poe, the full committee Chair, and the ranking member as well for moving this legislation forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 227, as amended, a concurrent resolution that designates the second week of February as National Urban Crime Awareness Week. This occasion provides an opportunity to shed light on the volatile issues affecting people within urban communities.

In September 2009, 133 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates above the national average. As a result of the economic downturn, many of our Nation's urban communities are experiencing a substantial growth in crime, which has been directly linked to increased unemployment rates. In other words, there is a definite correlation between unemployment and crime.

Madam Speaker, in 2008, there were an estimated 1,382,000 violent crimes that occurred nationwide. In New York, approximately 48,430 violent crimes took place, compared to 28,941 reported cases in non-New York City counties.

Over 60 percent of the Nation's youth have been exposed to violence in the past year. This exposure adversely affects their physical and mental health and long-term functioning into adulthood, and can force youth into gangs where they are more likely to perpetuate additional acts of violence.

This resolution seeks to properly acknowledge the men, women, and children who have been victims of violence in urban communities. It will also commend the tireless efforts of survivors, volunteers, and professionals who work to prevent urban violence, and will recognize them as well as law enforcement and health professionals for their hard work and innovative preventative strategies.

National Urban Crime Awareness Week is a time for us to advocate for people affected by urban violence. I urge all of my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me in support of this awareness campaign.

Again, I want to thank the ranking member of the committee, Mr. Poe, and also thank the Chair of the committee, Mr. Scott, for their assistance in moving this legislation forward. I think it is so important that we do everything that we can to recognize and let people become aware of how important it is to come together to fight crime. I think it is just so important to deal with our young people at an early age and let them know that we are concerned about crime, and that we recognize that there is a correlation between unemployment and crime and we have to create jobs and should be working on that. I am hoping that we can pull together as a body here and work on creating jobs.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to join my colleague, Mr. Towns, in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 227.

More than 6 million people were victims of crimes in 2008; and more than 1 million violent crimes were committed in 2008. Violent crimes are especially frequent in cities and among gangs. Neighborhood crime harms persons and families and it degrades communities.

Studies show that crime can be reduced and communities saved if leaders in the communities are taught crime prevention techniques and become active in crime prevention programs. Crime prevention programs also help reduce domestic violence and aid victims and their families in recovery.

National Urban Crime Awareness Week promotes the work of organizations and individuals throughout the country who combat urban crime and treat victims. Law enforcement, victim advocates, health professionals, school teachers, and many others should be recognized and applauded for their work in helping victims and bringing criminals to justice.

Throughout my work on the Victims Rights Caucus, I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing people who advocate for victims of crime every day. They deserve to be commended for their work--such as the National Center for Victims of Crime, the Stalking Resource Center--which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year--the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, the End Abuse and the National Network to End Domestic Violence--to name just a few. But there are hundreds more across the country, all of these groups working together on behalf of victims of crime.

I support the goals and ideals of National Urban Crime Awareness Week. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

We have no other speakers. I strongly support this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 227, brought forth by my esteemed colleague, Representative Edolphus Towns, New York, which articulates support for the ultimate goal that the National Urban Crimes Awareness Week stands to convey. This message is not for a specific neighborhood, race or ethnicity, but is for all nationalities and communities. Through reaching out to various organizations, businesses, colleges and universities, crime awareness will spread through like ``wild fire.''

This resolution states that Congress realizes the importance of National Crime Awareness Week and acknowledges and welcomes the opportunity to educate the public about urban violence and take steps to prevent violence and provide support to victims.

I cannot stress enough the significance of Congress supporting the concept of the resolution; not only for actual crime prevention, but also for the victims of crime. By joining in a consensus, we are informing Americans that we empathize and sympathize with their issues, concerns and safety. We are also declaring that we support both in theory and implementation any approach necessary to increase support for victims, increase successful and fair prosecutions and applaud the courage of individuals who pick up the shattered pieces of their lives and triumph in the midst of adversity! This resolution also acknowledges more comprehensive rehabilitation programs for ex- offenders.

This is especially important in my city, Houston, TX, where the population is the fourth largest in the United States. It is imperative to spread crime awareness, not only in this month, but every day, to maintain order and a safe living environment for all.

So in conclusion, I immensely support H. Con. Res. 227 and I encourage my colleagues to follow my lead.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 227) supporting the goals and ideals of National Urban Crimes Awareness Week, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, this resolution recognizes the important efforts to reduce crime in our Nation's urban areas and to support crime victims. We observed National Urban Crimes Awareness week during the second week of this month.

This resolution particularly recognizes the critical role of education and prevention programs in decreasing crime. It also highlights the need for redoubling our commitment to finding alternatives for incarceration, to engaging in reentry programs for those completing their programs, and for rehabilitation programs that will help prevent crime from happening in the first place. It is important that we in Congress emphasize our commitment

to reducing crime all across this country and to supporting the victims of crimes.

I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns) for introducing this resolution, I urge my colleague to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the Chair of the Government Oversight and Reform Committee and sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns).

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for introducing the resolution and urge my colleagues to support it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.