Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express concern over the failure to fund and adequately implement the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

This bipartisan legislation attempted a comprehensive approach to reforming our schools by refocusing our national education policy on helping states and local school districts raise academic achievement for all children, while providing more funding and flexibility to states and local districts.

The legislation passed with overwhelming support because it included tough accountability requirements aimed at closing the achievement gap between students of different economic backgrounds; stronger professional development standards and training for teachers; additional resources do turn around low performing schools; allowances for an unprecedented level of flexibility for local school districts; and rewards and sanctions for States based on the academic performance of students.

Despite the bill's good intentions and tremendous support in Congress, the legislation has become largely a hollow promise to our children because of inadequate funding. The Administration's budget request this year provided only $22.7 billion for these important education efforts--$9.7 billion less than what Congress agreed was necessary.

The commitment of significant federal funding to assist local schools in meeting the new testing, achievement and training requirements was a solemn promise made to all the children of our nation. NCLB imposes strict standards on our school districts with considerable penalties if they do not comply. But how can our schools be expected to meet these new standards without adequate federal funding to meet these challenging mandates?

For this reason, I have cosponsored legislation, the Keeping Our Promises to America's Children Act of 2003, to suspend application of NCLB until the funding that was promised to our schools is actually delivered to our schools. The alternative merely sets up our schools for failure.

Implementation of this important law has also been unduly harsh. Award-winning science teachers who have excelled at teaching for decades are deemed unqualified because their bachelor's degree was in a different subject. As someone who supported passage of NCLB, I am alarmed by its poor funding and implementation.

Passing the NCLB was only one step in the lawmaking process. To enact real education reform and to implement the new education standards within NCLB, we must appropriate the full funding required, and not blind ourselves in its application. We must not shortchange our children's education.

I ask my colleagues today to reaffirm the Congress's commitment to the No Child Left Behind Act and support full funding authorized by the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judith Zitter, who is being honored by the Zonta Club of Pasadena as their 2003 Woman of Achievement. Each year, the Zonta Club of Pasadena pays special tribute to the accomplishments made by an extraordinary woman who has made a difference in our community.

A Pasadena native, Ms. Zitter received her Masters in Social Work from California State University, San Francisco in 1982. Judith is married to her Blair High School sweetheart, Neal Wrightson, who is the founder of the Children's Community School in Van Nuys. She and Neal have two children, Erica, a freshman at University of California, Santa Barbara and Max, a sophomore at the Los Angeles High School for the Arts.

Ms. Zitter's strong commitment to her community is clearly reflected in her career path. She has worked as an adoption social worker, director of a senior center, and a field representative for Pasadena Mayor Rick Cole. During her tenure with Mayor Cole, she was instrumental in implementing positive changes in the Old Pasadena and Northwest Pasadena neighborhoods. Currently, Judith is a community health manager for Kaiser Permanente. In this capacity, she has helped create relationships to support community organizations, such as the formation of a statewide partnership with free and community clinics in California, and the American Diabetes Association.

The consummate volunteer, Judith currently serves on the boards of El Centro de Accion Social, Day One, the Asian Pacific Community Fund and the Pasadena Center Operating Company. Her past volunteer efforts include Haven House, the Los Angeles Women's Foundation, Community Health Councils, Artists Beyond Disabilities, United Way, and numerous political organizations.

Judith has received many awards, including the Pasadena YWCA Second Century Award in 1998, the Outstanding Community Service Award from the American Diabetes Association in 2002, and the Kaiser Permanente Public Affairs Award in 2000 and 2003.

The time, energy and love Judith gives to our community is extraordinary, and the residents of my district have benefited greatly from her dedicated service. For her lifetime of service, I am proud to ask all Members to join with me in commending Judith Zitter upon receiving the 2003 Zonta Club of Pasadena's Woman of Achievement Award.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me this time and his effort on this legislation.

As lead cosponsor of the Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003, I rise in strong support of this landmark piece of legislation that will solve countless crimes and potentially exonerate innocent individuals wrongly imprisoned.

For years we have attempted to deal with crime by focusing almost exclusively on increasing sentences of those that we catch rather than catching those who continue to elude all punishment. We have been tough on crime, but not always smart about our tactics.

As a former Federal prosecutor, I have long recognized what a powerful tool the use of DNA profiles has become in solving crime. The FBI DNA database contains about 1.5 million DNA profiles and has yielded thousands of matches in criminal investigations, and thousands of additional matches can and must be made.

For this reason, I introduced legislation earlier this year to increase the effectiveness of DNA databases. This legislation was aimed at replicating nationwide the success that many States have had, and I am pleased that many of these policy improvements have been included in the bill before us today.

I want to thank the majority and minority members of the House and Senate for their willingness to work together to incorporate some of the provisions that I authored to provide additional database searching capabilities for Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. These additional tools will help solve thousands of cold cases, including unsolved murders and rapes.

The legislation before us provides much-needed funding to eliminate the backlog of unanalyzed samples and will do much to protect the innocent and apprehend the guilty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support House Resolution 425 honoring the heroic efforts of the firefighters and safety personnel who responded so bravely to the devastating outbreak of wildfires in Southern California.

At the peak of the blazes, more than 14,000 firefighters from across California and several other Western states were deployed over hundreds of miles in an arc around Los Angeles and into San Diego County as far south as the Mexican border.

These courageous men and women have gone far beyond the call of duty. Fighting fires that took the lives of 20 people, destroyed more than 3,400 homes and scorched more than 750,000 acres since igniting in different locations around Southern California nearly two weeks ago, they worked around the clock, despite considerable risk to their personal safety, in order to ensure the well-being of the nearly 100,000 evacuated residents.

And as the evacuated sought safety and shelter, the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and a number of similar organizations mobilized hundreds of volunteers to assist in providing clothes, food and other essential items to the many who were forced to abandon all of their possessions. As the rebuilding process begins, these same agencies and organizations will serve as a helping hand to too many Southern California residents whose homes have been either badly damaged or lost.

I would like to pay special recognition to the firefighters in my California District who were called upon to fight these blazes. Coordinated by the Glendale Fire Department, firefighters from my District were called to battle one of the very earliest blazes and for two weeks after the first blaze, devoted almost every resource in the District to assisting in the effort to knock down these fires. I have no doubt that their heroic actions saved thousands of lives.

This is a devastating time for Southern California residents. I send my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and to the thousands who have lost homes to these fires. It is only then appropriate that through the passage of House Resolution 425 we honor the actions of the firefighters and safety personnel who prevented the additional loss of life and property. I urge all Members to support this resolution and pay respect to some of our Nation's bravest heroes.

Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th anniversary of the United States taking a principled stand toward ensuring that the lessons of past genocides, such as Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the genocides in Cambodia and Rwanda, will be used to prevent future genocides.

After the horrors of the Holocaust, the international community responded to Nazi Germany's methodically orchestrated acts of genocide by approving the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948. The Convention confirms that genocide is a crime under international law and defines genocide as actions committed with intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.

The United States, under President Harry Truman, was the first nation to sign the Convention, and it was ratified by the U.S. Senate in 1986. Following the Senate ratification of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Congress passed the Proxmire Act to implement the Convention and criminalize genocide under U.S. law.

Fifteen years ago today, President Ronald Reagan signed the Proxmire Act into law and put the United States on record as being strongly opposed to the heinous crime of genocide.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge consideration of H. Res. 193, legislation that I introduced with my colleague, Mr. Radanovich, reaffirming support of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and commemorating the anniversary of the U.S. becoming a full party to this landmark international human rights legislation.

This important piece of legislation has tremendous bipartisan support among the 110 cosponsors, and the bill was passed unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee earlier this year.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House Leadership to permit immediate consideration of this legislation on the floor of the House, and I urge my colleagues to reaffirm our national resolve to ensure that the lessons of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the genocides in Cambodia and Rwanda, among others, will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a bill scheduled to be heard today regarding the military death benefit paid to survivors of military personnel killed in the line of duty. Under current law, the military death benefit provides a surviving spouse $6,000, of which $3,000 is subject to federal tax.

At the tragic time of a death of a service member, it is an unimaginable loss to the family and represents the greatest sacrifice to our nation. To avoid adding insult to injury, we must make the Military Death Benefit fully tax-exempt. Families of our patriots should not be penalized on a benefit meant to express the nation's gratitude. The death benefit has historically been exempt from this taxation, yet an oversight in the tax code--after the benefit was raised to $6,000 in 1991--left half of the payment subject to taxation.

The death benefit was designed to assist surviving family with financial needs following the death of the service member. Unfortunately, the current benefit is not sufficient. We should increase this benefit to $12,000 to cover additional expenses. This bill would make this benefit retroactive for military personnel who have died in battle since September 11, 2001.

As of this morning, 232 American servicemen and women have died in battle in Iraq after the end to major combat operations in Iraq was announced. This represents 232 cases where a grieving family has had to sustain itself financially with limited funds while suffering the loss of a loved one who will not return home. Let us not let partisan politics get in the way of doing what is right for our fallen soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Family Service Agency of Burbank for its 50 years of dedicated service to the Burbank community.

The Family Service Agency of Burbank was established as a non-profit, community based organization in 1953 to provide counseling and educational services for children and their families. These services are extremely pertinent to the health and well being of the community as a whole. The agency's exceptional support system is comprised of generous individuals, small businesses, corporations, the United Way, service clubs, community foundations, and the city of Burbank itself.

Since its creation, Burbank's leading citizens have faithfully served on the agency's board of directors to assure professional services be available. All these services are affordable and genuinely attempt to meet the needs of the Burbank community. Currently, individual and group counseling, specialized youth services, parenting classes, and anger management resources for victims of domestic violence and their families have been incorporated. The Family Service Agency of Burbank has successfully collaborated with the Burbank Unified School District, the faith community, and the City of Burbank to deliver life-changing services to those in dire need of them. Their determination and innumerable achievements have provided the residents of the City of Burbank with a valuable resource to address common societal problems.

I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in congratulating the Family Service Agency of Burbank for 50 years of unwavering service to the Burbank community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1446, a bill that would allocate badly needed funds to the restoration of California's missions. California's 21 missions are an integral part of California's historical landscape and their preservation for future generations is imperative. They serve as a window into the settlement of the American West and are key aspects of California's history, education, and tourism.

Drawing over 5.5 million tourists a year, the California Missions are the most visited historic attractions in the state. They account for a sizable contribution to the state economy from millions of tourists, including a large number of international visitors.

The missions also play an essential role in educating fourth-grade school children under the statewide history curricula. California missions serve an important educational function

in teaching young students about the role of the missions in the history of our nation.

Contrary to widespread belief, 19 of California's 21 missions are not funded by any governmental agency and instead rely on charitable donations to keep their doors open. They are in serious need of repair, restoration, and preservation for future generations.

Until recent efforts by the California Missions Foundation, little had been done to preserve the mission's structures and art. Because of this long-term neglect, many of the missions are now in dire need of structural attention and major rehabilitation.

The legislation would provide $10 million for the restoration effort in a Department of the Interior grants program to be administered over five years. By authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to make matching grants to the California Missions Foundation, we are preserving the missions while keeping in mind the current state of the budget.

This act enjoys nearly unanimous, bipartisan support among California's congressional delegation. It will support the efforts of the California Missions Foundation to restore and repair the Spanish colonial and mission-era missions in the State of California. I urge all my colleagues to ensure that the missions remain intact, as unshakable symbols of our nation's early discovery.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glendale/Ararat Chapter of Homenetmen. Homenetmen is an organization that provides Armenian communities around the world with moral, physical, and social education. In the 25 years since its inception, the Glendale Chapter of Homenetmen has grown from a seven member volunteer group to a thriving community organization with over 1800 members. The Ararat Chapter is now the largest in the United States, and conservatively estimates that it has provided services to nearly 10,000 adults, children and seniors since 1978.

For the last quarter century, the Ararat Chapter has been a guiding light for the growth and success of Glendale's Armenian community, and the community as a whole. Ararat's efforts to form lasting bonds with community and government organizations, regardless of race or religious affiliation, have made a lasting positive impact on the community. They provide numerous supervised weekend and after school programs that afford a healthy and safe environment for children and young adults. The Ararat Chapter's volunteers also play a vital role in contributing to drug awareness education throughout the community. The Homenetmen- sponsored 5K/10K run/walk attracts over 1,000 participants annually, and includes pre-and-post race events tailored to drug and alcohol awareness. The Ararat Chapter also works closely with local hospitals, churches, and local governments on a variety of beneficial community events such as graffiti clean-ups, scouting events, holiday luncheons with the Salvation Army, and blood drives with the Red Cross.

Ararat volunteers blanket our community with goodwill and friendly hands. Schools, children, hospitals, and many other groups are buoyed by the charity of this outstanding community organization. They are a tribute to their Armenian heritage, and a jewel of their home city of Glendale. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Homenetmen Ararat Chapter for their 25 years of dedicated service to the Glendale community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Armenian Victims Insurance Fairness Act''--legislation to provide states with the authority to assist survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

At the end of the 19th century, major American and European insurance companies began expanding their operations into the Ottoman Empire and thousands of Armenians in the area purchased life insurance policies as a form of savings and investment for the

future. By 1915, it is reported that one French-based company had sold more than 11,000 policies in the area. Almost all of these policyholders were massacred when a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing was launched, killing more than 1.5 million Armenians.

Over eighty years later, insurance companies still have not paid the benefits due on the thousands of policies sold. Some families have tried for years to obtain owed benefits, but insurance companies have demanded that the survivors produce non-existent documents, such as death certificates.

In order to provide victims with the justice they deserve, California enacted legislation to assist both Armenian victims and Holocaust victims in recovering outstanding insurance claims. In addition to providing a right of action for claims arising out of such policies, California enacted an additional law requiring insurance companies doing business in their state to disclose information about Holocaust- era insurance policies. A similar requirement was omitted from the Armenian victims legislation because of a pending Supreme Court challenge of the Holocaust disclosure law.

In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court in AIA v. Garamendi recently struck down the California disclosure law, citing Administration efforts to settle Holocaust insurance claims and stating that ``Congress has done nothing to express disapproval of the President's policy [with respect to settling such claims and preempting state efforts in this area].''

Although no similar Administration efforts have interfered with the settlement of Armenian claims, it is important for Congress to speak clearly on this issue. Private settlement negotiations between insurance companies and families have been slow with no final resolutions reached to date. Families should not have to wait any longer for disclosure of policyholder lists.

I have introduced two pieces of legislation to specifically allow states to collect insurance information for victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust. The Armenian Victims Insurance Fairness Act specifically provides states with the authority to pass disclosure laws related to insurance policies in effect at any time between 1875 and 1923 that were issued to persons domiciled in the Ottoman Empire, such as Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.

The Armenian Victims Insurance Fairness Act, and my companion legislation the Holocaust Victims Insurance Fairness Act (H.R. 3129), specifically provide states with the authority to pass policyholder disclosure laws and explicitly express Congressional disapproval of any Executive branch policy or agreement that preempts State efforts in this area. Pleasejoin me in this effort to finally provide justice to those who have been denied it for so long.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 2998. Half way around the world, American men and women in the service of this country have once again heeded the call of duty. They bear on their shoulders, the responsibility and commitment to ensure our freedom and all the values that we hold so dear. By taking on this task, they have made countless sacrifices in their own personal lives and safety, and for that, we are deeply indebted.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit U.S. Army Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The soldiers I met are some of the most courageous men and women I've met in my lifetime. I listened to their stories, heard about their families back home and marveled at their dedication, bravery and commitment to serving our country. I hope and pray for their speedy recovery.

I also learned of some troubling information. Apparently, while soldiers are being hospitalized for wounds and injuries sustained while fighting for our country, they are billed for subsistence charges, i.e food costs, that they accumulate during their stay. The current daily rate for this ``subsistence'' charge is $8.10. This may not seem like much, however we must consider that in many cases, wounds may be significant and constitute longer hospital stays. This translates to higher costs that under new law must be paid by the servicemen.

If enacted, this bill would amend current law to prohibit service members injured in training or in combat from being held responsible for paying for their food costs while hospitalized in a military facility.

We must thank our men and women serving overseas for their selflessness and bravery. We should treat them with respect and gratitude. We should not, however, welcome them with a bill for the cost of their food while they were hospitalized. The soldiers have already been asked to sacrifice a great deal--they have endured harsh conditions, separation from loved ones and at times, irreparable wounds and injuries. Thus, it is imperative that we show our utmost appreciation for the work that they do.

During my visit to Walter Reed, I could not help but marvel at the energy, tenacity and humility of these servicemen and women. These are some truly inspiring young men and women, performing with courage and distinction in tough circumstances. I urge my fellow colleagues to support H.R. 2998. We owe it to our troops, to honor their incredible sacrifices, and to let them know that the American people value their efforts and that we all stand behind them.

Mr. Speaker, over the next 2 days we will be debating the President's request for $87 billion in military reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the outset, I want to acknowledge the outstanding bravery and dedication shown by our men and women in uniform who are serving overseas. After visiting Iraq in August and visiting Afghanistan a year ago, I could not be more impressed with the young people who are standing in harm's way every day on our behalf. Our first priority, then, in this emergency supplemental must be to meet the needs of our troops and keep them safe. It has been alarming to learn over the past several months that many soldiers lack Kevlar vests, that there are insufficient armored vehicles, that spare parts and other essential supplies have not reached our troops. This must be corrected immediately. It is also essential that the administration demonstrate it has a well-thought-out plan for Iraq's reconstruction.

When Ambassador Bremer testified before the Committee on International Relations, I asked him how much of the prewar planning was of use to him in the postwar period. His answer was both candid and astounding. He never read the postwar plan. He never had time to. The lack of adequate postwar planning has hurt our effort significantly. We must insist on far more planning and accountability. Any supplemental appropriation must not be a blank check but should require frequent reporting and consultation with Congress. Americans must also not bear this burden alone. It is in the profound interest of the world community that Iraq be placed on the road to self-governance and that it not be allowed to descend into chaos. The resolution which now appears likely to pass in the United Nations is a positive step forward but those words must be followed by deeds. Other nations must contribute troops and funds toward the security and reconstruction in Iraq. Moreover, private companies must not be allowed to profiteer from the vast sums expended. Open bidding processes should be used whenever possible and greater scrutiny should be applied to any and all contracts awarded. Maximum use of Iraqi labor should be employed to further obtain Iraqi support for reconstruction.

Finally, to the degree we must finance the lion's share of the military reconstruction efforts, this burden must not be allowed to fall to the very soldiers and their children in the future. We should not debt finance this war.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Larry and Mrs. Sue Stamper on being the recipients of the second annual Woodbury University Movers and Shapers Award that recognizes outstanding volunteer service to Burbank and its residents by members of the community.

Sue Stamper is an Oklahoma native who attended Point Loma College. She has been active in the United Methodist Women, The National Charity League, P.E.O., Burbank Sister City Committee, San Fernando Valley Girl Scouts, Zoma, and Noon Rotary. She is also a member and participant in the Burbank YMCA since 1993, and has been involved in numerous Woodbury activities. Sue is a very talented musician, she plays the violin, piano, and organ. She is additionally a vocalist and enjoys singing at special events. She is currently vice president at First State Bank in Burbank.

Larry Stamper earned a bachelor's degree from Point Loma College and a master's degree from Claremont School of Theology. He is well known in the community as the pastor of Burbank First United Methodist Church. He is a member of the Burbank Community Hospital Foundation, and is on the board of governors for Goodwill Industries. He also serves on the board of directors of Wesley Homes, which are senior retirement homes sponsored by his church. Larry served on the Burbank City Council during the 1980's and was mayor from 1983-1984. He is a member and past-president of the Burbank Kiwanis Club. He was chaplain for the Burbank Police Department for 14 years. Larry has long been associated with Woodbury, and received an honorary doctor of letters from the university in 1992.

The Stampers have been married for 47 years and have three children and five grandchildren. Since moving to Burbank 31 years ago, they have played an active role in civic, philanthropic, and spiritual activities. They have enriched Burbank through their selfless generosity of time and spirit and their constant willingness to better the community. Individually and together, their efforts have positively shaped the future of Burbank.

I ask all Members of Congress today to join me in commending Larry and Sue Stamper for their limitless energy and commitment to the community of Burbank.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in support of H. Res. 234-- legislation condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation.

After the tragic events of September 11th, the Muslim community became the target of a major upsurge in hate crimes and discrimination. In just the first nine weeks after the attacks, over 700 violent incidents occurred targeting Arab Americans, Muslims, and others perceived to be such. These same citizens faced a four-fold increase in employment discrimination.

Crimes and incidents driven by bias and hatred must not be tolerated in a peaceful democracy. Our position of power and influence also brings a responsibility to celebrate our diversity and protect the rights of all in our nation.

As we continue to fight a war against terrorism and hatred, we have a golden opportunity to show the world that we celebrate our diversity; that every American citizen and everyone who visits here will not be in danger because of their national origin or religious faith; that we will not stand for bigotry and other divisive actions; that we are a Nation united as one.

Mr. Speaker, this important legislation received unanimous support from the Judiciary Committee, on which I sit, and I urge my colleagues to overwhelmingly support its passage by the full House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jackie Robinson for his contributions to this country. The grandson of a slave, Jackie Robinson used his unmatched athletic talent to clear a path toward equality. As the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, Mr. Robinson faced virulent opposition and oppressive racism. Through the passion and excitement of excellent athletic performance, Mr. Robinson carried the United States one step closer to racial parity.

I am particularly proud of Jackie Robinson's connection to the city of Pasadena. Mr. Robinson moved to Pasadena as a toddler, and grew up in the shadow of the Rose Bowl. He was an exceptional teammate on the sandlots, and a multi-sport standout at John Muir Technical High School. At Pasadena Junior College and UCLA, he broke records in basketball, baseball, football and track.

Jackie's older brother Mack was also a treasured citizen of Pasadena; the Post Office on Lincoln Avenue bears his name. The Robinson family's contributions to Pasadena echo beyond the realm of athletics to the model they set for the community and the nation.

It seems fitting to honor Jackie Robinson in October, as competition intensifies for the American and National League pennant races. Mr. Speaker I urge passage of H.R. 1900, to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Jackie Robinson, to recognize his powerful contributions to the nation, and to express support for a national day in recognition of one of Pasadena's greatest stars.