Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as I listen to the debate in this House, we need to put politics aside and pursue policies that move America forward. I encourage my Republican colleagues to focus on legislation that creates jobs, economic recovery, and debt reduction.

While cutting spending is an important aspect of reducing the deficit, we must ensure that it is done in a way that will not threaten jobs, economic growth, and the security of our middle class. I am particularly troubled by recent proposals that would slash long-term investment in transportation, clean energy, innovation, and education. Spending cuts in these areas are unwise for our economic future, especially when it comes at the expense of the American workers. We need to continue to foster investment in these fields in order to expand private sector growth and put America back to work.

The situation in this country is such that every bill that comes before this House must be measured by whether it creates jobs, strengthens the middle class, and reduces the deficit. It is imperative that we come together to meet these goals in order to lay the foundation for future prosperity in this country.

Mr. Speaker, on January 24, 2011, I missed rollcall vote Nos. 17 and 18. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 17 and ``no'' on rollcall 18.

Madam Speaker, yesterday was an unfortunate day in this Chamber. The majority party voted to bring our Nation back to a system where insurance companies' needs are placed before those of middle class Americans.

The truth is that millions of Americans are already benefiting from health care reform. Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against children and others who are sick; small businesses are receiving billions of dollars in tax credits; and seniors are saving money on prescription drugs and are receiving free preventive care through Medicare, including 72,000 seniors in my district alone.

If repealed, these benefits will be removed and the impact on my district will be devastating. The number of uninsured in my district will increase by 104,000 people; 326,000 residents would yet again be vulnerable to insurers' devious practices, such as lifetime limits and rescission; and insurers could once more deny coverage for up to 294,000 individuals in my district alone, including 35,000 children with a preexisting condition.

Madam Speaker, we should concentrate on creating jobs, not repealing health reform for middle class Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Federal holiday. This milestone gives us the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King's profound legacy and revel in the incredible example he has given all public servants.

As a vital figure of the modern era and instrumental leader during the Civil Rights Movement, he paved the way for equality and justice for all. His lectures, dialogues, and leadership inspired, and continue to inspire, generations of individuals to question the status quo and demand change.

Throughout his life, he also emphasized the importance of public service, which he continuously participated in through his work as a minister, community organizer, and civil rights activist.

It is for this reason that MLK Day is the only Federal holiday observed as a national day of service. The MLK Day of Service empowers citizens to volunteer in their communities, discuss social problems, and create viable solutions.

I see no better way to commemorate this incredible individual than by continuing on with his legacy of service and encouraging others to find ways to serve their communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, and all the victims of the Tucson tragedy.

On January 8, Representative Giffords was hosting an event to simply engage with her constituents. At that event, a man fired shots at the Congresswoman, her staff, and the assembled crowd.

Due to this senseless act, six people are dead and fourteen others are injured, including the Congresswoman, who remains in critical condition.

I have had the pleasure to serve on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs with Congresswoman Giffords, and it has been nothing less than an honor to work with her. Her passion and commitment to her constituents and her country is unyielding, and she has always approached her work in Congress with the attention and respect that it deserves. I was shocked and saddened to hear of this attack.

On Saturday morning, six people attended an event held by their local representative, and for this, they lost their lives. In a democratic country that symbolizes hope and freedom for so many, it is difficult to witness and impossible to understand this hateful act.

My thoughts and prayers, along with those of all Americans, go out to the Giffords' family, the families of the Congresswoman's staff, and all those impacted by this tragedy.

I would also like to thank that day's heroes for their quick reactions that undoubtedly saved many lives. The actions of these individuals and the outpouring of support from around the country give us all strength during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Thomas J. Deverin, a lifelong public servant in New Jersey.

Mr. Deverin recently passed away in Edison, New Jersey.

Born in Perth Amboy, he lived in Carteret for 60 years, the town in which he would later become Mayor.

He served as a legislator in the New Jersey State Assembly for eleven terms, serving as a member of the Assembly Joint Ethical Standards Committee, the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Health and Human Services Resources Committee throughout his tenure.

Additionally, he led the Assembly in various different capacities including Majority Leader Pro Tem, Minority Leader Pro Tem, Speaker Pro Tem and Majority Conference Chairman.

He not only faithfully served the district, he also served the country as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II in the European and Asiatic Theaters of War.

Mr. Deverin dedicated his life to public service and the legacy he leaves behind in New Jersey will certainly not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the senseless and heinous attack that took place on New Year's Day in Alexandria, Egypt, during a Coptic Christian mass ushering in the new year.

The suicide bombing that took place 20 minutes into 2011 took the lives of 23 Christians and wounded more than 90 others. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Egyptian Government has linked the al-Qaeda terrorist organization to this brutal attack. Whoever the perpetrators may be, their actions epitomize the definition of evil and remind us of the constant struggle around the world against terrorism. Security must remain a priority in Egypt and all freedom- fighting nations.

This event illuminates the unprecedented prejudice facing this minority population and the evident inter-religious struggle and violence that is plaguing Egypt. This deplorable act of violence is yet another example of the escalation of violence against Egypt's Coptic Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the population.

I offer my condolences to the families of victims who perished in the bombing, and I hope the Egyptian Government honors their promise with a swift and thorough investigation of this vicious crime.

Madam Speaker, on December 21, 2010, I missed rollcall vote numbers 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662, and 663. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 657, ``yes'' on rollcall 658, ``yes'' on rollcall 659, ``yes'' on rollcall 660, ``yes'' on rollcall 661, ``yes'' on rollcall 662, and ``yes'' on rollcall 663.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chairman Jim Oberstar. A man who has devoted his entire life to public service and has been the longest-serving representative in Minnesota history, he will be sorely missed. Chairman Oberstar is known to all as a leading expert on aviation and transportation issues. In addition to having unparalleled knowledge on transportation issues, he is also known to be gracious, sincere, and jovial. Particularly to those who sit with me on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Chairman Oberstar is also known as a friend.

Shortly after I joined the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I was honored to have the Chairman visit my district in New Jersey. Together, we went to the Bayonne Bridge and rode the Hudson Bergen Light Rail. I was honored that the Chairman took time out of his busy schedule to visit my district and my constituents. I quickly learned that Chairman Oberstar is always looking to solve the transportation problems that Americans face. He has graciously visited the districts of many of my colleagues, and I am sure that he has had many stimulating conversations with them about how we can make our transportation systems work better for our constituents.

Chairman Oberstar's background tells much about the person he is today. His father was a coal miner, his mother worked in a shirt factory, and during high school and college he worked in the open pit mines to pay for his education. His family instilled in him a strong sense of public service and 47 years ago, the Chairman began working for his hometown Representative. In 1974, he was elected to Congress and took the place of his former boss. He is the first member of Congress to serve as clerk and chairman to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Serving terms in both the minority and majority, Chairman Oberstar has always worked in a bi-partisan fashion to successfully implement transportation policy. As Chairman, he pledged to enhance safety and security, invest in infrastructure, and address the twin challenges and global climate change. The Chairman accomplished these goals not only through passage of legislation, but also by exercising oversight with numerous hearings. His work in transportation policy has affected many Americans throughout the Nation. While the last transportation hearing on December 2nd may have been the last time for the Chairman to yield the gavel, I have no doubt that we will all continue to hear of his contributions to Minnesotans and all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to applaud Chairman Oberstar and wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the passage of the DREAM Act by the House of Representatives on December 8, 2010. I am a longtime supporter of the bill, and I am thankful that we finally have the opportunity to move forward with this significant and life- changing legislation. With the passage of the DREAM Act, an estimated 800,000 young people that have been kept in the shadows and overlooked by this country would be given what they never had before: a chance.

Currently, there are young people in this country who know no other home, yet they do not have access to the opportunities that make this country strong. They are unable to resolve their immigration status and therefore can offer little to the country that they love. The DREAM Act would make it possible for those brought to this country as young children who have grown up in the United States to contribute to the United States and achieve their full potential.

This bill is carefully constructed to target only those people most deserving of this opportunity. To earn conditional immigration status, these young people must demonstrate that they have graduated high school, obtained a GED, or been accepted to an institution of higher learning. They must also have arrived in the United States before they were 16, have lived in the United States for at least five years before the bill's enactment, and be under 29 years of age. After a minimum of thirteen years and if additional requirements are met, those eligible can apply for U.S. citizenship.

The contributions of these young people would benefit our country and our economy, and I would like to thank my colleagues who supported this extraordinary legislation. This bill would allow young people throughout the country to pursue the kind of futures that they deserve. It would also allow our country to take advantage of the talents that these bright young people have to offer.

The enactment of the DREAM Act would give young people the chance to better themselves and in turn would make this country a better place.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Taiwan as it celebrates its 99th National Day on October 10th, 2010. This national holiday, known as Double Ten Day, commemorates the 1911 uprising that led to the creation of the Republic of China.

After years of one-party rule, Taiwan has held three democratic presidential elections and two transfers of power. I am very excited to see this young democracy blossoming in East Asia.

During an address earlier this year, Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou offered this statement, ``It is only under a true democracy that one's citizens can live without fear according to the law, and share in the burdens as well as benefits of good governance.''

While Taiwan is a young democracy, it has taken steps to conform to international standards with respects to rule of law and protection of human rights. To this end, Taiwan has codified the following United Nation's documents into domestic law; The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Taiwan's budding commitment to democratic practices is impressive. I look forward to the United States partnering with President Ma and Taiwan for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th anniversary of the St. Ann's Italian festival in Hoboken, New Jersey. This is a momentous occasion for the city of Hoboken and St. Ann's Parish, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this moving and historically important event. This festival not only celebrates the Hoboken community but also the dynamic Italian heritage and culture that has shaped this great city. I am proud of the history of St. Ann's society and festival that was originally established to preserve the customs, heritage, and faith of a group of courageous immigrants from the small town of Monte San Giacomo. Many of these immigrants traveled to New Jersey, a new land with a strange language and customs to seek better opportunities. Bonded by the traditions of their homeland and desire to preserve these customs they created the St. Ann's Society. In later years with perseverance and dedication the society was able to raise enough money to establish the St. Ann's Church on the corner of Seventh and Jefferson in Hoboken. This festival is a celebration of these bold individuals and their devotion in preserving their cherished traditions.

Since the first festival in 1910, it has grown in participants and festivities, again showing the joyful and powerful energy this festival draws from inside and outside of the community. It now features all types of Italian cuisine, including the famous ``zeppole'' made from a secret recipe that has been faithfully guarded by the members of the St. Ann's Society, and operatic music and singers. The most important aspect of this festival, that has been preserved year after year, is the procession of the statue of St. Ann and a framed picture of San Giacomo, put on display to honor the memory of the St. Ann Society descendents and to preserve their cherished faith and traditions. I know this year's festival will continue to memorialize all the wonderful things this festival has come to represent. I congratulate the St. Ann's society and parish on 100 years of successful festivals.

Mr. Speaker, I am outraged by the persistent failure of the United Nations Human Rights Council to fulfill its responsibilities to promote and protect human rights. The U.N. Human Rights Council has consistently targeted Israel and recently displayed a flagrant disregard for a strong human rights agenda with the election of the Cuban ambassador as vice president of the council.

The State Department 2009 report on human rights described Cuba as a totalitarian state that continues to deny its citizens their basic human rights and commits numerous and serious abuses. It is appalling that a country with such a poor human rights record has been elected as a leader of a body to create, to protect, and promote universal human rights.

While these election results are absurd, they are reflective of a larger problem--the overall state of the U.N. Human Rights Council. The council doesn't need to improve its record on protecting human rights; it needs to reverse its record. If the council continues to ignore its own members' egregious human rights records and persists in its anti- Israel campaign, then maybe the United States should move its funds and participate elsewhere.

Mr. Speaker, right now 15 million out-of-work Americans are relying on Congress to work together and immediately extend unemployment benefits to help them make ends meet while they're looking for a full-time job. Right now the unemployment in my State of New Jersey is 9.7 percent, with nearly half a million out of work. Now is not the time to stall in providing assistance to those who need it most.

Earlier this month, the House passed a bill to restore emergency unemployment benefits for unemployed Americans and their families through the end of November. The Senate must now follow our lead and act swiftly in passing an extension of benefits to send to the President's desk. Doing so would not only provide a much-needed lifeline for jobless Americans and their families, but it makes economic sense.

The CBO has suggested that extending unemployment benefits is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy. It is our duty to act now and provide relief for millions of unemployed Americans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1722, the Telework Improvements Act of 2010. This bill will modernize the Federal Government and establish our Federal agencies as a model for telework.

During the month of February, when snowstorms shut down D.C. and other parts of the east coast, telework was used to keep our government operating at an optimum level. However, according to the Office of Personnel Management, only 56 percent of government agencies have formally introduced telework in their continuity of operations plans.

Teleworking benefits are economic, social, and environmental. The Congressional Budget Office scored this legislation as deficit neutral, and telework produces savings from reduced office space as well as increased productivity during emergencies in inclement weather.

H.R. 1722 would allow employees more flexibility and create a higher quality of life. Also this legislation would reduce traffic congestion. Traffic congestion costs our Nation billions of dollars in wasted fuel, time, and productivity.

Congestion is very prevalent in my district in New Jersey, which is just across the river from New York. However, it also is a problem that is growing in rural areas throughout this country. Transportation contributes nearly 28 percent of the greenhouse gasses emitted in the United States, and teleworking can act as a tool to lower this number.

I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 1722.