Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to an important initiative of the Federal Highway Administration called the Long-Term Bridge Performance program. This program is proudly being led by Rutgers Center for Advance Infrastructure and Transportation in New Jersey.

The Long-Term Bridge Performance program is envisioned as a 20-year comprehensive examination of our nation's ``workhorse'' highway bridges.

The team at Rutgers has been inspecting, evaluating and monitoring a representative sample of seven bridges nationwide. These pilot studies are instrumental in gathering reliable information, such as how to maintain safe and satisfactory traffic flow.

The researchers will analyze and apply the data to facilitate improved life-cycle cost and predictive models, better understanding of bridge deterioration, and more effective maintenance and repair plans. Ultimately, this study will promote the safety, mobility, longevity and reliability of our Nation's highways.

As the highway system grows older, it is important to be sure that our Nation's bridges are safe and reliable.

I am proud that Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation is leading the way in helping the country tackle its complicated transportation issue.

I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Rutgers University.

Mr. Speaker, the disaster in the gulf has made it increasingly evident that we must reevaluate our Nation's energy policy to prioritize renewable energy sources and focus on a clean energy economy. It is unfortunate that it has taken a man-made tragedy of this scale to open our eyes to both the economic and environmental dangers of offshore drilling and our reliance on fossil fuels. In addition to ensuring that BP is held accountable for the damages done to the gulf coast community, we must take this time to refocus on clean energy policies to ensure that a catastrophe of this nature never occurs again.

Comprehensive energy reform will not only help protect our pristine coastlines, but it will insist on ensuring that America stays competitive in the global economy. According to a new poll released by the Pew Research Center, the American people are now on our side and strongly support alternative energy production. Now is the time to launch a cleaner, smarter, more cost-effective energy future to protect our environment and create millions of clean energy jobs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the orderly and peaceful election that took place in Colombia. I congratulate the President-elect of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, and I commend the people of Colombia for their relentless dedication to the democratic process that was shown through this election.

In an increasingly volatile region, Colombia has continued on the path towards reform while combating drug trafficking and terrorism, efforts which have had a positive effect on Colombian and American national security. Additionally, Colombia has made remarkable progress on other fronts, emerging as an important growth market and as a leading center for Latin American business.

In the face of hostility towards U.S. interests and values, Colombia has consistently proven itself to be an important friend, a reliable partner, and a champion for democracy. The positive bilateral relationship between the United States and Colombia has been based on many common strategic and ideological interests, reaffirming Colombia's position as an important ally and as a longtime friend of the United States.

Again, I congratulate President-elect Juan Manuel Santos on his victory. I look forward to a continued partnership between our two nations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my outrage at Fidel Castro's recent anti-Israel comments. In response to Israel's interception of the flotilla in May, Fidel Castro published a statement in which he absurdly asserts that Israelis would like to send Palestinians to be cremated, as the Nazis did to the Jews.

Castro's comments are outrageous and cruel. He ignorantly disregards the horror of the Holocaust and the suffering of the Jewish community. To suggest that Israel will consider a Nazi-inspired genocide of the Palestinians is inexcusably malicious.

This propaganda was not only published by the Cuban regime but then widely distributed. His offensive comments clearly portray the prejudice and anti-Semitic position of the Cuban regime. Castro's words cannot shame or erase the democratic tradition in Israel and the strong relationship Israel shares with the United States.

I ask my colleagues to continue to work with Israel towards a peaceful solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people. And I encourage my colleagues to view Castro's comments for what they are, the dangerous scheme of a brutal dictator, designed to hurt the people of Israel and obstruct the peace process.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month. This May marks the fifth Jewish American Heritage Month, a month that highlights the many contributions of the Jewish American community. In 2006, we celebrated the first Jewish American Heritage Month after the diligent work of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz led to the passage of the Jewish American Heritage Month Resolution in 2005.

While the Jewish American community contributes to our country each and every day, this month is a special time to recognize and teach about the achievements of Jewish Americans. For over 350 years, the Jewish Community has contributed to our rich, diverse, and shared culture in this country. Despite the long history of Jews in the United States, Judaism as a culture is not widely understood by all Americans and instances of anti-Jewish prejudices unfortunately do occur.

This month, events are happening all over the Nation to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by promoting awareness of Jewish Americans' traditions and impacts. Jewish American Heritage Month provides all of us with an opportunity to learn more about the Jewish people and dispel misconceptions.

Last winter, the Daniel Pearl Education Center sponsored a trip for 70 teenagers from Middlesex County in New Jersey to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The students, from all different backgrounds, had the

opportunity to visit the museum and hear from a holocaust survivor. I also offered remarks at this event to echo the life and death importance of tolerance and understanding.

The United States is a country of millions of people from countless distinct backgrounds. It is because of the values and freedoms inherent in our society, that so many diverse cultures are able to find success here. I am pleased to join my colleague in the House of Representatives tonight in honoring the many successes of Jewish Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the bicentennial of the Republic of Argentina. Two hundred years ago in Buenos Aires, a week-long series of revolutionary events took place, known as the Revolucion de Mayo, which set in motion events that led to Argentina's momentous declaration of independence from Spain in 1810.

Since gaining independence, Argentina has emerged as a leader in Latin America and as a valuable ally to the United States. In the western hemisphere, Argentina has always been a friend who shares our values of freedom and democracy. In the global arena, it continues to be an important economic partner, with nearly 500 U.S. companies currently operating within its borders. As a founding member of the United Nations and in its most recent position as Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations, Argentina has also proven to be a cogent diplomat.

Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a globally competitive agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Additionally, as a country that has been richly endowed with culture, varying from eloquent tangos to loyal soccer fans, Argentina remains one of the cultural epicenters of Latin America.

The positive bilateral relationship between the United States and Argentina has been based on many common strategic and ideological interests, securing Argentina's position as an important ally and friend to the United States. I commemorate this historic occasion with Argentineans in the United States and again congratulate the people of Argentina on 200 years of independence.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the achievements of an inspiring student athlete, Melissa Beyruti of Kean University.

Melissa, an All-American senior basketball guard from Union City, New Jersey, finished her career this past March to become the NCAA Division III leader in all-time games played with 128. She also became Kean's all-time leading scorer, closing out her career with 1,974 points, and she holds the NCAA all-division record for career three pointers with 397.

In addition to being chosen for the 2010 NCAA Division III State Farm Coaches' All-American Team, Melissa has been named as both the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Metro Region Player of the Year and the New Jersey Athletic Player of the Year. Highlights of her career have been featured in The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.

Melissa has served as both an exemplar student athlete and role model for young girls and women, making her family, university, and the community of Union City very proud. She is an inspiration to many, and I want to congratulate her and her family. I look forward to her many future successes on and off the court.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month we witnessed the tragedy of an inter-country adoption gone wrong when a 7-year-old boy was forced back, alone, to Russia. Last year over 12,000 children from around the world were adopted by American families, yet only a fraction of these adoptions were processed by accredited adoption agencies. The others occurred under an unregulated process that may not have the best interests of the families or the child in mind.

Just over 2 years ago, the United States became a full member of the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption. Under the Convention, the United States requires that inter-country adoption service providers be accredited to improve transparency and accountability. Unfortunately, these rules only apply to adoptions from countries that have signed the Convention. Adoption agencies who work for non-Convention countries do not need to meet the accreditation requirements, and these agencies continue to conduct unregulated adoptions, creating a double standard for the treatment of children and families.

We must strengthen the adoption practices by requiring accreditation for all countries' adoption service providers. Universal accreditation will create an adoption process that is lawful, safe for the child, and respectful to the families involved.

Mr. Speaker, as today is tax day, it is important that American people are aware of the savings and tax cuts brought to them over the past year. In conjunction with President Obama, we have ensured that tax breaks no longer focus on the wealthy, but rather on the hardworking Americans.

With the enactment of the Recovery Act, we are able to provide tax breaks for many aspects of American life, from investing in small business, to investing in energy efficiency, to sending your child to college, to buying a new car. These tax reductions are helping families and businesses across America get back on their feet while spurring business investment and job creation.

All totaled, Congress has enacted over $800 billion in tax cuts, including 25 within the Recovery Act. Perhaps one of the most critical provisions of the past year was the Making Work Pay tax credit, which is dedicated to providing 95 percent of all American workers with a tax break, including 254,000 residents in my district alone through the reduction in tax withholdings by their employer.

As Americans return their tax forms today, a majority will find that a portion of their burden has been lifted through the swift action of this Chamber.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Urban League and celebrate their 100 years of service. Since 1910, the National Urban League has grown to have more than 100 affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Their work impacts the lives of more than 2 million across the nation and I applaud their contributions in fighting for historically underserved urban communities.

In my district, which is 100 percent urban, there are active National Urban League affiliates who work hard to provide vital sources such as delivering social services and programs. New Jersey's 13th Congressional district is incredibly diverse and is made up of 47.6 percent Latinos, 12.8 percent African Americans, and 5.6 percent Asians. Among my constituents, 39.6 percent are foreign born, and this diversity enriches our communities. Through the hard work of the National Urban League, many of my constituents are becoming empowered to gain better access to education, employment, housing, and health care.

The 100th Anniversary of the National Urban League also coincides with the publication of their 34th edition of The State of Black America. This riveting report features contributions from our nation's brightest scholars, politicians, and professionals and demonstrates just how severely our urban and minority communities are being impacted in the areas of economics, education, health, civic engagement, and social justice. For the very first time, The State of Black America, included a Hispanic index. In the report, an Equality Index of 100 percent would signify that minorities are on par with Caucasians; however, this report found that African-Americans received an overall Equality Index of 71.8 percent and Hispanics received an overall score of 75.5 percent. Clearly, there is more progress to be made.

The area of economics represents the greatest disparity between minorities and whites, and the unemployment statistics were the most disconcerting. In 2009, African-American unemployment was 14.8 percent, Hispanic unemployment was 12.1 percent, and white unemployment was 8.5 percent. Further, for adult black men, the unemployment rate was 17.8 percent as compared to 8.8 percent for white men. For adult black women, the unemployment rate is 12.1 percent as compared to 7.3 percent for white women. The high rate of national unemployment is impacting all Americans, but is having a particularly devastating effect on African-Americans.

In an effort to combat these sobering numbers, the National Urban League introduced The National Urban League 's Plan for Putting America Back to Work. This six point plan targets $168 billion in spending over two years through: (1) direct create job creation, (2) expansion of the Youth Summer Jobs program, (3) creation of urban jobs academies, (4) creation of green empowerment zones, (5) expansion of the hiring of housing counselors nationwide, and (6) expansion of the Small Business Administration's Community Express Loan Program. Together, these recommendations will address the jobs crisis that our urban communities are facing. The National Urban League's Centennial initiative is, ``I AM EMPOWERED,'' and sets a goal for every American to achieve access to a quality job which includes a living wage and good benefits by 2025. Let us all work together and make this goal a reality.

Madam Speaker, I applaud the National Urban League for their dedication in serving our communities and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their 100 years of achievements.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of allowing public transit agencies to flex their Federal transit funding for operating expenses. Current law forbids transit systems in areas with a population of over 200,000 to use funds for operating. This has forced transit agencies across the country to cut services at a time when people are using transit more than ever. In 2008, transit use reached its highest level in five decades. In my home State of New Jersey, you can take a bus to any part of our State, and there are nearly 1,000 miles of rail line. Building this dynamic transportation system took years to develop, yet routes are being slashed because of the high cost of operating expenses.

All across our Nation, public transportation routes are being closed, and it is critical that we find a solution for our constituents. Congressman Carnahan has introduced a bill, H.R. 2746, that would allow public transit agencies to use some of their Federal funding for operating expenses. I am proud to cosponsor this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that gives transit agencies the flexibility necessary to continue their great service.

Mr. Speaker, we must not let this historic opportunity slip away. If we do not act, rising health care costs will continue to crush families and businesses, forcing small business owners to choose between health care and jobs. If we do nothing, in 30 years, $1 out of every $3 in our economy will be tied up in the health care system. If we fail to pass reform, premiums for both single and family policies could more than double by 2020, continuing to pad the bottom line of insurance companies at the expense of the American workers.

If we can pass health reform, consumers will be able to select their insurance plan and doctors, and they would no longer be denied coverage because of preexisting conditions and they can keep their coverage when they change jobs.

Finally, reforming our health care system will allow us to free up more money for jobs and for economic activity while assisting small businesses to add an estimated 80,000 new jobs.

Mr. Speaker, how long are 46 million uninsured Americans supposed to wait? The American people deserve to take back control over their health care system.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4853, the Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010. This legislation would extend the FAA's aviation programs and taxes for 3 more months, through July 3, 2010.

Funding authorization for aviation programs expired at the end of fiscal year 2007, and since then, 11 extensions have been passed.

Although the House passed Chairman Oberstar's bill, H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009, on May 21, 2009, the Senate has not acted on this legislation. Passage of a comprehensive reauthorization bill is necessary, but for the time being, we must once again pass an extension reauthorizing the FAA's aviation programs.

Included in this bill are also two very important surface transportation provisions. These provisions would alleviate concerns raised by Members of the House earlier this month when we passed the House amendments to the Senate amendments of the HIRE Act. Specifically, section 9 of this bill will amend the HIRE Act and resolve House concerns with the formula of distributing highway funding in the HIRE Act.

This bill would share among all States the $932 million for projects of national and regional significance and the national corridor programs.

Under the Senate's bill, four States would automatically receive 58 percent of this funding and 22 States would receive no funding at all. Under this bill, all States will be allowed to compete for these programs.

This bill also distributes additional bonus formula funds to 13 current State highway formula programs, as opposed to only six of the highway formula programs. While the Senate Surface Transportation Act Extension Act skewed highway formula funding to certain States, this bill acts as a remedy. Additionally, these two surface transportation provisions would put into law Majority Leader Reid's commitment to rectify the two differences between the House and the Senate transportation extension bills.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing the FAA Extension Act, which includes several important provisions.

Mr. Speaker, during the 111th Congress, Democrats have taken numerous measures to restore our Nation's fiscal health. Job creation is an essential element of this financial recovery.

We have passed the Small Business Financing and Investment Act, which will make it more affordable for small businesses to get loans and will save or create 1.3 million jobs annually.

We have passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which will create millions of jobs and also provide skilled training for workers.

We passed the Jobs for Main Street Act out of the House, which has targeted investment for job training, small businesses, affordable housing, school renovation, hiring teachers, and much more.

At the very beginning of this session, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law, and this legislation has saved or created nearly 2 million jobs. The Recovery Act was the largest middle class tax cut in history, and has helped to provide over 300,000 jobs in the education sector.

As the weather gets warmer, thousands of infrastructure jobs will be created through Recovery Act funds to build bridges, roads, and rails.

Additionally, community health centers around the country are being created through Recovery Act funding.

I ask all of my friends to continue to support job creation.

Madam Speaker, it has been now over a year since we took sweeping action to recover our economy. The Recovery Act has consistently grown our economy by creating or saving more than 2 million jobs, giving 95 percent of American workers a tax cut and beginning to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, all while making investments in a clean energy future and working to improve our Nation's health care.

In the past year, the Recovery Act has provided $120 billion in tax cuts for working families and business, loaned nearly $20 billion to small businesses to expand and create jobs, founded more than 12,500 transportation projects, and helped keep over 300 educators on the job. The Recovery Act has also put us on a path towards a green economy through investments in green job training programs. Furthermore, the Recovery money has funded the creation and expansion of community health centers all over the country as well as increased investment in health information technology.

Madam Speaker, while there is still much to be done to fully recover our economy, it would be a lot worse had we not passed the Recovery Act.