Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to highlight the progress that our economy has made. When President Obama took office, he faced the greatest economic crisis in a generation: home foreclosures were at a record level, banks were in crisis, and we had just lost 700,000 jobs in January 2009 alone.

Congress took action, and it is starting to work. In just 200 days since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law, 30,000 projects have been approved, including community health center upgrades and transportation improvements; the rate of job loss has declined; the jobs of thousands of police officers, nurses, and teachers have been saved; and 95 percent of working Americans received a tax cut in their paychecks.

Moreover, employers are hiring again, consumer confidence is rising, consumer spending is increasing, and the housing market is turning around.

While we're beginning to see the end of the recession, there's still more work to be done. We must continue to build on the progress we have made in the Recovery Act to further jump-start our economy and build a new foundation for a lasting recovery.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to discuss a serious issue that affects all children: unintentional drowning.

This summer millions of children took to the water as the weather warmed and pools opened all over the United States, but not all children receive the proper, life saving education that can play a critical role in drowning prevention. Minority children, more often than other children, do not participate in swimming lessons or do not have access to swimming lessons.

Roughly 3,500 people fatally drown each year in the United States-- that is about 10 people a day--and more than 25 percent of these victims are children 14 and under. In fact, drowning is the second most common cause of accidental death among children. Alarmingly, fatal drowning rates are 2 to 3 times higher among minority children. According to a study by the University of Memphis, almost 60 percent of African-American and Latino children do not know how to swim as compared to roughly 30 percent of nonminority children. These statistics are not just shocking; they are shameful.

In order to help spread awareness about these startling statistics and how we can better protect our children, Representative Wasserman Schultz and I introduced H. Res. 57, a resolution recognizing the persistently high rates of drowning fatalities among children. The resolution expresses the danger of fatal unintentional drowning in the United States, and condemns the high rates of fatal drowning among all children.

This resolution also celebrates the hard work of initiatives that currently provide swimming lessons to underprivileged communities as well as other efforts that help educate children, parents and caregivers about drowning prevention.

The ability to swim is an important and essential skill, and according to Safe Kids USA, in order to help prevent drowning, children should be enrolled in swimming lessons as early as age 4 to learn how to float, tread water, and enter and exit the pool.

The USA Swimming's Make A Splash Program has partnered with organizations in 31 states and has reached out to over 90,000 children to provide access to swimming education.

Together with these organizations, we must promote access to the type of education that can not only improve children's health, but help save their lives. I urge my colleagues to help bring awareness to this serious issue, and support final passage of H. Res. 57.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution expressing the sense of the House regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001. As the district I represent sits across from downtown Manhattan, my constituents and I are faced with a constant visual reminder of that day's tragic events.

As time passes, we must continue to commemorate this sad day. We will remember the innocent lives that were lost, the heroes that emerged from this disaster, and we will remember how this day forever changed our lives.

As new generations grow older, we must pass on the lessons of this day and its significance to our country. For 8 years, we have mourned the lives lost, and we have worked at home and abroad to protect our great Nation, its people, and the ideals it represents.

I am pleased to join my colleagues in remembering this significant day and recognize how it continues to affect all our lives. I thank my colleagues for introducing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight where some of the stimulus jobs are located. While some States have refused the stimulus money that is available, I want to acknowledge some of the areas that are using the stimulus funds to create jobs today.

In my State of New Jersey, the funding has gone towards good-paying jobs for New Jerseyan workers. Six thousand summer jobs were created for New Jersey youth using funds allotted under the Workforce Investment Act Youth Recovery Act. Over 60 jobs have been created in transportation, and at least 20 people are currently working on housing improvements for the Woodbridge Public Housing Authority.

At least 62 people are working for the Newark Housing Authority, including union workers, to renovate vacant apartments and to prepare for future construction. These are just a few of the projects, but it's not just New Jersey that is seeing jobs increase as a result of the stimulus funding.

Yesterday, The New York Times highlighted Perry County, Tennessee, where hundreds of laid-off workers are now, once again, back to work. Since deciding to use the stimulus money to employ 300 jobs, ranging from the State Transportation Department to small businesses, the unemployment has dropped from 27 to 22 percent in that county. That's where the jobs went.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 35th Commemoration of the invasion and occupation of Cyprus. In 1974, the Turkish Military invaded Cyprus, and 35 years later, the military still occupies over one-third of the island. The invasion and subsequent occupation led to the deaths of thousands and the forced displacement of nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots.

Fortunately, President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Talat, have made several agreements to improve relationships between the two communities on the island, and the settlement negotiations are ongoing. It is my hope that these negotiations will yield a bi-communal, bizonal federation for Cyprus that adheres to UN resolutions.

I rise today to stand with the people of Cyprus to seek a long overdue solution to this decades-long division. To succeed, a settlement effort should be of the Cypriots, by the Cypriots and for the Cypriots.

Madam Speaker, currently, highway connections are worsening, ports are clogged, rail lines are plagued with choke points, and our communities are suffering with increased congestion, ever- worsening air pollution, and a struggling economy. We must act now to address these critical infrastructure issues and bring aid to our communities.

Our communities are struggling right now, not only with an inefficient and underperforming transportation system, but also with high unemployment rates and a sluggish economy.

The Surface Transportation Authorization Act produced by Chairman Oberstar is a bold step forward on transportation policy that will address our aging infrastructure and create or sustain 6 million family-wage jobs.

We need to continue the work we did with the Recovery Act and move forward with this legislation now to boost the economy, aid our communities, and transform our transportation system.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak of the pressing need to fix our health care system. Every day, Americans not only worry about getting well, but whether they can afford to get well or stay healthy. They are not the only ones who worry. All too often small businesses are forced to choose between coverage or layoffs.

We have the most expensive health system care in the world, spending almost 50 percent more per person on health care then the next most costly nation; yet we're not healthier for it.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad that Congress and the President are working together on a plan to reform our health care system, a plan that will reduce costs, provide choices, and guarantee affordable quality health care for all. We must act now, for it is evident that the status quo is simply not working.

Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following vote I missed on July 13, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 530 on a motion to adjourn.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor efforts in my district to end homelessness. County and municipal governments, non- profit organizations, and business leaders, with guidance from the federal government, have joined together to end chronic homelessness. For nearly three years, the Alliance to End Homelessness in Hudson County has worked collaboratively to develop the ten-year plan with input from government officials, nonprofit organizations, and those agencies working closely with Hudson County's homeless population. The Alliance's ten-year plan consists of 45 action steps to end homelessness that includes building 650 units of housing and providing health care and support services to homeless individuals and homeless families dealing with temporary dislocation due to fire, job loss, domestic abuse and other crisis. This collaboration is important because wide support is needed to solve this problem. Recognizing that, United Way of Hudson County is honoring TD Bank for their work to end homelessness; Governor Jon Corzine for his leadership in the state on this issue; and Dr. Philip Mangano the former Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council to End Homelessness for his guidance and advice in establishing Hudson County's Alliance. So I rise today to offer my support to the United Way of Hudson County and the Alliance to End Homelessness in Hudson County and I wish them continued success in their fight against homelessness.

Mr. Speaker, every day my constituents share with me their personal stories. I often hear about their passport or mortgage troubles. But perhaps more than any other concern, they tell me of their family's struggle to stay healthy or to get treatment when they become sick without health insurance.

They tell me how they have worked all their lives, only to lose their retirement savings when they need serious medical treatment.

These stories are unacceptable, just as it is unacceptable that one in five Americans are uninsured. Now is the time to act. For each day we delay, an additional 14,000 Americans lose coverage.

There are four items that must be included in the final legislation to fix our health care system. First, we must ensure coverage so that everyone has access to health insurance. Second, we must improve the quality of care. Third, we must contain costs while investing in preventative care. And finally, individuals must be guaranteed their choice of health insurance plans and doctors. If we can pass a bill that incorporates these four principles, we will have made a real and lasting impact on the lives of people.

Madam Speaker, I missed the following votes on June 15, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted yes on rollcall 336 on H. Res. 430, yes on rollcall 337 on H.R. 2325; and yes on rollcall 338 on

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak for those oppressed in Cuba that cannot speak for themselves. As the administration is moving forward with immigration talks, as the Organization of American States is welcoming Cuba, I rise to remind my colleagues in Washington and my friends abroad that when you deal with Cuba, you are not dealing with a benign regime. You are dealing with a dangerous regime. The regime's most recent crackdown has surfaced in the oppression of religion.

In May 2008, Pastor Omar Gude Perez was arrested and charged with human trafficking. When no evidence was found to support the charges, the Cuban regime simply changed the charges. He is now on trial for ``counter-revolutionary conduct.'' A man who has been dedicated to his religion now faces years in prison.

Last week, 30 evangelical, nonpolitical pastors were arrested by Cuban authorities. This is a clear attack on religion by the Castro regime.

On top of these atrocities, we hear that two Castro spies may have been working among us in our government for decades. It is crucial that the United States Government move slowly and cautiously in our relationship with Cuba. In light of this, the administration must not make any further decisions regarding Cuba until a comprehensive damage assessment is completed and Congress is fully briefed.

Mr. Chair, today I rise to give my full support for the passage of H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. I believe defense, diplomacy and development are the three key components of our national security strategy. This bill will give the Department of State and Peace Corp the tools necessary to ensure that diplomacy plays an integral role in furthering U.S. foreign policy goals.

H.R. 2410 strengthens our diplomatic corps by giving the Department of State the authority to hire over 1,500 new foreign service officers and improve their language capabilities. The bill also seeks to double the number of Peace Corps volunteers in the field. Peace Corps volunteers are vital to U.S. diplomacy as they are often the only American faces in some of the world's most remote places. Finally, this legislation establishes the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation to expand the number of U.S. students studying abroad, learning new languages and fostering cultural understanding.

Mr. Chair, H.R. 2410 puts us one step closer to developing a global security strategy that uses diplomacy as a crucial tool to help ensure our safety at home and abroad. I would urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 2401, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. This legislation will enhance our national security by providing adequate resources to the State Department, which has been underfunded for the last 8 years. Diplomacy and international development are key components to any national security agenda.

I was also pleased to see that title nine of the bill, which enhances the Merida Initiative, includes provisions to further combat gun trafficking and drug cartels. However, I was greatly disappointed that the House Homeland Security Committee was not included in the development of this title or the previous Merida Initiative legislation. The Department of Homeland Security plays a significant role in the Merida Initiative by coordinating through its agencies that are assisting Mexico and other foreign governments address issues surrounding smuggling, trafficking and violence at our borders and internationally. Thus I firmly believe this committee should have been allowed to play a role in this legislation.

As Chairwoman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counter Terrorism, I have held several hearings on issues affecting the Merida initiative. These hearings focused on the ongoing violence along our southern border, drug trafficking, weapon trafficking and cash trafficking. My subcommittee and the full committee on Homeland Security have been at the forefront of addressing the threats posed by drug trafficking organizations and other transnational crime syndicates. Many of the recommendations made during our recent hearings, including southbound border check points for cash and guns going into Mexico, have been implemented along the border.

The hearings also emphasized that many agencies--including the Department of Homeland Security--will need to work together closely to stop these growing transnational crime networks. The Merida Initiative would not be as effective without the constant and tireless work of the brave men and women at the Department of Homeland Security. I hope that in the future more consideration will be given to the role the Department of Homeland Security plays implementing critical security initiatives like the Merida Initiative.

My colleagues on the Committee on Homeland Security look forward to working with our friends on the other relevant committees to continue to develop, implement and improve initiatives such as the Merida Initiative.

I ask my colleagues to support the underlying legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two very distinguished women for their service in our Armed Forces. Victoria Del Regno served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 to 1972, and Isabella De Marco served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 2004 and is currently an active duty reservist. Both women were selected as the Co-Grand Marshals for the Memorial Day parade in Bayonne, New Jersey, in my district. Ms. Del Regno and Ms. De Marco were both born and raised in Bayonne, served as nurses in the military, and both are members of the F.A. MacKenzie American Legion Post 165 in Bayonne.

Mr. Speaker, for the first time in the 91-year history of the parade, two females were selected by the parade committee to serve as Grand Marshals. I am proud that this year's parade honors the service of women in the Armed Forces. These two women and their contributions are outstanding examples of women who are serving and who have served in our military.

Mr. Speaker, now is the time to stand up for American consumers. Too many families and hardworking Americans are struggling through this difficult economic recession. Credit card companies that charge unwarranted and unanticipated fees have been hitting Americans hard during our economic hardship. Despite massive government intervention to encourage lending, many credit card companies are still cutting back on credit, imposing new fees and raising rates--even for those who pay on time and never go over the limit. This is unacceptable.

In passing the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights, we will even the playing field by providing critical protections against these unfair, yet all too common, credit card practices. This bill will also provide tough new regulations on credit and companies in order to protect consumers from excessive fees, enormous interest rates, and unfair agreements.

Ending abusive credit card practices that continue to drive America deeper and deeper into debt is a critical element in our economic recovery.