Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I come here today as a proud American, a proud Hoosier, and most importantly a proud Colts fan. But I also come donning a New Orleans Saints tie given to me by my friend and colleague, Representative Scalise of Louisiana, based on an agreement that was made between the both of us. The Indianapolis Colts indeed are a legendary team. Yes, they are iconic and a juggernaut in their own right, but I too must acknowledge the Saints great ability on the football field in winning the Super Bowl. And I want to commend the New Orleans Saints, as well as the residents of Louisiana, for their resilience in a time of great trial, and just to tell them to keep up the great work, Who Dat, and Go Colts.

Thank you, Representative Scott.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor in support of House Resolution 1082, supporting the goals and ideals of the fourth annual America Saves Week.

The economy in the last couple of years has increased everyone's awareness of the need to take control of their personal finances. Rather than spending more than they have coming in, households are making a concerted effort to save.

Learning to be a disciplined saver is the key to building wealth. It really does not make a difference how much your paycheck is each month if you're not saving a portion of it for the future. Most importantly, we should be able to teach our kids how to save. They should be able to understand the concept of money and investment in early childhood. This will prepare them to learn money management, especially as they grow older and begin to think about credit cards, car loans, and mortgages.

I also have legislation that will provide grants to programs and financial literacy education for young adults and families, as it is of utmost importance we begin the financial literacy learning process early in life. I applaud this resolution's core principles.

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased the President called for fiscal responsibility and more responsible spending in his recent State of the Union address. In 2009, we saw a $1.4 trillion budget deficit and will likely see the same this year. At over $12 trillion, our deficit is simply unsustainable. Clearly, it is time for us to do something about it.

I believe there are reforms that can bridge the gap between Republicans, Blue Dogs, New Democrats, and Progressives; policies like accountability and transparency in the appropriations process and a Bipartisan Fiscal Commission. This year, we must come together to pass these and other important policies. PAYGO is an important first step. It has a proven track record of success and has helped us reach record surpluses in the 1990s.

I am hopeful that my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, will join me in supporting this important legislation. Getting America back on the path to fiscal responsibility will take time. But with an incremental, systematic, bipartisan approach, we can secure a robust and productive economy for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, each year tens of thousands of ex-offenders are released from prison back into our communities. Many of them return to our neighborhoods with few prospects and no way to provide for themselves and their families.

Unfortunately, months of waiting for benefits often push these ex- offenders back into criminal activity. Without an income to purchase health care and food, many see it as the only way to survive.

Today, I believe this Congress has the responsibility to address this clear danger to the public. That is why I introduced two bills last year, H.R. 2829 and H.R. 3053, which will ensure that former inmates have access to TANF, Medicaid, Social Security disability, and other benefits upon their release from prison.

By removing months of waiting, we can help these individuals successfully reenter society and avoid returning to a life of crime. I hope that all of my colleagues will consider cosponsoring these important bills, both for the future of ex-offenders and for the safety of our communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Rod Morgan, a remarkable jurist from Indiana's 7th Congressional District, who recently became the first African American to serve as president of the Indiana State Bar Association. I applaud Mr. Morgan for this monumental achievement.

Currently a partner at Bingham McHale LLP in Indianapolis, Mr. Rod Morgan's legal career has been vast and varied. His career has touched upon nearly every aspect of jurisprudence from serving as an Army Judge Advocate General, to acting as a legal advisor to numerous military and political leaders, to teaching law and writing scholarly papers. Mr. Morgan is also an active member of the community, serving on numerous boards and associations, recently serving as president of the Indianapolis Black Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Partnership for Affordable Housing. His election as president of the Indiana State Bar Association marks yet another milestone in an exemplary career.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Rod Morgan and wishing him the best of luck in his latest endeavor.

Madam Speaker, as we consider this final important jobs creating measure, I would like to draw attention to one of the important pieces of the legislation: the extension of the eligibility period for COBRA benefits. Unemployment numbers continue to hover nationally at 10 percent; however, in many areas of the country these numbers are far higher. With these high numbers comes a decline in access to healthcare benefits and thus the need for this critical provision.

Congress passed the landmark Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health benefit provisions in 1986, and it has maintained a successful program by providing a continuation of group health coverage for individuals and families that might otherwise have been terminated. And, through the economic stimulus package passed in February, a 65 percent subsidy was provided for COBRA benefits for nine months and has been a welcome relief for thousands of unemployed workers who otherwise would not have been able to afford the COBRA premiums.

Many individuals and families have already exhausted their subsidy and are trying to figure out how to maintain their health insurance coverage. The problem is especially felt by older Americans who are close to retirement age and not yet eligible for Medicare, as they

tend to use more health care services. Providing our constituents with the ability to maintain health coverage when they become unemployed is a key to ensuring these individuals do not fall through the cracks and end up without the health insurance they need. I urge passage of this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in the year of 1984, a young man 9 years old, myself with my grandmother, had the chance to tag along with Rev. Jackson as he visited Indianapolis multiple times, and I got a chance to go out to San Francisco. Rev. Jackson, we commend you and love you not only because you are a great civil rights leader, but you are an oratorical genius. ``Up with hope, down with dope,'' ``Keep hope alive,'' bringing multiple races together, but also breaking down racial, psychological barriers that existed at that time. You led the way for our beloved President. We owe you. Back then as a 9-year-old young man, he reminded me of the lyrical greats, the MellyMels, the Run-DMCs, the James Baldwins.

He was a leader. He is a leader. We deserve to honor him, and we will continue to honor him.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 475) to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to guarantee the equity of spouses of military personnel with regard to matters of residency, and for other purposes.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina for introducing Senate bill 475, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act. The House version of this legislation was introduced by Mr. Carter of Texas.

As many of my colleagues know, the sacrifices that military children and spouses have to make in order to stay as one united family are difficult. This is especially true at a time when our country is fighting to protect freedom at home and abroad.

Senate bill 475 seeks to provide military spouses with the option to keep the same voting rights and tax conditions as afforded in their home States or to allow them to change to the new States where they will be reunited with a servicemember.

A military spouse who often accompanies a servicemember from one duty station to another is required to pay income and personal property taxes of the State in which they currently reside. On the other hand, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides our men and women in uniform the option of paying taxes to the States where they originated prior to military service or to pay taxes to the States in which they currently reside due to military service, lessening the need to hire accountants to review tax regulations of their home States, which can at times be multiple States. This will help keep their tax preparation simple and familiar, reducing the stress family members encounter when filing State taxes.

Mr. Speaker, the intent of this legislation is very simple. We need to recognize that military families serve too. It is only fitting to provide military spouses with the ability to retain certain State residency benefits which are already afforded to our men and women in uniform under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Again, I would like to thank my colleagues in the Senate for working on this legislation so we may provide relief for our military families. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Parliamentary Inquiries

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers.

I reserve the balance of my time

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 475.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to unanimously support S. 475.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, over the last two days, we have considered and voted to pass legislation honoring all Department of Homeland Security employees for their service to the United States over the course of the War on Terror.

As a former Homeland Security official, I have seen first hand the sacrifices that each of these employees makes in the service of our country. These dedicated men and women spend years developing specialized skills and becoming experts on the most effective methods to prevent violence. They devote long hours away from their families, in potentially life threatening situations. And they do all of this to keep us safe from threats around the world.

These federal employees rarely make the news, but their success in the War on Terror is undeniable. Their unyielding efforts have saved lives and prevented billions in property damage. We may never hear of their successes, but they deserve our thanks just the same.

So, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor these men and women across our country, whose ongoing fight to protect us from terrorism has allowed all of us to enjoy the freedoms that make the United States great.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., Deacon Minister and Senior Pastor of the Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis.

For the past 40 years, Bishop Benjamin has exhibited bold and charismatic leadership on behalf of his congregation and his community. His efforts on behalf of the World Christian Church have made his congregation one of the most active and well respected in the city. Through his dedicated service, Bishop Benjamin has earned a reputation as a formidable advocate on behalf of poor minorities, fighting unceasingly for racial justice across Indianapolis.

At a time when committed and compassionate leadership is much too rare in public life, Bishop Benjamin's indomitable spirit continues to inspire generations to improve our communities and serve their neighbors through Christian ministry. Thousands of local residents have been touched by Bishop Benjamin and his congregation, a number that continues to grow daily.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bishop Benjamin for his 40 years of dedicated leadership and service as the esteemed Pastor of Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 215) congratulating the Minority Business Development Agency on its 40th anniversary and commending its achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of minority businesses in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 215, which congratulates the Minority Business Development Agency for its 40 years of commendable service to America's minority-owned businesses.

The Minority Business Development Agency has had a large presence in Indiana and continues to promote growth and achievement in this economic crisis.

Since its establishment, the Agency's mission has been to foster the creation of minority-owned businesses in the U.S. In fact, this organization has operated as the only Federal agency created specifically to serve minority-owned businesses through its network of over 40 centers nationwide.

Since its inception in 1969, over 3.6 million minority-owned businesses have been opened, creating over 4.7 million jobs. This amazing growth has accounted for $661 billion in revenue. Over the last 40 years, these businesses have flourished as a result of consulting services provided by the Agency to over 625,000 firms.

During this economic crisis, the Minority Business Development Agency's services are more critical than ever. As minority-owned businesses continue to struggle, this organization provides a lifeline to an essential component of our Nation's economy.

In 2008, despite the ongoing recession, the Agency assisted more than 25,000 minority-owned businesses. As a result, thousands of Americans are now gainfully employed. Today, the Agency continues to work diligently to assist minority-owned businesses by identifying opportunities available through the Recovery Act.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Minority Business Development Agency for its four decades of admirable successes in fostering our Nation's minority-owned businesses. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of House Resolution 215.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to Mr. Honda, the sponsor of this resolution, as much time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. A.D. Pinkney, former president of the Indianapolis National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He passed away this month, at the age of 85.

Dr. Pinkney was an iconic civil rights leader who brought visionary changes that forever altered the racial landscape of Indianapolis, Indiana. Under his leadership, the NAACP brought two landmark cases before federal courts, which were instrumental in forcing the city to desegregate. The first ruling forced black students from the Indianapolis Public Schools area to be bused to township system schools. The second ruling by federal courts forced suburban townships to expand public housing options for people of color.

Through great courage and dedication, Dr. Pinkney opened the doors for our generation to come forward and serve our community as proud and honorable citizens. He was instrumental in breaking down ethnic and racial barriers, so that people of color may live a prosperous life of liberty and equality.

His passing is a great loss to the Indianapolis area community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. A.D. Pinkney for his service.

Mr. Speaker, today I've heard a number of interesting accusations about what this legislation would do if passed. I have heard that the government will sit in board rooms and set caps on pay. But of course my constituents are accustomed to hearing these kinds of false arguments from those who wish to maintain the status quo.

My constituents sent me to Congress to move beyond the status quo of a broken financial regulatory structure. They sent me to enact commonsense reforms like those included in the legislation we're discussing today, Mr. Speaker. They know that average families have cut back, work longer hours, and have saved their money during this crisis. Meanwhile, Wall Street execs have acted irresponsibly and enjoy the lavish compensation packages that have allowed their companies to fail.

So I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill that will bring about a new era of responsibility on Wall Street. I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak to the urgency of health care reform. I want to share the story of Holly, an Indianapolis woman who has courageously fought and won two bouts with breast cancer. Thankfully, Holly's medical costs were largely covered by insurance. While she praises the care and treatment she received, Holly is rightly worried about the future.

Due to her history of recurring cancer, Holly will be uninsurable if she ever loses her job and, with it, her employer-based health insurance plan. Holly and thousands of people across my district know that the status quo will leave millions more uninsured, in some cases even fighting for their lives.

We must push forward with overhauling our health care system, not only for the 47 million who are uninsured but for the millions more who will be added to these rolls unless we act. Now is not the time for fear-mongering. Now is not the time for political posturing or for narcissistic behavior. We must be Representatives in the true sense of the word and act on behalf of the American people.

Madam Speaker, tomorrow, the international community will remember a tragic day in the genocide that ravaged Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995. For over three years, the town of Zepa, Bosnia re- mained under siege by the Republika Srpska, despite being named a safe haven for