Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Mr. Michael Taylor Riggs. Devoted son, brother, friend and colleague, Michael was taken from us too soon, on May 24, 2013. With his passing, we look to the outstanding quality of his life's work to address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and the countless lives he touched and saved over the course of his career in advocacy and public policy.

Born on November 10, 1970, Mr. Riggs descended from a long line of Navajo clans and grew up on the Navajo Nation in a remote area of northern Arizona. After starting out as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at a hospital in Tuba City, AZ, Mr. Riggs began attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. In the early 1990s, while studying and working part-time at the Northern Arizona Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Mr. Riggs' passion for education, policy development and disease prevention took flight. His bold idea to form an HIV/AIDS prevention outreach program targeted at Native American men was unconventional for the time, but won the support and respect of his colleagues.

After enduring a family tragedy, Mr. Riggs began anew in Berkeley, California, where he found a position in the District Office of my predecessor and mentor, Congressman Ron Dellums. Mr. Riggs' constituent work invigorated and expanded his focus on HIV/AIDS prevention. By the time he became a member of my staff, Mr. Riggs had developed a prolific knowledge base on the issue and soon joined my Washington, D.C. staff as a trusted policy advisor.

His wise counsel and ceaseless dedication helped me form the platform of global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention that, today, has expanded the availability of life-extending drugs to those living in poverty in Africa, the Caribbean and other impoverished areas around the world.

Mr. Riggs was instrumental in helping me and my colleagues create and pass the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000, which significantly expanded the U.S. commitment to fight HIV/AIDS worldwide and which created the framework for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Passage of this landmark legislation, which eventually led to the creation in 2003 and re-authorization in 2008 of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is a tremendous part of Mr. Riggs' professional legacy. Within days of Michael's death, PEPFAR celebrated its 10th anniversary--having directly supported life-saving antiretroviral treatment for nearly 5.1 million men, women and children worldwide.

He later continued this groundbreaking work with the United Nations' World Health Organization, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Foundation and the Global AIDS Alliance. A sought-after speaker and panelist, Mr. Riggs' travels brought him across the globe and he was known for his uncanny ability to connect key stakeholders. Despite the difficult nature of the work, he was known to lift others up with his kindness, his unflagging energy and his generous sense of humor. Most recently, he returned to enjoy his roots and bolster his community back in northern Arizona.

On a personal note, Michael began working with me in my District Office when I was first elected in 1998. He was my very first District Scheduler. His sense of judgment and constituent priorities were always reflected in my schedule. I immediately knew that I wanted someone of his intellect and passion to come to Washington to work with me to address my priority issues, such as HIV and AIDS. I quickly learned that I did not need to direct Michael.

He directed me, my staff, the country and the world, saving millions of lives in the process. For this, we are all deeply grateful.

Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors an outstanding individual and a pioneering global health advocate, Mr. Michael Taylor Riggs. His invaluable service to the world will live on in the endless legacy of his life's work. I offer my sincerest condolences to his many loved ones, friends and colleagues. He will be deeply missed.

Let me thank the gentleman for yielding, for your support, and for your tremendous leadership on so many issues.

Let me rise, first of all, in strong opposition to this rule. I am extremely disappointed that Congress was denied the opportunity on this floor to have a full and necessary debate about our constitutional role in declaring war and our obligation to conduct vigorous oversight, accountability, and to demand transparency.

While I appreciate the committee making my bipartisan amendment

with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen with regard to HIV discrimination in order, I offered a number of other amendments to audit the Pentagon and to end the overly broad 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force, which is a blank check.

I have long called for repeal of this authorization, dating back to the horrific days of 9/11, right when we debated that resolution for no more than an hour on September 14. We did not have a meaningful debate 12 years ago, and by blocking my amendment, this Congress will not be able to exercise its constitutional war-making duties today.

Let me also say that I am pleased to join Representatives McGovern, Jones, Garamendi, and our Armed Services ranking member, Adam Smith, on an amendment which was made in order, which will at least give us an opportunity to open that door and begin to talk about the fact that it is time to bring our troops home, and that once 2014 is here, then we need to determine what Congress will authorize, if anything.

Also, let me just say it's important, the amendment that was made in order, Congressman Hank Johnson and myself, with regard to prohibiting permanent military bases, so important.

So finally let me just say, Congress must debate and authorize any future troop presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of Mr. Landon Bonniepaul Vernon. A loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mr. Vernon was exemplary in his familial devotion, entrepreneurial spirit and community pride. With his passing on March 5, 2013 we are reminded of his life's journey and the joyful legacy he inspired.

Born in Franklinton, Louisiana on August 26, 1936, Landon was the third of six boys born to Sherman Vernon and Sara Crawford. The family relocated to California in the early 1940s, settling in Oakland, where Landon attended local schools and played high school and college basketball.

Mr. Vernon married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Barbara McKellar-Vernon, and together they raised three children, Landon Carl, Wayne and Darlene. An avid businessman and entrepreneur, Mr. Vernon started a janitorial service as early as high school. Over the years, he also worked in a variety of roles at stalwart Bay Area businesses like Aerojet, Wonder Bread, The National Association of Home Builders and Oakland's Outreach Development Program.

Yet, Mr. Vernon also continued to achieve his dream of entrepreneurial success while becoming co-owner and co-manager of several Bay Area clubs, including Celebrity Club, Consultants Lounge, Bird Kage, Dock of the Bay, Old Golden, Bosn's Locker and Nick's Lounge. Many of these locales were African American cultural institutions that contributed to the important legacy of Black- and minority-owned small businesses in the East Bay. Mr. Vernon was also the owner of the vending machine company LV Rentals.

In addition to Mr. Vernon's commitment to his business ventures, he was an avid sports buff who supported East Bay athletic organizations and cofounded the Bird Kage Golf Tournament. As a member of the ``Sportsmen Club All Stars'' basketball team, Mr. Vernon played with the likes of Wilt ``The Stilt'' Chamberlain, Charlie Hardy, Don Barksdale, Richard Whitehurst and Harold Theus. His enthusiasm in supporting athletic and business communities of color undoubtedly helped to pave the way for more organizations to follow.

In addition to this community activity, Mr. Vernon loved to travel. He was especially fond of visiting extended family and friends back in Louisiana and making sure that the bonds of family and friendship were always strong. Fishing was also one of his favorite pastimes for relaxation, and he often noted that if all mankind could fish, the world would recognize and want that kind of peace every day. His life was truly one that was ``well-lived and well-loved,'' and his memory is a testament to the benefits of forming and sustaining meaningful relationships with others. Furthermore, Landon was a personal friend who I met in the early 1970s. He was fun, smart and extremely kind to my family. We are deeply grateful for his friendship.

Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors Mr. Landon Bonniepaul Vernon. His vibrant spirit and sense of fellowship will continue to guide others to connect with their communities and loved ones for years to come. I offer my sincerest condolences to Landon's surviving family and to the many friends and associates whose lives he touched over the course of his incredible life. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and career of Bay Area community leader and tireless advocate for the underserved, Mr. David Glover. Known throughout the Greater Oakland/Bay Area region as an innovative and dedicated nonprofit leader, David Glover was also a stalwart community member. With his passing, we look to Mr. Glover's tremendous legacy and the outstanding quality of his life's work.

For over two decades, Mr. Glover served at the helm of The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR). Under his tenure as Executive Director, OCCUR expanded its role as a key leader of efforts to serve and revitalize neighborhoods throughout Oakland and the Greater Bay Area. From the concept of asset mapping and the community- building Neighborhood Profiles project, to the launch of the Eastmont Technology Center as a source of multimedia learning and digital inclusion, OCCUR's commitment to increasing 21st century skills in low- income communities mirrored David's vision of advancing social equity for minority communities.

His commitment to innovation and strategic local investment also led OCCUR to initiate the Oakland Equity Policy and the program, ``A Model Built on Faith.'' By leading development activity among community partners along key retail and commercial corridors, Mr. Glover helped OCCUR aggressively implement financial literacy and consumer education programs for low-income residents and families. Furthermore, OCCUR's successful community partnerships with faith-based institutions, as well as community-based and nonprofit organizations, has resulted in a dynamic level of civic engagement and leadership development among local communities of color.

Mr. Glover never gave up on his mission to improve the lives and conditions of low-income youth, residents, and families through the delivery of balanced goods, effective public policy, and targeted community services. Likewise, our community will never forget his countless contributions and achievements.

He received national and local recognition for his efforts, earning accolades that included Community Service awards from the Niagara Democratic Club, National Association of

Black Planners, National Council of Negro Women, and the Bay Area Black United Fund, as well as a Profile in Excellence Award from KGO TV, a Leadership Award from Black Business Listings, and an Outstanding Citizen Resolution from the City of Oakland.

Mr. Glover was also an active member of myriad organizations, serving on the boards of the Oakland Advisors, the Stewardship Council, the Oakland Partnership, the Berkeley Law Foundation, Operation Hope, and as a founding board member of the groundbreaking, Greenlining Institute. He produced public affairs programs and content for radio and television, and was an award-winning mentor and coach for various youth programs supporting sports leadership development.

On a personal note, when I met David many years ago, I immediately recognized the depth of his intellect and his indomitable spirit. I was deeply humbled when he endorsed me early in my California Legislature campaign. It was an endorsement that I knew commanded the respect and trust of voters. For that, I will be forever grateful.

Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors a great friend of the Bay Area and a true champion for equity, Mr. David Glover. His steadfast commitment to ensuring that all Oakland residents have access to a better quality of life will forever live on with the legacy of his vision. I offer my sincerest condolences to his many loved ones and to all of those whose lives he touched over the years. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me just say I am truly honored tonight to anchor this Special Order on the farm bill on behalf of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. And I just want to thank our cochairs, Congressman Keith Ellison and Congressman Raul Grijalva, for their tremendous leadership and for giving us the opportunity to really speak to the American people once a week about what has truly taken place here in Washington, D.C.

As the cochair of the Out-of-Poverty Caucus, which we founded actually during the Bush administration, and now chair of the new Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, let me just highlight how truly important it is to continue to support programs that lift Americans out of poverty.

Even as our economy slowly recovers, income inequality continues to grow. Unfortunately, too many people who are working are poor, and they're living on the edge.

I want to take a moment now and just yield a few minutes to my colleague from Minnesota, the cochair of

the Progressive Caucus, and I will return and complete what I have to say, but I know he has to leave, and I would like for him to be able to engage in this discussion at this point.

I want to thank our cochair of the Progressive Caucus, Congressman Ellison, for, once again, his tremendous leadership, but also for that very powerful and very graphic statement, sharing the stories of people who are struggling just to survive. That's what this is really about. The majority of people on SNAP do not want to be on SNAP; they want to work. They want to take care of their families, and they want to live the American Dream.

Let me yield now to the gentlelady from Connecticut, Congresswoman DeLauro, a member of the Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Ag. I don't know of anyone who has fought the good fight on behalf of the poor, low-income individuals, middle-income individuals, the most vulnerable--our seniors--more than Congresswoman DeLauro. So I want to thank the gentlelady for really staying true to the cause and for being here tonight with us.

Let me thank the gentlelady for that very powerful--in many ways, very sad--statement. We shouldn't have to listen to you say this in the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world. These stories should not have to be told here, Congresswoman DeLauro.

Thank you also for reminding us--and I know that you are a person of tremendous faith, and there are many in this body who are believers who have a faith and who care about the least of these. However, when we look at this $20 billion cut, you have to wonder where the people of faith are and how they understand this scripturally, I have to say. So thank you for raising this.

Absolutely. Thank you for that.

I just want to also remind us tonight that--well, first, I'm on the Budget Committee also. We had a debate about poverty. Both sides had something to say. Thank goodness at least we had a debate. But when it came to looking at the Ryan budget and the cuts that were enacted or that would be enacted if the Ryan budget passes, I can't for the life of me understand how anyone on the other side who wants to reduce poverty--as they said they do--could support the Ryan budget, because it cuts every single government program which lifts people out of poverty into the middle class and will actually put more people into poverty if the Ryan budget cuts are sustained.

Thank you for being with us tonight and for making it very clear.

Let me now yield a few minutes to my colleague from Georgia, Congressman Hank Johnson, who has been a tremendous leader on so many issues. He will talk about these bags that he brought here to the floor and about the food stamp challenge, which many of us have mounted and which I will speak to later.

Let me first thank the gentleman for that very powerful statement and also sharing with us what you were able to purchase. Also, much of what you purchased has a high sodium content and, as you said, very few fresh fruits and vegetables.

But what is just so tragic is that as Members of Congress, we don't live on this budget each and every day. There's an end in sight for us. But for millions of Americans, there is no end in sight. This is their existence.

What we're trying to do is to make sure that that is no more and that people have the right to eat healthy, nutritious foods without worrying about health consequences, without worrying about the $20 billion which will cut substantially their ability to buy even the kinds of foods that are unhealthy.

So thank you very much for being here with us.

Let me now yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts, who serves on the Agriculture Committee, chairs our

Hunger Caucus and has been a tremendous and consistent champion on behalf of those who are hungry, not only here, but throughout the world, and also fights for food security. I just want to thank him for being with us tonight, and thank you for your leadership.

Congressman McGovern has also taken the food stamp challenge many times and has really helped organize all of us here to be very focused on what is the real deal as it relates to the least of us.

Thank you again.

I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts very much for that very powerful and clear presentation, but also for what you do each and every day for the last 13 years. This is part of your life's work. So thank you very much for not only talking about why we need to not cut the $20 billion, but also why we need to build these ladders of opportunity so that people can get a good-paying job and lift themselves out of poverty.

Congressman McGovern mentioned the food stamp challenge that many of us are taking: Congressman Johnson; our Congressional Black Caucus chair, Marcia Fudge; Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky; our Democratic Caucus vice chair, Mr. Crowley. Approximately 25 Members will be taking part in this food stamp challenge, in addition to who will speak next, the Congresswoman from the District of Columbia, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, because we need to raise the level of awareness of what is taking place not only here in Washington, D.C., in this body, but in the District of Columbia where we all have to thank Congresswoman Norton, who is our representative during the week. We need to make sure that we recommit ourselves to fighting hunger, fighting poverty, and to not voting for this agriculture bill if the $20 billion cut remains.

So, Congresswoman Norton, thank you very much, and thank you for allowing us to be at your grocery stores today and to work with people in your district to really see and understand what is going on here in the District of Columbia.

Let me thank the gentlelady from the District of Columbia, first of all, for working day and night on behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia.

Secondly, for really laying out additional impacts and how this $20 billion cut and what the bill will actually do in a very negative way. I mean, the whole, all of the issues that you raised, many people don't even know are in the bills. And so that's why we try to beat the drum a little bit down here on the floor, and you certainly have awakened America in terms of what some of the really critical issues are in this bill. So thank you again for your leadership and your friendship.

How many minutes do I have left, Mr. Speaker?

Let me just conclude, before I yield to the gentleman from Georgia.

Now, I am a former food stamp recipient myself. Of course, I'm not proud of that, but I am. I didn't talk about it for a long time because of the stigma associated with being on public assistance and on food stamps. But I decided a couple of years ago, when we started to see these tremendous cuts and assaults on these safety net programs, to really talk about my personal experience.

And I was going to college, raising two little boys who are phenomenal young men now raising their own families. But it was very difficult, very difficult. I would not be here if it were not for the lifeline that the American people extended to me when I was a single mother struggling to care for my kids.

No one wants to be on food stamps. I did not want to be on food stamps. Everyone wants a job. Everyone wants to take care of their kids and their family, but there are bumps in the road sometimes, and the economy hasn't turned around for a lot of people. And so that bridge over troubled waters, that needs to be there. You know, that needs to be there.

And so I hope that Democrats and Republicans reject these cuts. We need to stop sequestration. We need to start creating jobs and build these ladders of opportunity for people.

And I hope, and many of us hope, that the President will veto this bill if it gets off this floor with this $20 billion cut because, first of all, it's morally wrong, it's fiscally irresponsible, it will hurt our economy, and we need to lift people, build these ladders of opportunity and lift the economy for all.

Let me now yield to the gentleman from Georgia for a concluding statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SNAP works.

Madam Chair, yesterday I inadvertently voted NO on the Moran amendment (roll call 200) to H.R. 2217. I support the Moran amendment that would strike section (2) and insert ``was transferred to the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by the Department of Defense, after December 31, 2005.'' I am a strong supporter of President Obama's commitment to close the prison camp at Guantanamo and halt all pending military commission trials. The infamous Guantanamo prison facility has made a mockery of America's commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the rejection of torture as an acceptable interrogation technique. I will continue to work with my colleagues to repeal unnecessary restrictions on detainees and remove congressionally mandated bans which have made the facility harder to close. Closing Guantanamo would send an important message around the world that the days of detaining persons indefinitely without charge or due process are over. I look forward to the day when we can finally shut the doors on this prison. I support the Moran amendment (roll call 200) and stand ready to support efforts to close Guantanamo.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman for yielding.

Let me just say, first, as a member of both the Appropriations and the Budget Committees, I rise in strong opposition to this rule. The allocations provided under this rule will savage vital programs that protect the public health and safety, promote and develop our workforce, and educate the next generation of Americans.

Sequester cuts are already hitting low-income families throughout our country and also in my congressional district in my home State of California. And every single household in America, especially the millions of Americans who are struggling still to find a job, these cuts are hitting them disproportionately.

Our economy cannot afford these cuts. Hungry children do not deserve these cuts. Students who depend on Pell Grants, TRIO, and Head Start do not deserve these cuts. And certainly, our seniors and our veterans do not deserve these cuts.

The Military Construction-Veterans bill on the floor this week assumes the sequester cuts have been replaced. Why in the world can't we do this for the other bills as well? We all know that the allocation for the rest of the subcommittees will make it nearly impossible to fund education, senior programs, infrastructure, and job creation. While all of us believe it is important to keep the government functioning, governing by a continuing resolution is really no way to run the Federal Government, and that is exactly what course we are on unless we come to some agreement.

The majority claims that they care about the middle class and the poor, yet these cuts really do begin to erode the middle class and force more people into poverty. So it's time for Congress to reject these draconian cuts and replace the sequester with a bipartisan agreement on the budget resolution to create jobs and to lift the economy for all.

Enough is enough, Mr. Speaker. We need to vote ``no'' on the rule, and we need to go back to the drawing board.

First, let me thank my colleague for your tremendous leadership and yourself and Congressman Jeffries for leading the charge on another timely and important topic: the ongoing crisis of poverty. You both are continuing in the tradition of the Congressional Black Caucus being the conscience of the Congress. And so thank you very much for your leadership and for your commitment to the least of these. I think in your remarks, Congressman Horsford, you laid it out as clear as anyone could lay it out.

As the cochair of the Congressional Black Caucus' Poverty and Economy Task Force, as well as, as Congressman Horsford said, the chair of the new Whip Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, let me just highlight how truly important it is to continue to, first, fund programs that lift Americans out of poverty. Income inequality continues to grow. Unfortunately, too many people who are working are poor, and they're living on the edge. It's truly unacceptable that 46 million people in our country live in poverty in the richest and most powerful country in the world. And 16 million of those are children. In communities of color, poverty rates are even worse. A staggering 27 percent of African Americans are living in poverty. And so the Congressional Black Caucus, through the tremendous leadership of our chairwoman, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, has made the eradication of poverty a key priority.

Our policies and programs addressing poverty have not kept pace with the growing needs of millions of Americans. It is time that we make a commitment to confront poverty head on, create pathways out of poverty and provide opportunities for all. Yes, we want to make sure the middle class is strong and survives and the middle class does not fall back into poverty. But we have many, many people who are not even part of the middle class and who are striving and working hard just to maintain and take care of their families and who would one day like to be part of the middle class. And so the Congressional Black Caucus and our whip task force and many in this body continue to speak on their behalf and represent them.

That's why many of our CBC colleagues and I came together to introduce H.R. 2182, which is the Half-in-Ten Act of 2013. The Half-in- Ten Act would

establish the Federal agency working group on reducing poverty. The working group will develop and implement a national strategy to reduce poverty in half in 10 years, as well as provide regular reports of its progress to Congress and the American people. Our Nation needs a coordinated and comprehensive plan to bring an end to poverty in America. It is morally right, economically sound, and fiscally prudent.

So I urge all of our colleagues to join us and support the Half-in- Ten Act. It's beyond time that we put the ongoing crises of poverty on the front burner for this country. Yet the draconian sequester and harmful budget cuts to vital human-needs programs are only making things worse for struggling families.

I serve on the Budget Committee and the Appropriations Committee. It was mind-boggling to hear the other side talk about a commitment to reducing poverty. Yet they gut the vital programs, the ladders of opportunity, the pathways out of poverty such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as food stamps; the Women, Infants, and Children program, or WIC; Meals on Wheels; the Earned Income Tax Credit, and all of these programs that lift people out of poverty.

Our chair mentioned the House farm bill. Let me emphasize this again. The reauthorization includes more than $20 billion in harmful and fiscally irresponsible cuts to the food stamp program, our Nation's first line of defense against hunger. Not only is cutting SNAP morally wrong, it's economically bankrupt. Cuts to nutrition programs will cost the government more money in the long run, but also it is just probably the worst thing that I have ever seen proposed.

As a former food stamp recipient myself, I know firsthand how important these safety net programs are. I would not be here today if it were not for the lifeline that the American people extended to me when I was a single mother struggling to care for my kids. No one wants to be on food stamps. No one. Everyone wants a job. They want to take care of their kids. But there are bumps in the road and the economy has not turned around for many. And so that bridge over troubled waters needs to be there.

So a $20 billion cut, people cannot afford that. Our economy cannot support that. Hungry children do not deserve these cuts. And cuts to any hunger program will have further cascading impacts that will create a bleaker future for our children. Communities of color, again, especially African American communities, will feel these impacts even more. African American communities have higher infant mortality rates, diabetes, HIV and AIDS and are more likely to be uninsured. If we continue to balance our budget on the backs of the most vulnerable, we will surely push these families over the edge. That is why members of the Congressional Black Caucus will do everything in our power to ensure that our Nation's most vulnerable are protected.

Starting next week, in an effort to highlight the impact of any further cuts to our Nation's food and nutrition programs, myself, as well as Congressman Jim McGovern; our Congressional Black Caucus chair, Marcia Fudge; Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky; our Democratic vice chair, Joe Crowley; and others are, leading and taking part in the food stamp challenge.

We need to raise the level of awareness of what is taking place here in Washington, D.C. So we are going to commit ourselves to limiting our food budget to the average SNAP benefit for a week; that's $1.50 per person per meal. We will show how vital it is to strengthen and fully fund SNAP, and we're asking all of those who can do so to join with us. We will just be on this for a day or a week. Millions of people will live daily on $4.50 with no end in sight.

Finally, let me just say we must protect the most vulnerable and grow the economy and our antipoverty programs like SNAP, which is one of the best programs to do that.

So I urge my colleagues to reject these cuts, stop sequestration, and let's work together to create jobs--because that's what everyone needs and wants--and lift the economy for all.

Thank you again for your leadership.

Thank you very much, Congressman Horsford, for that question and for laying the facts out.

There's no way a family can survive on $23,000 a year in America, I don't care what region that they live in. Secondly--and Congressman Ellison is going to speak in a moment--the Progressive Caucus held a hearing, and we talked with low-wage workers, workers who are actually working for Federal Government contractors in our Nation's capital making $6, $7, $8 an hour. You know what? These are working men and women who need food stamps. They're working each and every day, 10, 12 hours a day.

So when you look at what a cut like this would do, first, you have people who are making $6 or $7 an hour, living on $23,000 a year, family of four, and then you're going to cut their food supply. I mean, people are going to go hungry. We are going to see an increase in hunger both in rural communities and in urban communities in our country. In the long run, it's going to just cost us. If people just care about the fiscal impact--which I hope everyone in this body cares about, first, the human and the moral impact, but also the economy and the economic impact--you know, we're going to pay in the long run.

So it's just wrong and it doesn't make any economic sense. There's no way people in this country, in America, the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world, can survive off of $23,000 a year. We need to, first of all, raise the minimum wage. We need a living wage. In my region, it would be about $25 an hour. People deserve to live the American Dream, and they're not.

$4.50 a day, Congressman Horsford. And let me tell you, these people are living in our districts, in Democratic Members of Congress' districts and Republicans' districts and Independents' districts. They're in rural communities and in urban communities. So, unfortunately, it's an equal opportunity.

No way. So we need bipartisan support to begin to eliminate poverty.

Adding insult to injury. That's what's happening here.

Madam Speaker, as the cofounder of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus and chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, I rise today to continue talking about the ongoing crisis of poverty and the impact of sequester.

We are well aware of the impact the sequester is having on many, many communities across the country in terms of devastating some of the basic social safety networks that we have all benefited from in many, many ways. They're really very, very harmful to our most vulnerable.

Nearly 50 million Americans, including 16 million children all across our country and in every congressional district, are living in poverty. Yet the sequester continues to have devastating impacts on access to childhood education, affordable housing, hot meals for low-income seniors, Head Start, and countless other programs that help low-income and vulnerable Americans.

But, Madam Speaker, these draconian cuts are not enough for some of my colleagues, given what took place last night at the Ag Committee. Last night, the Ag Committee passed a $20 billion cut to our Nation's first line of defense against hunger in the farm bill. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp program, is really a vital lifeline for millions of Americans.

As a young, single mother, I relied on food stamps and public assistance during a very difficult period in my life. Let me tell you, no one--no one--wants to be on food stamps, but it is a bridge over troubled water. And so I am, quite frankly, appalled and very sad to see my colleagues attacking the integrity of such essential programs for families that need a helping hand during difficult times.

As we work to create, hopefully, a balanced reauthorization of the farm bill, we must keep in mind the people, the families, and businesses impacted by these proposed cuts.

Nearly half of all SNAP recipients are children. One in five children in America are at risk of hunger, and we know that nearly half of all children in America will be on SNAP benefits sometime during their childhood. That's half of all children in America.

Not only does SNAP help put food on the table for struggling families, every $1 increase in SNAP benefits generates $1.70 in economic activity. Yet, if the farm bill becomes law, more than 2 million families will be cut off from this economic lifeline.

With unemployment still at 7.5 percent--and in some communities it's over 13 percent--and the rate of poverty at 15 percent--again, some communities, it's 27 to 30 percent--ongoing

cuts to SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs will increase hunger in America, and we will see even greater consequences.

Hungry children cannot learn in school and suffer developmental delays. Hungry children have worse health outcomes. Hungry children have bleaker economic outlooks through the rest of their adult lives. But the impacts don't stop there.

Cuts to critical nutrition programs don't just hurt the hungry families who rely on them, they hurt the economies of local communities, as families have less money to spend in local stores. Allowing an increase in hunger across America will threaten our Nation's ability to develop the highly skilled and highly educated workforce that we will need to compete in the 21st century.

We must not make cuts on the backs of hungry children to balance our budgets. Doing so would be morally wrong and an economic disaster.

Madam Speaker, instead of scheduling a 37th vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, we should come together to work to find an approach for all Americans to help get everyone back to work.

We need a comprehensive solution to replace the sequester and to address the ongoing crisis of poverty. That is why, with the support of our Democratic Caucus, we started a Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity in February, which I am proud to chair. We are working to build support for a comprehensive national strategy to help eliminate poverty, grow the economy, and create millions of new jobs, and I urge all of my colleagues to join us.

I also hope that our colleagues will join myself, Representative Jim McGovern, our Congressional Black Caucus chair, Marcia Fudge, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, and our Democratic Caucus vice chair, Joe Crowley, in taking the food stamp challenge. We need to raise the level of awareness of what is taking place here in Washington, D.C., and so what we're going to do is commit ourselves to limiting our food budget to the average SNAP benefit for a week. That's $1.40 per person per meal. We will show how vital it is to strengthen and fully fund SNAP. And we're asking all of those who can do this to join with us.

We've got to protect the most vulnerable, grow the economy, and SNAP is one of the best programs to do just that. So it's time not to slash it, but to support it.

Mr. Speaker, as if voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act for the 37th time is not enough, Republicans are adding insult to injury by marking up a farm bill this week that doubles down on their indiscriminate sequester.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp program, is one of our Nation's first lines of defense against hunger and among the most effective forms of economic stimulus. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.70 in economic activity. Yet the Republican farm bill cuts nearly $21 billion from our Nation's antihunger program while millions of Americans continue to struggle from the impacts of the Great Recession. These cuts would end food assistance for nearly 2 million low-income people, mostly working families, children, and seniors, already hit by the sequester.

Mr. Speaker, when I was a student and a single mother, the American people provided a lifeline in the form of food stamps while I struggled to make a better life for my children. That's true today for millions of families across the country, including 4.3 million Californians who need this critical lifeline.

Cutting SNAP is morally wrong and an economic disaster. We should reject these cuts, stop sequestration, and create jobs.

Mr. Speaker, thank you Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for hosting this special order and for your ongoing and unwavering leadership.

I rise today in recognition of National Nurses Week, and to thank the millions of nurses who are on the front lines of our health care system.

Although a doctor is usually considered to be the primary health care provider for a patient, Nurses are expert clinicians who provide high- quality and cost-effective care in every care community and in every setting throughout the world.

Let me just say that I have witnessed first-hand the dedication and commitment nurses have to their patients' health and well-being. Their crucial role delivering health care cannot be understated.

Around the world, nurses are the first and often the only link to health care for millions of people living in resource limited settings, particularly in Africa and parts of Asia.

So this week I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking the nurses who continue to serve us, and to renew our commitment to supporting this profession.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Nurses Week and to thank the millions of nurses who are on the front lines of our health care system.

Although a doctor is usually considered to be the primary health care provider for a patient, nurses are expert clinicians who provide high- quality and cost-effective care in every community throughout our country.

Around the world, nurses are the first and often the only link to health care for millions living in developing countries and are true warriors against diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and polio.

Thanks to the work of nurses and community health workers, we are close to a polio-free world and could not have come so far without the leadership of the United States, the Gates Foundation, and, of course, partners like the United Nations and Rotary International.

As we thank and salute nurses around the world, we must also recognize the severe shortages of health workers and recommit ourselves to supporting programs and policies that have the greatest impact and farthest reach.

Once again, we must end polio now.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall votes 129-131. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all three votes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of Dr. Robert J. Birgeneau as he steps down from nearly a decade of service to the University of California, Berkeley as chancellor. Chancellor Birgeneau's transformative leadership at UC Berkeley has added tremendously to its role as the world's premier public research and teaching university. Therefore, I join our community in celebrating the many ways in which his tenure has contributed to the success, insight, and well-being of countless people throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

Tasked with the challenge of guiding UC Berkeley through one of the most challenging financial periods in its 145-year history, Chancellor Birgeneau worked to ensure that the school's hallmark qualities of inclusion and excellence continued to thrive. His tenure oversaw a breadth of achievement, including three Nobel Prizes and the dream of financial aid for undocumented California students.

An internationally distinguished physicist who was the first in his family to graduate from high school, Chancellor Birgeneau was appointed as UC Berkeley's ninth chancellor in 2004. Since then, he has launched the largest fundraising campaign in UC Berkeley's history--raising more than $2.4 billion to date. He helped create one of academia's first 10- year strategic plans for a Division of Equity & Inclusion and fostered multidisciplinary campus connections to work on pressing social issues, resulting in the Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute; the Energy Biosciences Institute; the Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences; and the Richard C. Blum Center for Developing Economies.

Additionally, Chancellor Birgeneau's tireless advocacy played a leadership role in the successful passage of the California DREAM Act. A vocal proponent for fair access to public higher education amidst difficult state funding cuts and rising tuition, Chancellor Birgeneau championed Pell Grants and put in place a groundbreaking financial aid plan for middle-income families. He also took up the cause of students who are former foster children, and upon winning the 2008 Academic Leadership Award from the Carnegie Corporation, gave $50,000 of his prize to seed an endowment fund for UC Berkeley students from the foster care system.

Chancellor Birgeneau's numerous accolades and associations include the 2009 Pathfinders

to Peace Prize from the Shinnyo-en Foundation, White House recognition, and being one of six academic leaders tapped by President Obama to create the national Advanced Manufacturing Partnership. His plan to remain at UC Berkeley to teach and conduct research is certainly welcome news. Chancellor Birgeneau's wise guidance, influence, and example has set the course for UC Berkeley's continued status as one of the world's most celebrated public institutions.

On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, Dr. Robert J. Birgeneau, I salute you for your outstanding service to higher education. I congratulate and thank you for your unparalleled legacy as a passionate and effective steward of the University of California, Berkeley. You have touched many lives in profound ways throughout your career, and we wish you and your loved ones continued success and happiness in this new chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of Dr. Marye L. Thomas as she retires from over 30 years of dedicated public service, including the last two decades as the Director of Behavioral Health Care Services for Alameda County. I join our community in celebrating the many ways in which her life's work has contributed to the success and well-being of countless people throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

Marye L. Thomas, M.D. graduated from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965, and went on to earn her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 1969. Upon completion of her residency at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center in 1973, Dr. Thomas accepted a position with John Hale Mental Health Services as a Senior Staff Psychiatrist. She directed a clinical team and was responsible for intake assessment, crisis intervention, individual therapy, and coordination of treatment for acute inpatients and chronically ill patients in day treatment and community care. She was promoted to the position of Assistant Director of Clinical Services in 1977. During this same year, Dr. Thomas was named in Who's Who Among Black Americans.

Her career with Alameda County began in 1978 when she accepted a position as Chief of Clinical Services for the East Oakland Community Mental Health Center. There, she was responsible for the clinical direction of the adult outpatient component of the NIMH Center with direct supervision of clinical teams, policy development and planning, and community relations. After rising through the ranks, Dr. Thomas was selected to be Director of Behavioral Health Care Services (BHCS) for Alameda County in 1994.

In this vital leadership role, Dr. Thomas led the department responsible for the delivery of all publicly funded mental health, alcohol, and other drug services in the County. She oversaw a budget of $260 million, as well as more than 3000 employees in County and community based organizations who delivered services to nearly 30,000 people each year. During her tenure, the behavioral health service system evolved from a $58 million county operated mental health service to a more comprehensive behavioral health care system comprising nearly $300 million. The growth spearheaded by Dr. Thomas includes a vastly expanded resource base for children's services, the increased capacity to offer alcohol and drug services, and the opening of numerous behavioral health facilities.

With more than 20 years' experience as the physician/administrator for BHCS, Dr. Thomas has ensured the provision of high-quality services and the administration of federal, state, and local programs. Among her many accolades and professional associations, Dr. Thomas is the recipient of the 1994 Alameda County Mental Health Association Achievement Award and holds leadership positions in many community organizations.

Furthermore, as a former psychiatric social worker and founder of a mental health clinic, I've known Marye for over 35 years. She has inspired me as a fellow social worker and, for that, I am deeply grateful.

On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, Dr. Marye L. Thomas, I salute you for three decades of outstanding service creating a more integrated, culturally competent, and empowering system of behavioral health care in Alameda County. I congratulate and thank you for your unparalleled service to our community. You have touched many lives in profound ways throughout your career, and we wish you and your loved ones continued happiness and prosperity in this exciting new chapter of life.