Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Dr. Kenneth M. Stampp, professor emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley. He was a prolific historian, accomplished scholar and a devoted friend, husband, partner, father and grandfather. Professor Emeritus Stampp passed away on Friday, July 10, at the age of 96.

Dr. Stampp, who was born on July 12, 1912, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, struggled to earn money for his education during the Great Depression. He ultimately earned a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D in History at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. In 1946, after short teaching stints at two other universities, Dr. Stampp joined the staff at Berkeley as an assistant professor.

During his nearly 40-year career at Berkeley, Dr. Stampp established himself as a sometime controversial, though conclusively influential 19th Century historian. He is best-known for his decades of work changing historical perceptions about American slavery, the Civil War and Southern Reconstruction.

His trailblazing research and publications helped further humanize enslaved African Americans by giving their stories equal historical weight. Dr. Stampp heroically countered other historians' arguments at a time when the accepted historical record characterized slavery as a necessary institution.

In his books, Dr. Stampp rejected 1950s theories suggesting that sectional compromise might have saved the Union from civil war. Rather, he traced the cause of the war directly to a moral debate over slavery.

According to colleagues, his 1956 book, ``The Peculiar Institution: Slavery in the Ante-Bellum South,'' remains the preeminent historical reinterpretation for that period.

Dr. Stampp had the distinction of travelling throughout the United States and Europe as a visiting professor, visiting fellow, and as both a Commonwealth and Fulbright lecturer. His humble upbringing contributed to a dedicated sense of social justice, which he demonstrated in his professional life and political views. Dr. Stampp participated in a 1965 Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

Throughout his career, Professor Emeritus Stampp earned many accolades, which included serving as President of the Organization of American Historians, being twice-named a Guggenheim Fellow and winning the Lincoln Prize from the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College.

Perhaps most admirable is the way in which Dr. Stampp resurrected long-forgotten voices from generations of our African-American brothers and sisters living through one of the grimmest scourges in our nation's history. Over time, Dr. Stampp's work has invaluably altered the framework of academic assumption, historical discrimination and public perception.

Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors a great human being, Professor Emeritus Kenneth M. Stampp. Our community is indebted to his life's contribution in countless ways. We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Stampp's family and to all who were dear to him. May his soul rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the wonderful life of Reverend Dr. Frank Jackson. His vibrant spirit, limitless compassion and selfless commitment to service will be missed by all who knew him. Through his ministry at Faith Presbyterian Church of Oakland, Reverend Jackson brought our community to a greater understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the life of the Church. He was an exemplary husband, father, pastor, community leader, teacher and friend. With his passing on September 11, 2009, we look to Reverend Jackson's legacy and the joy his work inspired.

After earning a bachelor's degree at San Francisco's Simpson College in 1972, Reverend Jackson pursued a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Reverend Jackson also became the first African-American clergy member to graduate from the Master of Nonprofit Administration program at University of San Francisco when he earned his third degree there in

1991. Education and personal growth were immensely important values to Reverend Jackson. He truly used a lifetime of learning to inspire and teach others.

In his early pastoral career, Reverend Jackson acted as Interim Pastor to rebuild and develop transitioning churches in the Los Angeles area. He focused his passion for providing youth leadership and family services as Associate Pastor for Menlo Park Presbyterian Church from 1979 to 1983. Later that year, he joined Faith Presbyterian Church in Oakland, thus beginning 26 years of service to our community as Pastor and spiritual guide.

Along with wife Jimmye Jackson, with whom he celebrated 41 years of marriage this month, and daughter Rachel Jackson, Reverend Jackson maintained a dynamic presence in Bay Area community organizing. He was instrumental in organizing numerous collaborations and events including Support for the Families of Homicide Victims, a Community Health Fair Event, Embrace Oakland Day and Faith Network of the East Bay.

Reverend Jackson was passionate about encouraging collaboration between diverse groups. He utilized the clarity of his vision and the strength of his faith to unite people to work for shared goals. In 1992, Reverend Jackson was a founding pastor of the African American & Korean American Fellowship of Churches, a coalition that sought to build better racial relationships between communities of color. He also established the Themus Spencer Learning Center at Faith Presbyterian Church in partnership with Emerson Elementary School to guide at-risk students to academic success.

Deeply moved by the challenges of Katrina Relief in 2006, Reverend Jackson also helped organize a team of Oakland Pastors to raise relief funds during a citywide gathering at the Oakland Coliseum. Whether working with an interfaith coalition to rebuild burned black churches in Boligee, Alabama, or simply lending an ear to a friend in need-- Reverend Jackson always made time to help others.

Additionally, he was a great lover of sports, earning his Black Belt in Korean Judo and serving as Chaplain for the Golden State Warriors Basketball Team and other pro- and college teams. In his later years, Reverend Jackson stayed active as trustee, co-chair or committee member for myriad organizations, even earning a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary just last year.

Pastor Jackson was a personal friend and source of inspiration to me. Often times he would leave a prayer on my voicemail and his words of encouragement always came, ``right on time.'' I will always remember the joy and excitement Reverend Jackson felt at the National Prayer Breakfast this year in Washington D.C., when along with Mrs. Jackson and Pastor and Mrs. Pinkard, he witnessed our President Barack Obama and First Lady participate in their first national prayer breakfast. This week, as I looked at the photos once again after learning of Reverend Jackson's untimely death, I was reminded of his kind and gentle spirit. His life was one lived in service to God.

Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors Reverend Frank Jackson. The contributions Reverend Jackson made to his community throughout his life are countless and precious. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Reverend Jackson will be deeply missed. May his soul rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the joint anniversary celebration of East Bay Regional Park District's 75th Anniversary and the supporting Regional Parks Foundation's 40th Anniversary. This evening, Park District supporters and friends gather at Temescal Regional Park, overlooking open space created through the founding of the nation's first and largest Regional Park District.

In 1934, during the catastrophic depths of the Great Depression, members of a grassroots land preservation movement placed a measure on the ballot that would preserve excess watershed land in the Oakland and Berkeley hills. The project introduced a concept unheard of at the time: creating a natural balance between recreational land use and wilderness preservation. Bay Area residents responded with unprecedented foresight and civic commitment when the measure passed by an astonishing 71 percent.

Today, the East Bay Regional Park District, EBRPD, operating in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, manages more than 98,000 acres of land comprising 65 parks and over 1,000 miles of biking, hiking and horse riding trails. The parks host approximately 14 million visitors per year.

The District, supported by the Regional Parks Foundation's fundraising efforts, provides recreational opportunities at freshwater swimming areas, fishing docks and piers, day camps, children's play areas and numerous camping and picnic sites.

Myriad visitor services include education centers, a disabled-access swimming pool and group meeting facilities. The District's Park Express Bus Program offers subsidized bus service to any District park for groups of senior, disabled or low-income residents and school classes with funded lunch programs.

Our regional parks' success is the result of eight decades of hard work by innumerable citizen activists, elected district directors, general managers, district employees, environmental organizations, public officials, volunteers, and taxpayers who have collaborated to ensure local access to a majestic regional park system. Many park sites also contain protected species of plants and animals, as well as Native American historical sites containing rock art, and burial or village locations. Above all, EBRPD's top priority remains aligned with our park founders' original mission: to preserve the natural beauty of the land and protect wildlife habitats.

The future of East Bay Regional Park District is marked by growth and stability thanks to last year's passage of Measure WW, the largest local park bond measure to pass on record.

Seventy-five years ago, Bay Area park advocates demonstrated a pioneering and progressive local spirit, which endures to this day. The rich history of our regional parks has undoubtedly helped lay the framework for the Bay Area's famed conservation movement. It is this continued passion for open spaces and preservation that inspires communities, on a national and global level, to protect and preserve both the environment--and our future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Mary Morris Lawrence. As a premier photographer, trailblazer and free spirit, she helped shatter the glass ceiling for female professionals by becoming one of the first female photojournalists ever hired by New York's Associated Press in November of 1936. Mary was also a vibrant inspiration to her family and friends as wife, mother and mentor. She passed away in her Oakland, California home on August 12, 2009, at the age of 95.

Over the span of her globe-trotting career, Mary was columnist and Hollywood photographer for New York's progressive tabloid PM, photojournalist for Look Magazine, and creator of a variety of award- winning projects. Her photo of composer Louis Hart even became a U.S. postage stamp.

Mary Morris Lawrence was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 27, 1914. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1936, and often attributed her distinct ambitions, creative prowess and ``rebellious ideas'' to the time she spent there. In the early years, colleagues described Mary as a hard worker with a knack for using her wit to gain access to great shots and poignant moments with her small RolleiFlex camera.

Mary spent six years in Hollywood during her first marriage with still photographer Ralph Steiner, with whom she had a daughter, Antonia Steiner. Her self-described aggressive nature and creative spirit helped her commingle with movie stars. Sunday magazine pieces for PM featured Mary's trademark, sleek, black-and-white portraits of silver screen luminaries. Her work included shots of Sophia Loren, Gene Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart and many others.

Afterward, Mary returned to New York as a magazine freelancer, producing work for Life, Mademoiselle and other publications. She also started an advertising business out of a Midtown brownstone.

In 1963, she married Harold Lawrence, producer for Mercury Records, and subsequently General Manager of the London Symphony Orchestra and Manager of the New York Philharmonic. The family settled in Oakland when Harold Lawrence was named president and General Manager of the Oakland East Bay Symphony in 1977.

Mary volunteered locally for the League of Women Voters, ERA, Oakland Potluck and Neighborhood Newsletter Task Force. She continued her work, photographing music legends like Michael Tilson Thomas and Calvin Simmons. She also became a creative partner in her husband's film documentaries, later devoting her photographic skills to occasional projects for friends.

Mary Morris Lawrence's tenacious zest for life will inspire generations to come. In her life she overcame many obstacles, including surviving a brain tumor in her fifties.

She recently celebrated her 95th birthday with friends at a belly- dancing restaurant, and undoubtedly, her convivial spirit will continue to be a powerful gift to the people she cherished most. She will be remembered for her unparalleled passion, wit and bravery.

Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors an incredible and beloved human being, Mary Morris Lawrence. We extend our deepest condolences to Mary's husband, daughter, goddaughter, family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.

Thank you very much. Let me thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Let me also, once again, thank you for your leadership in making sure that all of the issues that are so important to our country and to the Congressional Black Caucus, to all of us, are really brought forward on this floor.

I rise tonight on behalf of--and I just have to say--our nearly 70,000 senior citizens whom I have the privilege to represent in the Ninth Congressional District of California, but also the seniors across this country. As our Nation's economic uncertainty continues, it is these individuals who are struggling at a disproportionate rate to overcome the grip of poverty and to maintain their quality of life, so it is important that tonight we talk about what is going on with our senior citizens and how important this moment is for them.

During the present turmoil, these hardships are especially acute amongst people of color, minorities, with more than 22 percent of African American and 19 percent of Latino seniors living below the poverty line. These poverty levels are more than double the national average for all individuals over 65 years of age.

Now, I firmly believe, like Congresswoman Fudge and like all of us here believe in the Congressional Black Caucus, that we have a moral responsibility, a duty and an obligation to reverse this disturbing trend by utilizing the full constitutional power, statutory authority and resources of our government to provide opportunities for all and to develop these pathways out of poverty for our seniors. Some of these pathways include critical programs such as Social Security, continued support of Medicare and reforming our Nation's health care system, which you heard about earlier and which we are in the midst of reforming as we speak.

Social Security benefits constitute 90 percent of the income of one- third of Americans over 65. Many of the 75,000 residents in my district who receive Social Security are dependent on their guaranteed benefits. Without these vital benefits, nearly 50 percent--mind you, 50 percent-- of seniors nationwide would be forced to live in poverty, which is a five-fold increase over the present rate. This makes it very critical for all of us to fight against any efforts that would threaten the benefits on which so many senior citizens rely.

I hear this from my mother, Mildred Massey, each and every day. So, on her behalf, I want to reiterate that once again.

We must also understand that, as the costs of medical care continue to rise, ensuring individuals' economic stability is inextricably linked to reforming our broken health care system. Today, as a Nation, we spend approximately $2.2 trillion per year on health care, or $7,400 per person, which is nearly twice the average of other developed nations and more than what we currently spend on either housing or food.

Members of Congress, especially members of the Congressional Black Caucus here, really do disproportionately represent the men, women, children, and especially seniors who are underinsured and uninsured and whose health and wellness have suffered because of the numerous gaps.

Some of us are calling these, really, moral gaps in our Nation's health care system. We support efforts to reform and to modernize America's health care system through comprehensive health care reform, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus support health care reform that includes a strong, robust public option like Medicare, which is a component of health care reform for which we are unwavering in our support. We want to continue to strengthen and to protect Medicare for our seniors, and we are determined to do that in this health care reform effort--that is, strengthen and protect Medicare for our seniors. We agree that Medicare services should not be reduced as a means of paying for this health care reform bill.

While the proposed provisions for our robust public option will not be implemented until 2013, we also recognize that, as early as 2010, many positive reforms will be enacted, such as prohibiting the abusive health insurance practice of rescinding existing coverage in order to avoid future costs, improving preventative care and coverage, making prescription drugs more affordable by eliminating the gaps in coverage, and increasing funding for community health centers. So this is essential in our health care reform package, but as I said earlier, we want to strengthen and we want to protect Medicare for our seniors.

Finally, let me just say, as a member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education of the Appropriations Committee, I would like to highlight the initiatives in the 2009 omnibus appropriations bill which strive to close the huge gaps in coverage and access for America's seniors by providing $22 million for a new initiative to reduce hospital and clinic infections that cause nearly 100,000 deaths each year. That's staggering. Hospital and clinic infections cause nearly 100,000 deaths each year. What we did is we put in $22 million so we can begin to combat these avoidable infections and reduce hospital readmission rates.

In addition, $45 million has been set aside for health insurance counseling for seniors so that millions of Medicare beneficiaries can get the help that they need to understand and to utilize their complex benefits. I understand how complex some of this can be, and this counseling is so important. For those of us who have mothers and fathers and grandparents and aunts and uncles who are senior citizens, we know very clearly how difficult it is to weed through some of these forms and through some of these benefit regulations and rules, and we need to make it less complicated. So, hopefully, this $45 million will help our senior citizens.

From the members of the Greatest Generation to the aging baby boomers, our seniors have given much over the years, so it must be our charge to support them and to remain focused on tackling the many challenges facing our Nation. We look forward to working with our leadership on both sides--Democrats and Republicans--in the following weeks to do everything that we can to continue to guarantee continuing care--Medicare and health

services--for this great group of Americans.

Thank you, Congresswoman Fudge.

Mr. Speaker, for the first time in my tenure I rise today in support of the conference report on H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2010.

I still believe that we must bring common sense to our runaway defense spending and end support for outdated cold war era weapons systems that are costing taxpayers over $60 billion a year without any appreciable benefit to our national security.

While I am pleased to see that H.R. 2647 includes language prohibiting the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq or Afghanistan, I continue to have serious concerns that the authorization for overseas operations included in this bill threatens to further entrench the United States in conflict and continue us down a path to war without end.

Mr. Speaker, I will continue to oppose a military-first foreign policy strategy which endangers our troops and our national security, and undermines our ability to meet the needs of the American people.

But today, I will be supporting this bill in the interest of all past, present, and potential victims of hate crimes and discrimination.

It is long past time that we protect Americans against hate violence by ensuring hate crimes are fully prosecuted under the law, as provided for in this bill.

No individual should face discrimination, fear, or violence on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Mr. Speaker, thank you, Congressman Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania, for arranging this special order on ending the outdated and discriminatory policy of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell''.

Thank you for taking up, H.R. 1283, which was originally introduced by our former colleague Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher.

I'm proud to serve as a vice chair along with several of my colleagues of the Congressional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Equality Caucus which we established last year under the leadership of Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and Chairman Barney Frank.

We've made a lot of progress as a nation, in terms of society's recognition of the need to support basic fundamental human rights for all people--regardless of what their sexual orientation or gender identity happens to be.

I am pleased that we will finally take up legislation to extend hate crimes protections to the LGBT community.

However, we still have a long way to go to achieve the very simple and basic goal that we all seek--equal treatment for all under the law.

One critical step on the path to that goal is ending discrimination based on sexual orientation in our military.

The experience of our allies shows that having openly gay servicemembers does nothing to reduce the capability or effectiveness of the military. Our strongest allies have ended the ban in their militaries and have not suffered the exaggerated fears about weakening ``unit cohesion'' or lowering morale.

The misguided concerns about gays in the military, which precipitated the adoption of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' have proven to be completely unwarranted.

Our military served as a leader in ending discrimination and segregation of minority troops in their ranks and helped to lead the nation as a model of fairness.

It should do so again, by ending this policy and giving every American the opportunity to proudly and openly and equally serve their nation.

It makes no sense to kick out thousands of trained and capable soldiers even as recruiters pay huge bonuses to find new recruits.

Just look at the numbers, since 1993:

Numbers of Don't Ask Don't Tell discharges--13,000;

``Mission Critical'' soldiers discharged--800;

Arabic linguists discharged--58;

Estimated LGBT currently serving--65,000.

Fixing the clear discrimination of ``Don't Ask Don't Tell'' doesn't end the fight.

We've got to go further.

We must:

Pass the Employee Non-Discrimination Act;

Pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation that ends discrimination against the LGBT community;

We must ensure that federal benefits are extended to cover LGBT partners;

Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

Despite the challenges ahead, I know that as a nation, we will continue down the road of progress and equality under the law.

I will continue to do my part to support the rights of the LGBT community.

Let me, again, thank Congressman Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania for this important Special Order.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to welcome our guest chaplain here this morning, the Reverend Dr. Martha Taylor. Dr. Taylor has dedicated nearly 4 decades of her life to public service, and it is my distinct honor to welcome her here today.

Dr. Taylor serves as the Pastor of Elmhurst Presbyterian Church in Oakland, California, and as an adjunct professor at the San Francisco Theological Seminary.

She is also the principal owner of Ministry Christian Training--an education ministry that focuses on church leadership, biblical studies, and inspirational workshops. In this role, she has facilitated leadership trainings for numerous churches across the Bay Area and the country.

Throughout her long and varied years of service, Dr. Taylor has focused much of her attention on issues of social justice. She has become a staple in our home community, and remains active in numerous community organizations. For her work, she was named Christian Woman of the Year in 2006 by then-Sacramento Mayor, Heather Fargo, and the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.

Dr. Taylor's commitment to service stems from her deep reservoir of faith, and from her dedication to use her faith as an active vehicle for social change.

It is again my great pleasure and honor to welcome my friend, the Reverend Dr. Martha Taylor.

Mr. Speaker, today we gather to recognize the legacy of a man who will surely be remembered among the great legislators in our nation's history--``the Lion of the Senate''-- Senator Ted Kennedy.

Senator Kennedy was a champion for peace and justice throughout his entire career, and our nation is undoubtedly a better place thanks to his leadership over the years--in particular on the issues of education, health care, and civil rights.

I vividly remember the first time I met Ted Kennedy.

I was interning in Washington, DC in the summer of 1974, at a time when there were very few African American interns on Capitol Hill. My friend, the late Ron Brown, was working for Senator Kennedy at that time, so I called him and requested a meeting with my fellow African American interns.

Senator Kennedy immediately granted our request--we met with him a few hours later and knew immediately that we were truly in the presence of greatness.

More recently, I attended several election events with Senator Kennedy during the primary election.

I had the pleasure of attending the American University rally for Senator Obama where Senator Kennedy first announced his support and delivered one of the best speeches of the entire campaign.

A few weeks later, I attended an amazing rally at the Beebe Memorial Cathedral in Oakland where I was honored to introduce Senator Kennedy before he delivered another amazing speech.

The line to get in the door seemed to stretch for miles as supporters waited with anticipation to see this great statesman and warrior for peace and justice.

Over the course of his career in public office, Senator Kennedy underscored the meaning of the phrase ``to whom much is given much is required.''

His legislative legacy is unrivaled, and affects the lives of tens of millions of Americans every single day--especially the less fortunate among us.

But despite his countless achievements, there is one unfinished piece of business that was dear to his heart that we must continue to fight for: achieving universal health care in America, and doing so in a way that truly reforms our broken health care system.

In a letter written to President Obama shortly after learning of the terminal nature of his illness, Senator Kennedy described our nation's current health care crisis as a ``moral issue''--which concerns ``not just the details of policy, but the fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country.''

Senator Kennedy knew, as we know, that healthcare is a fundamental human right.

Let us work to pass real health care reform, not just in remembrance of the cause that was this great man's life work, but because we see this issue as he saw it--as a test of our society's integrity.

Last week I had the honor, alongside my colleague, the Honorable Kendrick Meek, of presenting the late Senator Kennedy with the Mickey Leland Award at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference Awards Dinner.

The award, received by his son, the Honorable Patrick Kennedy, was bestowed upon him in recognition of his lifetime's work in providing opportunities for society's less fortunate.

From civil rights, to education, and finally to health care, the late Senator Kennedy is destined to be remembered as a true champion of equality and opportunity.

Our charge now is to keep this noble legacy alive by renewing our efforts to ensure that health care reform--his great, unfinished cause--provides each and every American with the universal and affordable coverage that was his vision.

I look forward to working with you in the weeks to come to do everything we can to make sure that happens.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education, with the responsibility for funding these programs, I want to thank Chairman Miller for crafting this important bill and bringing it to the floor.

Education is the key to ensuring that our future leaders, scientists, teachers, doctors and others are well prepared to be globally competitive. This legislation will help countless students realize the dream of going to college by: (1) Improving college access and completion; (2) Increasing Pell Grant awards and expanding the low-cost Perkins Loans; (3) Investing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions; (4) Strengthening our community colleges; (5) Establishing an Early Learning Challenge Fund; (6) Streamlining student aid applications; and (7) Reforming students loans to help students not banks.

That means more of our youth will go to college and acquire the skills they need to compete in the global economy while graduating with less college debt. Now that's something we should all support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this Resolution of Disapproval. As members of the House of Representatives, it is our responsibiltiy to set an example of civility in our deliberations. We have a diversity of views and we do not always agree. But it is incumbent upon us to respect people and their office, even when we disagree with their views.

Representive Wilson's outburst demonstrated a lack of civility and decorum. It set a poor example for those who have entrusted us with this office. It is worth pointing out that this type of behavior has been increasing in recent months throughout the country. We've seen it on display all summer in town halls and in the disrespectful tone reflected by some radio and television commentators. As members of Congress, we must set an example. We must set the standard for respectful dialogue and disagreement.

Today's resolution is an opportunity for us to come together and reject incivility. Let's turn the page.

Let me thank the gentlelady for yielding and also for organizing once again the voice of the Congressional Black Caucus. Thank you so much, Congresswoman Fudge, for continuing to raise the critical issues that our entire country must address at this moment in our history, and thank you so much for having a focus tonight on the continent of Africa, which is often forgotten.

Africa faces numerous challenges, which you mentioned earlier, but also enormous opportunities, and the promotion and the strengthening of the United States-Africa relationship is really vital to realizing the progress that's being made in addressing enduring crises related to food insecurity, the devastating health pandemic, such as HIV and AIDS, and the growing rates of inequality and poverty. Also, the economic prosperity.

As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am proud to point out that the Congressional Black Caucus is privileged to draw upon the wisdom and the expertise of our colleague on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressman Donald Payne of New Jersey. Congressman Payne is more than a member, however; he is a resident expert on Africa. He understands the continent and each country on the continent.

He is the Chair of the Africa and Global Health Subcommittee. He is recognized on the continent of Africa as being a person who seeks global peace and security every step of the way. He is also the leader of our Congressional Black Caucus International Affairs Task Force.

The Congressional Black Caucus also is ably represented on the Foreign Affairs Committee by Congressman Gregory Meeks of New York; Congresswoman and former ambassador Diane Watson of California; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas; and also Congressman David Scott of Georgia.

President Obama has likewise demonstrated a clear commitment to turn the corner in Africa, most notably with his announcement of a government-wide United States review of the U.S. Global Development Policy. Also, a renewed $3.5 billion food security initiative. And also we must remember his very stern and forthright speech in Ghana, where he asserted America's responsibilities to help advance a brighter future in Africa with action, not just with words.

Further, Secretary of State Clinton's recent visit to Africa brought much needed attention to the global fight against HIV and AIDS, violence against women, trade opportunities with the continent, and all of the development and aid issues which the Department of State is responsible for.

Despite such a positive outlook for our administration's strategy, the persistence of health pandemics, chronic food insecurity, a global economic crisis, and a looming threat of climate change continues to threaten the livelihood of millions of individuals across Africa each and every day. There are currently more people going hungry in the world than ever before. According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, almost a sixth of the world's population, or 1 billion individuals, are now undernourished.

Encouraging sustainable, long-term development will require a significant contribution from the United States and international partners. Recent estimates indicate that it will cost $500 billion to $600 billion for the next 10 years to allow developing nations such as those in Africa to grow, using renewable energy sources rather than relying on dirty fuels.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and its International Affairs Task Force under the leadership of Chairman Payne have long been a leading voice in Congress in calling for the United States to provide support for adaptation and sustainable development abroad, as well as assistance to ensure affordable access to emerging clean technologies.

The reality is that any strategy to combat global warming and climate change will need to include meaningful and equitable action on the international level. The scale of these challenges reflects the urgency of our efforts here in Congress.

The goal of the Congressional Black Caucus is to find and fund long- term, sustainable solutions to these threats at the household, community, and national levels.

Despite this great moral imperative, the United States continues to spend a disproportionately small amount of funding on nonmilitary foreign affairs programs. Most people in our country think that we spend a large portion of our budget on foreign affairs, but we just do not do that.

Instead of spending a staggering 52 percent of the Federal discretionary budget on an inflated defense budget for the Pentagon, that continues to invest in Cold War-era weapons systems to the tune of about $100 billion for, really, an enemy that does not exist, we should be investing in diplomacy and development activities that will help bring stability to nations on the brink of collapse and conflict. That is the essence of how we ensure our own national security.

That's why I have introduced H. Con. Res. 63, a resolution calling for an increase in nonmilitary foreign assistance to an amount equal to no less than 1 percent of GDP. It's hard to imagine we're not even at 1 percent yet.

Foreign assistance programs are essential in promoting national security and improving the credibility and standing of the United States in the world. To that end, our Congressional Black Caucus will continue to work to

develop clear goals and strategies for alleviating poverty, improving global health, and encouraging sustainable development, particularly in Africa. We will also continue to strengthen America's foreign assistance and diplomatic capacities, which is critical to this effort.

In noting the critical role of the United States in Africa, I must also speak out with regard to our responsibility to urgently seek peace for the residents of Darfur and the Sudan. When it comes to Darfur and the Sudan, it's important to recognize that the people of Sudan's desire for a just and longstanding sustainable peace has been crushed repeatedly by one of the most brutal regimes in the world.

More than 2 million South Sudanese have died in the 21-year war, and suffered countless atrocities, mostly committed by the same regime in Khartoum.

That's why it's so important to do the right thing now, which is to support the International Criminal Court in its efforts to hold Sudan's President Bashir accountable for his crimes against humanity. And let me tell you, they are crimes against humanity. I have visited the refugee camps on three occasions and witnessed the effects of genocide that were taking place right in front of my eyes. I tell you, we cannot lift sanctions at this point. We have to keep the pressure on to help make sure that people in the Sudan are protected and that the humanitarian assistance gets to them and gets to them immediately.

The Congressional Black Caucus under Congressman Payne's leadership was instrumental. We encouraged President Obama to appoint a special envoy for Sudan who is fully empowered and resourced to focus on Sudan as a whole and with special attention to the ongoing genocide in Darfur, the full implementation of the CPA and the humanitarian crisis.

I have to applaud and thank President Obama for appointing Major General Gration as the special envoy for Sudan because General Gration, who I met the first time I was in Sudan, is really uniquely qualified to undertake this critically important post. I know that I speak for all of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus when I say that we look forward to working with the special envoy to move us past the current stalemate, to end the genocide in Darfur and to bring peace to the long-suffering people of the Sudan. These are just a few--and I mean just a few--of the many critical issues with which the Congressional Black Caucus is taking a leading role.

The continent of Africa is strong. It's resilient. The Congressional Black Caucus is committed to working with our colleagues here in Congress to enact policies which support African nations in their efforts to ensure good governance, to prevent violence and conflict, and to provide a foundation for future stability, human development and sustainable economic growth.

So thank you again, Congresswoman Fudge, for this evening and for giving us the chance to, once again, speak our minds and tell the American people what the Congressional Black Caucus not only continues to work on but also to encourage their support for many of the policies and the funding initiatives that we have been long calling for for many, many years. Thank you.

Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for FY 2010.

At a time when our nation is facing an unprecedented series of challenges, I believe we must do more to curb the runaway growth in defense spending.

Instead of spending a staggering 52 percent of the federal discretionary budget for the pentagon, we should be using this money to fund universal health care for all Americans, or to reform our educational system and train and prepare the next generation to run the green economy of the future, or to reorder our foreign policy around a smart security strategy that emphasizes development and diplomacy.

We cannot and should not continue to throw money at billion dollar cold-war era weapon systems while ignoring the needs and priorities of the American people.

I must note that it is about time we have included the full costs of our overseas deployments and other activities in the regular budget process and Defense Appropriations bill after years of the Bush Administration insisting the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan be kept from view.

Although I am pleased to see that H.R. 3326 includes language prohibiting the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq or Afghanistan, it should come as no surprise that I believe the situation in Iraq and in Afghanistan does not lend itself to a military solution.

Madam Chair, I cannot support the $128 billion included in this bill for overseas operations which may further entrench the United States in conflict and continue us down a path to war without end.

As the daughter of a military veteran, let me close by saying I strongly support our troops as well as respect the necessity of adequately equipping them for the threats they face around the globe.

In the case of this bill, I strongly, support the recommendation of our President and our military leadership to halt production of the F- 22 at 187 planes.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill, and to support the Murtha amendment to reallocate funds away from the F-22 advance procurement program.

Mr. Speaker, 47 million uninsured in the wealthiest and the most powerful country in the world is unconscionable. Health care should not be a privilege, which is what it is right now; it should be a right. The average American pays an extra $1,100 a year in premiums to support a broken system. Premiums have doubled in 9 years, growing three times faster than wages. Our health care reform plan does not, mind you, it does not call for a government takeover. We intend to lower cost, have no more copays or deductibles for preventive care, and an annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses. If you like your doctor or your plan you can keep it. And yes, a real robust public option keeps health care costs down for those who choose private insurance.

It's time to take the profit-making insurance industry out of making health care decisions. Medical decisions should be made between a patient and a doctor. Medical decisions should not be made based on who profits. Profit motives and making health decisions will not provide for affordable health care for every man, woman and child.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the urgent issue of health care reform. Later, the Congressional Black Caucus, led by a great leader who does this every Monday night on behalf of the CBC, Congresswoman Marsha Fudge from Ohio, will be holding another Special Order on health reform. Although I won't be able to join my colleagues tonight, I did want to come to the floor and add my voice to the chorus of members from the Congressional Black Caucus who are calling for real health care reform now.

I want to begin by commending my colleagues in the CBC, especially Congresswoman and Dr. Donna Christensen, who also is the second vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and chairs our Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain Trust. She has been leading the charge to address racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Together with Representative Danny Davis, who cochairs the CBC's Health and Wellness Task Force, the two of them have developed a very important set of requirements to ensure that real health care reform becomes the order of the day. So I just want to thank them for their leadership, and just know that the Congressional Black Caucus supports what they have put together with all of the input of the CBC.

Let me just begin by just saying, we have said over and over again that we want to ensure that there is a strong public health option linked to Medicare providers. This requirement must remain intact in the final bill.

We believe that we must continue to work to get this done as quickly as possible. That means hopefully we can do this before we recess this week. The 47 million uninsured deserve this. This means, again, we must pass a bill this week before we adjourn for the August recess.

The Congressional Black Caucus believes that a bill that is less than $1 trillion, that is completely paid for, that is budget neutral, would likely compromise many of the provisions that are important to the millions of Americans that are uninsured. This is unacceptable. We think the bill must at least have a cost of $1 trillion. There is no reason to consider a bill less costly.

The CBC stands firmly behind an original request that we made, along with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, to include specific health disparity provisions from the TriCaucus bill, which I believe is H.R. 3090, the Health Equity and Accountability Act. We want these provisions in the final health reform bill.

The TriCaucus has worked on a comprehensive bill to eliminate health disparities for the last 8 years. We believe that we have a very good bill, and we are pleased that many of the provisions in our health care reform bill are included now as it relates to health and ethnic and racial disparities.

The CBC considers the provisions on children's health prevention services and mental health and substance abuse critical to this bill, and they should not be compromised in the final product. We must ensure that we guarantee true parity for mental health and comprehensive coverage, including dental and vision, for kids.

Also, the Congressional Black Caucus believes that the disproportionate share of hospital payments should not be cut in an unnecessary attempt to reduce the cost of the overall health bill. Many hospitals who care for a large number of low-income patients or which serve as teaching hospitals depend on these DSH payments to help cover their operating costs. We shouldn't be penalizing these hospitals, because ultimately that will affect their ability to provide access and care to low-income populations.

And finally, the Congressional Black Caucus strongly believes that we can realize a host of savings from a variety of provisions in this bill, whether or not the Congressional Budget Office agrees to evaluate and score these savings. As a caucus, we strongly recommend including a trigger in the final health care reform bill that would allow those savings to be used to replace current pay-fors and to add important services that were left out of the initial bill because of the failure to fully assess and score the final cost.

The bottom line is that expanding access to care and expanding the availability of preventive health services will cut costs and save lives and will be to the benefit of everyone. We should try and recapture those savings and use them to strengthen the system.

Last week, President Obama reminded us all of the important work that we must do, and we must do it now. We must reject claims that the cost of reforming health care in America is something our Nation can't afford. To the contrary; if we fail to act, and if we fail to act now, we do so at

the peril of the American people, particularly the 47 million who will continue to suffer.

Thank you, Congresswoman Fudge, for your leadership.