Floor Statements

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Let me just say I rise in strong support of this amendment and this bill, and I want to thank Chairman Obey for yielding, and I want to thank the chairman and his staff and my staff of the subcommittee and all of our staffs for producing this very excellent bill.

Mr. Chair, our Nation is in the midst of, as all know, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Families are losing their jobs, losing their homes, losing their access to health care. People are hurting, and they really do need our help. That's why this bill is so important.

From expanding support for education initiatives like early childhood education, to job training and employment services, to expanding access to health care and improving public health, this bill will provide a critical range of services and support for our constituents, especially during these very devastating times.

I want to thank the chairman for including a number of very important priorities that many of my colleagues requested, in particular, $653 million to strengthen Historical Black Colleges and Universities, predominantly black institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other developing institutions. And this is a $110 million increase over the President's request for HBCUs.

Also, for a $54 million increase for HIV/AIDS funding through the Ryan White CARE Act and a $56 million increase for the CDC's HIV/AIDS bureau.

We also included $50 million for green jobs training programs, building on the $500 million we provided in the Recovery Act. And this is extremely important because there are those individuals who need to be trained and need the skills for this great trillion-dollar industry that is emerging in our country.

And, also, I want to thank the chairman for replacing the discredited and ineffective abstinence-only programs with the President's evidence- based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative to fund proven approaches to reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This is a huge, huge step in the right direction to ensure the health of our young teenage girls and boys.

These critical investments will help put our Nation back on the right track, and I urge my colleagues to vote for the amendment and the bill. I thank you, the chairman, for his leadership.

I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. The simple fact of the matter is the needle exchange programs do work. Since 1999, there have been at least 18 major reviews and assessments of needle exchange programs under the Republican and Democratic administrations, which concluded that needle exchange programs help reduce the spread of AIDS and other infectious diseases without encouraging or increasing drug use.

Studies also show that needle exchange programs serve as an effective entry for drug users to access the public health system and receive substance abuse treatment to help them overcome their addiction. And that is what it is about.

We all want to make sure that those who are using drugs overcome their addiction. This is a proven strategy. And so I ask for a ``no'' vote on this amendment. We have to remember, funding HIV/AIDS strategies involve prevention. This is a prevention measure.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment.

Planned Parenthood provides critical health care services to women throughout this country, and in many places they are the only provider of family planning and reproductive health services.

An attack on Planned Parenthood is a direct attack on the 1.7 million women in this country who receive family planning service through this trusted provider.

The simple fact is that the federal government is specifically prohibited from providing support for abortions in this country-- although I believe we've got to get rid of this prohibition.

Planned Parenthood has never violated the restriction on federal funding, and has taken great pains to separate its funding streams-- however burdensome and unnecessary this really is--to ensure that it complies with federal law.

Denying funding to Planned Parenthood will deny critical health services to millions of women around the country and drive up the rate of unintended pregnancies for those who lose access to family planning programs.

Let's reject this ideologically driven amendment and support the rights of women to access the health services they need.

Thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank my colleague, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio, for leading this Special Order, not only tonight but each and every Monday night, to keep our caucus and the country focused on addressing the key issues which are looming today. She consistently and is constantly on the case, making sure that we speak with one voice on the very, very critical issues which our country and the world are facing.

So thank you, Congresswoman Fudge, for your leadership.

As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I join my colleagues tonight in this very timely discussion of health care and of our efforts. Also, I want to make the case tonight for prevention as a very cost-effective strategy for health care reform. Prevention and, of course, public health should be the cornerstone of any true health care package. Prevention that takes place outside of the doctor's office can be just as important in impacting the health of Americans as health care on the back end when one ends up in an emergency room. Disease prevention is universally popular from coast to coast and across political spectra. Americans understand and appreciate the value of prevention, the value especially for reducing disease rates, for improving the quality of life and for lowering health care costs.

Yes, given the rise in deficit, we all are extremely concerned about the costs of health care, but we also must remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For whatever reasons, those experts who are giving us the numbers in terms of the costs don't seem to, for whatever reason, want to tell us how much we will save based on prevention as a key element and strategy in our bill.

In a new poll released last month by the Trust for America's Health, Americans actually ranked ``prevention'' as the most important health care reform priority. The poll also found that more than three-quarters of Americans believed the country should invest more in keeping people healthier; and by a ratio of nearly 4-1, they supported putting more emphasis on preventing disease rather than on treating people after they become sick.

People are convinced it will save the health care system money, but surprisingly, the poll also found that more than 70 percent of Americans say investing in prevention is worth it even if it doesn't save money, because it will prevent disease and it will save lives. We also know that it will save money.

Now, this is not about lecturing people about behavior. Instead, what we want to do is to remove barriers to good health that are beyond the control of most people. One role of government in health care is to provide opportunities to make it easier for people to make healthy choices. Americans are not as healthy as they could be or should be, and this is resulting in skyrocketing health care costs that threaten to bankrupt American businesses. Our workforce is less productive than it could be or it should be as it relates to competing with the rest of the world.

Tens of millions of Americans suffer every day from preventable illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, and infectious diseases which rob them of health and the quality of life that they deserve, and it also drives up health care costs. More than half of Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease. Two-thirds of Americans are obese or are overweight, and 20 percent of Americans smoke. Due to the epidemic of obesity, today's children could be the first generation to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents. This is very scary. The Nation's economic future demands that we find ways to reduce health care costs. Helping Americans stay healthier is one of the most effective ways to lower costs and to ensure that our workforce is strong and productive enough to compete in a global economy.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a vast majority of chronic diseases could be prevented through life style and environmental changes. For too long, the health care system has focused on treating people after they become sick instead of keeping them healthy in the first place. We need to shift from a sick care system to a health care system. Prevention can improve the quality of lives of Americans, can spare millions from needless suffering and can eliminate billions of

dollars of unnecessary health care costs. Research shows that strategic investments in disease prevention programs in communities can result in a big payoff in a short time, reducing health care costs, increasing the productivity of the Nation's workforce and helping people lead healthier lives.

Let me just conclude by saying I have to take a moment to commend Congresswoman Donna Christensen and the Congressional Black Caucus' Health Task Force, along with the Congressional Hispanic and Asian Pacific American Caucuses' task forces, for their diligent and effective work to ensure that any health care reform bill includes a real public health option and provisions to address the racial and ethnic disparities which we face each and every day. Unfortunately, people of color are disproportionately seen in emergency rooms because they don't have health insurance and can't get preventative care.

For example, African Americans are 3\1/2\ times more likely than whites to get an amputation as a result of diabetes. African American men with colon cancer are more than 40 percent more likely than white men with the same condition to receive major diagnostic and treatment procedures too late.

So, Mr. Speaker, as we debate health care reform, let's look at the real costs and focus on the billions--and I mean billions--of dollars that we will save if we remember that old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Thank you, Congresswoman Fudge, for your leadership and for giving me a few moments to talk about this very important issue tonight.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Eula Tate. A talented and determined leader for civil rights, Ms. Tate left an indelible mark on both Michigan and the District of Columbia. Ms. Tate recently passed away on July 11, 2009.

Eula Tate attended Wayne County Community College for two years before transferring to and graduating from the University of Michigan. She began her career as an assembler for Chrysler in 1967 at the Trenton Engine plant in Trenton, Michigan, but quickly realized the harsh injustices within the workforce. Eager to make a real change to help those in her same position, Eula Tate served as a Councilmember for the City of Ypsilanti from 1981 to 1991. She continued her service to her community by going on to serve as Ypsilanti's senior chief executive officer, Mayor Pro-Tem and member of the City's Budget Committee.

Passionate about providing young people with the ability to arm themselves with the knowledge and community stewardship she was fortunate enough to obtain, Tate went on to serve as a faculty member at Michigan State University for the School of Labor and Industrial Relations, Union Minorities and Women's Leadership Training Project.

Realizing that there was much work to be done and wanting to make a difference in the legislation that directly affects Labor Union workers, Eula Tate came to the United Autoworkers Washington office in 1991 and continued her role as Legislative Representative/Lobbyist until her retirement in 2007. All who had the honor of knowing Tate knew that she worked every moment of every day to bring about fairness and justice to Americans across the nation. And she provided a tremendous amount of support and assistance to members of the Congressional Black Caucus. For that we are deeply grateful.

On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I would like to thank Eula Tate's family for sharing this wonderful, inspiring, visionary spirit with us, especially her children Jennifer, Stephen, Yomika, Ronald and Donald and a host of other friends and family who were very dear to her heart. Eula Tate's astounding impact and legacy will live on through the countless people who loved her so dearly and, of course, through her remarkable works of service to the Labor Union community and to the state of Michigan. We will deeply miss this drum major for justice. May her soul rest in peace.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me thank the chairman for his well wishes. They come every 6 months now I think, but thank you so much.

Let me rise in strong support of H.R. 3170 and just say to the chairman, this is my first year on this subcommittee, but it's an honor to serve with you and such great leaders.

I want to thank Chairman Serrano and Ranking Member Emerson for their very hard work on this bill in a bipartisan fashion. You've worked together during very difficult times for our economy and, of course, for this appropriation.

This bill begins the work of rebuilding the regulatory and oversight framework of the Federal Government, restoring home rule to the District of Columbia, and safeguarding consumers by reinvigorating the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

By investing in the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the IRS, and other vital agencies, we can bring back a fair and honest marketplace that is safe for consumers and investors alike.

We need strong regulators to enforce our Nation's financial regulations. This will ensure the stable operation of our capital markets, help stabilize the economy, and bring an end to this unregulated financial environment during the Bush administration, which has created havoc in the lives of millions.

The chairman has also taken great strides in restoring home rule to the residents of the District of Columbia. As Chairman Serrano has said, we were elected to represent our home districts, not elected to represent the District of Columbia, nor are we members of the D.C. City Council.

The people of the District of Columbia should have the ability to make the same decisions as other communities and cities which make these decisions for themselves. They should not be subject to the ideological whims of Members who wish to advance personal agendas on the back of D.C. residents.

These are Americans. They deserve to be treated fairly--just like we'd want our constituents to be treated.

I also want to thank the chairman for clarifying the definition of cash in advance for agricultural and medical equipment payments from Cuba.

Let me just say that United States companies should be able to benefit from profits

and create jobs, which is the bottom line, during this recession as a result of these business opportunities. So this provision is very important for our economic recovery.

So I look forward to working with the chairman and the subcommittee to ensure that the Treasury Department prioritizes real terrorist threats to our national security and does not waste vital agency resources--our tax dollars--on Americans who want to travel to the Caribbean.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to put my statement into the Record in support of this very good bill, H.R. 3081, and to especially thank you for working to increase funding for two very important issues: support for the global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and also our bilateral tuberculosis program.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3081, the FY10 Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.

I would also like to thank Chairwoman Lowey, Ranking Member Granger, and all the staff on the State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee of which I am a member for their hard work and dedication in putting this bill together.

H.R. 3081 includes many valuable provisions and much-needed resources to extend the United States' arm of diplomacy in the interest of development, progress, and peace.

This bill will provide for the hiring of more than 1000 new foreign service officers and approximately 300 new employees at USAID.

Rebuilding the capacity of these two departments will transform our ability to put America's ``smart'' power to work, strengthen our national security, and have a dramatic and lasting impact on individuals and communities throughout the world.

I especially want to thank the Chairwoman for working with me to increase funding for two issues that I believe are critical--support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and for our bilateral tuberculosis programs.

This bill includes $7.8 billion for global health programs, including $5.75 billion for HIV/AIDS initiatives, which for years have been a strong bipartisan priority.

These programs continue to save millions of lives while helping us to stop the spread of this devastating global pandemic. I am hopeful in the future we can further increase resources for these programs in order to meet their unprecedented demand.

I am also pleased that this legislation provides $450 million to meet President Obama's campaign pledge to double the size of the Peace Corps over several years.

As countries throughout the world seek assistance to combat poverty, hunger, disease, and environmental degradation, this commitment to the Peace Corps' mission of peace and friendship through service is particularly timely.

Lastly, I am greatly encouraged by the steps taken in this bill, and other appropriations measures, to avoid future reliance on supplemental appropriations that in the past have undermined efforts to obtain an honest accounting of the costs of conflict and war which our efforts in diplomacy and development seek to avoid.

I urge my colleagues to support this effort and to support this bill.

Let me first thank the gentlelady from Connecticut for her hard work and her dedication to moving our Nation forward in the area of agriculture, nutrition, health safety, and all of the other issues that she tackles each and every day. This bill is going to help millions of Americans, and I am pleased to support it.

I rise today to enter into a colloquy to raise the important issue regarding the lifetime ban on food stamp eligibility for formerly incarcerated persons who were convicted of drug offenses. This is really a serious moral and ethical issue of concern to me and many members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Our Constitution provides the appropriate groundwork for this issue in article 1, section 10 in the Fifth Amendment by declaring that individuals are not to be subject to double jeopardy or to be subject to ex post facto laws. After offenders have served their time, Mr. Chairman, the formerly incarcerated reenter society looking to improve themselves and their lives. As a society, this is what we want to support to reduce recidivism and reduce crime; however, the current policy prevents them access to food stamps.

Food stamps and cash support are essential to the health and stability of families. Individuals with criminal convictions face considerable barriers, often needing transitional services and support to improve their ability to acquire gainful employment and transition after incarceration. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act prohibits anyone convicted of a drug-related felony from receiving both federally-funded cash assistance----

The point I wanted to make is that the Welfare Reform Act prevents anyone, and only those who were formerly convicted of drug felonies, from ever receiving cash assistance and food stamps, even after completing their sentence and overcoming an addiction.

So I have worked with the authorizing committee and introduced H.R. 5802, and I wanted to talk to the gentlelady tonight about this very important issue. I hope that sooner or later we can really repeal this ban because it is a barrier for those who have reentered society. They deserve to be able to be eligible for food stamps.

Let me thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding and for your leadership and for supporting and managing this resolution today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 127, a resolution which I have authored for several years recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This resolution acknowledges the important contributions of Caribbean-Americans for the many contributions they have made to our Nation's history and culture.

Let me begin by thanking Chairman Towns, Ranking Member Issa, and the staff of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on both sides for making this a bipartisan effort and for helping to bring this resolution to the floor today.

I would also like to recognize many of my colleagues on this side: Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Waters, Congressman Payne, Chairman Charlie Rangel, Chairman John Conyers, Congressman Burton, and many, many Members of Congress for their tremendous leadership on issues relating to the Caribbean.

Congresswoman Christensen, whom you will hear from in just a minute, from the Virgin Islands, has lead health care reform efforts to ensure that any health care reform bill must address strategies that deal with the disparities in communities of color. And for this, Congresswoman Christensen, Dr. Christensen, we are deeply grateful.

I'd like to also acknowledge Dr. Claire Nelson and the Institute of Caribbean Studies, and all of the other Caribbean-American organizations in Washington, D.C., and across the country, that have worked so hard to make Caribbean-American Heritage Month 2009 a great success.

As a longtime supporter of the Caribbean and a frequent visitor to the region, I am very proud to see us celebrate this important commemorative month for the fourth straight year.

Since Congress first passed H. Con. Res. 71 in February of 2006, the President has issued a proclamation recognizing Caribbean-American Heritage Month every year during the month of June. This year, President Obama issued a proclamation on June 2. Mr. Speaker, I will insert that proclamation into the Record.

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation: Caribbean Americans have made lasting

contributions to our Nation's culture and history, and the

month of June has been set aside to honor their cultural,

linguistic, ethnic, and social diversity.

Generations of immigrants have preserved the traditions of

their homelands, and these traditions have defined our

Nation's identity. Caribbean Americans bring a unique and

vibrant culture. This multilingual and multiethnic tradition

has strengthened our social fabric and enriched the diversity

of our Nation.

Millions of individuals in the United States have Caribbean

roots. Unfortunately some Caribbean Americans were forced to

our country as slaves; others arrived of their own volition.

All have sought the promise of a brighter tomorrow for

themselves and their children.

In their pursuit of success, Caribbean Americans exhibit

the traits all Americans prize: determination, a devotion to

community, and patriotism. They have made their mark in every

facet of our society, from art to athletics and science to

service. Caribbean Americans have also safeguarded our Nation

in the United States Armed Forces.

This month we also recognize the critical relationship the

United States maintains with Caribbean nations. In a world of

increasing communication and connectivity, this friendship

has become even more important. We are neighbors, partners,

and friends; we share the same aspirations for our children;

and we strive for the very same freedoms. Together, we can

meet the common challenges we face.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United

States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by

the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby

proclaim June 2009 as National Caribbean-American Heritage

Month. I urge all Americans to commemorate this month by

learning more about the history and culture of Caribbean

Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second

day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and

of the Independence of the United States of America the two

hundred and thirty-third.

Barack Obama.

People of Caribbean heritage reside in every part of our country. Since 1820, millions of people have immigrated from the Caribbean to the United States. Throughout U.S. history, we have been fortunate to benefit from countless individuals of Caribbean decent who have contributed to American Government, politics, business, arts, education, and culture, including one of my personal mentors, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm from Brooklyn, New York.

Shirley Chisholm was a woman of Bajan and Guyanese descent who never forgot her roots in the Caribbean. She was the first African American and the first woman to seriously run a Presidential campaign in 1972. She was also the first African American woman elected to the House of Representatives. So personally I have to honor her today because I have to say that my political involvement began as a volunteer during her historic Presidential campaign in 1972, and through her mentorship, she strengthened my interest in issues important to the African diaspora both here in the United States and abroad.

During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we recognized the important contributions of people like Shirley Chisholm as well as Alexander Hamilton, Hazel Scott, Sidney Poitier, Wyclef Jean, Eric Holder, Colin Powell, Harry Belafonte, Celia Cruz and, yes, Congresswomen Donna Christensen, Sheila Jackson-Lee and Yvette Clarke and many other persons of Caribbean descent who have helped shape this country. Caribbean-American Heritage Month provides us an opportunity to strengthen our long-term partnerships with nations of the Caribbean community through greater dialogue and engagement, and must not stop with June. From disaster preparedness to trade and energy, education, and the campaign against HIV and AIDS, we share a number of mutual policy interests with our Caribbean neighbors. Last month we were able to address some of these important issues through the Institute of Caribbean Studies' Caribbean-American Legislative Forum, held annually on the Hill during Caribbean-American Heritage Month. At the forum, people from the academic community and the private sector, regional policymakers and members of the Caribbean diaspora were able to meet to better integrate policy interests between the United States and Caribbean countries.

Recent global events, from the sharp rise in food and energy prices to a series of devastating storms and the global economic downturn, have acutely affected people of the Caribbean, particularly our friends in Haiti. These ongoing regional and global crises highlight the need for continuing engagement and involvement with innovative policy solutions with our neighbors. I'm very pleased to see the Obama

administration's recent announcement of increased foreign assistance to Haiti and the President's participation in the Summit of the Americas, held in Trinidad. These are all signs of this administration's fresh and new engagement with the region. Caribbean-American Heritage Month also reminds us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean- Americans in our Nation and provided us with an opportunity to send a message of good will to the Caribbean community both here and abroad. This month also provided us with an opportunity to share in the rich culture of our natives through showcases of Caribbean art, festivals, concerts and films. In my own district in Oakland, California, the Caribbean-American Heritage Association of Northern California celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the people of the Caribbean through a musical concert and family picnic. The association also hosted its Third Annual Caribbean-American Heritage Legacy Awards ceremony, honoring the contributions of Caribbean-Americans to our great country. Just as we should commemorate the achievements of the many diverse communities that make up this great country, the United States Government should continue to celebrate the rich history and diversity of Caribbean-Americans and work each and every day to ensure that the issues of concern to Caribbean-Americans and the nations of the Caribbean are included in our policy debates here in the Congress. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure to honor and salute the Caribbean-American community and to acknowledge their rich and varied contributions to the history, culture and progress of the United States.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the rule.

President Obama, in commenting on the American Clean Energy and Security Act earlier this week, cited that this legislation ``will open the door to a better future for this nation.''

I strongly agree with President Obama, but I must also stress our responsibility to ensure all individuals will be provided the opportunity to participate in the new green economy.

That is why I offered the Lee Amendment to this legislation, which would have authorized legislation I have introduced in the House entitled the Metro Economies Green Act, or

MEGA, in order to establish targeted grant programs to support green economic development, job training and creation.

Inclusion of the Lee Amendment to H.R. 2454 would have provided valuable opportunities for those who can benefit from good paying green collar jobs the most--urban youth of color, the unemployed, and those among our neighbors who have just faced incredible hardships in life.

Unfortunately the Lee Amendment was not made in order. However, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the future to expand access to high-paying, career-term green jobs that represent a much needed pathway out of poverty for millions of individuals across this country.

I want to thank the Chair for yielding and also for your leadership. You and Mr. Markey, everyone has done a phenomenal job on this bill.

I rise today in support of H.R. 2454, which really does send a clear and unequivocal message that polluting our planet, our communities, and our livelihood no longer comes without a cost. This bill will create millions of high-paying, career-term green jobs that represent a much- needed pathway out of poverty for millions of individuals across this country, and I am pleased to see the inclusion of much-needed funding for the Green Jobs Act.

I must also be clear in saying that in America we should do more to address the climate crisis than provided for in this bill, but this is an unbelievable first start.

I believe we can produce more renewable electricity and achieve more aggressive emission reductions over time. I also recognize that passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act is a major, major bold critical first step toward achieving our goal of realizing a greener future.

As a person of faith, and as a long-time advocate for safeguarding our environment for future generations, Mr. Chairman, Madam Speaker, I think it's our moral and our ethical imperative and our responsibility to support this bill.

I rise in strong support of this amendment. Let me commend my colleague from Massachusetts for his consistent and his bold leadership.

This amendment does not call for the redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces out of Afghanistan. It does not call for an end of the funding requested by the administration for military operations. It does not tie the hands of the President, commanders in the field, or our troops on the ground. And it does not provide aid or comfort to those who would harm us or wish us ill.

Instead, this will provide a vital contingency plan for withdrawing United States military forces from Afghanistan.

Mr. Chairman, most recognize that there is no military solution to the quagmire in Afghanistan. I remain convinced that the United States must develop an exit strategy in Afghanistan before further committing the United States' limited resources and military personnel deeper into Afghanistan in pursuit of an objective that may be unattainable, unrealistic, or too costly. Unfortunately, we're digging ourselves deeper in a hole.

In 2001, I voted against the authorization to use force because I feared that given a blank check to wage war, I really worried that this would be for an unspecified period of time, really for an unspecified mission. This blank check continues today. My worst fears have been realized.

And so what Mr. McGovern is doing makes a lot of sense. We need an exit strategy for Afghanistan now. I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment. Otherwise, this blank check is going to continue.

This does not enhance the national security of the United States of America. The longer we're there, the worse things get for our troops. Our troops deserve to be able to know at least what our plans are, what they're going to entail, and when in fact they will come out of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan deserve to know this.

I commend our President for trying to develop a new direction in our policy, but I have to tell you, putting more troops in harm's way is not going to help us begin to develop an exit strategy out.

So, thank you, Mr. McGovern, and thank all of the cosponsors for making sure that we have at least an opportunity to say: No more blank checks.

Let me thank both gentlemen for their support and for understanding the necessity really for this congressionally directed spending, Federal funding, better known as an earmark to some.

Let me just say that I do rise in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona and in support of the request for funding that was made by the city of Emeryville in my district for funding through FEMA's Predisaster Mitigation Program.

Let me just start by saying that I respect the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake). We have worked together in the past on many issues related to lifting the embargo on Cuba and normalizing relations with that country and on many, many issues. But I believe he is wrong about the funding I requested in the Homeland Security Appropriations for the city of Emeryville's Community Emergency Safety Facilities Project.

The city of Emeryville is in my district. It has a dense population of nearly 10,000 residents and a 1.2 square-mile region. Although much smaller in size than the neighboring city of San Francisco, this small city has become a leader in interagency cooperation and for the new economy innovation. On behalf of the city of Emeryville--now, this was the only request that I made--I requested $600,000 to help finance the seismic retrofitting of the city's principal, and this is the only, emergency community gathering and housing facility in the event of a natural disaster. It's the Emery Unified High School gymnasium. The city has requested these funds to finance 15 percent of the initial cost for phase one of the project for ``seismic planning and development,'' which in total would cost about $4 million. The balance of the funding will come from redevelopment funds directly from the city of Emeryville and also an anticipated local bond between $40 million and $75 million that will also direct some funds to the project.

The remainder of the necessary capital, which is expected to finish this project, will come from State, local, and Federal sources, including school facilities funding, competitive State bond programs, and Federal development or infrastructure grants.

Several years ago an evaluation of the Emery Secondary School gymnasium was conducted based on FEMA's criteria for structurally sound facilities and came to the following conclusion: without seismic strengthening of the buildings, they could experience high levels of localized structural and nonstructural damage in a moderate or large earthquake sufficient to pose unacceptable high levels of risk to the life safety of the buildings' occupants.

The Hayward Fault, which runs through Emeryville and the two neighboring cities of Berkeley and Oakland, is considered one of the most dangerous earthquake faults in the world. Scientists agree that the Hayward Fault could soon experience a large earthquake with an impact on many densely populated cities throughout the bay area. The Hayward Fault has ruptured about every 140 years for its previous five large earthquakes, and this past October marked the 140th anniversary of the 1868 earthquake, which was approximated to be a magnitude of about 7.

The recent earthquake disasters around the world highlight the need for

the highest level of structural safety in our schools and emergency facilities.

This is the only request and I'm just asking that we support this, Madam Chairman. I would certainly support any disaster mitigation efforts for Mr. Flake's district should a disaster hit his district. I would also support funding to alleviate that.

Mr. Speaker, I opposed the 2001 resolution authorizing the use of force because I believed it gave President Bush and any future President a blank check to wage war anywhere on the globe, starting in Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, we will be unable to avoid such ill-fated actions in the future until we repeal the 2001 authorization.

Today, nearly eight years later, I oppose the supplemental appropriations bill for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq because it continues us down the path of open-ended military escalation that can lead to war without end.

I oppose this $94 billion supplemental because:

It favors military activities over diplomatic, development, and reconstruction efforts by a ratio of 8 to 1;

It does not include an exit plan for Afghanistan;

It does not require the fully funded redeployment of troops and military contractors out of Iraq within 12 months; and

It does not include the strong regional approach the situation demands including a strong nuclear non-proliferation effort in Pakistan.

Madam Speaker, it is time we maximize our nation's ``smart power'' by increasing our use of diplomatic, development, and reconstruction activities.

Unfortunately, the supplemental appropriations bill does not reflect a fundamental shift in direction.

Therefore, I cannot support it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today recognizing June as National Caribbean American Heritage month and to acknowledge the important contributions Caribbean-Americans have made to our Nation's history.

Let me begin by thanking Congresswoman Donna Christensen of the Virgin Islands for anchoring tonight's CBC hour honoring Caribbean American Heritage Month.

I want to also thank Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters for their tremendous leadership on Caribbean Issues.

I would like to acknowledge The Institute for Caribbean Studies and all the other Caribbean-American organizations that worked to make Caribbean-American Heritage Month a great success.

As a long time supporter of the Caribbean and a frequent visitor to the region, I was very proud to see us celebrate this important commemorative month for the third year. Since the resolution's initial passage by Congress in 2006, the President has issued a proclamation recognizing Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June 2006, 2007, and 2008.

People of Caribbean heritage reside in every part of our country. Since 1820, millions of people have emigrated from the Caribbean region to the United States.

Throughout U.S. history we have been fortunate to benefit from countless individuals of Caribbean descent, who have contributed to American government, politics, business, arts, education, and culture-- including one of my personal heros, the Honorable Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.

Shirley Chisholm was a woman of Ba-jan and Guyanese descent, who never forgot her roots in the Caribbean. She was the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for President.

My political involvement began as a volunteer during her historic presidential campaign in 1972. Through her mentorship, she strengthened my interest in addressing issues of importance to the African Diaspora both here in the U.S. and abroad.

In addition to Shirley Chisholm, during Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we also recognize people like Alexander Hamilton, Hazel Scott, Sidney Poitier, Wyclef Jean, Eric Holder, Colin Powell, Harry Belafonte, Celia Cruz, Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and many others who helped shape this country.

Caribbean-American Heritage Month also provided an opportunity for us to strengthen our long-term partnership with CARICOM nations through greater dialogue and engagement. From disaster preparedness, education, and the campaign against HIV/AIDS and other health disparities, we share a number of mutual policy interests with our Caribbean neighbors.

For example, last year we were able to address these important issues regarding the Caribbean, through the Institute for Caribbean Studies' Caribbean-American Legislative Forum held on the Hill.

In addition, the Caribbean People International Collective Inc (CPIC) held a roundtable discussion on health in the immigrant community. This event promoted the goals and ideals of National Caribbean-American HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day (NCAHAAD).

Most recently, last year's global rise in food costs keenly affected the people of the Caribbean, particularly our friends in Haiti. The crisis highlighted the need for reengagement and opened the door for innovative policy solutions.

Last year, CARICOM Heads of State held their New York Conference on the Caribbean under the theme ``A 20/20 Vision'', where they met with regional policy makers, the academic community, private sectors and financial institutions, as well as members of the Caribbean Diaspora to better integrate policy interests between the U.S. and the Caribbean.

National Caribbean American Heritage month promotes the importance of recognizing that our policies in the Caribbean affect us in the United States. Caribbean-American Heritage Month reminded us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean-Americans in our nation and provided an opportunity to send a message of good will to the Caribbean community both here and abroad.

Caribbean American Heritage Month also provided an opportunity to celebrate and share in the rich culture of our Caribbean neighbors, through showcases of Caribbean art, festivals, concerts, and film.

Just as we commemorate the achievements of the many diverse communities in our nation, the United States Government should encourage all people to celebrate the rich history and diversity of Caribbean Americans.

I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the Caribbean- American community, and acknowledge their service to our society.

Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank Rep. Ellison for holding this special order tonight as Congress works to break away from business-as-usual with regards to our nation's energy future.

I would also like to thank the Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Representatives Woolsey and Grijalva, for your leadership and your tireless efforts to promote proper stewardship of our communities by protecting the environment.

It is so important that we continue to call for action on these issues surrounding global warming and the continued degradation of our environment that is perpetuated by our dependence on fossil fuels.

As I have said time and time again--there is no denying the interconnection between our stewardship of the environment and the state

of the economy, public health, and our communities.

The drastic acceleration of greenhouse gas emissions has often been concentrated in low-income and minority communities, putting these vulnerable populations on the ``front lines'' of the fight against environmental degradation and global climate change.

Simply put, climate change has, and will continue to exacerbate the problem of poverty and inequality, and none of us can afford to take this lightly.

The health of our community and our neighbors affects all of us.

Let me take a moment to reflect upon the urgent need to finally put a price on carbon emissions and make polluters pay for the pollution they produce.

As a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues here in Congress to pass responsible and comprehensive climate legislation that will establish a price for carbon emissions and spur the development of clean, renewable energy and the deployment of much-needed energy efficient technologies.

Legislation which sets us on the path toward energy independence and a new, low-carbon economy will help to maintain the United States position as a leader in innovation while at the same time creating hundreds of thousands of good paying green jobs.

The biggest misconception out there today regarding our environment is that the public isn't engaged, or willing to transition to a sustainable, environmentally-friendly economy.

In reality, the shift to a low-carbon economy represents an economic opportunity for individuals across this country.

One of the most exciting and inclusive solutions to the many issues facing environmental health is the possibility afforded to us by promoting Green Jobs Training and the growth of the Green Economy in America.

To that end, I have reintroduced legislation entitled the Metro Economies Green Act, or MEGA, H.R. 330, which establishes grant programs to encourage energy-efficient economic development and green job training and creation.

This legislation would also create a national institute to serve as a clearinghouse for best practices information in order to facilitate the successful expansion of the green jobs movement on a national scale.

As the Representative of California's 9th Congressional District, I would also like to take a moment to recognize the role that California's East Bay is playing at the forefront of the Green Jobs and Green Industry movement.

We have a number of innovative initiatives in my district in particular, including the East Bay Green Corridor Initiative, the Oakland Green Jobs Corps, the Joint Bio Energy Institute, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Energy Biosciences Institute at Berkeley.

I recently visited the site of the Oakland Green Jobs Corps with Special Advisor to President Obama on Energy and Climate Change, Carol Browner, in order to show her a truly groundbreaking example of green- collar workforce development already up and running in Oakland, CA.

The Oakland Green Job Corps is a partnership of community organizations, trade unions, private companies, and the City of Oakland. It provides Oakland residents with the necessary training, support, and work experience to independently pursue careers in the new energy economy.

The fact is, ``Green'' has already become the fifth largest industry in the nation--80 percent of venture capital investments in 2008 were in the clean energy and energy efficiency sector.

Between 1998 and 2007, job growth in the clean-energy economy outperformed total job growth in 38 states and the District of Columbia, and we are just beginning to tap into our nation's clean energy potential.

Passing comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation, especially one which includes a robust Renewable Energy Standard, is essential to delivering cleaner energy and good-paying jobs to communities across the nation.

A strong Renewable Energy Standard will spur innovation and the expansion of economic opportunities surrounding the green movement.

The current draft of the American Clean Energy and Security Act sets America on a path to meet 20 percent of our electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020.

This is an important start, but I am also confident we can do more.

It is the time to think big, not small, and I urge my colleagues to consider strengthening this standard so that we might take full advantage of the enormous renewable energy potential across this country.

This is only one of many important priorities we must address in order to ensure no communities are left behind in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

There is no doubt in my mind that a greener future will lead to a more prosperous future for our communities, the Nation, and the world.

I urge my colleagues to act swiftly to move America beyond its dependency on oil, address the climate crisis, and help protect America's natural resources for our children's future.

Madam Speaker; I rise in strong support of the Senate Amendments to H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

I want to thank Chairman Waxman and his staff, and Senator Kennedy for their tireless work over the years to ensure that we could get to this moment.

The federal regulation of tobacco has been a long time coming. I'm pleased that today's action will complete consideration of this bill and send it on to the President to finally get it enacted into law.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is the leading cause of premature death in the United States. More than one in five Americans smoke, and according to the CDC's most recent report, in 2004 this included about 21 percent of adults and more than 22 percent of high school students.

Each year about 1 in 5 deaths, about 443,000 people, are a result of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. And for each person who dies from a smoking related disease about 20 more are living with a smoking attributable chronic illness--or about 8.6 million people.

In addition to the significant effects of smoking on the health of our constituents, the estimated costs of smoking-related medical expenses and loss of productivity exceed $167 billion annually.

Thankfully, in my state of California we have known the dangers of smoking for a long time, and we were one of the first states to move forward in banning indoor smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants. As a result our State has the second lowest prevalence level of smoking among both adults and youth, at 14.8 percent and 13.2 percent respectively.

It is long past time that we try to take a national approach to address the dangers of smoking.

I'm pleased that this bipartisan legislation will grant the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the advertising, marketing, and manufacturing of tobacco products. And I'm also pleased that it takes steps to ban flavor additives, including menthol, as well as further restricting marketing directed to our children.

But passage of this bill really is just the first step. We've also got to make sure that we follow through on the regulatory authority provided in this bill to help encourage smokers to quit, and to provide help to those who choose to do so.

However I'm pleased that we are finally taking this action today, and I'm convinced that it will help to improve public health and reduce costs to our health care system in the long run.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.