Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Danielle Fuentes, the Award of Achievement Winner for the 4th Congressional District's high school art competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' An Artistic Discovery recognizes and encourages the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

Danielle Fuentes, a resident of the 4th Congressional District, is currently a senior at Oceanside High School in Oceanside, New York. Ms. Fuentes offered her piece called ``Dead Ringer'', which was a pencil still life. Danielle's eye for beauty and shadowing skills are certainly a testament to her achievement.

The contest in the 4th Congressional District continues to flourish and I owe it to all of the talented students like Danielle from our high schools that submitted their art to be displayed in this distinguished contest. It is essential for art programs and curricula to remain in our schools and communities. I believe that having a forum for our young people to express themselves in a creative way is extraordinarily important and I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that the arts are preserved.

The future of this country depends on the hopes and dreams of its children. Our community, and our nation, is enhanced by the contributions of students like Danielle Fuentes. Additionally, I would like to recognize the work of the teachers and administrators at Oceanside High School who dedicate their lives to their students. The staff is the backbone of the students' success and I thank them for all that they do on a daily basis.

Madam Speaker, it is with pride and admiration I offer my thanks and recognition to Danielle Fuentes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Timberly Dinglas, the Award of Achievement Winner for the 4th Congressional District's high school art competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' An Artistic Discovery recognizes and encourages the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

Timberly Dinglas, a resident of the 4th Congressional District, is currently a junior at Valley Stream South High School in Valley Stream, New York. Ms. Dinglas offered her piece called ``The Black Eye'', which was a colored pencil portrait of a young man with a black eye. Timberly's eye for color and blending skills are evident in this piece and are certainly a testament to her achievement.

The contest in the 4th Congressional District continues to flourish and I owe it to all of the talented students like Timberly from our high schools that submitted their art to be displayed in this distinguished contest. It is essential for art programs and curricula to remain in our schools and communities. I believe that having a forum for our young people to express themselves in a creative way is extraordinarily important and I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that the arts are preserved.

The future of this country depends on the hopes and dreams of its children. Our community, and our nation, are enhanced by the contributions of students like Timberly Dinglas. Additionally, I would like to recognize the work of the teachers and administrators at Valley Stream South High School who dedicate their lives to their students. The staff is the backbone of the students' success and I thank them for all that they do on a daily basis.

Madam Speaker, it is with pride and admiration I offer my thanks and recognition to Timberly Dinglas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5502, a bill I was proud to cosponsor. I commend Mr. Maffei for his leadership on this important bill, allowing for a short transition period for gift card issuers to comply with disclosure requirements that were part of the CARD Act that became law in May 2009.

This bill would provide a short extension for certain disclosure requirements associated with gift certificates, store gift cards, and general-use prepaid cards produced prior to April 1, 2010. The transition will allow the industry to continue to sell its pre-existing gift card inventory that is in compliance with the new CARD Act rules, as it becomes compliant with the disclosures that take effect August 22, 2010. This action will prevent a disruption to consumer access, as well as for large business in trying to remove the millions of gift cards currently in the stream of commerce.

I fully respect the time and work of the Federal Reserve Board in drafting the final rules governing the gift card industry. However, in moving towards compliance, we need to ensure consumers are not inconvenienced, and I believe this legislation achieves that appropriate balance.

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, I missed 1 vote. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows.

Rollcall No. 351, on Agreeing to the Edwards Amendment No. 12, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk tonight about, obviously, some of the issues that are on everybody's minds as to what happened last week with Israel.

This was a premeditated attack. It was intended to provoke a response and to purposely initiate a violent confrontation. We know that those on the flotilla had terrorist ties to Hamas and to Iran and that Israel warned the boats that they were in violation of a lawful blockade and offered them safe harbor, where all the humanitarian aid would be off- loaded and delivered to Gaza.

It is striking how quickly the world looked to blame Israel for this incident, but as the details have emerged, it has become clear that the Israeli military attempted to resolve the situation peacefully and in accordance with international law.

I fully support Israel and their right to keep its people safe. It is my sincere hope that this incident will not deter our country and the international community from the need to continue to support Israel, to recognize its right to exist, and to take the steps required to advance the peace process.

Israel is a longstanding ally and friend of the United States, and we should continue to do whatever we can to support Israel and to ensure that international challenges to its security are resolved quickly and peacefully.

These Israeli servicemembers were beaten and stabbed while trying to escort the ship to port. Those on board the ship were trying to help a recognized terrorist group, Hamas, and Iran has offered to escort future flotillas.

Iran is a threat, not just to the United States or to Israel, but to the world. It is a real threat against global safety. We cannot just sit and watch Iran stir this pot up anymore. Iran has vowed to eliminate Israel. We as the United States should stay together to make sure that Israel, the true democracy in the Middle East, has that opportunity to protect its land.

Mr. Speaker, it is always a terrible thing when there is loss of life, but it is more terrible when other democracies start to condemn another democracy. Israel has the right to protect itself and its citizens. We in the United States would have done the same thing. We in the United States have come back to protect our citizens.

Mr. Speaker, the June 1, 2010, incident involving a Turkish-sponsored flotilla and the Israeli Defense Forces was a premeditated attack, intended to provoke a response and purposely initiate a violent confrontation. We know that those on the flotilla had terrorist ties to Hamas and to Iran and that Israel warned the boats that they were in violation of a lawful blockade and offered them safe harbor, where all humanitarian aid would be off-loaded and delivered to Gaza. It is striking how quick the world looked to blame Israel for this incident but as the details have emerged, it has become clear that the Israeli military attempted to resolve the situation peacefully and in accordance with international law.

I fully support Israel and their right to keep its people safe. It is my sincere hope that this incident will not deter our country and the international community from the need to continue to support Israel, recognize its right to exist, and take the steps required to advance the peace process. Israel is a longstanding ally and friend of the United States and we should continue to do whatever we can to support Israel and ensure that intentional challenges to its security are resolved quickly and peacefully.

These Israeli service members were beaten and stabbed while just trying to escort the ship to port. Those on board the ship were trying to help a recognized terrorist group, Hamas. And Iran has offered to escort future flotillas. Iran is a threat not just to the United States or Israel but the world and is a real threat against global safety. We cannot just sit and watch Iran.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Craig Biegel, the Award of Merit Winner for the 4th Congressional District's high school art competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' An Artistic Discovery recognizes and encourages the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their

young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

Craig Biegel, a resident of the 4th Congressional District, is currently a senior at Lynbrook High School in Lynbrook, New York. Mr. Biegel offered his piece, ``Angioplasty'', which was an acrylic on canvas painting depicting a close-up view of the inside of the heart with a catheter in the aorta, leading to a stent insertion in the right coronary artery. Craig's attention to detail in this piece is certainly a testament to his achievement.

The contest in the 4th Congressional District continues to flourish and I owe it to all of the talented students like Craig from our high schools that submitted their art to be displayed in this distinguished contest. It is essential for art programs and curricula to remain in our schools and communities. I believe that having a forum for our young people to express themselves in a creative way is extraordinarily important and I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that the arts are preserved.

The future of this country depends on the hopes and dreams of its children. Our community, and our nation, is enhanced by the contributions of students like Craig Biegel. Additionally, I would like to recognize the work of the teachers and administrators at Lynbrook High School who dedicate their lives to their students. The staff is the backbone of the students' success and I thank them for all that they do on a daily basis.

Madam Speaker, it is with pride and admiration that I offer my thanks and recognition to Craig Biegel.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.

Each year, Congress acts to authorize national defense spending. Matters of defense spending have been one of my highest priorities throughout my time in Congress. Especially during times of war, we, in Congress, have the utmost obligation to ensure our service men and women have the adequate resources they need to serve both honorably and safely. Moreover, we must remember our retired and wounded service men and women and ensure that they receive the benefits and care respectful of their heroic sacrifices.

There are many provisions of this $567 billion authorization to be proud of. This bill strengthens four pivotal national objectives including, but not limited to, counterterrorism efforts, missile defense, nuclear nonproliferation, and benefits and care to our nation's service members and their families.

Some provisions that particularly stand out are the funding authorizations that support the President's agenda in Afghanistan. This bill takes steps to address prior shortfalls of our efforts in Afghanistan under the Bush Administration. Specifically, the bill outlines resources that will give U.S. commanders in the field the tools they need for success, as well as the means to forge meaningful strategic partnerships with neighboring nations so as to both facilitate victory and a swift and safe return for our brave service men and women. The bill also furthers the President's efforts to secure the nuclear arsenals across the globe. If Cold War politics have taught the world one thing, it is that nuclear proliferation could lead to dangerous situations. H.R. 5136 makes significant strides in aligning our defense policy with 21st century challenges, including facilitating a mobile missile defense system and regulation of nuclear arms. I believe Congress must do all that it can to ensure that the development of nuclear technologies is globally regulated and transparent. This bill, in funding key programs like the Department of Energy's Global Threat Reduction Initiative and Department of Defense's Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, takes important steps to ensuring that weapons grade nuclear materials do not end up into the hands of terrorists and dangerous states.

I am proud to speak to the funds authorized for the benefits and care of our military servicemembers and their families. A nation with the best military in the world should provide the best care in the world. Among its many provisions, H.R. 5136 provides a 1.9% pay raise to our troops, increases imminent danger pay, and expands college loan repayment benefits. Furthermore, the bill includes a ``pre-separation'' counseling program to help provide discharged servicemembers and their spouses with financial and job assistance. Especially in these tough economic times, it is important to promote financial literacy efforts across the board so as to better educate and inform average Americans of their financial and professional options.

Finally, I am extremely encouraged by language included in the final Defense Authorization bill that recognizes the harmful implications of poor nutrition as it pertains to national security. As Chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, I have been very active in efforts to increase access to child nutrition programs. It is important that Congress recognize the vast impact proper child nutrition has on our nation. H.R. 5136 includes a sense of Congress that hunger and obesity are impairing military recruitment and must be properly addressed. I am proud to lead efforts to improve access to important initiatives like direct certification systems, and the national school lunch and summer food services programs. The language in this bill regarding obesity underscores the vast and grave consequences an unhealthy nation can have.

Again, Mr. Chair, I support the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. I commend both Chairman Ike Skelton and Ranking Member Howard McKeon for their hard work in putting together a tremendous piece of legislation that, in my opinion, adequately supports our active and retired service men and women.

Mr. Chair, I thank you and Ranking Member Hall for bringing forward this important bill, the America COMPETES Act.

Thanks to the passage of several pieces of legislation, namely the Recovery Act, rising unemployment rates have been curbed and economic indicators have shown signs of modest progress.

Make no mistake though we, as a nation, have a long ways to go to ensure both short and long-term economic stability and prosperity.

The America COMPETES Act represents an important step in that direction.

Research and innovation across various disciplines is an economic model our nation should live by.

I am proud to offer an amendment to the America COMPETES Act. My amendment ensures that a needs assessment required to improve the operation and reliability of emergency communication devices build upon conclusions and assessments of prior reports on the matter.

Events like the recent West Virginia mining tragedy and September 11th remind us all of the barriers we must cross technologically to ensure that emergency communication systems are able to perform in times of distress.

Most famously, the 9/11 Commission Report made explicit recommendations on the subject of emergency communication enhancement. As a New Yorker, not a day goes by that I do not think of the September 11th attacks and the barriers that stood in our way from potentially saving more lives.

It is imperative that research conducted on emergency communication build upon prior conclusions so that we, as a society, are better prepared to face the challenges any crisis may pose. Furthermore, avoiding duplicate work is pivotal to a properly directed innovation and research agenda.

My amendment is straightforward. It ensures that assessment in the field of emergency communications take into consideration apt reports and studies that have already been conducted on this matter of importance. With my amendment, we, as a nation, can ensure that mistakes and shortcomings in the field of emergency communication are learned from thus poising our nation's brave first-responders to save more lives.

I urge all my colleagues to support the amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent Michael J. Abatemarco and congratulate him as he is named a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program 2010. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors some of the most distinguished graduating high school seniors from across the county. Michael is one of 550 semifinalists.

As the valedictorian of Garden City High School, Michael's superior academic achievements include; National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, Rensselaer Medalist, and Siemens Science Contest semifinalist. In addition to Michael's academic successes, his extracurricular activities reflect a well-rounded student and member of the community through his involvement as drum major of the High School Marching Band, third degree karate black belt, principal baritone saxophonist in the wind ensemble and jazz ensemble, and varsity swimmer and diver. Michael also serves on his school's executive board of Peer AIDS Educators.

As a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee, I am truly impressed by Michael's accomplishments. I am pleased to see that Michael not only values his education, but also shows dedication to community service. Michael is an Eagle Scout with Bronze, Gold, and Silver Palms--awards given only to scouts who have demonstrated spirit, leadership and ability. He also serves as captain and organizer of a Swim Across America team to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Michael will be working with a nonprofit organization this summer as part of the Bank of America Student Leaders Program and will be attending Harvard University in the fall.

Madam Speaker, it is with pride and the utmost admiration I offer my congratulations to Michael J. Abatemarco and commend his dedication to education and community service.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank certainly my colleague from California for allowing me to go forward with this, and also say thank you to Chairman Waxman and Mr. Welch for all of the work that they have done on the committee.

H.R. 5019 would make important advancements toward the twin goals of improving our country's energy efficiency and adding jobs to our economy. The energy efficiency measures that are covered under this bill will help to bring down energy costs for our families, reduce overall energy consumption, and reduce our Nation's dependence on foreign energy sources.

Another important effect of this bill, however, that is not addressed as much is the impact of the bill on the quality of life for our constituents. One quality of life issue that this bill will address is the issue of noise reduction. The technology used to make our homes energy efficient can also be used to reduce noise levels.

The amendment I have submitted would require the Secretary of Energy to study what effects the energy efficiency measures installed under this bill have on noise reduction.

My district is located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, a densely populated area adjacent to John F. Kennedy Airport and several train lines. Due to the close proximity to JFK, many communities in my district are severely affected by noise from airplanes landing and taking off at JFK. Airplane noise can be heard at all hours of the day and night. We have also a lot of noise coming from the trains that run through my district, also at all times.

In this densely populated area of the country, railroad tracks are often close to homes, schools and businesses. This issue affects thousands of my constituents on a daily basis. Noise significantly affects our quality of life. Airplane noise can also have dangerous effects on the health of otherwise heathy individuals. Extended exposure to loud noise levels not only affects the hearing of adults and children, but has also been linked to an increase in blood pressure. And the noise prevents individuals from getting restful nights of sleep.

Airplane noise has also been found to have an effect on children's education. Children who are exposed to prolonged periods of airplane noise learn to read at a slower pace than those not exposed to the noise. Noise significantly affects individuals with certain health conditions even more and we need to be very sensitive to the needs of them in future policies we pursue.

I am drafting legislation that would provide a tax credit to people who want to soundproof rooms in their homes or schools due to plane noise. Many of the items that individuals use to soundproof their homes--insulation and better doors and windows--are the same types of investments that this bill provides for. Therefore, the study I have included in this bill will help inform us about the best ways to move ahead with noise abatement activities and also see where we can double our value by achieving energy efficiency and decreased energy costs for consumers.

By taking action on this bill and the legislation I am drafting, we will do a lot to improve the quality of life for all our constituents. Once again I thank the committee, and I encourage everyone to vote for the rule.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of Spann Watson, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot and an advocate for civil rights. Mr. Watson, who helped break the color barrier in the military years ago, passed away at the age of 93 years old.

Mr. Watson, originally born in South Carolina, moved with his family to New Jersey where he was inspired to become a pilot after watching Charles Lindbergh land the Spirit of St. Louis at Teterboro Airport. Mr. Watson earned his pilot's license while studying engineering at Howard University. In 1940, he was told by an Army recruiter that there were no openings for black pilots; however, a year later, the NAACP filed a race-discrimination lawsuit and the War Department set up an experimental program to train African American airmen.

Mr. Watson completed this program, which was based at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, as a fighter pilot and participated in nearly 40 flight missions during World War II. He retired from the military in the 1960s and worked as an affirmative action specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration. He continued to lecture into his 90s about his experiences as a military and civil rights pioneer.

Over the past 20 years, Mr. Watson traveled the country attending air shows and speaking about the all-black flight program. In 1997, Congress honored graduates of the Tuskegee program with the Congressional Gold Medal--the Nation's highest civilian award.

While at Tuskegee, Mr. Watson met Edna Webster, a civilian employee at the airfield, and they were married on December 17, 1943. The couple had five children and spent nearly 50 years as a resident of Westbury, Long Island.

Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration, pride and respect that I acknowledge the accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Spann Watson and thank him and his family for a lifetime of civil service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, recently President Obama proclaimed April 2010 as Financial Literacy Month. I applaud the President for doing this because the country's future prosperity depends on the financial security of all Americans. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H. Res. 1257, which supports the goals and ideals of National Financial Literacy month.

As a nation, we have all been impacted by the effects of our struggling economy. While there are many factors that have contributed to the current economic climate, and there is no one cause, we do know that consumers need to be more aware and informed of how their finances work and how to avoid some common financial pitfalls.

It is never too early or too late to learn about consumer, economic, and personal finance concepts, which is why I introduced the Financial and Economic Literacy Improvement Act. This bill will provide grants to improve financial literacy education for K-12 and college students. Additionally, I worked with my Financial Services Committee colleagues to draft an amendment included in the House financial regulatory reform bill that will create a Financial Literacy Program which will run through the Department of Treasury's Office of Financial Literacy.

The Government has an important role in protecting consumers and promoting sound financial literacy programs. It is up to each individual to utilize services that provide the knowledge and understanding of basic concepts such as avoiding excessive debt, saving for an education and steering clear of deceptive products and practices.

Now is the time, regardless of age, that we learn, as consumers, about financial products so we may protect ourselves and our families in the future. I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 1257.

Today, the House will consider an important bill--the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. This legislation will provide much-needed support for our veterans and their families.

According to the Dole/Shalala report, 20 percent of active duty, 15 percent of reserve, and 25 percent of retired and separated members of the military have a family member of friend who has been forced to leave a job to care for the veteran full-time. This places an incredible burden on many, many families across our country.

Today's bill offers an important array of support services for veterans and their caregivers such as: training and education, counseling and mental health services, lodging and subsistence payments for the caregiver when accompanying the veteran on medical care visits, and monthly financial stipends for caregivers. This bill takes important steps towards supporting those individuals who care for our veterans.

The bill also makes important investments in health care for women veterans. Over 1.8 million women have served our country and for too long many of their health care needs have gone unaddressed. This bill builds on the previous efforts of our Congress to correct that inequity.

S. 1963 expands and improves Veterans Administration health care for women by requiring the VA to conduct a study of barriers to women veterans seeking health care, educate and train mental health professionals caring for female veterans with sexual trauma, implement a reintegration and readjustment pilot program aimed a helping women veterans, establish a child care pilot program, and provide post- delivery health care to a new born child of a woman veteran.

I support this legislation and our Majority's efforts to support those men and women who have risked their lives for our country.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Lynn Woolsey and my colleagues here that came out tonight to speak about the issues that are going to be in this bill as we go forward for a vote sometime this weekend.

Many of us have talked about health care for years. I'm talking about years. I think all the time when we go out to dinner or anything, health care always comes up. So when I hear charges against this side of the aisle of why are we rushing through this, let me tell you something. I've been in Congress going into my 14th year. Before that, I was a nurse for over 30 years. So when I came to Congress, the first thing I started working on is how can we improve health care. And this day is coming.

Unfortunately, there's been an awful lot of information over the last several months that really is quite wrong. And a lot of my friends say, Well, why aren't the Democrats speaking out? I guess it's because, and I will speak for myself, many of us have been speaking up but, unfortunately, because we are not yelling and screaming, we are not heard.

So what I'm going to explain to many, hopefully, of the people who are listening to this, I just want to tell you how this bill is going to help my district back on Long Island. I live in a middle class suburban area. I've been there for 62 years living in the same house. It was the house of my parents. My family grew up there, and I went to the public schools there. My son went to the same schools that I went to and in some cases had the same teachers. And we also had the same doctors.

I have to say, going back to those days, we had a great family physician. Today, he would be called a primary care physician. And yet we are seeing a shortage of primary care physicians across this Nation. We are also going to see a shortage of nurses across this Nation. Those are two components that we have to make sure that we have in the health care bill.

But just in my district alone, it's going to improve coverage for 444,000 residents that already have health care. How can that be? Well, they are certainly going to have preexisting conditions taken away, so that when they go to the doctor and they find out they have a preexisting condition and they find out some of these preexisting conditions, which--I tell you, it's outrageous. Do you know if you're a woman of childbearing years, getting pregnant is a preexisting condition? A preexisting condition.

I have young people on my staff that have preexisting conditions. What are they? Well, apparently one went to a doctor and was being treated for asthma; he has a preexisting condition. My grandchildren since they were very, very young have had bronchitis. A lot of kids get bronchitis. Ear infections.

Lots of kids get ear infections. Preexisting conditions. These are things that we want to make sure the insurance companies--you know, we are not the bad guys here, and I think that needs to be understood. We are not the bad guys here. It is what we have let the insurance companies do over the years that is, unfortunately, a disgrace.

We are going to give tax credits and other assistance to 82,000 families in my district and 23,000 small businesses to help them afford coverage.

Now, it is important that you hear this about small businesses; because a small business, if they have two or three men in the company and then a woman that they want to hire to fill a position, and they happen to offer health care insurance, once that woman is hired their rates are going to go up higher. Their rates are going up higher. Why? Because there is discrimination against women on getting their health care, and that is wrong. That is something that we are going to change.

Medicare. You know, I hear from my seniors all the time, especially for the seniors that are single, widowed, don't have much except Medicare and Social Security, and we are going to take care of 102,000 of them. Mr. Speaker, this bill is going to help a lot of Americans.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend and loyal public servant, the Honorable John Murtha. He was a strong voice for the constituents in the 12th District of Pennsylvania and honorably served as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

I, like so many of my colleagues, am blessed to have known Mr. Murtha on a professional and personal level. It is no surprise that Mr. Murtha will be remembered as such an effective legislator. Given his proud service in the Marine Corps and passionate devotion for the greater good of our nation, Mr. Murtha consistently served as a moral compass for the U.S. Congress.

About a year and a half after the Iraq War started, many wounded soldiers were transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Mr. Murtha visited these soldiers and witnessed the horrific wounds they were suffering with, such as losing a limb or losing complete eyesight. Mr. Murtha invited the veterans staying at Walter Reed, their families and members of Congress to a restaurant meal where he wanted the members to hear the stories of these courageous veterans. He wanted the veterans to express how they became wounded and what they believed Congress could do to help make sure our American soldiers were safe. Through legislation and appropriations funding, the stories from our veterans helped Congress push the military to improve their equipment. Humvee's and protective vests were improved to keep our soldiers safe from roadside bombs and other forms of hostility.

In all his years as an appropriator and legislator, he has always advocated for the safety of our military and has fought to improve the quality of life for American soldiers and their families. It was typical of Mr. Murtha to be modest about all of the care he showed the soldiers and veterans in times of war. After learning of the unacceptable conditions veterans were subjected to at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Mr. Murtha immediately reached out to Members of Congress. He knew it was our country's responsibility to bring justice to our nation's wounded soldiers by ensuring that they received the proper medical care they deserved.

I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and friends. Mr. Murtha will be remembered as a man of honor, generosity and strength. His unfaltering dedication and care is what made him such an extraordinary person. It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to a great man and friend. I will miss him dearly. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Congress for his longtime service and leadership as a U.S. Representative.