Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond to some inaccurate information being spread on H.R. 2640, the NICS Improvement Amendments Act. As you know, Federal law prohibits nine groups of individuals from obtaining a firearm. One such group includes individuals who are determined to be mentally ill or who were committed to a mental institution. These determinations and commitments are made in accordance with the State law and always in accordance with due process. One purpose of H.R. 2640 is to ensure that information on these people make it into the Federal gun background check system.

According to officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA officials make no determination or commitment regarding the legal mental health status of any of our veterans. However, some groups continue to believe that the VA is sending data to the NICS system on veterans who do not meet the disqualification of gun rights.

To ensure our veterans are not losing their gun rights, I included several protective provisions in H.R. 2640. These provisions ensure two things. First, the VA will only provide records on veterans determined by the same procedures that apply to nonveterans in regards to mental health. Second, they require that the removal from NICS of a veteran's records that do not meet the law's standards.

The intent and purpose of these sections is clear. NICS should only have information on veterans disqualified

because they were legally determined to be mentally ill or involuntarily committed to a mental institution. The VA will not transfer information on veterans who just were treated for posttraumatic syndrome or who have a VA disability rating based on some mental health problem that does not reach the legal threshold of mental illness within the State.

In addition, I recognize that mental illness is not necessarily a permanent impediment. Since the State made the initial determination of mental illness, that State should be able to remove that determination. H.R. 2640 contains a section to address this section.

If a State elects to receive funds authorized by H.R. 2640, it must establish a procedure to review and, if appropriate, reverse mental health status. A veteran or any other individual will be able to apply to a State court, board, commission or any other lawful authority. That authority would review the person's situation. It is up to the State to set up and determine how the procedure will operate in accordance with due process. I expect that a State would use the same process that it uses to make the initial determination or commitment.

H.R. 2640 does not change how a person is found to be disqualified from obtaining or possessing a gun. The language and procedures of the Gun Control Act of 1968 remain in effect. The bill does, however, insist that NICS receives only records on disqualified persons, whether a veteran or nonveteran.

H.R. 2640 would also allow States to establish procedures that permit a person disqualified on the basis of legal mental illness to prove to the State that he or she no longer poses a danger to society.

I believe that H.R. 2640 is fair and it is balanced. I am hoping the other body will soon approve the bill so that the States will be encouraged to provide information that improves the background check system on gun purchases. This was a bill that was worked out together here in the House. It had strong bipartisan support. If the bill had been placed when it was first passed in the year 2002, there is a possibility that Mr. Cho from Virginia Tech would not have been able to obtain a gun and commit the unfortunate murders that he did.

Mr. Speaker, it is common sense that when you work with the NRA, and certainly those that consider me a fair person on reducing gun violence in this country, that we need to get the other body to pass this bill so we can save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 762) supporting the goals of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 762 into the Record.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mrs. McCARTHY of New York asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week.

Bullying among children is aggressive behavior that is intentional and often repeated over time. It is estimated that 3.2 million students are bullied each year. These children that are victims of bullying often have a hard time defending themselves. They are the target of hitting, teasing, name-calling, intimidation and social exclusion. With the arrival of the digital age, bullying is taking place over e-mail in online communities such as MySpace and Facebook.

There is no single cause of bullying among school children. Several factors can make a child the target of aggressive bullying. What we do know is that students with disabilities and special needs are more often targeted by bullies. Overweight and obese children are also far more likely to be the victims of bullying. This weight-based teasing often causes body image issues with the children, sometimes leading to depression and even suicide. Bullying can often be a sign of serious antisocial behavior, and many children who bully are often dealing with issues in their home life.

We have all seen the horrors that can occur when bullying does go unchecked. The students at Columbine High School were the subjects of constant bullying. We are all aware of what happened when they reached their breaking point.

Congress cannot sit and wait for another tragedy to occur before we act. That is why I have introduced, with my colleague, today's resolution. The resolution recognizes this week as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, and commends the many programs and organizations that do great work in preventing the cycle of bullying.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from New York (Mr. Kuhl) for his work in working on this bipartisan agreement.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to Congresswoman Linda Sanchez from California, who has been working on this issue for many, many years.

Madam Speaker, we have no more speakers.

Madam Speaker, we have heard some points about bullying in our schools across America. Recently, the Girl Scouts of America had actually done a survey. In my home district, they asked their Girl Scouts and their Brownies on addressing bullying and asked if any of them had participated in it. They were actually shocked at how many of their girls, Girl Scouts, actually participated in bullying.

I think that when we look at bullying today, it is an issue that teachers, parents, students themselves need to be educated on. With that, I am hoping that this resolution will go forward so people are aware. Bullying cannot be tolerated. It does hurt our young people. It certainly hurts their self-image. It is something that we need to face.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 472) congratulating and commending the Wichita State University women's bowling team for winning the 2007 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 472 into the Record.

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

(Mrs. McCARTHY of New York asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate the Wichita State University women's bowling team for winning the 2007 United States Bowling Congressional Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship. On April 21, 2007, the Wichita State University women's bowling team won the 2007 USBC Bowling National Championship Tournament by defeating Central Florida University in Wichita, Kansas.

I also want to congratulate head coach Gordon Vadakin, women's coach Mark Lewis, assistant women's coach Kristal Scott, athletic director Jim Schaus, Wichita State University president Donald L. Beggs and the student athletes on an excellent season.

After bowling eight events, the women's team played 362 games and knocked down 68,227 pins for an average score of 188.5 points. This was the eighth Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship for the Wichita State University women's bowling team and a record 31st appearance at the national tournament. The Shockers also had two juniors, Elysia Current and Emily Maier, named as First Team All- Americans, with Emily Maier being named to the All-Tournament team.

Winning the 2007 USBC Bowling National Championship Tournament and winning their eighth national title has revealed its excellent athletic program at Wichita State University to the Nation. I know the fans, students, and alumni of the university will remember this moment for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate Wichita State University for their success.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Does my colleague from New York have any more speakers?

Madam Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 472. Team athletic competition teaches student athletes teamwork, cooperation, and leadership. These skills will translate into the classroom for each student as well as into their professional lives. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H. Res. 472, celebrating the success of the Wichita State University Shockers.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica, Chairwoman Brown and Ranking Member Shuster for their work on this bill.

My district is located in a densely populated area on Long Island, New York. We have the comfort and convenience of rail transportation to New York City by the Long Island Railroad. The Long Island Railroad moves safely through the Fourth Congressional District with the use of locomotive horns at train crossings.

Although the use of horns at train crossings ensures the safety of the surrounding communities, horn noise also has a substantial impact on the quality of life of individuals living in those communities.

For example, in Cedarhurst, New York, there are five train crossings

within a half mile. Because the crossings are so close together, the result is a continuous horn blast as the train moves through the community. The horn noise can be so loud and last so long that individuals must stop any ongoing conversations for several minutes. This happens most often during rush hour, but continues approximately 50 times throughout the day. Individuals find it difficult to sleep through the horn noise, even with the use of earplugs, and are awakened early in the morning and late in the evening. Also, because my district is so densely populated, the horn noise bounces off many of the buildings nearest the railroad and seems to intensify as it moves through the community.

I support the Federal Railroad Administration and its primary goal of ensuring the safety of railroads and trains across the country and in the Fourth Congressional District of New York. I do not and will not support any measure that will reduce the safety of railroads and trains coming through my community.

With that in mind, I also understand the effect of locomotive noise that does interfere with the quality of life. I have received countless letters and e-mails from my constituents expressing how noise affects their daily lives.

Due to the impact that locomotive horn noise has on the communities in my district, I support the language in the manager's amendment that allows the Secretary to consider the impact of horn noise on the local community and the unique characteristics of the community that it is serving in considering applications for waivers or exemptions.

I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for working with me on this issue and allowing me the time to express my support for his amendment and the bill.

Madam Speaker, I'd like to thank my colleague Ms. Baldwin for her support, and I'd also like to thank my colleague from New York, Vito Fossella, for taking a strong stance on this issue.

I also want to say that this bill would not have made it to the floor without the help of my good friend and colleague, Congressman Pallone from New Jersey, for his support in bringing it up.

It was mentioned that Diamond-Blackfan anemia, or DBA, is a rare genetic bone marrow failure disorder that affects children and adults, stopping the body's ability to produce red blood cells.

A lot of our colleagues might remember, every year I go around and ask all of my colleagues to sign a book so that I can have the opportunity to teach my colleagues about DBA, so as we go down the road mostly hopefully to get more research money.

Ninety percent of those suffering this disease were younger than 1 year old when they were diagnosed. Children living with DBA have an increased risk of leukemia, solid tumors, and complete bone marrow failure. Fifty percent of patients with DBA are also born with birth defects, including abnormalities to the face, head, upper arm and hand, and heart. Twenty-one percent of affected patients suffer from more than one defect.

The individuals and families suffering from rare diseases such as DBA not only face the challenges of their life-threatening diseases, but they must also confront the limited treatment and the research options.

Researchers believe that the study of DBA will yield clues to several other widespread diseases, providing valuable insights into the biology of blood disorders, blood cell formation, leukemia, and serve as an important model for understanding the genetics of birth defects.

Unfortunately, many of the long-term treatments for DBA have the potential for serious side effects, including impaired growth, diabetes, and iron overload.

The only cure for DBA is a bone marrow transplant, a procedure that carries serious risks. And since most patients lack an acceptable donor, it's an option available for only about 25 percent of the patients.

Rare diseases, such as DBA, where there are no regional or ethnic trends and a small number of patients, make progress in treatment and research difficult. Thankfully, there are centers across the Nation that devote countless hours into understanding this disease. One such center is based out of my district on Long Island. The DBA Comprehensive Clinical Care Center at Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, New York, has become the hub for the care and treatment of DBA patients across the country. The facility is also home of the DBA Patient Registry, which has become a valuable national resource for families and the researchers.

The success made at Schneider's Children's Hospital have prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's DBA Public Health Outreach and Surveillance Program to establish three additional DBA centers in Texas, California, and Massachusetts to further patient access, information, treatment, and care by DBA experts. This has resulted in a doubling of patient care visits for DBA since their establishment.

The effects are also felt on a national level. The CDC has dedicated resources and manpower to the study of DBA as well as patient outreach. Because of these efforts, we have seen a 25 percent increase of enrollment of DBA patients into the DBA Patient Registry in the first 2 years of the program. The collaboration achieved through Federal programs such as NIH and the CDC and private groups such as the Daniela Maria Arturi Foundation and the DBA Foundation have driven the many recent successes in the DBA field. This partnership should serve as a model for addressing rare disease research efforts through close public and private manners. I have been working with the Arturi family for many years. Their daughter Daniela was affected by this rare disease, and they have been the vocal voices for increased funding for research and treatment. Today, we in Congress will give them and all families suffering from this rare disease a chance of hope.

Let me say that we hear constantly of these very rare diseases, and the families sometimes feel they have no hope. I would encourage them to reach out on the Internet to find the information they need to. The foundation that was started 10 years ago has come such a long way where researchers from across the world now come in for a conference every year to find out more and what work has been done. And even though the cure for DBA has not happened yet, the other research has helped many, many other families. So, please, join me in supporting this resolution and telling the families and the children with DBA that they are not alone. I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 524.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3121, the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act. This reauthorization and update of the National Flood Insurance Program is needed to ensure all home and business owners in flood zones have the ability to plan for the worst and purchase an appropriate level of coverage.

In 2005, we witnessed the extreme case of storm damage. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita showed that insurance companies try to blame wind damage on water. Too many lawsuits have been filed to try to resolve the dispute. This bill creates an option: homeowners can purchase a multiperil policy that will pay them for hurricane damage, whether caused by the wind or storm surge.

H.R. 3121 also includes language to further encourage to my constituents on Long Island to purchase flood insurance. A recent study has shown the southern shore of Long Island would be flooded if a Category 1 storm were to strike the area. That flood zone pushes further north on with each intensifying category. The affected areas on Long Island are home to middle-class and businesses. Under H.R. 3121, the maximum coverage for a home increases from $250,000 to $335,000; for residential contents from $100,000 to $135,000; and for non- residential properties from $500,000 to $670,000. These provisions will ensure that flood insurance participants on Long Island will be able to pick up the pieces and start over following a hurricane.

The bill includes another little discussed provision that I strongly support. Most people don't realize that today their finished basement family or media room and its contents are not protected by flood insurance because that room is located below ground level. As more families add on to their homes rather than move to larger homes, basements are becoming another room, often more important than the traditional living room. H.R. 3121 allows optional coverage for improvements and personal property located in basements.

Too many people who should be purchasing flood insurance have no protection. Some people they live too far from the coast. Others don't realize that their homes are in a flood plain and learn this fact, to their dismay, only after a flash flood destroys their residences. I am pleased that H.R. 3121 funds a program to help communities reach out to residents and encourage them to purchase flood insurance. I commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui) who introduced this legislation in the 109th Congress.

It is only a matter of time before a severe hurricane like the Long Island Express of 1938 impacts Long Island. This bill improves current insurance and should encourage more home owners to purchase and retain flood insurance. I encourage the House to pass H.R. 3121 and hope that the Senate also will act quickly to send this important legislation to the President for his signature.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 590) supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 590 into the Record.

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

(Mrs. McCARTHY of New York asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, today I want to call attention to the fact that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as first declared by Congress in 1998, and I also would like to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) for bringing this forward through the Education Committee.

Throughout October, thousands of groups hold events to bring awareness to the violence that affects millions of men, women and children in our country every single year. The positive effect of this advocacy has increased community awareness about domestic violence.

Increased knowledge about domestic violence and the services available helps victims seek help, holds abusers accountable, and helps children live in homes where violence is not condoned. In addition to recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our Congress has recognized that domestic violence is a serious crime by passing laws such as the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the Victims of Crime Act and the Violence Against Women Act.

Preventing domestic violence is critical in addressing and breaking the cycle of violence. And it is a cycle. Whether the violence is found in a dating situation or in married life, the strongest risk factor of violent behavior continuing from one generation to the next is if children are witnessing this violence. Evidence shows that children who witness domestic violence at home are more likely to engage in violent behavior, do poorly in school, use drugs and alcohol, and at an early age engage in risky sexual behavior and develop mental illness issues.

Domestic violence adversely affects the workplace by negatively impacting the victim's health and safety, decreasing employee productivity, and increasing health care costs.

A Bureau of Labor Statistics national survey found that 21 percent of full-time employed adults were the victims of domestic violence.

Congress must continue to lead in making our Nation aware of domestic violence and its impact on our society. We must assist the men, women and children affected by domestic violence while prosecuting this as a crime.

In my district in Nassau County, there were over 5,000 domestic violence hotline calls last year, and 2,700 domestic violence victims received services other than hotline calls. They received counseling, legal and residential and nonresidential services. But, unfortunately, we did not reach all of them. There is still much work to be done.

During October, the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence will do its part in reaching the community through trainings with the police department, medical staff, students in social work programs, and public safety announcements.

Mr. Speaker, clearly we need to work with the men and women of this Nation to educate them on what domestic violence is, the impact upon society and how to stop it in each community. It affects our children and it affects our community. It affects all of us.

I hope that my colleagues will support this resolution and the work being done in their communities and across the Nation to raise awareness of and break the cycle of domestic violence.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my colleague from California (Mr. Costa) who has been an outspoken person against domestic violence.

Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman from Minnesota have any more speakers?

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution by educating people about domestic violence so that we may be able to prevent it from happening.

Again, domestic violence is like a domino effect. Once it happens in the family, it continues through generation through generation.

The last speaker mentioned about the community getting involved, people getting involved. We have to stop this because it's a terrible, terrible action against people.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to support legislation reversing the dangerous cuts made to medical imaging services by the last Congress.

The incorporation of imaging technology into medical practice has transformed physician practice, patient care, and improved health outcomes for millions of Americans.

Unfortunately, the Deficit Reduction Act last Congress slashed funding for imaging services. These dangerous cuts mean that women will have difficulty getting a mammogram. Doctors will begin to phase out imaging services because the reimbursement rate will cause them to lose money.

While these cuts may have saved the government money, it has increased the health risks of our Nation's citizens. Patients throughout the United States depend on medical imaging because it often detects critical illnesses at their most curable stage when they are less costly to treat. Better, less invasive care often means easier recoveries and greater patient comfort are additional reasons why drastic cuts to medical imaging do not serve the patient well.

Medical imaging is an overall cost-saver for patients and the health care system in general because it results in fewer complications, earlier detection, shorter hospital stays, and better pain management.

Our goal should be keeping our workers healthy and on the job by helping them avoid surgery, long recuperation and disability. For this reason, significant cuts to medical imaging are not the solution. That is why I ask your support and need it for H.R. 1293, Access to Medical Care Imaging Act of 2007. My legislation would suspend for 2 years drastic cuts to critical diagnostic imaging services provided in physicians' offices and imaging centers.

The cuts were agreed to with little public debate by the U.S. House of Representatives, yet they account for more than one-third of the Medicare cuts in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Furthermore, as was directly pointed out by Members on both sides of the aisle during the Energy and Health Subcommittee hearing on July 18 last year, the policy was not recommended to Congress by MedPAC or CMS, and there has been no analysis of the impact of the cuts on seniors' access to imaging services.

Unfortunately, despite broad bipartisan support in Congress to delay the DRA policy, the DRA imaging cuts went into effect in January of this year. My legislation would place a 2-year hold on the implementation of the cuts and require a comprehensive GAO study on patient access and service issues relating to the availability and quality of imaging services in physician offices and imaging clinics with special attention to seniors living in rural and medically underserved areas.

Please join over 150 of my colleagues and become a cosponsor of H.R. 1293. People have to understand sometimes the cuts that we make around here are not in the best interest certainly of our constituents. Spending most of my life as a nurse, preventive care is better than letting it go. That is why our health care costs are so high. We need to do a better job of making sure that our constituents are served.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act of 2007. This legislation extends the TRIA program for 15 years, and it is vital to our Nation.

A longer TRIA means economic certainty and stability in commercial real estate. A longer TRIA means better planning, better rates, and better returns for investors. A longer TRIA is good for the economy.

Financing for major construction often takes more than 10 years. If a project seeks finance for a project in year one of the new TRIA, investors might have the confidence to advance these funds. However, if a project is conceived in year two or year three, and if TRIA is extended for only 10 years, then investors will know that TRIA will be around for only 7 years. The investors may not provide the necessary capital, or those investors may change far more interest than they would under TRIA.

What happens if a community cannot rebuild after an act of terror? Jobs are lost and with them tax revenue from the local to the state and to the federal level. It simply is not rational to believe that somehow a limited TRIA will save money in the long run.

I simply do not believe that the reinsurance industry has the ability or the interest in providing terrorism risk insurance. A federal backup like TRIA is essential.

My colleagues need to remember that TRIA is not a handout and it is not a benefit. The program pays out only in the event of an act of terrorism against the United States; and terrorism is neither a benefit nor a handout.

When one part of America is attacked, the entire country is attacked. When one city or region suffers, then the rest of the country pitches in to help. We have done that in the past after earthquakes, floods, droughts, hurricanes, and acts of terror.

I hope that none of you have to experience what the people of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut experienced 6 years ago. The next attack may occur in Orlando, Chicago, Los Angeles, or even small cities across this Nation. The people and the government will respond, as we have in the past.

But, TRIA ensures that taxpayers will not have to bear the entire burden of the response. The bill requires insurance companies to do what they do best: provide insurance. Without TRIA, the American taxpayers will have to bear the entire cost of responding to another act of terrorism.

I fully support the TRIA legislation brought before the House today and urge my colleagues to pass the legislation and allow for Senate Action.

Madam Speaker, on September 6, I was attending a funeral in my district and missed several votes. If present I would have voted on the following Rollcall votes, Rollcall No. 854, approving the Journal, ``aye''. Rollcall No. 855, H. Res. 633, ``Aye''. Rollcall No. 856, anti-Native Hawaiian amendment to H.R. 2786, ``Nay''. Rollcall No. 857, King of Iowa amendment to H.R. 2786, ``Nay''. Rollcall No. 858, Price of Georgia amendment to H.R. 2786, ``Nay''. Rollcall No. 859, final passage of H.R. 2786, ``Aye''.

Mr. Chairman, I will support H.R. 1908 with some reservations.

Our patent laws need to be updated to address the concerns of a 21st Century global economy. For decades, the law has reacted to innovation rather than anticipating it. H.R. 1908 contains many positive provisions that will make it easier for us to compete. I, therefore, want the process to move forward.

The American economy is strong in part because it is diverse. We do not depend on only one segment for our income. Some countries grow crops. Others rely on tourism. Still other countries depend on finite natural resources. Some specialize in manufacturing or providing specific services. We are fortunate enough to

be able to conduct all these businesses and more.

A revised patent law must protect and encourage all segments of our economy. We cannot favor high tech over manufacturing. We cannot discourage biotech research while encouraging financial services.

If our economic foundation remains strong and diversified, we will be able to retain our preeminent role in the world's economy. However, if our patent laws inhibit invention and innovation in manufacturing and basic research, then we would be undermining the very strength of our national economy.

As the legislative process continues, I hope that the authors of H.R. 1908 and the members of the other body will remember one important point. The purpose of our patent law is to protect and promote American innovation. Innovation by Americans and for Americans is the keystone to our domestic economic vitality and strength.

The final version of patent reform must address the legitimate interests of manufacturing, biotech, and small inventors. My vote on a final patent reform bill will depend on how well those interests are met.

Mr. Speaker, next week we'll be celebrating the 6th anniversary of the terrible attacks that happened on September 11 in New York, here in the Washington area, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.

While we remember those that we lost, I hope that we also reflect on how our Nation, and especially this Congress, came together during the weeks and months that followed that terrible, terrible day.

Following 9/11, we, as Americans, demonstrated the best of all of us. Thousands volunteered to help with the rescue and recovery efforts on Ground Zero. Scores more donated money, gave blood, took time to help people that they didn't even know. Millions prayed for the families of those that lost loved ones. It was a remarkable time. People from all walks of life stood together with a renewed sense of purpose and compassion.

While we remember those we lost on this anniversary of September 11, let's also remember how we came together to help get America through perhaps the most difficult time in our history. Let's remember the firefighters, the police officers, the union workers who risked their lives to save others. Let's remember the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, who became advocates for commonsense laws down here in Washington that would prevent another tragedy from happening. These courageous men and women worked tirelessly so that other families wouldn't experience what they went through.

As each year passes, the needs of those affected by 9/11 change. We work with a number of families back on Long Island in my district, especially the children, that still need mental health care. We need to improve the health care for the recovery workers who put their lives on the line and are now suffering from illnesses. And local residents, it is still paramount in our minds to make sure that they stay healthy.

The long-term mental health of families and children who lost loved ones maintains its high importance. Most people will remember it as being post-traumatic syndrome. One never knows when those flashes of that day come back. Sometimes it takes years and years for the treatment to take hold.

The Fourth Congressional District, I want to salute such groups as the South Nassau Communities Hospital and the World Trade Center Family Center that have been working hard to address the mental health needs of the children affected by 9/11 and have made great progress in helping them cope with this horrible tragedy.

In my office, I have a painting that was done several years ago by a young child on how they saw the world. And through therapy, you can now see the paintings have improved with the sun shining, meaning the young child is getting on with their life. Their work is equally as important as the search and recovery efforts following the attacks, and I commend them for it.

On September 11, 2001, our hearts were broken, but our spirits grew stronger. On September 11, 2007, I can think of no better memorial to those we lost on 9/11 than making their children and grandchildren's world a better place.

Some will say time has passed and it's time to move on with their lives. I have worked with many of those 9/11 families, and they have moved on with their lives. But again, through every great tragedy one never knows when you'll break down and cry because you remember something.

Every American remembers September 11, the year 2001. Every American knows where they were that day. Every American came together to make sure that those that needed help would have it.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the American people for standing together. I thank those that lost their lives to save other lives and, hopefully, we will never forget those that made the great sacrifices who still need our help. September 11 will be in everybody's minds forever in history. Let us not, here in this Congress, forget those that have survived but still need our help to get them through the illnesses they are facing.

Madam Speaker, on July 30, I was unavoidably detained in my district and missed several votes.

Rollcall No. 758, H.R. 2750, NASA Coin Act, ``yea'';

Rollcall No. 759, previous question, H. Res. 580, ``yea'';

Rollcall No. 760, H. Res. 580, ``yea'';

Rollcall No. 761, previous question, H. Res. 579, ``yea''; and

Rollcall No. 762, H. Res. 579, ``yea.''

Mr. Chairman, during debate on H.R. 2419, the Department of Agriculture Appropriations bill, the issue of school nutrition came before the House. As the Chairwoman of the Committee on Education and Labor's Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, ensuring our Nation's youth have access to healthy school lunches and understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle is of vital importance to me.

As a nurse, I have seen first hand the importance of a balanced diet. Many health issues can be avoided by simply maintaining a balanced diet. Unfortunately, our Nation's youth do not always have healthy options. The high sugar snacks they see advertised on television provide no nutrition and are a major factor in weight gain. It is important that our Nation's youth have healthy options that taste good and are appealing to them.

Obesity is a major problem facing our Nation's youth. Childhood diabetes is also on the rise. Type II diabetes, which only used to be seen in older adults is now becoming prevalent in children. These issues clearly extend

beyond children to the whole family and the community in which they live. One way Congress can help reduce these numbers is by providing healthy school lunches.

Although meals provided in schools are required by law to follow nutrition standards in accordance with the ``Dietary Guidelines for Americans'', a child with the money available can just as easily avoid nutrition and grab a soda and a bag of chips down the hall in the vending machines. These items, although bad for one's health, often taste better to students and there are no guidelines for schools on healthy living and eating.

Another issue facing school nutrition is the reduced price meal program. This is a vital program that helps low-income families afford meals for their children. Unfortunately, for many families, the cost is found to be a challenge. It breaks my heart to read that families struggle to afford the 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch which is the charge for the reduced price meals.

Families cannot afford less than $1 a day to have two solid, nutritious meals provided to a child. This is a travesty, and I support study to see the effects of using the WIC income guidelines as the free meal guidelines,

As Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, I understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and as a parent I know that we must teach our children the value of nutritious food and healthy living. We cannot ignore the factors outside the classroom that contribute to the education of our youth. They are the future of our Nation.

Madam Chairman, in recent years, the GOP- led Congress significantly cut investments for priorities in the Labor- HHS-Education bill. This year, the President has once again proposed significant cuts to programs of $7.6 billion below 2007 levels. This is the wrong message and the wrong policy for America.

My colleagues and I are determined to reverse the funding cuts put forth over the past several years. This bill rejects most of the President's damaging cuts and provides an increase of $4.3 billion (or 3 percent) over the 2007 funding levels. The bill makes college more affordable--including increasing the maximum Pell Grant by $390. The bill helps raise the achievement levels of America's students, providing $2 billion increase above 2007 and $1 billion above the President's request for No Child Left Behind programs.

H.R. 3043 expands access to health care for the uninsured by investing in initiatives that will provide for new and innovative ways to reduce costs while expanding coverage. This legislation provides $200 million for community health centers, enabling these centers to serve an additional 1 million uninsured Americans. The bill provides $75 million for a new initiative of state health access grants, providing start-up grants to states that are ready with plans to expand health care coverage to targeted groups. It also includes $50 million for an initiative to assist states in providing insurance pools to support affordable insurance for almost 200,000 people who are medically high-risk.

H.R. 3043 meets the domestic healthcare and education needs of our Nation. For too long, Congress has ignored the needs of the American people. Today, I will move with my colleagues in a new direction to fully fund the vital healthcare and education programs utilized by the American people.