Floor Statements

I want to personally thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership throughout the country and your efforts in providing for our veterans.

I know I had the pleasure of serving on the Veterans Committee, and nothing was more frustrating than during the period of time that I served to just give nothing but lip service, and at the same time see the major cuts of the administration when it came to our veterans after having served our country. When I saw the budgets of the administration continuously bring forth additional fees and copayments on our veterans when both sides were saying that that was not appropriate, he continues to do that with this present budget. And if that was not enough, I know that he cut priority 8 veterans. And I'm glad to see that this budget includes that on there, so I want to personally thank you for that.

In addition, the Democratic budget calls for advance pay and benefits to improve the quality of life of our troops and their families, including the emphasis on providing support and assistance to our troops and their families while they are deployed. And that is essential. It's unfortunate, and we cannot even comprehend how this has come about.

Let me just say, this budget also calls for a $15.9 billion cut for the next 5 years on our soldiers, on TRICARE. As it is, the reimbursements on TRICARE are real low, to the point that some of our doctors are not going to take some of those soldiers and provide access to health care that they need.

But I want to take this opportunity to thank the chairman and the leadership on this budget effort for making sure that our troops have the resources that are necessary, and to make sure that our veterans, after they come back, have the services that they're entitled to. We need to push forth on making sure those polytrauma centers get built so that access to health care is essential.

Thank you very much for this colloquy.

Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of this Budget resolution. This budget provides for among many other elements the much needed resources for our country's defense needs.

As you know, I represent a very large district that spans from San Antonio in the east to El Paso County in the west and south to the Mexico border. The U.S. military is very important to my district as evidenced by the BRAC decisions that centralize military medical training in San Antonio and bring soldiers from Europe back to Fort Bliss in El Paso. While the defense budget is important to the Nation as a whole, it has a particularly strong significance to my constituents.

excellent and affordable healthcare

San Antonio is poised to be the military center of excellence for medical issues with the completion of the current BRAC construction.

The President's budget calls for increases in Tri-care fees for military retirees under the age of 65 by $15.9 billion over five years.

The military's own have opposed these fees as evidenced by the Military Offices' Association of America's rejection of the fee increases.

MOAA supports the Democratic budget that avoids Tri-care fee hikes and places a continued emphasis on addressing problems such as those identified at Walter Reed Medical Center.

readiness

The Commission on the Guard and Reserve issued a report on January 30, 2008 citing a lack of readiness to respond to a catastrophic attack on the United States.

A major reason for this is the Administration budget that continually prioritizes funding wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while leaving the defense of our homeland at risk.

The Democratic Budget provides greater attention to improving military readiness, in particular for the National Guard and Reserve.

additional pay and benefits to the troops

The Democratic Budget calls for advanced pay and benefits to improve the quality of life of the troops and their families, including an emphasis on providing support and assistance to troops and their families while they are deployed and when they return from deployments to readjust to civilian life.

This is what we owe the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who have so selflessly fought for our Nation's freedom.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to express my strong support for H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. As a former social worker serving in the United States Congress, I am a proud cosponsor of this bill and am pleased to see it passed in the House of Representatives.

In my previous career, I worked with people affected by mental illnesses and substance abuse. Having seen the devastating effects these illnesses have on people's lives and their communities, I am glad my fellow Members of Congress also recognize that mental health services are absolutely critical to helping individuals regain control over their lives.

For years, people with mental illnesses have faced restrictions on the number of visits they can make to their providers and financial limitations which are either too restrictive or too costly for them to receive the treatment they require. With this bill, we empower people to seek the help and support they need. By helping make mental health services more accessible, we aid people to take a very important step toward overcoming the technical and social psychological barriers surrounding mental health.

Mental illnesses, like most other medical conditions, can be alleviated with treatment. When left untreated, these illnesses worsen and become a larger burden for the affected person. Because treatment is available and effective, it is a great injustice to allow financial and procedural restrictions to become yet another barrier people with mental illnesses have to overcome. Therefore, it is reasonable and fair that these illnesses receive the similar type of attention and medical coverage as other health conditions.

Mental health is a fundamental element of overall health wellness which has not been fully recognized in the past. I am confident this bill will make it possible for millions of people to improve their quality of life. I commend my colleagues for making this a reality for many of their constituents.

Madam Speaker, today I am greatly honored to recognize the San Antonio Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. As you launch your 2008 Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign, I wish to commend the many important contributions made to our communities by this admirable organization over the years.

Every day, they serve over 2.4 million people living in the 23 counties across South Central Texas with invaluable support for natural disaster and preventative services. Since the chapter's founding in 1916, your volunteers have been at the forefront when emergencies and disasters have impacted our communities. Across the nation, the American Red Cross's noble work has come to represent hope and relief for people when unpredictable and difficult problems arise.

The San Antonio Area Chapter of the Red Cross has provided disaster relief services to 491 families, or more than 1,600 people. As many in my community can recall, the Red Cross helped over 1,100 people, supplied shelter for over 800 persons, and provided much needed financial help to many families in Eagle Pass who were devastated by the 2007 tornado. 465 of their volunteers worked selflessly in response to this disaster, and I am truly grateful for their service.

In addition to responding to emergencies such as these, they help members of the community prepare themselves for these types of disasters. In teaching 21,405 people in our region how to save lives with first aid and offering CPR courses, they empower the entire area. Moreover, they help our members of the armed services and their families by operating a 24- hour emergency call center. They also serve as a valuable connection to other social service agencies as is evident by the 5,300 referrals made last year which enabled people to get more help when they needed it most.

As one of the largest chapters in the country with roughly 1,500 volunteers and 55 paid staff members, their dedication and devotion to the Red Cross' humanitarian mission has left an indelible mark in South Central Texas. I am very proud and deeply honored to represent this district knowing such people are working unselfishly to make our cities and towns stronger and safer. I would like to thank them for all they have given to the region, and I wish them continued success in their mission.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4169) to authorize the placement in Arlington National Cemetery of an American Braille tactile flag in Arlington National Cemetery honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4169.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the American Braille Flag Memorial Act, H.R. 4169. I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Tiahrt, for drafting this important piece of legislation and for his leadership in this area.

Today, there are nearly 1.3 million blinded and visually impaired Americans, and approximately 187,000 of those are veterans. It is estimated that 16 percent of these veterans have sustained injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom,

leaving them with some form of severe visual loss and impairment. These veterans, due to their disability, are often not afforded the opportunity to cherish and witness the American flag as those without visual impairment are. That is why passing the American Braille Flag Memorial Act is so important. It would authorize the Secretary of the Army to place an American Braille tactile flag on the grounds of the Arlington National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of our Nation's blind veterans and members of the Armed Forces.

This legislation would also allow the Secretary of the Army to approve the appropriate design of the flag, as well as the site in the Arlington National Cemetery that would be most appropriate for the memorial, which I understand is likely to be at the visitors center. The bronze Braille American flag, generously donated by the Kansas Braille Transcription Institute, would include the Pledge of Allegiance, and allow the blind and visually impaired to feel the Stars and Stripes and colors of the American flag placed near Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center.

I am pleased that the Blind Veterans Association, the American Council and American Foundation of the Blind wholeheartedly support this piece of legislation. Our efforts today will show the over 4 million visitors who come to the Arlington National Cemetery each year that we remember and honor the blind veterans who died in service to our Nation, as well as all veterans and servicemembers who live today with blindness and vision loss.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation provides a way to include all Americans in this wonderful patriotic experience when visiting Arlington National Cemetery and seeing the American flag where heroes are laid to rest. I am told that when feeling miniature mock-up versions of the Braille flag, blinded veterans and servicemembers often break down and cry.

It would only be appropriate to allow our blind and visually impaired veterans and servicemembers to share this experience by paying tribute and honoring them with the recognition they deserve at the hallmark of American memorials, the Arlington National Cemetery.

I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 4169 without delay.

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

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity also to

thank both the gentleman from Florida as well as the author, Todd Tiahrt, on their efforts in this area.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 790) commending the people of the State of Washington for showing their support for the needs of the State of Washington's veterans and encouraging residents of other States to pursue creative ways to show their own support for veterans.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my distinguished colleague, Congressman Brian Baird of Washington, for drafting this resolution which calls on the States to create innovative ways to supplement State and Federal programs created to assist our Nation's veterans. I would also like to commend the Washington delegation for the strong bipartisan support they demonstrated in introducing this resolution.

This resolution establishes a certificate of deposit in participating financial institutions that would automatically donate 50 percent of the accrued interest to the State of Washington's Veterans Innovation Program. Providing this avenue to invest in our veterans will help ensure that the needs of our Nation's heroes are available when they need them.

I strongly support the resolution and encourage all States to follow the enthusiasm and support for our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of House Resolution 790.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington, Brian Baird.

Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to recognize the Congressman from Rhode Island, Mr. Patrick Kennedy, for such time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, let me also take this opportunity to congratulate the author, Mr. Brian Baird of Washington.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on House Resolution 790.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 963) supporting the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. Speaker, throughout the Nation's history, we have relied on the patriotism, valor, courage and unselfishness of those who wear the uniform of the Armed Forces. With this service comes the real possibility of receiving an injury in answering the call to duty. The global war on terrorism is no exception. To date, over 31,000 servicemen and -women have been wounded in action and nearly 4,000 killed.

For 30 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs has designated the week of February 14 as the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. The goals of the program are to pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized veterans, to increase community awareness, and to encourage individuals to become involved at their local VA as volunteers.

The VA's Voluntary Service is the largest volunteer program in the Federal Government. Over the past 60 years, VA volunteers have donated more than 689 million hours of service worth an estimated $12.9 billion. In fiscal year 2007, 85,428 active volunteers contributed a total of more than 11.6 million hours of service, equal to 5,574 full- time employees, worth $218 million.

Let's not forget those who have fought for this country in their time of greatest need. Join me in recognizing and paying tribute to the hospitalized veterans. I challenge each and every person to go visit their local VA medical center and brighten the smile on a veteran's face.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 963.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to unanimously support H. Res. 963, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, today I stand in support of H.R. 4848, extension for 1 year, parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits.

H.R. 4848 would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act to extend until December 31, 2008, mental health parity provisions, which require group health plans to treat equally mental health benefits and medical and surgical benefits for purposes of lifetime limits or annual limits on benefits covered by the plan.

Approximately two-thirds of individuals with potentially diagnosable disorders do not seek treatment. A majority of insured and uninsured individuals suffering from untreated mental health disorders mention cost as the primary reason that they do not use or seek mental health treatment. This is due in part to unequal health insurance coverage for mental health services, which results in significant cost-shifting from private insure to individuals.

As a former social worker, I personally know untreated mental illness is associated with a number of societal problems. Such as, higher rates of unemployment, crime and increased welfare cost.

Parity for mental health is needed because, left on their own very few employers would offer mental health benefits at a level that is equal to medical and surgical benefits in their group health plan.

Mental health is a serious issue facing many Americans. The goal of H.R. 4848 is to make sure everyone gets effective quality treatment for mental illness. In order for that to happen, mental illness needs to be treated just like other surgical and medical treatments.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise here today to recognize the designation of Fort Davis, Texas, as one of the locations listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2008 Dozen Distinct Destinations. Making it only the forth locality ever in Texas to receive this distinction.

For the past eight years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has produced an annual list of twelve communities throughout the United States that provide visitors with unique experiences that bring to life the richness and diversity of America's cultural and historical heritage. This year, the organization has recognized Fort Davis, Texas, one of the many historic communities in my congressional district, as a place of distinction because of its exceptional character and history.

From 1854 to 1891, troops stationed at the post protected emigrants, freighters, mail coaches, and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road. Because Fort Davis is one of the best remaining examples of a frontier military post in the American Southwest, this community serves as a vivid reminder of the significant role played by the military in the settlement and development of the western frontier.

Through great effort and a true devotion, the residents of Fort Davis have worked hard to preserve its historic, cultural, and scenic uniqueness. Aside from undertaking important restoration projects, members of the community preserve Fort Davis' culture through reenactments of life during the 19th century on the western frontier. In so preserving its character and by protecting its serene landscape, visitors from all over can enjoy and learn about the history of Fort Davis in a truly realistic and dynamic environment that is sure to make an indelible impression.

I thank the National Trust for Historic Preservation for honoring Fort Davis this year, and I further extend my gratitude and congratulations to the community of Fort Davis for its dedication to preserving its historic fabric and spirit.

Mr. Speaker, today I stand before you offering my generous support for the commemoration of H. Res. 942, recognizing the significance of Black History Month. This is a month to honor the tremendous strides and achievements made by numerous African-American leaders and activists, and to signify our continued celebration of diversity in the United States. I urge all Americans to use this month as an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments made by past African-American leaders while continuing to work for the advancement of racial equality.

The enormous contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois and other notable leaders in the African-American community have championed improved race relations and equality. We must also highlight the achievements made by a host of prominent African-Americans in other fields such as the arts, athletics, politics, and academia.

This year's theme, ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism,'' honors the founder of Black History Month and applauds his commitment to the preservation of African-American history. Woodson was instrumental in popularizing the role the African- American community has played in enriching the history of the United States. His mission and legacy is one our country must uphold while continuing to inspire future generations to embrace diversity and equality.

Again, I would like to express my support for the significance of February 2008 as Black History Month. Let the following month serve as a reminder of our indebtedness to those leaders possessing the courage to combat injustice. They have completed the ultimate service not only for the African-American community in the United States but for all citizens.

Madam Speaker, today I stand supporting the passage of H. Res 832. This legislation recognizes the Texas Water Development Board for receiving the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Performance and Innovation Award. The award recognizes states that have been the most innovative and effective in advancing EPA's goals of performance and protection through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program. The award is given to one State in each of the ten EPA regions.

The ten State programs were nominated by the regional offices based upon the following criteria: pace level greater than 80 percent, audit with no serious programmatic or financial problems, outstanding performance in at least two of the following areas: better management practices, full-cost pricing, efficient water use, watershed approach, creative use of technologies, leveraging practices, innovative partnerships, innovative lending practices, and effective outreach.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) was region six award winner because of its support of water efficiency through water reuse and conservation. One of its major accomplishment in 2007 was a $10.7 million Northwest Water Reuse Initiative consisting of a five-phase project in El Paso County to deliver treated wastewater for reuse to irrigators, industries, and homeowners from El Paso's Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant.

I would like to thank TWDB for their work with the Uvalde County Underground Water Conservation District to institute well metering on wells of a number of irrigators using groundwater from formations other than the Edwards Aquifer. The District will use the TWDB grant and local funds to purchase and install 80-90 meters.

The TWDB continues is goals of assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state Water Plan for the development of the state's water resources, and administering cost-effective financial programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control and agricultural water conservation projects. For being the recipient of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Performance and Innovation Award, I recognize Texas Water Development Board on this day.

Madam Speaker, because I was unavoidably detained, I was unable to cast a vote on rollcall 28. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Final Passage of H.R. 1528.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise here today to recognize the efforts of Ms. Nicole Schwartz to promote a ``Bill of Rights for Diabetics.''

Ms. Schwartz is an exemplary young woman whose passion to fight diabetes is leaving an indelible mark in our community. By

taking it upon herself to raise awareness of this devastating disease among the people most vulnerable to it, she is setting an important example of how civic engagement can change the lives of our fellow community members. She has actively engaged policy makers at the local, State and Federal level as well as prominent civic organizations to further awareness.

For example, in partnering with the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Ms. Schwartz organized a health fair to share important resources and information about diabetes with at-risk San Antonians. She also volunteers her time at the Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in order to learn more about the disease and distribute her knowledge to patients through a newsletter she created.

Without question, her dedication and persistence have proven essential in educating her colleagues and community. These two personal qualities also played a role in her efforts to encourage organizations like LULAC to adopt her Bill of Rights for Diabetics. The Bill of Rights echoes the 2007 ADA Standards of Care and includes the six following exams: a hemoglobin/A1c test; a lipid evaluation; blood pressure checks; a microalbumin test; a dilated and comprehensive eye examination; and a barefoot exam.

Ms. Schwartz shares a passion for learning more about diabetes with her father, Dr. Sherwin Schwartz, who built one of the largest diabetes research facilities in the country. Only a junior at St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio, Ms. Schwartz has the potential to achieve much more and hopes to pursue a degree at Georgetown University.

As a Member of Congress who represents the Texas-Mexico Border, a region with one of the highest incidences of diabetes in the world, I am acutely aware of the impact of diabetes and the other health problems associated with it. Young people such as Ms. Schwartz are invaluable partners in bettering our communities, and I thank her for her efforts.

It is with great pride that I recognize Ms. Schwartz as an exemplary young leader in the San Antonio community, and I wish her continued success in raising awareness about this devastating disease.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the historic 100 year anniversary of the founding of Crystal City in Zavala County in the great State of Texas.

In 1907, two land developers, Carl F. Groos and E.J. Buckingham, set about developing this town on the site of the 10,000-acre Cross S Ranch, which they purchased in 1905. In 1908 the arrival of a railroad set the foundation for the city's development as a processing, packing, and shipping center for vegetables, and in particular the locally grown spinach.

Originally named for its crystal clear artesian wells, today Crystal City is known as the ``Spinach Capital of the World.'' Texas Governor James V. Alfred bestowed the title on the city after the First Annual Spinach Festival was held there in 1936. Staking claim to its spinach status, Crystal City is also home to a larger than life statue of Elzie C. Segar's Popeye. The well known sailor that is ``strong to the finish `cause he still eats his spinach'' also serves as the Annual Spinach Festival mascot. Crystal City's landmark Popeye statue was erected in 1937 and dedicated ``To All the World's Children.''

The Spinach Festival centers on the agricultural heritage of the region and is held every second weekend in November. The three day festival attracts over 60,000 people to Crystal City and celebrates the production and consumption of spinach. Throughout its history, the festival has been recognized in issues of National Geographic, Texas Highway, and Texas Monthly magazines, and by the publishers of the Special Event Industry and Event Business News. In 1945 the California Packing Corporation, later the Del Monte Corporation, built an extensive canning plant just northwest of Crystal City.

Today, Crystal City still serves as the center for Texas's ``Winter Garden'' region, an area named for its year-round production of vegetables by irrigation.

This community of over 7,000 people has a historically significant past. During World War II, Crystal City was home to the largest alien internment camp housing American civilians of German, Italian and Japanese ancestry. On November 1, 1947, more than two years after the end of World War II, the Crystal City internment camp was formally closed.

In the 1960s, Crystal City was also at the center of the beginning of the Mexican-American civil rights movement. In 1969, a conflict arising from the ethnicity of cheerleaders resulted in 200 Mexican-American students staging a walk-out from the high school, that soon spread to the middle and elementary schools. The U.S. Department of Justice became involved in the dispute and ultimately negotiated a settlement that paved the way for bilingual education and better testing programs.

Crystal City's rich--and sometimes turbulent--past has made it what it is today, a shining example of a truly American community.

I am proud to represent the people of Crystal City and to recognize the city upon its 100th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize an outstanding individual in my district. Recently, Mike Flynt, at age 59, became the second oldest athlete to participate in NCAA collegiate football. Mr. Flynt is a linebacker for the Sul Ross State University Lobos and has exemplified himself as a team leader and an inspiration to the younger players on the team. This weekend marks the final game of the season for the Sul Ross Lobos and I would like to congratulate the team on a great season and to Mike for providing leadership and inspiration that certainly contributed to the team's success.

Mike Flynt is not only an inspiration on the football field; he is also an expert in physical fitness. He is a certified Master of Fitness Sciences and a youth fitness trainer. He has worked as a fitness and conditioning specialist at the Universities of Nebraska, Oregon and Texas A&M. Mr. Flynt is also the inventor of a portable gym system that received a government patent and also a founding member of the international Strength and Conditioning Association.

Across the Nation, people have heard the story of Mike Flynt. He has received countless e-mails and letters congratulating him on his accomplishments. His popularity has also drawn donations to the University in order to fund scholarships and to purchase needed athletic equipment.

Because of this impact, I have asked President Bush to appoint Mr. Flynt to the Council of Physical Fitness and Sports. He would be a perfect candidate to serve on the council due to his lifelong commitment to health and fitness. He would serve as an inspiration to people of all ages and would be a wonderful addition to the Council.

I would like to reiterate my amazement at the accomplishments of Mike Flynt. I recognize him today for being an inspiration to his community and to the Nation. We should keep the story of Mike Flynt in mind and remember that age should not be a barrier to our dreams.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3867, Small Business Contracting Procurement Improvements Act of 2007.

Among the many improvements, this bill modernizes programs to increases opportunity to disadvantaged businesses that do not have proper access to the $410 billion federal marketplace.

This bill expands procurement opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; a group that currently receives only a small fraction of their contracting goal. Further, it creates penalties for misrepresentation of a service-disabled veteran owned business classification and adopts a roadmap for providing information, advice and training to service-disabled veterans as prescribed by President. Finally, it provides discretion to contracting officers in cases that must now be set aside for HUBZones but that could be used for service- disable veteran-owned businesses.

Additionally, the bill modernizes the 8(a) Business Development Program. This program is to single most important vehicle for minority business participation in federal contracting. The 8(a) program has contributed to the development of over 20,000 firms including many in Texas over the past two decades, and these firms have received almost $100 billion in federal contracts.

Over 9,000 firms are currently participating in the 8(a) program. More than half of all federal minority business contracting is accomplished through the 8(a) program. Despite these impressive statistics, the program has not been revamped since 1988.

Earlier this year, I joined my colleague Rep. Silvestre Reyes in sponsoring H.R. 1611, the 8(a) Modernization Act which was incorporated into this legislation.

I would like to thank the Chairwoman, Ms. Nydia Velazquez for her work not only for this legislation but also her long time advocacy for our Nation's small businesses.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.