Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, first of all, I want to thank Chairman Mica and Ranking Member Rahall for their work in bringing the FAA bill to the floor; but I particularly want to thank Mr. Costello because, without his leadership and working this bill through for many years, we would not have a bill on the floor. The public really owes you a great debt of gratitude, and I want to thank you.

I think the aviation community deserves a long-term aviation bill so they can plan for the future needs of the traveling public. We have had 23 extensions already, and it's really time to send a bill to the President, but this is not a perfect bill. And I don't support the labor compromises in this bill, and I don't believe it should have been in the aviation bill in the first place; but our airports, airlines, and passengers have waited too long for these important safety provisions.

My home State of Florida relies on air service to support our tourist-based economy. We have 20 primary airports, 22 reliever airports, and 57 general aviation airports, with our top three airports generating close to 45 million enplanements per year. These airports help create jobs and grow the economy.

And I've really got to say that if we don't pass this, there probably will not be any opportunities for people to work in transportation, because the piece that we passed at 3 o'clock this morning out of the Transportation Committee is the worst bill I have seen in the 30 years I've been elected. I've been in transportation 10 years in the Florida house and close to 20 here, and it was truly the worst bill I have ever seen.

When people from California went into the bill and took almost $1 billion from the people from California, people from Houston took it, not only taking the safety of the public, I mean taking the transportation dollars and doing away with all of the regulations.

It is truly a sad day for transportation, and this will probably be our only work product because Members come to the floor, and they rail about the Senate. Well, let me tell you something. The Senate doesn't have to take up our bad work. In fact, this bill, this transportation bill, should be dead on arrival when it gets to the Senate.

I will do all I can to continue to work to put people to work and work for making sure that we have a transportation and infrastructure bill that will really put people to work; because we know, for every billion dollars we spend, it generates 44,000 jobs.

This is truly the worst bill I've ever seen.

Mr. Speaker, as the representative of Florida's third congressional district, I would like to commend Captain Jeffrey Maclay for the outstanding service he provided for NAS-Jax during his tenure as Commanding Officer. The importance of Naval Air Station- Jacksonville, both for our area's residents, as well as our Nation's national defense, cannot be overstated, and Captain Maclay performed a remarkable job as a leader in this post.

Captain Maclay, a native of New Bedford, Mass., graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in May 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in civil engineering, and during his six Seahawk deployments, accumulated more than 3,800 flight hours in the SH-3H Sea King and SH- 60F/HH-60H.

His fleet assignments include tours with HS-2 and HS-14, Carrier Air Wing Two and USS Kearsarge (LDH-3). Captain Maclay also served as executive officer aboard HS-2 while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After ``fleeting up'' as commanding officer, his squadron earned the Arnold J. Isbell Award for Undersea Warfare excellence and the Arleigh Burke Award for warfighting excellence. He can also boast of shore tours, which included the Joint Staff (J-7, Operational Plans and Joint Force Development) as a strategic planner, the OPNAV staff (N51 Strategy and Policy) as an operations analyst, and HS-10 (Fleet Replacement Squadron) as a flight instructor.

A graduate of the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Ala., he also attended Auburn University, and earned a Masters Degree with a distinction in political science. He also completed a one-year Federal Executive Fellowship at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC.

Under Captain Maclay's leadership, NAS-Jax was chosen the winner of the 2011 Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award. In the words of Captain Maclay, ``this (was) an award that reflected the hard work by all who help NAS- Jax deliver the most effective and efficient readiness from the shore.'' And throughout 2011, NAS-Jax served as the premier installation for delivering effective, sustained and improved shore readiness to its 15 home based squadrons, sailors and civilian personnel, as well as supporting numerous joint commands, government agencies and carrier readiness sustainment exercises.

I wish Captain Maclay the best of success in his future endeavors, and, like all Jacksonville area residents, am honored to have had him serve as NAS-Jacksonville's Commanding Officer.

Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the Faith-Based Lending Protection Act of 2011. The bill modifies the Federal Credit Union Act to make it easier for credit unions to lend money to ministries. Specifically, the bill exempts loans to nonprofit religious organizations from the Credit Union Act's caps on the volume of loans credit unions can make to businesses.

Mr. Speaker, many churches are in crises because they cannot get access to credit. In 2006, only two churches in the United States lost their buildings to foreclosure or short sale. Last year the number grew to 95.

Like many homeowners, they took out loans when times were good, but now their income has dropped and they need to refinance. Some have balloon payments that would be impossible to pay even in the best of times. The trouble is that many lenders do not want to do business with churches. Credit unions are in an excellent position to help. Credit unions get capital from their members and loan it to their members all of whom share a common bond. They know how to keep money in their communities and they want to do more. This bill will let them.

This non-partisan language has passed the House several times-- sometimes on a voice vote. Now is the time to make it law. Churches cannot wait.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H.R. 2845, the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011.

I want to thank Chairmen Mica and Shuster and Ranking Member Rahall for their bipartisan effort in bringing a good bill to the Floor today that will truly improve the safety of our nation's pipeline systems and the communities they serve.

Bipartisan bills are not easy to come by these days in Washington, and I'm proud to say that we worked with both sides on the Energy & Commerce Committee and our counterparts in the Senate to develop a compromise bill. This legislation accomplishes our goal of improving safety and education without limiting the industry's ability to serve its customers.

Our Subcommittee held numerous hearings over the last two Congresses with all the stakeholders in the pipeline industry to see what we could be doing better to detect and prevent spills. Our strong oversight of PHMSA and the pipeline industry helped develop the bill we have on the floor today.

This legislation makes numerous positive changes to the regulation of the pipeline industry and addresses many of the problems we've discovered with recent devastating spills.

The Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 makes major improvements to pipeline safety by increasing penalties for safety violations, mandating new shut-off valve installation for all new and repaired pipes, limiting exemptions to call before you dig requirements, updating the national pipeline mapping system, evaluating current integrity management plans, providing important pipeline information to the public free of charge, training state and local government personnel, adding ten PHMSA inspectors, and studying pipeline permitting, transporting non- hazardous liquids, and the integrity of cast iron gas pipelines.

As we continue to debate the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, implementation of this legislation will help ensure that the construction and operation of this new pipeline will be held to the highest safety standards.

This legislation is government at its best. It was developed in a bipartisan manner through comprehensive committee hearings and oversight, and close collaboration with the industry and other stakeholders, including states and advocacy groups.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the January 1, 2012 merger of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).

These two great unions, with railroad roots, are on pace to become one strong voice for hundreds of thousands of middle-class working men and women across our great nation.

It was in 1888 that 19 Machinists meeting in a locomotive pit in Atlanta, Georgia formed what is now the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, commonly known as the ``Fighting Machinists''.

Today's TCU is one union made of many. At its core is the Union founded in 1899, which became the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks. Then in 1919 the name expanded, becoming the Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station Employees. To further reflect the diversity of the union's membership, the delegates at the 1987 Convention voted to become the Transportation Communications International Union (TCU).

TCU, joining the ranks of the Machinists, makes its membership and the labor movement that much stronger. Both of these unions are constantly fighting for the dignity, welfare and prosperity of their members. Workers are the foundation of our nation; they drive our economy and our country forward. TCU and the IAM understand the values of hard work, faith, family and community--they are the keys of success. These four pillars are what make TCU and IAM stronger.

This merger not only unites two unions but two dedicated union presidents as well. The determination of these two men to fight for the rights for fair wages and working conditions for everyone has its roots in Tom Buffenbarger, who started out as a journeyman tool and die maker at GE's jet engine plant in Evendale, Ohio. In 1997 he was the youngest IAM President in its history. And Bob Scardelletti, a life-long railroader, started out as a yard clerk in Cleveland with the New York Central Railroad in 1967; in 1971 took on his first union position and by 1991 was elected president and has been re-elected by acclamation four times.

TCU and IAM were fundamental in building the American middle-class, and have a vital role today in preserving the American dream for working families. Their unions were unified by a common purpose: to do the very best they can--every single day--for the members they serve. The TCU/IAM merger now creates a powerful force representing close to a million active and retired Americans. Their combined strength will provide leadership throughout the labor movement; particularly, the transportation industry. TCU/IAM is now one of the largest rail unions in the United States.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this historic merger for the betterment of the hard-working middle-class men and women of our country.

Mr. Speaker, today, along with 33 minority Members of Congress, I am introducing critical legislation that will address the lack of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Including Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) language in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill will ensure that minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses are getting their fair share of federal transportation dollars. Federal transportation spending has historically served as a crucial means of empowering socially disadvantaged businesses. Thanks to the efforts of the Black, Hispanic, and Asian-Pacific Congressional Caucus' and a bipartisan group of Members on the House Transportation Committee, every major transportation bill since 1983 has mandated minimum levels of participation by minority and/or women owned companies.

Unfortunately, because the Federal Railroad Administration has not historically been a significant grant-making agency, it is not currently authorized to require opportunities for disadvantaged businesses. Without this authority, the FRA is limited in their ability to ensure that disadvantaged businesses are provided an even playing field.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Ranking Member for the time to speak on this horrible legislation. The supposed reason for bringing up this amendment is because this country has taken on a horrible debt over the last 12 years.

Let us not forget how we got in this mess. Institutional memory is in order. When you have your head in the lion's mouth, you ease it out. What happened? How did we get here? When President Clinton left, we were operating with a surplus. But we had 8 years of Bush and two wars and a deficit of $1.3 trillion.

Do you think this mess started when President Obama was elected? No, it did not.

We have been practicing what I call reverse Robin Hood for 10 years. Nobody remembers what happened here just last December? We gave $800 billion to not just millionaires, but to billionaires and now you complain that we are broke.

It is all about your priorities.

Under this balanced budget amendment, elderly citizens are not a priority. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security would have to compete against all other federal spending. A balanced budget would require Congress to cut all programs by an average of 17.3 percent by 2018. If spending cuts are spread proportionately, Medicare would be cut by about $750 billion, Social Security by almost $1.2 trillion, and veterans' benefits by $85 billion.

Transportation infrastructure is not a priority. We know for every billion dollars that we spend, it generates 44,000 permanent jobs. Without transportation infrastructure, we cannot compete on a global level. While private businesses and households borrow all the time to finance capital spending, a balanced budget amendment would prevent federal borrowing to finance any investment expenditures.

Our priorities are out of whack when we cannot agree to protect those who need our help the most: the poor, the working class and the sick.

I am hoping that the American people will wake up. It is shameful that over and over again in the people's House, in the people's House, we attack the people who do not have lobbyists on Capitol Hill. And so I yield back the balance of my time, but I do know that elections have consequences. The American people are watching you.

Do not support this sham of a policy.

Vote no on the Balanced Budget Amendment.

First of all, I want to thank you, Mr. Filner, for all the service that you've done for the veterans throughout the years. And of course I want to thank the chairman from Florida for your work in bringing this legislation to the floor. It's very important to the veterans.

This legislation affects the benefits of all veterans by raising the compensation they receive to allow them to continue to buy the products they need to live. It is important to pass this bill as a clean bill for those who have made sacrifices to protect the freedoms we hold most dear and do not suffer in these tough economic times.

In the words of the first President of the United States, George Washington: ``The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.''

As we go to Veterans Day--that's coming up November 11--I want to thank all of the veterans for their service.

God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, as I begin my remarks, I would like to acknowledge that many of the Montford Point Marines are here visiting us today in the Capitol. This is a picture of the Montford Point Marines.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on this great day for the Montford Point Marines. Today the House of Representatives will pass a resolution giving these marines their long-overdue recognition. I am pleased to join with so many of my colleagues, now 308, to support a resolution to grant the Montford Point Marines a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed for an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States.

Since 1775, the United States Marine Corps has served our country in peace and war. Today the Marine Corps still serves the Nation as a force in readiness, prepared to serve whenever the Nation calls. It is befitting that as we celebrate on November 10 the 236th birthday of the Marine Corps, that we highlight and honor the Montford Point Marines.

On June 25, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued executive order 8802, opening the doors for the very first African Americans to enlist

in the United States Marines. From 1942 to 1949, 20,000 African Americans enlisted in the Marine Corps in a time of war when the military services were resistant to integration.

These African Americans, from all States, were not sent to the traditional boot camps in Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, California. Instead, African American Marines were segregated, experiencing basic training at Camp Montford Point near the New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Years before Jackie Robinson and decades before Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., these heroes joined the Marines to defend their country and do their job.

One specific marine is worth singling out. Gilbert ``Hashmark'' Johnson was one of the first African American marine drill instructors at Montford Point in 1943. He exemplified the work ethic and toughness that it took to be a Montford Point Marine.

Born in rural Alabama, Johnson attended Stillman College in 1922, but enlisted in the Army after 1 year at school. After 6 years in the Army, he tried civilian life for 4 years but enlisted in the Navy in 1933. When he heard about executive order 8802, he immediately requested transfer from the Navy to the Marines.

When this occurred, his nickname of Hashmark was secured, having more service stripes than rank stripes. After service as sergeant major at Montford Point, Hashmark went on to serve as sergeant major of the 52nd Defense Battalion in Guam. While serving in Guam with the battalion during World War II, he found black marines were being assigned to labor details rather than combat patrols, from which they were currently exempt. Once he got the commanding officer to reverse this decision, he personally led 25 separate excursions into the jungle.

Hashmark went on to serve in Korea and eventually retired in 1959 with 32 years of service, 17 with the Marines. After his death in 1972, the Marine Corps paid tribute to this great warrior and leader by naming the camp in his honor, Camp Gilbert H. Johnson. In July of 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued executive order 9981 ending segregation in the military; and in September of 1949, Montford Point Marine Camp was deactivated, ending 7 years of segregation.

General James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, has stated it is the responsibility of the Marine Corps and this Congress to honor these men who suffered through racism and segregation here in this country. I am honored to offer this resolution to recognize their service and sacrifice and acknowledge today the United States Marine Corps is an excellent opportunity for advancement for all races due to the service and example of these original Montford Point Marines.

I want to thank the many Members who helped to bring this resolution to the floor. Financial Services Chairman Spencer Bachus, whose son serves in the Marines, was especially helpful, and Sanford Bishop, Ander Crenshaw and Allen West, so many Members, over 308 sponsors and the leadership of both parties. This is an example of what we can do when we work together. I am just very excited about what we are doing here today.

I want to end by saying--and I'm not very good at this--oohrah, honoring these men of Montford Point.

This is, like I said, a great day and a wonderful bipartisan example of what we can do when we work together.

April 5, 2011.

Hon. Corrine Brown,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Congresswoman Brown: On behalf of the Marine Corps, I

respectfully request your support of legislation to award the

Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines for

their service during World War II.

At a time when the Services were resistant to integration,

approximately 20,000 African-Americans enlisted in the Marine

Corps, choosing to put their lives on the line in order to be

accepted and recognized as fully fledged citizens by this

great Nation. Subsequent to undergoing segregated basic

training at Montford Point Camp, North Carolina, many of

these Marines fought and died for their Country in the

Pacific during World War II. Montford Point Marines served

with distinction in three of the bloodiest battles in the

Pacific--Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The Montford Point

Marines fought with such tenacity, valor, and distinction

that the Commandant at the time was moved to declare, ``The

Negro Marines are no longer on trial. They are Marines,

period'' Their actions reflected the finest attributes of the

``leatherneck'' fighting spirit and blazed the trail for

generations of African-Americans in the Marine Corps.

We believe the service, sacrifice and patriotism of the

Montford Point Marines is due the same special recognition

that Congress has already afforded the first African-American

servicemen of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Like them, the

Montford Point Marines enlisted in the military and defended

a society that enjoyed freedoms they did not share. The

combat service of these Americans advanced the cause of civil

rights and contributed, in large measure, to President

Truman's decision to order the desegregation of the Armed

Forces in 1948.

Given their meritorious service and patriotism in a society

that was slow to accept their value, the time is now to award

the Congressional Gold Medal.

Very Respectfully,

James F. Amos,

General, U.S. Marine Corps,

Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 235th birthday for the Marines, I want Members to know that in the audience is the Montford Point Marines. November 10 will be 235 years for the Marines. We are paying a special tribute today to the Montford Point Marines. They are in the House today, they are in the gallery, and I would like the men and women of this body to give them a standing ovation for their service to the United States. We thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say, this is one of the greatest bipartisan efforts, Mr. Bachus and both sides of the aisle and the leadership. I wish I could say what they say--y'all help me--ooh rah! Anyway, let's pass this bill.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2594, a bill that would protect U.S. airlines, their employees and their passengers from the European Union's plan to unfairly charge U.S. airlines for emissions in U.S. air space.

President Obama has taken a strong stand against the EU emissions trading scheme scam on the grounds that it is inconsistent with international aviation law and practice. Additionally, airlines and labor groups oppose it because it would impose new and unjustifiable costs on the industry and destroy American jobs.

Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. Working through the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United States has committed to find a global solution to address aviation emissions based on agreement and cooperation.

However, the EU has decided to move forward with a go-it-alone approach that is contrary to international law and violates U.S. sovereignty by charging U.S. airlines for all emissions from flights between the United States and Europe, even the portion of flights over our own air space, and return the revenue to European countries without any specific assurances regarding how the revenue will be used. That is unacceptable.

This bill will protect U.S. airlines from unjust liability under the EU's emissions trading system. It sends a strong message from Congress that we do not support what the EU is doing, for a variety of reasons.

The United States is far from alone in expressing strong opposition to the EU's proposal. Last month, 25 other countries joined the United States in signing a joint declaration in India that calls upon the EU not to impose the emissions trading system on non-European airlines, and that urges EU member countries to instead address aviation emissions from ICAO, where progress already is being made.

The United States and other international partners stand ready and willing to work to address this issue constructively through the proper international framework.

We rightfully expect both governments and airlines to be good stewards of the environment and do everything possible to reduce harmful carbon emissions. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration and the airline industry have invested billions of dollars in NextGen air traffic upgrades, and the FAA plans to reduce emissions by 2 percent a year through these improvements. Further, U.S. airlines improved fuel efficiency by approximately 110 percent since 1978. From 2000 to 2009, U.S. carriers reduced fuel burn and carbon emissions by 15 percent, while carrying 7 percent more passengers and cargo.

At meetings last week, I, along with Chairman Mica and several other members of the committee, met with European Union representatives to express our willingness to work with our friends to come to a more equitable solution to this problem, and I believe the meetings were very productive. But we also made it quite clear that the EU's my-way- or-the-highway approach was totally unacceptable, and we will take every action necessary to prevent the implementation of these unnecessary and dangerous taxes. And we made it clear that the Congress will stand up and defend the sovereignty of the United States.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden).

Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining on both sides?

I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey).

I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman).

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

When I was growing up, I used to like this program with Sergeant Joe Friday, and he would say, ``The facts, ma'am; just the facts.''

I have a few facts about the European Union's emissions trade scheme--or scam--or whatever you want to call it. The U.S. airlines would be required to pay for carbon allowances for all segments of flights between the United States and Europe. For example, on a flight from Los Angeles to a European city, an airline would be liable for emissions over the U.S., Canada, and international waters. Two, fees for carbon allowance under the system would be paid directly to EU's member states without obligation to use them to mitigate aviation emissions impacts. The EU tax violates U.S. sovereignty by imposing liability on U.S. airlines for operations in the U.S. National Airspace System. Additionally, President Obama's administration testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure that the EU's tax is inconsistent with international aviation law.

In closing, I want to thank Chairman Mica, all of the Members that went with us to talk to our partners across the water in Canada, and Ranking Member Rahall for bringing this bill to the floor. I would encourage my colleagues to protect the U.S. airlines, U.S. customers, and U.S. jobs, and support this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

God bless America.

Today I would like to give a special thanks to the many branches of government for their service, military, but particularly to the Marines.

And today the Montford Point Marines are visiting with us in the Capitol. And many years before Jackie Robinson and decades before Rosa Parks, these heroes joined the Marines to defend their country and do their jobs. I applaud them for their commitment.

Tomorrow, the House will debate and vote to send this resolution to the Senate in time for the Marines' 236th birthday on November 10. When the commandant and I discussed what do you do when failure is not an option, we agreed, you get it done. We will pass this bill in the House.

I want to thank all of my colleagues. You can still sign on to the bill. You have until the end of tomorrow. You want to be a part of making history.

I want to once again thank the Montford Point Marines for their service, and God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce legislation that makes significant improvements to the Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Program (RRIF). The RRIF program can help railroads, shippers, and states meet their rail infrastructure investment needs. But we are not taking full advantage of the program.

I meet with railroads and others that tell me--time and again--how difficult the application process is to navigate; how time consuming it is; how expensive and cumbersome it is, how they can't use studies from other DOT agencies; and, in the end, many of them tell me: It's just not worth it! Well we need to do better.

The draft Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 made significant changes to the RRIF program, which I proposed. The bill authorized the Secretary to: (1) reduce the interest to be paid on direct loans provided to railroads, State and local governments, and eligible entities for the sole purpose of installing positive train control (PTC) systems; (2) allow applicants to use private insurance, including bond insurance, in lieu of a credit risk premium; and (3) allow applicants to pay the credit risk premium over the life of the loan. The draft bill also authorized appropriations to assist the Secretary in reducing the interest rates for loans used for installing

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2433, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011.

I commend Chairman Miller for introducing legislation to allow veterans to receive retraining assistance. However, with unemployment of veterans at an all time high, and those coming back from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan not having jobs, I don't understand the reasoning of limiting the age of eligibility to those between 35 and 60.

I also don't understand the funding mechanism for the program. In this time of budget tightening, and a refusal to discuss tax increases for any issue, this bill taxes veterans with higher interest rates to pay for more government programs. This legislation doubles

the interest rates veterans for housing loans. The new lower rates went into effect on October 1, and I am sure in these tough economic times our veterans can use the estimated $1.6 billion dollars this change in law will cost them.

The Veterans Home Loan Program is one of the homeowner programs that works in this country. The foreclosure rate is much lower than anything in the private sector and I don't think changing this program will do anyone any good.

I cannot agree with balancing the budget on the backs of our veterans.

I cannot support this legislation as it is currently written.

Mr. Speaker, Frances Reeves Jollivette Chambers, warmly known as Fran, was born on November 13, 1921 in Overtown. She was the sixth of five surviving children born to The Miami Times Founder, the late Henry E.S. Reeves and Rachel Jane Cooper Reeves, who had emigrated in April 1919 from Nassau, Bahamas, to Miami. She wed Cyrus M. Jollivette, Sr., in December 1942. Widowed in January 1960, she wed James R. Chambers in July 1963; he died in June 2000. Her daughters are Miamians Regina Jollivette Frazier and Cleo Leontine Jollivette; her son, Cyrus M. Jollivette, resides in Mandarin, Florida. She is blessed with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High in 1938, Chambers was awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Bennett College in 1942 and the Master of Arts degree from New York University in 1959. She later studied at the University of Miami and University of Florida and Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, and Barry universities, amassing more post graduate credits than are required for the doctoral degree. She taught and guided generations of students at Dunbar Elementary, Miami Jackson Senior High, COPE Center North, and Holmes Elementary before retiring from the Dade County Public Schools in July 1979 after more than 37 years as a teacher, reading specialist, counselor, and principal.

Hers has been a lifetime of involvement. In the 1950s she was a volunteer for the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association. In the 1960s she was JESCA board chair, a board member of Senior Centers of Dade County and a member of the American Association of University Women. In the 1970s and 1980s she was a member of the Florida State Board of Optometry and the League of Women Voters. As a retiree in the 1990s she continued her community volunteerism and also traveled the world visiting more than 50 countries and six continents. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the NAACP, a platinum member of The Links, Inc., and a charter member and past president of the MRS Club, a six-decades-old group of friends. At Incarnation Episcopal Church she is a member of Daughters of the King.

In a far different world almost three decades ago she conceived, developed, and implemented the research plan to publish a book to record, preserve, and transmit the history of Miami's black pioneers. Her goal was to help assure that future generations could appreciate the long and difficult road so many Pioneer Miamians had traveled.

Her vision has been realized. The 120-page hard bound coffee table book, Linkages & Legacies, is being published in March 2010 by The Links, Inc., Greater Miami Chapter, through the non-profit Linkages and Legacies, Inc. The publication--a gift to the community--was made possible because so many gave so much and demonstrated the resolve to complete the project even though Chambers could no longer lead nor participate in the effort. It is because of her concept for the book that the AT&T African-American History Calendar was created 17 years ago. In 2010 Fran Chambers is recognized for her vision to help preserve and transmit our history for generations to come.

Since 2000, Fran Chambers has been afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and cared for at her home.