Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule and the underlying bill, and I want to thank the gentlelady from Maine for yielding time.

All of us know that small businesses have been the backbone of the American economy. All of us know businesses that started as single individuals, single family, using their creativity, developing opportunities for not only themselves but for others.

The basic thing that small businesses need right now is access to capital, lines of credit, the opportunity to grow and expand. This bill provides exactly that. And I know that there are thousands of small businesses in my State and in my community simply waiting so that they can go to a bank and get the line of credit that they need, get the small business loan that they must have.

It's a good bill, a strong bill. I urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Carson) for yielding time. I also want to commend my good friend Representative Holt from New Jersey and the Senator from my State, Senator Durbin, for the work that they have done in advancing this recognition and advancing this legislation. I don't think that there is any doubt in anybody's mind that Professor Yunus is deserving of such an honor. But it's not really just about honoring Professor Yunus. It's really about advancing the concept that he created, microlending, that not only has been a boon to underdeveloped nations, some of the millions of people who live in poverty each and every day of their lives wondering how they're going to be able to etch their way out of it; but we also see it in our country, in the United States of America, where just today we increased the limits on our microlending program through the Small Business Administration in the bill that we passed earlier from $35,000 to $50,000.

I grew up in rural America, where if an individual could gather a thousand dollars, they could purchase themselves a load of vegetables, and rather than just having a few to get rid of, they really could get rid of quite a few. There is a woman in the basement of the building where my district office is located. She operates a small belt-making, jewelry-making shop. Five thousand dollars was enough to get her started and now she actually has a thriving business where she earns a living and employs two or three other people. Not far from where I live is the number one shoeshine shop in America. As a matter of fact, it's called Shine King. It's no bigger than just a little opening. But the man who started it actually started shining shoes with a kit on the streets and now, of course, he's part owner of the bank around the corner, he owns real estate, he is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He provides training and work opportunities for young boys. As a matter of fact, the famed basketball player, Isiah Thomas, used to shine shoes in his shop.

And so microlending is actually the beginning for millions of people. I join with my colleagues in honoring Dr. Yunus, again commend all of them for advancing this legislation, look forward to its passage but look more forward to greater utilization of the microlending concept as a part of the American economy.

Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge and recognize National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

Madam Speaker, the use and abuse of illegal, illicit, and contraband drugs is one of the most challenging and difficult problems facing America. Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month brings attention to the broad group of people affected by alcohol and drug abuse and how recovery truly helps people who struggle with substance abuse problems.

The 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that just over 22 million Americans, or 9 percent of the population aged 12 or older, were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year. This rate has remained fairly stable since 2002. Approximately 57 percent of persons who are dependent on drugs were dependent on marijuana, with about 25 percent dependent on pain relievers and 23 percent dependent on cocaine.

Although men and women aged 12 to 17 have similar rates of drug dependence, for individuals older than 18, the rate of substance dependence or abuse was about twice as high for men compared to women. Racial/ethnic groups reported similar rates of dependence or abuse, except Asian Americans reported lower rates of dependence and abuse.

Substance dependence or abuse varies by region of the country, with the Midwest, 10 percent, having a higher rate than the South, 8.7 percent, and the Northeast, 8.1 percent, but a similar rate to the West, 9.2 percent.

Rates for substance dependence or abuse among persons aged 12 or older in 2007 also varied by county type, with small metropolitan counties, 9.4 percent, having a significantly higher rate than nonmetropolitan counties, 8.3 percent, but a similar rate when compared with large metropolitan counties, 9.0 percent.

In Illinois, according to the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 780,000 Illinois citizens aged 12 or older reported illicit drug use, with 294,000 Illinoisans reporting drug dependence or abuse in the past year.

These data found that, for youth aged 12-17, approximately 104,000 Illinoisans reported past month use of an illicit drug.

Earlier in this decade, a survey in Chicago found that 800,000 individuals indicated that they used drugs, with 300,000 reporting themselves as hardcore drug users.

A 2010 study by the Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy found that the Chicago metropolitan region ranks among the worst in the nation for heroin use and problems associated with heroin use. Chicago had the most cases of people with heroin problems using emergency rooms in the Nation from 2004 to 2008, 50 percent more than were handled in New York City during the same period.

So I rise in essence to also commend those institutions and those individuals who are engaged in the treatment of substance abuse users, and I point out the Loretta Hospital, which is located in the congressional district where I live and work, I had the opportunity to attend on Monday of this week a great program composed of individuals who were substance abuse users, providers of care, the members of the police department, and I pointed out that the Chicago Police Department in that particular district has a commendable record of how they handle individuals that they come into contact with when they are inebriated, when they are suffering from alcoholism, when they might be found wandering on the street in states that require some intervention.

I also note that on Saturday, there will be at least 500 to 800 individuals involved in what we call Recovery Walk. That is individuals who are all addicted who will gather in a park for a rally and then walk to another park, pointing out the tremendous need for additional resources but also pointing out that treatment and recovery does in fact work.

So I want to commend all of the individuals who have suffered from substance abuse, alcohol and drug use, and have overcome their difficulties and are now leading meaningful and productive lives.

I also commend all of those who are involved in treatment who know that if they continue to believe, if they continue to hope, that they can overcome this difficulty.

Let me thank the manager for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the passage of legislation that created real estate investment trusts.

I happen to come from the City of Chicago. I represent downtown Chicago, and of course it is an investment opportunity, not only in Chicago but all over America, for individuals to make use of this opportunity. So, for the last 50 years, they have had that opportunity, and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and to develop. I appreciate the opportunity to say that I think real estate investment trusts are very important to the economy of our country, and I strongly support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to vote on this important bill that will provide critical aid to states and local governments. The House of Representatives twice has passed bills to provide federal assistance for education and health. I am pleased that we finally are able to deliver this desperately needed federal support to our constituents.

I support this legislation because it will provide essential assistance to Chicago, Illinois, and the nation. The Illinois Association of School Administrators estimates that Illinois will lose more than 20,000 education-related jobs for the upcoming school year. The State of Illinois anticipates receiving approximately $415 million to keep 5,700 teachers in the classroom. My congressional district is expected to receive approximately $36 million to keep 508 educators teaching my young constituents. This $415 million will provide a lifeline to local school districts with straining budgets to preserve some of these jobs, improving children's learning and the economic well-being of my state and the nation.

In addition to this vital education funding, this bill will provide $550 million to help cover 300,000 Illinoisans on Medicaid--preserving services, allowing timely payments to providers, and creating thousands of jobs. These are not theoretical numbers; to people in Chicago and Illinois, they are very real people who benefit. The beneficiaries are mothers, fathers, young adults, senior citizens, and children in Illinois. The beneficiaries are the teachers, firefighters, and police officers who will continue to work as educators and protectors of our communities. The beneficiaries are small businesses in the private sector who contract with state and local governments to provide health- related work.

Given the desperate need for this funding in my district and state, I cast my vote in support for this federal aid to preserve education jobs and health services for low-income persons. This said, I wish to voice my disappointment that one of the offsets for this bill sent to us by the Senate is a reduction in funding for poor families in need of federal aid to purchase food. Children and families who receive food assistance are some of our most vulnerable citizens. In 2009, 1.46 million Illinoisans in 677,000 households received food stamps with an average per month of about $136 for a total benefit value issued of $2.3 billion. There are many poor families in Chicago and Illinois who need the full amount of the food benefits. Even if the impact is a few years away, I am disappointed that my vote to provide almost $1 billion of federal assistance to my state occurs by reducing future benefits to the poor. I vow to work actively with my colleagues to replace this funding so that no reduction in food assistance comes to fruition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express strong support for House Resolution 5849, which extends temporary programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

It is a well known fact that small businesses drive our economy in a significant way and serve as a stimulator for job creation and economic development. In my congressional district, there are thousands of small businesses which provide work opportunities and facilitate the continuous flow of goods and services which help to keep the economy moving.

Again, I express my strong support for House Resolution 5849 and look forward to its implementation.

Madam Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to encourage the domestic development, adoption and deployment of recyclable and environmentally-safe composite utility poles for use in the distribution and transmission of electricity. As Congress works to invest in our nation's electricity infrastructure to deliver critical new sources of energy to our cities and towns, it is time we also modernize the electricity delivery infrastructure so that it is more reliable, environmentally-safe, and cost-efficient than the current, century-old model. Our 21st Century electricity infrastructure must meet the changing demands of a diverse society, survive unforeseen natural disasters, and help deliver technology to improve our lives. Composite utility poles meet these demands.

Composite products are made from a variety of components such as glass, resins and fiber reinforcements that, when combined, produce stronger and lighter materials. Composites are integrated into products surrounding us every day, including swimming pools, cars, airplanes, wind turbines, and power plant cooling towers. Composite manufacturing in the United States is a fast growing, $70-billion industry that employs approximately 550,000 Americans. My legislation will help spread this innovative technology to our nationwide network of approximately 130 million aging wooden utility poles. In the process, we also will create high quality, long-term manufacturing jobs here at home.

Composite utility poles last longer and are considerably lighter than wood, concrete and steel. They do not require treatment with harmful chemicals to prevent decay; as a result, they can be used in environmentally-sensitive areas, such as deserts, marshlands, national parks, forests and monument areas. Composite poles withstand severe weather conditions, including extreme temperature changes and fierce winds. They also are impervious to corrosion and require little maintenance, key issues for places like Chicago that must use salt often during winter to address icy road conditions and lose many steel and wooden poles due to the associated corrosiveness of the salt. In urban areas, composite poles can internally house WiFi and other wireless infrastructure and help clean up streetscapes by replacing unstable and unsightly chemically-treated poles with fewer composite poles. Composite pole life expectancy ranges from two to three times as long as traditional wood poles.

My bill takes two steps to promote the development and use of these utility poles. First, it amends the advanced manufacturing credit to allow the Treasury Department and the Energy Department to consider allocating a credit to the advancement of composite technology for our nation's energy infrastructure. Second, it provides a 30% tax credit to purchasers of composite poles that contain 15% recyclable or bio- content material, are recyclable at the end of their life, and are used for electricity distribution and transmission. This credit is intended as a catalyst to expedite the adoption and deployment of composite utility poles, helping taxpayers invest in this new infrastructure. As such, this credit would expire after five years.

In closing, I urge my colleagues to join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure that green energy is transported by green infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, in the Illinois that I come from there is no excuse to vote against this bill. Of critical importance to Chicago and Illinois is the extension of key safety net programs, including the TANF Emergency Fund. The TANF Emergency Fund has provided significant relief to Illinois, especially for creating jobs programs that benefit individuals and small businesses.

To date, Illinois has been approved for $72.4 million in funds. With this Federal support, the State has launched its subsidized employment initiative called Put Illinois to Work, and is anticipating placing 22,000 low-income parents and young people in subsidized jobs. Passage of this bill will guarantee this much-needed assistance to low-income working families through the end of the year. State and local government will receive assistance for infrastructure through Build America Bonds that will aid in subsidizing the rebuilding of schools, sewers, hospitals, and transit projects.

Since the passage of the Recovery Act, Illinois has received over $7 million for these job creation efforts. In addition, critical transportation projects authorized will continue to move forward with the guarantee to sustain $119 million in Federal construction projects. This bill is critical to Chicago, it's critical to Illinois, and it's critical to the Nation. I urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, this is a good opportunity to implement Wall Street reform, and help make our financial markets safer for everyday American citizens, investors, and small businesses. At the center of our efforts today is the concept of power, and what it means to those who have it, and those who don't. Baltasar Gracian, a renowned Spanish Jesuit writer, once said that ``The sole advantage of power is that you can do more good.''

I think many people would agree with me that the corporations and executives on Wall Street have considerable power. The question remains, however, whether they are using that power to do good things. People will point out, and I agree, that they are making many people very wealthy, but at what cost? For too long corporate interests have been allowed to dominate decision making in America's financial capital, and many times, this has meant unfair and predatory practices. As lawmakers, we should set out to make our financial markets a more evenhanded place for our citizens, and the consumers that put their trust and money on the line.

One of the key things that H.R. 4173 will do is to create a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, tasked with the responsibility of making sure consumer lending practices are fair. Also, under the Volcker rule, large financial institutions would no longer be allowed to engage in risky trading using federal dollars, supported by taxpayers. Throughout the many various initiatives and stipulations in the bill, one theme is clear: protecting American citizens, and maintaining a fair market that allows both informed consumers and powerful financial markets to thrive in tandem.

H.R. 4173 does not set out to take power away from those on Wall Street, but to make sure they use their many strengths and abilities for the benefit of the average American investor and small business owner. I support H.R. 4173, the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010, knowing that the benefits and wealth for the few should not come at the cost of the many.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on the following legislative measures on July 26, 2010. My congressional district suffered massive flooding, and I needed to remain in Chicago to focus on the recovery. If I had been present for rollcall votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on each of the following:

Roll 467, July 26, 2010: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended: H.R. 1320, To amend the Federal Advisory Committee Act to increase the transparency and accountability of Federal advisory committees, and for other purposes.

Roll 468, July 26, 2010: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended: H. Res. 1504, Recognizing and honoring the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Roll 469, July 26, 2010: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended: H.R. 3101, Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The law prohibits discrimination by private and public institutions toward citizens with disabilities, mandating that any entity covered by the law take reasonable steps to make their property, lines of communication, and employment accessible to persons with disabilities. In the two decades since the law's passage, it has opened the door for over 50 million Americans to participate more fully in day-to-day activities and to pursue opportunities in society. One out of every five American households has a family member who has a physical or cognitive disability. This historic bill expanded access to physical buildings and countless activities, easing the ability of these citizens to go about their daily lives freely without concern that they will be denied access to a school, shopping center, business, or communication device. Access is a freedom that everyone should enjoy, and I am proud to celebrate two decades of a law designed to promote this freedom for so many. I am proud that many of the accommodations that resulted from this law are considered commonplace now.

My Congressional District has long supported the efforts to promote equal civil rights. Chicago has been a leader in the movement to improve the livelihood of Americans with disabilities. For example, the Chicago Transit System has implemented a comprehensive policy of equality by making 100 percent of the public buses wheel chair accessible, as well as improving service to meet the needs of the hearing impaired and the blind.

There is still more that we must do to promote equal rights for persons with disabilities. The recent health care law included an important step forward with the inclusion of the Community First Choice Option, which allows States to include within their Medicaid State Plans an option to receive community-based services for individuals with disabilities who are eligible for nursing homes and other institutional settings. The Community First Choice Option gives people the choice to leave facilities and institutions for their own homes and communities with appropriate, cost effective services and supports. We must continue to work to encourage States to make this option a reality. We also must continue to work to make choice for receiving care in one's community mandatory at the federal level via passage of the Community Choice Act. We should build on the precedent set two decades ago with the enactment of the ADA by giving Americans with disabilities the freedom to choose where they live.

Equality is a founding principle of our country. It has been an arduous process for many groups of people--from the Emancipation Proclamation to the Nineteenth Amendment for women's suffrage to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was another milestone in equality for our Nation. Thousands of individuals worked in earnest to make this law possible, and thousands continue to champion this law's implementation. For these efforts, we honor the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the revolutionary bill.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly, resolutely, and steadfastly support this bill to extend critical unemployment benefits for our citizens through the end of November. This bill will provide vital assistance to over 137,600 Illinoisans, and to the 2.5 million Americans, who lost their benefits between June 2nd and July 17th. This bill helps address a national emergency resulting from one of the worst economic recessions in our country's history.

Unemployment insurance is not a theoretical concept to these citizens. Unemployment is a very real lifeline. It allows mothers and fathers to buy food for their children. It allows people to help keep a roof over their families' heads. I have received so many tearful calls from my constituents who call to beg for my help. They are disheartened by their continued unemployment despite active and prolonged efforts to find a job. They are embarrassed that they cannot support their families, and they are frightened that their children will suffer from their inability to feed, clothe, or provide housing. When they learn that their government allowed these lifeline benefits to expire and failed to reinstate them for almost 8 weeks, they are shocked. They worked and paid taxes for years with an understanding that government would help them in a time of need. Yet, this assistance was not there.

I think it is unfortunate that Republicans have delayed this critical financial assistance for so long. To add insult to injury, while proclaiming that our government could not afford $33 billion to help our citizens who are suffering during an economic emergency, the Republican leadership confidently asserted the position that we want the government to lose over $650 billion for the wealthy. This is approximately 20 times the cost of this critical unemployment assistance. This is the same leadership that had no difficulty spending a trillion dollars for two wars and giving tax breaks to the wealthiest of the wealthy.

The extension of the aid for 99 weeks is an important first step in helping our citizens who are struggling to find employment. I promise to continue to work with the Democratic leadership to push for ways to help those who remain unemployed beyond the 99 weeks. Long-term unemployment is an unfortunate reality for Chicago and for my constituents.

Passing this bill today tells our citizens that we are working for them. Further, passing this bill today reinforces their confidence in their government--confidence that they will help care for them in the lean times. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote for its passage.

Madam Speaker, Dr. Willie Wilson is a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and national gospel recording artist. He was born in Gilbert, Louisiana and overcame significant challenges to become a successful businessman and humanitarian. Every Sunday he can be found singing at someone's church and donating thousands of dollars to assist the kingdom of God.

Dr. Wilson owned five McDonald's Restaurants and received numerous awards for his commitment to the community. In 1987, Dr. Wilson founded Willie Wilson Productions, a television production company where he produced the nationally syndicated Gospel Show Singsation. Dr. Wilson's television show Singsation is viewed by more than 40 million homes nationally. He is the first African American to have a nationally syndicated Gospel show.

Dr. Wilson produced five national recordings entitled: I'm So Grateful, Lord Don't Let Me Fail, I'll Fly Away, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, and Through it All. He recently penned a book about his life story entitled ``What Shall I Do Next, When I Don't Know Next What To Do?''.

Dr. Wilson holds several Honorary Doctorate Degrees including and Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Mt. Carmel Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Humane letters from Chicago Baptist Institute, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarism from Swisher Bible College.

Dr. Wilson started Omar Inc., in 1997, a company that is the seventh largest black-owned company in Illinois and ranks 96 nationally on the list compiled by Black Enterprise Magazine. The company grossed more than $50 million last year.

In 2009 Dr. Wilson acquired Oak Gloves Manufacturing Plant in Tullahoma, Tennessee making him the first and only African American manufacturer of medical grade gloves in North America. Dr. Wilson's story reflects the American Dream--that hard work and persistence wins every time.

I urge my colleagues and citizens of the Seventh Congressional District to join with me in congratulating Dr. Wilson on 23 years of providing soul energizing, gospel music to more than 40 million homes around the nation.

Mr. Speaker, people all over Illinois and all over America are waiting with bated breath, and they are waiting to pay utility bills, to pay house notes, to make mortgage payments, to catch up on their rent, to pay college tuition, and to buy food for their children.

They are also waiting to say, ``Thank you, Nancy Pelosi.'' They want to say, ``Thank you, Harry Reid.'' They are waiting to say, ``Thank you, United States Congress.'' They want to say, ``Thank you, Barack Obama, because the action that you just took this day means to us that you are working for us. You have reinforced our confidence in our government. You have said to us that we do matter.'' I know that the people of Illinois will be saying, ``Thank you, our government.''

I urge passage.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly, resolutely, and steadfastly support this bill to extend critical unemployment benefits for our citizens through the end of November. This bill will provide vital assistance to over 137,600 Illinoisans, and to the 2.5 million Americans, who lost their benefits between June 2nd and July 17th. This bill helps address a national emergency resulting from one of the worst economic recessions in our country's history.

Unemployment insurance is not a theoretical concept to these citizens. Unemployment is a very real lifeline. It allows mothers and fathers to buy food for their children. It allows people to help keep a roof over their families' heads. I have received so many tearful calls from my constituents who call to beg for my help. They are disheartened by their continued unemployment despite active and prolonged efforts to find a job. They are embarrassed that they cannot support their families, and they are frightened that their children will suffer from their inability to feed, clothe, or provide housing. When they learn that their government allowed these lifeline benefits to expire and failed to reinstate them for almost 8 weeks, they are shocked. They worked and paid taxes for years with an understanding that government would help them in a time of need. Yet, this assistance was not there.

I think it is unfortunate that Republicans have delayed this critical financial assistance for so long. To add insult to injury, while proclaiming that our government could not afford $33 billion to help our citizens who are suffering during an economic emergency, the Republican leadership confidently asserted the position that we want the government to spend $650 billion for tax cuts for the wealthy. This is approximately 20 times the cost of this critical unemployment assistance. This is the same leadership that had no difficulty spending a trillion dollars for two wars and giving tax breaks to the wealthiest of the wealthy.

The extension of the aid for 99 weeks is an important first step in helping our citizens who are struggling to find employment. I promise to continue to work with the Democratic leadership to push for ways to help those remain unemployed beyond the 99 weeks. Long-term unemployment is an unfortunate reality for Chicago and for my constituents.

Passing this bill today tells our citizens that we are working for them. Further, passing this bill today reinforces their confidence in their government--confidence that they will help care for them in the lean times. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote for its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in support of the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010, H.R. 4380. This bill seeks to bolster manufacturing across the country through reductions and suspensions of duty taxes on non-competitive industrial goods. American manufacturing companies will be able to save considerably on production costs due to the decreased prices of industrial materials. I believe this legislation is essential to saving American manufacturing by creating jobs all across the country and by improving the competitiveness of American manufacturing in the global market. It will ease the pressure on American manufacturers at a time when it is most necessary.

American manufacturing is in dire need of government support. From the years 2002-2007, the GDP of America's private manufacturing sector expanded at 2.3% per year, an adequate growth rate. In 2008, the GDP declined by 2.5%, and last year, the GDP growth rate plummeted by 5.3%. Congress must act to reverse this trend. This bill is projected to expand the GDP by billions of dollars.

Locally, the Cook County unemployment rate currently stands at 10.7%. As a major industrial center of the U.S., Chicago businesses will benefit significantly from this bill. It will produce tens of thousands of jobs nationwide and many in the Chicago area. The bill is supported by over 130 companies as well as the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. Reducing the cost of industrial materials will create jobs, boost revenues, and put the U.S. in a better position to compete on the international market.

I strongly believe the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010 is critical to the future of American manufacturing, and I look forward to seeing this bill move through the House.