Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 268.

This important resolution reaffirms our Nation's unwavering commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, which can only be achieved through direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Since 1948, when the United States became the first country to recognize the Jewish State of Israel, we have always stood by her side as a strong ally and friend. This resolution is no exception. As each day brings a new set of complex changes to the Middle East, it is more vital than ever that we protect and strengthen that friendship. From insisting that Hamas reject terrorism and accept Israel's right to exist, to supporting the Obama administration's opposition to the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, H. Res. 268 reaffirms the sense of the Congress and the Obama administration that we must continue to stand strong with our democratic ally against hostile enemies and attempts at de-legitimization.

In doing so, we continue to demonstrate our stalwart support that we have provided as a country for more than six decades.

Mr. Chair, I want to thank all the women and our male coaches. We've been practicing for 3 months, two or three times a week at 7 in the morning, all to raise money for a great cause, for the Young Survival Coalition, which helps young women who are struggling with breast cancer or who have survived breast cancer. All of you know that I am a breast cancer survivor, along with Sue Myrick on the other side of the aisle.

But this game is our opportunity to come together as women, as sisters, as a bipartisan representation in the fight against breast cancer. We invite you all out to come to the game tonight, 7 p.m. at Watkins Recreation Center, and watch us beat the Capitol press corps.

Amendment No. 3 Offered by Ms. Baldwin

Mr. Speaker, on June 13, 2011, I missed the following rollcall votes because I was unavoidably detained out of town: rollcall vote No. 413--on agreeing to the LaTourette amendment; rollcall vote No. 414--on agreeing to the Amash amendment; rollcall vote No. 415--on agreeing to the Sherman amendment; and rollcall vote No. 416--on retaining Title II (Department of Veterans Affairs). All of these rollcall votes were on amendments to H.R. 2055, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

If present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall Nos. 413 and 416, and ``nay'' on rollcall Nos. 414 and 415.

Madam Chair, today I rise in support of H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act.

This vital reform to our nation's patent system would help spur innovation, foster competition, and create and support American jobs.

Democrats in Congress have urged our colleagues across the aisle to bring legislation to the Floor and today we have an opportunity to support legislation to create jobs and support our recovering economy.

That is why this legislation is a priority of the Obama Administration--the bill represents a significant step in the right direction toward American job growth and is crucial to winning the future through innovation.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill's benefits for American inventors, manufacturers, and jobs.

I also urge my colleagues to support this bill because it includes a provision that will help engender much-needed patient protection and choice for patients undergoing genetic diagnostic tests.

As many, of you know, several years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Through genetic testing, I discovered that I am a carrier of the BRCA-2 gene mutation, which drastically increased my lifetime risk of ovarian cancer and recurring breast cancer.

As a result, I made the life-altering decision to have seven major surgeries--a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy--from a single administration of a single test.

You see, there is only one test on the market for this mutation.

The maker of this test not only has a patent on the gene itself; they also have an exclusive license for limited laboratories to administer the test.

Like genetic tests for colon cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and many other genetic disorders, there is no way to get a truly independent second opinion.

In approximately 20 percent of all genetic tests, only one laboratory can perform the test due to patent exclusivity for the diagnostic testing, and often the actual human gene being tested.

Just imagine: Your genes hold the key to your survival; having major, body-altering surgery or treatment could save you life; but the test results fail to give you certainty.

The America Invents Act begins to address this problem.

A provision in the Manager's amendment simply directs a study by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on ways to remove barriers for patient access to second opinions on genetic testing on patented genes.

Such a study would address questions about the current effects such patents have on patient outcomes and how best to provide truly independent, confirmatory tests.

Given ongoing court cases on the issue of gene patents, let me be clear: the study's focus on second opinion genetic testing is not intended to express any opinion by Congress regarding the validity of gene patents.

By allowing clinical laboratories to confirm the presence or absence of a gene mutation found in a diagnostic test, we can help Americans access the second opinions they truly deserve.

I know first-hand the stress of wanting a second opinion--but being unable to get it.

With so much at stake, it is incredibly important that we give everyone in this situation as much certainty as we possibly can.

We owe that much to those whose lives are in the balance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1627, which establishes a new process for the placement of monuments at Arlington National Cemetery.

In particular, I am so pleased that this legislation contains the formal Congressional approval for a monument to Jewish military chaplains for Chaplains Hill.

For years, Arlington National Cemetery has showcased memorials for Catholic and Protestant chaplains, yet there has never been a monument for the Jewish chaplains who served in our military and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Last year, a dedicated group of Jewish war veterans set out to make sure that the Jewish spiritual leaders were similarly honored in our

Nation's military cemetery, and it is vital that Congress pass this legislation to make this memorial a reality.

In particular, I want to highlight the story of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester in World War II.

The ship suffered an explosion at sea while carrying more than 1,000 soldiers and workers, including four Army chaplains.

These four brave men, two Protestant, one Catholic, and one Jewish, gave up their life jackets to soldiers on board the ship.

They stood strong, sharing words of healing and peace with those on board, and they resolutely held hands until the ship went down.

This is a true story of faith and courage, and now, all four of these men will be honored together on Chaplains Hill.

It could not be more fitting that Congress has taken up this legislation during Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of American Jews to the dynamic cultural fabric of the United States.

Honoring these Jewish military chaplains this week, in time for Memorial Day, is a meaningful way to show our appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of our brave and dedicated veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Israel on their Independence Day. On this very special day, we recognize and celebrate 63 years of Israel's independence as the national homeland of the Jewish people. This is a time to commemorate the rich history and journey from a scattered and persecuted Diaspora to the thriving modern nation we see today in the state of Israel.

Throughout their challenging history and against all odds, Israel has become a prospering democracy whose groundbreaking contributions in technology, medicine, agriculture, and environmental innovation have truly been a beacon to the world.

Since 1948, when the United States became the first country to recognize the Jewish State of Israel, we have always stood by her side as a strong ally and friend. As each day brings a new set of complex changes to the Middle East, it is more vital than ever that we protect and strengthen that friendship. I am deeply committed to ensuring that Washington's steadfast support of Israel will continue to grow over the years, and I am honored to serve as a Member of Congress so I can bring my unwavering support for Israel to work every day.

This Congress must continue to show Israel the love and support that we have provided for more than six decades. There is much to rejoice on this momentous anniversary. Mazel tov, and may you continue to go from strength to strength.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Helen Spivey who today is receiving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2010 Regional Director's Conservation Award.

I had the distinct pleasure and honor to serve and sit next to Helen in the Florida House of Representatives, and I am proud that her many years of service yielded such tremendous benefits to the people of Florida and our state's unique ecosystem. Her recognition today is warranted and well deserved.

For several decades, Helen Spivey has been an iconic leader in the protection of Florida's special ecosystems and in particular, the endangered Florida manatee. For that work, she holds a very special title to those of us that know her well--``The Manatee Lady.''

For decades, Helen has fought to preserve the more pristine and natural Florida she knew in her youth. Since moving to Crystal River in the 1970s, she has built a long resume volunteering in efforts to fight uncontrolled urban growth, pollution from wastewater facilities, and of course to protect Florida manatees.

From serving on the Crystal River City Council to being elected to the Florida Legislature, Helen's life exemplifies the best a citizen has to offer as an active and effective community and public servant.

While she has worked in collaboration with many conservation organizations over her lifetime, her connection to the Save the Manatee Club is special.

Since 2000, she has served as co-chair of the Save the Manatee Club's Board of Directors. In this role, she works tirelessly for the gentle creature of our Florida waterways. The Club could not have a better advocate for their efforts.

Today, the Fish and Wildlife Service is honoring Helen for her work on expanding the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to include the critically important Three Sisters Springs property.

This project is a microcosm of Helen's long fight to protect Florida's incredible natural wonders and to protect much needed habitat for the Florida Manatee.

Three Sisters is an urban spring that has been under threat of development for many years. But through Helen's leadership, this 57- acre property was acquired by the Service to forever preserve this ecologically important habitat.

Each year, more than 150 manatees winter in and around this spring, and it draws tourists from across the state and beyond to behold this gentle giant of our waterways. If you have ever experienced a Florida manatee up close, you understand how special this creature is, and how important it is that we protect this impressive species for future generations.

The Three Sisters project took many years to realize and required the collaboration of many public and private partners. I was honored to work with Helen and with Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville, Florida, and Florida's senior Senator Bill Nelson to help secure federal funding for a portion of this important project.

But it was Helen that was the driving force that made the Three Sisters Springs Project a reality. She worked tirelessly to coordinate state, local and federal agencies, and the private partners needed to line up all the funding required to protect this precious resource. She has never been someone to take ``no'' for an answer, and with her bright spirit and intellect, she constantly wins over new allies for her cause.

Now that the spring's site is under federal management, I look forward to its full restoration and the inclusion of an interpretive platform and station that will enhance visitors' appreciation for this special ecosystem.

Once again, Helen should be very proud, as we are, of her hard fought victory for Florida's ecosystem and for the Florida manatee.

But I know what Helen will actually do . . . which is to smile, give us all a small nod, and then get right back to work on her next endeavor.

In a 2004 article in the St. Petersburg Times, Helen was quoted as saying, ``I guess I wouldn't want people to remember me . . . but I would be really pleased if they could see an ecosystem that functions and a world that is not asphalt and concrete.''

Well, Helen, we will most certainly remember you and the work you continue to do each day to make your vision a reality.

And with your work regarding saving Three Sisters Spring, you have added one more special ecosystem to the list of protected places in our beloved Florida. I am thrilled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is honoring you today--because no one is more deserving of this recognition.

So today, as you receive this award while also celebrating your eighty-third birthday, Florida thanks you for all that you do. I am so proud of you and simply can't wait to see what you accomplish in your next eighty-three years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of Miami Dolphins legend Jim Mandich.

Jim ``Mad Dog'' Mandich died on April 26th at the age of 62, after a valiant battle with bile duct cancer for more than a year.

He was a beloved and respected member of the South Florida community known for his warmth and generosity to those in need.

To longtime Dolphins fans, Mandich is remembered as the hard-nosed tight end on the two Super Bowl championship teams in the early 1970s.

Over eight seasons in the National Football League, all but one with the Miami Dolphins, he caught 121 passes, for 1,406 yards and 23 touchdowns.

But on the field he will best be remembered for always giving it his all on every play.

Earning the nickname ``Mad Dog'' for his all-out efforts on special teams, his teammates point out that he was the heart and soul of the undefeated team in 1972--the only undefeated season by an NFL team in the Super Bowl era. He then helped them repeat as Super Bowl champions the following season.

To younger Dolphins fans, he was the ``voice'' of the Dolphins. In 1992, the ``Mad Dog'' became the Dolphins radio color commentator, but to thousands of ``Dol-fans'' he simply became their voice. For nearly 20 years, Mandich grew a massive following for his all-out support of the team and his signature call, ``Awwww-right Miami!''

Friends described how tough Jim was in his battle with cancer. Despite receiving chemotherapy and radiation, Mandich called every Dolphins game last season.

Fittingly, the Dolphins opened up Sun Life Stadium last Wednesday so that thousands of fans could pay their respects. He is survived by his wife Bonnie and their three sons.

May we rejoice in the profound joy Jim brought to those privileged to know him. He will be missed by the thousands of fans who cheered him on the football field and later, listened to him on the radio. He will be sorely missed and never replaced.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to state my strong opposition to H.R. 3. This bill--ostensibly the Republican leadership's third-highest priority--is a reprehensible piece of legislation that will do nothing but put the lives of American women at risk.

It also tells us what the Republican leadership thinks of American women. When this bill was first introduced, I was outraged and horrified that the bill narrowed the long-standing exemption for rape to only ``forcible rape.'' I called this out for what it is--a violent act against women.

When this bill was marked up in the House Judiciary committee, ``forcible'' had been removed, therefore leaving the language as it has stood for decades. Without the word ``forcible,'' this exemption includes a wealth of horrifying circumstances, such as date rape, statutory rape, and rape where the woman is unconscious or mentally unable to consent.

To say that these instances are not really rape is a violent affront against women and the gravest insult to ALL victims of sexual assault.

Madam Speaker, I was absolutely incensed when I learned that although ``forcible'' does not appear in the bill language, its sponsors ensured that the report language clearly noted that the bill intends to apply to only ``forcible'' instances of rape.

So not only do the bill's sponsors not have a problem with endangering the lives of American women--but they're perfectly fine with not telling them the truth, too.

Let me be clear--no amendment, no word change could make this bill even close to acceptable. It is an insult to American women who require life-saving abortion care for health purposes, and a slap in the face to all American women who until now may have thought that their constitutional right to make their own private medical decisions about their body was safe.

Now we know that it's not-- and the anti-choice community will stop at nothing to ensure that they chip away at Roe v. Wade until it is gone forever.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this atrocious bill. A vote against H.R. 3 is a vote for the health of American women and the sanctity of constitutional rights for us all.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Republican budget plan, which is not, as they characterize, a pathway to prosperity but a true pathway to poverty for our Nation.

The Republicans' explicit choice to protect millionaires and special interests at the expense of job creation is dangerous and forsakes our future.

I'm particularly concerned about the reckless and shameful cuts to the National Institutes of Health for the research of cures to cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and all the other illnesses that fall under its jurisdiction. That is why last week I introduced an amendment in committee that would stop these cuts. Yet each and every one of our Republican colleagues voted against it.

For just half a percent--half a percent--of the cost of extending tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, we could completely reject the Republicans' devastating cuts to medical research for next year. Cuts of this magnitude will slow research progress while squandering critical scientific opportunities that may one day save lives.

Yet beyond the dangers posed to our Nation's health, these cuts prevent us from winning the future.

The Republicans' cut to NIH kills jobs. NIH grants support more than 350,000 highly skilled jobs in all 50 States, plus an additional 800,000 supporting jobs created in the private sector. This means that the Republican budget puts over 1 million American jobs at risk--from pharmaceutical jobs to medical device manufacturers to technicians working in medical labs. At the same time, the Republican path to poverty ignores the NIH's role in reducing the rising cost of chronic disease and the ballooning costs that compound our debt.

We must make smart investments in our Nation's medical and fiscal health. And we must make these kinds of investments now so that we may stem the tide of future disease rates.

Cancer incidence is projected to nearly double by 2020, particularly among the aging baby boomer population. As one of the 11 million cancer survivors in the United States, I am living proof of the vital gains made by research at NIH.

We can't stop now. Don't turn your back on the millions of Americans who are desperately holding out hope that treatments and cures are coming to them soon.

Prevent these deadly cuts. Oppose this Republican path to poverty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 471, the so-called Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act.

When Republicans took over the House majority in January, they promised to uphold the Constitution--even going so far as to read it on the House Floor.

They also pledged to reduce the deficit by fully offsetting any new discretionary spending. But the ideological legislation offered today breaks both promises.

It also continues to push the extreme and reckless social agenda of the majority while failing to offer any bill to create much-needed jobs.

As I have said before on this Floor, it is not enough to simply read the Constitution, but to abide by it, and carry out its charge. This bill violates a fundamental principle enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution--the Establishment Clause.

This ``wall of separation,'' as Thomas Jefferson so famously put it, is ripped asunder by H.R. 471, which unabashedly funnels millions of public tax dollars to private religious schools.

The bill compels the American public to spend its tax dollars to fund religious schools that do not have to adhere to important civil rights laws or federal statues requiring equality such as Title IX. This is simply unacceptable.

We must defend the ``wall of separation'' between church and state as envisioned by our nation's founders and we must fight to uphold it for all Americans.

H.R. 471 also violates the Republican leadership's ``CutGo'' promise.

This completely unpaid for legislation would increase the federal deficit by $300 million to reauthorize and expand a program that has utterly failed to increase student achievement.

What is even more appalling is the fact that Speaker Boehner is pushing the use of public dollars for private religious schools while at the same time slashing federal education funding by almost $5 billion in the majority's job-killing FY11 spending bill passed in February.

Across the country public schools are still reeling from the great recession that helped create large state budget deficits.

In fact, in my home state of Florida, the Republican Governor, is proposing an additional $2.3 billion in cuts to public education.

Rather than turn our backs on students, we should be working together to improve public education, make sound investments balanced with smart cuts, and ensure that all students have access to instruction that will give them the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Instead, we stand here today debating a bill that doubles down on a failed Republican program in the District of Columbia which veers far away from these ideals.

The Department of Education found that many of the students in the voucher program were less likely to have access to key services--such as English as a Second Language programs, learning support and special needs programs, counselors, or even teachers with a bachelor's degree.

Democrats will continue to judge each piece of legislation that comes before the House by whether it creates jobs, strengthens our middle class, or reduces the deficit. H.R. 471 achieves none of these goals while also violating the Constitution.

I urge my colleagues to vote no on this ill- conceived bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1255. And I say to my friend from Georgia that no matter how he slices it, if you are saying in this bill that if the Senate fails to act, then H.R. 1 becomes law, check Webster's. That's deeming.

This is blatantly unconstitutional deem-and-pass legislation offered by Representative Womack, and it makes me wonder what sort of April Fool's Day joke is being played on the American public.

To be sure, Congressman Womack cited constitutional authority for his bill. First, he cites clause 7 of section 9 of article I of the Constitution for the concept that Congress has the authority to spend money by passing laws. He then cites clause 1 of section 8, article I for the idea that Congress shall have power to lay taxes and pay the debts.

But what my Republican colleague fails to cite is clause 1, section 1, article I for the fundamental concept that Congress shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives. As much as we don't like that much of the time, that is what the Constitution says.

I also refer him to clause 2, section 7 of article I that lays out the basic constitutional construct that a bill becomes a law if, and only if, it is passed by the House and the Senate and signed by the President.

The House has no magic wand to do this all on its own. Glinda, the good witch of the north, is not coming to save you. H.R. 1 is more like a product of the wicked witch of the west. Perhaps at the start of the next Congress we should show the ``Schoolhouse Rock'' video ``I Am Just a Bill,'' as a refresher on how a bill really becomes a law. It appears reading the Constitution on the floor hasn't stuck so well.

Now, while today is April Fool's Day, it also feels a bit like Ground Hog Day because here we are again deeming to pass the majority's job- killing spending bill, H.R. 1.

In case anyone has forgotten, that job-killing spending bill would destroy 700,000 jobs and threaten the economic recovery now underway.

The Democratic minority remains committed to our goals for the 112th Congress to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and responsibly reduce the deficit. I say defeat this misguided legislation and make sure that Members of Congress aren't paid when government employees aren't.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Russell R. Chard from the Hollywood Fire Department.

Mr. Chard has more than 30 years of distinguished service working on behalf of Hollywood, Florida's fire fighters, paramedics and local safety community. For the last 20 years, Mr. Chard served as President of Local 1375, overseeing the welfare of its membership, fighting for the professional standards and ensuring the safe working conditions that are befitting of the service of these men and women.

Known as a coalition builder, President Chard served a critical role as liaison to all associated areas for the Local, as well as outside groups such as the AFL-CIO, Florida Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, International Association of Fire Fighters, and Maritime Trade Council. This commitment to the betterment of the community was second only to his dedication to his brothers and sisters in the Union. He was a powerful role model and mentor for many new recruits over 20 years, always emphasizing the unique bond that all fire fighters share.

In 1980, Mr. Chard was first appointed to the negotiation committee for Hollywood Professional Fire Fighters Local 1375, where he was quickly recognized for his grit and passion. He was quickly elected as a Trustee and has served Local 1375 ever since. His legacy of fierce advocacy, candor and friendship will not soon be forgotten or lost.

I am proud today to honor President Chard's distinguished career and leadership in the South Florida community and wish him and his family well on their future endeavors.

Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 836, the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act.

This legislation, like the other war on affordable housing bills being brought to the floor by our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, seems to terminate a much needed Federal program that helps struggling homeowners. To be clear, shutting down a badly needed foreclosure mitigation assistance program is not a solution to Federal deficits and will simply hurt homeowners and the current economic recovery.

Rather than turning our backs on homeowners, we should be working together to improve and expand programs to help the millions of Americans and communities affected by the housing crisis all over our Nation.

For several years now, many Americans have struggled with foreclosures, underwater mortgages, and abandoned and blighted properties. For local towns and cities, this crisis has also

decimated their tax base, leading to a ripple-up effect producing funding shortfalls for basic services like police, firefighters, and teachers. This creates deficits at every level of government.

I keep hearing from my Republican colleagues that the debt is crushing Americans and we must act now. Well, what about the crushing debt of negative equity facing almost a quarter of all homeowners in this country? Nearly one-fourth of all Americans owe more on their mortgages than their homes are now worth. There are nearly 11 million families who feel trapped in their homes, unable to sell or move if they wanted to, or even to refinance to lock in a better interest rate. And the statistics in my home State of Florida are far more staggering than the national average. Forty-five percent of all mortgages in Florida are underwater.

In Broward County, where I live, that number is more than 50 percent. Yes, over half. More help is needed, not less.

However, what is offered today is a ``repeal and abandon'' approach, leaving homeowners with few or no options. This is simply unacceptable. For 10 weeks now, the House Republican leadership has failed to bring to the floor a single piece of legislation to create jobs despite making occasional casual references to jobs.

What they've done instead is push legislation that will destroy jobs--just like the spending bill we pushed through the House a few weeks ago that would cost our economy 700,000 jobs. These housing bills risk further injury to our economic growth.

Now, I can appreciate the arguments that the current housing programs have not done enough to help homeowners, and I agree. But that's why I support legislation offered by Congressman Cardoza to require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to refinance underwater mortgages so homeowners struggling to stay out of foreclosure can better afford to stay in their homes.

And that's why I support taking a hard look at how we can improve the current Federal programs so more homeowners receive assistance.

But my Republican colleagues have no plan to helping make housing more affordable or keeping people in their homes--nor will they. That's because they believe the lending industry will take care of it. For those with short memories, that's the same laissez faire approach that caused the Wall Street meltdown in the first place.

The Republican leadership began the 112th Congress with a lot of fanfare by reading the Constitution on the floor of the House. Well, it's not enough to simply read the Constitution, but to abide by it and carry out its charge. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution vests the Congress with a duty to provide for the general welfare and to regulate commerce.

However, over the decade leading up to this housing crisis, the Congress simply abandoned its duty to the American public. Lax Federal regulations and oversight led to an ``anything-goes'' attitude. Banks were making subprime loans people couldn't really afford and then bundling these loans and selling them off, eventually becoming toxic assets that crashed our financial markets.

We owe more to our constituents than Speaker Boehner's ``so be it'' attitude. We must do more than just stand by and say the lending industry will take care of this crisis. A foreclosure has a devastating effect on each and every homeowner and tears at the very fabric of the family.

Saying you support family values is mere lip service unless you take actions to value the family by striving to keep families intact with a roof over their heads.

That is why I support the amendments offered by many of my Democratic colleagues--most of which have been ruled non-germane because, as far as I can tell, they propose helping too many homeowners. Apparently, any Federal effort that would help more than zero homeowners is simply too broad and unacceptable to the authors of this legislation.

Perhaps this boils down to a fundamental disagreement of our role in looking out for our constituents and assisting at the Federal level.

The Democratic minority remains committed to our goals for the 112th Congress--to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and responsibly reduce the deficit. We will continue to judge each of your bills by this standard.

The legislation before us today fails on all three counts, and I urge my colleagues to vote against it.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I met with parents of young children in Davie, Florida, in my district who attend early childhood education classes at Crayons Child Care. We spoke about how vital early education is in the development of young children; how early education increases high school graduation rates; how 50 years of solid research has shown that early childhood education reduces crimes and delinquency and yields up to a $7 return on every dollar invested.

Unfortunately, though, with the passage of H.R. 1 just over a week ago, this body made the largest cut to education in our Nation's history. Now, we all understand that our Nation needs to cut spending; but the society that balances its budgets on the back of its children should not be surprised when the spine of its future is broken. These children are 2, 3, and 4 years old, but the response from Republicans in the House of Representatives is that they would pay for it. That just doesn't make sense. It is morally wrong.