Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 230, introduced by my good friend and colleague, Representative Joe Baca, to recognize the historical significance of the widely celebrated Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo.

On May 5, 1862, while outnumbered almost two to one at the Battle of Puebla, Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin led the Mexican Army and defeated a much larger and well-equipped French Army that had not been defeated in nearly five decades.

The battle would also prove to be significant because this would mark the last time an army from a foreign country invaded the Americas.

As many of you know, this holiday is not only commemorated in the United States and Mexico, but brings together cultures from all over the world to join in the celebration--even people in faraway lands such as the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean join in this festival.

The holiday is a chance for us to set aside our differences and support the Mexican people for the bravery shown by those men who fought at the Battle of Puebla 147 years ago.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the historical significance of Cinco de Mayo and the bravery shown that day in 1862.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in enthusiastic support for the Maloney-Watson amendment to H.R. 627.

I would like to thank her deeply for her leadership on the bill and for allowing me to join with her in her amendment.

This amendment will increase the level of fairness in the relationship between constituents and their credit card companies by limiting the ability of credit card companies to authorize transactions in excess of a consumer's credit limit.

Without this amendment, consumers have to go out of their way to opt into an election program to stop their credit card company from authorizing over-the-limit transactions, which incur additional fees and indebtedness. This amendment will strengthen the bill by only allowing credit card companies to authorize over-the-limit transactions for consumers who specifically request the ability to do so.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment to ensure American consumers are spared from additional unwanted fees and debts.

Madam Speaker, a person dies of malaria every 30 seconds. The vast majority of these deaths occur in children under five years in age. Today, malaria continues to cripple developing countries with the high costs of treatment and the loss of productivity.

However, there is continued hope on the horizon. A recently discovered drug could prevent mutations that led to drug resistance. There are significant efforts to discover a malaria vaccine, with over 20 vaccines currently in development. Treatment with A.C.T. is extremely effective, but unfortunately unavailable to poor people in developing nations who are ill and dying.

We must remember that almost half the world's population is at risk of dying from this preventable and treatable disease.

Madam Speaker, let us recommit ourselves with renewed vigor this World Malaria Day, April 25, to combat malaria and rid the developing world of this scourge.

Mr. Speaker, the President's budget includes $2 trillion worth of budget savings through ending the Iraq war, cutting programs that are not effective, ending tax breaks for corporations that ship goods overseas, and asking those who make over $250,000 per year and have had huge tax cuts over the past 8 years to pay a little more. It includes key integrity initiatives to protect taxpayers' money by rooting out any waste, fraud, and abuse.

The President's budget also contains critical investments that will grow the economy. It makes critical investments in the modernization of our Nation's infrastructure, and it helps small business and innovative companies grow their bottom line by eliminating the capital gains tax on small business. It improves opportunities for future generations. It makes the $2,500 American opportunity tax credit.

Let's make a difference. Vote for the budget.

Mr. Speaker, this is Cover the Uninsured Week, March 22- 29, and I call for enactment of comprehensive health care reform this year.

Reforming the Nation's health care to lower costs, improve quality, increase coverage, and preserve choice is a top priority for Congress and the President. Our Nation's health care system, which costs more every year and leaves more than 45 million citizens uninsured, and millions more underinsured, is in bad need of reform. We simply can't afford to wait any longer to make the changes necessary to ensure greater access to quality health care.

The problem of the uninsured and its impact on the entire health care system continues to grow. The Federal Government estimates that over 45 million individuals lacked health insurance coverage of any kind during the last year, 2008. Approximately $56 billion is in uncompensated care.

We need to change that.

Mr. Speaker, in January, 2001, President Bush inherited a fiscal situation stronger than any in half a century. When President Clinton left office, the Federal budget was on track to retire all debt for the first time since 1835 and add $3 trillion in net national savings. But Republican trickle-down economic policies changed all that--squandering the entire budget surplus and instead creating deficits in the trillions.

Republicans let budget rules lapse. They increased spending, they cut revenue, and enacted expensive tax cuts for those who needed them the least. On President Bush's watch, the debt held by the public grew from $3.4 to $6.3 trillion. The gross Federal debt doubled, and foreign-held debt more than tripled.

Mr. Speaker, the healthy fiscal forecast the Bush administration inherited 8 years ago has now been replaced by record budget deficits as far as the eye can see and an economy in a tailspin. This is the unfortunate situation that President Bush left President Obama. It stands in stark contrast to what President Bush inherited in 2001 and demonstrates the harmful effects of Republican economic policies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in enthusiastic support for H. Res. 194 a resolution supporting the goals of International Women's Day. For the last century March 8th has been a day for people to unite in their commitment to honor the women who courageously fight for gender equality and women's rights across the globe.

The course of women's history through the 20th and 21st centuries has been on an upward trajectory, and while we celebrate how far we have come, it is important to pause and reflect on the reality that women continue to face political and economic obstacles, discrimination, and violence all over the world.

While there are many who deserve our appreciation, I would like to recognize the women of Afghanistan who have begun to steadily chip at the steel grasp of patriarchy, and begun to fight for safety and justice.

Before 2003 the idea of a women's shelter in Afghanistan was unheard of, and domestic abuse victims who did seek protection from law enforcement were often thrown in jail or returned to their husbands, perpetuating a culture of silence around the practices of beating, torture, and forced marriage.

Now, shelters like the Women for Afghan Women in Kabul and the Afghan Women Skills Development Center provide protection, treatment, and legal services to women who might otherwise have resigned themselves to a life of quiet misery, or resorted to suicide.

These shelters, like others around the world, provide solace and safety for women with nowhere else to turn. They provide the basic hope of possibilities for those seeking a safe haven from abuse. Before these shelters existed many Afghan women could only dream of a life in their own control, and now they have hope.

I would like to thank my colleague Congresswoman Schakowsky for sponsoring this important resolution which allows us to stand and celebrate our common ideals with the 3 billion women across the globe in dignity and certitude that one day women will live free of discrimination and violence no matter where they were born.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the Chamber during the evening of Monday, February 23, 2009. As a result, I was unable to cast my vote on rollcall No. 73, which occurred on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea,'' and also ask that the record reflect my strong support for the enactment of H.R. 44 and the fact that I am an original cosponsor of this bill which was reintroduced by our colleague from Guam, Ms. Bordallo, on January 6, 2009.

Mr. Speaker, last week President Obama continued to bring real change to Washington by announcing his plan to bring honesty and accountability to the budget process.

For the last 8 years, the Bush administration and Washington Republicans masked the true costs of their budget by refusing to include funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and refusing to include any funding for natural disasters, even though we all knew they would happen. These accounting gimmicks were used to make deficit projections look smaller than they actually were.

These tricks will soon be a thing of the past, as President Obama wants the American people to have facts so they can hold us all accountable. That's the way government should work, and thanks to President Obama's commitment to honesty in government, it will be instituted as part of his budget outline later this week.

Mr. Speaker, for years, congressional Democrats criticized the Bush administration for using these gimmicks, and so we commend President Obama for this very welcome change.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my two colleagues for allowing me this time, and I rise in strong support of H. Res. 153. This is the resolution that is honoring the University of Southern California-- ``USC,'' as we call it in my district--Trojan football team for their historic 2009 Rose Bowl victory.

During the 2008-2009 season, USC achieved several historic feats, with seven being the magic number. The Trojan football team finished the season with an unmatched seventh consecutive season with 11 or more victories. They appeared in an unprecedented seventh consecutive Bowl championship series game. Then the team won an unparalleled seventh consecutive Pac-10 title, and achieved a seven straight Top 5 finish.

USC defeated Penn State by a score of 38-24 in the 2009 Rose Bowl game, and I was there to witness it. With the win, USC became the first team to win three consecutive Rose Bowls. Also, USC has won now more Rose Bowls than any other collegiate football team in the Nation. They are now tied for the record for the most Bowl victories of all time.

USC's coach, Pete Carroll, completed yet another successful season. Since becoming head football coach in 2001, Carroll is 88 and 15, an average 85.4 percent win. Coach Carroll's winning percentage is the best among any NCAA Division I coach with at least 5 years of experience.

USC's quarterback, Mark Sanchez, threw for 413 yards and a record- tying four touchdown passes. For his performance, Sanchez was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player of the game.

USC's linebacker, Kaluka Maiava, made four tackles and two pass breakups. For his performance, Maiava was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the game.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 153. Let's recognize the achievements of the players, the coaches, the students, the alumni and staff who were instrumental in helping USC win the 2009 Rose Bowl.

I would like to thank my colleague for yielding to me.

Madam Speaker, to commemorate the heroism of the Captain and crew of US Airways Flight 1549, as well as the emergency personnel of the New York fire and police departments, Congresswoman Diane E. Watson would like to submit this poem to the Congressional Record.

This poem is dedicated to the valor and heroism of Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III; First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles; flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent; the fine men and women of the New York fire and police Departments; the Coast Guard; ferry boat captains; and the citizens of New York.

In That Moment

In . . .

In that moment . . .

When who lives or dies!

But, to see another sunrise . . .

All in their hand's which lies . . .

All of those most precious lives . . .

Whose loved ones, upon them rely

Who will be left to cry . . .

When high above, up in those blue skies . . .

With just seconds to react . . .

Just moments from the black . . .

With eminent death approaching, the facts . . .

With only a few choices . . .

Listening, to their most inner voices . . .

A lifetime of training . . .

All for this one moment counting . . .

With the time to live or die, so waning

Most precious moments in time which lie . . .

Now remaining . . .

Determining, who lives and dies . . .

With but no room for error . . .

As born, all in this moment such heroes . . .

While, all around them crisis looms . . .

As they must keep their cool . . . as their fine hearts must

swoon . . .

While, against all odds . . . they give to this our world

this jewel . . .

This gift, which will now forever over our hearts so rule . .

.

This moment, when they stood strong . . . with hearts full .

. .

Full of courage and might, to win the day . . . to win that

night . . .

To carry with us until we grow old . . .

As God was with them on that day, in this miracle on 48th

street in so many ways . . .

On A Wings of A Dove, as he helped bring them down so safe .

. .

As City, once again must unite . . .

Police Officers, Firefighters, Citizens, Coast Guard, Ferry

Boat Captains bringing the light . . .

As the echoes of a past were all heard in their hearts that

night . . .

A Gotham City, with Gotham Hearts . . . as on this day, all

did their part . . .

And what child will be born?

Who might save the world, or upon it such great things

unfurled . . .

Because of that moment!

And what loves will be worn? Given that second chance now to

now continue on . . .

For only a future knows . . .

From these moments as time will tell us . . . will show . . .

When in that moment . . . Quiet Heroes so . . .

We would discover, the true meaning of that word heroes . . .

our new lovers . . .

Bless them, bless them all . . .

For each and everyday, our lives on them so depend so all . .

.

For we will long remember . . .

This winter day, all in the embers . . . of our hearts . . .

When, in the moment of truth . . .

A Magnificent Captain and Crew gave us the proof . . .

That miracles do come true . . .

And how courage can come shining through . . .

In That Moment . . .

Madam Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I learned of the passing of my associate and colleague, Wayne Thompson, in December. Over the past two years, Wayne had become a trusted advisor to me on the Freedmen's efforts to secure full citizenship in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. I will deeply miss Wayne's knowledge, wisdom, and sage advice. I have prepared the following resolution in honor of a man who defined the meaning of a purpose-driven life.

Resolution

Whereas Wayne C. Thompson was born January 15, 1946, in

Spencer, Oklahoma, the fourth of nine children of Tasso and

Daisy Lee Thompson;

Whereas Wayne Thompson completed his secondary education in

Spencer, Oklahoma and received a BSC in Social Psychology

from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda;

Whereas Wayne C. Thompson served in the United States Army

with tours of duty in Vietnam and Germany;

Whereas Wayne C. Thompson dedicated his life to the

promotion of human and civil rights around the world,

including his participation in numerous marches and sit-ins

during the Civil Rights Movement and service to the

international wing of the Black Panther Party;

Whereas Wayne C. Thompson was the longstanding Executive

Director of the Oklahoma Health Care Project through which he

was involved with the Community Health Centers movement,

Responsive Intervention Prevention Program for Community

Organizations, the Young Black Men's and Women's Forums,

Agent Orange Class Assistance Program, Developmental Outreach

Program for Minority Communities, the Seminole and Cherokee

Freedmen, World Health Organization, numerous delinquency

prevention and youth violence intervention programs, All of

Us or None, and the defense of political prisoners and the

San Francisco 8;

Whereas Wayne C. Thompson was a founding member of the

Institute of the Black World 21st Century and a coordinator

of the Haiti Support Project and had an abiding and profound

interest and commitment to eradicating social and economic

injustice in Central America, Mozambique, Haiti, and the

developing world;

Resolved,

(1) That Wayne Thompson led an exemplary and selfless life

in service of those less fortunate;

(2) That Wayne Thompson was a fighter for justice who

sought no notoriety for his efforts to help oppressed people

around the world; and

(3) That Wayne Thompson was a warrior with the biggest

heart, one of the greatest civil rights soldiers the world

has known, whose good deeds and works have left the world a

better place, and whose memory will be carried forward by the

legions of people he touched with his remarkable human

spirit.

Madam Speaker, the current economic recession is putting a lot of pressure on American families. Today, millions of our constituents are fearful that they could lose their jobs any day now.

Last night, my sister told me that she lost hers in New York. They've seen family members or work colleagues already let go, and they are uncertain about their futures. They are also working for less money than they did 10 years ago. Yet they face skyrocketing bills for their children's education, for health care and for their own groceries. They hear the bleak economic forecast on the news every night, and they're looking for help. We all know that the U.S. economy is in trouble, but now the question is: What are we going to do about it?

Democrats and Republicans must come together to pass a robust economic recovery package that includes tax relief to middle class families so we can begin to relieve the pressure that they feel every time they pay a bill.

Madam Speaker, the American people are looking to us for help and for help to jump start this economy. Let's go to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6625, the Veteran Voting Support Act.

In May of 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs passed Directive 2008-25 that prohibited third party nonpartisan voting rights groups from holding voter registration drives on VA grounds. Outraged by this stance that the VA had taken, I, along with 54 of my colleagues, including Chairman Brady and Chairman Filner, sent two letters to VA Secretary James Peake requesting he overturn the policy.

As we returned from the August recess, on September 9, 2008, the VA passed a new policy directive, 2008-53. The new directive now allows State and local election officials and nonpartisan groups to give veterans access to their fundamental right to vote. We applaud the VA for overturning its previous directive, and I believe it is a step in the right direction. But the new policy still falls short of providing veterans complete access to voting in VA facilities. So H.R. 6625 will fix that problem.

The Veteran Voting Support Act would designate VA facilities as voter registration agencies under section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 which requires public assistance organizations provide voter registration opportunities by offering information related to requesting an absentee ballot, making absentee ballot applications available, and require the VA to work with elected officials to ensure the delivery of absentee applications and absentee ballots.

Currently, our Nation is fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as a consequence, our veterans are returning home with catastrophic injuries that require them to reside in a VA facility for extended periods of time to receive treatment for their wounds. This is why it is absolutely imperative that we give the selfless stewards of the Constitution complete access to voting in our elections. It is because of the sacrifice of men and women in the Armed Forces why we are free.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Brady and Chairman Filner for working with me on the legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6625.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year Senator McCain said he needed to study up on the economy because it was not his strong suit. You can certainly say that again. Yesterday Senator McCain once again said, and I am quoting now, ``The fundamentals of our economy are strong.'' His comments came on a day when the stock market fell 500 points, its worst drop in 7 years, and Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy.

What fundamentals is Senator McCain referring to? It certainly can't be the fundamentals of ensuring more Americans have a job. Every moment this year, the Bush-McCain economy has shed tens of thousands of jobs. To date, more than 600,000 jobs have been lost.

Nor can it be the fundamentals of ensuring that middle-class Americans are prospering. Over the last 8 years under the Bush-McCain economy, real wages have actually fallen by $300, while basic necessities like food, gas, health care, and education have skyrocketed.

Mr. Speaker, Senator McCain needs to study up more on the economy and reject the failed economic policies of the last 8 years.