Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4347) to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian tribes, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, under self-governance, Indian tribes assume the duties of the Federal Government for certain programs within the Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services. Self- governance empowers tribes to exercise their inherent sovereignty and make key decisions that will impact their nations. The widespread success of self-governance since its inception demonstrates that when tribes make the decisions that directly impact their tribal citizens, the outcomes are far greater.

Introduced by our colleague from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren), H.R. 4347 would amend the self-determination contracting program to allow title 1 tribes to become familiar with the self-governance compacting program. This legislation would also amend the Department of the Interior self- governance program to make it consistent with the self-governance program at the Department of Health and Human Services. It allows Indian tribes to step into the shoes of the Federal Government to administer programs at the Department of the Interior using rules and procedures similar to those used at the Indian Health Service.

I would like to commend Mr. Boren from Oklahoma for his leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5811) to amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe.

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

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

One of the greatest exercises of tribe sovereignty is the ability of a tribe to determine its tribal membership. This measure would allow a Texas tribe to determine the blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe.

My colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), introduced H.R. 5811 to restore the tribe's right to determine its own membership requirements by deleting a blood quantum requirement specified in a 1987 law. Passage of this legislation would extend to the tribe the same sovereign right possessed by all other Indian tribes: The ability to determine who is and who is not a member of that tribe.

This measure is long overdue. I commend my colleague for introducing it. Similar legislation passed the House last Congress by unanimous consent. I urge Members to support this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes).

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5110) to modify the boundary of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5110 would add 415 acres to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument located south of Phoenix, Arizona.

Currently, the 472-acre monument represents only part of the historic Native American community that once existed in that area. A 2003 National

Park Service report identified seven parcels for potential addition to this monument.

H.R. 5110 authorizes the acquisition of three properties ``by donation, exchange, or purchase with donated or appropriated funds from willing owners only.''

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5110 is a good bill. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick has worked hard to bring it to the floor, and I urge the House to approve it.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the sponsor of this important piece of legislation, the gentlewoman from Arizona, Representative Ann Kirkpatrick.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to commend Congresswoman Kirkpatrick for her leadership in preserving the culture, history and artifacts of this important area.

Just like Castle Nugent, enacting this bill spends no money and acquires no land--none. What it does is puts in place the authority necessary to acquire these invaluable pieces of our ancient past if and when the time is right and the money is available. Given the value of the resources involved, this should be an easy decision. It would be a shame if political gamesmanship and partisan bickering allowed these pieces of our past, the jobs that would be created, and the hard work of the people of this part of Arizona to be lost forever.

I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4823) to establish the Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area in the Coconino National Forest, Arizona, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4823, introduced by Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, would authorize the establishment of the Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area in the Coconino National Forest in northern Arizona.

This legislation would protect approximately 160,000 acres by restricting land exchanges within the scenic area and by managing the land within the scenic area for conservation purposes. The bill specifically provides that the establishment of the national scenic area shall not impact surrounding land, roads or easements nor will it impact utility easements, the management of State, municipal or private land or the management of surrounding national forest land.

Mr. Speaker, 4823 is a good bill. Representative Kirkpatrick has worked diligently with residents, officials, and business owners to craft this legislation, making it widely popular in the community of Sedona.

I urge Members to support H.R. 4823.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Arizona, Representative Kirkpatrick.

Mr. Speaker, it's been clear from listening to my colleague Mrs. Kirkpatrick that not only she, but the community, recognizes that this bill is good for business and good for jobs. People come from all over the world to enjoy the unique red rock landscape and the world-class recreational opportunities this place offers.

This bill helps conserve that landscape that the community relies on for tourism. In fact, there were several amendments offered by the other side of the aisle at markup, and all of the amendments offered by the minority were accepted and they addressed their concerns then. In markup, Mr. Flake also added to this clause a section that provided that the construction or siting of transportation projects or water projects within the scenic area or outside the scenic area would not be impacted.

This is a good bill which the people of Mrs. Kirkpatrick's district strongly support. The community has diligently worked together to help get this bill here today, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5494) to direct the Director of the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior to transfer certain properties to the District of Columbia, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5494 was introduced by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia in June 2010. The bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer title to six small Federal properties to the District of Columbia.

This land transfer will allow the city government to better maintain these properties as well as plan for their future development.

Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Norton is a tireless advocate for the people of the District and should be commended for her work on this bill. I congratulate her on her efforts and urge the House to support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the sponsor of H.R. 5494, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, is chairing a committee meeting at this time, so she is unable to be on the floor. Therefore under general leave, I am submitting the statement of Congresswoman Norton for the Record.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4195) to authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4195 would authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia. The Foundation was created to promote a memorial to ``honor the preeminent historical and lasting significance of the establishment of the Peace Corps . . . and the American ideals and values upon which it was founded.''

H.R. 4195 was introduced by Congressman Farr, one of six Members of Congress who have served in the Peace Corps. I commend Representative Farr for his persistence in championing the Peace Corps and this legislation, and I urge Members to support H.R. 4195.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from California, Congressman Farr.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5152) to adjust the boundary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to include the Wallis House and Harriston Hill, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

H.R. 5152 was introduced by Representative Gingrey of Georgia. The bill would adjust the boundaries of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to include two additional historic sites associated with that battle.

Pursuant to the legislation, Cobb County would donate the properties to the National Park Service. This bill has the full support of the National Park Service and current property owners.

Mr. Speaker, we do not oppose H.R. 5152.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the

bill (H.R. 5194) to designate Mt. Andrea Lawrence, and for other purposes.

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

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

H.R. 5194, introduced by Representative Buck McKeon, would designate a mountain in California's Sierra Nevadas as Mt. Andrea Lawrence. Andrea Mead Lawrence was the first American to win two Olympic gold medals in alpine skiing. She followed her Olympic career with a career as an ardent conservationist.

H.R. 5194 designates Peak 12,240 as Mt. Andrea Lawrence. The mountain is located on the northern border of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and the Yosemite National Park. This seems a fitting tribute to the life and work of Ms. Lawrence.

I urge Members to support H.R. 5194.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 294) commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 294 was introduced on June 30, 2010, by Representative Tom Perriello of Virginia and is cosponsored by Members on both sides of the aisle from Virginia and North Carolina.

The resolution celebrates the 75th anniversary of the most visited unit of the national park system, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which links Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park.

Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we recognize this great public works achievement and its significance to the American people. I commend Representative Perriello for bringing this resolution before us and urge the House to approve this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1503) expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Estuaries Day, and for other purposes.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1503 and would like to commend the sponsor of the resolution, Representative Kathy Castor of Florida, for her continued leadership in recognizing the importance of our Nation's estuaries.

National Estuaries Day was established in 1988 to celebrate the importance of these coastal ecosystems to the Nation's trade, commerce, industry, recreation and environmental quality and to recognize the work of national and community organizations to promote the need to preserve, protect, and restore these vital areas.

In light of the recent disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, it is clear that now, more than ever, we should pause to recognize the essential role estuaries play in economic and environmental health of the United States.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, Representative Kathy Castor of Florida.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1508) celebrating the 200th Anniversary of John James Audubon in Henderson, Kentucky.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1508, a resolution introduced by our colleague, Representative Ed Whitfield, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of John James Audubon's arrival in the town of Henderson, Kentucky.

This community on the banks of the Ohio River in western Kentucky is surrounded by rolling hills and verdant woods which were the inspiration for many of the illustrations which are published in ``The Birds of America.'' This book was Audubon's seminal contribution to wildlife conservation and remains a valuable source of information for bird lovers across the United States.

John James Audubon was a pioneer in the history of wildlife conservation in the United States, and I'm pleased to support this resolution which acknowledges and celebrates his many achievements.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1454) to provide for the issuance of a Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1454, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2009, that was introduced by our colleague from South Carolina, Henry Brown.

The Multinational Species Conservation Funds promote wildlife conservation around the world for keystone species, including great apes, tigers, and elephants. These programs consistently generate high- quality conservation projects and leverage $3 or $4 from non-Federal contributors for every Federal dollar spent.

Mr. Speaker, revenues generated from the sale of a wildlife semipostal stamp, as authorized under this legislation, would fund these important grant programs. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1454 and supported its original passage by the House nearly a year ago. I urge my colleagues to support the amended version and send it on to the President so it may become law.

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

Mr. Speaker, I also want to mention our colleague the gentlewoman from Guam's strong support for this bill. Though Ms. Bordallo could not be here today to speak in support of H.R. 1454 as she is on Guam conducting official business, she asked that I relay her thanks to the gentleman from South Carolina for his efforts with this legislation, and for the bipartisan manner in which he has worked with her and all of our Members on the Democratic side of the aisle as the ranking member of the subcommittee.

I too am among the over 150 cosponsors of H.R. 1454, and recognize its value as a longtime member of the International Conservation Caucus. I continue to urge a ``yes'' vote.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5131) to establish Coltsville National Historical Park in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5131 was introduced by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) in April 2010. This bill would establish Coltsville National Historic Park on the former site of the Colt Fire Arms Company in Hartford, Connecticut.

H.R. 5131 would create the park as part of a collaborative partnership between willing public and private landowners in the Coltsville historic district. It would also help revitalize one of Hartford's most economically challenged neighborhoods with new investments.

A study conducted by the National Park Service found Coltsville to be of national significance but identified several technical challenges. Congressman Larson has worked with the committee and the National Park Service to include provisions in the bill addressing all of the agency's concerns. Mr. Larson is to be commended for his hard work on this legislation. This bill is good for the people of Connecticut, and it is good for our National Park System. I support H.R. 5131.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the chair of our caucus, the Honorable John Larson from Connecticut.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge a visionary female pioneer, Edith L. Bornn, Esquire, who has left the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands an enduring legacy, through her trendsetting in the legal field; her unending diligence in fighting for the protection of the environment; and, decades of humanitarian contributions.

Edith L. Bornn was born to an prominent merchant family on the island of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She received a public education, graduating from the Charlotte Amalie High School before attending Barnard College and the Columbia University School of Law. She was one of five women in her law school graduating class.

For two years after finishing law school, she served as a librarian, legal research secretary and a Goodwill Ambassador for the Caribbean nations, on behalf of the Caribbean Commission, on the island of Trinidad. Returning to her home on St. Thomas, she served as a U.S. District Court Law Clerk to District Court Judge Herman E. Moore, before opening her own law firm in 1955. Attorney Edith Bornn was the first female to open a private law practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her law practice specialized in family law, residential and commercial real estate, zoning law, probate, wills, and trusts. More than half a century later, the Bornn Law Firm continues its excellent representation in these fields of law.

The entire community of St. Thomas was most attentive to this audacious move by a young woman, competing in a small but powerful bastion of men; however, much to everyone's surprise, the established men of the legal profession were often found going to her office on Nye Gade for consultations. Her success had an immediate galvanizing effect on the women of the Virgin Islands. Edith Bornn led by example, in unequivocally demonstrating that gender was not a barrier and that women had an equal right to pursue their dreams and aspirations. It is not surprising that she was called the Matriarch of the Virgin Islands Bar Association, an organization she helped to establish.

Edith Bornn was also a strong advocate for government accountability. She became a founding member of the Virgin Islands' League of Women Voters which electrified and energized women in the Virgin Islands, a quarter of a century before Women's Liberation became the issue in American life. The League began the practice of summoning and questioning political aspirants on their platform agenda. It also indirectly forced a dialogue for the aspirants to articulate their thoughts on various matters affecting the territory, the nation, and the world. The League has become an institution today and appearing before the League is a rite of passage for every Virgin Islands politician.

As a result, this political passage became a harbinger, in that the then prevailing custom of soap box oratory, in the Market Place and Emancipation Gardens, ended; and political parties, their organizations, and conventions began to achieve more prominence in Virgin Islands life. Attorney Bornn served as President for the League for several terms; she was a director of the National League of Women Voters for many years; and also served as Chair of its International Relations Committee. Attorney Bornn represented the United States at women's conferences around the world, helping them enter civic and political activity to direct public policy, through the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the World Peace Through Law Center. In the 1960s she was active in politics and participated in the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City.

Attorney Bornn was a pioneer in the field of environmental law, decades before the environment became today's cause celebre. Attorney Bornn diligently fought to protect the pristine beauty of the Virgin Islands from runaway unplanned development; and, later served in key roles in the Save the Long Bay Coalition and the Virgin Islands Conservation Society.

While on the island of Trinidad working for the Caribbean Commission, she met Andrew Bornn, whom she later married. They had three sons, who followed their mother's stellar example. Edith Bornn was an encouraging and supporting mother of her sons' athletic and scholastic activities. Her sons carry on aspects of her legacy through their activism, dedicated public service, and legal representation. Her husband predeceased her by a decade.

The Territory of the Virgin Islands has lost a giant, whose intellect, influence, and presence will be deeply missed. May she rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I don't know why my colleagues on the other side have problems with the bill we came back to pass today. I guess it's because it helps poor and middle class people.

The Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act will save or create 310,000 jobs in this country: the teachers our children need as they return to school, policemen, firefighters, and others who keep us safe, and nurses who provide us tender loving care when we need it most. It increases Medicaid so more poor families can get health care. If this is a special interest bill as they are telling the American people, then those are the kinds of special interests Democrats have and will always have: people who need our help to go to work every day and take care of their families.

Republicans would rather continue tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent of people and support corporations who take jobs and send them overseas which would only increase the deficit their policies created in the first place.

This bill is paid for and will reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion and is just another example of Democrats being responsible with our country's finances and responsive to the needs of our constituents. And their opposition is another example of Republicans misleading the people and trying to take us back to the same failed Republican policies that got us in the ditch in the first place.