Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman from California for yielding me time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2009.

The subprime housing crisis is the root cause of the current economic recession. It has led to the collapse of our financial system, increasing unemployment, and a housing and credit crisis. Even more so, it has had a devastating effect on our families, our neighbors and our communities.

My home district of Sacramento ranks among the hardest-hit areas in the country. I have heard countless stories from my constituents who have been victims of predatory lending and were steered into high-cost bad loans.

Now, many of these homeowners are seeking assistance and modifying their loans to more affordable loan terms. Yet many of these individuals are now

being tripped by scam artists posing as so-called foreclosure consultants.

As such, I have an amendment that has been included in the manager's amendment, and I thank the chairman very much for including this. This amendment directs the GAO to conduct a study of current government efforts to combat fraudulent foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams and to educate consumers of these scams.

I will also soon be introducing legislation to direct the FTC to use its authority to initiate a rulemaking process relating to unfair or deceptive practices and foreclosure rescue. Madam Speaker, these harmful activities must end. This bill is a step in the right direction.

The bill establishes standards for home loans, while holding lenders and brokers accountable. It also prevents lenders and brokers from steering future homeowners to high cost, subprime loans just to make a quick extra buck.

Madam Speaker, Congress needs to be a partner with the communities in which we serve. We must continue to work together to find a comprehensive strategy that will protect our homeowners.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my colleague on the Rules Committee, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis).

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of S.J. Res. 8, a bill to nominate David M. Rubenstein to the Smithsonian Board of Regents. As a Member of the Board of Regents' Governance and Nominating Committee which selected Mr. Rubenstein to join the Board, I wanted to express my support for moving his nomination.

Mr. Rubenstein is a native of Baltimore and graduated magna cum laude from Duke, and from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was editor of the law review.

Mr. Rubenstein is Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, one of the world's largest private equity firms. David is widely respected for his business prowess.

The Smithsonian, like many institutions during these challenging economic times, faces serious funding issues . . . and it is more important than ever to have Members of the Board with financial expertise.

As part of our Governance efforts, we specifically adopted policy changes that turned the corner toward stronger oversight and accountability, including adopting regent description. These expectations of Regents include overseeing the Smithsonian's mission, as well as attending regular committee and full Board meetings.

As such; we searched to find someone like David Rubenstein. Someone who is committed to giving back to his community; he is,on the Board of Directors of Duke, the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts, among others.

And who has committed to moving the Smithsonian forward during these challenging economic times; he has helped the Carlyle Group grow to a firm with 33 offices around the world.

Today, Mr. Rubenstein is being nominated for the vacant seat that Anne d'Harnoncourt held. Anne was a great colleague on the Board and truly committed to the Smithsonian's mission. She was also chief executive officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 1982 until her death in 2008.

An acclaimed author and internationally respected art historian and administrator, she has been a part of the Smithsonian Institution since 1974. Serving on the Board of Regent's from 1995 until 2007 and was awarded Regent Emerita status. Her early death was a tragic loss to the arts community and to the Smithsonian, and she is missed.

Her dedication to the Smithsonian's mission of the increase and diffusion of knowledge is something that David Rubenstein shares. And I look forward to serving with him on the Board of Regents to promote the Smithsonian's mission in the 21st century. I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, as the Sacramento River Cats 2009 home opener approaches, I rise in tribute of their 2008 season in which they defended their title as Pacific Coast League and the Triple-A Champions. After marching through the Pacific Coast League playoffs, the River Cats defeated the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees to win the Bricktown Showdown for the second consecutive year. As the River Cats prepare for the 2009 season, I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in recognizing their remarkable 2008 accomplishments.

The River Cats were consistent all year and finished atop the Pacific Coast League Southern Division at the end of the regular season with 83 wins and only 61 losses. Their opening playoff series matched them up with the Salt Lake City Bee's. The River Cats made quick work of the Bee's, defeating them in four games by scoring a total of 39 runs.

The second round pitted the River Cats against the Texas Rangers AAA affiliate, the Oklahoma City Red Hawks. The River Cats prevailed, 3 games to 1, led by post-season MVP Chris Denorfia who went 17-35, with 12 runs scored and four homers in the post-season. By defeating the Red Hawks, the 2008 River Cats won their second straight Pacific Coast League title and their fourth in the last six years.

After claiming the Pacific Coast League title in Oklahoma City, they stayed in Oklahoma City for one more game, the Bricktown Showdown, an annual match up to declare the AAA champion. Led by six different pitchers, the River Cats stifled the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees offense en route to a 4-1 victory. The game and championship season concluded in dramatic fashion when River Cats infielder Brooks Conrad turned a line drive double-play on an outstanding diving catch.

For another year, the leadership of Art Savage, the River Cats President and CEO, the entire front office, Manger Todd Steverson, and the players on the field played a vital role in the team's success. On and off the field, the River Cats organization once again was the envy of the entire Pacific Coast League. Their success and professionalism was reciprocated by the Sacramento fans, as the River Cats led the Pacific Coast League in attendance for an astounding 9th year in a row.

Madam Speaker, as the River Cats prepare for another successful season, I am honored to pay tribute to the many hard-working men and women of the River Cats organization who brought so much joy and pride to the people of Sacramento. Their successes are truly remarkable. I ask all my colleagues to join me in celebrating the River Cats 2008 championship season.

Madam Speaker, members of the International Cruise Victims are on Capitol Hill this week to raise awareness of cruise safety issues.

Over 13 million Americans will take a cruise this year. However, few passengers are fully aware of the potential for a crime to occur, and those who are victimized often do not know their legal rights and whom to contact for help.

Those who have come to Capitol Hill this week have lost daughters, parents, aunts and husbands, and some were victims of sexual assault or other crimes on the high seas.

Due to the absence of law enforcement officials on ocean voyages, it can be difficult or impossible to properly resolve many of these crimes.

That is why I have introduced the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 with Senator Kerry. This bill has been informed by three congressional hearings and the stories of the individuals who bravely came forward.

I want to thank Ken Carver, Laurie Dishman and the many others who have come here to bring awareness to this issue.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 296 and ask for its immediate consideration.

For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, my good friend, Mr. Diaz-Balart. All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

General Leave

I also ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 296.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 296 provides for consideration of Senate amendments to the bill H.R. 1388. The rule makes in order a motion by the chairman on the Committee on Education and Labor to concur in Senate amendments to H.R. 1388. The rule provides 1 hour of debate on the motion controlled by the Committee on Education and Labor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a vital piece of bipartisan legislation, legislation that directly affects all of our communities and the lives of millions of Americans, legislation that has seen broad support in both this House and by our colleagues in the Senate. This legislation strengthens our communities, helps educate future generations, teaches our youth to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, and fosters a growth of respect and compassion throughout our entire society.

The Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will help launch a new era of American service and volunteerism. The bill answers President Obama's call for Americans of all generations to help get the country through the economic crisis by serving and volunteering in their communities.

The bill has been named after the ``lion in the Senate,'' Edward Kennedy, to recognize his lifetime commitment to national service and to making America a stronger, more collective nation. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act reauthorizes for the first time in 15 years our country's investment in community service and volunteerism. As a cochair of the National Service Caucus, it is a pleasure to call attention to the tremendous work of those involved at every level and in every program of the corporation.

Mr. Speaker, service and volunteerism are the bedrock of our emergency preparedness and national security. In times of strife, the American people have always shown a spirit of service and ingenuity. Investing in service and volunteer programs prepares us to handle any crisis.

We saw firsthand the importance of having trained volunteers in the wake of the 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Following the devastation in the gulf coast, more than 92,000 national service volunteers contributed over 3.5 million hours of work to the recovery effort. They repaired homes, neighborhoods and lives.

The assistance from trained volunteers following the devastating storms represents only one example of the many accomplishments that our service volunteers achieve every single day. Since September of 2005, over 4,070 National Civilian Community Corps, or as we call it NCCC, members have served more than 2.1 million hours in the gulf coast on over 830 relief and recovery projects.

Last year, NCCC members from my hometown of Sacramento served thousands of hours to help fight the fires that devastated the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Californians, and in doing so helped protect thousands more. AmeriCorps NCCC members are disaster-trained and available for immediate deployment in the event of a natural disaster anywhere within the United States, just as they were in the gulf coast and in California.

Through programs such as AmeriCorps State and national, Volunteers in Service to America, or VISTA,

and NCCC, service members address critical needs in our communities. In fact, these programs continually put back more into the community than we put into them. The Serve America Act shows Congress' support for their heroic and continued efforts and ensures these programs continue for years to come.

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will expand these opportunities as well as health care access, provide seniors with help living independently, enhance services for veterans and help build a green, energy-efficient economy.

Mr. Speaker, in 2007, more than 61 million Americans spent over 8 billion hours volunteering. Overall, about 27 percent of Americans volunteer, and the number of volunteers increased by 1 million from 2002 to 2007. Additionally, with increased numbers of Americans losing jobs, many are turning to service as a way to contribute to their communities and learn new skills. Now is precisely the time when we should make national service more accessible to the millions of Americans who want to serve their country by contributing to their communities.

As a result, I hope that my colleagues will support the rule and the underlying legislation. I look forward to the passage of this bill and the historic moment when President Obama signs this into law.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy).

Mr. Speaker, this reauthorization, the first in 15 years, takes programs and infrastructure that have touched so many lives and builds off its foundation to greatly increase the quality and improve the quantity and quality of service that we as a Nation work to provide.

National service is a proven return on our investment. With this bill, we

will broaden those involved in service across the country, and in doing so, foster the value of civic engagement and duty that can change a life in a community.

This bipartisan legislation is truly a win-win for all those involved and for our country. It makes excellent improvements in an already successful Corporation for National and Community Service. It improves access and support for organizations and grant applicants, and most importantly, reassures our valued servicemembers that Congress supports them and their work in our communities.

I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question was ordered.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sam Burns, a dear friend and tireless community leader who recently passed away. Sam served as the head of the Sacramento Convention Center and Visitors Bureau and was an admired advocate for drawing tourism into Sacramento. As his family and friends gather to honor and remember his wonderful life, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's most well-respected figures.

Sam was a prominent leader in the Sacramento Region, and his death leaves a tremendous void in the community. When Sam was hired by city leaders in 1972, the Memorial Auditorium was the largest local venue for conventions. Under Sam's leadership, a new Sacramento Community Center opened in 1974, finally putting Sacramento on the map as a convention host. With an $80 million expansion in 1995, the Community Center was renamed Sacramento Convention Center Complex and is now home to dozens of major events, conventions, and community gatherings each year.

Sam was a strong supporter of all that Sacramento has to offer, from the prestigious Crocker Art Museum to Old Sacramento and the city's riverfront. The high quality of his work and his dedication to Sacramento led to the expansion of his duties in 1993, when he was named to lead the Community and Visitor Services Department. Sam became responsible for drawing large crowds to Sacramento as he promoted the Sacramento Jazz Festival and other city events.

Sam's passion and commitment resonated in his work and will not soon be forgotten by the Sacramento community. His positive impact is seen across our city in the expansion of downtown hotels and the numerous conventions held each year. Sam was a wonderful public servant and ambassador to Sacramento, but he was an even better husband and father. He leaves behind his lovely wife Betsy and three children, Brandi, Michael and Brett.

Madam Speaker, as Sam Burns' family and friends gather to honor his wonderful legacy and many contributions, I am honored to pay tribute to him. Those of us who were privileged enough to call him our friend will deeply miss him. I ask all my colleagues to pause and join me in paying respect to an extraordinary man, Sam Burns.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 250 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz- Balart). All time yielded during consideration of this rule is for debate only. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

General Leave

I also ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 250.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 250 provides for consideration of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education, or the GIVE Act, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate controlled by the Committee on Education and Labor.

The rule makes in order 11 amendments which are listed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. Each amendment is debatable for 10 minutes except the manager's amendment, which is debatable for 30 minutes. The rule also provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a vital piece of bipartisan legislation that directly affects all of our communities and the lives of millions of Americans.

Legislation that strengthens our communities helps educate our future generations, teaches our youth to prepare for and respond to unthinkable tragedies and fosters the growth of respect and compassion throughout our entire society.

The GIVE Act will help launch a new era of American service and volunteerism. The bill answers President Obama's call for Americans of all generations to help get the country through the economic crisis by serving and volunteering in their communities.

The GIVE Act reauthorizes, for the first time in 15 years, our country's investment in community service and volunteerism. As a cochair of the National Service Caucus, it is a pleasure to call attention to the tremendous work of those involved at every level and in every program of the corporation.

Service programs not only help each of our communities but also provide training that could lead to future careers. Many individuals who are involved in service at a young age continue in public service careers and in service programs throughout their lives.

Mr. Speaker, service and volunteerism are the bedrock of emergency preparedness and national security. In times of strife, the American people have always shown a spirit of service and ingenuity. Investing in service and volunteer programs prepares us to handle any crisis.

We must focus on building our national capacity, and harnessing the enterprising spirit of the American people is a good way to do so. In the wake of a catastrophe, a first responder is likely to be a civilian. A neighbor is likely to be the first one to provide assistance. By building up our service and volunteer programs, we are taking proactive steps to bolster our national security and capability to weather a disaster now and in the years to come.

We saw firsthand the importance of having trained volunteers in the wake of the 2005 hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. These forever changed thousands of lives and communities in the gulf coast. We also witnessed an outpouring of support and compassion from individuals who were touched by this immense tragedy.

Following the devastation in the gulf coast, more than 92,000 national service volunteers contributed over 3.5 million hours of work to the recovery effort. They repaired neighborhoods. They rebuilt lives.

Since September of 2005, over 4,070 National Civilian Community Corps--or NCCC--members have served more than 2.1 million hours in the gulf coast on over 830 relief and recovery projects. Through programs such as AmeriCorps State and national, Volunteers in Service to America--or VISTA--and NCCC,

servicemembers address critical needs in our communities.

AmeriCorps and NCCC members are disaster trained and available for immediate deployment in the event of a natural disaster anywhere within the United States, just as they were to the gulf coast.

In fact, NCCC teams have responded to every national disaster, including the recent fires in my home State of California. Disaster relief and emergency response now accounts for over 60 percent of the NCCC portfolio. Over $42 million worth of hurricane recovery resources have come from AmeriCorps and NCCC alone, which is millions more than we have spent on the entire program nationwide. This is a clear return on our investment.

These exceptional young men and women are especially trained in disaster preparedness and organizing local volunteers into an effective recovery operation. These programs continually put more back into the community than we put into them. The GIVE Act shows Congress' support for their heroic and continued efforts and ensures these programs continue for years to come.

The GIVE Act of 2009 will strengthen the emergency preparedness and response training of our country's NCCC participants. The changes will also help the program continue to grow.

The legislation expands the scope of NCCC to specifically include disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conservation and urban and rural development.

The GIVE Act also establishes four new service corps, including a Clean Energy Corps to encourage energy efficiency and conservation measures; an Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation; a Healthy Futures Corps to improve health care access; and a Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans.

This bill includes a Call to Service Campaign to encourage all Americans to engage in service and to observe September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The bill seeks to tap the growing pool of baby boomers reaching retirement that wish to continue serving their country and provides real alternatives to traditional employment at a time when jobs are scarce. The GIVE Act also seeks to engage our future generations in lifetimes of service. Engaging young men and women is vitally important. The Education Awards, which will be increased in this bill, encourage our youth to apply the skills that they learn at volunteerism to a successful education and the lessons they learn in school to improving their communities.

The GIVE Act specifically seeks to make a difference, not only by the services that are provided but by who we are engaged in serving. It seeks to exponentially increase the numbers of disadvantaged and at- risk youth participating in service. Each one of these valuable young men and women will take the respect and compassion that they learn at service programs back to their schools and to their families and be a seed of inspiration amongst those who need it most.

We cannot pass up the opportunity to better our future generations. Service programs provide an opportunity to give our youth the most valuable lesson of all, positive personal experience.

Mr. Speaker, as a result of the great work of AmeriCorps members, extraordinary things are happening all around America. The corporation supports such important nonprofit organizations as Habitat for Humanity, City Year and the American Red Cross.

National service participants have built homes, healed wounds, worked in national parks and taught elementary school kids. These volunteers are part of the backbone of our country. With very little funding, service participants leverage millions of dollars and perform crucial work in classrooms and in areas of our Nation hit by disaster.

The service programs and new initiatives in H.R. 1388 help address some of our Nation's toughest problems, from poverty and unmet education needs to natural disasters. Just this week, The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal pointed to the rise in the number of volunteers nationwide. Many who have been laid off or are in between jobs have joined volunteer programs to stay connected to their community and learn new skills. Some have even benefited by gaining employment through their work as volunteers.

The GIVE Act will expand these opportunities as well as health care access, provide seniors with help living independently, enhance services for veterans, and help build a clean, green, energy-efficient economy.

As a result, I hope that my colleagues will support the rule and the underlying legislation. The spirit of service has been renewed at a time of economic challenges, and it is time for our government to foster a continued dedication to our country's prosperity through national service.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton).

Mr. Speaker, before I yield to my next speaker, I'd like to make a couple of comments. First of all, we aren't paying volunteers, we're supporting an infrastructure that removes barriers to service. We're making volunteers more accessible and more effective by creating an infrastructure in which everyday citizens can volunteer and be effective, without having resources, prior experience, or formal training.

Also, one of the GIVE Act's major themes is to increase transparency and accountability in national service programs, particularly in showing program outcomes. Section 179 of the Act establishes performance measures for each national service program and a framework for ensuring that Federal dollars go to high-performing programs.

With that, I yield 3 minutes to my fellow Rules Committee colleague, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis).

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

Mr. Speaker, before I yield to the next speaker, let me just say this is not AIG. The bill on the floor today is the GIVE Act. And to compare AIG to the GIVE Act is absolutely, astoundingly ridiculous.

With that, I yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that both sides of this aisle are absolutely outraged about what happened at AIG, absolutely outraged. We agree with you on that, definitely. And we will be taking action immediately. In fact, I have been informed that we will be having a Rules meeting this afternoon. But let's get the GIVE Act through. Let's do the rule on this and move forward.

With that, I reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers.

I inquire of the gentleman, does he have any speakers?

So you're ready to close.

I reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, this reauthorization, the first in 15 years, takes programs and infrastructure that touch so many lives and builds off its foundation to greatly increase the quantity and improve the quality of service that we, as a Nation, work to provide.

National Service is a proven return on our investments. With this bill, we will broaden those involved in service across the country, and in doing so, foster the values of civic engagement and duty that can change a life and a community.

This bipartisan legislation is truly a win-win for all those involved and for our country. It makes excellent improvements to an already successful Corporation for National and Community Service. It improves access and support for organizations and grant applicants, and most importantly, reassures our valued servicemembers that Congress supports them and their work in our communities.

I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, I would like to begin my remarks today by thanking Chairman Oberstar for his work on this critical issue.

He has been a champion for our country's infrastructure.

Whether it is wastewater, roads, bridges, dams, or levees, Chairman Oberstar has been the one to fight for the funding we need to keep our country running smoothly.

When it is working properly, our wastewater system is not something that we think about very often.

But the minute something goes wrong, wastewater instantly becomes the most important issue of all.

In my hometown of Sacramento, the city has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade the combined sewer system in our central city.

Using funding provided from the Federal Government, Sacramento has renovated older pumps, built treatment plants, and increased storage.

The price of clean water and healthy ecosystems is high, Mr. Chair. But the benefits they provide to our society are even greater.

And that is why I am so supportive of the legislation before us today.

It authorizes $13.8 billion worth of wastewater infrastructure projects that will help keep my district's streets and waterways free of sewage and sludge.

This funding will help make Sacramento even more livable than it already is.

It will also create quality jobs in my district which are sorely needed.

For too long, we have lived off the infrastructure built in decades past.

Now it is our turn to invest in the future of our infrastructure, in the health of our communities, and in the quality of our water.

I urge support for the rule and for the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, on February 19th, this nation will recognize the 67th Anniversary of the ``Day of Remembrance.'' This was the day in 1942 that President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which led to the internment of over 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry.

The President's decision to intern Americans was an avoidable consequence of racial prejudice and wartime hysteria. The government at all levels was blinded by war, and made decisions that were contrary to our Constitution. The failure of each branch of government to uphold the rights of individuals must be taught so that future generations resist succumbing to the politics of fear.

Because of one of the darkest periods of our Nation's history, we learned of the damage that can be done when we let the politics of fear cloud our judgment. Congress has not only recognized a Day of Remembrance, but it also supports and funds assembly center and internment site preservation as a physical reminder of past inequality.

Today, we recognize the historical significance of the Merced Assembly Center, located in Merced, California, where 4,669 Japanese- Americans were detained prior to being transferred to internment sites. My dear friend and colleague, Congressman Mike Honda, was held at the Merced Assembly Center prior to being interned.

It is important to preserve these sites to ensure that future generations can learn from past events in order to prevent anything like this from ever occurring again. The unveiling of the Merced Assembly Center on February 21, will allow the site to serve as a place for remembering the hardships endured by Japanese-Americans.

As we look back on a time in our Nation's history, and how our country has responded since, we should have hope for the future. Around the world, human rights violations continue unabated. Yet, we can combat this by working with a single purpose towards a future wherein every person, regardless of race, gender, nationality or creed enjoys equal treatment in this world.

And today, 67 years after the signing of Executive Order 9066, we must renew our commitment to bringing these rights to all people.

Though the internment remains one of the darkest periods in our Nation's history, preservations like the Merced Assembly Center help to remind us of the distinctly American power of redemption. Our collective commitment to fairness and justice is the only way to prevent such a blatant form of injustice from ever becoming a reality again.

Madam Speaker, it is clear that our economy is in peril. For months, the House of Representatives has been working to develop solutions to revive the job market, to keep people in their homes and to restore faith in the American economy. We have held substantive hearings and markups. We have debated the merits of different proposals. We have listened to nonpartisan expert testimony on what the Federal Government can do to save the jobs we have and to create millions more.

I have listened to and have participated in this debate, and I have weighed the opinions of the experts, but when I consider the package before us today, I think mainly of the people in my district who are suffering.

I think of families in my district who are living on food stamps. I think of seniors who can no longer afford to see a doctor when they're sick. I think of the new mother who has just been laid off and who is not sure if she can pay her mortgage next month.

I think of Francisca Monterjano. Francisca lost most of her 401(k) when the stock market crashed last year. She lined up outside of Raley Field earlier this month, along with thousands of my constituents, eager for part-time work even though she is retired.

Francisca and the rest of my constituents have spoken, Madam Speaker. They have told me clearly:

We need this package. We need the unemployment benefits and the increased access to health care that it represents. We need the nearly 4 million jobs it will save or create. 7,800 of those jobs will be in my district alone, and many of these will be in the clean energy industry that will drive our future economy. We need the public transit and flood protection infrastructure that the bill will provide. We need the investment in primary and secondary education that will help train our children for work in the jobs of the future, and we need the tax relief that this bill contains.

Today's package is a product of compromise and of negotiation. It is not perfect. Yet the state of our economy is too bleak not to act now. Millions of people across our country are suffering too much for this House to shy away from its responsibility to lead. Now is not the time for partisan bickering or for political gain. Now is the time for action, for leadership.

So today, Madam Speaker, I choose to lead by casting my vote in favor of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, it's a privilege to stand here today to honor a man who is so many things to this body: public servant, respected legislator, champion of the working family, colleague, counsel, and friend. Above all, John Dingell is a legend in the halls of the Capitol.

He fought bravely in World War II and performed so admirably that he rose to the rank of second lieutenant. Yet, by the end of the war, John's service to this country was just beginning. He probably did not expect that he would serve in this body for more than half a century. Longevity is impressive, particularly in a hard-nose business like politics.

But what makes John's tenure here so significant is not how long he's served, but what he has accomplished during his tenure. Thousands and thousands of children and families across this country have lived healthier lives because of laws written by John Dingell. Workers and consumers enjoy protections today that they never had before John came along.

It's been an honor for me to serve with John as he burnishes his legacy on the Energy and Commerce Committee. He's achieved this feat while staying true to the values that drew him to public service: fairness, justice, hard work, and loyalty. And we cannot think about John without thinking about Debbie, the love of his life. Their partnership is an inspiration for all of us, and we honor them both.

Congratulations, John, on this honor and achieving this milestone. We look forward to many, many more.

I want to thank the gentlelady from New York for yielding me time, our leader on the Rules Committee.

Madam Speaker, everyone here knows the dire state of our economy. I have talked with and listened to many of my constituents in Sacramento who are struggling to make ends meet. They are facing layoffs, furloughs, foreclosure, unpaid medical bills and a lack of support to help them in this crucial time.

Last month, the Greater Sacramento unemployment rate rose six-tenths of a point to 8.7 percent, the highest monthly job loss since 1993. Approximately 4,700 jobs were cut in the region just that month. And also last month, the State of California suffered the third biggest monthly job loss since the end of World War II.

That is why my colleagues and I have been working to develop this economic recovery package. This package includes historic investment in clean technology, transportation infrastructure, flood protection and our children's education. It also goes to great lengths to assist our States in these difficult times with unemployment, Medicaid and COPS funding.

These investments will help important priorities in my city and region as well as across the State. Sacramento needs urgent funding to strengthen levees on the Sacramento and American Rivers, make renovations at Sacramento State University and our local schools, invest in Sacramento Regional Transit's light rail and bus, improve the terminal at Sacramento International and work to improve Sacramento Municipal Utility District's electric grid. We also have progress to be made on the downtown intermodal station and the accompanying relocation of the downtown rail lines.

I am glad that all of these important projects will be eligible for funding under this package. Each project will improve our city and create jobs that will stimulate the economy. This legislation will go to great lengths to help Sacramento's 8.7 percent unemployment rate. I also understand that Sacramento will receive, actually California will receive about $4 billion in education funding, something our State desperately needs.

Another key investment in this package is our Nation's broadband. It is unacceptable that our country has progressively fallen behind in broadband deployment. This new investment will ensure that every American can access information so they can achieve the American Dream.

Of significant importance to Sacramento is flood protection. The constant threat of flooding makes it more urgent than ever that the Federal Government commit to flood protection infrastructure. I am encouraged that this bill includes $2 billion to fund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction account. This money will help restore levees in my district and other flood control infrastructure across the country.

I know that there needs more to be done especially in the Natomas area of Sacramento. And I look forward to working with Chairman Obey and Chairman Visclosky to continue their commitment to the Corps and ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to flood protection and public safety.

Madam Speaker, we need to address this economic crisis head-on. This package is a substantial step forward. As we have heard from experts on both sides of the aisle, on both sides of the political spectrum, this will not cure our economy's problems. But it will begin to ensure that hardworking Americans get back to work and back on track.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment, along with Representative Kathy Castor, to help homeowners across our country. Our amendment expresses the sense of the Congress that financial institutions who receive future TARP funds should not foreclose on any principal homeowner until the new loan modification program in the bill is implemented and deemed fully operational.

Mr. Chairman, the foreclosure crisis is the root cause of our current economic crisis. Sadly, there is no end in sight.

Right now, more than 8 million homeowners are expected to face foreclosure over the next 4 years. That is one in six mortgages in the United States. The rising unemployment will cause even more Americans to face foreclosure.

California, and in particular my home district of Sacramento, has been greatly impacted by the foreclosure crisis. I've hosted foreclosure workshops. I've seen the hardships and looks of desperation on so many faces not knowing if they will lose their home.

At one workshop, I was approached by a woman that had a loan through one of the financial institutions that had taken TARP funds. When we met, she had been talking to the bank's representatives for a few months to no avail. She was one step from losing her home. It took her dozens of phone calls and letters over many months for her and the bank to settle on a new loan. I worry that without a true moratorium on foreclosures, people like her will not be as lucky.

Similar situations are occurring throughout the country.

Congress must use all of our available resources to keep Americans in their homes. The bill we're considering today calls for the strongest foreclosure prevention program to date. It requires the Treasury and the FDIC to develop a comprehensive systemic loan modification program by April 1. However, that is more than 3 months away, and the plan is estimated to take an additional month or two to become operational. In the meantime, thousands of homeowners could be foreclosed upon.

Our goal is to help Main Street. It would be devastating if homeowners were foreclosed on before they had an opportunity to qualify for the new loan modification program under this bill.

That is why I have offered my amendment with Congresswoman Castor that calls on the mortgage industry to implement a temporary timeout on foreclosures.

Our constituents and businesses need breathing room to find solutions to help Americans stay in their home. I've been calling for a moratorium on foreclosures over the last 8 months. Last May, I introduced the Home Retention and Economic Stabilization Act that calls for a 9-month moratorium on foreclosures for responsible homeowners.

Yesterday, I reintroduced the same bill, along with Senator Menendez in the Senate. I will continue to actively pursue a meaningful moratorium on foreclosures in the coming days and months.

Until then, a timeout in foreclosures is a necessary stop-gap measure that will give Congress, regulators, and homeowners some breathing room while everyone works to craft a fair, sensible, and lasting solution to the foreclosure crisis. I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting this amendment.

I reserve the remainder of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the chairman of the committee.

Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Castor).

I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me this time.

Madam Speaker, I want to commend Chairman Waxman, Chairman Dingell, and Chairman Pallone for their efforts in crafting this bill.

Madam Speaker, these are uncertain times. Families are struggling to make ends meet. Medical bankruptcy is on the rise.

While the future may be cloudy, our responsibility to our Nation's children is clear. We are charged with ensuring that every child in America has affordable health care. Democrats in Congress take this responsibility seriously, Madam Speaker. So does President-elect Obama. And so do I.

We take it seriously because of stories like the one told to me by a constituent of mine named Suzy. When Suzy's nephew was 1 year old, his mother no longer qualified for Medicaid. As a result, her little boy could not see a doctor for 6 months. Imagine 6 of anxiety and worry around high fevers, coughs, unexplained rashes, wondering if there was a serious illness involved. But once he was enrolled in SCHIP, Suzy's nephew got the care that he needed. Suzy put it best herself when she said, ``Children should never suffer because their parent or guardian cannot afford medical insurance.''

That is why today's legislation is so critical, Madam Speaker. During one of the most uncertain periods in our country's history, it says to 11 million of America's children that health care for you is guaranteed. It expands coverage for pregnant women and reverses arbitrary rules that keep needy children from health care they deserve. The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act is a victory for millions of children and their families. It's also a victory for us as a Nation. For when more of our children grow up healthy, our country is strengthened and the American Dream is preserved.

I urge each of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Greater Sacramento Urban League's 40 years of service to the people of Sacramento. The Greater Sacramento Urban League's employment assistance and educational programs have been extremely beneficial to our youth and our community as a whole. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring one of Sacramento's finest non-profit organizations as they celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Founded in 1968 the Greater Sacramento Urban League is one of the 105 affiliates of the National Urban League which has locations in 36 States across our Nation. During this time the Greater Sacramento Urban League has continued to advocate to ensure that African-Americans, other minorities and the underserved become economically self-reliant and are ensured their civil rights. By cultivating relationships with communities, corporations and government agencies the Greater Sacramento Urban League has been able to provide training to thousands of youth and adults in Sacramento County.

The Greater Sacramento Urban League has been able to assist numerous Sacramentans find employment through their One Stop Career Center which provides application and resume assistance, as well as access to online resources to find employment. They also offer other employment assistance services, such as posting job openings, developing interview skills, and effective cover letter and dress-for-success tips. In addition to employment assistance, the Greater Sacramento Urban League offers emergency assistance to low income Sacramento residents that need help paying the power, rent, or phone bills. They also offer free bus service to and from appointments and G.E.D. preparation classes. In recent months they have been helping families avert foreclosure by hosting foreclosure prevention workshops. In short, the Greater Sacramento Urban League is always there for those who need them.

The Greater Sacramento Urban League offers may programs that benefit Sacramento's youth as well. They offer after school tutoring to assist students with their homework and improve their math and reading skills. Their Sacramento Urban Youth Empowerment Program provides at-risk youths with tutoring, mentoring, job readiness training, youth employment placement, and basic computer skills to better prepare them for higher education and employment opportunities. For all of their efforts, the Greater Sacramento Urban League was awarded the national 2005 EPIC Award for Exemplary Public Interest Contribution by the United States Department of Commerce. The Greater Sacramento Urban League has

prospered for the last 16 years under the excellent leadership of James Shelby who was instrumental in raising the funds needed to build its current home. With the leadership of Mr. Shelby and chairwoman Susan Irwin, I am confident the Greater Sacramento Urban League will continue to provide invaluable programs for our community.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Greater Sacramento Urban League's distinguished commitment to our community and Sacramento's residents. The Greater Sacramento Urban League's dedication to equality, civil rights and workforce development has helped thousands of Sacramentans when they most needed it. We all are thankful for their efforts. As the Greater Sacramento Urban League's employees and partners gather to celebrate 40 years of service to the Sacramento region, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing them continued success in the future.