Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

Let me applaud the author and the ranking member and the Chair of this committee for addressing the issue of gangs. I do not agree with all of the approach, but I do agree we need to address the issue, and I rise today to speak about the creation of databases to track gang activity.

In addition to developing a solid gang prevention strategy, we must equip our law enforcement professionals with the tools to protect our communities. Recently, law enforcement in Dallas spoke to me regarding their desire to track gang activity. I work closely with the law enforcement divisions in my area, and they wanted a system that would allow them to easily access and share information on gang activity. I am offering an amendment that will do just that.

This database will contain critical information on gangs, gang members, firearms, criminal activities and histories, vehicles, and other fields of information necessary for investigators to solve gang- related crimes.

In addition, it will allow law enforcement to track the movement of gangs and members throughout the country, coordinate police response to gang violence, and enhance officer safety. This system is a fundamental step in combating future gang violence. I ask my colleagues for their support for this important amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about the increasing problem of gang violence.

Since 2001, we have seen drastic budget cuts in youth violence prevention. At-risk kids need support and a place to go after school. They need the fundamental tools to make good choices.

Instead of funding these programs, the Congress has chosen to lock them up and throw away the key.

Mr. Speaker, what kind of message is this, and the bill that we are going to take up this week, giving to our at-risk youth? We must provide at-risk youth with a path to succeed, not a path to prison.

Our police forces are doing a very outstanding job, most especially in Dallas, Texas. However, prosecuting criminals is not enough. We also need to work on preventing future violence.

I am a strong supporter of law enforcement, but I do believe in prevention. It is less costly.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues in honoring our most honorable profession--teaching. Today, we take time to pay tribute to teachers on National Teacher Day. I want to echo this year's theme which is, ``Thank a teacher for making our public schools great.''

Too many times, teachers are criticized as a result of the myriad, complexity of the modem educational system. But without the hard work and dedication of our nation's teachers, our children would be down a far worse course. Although teachers are responsible for the academic life of a student, they also significantly impact the personal lives of students in ways that stay with them forever. We all have a favorite teacher that made a difference in our lives.

The idea of National Teacher's Day began with an Arkansas teacher named Mattye Whyte Woodridge in 1944. Ms. Woodridge began exploring the need for a national day to honor teachers with political leaders and educators. In 1953, she wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt who convinced Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day.

As we honor teachers on this special day, I would like to thank the more than 10,000 teachers in the Dallas Independent School District who so valiantly serve the students in my district. We should also recognize the invaluable contributions of the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and the Parent Teacher Association, of which I was a member and former president.

Today, let us not only commit to teachers in words but in our actions. We have the obligation and power to make their jobs easier. We could start by fully funding the No Child Left Behind Act, created not only to hold schools and teachers accountable but also the Congress. It is a dishonor to our teachers that this program is underfunded by $27 billion.

Because, it makes no sense that they be held accountable without the resources they need to successfully implement their job.

This day is of particular significance, as I have long championed the need for more emphasis in science and math education, particularly for young children. I believe teachers help illustrate to students how they will become tomorrow's leaders in these fields that are important to our future. Showing students the importance and the value of the science and technology fields is a lifelong process.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating our nation's teachers on National Teacher Day.

Mr. Speaker, almost a quarter of Texans do not have health insurance, and this is the highest rate of uninsured in the United States.

In Dallas alone, the uninsured rate is 25 percent. We all know someone who is living without health insurance. There is a perception that if someone does not have health insurance, it is because they do not work or they are on public assistance.

Over 80 percent of the uninsured workers are workers, and 50 percent of them are full-time workers. Americans who work hard for a living should not have to live without health insurance. These uninsured often face the difficult decision of either ignoring their medical problems or being able to afford food and rent.

Mr. Speaker, the sad truth is that no American family is more than one job change, one corporate cost cut, or one serious illness or an accident away from being uninsured. It is time for this Congress to address this problem with innovative ideas and actions.

Mr. Speaker, we all know someone who is living without health insurance. The perception is that the uninsured don't work. Over 80 percent of the uninsured have jobs. Most work in retail and service industries, but many are small business owners and employees. They are the individuals who care for our children, check our groceries, or run the local pharmacy. Americans who work hard for a living, should have health insurance.

Often times, the uninsured ignore their medical problems and delaying doctors visits. Children go without vaccines because visiting the doctor is just too expensive. They are gambling that they won't get seriously ill. But those who lose face staggering medical bills. Millions of dollars and many lives can be saved with timely medical attention.

Almost one quarter of Texans are uninsured. This is the highest rate of uninsured in the United States. In Dallas, 25 percent of the population is uninsured.

Despite the number of Texans who are uninsured, medical assistance programs continue to be cut. In 2003, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission implemented budget cuts to the Children's Health Insurance Program. CHIP was designed to help families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private medical insurance. These budget cuts made it more difficult for families to qualify for CHIP. It also imposed higher premiums and co-payments. In addition, there is now a 90 day waiting period before coverage begins. There is no longer any coverage for dental care, vision, or mental health. And families are now required to reapply for CHIP every 6 months.

Since the budget cuts, over 175 thousand children have been dropped from CHIP. Less than half of those children were able to find another form of medical insurance.

For weeks now this Congress has dealt with legislation that harms some of our most vulnerable citizens. Many of whom are dealing with serious medical difficulties.

Staggering medical bills and considerable debt is a problem for many uninsured Americans. Many of these individuals are forced to file bankruptcy. Last month the House passed the Bankruptcy Reform Bill. With these changes, those with moderate or higher incomes are now required to pay back most, if not all, of their debt.

For example, under these reforms an uninsured family who has a child to cancer will now be saddled with those medical bills indefinitely.

Mr. Speaker, last month the House also passed the Energy Bill. This was NOT a positive bill for Americans whose health depends on clean air and clean water.

Under the Clean Air Act, areas that have unhealthy air were required to reduce ozone-forming pollution by strict deadlines. The Energy Bill extends these deadlines allowing polluters more time to continue polluting. This means more asthma attacks, hospital visits, and premature deaths for residents in highly polluted areas.

Today, 45 million American are uninsured. Even those families that do have health insurance today, fear they may not have coverage tomorrow. The truth is that no American family is more than one job change, one corporate cost cut, or one serious illness or accident away from being uninsured.

This country faces an uphill battle in solving this health crisis. Now is the time for this Congress to address this problem with innovative ideas and actions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to state my opposition to House Resolution 22 and the rule expressing the sense of the House that American small businesses are entitled to a small business bill of rights.

I want to especially thank my good friend, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) and applaud her for her hard work on behalf of small businesses. If the only rights small businesses are entitled to are listed in House Resolution 22, I feel sorry for all small businesses; because for all small businesses give to this country, this bill gives them nothing in return.

Small businesses, including minority- and women-owned businesses, are the backbone of this country, and most especially to my State of Texas. Where are the small businesses rights to, one, participation in the Federal marketplace; two, assistance from the government's lending programs which account for 40 percent of all long-term small business financing; three, targeted tax relief similar to that provided to the big corporations; and, four, strong technical assistance from the Federal Government that deals with issues faced by small businesses; and, five, protection from contract bundling, combining two and three contracts together to eliminate small businesses competition?

These are challenges and there are many challenges facing small businesses as they attempt to gain a foothold in this Federal marketplace.

We should be about the business of ensuring full and fair access for small firms. We should be about helping them overcome the obstacles in their way instead of coming up with the blank checks under the guise of giving them rights that large companies are afforded.

Vote against this rule. Vote against this bill, because it does nothing to allow for rights that small business need or the opportunities. Amendments

to correct all this were attempted in the Committee on Rules but denied. So I would say go and fix it or defeat it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my emphatic opposition to the privatization of Social Security. This program would not only hurt millions of elderly Americans but, ultimately, the whole country. For women and working families especially, Social Security is a lifeline, and they need to know that they can rely on a guaranteed benefit.

Social Security was never intended to be a roll-the-dice stock market gambit. Social Security was never meant to be an elaborate investment scheme geared to maximizing returns. Social Security was designed as a simple, straightforward social insurance program that ensures all of us to spend our golden years in a basic level of dignity, independence, and security.

Mr. Speaker, privatization is also not good for young workers. A 30- year-old worker making $40,000 a year will lose 27 percent of their benefits under this plan. That is almost $6,000 a year.

I urge all of my colleagues, let us work together and solve a manageable problem.

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

I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) for their bipartisan support of this resolution and in our Committee on Science markup last month during Women's Month. I also want to commend the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) for her willingness to help us move this bill forward here today.

As this Nation faces a shortage of qualified scientists, it is appropriate that we discuss the significant contributions that African American women have made to the scientific community. Most people that know me know that this has been a passion of mine for many years.

In the past, most of the U.S. scientists and engineers were white males. According to Census Bureau projections, this segment of the workforce population will decline from 37 percent in 1995 to 26 percent in 2050. Looking at these numbers, it is obvious that this group will not provide the needed scientists and engineers, particularly since participation rates in these fields are also declining.

Clearly, it will be necessary to attract greater numbers of women and minorities to careers in science and engineering in order to avoid devastating consequences for the future. Efforts to increase the presence of Americans in science are incomplete unless they have a women's component. Some progress has been made, but much remains to be accomplished. Women make up half the population, but only 24 percent of the science and engineering workforce. African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans as a group constitute 24 percent of the U.S. population, but only 7 percent of the total science and technology workforce.

African American women have an especially difficult time bridging the technology divide when it comes to their representation in the science fields. While women make up about 25 percent of the 427,740 employed science and engineering doctorate holders in the United States workforce, African American women comprise less than 1

percent employed as science and engineering doctorate holders. Many African American women who pursue science education experience isolation both in their graduate departments and in their communities.

So who are their mentors? One of the first pioneers was Dr. Ruth Ella Moore, the first African American woman to receive a doctoral degree in natural science in 1933. Dr. Moore graduated in 1933 from Ohio State University with a doctorate degree in bacteriology and was head of the department of bacteriology at Howard University's Medical School from 1947 to 1958.

In the field of space exploration, while most are familiar with Dr. Mae Jemison, few are aware that Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson was a key member of the control room during the Apollo 13 crisis. Katherine Johnson, a physicist, space scientist and mathematician, was instrumental in formulating calculations that helped the Apollo 13 return home safely in 1970 after a fuel tank explosion and computer system failure. That was detailed in Tom Hanks's film, ``Apollo 13.''

Unfortunately, many young African Americans are unfamiliar with these facts. Very little literature documents African American women and their place in science. To increase the number of African American youth pursuing science, especially young women, it is critical that we provide them strong science role models for them to admire and emulate.

In addition, commemorating the achievements of African American women at the very top of the performance curve demonstrates to the world the importance of diversity in the workforce, especially in the scientific community.

That is why I ask my colleagues to join me today by honoring our great African American women pioneers who helped pave the way for current science stars, like Dr. Mae Jemison and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson.

As a medical doctor and the first African American woman in space, Dr. Jemison continues to inspire young people in the science field with her program, The Earth We Share International Camp, called TEWS, T-E-W- S, which is an acronym. It is designed to promote science literacy for all students.

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was not only the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in physics from MIT but was also the first African American woman to receive a doctorate in any field from that school.

This resolution recognizes their achievements in science and technology and encourages a new generation of young women to continue in their legacies.

Again, I wish to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Ranking Member Gordon) for working with me in a collegial manner, as we always do on the Committee on Science, and for allowing quick passage of the resolution and speedy action to the floor.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H. Con. Res. 96. This resolution represents our most needed commitment to supporting the continued progress of women and minorities and, in particular, African American women in the sciences. Full participation by all of our diverse population in an endeavor this important will be our key to future success as a world leader in science and technology.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for allowing me to take some time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and the underlying bill. In a desire to pass any comprehensive energy bill, some of my colleagues may be willing to overlook the massive damage that this bill would do to our existing clean air policies. I do not blame the energy companies for ignoring their responsibility. It is our responsibility to protect the people as the people's representatives against dangers.

As a matter of fact, I acknowledge and applaud TXU and UPS for their efforts in the right direction in north Texas, but section 1443 of H.R. 6 would give polluters in dirty-air areas extra time to continue polluting.

Under the existing act, areas that have unhealthy air are required to reduce ozone-forming smog pollution by set statutory deadlines. Section 1443 would delay the adoption of urgently needed anti-pollution measures in communities throughout this country for a decade or more. My amendments presented to the Committee on Rules would have corrected this or would have also given some time for the companies to record their progress; but, of course, they were not made in order.

My colleagues will hear that the EPA does not disapprove of this. Well, is anybody surprised? These are the people who were appointed by the same people that allowed the energy companies to write most of this bill.

This provision will mean more asthma attacks, hospital visits, and premature deaths for residents of the

ozone odor nonattainment areas which includes the area that all my great friends over here live in and I live in. We need a fair bill that addresses the urgent need for clean air for ourselves and our children.

Mr. Speaker, prolonging our dirty air problem is not the solution. I urge my colleagues that desire clean air for themselves and their constituents to oppose this rule and oppose this bill. I am from an energy-producing State.

Mr. Speaker, the energy bill we are about to debate this week is presented as a major step forward in American energy policy. But it is not. It is quite the opposite.

This bill does nothing to improve the environment of this country or cut down on ozone pollution exposure. This bill does not force big polluters to clean up. Rather, it provides billions of dollars in tax breaks to politically favored energy industries that do not deserve them at a time when the country can ill afford it.

Mr. Speaker, the State of Texas ranks number one among other States in per capita consumption of electricity and second in ozone pollution exposure. Last year Children's Hospital of Dallas had 4,000 emergency department visits for treatment of asthma attacks. The average age of these kids was 5 years old.

More and more, there are hospitalizations. More and more, there are deaths from the pollution that we suffer in Texas; and I will offer an amendment to try and correct it. But, Mr. Speaker, I know that probably I am in the minority, but we must clean up the environment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, (WILPF) who on April 9, 2005, celebrated their ninetieth anniversary marking their work for peace for justice.

We commend Phyllis S. Yingling and the Joint Planning Committee ofthe Baltimore/Catonsville area for their hard work on behalf of women and world peace.

WILPF, located in 36 nations, was formed in 1915 during World War I. WILPF works to achieve through peaceful means world disarmament, full rights for women, racial and economic justice, an end to all forms of violence and to establish those political, social, and psychological conditions which can assure peace, freedom and justice for all.

Out of a meeting planned amongst western European and N. American suffragists grew WILPF. The meeting was supposed to be in Berlin. The war prevented the women from going to Berlin, so the women went to The Hague. Over 1200 women attended. At that meeting the women decided that ending the killing and the violence of war was even more important than suffrage for women.

WILPF's first International President was Jane Addams, founder of Hull House in Chicago and the first U.S. woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The United States Section of WILPF maintains a presence in Washington, D.C. providing support and organizing connections for the grassroots activities of WILPF's members located in 80 branches across the United States. They work in coalition with other disarmament, women's human rights, and racial and economic justice organizations to translate women's experience and vision into policies to promote peace and justice

For the last nine decades, WILPF has had a vision of peaceful and non-violent solutions to conflicts around the world.

We salute WILPF for their remarkable vision that we respect and that which still guides us today as we face the human security challenges of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S.256 because the bill does nothing to address the epidemic of identity theft or protect its victims.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk today about a remarkable, courageous man who has dedicated himself for the betterment of Texas, and the lives of those around him. Mr. William Solomon is a fine member of my home community of Dallas, Texas and I am proud to announce that he has been recognized for his outstanding work as the latest recipient of the Linz Award, Dallas County's oldest award for recognizing exceptional community and humanitarian volunteer efforts.

Bill Solomon began working in 1967 at the company that his grandfather founded in 1918, Austin Industries, Incorporated, the largest commercial and industrial contractor in Dallas. In 1970, Bill was named president of the company, and he continues to serve as chairman of Austin Industries today.

Mr. Solomon is also a renowned civic leader, a member of the Dallas Citizens Council, the World Presidents' Organization, and the Northaven United Methodist Church. He serves on the boards of the A. H. Belo Corporation, the Southwestern Medical Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Hoblitzelle Foundation. In addition to this, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

Mr. Speaker, our communities and our country have always relied on the contributions of those individuals who have the ability to rise above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of others, both personally and professionally. Bill Solomon has demonstrated an unfailing and tireless commitment to the betterment of Dallas County, the State of Texas, and the entire Nation. With his steady guidance and strong leadership, in 1991, he founded the Dallas Together Forum, were he has potentially made his greatest impact. This multi-racial group of approximately 30 Dallas business leaders met monthly to discuss ways to reduce racial tension and improve minority economic opportunities. The Dallas Together Forum helped defuse racial tensions in the '80s and early '90s, and its impact on racial harmony is still felt today.

Bill Solomon is a dedicated community servant, activist, and leader. He is a credit to Dallas, and through his tireless work, my home town has become a better place to live. I am proud to join his family, his colleagues, Zale Corp. and The Dallas Morning News in congratulating Bill Solomon on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the Turtle Creek Chorale, of Dallas, Texas. The TCC held their first performance in April of 1980 with only 70 members. Through the idea of ``the power of harmony,'' their commitment to the community and the leadership skills of Artistic Directors like Dr. Timothy Seelig, the chorale has exploded to over 200 singing members.

The TCC performs an annual series in Dallas at the Meyerson Symphony Hall, along with traveling around the United States, Canada, and many locations in Europe. In addition to more than 100,000 hours of rehearsal, and over 50 yearly benefit performances, the TCC also participates in numerous community service projects.

The TCC has many accomplishments, such as their collaboration with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with the creation of the much respected Sing for the Cure: A Proclamation of Hope, narrated by Maya Angelou. In addition, they produced and performed the world premier of Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle that was based on the award winning book Old Turtle. A portion of all the recording proceeds benefited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The TCC has also performed for the inaugurations of Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk and Texas Governor Ann Richards.

The dedicated members of TCC have excelled in their mission to entertain, educate, unite, and uplift audiences through music distinguished for its innovation, diversity and artistic excellence.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in acknowledging the honorable works of Turtle Creek Chorale for their 25th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, like most of my colleagues, I have recently spent time traveling through my district and listening to my constituents. The President's plan to privatize Social Security was the number one issue for many of my constituents.

Not everyone has the means or ability to prepare for the future, and none of us can protect our families against all the misfortunes that can sweep us into economic hard times.

Mr. Speaker, the President's plan to privatize Social Security is social insecurity, not social security. By forcing people, especially seniors, to rely on private accounts that fluctuate with the market, the President is gambling with our economic safety net. When the market loses ground, as it has in the past year, the safety net for America's seniors could be yanked away, not only for the seniors, Mr. Speaker, but for the survivors and the children.

We need to make sure that Social Security will continue to provide the same safety net against poverty that it has for almost 70 years.