Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the assault on overtime pay is nothing less than an attempt to pick the pockets of millions of hardworking Americans.

By stripping 8 million workers of their right to be paid for the hours they work, Republicans have issued another callous insult to families struggling to make a living. Since many of those who will be affected are nursing professionals, police, firefighters and other ``first responders,'' it sends another stinging message to the people we turn to and who routinely undertake the most thankless tasks in our times of need.

Mr. Speaker, over 3 million Americans have lost their jobs since President Bush took office, and countless others don't appear in the employment statistics because they have given up hope of finding a job.

Isn't in enough that the Bush administration has presided over the loss of 3 million private-sector jobs. It has failed to raise the minimum wage. It is allowing millions of older workers to lose half their private pension benefits. It has denied unemployment benefits to millions of workers who exhausted their Federal unemployment benefits. It has gutted worker safety protections, and denied working family's tax cuts--including the child tax credit--while showering hundreds of billions in cuts to the wealthiest of Americans.

As an experienced nurse, I want to draw your attention to serious dangers posed by this measure which threatens not only the pay of millions of nurses and other health care workers, but also the safety of patients in our health care facilities.

Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, are working an increasing amount of mandatory overtime, patient care and contributing to the ranks of the over 500,000 trained nurses who have left their field.

Mr. Speaker, the current nursing workforce is aging. The shortage of registered nurses in my home State of Texas is becoming more critical. Texas will experience a deficit of 10,000 RNs by 2005, 16,000 by 2010 and 50,000 by 2020, according to a July 2002 report from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

I am afraid that this will lead to drive even more nurses away from clinical settings at a time when the Nation is struggling to develop policies that will keep today's nurses at the bedside and attract more students into nursing for the future. It is unrealistic to imagine that nurses will remain in jobs where they have lost the guarantee that they will be paid premium wages, or any wages at all, when they are forced to work overtime hours.

Mr. Speaker, what in the world is it about Americans who are working hard to provide for their families that this administration just can't stand?

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to instruct conferees to accept Senate-passed provisions. We must block the Bush administration regulations that would deny overtime pay to millions of employees.

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Obey motion to instruct conferees on the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill.

the Bush administration continues to have a failing record on supporting our nation's working families. Instead of giving workers a leg up, the administration continues to hold working Americans down. By altering overtime regulations this administration is cutting the pay for as many as 8 million workers. Among those workers are those critical to the safety of our communities: firefighters, police officers and nurses.

In these hard economic times, workers need all the help they can get to support their families and their homes. Instead of working to create jobs, this administration is working to undermine the jobs that already exist. By taking away overtime pay, they would be removing income that many of these already underpaid workers have come to rely on to make ends meet.

That's why I support the Obey motion to instruct because it will prevent the Department of Labor from issuing any regulations that take away overtime protection from workers who already qualify.

Mr. Speaker, we must show our nation's working families that we support them instead of taking away their hard earned dollars. I urge my colleagues to support the Obey motion to instruct.

Mr. Speaker, it really is time for us to admit the truth. Mr. Speaker, 9-11, 2001 had nothing to do with the unilateral first strike on Iraq. We think that when we mention the word ``terrorist'' that it is a buzzword and we all are supposed to understand that that is the reason why the attack came to Iraq. That is not true. It never has been true. It is not true now.

Each time we talk about the cost of this war, we mention 9-11. It has nothing to do with that. It has more to do with trying to take over a country because you disagree with the leader, just like somebody could take this one over because they disagree with our leader, and boss it, steal their oil, or whatever. But we need to tell the truth about it. It is not the truth that it has anything to do with 9-11.

Mr. Speaker, we are taking our public to be stupid when we continue to say that 9-11 is connected with the Iraq attack. If that had to do with it, we would have the support of the U.N. We do not, because we made unilateral, first strikes without a reason, because we were not under immediate danger.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in support of H.R. 2608. H.R. 2608 is the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2003.

This legislation will strengthen a valuable Federal program which has the important goal of improving public safety. I want to acknowledge the leadership of the chairman of the Subcommittee on Research, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith), and my colleague, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird), in introducing H.R. 2608. I also want to thank the chairman of the Committee on Science, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), for working in a bipartisan manner with this side of the aisle to further develop the bill and to move it expeditiously through the committee and to the floor.

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, often called NEHRP, was established 25 years ago to address a serious seismic hazard in the United States. The program has the major goal of determining how to lower the risk to people and to the built environment.

Today, 75 million Americans in 39 States are directly vulnerable to a serious earthquake. The potential economic losses in a large metropolitan area due to a major earthquake could be over $100 billion. These facts alone make the justification for NEHRP self-evident, and even after 25 years the relevance of the program continues.

Most observers of NEHRP believe it has made many valuable contributions. In particular, it has increased our understanding of earthquake processes and has provided detailed information about the geographic distribution of earthquake risk. Equally important, the program has helped to improve engineering design and practice for structures and lifelines suitable for earthquake-prone regions.

Nevertheless, much work remains to be done. The NEHRP can be improved and made more effective, which became evident from the hearings before the Committee on Science. More can be done on technology transfer that will bring into practice what has been learned from the research activities about the most effective and economical ways for enhancing seismic safety of the built environment.

Also, some deficiencies needed to be addressed regarding the planning and

administration of the program. In 1993, the former chairman of the Committee on Science, Mr. George Brown, wrote the President to express concerns about NEHRP. He cited the lack of strategic planning, insufficient coordination and implementation of research results and a lack of emphasis on mitigation. Unfortunately, most of these concerns are still valid.

H.R. 2608 focuses on two aspects of the program most in need of improvement: program leadership and increased emphasis on transitioning the results of research into practice.

Leadership is addressed by designating the National Institutes of Standard and Technology, the lead agency for planning and coordinating the implementation of the interagency program. NIST is charged to convene a process to develop a strategic plan and work jointly with the other NEHRP agencies to prepare a detailed implementation plan and budget for the program for submittal to OMB during the budget formulation process.

The bill also creates an advisory committee of nongovernment experts to help guide implementation of the program and to assist the agencies in defining program priorities. Thus, H.R. 2608 puts in place mechanisms that will provide the leadership needed to ensure a well- coordinated, carefully planned, and effectively executed National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.

In addition, the legislation authorizes the resources needed to enable NEHRP to achieve its goals. It authorizes full funding for the Advanced National Seismic System. This distributed national facility, which has been the highest priority of the earthquake hazards reduction community, was first authorized in the year 2000, but has been funded at only 10 percent of the level required. I hope that with this authorization adequate appropriations will follow so that the Advanced National Seismic System may be completed without further delay.

The bill also specifies funding needed to complete the George E. Brown Network for Engineering Simulation and to support its operation. Moreover, the funding increases authorized will enable NEHRP agencies to expand their research activities so that this powerful new research tool can be fully employed.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2608 is a bill of national importance and will help improve public safety and mitigate earthquake hazards. I commend the bill to my colleagues and ask for passage by the House.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I urge this bill be passed, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on Taiwan's forthcoming National Day, I wish to commend Taiwan for all its accomplishments, both economic and political. I wish to extend to President Chen and the people of Taiwan my congratulations.

Taiwan is one of the world's largest economies and our seventh largest trading partner. Its people participate and fully subscribe to the principles of freedom and democracy. The Taiwanese people have worked with the United States on issues ranging from endangered species to trademark infringements. They are also working with us to combat global terrorism. They look to us for cooperation, guidance and protection.

Peace and security in the Taiwan Strait is vital to the security interests of all nations in the area.

Taiwan has spent considerable sums of money helping African nations fighting AIDS and other infectious diseases.

Taiwan is a staunch friend and ally of the United States. On Taiwan's national day, I wish to affirm my friendship for Taiwan and its people.

Mr. Speaker, as a nurse by professional training, I have spent much of my public career working to ensure that the Nation's health care system is affordable and provides the best possible services for all Americans. While Americans still have a world class health care system, there are those whose lives have been threatened by a focus on profits over healing.

Mr. Speaker, nearly a quarter of the residents in Texas, my home State, lack health coverage. That is a larger percentage than any other State. The situation has been getting worse, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report to be released today. The survey shows 24.7 percent of the State's residents had no insurance during the 2-year period ending last December. Texas also had the Nation's highest proportion of uninsured in 2000 and 2001.

I support a plan that would expand Medicare coverage for prescription medications. However, there must be some cost containment agreement with manufacturers and a streamlining of the Federal administrative structure to reduce costs to beneficiaries. Mr. Speaker, now is the time for all Americans to have access to quality health care and meaningful patient protection. Our citizens deserve and expect nothing less.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my Special Order at this time.

Madam Speaker, as a nurse by basic profession, I have spent much of my public career working to ensure that the Nation's health care system is affordable and provides the best services possible to all Americans. While America still has a world-class health system, there are those whose lives have been threatened by a focus on profits over healing. I believe that a doctor and patient, not an HMO accountant, should make sensitive medical decisions. I also support a plan that would expand Medicare coverage for prescription medication. However, there must be some cost containment agreement with the manufacturers and a streamlining of the Federal administrative structure to reduce costs to beneficiaries.

The Current Population Survey, the CPS, is the primary source for data on Texas's uninsured population. It paints a picture for the state of health care in Texas. My home State currently has the second highest rate of uninsured in the United States behind New Mexico. CPS data shows that there were 4.5 million people without health insurance in Texas, which is about 21.4 percent of the total population.

The rates for the uninsured minority are also quite frightening. Blacks and Latinos are far more likely to be uninsured when compared to their Anglo, or white, counterparts. Nationally, 11.6 percent of the Anglo population, 20.1 of the African American population, and 34.8 percent of the Hispanic population are without health insurance; but in Texas, while 12 percent of whites are uninsured, 21.2 percent of the African Americans and 36.7 percent of Hispanics do not have medical coverage.

Finally, one of my most passionate fights has been an effort to expand health care for children. I am a principal supporter of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP, the program that represents the largest expansion in health care in over 30 years. CHIP covers children not eligible for Medicaid insurance. Unfortunately, the rates for children without health coverage are also reaching alarming numbers. In the United States today, one in five children is without health insurance. In fact, in my home State of Texas 1.6 million children depend solely on health insurance provided by Medicaid. Limited access to health care contributes to growing rates of disease among children.

Studies have shown that good health is a prerequisite for optimal learning, and schools can help children achieve academic success by participating in efforts that promote good health, including access to regular medical and mental health care.

Protecting the health care of children should be the number one priority of any great nation. An investment in the health care of our youth is one of the wisest investments we can make for this country. Now is the time for all Americans to have access to quality health care and meaningful patient protection. Our citizens deserve and expect nothing less.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Transportation Committee, I would like to thank Chairman Young, Chairman Petri, Ranking Member Oberstar, and Ranking Member Lipinski for their leadership as our Committee continues to push a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill.

I appreciate that they have made this an inclusive process.

Unfortunately, the Bush Administration and the House and Senate Republican leaderships now obstruct our efforts to pass a full 6 year reauthorization bill that we urgently need to bolster our economy and create desperately-needed jobs.

In tonight's Democratic special order, I will talk about the economic stimulus and job creation that Chairman Young's $375 billion dollar bill will provide our sluggish economy.

But right now, I want to highlight a serious concern I have regarding this short term extension.

The extra flexibility given to the States in this extension may create a dangerous challenge to the transportation priorities identified by local officials.

My district is in non-attainment, and the City of Dallas, like every other city in this country, is in a serious budget crunch.

If cities and MPO's do not receive adequate funding--even for a short time--congestion and air quality problems may worsen.

I would like to remind the leadership of the Transportation Committee that I, along with many of our colleagues, will not accept extra flexibility afforded to the States if we have to pass another extension after this one.

Cities and MPO's rely on federal transportation dollars just as the States do, and we should not disrupt a funding distribution scheme that we know works very well.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Ranking Member Lipinski for his leadership and for organizing this time for a special order this evening.

The need for infrastructure investment is greater than ever.

The U.S. economy desperately needs a shot in the arm.

Our economy is in dismal shape. Unemployment numbers are the highest ever in the last decade.

With this Bush Recession, family incomes are falling across the board, and falling most rapidly among lower-income workers.

The increase in unemployment of the last two and a half years has had a disproportionate effect on people of color.

The rate of unemployment for African Americans is 10.9 percent--more than twice the rate for whites.

We need to put people back to work in this country, and we need to get this economy going again.

Transportation infrastructure investment will do just that.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), every $1 billion invested in infrastructure generates 47,500 jobs and $6.1 billion in related economic activity.

The 375 billion dollar surface transportation bill that the bipartisan membership of the Transportation Committee supports reflects the needs expressed in the Department of Transportation's own needs assessments!

The legislation would potentially create over 1.3 million new good- paying jobs. This bill would put people back to work, and this is just what the American economy needs.

We face rising costs--in congestion, in wasted fuel, in frustration, and in air quality.

I support an increase in the gas user fee because we can not afford to allow infrastructure to continue to crumble.

We cannot afford to bare the increasing cost of congestion (which was 67.5 billion dollars in 2000).

We cannot afford the healthcare costs we will face as a result of breathing polluted air.

Unfortunately, the Bush Administration and the House and Senate Republican leaderships now obstruct our efforts to pass a 6 year bill that adequately funds transportation infrastructure.

But the need to invest in public infrastructure is genuine, and moving forward requires additional funding.

Investment in infrastructure will improve mobility, productivity, and our quality of life.

President Bush's tax cuts have only further harmed our economy.

The Transportation Committee's legislation will provide REAL stimulus to our economy, and it will finally put people back to work.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I pay tribute to the memory of my dear friend and a remarkable woman from Dallas, Dr. Suzanne Insook Ahn. I would like to extend my greatest sympathy to her family by taking a moment to reflect on Dr. Ahn's rich life.

Dr. Suzanne Insook Ahn was born in Pusan, South Korea and raised in the United States, She was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

Dr. Ahn trained at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and maintained a successful practice as a neurologist for thirteen years. She was the youngest person, and only the second woman, to serve on the Texas State Medical Board of Examiners in its 100-year history. Dr. Ahn was the co- inventor of 14 U.S. patents and founded the medical division of a start-up technology company.

A recognized civic leader and advocate of women's rights, she founded the Summit, a group of Dallas women in decision-making positions. Dr. Ahn was instrumental in organizing the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the American Medical Women's Association.

Dr. Suzanne Ahn was a strong advocate for Asian Americans. She lectured across the country on civil rights and lobbied vigorously for the rights of Asian American workers at the Wards Cove cannery. Dr. Ahn led a march against Dallas nightclubs that illegally banned Asian Americans, In 2002 she led picketers at a bookstore in Plano that was denying service to Asian Americans. Dr. Ahn was a founder of the Asian American Forum that provides leadership training for Asian Americans in Dallas/Fort Worth.

In 1991, Dr. Ahn worked in the Texas Air Control Board to control air pollution. As she often pointed out, half of all those with lung cancer are non-smokers. Indeed, the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex is plagued by severely poor air quality that will continue to kill some of our best and brightest--such as Dr. Ahn.

Mr. Speaker, we must improve air quality in metropolitan areas across this Country or we will face disastrous consequences both in terms of our health and our economy. In Dr. Ahn's memory, I reaffirm my efforts to promote alternative transportation and cleaner power generation so that future generations will not grow up in a haze that will shorten their lives, happiness, and contributions to our society.

I join the residents of Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex in extending our condolences to her family. A physician, inventor, community leader, and civil rights activist, Dr. Ahn was a remarkable woman who will be deeply missed and never forgotten. She will be remembered for her enthusiasm, her vision, her dedication to equal rights and her many contributions to the State of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight, and I want to especially thank my good friend, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez from New York and applaud my House colleagues for their hard work in bringing us together here to acknowledge the important role small business plays in our economy and thank those small business owners for their many contributions.

I've always said that small business is the backbone of our State and national economy. Many small businesses are suffering in these trying financial times. Government contracts and spending are a vital source of revenue for small businesses, and in economically tough times it is vital that all levels of government continue to pay diligent attention to small business in their purchasing and contracts. Small businesses do not have high powered lobbyists, and it is important that we ensure that businesses of all sizes have access to government contracts regardless of their ability to buy influence.

Today I would like to discuss some important federal legislation that I believe will have important and positive implications for small business, job growth, and economic recovery in this country. Two of the top priorities for the remainder of the 108th Congress are reviving the struggling U.S. economy and reauthorizing the federal highway and transit programs.

I am also pleased to announce a congressional resolution that I have authored which will continue aggressive advocacy on behalf of American firms competing abroad, and specifically encourage small and medium- sized American businesses to explore trade openings and gain access to potentially lucrative markets, such as Iraq.

We all believe that America's small businesses must not be left behind in the globalization process. Although small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, the overseas investment potential of the small business sector remains relatively untapped.

This resolution's objectives are to continue aggressive trade promotion and advocacy on behalf of American firms competing abroad as well as to focus on the next generation of trade issues growing out of the changing global marketplace.

As Congress continues its work, I will be working to make sure that more good news is on the way for small businesses. And I want to assure you that I will continue to strongly support Federal programs that benefit small businesses.

Both our Federal and state government has an obligation to aid, assist and protect the interests of small businesses. The future of America depends on it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my concerns about the President's request for $87 billion to pursue the administration's aims in Iraq. While I strongly support our troops and I stand here as a strong American, and I support the President when it is reasonable and I will continue to support those brave Americans who are getting themselves in harm's way to defend our Nation, I think we must ask ourselves some fundamental questions.

To this end, the Congressional Black Caucus has issued a statement of principles as to the war in Iraq. I embrace these principles fully. I was Chair of the caucus when we adopted our principles concerning the war, and we still hold those principles dear. I am deeply concerned about the cost of the war and the cost of the psyche of the people of this Nation. I am also concerned about the economic price tag the war is exacting on the taxpayers. We are shifting the cost of engagement to our children and grandchildren. We are burdening ourselves with a debt that is not only mind boggling; it is also unconscionable.

Mr. Speaker, keep in mind that the $87 billion in new funding that the President is requesting from Congress includes more than twice the 2004 budget for the Department of Homeland Security. It is also roughly triple the proposed appropriations for highways and roads. Keep in mind that the combined projected costs of the theaters of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through September 2004 is $166 billion. That includes the $87 billion.

The President has not provided Congress with sufficient details about how the proposed funding will be spent. The information we have been given is vague, perhaps purposely so. Therefore, we are not able to separately evaluate the proposed funding for the protection and maintenance of our troops and proposed funding for rebuilding Iraq. In my view, Congress should vote on these funding proposals separately.

Back home, people think that the greatest attention we can give the troops is to bring them home. They really do not want more money spent in Iraq. Moreover, the administration has not articulated an exit strategy, nor has it given us a blueprint or a plan for bringing our troops home. That is what the people want. It was said in the days of old, ``My people perish for a lack of knowledge.'' We are left in that position. Without the information, we are groping in the dark. The American people deserve better and so does Congress. We should not give a blank check one more time for the President to spend with his friends.

Mr. Speaker, I am here today to express my

support of H. Res. 352, a resolution to remember and honor the historic March on Washington of 1963. This 40th anniversary of the historic March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King's universally famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech is a bittersweet moment.

I would like to especially thank my colleague, Representative Sanford Bishop for sponsoring this resolution. For many, Dr. King's dream has not come to fruition. It remains unfulfilled. As thousands gather from around the nation and the globe to reenact the fabled march and to rehearse the words of the visionary civil rights leader, we will celebrate the tremendous strides the nation has made on the issues of race, equality and social justice during the past forty years.

However, as the leaders and representatives of more than 500 organizations converged at the Lincoln Memorial, we are also reminded that the ``Dream'' Dr. King so eloquently articulated is still beyond the aspirations and the grasp of millions of our citizens. They have been left behind and are left out of the ``Great American Dream.''

Forty years later, some 13 million children in this country do not have enough food to eat. Four decades later 41.2 million people lack health insurance. As the economy shows certain signs of recovery, more than 9.6 million Americans still cannot find jobs. Matters are even worse in minority communities. The African-American unemployment rate hovers at 11.1 percent compared to 5.5 percent for whites.

Forty years ago we said, ``I have a dream!'' Today, we say, ``How long will we suffer injustice in America?'' The American people are in jeopardy of losing 50 years of progress in civil rights and civil liberties.

In fact, under the guise of the PATRIOT Act we are experiencing a rollback of these hard-earned rights. Elections have been stolen and voting rights have been denied.

In Texas, a proposed redistricting plan would disenfranchise minority voters across the state.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to take the time to acknowledge the 40th anniversary of the event that affords all of us an opportunity to rededicate and to recommit ourselves to the vision articulated by Dr. King. Like Dr. King, we can say: ``. . . That in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.''

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the leaders on the bill. I am pleased to join my colleagues from Texas this morning in honoring Rafael Palmeiro of the Texas Rangers, a major league baseball team, for his accomplishment in reaching the 500 home run marker in May.

Along with his honors, he also has numerous other hitting records, 3 Gold Gloves at first base and he has never been on the disabled list. But it is not just his excellence on the field that explains why he has legions of fans across Texas and the country. He is a man of outstanding character. He is humble even though he is distinguished and destined for the Hall of Fame.

It is his humility that he takes out into our community, contributing to so many important causes in the Dallas, Ft. Worth area, the Lena Pope Home in Ft. Worth, Shoes for Orphan Souls, and his own organization, Raffy's 500 Club.

Throughout his career, he has spent his time encouraging foster parenting, actively participating in the Make a Wish Foundation, encouraging our youth to read, and raising money for numerous disease research foundations.

He is an inspiration to all of people of all ages and he means so much to us in the Dallas, Ft. Worth metroplex. I am pleased to be a co- sponsor of this bill. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) for highlighting the hard work and dedication of Rafael Palmeiro.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of AmeriCorps, a program that offers an opportunity for young people and Americans of all ages to contribute to their communities. It makes the dream of college education a reality for families who work hard and play by the rules while meeting compelling human needs in our communities in a cost-effective manner.

I have been supportive of all national and community service initiatives President Bush appealed for in his 2002 State of the Union address. But the majority side of the appropriators refused to include AmeriCorps funding in the supplemental appropriations bill.

Mr. Speaker, the lack of supplementary funding for AmeriCorps has had a vital impact on Dallas, my hometown, and the other AmeriCorps programs across the State.

Throughout the past year, nearly 72 AmeriCorps volunteers have tutored 691 youths in the State of Texas including the Dallas Habitat for Humanities and the YMCA of Dallas Oak Cliff Branch.

In Texas, as in other States, AmeriCorps volunteers provide a host of services including building affordable housing, teaching computer skills to youth and seniors, and managing after-school programs aimed at youngsters who might otherwise drop out of school.

Mr. Speaker, we will not find common ground or reach higher ground if we turn national service into a partisan playground.

I will continue to work hard and do everything I can to strengthen this program, and I ask my House colleagues to do everything as well.