Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak in opposition to the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution that is before the House today, H. Con. Res. 34. As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and as a Texan that cares deeply about adequately providing for our Nation's Transportation system, I cannot support the Republican Budget proposal that has been brought before us today.

I share my colleague's concern regarding our national debt but this irresponsible bill makes drastic cuts to our Nation's infrastructure that will harm the American economy in the long run. This bill cuts nationwide funding for highway, safety, and public transportation investments over the next six years from $331 billion to $219 billion.

This drastic cut of more than $100 billion over six years of Highway funding means that the State of Texas alone will lose over $1.9 billion in Highway funding at a time when revenue from the Highway Trust Fund is stretched thinner than ever.

Additionally, assuming the widely accepted 2007 Federal Highway Administration model that every $1 billion of federal highway-aid investment creates or sustains 34,779 jobs over a seven-year period, this bill would destroy more than 490,000 jobs at a time when Congress should be helping grow and strengthen our economy, not stifling it as this Republican budget does.

I am proud to support the Congressional Black Caucus Alternative Budget for 2012 that does honor our country's commitment to support and invest not only in transportation and infrastructure but also in education, job training, and research and development for Science and Technology.

I must emphasize that our future economic growth, and therefore our ability to reduce our debt in the future, is tied very strongly to the investments we make in science and innovation today.

Although the cuts to our Nation's Science programs are much less severe in the FY 2011 Continuing Resolution than H.R. 1, they still are damaging to our Science agencies, especially considering that current fiscal year is already half over.

Across the world, growth in jobs in Science and Technology are increasing at a high rate and America should be supplying an adequate education and training for talented people to enter these industries.

We are jeopardizing our country's future by threatening funding for programs which are helping American students develop the right combination of skills for these jobs.

Mr. Chair, we cannot afford to shut the doors on America's ability to compete in these growing industries and we cannot afford to stifle maintaining and growing our transportation system by neglecting much needed investment in these sectors. I urge my colleagues to support the Democratic alternative budget that is before us and reject the Republican budget that destroys jobs and is no plan for the future.

Mr. Speaker, understanding the basics regarding risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer, has made a positive continuous journey towards better management and victory over the disease. The American Cancer Society in 2010 estimated that among U.S. women there would be more than 207,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and nearly 40,000 breast cancer deaths.

However, despite the alarming numbers, there remains hope for a cure of this disease. Because of the efforts of Nancy G. Brinker who lost her sister to the fight of breast cancer, Ms. Brinker has done everything in her power to fulfill her promise of ending breast cancer forever. And, I am proud that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure', is headquartered in my District, the 30th Congressional District of Texas.

Beyond leading the charge of eradicating breast cancer for women in the United States, Susan G. Komen for the Cure' remains the premier global leader at the forefront of the breast cancer movement since their 1982 inception. Komen has significantly contributed to the advancement of breast cancer research, education, advocacy, health services and social support programs in the United States and through partnerships in more than 50 countries as sustained by more than 100,000 volunteers who work in a network of 124 affiliates worldwide. Further, the organization is attributed to investing more than $1.9 billion to the fight for breast cancer for women. I applaud the Susan G. Komen for the Cure' for their accomplishments, dedication, and commitment to unparalleled breast cancer advocacy efforts. As global citizens, by educating women about the available predictive screening and preventive care, we can successfully help our women, mothers, sisters and daughters to live longer, healthier lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to honor his legacy and recognize the innumerous Americans who continue along the path he paved towards justice and liberty for all citizens.

It is rare that one person can change the fate of our Nation; however Dr. King was able to do just that. Dr. King relied on his relationship with God and his faith in justice to articulate his vision for America in a way that touched the hearts and minds of the American public.

Dr. King called on all of us to no longer stand alone in silence, but to stand up together as a voice against injustice. He inspired us to fight for change through nonviolent means, and paved the road for us to continue that fight even after his death.

Few people would sacrifice time and energy for loved ones, fewer for strangers, yet Dr. King humbled himself to do just that. He ultimately sacrificed his life and his family sacrificed their patriarch for the struggle towards political justice for all Americans. Today we pay homage for their selflessness and publicly thank them for their commitments to humanity.

Dr. King left us with the challenge to courageously fight and secure the civil rights for all, from the impoverished and disenfranchised underclass to the politically and economically endowed. Although his challenge was issued 40 years ago, we still have not fully realized his noble request.

Today, that legacy is as much about the past as it is about the future. Dr. King's dream is truly timeless, and I hope that our next generation will find inspiration in his faith and vision.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pete Schenkel, recipient of the 82nd Annual Linz Award. Given each year, the Linz Award is bestowed upon individuals or couples for outstanding work in the community or humanitarian efforts.

In addition to his distinguished career with Dean Foods, Mr. Schenkel has been greatly involved in assisting the Dallas community. He has been particularly active in the areas of civic involvement, health care and public safety.

Mr. Schenkel was a leader in securing the Cotton Bowl as the location for the annual Red River Rivalry game between the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Schenkel worked to raise millions of dollars for the renovation of the Cotton Bowl ensuring that this historic football game remains in Dallas for years to come.

Mr. Schenkel has been immensely involved in local law enforcement and helped launch the Dallas Blue Foundation over 20 years ago. The Dallas Blue Foundation assists families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in the line of duty. He also played a role in raising funds to provide rewards for tips in solving major crimes.

Assisting the Dallas community in healthcare access and advocacy, Mr. Schenkel has served as a board member and former chairman of the Methodist Hospital System Foundation. During his 20 years of service he has supported programs in emergency, cardiology, orthopedics and neurology. A recipient of the 2010 Norman Brinker Humanitarian Award, Pete Schenkel and his wife Pat are renowned for providing outstanding work and leadership in the healthcare field.

Amongst many other recognitions, Mr. Schenkel serves as a member of the Dallas Citizens Council, and Cotton Bowl Athletic Association and Salesman Club. He also formerly served as chair of the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport Board, and as former chair of the State Fair of Texas Board.

Pete Schenkel has made an immeasurable impact on Dallas, and made our community a better place. He is an outstanding citizen of our community and this recognition is imminently well deserved.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here this morning very troubled because the Republican budget will end Medicare and eliminate the guaranteed coverage. This is un-American.

It slashes Medicaid for seniors in nursing homes, health care for children, and Americans with disabilities. This is un-American.

It increases the cost of college education for close to 10 million middle class students and their families. It gives away billions in subsidies to tax breaks for Big Oil, and it gives tax cuts for the wealthy that will add $1 trillion to the deficit. It gives tax breaks to corporations that send jobs overseas.

Yes, we must cut, but we must cut with common sense. We must not gut the future of America. It has to be sensible.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of the Thirtieth Congressional District of Texas, I want to congratulate my friend, Jennifer Stimpson for her work with the Dallas, ``Cease the Grease'' program. Jennifer who is science faculty with The Hockaday School, is helping citizens understand the benefits of recycling used cooking oil.

Jennifer, a scientist by profession, has taken her passion to the classroom, incorporating within her lectures the ``how-to's'' of converting used cooking oil into bio-fuel. Jennifer Stimpson's passion is what will ultimately get more young people involved in the sciences. I am so proud when I hear of leaders like Jennifer who are thinking outside of the box. We need more individuals like Jennifer who are finding new creative ways to inspire many more future generations to pursue rewarding careers in science and engineering.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of science and engineering. As a country we have been falling behind other nations in Math and Science education for several years now. The number of scientific papers published by Americans is declining. Americans are receiving fewer Nobel Prizes in the sciences. There is evidence that the foundation of our innovation-based economy is experiencing dangerous deterioration. For America, this is unacceptable.

Jennifer, I congratulate you and wish you much continued success. Our nation is a better place because we have individuals such as you. I ask all of my colleagues to join in celebrating Jennifer Stimpson on her many accomplishments and dedication to educating our nation's future.

Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Christopher Crowe, a remarkable public servant and extraordinarily devoted congressional staffer. Chris passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 30, at the youthful age of 29. He was my legislative aide who mastered our budget, tax, and international trade issues. He was still on the payroll as of Wednesday before his abrupt passing.

Most of Texas's 30th congressional district residents did not know Chris Crowe personally, but I would like them to understand exactly how this dedicated public servant made a real difference in the lives for my constituents and our country. Chris always exceedingly performed his job in the name of the American people with remarkable efficiency, tenacity, pride and integrity. Nearly each and every time I would return to the district for town hall meetings or other business, I would hear from my constituents their gratitude for Chris's selfless work. Likewise, Chris would always talk about what a great community we had in Dallas--an appreciation that was reflected greatly in his work.

On Capitol Hill, Chris served as an inspiration and an unwavering ally. His work ethic demonstrated for others what personal sacrifice truly meant and redefined the term ``public service'' for his constituents. His great interest in international events, cultural trends and current events taught others how to be global citizens. He was a person who enjoyed life and always had a smile to share. He never met a stranger.

On behalf of Texas's 30th congressional district, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Crowe family, his friends, and his colleagues. As they honor their beloved son, brother, friend, and neighbor, know that we will always miss his presence.

Mr. Speaker, I add my statement and my staff's comments about Chris to the Congressional Record and I encourage my colleagues to read them.

``Chris worked in politics to make a difference, he always

stood up for what he believed in and always did so with a

smile on his face. He was a committed colleague to work with

and was always a joy to be around.'' J. Collin Chlebak

``Christopher Crowe's unparalleled commitment to service to

our congressional district, our Member, and to the causes he

believed in made him a professional role model for me. Yet,

his unflinching spirit and vibrant personality are what I

will truly miss and carry forever.'' Cameron Trimble

``Chris was a young man who had a sincere passion for

public service. His commitment and dedication was evident in

the approach he took when serving the constituents of the

30th district and the state of Texas. We will dearly miss his

upbeat and joyous personality.'' Esperanza Worley

``Chris was a comedian when you needed a laugh, a strong

voice of reason when you couldn't focus and mighty force to

be reckoned with when he had your back. His light will

forever shine and anyone who ever had any contact with him

knew right away that he was special.'' Dena Craig

``Chris put simply, was a great guy. I admired and

respected his knowledge of political issues and the process.

He had a zest for life and it was evident in his every action

which impacted many. I know I am a better person to have met

and worked with such an amazing person. He will be dearly

missed by us all, however, he will live on through every

person he interacted with.'' Eric Hammond

``Chris was a colleague that was easy to work with and

always willing to help. He enjoyed life and we (my wife & I)

will surely miss him. RIP my brother!'' Rod Givens

``Chris had the ability to light up a room wherever he

went. I was always amazed at how many people he knew and was

friends with. People could tell what a special individual he

was and were drawn to him. He didn't believe in letting life,

opportunity or fun pass him by. He lived more in his 29 years

than some people experience in a lifetime. I believe all the

lives he touched and inspired will be his legacy.'' Jennifer

Stiddard

``Chris beamed life!'' Nanette Spencer

``Chris Crowe was a friend to everyone he met and always

had a smile on his face. His bright presence, good humor, and

friendship will be sorely missed and remembered fondly by

many.'' Chris Kelley

``Rarely do you meet a human who is ray of sunshine that is

coupled with a warm, radiant smile. And, when this unique

person comes along, you never forget the impact on your life.

For me, that is who Christopher Crowe is and will always

be.'' Kwamme Anderson

``Elif and I are shocked and saddened by Chris's passing

and we share the Crowe family and friend's grief and deep

sadness. Chris was an exceptional individual, friend and a

global citizen. He will be missed by all of us privileged to

have known and worked with him.'' Murat Gokcigdem

Mr. Chair, I rise today to reluctantly oppose the passage of the legislation before us: H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011. I say reluctantly because the FAA is in urgent need of a long-term authorization to guide it in this critical period of air traffic control modernization. As most folks know, FAA has been operating under a series of short-term extensions, the last of which passed the House on Tuesday. While these short-term extension have been necessary, they have made it difficult for the agency to engage in long-term planning.

However, while H.R. 658 reauthorizes the agency for four years, I must oppose this bill. There are several reasons for this opposition.

First, H.R. 658 imposes arbitrary and poorly considered spending reductions on the FAA. This bill imposes over 1 billion dollars of annual cuts from FY 2010 spending levels. These cuts will lead to costly job losses. This is not a ``job-creating'' bill--far from it! As Marion Blakey, the FAA Administrator under the Bush Administration, said at a hearing earlier this year about this bill, ``the prospect is really devastating to jobs and to our future, if we really have to roll back [to 2008 levels] and stop NextGen in its tracks.'' As we begin to climb out of a deep recession, I question the wisdom of cutting air travel infrastructure spending which is critical to the continued growth to the industry. And this is an industry, I might add, that contributes approximately 1.3 trillion dollars and nearly 11 million jobs to our economy.

These funding cuts occur at a time when air traffic is increasing. It defies logic that we can cut funding for air traffic infrastructure and safety while at the same time experiencing a growth in civil air traffic without leading to reduced levels of safety. You cannot. Let's be clear: this bill will reduce the safety of the American flying public. Period.

In the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where I serve as Ranking Member, the Majority pushed through a 23% cut to FAA's research account. What got cut? Fire safety research, icing research, and research into reducing pilot and ground crew errors--and many other important initiatives. My Democratic colleagues on the Committee tried to restore funding to the safety programs I just mentioned, at a modest cost to the overall bill. However, we were rebuffed in our efforts in party line votes. I find it unfortunate that the flying public will have to sacrifice their safety so that our Republican colleagues can hew to an arbitrary budget cutting number.

I would also like to express my strong opposition to the provision of this bill which repeals the National Mediation Board's Fair Elections Rule. The notion that your vote only counts if it is actually cast is a fundamental principle of democracy. I am particularly disappointed that the Republican Majority has decided to go about attacking worker rights in a bill that should be about creating jobs for American workers.

In addition, I want to comment about an omission in this bill. This bill does not address the issue of flight attendant occupational hazards. According to 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, air transportation workers are exposed to more workplace injuries and illnesses than construction workers and workers on factory floors. Despite this, flight attendants are not protected by occupational safety and health standards. Moreover, flight attendant fatigue has been identified by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute as a safety problem, and one that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, H.R. 658 addresses neither of these important issues related to flight attendant safety.

There are several provisions in this bill that I do support. Namely, I am glad to see that the Airport Access Flexibility Program is included in the bill we are considering today. The Airport Access Flexibility Program was created through my leadership in 2009 and directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program at five airports where passenger facility charges may be used to finance the eligible cost of an intermodal ground access project. This program is of critical importance to Dallas Love Field Airport for a project that would link the airport to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) System. Congressional intent is quite clear that Dallas Love Field Airport should receive priority consideration to be included in this program. I look forward to working to with colleagues in the Senate to ensure that this program is retained in the final legislation.

Finally, in the Manager's amendment there is a provision to prohibit any new safety regulations affecting crew or passenger spaceflight safety until 2020 or even later. That is bad policy that will have adverse consequences for safety if enacted. FAA has notified us that they are strongly opposed to the provision, as am I.

Mr. Chair, I would have liked to support a bipartisan FAA reauthorization today. Unfortunately, Majority has decided to bring a bill to the floor today that costs American jobs, attacks American worker rights, and sacrifices the safety of the American flying public. Therefore, I will oppose the bill today, and hope that we can work together to fix the problems I have identified in this legislation as we move forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus.

What began forty years ago as a formation of 13 Members who set out to fight racial injustice has now grown nearly 3 times with 43 Members of the Congressional Black Caucus. The Caucus is a stalwart political force within the United States Congress. It is unfortunate that we yet remain in the struggle for the fight for social, educational, economic/ financial, and health equality.

As an active member of the Caucus for nearly 2 decades, it is a pleasure to work among those who are the voice for our most vulnerable populations. Our Congressional Districts know no boundaries and for many of us, we are the Congressional Representatives for minorities who, otherwise, would not have representation on issues of importance to them and their families. It is no secret that what gives soul to these United States is our unique ability to seamlessly blend many cultures into one; and we do so respectfully. However, there are miles to go. Until we get there, we will continue to fight for the least among us on critical issues that impact minority communities.

Four decades as the conscience of the Congress was and still remains the reason we have stood the test of time. It is an honor to serve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 839, the Home Affordable Modification Program Termination Act.

The Home Affordable Modification Program is designed to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure by providing homeowners with financially responsible and affordable loans.

The program provides incentives to loan investors and servicers in consideration for the loan modifications, and incentives for homeowners to continue to make on-time payments.

At the end of January, there were 539,493 homeowners with permanent Home Affordable Modification Program loan modifications.

New permanent Home Affordable Modification Program modifications have averaged around 29,000 per month over the last six months of 2010.

This program saves homeowners on average 527 dollars per month.

If this bill is passed it would deny modification loans to more than a half million homeowners at risk of foreclosure.

I encourage my colleagues to stand up for homeownership in your districts and vote against this irresponsible bill.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to talk about a crisis that our country is facing. We all know that our Nation's future strength is directly dependent upon our commitment to a robust science agenda. The cuts to our Nation's science programs in the CR threaten to set our Nation back even as we continue to look forward to our future.

An investment in science is about ensuring our Nation's memories are honored, by investing in dreams that are yet even brighter. As an author of the first bipartisan America COMPETES Act, we responded to many top academic, corporate and business leaders who knew that investments in STEM education is what will ensure that our Nation's future science and engineering leaders will never need to leave our shores in order to obtain a world-class education.

December 2010 was one of our finest hours when, as a Congress, we returned to our triumphant moment of passing the comprehensive, bipartisan America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, to provide our Nation with a roadmap for investing in our global economic competitiveness and our future growth.

Mr. Speaker, our country cannot afford to go backwards by giving up on science and innovation.

An investment in science is about ensuring America's memories are honored by investing in dreams that are even brighter.

We all have a responsibility to preserve this vision in order to help rebuild our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 28, a resolution requiring the removal of all United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan. I believe it is time to bring the United States Military's involvement in Afghanistan to a close.

Since the beginning of the Afghanistan War, the United States and Coalition Forces have lost 2,347 service men and women. Tens of thousands have suffered from other disabilities or psychological harm. With thousands of Texas Guardsmen currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, I will never forget their bravery in fighting for the freedoms, liberties, aid human dignity of the Afghanistan people.

Our nation's economic and national security interests are not served by a policy of an open-ended war in Afghanistan.

Mr. Speaker, our soldiers have fought for us, now it's time for us to fight for them. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution and help bring our soldiers home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1076, a bill to Prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content.

NPR is a congressionally chartered non-profit organization that provides independent and non-partisan news and education to approximately 27 million Americans each week.

This is a politically motivated bill that would hurt over 900 local radio stations across America that rely on NPR for fact based news content and the millions of Americans who listen to NPR for their daily news.

NPR enjoys very strong support from the American public as nearly 70 percent voiced their opposition to eliminating funding for public broadcasting according to recent polling.

Constituents in my home of Dallas, Texas have contacted my office by the hundreds; making phone calls, sending emails and faxes to express how important NPR is to them.

This bill will do nothing to create jobs or improve our economy. In fact, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has stated that this bill would produce zero savings to the taxpayer, and do nothing to reduce the deficit.

Families with low incomes, families living in rural areas, and minorities would be especially hurt by this legislation.

Smaller radio stations in rural America rely on NPR more than large cities for radio content so they would be more greatly impaired by the bill's prohibition against using federal funding to local radio stations to pay for any content from any source, depriving them of hours of programming every day.

At a time when our national news is driven more and more by commercial interests and obsession with viewing ratings, it's more important than ever for Americans to have an objective and unbiased source of news and national commentary that is based on facts and reporting.

I also object to the process that the Republican Leadership has brought this bill under consideration today. The Republican Leadership have reversed themselves on their own promise to for every bill to undergo 72 hours of review.

The American people have not heard a single hearing on this bill nor have they heard a single minute of testimony from any expert witness on the merits of this bill.

Not only was this bill rushed to floor of the House without sufficient review and scrutiny by the public, but the Republican Leadership has brought this bill to the floor that prohibits any opportunity for any other Representative in this House to offer a single amendment to improve it.

This is not the way to run the people's House. This legislation is pure political posturing and is distraction from what we should be doing today, which is working to create jobs and improve our economy.

I urge all of my colleagues to stand with me today in voting ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Skyline High School for 40 years of outstanding service to the Dallas community. Skyline first opened on March 1st, 1971 as our nation's first magnet school. Since then, thousands of students have graced the halls of Skyline, and many have gone on to make immense contributions to the Dallas Metroplex.

Skyline's diverse student body has excelled academically with students earning nearly $25 million in scholarships last year. Under the leadership of Principal Harold Wright, Skyline earned a ``higher performing school'' rating from the National Center for Education Accountability. The motto of ``Unity in Effort...Pride in Result'' exemplifies the drive and achievement of Skyline's students, teachers and administrators.

Skyline has had many illustrious alumni, including: Dallas City Counsel Member, Pauline Medrano; Olympian, Michael Johnson; and Bryan Trubey, principle designer and architect of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. These individuals continue to utilize their education at Skyline to give back to the community.

Skyline High School was the first of many outstanding magnet schools in the Dallas area, and helped revolutionize the way we approach education. They have shown with the proper resources and motivation students can and will succeed. I am proud to represent Skyline High School, and look forward to its success in the years ahead.