Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support additional funding for activities under section 107 of the Community Development Grant program at HUD. Specifically, I would like to ask for these funds to be diverted for community development grants for minority-serving institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This program assists minority-serving institutions to expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities.

An increase of $10 million for this program would double the budget now and allow for an additional 12 to 20 minority-serving institutions to meet urgent community needs. I know these funds are particularly needed at many of our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This is an important investment for these schools. It builds a strong relationship between school and community to promote social economic development initiatives. It will create jobs and help revitalize struggling neighborhoods.

Many of our urban HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions are located in areas that are blighted and struggling economically. This program creates a partnership between school and community, raising standards and expectations of the next generation. We want to create neighborhoods that are places people want to reside and feel a connection.

You often hear the phrase ``university town'' associated with other institutions. We want ``university town'' for these colleges as well, areas where the university is the center of economic and social life and people are proud to be part of it. We want neighborhoods where a college education is valued and seen as a common practice.

The program has made an immense impact at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. Located less than 10 minutes from the University of South Carolina, Benedict College is an economically depressed neighborhood. With funding from this grant, Benedict College has created a partnership and has been able to build and renovate homes, construct a community recreational park, and build a business development center.

Similar success has been seen at Winston Salem State University in North Carolina where funds have been used for affordable housing development, small business development, and neighborhood cleanup.

This grant creates partnerships that enable students, faculty, and neighborhood organizations to work together to revitalize the economy, generate jobs, and rebuild healthy communities. Funding this program at an additional $10 million would make an immense difference for these schools and communities.

I have used the reverse mortgage fund to offset this funding. This program is not without controversy. Many do not understand that proceeds received under a reverse mortgage may impact Medicaid eligibility. At a time when property values remain low, a reverse mortgage may not be the best route for many individuals. The value that one gets from a reverse mortgage is based on the current appraised value of the property. I have chosen this offset due to the current slump in the real estate market.

I thank the leadership for allowing this amendment to be considered, and I would ask humbly for your support.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

I would like to thank Congresswoman Maloney from New York for introducing this important legislative measure.

According to a 2008 New York City Department of Health report, as much as three years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, both psychological and new respiratory problems remain elevated among those persons enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry.

The news is even more disturbing when that figure is quantified as nearly 72,000 Americans that are currently registered.

Three percent of enrollees reported development of new asthma cases; 16 percent reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and 8 percent had severe psychological distress.

And, among the whole population of registrants, minorities, persons of low-income, and women experienced higher rates of mental and physical problems.

H.R. 847 would amend Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act to provide: medical monitoring as well as treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders, as well as recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

This bill would also provide the initial health evaluations, monitoring, and treatment benefits that residents and area workers who were directly impacted by the attacks need to address their concerns.

Going forward, we need to empirically study the psychological and physiological effects of 9/11 to better understand the new medical conditions that have emerged.

We owe it to those who selflessly risked their lives to save the lives of others.

Presently, the enrollment of the World Trade Center Registry includes 386 Texans who were affected and are still being affected by this tragedy.

Because the impacts of 9/11 far reach beyond Ground Zero, it is important that we in Congress work to provide for the care of those who still suffer.

I am confident that with the passage of this bill, they are one step closer to that goal.

I urge my colleagues to support Health and Compensation Act for the medical monitoring, treatment, and scientific research for those affected by 9/11.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3372) to modify the date on which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and applicable States may require permits for discharges from certain vessels.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on this bill.

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

I rise in support of S. 3372. This piece of legislation has been approved twice by this Chamber. Just last week, H.R. 5301, proposed by my colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo) passed easily on the floor of this Chamber.

Both S. 3372 and H.R. 5301 are mere extensions of an already existing moratorium. This extension is necessary because the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that discharges from vessels under 79 feet in length are not benign. But the agency needs additional time to expand coverage of its permitting program for these smaller vessels, and the EPA needs additional time to set appropriate Clean Water Act requirements to protect the Nation's waters from these type of discharges.

So I urge my colleagues to join me and support S. 3372.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).

I urge support for the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, George S. Patton, Jr. said ``It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such

men lived.'' For that reason, on July 14, 2010 we did not mourn Mr. Leo Earl Hollie Sr.'s death, rather we celebrated his life.

He left behind his wife of forty-two years and his two children, Constance Hollie-Ramirez and Leo E. Hollie, Jr. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves behind 6 brothers, 4 sisters and 7 grandchildren. He will rest in peace with his late mother Ella B. Mallard, his late brother Kent Hollie, his late brother Columbus Hollie, and his late brother Charlie Frank Hollie.

Mr. Hollie was a faithful member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist church and a proud twenty-year coach of the Oak Cliff Cowboys. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union Local #745 and had been recently re-elected as the Dallas county Precinct Chair of District #3302. Not only did he serve his community in the Dallas area, but he served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War Era.

Madam Speaker, we are proud of our community leader and the accomplishments he has left behind. We will not mourn that he has left us behind; rather we will rejoice what he has left behind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with disabilities Act and its mission to make this nation more inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

Over the past 20 years we've made remarkable progress. From increased availability of Braille to wheel chair accessibility in buildings and roads, accommodations have been made to improve the ability of disabled individuals to more easily function in the day-to-day tasks we take for granted.

In addition to the physical assistance that the ADA offers, it sends a larger message that individuals with disabilities make significant contributions to our society. It was not that long ago that a disability caused severe limits of career, education, housing and lifestyle. Every American deserves the opportunity and accessibility to succeed, and the ADA has made immense strides towards that goal.

However, we must recognize this anniversary as an opportunity to continue those efforts. As our society advances in technology it also provides new obstacles to many of those with disabilities. Technology is remarkable, but we must ensure it is safe and accessible. As society evolves so must the ADA.

Today as we celebrate our accomplishments we commit ourselves to a bright future for the millions of disabled individuals who have been assisted by the ADA. I strongly support H. Res. 1504 and urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, thank you very much, for allowing us the opportunity to give a statement on this very important issue this evening. I am very glad to be joined by a number of colleagues over the next hour to discuss the importance of putting Americans back to work. Unfortunately, we cannot override the devastating consequences that followed eight years of Republican with a simply snap of a finger. However, the Democratic Caucus is on its way to restoring this country's economic well-being.

I think it is very appropriate that we commence this Special Order hour in the midst of an incredibly important and critical debate about the short and long term economic future of this country. This evening we will address the fact that the economy has been on a downward spiral long before the crisis of this past summer. Millions of once financially sound American families and businesses--small and large-- have been teetering on the edge of poverty and bankruptcy.

Prior to the Obama administration, our economy was set on a path of destruction never experienced by this generation. We were losing over 700,000 jobs a month and most families were struggling just to pay their bills. But, yes, what a difference a year has made.

This Democratic Congress, working with President Obama, has chartered a new direction. Americans are now paying the lowest amount of tax rates since the 1950s, deductions on property taxes are available, States are receiving help with bonds to rebuild critical infrastructure such as hospitals and sewers, students are receiving tax relief for tuition and teachers are eligible for tax deductions for their out-of- pocket expenses. Finally, we must protect our coasts and increase the oil spill liability trust fund.

The newest job numbers indicate that over 419,000 jobs were created last month. According to a recent Associated Press release, Texas has the greatest amount of job creation in 2010.

Texas employers expanded payrolls by 43,600 during the month of May, making it the State's largest monthly gain in more than three years. Companies like American Airlines, AT&T, and Texas Instruments are creating jobs in my district because North Texas is a good place to do business.

This Spring, the House passed the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act. This legislation will create 160,000 jobs and extends successful Build America Bonds for schools, roads and bridges. We also passed the Summer Jobs Act which creates 300,000 summer job opportunities for our youth. We have seen an increase in GDP, an increase in manufacturing, and a significant increase in economic indicators. As President Obama said, this is the Nation where anyone with a good idea and the will to work hard can succeed. Dallas, my hometown, is no stranger to good ideas, hard work, or small businesses. I commend Dallas' small businesses which have created hundreds of jobs, provided valuable goods and services, and helped drive our local economy.

Madam Speaker, on May 28, 2010, the House of Representatives passed the America COMPETES reauthorization Act of 2010, which authorizes nearly $86 billion over the next five years to strengthen our nation's competitiveness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Our Nation is being outpaced by our competitors in graduating scientists and engineers. It is so important to invest wisely in programs

that truly make a difference in the achievement of our young people. It's about ensuring we are taking the right steps towards increasing American competitiveness and innovation.

We have an obligation to the future of our Nation to assure every segment of our population has equal access and opportunity to pursue careers in Science and Math. According to the Census Bureau, 39 percent of the population under the age of 18 is a racial or ethnic minority. Yet, in 2003, only 4.4 percent of U.S. science and engineering jobs were held by African Americans and only 3.4 percent by Hispanics. Further, women represent only little more than one quarter of our science and technology workforce.

As a senior Member of the committee on Science and Technology, I have attended hearings where recommendations were made to rapidly increase the number of federal undergraduate and graduate scholarships to persons from underrepresented groups in the sciences. Jobs created in the fields of science and engineering are the fastest growing and the highest paying. These are the jobs of the future.

I want to commend the Congressional Black Caucus for working with me to include many provisions authorized in America COMPETES which strives to achieve social and economic justice.

As a country, we are getting stronger and stronger, but we still have a long way to go. We must continue to invest in American businesses and in the American people. I urge my colleagues both in the House and Senate to come together to enact policies that create and encourage sustainable job creation for America's workforce.

Madam Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 5301. H.R. 5301, proposed by my colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. LoBiondo, consists of two titles.

Title I of H.R. 5301 is an extension of an already existing moratorium. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure recently passed this bill out of Committee with no amendments and no objections. This extension is necessary because the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, recently completed a study that indicates that discharges from vessels under 79 feet in length are not benign. However, the EPA needs additional time to set appropriate Clean Water Act requirements to protect the nation's waters from these types of discharges.

This legislation would extend the current moratorium until December 18, 2013, giving EPA the opportunity to include these vessels in the next round of permitting under the EPA Vessel General Permit.

I would like to point out to my colleagues that this Chamber has already passed this same language earlier this Congress, in H.R. 3619, the ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.''

The second title of this legislation is the ``Clean Estuaries Act of 2010,'' which reauthorizes the National Estuary Program. This Chamber successfully passed this legislation 278-128 in April of this year, with support from both sides of the aisle.

Estuaries are unique environments that are extremely productive in terms of their ecosystem values. The ecological productivity of estuaries translates directly into important economic output in terms of commercial fishing and recreational fishing.

The Clean Estuaries Act of 2010 will give these regions the resources and means to effectively manage watersheds and protect estuaries. At the same time, the legislation does an excellent job of including all levels of government and all types of stakeholders.

This legislation increases the authorization for appropriations; allows for increased and improved federal coordination; increases accountability; and, includes some necessary programmatic changes.

The National Estuary Program needs an increase in authorized appropriation levels in order to provide more resources to on-the- ground stakeholders and to enable more communities and estuaries to join the Program.

I ask all members of this Chamber to once again join me in supporting communities and estuaries through the passage of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5545. H.R. 5545 would deauthorize one-half of the federal navigation project width of the Potomac River, Washington Channel, District of Columbia.

This change to the width of the navigation channel will enable Washington, DC to better develop and utilize the waterfront near this channel.

To ensure that this action will not affect public safety, Committee staff checked with the Coast Guard, Navy, and Corps of Engineers. None of these agencies oppose the deauthorization of the segment of channel.

I am unaware of any controversy concerning this legislation, and I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5545.

Madam Speaker, on June 12, 2010 the Dallas Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, TLOD, recognized their 45 years of outstanding service in the greater Dallas community. Founded in the Lone Star State of Texas, the mission of the organization is to enhance and enrich lives of youth and adults through national and community based programs and projects. The organization is comprised of 4,600 members spread among 104 chapters across the Nation, with each chapter respectively sponsoring Top Teens of America.

Top Ladies of Distinction collaborate with various organizations to help build a better community and increase awareness. To illustrate, some organizations include: Ronald McDonald Houses; National Alzheimer's Awareness; HIV/AIDS Awareness; Top Ladies of Distinction Literacy Program; and Sickle Cell Research.

At the anniversary celebration the women were graced with the presence of Mrs. Jackie Pope, Top Ladies of Distinction's National president, along with Ms. Bobbie Moorehead, Top Ladies of Distinction's fifth past National president. Also joined in the celebration was Ms. Sharon Beard, the current National recording secretary.

Top Ladies of Distinction 2010 honorees for 30 to 46 years of service included: Mrs. Nita Moorehead; Mrs. Opel Jones; and Mrs. Elinor Jackson.

Top Ladies of Distinction 2010 honorees for 25 to 29 years of service included: Mrs. Dorothy Lee; Mrs. Orvee Seward and Mrs. Harriet Tripp.

Top Ladies of Distinction 2010 honorees for 20 to 24 years of service included: Mrs. Pauline Dixon, Ms. Hertha Echols, Mrs. Orethann Price, Mrs. Martha Smith, and Mrs. Harnell Williams.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Top Ladies of Distinction on this memorable moment in the history of their organization. These Ladies represent resourceful woman power; all of whom work for the betterment to serve others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support for the passage of an extension for Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits. Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits have expired as of June 1st, leaving millions of Americans without the financial lifeline they rely upon. Each week that Congress fails to pass this extension, another 200,000 Americans lose their benefits.

These are not people freeloading off the government. They had jobs, and the years that they worked are reflected in the weeks of benefits they receive. They are also required to look for work in order to receive benefits. With a 9.9% unemployment rate, job prospects remain dismal for the unemployed. With hundreds of applicants for each opening, some hiring managers have even gone so far to exclude the unemployed from applying within their job advertisements.

Without this extension hundreds of thousands of Americans will fall into poverty. Many more will have to make the excruciating choice between basic needs for their family; choices such as going without food or medicine in order to pay the rent or mortgage.

Economists have pointed to the economic value of unemployment insurance benefits. These are dollars that are going back into the market, raising consumption and creating jobs. If we allow millions of Americans to slip into economic peril, it will only serve to hurt the economy and stall the recovery.

This is economically important and ethically important, and I fully support the immediate passage of the restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express condolences and celebrate the life of a true Texas hero and my friend, The Honorable Dolph Briscoe, Jr. His legacy is one that is admired by people from all political backgrounds and influences across the state of Texas.

With family roots running back to an original signatory of the Texas Declaration of Independence, former Governor of Texas Dolph Briscoe, Jr. had in his blood to serve the citizens of this great state. Also the son of a cattle rancher, he never lost his humility though he amassed fortune, land and political fame known to few. As a freshman member of the House of Representatives in 1972 when Governor Briscoe took helm of the state, I came to admire the quiet dignity and authority by which he led the way for laws that would protect and enhance the rural Texas farm and agricultural way of life.

A man of few words, his actions reflected his dedication to the State and the preservation of its history and its history makers. He was a great supporter of the University of Texas at Austin, and in 2008 was aptly honored as the namesake of the UT Center for American History. He has been quoted as saying, ``I firmly believe that we cannot really understand the present without knowledge of the past.'' Mr. Briscoe was not only a dedicated public servant but also a caring family man. I was fond of his wife Janey, who passed in 2000, and respected their devotion to their family.

It would be difficult to describe Texas without including the great impression made by Governor Briscoe. He will be missed. A man of cowboy hats and boots, Mr. Briscoe was a true native son. I urge my colleagues to join me in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Mr. Dolph Briscoe, Jr.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. and Mrs. James and Carolyn Andrews on the occasion of their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary. The lives of these individuals have been uniquely American, and this Golden Anniversary of theirs is a special moment for not only them, but for their family and friends as well.

Carolyn and James were married on December 23, 1960 in Dallas, Texas. Together, they raised four children: Frederick Andrews of Mansfield, Texas; Eric Andrews of Waxahachie, Texas; Tonya Robertson of Allen, Texas and Yolanda Owens who resides in Danbury, Connecticut. Their family now extends to nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Andrews is a homemaker. Her loving husband worked at Texas Oklahoma Express for 20 years and then General Electric (GE) for the next 17\1/2\ years; where he later retired his professional career. The Andrews are active in the community and have been members of the Gospel Hour Chorus for over 45 years. The devoted couples' marriage has been based on a strong Biblical foundation, love, respect and friendship.

Currently, the Andrews reside in Cedar Hill, Texas and are faithful members of the Whispering Hills Church of Christ.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me on congratulating James and Carolyn Andrews upon the occasion of their 50th anniversary. For their commitment and generosity to family, friends, and each other, they are to be commended.

Mr. Speaker, it is with the utmost respect and admiration for the late Senator Robert Carlyle Byrd that I recognize his passing. Senator Byrd was known as a man of the people. He dedicated his life's work to the American citizens and his beloved constituency in the Mountain State of West Virginia.

Born November 20, 1917 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the young Byrd moved with family to West Virginia where he grew up and would later meet his soon to be wife, Erma Ora James. Their marriage spanned more than six decades until her death in 2006. Initially, he was unable to afford college, but eventually attended Beckley College, Concord College, Morris Harvey College, and Marshall College, all in West Virginia. Senator Byrd's public service career began after he won a seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1946. Six years later, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. It was during this time he began night classes at American University's Washington College of Law in 1953. With a tenacious spirit and made up mind, he would earn his law degree some ten years later in 1963.

Along the course of his professional and academic career, Byrd was elected to the United States Senate and would serve 51 years making him the longest serving senator in history. His time in office was well- spent and fruitful where he would serve in a myriad of leadership roles. Most notably: President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate; Democratic Caucus Senate Majority leader; Senate Minority leader; and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Senator Byrd, like many of us, lived a full life filled with high peaks and valleys low. I too, had some reservations about meeting this one-time member of the Klu Klux Klan who for 14 hours filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But, when our paths crossed, I soon learned of the great character of man he truly was. He believed whole-heartedly in the United States Constitution and a clear demonstration was the pocket version he always carried in his coat pocket. Another love he had was for taking afternoon walks on the West Front side of the Capitol. It was during that time of day where I knew I could find him whenever I needed to seek the voice of wisdom.

Mr. Speaker, I will miss those afternoon strolls with the Historian of the Senate. Senator Byrd loved the American people, loved his state and loved our great nation. Although he no longer is with us on the terrestrial, his legacy will live deeply within the halls of Congress and in the hearts of humanity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support for the passage of H.R. 5618, the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits have expired as of June 1st, leaving millions of Americans without the financial lifeline they rely upon. Each week that Congress fails to pass this extension, another 200,000 Americans lose their benefits.

These are not people freeloading off the government. They had jobs, and the years that they worked are reflected in the weeks of benefits they receive. They are also required to look for work in order to receive benefits. With a 9.9% unemployment rate, job prospects remain dismal for the unemployed. With hundreds of applicants for each opening, some hiring managers have even gone so far to exclude the unemployed from applying within their job advertisements.

Without this extension hundreds of thousands of Americans will fall into poverty. Many more will have to make the excruciating choice between basic needs for their family; choices such as going without food or medicine in order to pay the rent or mortgage.

Economists have pointed to the economic value of unemployment insurance benefits. These are dollars that are going back into the market, raising consumption and creating jobs. If we allow millions of Americans to slip into economic peril, it will only serve to hurt the economy and stall the recovery.

This is economically important and ethically important, and I fully support the immediate passage of the restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 402, 403, 404, and 405, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each.