Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1312 to recognize the roles and contributions of America's teachers in building and enhancing our Nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being.

Education is the backbone of our society, and perhaps Thomas Jefferson summed it up best when he said, ``Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.'' Simply put, the ability for our society to function and our democracy to work properly is dependent on a well-educated and informed electorate. Because of this, teachers play such a pivotal and vital role in our society, and it is important that we recognize their contributions to the future of our country.

This year, May 3-7 is teacher appreciation week, and I am proud to honor our teachers during this time. In Dallas, we have some of the best students and educators in the country, and I am incredibly proud of the work our teachers do to enhance the lives of our young people. The sacrifices they make are truly extraordinary, and I commend them on their efforts.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in recognizing our teachers and supporting this resolution. Truly our teachers work tirelessly for our children, and by so doing, they are giving America a brighter future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1301 to recognize the goals and ideals of National Train Day.

America's rail network is one of its greatest treasures, and I am pleased to support Congresswoman Brown's resolution in support of National Train Day. This year marks the third annual celebration with family-oriented events that provide opportunities to explore interactive and educational exhibits on the ways trains have transformed our country. This year we also celebrate 141 years of connecting travelers from coast to coast as the first transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869. On that day in Promontory Summit, Utah, the ``golden spike'' was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, linking the east and west coasts by rail for the first time.

In Texas we have several events lined up to celebrate National Train Day, and Dallas' Union Station will be one of 13 Texas train stations participating in National Train Day. The event will feature train equipment displays, entertainment, balloon makers, and face painters, and additionally, the Dallas Museum of the American Railroad will display its 1931 M-180 Doodlebug and a heritage Pullman Sleeping Car.

Madam Speaker, trains have truly transformed America over the last two centuries, adding to our national character and making us a more efficient and mobile country. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day and recognizing the contributions that trains have made to our national transportation system.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I honor the life and memory of John Ware. John was a remarkable person, and his vision and ability truly embody the spirit of Dallas. As city manager from December 1993 to August 1998, he was credited with leading the city's negotiations for the construction of American Airlines Center and was the driving force in creating the city we know today. After courageously battling cancer, John passed away at the age of 62.

John was born on March 16, 1948, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to J.A. and Allie Ware. He was married to Shirley Porter in 1974 and to this union two sons were born. John was an active member of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. He also actively served in the United States Army, and during his tour of duty in Vietnam he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

John earned his B.A. degree from Ouachita Baptist University, where he graduated Cum Laude and was a member of the Inaugural Honors Program. He received his M.P.A. degree in 1974 from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University where, in addition to earning an academic scholarship, he was named an Andrew Mellon Fellow. He holds certificates from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University, the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University Business School, the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

John's innovative ideas and education were truly profound, but it was really John's personality and personal investment in his work that people remember. Truly, no one knew this better than those who will miss him most--his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Ware of Dallas; two sons, Jawn Ware and Brandon Ware; four sisters, Cathie Murphy, Rose Gale Jones, Gloria Hart, and Angela Helms; five brothers, Joshua Ware, Ollie Charles Ware, Melvin Ware, Ronald Ware, and Sabian Ware; and one grandchild.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to be able to bring the life and contributions of John Ware to the attention of Congress and this nation. His passion and dedication to his work serve as an example to us all. John will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched, but his memory will live on through his contributions to Dallas and the work from which we have all benefitted immensely. During this difficult time I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring this great man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1307 to honor the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the nation.

The National Science Foundation is a remarkably important federal agency that is tasked with promoting the progress of science and advancing our national health, prosperity, welfare, and defense. Americans and people across the world have led more fulfilling and dynamic lives due in large part to the technological revolution that has shaped our world in the last half-century. It is important that we give credit to the National Science Foundation for their role in engineering this transformation and making our world safer, easier, and more efficient.

One of the main roles of the National Science Foundation is to fund and support unique research proposals, and throughout the years, more than 180 Nobel prizes have been awarded to foundation-funded researchers. Additionally, the National Science Foundation works diligently to ensure that young people are studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. We know that the jobs of tomorrow are going to rely heavily on a sound understanding of the hard sciences, and this part of the National Science Foundation's mission is central to our country's longterm economic and technological viability.

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the National Science Foundation, and I look forward to the next sixty years of technological and scientific breakthroughs. The National Science Foundation truly is one of our country's greatest treasures, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring this foundation for the discoveries that they have achieved and their long-lasting support of the sciences.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1213 to support the goals and ideals of National Lab Day.

I want to commend National Lab Day and its partners for their efforts to ensure America's workforce is proficient in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In order to keep the United States at the leading edge of discovery, it will take committed partnerships with volunteers, university students, scientists, engineers, other STEM professionals, and communities to inspire and cultivate our youth.

I strongly believe that in order for a child to believe, they must first see. Today, our children are in desperate need of positive role models. When STEM professionals enter the classroom and work with children, they are providing an example of what one day they too can become. We need to increase professional involvement with our youth throughout our educational pipeline. Efforts such as National Lab Day will help bring about positive change for our country.

It is no mystery that STEM professionals will cure the next epidemic and invent the next technological breakthrough. Ultimately, a nation that graduates a high amount of STEM professionals will be a nation that will thrive in the 21st century. These fields are among the highest paying and the most stable. Their rate of growth is increasing exponentially as our society grows increasingly technological and our world becomes more interconnected.

Mr. Speaker, the time to act is now. I ask my fellow colleagues today to join me in honoring National Lab Day and efforts that will raise standards, improve teaching, and motivate more students to pursue careers in science and math.

Mr. Speaker, for far too long, the executives on Wall Street reaped rewards by bending the rules and dodging financial regulation. Then they turned to the American taxpayer to dig them out. With Wall Street reform, average Americans will never again be on the hook for Wall Street's mistakes. We, quite simply, put an end to the taxpayer-funded bailouts.

Our legislation will make big banks accountable for their own failures and give regulators the tools they need to put the interest of working- and middle-class Americans first. Wall Street reform stands up for working- and middle-class families by putting a stop to the unregulated greed of Wall Street executives who took big bonuses while gambling with our homes, our jobs, and our economy.

Additionally, Democrats are continuing to make investments in small businesses and rebuilding America's infrastructure. Small businesses are the engine of job creation in this country and will be the birthplace of our economic recovery. That's why we are working to partner with small businesses to help them grow and to expand so they can hire more workers.

I encourage the American people to stand strong with Democrats to stop Wall Street from gambling with our economic security.

I thank the presiding Member for yielding.

On Wednesday of this week, which is tomorrow, millions of people worldwide recognize Workers' Memorial Day.

Each year in this country, thousands of workers are killed due to workplace-related injuries, and tens of thousands more die of occupational illnesses. It is staggering to think that every day an average of 14 workers are killed due to injuries on the job. Worldwide more than 2 million workers die of occupational illness and injuries annually. That means more people are killed on the job each year than in wars.

The bottom line is that everyone deserves a safe and healthy workplace. Many of us take this basic right for granted. But for millions of Americans, the threat of being permanently disabled or even killed on the job is very real.

Workers' Memorial Day not only recognizes and honors those who have been killed or injured on the job, it also reminds us of the overwhelming need to improve health and safety standards in our Nation's workplaces.

It has been 40 years since the creation of OSHA, and over this time, worker health and safety standards have vastly improved. However, there is still work to be done, as evidenced by several recent workplace disasters.

The month of April has been particularly devastating for workplace deaths in the United States. On April 2, seven workers were killed by a devastating fire at Tesero Refinery in Washington. And just last week, as has been mentioned, we also saw a large explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana. Seventeen workers were injured and 11 are missing and thought now to be dead.

April 5, as has been mentioned, the explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine in West Virginia where 29 lives were lost. Additionally, a miner was killed this past week at Pocahontas Mine in West Virginia. Both of these mines had a pattern of repeat safety violations. It appears that these companies were not dedicated to the safety of their employees. Rather, they were dedicated to staying open by doing the bare minimum to meet regulations.

Chairman Miller, Congresswoman Woolsey, and Congressman Rahall have been diligent in working to bring to light repeated violators and holding those who continue to operate unsafe mines accountable.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who were killed and injured in these tragic events, as well as all those workers who were injured or killed worldwide. These are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. They left home for work in the morning like all of us do, only never to return.

I thank the gentlewoman.

We hear again and again that those who died knew the risk of what they were doing, a risk many felt was necessary to provide for their families. Yes, accidents do happen. But often accidents are preventable, and we must do all that we can to prevent injury and death on the job.

I would like to thank House leadership and Chairman Miller for their support in bringing this resolution to the floor today, and I would also like to thank Congressman Bruce Braley and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez for their assistance in bringing this resolution forward.

I urge my colleagues to support the recognition of Workers' Memorial Day.

Let me thank the chairman and the ranking member for this bill, and I rise in strong support of the bill, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.

It is our duty to ensure that our veterans who so courageously serve our country receive the medical support they deserve.

My professional career as a nurse was spent in the veterans' system. I visited at a hospital after they had four suicides from the psychiatric unit, and one of the problems they had was noncompetitiveness with nurses' salaries, so I have introduced a bill to attempt to correct that. This bill has been incorporated, and I am pleased that it has been. The Senate companion bill is also included. It increases the pay limitations for VA nurses from level V to level IV of the executive schedule to address pay disparities, and also to increase special pay for nurse executives.

It is my pleasure to present this because I know firsthand what it is like to try to recruit good nurses.

I rise in strong support of S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.

I would like to thank Chairman Filner and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for their work on this legislation.

It is our duty to ensure that our veterans, who have so courageously served our country, receive the medical support they deserve.

The VA system must be able to successfully compete for the best health care providers in the United States.

I am also pleased that provisions in my bill, H.R. 919 and its Senate companion bill, are included in this legislation.

This bill will increase the pay limitations for VA nurses from Level V to Level IV of the Executive Schedule to address pay disparity, and also increase Special Pay for Nurse Executives.

As a result, the VA will be able to recruit and retain highly qualified Nurse Executives and raise their standing to be on par with other executive personnel.

Part-time nurses will now also be eligible for Title 38 status and additional nurse pay.

As a non-practicing Registered Nurse, I am pleased with these improvements for nurses who are on the front lines of care.

Overall, this legislation will recognize and treat our VA nurses, physicians, dentists, and pharmacist executives as the true professionals they are.

I am pleased to support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 255 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and to honor its founder, the late Senator Gaylord Nelson.

Every year we celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness about environmental issues and recognize the importance of protecting our planet. As we become a more modern and developed society, it is becoming increasingly necessary to take steps to ensure a green future. In truth, we have come a long way in the last 40 years with regard to protecting our environment, but we still have a long way to go to make sustainable development a priority.

Of particular importance is the need to protect two of our most precious resources--

clean water and clean air--which every person on this planet has an interest in protecting. In the United States, protections over waters and wetlands are essential to ensuring a long-term, sustainable water supply for the American people. When rivers and streams are placed at risk of pollution, many cities and communities which depend on these water bodies for sources of drinking water are equally placed at risk.

Additionally, clean air is one of the most basic necessities of life, and pollutants in our air can have devastating effects on both our health and our environment. Numerous studies that have shown that air pollution an cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems as well as result in asthma and other long-term and chronic health conditions. We must work to ensure that our air is clean and not polluted for the betterment of all people.

Madam Speaker, truly, the coming generations deserve to inherit a healthy planet with clean drinking water and clean air, and it is up to us to ensure that they do. I encourage all of our citizens to take a moment on this holiday to reflect on what they can do as individuals to help the environment, not just for us, but for people around the world as well. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in supporting this resolution that recognizes Earth Day and will help raise awareness for the need to protect our environment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1270 to express support for Mathematics Awareness Month. This year, Mathematics Awareness Month will take place in April with the theme of ``Mathematics and Sports.'' Events and demonstrations will take place across the country and include a variety of workshops, exhibits, competitions, and lectures to both educate people and encourage the study of mathematics.

As our society becomes increasingly dependent on technology, professionals who have a deep understanding of math and science are going to be in high demand. For this reason it is imperative that we educate the coming generation to truly understand mathematics and how it can be applied to everyday life. Simply put, our economy is going to demand an understanding of mathematics, and it is imperative that we rise to the challenge and teach our young people the mathematics skills they need.

Mr. Speaker, throughout my years in Congress, I have been an avid supporter of mathematics, engineering, and other related fields. I fully believe that we have to hold mathematics education in higher regard as innovation is a direct byproduct of a deep understanding of this field. For this reason, Mathematics Awareness Month is incredibly important, and I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me today in supporting this resolution for both our students and the future of our country.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 214 and 215, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lone Star Branch No. 132 of the National Association of Letter Carriers as they prepare for their 18th annual ``Stamp Out Hunger'' food drive.

During the ``Stamp Out Hunger'' food drive, letter carriers collect nonperishable food donations along their routes for the North Texas Food Bank and food pantries. Last year they collected more than 73 million pounds of food in one day, and by so doing, they helped to feed some of the neediest people in North Texas. Their hard work is greatly appreciated, and I extend my sincere thanks for their efforts.

Often considered America's ``hidden'' epidemic, hunger is a problem that affects numerous individuals across the country. In 2008, roughly 49 million Americans were food insecure, meaning that they were unsure as to whether or not they would have access to food. Additionally, it is important to note that African-American and Hispanic households experience food insecurity at a much higher rate than the national average. For this reason, events like the ``Stamp Out Hunger'' food drive are incredibly important in helping end this tragic problem.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me today in recognizing the efforts of Lone Star Branch No. 132 of the National Association of Letter Carriers for their efforts in helping to end hunger in North Texas and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1257, supporting the goals and ideals of National Financial Literacy Month, 2010. The resolution recognizes the importance of managing personal finances, increasing personal savings, and reducing personal debt in the United States.

Creating a national culture of financial responsibility is incredibly important in these difficult economic times. I believe that a financially literate public is a key component to having a strong and robust economy. Resolutions like the National Financial Literacy Month help to promote broad-based financial literacy initiatives that are absolutely essential for the well-being of our country.

A recent survey done by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling has shown that more than 60 million adults admit to not paying all of their bills on time; approximately 150 million people report that they have not ordered their credit report in the last year, and more than 75 million people are not putting any part of their income toward retirement.

I am always surprised to hear statistics like this, and it is alarming because there are very simple things people can do to save money and lead more financially stable lives. We must do whatever is necessary to educate the public on financial matters and develop unbiased financial literacy training programs within our communities.

I want to acknowledge the vigorous efforts of Congressman Ruben Hinojosa and Congresswoman Judy Biggert, co-chairs of the Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus, to improve the overall economic situation of all those residing in the United States. I would also like to acknowledge Greg Davis and Zachary Cikanek for their endless work and dedication to financial education.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that together we can continue to make a difference and help empower people to take control of their financial lives. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1271 to honor the life and achievements of Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks who passed away on April 15, 2010. Dr. Hooks served as the Executive Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and wads a great civil rights leader.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee as the fifth of seven children, Dr. Hooks faced numerous racial barriers growing up in the segregated South. He graduated from Howard University in 1944, and after serving in the army during World War II, he completed a law degree from DePaul University in 1948. Upon graduation, he returned to Memphis where he opened his own law practice. Although faced with relentless discrimination in the legal field, Dr. Hooks managed to make a reputation for himself. In 1965 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Shelby County criminal court making him the first black criminal court judge in Tennessee history. Later, in 1972, he became the first African-American member of the Federal Communications Commission where he developed a reputation as a champion for minority owned television and radio stations.

In 1976, Dr. Hooks became the Executive Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples. His tenure saw an increase in membership and revenue, and additionally, he was influential in the national recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Benjamin Hooks was an unyielding advocate for African-American civil rights, and he will be greatly missed. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in recognizing this remarkable leader who worked diligently for the black community and was a stalwart champion of fairness and equality for all.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, I requested and received a leave of absence.

For the information of our colleagues and my constituents, had I been present, on the following votes I missed during this time period.

On rollcall 212, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Financial Literacy Month, 2010 (H.R. 1257), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 213, Honoring the life and achievements of Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks (H.R. 1271), I would have voted ``yes.''