Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I am so privileged to rise today to recognize Ms. Rita Wischmeyer and the members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

These women truly broke gender barriers and defied tradition when they served as military pilots during World War II. From September 10, 1942 until December 20, 1944, roughly 1,000 women served in this group and helped to lay groundwork for future generations of women to serve in the armed forces, and particularly, as pilots. Their actions were both heroic and daring, and we honor their legacy with heartfelt thanks and warm thoughts.

Recently the Women Air Force Service Pilots were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, and I applaud them on receiving this long overdue recognition. America is a better country because of these women and because of their service, and I extend a personal thank you for their sacrifice.

Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not mention Ms. Rita Wischmeyer, a citizen from my district, who served with this group. We can all learn a valuable lesson from her courage in the face of discrimination and willingness to give to her country. Together with these women, Ms. Wischmeyer helped to change the course of history so that people

could serve both in the military and as pilots, regardless of gender.

Madam Speaker, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were remarkable women that gave unselfishly and wholeheartedly for their country. I ask my fellow colleagues today to join me in honoring their accomplishments and celebrating their legacy for future generations of women.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a great American, Maj. Gen. Hugh G. Robinson, who passed away on March 1, 2010 at the age of 77.

General Robinson was an outstanding civic leader in the Dallas community, and as a decorated Vietnam War veteran who served in the Army from 1954 to 1983, he was an inspiration to countless individuals across the city. Born in Washington, D.C., he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point where he received a bachelor's degree before completing graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During his time in Vietnam, he received an Air Medal, a Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, and an Army Commendation Medal for his work commanding the 39th Engineer Battalion and serving as an executive officer of the 45th Engineer Group. He later returned to Washington, D.C. where he served at the Pentagon and in President Lyndon B. Johnson's White House where he became the first African- American Army aide to a President.

After leaving the military in 1983, General Robinson settled in Dallas where he served on the board of directors of several corporations including Southland Corp. and Belo Corp. He was active in the New Way Christian Outreach Church in Dallas, and along with his wife, adopted 13 foster children.

Madam Speaker, Maj. Gen. Robinson was regarded as a true hero in the Dallas community, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring his life and service. He was an inspiration to us all and will be truly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of

H. Con. Res. 249 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the role that it played in ensuring the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

As we commemorate this day, I am reminded of the pain and hardships that the African-American community faced prior to the enactment of the Voting Rights Act. The use of intimidation, literacy tests, and poll taxes throughout the South ensured the disenfranchisement of most blacks, and while we have a difficult time fathoming these realities today, these practices were very common in the period before this historic legislation became law.

It is often regarded that the marches from Selma to Montgomery in 1965 were key in bringing about the Voting Rights Act, and perhaps the first march, which took place on March 7, 1965, or Bloody Sunday, was the most important of these. On that day, roughly 600 people led by Hosea Williams and John Lewis were beaten and bombarded with tear gas at the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the Alabama River. From this, two subsequent marches took place that culminated with the gathering of roughly 25,000 people on March 25, 1965 on the steps of the Alabama capitol. A few short months later, on August 6, 1965, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson to outlaw discriminatory voting practices.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to mention briefly how privileged I am to work with an American Hero and civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis. His dedication to civil rights is unfaltering, and I am so fortunate to consider him a dear friend.

Mr. Speaker, Bloody Sunday and the march on Selma will continue to be infamous subjects in American history, and it is important for us to reflect on these events with solemn hearts. However, we have never been a nation to forget the future either, and as we continue to look towards tomorrow, we must not disregard our hope for that which is to come. For this reason, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in commemorating the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday so that we can honor the civil rights leaders of yesterday and encourage the generation of tomorrow to continue to work towards a more democratic America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and honor the accomplishments of Congressman Charlie Wilson who passed away on February 10, 2010.

Charlie Wilson was a remarkable Congressman, and in his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, he worked diligently for his constituents in East Texas. During his tenure in the House, he gained a seat on the House Appropriations Committee and through his position on the Subcommittee on Defense, he helped to fund the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet War in Afghanistan. Additionally, his support for progressive politics led him to be an advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment, a minimum wage bill, and Medicaid.

All of these actions have garnered Congressman Wilson a place in the history books, but it was his personality that earned him a place in the hearts of so many people across Texas. When everything was said and done, we all knew that his deepest concern was for the people of his district in East Texas, and as a fellow Texas Democrat, I am privileged to have served with him. His love for life will reverberate through the halls of Congress for years to come, and he will be truly missed by his fellow Texans, and especially me.

Mr. Speaker, Texas has lost a great leader and legislator with the passing of Congressman Wilson, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring his memory.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and voice my support for a new monument that will be unveiled at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas, on March 30, 2010, to commemorate the state's African-American legislators of the 19th century.

This monument will serve as a reminder to all Texans of the role that African Americans have played in Texas political history and give credence to the first steps that these legislators made for the black community in the state. There were 52 African-American men who served in either the Texas legislature or were Constitutional Convention delegates during the last half of the 19th century, and while their time in office may have been short, their impacts can still be felt today.

I often reflect on the endurance and tenacity of these men who served a disenfranchised community during a politically volatile time in Texas history. They truly were political pioneers entering a system of government for the first time and working diligently to ensure a future for all African Americans and Texans. This work is not lightly forgotten, and that is why this monument is so important for people across the state and all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me today in remembering the 19th century African-American legislators of Texas and to honor them by supporting this monument that will help Texans understand the work and sacrifices of these great legislators.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jack

Walker, a veteran of the Normandy campaign in northern France during World War II and beloved family man.

Mr. Walker was born on July 1, 1913 and grew up in Longview, Texas. He enlisted in the army in 1942 and reenlisted again in 1945. He served in northern France on the Normandy Campaign and received several citations and decorations including the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Mr. Walker returned to Dallas, Texas after he left the military and gained employment at Southern Methodist University. He was widely regarded in the community for his cheerful nature and love for the United States and the United States Army. On June 4, 2004 he passed away, and he continues to be remembered with great affection by his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, America is stronger today because of the sacrifices of individuals like Jack Walker. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in recognizing the bravery of this man and honoring his service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate

G. Russ Trimble, on the occasion that his business, Southwest International Trucks, Inc., has been awarded the International Circle of Excellence Award for 2009 by the international dealer organization, Navistar, Inc.

The Circle of Excellence Award honors international truck dealerships that achieve the highest level of dealer performance with respect to operating and financial standards, market representation, and customer satisfaction. It is the highest honor a dealer principal can receive from the company.

Mr. Trimble's business, Southwest International Trucks, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, where it was founded more than 25 years ago. Under his leadership, it has grown into a remarkable, locally owned and operated truck dealership with 305 employees and five dealer locations throughout Texas. With this most recent award, the business has now received the Circle of Excellence Award under Mr. Trimble's leadership a total of 16 times. Additionally, his success has been recognized by the industry and his business is a multi-year IdealGold Winner for Excellence.

Mr. Trimble has achieved this level of accomplishment and recognition through many years of hard work and service to the industry and to the community. A dedicated family man, he has been married to his high school sweetheart for almost 49 years. They have three daughters, ten grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and are expecting another great- granddaughter in a few weeks. A cancer survivor, Mr. Trimble supports the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Red Cross, Frisco Family Services, Collin County Services, and many others.

Through his commitment to hard work and outstanding customer service, Mr. Trimble has built an economically vital business of which he can be justly proud. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in congratulating Russ Trimble for his record of accomplishment and for his many contributions to the North Texas community, the State, and the entire Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery and efforts of several North Texans who assisted the citizens of Haiti after the terrible earthquake of January 12, 2010 struck the country. I am remarkably proud of the work they have done as their presence in Haiti was absolutely critical in the days and weeks directly following the earthquake.

I would particularly like to note the efforts of several medical professionals associated with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center who went to Haiti after the disaster to help with relief efforts. Their work was critically important and helped to save countless lives in the country. Dr. Karl Rathjen, an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UT Southwestern spent nine days in Haiti and operated on roughly 50-100 people in the time he was there. Andrew Tyan, a medical student, also spent time in the country to help with relief efforts. Additionally, Scott McGough, a Lewisville orthopedic therapist, and Emily Davenport, a Physician's Assistant, spent a week helping in the Caribbean nation.

Madam Speaker, when disaster struck Haiti, these North Texans answered a call to help. I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me today in recognizing their hard work and sacrifice to help people in need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and honor the accomplishments of Congressman John Murtha who passed away on February 8, 2010.

America lost a great patriot with the passing of Congressman Murtha, and I join the people of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District and countless other Americans in mourning his death. As a veteran, he never forgot the needs of our military and through his leadership as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, he made sure that our military had the tools it needed to secure America's future. A frequent visitor to injured troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center, Congressman Murtha deeply understood the sacrifices that these men and women made for our country. His ability to empathize with our servicemembers and veterans was absolutely remarkable, and I will deeply miss his leadership in Congress.

Madam Speaker, today I join my fellow colleagues in mourning the death of Congressman Murtha who spent his life serving our country in both the military and the halls of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1082, supporting the goals and ideals of the fourth annual America Saves Week, which really runs from February 21 through February 28.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Frank for his assistance in bringing this important and timely resolution to the floor. I also would like to thank Congressman Hinojosa and Congresswoman Biggert and Congressman Scott for their tireless efforts for consumer protection and financial literacy.

America Saves was established 9 years ago as an annual nationwide campaign that encourages consumers, especially those in lower-income households, to increase their financial literacy, enroll as American savers, and establish a personal savings goal in an effort to build personal wealth and enhance financial security.

America Saves focuses on saving, a focus which creates a national culture of financial responsibility, which 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. We really are only as rich as our poorest citizens.

Resolutions like America Saves promote broad-based financial literacy initiatives and are absolutely necessary for the well-being of our country. A recent survey done by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling has shown that only 42 percent of adults say they keep close track of their spending, and roughly 7 percent of the adult population, or about 16 million people, don't know how much they spend on food, housing, and entertainment.

Other statistics show even more distressing trends: 26 percent of the adults, or 58 million people, admit to not paying all of their bills on time, and 6 percent of the households carry credit card debt of $10,000 or more from month to month.

I am always surprised to hear statistics like this. It is alarming because they are very simple things that people can do to save money and lead more financially stable lives.

My father said to me when I was a little girl: Whatever you make, large or small, save some of it. That really started me with a little trend, so now for the last 40-plus years, I give a piggy bank to all newborns of my family and friends so that saving money becomes an institutionalized activity for small children.

And there is some good news; personal savings, as a percentage of disposable income, has risen from 1.2 percent in the first quarter of 2008 to 4.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009. And I might say, Mr. Speaker, that that is one of the reasons why the economy is not that great, because people are saving their money.

It is important to provide the public with education on financial matters and developing unbiased and successful financial literacy programs, and that will only increase in importance in the coming years. I hold very frequent summits and workshops on financial literacy with adults throughout the Dallas area, and our Dallas Independent School District has made it now a part of the curriculum. So I want to acknowledge and thank all the people involved.

Again, I would like to acknowledge former Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who worked hard to improve the overall economic situation for all those residing in the United States.

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 thank you, I thank all of the people involved.

Madam Speaker, on February 25, 2010, I missed rollcall vote 66 due to a doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charlye Ola Farris who passed away on February 18, 2010, and was the first African-American to serve as a Southern judge in any capacity since Reconstruction.

Charlye Farris was born in Wichita Falls, Texas. Her father, a bastion in his own right, was the first African-American school superintendent in Texas, and her mother served as an elementary school teacher for 49 years. She graduated as the valedictorian from Booker T. Washington High School in 1945 at the age of 15 and went on to complete a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Prairie View A&M College.

After spending a year teaching school, Mrs. Farris decided to pursue her dreams of obtaining a law degree. At the time, it was almost impossible for an African-American woman to gain admittance to a law school, but through hard work and determination she was accepted to the University of Denver. After her first year, she transferred to Howard University in Washington, DC, and graduated in 1953. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Farris returned to Texas to take the Bar exam, and after passing, she was sworn in, making her the first African-American woman to be licensed to practice law in Texas.

Mrs. Farris did not spend long celebrating, and after moving back to Wichita Falls, she took up practice in an office near the railroad tracks on the city's east side. She endured countless civil rights atrocities that would shock most people today but to her were very real. With great perseverance, she established a reputation for herself, and on July 7, 1954, members of the Wichita County Bar Association elected her to serve as Special Wichita County Judge. This made her the first African-American to serve as a judge in any capacity in the South since Reconstruction.

Mrs. Farris continued her career as a solo practitioner until she closed her office in January 2010. As a woman of faith, she was active in her church until her death and was involved in countless organizations from the local to the national level. Her life included many firsts, and she will be truly missed.

Madam Speaker, the work of Charlye Farris will truly echo through the generations as so many women and minorities have benefitted from her famous first steps. I ask my fellow colleagues today to join me in recognizing her many achievements and celebrating a life that has had such a positive impact on society.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for H. Res. 1066 to recognize the bravery and efforts of the United States Armed Forces, local first responders, and other members of Operation Unified Response for their coordinated response to the January 12, 2010 Haitian earthquake. I am remarkably proud of the work we have done to assist with the recovery efforts in Haiti after this earthquake devastated Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.

With this in mind, many citizens from my home city of Dallas answered the call to service and went to Haiti to help with relief efforts. I am particularly moved by the work of Dr. Craig Hobar who is the founder of Life Enhancement Association for People, LEAP, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing specialized medical services. Shortly after the earthquake in Haiti, Dr. Hobar was in the country with Dr. Ale Mitchell to help assist with amputations and trauma surgeries. In addition to this, Dr. Hobar has pledged to help bring volunteer medical teams to Haiti from around the world for the next year through the LEAP Foundation.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring all the first responders in Haiti by supporting this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Ruth Simmons who is President of Brown University and is the first African American to head an Ivy League institution.

Dr. Simmons began her life as the youngest of 12 children to a sharecropper in Grapeland, Texas. She spent her formative years in segregated Houston, and went on to complete a bachelor's degree on a scholarship from Dillard University in New Orleans. She completed her education with a master's degree and a doctorate in Romance literature from Harvard University.

Today, Dr. Simmons is regarded as one of the most notable people in academia and academic administration. Through the years, she has served as Dean at Princeton University and President of Smith College where she was responsible for starting the institution's engineering program. In 2001, she became President of Brown University, and there she has completed a $1.4 billion initiative to enhance Brown's academic program entitled Boldly Brown: The Campaign for Academic Enrichment.

Dr. Simmons recently visited Dallas where the city's Brown University Club hosted her at a reception. Additionally, she attended a luncheon at St. Phillips School and Community Center, an institution dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families with low and moderate income. We were very privileged to have Dr. Simmons visit our city, and I know that her personality and character will be an inspiration to the countless people that were privileged to meet her.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring Dr. Ruth Simmons for her countless achievements and dedication to higher education. Additionally, I would like to personally thank her for visiting Dallas and inspiring people across our community to achieve their goals.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1046 to recognize the significance of Black History Month.

In February of every year, people across the country cast their thoughts on the long and unique history of African-Americans. It is particularly important to do so to both celebrate the accomplishments and remember the lengthy struggle that the African-American community has endured in this country. We have benefitted immensely from notables such as Booker T. Washington, Duke Ellington, Althea Gibson, George Washington Carver, and Zora Neale Hurston in addition to political and civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr, Shirley Chisholm, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, and Sojourner Truth.

I am proud of how far we have come as a community, but as we look to the future, I am also reminded of the challenges that the 21st century is presenting to us. African-American ingenuity has been key in developing many of our modern technologies and high-tech devices. However, as the world becomes a more interconnected and technological place, there is an increased need for experts in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professions. This trend makes it remarkably important to nurture and attract America's minority youth, the fastest growing college-eligible population, to the sciences. For this reason, I am introducing a resolution during Black History Month to recognize the importance of African-American contributions to scientific innovation, and I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Madam Speaker, Black History Month is not only a time to look to the past, but also to reflect on the present and prepare for the future. The African-American community has overcome many obstacles throughout our country's history, and as we continue down a path toward prosperity, I know that this community will play an integral role in the years ahead. I encourage my fellow colleagues to support this resolution and join me in recognizing Black History Month.