Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mildred ``Billie'' Frauman who passed away on January 25, 2010.

Mrs. Frauman was always conscious of the community around her and never faltered in her civic duty. She was born in 1921 and received degrees from the University of Chicago and Oklahoma University, and after settling in Dallas she became an advocate for racial tolerance and understanding in a city that was becoming increasingly diverse. She served as the area director of the American Jewish Committee and was later honored by this group with its Community Relations Achievement Award. Additionally, she was an officer on the board of Temple Emanu-El and served as its Sisterhood president.

One of the most remarkable things about Mrs. Frauman was her ability to confront difficult situations with strength, ease, and grace. At a racially volatile time in Dallas, she conducted several workshops for the city of Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, and the Dallas Independent School District on ways to meet the challenges of change in a diverse community. This service benefitted Dallas immensely and helped to make it a more understanding and cosmopolitan city.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mrs. Frauman whose work and commitment to Dallas will never be forgotten.

Madam Chair, today I rise in support of the Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2009. Nearly 1 year ago, the administration called for a 60-day review of the national cyber security strategy. The report found that our Nation's digital infrastructure was largely at risk to a growing threat of cybercrime. Major advances in cyber security research and development were needed to address the report's findings. In order to protect against these sorts of intrusions I, along with other Members on the House Science and Technology Committee, worked to draft legislation that would address these findings.

During the Research and Science Education subcommittee markup on September 23, 2009, I amended this legislation to include a description of how the program will help contribute to a more diverse workforce by including women and minorities. This can be achieved by partnering Minority Serving Institutions, in addition to stakeholders in industry, academia, and other relevant organizations. Promoting broader participation of women and underrepresented minorities will only benefit the intent of this legislation.

I urge the passage of the Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2009 which addresses many of the concerns in the administration's review. By adopting a comprehensive national cyber security research and development plan we will drastically advance American innovation in cyber security. I am proud to have worked towards securing some of America's vulnerabilities in cyberspace while increasing public education in this area of technology.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Dorothy ``Dottie'' Jones Blair, who passed away on January 19, 2010 at the age of 74.

Mrs. Blair was a pioneer in Dallas and diligently served her community through her hard work and determination. In the 1960's, Mrs. Blair became one of the first African American Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in the country and helped pave the way for many African Americans and women who would have this profession after her. In 1975, she helped to establish Concord Baptist Church where she was a charter member and co-teacher of the Smith-Blair Sunday school class for 33 years. Later she would found Holmes Street Inc., a nonprofit residential and outpatient treatment center for adolescent boys suffering from chemical dependency. Through the years, this center has served over 1,000 patients.

This remarkable dedication to the community garnered Mrs. Blair numerous awards, and in 2007 she was honored by the Minnie H. Goodlow Page Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women Inc. with the Mary McLeod Bethune Award for outstanding service. Additionally, she was a member of the South Dallas Negro Business and Professional Women's Club.

Madam Speaker, Mrs. Blair was a remarkable woman who never faltered in her willingness to help people. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring this woman who gave so much to Dallas. She will be truly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise to today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas.

The church's theme for its 100th year is ``revitalization.'' Founded in 1910, the congregation of New Friendship has faithfully marched on through World War I, a 1928 fire, the Great Depression, World War II, desegregation, and a long list of other historic events that many other institutions did not survive. This congregation has been under the leadership of a host of the country's foremost preachers. Through their leadership, New Friendship has built and completely paid off two mortgages while always keeping their pledge to be debt free.

Fifteen founding members organized the church in the home of their first pastor. The congregation grew from this small but dedicated group to a congregation of 200 by 1953 to 500 in 1979 and to today's active membership. Under the leadership of the current pastor, Reverend Johnny A. McGee, who has been with the church since 1988, New Friendship has implemented important ministries serving the community, couples, and prison inmates, as well as providing food and bus services for those in need.

The church pastors, deacons, associate ministers and the active members have created a strong foundation of love and faith for this church to stand. I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in congratulating and celebrating the 100th anniversary of New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, January 12, I requested and received a leave of absence until January 27, 2010.

For the information of our colleagues and my constituents, below is how I would have voted on the following votes I missed during this time period.

On rollcall 1, Establishing a quorum in the House of Representatives for the Second Session of the 111th Congress, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 2, Disposing of the President's Veto of H.J. Res. 64 (H.J. Res. 64), I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 3, Honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., (H. Res. 1002) I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 4, Supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights (H. Res. 860), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 5, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Highway 64 Bypass in Roper, North Carolina, as the ``E.V. Wilkins Post Office (H.R. 3892), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 6, Congratulating the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine for its 150 years of commitment to advancing science and improving health (H. Res. 1004), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 7, Congratulating the Penn State women's volleyball team on winning the 2009 NCAA Division I national championship (H. Res. 1015), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 8, Commending the University of Virginia men's soccer team for winning the 2009 Division I NCAA National Championship (H. Res. 991), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 9, Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3254-Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act--H.R. 3342 Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act--and H.R. 1065-White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009 (H. Res. 1017), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 10, Castle Nugent National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2009 (H.R. 3726), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 11, Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act (H.R. 3254), I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 12, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act (H.R. 3254), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 13, Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act (H.R. 3342), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 14, White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009 (H.R. 1065), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 15, Expressing Condolences to and Solidarity with the People of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating Earthquake of January 12th, 2010 (H.R. 1021), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 16, Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act (H.R. 730), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 17, Expressing support for designation of January 2010 as ``National Mentoring Month'' (H. Res. 990), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 18, Recognizing the importance of cervical health and of detecting cervical cancer during its earliest stages and supporting the goals and ideals of Cervical Health Awareness Month (H. Res. 1011), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 19, Expressing support for the designation of January 10, 2010, through January 16, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination Week (H. Res. 1003), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 20, Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4474--Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act--and H.R. 3726-Castle Nugent National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2010 (H. Res. 1038), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 21, Expressing support for designation of January as Poverty in America Awareness Month (H. Res. 1024), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 22, Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act (H.R. 4474), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 23, Castle Nugent National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2010 (H.R. 3726), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 24, To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (H.R. 4508), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 25, Honoring the 95th anniversary of the signing of the Rocky Mountain National Park Act (H.R. 1020), I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 158 to express my support for the designation of an early detection month for breast cancer and all other forms of cancer.

Early detection is incredibly important in saving the lives of victims of cancer. While this is true for people suffering from every form of cancer, it is particularly important for those suffering from breast cancer. Breast cancer can be detected through procedures that screen for abnormalities in breast tissue, and it is considered to be the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from the disease. Essentially, these screenings find the cancer early, when it is most treatable, and for this reason, designating an early detection month is incredibly important to help save the lives of the almost 200,000 women in the United States who are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer each year.

It is important to note, as well, that the risk of getting breast cancer is much lower for African-American women than white women; however, African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer. This is attributed partly to the fact that African-American women are less likely to get regular mammograms, resulting in a diagnosis of breast cancer at a later stage. This is one more reason why designating an early detection month is so important.

In my district, we are doing our part to ensure early detection. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of the leading advocates for breast cancer awareness and actively promotes early detection. From their headquarters in Dallas, they have been advancing the cause for breast cancer prevention and awareness across the country. I am proud of the work they have done to save countless lives across the country.

Mr. Speaker, today I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting this very important resolution that expresses support for the designation of an early detection month for cancer and breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools.

The tradition of Catholic schools in America dates back to settlement of the new world, and through the centuries, Catholic institutions have been incredibly effective at educating young people in the United States. Today, enrollment in Catholic institutions numbers at above 2 million students across the country with a student to teacher ratio of approximately 14 to 1. Additionally, Catholic schools graduate roughly 99 percent of their students with 97 percent of those graduates pursuing degrees at institutions of higher education.

Mr. Speaker, as we become a more inter-connected and global society, the education of our young people will become increasingly important. Catholic institutions help to ensure that those same young people receive quality educations, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in supporting H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the resolution expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.

With reports of up to 200,000 deaths and more than 1.5 million people left homeless, this is the worst natural disaster incurred by Haiti in more than 200 years. As the poorest and least developed country in the Western Hemisphere, it is reassuring to see the United States and the international community coming together in solidarity to help this country in its hour of need. The 7.0 earthquake has caused upheaval for almost one-third of the Haitian population and wrecked the existing infrastructure, making roads impassable, hindering rescue/aid flights, and tainting water supplies.

The earthquake's destruction spared no nationality, no class, no age, no religion. Thousands of American volunteers and missionaries were also lost; however, due to the selflessness and quick action of first- responders, we are able to celebrate each life as survivors are found. The rescue effort has been led by rescue teams from around the world. Teams in Texas eagerly await the opportunity to deploy to Port-au- Prince and various organizations in my district have been holding fundraisers to contribute to the effort. Americans have contributed over $200 million to major relief groups in just 7 days since this disaster, and their generosity will be important in the coming months as Haiti rebuilds its tangible resources as well as its national consciousness.

Haitian recovery from the tragic events in its capital city will require continued support from the international community, and I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting the resolution expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express condolences and honor the life of my dear friend, political activist, and Dallasite, Goldye Levi.

Mr. Levi, a life-long Democrat, gave so much of his time and energy supporting his party by serving in national and local leadership positions. He had a front-seat to one of the most intriguing points in American history as the Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee during the 1972 break-in of the Watergate building. He brought his expertise of the political process to Dallas County as a Democratic Precinct Chair, and through the years he encouraged countless Democrats to get out and vote. As a candidate for Dallas County Tax Assessor, he also sought to use his experience as a certified public accountant to serve his community. Mr. Levi demonstrated the ultimate in civic duty and Dallas has lost a great advocate.

Our government, ``by the people,'' rests wholly on the willingness of citizens to actively participate in the political process--citizens like Mr. Levi. I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in expressing condolences and honoring the life of Mr. Goldye Levi.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Harold Paul Altshuler, a Dallas insurance executive who passed away on December 16, 2009, at the age of 88.

Mr. Altshuler was born on November 19, 1921, in Paterson, New Jersey. He graduated from Bard College and entered the United States Air Force where he flew 33 bombing missions over Germany during World War II. For his brave and courageous actions he twice received the Purple Heart, and after Victory in Europe Day, he continued his service by flying damaged aircraft back to England for the Air Transport Command.

After the war, Mr. Altshuler completed a doctor of laws degree from the University of Virginia and founded Republic Bankers Life which later became Life of America Insurance Co. He settled in Dallas in the 1950s and actively developed his insurance and banking business. There he made a name for himself as one of the leading insurance executives in the industry and was active in the community where he served on the board of Allied Bank in Oak Cliff, Texas.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring Harold Paul Altshuler who diligently served his country in time of war and was an icon in the Dallas community. He will be truly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize

Lucy Billingsley who founded the Chiapas Project, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to lifting women out of poverty in Latin America.

The Chiapas Project was founded in 2003 when Ms. Billingsley, a Dallas real estate developer, traveled to Chiapas, Mexico with thirty other women to see firsthand how microfinance and microloans effectively helped some of the most disadvantaged women in Mexico's poorest state. The group returned to North Texas with vigorous determination and raised $790,000 to fund the expansion of a microfinance institution called Alternative Solidaria in Chiapas. This money ultimately lifted roughly 4,000 women out of poverty. Today, the Chiapas Project has set new goals and is working toward raising more money for microfinance initiatives across Latin America.

Recently Ms. Billingsley was honored at the Dallas Regional Chamber's 14th Annual International Business Achievement Awards luncheon where she received the Individual Award. Additionally, the Chiapas Project was commended for raising the global awareness of North Texas as an international business center in Latin America and across the world.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing both Lucy Billingsley and the Chiapas Project for the great work they have done to help disadvantaged women and families in Latin America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mattie Lee Nash who passed away recently at the age of 87.

As a remarkably civic-minded resident of West Dallas, Ms. Nash was constantly working to better her community. She was frequently referred to as the ``Mayor of West Dallas,'' and during the 1980s she served on the Dallas Housing Authority's board where she gave a voice to the often forgotten neighborhoods west of the Trinity River. In 1991, she was elected to the Dallas City Council after the adoption of the single-member-district system that helped to ensure diverse representation on the city council. Throughout all of this, she maintained a tireless sense of hope that emboldened citizens across the city of Dallas.

Twenty-five years after her term on the city council, we remember Ms. Nash with warm thoughts and heavy hearts. Her actions so struck people in the community that the city recently honored her by naming a recreation center in her honor.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring Ms. Mattie Lee Nash who worked tirelessly for the citizens of West Dallas to ensure that they were actively and fairly represented.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredibly gifted teacher and devoted citizen of the Dallas community, Mrs. Mildred DeLoache Winston Thomas, who passed away on December 29, 2009 at the age of 93.

Mrs. Thomas was born in Cedar Creek, Texas on May 12, 1916. A lifelong Christian, she spent her formative years at Mount Olive Baptist Church where she was baptized and completed primary school. She later went on to graduate from Emile High School and receive a Bachelor of Science Degree from Tillotson College in Austin, Texas.

Throughout her remarkable life, Mrs. Thomas worked diligently to better herself, her family, and her community. She began a career in education that would last roughly 40 years, spending 36 of those years with the Dallas Independent School District. While working as a full time mother and teacher, she completed a Master of Science Degree at the University of North Texas at Denton where she was one of seven African Americans to integrate the university.

Upon retirement in 1986, Mrs. Thomas continued to be active in civic life. She served as a docent for the Dallas African American Art Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Dallas Arboretum. As a woman committed to her faith, she continued to be active in various ministries at New Hope Baptist Church where she was a deaconess.

Mildred Thomas lived a spirited life and carried herself with dignity, elegance, grace and warmth. She held deep beliefs on fairness,

right and wrong, and was unflinching in her defense and support of those she loved.

Madam Speaker, with the passing of Mrs. Thomas, Dallas has truly lost an honorable and dedicated citizen, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in celebrating her long and accomplished life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools.

The tradition of Catholic schools in America dates back to settlement of the New World, and through the centuries, Catholic institutions have been incredibly effective at educating young people in the United States. Today, enrollment in Catholic institutions numbers at above 2 million students across the country with a student to teacher ratio of approximately 14 to 1. Additionally, Catholic schools graduate roughly 99 percent of their students with 97 percent of those graduates pursuing degrees at institutions of higher education.

Mr. Speaker, as we become a more interconnected and global society, the education of our young people will become increasingly important. Catholic institutions help to ensure that those same young people receive quality educations, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in supporting H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor this great civil rights leader by supporting and continuing the tradition of a national day of service in his memory.

As a profoundly diverse country, our greatest strengths are evident when we come together in the spirit of community and work toward a greater good. This notion of service was remarkably evident in Dr. King's work, and it is fitting that we honor his legacy by working with our neighbors and fellow citizens to better our communities and country. When Dr. King saw injustice, he worked diligently and by peaceful means to bring about positive change. Today, it is important to remember that all of us can make a difference and emulate Dr. King's efforts by working together.

In my district, there are major celebrations planned to honor the life of Dr. King, including a candle-lighting ceremony and a parade. Students in the Dallas Independent School District have submitted essays that discuss the life and work of Dr. King, and additionally, people across the area will participate in service-oriented projects and volunteer for various organizations. I am proud of the hard work they are doing to make North Texas a better place.

Today, we move forward by honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and his great dream with renewed optimism. It is my hope that this Day of Service will be a true reflection of his legacy and serve as a catalyst for good across the country.