Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Nation's teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week, which is being held this year May 3rd-9th.

This is a time to express our thanks and admiration for the more than 3 million teachers in the United States. I encourage everyone to express their appreciation for those teachers who have touched their lives or the lives of their children.

Teachers are heroes in our communities, shaping the next generation of great minds. No great leader, scientist, or artist would be where they are today without the influence of caring and dedicated teachers.

Thurgood Marshall once said, ``None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody--a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns--bent down and helped us pick up our boots.''

There is perhaps no other occupation that influences the fabric of our society more than teachers, and we are fortunate to have this week dedicated to recognizing their contributions.

I am particularly proud of our teachers from my home State of Texas-- serving as motivators and mentors for our future leaders. I remain dedicated to working in Congress to ensure that Texas teachers and all teachers have the resources necessary to successfully prepare our Nation's youth for a successful future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week and to honor the teachers of Drew Model School for their outstanding and tireless efforts to raise academic achievement levels for all students at this institution.

The teachers and staff at Drew Model School approach each student with the belief that every child learns best within a social environment that supports and respects his or her unique development. Their programs encourage children to develop independence of thought and confidence of character while learning at their own pace. Additionally, Drew faculty members incorporate the traditional approach of children working, learning, and developing in mixed-age groups with the academic experience of gentle guidance under a specially trained teacher.

I am proud and grateful for the enthusiastic teachers at Drew Model School. Teachers make a difference in all of our lives, and today I would like to extend my warm thanks for their hard work and service to America's children.

I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in honoring Drew Model School teachers whose commitment to quality education is extraordinary and dedication to academic achievement is unmatched.

Thanks to Ms. Brown and Mr. Boozman for handling this legislation today. Today we considered House Resolution 313, recognizing National Public Works Week from May 17 through May 23, 2009.

The National Public Works Week is celebrated in May each year. This resolution pays tribute to the professionals that design, build and maintain critical elements of our Nation's infrastructure. This body has always understood the value of these professionals and what they bring to our society. Professionals in the public works sector provide us with safe and efficient roads, access to clean drinking water and other essential services that keep our country running.

It has become increasingly important that Congress designate 1 week each year to recognize those who work in the public works sector. Many people take for granted the public transportation system they use to commute each day or the safe running water in their homes. Far too often we do not realize the importance of these systems until something goes wrong.

At the beginning of this Congress, the House passed a key water infrastructure bill, H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009. And this piece of legislation increases authorization levels of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, grants provided by the Environmental Protection Agency to address combined and sanitary sewer overflows, as well as grants for alternative water source projects. These grants will go one step further to ensure that every American has access to clean water.

Madam Speaker, on February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The legislation provides for over $64 billion in investment in our Nation's highway system, rail system and environmental infrastructure, not enough but steps in the right direction. It is investment in these areas as well as other critical infrastructure areas that will put America back to work and see us out of these troubling economic times.

I'm grateful for the administrators, engineers and servicemen who continue to utilize their skills and dedication to provide these essential services to us.

I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to join me and give our public works professionals the recognition that they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. I have been a strong supporter of increased law enforcement support and protections against hate crimes for many years, and today's vote represents a historic step forward in recognizing and fighting against violent bias-motivated crimes.

Each year there are thousands of individuals who are targets of violent crime based solely on their appearance, means, or lifestyle. These hate crimes are not only meant to physically harm the victim, but degrade all individuals of similar identity and instill a pervasive sense of fear amongst that community. While each and every violent crime is traumatic, hate crimes are not only devastating for

the victim and their family, but for all individuals who identify with the victim, whether or not they actually knew that person.

Hate crimes are more prevalent than many may realize. Despite significant underreporting, more than 100,000 hate crimes have been reported since 1991. In addition, the number of hate groups that exist within our country continues to rise; espousing a message of hatred and often plans of targeted violence.

This legislation will allow for much needed federal assistance in the prevention and prosecution of hate crimes, and provide money to states to develop hate crimes prevention programs. No American deserves to feel a threat to their physical safety simply because of who they are or how they look.

While I strongly support the passage of this legislation, I do believe there is a strong need to include homeless individuals into this bill. Often nameless and faceless victims of violence, homeless individuals are amongst the highest targeted groups for hate violence.

According to statistics collected by the National Coalition for the Homeless, there have been 774 violent acts perpetrated against homeless individuals since 1999. These attacks occurred in 235 cities throughout our country, in 45 states, and in one territory. 217 of these attacks resulted in death ranging from these individuals suffering severe beatings to being set on fire. Many of these incidents were committed by groups targeting the homeless, and some were even video-taped for future sale and amusement.

It is important that we recognize these acts as hate crimes at a federal level. Many states are currently considering the recognition of these violent acts as hate crimes, with Maryland having already done so. We cannot continue to ignore the plight of this group, and the fear and violence that have been experienced by scores of homeless individuals.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the six residents of Brentwood Healthcare in the Southeast Dallas Community of Pleasant Grove who have reached 100 years old. They are:

Allie M. Davis--100 years old, Cornelius Montgomery--104 years old, Marie Duke--100 years old, Annie Laurie Taylor--102 years old, Viola D. Page--102 years old, and Guadalupe G. Cortez--106 years old.

National Nursing Home Week will take place from May 10, 2009, to May 16, 2009, and Brentwood Healthcare will celebrate the long lives of these six individuals by having Centenarian Day at their facility on May 15, 2009. These residents have witnessed an extraordinary amount of history, and their long lives are an inspiration to all of us.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these centenarians, and I wish them continued life, good health, and strength.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my name as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 49.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Paul Industrial Training School and the dedication of a Texas State Historical Marker in commemoration of this institute.

St. Paul Industrial Training school was founded in Henderson County, Texas by James William Smothers and Alice Olenza Smothers in the 1920's. This couple placed a particular emphasis on educating orphaned and abandoned children, and throughout the course of six decades, thousands of African American students received instruction at their institute. The Smothers' dedication to service was unwavering, and even when a tornado leveled the campus in 1942, the couple resolved anew to continue their work. Today, St. Paul Industrial Training School, Inc. continues

the legacy of this couple and their school by offering financial assistance to needy, college bound students.

Institutions of this nature played an important role in our nation's history, and the work of educators like the Smotherses was integral in advancing the civil rights movement. They worked diligently to make sure that every child had the opportunity to learn and succeed, and they felt that it was vital to ensure these youths had the ability to make a lasting contribution to society.

The placement of this historical marker will take place on May 2, 2009, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing St. Paul Industrial Training School and its founders, Mr. J. W. Smothers and Mrs. Alice 0. Smothers.

Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of H.R. 1145, the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act. This bill is of great interest to me, as I serve as Chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment within the Transportation Committee.

My city of Dallas is a beautiful area with the Trinity River running through it. Protecting Dallas from flooding and ensuring the quality of the Trinity and surrounding environments are important to me and to my constituents.

Federally funded research on water is important to ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water for our Nation. H.R. 1145 will ensure coordination among research programs at the different Federal agencies that support water research.

Whether the issue is storm water and flood mitigation, clean water, or watershed quality, investments in this area are critical. The type of research involves scientists who work in interdisciplinary teams, blending their individual talents in chemistry, microbial ecology, invertebrate biology, watershed ecology, and ecosystem modeling.

I want to thank Chairman Gordon for his leadership and Ranking Member Hall. I want to also thank him for incorporating amendments suggested by members of the committee, one including me.

I strongly support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I simply want to report that I held two economic recovery workshops in Dallas yesterday with almost a thousand people attending. And it's because the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an unprecedented effort to dig ourselves out of the recession and move toward economic recovery and then long-term sustained prosperity.

Communities in my district have already received tens of thousands of dollars in recovery money. The Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic was able to open a satellite clinic. DFW Airport will be able to start the $2 million runway rehabilitation project immediately. The Dallas Independent School District has received more than $78 million to support low-income students.

We inherited quite a mess with the last administration. There is plenty of work left to do, and we want to be a part of it. I am proud to have voted for the Recovery Act.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 193 I did not realize that my voting card did not work. Had it been recorded, I would have voted ``yea.''

Let me acknowledge the leadership of our CBC chair, Barbara Lee, and Congressman Scott and Congresswoman Moore for spending the time to develop this alternative budget. And this is not because we don't support the President's budget. This is because we wanted to see some progressive and visionary funding that is motivated by principle and compassion. We are not socialists. We do not, however, want to forget that we do have poor and vulnerable people that do not have homes, that do not have health care and do not have enough food.

We are here not because we know we are going to win this vote. We are here because we feel the responsibility to put it before the people. There are a lot of people in this country with problems, and we as a Congressional Black Caucus do not intend to allow it to be forgotten. We are not talking about African Americans. We are talking about all of the poor, the children and the homeless families. They need attention. And we must not forget it. And we must not remain in denial.

Madam Chair, I want to thank Chairwoman Barbara Lee, the Congressional Black Caucus and my colleague, Congressman Scott from Virginia, for their leadership and unwavering support for the development of this alternative budget.

The CBC alternative budget is filled with progressive and visionary funding that is motivated by principle and compassion. It is a budget that voices the concerns and needs of the poor, the children, and the elderly.

I support and agree with President Obama's Budget. I also support CBC budget to increase American priorities such as our transportation system. The CBC budget would add an additional 8 billion dollars to support our transportation needs.

The CBC alternative budget understands that our Nation's transportation system is the backbone of our economy and our way of life, neither of which we can afford to shortchange.

Our Nation's future depends more and more on the quality of our innovative ideas. The fruits of these investments meet vital national needs and improve the quality of life for all Americans.

Like the President's budget, CBC alternative budget also provides funding for programs and services crucial to the American people, rather than continuing to provide tax breaks for the wealthy.

As lawmakers, we do have the responsibility to ensure that all Americans, including minorities, are able to move ahead to achieve the American Dream. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness meant all people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 211, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Women's History Month. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution.

Throughout the month of March, we pause to celebrate the rich achievements women have made in every aspect of life--whether in arts, government, science, sports, or family life. We stand here to champion these contributions and honor those taking the lead to save our planet.

Before the 1970s women's history was largely overlooked, but today we cannot ignore the significant contributions women have made in shaping our country and building for a brighter, more peaceful future.

Recognizing these accomplishments through Women's History Month will no doubt greatly impact the self-esteem of young women and girls.

Emphasizing the wide range of educational and career opportunities, and introducing them to positive role models of all backgrounds, will leave a lasting impression on the future women leaders of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to support House Resolution 211, recognizing the unique role of women and working to increase awareness of women's involvement in our history.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. During this time of economic challenges the idea of helping one's community through volunteerism is particularly important.

The GIVE Act will expand the Corporation for National and Community Service which has been instrumental in helping connect Americans to high quality, meaningful service and service-learning opportunities. The GIVE Act will create new service programs for thousands of Americans and provide additional opportunities and incentives for middle and high school students to participate in service programs. The GIVE Act also improves program quality, ensures participant diversity, increases the value of the AmeriCorps education award, and reduces the age eligibility for Senior Corps to 55.

In particular, I would like to thank Chairman Miller for incorporating into the Manager's Amendment my proposed language to engage public safety officers to volunteer with disadvantaged youth and provide opportunities for community based crime prevention efforts. It is important that we engage our communities and at-risk youth with law enforcement efforts. Too often there is a disconnect between the police and citizens of high-crime communities. It is important that these two groups recognize they can be partners in crime prevention, instead of having a fearful or untrusting relationship.

Since AmeriCorps was created in 1994, Texas has benefited from over 22,000 young people serving for at least one year in our communities. Through programs such as the `National Civilian Community Corps' and `City Year,' AmeriCorps volunteers address critical Texas needs in the areas of education, public safety, disaster response and recovery, and environment preservation. These programs serve the important role of providing an outlet for service to the country in a manner previously not afforded.

Mr. Chair, the AmeriCorps program has done great things for Texas and this nation as a whole, as is reflected in the AmeriCorps members' pledge to `get things done.' I am indeed honored to support this wonderful program which represents the very best of the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. and to celebrate this group's century of dedication to God, Church, and Community through Charity.

In November of 1909, a group of forty African American men became the first initiates of a Catholic fraternal order called the Knights of

Peter Claver. This group was founded in Mobile, Alabama with the aim of creating a Catholic fraternal society for men who were traditionally not able to belong to such organizations. Today, the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. has over 18,000 members, is active in over thirty states, and includes divisions for men, women and children. In my home state of Texas, this group is particularly active and has been involved with numerous community outreach programs throughout the state.

The Knights of Peter Claver and other such organizations have made incredible contributions to society. Throughout its history, this group has supported community efforts, scholarship and various charitable programs. Additionally, during times of strife for the African American Community, the Knights of Peter Claver supported non-violent actions to fight many social injustices.

This August, The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. will celebrate the centennial of their society at their 94th National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in honoring this group and to celebrate their hundred years of dedication to God and service to community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Quinn College and this institution's Founder's Observance of 2009 entitled 137 Years of Combining Intellect with Faith.

Paul Quinn College is a historically black college and holds the distinction of being the oldest such institution in the State of Texas. On April 4, 1872, a small group of African Methodist Episcopal circuit- riding preachers established the college under the leadership of Bishop J. M. Brown in Austin, Texas. Originally, Paul Quinn College helped newly freed slaves learn various skills including blacksmithing, carpentry, tanning and saddle work.

A few short years after its founding, the college moved to Waco, Texas where increased funds allowed the school to expand in size and further develop a curriculum. The subjects of Latin, mathematics, music, theology, English, carpentry, sewing, household, kitchen and dining room work were added. In 1881, the college was chartered by the State of Texas and the school officially took the name of Paul Quinn College. This name was chosen in honor of Bishop William Paul Quinn who served as a Bishop representing the western states in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for over thirty years.

Today Paul Quinn College stands as a legacy to the hard work and dedication of the institution's founders, teachers, alumni, and students. On the week of March 28 through April 4, the college will be holding various Founders' Observances to commemorate the birth and 137 years of the school's history. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in honoring Paul Quinn College and recognizing this institution's accomplishments.