Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 311) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 311.

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

Madam Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 311 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the annual Soap Box Derby. As all Members are aware, this is an annual event held here on Capitol Hill. Activities planned for this event will be coordinated with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and, like all events on Capitol Hill grounds, will be free and open to the public.

The 2008 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby will take place on Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Streets, Northwest, on June 22.

The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby has been held on the U.S. Capitol Grounds since 1991 and has attracted over 60 youth participants in each of those years.

In 2007, for the first time in the 66 year history of the D.C. Soap Box Derby, a local participant won the Masters title in the national competition in Akron, Ohio. The All-American Derby Youth Program is administered by the International Soap Box Derby, Incorporated, an Akron-based nonprofit corporation. This is a family-oriented event and is supported by hundreds of parents and volunteers.

I urge support for the resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the majority leader, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Madam Speaker, how much time do we have left?

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the Congresswoman from California (Ms. Watson).

Madam Speaker, I do have one additional request for time. I yield 3 minutes to Congresswoman Kaptur from Ohio.

I would like to close, Madam Speaker, by simply saying that this resolution was a resolution to allow the International Soap Box Derby, an organization that's a nonprofit based in Akron, Ohio, to use the Capitol Grounds, and I fully support that.

I want to call attention to one thing. In January of 2001, the month that this current President took office, gas was $1.47 a gallon. Today, the national average is $3.81, and I just want that for the record, with all the other comments that have been made on this particular bill for the Soap Box Derby.

I urge the passage of the permission to allow the Soap Box Derby to use our Capitol Grounds.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 335) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous materials on H. Con. Res. 335.

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

House Concurrent Resolution 335, introduced by my friend and sorority sister, Ms. Diane Watson from California, is a bill to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 100th anniversary of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and this anniversary event is scheduled for July 17, 2008. The event coordinators will work with the office of the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board regarding staging the event with all events on the Capitol Grounds, and will be free and open to the public.

This sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University 100 years ago. Ms. Diane Watson is a 50-year member. I'm a 35-year life member. And it was founded by nine visionary young women at the time, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Slowe and Marie Woolfolk Taylor. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established for African American college- trained women.

The formation of the sorority during this moment in American history is significant because it helped jump-start a movement of educated African American women who were resolute and determined to eliminate barriers for African Americans at a time when opportunities were limited for minorities.

These courageous young women, one generation removed from slavery, were the forebears of an entity that has progressively evolved into an organization of 200,000 plus members and 975 chapters in both the U.S. and abroad.

Today, membership in this organization represents a diverse constituency of women, from educators to heads of state, politicians, lawyers, medical professionals, media personalities, decision-makers of major corporations.

Built upon the principle of service, scholarship and sisterhood, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority extensively works to improve social and economic conditions through community partnerships and programs. These cornerstone values of the sorority will be on full display in the coming weeks as members, young and old, from across the globe come to our Nation's capital to honor the organization's 100th anniversary.

More than 20,000 members of the sorority will converge upon Washington, DC from July 11 until July 18. Members will participate in a variety of empowerment forums, lectures, workshops, community service activities centered on these principles throughout the length of the convention.

During this week-long celebration, members will reflect on 100 years of achievement, enjoy the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, and look to the future as the organization prepares for the challenges of the next 100 years.

As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, I extend my congratulations and very best wishes to all of my sorors as they gather here in our Nation's Capital, birthplace of our sorority, to pay tribute to 100 years of service, scholarship and sisterhood.

Madam Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution authorizing the use of Capitol Grounds for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to Representative Diane Watson of California.

Madam Speaker, I urge support of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3712) to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1716 Spielbusch Avenue in Toledo, Ohio, as the ``James M. & Thomas W.L. Ashley Customs Building and United States Courthouse,'' as amended.

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

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 3712 as amended is a bill to designate the Federal building located at 1716 Spielbusch Avenue in Toledo, Ohio, as the ``James M. Ashley and Thomas W.L. Ashley United States Courthouse''.

The late Congressman and Governor James M. Ashley and former Congressman Thomas W.L. Ashley served their Ohio constituents for over 30 years as Members of Congress and Governor. The Ashley family has served with distinction in public service for a span of almost 100 years in the state of Ohio.

James Monroe Ashley served five terms as a Republican Congressman from Ohio. Governor Ashley's best known Congressional achievement was as the primary sponsor of the resolution which is recognized as the antecedent of the thirteenth amendment which abolished slavery within the United States and its territories.

While in Congress, James Ashley also became the chair of the House Committee on Territories, leading the congressional effort to organize Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana.

As chair of the House Committee on Territories, he wrote the enabling act for Nebraska, Colorado, and Nevada on which he conditioned that a separate vote be held by these potential member States that would prevent them from establishing slavery without the consent and approval of Congress.

With this measure, Ashley, an avowed abolitionist, signaled that no new slave States would be admitted to the Union. After serving in Congress, James M. Ashley was appointed Governor of Montana in 1869 by President Ulysses S. Grant.

Thomas William Ludlow Ashley was the great-grandson of former Governor and Congressman James M. Ashley. Congressman Thomas Ashley served in the United States Army during the Second World War. He went on to graduate first from Yale University in 1948 and from the Ohio State University Law School in 1951.

Congressman Ashley later held several positions as a private lawyer and a member of the media. In 1954 Congressman Ashley was elected as a Democrat to Congress and went on to serve a total of 13 terms in Congress.

While in Congress, Congressman Ashley served as chairman of the Select Committee on Energy and the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

Congressman Ashley also served as the assistant majority whip for the Democratic Party. Congressman Ashley's most prominent legislative success was PL 89-117 which directed the Federal Government to assist in the provision of housing for low and moderate income families.

This law was the precursor to the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development which was created later in that same Congress. After leaving Congress in 1981, Ashley went on to found a legal and consulting firm in Washington, DC. Congressman Thomas W.L. Ashley currently resides in the Washington, DC area.

James Monroe Ashley and Thomas William Ludlow Ashley will be remembered as distinguished public servants to the great State of Ohio.

The Ashley family served as leaders in both the Democratic and Republican Party in Ohio and each served their party well.

They will be respected as great Americans whose dedication to public service was passed down through the generations. As such, it is very appropriate that the United States Courthouse in Toledo, Ohio, be designated as the ``James M. Ashley and Thomas W.L. Ashley United States Courthouse''.

I recognize the gentlelady from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for as much time as she may consume.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move that we support this resolution for a very deserving family.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5599) to designate the Federal building located at 4600 Silver Hill Road in Suitland, Maryland, as the ``Thomas Jefferson Census Bureau Headquarters Building''.

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

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 5599 is a bill to designate the Federal building in Suitland, Maryland, as the Thomas Jefferson Census Bureau Headquarters Building. The bill has bipartisan support.

Although Thomas Jefferson is best remembered as the third President of the United States, as the author of the Declaration of Independence, he also is considered by some to be the first director of the U.S. census.

In 1790, while Secretary of State, Jefferson conducted the first national census. Although the practice of performing a census has been in practice for thousands of years, the U.S. census in considered to be the first modern periodic census. Several European countries followed suit shortly after in the early 19th century.

Today, the results of the census are used to determine the size of congressional districts, the allocation of seats allotted to each State in the U.S. House of Representatives, as a factor in the allocation of Federal resources, and perhaps most importantly as a research tool to track economic and population trends in the United States.

It is most fitting and proper that we support this designation and honor one of Jefferson's numerous contributions to our Nation's history. I support H.R. 5599.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I move the passage of this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 366) expressing the sense of Congress that increasing American capabilities in science, mathematics, and technology education should be a national priority.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on House Concurrent Resolution 366 now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 366, expressing the sense of Congress that increasing American capabilities in science, math and technology education should be a national priority. Our Nation's youth are key to our Nation's future prosperity.

And I have schools in my district that are ranking very high; 1, 2, 3 and 4. They've been 1 and 2 and now they're 2 and 4. That's called the Townview Gifted and Talented school, ranked second in the Nation; was considered the best public school last year in the nation. And the Science and Engineer Magnet was ranked fourth this year, and it was number 2 last year by Newsweek magazine.

Townview's School of Talented and Gifted was always ranked among the best high schools in America, and this year, by the U.S. News and World Report.

In support from the high tech industry such as Texas Instruments in Dallas, as well as other local generous investors which have been critical to setting up the schools for the students' success. Unfortunately, few schools demonstrate the educational excellence of Townview, not even any more in Dallas. Congress must incentivize investments at the local level to help improve the quality of public education.

The UTeach Program, which started in Texas and headquartered at the University of Texas in Austin, is a terrific education program that places engaged, highly trained teachers in the classroom. These educators, in turn, inspire their students. Young people are learning that math and science are fun. They're learning that these subjects are important, and that they can lead to fulfilling and profitable careers.

UTeach is funded partially by generous investments from the private sector which needs these people for future employment. So we consider it an investment for them.

UTeach has tracked the success of its educational model, and it is transforming the quality of math and science education in schools that it touches. Demonstrated methods of success must be supported and expanded, and this is critical for our Nation.

Tomorrow's high-tech jobs will require a skilled workforce. Today's students are not being adequately prepared for these jobs, and it is my fear that businesses will increasingly look toward China, Taiwan, Japan and India for their workforce needs. Those nations are investing a greater percentage of their gross national product on the education of scientists, mathematicians and engineers. They're producing a large workforce of bright, young, talented individuals who work for less money than our citizens will. American companies are already hiring them. And the only solution is to produce a better prepared work force. The root of that preparation is education. And it is too serious and too important not to give the utmost attention.

Mr. Speaker, I wish that every school could get the support and perform as well as Townview does. But my resolution expresses a sense of Congress that we must make education a much higher national priority.

A couple of years ago there was a publication by the National Academies of Science and Medicine and the National Science Foundation entitled the Rising Tide Before the Gathering Storm. Well, the gathering storm of international competition is already here, and so we must reform our public education policies, provide greater challenges to our students and give young people the tools and opportunities that they need to succeed. Our economy in this country depends on this; and we start with well-prepared teachers.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. Lipinski from Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I would like the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) to have as much time as he may consume to speak on this issue.

We reserve the balance.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?

I would like to yield 2\1/2\ minutes to Mr. DeFazio to respond to the last presenter.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 20 seconds to the gentleman to respond, Mr. DeFazio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that what we're really discussing is the House Concurrent Resolution 366, making science and math and technology education a priority. And I now would like to ask my colleagues to support and pass this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1180) recognizing the efforts and contributions of outstanding women scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians in the United States and around the world on Mother's Day, 2008, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on House Resolution 1180, the resolution now under consideration.

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

I rise in support of House Resolution 1180, recognizing the efforts and contributions of outstanding women scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians in the United States and around the world.

In its 2007 Beyond Bias and Barriers report, the National Academy stated that in order to maintain its scientific and engineering leadership and increasing economic and educational globalization the United States must aggressively pursue the innovative capacity of all of its people, men and women.

While women have made substantial progress in some fields, such as the life sciences, they continue to be significantly underrepresented in other STEM fields such as engineering and computer science. The attrition rate remains higher for women than for men at all steps along the STEM pipeline. In fact, studies have shown that girls as young as middle school age are being turned away from many STEM fields.

There is no evidence that the gender gap is caused by a lack of female talent or potential. In fact, the top three winners in the highly prestigious 2007 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology and the first prize in the 2008 Intel Talent Search all went to young high school women.

We are failing our young girls and women, and neither our colleges and universities nor our industries can afford such a loss of precious human capital in science and engineering. We can't make it with just 50 percent of the Nation's brain power.

I applaud the gentleman from Washington for introducing this resolution. It is fitting to recognize the efforts and contributions of outstanding women scientists and engineers and mathematicians in the United States and around the world, and I ask my colleagues to support House Resolution 1180.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Let me thank Mr. Hall for supporting this legislation and thank the gentleman who sponsored it. And I'm very pleased, Mr. Speaker, that he mentioned Ms. Connie Morella, whom I worked with from the time I arrived until she left on this very subject. And I hope that we are gaining more and more support to encourage our young women to stay involved in these STEM programs and recognize our achievers so that they can know that they are great examples.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our former Secretary of Education, Dr. Rod Paige, on the occasion of the naming of an elementary school in Houston, Texas in his honor. This is certainly a well-deserved honor for Dr. Paige given his years of dedication to educational excellence, and I hope that the dedication will impact a whole new generation of students who may be inspired by all that Dr. Paige has accomplished throughout his career.

On January 21, 2001, the United States Senate confirmed Dr. Roderick Paige as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education. For Dr. Paige, the son of a principal and a librarian in public schools, that day was the crowning achievement of a long career in education.

Born in 1933 in segregated Monticello, Mississippi, Dr. Paige's accomplishments speak of his commitment to education. He earned a bachelor's degree from Jackson State University in his home state, and went on to earn both a master's and a doctoral degree from Indiana University. Dr. Paige began working with students early in his career as a teacher and a coach. He then went on to serve as Dean of College of Education at Texas Southern University (TSU) for a decade. In this position Dr. Paige worked to ensure that future educators would receive the training and expertise necessary to succeed in the classroom.

In 1989, Dr. Paige was sworn in as a trustee and an officer of the Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District (HISD), in which capacities he served until 1994 when he became superintendent of HISD, the nation's seventh largest school district.

Dr. Paige served as the first African-American Secretary of Education from 2001-2005. During his tenure, Dr. Paige continued his mission to set new standards of educational achievement for all students. Today, Dr. Paige is the Chairman of Chartwell Education Group, an organization he co-founded to improve the quality of education for our nation's school children.

The Roderick Paige Elementary School will be formally dedicated on Friday, May 23, 2008. Dr. Paige's impact on students in Houston and throughout this country will he felt for years to come. I congratulate Dr. Paige on this occasion. This is a fitting honor, and I can think of no greater individual to bestow it upon.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to pay tribute to the many achievements and honor the countless unique contributions to the United States made by Asian Pacific Americans across our Nation.

May 7, 1843 marked the first arrival of Japanese immigrants to the United States and May 10, 1869 signaled the completion of the transcontinental railroad which is greatly credited to the labor of the Chinese immigrants. Therefore, it is appropriate that during this month we recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by Asian Pacific Americans.

Today, there are over 14 million Asian Pacific Americans living in the United States, representing 5 percent of the population. The rich history associated with the Asian Pacific American has left a lasting imprint on our country.

Over the years, the Asian Pacific American communities have made significant contributions to Texas's diverse culture. In my district, Dallas, TX, I am privileged to have the largest Asian American Chamber in the United States with more than 1,200 members. I believe that we all can learn from those who come from different backgrounds and cultures, and I can truly say that I have learned a great deal from my Asian Pacific friends and constituents.

I would also like to offer my deepest condolence to the families and friends of those who perished from recent tragedies in China and Myanmar.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this resolution and the Asian Pacific American communities in North Texas and across the United States.

Madam Speaker, on May 10, we commemorate the 85th Jubilee of the late President Heydar Aliyev. President Aliyev's significant contributions to the country of Azerbaijan provided a fertile ground for the seeds of democracy to flourish after Soviet rule and have paved the road for Azerbaijan's regional and international success.

Azerbaijan is the gateway to Central Asia. It is on the modern Silk Road which transports goods and services from China through Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Remarkably, with only 19 years of independence, Azerbaijan has become a key player in this region. After brief independence from 1918-1920, Azerbaijan fell under Russian domination for 70 years. When Soviet troops invaded Baku on January 20, 1990, many died, including innocent civilians, thereby giving birth to the independence movement in the country.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the emergence of a democratic Azerbaijan Republic, the first few years were not easy. While Azerbaijan became the first former Soviet Republic outside the Baltic States with no foreign troops on its soil, it was a small country with powerful neighbors. Mindful of its geography, Azerbaijan developed close ties with the United States, Western Europe, Turkey, and Israel.

In 1993, Heydar Aliyev became President of the Republic, first by appointment under the constitution, then through direct election. A cease-fire in the war with Armenia over the Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan was negotiated and implemented in 1994. During this time, the country's economy was wrecked by war and burdened by the effects of communism. Parliament began enacting laws to make the country friendlier to foreign investment and a member of the international market economy.

In 1994, the ``Contract of the Century'' was signed between American and western companies and Azerbaijan. The Contract was designed to allow Azerbaijan to develop its energy resources in order to diversify western energy supplies. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (supported by both the Clinton and Bush Administrations) is now fully operational, and helps to bolster the political and commercial independence of the countries in the region, while diversifying Europe's energy supplies.

President Aliyev was clear regarding Azerbaijan's western orientation. Azerbaijan joined NATO's Partnership for Peace Program in 1994, and has consistently integrated into the Euro-Atlantic security architecture; further deepening U.S.-Azerbaijani military to military cooperation.

Azerbaijan works with the U.S., both bilaterally and multilaterally, through the GUAM framework (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova) to prevent illegal trafficking and to secure borders. A strong friend of the United States, President Heydar Aliyev offered support for the fight against terrorism immediately after 9/11. Today Azerbaijani troops are in Iraq and Afghanistan with the coalition.

Azerbaijan has excellent relations with Israel and a 2,000 year old Jewish community with representation in Parliament. As a secular country with a predominantly Shiia population, the participation of its troops in Iraq and Afghanistan sends the right message regarding international cooperation.

Because of the late President Aliyev's efforts, today Azerbaijan is a developing democracy with a growing and vibrant economy. There are no longer any doubts regarding the viability of this Republic. The future of U.S.-Azerbaijani relations is bright, as our two countries share values and interests in the region.

Mr. Speaker, as a registered nurse with a Master's in Public Administration, it is a privilege and a delight to offer a resolution recognizing National Nurses Week, which is May 6th through the 12th.

My colleagues, Congresswoman Lois Capps and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, are also nurses and champions of this resolution, and of the profession.

I thank them for their efforts to encourage more than 110 Congressional colleagues to cosponsor this bill honoring nurses.

The Congressional Nursing Caucus was also helpful in promoting the legislation, and I appreciate Members' efforts to rally support for H. Res. 1086.

National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Nurses are a key component of our Nation's health care system.

Whether on the battlefield or at sea, in a skilled nursing facility, in a hospital or even in a patient's own home, the care that a nurse provides is so very valuable.

Nurses are intelligent individuals who must often make quick decisions in an effort to save the life of a patient.

Nurses are recognized as the patient's primary advocate.

Nurses are tasked with closely monitoring even small changes in patients' health.

Nurses are tough. They often do their work under duress, and in difficult conditions.

For 15 years, I provided hands-on patient care as a psychiatric nurse.

The work was challenging and fulfilling.

Although more than 2.5 million nurses work in the United States, our Nation has suffered from a nursing shortage.

Those currently in the profession are beginning to retire. There are fewer individuals entering the profession.

The nursing shortage is unprecedented in its depth and duration, with a projection of over 1 million new and replacement nurses needed by 2016.

Nursing schools need help attracting well-prepared faculty to recruit the best and brightest into their educational programs.

Loan forgiveness and educational incentive programs can help, but Congress must do more to encourage bright young minds toward nursing.

Nursing is a career that has been valued for a long time, and it is fitting to recognize the Navy Nurse Corps on its 100th Anniversary this year.

For nearly 100 years before Congress formally established the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908, women worked as nurses aboard Navy ships and in Navy hospitals.

As early as the War of 1812, volunteers performed nursing duty in places that were often dangerous and required courage in the face of adversity.

Members of the esteemed Navy Nurse Corps care for those brave men and women who fight for our freedoms.

They contribute to relief efforts in all corners of the globe.

They serve in lead roles as part of a unified health-care team.

The Navy Nurse Corps practices progressive patient care.

It enjoys a rich heritage accompanied by high-tech training.

A registered nurse in the Navy is also a respected Officer, serving in modern facilities at home, at sea, around the country and across the globe.

I am proud to especially recognize the Navy Nurse Corps for its centuries of outstanding service for our military men and women.

Today's resolution honors the good work that all nurses do.

H. Res. 1086:

(1) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system of the United States;

(2) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, as founded by the American Nurses Association; and

(3) encourages the people of this Nation to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients.

Along with my many supportive colleagues, I want to thank the House leadership for bringing this important resolution to the Floor.

Let me thank my colleague and friend of longstanding. I want to also thank the minority side for their assistance, and both Chairman Dingell and Ranking Member Barton.

As a registered nurse with a master's degree, it is a privilege and a delight to offer a resolution recognizing National Nurses Week which is May 6 through 12. I have two outstanding colleagues that we have found to have something in common, Congresswoman Lois Capps and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who are also nurses and champions of this resolution and of the profession, and I thank them for their efforts to encourage more than 110 congressional colleagues to cosponsor this bill honoring nurses.

The Congressional Nursing Caucus was also helpful in promoting the legislation, and I appreciate Members' efforts to rally support for H. Res. 1086.

Nurses are a key component of our Nation's health care system. Whether on the battlefield or at sea, in a skilled nursing facility, in a hospital or even in a patient's own home, the care that a nurse provides is very valuable. Nurses are intelligent individuals who must often make quick decisions in an effort to save the life of a patient, even before the physician arrives. Nurses are recognized as the patient's primary advocate and every poll shows that nurses are always very trusted by the patients. They are tasked with closely monitoring even small changes in a patient's health. Nurses are tough, directed, decision-making people who work under stress and in difficult situations.

For 15 years I provided hands-on patient care as a psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas. The work was challenging but fulfilling. That's why I still remain very interested in quality care for all of our veterans. Although more than 2.5 million nurses work in the United States, our Nation has suffered from a nursing shortage. Those currently in the profession are beginning to retire. There are fewer individuals entering the profession. The nursing shortage is unprecedented in its depth and duration, with a projection of over 1 million new and replacement nurses needed by 2016.

Nursing schools need help attracting well-prepared faculty to recruit the best and brightest into their educational programs. Loan forgiveness and educational incentive programs can help, but Congress must do more to encourage bright young minds toward nursing.

Nursing is a career that has been valued for a long time, and it is fitting to recognize the Navy Nurse Corps on its 100th anniversary this year. For nearly 100 years before Congress formally established the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908, women worked as nurses aboard Navy ships and in Navy hospitals. As early as the War of 1812, volunteers performed nursing duty in places that were often dangerous and required courage in the face of adversity. Members of the esteemed Navy Nurse Corps care for those brave men and women who fight for our freedoms. They contribute to relief efforts in all corners of the globe. They serve in lead roles as part of a unified health care team. The Navy Nurse Corps practices progressive patient care. It enjoys a rich heritage, accompanied by high-tech training. A registered nurse in the Navy is also a respected officer, serving in modern facilities at home, at sea, around the country and across the globe.

I am proud to especially recognize the Navy Nurse Corps for its centuries of outstanding service for our military men and women.

Today's resolution honors the good work that all nurses do.

(1) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system of the United States;

(2) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week as founded by the American Nurses Association; and

(3) encourages the people of this Nation to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients.

Along with my many supportive colleagues, I want to thank the House leadership for bringing this important resolution to the floor. I urge its support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to

eight beloved mothers of the Dallas community who passed away this year. These women made a lasting impact not only in the lives of their own families but in their churches, neighborhoods and throughout the Dallas community.

Mrs. Bessie Nash will be remembered as the full-fledged ``church mother.'' She was active in driving the church bus, in charge of the primary Sunday school and primary choir. Children were truly her heart. She devoted her life to children not only in her actions but in her words by offering her wisdom and guidance to make sure they stayed on the right path in life.

Mrs. Lillie Fuller will be remembered as the ``neighborhood mother.'' Known for being kind, gentle, and generous, her love extended beyond her own children to anyone in need. Her heart and door were always open to help others. She especially loved children, and her life reflected it well.

Mrs. Ruby Page will be remembered as the ``feisty mother.'' As the unofficial neighborhood crime watch captain, she kept a watchful eye on crime. She also looked out for her guests. When anyone visited, her culinary skills not only produced food for their body, but the warmth and care she prepared it with was food for the soul.

Mrs. Barbara Hogg will be remembered as the ``mother whose love traveled across great distances.'' Despite the many miles between her and her children, her love went beyond borders and boundaries to the hearts of those that loved her most. Her compassion for her children could not be contained. Her love knew no limits.

Mrs. Ruthie Davis will be remembered as the ``mother that held out hope in the midst of impossible odds.'' The love she exhibited exemplified the biblical scripture ``love covereth all things.'' Whether it was her children or anyone else's, her motherly eyes saw beyond the crust of contrary behavior, to the core of humanity.

Mrs. China Randle will be remembered as the ``gentle-hearted mother.'' Although gentle, her resilience allowed her heartstrings to be stretched by those she loved the most, yet still return to original shape. Her love never failed. Her gentleness was her strength.

Mrs. Peggy Washington will be remembered as the ``mother who forged a path through life for her children to follow.'' She led by example in hopes that her children would follow. Along the way, she planted seeds of values and principles. May the seeds that she planted bring a fruitful harvest.

Mrs. Florine Anderson will be remembered as the ``mother with enduring strength.'' The love she had for her children endured throughout her lifetime. Through the stresses and strains of motherhood, her strength and love were steadfast and unmovable. Her life reflected the quote that true character is shown under pressure. Her strength stands a pillar for all to see.

On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored to pay respect to these honorable women. Individually, they were invaluable members of the Dallas area.

I thank the gentleman from Illinois for bringing this bill to the floor.

On Monday of this week, millions of people worldwide recognized Workers Memorial Day. I introduced H. Res. 1154 because each year this country has thousands of workers who are killed due to workplace- related injuries, and tens of thousands more die of occupational illnesses. It is staggering to think that each day an average of 16 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 may 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 38 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 the Sago mine disaster and the recent combustible dust explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Georgia that killed 12 workers.

Today we will take a step toward improving those safety standards by considering the Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Act. This bill represents a pressing need for OSHA standards to prevent combustible dust explosions which have killed more than 100 workers since 1980. That's 100 workers who went to work in the morning but never returned home to their families and loved ones. Workers Memorial Day remembers those workers who gave their lives and the families they left behind.

I would like to thank House leadership and Chairman Miller for his support in bringing this resolution to the floor today; and, of course, Mr. Davis. I would also like to thank the House Labor and Working Families Caucus, and in particular Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, for their assistance in bringing this resolution forward. I urge my colleagues to support recognizing this Workers Memorial Day.

Mr. Speaker, this coming Monday, April 28, millions of people worldwide will 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 illness. It is staggering to think that each day an average of 16 workers are killed due to the injuries on the job.

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 a 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 workplace.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced a resolution to recognize Workers Memorial Day, and I certainly encourage all my colleagues on Monday to pay respect for those who have lost their lives this past year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1117, as it supports the goals and ideals of Earth Day.

Greenhouse gas emissions in Texas are the highest in the Nation. In fact, if Texas were its own separate country, it would rank seventh in the world in carbon dioxide emissions. Unless Texas significantly alters its fuel mix towards lower emitting fuels or renewable energy, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to continue to rise rapidly.

I am unhappy that the overall energy use in Texas is projected to increase by 36 percent over the next 20 years. We must act now to stop this trend. This pattern is bad for our environment. It is bad for the health of our children and grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, let us not leave a legacy of waste and pollution for tomorrow's citizens. Let us act now to pass policies to protect our environment and be good stewards of the Earth.