Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to salute the dedication, hard work and tremendous service provided by Michigan's community action agencies throughout our state to its most needy citizens.

Community action agencies were created in 1964 through the Federal Economic Opportunity Act. In the past 47 years, community action agencies have promoted self-sufficiency and work to reduce the causes and effects of poverty. Annually, community action agencies serve more than 11.5 million low income, elderly and persons with disabilities. There are 1,100 community action agencies throughout the United States.

Michigan is home to thirty different community action agencies. One of these agencies, serving thousands annually in my congressional district, is the Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency. As one of the oldest community action agencies in Michigan, OLHSA provides crucial services to the citizens and communities of southeast Michigan since the enabling legislation was passed 47 years ago. OLHSA provides educational and economic resources to increase client self-sufficiency while advocating on its clients' behalf to provide more opportunities and fewer barriers. Additionally, OLHSA works with communities to foster citizen participation to initiate programs and improve existing service based upon local community needs.

Michigan and indeed our entire nation must continue to fight poverty by providing support and opportunities for all citizens in need of assistance. Community action agencies are the nation's largest network of organizations whose sole purpose is to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty. They have played a vital role in the lives of countless individuals and families of limited means in Michigan by providing innovative and cost-effective programming to improve their lives and their living conditions and ensuring that all citizens live with dignity and respect.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize our nation's community action agencies and the dedicated individuals who engage to see their important mission fulfilled. In particular, I wish to recognize Michigan's thirty agencies, and OLSHA, for their commitment to working for a better tomorrow for Michigan's most needy citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Carolyn Price, my friend of many years, who is being honored by the Lambda Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta with the 2011 Community Service Award for her decades of volunteer work with the residents of Pontiac, Michigan.

Carolyn's professional career has been marked by scores of years of service--service to Pontiac and to residents across southeast Michigan. As an employee of the United States Postal Service for 39 years, Carolyn spent much of her day-to-day work directly assisting residents. Following her work with the Postal Service, Carolyn worked with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as a regional investigator, working to ensure fair treatment for federal employees across the thirteen States in the region. Through her hard work and dedication, Carolyn eventually rose to become the manager of the EEOC's Detroit district. After her work with the EEOC, Carolyn continued to work with residents in Michigan, working as a community organizer in 2010 for the U.S. Census Bureau in Pontiac, creating a dialogue with area residents to ensure maximum participation in the Census.

Carolyn's service in her professional work is mirrored in her volunteer commitment to the residents of Pontiac. Carolyn, herself an 8 year survivor of breast cancer, serves as Coordinator of survivor participation for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Pontiac and Auburn Hills. Carolyn also volunteers a significant amount of time volunteering on behalf of the Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital's Riley Foundation Sister and Sister Free Mammogram program, which educates minority communities on the importance of early detection in maintaining good health. In addition, Carolyn also served as a tutor for the Oakland County Literacy Program and as board member for Jay Shop, an organization dedicated to assisting persons with disabilities with rehabilitation. One area where Carolyn has left a profound mark is in her work with area seniors, as President of the Pontiac Golden Opportunities Club, which provides programming and events tailored to seniors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mrs. Carolyn Price's unique and substantive contributions to the residents of Southeast Michigan. Her passion for advocacy on breast cancer awareness and her spirit of giving to the residents of Pontiac have undoubtedly touched the lives of so many area residents. I wish Carolyn many years of continued service to the Pontiac community.

Mr. Speaker, since the start of the Egyptian unrest earlier this year, religious minorities have been specifically targeted by Muslim extremists. Taking on the brunt of the attacks are Coptics, Christians who have lived peacefully in this part of the world for millennia. Recently, terrorists burned two Coptic Churches to the ground, killing 16 and injuring over 300. Coptic churches--rich in culture and architecture--were destroyed forcing innocent Christians to flee their home communities in order to protect their lives. This comes only a few months after twenty-four Christians were killed in yet another church bombing.

I am proud to represent a vibrant Coptic community in southeast Michigan and privileged to consider the clergy of St. Mark's Church in Troy, Michigan as my friends. I rise today to share their concerns--and the concerns of Coptics across our nation--about the future of their community and the desire to preserve their ancestral homeland.

For millennia, Coptic Christians have lived and worshipped in Egypt but some extremists are attempting to capitalize on the political vacuum created by the uncertainty in the country to drive them out of their homes and places of worship. While we are hopeful for democratic change in Egypt, it is imperative that we maintain support for religious minority communities such as the Coptics and seek to preserve and allow for the continuity of their community.

As a member of the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, I ask my colleagues to join me in being mindful of these Christian minorities that need a voice and demand an end to extremist violence that is destroying this peace loving community.

I thank my friend from Massachusetts for yielding me time, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question.

The bills proposed by the Republican leadership today, H.R. 1229 and H.R. 1231, do nothing to lower the high gas prices burdening America's families today. That's why I will be offering legislation that will produce real fuel savings for consumers, reduce our dependence on imported oil, and stimulate American manufacturing.

The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act proposes real solutions to high gas prices by helping America develop the next generation of high-tech fuel-efficient vehicles. I hope my colleagues will see that this is a better alternative to the bills that are being voted on today.

First, this bill has broad support, unlike the Republican measures before us. My bill passed last Congress with a bipartisan majority. A majority of the Members in the House today have already voted in favor of this legislation. Unlike the Republican bills, this legislation is supported by both business groups, like the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, as well as the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club, proving that you can support the economy while also protecting the environment.

Second, this bill will quickly result in real cost savings to consumers. Technologies have already been developed to achieve remarkable fuel savings, and putting more money into R&D increases the speed in which new technologies can be adapted and used. Unlike the Republican drilling plan, which will take nearly a decade to produce results, technologies being developed today can be commercialized and put into cars in the very near future. I have visited auto companies and suppliers in my district and have seen firsthand the level of technological advancement. For example, they have

technologies that are ready to be commercialized that can improve efficiency by 30 percent and sometimes more. That means you can drive your car 30 percent further on the same tank of gas. That represents real savings to consumers.

A large focus of this bill is on commercializing those technologies so that they can be brought to consumers and start reducing gas bills today, not 10 years from now. This bill also targets fuel savings in medium- and heavy-duty trucks. It's widely known that there are huge efficiency gains to be made in these vehicles. By placing a greater focus on research and development in this area, we can achieve the greatest bang for the buck. More efficient trucks also yield consumer savings because it will reduce transportation costs of food and other goods that we buy at the store. The fuel savings we receive from these technological advancements in cars and trucks will have a national security benefit as well. Simply put, the bill reduces the amount of oil we import from unfriendly nations. Sixty percent of our petroleum needs today are met by imported supplies. Reducing the demand for imported oil is one of the best ways to meet our energy independence goals and end the immense transfer of American dollars to undemocratic and unfriendly nations.

Finally, the legislation supports American manufacturing and high- paying jobs. Rising gas prices are going to drive up demand for advanced vehicles around the world, and it is in our national interest to ensure that the research, development, and manufacturing happens right here in the United States. That's why this bill was included in the Make It in America agenda, a plan to rebuild American manufacturing and create well-paying jobs, unveiled by House Democrats and Democratic Whip Hoyer last week.

The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act epitomizes the goals of Make It in America by ensuring that our country remains a leader in producing the cars and trucks of the future and supporting high-tech research and engineering jobs right here at home.

Fuel-efficient vehicle research is a win/win for our economy. It creates jobs and makes transportation more affordable for American families.

There is no doubt in the years ahead that more Americans will be driving hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and cars and trucks powered by hydrogen fuel or natural gas. The only question is whether these new technologies will be researched, developed and manufactured here in the United States or overseas.

At the same time, domestic automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers have increasingly limited resources for research and development of advanced technologies. That's why the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will create partnerships between the Department of Energy and private companies, and ensure that the American automobile industry and manufacturing base will continue to be globally competitive and that, as a Nation, we will not trade our dependence for foreign oil for a dependence on foreign batteries and other emerging technologies.

This bill does what the American people expect from us. It bridges the partisan and ideological divide.

It's legislation that has support from the business community, the environmental community and the labor movement. We must stop voting on bills like the ones the majority is offering that pit priorities against each other, and, instead, we need to move legislation like my bill that brings our priorities together.

This legislation will lower costs for consumers, reduce the amount of oil we import from countries that don't like us, and create and sustain manufacturing and R&D jobs here in the United States.

I urge a ``no'' vote on the previous question so that we can support this legislation to Make It in America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Ann Comiskey on the occasion of her retirement from the Troy Community Coalition after nearly 10 years of dedicated and passionate service to the community as its Executive Director.

Ms. Comiskey's 38-year career has been one of advocacy and service for causes and programs which have impacted countless individuals in communities across Southeast Michigan. In her role with the Michigan Department of Social Services, Ms. Comiskey provided key support to many residents of Wayne County. After 10 years of dedicated service in that role, Ms. Comiskey then joined

the Highland Park School District, where she worked with at-risk youth and adults to ensure they were able to complete their primary education via alternative programs. In her time with the School District, Ms. Comiskey demonstrated strong leadership skills, developing the Job Club program, which aided high-risk students in their professional development. As part of this work, Ms. Comiskey developed an in-depth knowledge of substance abuse treatment and prevention programs, which has greatly aided in her work with the Troy Community Coalition, when she joined in 2002 as its Executive Director.

As a Troy resident, Ms. Comiskey's service to her community began long before she joined the Coalition. Her volunteer work includes involvement in the Troy Chamber of Commerce and the Troy Women's Association, of which she is a Lifetime Member. In recognition and appreciation of her volunteer advocacy within the community, she was selected as Troy's Distinguished Citizen in 2000. Additionally, she also serves on the advisory board for the Michigan Nonprofit Association and is Co-Chair of the Prevention Coalition of Southeast Michigan.

In her role as Executive Director of the Troy Community Coalition for nearly the last decade, Ms. Comiskey has continued to build on the Coalition's nationally recognized track record of substance abuse prevention in the community. Under her leadership, the Coalition has continued to bring all sectors of the Troy community together to promote positive social norms and implement programs to advocate for changes which create a stronger and healthier substance free community. With her strong stewardship of the Coalition, Ms. Comiskey has become nationally recognized within the substance abuse prevention community and in 2006 she was designated Advocate of the Year by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the invaluable contributions Ms. Comiskey has made to both the residents of Troy and the greater community of southeast Michigan. While I know she will be sorely missed by all who work with her, she will undoubtedly have many years of productive volunteer service to our community to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express deep concern about the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Syria. People all over the world have watched with awe as democratic movements in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya have risen up against autocratic and corrupt regimes. We have witnessed humanity at its best, as people have shown the courage and bravery to peacefully protest in the face of violence. We have also unfortunately witnessed humanity at its worst, as desperate governments have lashed out in an effort to preserve their rule.

The Syrian government has historically been one of the most repressive in the Middle East, so it should be no surprise that the Syrian people have protested the many abuses they are subjected to. Hundreds of those protesters have tragically been killed at the hands of Syrian government forces, and thousands more have been detained. The human rights violations of the Syrian government must be condemned and the Syrian people should be allowed to exercise their fundamental freedoms.

These recent violations, as well as the Syrian regime's longstanding record of infringing on human rights, should raise grave concerns that many nations have embraced Syria's candidacy to sit on the U.N. Human Rights Council. The Syrian regime lacks any moral authority to protect human rights and its election to the U.N. Human Rights Council would mock the rebuke it just received from the same institution. If the United States and other nations are serious about protecting human rights, we will block Syria from sitting on the U.N. Human Rights Council as long as the current government is in place.

The people in Michigan are clear: Our number one priority is jobs. And yet the Republican majority here in Washington is once again ignoring the economy and pushing a bill that raises taxes and attacks women's health care choices. Current law already prohibits Federal funds from covering abortion services, and it has for 30 years. Now Republicans want to stop private insurers from offering coverage, and they want to ban women from purchasing a comprehensive health care plan with their own money.

H.R. 3 is not about taxpayer funding, and it's certainly not about reducing the deficit. It is an extreme plan that will raise taxes on any person or business that buys insurance that includes abortion coverage. That's right, if a small business wants to treat women equally and guarantee them access to legal health care services--paid for with their own money--that business will pay higher taxes.

Do not be fooled by the talk about taxpayer funding. This bill is harmful to women's health. It undermines the right to choose, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill later today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of our nation's nurses, and in recognition of the exemplary healthcare they provide to patients all across our country. Nurses represent the largest group of healthcare professionals, standing at the front lines of our nation's healthcare system. They are our brothers, our daughters, our neighbors and friends. My own sister was a nurse and my mother was a nurse's aide, and I remember the dedication and sense of service they brought to their job every day.

I'm sure that everyone in this chamber can remember one time, if not many, when a loved one needed medical help or felt ill. Often, a nurse is the first person by our side when we need it most. Often, their compassion, their expertise, and their decisions make all the difference.

Recently, my office had the chance to welcome my constituent Grace Paranzino, as a part of the Nurse in Washington Internship Program. She spoke of her experiences in nursing, and how we as a nation can better serve the needs of those who so often serve ours. For all the vital services they provide, nurses are severely short-staffed across the country: 2.5 million nursing positions are currently waiting to be filled. The Health Resources and Services Administration predicts that by 2030, that number could climb even higher to nearly 30%.

Nurses across this country need our help. They need lawmakers here in Washington to enact smart policies that don't impede their ability to save lives and ease suffering. They also need us to encourage qualified, professional, and educated citizens like themselves to take up the profession of nursing.

Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in applauding these nurses from my home state of Michigan and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, last month, 13 Coptic Christians in Egypt were murdered by Muslim extremists. More recently, a Coptic church-- rich in culture and architecture--was destroyed, forcing many innocent Christians to flee their home communities in order to protect their lives. This comes only months after 24 Christians were killed in yet another church bombing.

I am proud to represent a vibrant Coptic community in southeast Michigan and privileged to consider the clergy of St. Mark's Church in Troy, Michigan as my friends. I rise today to share their concerns about the future of their community and the desire to preserve their ancestral homeland. For millennia, Coptic Christians have lived and worshipped in Egypt but some extremists are attempting to capitalize on the political vacuum created by the uncertainty in the country to drive them out of their homes and places of worship.

While we are hopeful for democratic change in Egypt, it is imperative that we maintain support for religious minority communities such as the Coptics and seek to preserve and allow for the continuity of their community. As a member of the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, I ask my colleagues to join me in being mindful of these Christian minorities that need a voice.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today to recognize Congregation B'nai Moshe on the occasion of its 100th anniversary of service to the Jewish community of southeast Michigan.

The history of Congregation B'nai Moshe is an excellent example and chapter of the American story. The congregation was founded on September 2, 1911, by nine Hungarian immigrants who came to America to seek new opportunities and to freely practice their beliefs. An integral part of their journey was to form a congregation that allowed them and the 25-30 Hungarian-Jewish families of Detroit to fully practice their traditions and customs. In 1915, after just 4 short years, the Congregation was able to purchase its first shul on Elliot Street near Hastings which served as a house for worship to over 70 families.

Much as America met the call to face unparalleled challenges of the 1930s and 1940s, so did Congregation B'nai Moshe. Shortly after moving to its new home in the Dexter building in 1929, the congregation was faced with the challenge of overcoming the Great Depression. Not only did the congregation survive those economically tumultuous years, it prospered and by 1944 it had paid off the new synagogue's mortgage. Just as the country rose to answer the call to service during World War II, so did the members of B'nai Moshe. Many served in World War II and fought to protect our freedom and liberty.

As the Jewish community in southeast Michigan grew and evolved so did B'nai Moshe; first moving with its members to Oak Park and later to its current home in West Bloomfield. During this period, members of the congregation ensured that the story of the Jewish community in southeast Michigan would forever be set in stone, founding the beginnings of the Jewish Museum of Detroit. Since its arrival at its present location, the congregation has celebrated the construction of many new resources which have enriched the lives of both its members and the greater community.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Congregation B'nai Moshe with its members and it is my hope that the congregation, just as our great country, will continue to endure into the next 100 years and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, due to a family medical emergency, I had to return to Michigan on the evening of February 18. I was unable to be present to cast my vote on a series of amendments to H.R. 1, as well as on final passage of this bill. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 104, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 105, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 106, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 107, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 108, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 109, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 110, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 111, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 112, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 113, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 114, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 115, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 116, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 117, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 118, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 119, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 120, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 121, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 122, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 123, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 124, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 125, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 126, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 127, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 128, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 129, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 130, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 131, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 132, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 133, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 134, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 135, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 136, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 137, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 138, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 139, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 140, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 141, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 142, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 143, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 144, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 145, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 146, the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 1, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 147, Final Passage of H.R. 1, I would have voted ``no.'' While I believe deficit reduction must be a top priority for Congress, and I have introduced legislation that would trim tens of billions of dollars from our deficits over the coming years, I believe H.R. 1 makes extreme cuts that put continued economic recovery and job creation at risk. Even if successfully enacted, H.R. 1 would only cut our projected deficit for fiscal year 2011 by about 4 percent. What is really needed is a comprehensive, long term deficit reduction plan that gets our fiscal house in order while maintaining programs that create jobs and keep us competitive in the global marketplace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the West Bloomfield Township Library as it is honored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services with a National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

This medal, which was presented to just five libraries nationally in 2010, recognizes the exceptional contributions the West Bloomfield Public Library has made to its surrounding communities. Founded in 1934 as a project of the Keego-Cass Women's Club, the Library's main branch has expanded into a 63,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with computer access for community residents and public meeting spaces, in addition to an expanded youth area which has allowed the Library to strengthen the depth and breadth of its youth-focused programming.

The National Medal recognized libraries that demonstrate innovative approaches to providing their services to the public, and whose programming focuses on expanding cross-cultural awareness and dialogue. Particularly recognized were two of the Library's programs, the ``Grow Up Reading'' program and the ``Help is Here'' initiative. Focused on youth, the ``Grow Up Reading'' promotes parental involvement in childhood development through development reading skills from birth through third grade, helping children build good fundamental reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. On the adult end of the Library's programming spectrum, the ``Help is Here'' initiative brings counselors from Oakland Community College and professionals from Jewish Vocational Services together to provide resume critiquing services to community members.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the outstanding service the West Bloomfield Public Library provides to its community and congratulating the Library staff on receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Offered By: Mr. Peters

Amendment No. 561: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following new section:

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, there is a strong bipartisan agreement that the long-term health of our economy necessitates confronting persistent budget deficits and the growing national debt.

Democrats and Republicans were able to work together to create balanced budgets in the 1990s and a similar attempt is needed now.

While I appreciate the efforts of the Republican leadership to put forward a specific budget cut, I have serious concerns with eliminating the public campaign financing system. However, if the House is going to vote on this, we owe it to the American people to ensure that the funds are actually used for deficit reduction and not for additional spending.

When I was reading the text of this legislation, I was surprised to find that the bill does not make specific provisions for using the remaining money in

the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to reduce the deficit. This is why I am putting forward my amendment that will ensure that the $194 million in tax dollars currently sitting in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund will be used to reduce the deficit should this legislation become law.

As introduced, H.R. 359 would transfer this money to the Treasury's general fund where it could be dedicated to new spending or lent to government trust funds. My amendment would simply specify that upon transfer to the Treasury, these funds are to be used only, to be used only, for reducing the deficit.

This is about sending a message to taxpayers. If we are going to put deficit reduction in a bill's title, then we should make sure the deficit reduction is in the statutory language as well.

It is a matter of fact that the bill, as introduced, simply returns the $194 million in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to the Treasury's general fund and it is from this fund that most expenditures are made, as well as loans to a number of government trust funds. If we are going to pass a bill to reduce the deficit, let's make sure it actually does that.

It is not uncommon or unprecedented to specify funds being returned to the Treasury to be used for deficit reduction. In fact, I am proud to be a bipartisan cosponsor of two Republican bills introduced this session, one by my colleague from Michigan, Chairman Camp, and Representative Gingrey, that would codify the requirements that unspent funds from the Members' representational allowances be used specifically for deficit reduction.

This amendment basically uses the same language as in both of those bills by Mr. Camp and Mr. Gingrey. If Congress is going to send a message to taxpayers that cutting spending is a top priority, then let's make sure those recovered funds are actually used to reduce the deficit.

My amendment is a commonsense change that ensures that the stated purpose of this bill, deficit reduction, will actually be carried out.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Offered By: Mr. Peters

Amendment No. 1: Page 2, line 23, strike ``Treasury.'' and

insert ``Treasury, to be used only for reducing the

deficit.''.