Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, Michigan may not be considered an especially sunny State, and probably it does not immediately come to people's minds when we talk about the potential for solar energy in this country; however, my home State is currently a leader in the domestic manufacturing of solar cells. We are home to great companies like United Solar Ovonic, which support over 1,000 jobs in my area through two production facilities in Auburn Hills and global R&D headquarters in Troy. High-tech jobs like these are the source of hope in my State and provide workers an opportunity to apply their skills in a new industry and enter the workforce of the 21st century.

Federal partnership is critical to effectively develop new, renewable energies, and these investments are key to restoring jobs lost in recent years. For this reason, I am pleased to see that the bill recognizes the impact Federal investment in emerging industries can have in depressed areas and ask the Secretary to consider States that have been hit hardest by the recession and which are experiencing high unemployment rates when providing awards under this program.

We have a tremendous opportunity to revitalize our domestic manufacturing base by strengthening the domestic solar industry. While States like Michigan and many others certainly have the existing infrastructure and workforce to manufacture more solar technologies, the United States continues to lag behind China, Japan, and Europe in this field. We must commit at the Federal level to increase our domestic production, and I am pleased to see that the manager's amendment adopts language I worked on in the Science Committee that supports domestic solar manufacturing and assures that the R&D and manufacturing taking place under this bill will be carried out here in the United States.

I applaud the committee's commitment to bolstering the U.S. solar industry and the development of this road map. I would like to thank the bill's author, Representative Giffords, Chairman Gordon, and Ranking Member Hall of the Science and Technology Committee for working with me on this bill, and I urge its full passage here today.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Richard Long, a lifelong champion of the American labor movement, my mentor, counsel and dear friend on the occasion his retirement from the United Auto Workers where he served as National Community Action Program (CAP) Director for the past nine years.

This year, Dick retires from a 46-year-long career which began in 1963 at the former Pontiac Motor Division in Pontiac, Michigan, where he first became a proud member of UAW Local 653. Over the ensuing years as Dick advanced on the shop floor, he also advanced and deepened his involvement in the UAW, which would chart his personal and professional trajectory for the next 40-plus years.

Some years later in 1987, Dick was elected Vice President of his UAW local and the following year he was elected its president. His leadership, commitment and talent was fully recognized in1998, when then-UAW President Stephen Yokich named Dick his Administrative Assistant and, again, in 2000 when Dick was appointed National CAP Director. I remember well my pride and optimism when I learned that Dick had been appointed National CAP Director. For many years, Dick had mentored and counseled me so ably and devotedly; I was certain that in his new role, he would educate and organize others with as much verve and dedication as I had experienced.

As CAP Director, Dick was well-suited to the role and charge of ``developing and advancing policies that improve social and economic conditions and enrich the quality of life for all people.'' By any account, Dick made a powerful impression on the State and National political landscape. His effectiveness was rooted in his ability to be equally comfortable working on the national stage or alongside grassroots volunteers in a makeshift office space.

Dick's contributions to the community and commitment to civil rights and social justice have been his personal and professional legacy. Whether in his role as a local president, supporting Oakland University with his wife Jackie, National CAP Director, or working on behalf of the many community organizations he champions, Dick has worked to create a better future for America's families and workers. For that legacy and commitment, he is much admired by me and many others.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my salute today to an important and formative figure in my life: Richard Long, a man to whom I am deeply indebted for his friendship and good counsel and a man whose 46 years of untiring work on behalf of America's working families and the ideals of social justice should be heartily commended and passionately emulated by each of us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Art Van Furniture, an iconic fixture in the retail world of Michigan that was founded by Art Van Elslander, a much admired and prominent figure in the metro-Detroit community.

The story of Art Van Elslander and the rise of Art Van Furniture to its dominant position in the retail furniture world is the American Dream fully realized. As a son of Belgian immigrants and growing up on Detroit's east side, Archie ``Art'' Van Elslander's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly even as a youngster when he hawked newspapers up and down Detroit's Gratiot Avenue. After high school, military service and working at a local furniture store, Mr. Van Elslander entered the world of entrepreneurs. Heeding his father's advice to ``control your own destiny,'' Mr. Van Elslander mortgaged his home and borrowed against insurance policies to finance his first store.

Through times both flourishing and faltering in the subsequent years, the fortunes of Art Van Furniture ebbed and flowed with the economic cycles of the Michigan economy. Ultimately, it grew to more than 30 locations across Michigan and employing more than 2500. Over the years, Art Van Furniture has adapted to the changing environment, and quite literally so. Art Van has been named a ``GreenTailer'' by the Michigan Retailers Association after adopting a variety of Earth-friendly practices ranging from the installation of Energy Management Systems to recycling tons of waste. It has been continually named as one of West Michigan's Best and Brightest places to work.

Over the past 50 years, Art Van has grown to be Michgan's largest furniture retailer. And during those years, Art Van Elslander became renowned and admired as a pillar of the philanthropic community and a stalwart business leader committed to Michigan and its citizens. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my salute today to Art Van Elslander on 50 years of vision, perseverance and ``giving back'' to our community; and to Art Van Furniture and each of its thousands of employees over the years, on 50 years of business growth and success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to talk about the important and special relationship that the United States shares with the Jewish State of Israel and how this relationship is of growing importance to the security and prosperity of both of our countries.

Recently, I traveled to Israel with 28 of my Democratic colleagues. I know many of my Republican colleagues also visited Israel this past summer, and this is important because it underscores the fact that the strong bond between the United States and Israel knows neither party nor ideology.

I first traveled to Israel in 2000 when I served in the Michigan State senate, along with senate colleagues. 2000 was the peak of peace negotiations, and what struck me most about the differences between today and that trip nearly a decade ago is how the hope of everyday Israelis for a peaceful future has been replaced by a constant fear of security. Instead of anticipating a soon-to-be-signed peace accord, Israelis are anxious over not whether, but when, the next rocket attack will come from either Hamas or Hezbollah.

When we visited the southern city of S'derot, we saw an armor- shielded playground built to protect the city's children from Qassam rocket attacks. As a parent, it was difficult seeing young, innocent children having to play on swings and slides encased in a facility constructed with thick reinforced concrete, knowing that this is the only safe place for children to play because of the constant threat of rocket attacks. Children, who should be carefree at play, instead suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Israel faces so many threats. It faces the threats of terrorism attacks from within its borders and rocket bombings from just beyond its borders. It faces Iran's nuclear ambitions and the growing ambivalence from many in the world community towards Israel's right to exist.

Israel is wrongly assailed for defending its own borders and citizens, as we saw last week in the flawed Goldstone Report, which unfairly criticizes Israel despite its strong efforts to protect all civilians. Israel faces criticism from even attempting to deter the growing Iranian threat.

Israel is a lonely democracy in a sea of tyranny; a shining example in a dangerous corner of the world of how freedom and democracy, pluralism, and economic ingenuity can lead to a high standard of living for all. Despite its hardships, Israelis are reliant and, because of this, their country prospers.

Israel has made its desert bloom and its high-tech sector has made its economy blossom. Israel is advancing towards independence from the fossil fuels that fund our enemies. I'm pleased that auto technology experts from Michigan are traveling to Israel next month on a trade mission to exchange ideas and to take advantage of the economic creativity and ingenuity both of our nations have to offer.

Jews in Israel, the United States, and around the world celebrated the Jewish New Year and soon will observe the solemn fast of Yom Kippur. While these should be holidays of happiness and deep reflection, in Israel they are, sadly, reminders of the need for eternal vigilance.

Ever since the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Israelis and Jews around the world have learned that they cannot take Israel's security for granted, not even for a day--not even on the holiest day of the year.

Eleven minutes after David Ben Gurion declared Israel's independence in 1948, President Harry Truman recognized the Jewish state, and the special relationship between the United States and Israel began. On that day, the United States was the first Nation to stand with Israel, as we must continue to be today.

Our nations' alliance is one routed in the common values of democracy, respect for the rule of law, economic growth, and pluralism. The mutual need for this relationship has only become greater throughout the years. After returning from Israel and seeing the threats Israelis face every day, I know we must do everything possible to make sure our friendship with Israel is maintained and strengthened.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Gordon for those kind words.

It is no secret that the global economic crisis has had an absolutely devastating impact on the automobile industry. Automobile and truck manufacturers and parts suppliers around the globe are struggling to deal with substantially decreased demand in vehicle sales.

At the same time, we are in the midst of a transformation to a more energy-independent economy which will require the production of new vehicle technologies that will increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. Development of advanced technologies for both heavy duty trucks and passenger vehicles is of vital national interest and requires a coordinated effort at the Federal level.

That is why I am proud to have worked with Chairman Gordon to introduce the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009. This legislation will build upon the current research efforts of the Department of Energy and the private sector by providing an increased Federal investment in passenger and heavy duty vehicle research and development.

By directing the Department of Energy to partner with industry stakeholders and agencies across the Federal Government, the bill will ensure that our investment leverages the maximum amount of talent and innovation and leads to faster development of new technologies that will help us meet our energy challenges and promote American innovation in the advanced vehicle technologies field.

There is intense global competition right now to determine which countries will produce the cars and trucks of the future. There is no doubt that in the years ahead more Americans will be driving hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and cars and trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The only question is whether these new technologies will be researched, developed, and manufactured here in United States, creating American jobs, or whether this technology will be built overseas. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will help ensure that the American automobile industry will continue to be globally competitive and that we as a Nation will not trade our dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign batteries and other emerging technology.

This legislation has strong support from industry. It has been endorsed by the United States Chamber of Commerce and by the National Association of Manufacturers, who understand how important it is for our Nation to maintain its competitiveness in research and development and emerging technology in order to preserve our manufacturing base.

H.R. 3246 has been endorsed by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and by individual automakers like Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, and Daimler. It is strongly supported by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, which is the industry trade group representing auto parts suppliers, as well as key suppliers based in my congressional district like ArvinMeritor, Magna International, Delphi and Bosch.

I am also proud to report that this bill has the support of organized labor, including my good friends at the United Auto Workers, and from the environmental community as well, including such organizations as the League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club.

This bill's broad support includes the steel industry, which is excited by the opportunities this legislation will create for them to partner with the Federal Government on research projects that will continue to make steel lighter and stronger. High-mileage cars will need to reduce weight while keeping passengers safe, and the steel industry can and must play an important role in helping us achieve that goal.

I thank Chairman Gordon and his staff for leadership on this legislation and for their helpfulness to both me and to my staff. And I would also like to thank my Republican colleagues on the Science Committee, especially Mrs. Biggert, for working with me to improve this important bill. And I would also like to thank the Democratic leadership, and in particular Majority Leader Hoyer, for working on this bill.

The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will help reduce our Nation's dependence on foreign oil and preserve and create manufacturing jobs in Michigan and across the country. I encourage my colleagues to support

Mr. Chairman, I rise as the designee for Mr. Polis, and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my colleague's amendment, which has been read, recognizes that it takes many years for a technology to be fully integrated into the Nation's vehicle fleet and that some technologies may actually be appropriate for the retrofitting of existing vehicles. Automakers have expressed some very strong concerns about how these aftermarket conversions are going to affect vehicles that are under warranty, and I share these concerns.

However, I support Mr. Polis in the work that he is attempting to do with this amendment. I support the amendment, and I look forward to working with the gentleman to perfect the language in conference.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2920, the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009. This important legislation will establish mandatory pay-as-you-go budget discipline, rein in deficit spending, and reduce the national debt.

In the 1990s, pay-as-you-go budget discipline was enshrined in law, and it led to record budget surpluses. After PAYGO was originally codified in 1990, total Federal spending as a percentage of GDP decreased each year from 1991 through 2000. After Congress let PAYGO expire in 2002, projected surpluses of $5.6 trillion were transformed into record deficits. Passing the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 will require Congress to make the tough choices necessary to get unacceptable high budget deficits under control and avoid passing today's costs onto our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

Families make tough budget decisions to live within their means, and the government should be forced to do the same. I urge passage of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 2920, the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009. This important legislation will establish mandatory ``pay-as-you-go'' budget discipline, rein in deficit spending, and reduce the national debt.

This bill requires Congress to offset the cost of increases in most mandatory spending or tax cuts with savings elsewhere in the budget to avoid increasing the national budget deficit. If the net effect of legislation enacted during a session of Congress increases the deficit, there would be an across-the-board reduction in certain mandatory programs. This fiscally responsible legislation includes carefully crafted, necessary provisions allowing Congress to take emergency action exempt from PAYGO rules in response to extreme circumstances such as war, economic crises, or other emergencies.

Establishing a pay-as-you-go law is critical to restoring fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets to Washington. We need targeted, responsible investments to get our economy back on track, but Congress must be required to determine how it will pay for new proposals. Pay- as-you-go legislation will ensure that Congress determines how to pay for new initiatives by searching out and cutting waste throughout the budget.

In the 1990s, pay-as-you-go budget discipline was enshrined in law and it led to record budget surpluses. After PAYGO was originally codified in 1990, total federal spending as a percentage of GDP decreased each year from 1991 through 2000. After Congress let PAYGO expire in 2002, projected surpluses of $5.6 trillion were transformed into record deficits. Passing the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 will require Congress to make the tough choices necessary to get unacceptably high budget deficits under control and avoid passing today's costs onto our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

I am proud to support the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 because it is grounded in fiscal discipline and responsibility. Families make tough budget choices to live within their means, and the government should be forced to do the same thing. I urge passage of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3081. I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their hard work on this important legislation.

I am pleased that this bill provides $2.2 billion to one of our most important allies: the State of Israel. Israel is a strategic partner and this funding will help ensure Israel has the resources it needs to protect her borders and citizens. Ever since the United States became the first nation to recognize Israel's independence our two nations have shared a special friendship and I am pleased that this bill continues that close relationship.

I am also proud to support report language that will provide at least $20 million to provide relief to religious minorities in Iraq, including assistance for displaced and refugee populations. In the last year thousands of Iraqi Christians have sought refuge in Southeast Michigan and thousands more are expected in the years to come. This funding will aid refugee populations in Iraq that are most in need of our assistance I thank Chairwoman Lowey and Representative Eshoo for their work on this issue.

This bill ensures that America will continue to be the leader in spreading security and opportunity throughout the world and I urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Albanian diaspora of southeast Michigan and to raise the concern they have expressed to me.

Respect for people of diverse cultures is an American value and has made our Nation great. Our national heritage reflects the cultural contributions of a wide range of ethnic groups.

I am fortunate to represent the Ninth District of Michigan, a district rich in ethnic and religious diversity and one that includes many families from the Balkan region. In my time as a Congressman and resident of the Ninth District, I have developed a strong bond with the Albanian American community. This is a people that strongly value community service, family, and education. These are the values we can all admire and strive to instill in our children.

The Albanian American community of southeast Michigan is relatively new to our country. Most are first- or second-generation Americans. However, this community has established strong roots in southeast Michigan, establishing churches, community centers and small businesses. These places preserve and celebrate Albanian culture. They help enrich the lives of fellow Albanian Americans and the broader community alike.

Saint Paul's Albanian Church in Rochester Hills, Michigan, a city in my district, boasts nearly 5,000 members and is a shining example of how the Albanian diaspora has taken root in southeast Michigan. These roots are nourished by the community's focus on family, a value deeply embedded in Albanian culture, and one that I greatly respect.

As with many new immigrant communities, the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep among our Albanian Americans. Our Nation has provided many Albanian Americans with their first opportunity for business success. Members of the community have embraced these opportunities and worked tirelessly for the success of their endeavors, helping to grow our economy and create jobs in our region.

The community's affinity for entrepreneurship is coupled with a deep appreciation for education. Albanian Americans recognize the invaluable return on investment that educational achievement brings to the next generation.

I am particularly proud of the Albanian American community's patriotism, love for America and participation in the American democratic process.

Albanian Americans truly are full participants in the American democratic system. They understand that the essential element of a thriving democracy is active engagement.

Albanian Americans' unwavering dedication to democracy does not stop at our borders. The Albanian community is working tirelessly to bring attention to the needs of the emerging democracies in the Balkan region and to strengthen U.S.-Balkan relations.

I am proud of the relationship the city of Rochester Hills has formed with Tuz, Montenegro. For example, the Albanian American diaspora in Michigan and the city of Rochester Hills recently worked together to provide school supplies to the cities of Tuz, and I commend them for these efforts.

While many are aware of the efforts made by the Albanian American community to assist refugees during the Kosovo conflict, it is important to highlight important work still being performed by the Albanian American community.

The Albanian diaspora continues to seek further recognition for the Republic of Kosova and has been vital in helping former refugees rebuild their lives. The recent independence of the Republic of Kosova and the induction of Albania into NATO are a testament to the Albanian American community's progress.

The Albanian community in Michigan remains concerned with events and issues currently affecting their brethren and families overseas. Some particular concerns of my constituents I want to raise today relate to recent reports of inequities in the Montenegrin justice system. In particular, reputable human rights organizations like Amnesty International have reported that several Albanian American citizens convicted in connection with the Eagle's Flight case have been subject to torture and physical abuse. These incidents and reports have caused tremendous anxiety and uncertainty in the Albanian American community. It is my hope that the Montenegrin Government will work diligently to protect human rights and the rule of law in the exercise of justice in the future.

Whether fighting for justice, advancing democracy, supporting our schools, or working hard to strengthen our economy, Albanian Americans in my district and across America are helping to make our Nation even greater. It is an honor to represent a prominent Albanian American community here in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Reverend Douglas Paul Jones, on the occasion of his twentieth anniversary as Senior Pastor of the Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in the City of Pontiac, Michigan. Since June 18, 1989, when Pastor Jones was first installed, he has been a tireless leader--both within the church, and in the greater Pontiac community.

Throughout Pastor Jones' tenure at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, he has grown the membership of the church by more than three thousand members. As the Senior Pastor of the church, he has touched countless lives through developing well respected ministries and mentorship programs supporting men, women, and young adults, as well as those individuals struggling with drug addiction, domestic violence and HIV/

Mr. Speaker, my district is the home of the first freestanding Holocaust Museum in the United States of America. For 25 years, it has stood as a reminder of the horrific consequences of extremism and hate.

Just a few months ago, the founder of that museum, Rabbi Charles Rosenzvieg, passed away. Although he is gone, his life's work will educate future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust so that such senseless violence should never again be repeated. Last month, this body passed a resolution honoring his life and memory.

So it is with an especially heavy heart today that I come to the floor to urge the passage of Resolution 529, a resolution condemning the violent attack on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on June 10.

The Holocaust Museum exists as a place to reflect and to mourn murderous prejudice and hatred. Yet, yesterday, a senseless attack, motivated by the same prejudice and hatred, resulted in the tragic death of a security guard, Stephen T. Johns. It is a sad reminder that we must all remain vigilant in continuing the work of Rabbi Rosenzvieg--to purge discrimination and hatred from this world.

I thank Congressman Klein for sponsoring this important resolution.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Chair, today, we are considering important legislation that will support efforts to strengthen, to modernize and to rebuild the capacity of the Department of State to fulfill its core diplomatic mission. This legislation will also increase the arms control and the nonproliferation capabilities of the State Department; it will reform the system of export controls for military technology; and it will improve the oversight of U.S. security assistance abroad.

As we expand our diplomatic capabilities, we must remember that trade is the driving force of both our economy and of our international diplomacy. In December of 2004, Congress passed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. As of June 1, 2009, this initiative now requires that travelers have passports for all land and sea crossings, including travel to and from Canada and Mexico.

We need to know exactly how these new passport requirements are affecting our economy. Obviously, prudent security measures must be undertaken to keep Americans safe, but we also need to assess whether these measures are working and how they affect border State businesses. My amendment will require such an assessment. Congress can then determine whether corrective action is needed to change the requirements or to provide relief to border State businesses or both.

The Peters amendment would require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress within 18 months of the passage of this act a report on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: on the flow of people, goods and services across the international borders of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region.

The amendment stipulates the report should pay specific attention to the effects on small businesses and and the measure's effectiveness in strengthening border security. Increasing the security of our borders must be a top priority from Congress. We must also ensure that implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is carried out in a manner that increases our national security but does not unnecessarily hinder trade and strain our small businesses.

With our Nation's fight through a recession, it is particularly important that we assess the effect measures approved by this body have on our economy.

I greatly appreciate the support from my friend and colleague from New Mexico, Congressman Teague, for his office's assistant on this important amendment and help on issues of importance to both our northern and southern border regions, and I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, my amendment is a commonsense measure that ensures that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative's effects on small businesses are known and reported to Congress in a timely manner. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative must be implemented in a way that strengthens our national security, maintains robust trade and tourism with our neighbors, and protects our Nation's small businesses.

I would like to thank Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Berman and Rules Committee Chairwoman Slaughter.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today the House will consider the CARS Act of 2009. This legislation is critical, not only to spur growth in America's auto industry, but to save and create jobs throughout the economy.

History shows that one of the quickest ways to end a recession is to sell more automobiles. New car sales constitute a major percentage of the Nation's consumer spending, and increasing vehicle sales also stimulates demand for raw goods, from which automobiles are manufactured. Production of glass, steel, plastics, and other primary materials will be increased as more new cars are sold, creating jobs throughout the economy.

Similar programs have shown proven results abroad. In Germany, sales were boosted roughly 40 percent. Many other nations have acted to strengthen their economies with policies designed to sell more automobiles, and the U.S. should not be left behind.

We must pass the CARS Act today to create a recovery, not just for our auto industry, but for the entire economy.

Madam Speaker, the CARS Act of 2009 is critical not only to spur growth in America's auto industry but to save and create jobs throughout our country.

History shows that one of the quickest ways to end a recession is to sell more automobiles. New car sales constitute a major percentage of a nation's consumer spending.

Increasing vehicle sales also stimulates demand for raw goods from which automobiles are manufactured. Production of glass, steel, plastics, and other primary materials will be increased as more new cars are sold, creating jobs throughout the country.

Many other nations have acted to strengthen their economies with policies to design and to sell more automobiles, and the U.S. should not be left behind. Many Members of the House have recently expressed their desire to support auto dealers in their States. There is no better way to help car dealers going forward than to pass this important legislation. We must pass the CARS Act today to create a recovery not just for our auto industry but for the entire economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 1913, the ``Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.'' According to FBI statistics, 118,000 hate crimes have been reported since 1991. During the same period of time, reported bias motivated crimes based on sexual orientation has more than tripled, yet the federal government currently has no jurisdiction to assist states and municipalities in dealing with even the most violent hate crimes against gay and lesbian Americans. The FBI's 2007 Uniform Crime Reports showed that reported violent crimes based on sexual orientation constituted approximately one out of six hate crimes committed in 2007, with 1,265 reported for the year.

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 will provide assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies and amend federal law to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of violent, bias-motivated crimes. This important legislation is backed by a number of major law enforcement organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National District Attorneys Association, and the National Sheriffs Association.

This bill will strengthen existing federal law by expanding its jurisdiction to provide protections for crimes directed at individuals because of their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. The bill only applies to bias-motivated violent crimes and does not impinge public speech or writing.

This bill includes an explicit First Amendment free speech protection. Pastors, Sunday school teachers, and religious leaders cannot be prosecuted for the content of their speech. Many religious groups have expressed support for the bill, including the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Interfaith Alliance, the Presbyterian Church, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the United Methodist Church, and the Congress of National Black Churches.

I am proud to support the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 because it is grounded in fundamental American values: recognizing the dignity of every person, protecting religious freedom, and freedom of speech. This legislation protects people from violence based on who they are, and has explicit protections to ensure that the law does not punish what people think, feel, or believe, but rather actions that physically harm others. I urge passage of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.