Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, H.R. 6523 is a strong bill that is intended to provide essential funding for our nation's troops, including providing our brave men and women in uniform the tools they need to succeed in our nation's missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Madam Speaker, we need to ensure that the first responders and individuals who were in the vicinity of the World Trade Center have access to the specialized medical treatment they need and that means ensuring these programs are properly funded.

H.R. 847 accomplishes that goal and I am proud to be a cosponser of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I would have voted ``aye'' on the Senate amendment to H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

Stated against:

Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 662 and 663, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1765, a resolution supporting a negotiated solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict and condemning unilateral declarations of a Palestinian state.

As a co-chair of the Democratic Israel Working Group, I would like to thank my colleague, Chairman Howard Berman, for bringing this important resolution to the House floor.

I have been to Israel and the West Bank on numerous occasions. I can personally vouch for the yearning of the people of Israel and the Palestinian territories to come to a peaceful settlement that will end decades of discord and violence.

A negotiated two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians is the underpinning of the peace process. It is the official policy of the U.S. Government, the Israeli Government and of the Palestinian Authority.

Only through direct negotiations can difficult compromises be reached on core issues like borders, water, refugees, the status of Jerusalem, and security.

Unfortunately, Palestinian leaders are pursuing a coordinated strategy to bypass the negotiations process to seek recognition of a unilaterally declared Palestinian state by the United Nations and other international forums.

Recently, the governments of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay unilaterally recognized the State of Palestine upon request from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Unilateral declarations of statehood will not eliminate the sources of the conflict. Rather, they undermine the peace process and endanger the safety and security of the Israeli and Palestinian people.

This country and this Congress remain the largest grantor of assistance to help the Palestinian Authority build the political, economic and social infrastructure to support a future state. The unilateral statehood effort will undermine the ability of the United States to continue playing a constructive role.

I call upon my colleagues to vote in support of the peace process, of a secure Israel and viable, democratic Palestinian state and in favor of this resolution.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chair of the committee for allowing me to speak.

I support maintaining the estate tax at the exemption of $3.5 million. That's not what is in this legislation. And I believe in the value of hard work and rewarding those who are able to succeed, but I know some perceive the estate tax as undermining these values.

However, we know that Americans with multimillion-dollar estates are not the only hard workers in our Nation. We have millions of Social Security recipients who have worked their entire lives but have seen their benefits decline due to no cost of living adjustment for 2 straight years now.

What message do we send our Social Security recipients that we are giving 6,600 families a tax break on the average of $1.5 million each, but we can't find it appropriate to give our seniors on a fixed income a little bit more breathing room by sending them a $250 check to allow them to pay their bills and afford their medicine?

The government's calculation tells us that the cost of living has not increased over the last 2 years, but seniors in my district and most of our own districts have done their own calculations. The cost of electricity, gas, and health care have risen dramatically.

I hope to support a bill that will benefit most of my constituents, but this bill does not. Hopefully, we will see amendments that will make it better.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to explain my absence from votes cast on December 14, 2010. My voting percentage is over 95% for the 111th Congress, and I rarely miss votes, but due to a prior commitment scheduled before we knew the House would be in session on Tuesday, I was unable to make it back to Washington in time for votes.

On the three votes I missed: to approve S. 1405, the Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site Designation Act, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye;'' to approve S. 3167, the Census Oversight Efficiency and Management Reform Act of 2010, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye;'' to approve H.R. 6510, To direct the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Houston, Texas, to the Military Museum of Texas had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Let me first say I want to thank my colleague for bringing both these bills up, H.R. 5987 and also S. 3789.

First let me talk about Congressman Pomeroy. He and I came to the Congress together in 1993, and we worked together on a lot of issues, he coming from a very rural area. But we found out about 3 or 4 years ago that--and you can tell my Texas accent--his State has grown dramatically in the production of natural gas and oil, and also they have a refinery in North Dakota. I have five refineries, but I'm glad they have one up in his State.

We have worked together for the last few years on energy issues for our country, and I want to thank him for his service to our country. Earl, we will miss you. And I will miss your friendship and your leadership on the Ways and Means Committee.

I am proud to be here today to support not only S. 3789, the Social Security Number Protection Act, but also H.R. 5987, the Seniors Protection Act of 2010. For the second year in a row our Nation's seniors and veterans and people with disabilities have been denied a cost of living adjustment, their COLA. The Seniors Protection Act would provide 54 million Social Security beneficiaries with a one-time $250 payment in lieu of a COLA.

This bill would provide targeted economic relief for our Nation's most vulnerable citizens. I have seniors in our district who get Social Security, they're married, and some of them are in terrible shape because of their circumstances--I have one who, her husband is disabled, she takes care of him, but because of a family situation she is taking care of three of her grandchildren. This is the second year she would not get any assistance or any increase in her Social Security. That is why this bill is so important.

Almost two out of three seniors and 70 percent of people with disabilities rely on Social Security for half or more of their income. One-third of seniors get more than 90 percent of their income from Social Security. It's important that our Nation continue the promise that Americans should be allowed to retire with dignity, which has lasted for 75 years.

Thank you. And I just urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 5987, but also for S. 3789.

Mr. Speaker, I am an original cosponsor of the House companion to the bill we are considering today.

I appreciate the leadership shown by Congresswoman Eshoo, who introduced the CALM Act and moved it through our committee and saw it passed by voice vote on the floor late last year.

I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider these measures once again, because I believe it is important to set some boundaries for reasonable practices for television advertisements.

Perhaps only during the Super Bowl do Americans actually look forward to television commercials.

The rest of the time, most of us are mildly inconvenienced but understand that this short time spent watching ads allows for the programming we enjoy.

What has become increasingly prevalent and extremely disruptive is the distinctly higher volume of sound of these commercials compared with the volume of the programming. There is a significant difference and it interferes with the viewer's ability to enjoy the experience.

This bill will effectively end this discrepancy in volume.

I believe that this is reasonable regulation and preserves the viewers' ability to control their own electronic devices without wildly fluctuating sound.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3774, which would extend the deadline for Social Services Block Grant expenditures of supplemental funds appropriated following disasters occurring in 2008.

The FY2009 Supplemental Appropriation included funding for disasters that occurred in 2008. This included $600 million in Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funding eligible to be used for a wide variety of social services to assist in disaster recovery.

In the wake of Hurricane Ike, a total of 734,000 Texans had registered with FEMA for individual assistance and 17,000 homes in Harris County were destroyed.

Due to the magnitude of Ike, the State of Texas received $219 million in recovery funds under the Social Services Block Grant program from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Under federal law, these SSBG funds must be spent by September 30, 2010. Any money not spent by that time must be returned to the federal Treasury. Texas currently has $44 million in funding that will revert back to the federal government.

Many entities and local governments in Texas have expressed difficulty in meeting the September 30, 2010 deadline and are requesting a one year extension to September 30, 2011.

Although there have been significant successes through the recovery process, significant needs remain. In the Greater Houston area, more than 2,500 families in case management still cite needs in the area of home repair and/or unmet needs.

It is important to note that Texas is not the only state that would lose access to these funds--16 other states have remaining funds and an extension would assist those states as well.

A similar extension was granted by Congress for Hurricane Katrina SSBG disaster recovery funds. It is also important to note that this bill involves no new spending. The SSBG grant funds were released and dispersed to the states over a year ago. This bill will only give those who need it, extra time to expend these needed funds as they continue to recover from Hurricane Ike.

Senator Cornyn's legislation, S. 3774, passed out of the Senate on a unanimous consent. It would extend the deadline for Social Services Block Grant expenditures of supplemental funds appropriated following disasters occurring in 2008 for one year from September 30, 2010 to September 30, 2011.

Before the House recessed on September 29 we tried to bring up this legislation, but it came over from the Senate very late and we were unable to come to an agreement to bring up the legislation.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to allow the states impacted by disasters that occurred in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5986, the Neglected Infections of Impoverished Americans Act of 2010.

H.R. 5986 would require HHS to submit a report to Congress on the current state of parasitic diseases that have been overlooked among the poorest Americans.

A 2008 study by the George Washington University and Sabin Vaccine Institute identified high prevalence rates of parasitic infections in the poorest areas of the United States and along our border regions.

Scientists estimate that there may be up to 100 million infections of the neglected diseases identified in our legislation including Chagas Disease, Cysticercosis, Toxocariasis, Toxoplasmosis, and Trichomoniasis and other neglected diseases of poverty in the United States.

These diseases and other neglected diseases of poverty collectively infect up to 1.7 billion people around the world, but they disproportionately affect minority and impoverished populations across the United States, producing effects ranging from asymptomatic infection to asthma-like symptoms, seizures, and death.

This study is especially important because these neglected diseases receive less financial support than they deserve. A mere $231,730 of research funding was allocated by NIH since 1995.

This discrepancy in funding is known as the ``10/90 gap''; a mere 10 percent of global health research funding is directed towards diseases affecting 90 percent of the global population.

The Neglected Infections of Impoverished Americans Act of 2010 would provide an up-to-date evaluation of the current dearth of knowledge regarding the epidemiology of these diseases and the socioeconomic, health and development impact they have on our society.

I'd like to thank Rep. Hank Johnson and Rep. Gingrey for their efforts on this legislation. This will mark the second time we've passed this legislation out of the House and I'm hopeful we can swiftly move it through the Senate.

I'd also like to thank Chairman Waxman, Chairman Pallone, and Ranking Member Barton for their efforts on this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act that is before the House today. I am an original cosponsor of this legislation and strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

As Americans continue to suffer from stagnant pay, underemployment, and 9.6 percent unemployment, across the Pacific in the People's Republic of China, business is booming. Almost all of this growth is due to China's export sector, which is able to sell goods at low prices and face little to no international competition domestically due to China's manipulation of its currency, the Renminbi, RMB.

Economists from across the political spectrum estimate that the Renminbi is undervalued by at least 35 to 40 percent. In other words, U.S. goods are, at least 35 percent, more expensive for Chinese consumers and make Chinese goods, at least 35 percent, cheaper in the United States.

China's currency manipulation has had terrible effects for competing economies from around the globe. Nations that rely heavily on exportation for growth, such as Japan and South Korea, have begun or are taking measures to emulate Beijing's manipulation of their own currencies so their goods can compete.

In the United States, the non-partisan Economic Policy Institute has estimated that between 2001 and 2008 alone, the growing trade deficits with China have displaced 2.4 million jobs. Sixty percent of these jobs were in the manufacturing sector, the very sector that has given millions of Americans a path into the middle class.

If China allowed its currency to ``float'' on the international market, in a fashion similar to the U.S. Dollar, British Pound, and Japanese Yen, it could create a million U.S. manufacturing jobs and cut our trade deficit with China by $100 billion a year, with no cost to the U.S. Treasury.

For years, this Congress, as well as the Administrations of President Bush and President Obama, have tried to persuade the Chinese government to moderate or end the manipulation of its currency. No significant progress has been made.

It is time we take action to hold China accountable for their market distortion and protectionist practices.

A vote ``yes'' today is a vote to stand up for American workers, to take strides to boost our economy, and to strengthen our domestic manufacturing sector.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1226, recognizing the 25th anniversary of EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Founded in 1985, EyeCare America's mission is to reduce avoidable blindness and severe visual impairment by raising awareness about eye disease and care, providing free health education materials and facilitating access to medical eye care.

EyeCare America has programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes and children.

In 2010, EyeCare America celebrates its 25th anniversary and across our nation, nearly 7,000 ophthalmologists volunteer their services to this worthwhile public service program.

Approximately, 35 million Americans experience an age-related eye disease, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, with this number expected to grow to 50 million by 2020.

Vision impairment and eye disease is a major public health issue, especially as 2010 begins the decade in which more than half of the 78 million Baby Boomers will turn 65 and be at greatest risk for aging eye disease.

EyeCare America works to ensure that eye health is not neglected, by matching eligible patients with one of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the country committed to preventing unnecessary blindness in their communities.

These volunteer ophthalmologists will provide them with a medical eye exam and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost. Seniors without insurance receive this care at no charge.

EyeCare America has helped over 1 million people since its inception and is one of the largest public service programs of its kind in American medicine today.

I'd like to thank Rep. Whitfield, Chairman Pallone, Chairman Waxman, and Ranking Member Barton for their support and assistance in moving this bipartisan resolution.

Mr. Speaker, like my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, I oppose the President's budget for NASA. And I thank Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall and the whole Science Committee for their hard work to provide a way for NASA to do their job in space exploration.

Today the House has a profound choice, and the stakes are high for American-led spaceflight. The House will be voting on the Senate version of the NASA reauthorization act. This bill, while unperfect, is critical to the future of our Nation's spaceflight and exploration program and will greatly benefit our scientific research and development capabilities.

We share the concerns of some of you who are worried about certain provisions in this legislation, but I am pleased that this moves NASA in the correct direction. This is a good bill and could be stronger but is still a success for those of us who support NASA and understand what it means for our country, our economy, our national security, and our ability to maintain our edge in science and technology research and development. Simply said, if this bill fails today, it will profoundly undermine our space program. I urge all Members to pass this bill and commit to working with us and others interested in the future of NASA to improve this bill in significant ways down the road. If we fail to pass the bill, not only do we lose that opportunity, but we may lose the opportunity to keep NASA.

I thank the chairman of the Health Subcommittee for those kind words but also for this legislation. I would also like to thank the full committee chair, Henry Waxman; and our ranking member, Joe Barton; along with our ranking member on our subcommittee, Congressman Shimkus from Illinois, for the support of this bill; and all of the Members on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 1745, the Family Health Care Accessibility Act. H.R. 1745 will extend Federal Tort Claim coverage for licensed volunteer practitioners for section 330 services provided under the Public Health Service Act in community health centers.

This legislation will allow licensed practitioners to volunteer and provide them adequate tort claims protection equal to employees of the community health centers.

A March 2006 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found community health centers had a 13 percent vacancy rate for family physicians, 9 percent for internists, a 20 percent vacancy rate for OB- GYNs, an 8 percent vacancy rate for podiatrists, a 22 percent vacancy rate for psychiatrists, and an 18 percent vacancy rate for dentists. If we rely on community health centers as medical homes, we need to increase the number of health care providers--including volunteer practitioners. So many qualified individuals want to volunteer their time but are afraid to do so because they do not have Federal Tort Claim protection and the Government Accountability Office has found that doctors and nurses choose not to volunteer their skills at community health centers because medical liability insurance is too costly for individuals to purchase on their own.

We can address the workforce shortage in health centers by clarifying that medical malpractice coverage is provided to clinicians who wish to volunteer their time working at the community health center.

I want to thank Congressman Murphy from Pennsylvania for sponsoring the legislation. Again, this will mark the third time we've worked together to pass this legislation in the House. It was in the health care reform bill, but the Senate did not include it in their version.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the House, and hopefully we'll pass this bill today again and give the Senate another opportunity.

Madam Speaker, it seems like we have a lot of Texas voices here today, and I want to share mine. I thank my chair of our Energy and Commerce Committee for yielding to me.

I support, obviously, the full passage of the bill, but, Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the students and teachers who will benefit from passage of the Education, Jobs, and Medicaid Assistance Act.

Madam Speaker, I would like to place in the Record two letters from education groups supporting this legislation.

At a time when local and State governments from coast to coast are cutting funding for basic services such as education, public safety, and transportation, this legislation will bring much-needed assistance to keep 161,000 educational professionals working now; 14,500 educational jobs in Texas will be saved.

I want to speak to the important provision my Texas colleagues on this side of the aisle worked hard to get into this bill. Last year, the governor of Texas took $3.25 billion in Federal stabilization funds specifically designated for educational purposes and used it to build up the State's rainy day fund, which may sound good, but it was nothing more than the governor taking much-needed resources from the students and educators of Texas.

In order to make sure the governor of Texas does not repeat history and misuse the Federal education funds, my colleagues and I pushed to have language added to the bill that will require the governor provide assurance to the Secretary of Education that the funds allocated to Texas be used to supplement and not supplant State K-12 education funding through fiscal year 2013. The governor and his political allies have stated in recent days that it cannot make such assurances because of its being unconstitutional. Well, our governor obviously is not a constitutional lawyer, so let the record show that the governor had made the same assurance before, including in the State's Fiscal Stabilization Program application last year.

This language is supported by the Texas Association of School Boards as well as Statewide groups representing teachers, principals, and school administrators across the State and ensures that these funds get to the classrooms and will hopefully delay property tax increases.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation.

Texas Democratic Delegation Statement on Protection for Schoolchildren

Last year, we voted for the Economic Recovery Act, which

included $3.25 billion to support local Texas school

districts. But instead of using these funds as Congress

intended, State Republican Leadership used them to replace

state education funding, thereby denying an increase in

support for our local school districts.

We want to ensure that any new emergency funds Congress

provides for education actually help our Texas schools. We

have requested additional protections be incorporated into

any Supplemental Appropriations legislation specifically for

Texas schoolchildren to ensure local districts actually

receive this federal help. These protections will ensure that

the $820 million in new emergency federal funds for education

go to preserve teacher jobs throughout the State and meet

other local education needs.

These funds would go to local schools as long as the

Governor certifies that (1) federal funds are not used merely

to replace state education support, and (2) education funding

will not be cut proportionally more than any other item in

the upcoming Texas General Appropriations Act. This prevents

any further shell games with federal education dollars at the

expense of local school districts. This approach has been

endorsed by Texas statewide education organizations

representing teachers, principals, school boards, school

administrators, and nearly 40 superintendents.

A solid education is the foundation on which our economy

and our democracy rest. Our support for our local school

districts reflects a twofold understanding: First, local

districts know best what the needs of their students,

teachers, and administrators are. Second, especially in times

of a difficult economy, we need to invest in our schools.

Our language helps ensure local school districts in Texas

have the support they need.

Charles A. Gonzalez; Sheila Jackson Lee; Silvestre Reyes;

Henry Cuellar; Eddie Bernice Johnson; Ciro D.

Rodriguez; Lloyd Doggett; Solomon P. Ortiz; Ruben

Hinojosa; Gene Green; Chet Edwards; Al Green.