Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3433) to amend the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to establish requirements regarding payment of the non-Federal share of the costs of wetlands conservation projects in Canada that are funded under that Act, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

In combating the dramatic loss of wetland ecosystems, Congress enacted the North American Wetlands Conservation Act in 1989 providing a funding mechanism to support cooperative, public-private wetlands conservation efforts throughout North America. These projects have protected, restored, or enhanced approximately 23 million acres of wetlands in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

However, the recent economic recession and the matching requirements under the act have made it difficult to generate non-Federal matching contributions for some critical wetland habitat conservation projects. The pending measure would amend the act to increase flexibility for grant recipients to meet matching fund requirements and ensure that the highest priority projects are funded throughout North America.

I commend Congressman Wittman of Virginia for his leadership in wetland conservation. I urge the passage of the legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I again urge support of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3476) to reauthorize the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Citizen Advisory Commission.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation, sponsored by Representative Garrett, will authorize the Citizen Advisory Commission for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area for the next 10 years. The advisory commission has provided two decades of guidance and input that has assisted in the management of the national recreation area and should be allowed to continue its work.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3476.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I again urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 791) congratulating the Aldine Independent School District in Harris County, Texas, on winning the 2009 ``Broad Prize for Urban Education'', as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 791 into the Record.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 791, which recognizes and congratulates the Aldine Independent School District in Harris County, Texas, for winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education.

Aldine's commitment to academic achievement, its high expectations for its students, and its dedication to narrowing the racial and income achievement gaps make it a most deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Established in 2002 by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Broad Prize for Urban Education is the largest education award for school districts in the United States.

After finishing as a finalist for the prize 3 years previously, the Aldine Independent School District this year was chosen from among 100 of the largest school districts in the country to receive the $1 million award. The Aldine School District has shown some of the most consistent student achievement gains nationally in the last decade.

Nationwide, family income levels generally are a strong indicator of students' school performance, but the Aldine School District, where four out of

five students receive free or reduced lunch, refuses to accept excuses for student success and chooses instead to break the predictive power of poverty.

Between 2005 and 2008, the Aldine Independent School District narrowed achievement gaps in reading at all school levels and in math at the elementary and middle school levels. In 2008, students in the Aldine schools outperformed other Texas school districts that served students with similar family incomes.

The Aldine Independent School District also ranks among the top large school districts in Texas for educating African American and Hispanic students. Between 2005 and 2008, SAT and Advanced Placement participation rates for these student populations increased significantly. Further, African American students achieved higher proficiency rates in math at all school levels and in reading at the middle and high school levels compared with other students in Texas. And a greater percentage of Hispanic students performed at the highest level on reading and math assessments at all school levels compared to other school districts.

Providing our young people with a high quality education is one of our Nation's most important duties and involves some of the most challenging and rewarding work. Today, we recognize the outstanding work being done at the Aldine Independent School District. Aldine's dedicated leadership and vigilant efforts are helping ensure the academic and life success of its students.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for congratulating the Aldine Independent School District on winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green) for 2 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 791.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 659) congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 659 into the Record.

I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 659, which congratulates Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, on 98 years of service and leadership.

Founded in 1911 at Indiana University, Bloomington, Kappa Alpha Psi's fundamental purpose is achievement. It seeks to develop its members, particularly its collegiate men, into leaders in their communities and into achievers of excellence in their academic pursuits. This distinguished fraternity boasts undergraduate chapters on more than 364 college and university campuses and alumni chapters in more than 347 U.S. cities and 5 foreign countries.

In honor of the ideals it was founded on, members of Kappa Alpha Psi play active roles in their communities. The fraternity sponsors an array of programs providing community service and social welfare. Members participating in their Biennial Undergraduate Leadership Institute built homes in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity in St. Louis in 2005 and in Minneapolis in 2007.

The fraternity maintains a philanthropic partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with each chapter committed to serving that cause. Additionally, its chapters annually participate in the Holiday Food Drive, working to provide food, clothing and toys to local citizens in need.

The values and principles of Kappa Alpha Psi have attracted a diverse group of men throughout the years, many who have gone on to become prominent and achieved members of society. Among them are Percy Sutton, entrepreneur and owner of the Apollo Theater; Judge Herman Thomas, justice on the State Supreme Court of Alabama; Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, author of ``Black Muslims in America''; Ralph Wiley, sportswriter and author; and numerous State and elected officials.

Uniting under their national theme of ``One Kappa, Creating Inspiration: A Call to Service,'' Kappa Alpha Psi members from all walks of life continue to mobilize in service of each other and their communities. Kappa Alpha Psi has developed a strong tradition of leadership and service, and I congratulate them on their 98 years of achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman for his support of House Resolution 659, and I also urge my colleagues to support it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 730) honoring the 100th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 730 into the Record.

I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 730, which celebrates and honors the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's 100 years of teaching and learning.

Founded in 1909, the La Crosse Normal School eventually became what is now known as the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Beginning with just over 150 teacher preparation students, the small school has grown into a prestigious university.

Today, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse enrolls over 9,000 students and offers a wide range of courses. With 85 undergraduate majors, 30 disciplines and 21 graduate degrees, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse boasts a strong academic program. By coupling this strong educational base with student support services and a low student-to-faculty ratio, the school has become a premier public university. According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is ranked second in the Midwest among public universities that offer both bachelor's and master's degrees.

Much has changed in La Crosse's 100-year history, but many of the core principles have remained constant. The university still strives to embrace the philosophy of its first president--to train the whole person. In fact, the university still uses the message ``mind and body'' as their motto, and it supports learning across a wide range of disciplines. With students from 43 States and 50 countries, the university works hard to prepare students for our increasingly global community, and it encourages students and faculty to value diversity.

This year, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will continue to grow its impact. As the university community celebrates their accomplishments and rich history, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will take a moment to reflect on a century of achievement. The university will also take a look ahead to the next 100 years of inquiry, learning and discovery.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and I want to thank Representative Kind for bringing this resolution forward. I also want to thank the faculty, staff and students of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for making the university what it is today.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for as much time as he may consume the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 768) expressing support for the designation of the month of October as ``National Work and Family Month,'' as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 768 into the Record.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 768, which expresses support for National Work and Family Month.

Currently, most people work, and balancing work and family is particularly challenging for these workers. This is particularly true for working women who comprise over one half of the workforce and are more likely than men to be primary caregivers of children or other family members.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women spend about 6.3 hours a day caring for children under the age of 13, while men spend 4.1 hours.

In addition, women feel more societal pressure than men to stay home with a child or elderly parent who requires care. There is substantial evidence that family-friendly policies help parents balance work and family, improve employers' bottom line, and have beneficial effects on children.

A 2008 report by the Families and Work Institute found that workers who are able to balance work and family are more highly engaged in their work and less likely to look for a new job in the next year. They also enjoy better overall health, better mental health and lower levels of stress. In fact, family-friendly policies might be the keys to this country's prosperity. The Government Accountability Office has published a study on the practices of other countries and found that policies such as paid leave help workers, especially women, enter and remain in the workforce.

Finding a good balance between work and family is important to most people. A 2009 survey of students found that two-thirds of respondents cited a healthy work-life balance was an important career goal.

In addition, research by the Radcliff Public Policy Center found that women in their 20s, 30s and 40s and men in their 20s and 30s identified the most important job characteristic to be a job schedule that allows them to spend time with their families.

A majority of workers age 53 and older attribute their success as an employee to job flexibility, which contributes to an overall higher quality of life. By the same token, lack of job flexibility for parents negatively affects child health because they are taken to their doctor less often and do not receive adequate early care.

Studies have found that family rituals such as sitting down to dinner together and sharing activities and holidays positively influence children, children's health and development. Due to the aging of the baby boomers, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that the number of unpaid caregivers will reach 37 million by 2050, up 85 percent from 2000.

I encourage my colleagues to support designating October as National Work and Family Month in order to shine a light on the beneficial effects of balancing work and family.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize at this time the author of the resolution, the distinguished gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for as much time as she may consume.

Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 768, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 822) expressing support for students to learn about Christopher Columbus.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 822 into the Record.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 822, which recognizes the important role Christopher Columbus played in the history of the United States. The resolution also underlines the overall importance of learning about our history.

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus and his 90 crew members arrived in the Americas aboard his famous three-ship fleet. The voyage, which lasted nearly 10 weeks, began in Spain and ended on the Bahamian island of Guanahani. Credited with discovering the new world, Columbus is a controversial figure whose quest to find new trade routes to Asia brought him to our shores.

Americans first celebrated Columbus Day on October 12, 1792, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of his landing. The first official Columbus Day holiday, however, was not celebrated until after the 400th anniversary, when President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation in 1892. Today, tributes and memorial celebrations in honor of Christopher Columbus take place across the Nation.

This resolution stresses the importance of understanding the importance of Christopher Columbus' voyage, our broader history, and a call for students to learn about our Nation's heritage.

The importance of an educated and active citizenship cannot be overstated. Without a basic civic education, it is less likely that today's students will vote or engage in active citizenship as adults. Civic education raises awareness and responsibility in our students. Learning about our history is important not only for its academic aspects, but also for the way in which it improves our democracy.

I want to express my support for this resolution and encourage young people to learn about how history affects their everyday lives. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I thank Representative Thompson for bringing it to the floor.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 822. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1035, the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Amendments Act of 2009, as amended. Specifically Title II, which consists of the full text of S-1023, the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. Tourism is the main driver of the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands and for the other U.S. Territories. S-

1023 would establish the Corporation for Travel Promotion (Corporation) and the Travel Promotion Fund, both of which I support, and recognizes the need for the United States government to have an active role in promoting tourism to the U.S. In addition, it allows the collection of an entry fee through 2014 for foreign visitors to the U.S., including the Territories. However, S-1023 as currently written does not recognize the Territories, even though the majority of our visitors are foreign visitors and will be paying the assessed fee. Like a taxpayer who pays into a system, you should expect to get some benefit, and this is no different. I appreciate the gentlelady from Guam and Representative Delahunt for their colloquy in ensuring that the intent of this Congress in S-1023 is to include the Territories and ensure they receive the full benefits of the activities of the Corporation under this important legislation. Tourism is one of the major industries in our country and in the Northern Mariana and the Territories, it is our economic lifeline and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, remaining mindful of the heritage and tradition inherited from past generations is important to my people. Equally important is that we pass on these traditions to the generations that come after. For that reason, I rise today in recognition of Marianas Cultural Heritage Month from September 16 to October 12, 2009.

During this period, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands are actively demonstrating such local traditions as respect for our elders, indigenous methods for healing, the preparation of local foods, the wearing of traditional attire, the practice of sharing goods among neighbors and, of course, the remarkable navigational skills of our people, epitomized by Chief Aghurubw.

By demonstrating these traditions, we impart our knowledge of the legends and lore of our forefathers to future generations so they, in turn, will be able to transmit the unique culture and heritage of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. I encourage my colleagues to learn about us and to appreciate the differences that make us unique and the commonalities that bind us.

I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, people in the Pacific Islands may be separated by thousands of miles, but we all feel that we are part of one family.

The tragedy that is unfolding now in American Samoa is not remote to us in the Northern Mariana Islands. We feel the horror and the pain, as if it were happening to us.

I am not speaking metaphorically. Some in my own family have relatives from American Samoa and our islands are home to many American Samoans. They are school principals. They are program administrators. They are utility engineers. They are neighbors. They are friends. They are family. And they fill a vital and much-appreciated role in the life of the Northern Mariana Islands.

So today we are terribly, terribly saddened by the loss of life in American Samoa, by the images of homes washed away, by the knowledge that it will not be days or months but truly years before the people and life of American Samoa can be said to be recovered.

I come to the floor today hoping to raise the awareness of this House to the challenges our fellow Pacific Islanders and fellow Americans now face in American Samoa, and I hope that this House and the Federal Government as a whole will respond as Americans traditionally respond when community in our Nation is struck by natural disaster, with every possible aid and assistance to help American Samoans rebuild.

I placed a call late yesterday afternoon to our colleague and friend, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, just when this tragedy was taking place. He and his staff were already on the phone calling Federal and territorial offices to respond to this horrible tragedy. He is now on his way to American Samoa to do what he has to do for his people and the islands.

I want to commend President Obama, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and the new Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs, Anthony Babauta, who have already responded with the appropriate speed.

Even as the earthquake struck yesterday and the series of tidal waves began to sweep across the heavily populated coastal areas of American Samoa, the Interior Department was keeping the Speaker's Office and the rest of this House informed of events. The President has promptly issued a disaster declaration, and the Federal Emergency Management Administration is taking all appropriate response actions. The Coast Guard is on hand, and other elements of the U.S. military are assisting in bringing personnel and supplies as quickly as they can to American Samoa.

But the distances to cover are vast. The logistical difficulties are very

great. A disaster of this magnitude only serves to highlight the particular vulnerability of islands to natural disasters and, indeed, to any disruption to the normal day-to-day life.

Island communities, because of their isolation, do not have the same resilience that communities on the continent take for granted. The people of American Samoa cannot drive away from the devastation to seek shelter with friends and families in other parts of the United States. There are but a few air flights a week in and out of Pago Pago, and the cost is prohibitive for a community with income levels way below the national average.

FEMA cannot drive in with trailers to provide emergency housing, or tarps and tents to provide temporary shelter. There are no highways across the ocean. Power plants are stand-alone, not connected to some continental network. Fuel supplies are not replenished by pipeline but depend on long-distance tankers. Food stocks on-island are limited. Few people can afford to keep much in reserve. And now the thin line of supply for food is also no doubt disrupted.

Mr. Speaker, I hope I have made the point. Americans in American Samoa need the help of the rest of America. In the days of sorrow ahead for American Samoa, throughout the long days of recovery American Samoa now faces, I urge my colleagues to open their hearts and support every effort to give comfort and aid to a people who are truly in need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 163, which designates September 23, 2009, as ``National Job Corps Day.'' Across the nation, thousands of youth are participating in programs that bring positive change to their communities, to their peers, and to themselves. Job Corps volunteers earn money to support themselves and their families, work towards high school diplomas, improve their own literacy, learn valuable new job skills, and secure employment or military commissions.

But volunteers like the young people in Job Corps can affect members of their community in ways that can last a lifetime. When I was growing up in the Northern Mariana Islands, I strengthened my English skills by talking with and learning from Peace Corps volunteers. One of those Corps members gave me my first book of English Literature. These dedicated young volunteers, like the young people in Job Corps, make an enormous difference in the lives of so many. Even in places like the Northern Marianas, eight thousand miles away from Washington, their help is needed, and where they have been, their presence is still remembered and deeply appreciated.

I congratulate the Job Corps program on its 45th anniversary, and wish it many more to come. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I have been explaining the issue of health care reform in the United States territories. Here is the problem:

Reform is sorely needed for the American citizens living in the territories, but the bills currently before this House deny us that reform. Under these bills, we will be required to purchase health insurance, but we will not be eligible for the affordability credits that help pay for it, even though more than 40 percent of those in the Northern Mariana Islands live below the poverty level.

CHIP programs will be brought to an end, but without an exchange or public option in the territories, thousands of children will lose coverage. Our Medicaid program will remain criminally underfunded.

Madam Speaker, for health insurance reform to exclude some Americans simply because of geography is wrong. It is discriminatory. And until it is remedied, my colleagues should know this ``reform'' leaves behind many of those who need it the very most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1080, the Illegal, Unreported,

and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2009.

This act provides much-needed, new tools to law enforcement to protect our fisheries and other marine resources and increases the penalties for environmental crimes.

Unfortunately, we continue to see illegal fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Mariana Islands. Just last month NOAA and the coast guard apprehended a Taiwanese vessel illegally fishing in the EEZ of the Mariana Islands with ten tons of shark on board.

The owner was fined $500,000 dollars, but only had to pay $200,000 now. After three years, if the owner can show an inability to pay the remaining $300,000, NOAA may waive the fine.

More amazing, the owner was allowed to keep the illegal catch.

This is neither a punishment nor a deterrent.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairwoman Bordallo for her extraordinary leadership on this legislation and ensuring our fisheries and marine resources are protected. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1080. Let's send a strong message to high seas criminals that their actions will have real consequences. And let's help our enforcement personnel with the tools they need to do their jobs.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. I wish to thank Chairman Miller for his leadership on this bill, and express my thanks to the staff as well.

Madam Chair, the financial resources of local governments and college and university scholarship funds are quickly dwindling. I am encouraged that this Congress is working to ensure access to student grants and loans at a time when many families, including those in my district in the Northern Mariana Islands, are struggling to make ends meet. The changes made by H.R. 3221 will mean that even more students will get the opportunity to pursue higher education.

This legislation will raise the annual maximum Pell grant to unprecedented levels and ensure that these grants will continue to increase with the cost of tuition. It will open up an additional $4 million for Pell grants in the Northern Marianas alone. It will make investments in financial aid that will benefit students from every district, no matter where they go to college. Increased funding to minority-serving institutions, including those with large populations of Pacific Islanders, will ensure that our students from the Northern Marianas are cared for and supported, both socially and academically, when they are so far away from their home.

Three quarters of a million dollars will be available in the Northern Marianas for programs that encourage students to stay in

school and make sure they succeed. And money will also be dedicated to community colleges, like Northern Marianas College, to help them finance new projects and cover existing needs.

Higher education is truly the investment of a lifetime--it creates opportunities and opens doors that will benefit our students and families far into the future. I applaud this legislation.

Madam Speaker, last time I spoke, I pointed out that the health care reform bills currently being debated in the House and Senate do not include the United States territories. Today, I would like to discuss why these reforms are needed just as much, or more, in my district as in any other part of the United States.

There are only 80,000 people in my district in the Northern Mariana Islands, but the health care infrastructure there is struggling. There is only one surgeon for all three of the populated islands. Common equipment that is used to save lives every day across the Nation, like a hyperbaric chamber or a heart catheterization lab, is not available. Funding at the Commonwealth Health Center, the only hospital, is so strained that upfront payment is required before patients even see a doctor.

My constituents are proud Americans who honor and serve their country, so how can I explain to them that these sweeping reforms they have heard so much about will only leave them behind?