Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference report on H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act. This bipartisan legislation provides services to one of our most vulnerable populations--children from low-income families. By passing this measure today, over 900,000 disadvantaged children ages 3 to 5-- including over 3,000 in Rhode Island--will have access to health services, the necessary tools to enter kindergarten, and a foundation for their success later in life.

Studies show that low-income children often lack the richness of books in the home, proper nutrition, or access to a continuum of health services. For over 40 years, Head Start has provided comprehensive early childhood development services to low-income children, with strong emphasis on the involvement of families and the local community. H.R. 1429 would increase funding for quality improvements to Head Start and requires that by 2013 at least half of Head Start teachers nationwide have at least a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education.

Today, half of the children enrolled in Head Start are from working poor families. For this reason, I am pleased that this conference agreement increases the income eligibility to 130 percent of the poverty level so that families struggling with work and childcare will have another option. I also believe that stopping the program's National Reporting System is essential until proper testing methods for these young children are carefully developed. H.R. 1429 also establishes a set of procedures to improve accountability in the Head Start program, which will lead to improvements for all those served by Head Start.

Earlier in the year, H.R. 1429 passed both the House and the Senate with overwhelming support. I am proud that the 110th Congress is on the verge of passing this conference report after nearly a decade of failing to reauthorize Head Start. For all the children who benefit from this program, I look forward to sending this bill to the President for his signature.

Mr. Speaker, during the previous vote on the motion to recommit, number 1101 on H.R. 3074, I was unavoidably detained and I missed that vote. I would like the record to show that I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for the Temporary Tax Relief Act, H.R. 3996. This comprehensive legislation will provide fiscally responsible tax relief for hard- working, middle-class Americans, help stimulate our Nation's small businesses and provide financial support to public servants nationwide.

The Temporary Tax Relief Act represents a new direction in tax policy that will offer assistance to thousands of Rhode Island middle-class families. I am particularly pleased that this legislation includes a 1- year patch to keep millions of hard-working, middle-class Americans outside the ever-widening net of the alternative minimum tax, AMT. Congress first enacted the AMT in 1969 to ensure that 155 wealthy taxpayers paid their fair share of the Federal income tax, but because they neglected to index the tax for inflation, it has since become outdated and unfair. If left unfixed, this year over 23 million Americans--and 75,000 Rhode Islanders--will be forced to pay nearly $2,000 in additional taxes.

The bill before us will also expand the refundable child tax credit by reducing the minimum income eligibility level from $11,000 to $8,500, thereby allowing more Rhode Island families to take advantage of this important credit. In addition, this legislation will help stem the rising cost of higher education by extending the above-the-line tax deduction for qualified education expenses up to $4,000. H.R. 3996 also provides much-needed tax relief to homeowners who do not itemize their deductions by permitting married couples to deduct up to $500, and single taxpayers to deduct up to $250, in property taxes, in addition to their standard deductions.

It's not just middle-class taxpayers who will reap the benefits of this bill. The Temporary Tax Relief Act contains a number of provisions that will help stimulate our Nation's small businesses, including a 1- year extension of the Research and Development, R&D, tax credit, which will keep American companies competitive and spur businesses to invest in the future and create jobs. Also included is a provision that will grant small businesses a tax incentive for committing to invest in local community development.

Finally, H.R. 3996 directs well-deserved financial assistance to our Nation's public servants. Under this legislation, more than 3 million teachers will be able to deduct out-of-pocket expenses, including books and other school supplies, for their classrooms.

I am also proud to support a provision to provide tax relief for thousands of American troops in combat under the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Perhaps most importantly, this measure is fully paid for and will not add a penny to our national debt. We made a commitment to the American people to abide by pay-as-you-go rules so that our children and grandchildren will not bear the cost of the decisions we make. Today we reaffirm our commitment to fiscal responsibility, while maintaining our promise to helping middle-class families and small businesses nationwide. I would like to thank Chairman Rangel for his leadership in crafting a balanced, responsible and urgently needed bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to recognize the loss of a brave civilian in Iraq, Nathan J. Schuldheiss, a resident of Newport who served his country with dignity and honor. I join his family and the people of Rhode Island in mourning this great loss.

With a father in the Air Force, Special Agent Schuldheiss grew up traveling across the country. He graduated from La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, NM, received a political science degree from Gonzaga University, and received a law degree from the University of Rhode Island. Schuldheiss, 27, had dreams of one day working for the CIA or FBI and continuing his extensive traveling.

Schuldheiss volunteered his services to become a civilian counterintelligence specialist with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, assigned to Detachment 204 at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He had spent 5 months in Iraq with his team seeking out insurgents that might pose a threat to servicemembers in the region. On November 1, Schuldheiss was on his way to interview a group of informants when an improvised explosive device was detonated. Schuldheiss and two other members of his team died of wounds suffered from the blast.

Those that knew Special Agent Schuldheiss remember his sense of humor, his leadership, his loyalty, and his sense of adventure. Most importantly, he had a positive impact on those around him. His loss certainly causes us all to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men and women who carry out their obligations in the face of danger. When Special Agent Schuldheiss's Nation called him to duty to preserve freedom, liberty and security, he answered without hesitation. We will remember him as a patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

May we keep Special Agent Schuldheiss's loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they endure this difficult period, especially his father, Jeff; his mother, Sarah Conlon; and his sister, Erin. May his memory live on forever.

We will also continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our troops serving throughout the world.

Madam Speaker, I wish to express my support of H.R. 3043, the Fiscal Year 2008 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.

I have increasingly heard grave concerns from Rhode Islanders about the cuts and limitations in critical domestic programs over the past 6 years. Currently, one in six Americans is without health insurance, our schools are in desperate need of resources to meet the standards set in No Child Left Behind, and the recent housing slump and credit crunch have left our economy in trouble. Our safety net programs are more important than ever, as Americans work hard to keep their families healthy and their finances in order.

This legislation takes important steps to address the problems faced by so many Americans and prioritizes funding for those programs that have suffered the most under cuts by the Republican leadership in recent years. I am proud that Democrats have crafted a bill that will increase funding for Community Health Centers and Title VII programs, designed to increase access to health services for the medically underserved. This measure will also improve education by targeting resources toward special education and Title I grants to help low- income students and by increasing the maximum Pell Grant from $4,310 to $4,925, making college more affordable for many students. And it rejects the President's proposed cuts for medical research at the National Institutes of Health by supplying a level of funding that will sustain existing, cutting-edge research into diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and heart disease. Finally, it provides $2.4 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program--$250 million more than the current level--offering much-needed relief to the residents of Rhode Island, who are now facing the highest prices for home heating oil on record.

The Democratic leadership has also addressed the challenges facing our veterans by restoring accountability and oversight to ensure they receive the care they deserve. H.R. 3043 provides the biggest increase in veterans benefits in over 75 years, and the need could not be more urgent. This legislation includes an increase of $18 billion above the current level for military construction and veterans affairs, and is also $3.8 billion above the President's request. I am also pleased that this bill recognizes the concerns and reflects the advice of our veterans, by not only meeting, but exceeding the independent budget request, a needs estimate published by four veterans' service groups. This increase is critical to meet the needs of the many returning veterans who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury and require better care to successfully rebuild their lives. Additional funding will help alleviate the backlogged claim process and provide much-needed maintenance for VA health care facilities. The support shown by this Congress is a testament to the priority all of us place on our veterans.

In closing, I want to express my thanks to Chairman Obey for reconciling so many diverse needs to craft a fair and fiscally responsible package, and reiterate my support for H.R. 3043.

Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This important measure demonstrates Congress's commitment to combating prejudice and ensures that Americans will not be denied access to employment because of their sexual orientation.

Current Federal law prevents employment discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. As a person with a disability, I know how important those Federal protections are for people who want to contribute to the workforce. Unfortunately, too many Americans are still able to be fired based on their sexual orientation. I am proud I come from a State where discrimination based on sexual orientation is against the law, but in 30 States, a person may be fired from a job simply for being gay, lesbian, or bisexual. We need a strong Federal law to protect those Americans and end a practice that is contrary to the American promise of equality and opportunity for all.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would prohibit employers from using an individual's sexual orientation as the sole basis for employment decisions. As previously mentioned, Rhode Island is one of 20 States that have comparable State laws. Similarly, a growing number of companies are incorporating non-discrimination policies because they recognize that they should be recruiting and retaining the best individuals for the job, irrespective of a person's sexual orientation. However, despite these advances, too many Americans still face discrimination in the workplace. Today we have the opportunity to make a stand for civil rights and equality by passing ENDA.

I also want to voice my strong support for an amendment to be offered by the gentlewoman from Wisconsin, Ms. Baldwin, which would prevent discrimination based on gender identity. Rhode Island is one of 12 States that protect gender identity in employment, and our experience has been a positive one. Transgender individuals often have their own set of challenges in the workplace, and we must ensure that their rights are protected as well. I am deeply disappointed that the underlying bill does not include gender identity, especially as I am a cosponsor of a fully inclusive ENDA. Today, the House of Representatives is sending a clear message to the Nation that no American should face discrimination at work or in society, and I think we are missing an unprecedented opportunity to make the measure as inclusive as possible. However, if the Baldwin amendment is unsuccessful, I pledge to work with her and other supporters to see this important provision enacted into law.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to developing this legislation and bringing it to the floor for a historic vote. I urge all of my colleagues to make a strong stand for equal rights and support H.R. 3685.

I thank the gentleman for yielding on this historic occasion and for the purpose of a great celebration and recognizing the great victory of the Boston Red Sox in this year's World Series.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 782, a resolution that congratulates the Boston Red Sox on winning the World Series on October 28, 2007. As a life-long Red Sox fan, I am so pleased to be here with the rest of the New England delegation to show our appreciation for the Red Sox players, coaches, front office, and the rest of the Red Sox Nation.

The 2007 Red Sox were dominant from the beginning of the season, which is not easy when you have 162 regular season games in a year. In the World Series, the Red Sox faced the Colorado Rockies, a team that had won 21 of their last 22 games, leading up to the last showdown. That statistic didn't faze the Red Sox at all, though;

and whether it was in Boston or Denver, the pitchers made their pitches and the batters showed how hard it was to get an out in their lineup.

With a sense of inevitability, the Red Sox swept the Rockies in four games to win their second World Series in 4 years.

Every player on the team made a contribution. From veterans like Curt Schilling to rookies like Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Lowell, who helped to keep the Red Sox on top during the regular season and rightfully won the World Series Most Valuable Player.

The 2007 Red Sox not only worked hard; they enjoyed themselves as well and kept the fans entertained, which is easy to do when you love what you do and you're good at it.

We watched Jonathan Papelbon strike out batters, and then we waited for a celebratory dance at the end of the game. It's not often in professional sports that you see a team full of players that has such a strong bond.

It's always a good year when you can follow your baseball team all the way from the beginning of April to the end of October. It's an even better year when they can take the World Series trophy on a parade through Boston.

The 2007 Red Sox played this year with confidence and class and showed us the true definition of team. I look forward to 2008 and adding on to two World Series trophies that we've already won this century.

Again, my congratulations to a great team. Congratulations Boston Red Sox and Red Sox Nation.

I thank my colleague from Massachusetts for yielding, along with his great comments.

I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of SCHIP and the millions of children from poor families who would be covered by this bill. It is critical that we take action immediately to save this important program. I wholeheartedly supported earlier versions of the SCHIP reauthorization, which would have enhanced and preserved a successful program that has made health insurance a reality for over 6 million children from low-income families.

I was tremendously disappointed that the President did not agree that strengthening SCHIP was a national priority. I could not disagree more with him.

But in response to his opposition, the House leadership has put forth the compromise version of this bill, one that addresses lingering concerns while retaining the core principles of this important program. This bill will protect the existing coverage for children and ensure that the lowest income children who are currently eligible but not enrolled would gain coverage, an additional 4 million children on top of the 6 million who are already covered.

It is the right thing to do. It is the moral and compassionate thing to do, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule and the accompanying legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 327, the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act. As an original cosponsor who voted for its passage in the House earlier this year, I am pleased that this bill has passed both the House and the Senate. I look forward to sending this bill to the President with such overwhelming support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SCHIP program and urge all of my colleagues to vote to override the President's veto of this bill.

While the number of uninsured adults has steadily climbed over the past 10 years, the number of uninsured children in our Nation has declined by nearly a third. This is a direct result of the SCHIP program which began in 1997 with the goal, and indeed the national commitment, of providing health insurance for children whose parents cannot afford private health coverage. I was proud to be a part of a Congress that was able to craft a responsible and critical reauthorization of the SCHIP program, one that would ensure that all eligible children can participate.

However, while Democrats and Republicans here in Congress were able to put politics aside for the sake of this critical program, the President chose not to do so. His veto means that thousands of children in Rhode Island and millions more across the country will be denied access to health insurance.

I urge all of my colleagues to vote to override the President's veto and show our support for a program that has been tremendously successful in supporting working families, strengthening our health care system, and keeping our children healthy.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 716, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month. I want to thank my ranking member, Mr. McCaul, for his support of this resolution. I commend the other gentleman from Texas for his leadership on this issue as well.

Each year the National Cyber Security Division of the Department of Homeland Security joins with the National Cyber Security Alliance, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and other partners to support National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to show everyday Internet users that by taking simple steps, they can safeguard themselves from the latest online threats and respond to potential cybercrime incidents.

Mr. Speaker, these safeguards taken by everyday home and office users are a critical component in protecting not only these individuals themselves, but the larger universe of computer and Internet users as well. We all have a role to play. Unfortunately, though, it would be dangerous to believe that simple steps by end users will sufficiently combat the larger threats associated with an increasingly networked society.

As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have held a number of hearings this year on our Nation's cybersecurity posture and the various vulnerabilities in our critical information infrastructure. This is an area where I plan to hold increasing hearings and provide intense oversight because cybersecurity vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national and economic security.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that security networks can help prevent problems like identity theft, but secure networks can also protect our nuclear power plants, our electric grids and other critical infrastructure.

Sadly, the issue of cybersecurity has been largely ignored and misunderstood for far too long. This is an area that needs greater attention and far greater oversight, making sure that both government is doing what it is supposed to do, as well as the private sector, to make sure that our computer networks are as secure as they possibly can be. This is truly an issue of national security.

The oversight that the Homeland Security Committee is undertaking will help change that, but much work remains to be done. I want to commend Chairman Bennie Thompson for the attention that he has given this issue as well.

We must continue to bring together greater attention to this issue by dedicating resources to securing cyberspace, such as increased funding for cybersecurity research and development, but we must also demand accountability and prompt action from those officials tasked with developing comprehensive strategies for securing cyberspace.

I am proud to recognize October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and I hope that the passage of this resolution will bring greater attention to the importance and urgency of securing cyberspace.

I want to thank Chairman Gordon for his leadership in bringing this measure to the floor. Again, I want to thank my ranking member, Mr. McCaul from Texas, for his partnership in highlighting the importance of cybersecurity, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Each year, the National Cyber Security Division, NCSD, of the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, joins with the National Cyber Security Alliance, NCSA, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, MS-ISAC, and other partners to support National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to show everyday Internet users that by taking simple steps, they can safeguard themselves from the latest online threats and respond to potential cyber-crime incidents.

It would be dangerous to believe, however, that simple steps by end users will sufficiently combat the larger threats associated with a growing networked society. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have held a number of hearings this year on our Nation's cybersecurity posture and the various vulnerabilities in our critical information infrastructure. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national and economic security. This issue has been largely ignored and misunderstood for too long. The oversight that the Homeland Security Committee is undertaking will help change that, but much work remains to be done.

I thank my colleagues for cosponsoring this resolution, and look forward to working with them on these critical issues in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. I commend the sponsors. I believe that this is a necessary and compassionate step in helping families recover from problems caused by the continuing mortgage crisis.

Let's face it. Unscrupulous lending practices have taken their toll as hardworking families struggle to keep pace with ballooning mortgage payments.

Under current law any debt forgiven by a lender is treated as phantom income and subject to taxation. At a time when so many families are already in crisis, it is fundamentally unfair to penalize them by taxing money they may recover through refinancing their mortgage or foreclosure of their homes.

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act will change the Tax Code to prevent forgiven mortgage debts from being assessed as gross income. This critical measure will help address the persistent problems in the housing market that have resulted from unfair lending practices. And I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 3648). This measure is a necessary and compassionate step in helping individuals and families recover from the problems caused by the continuing mortgage crisis.

Unscrupulous lending practices have taken their toll on hard-working families, who are increasingly unable to keep pace with their ballooning mortgage payments. We have all seen how the skyrocketing interest rates associated with nontraditional mortgages, such as adjustable-rate mortgages, have devastated families nationwide. These families are often left with few options. They may either try to renegotiate the terms of their mortgage for fixed interest rates, or be forced to foreclose on their homes. Both options can be emotionally difficult and are further complicated by the hefty taxes that may result.

Under current law, when a lender forgives all or part of a loan, it is required to report the amount of debt forgiven to the IRS and to the homeowner. That amount is subsequently treated as ``phantom income'' and is subject to taxation by the IRS. At a time when families are already in financial dire straits, it is fundamentally unfair to penalize them by taxing the money they recover through either refinancing their mortgage or foreclosure of their homes.

I am proud to support the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, which will change the Tax Code to prevent forgiven mortgage debts from being assessed as gross income. This improvement will limit the financial penalties families incur when refinancing their homes at fixed rates and could even keep some families on the brink of foreclosure from losing their homes. I am also pleased that, under this legislation, people would not be unfairly taxed when a lender voluntarily agrees to waive prepayment penalty fees.

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act is a critical measure that will help address the persistent problems in the housing market resulting from unfair lending practices. This legislation is another important step toward fixing the mortgage crisis nationwide, and will help stabilize families throughout the Nation and our economy as a whole.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 200, a resolution that condemns the Burmese Junta for their violent suppression of Buddhist Monks and other peaceful demonstrators in Burma and demands the immediate release of opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. As a cosponsor of this resolution, I believe it is important for Congress to show its support for Burma's call for democracy.

In 1988, the Burmese military established rule through a military junta, and named themselves the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). This repressive regime arrested those who opposed them, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is the leader of the legitimately elected political party, the National League of Democracy. SPDC, which has changed the country's name to Myanmar, has forcefully led the Burmese citizens ever since. According to the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights, as well as private organizations, Burma's human rights record has worsened in recent years. These reports have cited government and military abuses of civilians that include killings, torture, rape, arbitrary arrests, and forced labor.

This past August, the SPDC ended fuel subsidies, which led to excessive costs for gas. The Burmese citizens, unhappy with yet another burden, held pro-democracy rallies and called for the transfer of power to Aung San Suu Kyi. These rallies were ended forcefully by the SPDC, but Buddhist Monks, nuns and students have continued to peacefully protest the regime. The SPDC has recently banned the assembly of citizens in public, as well as attacked, arrested and killed those involved in the protests.

Madam Speaker, the ongoing violence and repression of peaceful protests for democracy is a travesty. H. Con. Res. 200 shows our country's support for the Burmese citizens' right to challenge their regime. This resolution also demands the release of other political prisoners who are detained by the regime, and calls on the United Nations Security Council to take the appropriate action against the State Peace and Development Council. The United States has already imposed heavy sanctions on the SPDC for many years, but we must also call on other countries, including China and India, who benefit from Burma's natural gas exports, to keep the pressure on the SPDC to end this atrocity.

As a member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to keep pressure on the Burmese regime and express support for those citizens who peacefully congregate for a new government. Passing H. Con. Res. 200 is an important and necessary step for Congress to take as we work to achieve this goal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3087, legislation that will require the administration to develop and share with Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq.

Our Nation recognizes that we cannot remain in Iraq indefinitely. Just last week, General George Casey, the Army Chief of Staff, testified before the House Armed Services Committee that ongoing operations in Iraq were having a detrimental impact on our military readiness, endangering our ability to deal with other contingencies or problems. Our troops have done a superb job in a difficult mission, but they were not sent to Iraq to referee a civil war, and we need to bring them home. The violence in Iraq does not have a U.S. military solution; the answer lies in the Iraqi political reconciliation, which we must support with different methods.

The legislation before us today demonstrates Congress's commitment to ending our military presence in Iraq by mandating that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, report on the status of planning for redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq and to provide periodic updates about their implementation. This information is vital for congressional oversight so that we ensure our policies are informed by sound judgment and reflect the complex logistical considerations involved with an undertaking of such magnitude. The administration's poor planning for the post-invasion period led to widespread problems in reconstruction and created the environment of instability that reigns to this day. We must avoid making that mistake again so that our withdrawal from Iraq does not exacerbate existing problems or create new ones.

I will continue to work with my colleagues to demand a swift and safe withdrawal of our U.S. forces from Iraq, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this measure.