Floor Statements

``. . . or by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year 1808 shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.''

Mr. Speaker, on August 26, 2010, the world began the year-long celebration of the centenary of the birth of Mother Teresa, the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa's enduring legacy of humility and sacrifice has been heralded across cultures and in many languages throughout the world. And just earlier this year, the United States Postal Service created this stamp in commemoration of Mother Teresa's life's work.

Mother Teresa worked among the poor in conditions that would weaken the hardiest. Yet she stood with strength before presidents, kings, and queens. She saved lives and gave countless thousands hope, hope for the leper, hope for the expectant mother who had been abandoned by family and community, hope for the orphaned child who only wanted a helping heart and a home, hope for the indigent poor who sought a meal and belonging.

The United States Congress honored Mother Teresa with a U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. And as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of her birth, I urge my colleagues to join me in again uplifting Mother Teresa's life's work, especially during this time when the world is yearning for meaning.

Thank you, Judge Poe, for the time. And I also wish to thank Chairman Conyers as well as Chairwoman Lofgren of the Immigration Subcommittee and Lamar Smith, the ranking member on the full committee, for your efforts in this regard, especially your diligence in getting this to the floor today.

I also, Madam Speaker, want to thank the many adoptive families, members of the international adoption community and others who have worked behind the scenes to spur action today. Thanks to this outreach of so many concerned Americans, Congress is finally doing the right thing here to help as many as 1,200 voiceless and vulnerable Haitian orphans and their adoptive American families. We can now give these new families, who have endured so much heartbreak and tragedy, the comfort of knowing that their children's legal status is now in good order.

Many of us received heartbreaking calls for help in the wake of the January 12 earthquake. American families in various stages, as we have heard, of adopting Haitian orphans feared for the safety and the security of their children. Extraordinary work was done swiftly to evacuate these children and unite them with their new families on U.S. soil. Yet instead of coming here as fully adopted U.S. citizens, these children arrived under a legal status known as humanitarian parole.

Due to a destructive, unpredictable act of nature, the normal process for international adoptions in Haiti was upended, and these American families were prohibited from finalizing the adoptions in Haitian courts. While their status remains in limbo, these vulnerable children have fewer legal protections, may not be eligible for critical resources, and potentially risk being forced to return to Haiti. With each passing day, some children are aging out of the international adoption system as well. Once a child turns 16, he or she may no longer gain U.S. citizenship through adoption.

So the urgency is clear. I recently spoke, Madam Speaker, with the mother of a Haitian orphan who just turned 16. We have to act. We need to pass this bill today to give so much more security to these generous American families who have opened their hearts and homes to children in extraordinary need.

Again, I want to thank all of those who have been involved in helping get this important legislation to the floor today.

I thank the gentlelady from Florida for the time and also for her good words earlier.

Mr. Speaker, the selfless love inherent in adoption shows the remarkable capacity of the human heart to strengthen a fractured world one child in need at a time, and I am very glad that Congress today is taking the time to honor adoption.

I must add, however, that I am very disheartened that a bill to help Haitian orphans, which has passed this House, as the gentlelady from Florida has said, and which has passed the Senate with amendments, has now been abandoned in secret meetings by this body's leadership.

The Help HAITI Act helps 1,200 Haitian orphans who were in the process of being adopted before the tragic earthquake hit that country. We could have passed this on Monday, and it could be law by now. Yet now, I understand, this bipartisan Help HAITI Act may be used as a vehicle for a controversial immigration measure for which there is no consensus in this body or across America.

While the legal status of these vulnerable Haitian orphans remains in limbo, they have fewer legal protections. They may not be eligible for critical resources, and they may be at risk of being returned to Haiti. Now, surely, we can act to solve this problem free of partisan provocation.

So, Mr. Speaker, I say this: These poor children and their heroic American families deserve better than what we are giving them today.

Madam Speaker, In 1885, former Congressman and Senator Gilbert Hitchcock founded what would become the largest employee-owned newspaper, and the newspaper with the highest percentage of subscribers in a home circulation area, in the United States. This paper, the Omaha World-Herald, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary of bringing the news to Nebraskans' and Iowans' hands and homes.

The Omaha World-Herald has won many awards through the years, including three Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of the senseless violence against African-Americans in Omaha in 1919, the large-scale scrap-metal drive in Nebraska during World War II, and an emotional photograph of a World War II soldier's homecoming to Iowa. One of its most recent awards was bestowed by the Columbia Journalism Review for its coverage of the war in Afghanistan.

Notably, the Omaha World-Herald is one of the few remaining independently-owned papers with statewide coverage. This is shown in its localized content and strong commitment to community. Congratulations to the Omaha World-Herald on 125 years of reporting and serving Nebraska's communities.

Madam Speaker, last Friday, 24-year-old Army First Lieutenant Mark Noziska was laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was killed on August 30 near Malajat, Afghanistan, following an IED attack on his patrol. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal.

Lieutenant Noziska was born in Grand Island, and attended high school in Papillion. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in March 2004, before he graduated from high school that year. He was named Nebraska Soldier of the Year in 2005, and after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2008, earned his commission. His love of Husker football was well-known among his family and friends, many of whom wore ``Husker Red'' to his funeral. He also loved the Army. He planned a lifelong career of service to our nation, and hoped to one day become a General.

While Lieutenant Noziska's life was tragically cut short, it is clear that he touched and inspired so many of those around him, including the many people from the local community who lined the streets to honor his service and memory. May God bless Lieutenant Noziska and his family, and all our nation's fallen soldiers.

Madam Speaker, last Friday, 24-year old Army First Lieutenant Mark Noziska was laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was killed on August 30 near Malajat, Afghanistan, following an IED attack on his patrol. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal.

Lieutenant Noziska was born in Grand Island, and attended high school in Papillion. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in March 2004, before he graduated from high school that year. He was named Nebraska Soldier of the Year in 2005, and after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2008, earned his commission. His love of Husker football was well-known among his family and friends, many of whom wore ``Husker Red'' to his funeral. He also loved the Army. He planned a lifelong career of service to our nation, and hoped to one day become a General.

While Lieutenant Noziska's life was tragically cut short, it is clear that he touched and inspired so many of those around him, including the many people from the local community who lined the streets to honor his service and memory. May God bless Lieutenant Noziska and his family, and all our Nation's fallen soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we celebrate the 223rd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. As we do so, I think it is important to consider the humbling legacy bestowed by those who founded this country and the lawmakers who actually did come before us; because each day those of us who are currently holding office, we are so mired in the challenges and complexities of modern public policy, we scurry through these stately, ornate halls, often without so much as a glimpse at or a thought of the profound history that is depicted around us.

For instance, just steps away, within the interior of the majestic Capitol Dome, is the Rotunda. I spent some time there recently, Mr. Speaker, reflecting on the moments in our Nation's history that gave rise to the gift of liberty we strive to safeguard each day in this body. Inside the Rotunda is a series of paintings that offer rich glimpses into some of these moments, starting with the Landing of Columbus in 1492, the Discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto in 1541, as well as the Baptism of Pocahontas in 1613. They all depict the opening of a new, mysterious world full of promise and things yet to come.

The painting, the Embarkation of the Pilgrims in 1620, also speaks of opportunity, the anticipation of realizing a dream of freedom. The Declaration of Independence in 1776 follows. The Surrender of General Burgoyne in 1777, and the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis in 1781, as well as George Washington Resigning His Commission in 1783 are all celebrated pieces depicting the first moments of that new Republic.

Possibly the most famous of these paintings is John Trumbull's 12-by- 18-foot-large Declaration of Independence. This historical piece of art depicts the presentation of the Declaration to the Second Continental Congress. Standing at the forefront of this painting are Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin, the authors of the profound document that gave way to the birth to our Nation.

Painstaking care was given to each word in the Declaration, none of which may be more memorable than these: ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'' You see, the Declaration built upon a theory of natural and universal rights, the consent of the governed, and a right of redress when government was in violation of those essential principles. After setting forth those standards, the Declaration continued with a litany of grievances against King George, which, Mr. Speaker, is a very interesting prospect to reread that part of the Declaration.

And then the Declaration finally concludes by saying, ``We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States . . . And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.''

Fifty-six individuals signed the Declaration, though it is possible that few knew the historical significance the document would ultimately bear. Historians suggest that the list of grievances against King George was of the highest importance to the signers, but today, like the revival of nationalism that did follow after the War of 1812, we perhaps find the greatest profundity and timeliness in the Preamble of the Declaration, and I think it bears repeating. ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, and that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.''

These words inspire reflection on our personal independence as American citizens secured through times of tumult and uncertainty.

Not long after these words were handed down, another extraordinary document expressing our rights as American citizens was given unto the people. On September 17, 1787, 39 individuals signed the United States Constitution, a document that changed the history of our nation--and the world.

The Constitution holds special meaning for this body. We placed our hands on a Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. It is because of that deep abiding commitment to the Constitution that Congress prioritized celebration of the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution many years ago, and why we now celebrate ``Citizenship and Constitution Day'' each September 17. This 223rd Citizenship and Constitution Day, let us recall the extraordinary circumstances that gave rise to our great nation, and the words of our founding documents that endure as a call of conscience to a world crying out for meaning.

Mr. Speaker, he was called ``a young man of integrity and respect,'' ``a great marine who loved the Marine Corps,'' ``a loving husband and father.'' This is how the late Staff Sergeant Michael A. Bock was remembered by those who knew him.

Staff Sergeant Bock was conducting combat operations in the Helmand province in Afghanistan when his patrol came under fire. He died from those injuries on August 13. He had served four deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

He was raised in Springfield, Nebraska, and attended Elkhorn's Mount Michael High School, where he met his future wife, Tiffany. Tiffany and Michael also had a 3-year-old son, Zander. Zander's birth, Michael said, was the happiest moment of his life. While in Afghanistan, he watched online as his son blew out three birthday candles; and for Valentine's Day, he recorded a message and sent it to his young son. Now I'm certain that Zander will always carry his father's voice in his heart.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I offer my condolences to the Bock family. May God bless Staff Sergeant Bock and grant eternal life unto him.

Mr. Speaker, on a happier note, this weekend I had the great honor of participating in the 2010 Special Olympics National Games opening ceremony in my hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska.

The pomp and pageantry of the official ceremony appropriately welcomed a very enthusiastic and excited audience of more than 3,000 athletes, 1,000 coaches, and 13,000 fans gathered at the University of Nebraska. As I marched in with Nebraska's delegation to the Games, I was struck by how inspiring the moment was as the community boisterously and loudly gathered to celebrate these very special athletes.

The Special Olympics have grown tremendously both in the number of participants but also in the heart of our Nation. The Special Olympics oath is, ``Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.''

Mr. Speaker, to all of these brave and special athletes in Lincoln's 2010 Special Olympics National Games, I wish to extend a heartfelt congratulations.

I thank the gentleman from Texas for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to add that, as we heard, more than 1,000 Haitian orphans who were already in the process of being adopted by American families prior to the earthquake that struck Haiti last January stand today in legal limbo; and, as mentioned by Chairwoman Lofgren, in the tragic aftermath, these orphans were evacuated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for humanitarian reasons and with the Haitian Government's permission to American soil. Catastrophic circumstances prompted the evacuation of these children to the United States before their adoptions could be finalized in Haitian courts.

Happily, in my home State of Nebraska and throughout the United States, many of these Haitian orphans were able to unite with the very American families who were seeking to adopt them and who are now working to finalize their adoptions in the courts of the United States. Due to a technicality in the law, however, these Haitian children, upon establishing a legal relationship with their adoptive U.S. parents, will have to wait 2 years before they become legal permanent residents.

As international adoption case workers can attest, much can happen to these orphans and their families in 2 years. So long as their status in the United States remains temporary, these vulnerable children will have few legal protections. They may not be eligible for critical resources, and they may face the risk of being forced to repatriate to Haiti if something were to happen to their adoptive families.

To mitigate the risks that these orphaned children from Haiti face, I introduced the Help Haitian Adoptees Immediately to Integrate Act of 2010, also known as the Help HAITI Act. This legislation is the product of continual dialogue and outreach both to the United States Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and to my Republican and Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Help HAITI Act would provide legal certainty and protections to these evacuated Haitian orphans by enabling adoptive American families to obtain permanent residency for these children more quickly and more efficiently.

Had the earthquake not happened, these orphaned Haitian children would have gone through the normal process

for international adoptions. American families would have finalized the adoption of these orphans in Haitian courts. Then, upon entering the United States to join their adoptive families, these children would have automatically received U.S. citizenship. However, the catastrophe disrupted the normal process for international adoption for these children.

The Help HAITI Act would help to normalize the immigration procedures that these adopted orphans now face. It would allow adoptive American families to apply immediately to obtain legal, permanent residency for these vulnerable children and enable them eventually to qualify for U.S. citizenship. This legislation, I would like to point out, would also help reduce the staff, monetary and other resource demands on the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

As we all know, Mr. Speaker, these orphaned Haitian children have endured great hardships, and they have also endured heartbreaking tragedy to come to this country and unite with their American adoptive parents. Given the uncertainty and danger that these children have faced, we now are in a position to provide them with a measure of comfort and certainty as to their future with their adoptive families here in America.

So, with that, I would like to thank Chairwoman Lofgren for her leadership and work on this bill, along with Ranking Member Smith. I appreciate your input and support.

I thank the gentlelady for the time and her leadership on this important issue, as well as Chairman Berman.

Mr. Speaker, the time to stop Iran's nuclear drive is running very short. Unless the community of responsible nations takes decisive actions, the world will soon awake to the headline, Iran has a nuclear bomb. A nuclear-armed Iran will pose a very real threat to civilization itself, increasing the dangers of a destabilizing nuclear arms race in the world's most volatile region.

Iran clearly doubts the collective resolve of world powers. It is not difficult to see why. While some European leaders vacillate, European corporations continue to do business with Iran. And Russia and China as well continue to exploit international hesitancy for their own geopolitical and financial gain.

The community of responsible nations must prevail upon Iran to abandon its dangerous nuclear ambitions and forge a new path to security and stability for itself. We all look forward to the day when Iran is governed by leaders who fully respect the rights of their own people and faithfully observe the obligations of international law. Today's Iran sanctions legislation represents an intermediate yet important step in that sustained effort. We need to do even more.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday morning, under the beautiful prairie sky, U.S. Army Specialist Blaine Edward Redding was laid to rest in an old and serene Plattsmouth, Nebraska, cemetery. Specialist Redding was a 22-year-old newlywed, married just 10 weeks to Nikki before a roadside bomb took his life in Afghanistan on June 7. He died along with four other soldiers, two of whom were his close friends.

Blaine Redding followed a family tradition of service to our Nation, in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Heeding the call to duty was also important to Blaine's younger brother, Private Logan Redding, who was also serving in Afghanistan in the 101st Airborne, just 15 miles away. Upon learning of his brother's death, Private Redding dutifully escorted Blaine's flag-dragged coffin back to Dover Air Force Base to meet their parents, Teresa and Pete, as well as Nikki.

Mr. Speaker, at the funeral, dozens of Patriot Guard Riders; children with their mothers, hands over their hearts; saluting veterans; local officials; and hundreds of citizens lined the streets reverently bearing American flags to honor Specialist Redding's sacrifice. A hand- painted sign read, ``Thank you, Blaine.''

Also in attendance were Sally Allen and Monica Alexander, two mothers from nearby towns whose sons were killed during their service in Iraq. They came just to show their support.

By the many heartwarming accounts I heard from his loved ones on Tuesday, he was a beloved son, friend, and husband. He cared deeply about his family and his country. He had served before in Iraq, and volunteered for another tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Mr. Speaker, my heart is heavy with the loss of Specialist Redding. I am deeply humbled by his service and his sacrifice, and I wish God's blessings upon him and his family during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, I was absent and thus I missed rollcall votes Nos. 376-378. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all three votes.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 14, 2010, I was absent and thus I missed rollcall votes Nos. 355-357. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all three votes.