Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, since I've been here in Washington, in January, this Congress, under strong Democratic leadership, is making progress on the American people's priorities, despite intense opposition on many issues.

In spite of this opposition, Democrats have succeeded by increasing pay for 13

million workers, raising the minimum wage for the first time in a decade, by providing overdue assistance to the gulf region hit hard by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, by protecting our troops, investing in military readiness, including armed vehicles and equipment, and by increasing the transparency and accountability with strengthened ethics and lobbying rules.

We also continue moving legislation that has already passed here in the House but is making its way through the system, including fully implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations, putting 50,000 more police officers on our streets, and by providing the largest increase in veterans health care funding in the Veterans Administration's 77- year history.

Madam Speaker, this new Democratic Congress has begun moving our Nation in a new direction to address the needs of all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, the bribery and corruption charges against Congressman Jefferson are serious. They go to the very heart of our ability as a representative government to do its job. It is fundamental that the people trust their elected representatives to act in the people's interest, not in their own. The very appearance that these allegations create is damaging to the image of this institution.

In the coming days, Congressman Jefferson will answer in a court of law to the 16 charges on which he was indicted. Congressman Jefferson is entitled to the presumption of innocence in the allegations against him, including bribery, racketeering, money laundering and obstruction of justice.

However, the Congress should be held to the highest standards. Earlier today, I called for the Ethics Committee to initiate its own investigation into the charges against Congressman Jefferson.

I support this resolution which calls for the automatic initiation of an Ethics Committee investigation when a Member of this body is indicted or formally charged with criminal conduct. This principle applies not just to Congressman Jefferson but to any Member of this House.

In the opening days of this Congress, I rose on the floor in support of a tough new ethics package.

I said then that Members of Congress should be held to the highest regard by the people they represent. Illegal, unethical or inappropriate conduct by Members of the House cannot be tolerated.

I was elected to this Congress to help change the way we do business in Washington, and I will continue to do so without regard to person or party.

Mr. Speaker, traumatic brain injury is the signature injury of the war in Iraq.

Let me explain a little bit what happens to a veteran soldier with a traumatic brain injury. They remove part of your skull so that your brain can expand into that while it's swelling up. They give you blood thinners so that you don't have blood clots. They give you antibiotics, and they put on a vest that keeps your body temperature cold, again so that you don't swell up and cause more injury. So this is the kind of thing that these veterans, these soldiers are going through.

And we estimate that there's approximately 12,000 servicemembers with some degree of traumatic brain injury. That's why I was motivated, along with Mr. Boozman from Arkansas, to introduce the Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2007.

H.R. 2199 ensures that the VA will develop the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of an increasing number of veterans diagnosed with TBI. Among other things, the bill requires the VA to screen all veterans for TBI. It creates a registry for veterans with TBI so that we don't lose track of them once they're diagnosed, and it also creates transition offices for patients with TBI who live in areas where the Veterans Administration isn't able to meet their needs.

I'm thankful for the leadership of Mr. Michaud and Mr. Filner on this issue, and for the opportunity to speak in favor of 2199.

Mr. Speaker, last week this House passed a bipartisan defense authorization bill. The legislation includes two provisions to which

President Bush objected. One gives our military a well-deserved pay raise, and the other offers surviving spouses of fallen armed servicemembers an additional $40 per month.

Our men and women in uniform and their family members have sacrificed enormously. They have earned honor, and they deserve the benefits that would be provided to them in this bill.

While the President has repeatedly called for supporting our troops and their families, it appears that his words do not match his deeds. On the other hand, this Congress has committed to providing our troops the equipment, training and benefits they need and deserve, ensuring our veterans get the care to which they are entitled and caring for our military families who endure many issues when their loved ones serve overseas and when they return home.

Our Nation owes our soldiers, our veterans and our families more than just empty talk.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the brave men and women who have served this country, in peace and in war, as Merchant Mariners. The United States Merchant Mariners have supported and served alongside our Armed Forces in every major seafaring conflict since the birth of this Nation.

In times of peace, Mariners make the seas their home, transporting American goods all over the world and bolstering our national economy. In times of war, from the Revolutionary War to the conflicts today in the Middle East, Merchant Mariners have served as a lifeline to our international military operations, transporting troops, equipment, and needed supplies to theaters of operation.

The dedication and sacrifice of our Merchant Mariners is unassailable. Despite higher casualty rates than any branch of regular military service in World War II, Merchant Mariners have continued to answer the call to war with unflinching patriotism and valor.

Today, National Maritime Day, we should take time to reflect on the devotion of all our Merchant Mariners and the deep and lasting debt owed them by a grateful Nation.

Therefore, it is with great pride that I honor the service and sacrifice that the brave men and women of the United States Merchant Marine exemplify, on this, the 75th celebration of National Maritime Day.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word, and I yield to my good friend and colleague from Washington State (Mr. Baird).

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word, and I yield to my good friend from Washington State (Mr. Baird).

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word, and I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird).

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Gordon,

Ranking Member Hall, and my good friend Dr. Baird for bringing H.R. 1867, the National Science Foundation Reauthorization Act, to the floor. This is a very important bill that will benefit our young scientists for generations to come.

I would also like to thank some of my colleagues, Ms. Giffords and Mr. Crowley, for their support.

My amendment makes a needed change to H.R. 1867 by allowing the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a competitive, merit-based program to award grants to Hispanic-serving institutions for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM education.

The U.S. is in danger of falling behind the rest of our competitors in the world in STEM education, and it is imperative that we improve academics in this country. We need initiatives that increase educational opportunities for all young adults in order to expand the number of students who pursue careers in science and math-related fields.

The National Academy of Science's study, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, paints a very sobering picture of our future if we continue to see declines in both the quality and the quantity of science and math students. However, we can alter this current trend by expanding options for our children.

The House has passed numerous bills in recent weeks to create new opportunities in STEM education. These are excellent first steps. Likewise, today's legislation, and my amendment, provide us with the building blocks for academic progress. We should continue working hard to improve access to education and offer better services for our students and families.

This amendment does that by allowing Hispanic-serving institutions throughout the country to participate in NSF programs. As the largest minority group in the United States, Hispanic populations should be encouraged to access the educational fields where we need the most talent, in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

At San Joaquin Delta College in my district, and at hundreds of similar 2- and 4-year institutions, students benefit from existing funds and programs that will be enhanced by the adoption of this amendment.

We should give the NSF the ability to support improvement of curriculum and courses at Hispanic-serving institutions, while also providing for faculty development initiatives that will lead to better- educated students.

In addition to the benefits of these changes, my amendment is fiscally responsible. It authorizes no new funding. It simply provides the opportunity for Hispanic-serving institutions to compete for NSF funds in the same way as other institutions.

The NSF already supports similar programs for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges, and this amendment will allow Hispanic-serving institutions to better serve our future leaders and scientists.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 316) recognizing the accomplishments of Roger D. Kornberg, Andrew Fire, Craig Mello, John C. Mather, and George F. Smoot for being awarded Nobel Prizes in the fields of chemistry, physiology or medicine, and physics.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 316, the resolution now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall for their support of this resolution and working so quickly to ensure that we recognize a very deserving group of scientists on their important achievements.

The scientists will be honored tomorrow at a luncheon here in Washington, so the timing of this bill is perfect. I appreciate the opportunity to describe this legislation that highlights the contributions of American scientists.

H. Res. 316 is significant not only because it applauds the breakthroughs of scientific work, but the bill also draws attention to many issues that we frequently work on in the Science and Technology Committee, putting a spotlight on scientific discovery as a way to get young people interested in fields they might otherwise ignore.

For the first time in more than 20 years, U.S. researchers have swept the scientific categories of the Nobel Prize by winning the awards for chemistry, physiology and medicine, and physics. It is fitting that we recognize the contributions of these individuals, and I am pleased we are doing so here today.

In December of last year, the Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to Roger Kornberg from Stanford University in my home State of California; the physiology prize went to Andrew Fire, who also works at Stanford in the School of Medicine; and the physics award went to John Mather from NASA's Goddard Space Center and to George Smoot from the University of California at Berkeley. Mr. Smoot also has the distinction of adding his name to the list of more than 170 grantees from the National Science Foundation who have been granted the Nobel Prizes over the years.

I am sure that with the improvements we will be making in the NSF program tomorrow and the Congress' dedication to expanding education opportunities, Mr. Smoot will certainly not be the last recipient of NSF funding to receive the Nobel Prize.

H. Res. 316 officially recognizes the accomplishments of these scientists and their contributions to improving society.

Madam Speaker, I can't think of a better way to honor these individuals, and I commend them for helping the U.S. sweep the Nobel Prizes in science for the first time in 30 years.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Offered By: Mr. McNerney

Amendment No. 3: At the end of the bill, add the following

new section:

Madam Speaker, this Congress remains committed to forging a new direction in Iraq. Overwhelmingly, the American people support our plan to establish important benchmarks and a responsible timetable to redeploy the troops.

Yet, the President has threatened to veto our legislation, even though it ensures our troops have everything they need, and for our veterans when they return home. However, just last week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said, and I quote: The debate in Congress has been helpful in demonstrating to the Iraqis that American patience is limited.

Mr. Gates went on to say that the strong feelings expressed in the Congress about the timetable probably has had a positive impact on communicating to the Iraqis that this is not an open-ended commitment. To ensure that the Iraqis step up and take control of their own country, we must continue to demonstrate that the American people will not stand for an open-ended commitment of American resources or personnel.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong bipartisan support of H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research. Before my election to Congress, I spent my entire academic and professional career as a scientist, as a mathematician and an engineer.

I was particularly concerned when I read the sobering conclusions of the National Academies' ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' about America's declining competitiveness in a science and technology-based global economy. The report calls for an immediate action to maintain America's competitive advantage, and I agree with those recommendations.

We are already moving forward to carry out some of the report's recommendations in an effort to renew interest in scientific development. H.R. 363 will provide grants to support young researchers in the early stages of their careers to engage in the high-risk, high- reward innovative research that challenges existing assumptions. The bill also establishes a Presidential Innovation Award to stimulate scientific and engineering advances in the public interest.

As a Nation, we face many daunting and almost overwhelming challenges, the solutions to which will require serious and dedicated scientific research. Conclusive research can take years, so we must work now to inspire today's students and researchers to take up such scientific pursuits. This bill provides just the right kind of specific incentives to compel young researchers to do the kind of pioneering and groundbreaking research that will yield dividends for the public interest.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of Mrs. Gillibrand's amendment to H.R. 363.

Our universities and research institutes lead the world in innovation. Today we stand at the cusp of new breakthroughs in fields ranging from medicine, to computer technology and renewable energy.

Unfortunately, too few of our undergraduates are choosing to enter

science-related fields. In order to continue our remarkable record of achievement, we must do a better job of encouraging students to pursue careers in science, mathematics and engineering. This amendment will provide scholarships for science students from low- and moderate-income families, and will help young Americans realize their potential.

We have a chance today to open new doors for our children, and we should seize this opportunity. This amendment will benefit students and our Nation. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in support of this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Commander Carol Bohn, U.S. Navy, retired.

Commander Bohn provided 25 years of outstanding service to our country as a commissioned officer in the Navy Nurse Corps and continues, in retirement, to provide exceptional service to our community and to our men and women in uniform.

A member of the VFW for approximately 15 years, Commander Bohn now serves as chaplain for the VFW Pleasanton Post 6298. She was instrumental in leading drives to obtain essential items for our Nation's troops, and her efforts have improved the morale of our men and women in uniform deployed overseas

Commander Bohn is also instrumental in organizing Pleasanton's yearly Veterans Day Parade, which honors the many sacrifices made by our fighting men and women. Through Commander Bohn's tireless efforts, the

people of Pleasanton and the 11th Congressional District are assured that our veterans will not be forgotten.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding citizen and leader.

Mr. Speaker, before I give my remarks, I first want to say that our thoughts and prayers today are with the students of Virginia Tech and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2007, and I thank my colleague, Mr. Larsen, and other members of the Washington delegation for their hard work in moving this bill forward. The Wild Sky Wilderness Act shows what we can accomplish when small businesses, concerned citizens, and elected officials work to preserve the environment.

The bill allows us to protect more than 100,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land that includes habitat for species such as the spotted owl and the bald eagle. Hikers, skiers, and fishermen of future generations will enjoy the same pristine natural environment. As we protect our country's great outdoors, we also protect some of the greatest traditions.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for families. I hope my colleagues will support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007.

I would like to commend Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member McCrery for bringing this bill to the floor and for working to simplify our tax policies.

Today's Tax Code has become so complex that it takes more than 25 hours to complete an itemized tax return. That is about 10 hours longer than in 1988.

Small business owners will also benefit significantly from this legislation by streamlining the process that married couples use to file returns.

Our reliance on technology and the openness of the Internet is greater than ever, and we should improve security to defend American taxpayers from identity theft.

I am pleased that provisions in the Taxpayer Protection Act increase on-line security for individuals and allow them to have better recourse in the event of a crime.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1677.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Juanita Haugen, who passed away earlier this month after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Juanita's passion for education and her commitment to students enriched the lives of many people in our congressional district. Her efforts and dedication to public service leave a legacy that will continue to benefit my hometown and the Nation.

Juanita joined the Pleasanton school system after leaving her job as a probation officer to care for her children at home. She was elected to the Amador District Board in 1979 and was among the first trustees elected to the Pleasanton Unified School District, a position which she held for the rest of her career.

Although Juanita's efforts won her many awards, it was her ability to inspire others with her passion for learning that separated her from her peers. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Juanita Haugen and sending our thoughts and prayers out to her family and friends.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my Colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Juanita Haugen, who passed away peacefully at age 69 on March 5, 2007 after a courageous battle against lung cancer.

Juanita Haugen was an extraordinary woman whose passion for education and commitment to students enriched the lives of so many. Her efforts and unwavering dedication to public service leave a legacy that will continue to benefit the students of Pleasanton, the state of California and our great Nation for generations to come.

Juanita Haugen and her family moved to Pleasanton in 1970. Juanita became involved in the Pleasanton school system after leaving her job as a probation officer to care for her children at home. She was elected to the Amador Valley Joint Union High School District Board in 1979 and was among the first trustees elected to the Pleasanton Unified School District (USD) following the 1988 reorganization that led to the District's creation. Juanita Haugen remained a member of the Pleasanton USD until her passing, and was the longest-serving trustee in the history of the local schools.

Juanita Haugen strongly believed that children need not only a quality academic education, but also a solid ethical foundation on which to build strong character. She led the effort in the Pleasanton USD to establish a program that teaches and reinforces positive character traits in all public school students, from kindergarteners to high school seniors. This program continues to benefit students by focusing on the way in which they live and treat one another.

In addition to her involvement with the Pleasanton schools, Juanita Haugen's passion for improving public education for all children inspired her to serve on both state and national school board associations. By sharing ideas about education that she learned from her state and national colleagues, Juanita kept Pleasanton's schools on the cutting edge. She always worked for the common good. In the words on one of her fellow school board members, ``You must make decisions for the entire school district, not just for your own child or school. Juanita always (said) it has to be right for everybody.''

Although Juanita Haugen's efforts won her many awards, her true measure as a leader is how her passion for education inspired others, including her family, Pleasanton's students and her community. From reading to young students to encouraging others to become involved in public service, Juanita Haugen was a valued and respected leader who touched the lives of many and improved the quality of life in Pleasanton for decades to come. It is for these reasons that I ask my Colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Juanita Haugen and sending our thoughts and prayers to her beloved family and friends.