Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to a role model, loving wife, mother and grandmother, Sarah Rangel Gutierrez. Sarah passed away on April 3,

2012, she was nearly eighty-seven years old. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family, especially Jimmy who has been a friend.

Sarah was born in Santa Ana, California, and raised in Pomona along with her three brothers and sister. Their childhood was shaped by the Great Depression, which brought the family together and taught Sarah valuable lessons about the importance of a strong family. Sarah attended public school in Pomona through the ninth grade. At school, she learned to speak English fluently, which allowed her to be a lifelong translator for her mother, who only spoke Spanish.

At the age of 18, Sarah married Jesse Gutierrez, who, at the time was a soldier in the U.S. Army, fighting during World War II. Her husband contracted tuberculosis during the war, leaving him hospitalized and unable to care for their children until 1948. During this time, Sarah raised her children by herself. Sarah's strong Catholic faith helped her through these tough times. Although life was not easy for Sarah, she had a unique way of keeping her family together and their spirits high.

Even after raising her children, Sarah selflessly devoted her life to caring for others. While Sarah was raising her family, her mother and brothers lived within blocks. She was able to visit her mother daily, and watched as she took care of her mentally ill sister. Sarah followed the example of her mother when her own daughter, Teresa was born with down syndrome. Sarah cared for her daughter until she was no longer able. Her selfless giving has taught her children and those around her the important lesson of loyalty, which stays with them to this day.

Let us take the time to pay tribute to a wonderful woman. Let us celebrate the wonderful life she led. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy and spirit will continue to live on through the lives of everyone she has touched.

Sarah was preceded by the death of her husband Jesse, her eldest son, David, and her youngest daughter, Teresa. She is survived by her son, Jimmy and his wife, Mona, as well as her daughter, Christina, and her husband Marc. She leaves with cherished memories a loving family of 7 grandchildren, Monica Gutierrez, James Gutierrez, Sonia Dombroski, Cai Steffler, Tres Steffler, Annette Gutierrez and Josephine Gutierrez. May we all be so lucky to live a life full of love for her family. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Sarah's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to pay tribute to Sarah Rangel Gutierrez.

Mr. Speaker, today the House will vote on a rule that once again moves forward the misguided Republican budget. The American people cannot afford this misguided budget which devastates seniors and working families. The Republican budget ends Medicare guarantee, shifting health costs to our seniors. That's a no-no. It turns Medicare into a private voucher system. That's a no-no. It increases prescription drugs for America's seniors.

The American people deserve better than to be left out in the cold with cuts to Medicare, SNAP, and our educational programs. After a long life of service to our Nation, our seniors deserve a strong safety net. Let's stop

and ask ourselves: Who actually benefits from this misguided budget? Millionaires and billionaires and oil companies who would receive $3 trillion in new tax breaks. That should be a no-no.

Let's stop this shameful budget and work together on a plan that does not favor the rich over seniors and the middle class.

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

First, I would like to thank Financial Services Committee Chairman Spencer Bachus and Ranking Member Barney Frank for their effort to move this bill forward. Also, I want to thank my colleagues who helped me get 342 signatures. I want to thank Tom Rooney and Duncan Hunter and, of course, Dan Burton in trying to help us get the 342 cosponsors.

I also wanted to thank Mr. Luetkemeyer for his support of this legislation and all of my colleagues who became cosponsors of this legislation.

Today, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4040, to honor Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, with the Congressional Gold Medal. Jack Nicklaus' golf record is one that history will remember forever.

He was born on January 21, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Ohio State University, and turned professional in 1961, which happens to be from the same State that the Speaker, John Boehner, is from.

As a family man, he remains committed to the core values of providing for his family, respecting the game, and serving as a true inspiration for others.

Upon marrying his wife, Barbara, in July of 1960, and the birth of their first son, Jack, Jr., in 1961, he decided the best way to provide for his family was to become a professional golfer. His drive and his passion for the game is an example of sportsmanship of the highest caliber, like most of us amateurs who love the game of golf. However, I ask that Jack Nicklaus be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his leadership as an American and as a positive role model.

Yes, Jack Nicklaus won 118 national and international championships. Yes, Jack Nicklaus' most prominent professional titles were six Masters--1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986; three British Opens--1966, 1970, 1979; four U.S. Opens--1962, 1967, 1972, 1980; and five PGA Championships--1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, and 1980.

Like most of us golfers, we'll probably never be able to accomplish his feat of what he has just done right now. There are others who are trying, and who knows what will happen.

Jack Nicklaus is the only player in history to have won each of the game's majors at least three times, and is the only player to have completed the career grand slam on the regular and senior tour, and that's quite an accomplishment. That's very difficult. Most of us who play golf know it's hard to win one tournament versus the next tournament. It's quite an accomplishment.

Jack Nicklaus also represented the U.S. in the Ryder Cup Masters as a player six times and served as a captain twice. He also served as the U.S. captain four times for the President's Cup.

He has written several instructional books, one called ``Golf My Way,'' which I have read every time I'm in trouble and need to go back and refresh my golf game; the autobiography he called ``My Story,'' which describes his golf course design methods and philosophy; and many others, such as ``Play Better Golf: Shortcuts to Lower Scores''; ``Jack Nicklaus' Lesson Tee''; and ``My Golden Lessons: 100-Plus Ways to Improve Your Shots, Lower Your Scores and Enjoy Golf, Much, Much More.''

Yet, he's a businessman. Jack Nicklaus also produced several other instructional videos showing his fans how to play the game from his points of view.

But I ask that we honor Jack Nicklaus with a Congressional Gold Medal because of the way he lived his life. Jack Nicklaus' way of living his life is a perfect example of how Americans should give. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cared for his family, who helped many other families during a time of hardship and struggle. Jack Nicklaus' work and philanthropy is evidence of his dedication to helping others.

He is known to have an unfailing sense of kindness, and has used the game of golf as a means of sharing and helping others.

He proactively helps thousands of children and their families everywhere. By serving as chairman of the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, he was able to provide valuable programs to serve more than 4,000 hospitalized children and their families free of charge. That is giving, that is caring, that is someone who cares about people and cares about children. This foundation is able to reach such volumes of patients through the Child Life programs and the Pediatric Oncology Support Team that supports therapeutic interventions for children with chronic and acute conditions during hospitalization.

He also partners with Miami Children's Hospital Nicklaus Care Centers, which offer a new option for Palm Beach County-area families with children who require pediatric specialty care. The foundation also has a Safe Kids program aimed at keeping children injury free and offers safety education in an effort to decrease accidental injuries to children. Jack Nicklaus helped raise over $12 million within 5 years for this cause. Much of the funding comes from a pro-am golf tournament he established in honor of his 17-month-old grandson who passed away, called ``The Jake,'' which also became the foundation's chief fundraiser.

Jack Nicklaus also serves as honorary chair for the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Tacoma, Washington, a course designed for the rehabilitation of our wounded and disabled veterans, especially those that are fighting and coming back right now who need a lot of rehabilitation, our wounded warriors. In providing help and knowing that there is somewhere they can go, Jack Nicklaus is instrumental in helping others.

A lot of us don't know of his history and what he's given back. We look at him as a professional golf player, but he has given so much back to our community that we find out this is a man that cared about making our country a lot better in giving what he could.

He has donated his design services for the improvement of the course. He also raised contributions for an additional nine new holes, the construction of the Rehabilitation and Learning Center, and the upgrade of the maintenance facilities through a 2-day event called the ``Nicklaus Nine.''

He also manages a memorial tournament in which proceeds benefit the programs and services at Nationwide Children's Hospital in his home State of Ohio, and has raised more than $5.7 million. Jack Nicklaus has worked with the Nationwide Children's Hospital since 1976 and ensures the contributions generated through the support of over 2,600 volunteers are distributed each year to the hospital's unrestricted giving fund.

He also serves as a trustee and a spokesperson for The First Tee, a program which is dedicated to bringing the game of golf to children who would otherwise not be exposed to it. These are many children that can't afford to play golf, but First Tee allows a diversity of individuals--black, brown, white, Asians, American Indians, Hispanics, and others--who can't play the game to learn to play the game, be exposed to the game, and love the game and what it means in teaching many of the other skills.

Other organizations that Jack Nicklaus has successfully partnered with are the For Hope, the James Cancer Hospital, Wolfe Association, Central Ohio Junior Golf Association, the Shriners, the Lions Club, and many more.

We thank Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, and their five children--Jack II, Steve, Nancy, Gary, and Michael--and his 22 grandchildren for making America a better place.

Jack Nicklaus is one of the most humble athletes to play the game and is considered by many to be golf royalty. He is royalty in the eyes and hearts of those that he has helped, and is overall a great human being.

We thank Jack Nicklaus. We thank you for your life's work. You are a true American, and you have touched the lives of many individuals, an American deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the PGA Player of the Year Award, to name just a few other accolades he has received over the years.

Jack Nicklaus, known as a Golden Bear, deserves to be honored with a Congressional Gold Medal.

For these reasons, I urge us to support the passage of H.R. 4040, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to just state that Jack Nicklaus was not a tall man--he is like me and like many others--but he could hit the ball a hell of a long ways. It is quite an accomplishment when you see someone like him that has the rhythm, tempo, and the timing that can hit the ball. That is an inspiration to many of us that are not 6 foot and above, but are below 6 foot and can still play the game of golf because golf is open to everyone. And Jack, along with Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods, Lee Trevino and many others, has opened it for a lot of us.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I want to recognize the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Luetkemeyer) for his efforts on this meaningful legislation.

I rise today in support of H.R. 2453, the Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation calls for the U.S. Mint to produce a coin in 2016--I state, in 2016--designed to honor Mark Twain's contribution to American history. William Faulkner once called Mark Twain ``the father of American literature.''

One of America's most beloved authors, Mark Twain's life and legacy have left a lasting mark on our Nation. Mark Twain, whose real name is Samuel Clemens, was beloved by many for his wit and sharp satire. Twain worked as a steamboat pilot and a reporter before finding success as a writer.

His hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, later became the setting for his most famous novels, ``The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'' and ``The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,'' which all of us have seen throughout our lives as young kids. We still love seeing it every time we see this. Twain's other well-known works of fiction include ``The Prince and the Pauper'' and ``A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.''

H.R. 2453 directs the U.S. Mint to produce a $1 and a $5 commemorative coin in 2016 and, I state, at no cost to the taxpayers. The simple price of the coin will cover the cost of production. In addition, the sale of the coin will generate revenue for the benefit of four of Mark Twain's institutions: the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut; the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley; Elmira College in New York; and the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri.

I urge my colleagues to support this responsible legislation as the recognition of one of America's greatest authors and humorists, Mark Twain.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Connecticut, John Larson, one of our leaders.

I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of a great civil activist, Cesar E. Chavez. This week, we celebrate the life of a man who symbolizes dignity and respect and who would have turned 85 years old on March 31.

He was a farm laborer, a leader, a cofounder of the United Farm Workers, and a veteran. He brought social justice to migrant workers and communities, which included better pay, improving housing, outlawing the child labor law, and human dignity. He achieved all of this through the use of nonviolence.

For over 10 years, I have worked to create a national holiday to commemorate Cesar Chavez. Please join me in celebrating the life of a great American hero by supporting my legislation, House Resolution 130, which designates the fourth Friday of every March as Cesar E. Chavez Day.

Martin Luther King, Jr., once telegraphed Cesar Chavez with a message: ``Our separate struggles are really one--a struggle for freedom, for dignity, and for humanity.''

The legacy of Cesar Chavez will continue to inspire not only Latinos but people across our Nation who believe in the American Dream. ``Si, se puede''--yes, we can.

Madam Speaker, here we go again. This week, the House will vote on yet another Republican plan to end Medicare as we know it.

America's seniors have given a lifetime of service to our Nation. They deserve better than to be left out in the cold.

If it becomes law, the Republican budget will end the Medicare guarantee of secure health coverage for our seniors and replace Medicare with a voucher system that would, instead, give our seniors a premium support payment.

Even worse, the Republican budget gives new tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires, and Big Oil companies. Economists agree the Republican budget plan would destroy 4.1 million American jobs by the end of 2014.

Last year the American people weren't fooled by the dangerous and unfair House Republican budget. If it didn't work the first time, it's not going to work this time.

Let us work together on a bipartisan budget that does not favor the super-rich over seniors and the middle class.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to speak of the need to protect the health care of American women.

Last week, I hosted a women's conference focused on the benefit of the Affordable Care Act for women. The historic health care reform is a step in the right direction for the health of mothers, sisters, daughters, and granddaughters.

Thanks to affordable health care, women can no longer be dropped from insurance coverage when they get sick or become pregnant. Twenty million women have already used free preventive services offered through health care reform, including mammograms and colonoscopies.

Beginning in 2014, women will no longer be denied coverage for having a preexisting condition. The health care law finally ends gender rating, in which women are forced to pay higher premiums than men for the same coverage.

American women are the foundation of our families. We must protect the benefit of health care reform and ensure that all women have better access to health care.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a great educator, pioneer, mentor, and role model, Dr. Dorothy Inghram.

Dr. Dorothy Inghram, the first African American teacher in San Bernardino County, passed away March 14, 2012, at the age of one hundred six.

Dr. Inghram was the youngest of 7 children, born on November 9, 1905, to Henry and Mary Inghram in San Bernardino, California. She started school in 1911 at Mt. Vernon Elementary School and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1923.

Dr. Inghram later attended San Bernardino Valley College from 1928 until 1933, where she wrote the school's alma mater, which is still in use today. Dr. Inghram was the first African American student to attend the University of Redlands. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in music education in 1934.

After graduating from college, and teaching in Texas for a few years, Dr. Inghram moved back to San Bernardino in 1939 to continue her teaching career. In 1951, Dr. Inghram was promoted to the position of principal of Mill School. In 1953, Dr. Inghram elevated to the position of the San Bernardino School District Superintendent. That made her the first African American school district superintendent in the State of California.

Based on her childhood experiences and the strong example set by her parents, Dr. Inghram was an outspoken advocate for underprivileged children to have an equal opportunity to succeed. She stood above the racial prejudices of her time and served as an excellent role model for others to emulate. Dr. Inghram was seen as a mentor for her tireless work and dedication to the children of San Bernardino.

As a community leader, Dr. Inghram encouraged others to always do their personal best and to work towards making a positive contribution to society. In recognition of her numerous contributions, the City of San Bernardino honored Dr. Inghram in 1977 by naming one of the city's libraries after her. At age 97, she was again recognized for her outstanding work by receiving an honorary doctorate degree from California State University San Bernardino.

Dr. Inghram's siblings also left their mark on San Bernardino. Her brother, Howard, was the first African American physician in San Bernardino. Another brother, Ben, worked as a chef at one of the finest restaurants, the Chocolate Palace. And her sister Ruth worked as a nurse.

My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Dr. Inghram's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to pay tribute to Dr. Dorothy Inghram.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a great tribal leader, role model, and veteran Richard Milanovich. Richard, Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, passed away on March 11, 2012, at the age of sixty-nine.

Richard was born on December 4, 1942, and spent his childhood living with his mother, LaVerne Saubel, who was a strong advocate for Indian rights in her own right. LaVerne set an outstanding example for her son, and was a member of the all-female tribal council that persuaded Congress to allow self-governance for the Agua Caliente Band of Chauilla Indians in 1957. Richard's upbringing in his mother's home instilled in him a passion for the Indian community.

Richard lived with his mother until the age of 17, when he left home to join the United States Army. After his time in the service, Richard worked as a door-to-door salesman, selling items such as vacuum cleaners and encyclopedias, until joining the tribal council at age 35.

Richard was one of the earliest patriarchs of Indian gaming in California. During his first few years on the council, he convinced the tribal council to purchase the Spa Hotel in downtown Palm Springs in 1992. This purchase helped to revitalize downtown Palm Springs and paved the way for the future economic stability of the Agua Caliente band of Chuilla Indians, as well as other tribes in California.

At the time of his passing, Richard was the Chairman of the Agua Caliente band of Chuilla Indians. Richard's 30 years of service to the tribe left a lasting impact not only on his tribe, but California at large. Richard was not only passionate about protecting the future and stability of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, but he also gave back to his surrounding community through his advocacy for the gaming industry. Indian gaming is one of the surest ways to create economic development in a region; proving jobs and revenue for tribal self governance, maintenance, and education.

Richard's strong advocacy at the state and national level for the rights of the Indian people and gaming allowed his tribe to gain respect and high standing among tribes across the country.

Richard was known as a great mentor to the younger leaders; his tireless work on behalf of the Indian community left younger tribal leaders with a strong example of hard work and

dedication. He taught young tribal members the importance of cherishing and understanding the past, in order to pave the way for a bright future for the Indian community.

Richard is survived by his wife, Melissa, and their six children. He leaves with cherished memories and a loving family. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Ruben's family at this time. Mister Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a beloved community member and tireless advocate, Richard Milanovich.

Mr. Speaker, 56 percent of Americans think that creating new jobs should be Congress' number 1 priority, but since taking control of the House, the Republicans have yet to pass one single jobs bill.

Republicans have been more interested in obstructing than finding solutions. They said ``no'' to the American Jobs Act. Then they introduced a transportation bill that would cut 550,000 jobs. Now with gas prices on the rise, they refuse to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

We should be voting today on legislation to cut billions in tax breaks for big oil companies, crack down on speculators who are inflating prices at the pump, and invest in new sources such as solar energy and new energy. But instead, we have more of the same partisan gridlock from the Party of No.

Our constituents deserve more. America deserves more. Let's get to work now. Lower the gas prices and create jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 562, which directs the Office of the Historian to compile oral histories for both the historic and annual Selma-to-Montgomery marches in Alabama.

I thank my colleagues, Representatives Sewell and Roby, for sponsoring this vitally important resolution.

They say those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

I can think of no lesson more valuable for all Americans to learn than the courage, justice, perseverance, and non-violence exemplified by those individuals who participated in the historic Alabama marches of 1965.

The character shown by leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Reverend Hosea Williams, and our very own John Lewis, was truly remarkable.

Since 1998, Members of Congress have had the opportunity to participate in the annual civil rights pilgrimage to the Selma-to- Montgomery National Historic Trail.

It is fitting that the Office of the Historian of the House compiles oral histories from those who have participated in these historic events.

I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing those who fought for the civil rights we enjoy today. Let us pass H. Res. 562, so that we may never forget the lessons they have taught us.

Mr. Speaker, it's been over 400 days since the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives and they still have not put forward a jobs agenda.

Instead of focusing on creating new jobs, Republicans have been working on a partisan agenda that would end Medicare as we know it, protect tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas, and cut jobs, including 550,000 jobs that would be lost in the Republican transportation bill.

Now prices at the pump are on the rise across the Nation. American families are hurting. It's time for Republicans to stop political games and work with Democrats on all-of-the-above energy solutions that stop the speculators who are inflating oil prices, extend production tax credits to create over 37,000 new jobs in solar energy, and cut $40 billion in tax breaks for oil over the next decade. Let's work together on a responsible energy plan to lower gas prices and create new jobs at home.

Before I close, I would just like to announce that I'm having a woman's health conference next month, March 15.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a great activist, pioneer, and role model, Samuel Martin, Sr. who passed away on February 3, 2012 at the age of 87.

Samuel was the 2nd of 20 children born in 1924 to Will and Mary Martin in Edwards, Mississippi. Enlisting in the Army in 1944, Samuel served his country honorably as a soldier. After serving his country, Samuel married Willie Mae Martin in 1946. During this time, Samuel worked for the Sante Fe Railroad in Needles, California where he first became involved in the NAACP and veteran's issues. Samuel moved his family to San Bernardino in 1954 due to a job opportunity at Norton Air Force Base.

Because of his childhood and upbringing in Mississippi, Samuel strongly believed that everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed. In San Bernardino, Samuel continued his activism, fighting for integration in Veterans' Housing and integration in schools. His early retirement allowed him to continue his fight for equality in Southern California. In 1962, Samuel became the first African American to be elected to the Democratic Central Committee.

In 1965, Samuel Martin and Arthur Townsend founded the Precinct Reporter, a newspaper that still serves San Bernardino today. Later, in 1969, Samuel and his wife, Willie started the San Bernardino American News, which is now operated by his daughter, Mary Harris, and his son- in-law, Clifton Harris.

With his experience and expertise in the newspaper business, Samuel also worked with the Black Union at University of California, Riverside to establish the Black Voice News in 1972 and helped the Hispanic community start El Chicano newspaper.

Samuel was preceded by his beloved wife, Willie. Samuel is survived by his four children; Violet Jean Rose, Mary Florean Harris, Samuel, Jr., and Barry Lymond. He leaves with cherished memories a loving family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Samuel's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to pay tribute to Samuel Martin, Sr.

Madam Speaker, across the Nation, Americans are calling for Congress to take immediate action to create new jobs. Instead of working on a bipartisan agenda to create jobs, Republicans are moving a transportation bill that slashes the infrastructure funding and destroys jobs.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has called this bill the worst transportation bill he has ever seen. The Republican transportation bill would eliminate 550,000 American jobs, cut highway investment in 45 States, and bankrupt the highway trust fund by $98 billion.

Congress must get serious about working together to solve the problems our Nation is facing. It just can't be ``my way or the highway.'' Let's do a jobs bill that will create jobs for the American people.

Madam Speaker, it has been 400 days since the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives, and we still have no bills designed to create jobs in America. Now the Republican political games are bringing us to the brink of yet another crisis.

If Congress does not act by the end of the month, 160 million Americans will see tax increases, millions more will lose their unemployment benefits, and seniors across the Nation will have access to their doctors put at risk by cuts to Medicare payments. The American people deserve better. Families need unemployment benefits and a payroll tax cut to put food on their tables and to keep roofs over their heads.

Let's do the right thing. Let's end tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, and let's work to strengthen the middle class. We can't wait for another last-minute fix. Let's extend the payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits, and the Medicare doc fix today.