Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for support of the RESTORE Act. It provides important tools to support U.S. intelligence gathering efforts and protects against terrorists. And it does so while safeguarding Americans' civil liberties.

I hope that as the legislative process plays out, the issue of carrier immunity is dealt with in a manner that will facilitate cooperation. Obtaining intelligence to protect our country against terrorists is the ultimate goal and this bill does this in a fair and balanced manner. Innocent Americans will have stronger protections and the intelligence needed to protect our country will not be compromised. Accountability is always a good thing.

We will have much needed congressional oversight, compliance reports from the Attorney General and audit reports by the Inspector General of the Department of Justice.

The RESTORE Act is a great balance and a positive move in the right direction.

Please support this important legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I commend my friend Grace Napolitano for her leadership on this amendment.

This amendment is about protecting American jobs, and I state, about protecting American jobs. It's about ensuring the safety of our workers and our communities. It's about securing our Nation's borders. We must not let the railroad industry outsource this important work. The safety and security of our Nation depends on it.

Ten thousand trains enter the United States from Mexico each year. We must ensure the highest standards for safety inspections of these trains. American workers know how to do it best.

This amendment ensures the highest safety, training and enforcement standards are met. In the wake of 9/11 and in light of the train derailments we've seen, and I know that in my district we had one, it is the least we can do to enhance the safety of our community and ensure our Nation's safety.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of Grace Napolitano's amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 734, a resolution that discloses the corruptive withholding of information in Iraq. The Administration cannot continue to hide corruption in the Iraqi Government. We cannot allow this abuse of the classification process. Americans have the right to know the truth about the situation in Iraq. The fact of the matter is, our military presence in Iraq is not making our country any safer. Instead, in my district alone, we have lost 13 brave young men to this war.

The Iraq War is costing the American taxpayers ten billion dollars a month. With the money we have spent in Iraq, we could have hired an additional 7.8 million teachers. Americans should be outraged by this abuse of the system. Americans are paying for the war with their money and more importantly, the lives of their loved ones. I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for honesty and accountability by supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 448. This bipartisan resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should establish a National Cancer Research Month.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Thanks to research and expanded cancer education, we have more early detectors, preventative measures, and treatments for cancer than ever before.

But we still have a long road ahead of us. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the San Bernardino County alone, nearly 2,500 Americans will die from a cancer-related illness in the upcoming year.

Every American is touched by this horrible disease; thanks to great strides, the number of cancer-related deaths is declining.

Strengthening research and public awareness of cancer will lead to more scientific breakthroughs that can increase survival rates for cancer patients--and give our cancer survivors a better quality of life.

I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for hope, and to support this vital resolution.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks.

One in seven households now spends more than half of its income on housing and nearly one million men, women, and children are homeless.

How can we claim to be the leader of the free world yet allow so many of our own to be chained by the bonds of poverty?

Unfortunately, there are no programs to help build housing for low- income households. This bill will construct affordable housing for the poorest among us who need it the most.

It will help families who have lost their homes in the subprime mortgage crisis or due to a family financial crisis, such as ill health or job loss.

It will also help reduce homelessness and the number of Americans living in unsafe housing conditions.

Because of this bill, more nurses, teachers, firefighters, and police officers throughout California will have access to affordable housing.

The bottom line is that no family should have to choose between paying for food and medicine and safe, decent housing.

H.R. 2895 restores our Nation's promise of a decent home for every American family and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of House Resolution 32 the Denouncement to the Suppression of Women.

Thousands of women a year fall victim to societies that deem them unworthy and in turn suffer at the hands of discrimination and violence. We must recognize that this violence is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women and it must be eliminated. Too many women are continuously tortured, beaten, mutilated and assaulted by husbands, fathers, and complete strangers without hope for support or promise of a safe haven to run to.

Domestic violence is the major cause of death and disability for women aged 16 to 44, accounting for more death and ill-health than cancer or traffic accidents. More than 60 million women are ``missing'' from the world today as a result of sex-selective abortions and female infanticide. The World Health Organization has reported that up to 70 per cent of female murder victims are killed by their male partners.

As Americans, citizens striving to preserve human life and oppose the discrimination of any person, we must move to impair these malevolent occurrences in full force.

United, we must denounce these demeaning practices and fervently demand an end to this persecution and a commitment to preserving the rights of female populations all over the world. No longer can we stand silent while thousands of women fall victim to cultural prejudice and international trafficking. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

The preservation of female rights must be a priority to this the 110th Congress as we continue to work towards ensuring democratic ideals worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of H. Res. 717, the ``Privileged Resolution on the Passing of the Honorable Jo Ann Davis''

Today we stand in remembrance of a distinguished member of the 110th Congress, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, who after a two year battle with Breast Cancer has passed away.

Her husband, Chuck Davis, battalion chief for the Hampton Fire Department; two sons, Christopher and Charles Davis, and extended family survive her, remembering the incredible legacy Congresswoman Davis has left behind her.

A woman of modest beginnings, Congresswoman Davis knew the meaning of hard work and proved headstrong and committed as she worked her way to becoming the first Republican woman to lead the First District of Virginia. She would maintain her leadership there for 7 years.

She has been praised for her commitment to Armed Services, and commended for her commitment to researching and pursuing legislative reform.

Her determination to pursue change and prevail over hardships knew no bounds, even in her fight against breast cancer.

Even in this moment of memorial, her presence and upstanding character is reflected as we discuss a recommitment of H.R. 1124--a bill providing financial assistance to low-income students and ensuring a brighter future for all Virginian youth.

Because of the Congresswoman's ongoing commitment to preserving life on a social and political level, my colleagues and I will make great strides to continue supporting breast cancer awareness and the wellbeing of all Americans.

In her memory we will continue to uphold two priorities to which she was greatly dedicated.

While it is with sadness that we say goodbye to an incredible woman, we think of her with joy and fondness as we remember her devotion to creating a better America.

The use of her life to benefit ``America's First District of Virginia'' is unquestionable and has served to ensure a sense of responsibility among her fellow colleagues in the 109th and 100th Congress.

I thank Congresswoman Davis for dedicating her life to service on the behalf of the 1st District of Virginia. I am honored to have worked with her and I truly appreciate all she has given.

Her efforts have touched many lives and her exceptional impact upon our country will create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Congresswoman Davis will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3648, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007.

Among large metro areas my district in the Inland Empire has the fourth highest rate of foreclosure filings in the Nation and was the hardest hit area in California through the first half of 2007.

In San Bernardino County alone there were 19,185 foreclosure filings during the first half of 2007, representing a staggering 345 percent increase from the previous year. Overall, there is one foreclosure filing for every 33 households in the Inland Empire.

These numbers go to show that the subprime crisis we are experiencing today is not an abstract issue. These are real people who are going through painful struggles to stay in their home and keep their families together.

Regrettably, when banks and loan servicers decide to help these families by forgiving a part of a loan, that debt is then treated as a source of income which in turn makes the forgiven amount subject to tax.

Families who are already facing foreclosure should not have to face the additional burden of paying tax on phantom income.

This bill restores fairness for homeowners who are financially and economically distressed by eliminating that requirement. It will play a central role in helping American families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks.

I'd like to thank my colleagues, Congressman Tanner and Congressman Abercrombie, for their hard work on this issue and their dedication to a new direction forward in Iraq.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3087.

Mr. Speaker, a change of course in Iraq is long overdue.

The cost of this war is already too high. America has spent over $455 billion and lost more than 3,700 lives in Iraq.

This responsible legislation would require the President and senior administration officials to develop and submit a comprehensive redeployment strategy to Congress within 60 days, and every 90 days thereafter.

Additionally, this bill recognizes that the U.S. Armed Forces and U.S. civilians have worked valiantly, and that it is time for Iraq to manage its future.

The bill also notes that when Congress authorized military force in 2002, it was concerned about an Iraqi government that has since been removed from power.

The brave men and women of America's armed forces have served their country valiantly and will continue to do so.

But it is time to bring them home from Iraq.

We must refocus our mission on the global threat of terrorism.

As a veteran, I voted against this war in 2002 because no one could convince me why we needed to be there.

Now, after five years of the President's failed policies, Congress must take action.

I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for a new direction in Iraq and for the future security of America, and support H.R. 3087.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I rise today to honor Linda Chavez- Thompson, executive vice president of the AFL-CIO, on the occasion of her retirement. Elected to this post in 1995, Chavez-Thompson became the first woman and person of color to be chosen for one of the federation's three highest offices.

As a second-generation American of Mexican descent, Chavez-Thompson personifies the American dream. Born in Lubbock, TX to cotton sharecroppers, Chavez-Thompson toiled the fields to help supplement her family's income. After making 30 cents an hour picking cotton, Chavez- Thompson rose through the ranks of the labor movement, beginning her career as a union secretary at the local AFSCME chapter, the labor union to which her father belonged.

In her capacity as executive vice president of the labor federation, Chavez-Thompson has worked tirelessly to strengthen State and local labor movements and has served as a strong voice on behalf of civil, human and immigrant workers' rights. She serves as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, and serves as the president of the Inter-American Regional Organization of Workers, ORIT, which is the Western Hemispheric arm of the International Trade Union Confederation.

In retirement Chavez-Thompson will continue to pioneer new territory as the first AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Emeritus. In this capacity, she will continue to provide her leadership to state and local labor councils and communities throughout the country, and will continue her important international work. Her determined work on behalf of all workers, especially women, people of color, people with disabilities and immigrants will continue.

In making this difficult decision to retire after more than 40 years of service to the labor movement, Chavez-Thompson expressed, ``You . . . have given me the opportunity of a lifetime, which was to go where I never dreamed I could go, and do more than I ever dreamed I could do.''

For lending her talents, passion and vision to the effort of bringing justice to workers, we are all thankful to Chavez-Thompson. She has marched and spoken on behalf of those who often labor without a voice and has inspired us all to continue this important work for workers across the world.

Mr. Chairman, this bill requires the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an interim standard to protect workers in the popcorn manufacturing and flavoring industries and gives time to work on a permanent standard.

I urge support of H.R. 2693, the ``Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Act.''

Every time we microwave a bag of popcorn, we are contributing to lung disease.

Every time we purchase popcorn at the local grocery store, we are contributing to lung disease.

Let's be responsible and start contributing to a solution.

Let's make sure that we support workplace safety legislation.

There is no excuse for workers to need lung transplants or to die just because they are making popcorn for our pleasure.

There is no reason why children should lose a parent from dying of ``Popcorn Lung.''

Yes, this disease is rare, but it is also irreversible and deadly.

OSHA must issue control measures and education measures to prevent this from happening and to minimize worker exposure.

There is no excuse!

Tens of thousands of food processing workers report to work each day and are exposed to this dangerous chemical without any controls.

This bill will give OSHA two (2) years to decide on a final standard for permissible exposure limits.

That time limit is fair and just.

Let's contribute to a solution and put an end to popcorn lung disease!

Americans have a right to be safe at work, to breathe easily and to raise their families knowing that their government will protect them from dangerous chemicals.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2693.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I rise to support of H.R. 3121 a bill that will modernize and reform FEMA's flood insurance program and thank Chairman Frank and Maxine Waters for their leadership on this legislation.

This bill will provide long overdue and much-needed reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program, NFIP, and update the program to meet the needs of the 21st century.

Hurricane Katrina caused property damage from both wind and flooding in parts of five parishes of Louisiana, three counties of Mississippi, and two counties of Alabama.

Yet insurance companies in those areas have refused to count claims where property damage was a result of both wind and water. Instead, for 2 years they engaged in the practice of denying and delaying claims and took advantage of the desperation of disaster victims who lost everything.

This bill provides fair and equitable protection of combined wind and flood losses by allowing property owners to purchase wind and flood coverage in a single policy. It will help us right that wrong for many victims.

As we saw during Hurricane Katrina, FEMA's maps are significantly outdated, often understating flood risk and leaving homeowners without enough information to protect themselves.

I am pleased that this bill includes provisions to address this problem by requiring FEMA to conduct a thorough review of the nation's flood maps, making the updating and modernization of flood maps an ongoing process, and increasing funding for mapping.

H.R. 3121 addresses a number of weaknesses in the Flood Insurance Program that were exposed by the unprecedented 2005 hurricane season. It is a strong bill that will ensure the program's continued viability, encourage broader participation, and increase financial accountability.

I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 326, the resolution that commemorates the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our Nation's Capital.

As a Vietnam-era Veteran myself, I want to thank my colleague, Representative Hooley from Oregon, for introducing this resolution that celebrates the dedication of a special Memorial that has come to be such a physical reminder of what this Nation went through as a whole.

The Memorial takes me back to a time when my friends and I left our families behind. I was fortunate to come back home, some of my friends were not.

The beautiful black granite memorial contains 58,256 names of soldiers who died or remain missing. We honor those soldiers. To their families we pay our respects and cannot say thank you enough.

Each time I look upon the etched names on the memorial, I am reminded of the deep rooted sacrifice of Americans so many years ago. I wish to have my great, great grandchildren be able to visit the memorial and be able to sense the same thing.

It is easy for me to remember, I lived it. However, our future generations must not forget that America would be very different had it not been for the sacrifice of these honorable soldiers.

I am glad to be able to be a part of this special recognition. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 5 and reflect the great sacrifices of true American heroes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I rise in support of H. Res. 443, which recognizes the service of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers during the Korean War and the continued service of Puerto Ricans in the Armed Services.

The Korean War was fought with the sweat and tears of many Americans.

The 65th Infantry Regiment was the only Hispanic-segregated unit in United States military history. Mandated by Congress, the unit was compromised by a majority of Puerto Ricans.

These honorable soldiers fought at the front of the Korean lines like any other American soldiers. The unit received a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations.

In addition, we continue to be fortunate enough to count on the service of Puerto Ricans today.

This July, Captain Maria Ortiz, a Puerto Rican, was killed by a mortar attack in the Green Zone in Baghdad. She was the first army nurse to be killed in combat since the Vietnam War.

Today I stand proud with my colleagues and thank our Puerto Rican soldiers who have fought and will continue to fight so bravely for the great democracy that we enjoy. As a fellow Vietnam-era veteran, I salute you.

I urge my colleagues to support and pass H. Res. 443 and recognize the great work of our Puerto Rican soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007.

With this bill, the United States will have the tools to persuade Iran's Government to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

We are sending a strong message to the world. We will not tolerate violations of the Genocide Convention. This bill calls for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be brought before the International Court of Justice for his repeated calls for the destruction of Israel.

We will continue to use diplomatic methods to stand tough and protect our allies abroad. This bill ends all Iranian imports to the United States and restricts U.S. exports to Iran to strictly food and medicine.

I also believe economic pressure is an effective deterrence. This bill prevents U.S. subsidiaries of foreign oil companies that are sanctioned for investing in Iran's oil sector from receiving U.S. tax benefits for oil and gas exploration.

Iran will not violate rules and go unnoticed. This bill also encourages the administration to prohibit all Iranian state-owned banks from using the U.S. banking system.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.