Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank our Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Veterans Affairs for addressing this important issue of those men and women who served during World War II, and that is our chairman, Ciro Rodriguez. It is important that people realize the contributions of many of our Hispanics who served during that period of time, that we are visible and that we were not invisible during that period of time and that we made many contributions to this country during that period of time.

So I rise today in honor of the over 500,000 Hispanics who bravely served our country during World War II with honor and with integrity and were proud to wear the uniform. And for those of us who wore that uniform, men and women who were willing to ultimately sacrifice for this country, it is an honor for us and our family members when we put on that uniform and fight for this country.

Madam Speaker, 65,000 Puerto Ricans also served during that period of time. Thirteen Medals of Honor were given out, 11 were Mexican American, two were Puerto Ricans. So when you can look at the contributions of these individuals and many others, as a veteran, I am proud of our heritage and our long history of continuing to fight for this country.

More Hispanics fought for this country's freedom and security during World War II, and I state that is an important fact to understand, and it is important that it be included in part of our history of the contributions that Hispanics have made. More Hispanics than any other minority group have served this country with distinction.

Just one example is Company E of the 141st Regiment of the 36th Texas Infantry Division. This company was made up entirely of Hispanics, bilingual individuals who were willing to serve for this country. After 361 days of combat in Italy and France, the 141st Infantry Regiment sustained 1,126 casualties, 5,000 wounded and more than 500 missing in action.

In recognizing their extended service and valor, the members of the 141st were awarded three Medals of Honor, 31 Distinguished Service Crosses, 12 Legions of Merit, 492 Silver Stars, 11 Soldier's Medals, and 1,685 Bronze Stars. We were, and are, visible and participated and gave our lives during World War II. And that is an important fact for many of our children and others to know the contributions of many of our men and women who served us, who sacrificed for this country.

Hispanic women also made a huge contribution to the American war effort. Madam Speaker, 200 Puertoriquenas served during the Women's Army Corps, which was one of the first service opportunities for women in American history.

Bilingual Hispanic women also worked in important positions within

the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in areas like communications and interpretation. They also worked as specialized bilingual nurses and logistics specialists all over the world, providing the United States military the services vital to the war effort and to this country.

Hispanic veterans have made huge contributions to American society after serving our country in this war.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia of Corpus Christi founded the American GI Forum in 1948 to advocate on behalf of veterans rights, and as our chairman indicated, many veterans who came back home, who served this country, were trying to buy homes and trying to receive the same benefits that many other individuals were given in this country but yet were denied those same rights, whether to buy a home, obtain a education, have the same rights as others. I know because I experienced the same thing when I returned back after serving this country and was trying to rent a home, and they would not rent to me, and of course, they rented to my wife. In doing so, the GI Forum became an important civil rights organization for Mexican Americans.

Another organization that came out of the World War II generation of Latinos was the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF, in 1968. Mexican American World War II veterans, such as Pete Tijerina, Ed Idar and Albert Armendariz, came together to advocate for low-income Mexican Americans who needed fair treatment within the American legal system.

As a Hispanic, a veteran and as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I cannot tell you how humbled I am by the sacrifice of these brave men and women who came before me, who ultimately gave the sacrifice, who believed in this country and continue to believe in this country and will continue to fight for this country because we know it is an honor to serve for the United States and its principles and what it stands for.

I am particularly honored to know of a dear friend of mine who served during World War II, David Guerra Galvan, who recently passed away on March 23 when I went back to the district. He was born in my district and was a resident of Rialto, my hometown, for 50 years.

David served his country in the Army during World War II as a paratrooper and in the 101st Airborne Division. During his European tour, David was also transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division as part of a detachment for the personal protection of General Dwight Eisenhower. After his military service, David continued to serve his country as a data communications operator at Norton Air Force Base. He retired after 40 years of outstanding service to the Armed Forces in 1990.

David was a dear friend of mine, and he is a perfect example of the hundreds of thousands of veterans that we are honoring today who have served our country and will continue to serve our country.

David Galvan was a Hispanic, he was an American and a proud American, and he loved this country. He spent his entire life serving our Nation and his community and his family; as well as my brother Abilio Baca who served in the Armed Forces in the Army during the Korean conflict; as well as my brother-in-law, Ted Dominguez, who served during World War

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a soldier, civil servant, loving husband, father, and grandfather, David Guerra Galvan.

David passed away on Friday, March 23, 2007 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California.

He was born in San Bernardino, California, and was a resident of Rialto, my hometown, for 50 years.

David served his country in the Army during WWII as a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged with Distinguished Service from July 1944 to June 1946 and Good Conduct medals during the European Occupation. During his European service, he was transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division and assigned to a special detachment for the personal protection of General Dwight Eisenhower.

After his military service, David attended Skadron College of Business in Los Angeles. He began working for the Federal Government at Norton Air Force Base in the Defense Communications Agency as a Data Communications Operator, subsequently becoming Supervisor of the AUTODIN Switch Center. He retired after 40 years of highly commended and outstanding performance for the Air Force in November 1990.

David was an active member of the community and a close personal friend. I would often see him and his family at the 9 o'clock mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Rialto.

David loved to hear our daughter Jennifer singing Mariachi Music, and to dance with his beloved wife, Carmen.

After a tough day, I could always count on David to call and ask me, ``Hey Trooper, how

you doing?'' I will always appreciate all of the support and friendship he has given me over the years.

David is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carmen; daughter Debby Galvan; sons Jeff and Randy; grandchildren Leanne, Jason, Erick, Joshua, Lauren, and Jack; sister Mary Valdez; and brother Joseph.

Let us take the time to pay tribute to a wonderful man. Let us celebrate the life he lived and the example he led.

Although he is no longer with us, David's legacy and spirit will continue to live on through the lives of everyone he has touched.

The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with his family at this time.

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

Today, the House will consider a fiscally responsible budget which I proudly support because it contains the right priorities for America's families.

This budget strengthens our national defense and honors our promises to California's brave troops and veterans. It provides the largest increase for veterans' health care in the history of our country-- providing $3.5 billion more than the President's budget. This will help to ensure that the 2,310,967 veterans in California receive care worthy of their sacrifice.

This budget also puts children and families first. For example, in California, 1,380,800 children do not have health insurance. It helps these children by increasing funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program--SCHIP--reducing the number of uninsured children across the county.

In addition, this budget also provides substantially more funding for California's 6,518,000 children enrolled in public elementary, middle and high schools--providing nearly $8 billion more in 2008 and 11 percent more over the next 5 years for education and training programs than requested by the President. This will increase resources for No Child Left Behind, special education and Head Start--rejecting harsh cuts and underfunding for these critical education programs included in the President's budget. Under the President's budget, 421,277 California children will go without promised help in reading and math and Head Start--a vital program for 98,432 California children--is cut by 1.5 percent below the 2007 level.

It also recognizes that the 3,575,200 small businesses in California are the engine of the economy. To spur economic growth and support small businesses, the budget rejects the President's proposal to cut the Small Business Administration by 26 percent from last year's request.

And it restores funding for environmental programs cut by the President's budget--including restoring $28,270,000 in clean water revolving loan funds in California that help improve wastewater treatment.

Finally, this budget supports middle-class tax cuts and protects middle-income families from a tax increase by setting up a reserve fund for a long-term fix for the alternative minimum tax, AMT. In 2004, 606,000 California families were subject to the AMT--and if nothing is done to fix the system, an estimated 4,434,000 families here in California will be subject to the AMT in 2007.

In sum, this budget will restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to Washington; strengthen our national defense; and invest in the next generation and America's prosperity; and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 80th birthday of an American hero, the late Cesar Chavez.

For 7 years, I have fought for a national holiday to honor Cesar Chavez, a man who not only carried the torch for justice and freedom, but was the hope of thousands of impoverished people. Cesar Chavez believed in ``la causa,'' the cause; and he believed in ``la huelga,'' the struggle.

As we approach his birthday, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 76, a resolution that educates our youth about his heroic life, celebrates his accomplishments and honors him with a national holiday.

The battle for social justice is far from over. But in the words of Cesar Chavez, ``si se puede.''

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act.

I voted against this war 5 years ago and believe we should never have gone into Iraq.

But as a veteran, I stand by our troops and am committed to supporting all of our troops--before, during and after service.

There are 32,000 wounded soldiers from the Iraq conflict alone and they need medical attention and assistance to get back on their feet.

However, our veteran healthcare system that is in shambles. Internal reports, the media, and Congressional hearings are revealing the same kind of problems across the board--chronic under-funding, neglect, improper conduct, and lack of accountability.

There will be hundreds of thousands of veterans who will need care over the next decade as they return from Iraq, Afghanistan and other fronts in the Global War on Terror.

And our military and veterans healthcare systems are not prepared. Unless we act now, the situation will fall apart.

The recent tragedies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center underscore the urgency of the issue and the hardships faced by our military families across the country.

Mr. Chairman, I recently visited our returning veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center and as I spoke to these men and women and listened to their stories, I was almost brought to tears.

They told me of doctors who weren't giving them the attention they needed. Others shared how they had to prove to the medical staff that they were really injured.

One wounded soldier and his father in particular really struck a chord in me. This young man is from my home state of California and he told me how his father completely shut down his business, packed his things, and flew 3,000 miles across the country to make sure his son got the proper support and attention.

As if this brave soldier's sacrifice wasn't enough. Now his family has to put their lives on hold to ensure that he recuperates fully from his battle wounds.

After my visit, I took a long time to think and reflect on what I had seen. And really at the end of the day, all could think was that it just wasn't fair.

This young man is one of the lucky ones. His family could afford to make that sacrifice.

But what about the countless military families who are barely making ends meet and simply can't afford to quit their jobs?

Mr. Chairman, the bottom line is the American people shouldn't have to do these things.

We're fighting all over the world to spread democracy and peace at the expense of these young men and women and their families.

And yet what kind of example are we setting for the rest of world when we don't honor those who bear the scars of battle?

Veterans and military healthcare is one of the most neglected programs in this country.

It is immoral, it is embarrassing, and it is just plain irresponsible.

We have a duty as a government to take care of each and every soldier who has been injured in the line of duty in defense of our great Nation.

H.R. 1538 takes a step in the right direction by comprehensively examining the cracks in military healthcare and fixing them.

The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act reduces the caseloads of our medical case managers so service members and their families get help when they need it.

It also creates a system of patient advocates for outpatient wounded service members so that they get the right treatment.

The bill also establishes a toll-free hot line so that service members and their families have someplace to turn to when they see neglect or improper conduct.

We're also going to look at the training all of our military healthcare employees get from top to bottom. We're going to make sure the people who are treating and working with our troops and veterans have the right tools and information to give them the best service possible.

The bill also creates an Army Wounded Warrior Battalion pilot program to track active-duty soldiers in ``outpatient status'' who still require medical care.

H.R. 1538 will also look at overhauling the disability evaluation process. Average disability claims take a year and appeals are taking about two years to process. We have an enormous backlog of claims within the VA system and we need to fix the problem immediately.

Finally, we're going to help our troops better transition from military healthcare systems to veterans' healthcare systems. The transition will include an official handoff between the two systems with the electronic transfer of all medical and personnel records before the member leaves active duty so that there are no gaps in coverage or service.

The American people have already paid too high a price for this war. 3,233 soldiers have died in Iraq, including 10 men from my own district.

We need this bill to ensure that we honor the sacrifices of all our troops and their families by at the very least providing quality, timely healthcare.

That's why I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1538.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 37. This resolution honors Dolores Huerta for her commitment to protecting the rights of women and children everywhere, and improving the lives of farm workers.

I want to thank my colleague from California, Rep. Hilda Solis, for sponsoring this resolution.

Since 1955, Dolores Huerta has been a preeminent figure in the civil rights movement. She has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of workers, women, and children. Dolores has lived a life full of compassion and love for her fellow man. Her actions helped to change the way farm workers were treated and further established fair treatment and respectable working conditions for them.

As a strong female leader, Dolores Huerta defied cultural and gender stereotypes. She has been awarded the Eleanor D. Roosevelt Human Rights Award and was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame in 1993. Together with Cesar Chavez, she founded the National Farm Workers Association, now the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee.

Beyond her professional work, she is a proud mother of 11 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I urge my colleagues to send a message of support for the rights of all workers and to honor the accomplishments of a true revolutionary, Dolores Huerta, by supporting H. Res. 37.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 1195. This bill will make essential technical corrections to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act.

I want to thank my friend, Rep. James Oberstar, and the Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor.

This legislation will provide support for vital projects to my home state of California, and in particular to the city of San Bernardino, located in my district. I commend the Chairman for his foresight in giving states the flexibility our districts need to carry out these important transportation projects.

I am particularly pleased this bill includes a technical correction for High Priority Project # 2826. This change will allow transportation officials in the Inland Empire to double the number of grade separations constructed on the Alameda Corridor East.

There is no doubt this project will go a long way to help reduce congestion and improve road safety for residents in my home district and all Californians traveling to and from the Inland Empire. I urge my colleagues to support our local communities and cast a vote in favor of

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act.

I voted against this war 5 years ago and believe we should never have gone into Iraq.

But as a veteran, I stand by our troops and have always committed to providing for them regardless of politics.

And H.R. 1591 supports our troops before, during, and after service. It mandates proper training and equipment, it requires that our troops get the rest they need between deployments to stay sharp, and provides for our wounded as they return from battle.

This bill also sets deadlines for the Iraqi government so that we can start shifting responsibility to the Iraqi people and bring our troops home by 2008 at the very latest.

Mr. Speaker, we have 160,000 American troops on the ground in Iraq right now, many of which lack proper equipment and training.

We also have 32,000 wounded soldiers from the Iraq conflict who need medical attention and assistance to get back on their feet.

Unfortunately, we have a veteran healthcare system that is failing. Report after report indicates under funding, neglect, improper conduct, and almost no accountability.

If the tragedies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center have taught us anything, it is that wartime spending shouldn't just stop with tanks and guns.

It needs to extend to taking care of our wounded heroes and their families after they return from the battlefield.

Mr. Speaker, I recently visited our returning veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center. And what I saw there just broke my heart.

Some of our wounded told me their doctors weren't giving them the attention they needed and that they even had to prove to the medical staff that they were injured!

One man in particular really touched my heart. I met a wounded soldier from my home State of California who told me about his father who had dropped everything, closed his business, and flew to Washington so that he could take care of his son full time.

This young man's family not only had to risk their son for this war, they're now sacrificing their livelihood to help him recuperate.

And yet sadly, he's one of the lucky ones.

What about the majority of military families who simply can't afford to quit their jobs, move cross-country and take care of their husbands, wives, and children?

The fact is, Mr. Speaker, the American people shouldn't have to put up with these hardships.

They shouldn't have to worry that their family members in uniform are getting the best care possible.

How poorly does it reflect on us as a Nation when we don't adequately take care of our veterans when they come back home?

Veterans healthcare is one of the most neglected and underfunded programs in this country.

This isn't just embarrassing, it is unconscionable.

We have a duty to minimize the risk to our troops and their families by making sure they have the very best training, the finest equipment, and stay deployed only as long as absolutely necessary.

Furthermore, we have a moral obligation to take care of each and every soldier who has been injured in the line of duty in defense of our great Nation.

H.R. 1591 addresses these responsibilities and that's why I will vote in favor of this bill today.

The American people have already paid too high a price for this war.

3,233 soldiers have died in Iraq, including 10 men from my own district.

We owe it to these heroes to set a deadline for withdrawal and let our soldiers move on with their lives.

We owe it to our families who are praying for the safety of their loved ones to take care of our troops every step of the way.

That's why I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1591.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Frank and Chairwoman Waters for their hard work and dedication in helping the thousands of victims that have been left homeless by the hurricane on the gulf coast. Thank you for caring and wanting to take action.

I rise in support of the Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act, H.R. 1227. Eighteen months have passed since Katrina hit, yet thousands are still struggling to get back on their feet. This bill is about the thousands of people struggling to get back on their feet.

Last year, the TriCaucus Chairs, Grace Napolitano, Mike Honda and Mel Watt, met in Houston to cohost a townhall meeting on Katrina, where they listened to Katrina victims who had been displaced to Houston. Since then, we have learned that 99,000 families are still living in trailers, including 65,000 in Louisiana, 31,000 in Mississippi, and thousands more individuals are still living with relatives in States throughout the Nation.

Families, workers and businesses can't return to the gulf area until they have homes to return to. We need to rebuild. Their lives are being impacted, and it is affecting their ability to improve their quality of life. This is their home. This is their castle. We need to rebuild.

The administration's slow response has been a major factor in the pace of recovery. The President didn't even mention Katrina in his 2007 State of the Union Address. Billions of dollars are going to rebuild Iraq, while American families are waiting for assistance right here at home in America. Shame.

Enough is enough. We can't afford to leave these families behind. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1227.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a great community activist, role model, loving father, husband, and grandfather, John Chacon, Sr.

John was born in El Paso, Texas, on July 6, 1935, but he called California home, as he resided in Ventura County for over 63 years.

John graduated from Oxnard High School in 1955. In 1957, John married the love of his life, Frances ``Pancha'' Castro, with whom he shared 50 years of happy marriage.

Professionally, John worked over 25 years for W.B. Post and Nick Wargo Construction Companies. He was a lead paving foreman for 19 of those 25 years. At the age of 52 John retired, but he remained active in the community, particularly with his labor union. He was an active member of Laborers Local 585 for 46 years.

John's accomplishments in the community are too many to list here, but some of his most notable include: membership in Los Compadres del Rio, membership in the Rio Mesa High School Boosters Club, and a founding, charter membership in the Mexican-American Golf Association.

John's passions included golfing, gardening, camping at Lake Cachuma, backyard barbecues with family and friends, and listening to mariachi music.

John was well-known throughout the community for cooking his famous ``tripas'' and his secret salsa recipe. He made friends everywhere he went, and could never go anywhere in the community without someone recognizing him.

On March 4, 2007, John passed away from a sudden illness. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Frances; son, John Jr.; daughters, Rosemary and Barbara; grandchildren, Jennifer, Vincent, Francesca and Analisa; and his four sisters.

Let us pay tribute to John for the man he was and the example he set for all of us to follow. His dedication to family and friends, and his love for his community was evidenced in all that he did.

Although he is no longer with us, John's legacy and spirit will continue to live on through the lives of everyone he has touched.

Madam Speaker, let us pay our respects to John Chacon, Sr. He will always have a place in our hearts for everything he gave to his loved ones and community.

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

I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 107. This bipartisan resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah.

I want to thank my friend from New York, Congressman Gary Ackerman, for introducing this resolution.

More than 7 months have passed since July of 2006, when Hamas terrorists crossed into Israel to attack a military post, killing two soldiers and wounding and kidnapping a third, Gilad Shalit.

Less than 1 month later, Hezbollah terrorists crossed into Israel and ambushed Israeli troops patrolling the border with Lebanon, killing three soldiers and kidnapping two, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.

These despicable acts occurred despite Israel's good faith efforts, which included its total withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May of 2000.

These two terrorist groups have withheld all information on the health and welfare of the men they have kidnapped. Defying the most basic standards of conduct, they have prevented medical personnel and members of the International Red Cross from having access to the kidnapped Israelis.

In spite of these terrorist attacks, the strength of the Israeli people has not wavered. In these difficult times, our support of Israel must not waver either.

The United States must stay committed to the welfare and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic nation with secure borders.

Our Congress must stand in one voice and condemn Hamas and Hezbollah, and their primary sponsors, Iran and Syria, for these cross border attacks.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting Israel and condemning these heinous acts, and cast a vote in favor of H. Res. 107.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that I be excused from today's votes due to official business at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I regret that I was not able to cast these votes; however, if I had been present I would have voted in the following way: ``yea'' on H. Res. 64; ``yea'' on H. Res. 228; ``yea'' on H. Res. 222.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 180. This bipartisan resolution honors the life and achievements of Leo T. McCarthy, and expresses profound sorrow on his recent death.

I want to thank my friend and colleague from California, Representative Eshoo, for sponsoring this resolution.

Leo McCarthy was many things in his life. He was an airman, a politician, and a life-long public servant. But above all things, he was a decent and compassionate man.

Leo was first elected to the California Assembly in 1968.

He served with honor and distinction as its Speaker from 1974 and 1980 and went on to serve as Lieutenant Governor of California for three terms.

Leo's accomplishments in office express the compassion and love he possessed for his fellow man.

His leadership helped change the way California looked at issues like child care, breast cancer research, elder care, and treatment for the mentally ill.

Beyond his professional work, he was a loving family man, and dedicated friend and mentor to countless of my California peers.

I urge my colleagues to honor the life of this good man. May he rest in peace.

I appreciate the comments by Mr. Dreier. I appreciate his leadership on this important issue of water. It is critical to the Inland Empire. This is one that needs to be addressed, and he has constantly addressed the issues of water in the Inland Empire, not only now, but in the past. And I rise in support of H.R. 122, the Inland Empire recycling project.

And I appreciate Grace Napolitano's leadership in this endeavor because this is a bipartisan effort for the Inland Empire and its region in the area. This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, but an issue that pertains to water and water that is important to a lot of us in that region and throughout the State of California.

This project is important for my district. And he not only mentioned his district that covers Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, but it is important for my district and across Southern California because it would help solve California's state-wide water shortage.

We all have been warned about global warming and the impact it is going to have in terms of the future and the possibility of the lack of water. Well, this addresses some of that. By recycling the water in our region, we will be able to increase the local water supply and reduce our dependence on imported water from San Francisco Bay delta area.

The Bureau of Reclamation has ranked this project as one of the most cost-effective new water supply projects in California; I state, the most effective, cost-effective water supply projects in California. And it is also endorsed by all cities, including Fontana and Ontario, as well as community groups and business groups, and environmental leader groups, and I state, environmental groups and leaders throughout the Inland Empire.

I rise to give my full support, and I urge my colleagues to do the same on this important issue on water that impacts not only the Inland Empire but the State of California, and I ask full support.

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

I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 198, a resolution commemorating Black History Month.

Black History Month is a time for us to explore, highlight, and create awareness about the history of African Americans. It is an opportunity to celebrate their development and growth as a community, as well as a chance to recognize their contributions to society. Black History Month is also a time to acknowledge that the struggle for social justice and equality for all is a battle we continue to fight.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) founded Black History Month. They have chosen this year's theme to be, ``From Slavery to Freedom.'' This theme is dedicated to the struggles of peoples of African descent to achieve freedom and equality in the Americas during the age of emancipation. It is also a time to recognize the achievements of countless African Americans that influenced our Nation's history throughout the periods of reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression; the civil rights movement, and to present day.

Individuals such as Harriet Tubman, who led the Underground Railroad, Frederick Douglas, who launched a newspaper to advocate abolition, Hiram Revels, who became the first Black U.S. Senator in 1870, W.E.B. Du Bois, the NAACP forerunner, the artists and writers of the Harlem Renaissance, Thurgood Marshall, who became the first Black Supreme Court Justice, and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are just a few African Americans who have helped provide a path to freedom.

During the month of February, we should remember and learn from the past, while continuing to learn in the present to prepare for a brighter future. Knowing and understanding Black history is important not only for African Americans, but also for our entire nation. Black history is American history, so let us recognize these individuals for their great contributions.

I urge the rest of my colleagues to stand with me and support H. Res. 198.