Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the participants of the House Fellows Program. The House Fellows Program, run by the Office of the House Historian, is a unique opportunity for a select group of secondary education American history and government teachers to experience firsthand the inner-workings of Congress. These educators have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, are dedicated to educating our nation's youth and are truly deserving of our recognition.

One of the goals of the House Fellows Program is to develop curriculum on the history and practice of the House for use in schools. During the program, fellows prepare a brief lesson plan on a Congressional topic of their choosing, which is then shared with the other fellows. These plans will become part of a larger teaching resource database on the House. During the school year following their participation in the House Fellows Program, each Fellow is responsible for presenting his or her experience and lesson plans to at least one in-service institute for teachers of history and government.

The House Fellows Program began in 2006, and since then 75 teachers from across the country have participated in this innovative program.

An additional 45 teachers will be taking part in this summer's program. With plans to select a teacher from every Congressional district over the next several years, the House Fellows Program will impact thousands of high school teachers and their students and will energize thousands of students to become informed and active citizens.

As a former U.S. history teacher, I believe strongly in the importance of civic education. We must continue our efforts to get our youth involved in the political process in districts across the country. Educating teachers about the ``People's House'' is one of the best ways to do that. I congratulate the following educators who are participating in the 2nd session of this summer's 2010 House Fellows Program:

Ms. Amy Allaire (Olver, MA-01), Ms. Elizabeth Kocharian (Roybal- Allard, CA-34), Mr. Christopher Gill (Maloney, NY-14), Ms. Jacqueline Hilgen (DeGette, CO-01), Mr. Jacob Blum (Fortenberry, NE-01), Ms. Nicole Kaplan (Israel, NY-02), Mr. Curtis Roddy (Hodes, NH-02), Ms. Margaret Lane (Eshoo, CA-14), Mr. Leon Stall (Smith, NE-03), Ms. Cindy Martinez (Eshoo, CA-14), Ms. Shirley Riefenhauser (Hinchey, NY-22), Mr. Darrick Hayman (Larsen, WA-02), Mr. Nick Santana (Filner, CA-51), Ms. Stacie Banks (Franks, AZ-02), Ms. Eleesha Tucker (Holmes Norton, DC-At- Large), and Mr. Ben Snedeker (Tiberi, OH-12).

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the Office of the Historian for sponsoring this program. Thanks to Dr. Robert Remini and Dr. Fred Beuttler for their outstanding leadership, and Dr. Thomas Rushford, Mr. Anthony Wallis and Mr. Benjamin Hayes for providing the crucial staff support.

Thank you also to the Office of the Historian interns: Ms. Jacqueline Burns, Mr. Michael Karlik, Ms. Madeleine Rosenberg and Ms. Debbie Kobrin.

First of all, let me thank the gentleman from California for organizing this hour, along with the gentlelady from California (Ms. Loretta Sanchez), and I want to associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman from Ohio and join with you, well, frankly, out of frustration in terms of the kind of opposition that we're seeing in the United States Senate on an issue that's so important to people who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves in a situation where they are unemployed.

I think during this Bush recession as we persevere through the Bush wars and the Bush financial collapse, when unemployment has hit this country hard, when America loses $17 trillion in wealth and assets from March of 2007 to February of 2009, you begin to see why Americans are so frustrated with these circumstances, and while this administration under Barack Obama has created 6 million new jobs, the frustration remains amongst the American people.

In the midst of all of this, to deny unemployment benefits to those who are most in need, especially as the gentleman from Ohio has pointed out when we know that every dollar we spend in unemployment benefits creates $1.61 in the economy because the need is there to spend.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt said it best about our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. They are frozen in the ice of their own indifference; frozen in the ice of their indifference to people who are without work; frozen in their icy indifference between the need to invest in America and make things here in America and put this country back to work; frozen in an indifference that has them preoccupied politically and obsessed with blocking every item of the Obama agenda, even if it means providing unemployment to those who need it, even if it means providing health care to those who have had their policies rescinded or have found themselves in a situation because of a preexisting condition where they were denied coverage.

This is the kind of thing that has frustrated Americans. I am proud to be associated with the gentlemen who have come to this floor this evening to speak out on behalf of their constituents, speak out on behalf of the administration, and point down the Hall where they need to come and work. More than 314 bills that have passed the House of Representatives have gone unattended to down in the United States Senate and, most importantly, including unemployment benefits.

Stay in over the weekend. Do your work. Put America back to work. Provide those with the benefits that need them so that we can keep this economy going and so that we can restore the faith in the American people and their government.

I thank the gentleman from California for organizing this important hour on this very timely and important issue and thank the gentleman from Ohio for joining him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the participants of the House Fellows Program. The House Fellows Program, run by the Office of the House Historian, is a unique opportunity for a select group of secondary education American history and government teachers to experience firsthand the inner-workings of Congress. These educators have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, are dedicated to educating our Nation's youth and are truly deserving of our recognition.

One of the goals of the House Fellows Program is to develop curriculum on the history and practice of the House for use in schools. During the program, fellows prepare a brief lesson plan on a Congressional topic of their choosing, which is then shared with the other fellows. These plans will become part of a larger teaching resource database on the House. During the school year following their participation in the House Fellows Program, each Fellow is responsible for presenting his or her experience and lesson plans to at least one in-service institute for teachers of history and government.

The House Fellows Program began in 2006, and since then 75 teachers from across the country have participated in this innovative program.

An additional 45 teachers will be taking part in this summer's program. With plans to select a teacher from every Congressional district over the next several years, the House Fellows Program will impact thousands of high school teachers and their students and will energize thousands of students to become informed and active citizens.

As a former U.S. history teacher, I believe strongly in the importance of civic education. We must continue our efforts to get our youth involved in the political process in districts across the country. Educating teachers about the ``People's House'' is one of the best ways to do that. I congratulate the following educators who are participating in the 1st session of this summer's 2010 House Fellows Program:

Ms. Katherine Brantley (Ruppersberger, MD-02), Mr. Brian Rock (Pallone, NJ-06), Ms. Elizabeth Murphy (Payne, NJ-10), Ms. Esme Scott (Price, NC-04), Mr. Charles Zappa (Serrano, NY-16), Mr. Nate Cole (Serrano, NY-16), Mr. John Burns (Pastor, AZ-04), Mr. Darios Felix (Rohrabacher, CA-46), Mr. Roy Greenland (Goodlatte, VA-06), Mr. Duane Baker (Hoekstra, MI-02), Ms. Laura Howard (Kingston, GA-01), Mr. Daniel Hayden (King, NY-03), Mr. Randy `Scotty' Hicks (Duncan, TN-02), Ms. Mary Helen Story (Duncan, TN-02) and Mr. Timothy Rodman (Bartlett, MD- 06)

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the Office of the Historian for sponsoring this program. Thanks to Dr. Robert Remini and Dr. Fred Beuttler for their outstanding leadership, and Dr. Thomas Rushford, Mr. Anthony Wallis and Mr. Benjamin Hayes for providing the crucial staff support.

Thank you also to the Office of the Historian interns: Ms. Jacqueline Burns, Mr. Michael Karlik, Ms. Madeleine Rosenberg and Ms. Debbie Kobrin.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Master Sergeant Christopher Lee Arnold, Master Sergeant Joel Ascension Rangel, and Gunnery Sergeant Clayton Roy Young of the Marine Battle Color Detachment who are each retiring after more than 20 years of service in the Marine Corps.

The Battle Color Detachment features the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the Marine Corps Color Guard. All are attached to Marine Barracks, Washington, DC, also known as the ``Oldest Post of the Corps.'' These Marines appear in hundreds of ceremonies annually across the country and abroad.

I would like to express my personal gratitude to these three Marines who were a part of the Marine Battle Color Detachment when they visited Connecticut's First Congressional District in October of 2008. In conjunction with a traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall during its 25th anniversary, they gave a moving performance before the residents of the Connecticut State Veterans Home and over 3,000 attendees at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. These Marines have performed and helped facilitate many events such as these in Connecticut, across the country and around the world, Everywhere the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment performs, they instill in all an enormous amount of pride for our Armed Forces and the nation as a whole. This Congress and the people of the United States of America owe these three recently retired Marine NCO's a significant debt of gratitude for all of their service:

Master Sergeant Christopher Lee Arnold began his enlistment on July 1, 1990 and will retire on July 31, 2010 after twenty years of service.

Master Sergeant Joel Ascension Rangel began his enlistment on September 12, 1989 and will retire on June 30, 2010 after twenty years of service.

Gunnery Sergeant Clayton Roy Young began his enlistment on August 15, 1988 and will retire on August 31, 2010 after twenty-two years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Chairman Frank to clarify the intent behind section 1076 in this bill. The section amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to create a new section 920 regarding interchange fees. Interchange revenues are a major source of funding for the administrative costs of prepaid cards used in connection with health care and employee benefits programs like FSAs, HSAs, HRAs and qualified transportation accounts.

These programs are lightly used by both the public and private sector employers and employees and are more expensive to operate because of substantiation than other regulatory requirements. Because of this, I would like to clarify that Congress does not wish to interfere with those arrangements in a way that could lead to higher fees being imposed by administrators to make up for lost revenue, which would directly raise health care costs and hurt consumers. This is clearly not something that was the intent that we'd like to do. Therefore, I ask Chairman Frank to join me in clarifying that Congress intends that prepaid cards associated with these types of programs should be exempted within the language of section 920(a)(7)(A) (ii)(II).

I thank the chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join our distinguished Dean of the House, Representative John Dingell, to honor Ron Gettelfinger for his years of service to the United Auto Workers (UAW). Ron recently announced that he will retire after serving as President since 2002, and a lifelong commitment of service to the organization. As President, he worked closely over the years with my regional UAW Directors, outgoing Director Bob Madore and his predecessor Phil Wheeler, on issues important to Connecticut. Ron presided during a time of economic difficulty and a historic health reform debate, and did so with great poise and a never subsiding commitment to the men and women he represented. I once again commend him on his years of service and join with my colleagues in saluting him.

I rise in support of the bill for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Congresswoman Bean.

I want to bring attention to the important role that banks at the $25 billion asset cap play in this economy, particularly in lending to small businesses.

The State of Connecticut has three such banks within the $10 to $25 billion range in terms of asset caps. These banks are on the ground, lending to small businesses in my district. They are the biggest SBA lenders and are the biggest lenders to minority businesses. They also fulfill a niche opportunity for so many manufacturers in my State as well.

While I understand that the asset cap could not be raised to include these banks in this bill, I would ask that Congresswoman Bean and Chairman Frank work with me, with the Treasury, and with the other body to ensure that these banks can be included in this program as this legislation goes forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express strong support for H. Res. 1316--Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I applaud the leadership and continued efforts of Chairman Mike Honda, as well as my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for bringing this Resolution before us today.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was established in 1977 by the efforts of Representatives Norman Mineta and Frank Horton, and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga who introduced resolutions asking for a Presidential declaration that the first 10 days of May honor the rich history and contributions of our nation's Asian Pacific Americans. In 1992 Congress expanded the commemoration to a month, in order to fully recognize the impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, AAPIs, have on this great Nation.

From the early 1800s to today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played a critical role in the development of this country. This year's theme: ``Lighting the Past, Present and Future,'' is fitting as the world's attention turned to the United States to see the historic inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama. President Obama's diversity reflects the richness and strength of our nation.

We must reaffirm our commitment to the promise of a future for all Americans by eradicating racial and ethnic health disparities, enacting comprehensive immigration reform, providing educational opportunities for the underserved and creating jobs. I am proud that we ensured full equity for the Filipino veterans who proudly served under the American flag

during World War II when we passed H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I also applaud my colleagues for the recent passage of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which enables the Department of Justice to assist the efforts of Federal, State, and local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes based on race, ethnic background, and religion, and extends protections to more Americans.

From the construction of the transcontinental railroads to the heroic contributions in World War II and beyond, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made lasting contributions in every facet of American society. We must continue to acknowledge the great achievements this vast and diverse community has provided this nation and I urge my colleagues to support to this resolution.

Madam Speaker, on May 26, 2010 I missed rollcall vote 302. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' or ``aye.''

I would inquire of the Chair how much time we have on each side.

At this time I yield 45 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Cardoza).

Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time we have remaining.

I yield 45 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland).

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

All across America, families are tightening their belts, making do with less. They expect the same from Congress. Imagine their utter frustration when they hear Congress is pushing forward an unwanted and unnecessary $3 billion program. Only in Washington, D.C., could a company that lost the competition in the private sector and already controls 88 percent of the military engine market come seeking a government-directed subsidy and call that competition. I guess competition in this town means buying two of everything with the taxpayers' money.

The Marines, the Navy, and the Air Force have all said they don't want it. They don't need it. The President has called this program an example of unnecessary defense programs that do nothing to keep us safe.

Why are we moving ahead with it? If we can't cut spending here, where can we cut it? If we don't make the tough choices to rein in wasteful spending now, when will we make them?

This is about whose side you are on. Are you on the side of excessive spending, or are you on the side of saving the taxpayers money and supporting our troops?

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rooney).

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 302, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Pedro Garcia for his 40 years of service to Connecticut and Puerto Rico as a broadcaster and sports commentator in these communities. On May 9, 2010, Mr. Garcia will deservedly be recognized by community leaders in Connecticut for his outstanding career and service to others.

Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico, Pedro Garcia comes from a humble and hardworking family, including his parents Irene Cruz and Enrique Garcia, and his fourteen brothers and sisters. While Mr. Garcia's parents and four of his siblings remain in Puerto Rico, the rest of his family lives in my home State of Connecticut.

Pedro Garcia is widely known throughout the world and respected for his professionalism and tremendous talent as a broadcaster and sports commentator. He first endeared himself to the Connecticut region in his work for WEHW in Windsor, CT beginning in 1968 and for WLVH in Hartford, CT in 1970. He then went on to WLIY and WNEL in Puerto Rico before returning to Connecticut to work for WRYM in Newington for the past two and a half decades.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Mr. Garcia has a long history of involvement in the community. He has served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Puertorriquen Parade in Connecticut and worked with former Connecticut State Representative Maria Sanchez to address the needs of the Latino Community. I also commend Mr. Garcia for his important work with other countries, such as Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Peru, where he reported on education, health, sports and politics.

Pedro Garcia has touched many lives and is especially loved for his sense of humor and compassion toward others. I commend him for his outstanding career and service to the Greater Hartford and Puerto Rican communities.

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 243, 244, and 245, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1239, Commending the University of Connecticut Huskies for their historic win in the 2010 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament. On March 6, 2010, the Huskies capped an undefeated season by beating the University of Stanford Cardinal 53-47 in the NCAA Championship game. There are many things that make this team impressive, but to show just how dominant they were, this was their only victory all season where they defeated an opponent by less than 10 points. With 78 straight wins, they broke their own record for all-time consecutive victories.

Throughout their unbelievable run, the UConn women's basketball team has captivated the state of Connecticut with their awe-inspiring talent. Tina Charles' tremendous play at center earned her recognition as both the United States Basketball Writers Association and the Associated Press Player of the Year. Additionally, she was named the Naismith Award winner and the Wooden Award winner. Although she will graduate this year, she will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the all-

time greats to play for the Huskies. Junior Maya Moore received outstanding honors by being named the State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year and being named the Most Valuable Player in the Final Four. Both Moore and Tina Charles were chosen as First-Team All-Americans.

Connecticut is home to one of the most accomplished and successful teams in the history of collegiate athletics. Under Head Coach Geno Auriemma, we in Connecticut have become accustomed to excellence year in and year out. He has led the Huskies to seven championships, including four undefeated seasons. He also holds the highest winning percentage of any active coach in women's collegiate basketball.

The Women Huskies have captured the hearts of fans all across the nation with their exemplary work on and off the court. In every game, the team played with a passion and desire only displayed by champions. This entire team of remarkable women: Heather Buck, Tina Charles, Lorin Dixon, Caroline Doty, Kelly Faris, Jacquie Fernandes, Meghan Gardler, Kalana Greene, Tiffany Hayes, Kaili McLaren, and Maya Moore exemplify what a student-athlete is supposed to be. As they carry their winning streak into next season, I know they will continue to make us proud.

I am proud to join Connecticut's Congressional Delegation, my colleagues in the House of Representatives, and Husky Nation in celebrating the UConn Women Basketball team's seventh NCAA Women's National Basketball Championship, second perfect season in a row and record 78-game winning streak.