Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I am proud to sponsor the Fostering Success in Education Act. This legislation is the House companion to Senator Franken and Senator Murray's bill and lays out a clear road map to assisting young people in the child welfare system.

This legislation continues the efforts of the P.L. 110-351, Fostering Connections Act by improving educational assistance for those most in need--children and youth in the child welfare system. I hope that the Fostering Success in Education Act will enjoy the same bipartisan support and consideration to help these young people who have no one else.

Today, more than half a million children are living in foster care. As a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, I have constantly heard from young people who struggle as they are constantly moved from home to home, and school to school when they are in foster care. Those in the child welfare system have not chosen this life; they did not ask to be victims of neglect and abuse. For a variety of reasons beyond their control, foster care children are uprooted from all that they know and rely on us for help.

We all remember our years in elementary, middle, and high school. We recall our friends, classmates, teachers, extracurricular activities, favorite classes, and hardest subjects. For foster care youth, it's a whirlwind of memories. Names, faces, classes, teachers, grades, and subjects are a blur. Imagine being the new kid, over and over and over again without the support you need. Imagine maneuvering the bureaucracy and politics of different schools and school districts on your own as a 12-year-old, as a 16-year-old, as a 6-year-old. This bill ensures that youth in foster care have school stability, immediate access to tools and resources, and the necessary support for academic success.

Madam Speaker, I believe that each and every young person has a right to a childhood; each has a right to a basic education. I believe that in addition to consistency, friendships, and healthy relationships, education is the key to opportunity, stability, and success. It is a cornerstone of our nation's values of democracy, hope, and infinite possibility.

The Fostering Success in Education Act takes us one step further in the right direction and responds to these all-too-real issues. Madam Speaker, I hope all of my colleagues will support this worthy and important legislative effort.

I want to thank my friend and colleague from Colorado and my friend and colleague from Wisconsin for bringing this resolution before us.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member of the Education and Labor Committee for their support of this bill, and the Majority Leader for his support and for bringing this resolution to the floor.

Madam Speaker, this year marks the 10th anniversary of an outstanding organization called Sojourn to the Past, the longest-running civil rights program in the United States. Sojourn to the Past was founded by Jeff Steinberg, an inspired American history high school teacher from northern California. He started by taking his students on a 10-day field trip to the South to see where the most important moments of the civil rights movement actually happened. He took them to places like Atlanta, Tuskegee, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma. He took them to Jackson, Little Rock, and Memphis.

While on these journeys, young people meet the leaders of the movement. They get out of the classroom and visit historic places that marked the time.

Through this program, I believe young people grow more informed about the movement. They learn how it changed our country and our society, and they are changed. They become better human beings and better citizens not just of the United States but of the world.

Since it began, Sojourn to the Past has taken over 5,000 high school students on these journeys, teaching them about the importance of social justice and the philosophy and the discipline of nonviolence. Like the civil rights movement itself, it challenges people to think about their own values and about what kind of country they want America to be.

Madam Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to join with all of us in honor of this important organization.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ms. Leslie Judith Goldberg, R.N. to thank her for her 20 years of service to the Members and staff of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Almost every staffer in the House complex, particularly those who work in the Cannon House Office Building, knows Nurse Leslie. Always smiling, extremely knowledgeable, and thorough, she has a legendary ability to help

staff find the best possible health care services for their needs. For years, she has collected feedback on the quality of health practitioners and shared both praise and concerns with prospective patients. As a result, she was well-known in doctors' offices throughout the region; they were always asking, ``Ahhh, you were referred by Nurse Goldberg? Who is this Nurse Leslie?''

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Leslie joined her mother and sister in this vital profession after graduating from the Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn. She went on to work at the New York University Hospital in neurosurgery and the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents.

In 1990, Nurse Goldberg joined the Office of the Attending Physician and dedicated the end of her great career to serving and caring for the Members and staff of this institution. She is a part of our family. We mourned with her when her loving husband, Alan Goldberg, passed away far too early in life; and we celebrated when she returned to us--her adoptive, extended family.

We all know how much she adores her three sons, Michael, Aaron, and David and daughters-in-law, Lisa and Amy. And her grandson, Ari, is the light of her life. While we will miss her laughter, her smile, her caring, skillful techniques, and infinite knowledge, I applaud her for taking the time to fulfill her personal dreams--travel, volunteer, and most importantly take care of Ari and the grandchildren to come.

Nurse Goldberg, we will miss you terribly; you leave enormous shoes to fill. Thank you for your 20 years of service and for keeping us safe, healthy, informed, and always smiling.

Mr. Speaker, for 75 years, Social Security has lifted millions of seniors and disabled Americans out of poverty. That is why I can't believe that Republicans would cut Social Security benefits and make it harder for people who worked all their lives to get benefits.

Social Security is a sacred trust. It is a trust between the American government and the American people. It is a trust between parents and children, between those working and those in retirement. It is the greatest example of the beloved community in America.

We will not allow anyone to cut Social Security. We will hold this sacred trust for generations yet to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ms. Leslie Judith Goldberg, R.N. to thank her for her 20 years of service to the Members and staff of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Almost every staffer in the House complex, particularly those who work in the Cannon House Office Building, knows Nurse Leslie. Always smiling, extremely knowledgeable, and thorough, she has a legendary ability to help staff find the best possible health care services for their needs. For years, she has collected feedback on the quality of health practitioners and shared both praise and concerns with prospective patients. As a result, she was well-known in doctors' offices throughout the region; they were always asking, ``Ahhh, you were referred by Nurse Goldberg? Who is this Nurse Leslie?''

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Leslie joined her mother and sister in this vital profession after graduating from the Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn. She went on to work at the New York University Hospital in neurosurgery and the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents.

In 1990, Nurse Goldberg joined the Office of the Attending Physician and dedicated the end of her great career to serving and caring for the Members and staff of this institution. She is a part of our family. We mourned with her when her loving husband, Alan Goldberg, passed away far too early in life, and we celebrated when she returned to us--her adoptive, extended family.

We all know how much she adores her three sons, Michael, Aaron, and David and daughter-in-law, Lisa. And her grandson, Ari, is the light of her life. While we will Miss her laughter, her smile, her caring, skillful techniques, and infinite knowledge, I applaud her for taking the time to fulfill her personal dreams--travel, volunteer, and most importantly take care of Ari and the grandchildren to come.

Nurse Goldberg, we will miss you terribly; you leave enormous shoes to fill. Thank you for your 20 years of service and keeping us safe, healthy, informed, and always smiling.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great public servant of Metro Atlanta and the international aviation community.

For 12 years, Mr. Benjamin R. DeCosta has led the City of Atlanta's Aviation Department and successfully managed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport--the world's busiest passenger airport. Located in my congressional district, this outstanding internationally- recognized transportation center employs more than 56,000 people and generates more than 400,000 jobs and $23.5 billion in Metro Atlanta's economy. Recently, Mr. DeCosta announced that he will be leaving Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

I am proud to have known and worked with Mr. DeCosta for over a decade. Whenever I call Ben and his staff about national aviation policy issues and the impact on Hartsfield-Jackson--I could always expect an honest, thorough, and researched answer. Ben successfully led the effort to open a 5th runway, the Maynard H. Jackson, Jr. International terminal, a consolidated rental car center, and upgrades to the central passenger terminal complex. He also managed to award almost 40 percent of contracts that were part of this $6 billion capital improvement initiative to women- and minority-owned businesses.

Consumed with improving customer service and setting higher standards for passengers, Ben has led the airport's team in making the entire experience smoother for those traveling, to, from, and through Hartsfield-Jackson. For example, we worked together to improve the security screening processes at the airport. Now the passenger wait times average less than 10 minutes; the lines may be long, but they move. He also brought numerous retailers to the airport; on both sides of the security check points, you can find great food and shopping for whatever your needs may be while you wait.

It has not been easy; many would have walked away a long time ago. Somehow, Ben rose to the challenge. The aviation community took notice of his successes. Last year, the National Forum of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) recognized him as the recipient of the 2009 prestigious National Leadership Award. In 2007, Airport Revenue Magazine voted him Best Director. Under his leadership, Hartsfield- Jackson was recognized as the World's Most Efficient Airport for three consecutive years, the world's top airport with Wi-Fi connectivity, and the Executive Traveler's Best Large U.S. airport.

Ben came to Atlanta from New York where he worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and served as the general manager of Newark International Airport. He earned a physics undergraduate degree from Queens College and a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School, and continued his studies as part of a senior executive program for local and state governments at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

I would like to thank Mr. DeCosta for his service, dedication and success to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Metro Atlanta community. I wish him and his family continued success and happiness in the next chapter of his great career.

Mr. Speaker, today we have been given another chance to do what is right for our unemployed brothers and sisters. We must extend unemployment insurance. It is the right thing to do. It is the moral thing to do. It is the compassionate thing to do.

Those of you who have said that the unemployed are lazy or want a hand-out should be ashamed of yourselves. This is not a hand-out. People have paid into the system their whole working lives. The unemployed in this country want to work, they are desperate to work, and we must help them get by.

I challenge each of you who plan to vote ``no'' to come to Georgia. Go into your own districts. I challenge you to look people in the eye and tell them that you voted ``no.'' I challenge you to tell the people that you value ideology more than empathy and compassion for your fellow man.

Tell them as they swallow their pride that you don't care, that you don't have a heart, that you don't have any feeling. Explain to them why you voted ``yes'' for war funding and ``yes'' for tax breaks for the rich but ``no'' for hardworking Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. It is wrong, just plain wrong.

The time is always right to do what is right. Do not be afraid to be compassionate. Do not be afraid to vote with your heart and your conscience. Vote to extend unemployment, and extend it now. Do it for the people.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. Speaker, it is a shame and a disgrace that we did not extend unemployment insurance. Every single Member who voted ``no'' yesterday should be ashamed of themselves.

People are suffering. They are hurting. They are in pain. They cannot make ends meet. And too many, just too many on the other side of the aisle turned a deaf ear.

I ask my Republican colleagues: Can't you hear? Can't you feel? Can't you see? Where is your heart? Where is your compassion? Where is your concern?

Extend unemployment benefits, and extend it now.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5611) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to give Members 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the bill, H.R. 5611.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5611, the Airport and Airway Extension Act, Part II.

As you know, the Trust Fund taxes and spending authority are scheduled to expire on July 3. This bill simply extends the authority one more month while we work together on a long-term solution.

Air travel plays a crucial and critical role in our economy and our lives. The world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located in my congressional district. This airport alone has a direct impact of more than $32.5 billion on the State of Georgia's economy. At a time when we are considering the importance of jobs and job creation, I would like to note that the airport is the second-largest employer in Georgia with 58,000 workers.

If Congress does not pass the bill, the Trust Fund will lose the revenue that we need for airport construction and the Nation's air traffic control system.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to come together and support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I fully support H.R. 5611. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' for this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) in recognizing Mr. Ronald A. Gettelfinger on his well-deserved retirement.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be with Mr. Gettelfinger and the UAW members to celebrate their 75th anniversary. They have been stalwart partners in the movement for civil rights and social change. It was truly a homecoming, and I was proud to be with Ron during one of his last official acts as UAW president.

For nearly half a century, Mr. Gettelfinger has dedicated himself to the rights of American auto workers. Ron began his career as chassis line repairman in 1964. When his colleagues at Ford's Louisville Assembly plant elected him as their committeeperson, bargaining chair, and president, he rose to the challenge and went on to serve in various leadership positions for the United Auto Workers (UAW) membership for the next 26 years.

During his tireless years as a UAW leader, Mr. Gettelfinger constantly recommitted himself to the values that were so important to--as he would say--my ``sisters and brothers''. Through trials and tribulation, the UAW has defended human dignity in the auto industry and been a strong ally in the struggle for social justice both in the United States and around the world. Mr. Gettelfinger embodied these values and was a constant, vocal advocate for health care, workers' rights, and trade policy reforms. I thank him for his service and for his commitment to the forgotten, the underserved, and the backbone of our global economy--America's workers.

Again, let me congratulate Ron, his wife Judy, and their family on this momentous occasion and exciting new chapter in their life. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Dingell, as you know, his leadership will be missed, but never forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my good friend, Jack Kingston, for yielding me time.

As the dean of the Georgia delegation, it is my great pleasure to welcome Tom Graves to the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Graves is not a stranger to Georgia politics. He served in the Georgia State House of Representatives for almost 8 years. Tom, I not only welcome you, but I am proud to welcome your beautiful wife, Julie, and your three lovely and beautiful children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this jobs bill. We are making progress, but there are still far too many people who want to work but cannot find a job. We must not stop and we will not stop until each and every person has a good job. But until that time comes, we must help and take care of our brothers and sisters who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

This bill extends emergency assistance to unemployed Americans. It also provides TANF emergency jobs to help States create jobs and assist struggling families.

Every day, individuals call my office. They want to work. Many have years of experience. They never in a million years thought that they would have to rely on these programs to get by and make ends meet.

We have a responsibility and a moral obligation to help our friends and neighbors during these hard times. This is our duty. If we are honest with ourselves, we all know this bill is not enough. But we must take this step. We cannot wait a moment longer.

I urge all of my colleagues to put politics aside and do what is right and support this necessary legislation.

Madam Chair, ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'' What does it mean? It didn't make sense then, and it doesn't make sense now.

Just like the military helped end segregation based on race, we should have put an end to Don't Ask, Don't Tell

long ago. It is an affront to human dignity and to the dignity and the worth of every man and woman serving in our military.

We cannot wait. We cannot be patient. We must end discrimination in the military, and we must end it now. Discrimination is wrong, and we must end it now.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, March 30, an Atlanta icon passed away. Robert Hiestand sold roses and carnations on the corner of Northside Parkway and West Paces Ferry for 20 years and, in the process, became a ubiquitous fixture in the daily routine of Atlantans from all walks of life. He was 55 when he passed.

Over the years, Governors, state legislators and Members of Congress including myself have stopped for a few kind words and a few beautiful flowers from Robert. Yet it is the students who often saw him on their way back and forth from school that have most loudly opined his loss.

I have heard a few different versions of how Robert ended up in Atlanta but the version he told was that his motorcycle ran out of gas as he was passing through and he decided to stay. For two decades after that, come rain, come summer heat, come winter cold, come what may, Robert's only condition to go to work was whether the flowers could survive.

The vibrant remembrances of the Atlanta community reflect the tremendous impact of his character, of his hard work and of his staunch individualism that allowed him to carve out his own niche and leave a lasting impression on the lives of so many. He will be missed and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his contribution to Atlanta.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague and my friend Mr. Cummings for yielding. I will not take the 5 minutes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to name the annex building at the United States Courthouse on Forsyth Street in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, as the ``John C. Godbold Federal Building.''

Judge John C. Godbold was born in 1920 in Coy, Alabama, about 100 miles to the west of my hometown of Troy.

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Judge Godbold to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, a key post due to the many civil rights cases before the circuit during the fifties, the sixties and seventies.

Judge Godbold holds the distinction of being the only judge in the history of the United States to be the chief judge of two separate judicial circuits, the Fifth, and then later the 11th Circuit in Atlanta. It is with this legislation that we recognize the significant achievement of Judge Godbold and thank him for his many years of service to this country.

Madam Speaker, I would especially like to express my sympathy to Judge Godbold's family, friends, and colleagues on the judge's recent passing in December 2009.