Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce two related bills. The first would create a Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail to commemorate the Chesapeake Bay Campaign of the War of 1812. The second bill I am introducing would create a national commission to plan and coordinate the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812.

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail would match some of the most important events of the War of 1812. The trail commemorating the only combined naval and land attack on the United States begins with June 1814 battles between the British Navy and the American Chesapeake flotilla in Saint Leonard's Creek in Calvert County and ends at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where our National Anthem was composed and the British met their ultimate defeat.

Maryland is blessed with a multitude of historic and cultural attractions across the State. Fort McHenry is a classic example of this rich heritage and a centerpiece of the legislation I introduce today. Francis Scott Key best captured the essence of Fort McHenry in his poem written as a prisoner aboard a British frigate during the bombardment of the fort. The text of the poem later became our National Anthem.

For decades, my family has enjoyed Fort McHenry's history as well as its tremendous vistas of our beloved Chesapeake Bay. Just recently, I spent the morning there with my son, an avid birder and budding naturalist, exploring the wetland restoration area that abuts the fort.

The second bill I introduce today would create a Star Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to plan and coordinate the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 and the composition of our National Anthem. The Commission would be made up of citizens from States that the National Park Service has determined to be the most historically significant, as well as National Park Service officials, historical experts and other individuals selected by congressional leadership.

With the bicentennial of the War of 1812 quickly approaching, we should move swiftly to approve this measure and enable the Commission to plan a suitable bicentennial celebration.

Mr. Speaker, the War of 1812 was a seminal moment in American history. Many refer to it as the ``second war of independence.'' When the war began, our fragile experiment in democracy was still in its early stages, and the Nation found itself under attack from one of the most powerful countries in the world. Many wondered whether democracy could hold together through the trials of war. The War of 1812 proved that liberty and security are not mutually exclusive conditions and set the stage for the spread of democracy around the world.

Mr. Speaker, just this morning I met with War of 1812 experts and historic preservationists from throughout the State of Maryland at Fort McHenry. For years, these individuals have been dedicated advocates for creating the Star Spangled Banner Trail and Bicentennial Commission. This legislation represents a culmination of their interests and hard work. I am very proud to be introducing it today, and I hope my colleagues will join with me to pass both bills during this Congress.

Madam Speaker, you cannot run America on the cheap.

In the wake of Katrina, we learned that years of requests for investment in infrastructure and basic human needs had been ignored. After sending our troops into Iraq, we learned that they lacked basic protective equipment because this administration was looking to save pennies even as it was wasting billions of dollars on private contracts run amok.

Now the scandal at Walter Reed Hospital is revealing that behind the curtain even our neediest veterans are not being spared the double whammy of inadequate resources and lax accountability.

All Americans should be outraged at this and demand accountability. But we should also be outraged at the cynical agenda this administration has brought to all government functions. Resources are cut, making it impossible for the affected workforce to deliver high- quality services. At the same

time, critical functions are contracted out to the private sector without adequate oversight. Then the administration turns around and says, see, government doesn't work.

Madam Speaker, it's time we reversed course and put adequate resources, attention, and accountability towards the needs of all our citizens but most especially our veterans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Black History Month. This gives us an opportunity to acknowledge how far we have come as a society, and to recognize the strides and extraordinary contributions that African Americans have made throughout our history.

Today our cultural diversity is a source of strength and enrichment for our Nation, and is a particular source of pride for the State of Maryland. But Black History Month also serves as a time for us to reflect upon the progress that still needs to be made.

Thirty-eight years ago, Shirley Chisholm became the first African American woman elected to Congress. Earlier this month we saw the appointment of Lorraine Miller as the first female African American Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, as long as there are still firsts to be achieved, we must be tireless in promoting the ideals and values of the civil rights movement and its leaders.

Unfortunately, our Nation's history is one that includes harsh divisions along racial lines and, in many cases, deeply institutionalized racism throughout society. As a result of strong leadership, vision and tremendous sacrifice on the part of many, we have made significant progress over time and African Americans have made remarkable and enormous contributions to every sector of our society. Today, our cultural diversity is a source of strength and enrichment for our Nation and it is a particular source of pride for the state of Maryland.

This month gives us an opportunity to acknowledge how far we have come--to recognize the strides and extraordinary contributions that African Americans have made throughout our history. It serves as a time where our museums, cinemas, schools and other community centers can showcase the work of African American artists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, scientists, public officials, teachers, and the like.

But Black History Month also serves a time for us to reflect upon the progress that needs to be made. It is a time to consider the range of experiences within African American heritage and to redouble our commitment to equality for all. Some 38 years ago, the first female African American U.S. Representative, Shirley Chisholm, was elected to this Congress. Earlier this month, we in Congress saw the appointment of Lorraine Miller, the first female African American Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. As long as there are still firsts to be achieved, there remains a reason to promote the ideals and values of the civil rights movement and its leaders. Indeed, the movement continues to represent a beacon for social justice in all of America's communities.

So as we remember the struggle of Dr. King and of the many others who were with him, as well as those who came before and after him, we honor those like Lorraine Miller who are still blazing trails. We honor the special contribution African Americans have made to the greatness of our Nation, reflecting on how far this country has come and reminding ourselves of how far we have to go.

Madam Speaker, the resolution we are debating today is simple and direct. It declares strong support for our troops on the ground in Iraq and opposition to the President's decision to send an additional 21,000 men and women into harm's way. I wholeheartedly endorse the resolution and pray that the President will heed its call.

Most agree now that it was a mistake to invade Iraq. Hearings in the Senate and the House are stripping away the last thin veneers of justification for that fateful decision. They are offering compelling evidence that the administration sacrificed wisdom, judgment, and conscience in favor of shock and awe.

Many of us sense a similar impulse at work in this administration's dealings with Iran. Let us serve notice, this Congress will not allow the administration to pursue yet another ill-fated mission. Madam Speaker, bringing our troops home from Iraq is no longer a whispered prayer; it is now the clarion call of the American people.

One year ago those proposing a new direction in Iraq were labeled as unpatriotic and marginalized in the national discourse. But we have come a long way. Elections do matter. On November 7, the people in my district in Maryland and across the Nation sent a strong message.

The next day Secretary Rumsfeld resigned. Shortly thereafter the Iraq Study Group issued its report sharply criticizing the war. And in the next few days the United States House of Representatives will pass this resolution signaling stiff opposition to the administration's proposal for a troop surge in Iraq.

To those patriotic Americans who have been relentless in their call for an end to the war, know this: collective voice has been heard. In my home State of Maryland, nearly 400 men and woman have died or been wounded in Iraq.

Two days ago, one of my constituents reminded me that the war is no longer being measured in time, but in lives. To the families who have sacrificed so much and who have suffered the ultimate loss, do not fear for a moment that a change in our policy in Iraq, that the effort to stop the escalation and begin drawing down our troops in any way dilutes the value this country places on the service of your loved ones.

History will treat harshly those policymakers at the highest levels who let ideology trump sound and informed judgment. It will fairly criticize politicians who have exploited this war for partisan gain. But it will reserve only pride and lasting gratitude for the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform amidst this sad tale of bungled intelligence and ill-advised policy. They alone are untarnished.

Madam Speaker, I have never been to the war. Never kissed my wife and children goodbye, wondering whether I will ever see them again. Far from the harsh reality in Iraq, I am blessed with the sweet ebb and flow of life's daily routines.

But like many Americans who witness our soldiers dutifully pushing forward every day under impossible circumstances, I am ill at ease. I know that the current policy in Iraq will only lead to more pain for many families and for our country.

Madam Speaker, the American people are tired, they are tired of rhetoric, they are tired of promises to put politics and partisanship aside when all they see is bickering and recrimination. Let's give them hope. Let's send a powerful message contained in this resolution, but let's not stop there.

Let all of us, the President, the House, the Senate, have the decency and dignity of purpose to put differences aside and work every day, beginning this day, to bring our troops home to their families, to their communities, and to a Nation that stands humbled by their sacrifice

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Helen Gale Ferguson and wish her well on the occasion of her 75th birthday. Helen was born in Newfoundland, Canada in February 1932, where she grew up with her siblings as the daughter of a fisherman and boat builder who sailed the waters of the northern Atlantic.

Upon completion of high school, Helen began working for the U.S. Air Force at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville, Newfoundland. It was there that she met and married Mark E. Ferguson, Jr., during his active duty assignment at the base. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, they settled with their children in 1960 in Glen Burnie, Maryland. In 1966, Helen proudly became a U.S. citizen during a ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland. Helen and Mark were married for 41 wonderful years until his passing in 1997.

Helen is the proud mother of four children. Her personal life is one of grace, quiet strength, and love of family. Her values have been passed down to her children, as each of them have chosen a life of service to our Nation. Her daughters Pamela and Patricia both work for the Department of Defense. Her son, David, works for the Department of the Treasury, and her son Mark serves as a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. Helen is adored by her seven grandchildren Alex, Hannah, Andrew, Eric, Ellie, Ian, and Seth.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in sending our very best to Helen Ferguson on the occasion of her 75th birthday and recognizing her as a role model for her strength, dignity, and support for her family. Coming from a family of immigrants myself, I am particularly proud of her as a role model to all who come to this country from humble beginnings, and contribute to the rich fabric of America.

Mr. Speaker, as we know, President Bush wants to send another 22,000 young American men and women into harm's way in Iraq in the face of overwhelming opposition, even within his own party and his own administration. Now we are learning that the military does not have all the equipment needed to safely send these troops to Iraq. The Washington Post reported last week that the increase in troop levels will create major logistical hurdles for the Army and Marine Corps, which are short thousands of vehicles, armor kits and other equipment. Even the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Force Development said, ``We don't have the armor kits and we don't have the trucks,'' and it will take months for the Army to obtain the necessary supplies.

This is simply one more piece of evidence that the administration's proposal to increase troops in Iraq is terribly misguided. It is another example of how the rhetoric of supporting the troops is not matched by the reality.

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. I thank the gentleman from New Hampshire for his amazing leadership of our class. And I am just so excited to be here and to be part of this debate. You will excuse me for looking at the clock every so often. The reason I am doing it is I am so amazed at what we were able to accomplish in 100 hours. I mean, it is almost unprecedented in terms of legislative activity to produce the results that we have.

Congressman Courtney earlier cited Tip O'Neill and the notion that all politics is local. And I think that it is difficult for a lot of folks in this country to understand the connection between what we do here, the action we take, and what happens in their daily lives. But I believe that what we did over the last 10 days is directly connected to making life better for millions of Americans.

All over this country, every day, Americans get up and what do they do? They work hard and they play by the rules. They work hard and they play by the rules. And all they ask, all they expect, and it shouldn't be a tall order, is that we do the same thing; that the people they send here to represent them work hard and play by the rules. We took a step right from the onset by passing an ethics reform package that really is going to make a difference in terms of the way things operate here. And that was the right thing to do. And the message that came from the American people that we needed to do that was loud and clear.

We also decided that we ought to conduct business here in the same way that an average household is conducted, and that is, you make your checkbook balance. So we implemented rules related to fiscal accountability. That makes perfect sense. That makes perfect sense.

Let me talk a little bit more, though, about this connection to people's daily lives in terms of the things that we did. It starts at 6:00 in the morning. If you are a senior citizen in this country, the first thing you do, the first thing you do is you take your prescription medicine. Now, is that an experience that is causing you anxiety because you don't know what trick is coming around the corner next? Or do you feel like your interests are being looked after?

Last week we took the vital step of allowing the Medicare program, on behalf of its beneficiaries, to negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry. That is going to bring drug prices down and that is going to do right by our seniors. So it matters what we do here in terms of people's daily lives.

The working mother who gets up at 6:00 in the morning, gets her two children off to school, and then goes to a job that pays the minimum wage. What we did last week, in passing an increase in the minimum wage is going to make a difference for that person and millions of people around this country just like her.

Families all over America who wake up every day burdened with the worry and the anxiety about a loved one who is suffering from a debilitating disease or condition where the hope that science can provide for treatment is something that can lift them up. We took the step last week, with significant bipartisan support, of approving the Federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. That was the right thing to do for those families.

We have heard about the issue of security. We took steps last week, out of respect for the families of the victims of September 11, we took steps to implement, finally, the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

My blood pressure is going down now because when I go to a gas station to fill up my car I am not seething at the fact that I am paying all this money for gas, and, meanwhile, the oil industry is getting big tax breaks, because we took steps to repeal those because they weren't fair. They weren't fair.

And lastly, we took action on student loans. I have said it before in this Chamber, but I have got to say it again because it is imprinted on me. A woman came up to me whose children are trying to go to college, and she looked me straight in the eye, and this is what she said. She said, I did everything they told me I was supposed to do. My husband and I worked three jobs between us, we saved our money and we told our kids if you work hard and you study, you can make it in America. And now we can't pay for college. We have a problem in this country if people are looking at us and saying, we did everything they told us we were supposed to do and we can't make it. We have to restore the bargain with Americans.

And let me finish by noting this, and it is something we should take to heart as people who have been sent here to make policy. Policymakers can get up in the morning and they can head in one of two different directions. They can get up and they can think about what can I do today as, sadly, I think this administration does, what can I do today to help people who don't need any help? If do you that, you make bad public policy.

But if you get up in the morning and, as I think all of us here do, and you are thinking, what can we do today to help people who really need help, to help the working families of America? Then, you know what? We won't get it perfectly right every time, but most of the time we are going to make good public policy. And that is what we did last week and that is what we did this week. We made good public policy for

the American people. I am proud to have been part of that effort. And I am proud to serve with my colleagues who stepped up and made this 100 hours so meaningful for the American people.

I thank the chairman for yielding his time.

Madam Speaker, the cost of college education is becoming the great separator in American society. It threatens to make access to the American Dream a matter of means and not merit. If we let that happen, then we guarantee the decline of American competitiveness and risk a slow and steady slide into mediocrity.

We can do better, and today we will do better. By passing the College Student Relief Act of 2007 and cutting the interest rates on student loans, we will take an important step in providing fairness and opportunity to the next generation.

I want to tell you about a woman I met in Maryland during my campaign.

She is the mother of three college age students, a professional woman who works here in D.C. She came up to me, she looked me right in the eye, she said, ``I have three children who are going to college and I can't afford it.'' And then she said, ``I did everything they told me I was supposed to do. I worked three jobs, my husband and I between us, we saved our money, and we told our kids if you work hard and study, you can make it in America. And now we can't afford college.''

What she was saying is what millions of Americans are saying, which is we worked hard and played by the rules, and then we found out we couldn't make it.

Madam Speaker, we have a chance today to begin restoring the bargain with America that so many fear is in jeopardy. No student who works hard and achieves should be denied the opportunity to attend college because they cannot afford it. Our country needs these young people if we are going to be strong. I urge passage of H.R. 5.

Madam Speaker, it matters what government does. Every day the policies we enact can make life easier or harder for ordinary citizens. It starts at 5 or 6 or 7 o'clock in the morning, when millions of senior citizens in this country begin their day by taking prescription drug medicine. That should be an experience that makes them feel like someone is looking out for them. Instead, the current part D program has left our seniors feeling anxious and confused. What they cannot understand, Madam Speaker, what no one can understand, because there is no rational explanation for it, is why the Medicare program has been prohibited from negotiating for lower drug prices. Of course there is an explanation: a deal was struck to benefit the insurance and pharmaceutical industries at the expense of our seniors.

Madam Speaker, the legislation before us today will repeal this prohibition and empower the Secretary to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

H.R. 4 makes common sense, and it does right by our seniors. I look forward to bipartisan passage of this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, there are millions of workers in this Nation in desperate need of a pay raise. They work full time, struggling to make ends meet and support their families while bringing home a little more than $10,000 a year in pay. These workers are currently making the minimum wage, which has not moved from $5.15 an hour for almost a decade, making it the lowest minimum wage in 50 years when adjusted for inflation.

This is a national embarrassment. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said: In this rich Nation, it is a crime that any American should have to work for starvation wages.

Today we have an opportunity to come together and give American workers an urgently needed pay raise.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is one of the most fair and necessary bills we will pass during this first 100 hours of the new Congress. It provides all of us an opportunity to help our most vulnerable constituents improve their quality of life.

In America, we believe that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can make a decent living for your family. Let's demonstrate our commitment to that today.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to address the body and speak to the issue of finance, ethics, and other reform that is before the body; and I do it in support of those you have already heard today, many of whom represent the outrage, as has been mentioned, of their constituencies because of situations that were faced by those that they ran against. It is an opportunity that we had to send a clear and positive message to the American people that what they called for in this past election is going to be carried out.

The exit polls all across this country reflected that the number one issue, the number one issue on which the voters cast their vote in the election of 2006 was concern about ethics and reforming ethics. We owe it to the American people, we owe it to all those in this body, and I sincerely recognize that everyone in this body is committed to this. We owe it to all of those to articulate and enact a rules package that incorporates this significant reform.

It is a privilege and an honor for me to stand in support of this package and in support of the ethics reforms being called for by the American people.