Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heart full of sorrow over the horrific violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, which

claimed the innocent lives of twenty children and six school employees. The loss of life and innocence at Sandy Hook is a tragedy over which all Americans mourn, and the thoughts and prayers of Americans everywhere go out to all the victims and their families.

This tragedy represents the fourth time the Nation has been horrified to learn that innocent lives have been ended by gun violence in the past few months. I believe the time has come--indeed, the time has long passed--for this Nation to reevaluate the accessibility and control, in particular, of military assault weapons in our country.

I therefore call upon the President and the Congress to place sensible gun control legislation at the top of their legislative agenda, beginning with the reposition of the expired assault weapons ban. Although such action cannot undo last week's tragedy, I believe it will help to prevent a similar occurrence in the future. For the sake of those lost in Connecticut and all Americans who mourn, we should act without delay.

Words cannot express the deep grief of the families and loved ones of the victims, nor can they properly offer comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with the children, parents, teachers, staff members, and families affected by the violence. I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3193, which amends the Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2004 to revise the description of the land to be held in trust for the Barona Band of Mission Indians of California. This noncontroversial bill states that the parcel of private, non-Indian land that is excluded from the revised description was not intended to be held in trust for the Band or considered to be part of its reservation.

As a member of the Native American Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to address the needs of Native Americans. California is home to nearly one hundred federally recognized tribes. I have made it a priority of mine in Congress to safeguard the interests of our tribes.

After thousands of years of peaceful life in the region, known today as San Diego County, Native American life was abruptly changed in the late 1700s. More than 200 years of hardship for Native Americans began with the arrival of the Spanish military and the establishment of the first presidio and mission in 1769.

In 1875, the Federal Government established the Capitan Grande Reservation for the native people living in the area at that time. About 40 years later in 1932, the city literally bought the Capitan Grande Reservation to build a reservoir and the people were removed from their land.

In 1932, without a homeland but with some Federal monies allotted from the sale, a group of the Capitan Grande tribal members purchased the Barona Ranch which today is the Barona Indian Reservation near Lakeside, about 30 miles northeast of San Diego. For many years living without electricity and other services, the tribal members tried to create a living through the ranch and farming.

Until the early 1990s, the Barona Tribe was still struggling economically in the backwoods of San Diego County. In 1994, the tribe, with the consulting guidance of Venture Catalyst, opened the Barona Casino ``Big Top'', and this property eventually became the world-class Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino.

The casino has become the means to a restoration of self-sufficiency, prosperity and renewed hope. Unemployment and welfare dependency have dropped from 70 percent to zero on the Barona reservation.

Mr. Speaker, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has a long and strong tradition that continues to this day. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. Senator Inouye was an extraordinary leader, family man, and American hero. He leaves behind his wife Irene and son Ken, as well as countless friends and constituents who mourn his passing. He was 88.

Senator Inouye served nobly in World War II and was awarded a Medal of Honor. He then continued to devote his life to our Nation and the State of Hawaii by becoming the state's first congressman as well as a nine-term senator. He was eventually appointed to the prestigious position of Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and in his work he was always mindful of strengthening our national security and fulfilling our promises to our veterans. Many of my constituents have family and friends in Hawaii, and I know they all directly benefited from his hard work and commitment to the values of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, Senator Inouye was a model of integrity, courage, and bipartisanship. His presence will be sorely missed, but I know his memory will inspire our leaders in years to come. I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones. I hope they find some comfort in knowing the incredible legacy he leaves behind in hearts across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, one of the most respected Members of this House, a leader of unparalleled ability, a trusted friend, and one of the best chairs in the 41-year history of the Congressional Black Caucus. I'm talking about the distinguished gentleman from Missouri, the honorable Emanuel Cleaver, II.

The Congressional Black Caucus has long and rightly been known as the ``Conscience of the Congress,'' and it's no exaggeration to say that Emanuel Cleaver is the conscience of the CBC.

Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, he served on the local level. But since coming here to the House in 2004, Emanuel Cleaver has been a champion for the poor, the aged, the infirm, and for those struggling to join the middle class or working to stay there. He has worked tirelessly to expand educational and employment opportunities for those looking to build a better life for themselves and their families and to represent God. He has done so with dignity, grace, civility, and unfailing good cheer.

As CBC chair during the 112th Congress, Emanuel Cleaver understood the importance of drawing attention to the economic crisis in the African American community, where the unemployment rates were more than double that of whites. And under his leadership, the CBC launched the ``For the People'' Jobs Initiative, hosting town hall discussions and job fairs, one of which was in Los Angeles, in my hometown, and four other urban areas hit hardest by the recession.

The CBC took the feedback that was received from those communities and its recommendations for creating jobs to the President, who included them in the American Jobs Act.

Following the assault and the murder of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager in Florida, the CBC stood up for his parents and made sure their plea for justice did not go unheeded. Chairman Cleaver understood that justice delayed is justice denied. And when the precious right to vote was under attack this election season, the CBC, led by Chairman Cleaver and the incoming chair, Marcia Fudge, exposed those voter suppression efforts and worked overtime to overcome those obstacles and to ensure that our constituents were ready and able to vote with the CBC's ``For the People'' voter participation initiative. As a result, African American turnout in the 2012 election far exceeded expectations and was successful in reelecting President Barack Obama.

Mr. Speaker, Chairman Cleaver has led the Congressional Black Caucus with skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equal opportunity during some of the most critical times of this Nation's history. I thank Chairman Cleaver for his service, for his leadership, for his friendship, and, most of all, for his example of being led by God here in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6190, the Asthma Inhalers Relief Act, introduced by Congressman Burgess. This legislation would authorize the distribution and sale of one million asthma inhalers that use over-the-counter epinephrine, named Primatene Mist. This product was sold in aerosol canisters containing CFC's, or chlorofluorlicarbons. CFC products have been banned under the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Consequently, this legislation is opposed by many organizations because it involves the widespread use of a CFC product.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with Ranking Member Waxman as well as with the American Lung Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other national public health organizations in opposition to this bill. I strongly believe in ensuring affordable, quality health care options for all Americans who suffer from asthma; however, I am opposed to legislation that would undermine our commitment to international treaty and that would continue to deplete the ozone. There are safer and more effective ways of safeguarding public health. One way to do this is for Congress to take up and pass H.R. 6284, the Breath of Fresh Air Act, which I introduced earlier this year.

Across the United States, nearly 25 million people have been diagnosed with asthma, including 7 million children. This serious disease impacts every district in every state, and its effects are far- reaching. I have been particularly concerned with the issue of asthma, especially as it affects my home district in California. The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angles operate within and near the 37th Congressional District, and if left unregulated, the California Air Resources Board estimates that the ports will be the largest source of pollution in the state by 2020 greater than the impact of every car on the road in California. The neighborhoods of Los Angeles and Long Beach rank as one of the U.S. cities most polluted by Particle Pollution.

Low-income and minority communities are disproportionately affected by this chronic respiratory disease, and their health outcomes are likely to be worse. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency reports that black children are twice as likely to be hospitalized and four times as likely to die from asthma as white children. Low-income and minority communities also disproportionately live in areas afflicted with high levels of air pollution, allergens, and other environmental factors that trigger asthma attacks. They may also have limited resources to direct toward asthma management or to deal with the financial challenges of medical bills and missed days at school and work.

Authorizing the sale of epinephrine will not address the challenges that asthma patients face. National health organizations have repeatedly issued expert guidelines that advise patients on how to manage their asthma, and none of them recommend the use of over-the- counter medications. In addition, Primatene Mist has been banned since December 31, 2011. This means that patients have already transitioned away from this medicine and have been using alternative medications for almost a full year. A temporary reversal of this ban would be confusing to patients and would not provide them with a sound long-term plan for asthma management. In fact, the only group that stands to profit from such a reversal is the manufacturing company, not asthma patients.

I do agree with Congressman Burgess when he says that Congress must be on the side of asthma patients, and I am working hard to make sure that Americans have access to quality and timely care. That is why in August, I introduced H.R. 6284, the Breath of Fresh Air Act, which has been endorsed by the Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics. This legislation would establish a grant program to make funds available to elementary and secondary schools to purchase nebulizers. A nebulizer is an extremely easy-to-use medical device that delivers medicine in the form of a mist directly to the person's lungs. Oftentimes it is the best remedy for young children who may not cooperate in their time of distress. By making these devices available at local schools and treating symptoms as soon as they present themselves, we can take significant steps toward reducing the number of asthma-related emergency room visits each year.

Mr. Speaker, it is critical that Americans who suffer from asthma have access to lifesaving medications and health care. I am glad to see Congress recognize the challenges that Americans with asthma face, and it is my hope that we can continue making this a legislative priority. I urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 6190 and instead support the Breath of Fresh Air Act and other legislation that directly improves the lives of asthma patients without sacrificing environmental standards.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 65 million Americans who spend on average 20 hours per week selflessly caring for family members or friends who, through age, disability, or illness, have lost the ability to care for themselves.

For most of us, the act of caring for those in need is a basic aspect of what it means to be human. Compassion, either through charitable giving or community service, is inseparable from American ideals of human rights for every member of our society. Whenever we treat those around us as we want to be treated, we contribute to a culture of responsibility and respect for life that leads us to do great things in the name of humanity.

Two weeks ago, President Barack Obama proclaimed November 2012 as National Family Caregivers Month. Anyone who spends time caring for a loved one in need is considered a family caregiver. Let us use this occasion to honor these everyday heroes and raise awareness of the profound contributions they make to society.

Family caregivers save taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars each year through their efforts.

According to studies compiled by the National Family Caregivers Association, the value of the unpaid services provided each year is estimated to be $375 billion, which is almost twice as much as the $158 billion spent in 2009 on homecare and nursing home services combined.

In my home state of California alone there were 3,419,481 family caregivers in 2004 providing over $36 billion worth of care. Though they are mostly untrained, family caregivers now provide about 80% of all long-term care in the United States.

Imagine if taxpayers had to foot the full bill. Now, more than ever, family caregivers are essential to providing the best services and deserve the support of government and the medical community.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Census projects a massive growth in the number of Americans 65 and older as the baby-boomer generation ages. Populations in this age bracket will double in 23 states by 2030.

As medical progress means longer lives, families struggle to provide long-term family care than they did in past decades. Families are smaller and more spread out, and many family caregivers must juggle work and raising children in addition to their caregiving responsibilities. Family caregivers may need to operate complex medical equipment or practice delicate procedures without any formal training.

The ``graying of America'' will have a tremendous impact on families providing care for their older members.

Many public health officials are concerned that we may not be ready to assume the roles of family caregivers. Studies suggest that many Americans have not spent much time thinking about or preparing for long-term care. People who have no experience as a family caregiver may have extreme difficulty in approaching such a responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, the fact is that most of us will find ourselves in a similar situation, either giving or requiring long term care at various points in our lives.

Family caregivers often put themselves second as they balance competing commitments to their jobs, families, and communities. Tragically, more than 1 in 10 family caregivers report that their physical health has deteriorated as a result of extreme stress.

Family caregivers experiencing extreme stress have been shown to age prematurely. This level of stress can take as much as 10 years off a family caregiver's life.

Mr. Speaker, 40 to 70 percent of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression with approximately a quarter to half of these caregivers meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression.

We must also remember that many disabled veterans are supported by family caregivers. Having given so much for their country, I believe that they and their family members should not have to struggle to live out a full, dignified life.

Therefore, we should do everything possible to support family caregivers and lighten their burdens.

It begins with encouraging people to take adequate steps to prepare for their future care. This means setting aside funds to cover unforeseen medical expenses, signing a living will, and making preparations with family and friends. Health professionals must be sensitive to the needs of family caregivers and enlist them in formulating a patient's long-term care plan.

We also need to make sure that family caregivers have access to information and resources that can help them meet their responsibilities with minimal strain and unnecessary cost.

Finally, we must ensure that the concerns of family caregivers are reflected in all major healthcare legislation.

We are all family caregivers, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to work together to support human dignity and the American family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5934, the Stop Tobacco Smuggling in the Territories Act. This important bill would prohibit the trafficking of contraband cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

This important and commonsense legislation was introduced by my great friend and colleague, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega. Currently, the federal criminal code prohibits the smuggling of tobacco in the states; however, tobacco products continue to be trafficked through the territories by individuals looking to avoid paying taxes. This practice does not only warp market prices and rob the government of thousands of dollars each year in tax revenue. It also contributes to the public health problems associated with smoking.

I am proud to represent the 37th Congressional District of California, which is home to the largest American Samoan population outside American Samoa. The issue of tobacco smuggling matters to the loved ones and family members of my constituents, and it has become a priority of mine, as well. I am proud to stand with Congressman Faleomavaega, and I thank him for his outstanding leadership.

Mr. Speaker, the passage of the Stop Tobacco Smuggling in the Territories Act will be an important step towards curbing this practice and restoring lost revenue back to local governments. I strongly support H.R. 5934, and I urge my colleagues to join me in strengthening the capacity of Samoan tobacco enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this week, November 11 through November 17, 2012, as American Education Week. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the millions of Americans who work every day to give our youth a world class public education.

American Education Week was first observed in 1921 by the National Education Association and the American Legion. Representatives of these organizations were concerned that a quarter of World War I draftees were illiterate, and they began a movement to raise awareness of the needs of public schools. Now in its 91st year, American Education Week is an annual reminder of the importance of community involvement in education.

As a former preschool teacher, I know firsthand of the challenges that face educators today. As classes grow and budgets shrink, teachers are often asked to do more with less. Nevertheless, millions of devoted Americans continue to serve our Nation's youth as teachers, administrators, and school personnel. I am continually impressed by their hard work and the tremendous impact they have on shaping future generations.

Ultimately, it is all of our responsibility to give our children a bright and well-rounded education. We all play a role in educating our Nation's children, from the parents who volunteer at school to community members who mentor and lead by example. During this month, let us also thank these dedicated individuals and encourage others to become similar community leaders as well.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in giving a heartfelt thank you to the hardworking teachers, school employees, mentors and parents of the 37th Congressional District as well as those across the nation. I encourage students, parents, and school officials to participate in the local events of American Education Week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as American Diabetes Month. I urge my colleagues to join me in raising diabetes awareness and encouraging Americans to learn more about how to prevent and manage this disease.

I understand on a very personal level the challenges that come with this disease. Diabetes took the life of my father, and it takes the lives of over 68,000 other Americans each year. It is also the leading cause of kidney failure, and its complications include high blood pressure and heart disease.

Diabetes is a growing concern for millions of Americans, but it is important to note that diabetes disproportionately affects minority communities. I represent one of the most diverse districts in the Nation, the 37th Congressional District of California, and racial disparities in health outcomes and access to care are of particular concern to me. In California, of 2.3 million African Americans, over 300,000 have diabetes, and there are approximately 4,500 deaths annually.

Although diabetes affects every district in every State, many Americans still struggle to access important information about the seriousness of diabetes and its complications. As a Member of Congress, I am working hard to change this and to ensure that all Americans secure their right to quality, affordable health care.

I would like to take a moment to express my continued support for the Affordable Care Act, which has been and will continue to be instrumental in improving access to health care. The Affordable Care Act ensures that people with diabetes can no longer be discriminated against for pre-existing conditions. No longer can they be denied coverage or charged at higher rates. Also, the elimination of lifetime and annual caps on coverage means that people with diabetes and other chronic conditions will not have to fear an end to their care.

Through new government policy, improved education, and greater awareness, we can begin to control this epidemic. Although there is no cure, there are many preventative measures that all Americans can take to reduce their risk and control their diabetes. I encourage everyone to exercise regularly, watch for warning signs, and make smart health decisions.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for joining me in recognizing this month as American Diabetes Month, and I pledge to continue standing with the millions of Americans who have been impacted by this disease.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Lung Cancer Awareness Month because lung cancer is a devastating disease that affects thousands of Americans every year.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. This year, as in the past, lung cancer will kill more Americans than any other cancer. In fact, lung cancer will claim more lives than the next four leading cancer killers--breast, prostate, colon and pancreas cancers--combined.

Mr. Speaker, in the United States, about 213,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year and more than 160,000 die from it. Lung cancer tends to be diagnosed later in smokers than in non smokers because the symptoms of the disease are common among smokers. Late diagnosis of the disease also makes it a lot more challenging to treat and in some cases too late to cure.

Mr. Speaker, Lung Cancer Awareness Month allows us to pay tribute to the extraordinary health workers who dedicate their lives to fighting this disease. This month we also take the opportunity to support the patients and their families who are affected by lung cancer.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of Lung Cancer Awareness Month as well as to join me as a cosponsor of H.R. 1394, the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2011.

The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2011 amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a comprehensive program to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2020. It requires the program to include initiatives throughout HHS, including: (1) a strategic review and prioritization by the National Cancer Institute of research grants; (2) the establishment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of quality standards and guidelines for facilities that conduct computed tomography screening for lung cancer; and (3) the provision of funds to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a Lung Cancer Early Detection Program that provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved populations that are at high risk for lung cancer access to early detection services.

The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2011 requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate with the Secretary of HHS in implementing this Act and implementing coordinated care programs for military personnel and veterans diagnosed with lung cancer. It also requires the Secretary of HHS to establish: (1) the Lung Cancer Computed Tomography Screening and Treatment Demonstration Project; and (2) the Lung Cancer Advisory Board to monitor the programs established under this Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of National Adoption Month because family is a fundamental American value. Family makes us who we are. Family provides us support and it provides us with a strong sense of belonging.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, there are thousands of children across the United States who are alone and do not know family. According to the most recent Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) report which provides government statistics for FY 2011, there are 104,000 children and youth currently in foster care who are waiting for permanent families.

Mr. Speaker, raising awareness about adoption has been the focus of politicians for many decades. In 1976, Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts announced an Adoption Week to promote awareness of the need for adoptive families for children in foster care. In 1984, President Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week. Seventeen years ago, in 1995, President Bill Clinton expanded the awareness week to the entire month of November.

During National Adoption Month, we are granted the opportunity to continue our efforts to promote and raise awareness about adoption.

Today, we are making every effort to use the Internet and social media in adoption recruitment.

Mr. Speaker, this month, we place particular attention on the youth and children looking for families and on the families looking to adopt. Our goal for the month of November is to put special emphasis on uniting youth and adoptive parents as happy, permanent families.

I am a proud supporter of the Affordable Care Act which improved adoption credit. The Affordable Care Act raised the maximum adoption credit to $13,360 per child, up from $13,170 in 2010 and $12,150 in 2009. The adoption tax credit was refundable for tax year 2011, meaning that eligible taxpayers receive it even if they owe no tax for that year. In general, the credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney's fees and travel expenses.

I am also a proud member of the adoption caucus.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of National Adoption Month. I also urge you to join me in supporting the Affordable Care Act and in becoming a member of the adoption caucus.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Dr. William ``Bill'' O'Neill, a legendary educator and husband of Beverly O'Neill, one of the most popular and effective mayors in Long Beach history. Dr. O'Neill spent his entire life contributing to the vibrancy and intellectual wealth of the Long Beach community. He passed away peacefully on October 24, 2012 at the age of 81, surrounded by his loved ones.

Dr. O'Neill was born and raised in Long Beach, California, where he attended Long Beach Poly High School and met his wife of sixty years. They later attended Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach. Together, they had a daughter, Teresa, and became proud grandparents to her son, Nolan.

Besides being a proud family man, Dr. O'Neill was also a brilliant and leading figure in California's higher education system. He taught at the University of Southern California for 32 years and served as president of the National American Education Studies Organization. He authored over 75 scholarly articles and published 8 books focusing on the philosophy of education.

As a city councilwoman, I had the distinct pleasure of serving Long Beach alongside Dr. O'Neill's wife, Mayor Beverly O'Neill. It was an honor to get to know Dr. O'Neill and his beautiful family, and I have always been personally moved by his commitment to his loved ones and his pride in their many accomplishments. I hope that the memories of his love will provide comfort during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, with the passing of Dr. O'Neill, our community has lost a great man. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends, and I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence to honor his memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and achievements of Senator McGovern. On October 21, 2012, Senator McGovern passed away at a hospice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; he was 90 years old.

Mr. Speaker, the death of Senator McGovern is a great loss for our nation. George McGovern was a brave veteran who survived 35 missions as a B-24 bomber pilot during the Second World War. The hero was recognized and decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for safely landing his damaged B-24.

Senator McGovern was a dedicated public servant who served three terms as a senator for the state of South Dakota. He made tremendous and long-lived contributions to his state, to our nation, and to the world.

As the Democratic Presidential candidate in the 1972 election, Senator McGovern helped launch the political careers of many including President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Senator McGovern's role as chair of the McGovern Commission resulted in many important reforms that laid the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

Mr. Speaker, Senator McGovern's lasting legacy was as the leading champion in the fight to end world hunger. He served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture for three years and crossed party lines to work with Senator Robert Dole to create the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Nutrition Program. Since 2001, the ``Food for Peace'' program has supported projects in 44 countries. Today, it continues to support projects in 36 countries. The program provides about $100 million annually to support commodity, transportation, and implementation costs that allow organizations to implement 10-15 projects using donations of around 90,000 metric tons of U.S. farm commodities.

I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence to honor the memory of Senator George McGovern of South Dakota.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and achievements of Senator Arlen Specter. On October 14, 2012, Senator Arlen Specter passed on due to complications of non-Hodgkins lymphoma; he was 82.

Mr. Speaker, Senator Arlen Specter was a dedicated public servant who served as a senator for the state of Pennsylvania. He made tremendous and long-lived contributions to Pennsylvania and to our nation.

Senator Arlen Specter was a leader on criminal justice issues and foreign affairs. He also worked on stem cell research legislation with Democrats as part of his fight to advance health care research.

Mr. Speaker, Senator Arlen Specter will be remembered for the important bipartisan role he played.

I urge my colleagues to join me in the mourning and remembering Senator Arlen Specter.

Mr. Speaker, it is my regrettable duty to report the death of a persnal hero and a great American, former Congressman Mervyn Dymally. Mr. Dymally died Sunday, October 7, 2012. He was 86. I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my dear friend Mervyn, known to his friends as Merv. I will remember him most for his tremendous work helping African Americans in California succeed in politics at all levels of government.

Merv served as a California assemblyman, state senator, and lieutenant governor and as a Member of Congress for over a decade. However, I will remember him for the role he played in providing leadership, political representation, and for his efforts to increase accessibility to health care in African American communities. He also was a champion for education, social justice, economic opportunity, and an enlightened U.S. policy toward Africa and the Caribbean. He was instrumental in establishing the nursing school at Charles Drew University, which is named after him.

In 2006, I had the great honor of serving with Merv in the California State Assembly. He was a trailblazer who opened doors and mentored the next generation of political leaders, myself included. Merv had the foresight to see the possibility of increasing African American representation in elective offices all around the country. Merv legitimized our efforts and succeeded by establishing the largest Legislative Black Caucus in California history, coined the ``Divine Nine.''

Just five short months into my first term as a state assemblywoman, Merv was one of the mentors who encouraged me to run for the seat vacated by the untimely passing of the late Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald. Merv and I often shared many conversations about how to best serve the people of the 37th Congressional District.

Merv was by my side again this year, working to educate the community on the importance of voting and preserving African American representation. Merv has been a steady guide throughout my political career and for that I am blessed for having known him and learned from him.

Merv was a great leader, mentor and friend and he will be sorely missed. I extend my prayers to his family, offer my willingness to assist, and say thank you for sharing life's most precious treasures: time, life and love of a political father to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in memory of Mervyn Dymally.