Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the higher education system in the United States is the envy of the world. The universities here are a part of America's backbone, providing young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's global economy.

However, Mr. Speaker, as the value of a college education has risen, so has the cost of tuition at universities across the country. Nowhere is this truer than in public universities in the state of California where budget cuts, furlough days, and tuition increases have become the new normal.

Average in-State tuition and fees at public 4-year institutions of higher education have risen 8.3 percent between the 2010 2011 and 2011 2012 academic years. The tuition hikes at public universities threaten access to higher education for millions of low and middle-income students who have worked hard in high school and deserve to go to college.

As a result of the increase in tuition at public and private universities, student loan debt now exceeds credit card debt (totaling $870 billion) and is expected to reach one trillion dollars this year. Students graduating from college between 2006 and 2010 had a median student loan debt of $20,000.

I am the proud sponsor of H.R. 5801, the Unshackling Students to Lead, Excel, Act, Develop and Succeed Act, or the ``U.S. LEADS Act,'' which will provide student loan debt relief for recent college graduates searching for employment.

The U.S. LEADS Act, would assist recent college graduates who are entering a difficult job market by allowing them to defer payment on their federal student loans without accruing interest when the national unemployment rate exceeds seven percent, or when the unemployment rate for 21 25 year olds exceeds nine percent.

We know that a college education is one of defining markers in determining an individual's economic security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for the civilian population 25 years and over with at least a bachelor's degree is 4.2% while the rate for individuals with only a high school degree is 10.7%.

Helping young Americans pursue higher education provides them with the most secure pathway to the middle class and is an investment in our country's future. Our economy depends on an educated citizenry to out- compete and out-innovate the rest of the world,

and maintaining access to a quality and affordable education is central to preserving America's status as the global center for academic research and technological innovation.

If my bill were to pass, it would provide relief to more than 25,000 recent college graduates in my congressional district alone.

Students who have worked hard and played by the rules deserve the peace of mind in knowing that they will not be crushed by the weight of their student loan debt if they are unable to retain gainful employment as soon as they graduate from college.

Mr. Chair, I speak in support of the En Bloc Amendment #5 to H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which includes two of my amendments.

I thank Chairman McKeon, Ranking Member Smith, and their staffs for their work on this bill, their devotion to the men and women of the Armed Forces, and for accepting my amendments.

Richardson Amendment No. 82 requires the Department of Defense to post on all its websites information on sexual assault prevention and response resources.

In light of technology, many people, particularly service personnel receive the majority of their information via the Internet.

Furthermore, online access to the needed information is particularly important because persons needing sexual assault resource information may be reluctant to seek information in a public setting without fear of losing privacy, or worse retaliation.

Richardson Amendment #112 improves the Defense Authorization Act by increasing the effectiveness of the Northern Command (``NORTHCOM'') in fulfilling its critical mission of protecting the U.S. homeland in event of war and to provide support to local, state, and federal authorities in times of national emergency.

This amendment was included in last year's National Defense Authorization Act and I am pleased that it is included this year also.

The purpose for NORTHCOM's existence is to bring the capabilities and the resources of the U.S. military to the assistance of the American people during a catastrophic disaster.

NORTHCOM leaders will be much more effective in saving lives, protecting assets, and enhancing resilience after a disaster has occurred if they are trained in the techniques of effective engagement with civilian leadership.

My amendment ensures that such training will be available.

I thank the gentleman for allowing me to speak in support of the Young-Richardson amendment, No. 141, that we have before us. I would like to thank Chairman McKeon and also Ranking Member Smith and their staff for all of their hard work on this very important bill.

The Young-Richardson amendment calls for the expedited completion of the study of the Nation's strategic ports called for in the National Defense Authorization Act. As a representative of a district that serves the largest port complex in the Nation and the fifth largest in the world, it is important that we always remember that in times of war, the role of ports is to protect our forts.

This amendment directs the Department of Defense to provide a copy of the report to the GAO for additional review of the extent to which the facilities and infrastructure serving our strategic seaports meet the demands of the Department of Defense. The completion of this report is vital in its assessment of the structural integrity, the deficiencies and, most importantly, the report will identify potential funding sources to undertake these needed improvements.

I thank the House Armed Services Committee for including this Young- Richardson amendment in the en bloc, and I also applaud Mr. Young on his long-standing leadership.

I would like to thank the ranking member, Mr. Smith, and Chairman McKeon for including this amendment en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week. America has always been a leader in transportation development from the submarine to the steam engine that connected two great oceans and the first flight at Kitty Hawk to the mighty interstates that connect our cities. Transportation is our nation's lifeblood and has been a driving force of our economy. On May 18 is National Defense Transportation Day and May 13 19 is National Transportation Week.

A nation's ability to transport first responders, servicemembers, and materials to the front lines of any crisis is the key to saving lives and protecting our freedoms. Our transportation networks have enabled us to react with speed and efficiency during a crisis.

Our roads, rails, runways, and shipyards have formed the foundation for a thriving global marketplace. Letting these vital infrastructures diminish in quality hampers our ability to maintain a thriving global marketplace. Recommitting to investing and building modern day infrastructure, as we did in the 1950s, we can once again galvanize our economy and soar to new heights like that of the eagle.

Transportation has a high priority for me as a member of Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and ranking member of Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications. Crumbling bridges put our safety at risk, and antiquated infrastructure limits our capacity to respond to threats, emergencies, and hazards at home and abroad. These situations diminish our security, our prosperity, and our resilience, and we must do more to address them.

The need for strong and sustainable transportation networks has never been greater. The state of our roads and railways creates a competitive disadvantage that discourages investment and slows the pace of progress. Our nation invests only 2.4 percent of our GDP where as Europe and China invests 5 percent and 9 percent respectively into creating competitive infrastructure. We are greatly lagging behind and investing would save 1.8 million jobs and create up to 1 million more jobs.

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant program, all 50 States have launched new highway and infrastructure projects, and many have funded passenger rail development that will modernize our cities and help put more construction workers back on the job. But this is not enough; I remain committed to upgrading our infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of our transportation systems, bringing diverse, sustainable transit opportunities to communities across our country, and investing in innovative solutions to address the transportation challenges of today and tomorrow.

On National Defense Transportation Day and during National Transportation Week, we celebrate that rich legacy and recommit to building robust infrastructure that will accelerate our economy in the years ahead. An economy built to last depends on a world-class infrastructure system. I call upon all Members to recognize the importance of our Nation's transportation infrastructure and to acknowledge the contributions of those who build, operate, and maintain these critical infrastructures.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor May as Older Americans Month. Since 1963 our Nation has come together to celebrate the seniors in our communities. This month the theme is ``Never Too Old to Play'', which emphasizes how important it is for older Americans to stay active and engaged in their communities.

Communities are encouraged to organize social events like trivia night, painting a mural or a team photo scavenger hunt to encourage seniors to get involved. Just this past week I hosted a senior luncheon in my district.

This annual event is not only an opportunity to listen to my constituents concerns over a great meal, but it is a time for seniors to get together and enjoy themselves. We had performances from local entertainment groups, speeches and karaoke. It was a wonderful time for all involved.

I have also introduced H.R. 3794, the Expanding Opportunities for Older Americans Act of 2011. This bill would amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include government funding to hire seniors who still wish to be working and active. Although seniors have already given so much, I truly believe they have much more to offer.

Older Americans Month is also a great time to bridge the generation gap. Children to young adults can learn so much from the older generation, but they rarely interact in everyday life. There is so much valuable knowledge the young people from this country can receive from the older generation, and this is an opportunity for people of all ages to get out there and interact together.

This month also gives me a chance to address an issue of key importance; caring for seniors with chronic illness and preventing unnecessary hospitalizations. In-home care can make a huge difference in recovery from illness and inpatient hospital treatments. Being around family and in the comfort of one's own home makes these traumatic experiences that much less painful.

Mr. Speaker, the majority of the skilled home healthcare providers in my district deliver high-quality, clinically effective and highly efficient care. In-home care is so important for the seniors who would otherwise be forced into hospitals without it.

As an elected official I want to make sure that Medicare funds in my district are going to those who qualify and deserve it, so we can continue to provide the best care for our seniors. With such a tough economic outlook throughout the nation it is of vital importance that we are not handing money over to criminals who are trying to play the system.

Mr. Speaker, after decades of paying taxes and working hard so that they will have security in retirement, the seniors of America deserve our full support. I hope every community takes this month to plan at least one event supporting the older generation, and bringing people of all ages together.

This month I honor the seniors of the 37th district of California, as well as all seniors across the country. Thank you for all you do, and do not forget, ``It is never too old to play''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to submit my remarks in opposition to a Republican bill that weakens protections for violence against women and in support of the bipartisan Senate bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 656, Rule Providing Consideration of H.R. 4970, Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Reporting a closed rule for the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act is another example of shutting Democrats out of the legislation process by ruling out any opportunity for Democrats to offer much needed Amendments.

The House version of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act unfortunately omits improvements contained in the Senate version of the bill. What is worse is that the House version in its current form removes existing protections for immigrant women, and puts them at greater risk of domestic and sexual abuse, and it does not provide adequate and equal protection for tribal women and the LGBT community.

For nearly two decades now, Democrats have firmly supported the Violence Against Women Act and the critical assistance it has provided for women, men, and children, and have worked with Republicans to ensure its reauthorization twice in the past. Unfortunately, since Republicans have taken over the House, bipartisanship and compromise have fallen out of fashion. Republicans have continually played partisan politics and refused to compromise in an effort to move this country forward, and here we are again with another clear example of that.

Reporting a closed rule for consideration of Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act is a full-fledged promotion of the Republican attack against women and approval of legislation that is intended to silence the cries of millions of women around our country.

Violence Against Women Act has never been and should never be a partisan issue. It is astonishing how the Republican majority has lost sight of our purpose as lawmakers. We have been trusted with the responsibility of protecting society and ensuring justice to victims. Democrats and Republicans have always worked together to reauthorize Violence Against Women Act since its original passage in 1994. But that is not the case today.

This rule completely shuts out Democrats and does not allow for the possibility of a bipartisan consensus. I cannot support a rule making in order a bill that strips immigrant women, tribal women and the LGBT community of vital protections as this bill does.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to stand with me in opposition to this rule.

Mr. Speaker, it is my regrettable duty to report the death of a great American, Nicolas King. Mr. King died on April 3, 2012 in Santa Rosa, California. He was 79. Perhaps more than any other person, Mr. King was responsible for preserving the Watts Towers in Los Angeles, which has been visited by millions over the past 50 years.

King was instrumental in preserving the world famous Watts Towers which adds an aesthetic appeal to my 37th District. The unique work of folk art, was created over 33 years by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia. Rodia, described as a cement finisher and construction worker, began building the towers in 1921. The nearly 100-foot complex of spires and other structures are decorated with broken pottery, seashells, glazed tiles and pieces of colored glass.

In 1954, Rodia moved to Martinez, California to be closer to family and signed his property over to his neighbor, Louis Sauceda. His former house had burned down, the gates to the walled property were open and unguarded, and the grounds were littered with refuse left by unwanted visitors. Nicholas King and his friend, William Cartwright, visited the famed Watts Towers for the first time and were surprised by what they saw.

The current owner was a dairy farmer by the name of Joseph Montoya. For $3,000 and a downpayment check of just $20, Nicholas King and William Cartwright became the owners of the Watts Towers. King and Cartwright cleaned up the area around the towers, and an architect friend of Cartwright soon drew up a plan for a caretaker's cottage on the property. But when the architect went to apply for a building permit, he discovered that an order had been issued earlier for Montoya to ``demolish and remove the fire-damaged dwelling and dangerous towers from the premises on or before March 5, 1957.'' The Watts Towers in 1959 passed a stress test in which the tallest spire was subjected to 10,000 pounds of force and avoided demolition.

With the establishment of the Committee for Simon Rodia's Towers in Watts, King and Cartwright yielded ownership of the towers to

the committee. The group elected Cartwright as its chairman and he and King as permanent directors.

Born Robert Nicholas King in Sacramento on March 21, 1933, he studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse after graduating from high school in 1951. King had uncredited roles in The Long, Hot Summer and as a medic in The Young Lions. He had the role of Arnie in Joy Ride (1958) and Georgie in The Threat (1960). He also had a recurring role on the TV version of the radio serial ``One Man's Family.''

In 1969, King became a partner in a land cooperative on the Garcia River in Point Arena in Northern California, where he moved with his wife, Kate, and their two young children. King was involved in logging and started a nursery business in which he grafted apple trees and sold root stocks and apples. He also helped organize the river preservation group Friends of the Garcia and was active in the group Save Our Salmon.

Nicholas King's inspirational life reminds us to preserve the rich artistic history of America. William Cartwright said it best, ``We knew we had to do something that we believed should have been done before us: preserving something that needed it and not abandoning it.'' Generations to come will be touched by the artwork at Watts Towers and we have Nicholas King to thank. He will be deeply missed and I urge my colleagues to join me in extending condolences to the King Family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in memory of Nicholas King.

Mr. Speaker, later today the name of Anthony Giniewicz of Signal Hill, California, will be added to the National Peace Officers Memorial Wall of Honor. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is the nation's monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Officer Giniewicz, who served on the Signal Hill Police Department, died on December 7, 2011, as a result of gunshot wounds sustained 26 years earlier during an exchange

of gunfire with gang members. He will be enshrined on the Memorial Wall of Honor with 361 other peace officers who died in the line of duty in 2011, 19 of whom are from California.

Dedicated on October 15, 1991, the Memorial honors Federal, State and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our Nation and its people. Carved on its walls are the names of more than 19,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known death in 1791.

On February 19, 1985, Officer Giniewicz and his partner were accosted by three gang members while off duty in Signal Hill, California. When Officer Giniewicz identified himself as a police officer the assailants opened fired and shot him multiple times. Miraculously, Officer Giniewicz survived the shooting but was paralyzed from the waist. He spend the next 26 years as a paraplegic and underwent multiple surgeries before succumbing on December 7, 2011 due to complications from his injuries.

It is fitting recognition of Officer Giniewicz's heroism that his name will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall during the National Peace Officers Memorial Service.

Officer Giniewicz was more than a police officer, he was a dedicated father, son, brother, friend, and role model to his colleagues on the Signal Hill Police Department. Although his injuries were severe and followed him throughout his life, he fought through it and was still able to enjoy many of the activities he loved before the shooting. Officer Giniewicz was a 35-year member of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, as well as a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Speaker, Officer Anthony Giniewicz epitomized everything that is good and true and great about America. He was brave and kind and fearless and devoted to serving others. He is survived by his mother, Nellie; son, Anthony Aleksandr; stepson, John; stepdaughter, Barbara; former wife, Barbara; six sisters Paula, Linda, Elaine, Christine, Diane and Laurie; and two grandchildren Katelyn and Marissa.

As a member of the Law Enforcement Caucus and the representative in Congress of Signal Hill, California, I am saddened at the loss of Officer Anthony Giniewicz but proud to represent the police department Officer Giniewicz served with such distinction. I am honored to represent the people of the 37th Congressional District of California in paying tribute to the 362 fallen heroes who will be joining the more than 19,000 gallant men and women who gave the last full measure of devotion to the communities they took an oath to protect and serve.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in memory of Officer Anthony Giniewicz and every other man and woman whose name graces the National Peace Officers Memorial Wall of Honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish community has been a vibrant presence in America for over 350 years and contributed greatly to American history and culture. The Jewish community has tirelessly worked to promote issues that affect all Americans, not just members of their own community. With a strong commitment to philanthropy, education, and human and civil rights, Jewish Americans have helped shape the United States into the beacon of hope and equality that it is today.

Approximately five million of the world's thirteen million Jews live in the United States, constituting roughly two percent of the national population. Despite these relatively small numbers, the Jewish community has made a substantial impact on protecting America's promise of equality. Generations of Jewish Americans have pioneered workers' and civil rights, fought honorably in our armed forces, and served as a strong model for women's equality.

As we enter into the month of May, we should also recognize the 64th anniversary of Israel's founding in May of 1948. The United States has always maintained a strong relationship with Israel and has respected Israel's commitment to democracy and its resilience in the face of constant adversity. The Jewish community has played an important role in fostering this relationship.

Mr. Speaker, as a representative of one of the most diverse districts in the Nation, I firmly believe that an appreciation of other cultures and religions is what makes our country great. I am proud to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month and the wonderful contributions the Jewish community has made throughout our Nation's history.

Madam Speaker, today I rise up in support of H.R. 365, the National Blue Alert Act of 2011. This bill would create a Federal information network that would make it easier to track down and prosecute those who seriously injure or kill State and Federal law enforcement officers.

In 2011 a total of 72 law enforcement officers were killed by perpetrators, 10 of which were in my home state of California. For the first time in 14 years there were more officers killed by gunfire than officers killed in traffic accidents.

Gun violence against law enforcement had declined in recent decades; however there was a 70 percent increase from 2008 to 2011. The cause for this increase is unknown, but with technology growing better each day, and methods becoming more sophisticated, these statistics should be going in the opposite direction.

Some officers attribute the rise in deaths to budget cuts and officers not having the necessary resources to ensure their own safety. Others believe that the new trend of sending officers to the most violent areas of the city as a preventative measure has led to the spike. Regardless, this is a problem that needs an immediate solution.

Due to this dramatic increase in only a few short years, the FBI conducted a study which showed many of the officers were killed while attempting to arrest or subdue a suspect who already had a history of violent crimes. With this information they implemented a new Federal program so that now when an officer pulls over a car and runs the license plate they will be informed if the suspect has a violent criminal record so they can be properly prepared.

While this new program is a step in the right direction, law enforcement officers will always be put in high risk situations. It is simply the nature of the job. They put their lives on the line everyday to protect the citizens of this country, and they deserve to know their government is doing everything it can to provide them with as much safety as possible.

The National Blue Alert Act of 2011 would ease the minds of officers, reassuring them of a quick and efficient response should anything happen to them while on duty. The bill would also increase the likelihood of catching a perpetrator who injures or kills an officer.

Madam Speaker, every stop an officer makes can be potentially fatal. Yet these men and women go to work every day because they know their service will save the lives of countless others. With this level of self sacrifice the very least we can do as elected officials is provide them with the reassurances within the National Blue Alert Act.

Today, I ask my colleagues to rise up in support of the National Blue Alert Act of 2011. A quick response may be all it takes to save the life of an officer who gives so much, and asks for so little in return.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 205, the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home Ownership (HEARTH) Act of 2011. As a member of the Native American Caucus and a proud co-sponsor of this legislation, I believe the HEARTH Act is an important step forward in supporting tribal self-determination and self-governance.

Native American families buying homes have to go through a unique and burdensome process that involves securing approval from the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to lease tribal land. This application process can take as long as two years to complete, often making the dream of owning a home on their tribal land unattainable. Sellers and mortgage lenders are usually unable or unwilling to wait this long, and buyers often resort to moving off tribal land.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) plays an important role in the education, healthcare, infrastructure maintenance and law enforcement, among other services, for Native Alaskans and American Indians. The BIA oversees more than 55 million acres of some of the most economically depressed and isolated areas of the United States and is critical in improving the quality life of its members.

The HEARTH Act is a plan for reform that will improve the efficiency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and will shift important responsibilities to tribes. Under this Act, tribes. Under this Act, tribes will develop their own regulations to be approved by the Secretary of the Interior, and local leaders can assume control over their own leasing processes. Families will avoid the lengthy wait and can seize the opportunity to invest in land that has been in their family and tribe for generations.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for this critical legislation. This is a bill we can all support as it will improve the efficiency of one of our federal bureaus while simultaneously improving housing opportunities for Native American populations. Home ownership is an important part of the American dream, and the HEARTH Act will help hard-working American families achieve that goal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 568, ``Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.'' As a member of the Homeland Security Committee and a proud cosponsor of this resolution, I believe it is of critical importance to American security to continue dialogue with Iran. However, we must also take a clear stance that the United States will take the necessary steps to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

H. Res. 568 rejects the possibility of containing a nuclear Iran. If Iran is able to develop nuclear weapons, Tehran will be able to leverage its new capabilities to secure its own agenda at the expense of broader American interests. Such a program would also likely spur other Middle Eastern countries to develop their own nuclear capabilities, leading to an arms race and massive instability. The development of these weapons is not just bad for the region. It is dangerous to the global community.

The United States has always maintained a strong relationship with the State of Israel and is committed to its security and prosperity. I was particularly alarmed to hear of top Iranian officials threatening to ``wipe Israel off the map,'' and I urge my colleagues not to take this threat lightly. The United States has a demonstrated history of supporting democracy, human rights, and peace throughout the Middle East. A nuclear arms race would be an affront to this ideal.

Mr. Speaker, I also stand with the people of Iran and strongly advocate for their rights and security. The United Nations' General Assembly has condemned Iran for failing to meet international human rights standards and expressed concern over a high frequency of executions and violations of minority groups' rights. As the United States exercises sanctions against Tehran, I would like to highlight the message that we are not seeking to punish the Iranian people and that we wish for them a responsive and stable government.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford to watch this situation continue to escalate while we sit idly by. President Obama, Secretary of Defense Panetta, and other American leaders have united and pledged to prevent Iran's nuclear weapons capability at any cost. I am proud to be a cosponsor of H. Res 568 and hope that Congress can also unite to become another powerful voice against Iranian aggression.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to Chairman Wolf and Ranking Member Fattah for working together to ensure that the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program is adequately funded in the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2013.

Given these difficult economic times, difficult choices must be made as to where scarce funds are to be allocated. Given the importance of the DNA Backlog Grant program to law enforcement agencies in my congressional district, I would have liked for the program to have received even more funding. But I am very pleased that the bill provides funding at the amount requested by the Administration, the sponsor of the authorizing legislation and my good friend, Congresswoman Maloney from New York, and is more than eighty percent of the amount of funding I requested the Committee to provide.

The DNA Backlog Grant program provides funding to help reduce and eliminate the backlog of DNA evidence in state and local labs across the Nation. The ``Justice For All Act'' (P.L. 108 405) expanded the use of DNA technology to convict the guilty and free the innocent. In 2008, Congress again showed its overwhelming bipartisan support for this initiative by passing ``The Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act'' which extends this program through FY 2014.

There is an ever-present need to continue robust funding for programs such as the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program in order to make sure victims do not fall through the cracks of the system.

Women who have been raped have a right to expect police to thoroughly investigate the case and prosecute the offenders; however, many rape kits across the country are never even tested, and the perpetrators never face justice. Nowhere is this problem greater than in Los Angeles County, where there is a backlog of more than 12,000 rape kits sitting untested in storage facilities. Of those kits, 499 are attached to cases past the 10-year statute of limitations for rape in California, meaning that even if those kits are tested, the offenders cannot be tried for their crimes.

The current fiscal crisis has already hindered efforts to eliminate the backlog, as Los Angeles city officials have been denied the funds necessary for hiring crime laboratory analysts. Continued cuts, however small, will continue a trend of neglecting this pursuit of justice, and thousands of women and their families will be denied their basic security and peace of mind.

DNA evidence is critical in sexual assault cases, and I would like to highlight one recent success story from my district in Long Beach. The alleged crime occurred in August of 2003, when a 17-year-old student was sexually assaulted by a stranger on her high school campus. The DNA collected at the scene went untested for 7 years due to the laboratory's backlog, but in 2011 Redondo Beach police arrested the attacker. The DNA match showed the chance of the DNA belonging to someone else was one in a trillion, providing nearly irrefutable proof of his guilt. I ask for unanimous consent to include in the Record copies of newspaper stories that discuss in greater detail the importance of robust funding for the DNA initiative to reduce the backlog in Los Angeles, California.

Mr. Speaker, the DNA Initiative is an invaluable tool for law enforcement today, and it will continue to be a legislative priority of mine. That is why I am pleased that funding for this vitally important program was not reduced as so many other worthwhile programs have been. I commend my colleagues on the Committee for funding the program at the level requested by the President and those of us in this body that strongly support the program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2072, the ``Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011.'' This legislation reauthorizes for three years the charter and lending authority of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. In addition, the legislation contains several financial reforms that will help ensure the ``Ex-Im Bank'' remains fiscally sound so it may continue its outstanding record supporting American business increase export sales, which is perhaps the best way to preserve and increase high value manufacturing and service jobs.

As the representative of the congressional district that adjoins the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the largest port complex in the nation, I know first-hand the important role the Ex-Im Bank plays for U.S. exporters, and the thousands of jobs created by increased international trade.

The Ex-Im Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States and provides financial assistance for the export of American goods and services to international markets. In Fiscal Year 2011 alone the Bank supported 290,000 export-related American jobs by providing more than $32 billion in financing to facilitate more than $40 billion in export sales by more than 3,600 American businesses.

Since 1934, the Ex-Im Bank has served as the principal government agency responsible for aiding the export of American goods and services, thereby creating and sustaining U.S. jobs. With its 75 year track-record, the Ex-Im Bank is projected to inject $900 million into the U.S. Treasury by facilitating the sale abroad of hundreds of billions of dollars of American made goods, which in turn will create or preserve hundreds of thousands of American jobs. In 2011 alone, the Ex-Im Bank facilitated sales supported 290,000 American jobs.

The United States must stay competitive in the emerging and competitive global market. The Ex-Im Bank assists U.S. manufacturers, small and large, in selling their products abroad. The Bank facilitates financing for foreign buyers who wish to purchase American manufactured goods, thus increasing sales, which translates into more good-paying American jobs.

Reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank's charter will have a positive impact on job preservation and creation in the United States, and in the 37th Congressional District in California which I represent. My district is home to more than a dozen companies that export millions of dollars of products annually.

Mr. Speaker, exporters in my congressional district include a diverse group of small and large businesses as well as businesses that are minority or women owned. In the aggregate they generate about $100 million dollars in export sales annually. I ask unanimous consent to include in the record a list of local businesses in California's 37th Congressional District that have directly benefited from financing by the Ex-Im Bank.

The Ex-Im Bank is self-sustaining and does not cost taxpayers a dime. Rather, the money it generates is returned to the U.S. Treasury, nearly $2 billion over the past five years, and helps reduce the deficit. Moreover, since its inception, less than 2 percent of the Bank's loans have ever defaulted, and even in those cases, loss is minimized because the borrower's manufactured goods are pledged as part of the collateral for the loan.

Mr. Speaker, exports are increasingly critical to the economic growth and job creation, economy and job recovery. The Ex-Im Bank is an indispensable tool in the national effort to increase export sales. That is why I am a proud and enthusiastic supporter of H.R. 2072, which enjoys broad support from business and labor and the Obama Administration.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mothers' Day and to thank our nation's mothers, grandmothers, and aunts, as well as all the women who mentor and nurture future generations. On this holiday, I thank these incredible women by recommitting myself to the effort to preserve Medicare and to protect their health and wellbeing.

My mother was a true inspiration to me, and she taught me the importance of a solid work ethic and compassion for others in the community. She took on the challenge of raising two children by herself, which meant work during the day and school at night. Life certainly was not easy for her, but she always provided for my family and is one of the strongest women I have ever known.

Today, many families in my district and across the country are also coping with limited resources while demonstrating the same determination and compassion that my mother instilled in me. Many are seniors who cannot afford the exorbitant cost of treatments for chronic medical conditions and preventative care. Medicare program is a vital lifeline for so many and should be protected at all costs.

The proposed Republican plan to end Medicare as we know it would distribute vouchers for beneficiaries to purchase health insurance. Under the plan, the voucher would not grow as fast as health care costs, shifting the burden of the costs onto seniors. It would repeal the free preventive services benefit in Medicare, increasing seniors' out-of-pocket costs for preventive care by over $110 million in 2012 alone.

The Republican plan would have a particularly damaging effect on women, who, on average, live longer than men, have lower incomes than men, and have more chronic health conditions than men--making Medicare even more vital to their wellbeing. 57 percent of women on Medicare live below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, compared to 45 percent of men. Additionally, 49 percent of women on Medicare have three or more chronic health conditions, compared to 38 percent of men.

As a representative of the 37th Congressional District of California, this issue is of particular importance to me. In California alone, there are nearly 2.7 million female Medicare beneficiaries, more than any other state in the country.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in solidarity with these women--America's mothers and grandmothers--as I reaffirm my support of the Medicare program. I will not support legislation that balances our budget on the backs of our nation's most vulnerable citizens, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in this critical fight.

Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy Mothers' Day to all the mothers of the 37th district and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of our greatest American success stories. Today let us all pause to recognize the United States Department of Agriculture's 150th Birthday.

President Abraham Lincoln established the USDA 150 years ago, on May 15, 1862. That act helped ground our nation's agriculture industry in science, and helped give our nation the ability to lead the world in feeding the globe. One of the first responsibilities delegated to the USDA was the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act gave pre-approved U.S. citizens undeveloped federal land at no cost if they agreed to develop that land. This act led to the settling of the Great Plains; today those lands are the world's largest producers of wheat and corn.

Our nation's agriculture industry has, throughout our history, been a significant force in our economy. One out of every twelve Americans is employed in an agriculture-related industry. So it is important to recognize that agriculture is not just a nostalgic notion of the past but remains a foundation of the American economy. The influence of American farmers and ranchers not only reaches every state and household within the United States, but it can be felt all around the world. The Port of Long Beach, in my district, exports millions of metric tons of agricultural cargo to our vital Asian trade partners every year.

American consumers spend on average less than ten percent of their disposable income on food. That ten percent represents the lowest percentage in the history of the world. By comparison, most European consumers spend more than double that and in developing countries the percentage is often higher than 50 percent. Our nation's advanced system of production agriculture is evidence of how successful the USDA has been in ensuring a safe, affordable and abundant food supply.

Today, the United States is the world leader in the development and use of agricultural biotechnology, contributing to our positive balance of agricultural trade. We must continue supporting policies that promote the smart use of research, science and biotechnology that has enabled production agriculture to thrive. We must embrace the importance of agricultural innovation in the same way we endorse innovation in fields such as health care or communications.

Mr. Speaker, our producers remain a critical source of jobs and innovation. Maintaining a strong agriculture industry is vital to the present and future U.S. economy and is critical to the economic and political stability. It is with great pride and respect that I honor our nation's farmers and ranchers and extend birthday wishes to the