Floor Statements

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Madam Speaker, this is a very important bill to all of us. When we look at what's happening right now in the United States of America, nearly 5 million women, infants, and children rely upon Federal nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch Program, the WIC programs, and the Child and Adult Care Program.

No one has worked harder than our chairman here, Mr. Miller, to be able

to protect the American people who are oftentimes struggling between choosing between food and any other of their priorities that they have.

The key reasons why I'm supporting this bill: It increases the school lunch funding to help schools offer healthier meals; it limits the availability of junk food in our schools; and it leverages our public- private partnerships. But also in honor of our First Lady, who's worked very hard in this area, and this will give the resources we need to make those priorities happen.

I commend our chairman. It's way over time, and we need to get this done so people can eat in these very difficult times.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the dedication of the Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center. This launch is going to be next Saturday on December 11, and it's going to be a historic occasion, not just for Long Beach, not just for California, but for the Nation. Let me tell you why I would take 5 minutes out of our time to talk about this.

Back in World War II, from 1942 to 1945, we had 6 million brave women, women who stepped forward, who helped us as a Nation to be able to help us to really move forward, to keep the economy going and to really begin to enter into a workforce that they had never been a part of before.

In my own area, 175,000 women bravely worked and led the way. They were really trail blazers, and they worked at the Douglas Aircraft Plant where now we build the very famous C-17.

When you consider a lot of the Rosie Riveters, on average they are about 85 years old. So it's important for us now more than ever to really acknowledge them and to thank them for their service. When we talk about the work that they did and how they supported the United States, they deserve our honor and our respect.

This Long Beach site includes an interactive display of women, Air Force Service Pilots, who were known as WASPs at that time. These women transported the airplanes. They assembled them. They actually flew them to the places where they were needed the most. Because of their efforts, they were able to produce--imagine, women--300,000 airports, 102,000 armored vehicles, 77,000 ships, 20 million small arms, 40 million bullets, and 6 million tons of bombs.

They were as much a part of our success and freedom for people all over the world, the women, the Rosie the Riveters, as were all of the veterans who also served. We will have in this area, not only a park and interactive center, but also a history and the names and telling of the work that these fine women did. There will be a rose-colored walking path, circles around that park area, etched with the timeline of all of the work that these ladies incredibly performed.

Along the pathway, we will have stopping points where there will be

etched stars and colored tiles and replicas of some of the many famous posters that we see today.

The park will also have the ``compass rose'' that was known to be very famous back at that time at the Roosevelt naval base where they would fly from one section to another and that would be their focal point. Adjacent to the compass rose is a quiet garden, a memorial to the men and women who served in the military, noting the inscription: ``All Gave Some, Some Gave All.''

When we think of Rosie the Riveter, it's also been an inspiration to many of us. I see our Speaker who is sitting here now tonight, and I think of some of the things we have had where we have really valued what those women did and how they have inspired us today.

At this particular location, we will have three flags that will be flown. One will be a U.S. flag that is actually being flown today. We will have a California flag and then a local flag as well.

I call on my colleagues to take an opportunity to study and reflect and think about all the important stories that made this country so great. And we certainly couldn't leave out the Rosie the Riveters in World War II who began for many of us and why we stand here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4783, which authorizes and approves the settlement in the Cobell v. Salazar case. This important legislation finally authorizes funding for the settlement that was reached over 14 years ago. H.R. 4783 also settles the Pigford lawsuit which is a decades old discrimination lawsuit brought by African American farmers against the USDA.

As a member of the Native American Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to address the needs of Native Americans. This legislation before us today is not a handout, but it repays the Native Americans who had their trust assets mismanaged by the Federal Government. Over 300,000 Native Americans will benefit from this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this bill also establishes a $60 million educational scholarship fund for Native American children. The passage of this legislation will allow more Native Americans to attend colleges and universities. This bill is revenue neutral and is even projected to reduce the budget deficit by approximately $1 million over 10 years.

California is home to over 100 federally recognized tribes. This legislation will ensure that these Native American beneficiaries receive the compensation that is long overdue.

The Claims Resolution Act also provides $1.15 billion to settle the claims of African American farmers against the USDA. This will compensate families that were unfairly denied access to USDA loans and other financial assistance solely based upon their skin color. While the passage of this legislation will not erase this sad chapter in our history, it will assist our African American farmers who were unfairly discriminated against.

Mr. Speaker, I have a constituent named Alice Robinson who will benefit from this legislation. Her family was one of the many African American farmers that faced discrimination in accessing loans from the USDA. They struggled to maintain their farm without any assistance from the USDA. No farmer should face discrimination based on the color of their skin. Alice Robinson and other farmers across the country deserve the assistance that this legislation will provide that was previously denied to them.

The House has twice passed legislation this year authorizing payment of the Cobell v.

Salazar lawsuit and the Pigford settlement. I am pleased that the Senate has passed this important piece of legislation and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4783. While we can't undo the damage that the Federal Government inflicted on black farmers and Native Americans, today we will help compensate them for their losses and ensure that this never happens again.

Madam Speaker, as the 111th Congress comes to a close, it is fitting for us to recognize our Colleagues who will not be joining us in January for the start of the 112th Congress. Specifically, 19 of my classmates from the incoming Congressional class of 2008 will be moving on to new endeavors, where they will undoubtedly achieve great success and distinguish themselves, just as they did while serving their constituents and the American people in this body.

For the outstanding legislative accomplishments that we achieved during their tenure, I would like to recognize these representatives and thank them for their service: Bobby

Bright, Ann Kirkpatrick, Betsy Markey, Alan Grayson, Suzanne Kosmas, Walt Minnick, Debbie Halvorson, Frank Kratovil, Mark Schauer, Dina Titus, John Adler, Harry Teague, Michael McMahon, John Boccieri, Steve Driehaus, Mary Jo Kilroy, Kathy Dahlkemper, Glenn Nye, and Tom Perriello.

Each of these members has been instrumental in formulating and implementing policies that serve the best interests of the country and that will continue to shape our future for generations to come.

These colleagues--while their service, intellect, and companionship will be missed dearly--can look back on these last 2 years in Congress and take pride in the historical legislative achievements of which they were a part. The Class of 2008 can take heart in the knowledge that our legislative achievements helped pull the country through some of its toughest times. You were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation such as:

Health Care Reform, ensuring that the wealthiest country in the world gives all of its citizens an opportunity to receive decent care and ending the worst insurance industry abuses.

Wall Street Reform, promising the middle class that Wall Street executives will never again jeopardize their savings, retirement, or livelihood.

The Recovery Act, providing the investments necessary for the American economy to create new jobs while saving existing ones, and to spur economic activity while laying the groundwork for long-term growth.

The Congressional class of 2008 can also proudly look back at other important accomplishments such as the: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act; Credit CARD Act; Children's Health insurance Program Reauthorization Act; American Clean Energy and Security Act; Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act; Hire Act; Cash for Clunkers; Small Business Jobs and Credit Act; Disclose Act; and Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.

Congressional scholars have called this Congress ``one of the most productive'' in history. Thanks to your hard work and vision, for the 2 years, we have been a part of a Congress that has looked forward, rather than backwards, and has always put the middle class first.

In closing, I would like to thank each of these members for their extraordinary commitment to public service and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, which I and my Democratic colleagues hope one day includes a return to this body.

Madam Speaker, as the 111th Congress comes to a close, it is fitting for us to recognize our colleagues who will not be joining us in January for the start of the 112th Congress. Specifically, 3 of my classmates from the special election class from the 110th and 111th Congresses will be moving on to new endeavors, where they will undoubtedly achieve great success and distinguish themselves, just as they did while serving their constituents and the American people in this body.

For the outstanding accomplishments that we achieved during their tenure, I would like to recognize these representatives and thank them, for their service: Bill Foster, Travis W. Childers, Scott Murphy.

Each of these members has been instrumental in formulating and implementing policies that serve the best interests of the American people and that will continue to shape the future of our nation for generation to come.

These colleagues of mine--though their service, intellect, and companionship will be missed dearly--can look back on these last two years in Congress and take pride in the historical legislative achievements of which they were a part. These members can take heart in the knowledge that our legislative achievements assisted in pulling the country through some of its toughest times. They were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation such as:

Health Care Reform, ensuring that the wealthiest country in the world gives all of its citizens an opportunity to receive decent care and ending the worst insurance industry abuses.

Wall Street Reform, promising to the American people that the greed of Wall Street executives will never again jeopardize their savings, retirement, or livelihood.

The Recovery Act, providing the investments necessary for the American economy to create new jobs while saving existing ones, and spur economic activity while laying the groundwork for long-term growth.

These members can also proudly look back at other important accomplishments such as: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Credit CARD Act, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, American Clean Energy and Security Act, Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, Hire Act, Cash for Clunkers, Small Business Jobs and Credit Act, Disclose Act, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.

The 110th and 111th Congresses acted boldly to confront pressing challenges; we worked hard, put in long hours, and prolifically passed vital pieces of legislation. Congressional scholars have even called the 111th Congress ``one of the most productive'' in our nation's history. Thanks to your hard work and vision, we have been a part of a Congress that has looked forward, rather than backwards, and has always put the middle class first.

In closing, I would like to thank each of these members for their extraordinary commitment to public service and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, which I and my Democratic colleagues hope includes a return to the House.

Madam Speaker, as the 111th Congress comes to a close, it is fitting for us to recognize our colleagues who will not be joining us in January for the start of the 112th Congress. Specifically, 16 of my classmates from the incoming Congressional class of 2006 will be moving on to new endeavors, where they will undoubtedly achieve great success and distinguish themselves, just as they did while serving their constituents and the American people in this body.

For the outstanding accomplishments that we achieved during their tenure, I would like to recognize these representatives and thank them for their service: Harry Mitchell, Phil Hare, Carol Shea-Porter, John Hall, Charlie Wilson, Patrick Murphy, Steve Kagen, Paul Hodes, Ron Klein, Baron Hill, Michael Arcuri, Zack Space, Chris Carney, Ciro Rodriguez, Brad Ellsworth, Joe Sestak.

Each of these members has been instrumental in formulating and implementing policies that serve the best interests of the American people and that will continue to shape our future in a positive way for generations to come.

These colleagues of mine--though their service, intellect, and companionship will be missed dearly--can look back on these last two years in Congress and take pride in the historical legislative achievements of which they were a part. The Class of 2006 can take heart in the knowledge that our legislative achievements assisted in pulling the country through some of its toughest times, marked by the housing crisis, financial crash, and ensuing recession. You were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation such as:

Health Care Reform, ensuring that the wealthiest country in the world gives all of its citizens an opportunity to receive decent care and ending the worst insurance industry abuses.

Wall Street Reform, promising to the American people that the greed of Wall Street executives will never again jeopardize their savings, retirement, or livelihood.

The Recovery Act, providing the funding necessary to establish a foundation upon which the American economy could create new jobs while saving existing ones, and spur economic activity while investing in long-term growth.

The Class of 2006 can also proudly look back at other important accomplishments such as: Housing and Economic Recovery Act, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, Honest Leadership and Open Government Act,

Energy Independence and Security Act, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Credit CARD Act, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, American Clean Energy and Security Act, Small Business Jobs and Credit Act.

The 110th and 111th Congresses acted boldly to confront pressing challenges; we worked hard, put in long hours, and prolifically passed vital pieces of legislation. Congressional scholars have even called the 111th Congress ``one of the most productive'' in our nation's history. Thanks to your hard work and vision, we have been a part of a congress that has looked forward, rather than backwards, and has always put the middle class first.

In closing, I would like to thank each of these members for their extraordinary commitment to public service and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, which I and my Democratic colleagues hope includes a return to the House.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5297, the ``Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010,'' which will generate small business growth and job creation by providing tax relief, enhancing loan accessibility, and cutting inefficient bureaucratic red tape. H.R. 5297 will create 500,000 jobs without adding a dollar to the deficit and is one of the most crucial steps in our recovery.

I thank Chairman Frank for his leadership in shepherding this bill to the floor and for his tireless commitment to reenergizing our economy by providing relief for struggling small businesses.

Madam Speaker, small businesses are the engine of the American economy. They created two-thirds of all new jobs over the last 15 years and currently account for half of all private sector employees, 44 percent of total U.S. payroll, and 97 percent of our Nation's exports. The 16,300 small businesses in my district are vital to our local economy. Ensuring that they have the credit they need to grow is one of my top priorities.

Many small businesses in my district are ready to make investments, hire new workers, and help grow our economy out of this recession. But because of tight lending standards and a lack of credit, they are being prevented from growing to their full potential and making the investments that our economy needs. Since the financial crisis began in 2008, the number of small business loans is down nearly 5 million.

This bill takes unprecedented steps to cut taxes and provide credit for small businesses. It gives small businesses $12 billion in tax cuts by: (1) extending bonus depreciation, (2) allowing for 100 percent exclusion of capital gains on investments in small business, and (3) doubling the deduction for startup expenditures.

The bill also creates a $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund to provide community banks with capital to increase small business lending. The fund is limited to the smallest banks (those holding $10 billion or less in assets) with key performance-based standards to incentivize those lenders to extend new credit to small businesses.

Madam Speaker, the bold actions taken by Congress and the Administration thus far have stopped the downward spiral caused by years of economic mismanagement. They prevented the Bush recession from becoming a second Great Depression. H.R. 5297 will generate the job creation and economic growth that will mark the next phase of our recovery. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5297, loosening the credit squeeze, and freeing thousands of small businesses to put us back on the road to prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5756, the ``Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide (TRAIN) Act of 2010,'' which will provide grants and technical assistance to create innovative approaches to providing services to children and adults with autism, and their families. This legislation will help secure the resources necessary to provide the best possible care for the people and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

I thank Congressman Doyle, the sponsor of this legislation, for his leadership on this issue and his commitment to raising awareness about the growing number of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Mr. Speaker, there is a lack of trained professionals capable of providing desperately needed services and support to children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. H.R. 5756 will expand the number of training facilities for service providers by awarding grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. Training individuals to provide services to people with autism is critical to addressing the growing demand for care.

In addition, these grants will help fund autism research. Research into the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders across multiple disciplines is a critical part of improving our understanding and treatment of these disorders. For example, research continues to indicate that environmental factors, such as air pollutants, the presence of hazardous chemicals in the home, and poor nutrition, can contribute to the risk of developing autism. I find these studies particularly significant, as my district contains several poor, low- income areas, where these kinds of environmental factors are disproportionately concentrated.

Finally, H.R. 5756 will also establish a nationwide structure to disseminate important research and the latest evidence-based findings related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. This will help doctors and families affected by autism stay up to date on the latest research on diagnosis and treatment of autism.

Mr. Speaker, the growing number of people in this country that are diagnosed with autism demands action on this issue. We must take action so that families no longer have to struggle to find care for loved ones with autism. This bill will take important steps to achieve health care equity for individuals with autism by finally making available the care that they deserve.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5756.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6132, which improves the social services currently offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, by reaching out to and providing benefits for many veterans not currently enrolled accounted for under our current federally-funded programs.

I want to thank Chairman Filner for his leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor. I also thank the Congressman for sponsoring this legislation and for his dedication to ensuring that this nation does everything it can to repay our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to protect us.

Mr. Speaker, as the representative of a district that is home to over 23,000 veterans and the VA Medical Center of Long Beach, I know how important it is to ensure that our veterans have the resources to access affordable health care, housing, and financial security.

H.R. 6132 establishes a transition program for new veterans not eligible for other employment aid programs. With 40 percent of young veterans from who Iraq and Afghanistan more likely to be unemployed than anyone in their age group, it is vital that we continue to demonstrate our support for them through bills such as this.

The bill's provisions are aimed at directly improving the disability claim system by extending the 120-day limit for filing an appeal to the Court of Veterans Appeals after a final decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The bill would also increase the pension amount for Medal of Honor recipients, establish an award program that will allow the VA to recognize businesses for their contributions to veteran employment, and protect veterans from losing their non-service connected pension benefits.

Mr. Speaker, the bold actions taken by Congress and the Administration thus far have been critical in assisting our courageous Veterans. Not only have they provided the vital services that our veterans have earned, but they also equip our former soldiers with the resources they need to lift them out of unemployment and live stable, healthy lives.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 6132.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5458, which would help families avoid financial uncertainty by requiring banks providing student loans to inform borrowers and cosigners of their obligations in case of incapacity or death; to define those terms in a standard way; and to discuss the option of credit insurance, which helps pay off debt in the event of death.

I want to thank my colleague, Congressman John H. Adler, for introducing this legislation. I would also like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Christopher Bryski.

Mr. Speaker, the Bryskis are hardworking people who in 2006 lost their son Christopher in a recreational accident, a tragedy no parent should ever have to endure and certainly one that the Bryskis could never have anticipated. In the midst of this tragedy, the Bryskis were unexpectedly burdened with Christopher's remaining student loan debt. As they soon found

out, co-signers are often obliged to pay off the balance of private student loans in the instance of such tragedies, a requirement that is typically not included in federal loans. This bill would protect families like the Bryskis, including many of the families in my district, which contains three community colleges and five universities.

From 2007-08, 13 percent of students attending four-year public colleges or universities and 26.2 percent of those attending private four-year institutions had private student loans. The SLM Corporation, the major private loan provider commonly known as Sallie Mae, estimates that 84 percent of private student loans involve cosigners. These statistics make clear the need for private loan companies to thoroughly educate the students and families to whom they provide aid. This is the best way to ensure that American families are adequately equipped to manage their loans under any circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5458 and recognizing the immense burden that may befall millions of families across the nation if Congress does not act.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4714, the National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2010. This legislation authorizes appropriations for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to conduct investigations necessary to determine the causes of transportation incidents and accidents. H.R. 4714 also clarifies the NTSB's authority to investigate incidents and calls for a collaborative effort between NTSB and the U.S. Coast Guard when investigating major maritime accidents. Further, H.R. 4714 provides the NTSB resources needed to improve safety regulations.

I thank Chairman Oberstar for his dedication and skillful leadership in guiding this bill to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4714 will also confer upon the NTSB the authority to make essential safety recommendations when NTSB investigators identify a need for immediate safety improvements. Such authority has long been enjoyed by other international accident-investigation agencies.

This legislation benefits the 37th Congressional District of California, which I am privileged to represent. Improvements in transportation safety--whether for automobiles, airplanes, or ships-- disproportionately affect my district, which is one of the most transportation-intensive in the nation. Within my district or on its borders lie five major freeways, three airports, and the largest port complex in the country. H.R. 4714 improves the safety of my constituents when they are traveling, commuting, and working.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4714.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3421, the ``Medical Debt Relief Act of 2010,'' which would address the issue of medical debt and the crippling effect that such debt can have on an individual's credit report, even long after it has been paid off. This bill will right an injustice in the credit scoring industry that unfairly penalizes thousands of families across the country.

I thank Chairman Frank for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman Kilroy, for her attention to this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, in 2007, over 28 million Americans were contacted by debt collections agencies regarding medical debt. Unlike other forms of debt, however, individuals do not choose when to take on medical debt. The nature of serious illness is such that it often comes when we least expect it. Many people develop from low credit scores simply because they were forced to assume large amounts of medical debt when they did not expect it and were, thus, financially unprepared to do so. Unfortunately, these individuals' credit scores often remain low long after their debt has been paid off, and in some cases for the rest of their lives. This is an unfair penalty for individuals who have done nothing wrong.

H.R. 3421 will correct this problem by inserting a clause into the Fair Credit Reporting Act that to eliminate medical debt from credit reporting within 3o days of the debt being fully paid off. Credit reports are an important tool for leasers, lenders, and many other industries. This bill will ensure that credit reports reflect individuals' actual credit-worthiness, rather than providing an artificially low-score that is dragged down by medical debt from the past.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this H.R. 3421.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 847, the ``James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act,'' which will ensure that 9/11 emergency responders receive quality health care to address the lingering health effects resulting from their brave service on September 11, 2001.

I thank Chairman Waxman for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman Maloney, for her attention to this important issue.

Mr. Speaker the courageous men and women who responded to the attacks of September 11, 2001 thrust themselves into a life-threatening situation, risking everything to respond to one of our Nation's most devastating tragedies. Many of these firefighters and emergency responders died in the aftermath of the attacks; I am forever grateful for these men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of those who survived continue to suffer from serious health issues, ranging from respiratory illness to post-traumatic stress syndrome. These individuals deserve our assurance that they will always receive first- rate care.

Unfortunately, since the closing of the 9/11 Compensation Fund on March 31, 2003, many first responders have had to fight just to get the medical treatment that they need. This bill will change that. H.R. 847 will fund through 2019 the World Trade Center Health Program, ensuring that first responders suffering from 9/11-related health problems will be able to get care. The bill will also establish medical centers of excellence throughout the country to serve 9/11 responders. Currently many 9/11 emergency responders who no longer live in New York/New Jersey metro area are required to return there in order to receive care, a requirement that is often prohibitively inconvenient.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 847 is part of our ongoing obligation to the brave men and women who responded to 9/11. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1617, which supports the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day. Gold Star Mothers Day is observed on the last Sunday of September each year. I am proud to cosponsor H. Res. 1617, and I thank my colleague, Congressman Roskam for introducing this resolution.

Gold Star Mothers Day reminds us all of the ultimate sacrifice made by our men and women in uniform who gave their lives for our country. We also remember the mothers of our fallen soldiers who have to deal with the pain of losing their child.

On June 4, 1928, the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was established when twenty-five mothers who lost a child in World War I met in Washington, DC. Membership was later opened to mothers who lost children in other armed conflicts. Congress then designated the last Sunday as Gold Star Mothers Day on June 23, 1936.

These remarkable women have turned their grief into service to others. Gold Star Mothers provides a mutual bond of sympathy and support. They also assist veterans and their dependents with VA claims, and provide aid to service members and their families who have died or were wounded during active duty.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize the 11 service members from Long Beach, California, which is in my district, who lost their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. They are: Pfc. Sephen Castellano, Sgt. Anthony Davis, Jr., Pvt. Ernesto Guerra, Spec. Roberto Martinez Salazar, Pfc. David T. Toomalatai, Staff Sgt. Joshua Whitaker, Sgt. 1st Class Randy Collins, Sgt. Israel Garcia, Pfc. Lyndon Marcus, Jr., Spec. Astor Sunsin-Pineda, Pfc. George Torres. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and remembering these individuals for their service to our country, and to keep their families and especially their mothers in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1617 and I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6008, the Corporate Liability and Emergency Accident Notification Act. This legislation enhances public safety by requiring an owner or operator of a pipeline facility to notify the Secretary of Transportation, DOT, and the National Response Center, NRC, within one hour upon discovering the leak of hazardous material. Timely notification is an essential component of an effective response. This legislation will help ensure that DOT and NRC have the information needed to act in order to save lives and protect property.

I thank my colleague, Congressman Schauer, for his leadership in introducing this legislation and Chairman Oberstar for his skillful leadership in shepherding this bill to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, it was only a short time ago on July 26, 2010 in Marshall, Michigan when the Enbridge Pipeline oil spill transpired. Roughly 1 million barrels of crude oil were dumped into the Talmadge Creek and Kalamazoo River. This incident negatively impacted the environmental and public health of the surrounding areas. Similar subsequent incidents occurred earlier this month in Romeoville, Illinois and San Bruno, California. These episodes vividly illustrate the urgent need for action.

In addition, H.R. 6008 instructs the Secretary of Transportation to maintain an online database on the Department of Transportation website, which will record all reportable releases involving gas or hazardous liquid pipelines. The public will be able to view and search the database for incidents by pipeline facility owner or operator. This bill also increases the maximum civil penalties per violation and incident to further dissuade such incidents from occurring. These important measures will strive to decrease the response time, the overall damage, and the number of leaks.

I am particularly concerned by reports of pipeline spills and explosions because my district, the 37th Congressional District of California, contains over 643 total pipeline miles in the National Pipeline Mapping System. More than 558 of these miles are hazardous liquid pipelines. The map of pipelines in my district looks like a spaghetti bowl with pipelines crossing in every direction. Not a single one of my constituents can possibly live more than a mile or so away from a pipeline carrying hazardous material. Unfortunately, from 2000 to 2008 there were 21 incidents in my district significant enough to be reported to the DOT's Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

The new notification requirements imposed by H.R. 6008 will help decrease the time required to respond to pipeline leaks, thereby lessening the damage caused by such leaks. Moreover, the increased penalties for violations of Federal pipeline safety laws will provide incentives for pipeline owners and operators to follow guidelines and aid responsibility. All in all, this is a very good bill and I strongly support it.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 6008.