Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, as subcommittee chair of the Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and one of the cochairs of the House National Preparedness Month and original cosponsors of H.R. 1618, I rise in strong support of this resolution brought forward by Chairman Thompson recognizing the importance of National Preparedness Month.

I would like to thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member King of our full committee for their continued leadership on these very important issues and not letting Americans be caught unprepared. I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Rogers, the gentleman from Alabama, the ranking member of our subcommittee, for working with me on these preparedness issues, as well as all of the members of our committee who supported this resolution.

September 2010 is the seventh annual National Preparedness Month. Through events, public service announcements, and other coordinated efforts, FEMA and its thousands of public and private partners have and will disseminate critical information about the importance of being prepared.

House Resolution 1618 supports these important efforts by recognizing the valuable work of the Department of Homeland Security and encouraging Americans to work together to take concrete actions toward emergency preparedness.

Over the course of the last year, we have seen tragedies strike, whether it was manmade or beyond our control, in many forms, whether they included floods, wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, oil spills, and most recently in my own State, a major pipeline gas explosion. Additionally, we have also known terrorists continue to target Americans and our critical infrastructure, as evidenced by the various attempted suicide bombings and plots that have been uncovered.

Thanks to countless public servants and everyday Americans throughout all levels of government and first responders across our country, our Nation stands more resilient than ever. House Resolution 1618 praises the selfless dedication of those courageous individuals and calls on the American public to equally make efforts at home, at work and school, because it's really all of our responsibility to increase their ability to assist in preventing, protecting against, and preparing to respond to all disasters and, above all, to minimize the loss of life and destruction of property.

Madam Speaker, change is evident in regard to how Americans prepare for disasters, but one thing is completely true--we have not completely hit the road that we need to be on to be prepared in every aspect to avoid some of these disasters and incidents that might occur.

Let me go over a few simple tips, and I would like to build upon some of the ones that Chairman Thompson already mentioned for the Record.

Number one, it's important to practice your disaster plan. Number two, prepare our children so that they know what to do. Number three, something that we fell short on with Hurricane Katrina, and that is not to forget to make assistance for those who are vulnerable, whether they be those who are aged, infants, or those with special needs. We should all learn CPR and first aid. We need to understand the post-9/11 risks. And finally, we all have got to be involved and volunteer.

House Resolution 1618 encourages all Americans to be prepared when-- not if--the next emergency occurs and to get involved in the National Preparedness Month activity happening in your area. Right here today in the Capitol, Chairman Thompson authorized, with FEMA, to be able to launch the iPod system, which will enable State and local governments, tribal and territories to be able to be better alerted in the case of an emergency.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1618.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4347, which authorizes the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to select up to 50 new Indian tribes per year to participate in self- governance programs. I am proud to co-sponsor the Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act, and I thank my colleague, Congressman Boren for introducing this legislation.

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 will allow eligible tribes to assume the duties of the Federal Government for certain programs within the Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Mr. Speaker, the Government Accounting Office has shown that tribes that participate in self-governance have seen greater gains in employment than tribes that do not. The passage of this legislation will allow more tribes to participate in self-governance programs and increase the financial prospects for its members.

California is home to over 100 federally recognized tribes. These tribes deserve the opportunity to participate in self-governance programs should they desire to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4347 and allow Native American tribes the opportunity to enter into self- governance agreements. Native Americans should be afforded the opportunity to administer their programs and increase employment among its members.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5811, which allows the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine the blood quantum requirement for membership in their tribe. I thank my colleague, Congressman Reyes for introducing this legislation.

This legislation will specifically allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Indian tribe to determine their membership. Native American tribes should be afforded the opportunity to determine the qualifications for membership in their tribes.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Native American Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to address the unique needs of Native Americans.

California is home to over one hundred federally recognized tribes. Earlier this month, I was able to meet with the Pauma Band of Mission Indians. The reservation is located in Pauma Valley, California. The Pauma Band of Mission Indians and others across the nation should be permitted to determine their requirements to be a member, rather than having to rely on some outside body to make this determination.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5811.

Mr. Chair, today I was unavoidably delayed and unable to return to the floor in time for rollcall vote 529.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 529, I would have voted ``aye'' (the Manager's Amendment to H.R. 4785).

Madam Speaker, yesterday I was unavoidably delayed and unable to return to the floor in time for rollcall vote 519.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 519, I would have voted ``aye'' (H. Res. 1052, Honoring the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the State of Oklahoma for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States since September 2001).

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3116) to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from procuring certain items directly related to the national security unless the items are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Berry Amendment Extension Act, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 3116, the Berry Amendment Extension Act, was introduced by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Kissell). This legislation would apply procurement requirements that have been in place since 1941 at the Department of Defense to the Department of Homeland Security.

As approved in 1941, the purpose of the Berry Amendment was to protect the United States from our enemies by requiring that the military maintain rules and regulations regarding the uniforms worn by our soldiers.

Extension of the Berry Amendment to the Department of Homeland Security is the necessary thing to do from a security standpoint. Currently, there are not any requirements on where uniforms worn by enforcing agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection are manufactured.

In light of ongoing threats which require the utmost protection of our safety resources and personnel, the extension of the Berry Amendment is appropriate. Further, the failure to utilize American invested workers to produce military resources is not only detrimental to American manufacturing jobs, but it is also detrimental to our Nation's security.

A beneficial side effect of the Berry Amendment is its impact on jobs. Data shows that the Berry Amendment has allowed for the sustainment of over 450,000 textile and manufacturing jobs here in the United States. Further, using data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, it is estimated that for every $1 billion in manufacturing output, 12,500 jobs are created in the United States.

During these trying economic times, H.R. 3116 provides us with a unique opportunity to create new jobs here in America, thereby giving U.S. workers any opportunity to ``Make it in America.'' This is where we all should stand.

As a strong supporter of U.S. manufacturing, I believe that it is our duty as a Congress to protect American jobs through our support of those small businesses that manufacture high quality textile products here in the United States.

Lastly, let us not forget most importantly that H.R. 3116 takes away a vulnerability in the procurement system. The law enforcement officials who work to protect our southern border--and northern border, for that matter as well--have witnessed drug couriers using phony uniforms to avoid detection in the smuggling of illegal drugs into the United States.

Considering the loose regulations on the location and types of facilities that manufacture uniforms worn by those who protect our Nation, we must take necessary steps to prevent smugglers from using our own uniforms to assist in their illegal activities and, worse, highlight vulnerabilities in the U.S. Homeland Security environment.

I fully support this legislation, H.R. 3116, under consideration and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote for its passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Kissell).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3116, the Berry amendment, extends the wisdom of our forefathers to properly secure our military uniforms to the 21st century of our extended protectors in homeland security such as the airport TSA workers and Customs and Border Protection workers. H.R. 3116 is putting American workers and the American economy first by making it in America.

I thank Mr. Kissell and Chairman Thompson for their leadership, and I encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 3978) to amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept and use gifts for otherwise authorized activities of the Center for Domestic Preparedness that are related to preparedness for and response to terrorism, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of concurring in the Senate amendments to H.R. 3978, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As chairwoman of the Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response Subcommittee, I am pleased to join the original sponsor of this legislation, the ranking member of that very subcommittee, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, in strong support of the First Responder Anti- Terrorism Training Resources Act.

Mr. Rogers' district is home to the Center for Domestic Preparedness, also known as the Center throughout my comments, and one of the Nation's premier training sites. At the Center, thousands of first responders from all 50 States receive hands-on training for real world incidents involving chemical, biological, explosive, radiological and other hazardous materials.

As we saw last week on nationwide TV when a ruptured pipeline sent a ball of fire into the neighborhoods of San Bruno, California, completely blowing to pieces four homes, killing four people, in addition to four people who are still missing, this training is vital, and we must continue to find creative ways to strengthen it.

I am pleased that the legislation before us today will enhance the training of our first responders. Given the Center's leading role in all-hazards training, the facility often receives offers of resources and donations, including training displays, emergency response equipment, and guest lectures.

The ability to accept, process, and utilize these donations and gifts would strengthen the Center's ability to offer high-quality emergency response training, as well as in difficult times reduce costs for the Center itself.

Pursuant to current rules and law, the Center for Domestic Preparedness currently lacks the legal authority to accept these types of resources, gifts, and services. The enactment of H.R.

3978 would permit the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept and use gifted items for authorized activities of the Center for Domestic Preparedness that are related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to all-hazards.

The legislation further directs the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, to report annually to Congress on any gifts that were accepted and how they might contribute to the Center's mission. The report must also describe the amount of federally funded savings that were generated from the acceptance of these gifts, which is very important as we look for ways to trim costs. The bill also amends the Homeland Security Act to authorize the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to accept and use gifts, donations, and services. For these reasons, I urge all of my colleagues to support the Senate amendments to H.R. 3978.

House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and

Infrastructure,

Washington, DC, September 14, 2010.

Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Thompson: I write to you regarding the Senate

amendment to H.R. 3978, the ``First Responder Anti-Terrorism

Training Resources Act''.

We note that the Senate amendment to H.R. 3978 contains

provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee

on Transportation and Infrastructure. Given that the House is

scheduled to call up the measure without formal referral of

the bills to committees of jurisdiction, I request an

acknowledgement that nothing waives, reduces, or otherwise

affects the jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation

and Infrastructure over H.R. 3978.

Please place a copy of this letter and your response

acknowledging the Committee on Transportation and

Infrastructure's jurisdictional interest in the Congressional

Record during consideration of the measure in the House.

I look forward to working with you as we prepare to pass

this important legislation.

Sincerely,

James L. Oberstar, M.C.

Chairman.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the CDP--the Center for Domestic Preparedness--and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center are law enforcement training organizations for numerous Federal, State and local agencies, and they provide vital preparation to our law enforcement community. In fact, it could definitely benefit from the use of these additional resources. By allowing DHS-supported training centers to accept these gifts, this legislation will help tap into the generosity of the American people and the companies to enhance the training for thousands of first responders. In turn, I expect it will save a significant amount of taxpayer dollars.

I encourage my colleagues to support this important homeland security legislation, and I commend Mr. Rogers for his efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1480, which commends the University of Southern California (USC) for its victory in the 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men's Tennis Championship. This victory was the second consecutive championship for the USC men's tennis team. They had previously won the national championship in 2009.

This championship was truly a team effort. The 2010 USC men's tennis team finished the season with an overall record of 25-3. They entered the tournament as the Number 5 seed. After falling behind early to the University of Tennessee, they rallied for a 4-2 victory to win the national championship.

The USC men's tennis team captured its 18th NCAA national championship. This victory makes the USC men's tennis team the winningest Division I collegiate tennis program in history.

Madam Speaker, this championship continues a long standing excellence in athletics and academics at USC. As an alumnus of the University of Southern California, I am especially proud to be able to celebrate in this championship. USC has now won 113 national championships as a university.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague Congresswoman Watson for introducing this resolution and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1480, commending the USC men's tennis team on winning the 2010 national championship.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1058, which honors and praises the Sojourn to the Past organization on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. This resolution recognizes an important educational program that helps students understand the invaluable role of the Civil Rights Movement in our Nation's moral and social development.

I thank Chairman Miller for his leadership in bringing this measure to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this resolution, Congressman Louis, whose role in the Civil Rights Movement and work as a public servant has made the United States a more tolerant and democratic country.

Madam Speaker, the Civil Rights Movement was a transformative experience for the United States. It helped our Nation grow out of a culture of bigotry, segregation, and oppression, and extend the democratic freedoms promised by our Nation's founders to people that had, for more than two centuries, been deemed second-class citizens. It elevated our moral standing in the world and brought our Nation closer to meeting the ideals set forth in our founding documents.

It is absolutely essential that every high school student in the United States understands the moral gravity and massive historical significance of the Civil Rights Movement. The Sojourn to the Past project helps us achieve this goal. Established in 1999, the Sojourn to the Past project takes high school students on a 10-day excursion along the path of the Civil Rights Movement in the southern United States, engaging them with historical sites and talks with prominent veteran leaders of the movement. The longest running civil rights education program in the United States, the program has conducted 55 sojourns and introduced over 5,000 high school juniors and seniors to the lessons, locations, and leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

Madam Speaker, the Civil Rights Movement is not only a vital part of our past, but its lessons are instructive in the ongoing efforts to end violence, discrimination, hatred, and inequality in the United States and across the world. The work of the Sojourn to the Past program is extremely commendable. It instills in our future leaders the knowledge and understanding needed to bring continued moral and social progress to our Nation.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1525, which recognizes the 50th anniversary of the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, which was written by Nelle Harper Lee of Monroeville, Alabama. This novel has become an American classic and every year thousands of students across the country read it and grapple with the significant moral issues that it raises.

I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank Congressman Bonner for introducing this important measure.

Growing up in Monroeville, Alabama, Harper Lee was no stranger to the racial injustice of the American South in the first half of the 20th Century. In 1960, she decided to publish a novel channeling the racial climate she experienced during her youth. This novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is considered one of the greatest American novels of our time. Its depiction of racial inequality as seen through the eyes of a child offers a unique and insightful view of American race relations in the segregated South.

Madam Speaker, when I was growing up, students across the country read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. While discussing the novel with one of my interns, Brittni Hamilton, I learned that she read the novel as early as middle school. I guess such a classic novel that raises such important issues about the social and moral character of our nation cannot wait until high school any longer. In any case, I am pleased that all the young people in our nation are exposed to the timeless moral lessons of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Madam Speaker, Harper Lee's novel is classic. In addition to winning a Pulitzer Prize, To Kill a Mockingbird has also earned Harper Lee induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Since first being published in 1960, it has sold over 30 million copies. I am proud that our nation continues to cherish and appreciate this landmark literary achievement.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 725, the Tribal Law and Order Act Amendments of 2010 as amended by the Senate, which would address the issues of violence and sexual assault that occur on Indian Reservations. I would like to thank Congressman Ed Pastor for his leadership in introducing this bill to the House floor.

Mr. Speaker, the Tribal Law and Order Act is an amendment to H.R. 725, The Indian Arts and Crafts Act. The Tribal Law and Order Act will create accountability measures for the Federal agencies that are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime that occurs on Indian Reservations. The act would also equip Indian tribes with the means necessary to tackle crime within their local areas.

Mr. Speaker, I am sorry to say that domestic violence and sexual assault occur quite frequently on Indian Reservations. Most of the victims to such violent crimes are Indian women and children. Statistics show that one in three American Indian women will be raped in their lifetime and two out of every five women will face domestic violence. Within most Indian Reservations, very little police patrol takes place and tribal courts have very limited jurisdiction. Currently tribal courts have a maximum sentencing of only one year, and non Indian criminal offenders cannot be tried under tribal courts. These restrictions continue to put innocent men, women, and children at risk for higher incidents of violent and heinous crimes.

Native American communities continue to suffer from the effects of poverty, substance addiction, and other health related diseases. Unfortunately these communities have been some of the most underserved in our nation. Rampant violent crime that is preventable should not be an outstanding statistic among Indian Reservations. As a Representative from California, a state that has a large population of Native Americans, I am deeply committed to seeing the progress of these communities and ensuring that justice is rightfully served.

Mr.Speaker, the Senate Amendment to H.R. 725 is a way to ensure that the criminal justice system is improved among Indian nations and also that federal law enforcement becomes more responsive to the instances that occur on tribal land. It is critical that attention be given to our nation's justice system and the victims that rely on it the most in order to seek justice. In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 725 as amended by the Senate.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5266, to extend the final report deadline and otherwise reauthorize the national commission on children and disasters. H.R. 5266, is an important piece of legislation that assists a commission whose job is to report to Congress and the President on the necessary precautions and actions needed before major disasters or emergencies.

I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Chairman Oberstar for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman Brown, for her important work on the reauthorization of the national commission on children and disasters through 2013.

Madam Speaker, in an average 3-year period, roughly 5 hurricanes strike the coastlines of the United States. The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season included 9 named storms, including 3 hurricanes, 2 of which were category 3 or higher. In 2009 there were 1843 earthquakes in the United States between the magnitudes of 3.0 and 6.0. From 2007 to the present, 269 fatalities have resulted from tornadoes. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, my Subcommittee recently held a hearing on the difficulties of reaching those with special needs, such as children, during emergencies such as a hurricane or tornado. Children comprise about 25 percent of our population and have unique needs during a disaster that require specific recognition and coordination on the part of federal, state, Tribal and local governments and their non-governmental disaster-relief partners. The rise in major disaster declarations over the past two decades, and more recent disasters have highlighted the need to improve the gaps in preparedness, response and recovery policies that should specifically address the needs of children.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased that H.R. 5266 would reauthorize the National Commission on Children and Disasters through 2013. The National Commission on Children and Disasters examines and reports to the Congress and the President on the needs of children during the preparation for, response to, and recovery from major disasters and emergencies. Under current law, the commission would terminate in 2011.

I conclusion, Madam Speaker, I support this legislation to keep our children safe. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to promote increased safety measures in emergency situations as well as providing the funds in support.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5266.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4842, the Homeland Security Science and Technology Authorization Act of 2010, which authorizes important management functions and programs within the Department of Homeland Security Science &Technology (S&T) Directorate.

I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleagues Chairman Thompson and Congresswoman Clarke, who authored this legislation, which represents a milestone for the S&T Directorate and the Homeland Security Committee. It is the first authorization bill for S&T since the Department was created in 2002.

As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I have been concerned about these issues. Through the Committee's years of oversight work, I have a great appreciation for not only S&T's strengths and successes, but also its weaknesses, which include a lack of accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness.

H.R. 4842 addresses those weaknesses and acknowledges the importance of science and technology research, development, testing, and evaluation in ensuring the safety and security of the American people and our nation. This bill ensures that the Science and Technology Directorate has the right tools available to be successful, such as delivering products into the hands of our first responders, law enforcement officials, or critical infrastructure owners to help them achieve their mission and make America more secure. This legislation also authorizes critical management functions and programs within S&T, including the Securing the Cities program.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation because we need the very best science and technology available to defend the threats against our homeland. I am pleased that Congress and the Committee on Homeland Security are taking action to promote these improvements and adequately fund the areas of government responsible for science and technology research.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4842.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1504, which recognizes and honors the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am proud to co-sponsor H. Res. 1504, and I thank my colleague, Majority Leader Hoyer, for introducing this legislation.

The Americans with Disabilities Act is truly a historic piece of legislation. When it became law 20 years ago, it extended civil rights to individuals with disabilities, and prohibited employers from discriminating against qualified disabled persons. The Americans with Disabilities Act also requires reasonable accommodations to be made to workplaces so that they are more accessible to people with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act has helped over 50,000,000 Americans lead fuller lives by removing barriers to employment, transportation, public services, and telecommunications.

However, Mr. Speaker, this anniversary also serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done. People with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty and much more likely to be unemployed than their able-bodied peers.

We must also continue to work on eliminating all discrimination in the workplace. No qualified individual should be denied a job or a promotion solely on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1504, and honoring the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate amendments to H.R. 4213, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010, which will extend unemployment benefits to millions of Americans that are in dire need of support. Without this legislation these families will lose the only lifeline that they can count on in this historic economic crisis.

Mr. Speaker, while I am glad that this bill is finally close to the President's desk, I deeply regret the weeks of partisan politics by Republicans, especially those in the Senate, which have obstructed this legislation and delayed benefits to struggling families across the country. Since Republicans allowed benefits to begin expiring in May, over 250 million individuals nationwide and 429,000 in California have lost benefits that help them feed their families, pay their bills, and sleep with a roof over their heads.

Republicans claim to oppose these benefits because of their cost. But, let us not forget that Republicans never bothered to find offsets for the Bush tax cuts. They never felt the need to pay for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Only when unemployment benefits are on the table do Republicans suddenly discover an interest in fiscal responsibility. Republicans want to withhold relief from millions of Americans who, through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs in this economic crisis. But this vote offers a final opportunity to put partisan politics aside and work together for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, Congress has taken bold action to energize the economy during this historic economic crisis and lay the groundwork for long- term, stable growth. To be sure, these actions are working: to date, the Recovery Act alone has saved or created over 682,000 jobs nationwide. However, rebuilding our economy takes time and, despite the success of Democrats' job-creating legislation, many individuals and families across the country still need our help. We cannot abandon the families that have been left jobless because of the previous Administration's economic mismanagement. This important measure will retroactively extend unemployment assistance to individuals whose benefits started to phase out in May and will guarantee that benefits are available through November.

Mr. Speaker, this should not be a partisan issue. This is an American issue. Millions of Americans need our help and this is our opportunity to provide it. Let us help the people all across the country who have been hit hard by this recession, people who, through no fault of their own, are struggling to stay in their homes and feed their kids.

Moreover, in addition to providing relief to those in need, this bill is an important step in our economic rebuilding process. Unemployment benefits create economic demand that stimulates the economy and puts people back to work. This is a fast-acting and cost-effective way to energize the economy: every $1 spent on unemployment benefits leads to $1.90 in economic activity. This bill responds to both our immediate obligation to help the American people in a time of great need and the long-term goal of consistent growth and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is an obvious ``aye'' vote. The resistance it has seen in the past few weeks is shocking. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4213.