Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, as a member of the Native American Caucus, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1061, the Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act, which declares that certain federal land in the state of Washington is held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Hoh Indian Tribe.

I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi for her leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Norm Dicks, the author of this legislation, who worked so hard to help this tribe solve the serious land and water problems they face.

Madam Speaker, the Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act directs the Secretary of the Interior, on conveyance of certain nonfederal land owned by the Tribe to the Secretary, to take such land into trust for the Tribe. This bill prohibits the placement of commercial, residential, or industrial buildings or other structures, any actions that would adversely affect the natural environment, or logging and hunting activities. H.R. 1061 also directs the Secretary and the Tribe to make cooperative agreements for mutual emergency fire aid and to provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the Tribe's culture and traditions.

As a long time friend and supporter of the Native American community, I am so pleased to champion a bill such as H.R. 1061, which will help the Hoh tribe grow and prosper on lands that are safe for their children and elders.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1061.

Madam Speaker, yesterday was primary Election Day in my state of California, which necessitated by remaining in my congressional district on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, through Wednesday morning, June 9, 2010. Consequently, I was unable to return in time for rollcall Votes 337 through 339.

I ask the Record to reflect that had I been present I would have voted as follows:

1. On rollcall No. 337, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 8) (H.R. 1061, Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act).

2. On rollcall No. 338, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 8) (H. Res. 518, Honoring the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, explorer, researcher, and pioneer in the field of marine conservation).

3. On rollcall No. 339, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 9) (Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 5072--FHA Reform Act of 2010 (H. Res. 1424)).

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1427 which honors the life of John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach of the UCLA Bruins, who died this past Sunday, June 6, at the age of 99.

Coach Wooden's success as a college basketball head coach is unparalleled. But his on-court success was matched by the positive impact that he had on the lives of his players. Coach Wooden was the very embodiment of what a coach should be. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. As an alumnus of UCLA and a former college basketball player, I am inspired and awed by Coach Wooden's legacy and proud of his contributions to the game of basketball.

Born in 1910 in Hall, Indiana, John Wooden began his basketball career at Martinsville High School, where he helped lead his team to a state championship. He went on to star at Purdue University, where he was a three-time All-American and the 1932 national collegiate player of the year. He is the first and only person inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.

But John Wooden's remarkable success as a player is often overlooked because of the historic achievements of his coaching career. John Wooden began his coaching career at UCLA in 1948 and immediately established a record of success that has made him an American icon and the gold standard of college basketball coaches. Coach Wooden led the UCLA Bruins to 10 national championships, a record no other coach in college basketball history has come close to matching. Between 1967 and 1973, Coach Wooden's Bruins won an incredible 7 consecutive national championships. No other coach has more than three. In addition, he led the Bruins to 19 conference championships, 12 Final Four appearances, 4 perfect seasons, and a remarkable 88 game winning streak, which remains the longest in history. The record 38 game NCAA tournament winning streak that his Bruins compiled in winning the first 9 national championships is surely as close to unbeatable a record as any in all of sports. The next longest winning streak is a mere 14 games, compiled by the Duke Blue Devils from 1992-94.

As a former college basketball player, I understand the long hours of hard work and intense dedication needed to achieve a single winning season. So, the monumental record of success compiled by Coach Wooden is staggering. But, as Coach Wooden would be the first to explain, his monumental achievements were the product of an intense focus on the details. Coach Wooden was famous for starting the first day of practice each season with a tutorial on how to properly put on athletic socks in order to avoid blisters. It was this outlook on the game--this understanding that attention to detail is a fundamental first step to achieving great things--that made Coach Wooden such a master.

John Wooden's success on the court was topped only by the positive effect that he had on the lives of his players. All of Coach Wooden's players will attest that, while he surely made them better basketball players, his most lasting impact on their lives was his ability to make them better people. Coach Wooden was an educator and a mentor in the truest sense. More than personal talent, he stressed the importance of loyalty, companionship, cooperation, and enthusiasm. He imparted upon his players lessons that led to life-long success.

The words of wisdom he imparted to the players he coached helped them become champions on and off the court. Who can forget these famous quotes of Coach Wooden:

``Don't confuse activity with achievement.''

``Be quick but don't hurry.''

``Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.''

``It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.''

``The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.''

``Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.''

``Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.''

``Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.''

For his contributions to the game of basketball and to the lives of so many young Americans, Coach Wooden was deservedly awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Coach Wooden is an American icon who will be missed dearly, but whose legacy will continue to shine in the sports world and throughout American life.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1347, which honors the lives of the 11 workers who were tragically killed in the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil platform off the coast of Louisiana. It also commends the rescue workers who courageously responded to the explosion. They showed tremendous strength by risking their lives to save those of others.

I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Melancon, for honoring the individuals who lost their lives in the explosion. In addition, I would like to commend the Congressman for his commitment to serving the people of South Louisiana and promoting the interests of the Gulf Coast region throughout the many challenges it faces. Congressman Melancon is a champion of South Louisiana's hard- working people, ecologically unique coastal environment, and nationally cherished culture.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the 11 individuals who passed away in the explosion. I know that they will be missed by their neighbors, friends, and coworkers, but most of all by their families, who will mourn their loss more than we can imagine. The men who passed away on April 20, 2010, were loving husbands, sons, and brothers. We must offer our support and care to their families in this time of need.

Hopefully, this tragic event can serve as a poignant reminder of the need for strong regulations and workplace protections in the offshore oil and gas industry. Measures must be put in place to ensure that a disaster of this kind never happens again. Offshore oil and gas exploration is a line of work that inevitably carries personal safety risks. However, with frequent safety checks, more stringent regulations, and the implementation of the most modern technologies, we can mitigate these risks and promote the safety and wellbeing of all workers in the industry.

In addition to the tragic human cost of the explosion, the resulting oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to pollute and degrade the vital ecosystems in the Gulf and the surrounding coastal regions. We are only beginning to feel the massive environmental toll of the spill, which is likely to devastate an environment that is the backbone of the South Louisiana economy and on which thousands of individuals depend for their livelihood. We must stand in solidarity with the people of the Gulf Coast region. We must work to limit the impact of the spill, clean up the damage that has already been done, and hold the responsibile parties accountable. The costal environment and culture of south Louisiana are national treasures. We must work day and night to ensure that the damage endured is not irreparable.

Again, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the individuals who were tragically killed in the explosion. The thoughts of our Nation are with them as they grieve the

loss of their loved ones. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1347.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1385, which recognizes the courage and sacrifice of our veterans and members of the Armed Forces, and urges all Americans to honor their brave service. This important resolution expresses our national gratitude for the willingness of our men and women in uniform, past and present, to risk their lives on our behalf.

I thank Chairman Skelton 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 and members of the Armed Services for the sacrifices they have made to protect us and the values that we cherish as American citizens.

Mr. Speaker, throughout our history, the members of our Armed Forces have endured hardship and suffering--many of them making the ultimate sacrifice--on behalf of our Nation. Time and again, they have answered the call to serve the United States, leaving their homes, their families, and American soil, in times of war and peace. From World Wars I and II to the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, our men and women in uniform have fought valiantly to protect American citizens and promote global security.

Since the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, the Armed Forces have served with an inspirational sense of duty and country. Since 2001, more than 1,000 Americans have lost their lives and more than 5,500 Americans have been wounded in the Operation Enduring Freedom. Since 2003, over 4,300 servicemen and servicewomen have sacrificed their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 31,000 Americans have returned from this conflict wounded or with disabilities. California has lost nearly 600 servicemen and servicewomen in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom; two of these brave individuals came from my district. Almost 4,000 men and women from California have been wounded in these conflicts. I am forever grateful for these sacrifices and for the dedication of our Armed Forces to ensure the safety of the American people at a time when our Nation faces challenging new threats from abroad.

These brave men and women have assumed the responsibility of protecting us; we, then, have a solemn obligation to them. We must always provide the members of our Armed Forces with the resources, supplies, and equipment they need to carry out their mission as safely and successfully as possible. We must work hard to support our veterans who return home from overseas, serving their needs with the same vigor and sense of duty that they displayed in serving our country. As the representative of a district that is home to over 24,000 veterans and the VA Medical Center of Long Beach, I know how important it is to ensure that our veterans have access to affordable health care, housing, and job opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1385.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1316, celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I thank my California Delegation colleague, Congressman Honda, for his work in bringing this resolution to the floor today.

This is a very exciting time for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and I am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and with the Obama Administration to promote AAPI priorities.

The 37th Congressional District of California, which I am privileged to represent, is home to one of the largest Asian constituencies in the nation, including large communities of Filipinos, Samoans and Cambodians. My district is home to the largest Cambodian population in the United States, and the second largest Cambodian population in the world outside of Cambodia. I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus which truly represents my Asian Pacific American constituents' interests.

The month of May was chosen to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage for two significant reasons. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived to our country and on May 10, 1860, the first transcontinental railroad was completed. The transcontinental railroad transformed our nation and could not have been completed without the inclusion of Chinese immigrants.

Dalip Singh Saund was the first Asian American elected to Congress in 1957. Less than a decade later, Patsy Mink became the first Asian American woman elected to Congress. Both overcame adversity to pave the way for all minorities, including Daniel Inouye, a Medal of Honor winner who has served in the Senate for nearly a half century. Today, we have seven Members of Congress who are of Asian descent.

Despite the challenges and adversity that Asian Pacific Americans have experienced, many have forged ahead and made significant contributions to this great nation. History was made when we elected a President with such significant personal ties to the Asian Pacific community. President Obama spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. One of President Obama's first guests to the Oval Office was the Prime Minister of Japan, Taro Aso. Further, President Obama appointed three Asian Americans to his cabinet: Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu; Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke; and Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki.

I have much hope for the future because all Americans are working together hand in hand to ensure the equality and advancement not only of their community, but of all communities.

Mr. Speaker, let me again thank Congressman Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for his leadership in introducing this resolution. I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans this year and for years to come! Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5145, which will increase the reimbursement amount for Veterans Administration, VA, health professionals who continue their professional education. It will also expand the VA's authority to offer education reimbursements by allowing all health professionals employed by the VA to qualify, including optometrists, nurses, chiropractors, and other vital health care providers who are currently ineligible. This important measure will ensure that the VA community has up-to-date training so that they can best treat our veterans who so selflessly serve our country.

I thank Chairman Filner for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman McNerney, for his dedication to ensuring that we offer our veterans the highest quality health care.

Madam Speaker, our brave men and women in uniform have assumed the responsibility of protecting us and the values that we cherish as American citizens. We, then, have a solemn obligation to provide them with the resources and services that they need. This includes the best available medical treatment for our veterans who return home wounded or with disabilities. With a new generation of veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is as important as ever that the VA medical staff is fully equipped to treat traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress syndrome, and other health complications that are increasingly prevalent due to the new threats of 21st century warfare.

As the representative of a district that is home to over 24,000 veterans and the VA Medical Center of Long Beach, I am sensitive to the health care needs of our servicemen and servicewomen returning home from overseas. These young men and women in uniform risk their lives on our behalf and ask little in return. The least we can do to repay their sacrifice is ensure that they have access to the most modern and effective treatments and a comprehensive array of services. This bill will do just that.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5145.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011,'' which provides $726 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.

I thank Chairman Skelton for his masterful leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor.

Mr. Chair, I support this bill for three reasons: (1) it restores and enhances the readiness of our troops, equipment, and defense infrastructure; (2) it takes care of our military personnel and their families; and (3) it authorizes the needed investments to keep our nation strong, safe, and respected in the world.

Let me briefly highlight some of the key provisions. This legislation:

troop and equipment readiness

Provides $1.2 billion for projects in Afghanistan to allow our commanders on the ground to immediately respond to military construction needs in theater.

Authorizes $13.6 billion for the training of all active duty and reserve forces to increase readiness as troops experience greater dwell time following the Iraq drawdown.

Authorizes $345 million to fully fund the first increment of construction funds to modernize DOD schools.

Authorizes $9.7 billion to fully fund day-to-day maintenance requirements of DOD facilities.

Provides a total of $7.2 billion for the National Guard and Reserve, including $700 million above the budget request.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5136. I want to thank Chairman Skelton, the committee, and all of the staff that have brought us to this point.

Having visited Afghanistan and Iraq, I strongly agree that this bill will help us to restore and enhance the readiness of our troops. But with the limited time that I have to speak, I would like to focus on one part of the amendment today, and that is my amendment that would allow the Transportation Command to update and expand its Port Look 2008 strategic seaports study. This study remains a crucial tool to ensure that our ports remain ready to respond in the case of an emergency, and, worse, an attack.

My amendment would expand the scope of the report to include the consideration of infrastructure in the vicinity of strategic ports, including bridges, roads, and rail capacity. We must be ready to move our troops immediately and to get them the resources that they need.

I stand to say something that I have said before: ``The role of our ports is to connect the forts.'' If the transportation systems and infrastructure in and around our strategic ports are deficient, the ability of our ports to fulfill their readiness would fail.

I stand in support of this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1339, which expresses the House of Representatives' support for the designation of May as National Foster Care Month and recognizes the important role that foster parents play in the lives of children across the country. There are nearly 500,000 children in America's foster care system. Many of these children come from troubled backgrounds and turbulent pasts. America's foster parents take these children in and show them the care and attention that they deserve as they wait to be reunited with their families or adopted into new, loving families.

I thank Chairman Levin for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman McDermott, for working to increase public awareness about the critical role that the foster care system plays in our society.

In my home State of California, there are nearly 80,000 children in the foster care system, a majority of whom were placed there by the State as a result of parental abuse or neglect. Foster parents play a critical role in the lives of some the most vulnerable youths in California and across the country. They help hold our Nation's social fabric together by ensuring that thousands of young people in this country stay on track towards successful futures.

Designating May as National Foster Care Month is a way to encourage responsible and caring adults to serve as foster parents. Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage in the number of foster parents available. There are less than 3 foster homes for every 10 children living under the State's care.

While the foster care system provides a vital service in our society, children in foster homes often face special challenges. In 2008, 123,000 of the 273,000 children in the foster care system were waiting to be adopted into new homes. However, by the end of the year, only 55,000 were adopted out of foster care. Foster children who are not adopted or reunited with their families often end up ``aging out'' of the foster care system. These children who ``age out'' of the system are in need of resources to help them afford higher education opportunities, find affordable housing and quality health insurance, and achieve steady employment. This is a social demand to which Congress must respond.

Past legislative initiatives to invest in our country's foster care system include the Adoption Assistance and Safe Families Act of 1980, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, and the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008. These initiatives recognized the need to provide increased resources for foster families and a sense of stability for foster children, 65 percent of whom experience a minimum of seven school changes while in the system. Congress must continue working to improve the foster care system, so that all children within this system can develop and mature in young adults with bright futures.

I salute the selflessness and hard work that foster parents demonstrate each day when they care for a child who had been displaced from his or her family. I offer my sincere support for dedicating the month of May as National Foster Care Month. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1339.

First of all, I would like to acknowledge the co- chairs of our senior task force--Ms. Schakowsky and Ms. Matsui. The work that we have been able to do in such a short period of time is amazing.

Of course, to Ms. Speier from California, my neighboring home State, I thank her for organizing this hour that we have today.

You know, seniors are the fastest growing segment of our population. Every year, as more and more of the baby boomer generation retires, the number of seniors in our country grows considerably. Currently, one in every eight people in the United States is an older American. Over the next decade, the number of older Americans will increase by 36 percent. That's 5.5 million people. In my district alone, there are over 52,000 seniors. Older Americans are living longer and more active lives. Yet with older ages and longer lives, there come new challenges for us in Congress and in State and local governments to meet. Regardless of our ages or our generations, we have a responsibility to look out for our senior Americans just as our children and grandchildren will hopefully do for us one day.

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting a 37th Congressional District annual senior briefing. We had over 1,032 seniors. It was pretty amazing to be there and to see everyone coming in, excited to be there. Well, what I want to say is that it was really interesting to me: two-thirds of those individuals drove. Two-thirds of those individuals had computers.

So, when we talk about seniors, it's not the end of the road. In fact, for many--and thankfully so--there are many, many good quality years ahead. What we have the ability to do on this task force is to ensure that they can have good quality lives and will not just simply stay at home, not really able to be productive.

When we had our senior briefing, the seniors were excited, and they were in great spirits. We had a full agenda; and the biggest thing that we talked about, which we spent half of our time on, was understanding the health care bill that this Congress just recently passed and how it benefits them.

The other things, though, that were unfortunate that I learned in that meeting were some of the troubles that some of my seniors were having--trouble staying financially secure in the midst of this recession. Ms. Speier talked about what has happened with the actions of Wall Street. Number two, obtaining jobs. Number three, finding affordable housing. For many seniors, they are downsizing and moving into other situations. For the amount of money that they have coming in, it cannot meet the cost of housing today. Finally, we talked about their getting quality health care.

A 2009 study revealed that in California, the State that I come from, over 500,000 seniors are living single and are having a difficult time making ends meet, let alone enjoying their quality of life.

As we move forward to continue addressing the needs of senior citizens, I am proud to be a member of this newly established seniors' task force. We are committed to preserving the rights, as has been talked about so far this evening, and in promoting the interests of America's senior citizens. The seniors' task force will be an excellent vehicle to ensure that the government is working for our seniors and for some of us, if we are so blessed to be, who will be coming forward as well.

At the task force opening press conference last week, we unveiled the senior bill of rights as has been shown. This resolution is an expression of what seniors who have worked most of their lives to make this country a better place deserve in return. There are just a few things:

One, financial security and stability. Two, quality and affordable health and long-term care. Three, protection from abuse, scams, and exploitation. We heard some examples of those this evening. Four, a stronger economy now and for future generations. Five, for a safe, livable community with safe transportation options.

This Congress has recognized the needs of seniors, and we have taken it on straight, without hesitation, that swift and bold action is needed.

In the very first days that Congress was in session for this particular 111th Congress, we passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the Recovery Act, and many seniors included in that received $250 that was to go towards helping to cover the costs, the rising costs, that many of our seniors are facing.

But then we took another action just about a month or so ago, and that was concerning health care reform. This Congress, this Democratic Congress, took the leadership, without much other assistance except by our help from the administration, to make sure that we could pass health care reforms that would dramatically increase the quality and the affordability of care that our seniors would face.

The health care reform that we did over the next few years will help close the Medicare doughnut hole that keeps many seniors from getting the prescription drugs that they desperately need. The average senior will save $250 in 2010, $750 in 2011, and over $3,000 in 2020 on prescription drugs.

However, one need that we know is also being overlooked and I have been trying to take some leadership on is

the fact that many of our seniors are still working; some because they want to, because they have the ability to and there is much left to contribute, but others because they have to.

These economic woes that our seniors are facing are based upon many factors. Over 40 percent of the seniors in my district rely upon Social Security as their only source of income. I know many seniors who are pinching pennies simply to eat. This isn't acceptable. In fact, it is not even American. There are many seniors in my district who need to continue to work in jobs in order to maintain financial security.

The ongoing economic downturn, which Wall Street greatly, in fact, caused, that national economy that has now adversely affected millions of workers in various age groups has disproportionately burdened workers over the age of 55. Older Americans are experiencing difficult times, and only 55 percent of the jobless older workers have been there long enough to be able to have an extended tenure beyond January of 2008, compared to 72.6 percent of those in the age group of 25-54. A larger share of jobless older workers were paid lower wages in their new full-time jobs, compared to people who are in the age group of 25- 54.

We have a responsibility. We have a duty to provide employment opportunities to senior citizens, who still have much to contribute. So I brought forward a bill to add to the great Senior Bill of Rights that we have brought forward, which is H.R. 4819, Expanding the Opportunities for Older Americans Act of 2010.

This bill responds to the need of senior citizen employment opportunities. It will expand senior employment programs for older Americans and create 40,000 new jobs. This bill will also lower the eligibility age for participating members of our society, and it will also eliminate some of the requirements that work against seniors. For example if a senior happens to be married and their spouse is working, many of the current programs that other spouse is not able to take advantage of, and that is wrong.

We must ensure that seniors have financial security and that this economy works for them. We must uphold our end of the bargain to our seniors, who have sacrificed and dedicated so much to this country throughout their lives.

I urge all of my colleagues to join us in this Senior Task Force, not only tonight, when we have started the discussion, but as we move forward the Senior Bill of Rights and many other pieces of legislation that will make a difference.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Res. 713, which recognizes the significant contributions of United States automobile dealerships, and expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that automobile dealers that have been forced to close be given a fair opportunity to reenter the automobile market once it rebounds and stabilizes. The automobile dealer industry has an important place in our country's history and is a critical part of our economy. It is critical that we recognize the important role of automobile dealers, help them survive the ongoing economic downturn, and pave the way for their future success.

I thank Chairman Waxman for his leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this H. Res. 713, Congressman Green, for taking the time to recognize the important contributions of automobile dealers in our nation's history and their vital role in our rebounding economy.

Madam Speaker, the automobile and the automotive industry has long been a symbol of American ingenuity and a source of American prosperity. Franchised automobile dealers have played and continue to play a critical role in the automotive industry: the franchised dealership system in the United States is the independent link between the manufacturer's assembly line and the American consumer.

The automobile dealership industry is a vital part of the national economy. Virtually all new cars and light trucks are sold through franchised dealers. Dealers represent the largest retail business in the United States, with approximately $693 billion in revenues in 2007. Franchised dealers employ over 1,100,000 people, comprise nearly 20 percent of all retail sales in the United States, and, in total, provide billions of dollars annually in tax revenue.

Madam Speaker, automobile dealers also play an important role in local communities across the country. Auto dealers have deep roots in local communities and have helped manufacturers with long-term customer relationships that create brand loyalty and maintain customer convenience. Dealerships across the country provide jobs, give direct investments to local economies, and supply tax revenue to State and local governments.

The economic downturn of the last two years has put thousands of jobs at risk, including those at automobile dealerships and automobile manufacturers. I have witnessed the effect of the recession on car dealerships in my district. That is why I recently introduced H.R. 4897, the Drivers AID Act of 2010. By making interest payments on new car purchases deductible, this bill will help consumers

in buying cars, dealers in selling cars, and auto manufacturers in making cars.

Madam Speaker, we must take action to help auto dealers play a key role in the revival of the United States' economy. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res 713.

Prior to the Obama administration, our economy was run into a ditch. We were losing over 700,000 jobs a month and most families were struggling just to pay their bills. But, yes, what a difference a year has made.

This Democratic Congress, working with President Obama, has chartered a new direction. Americans are now paying the lowest amount of tax rates since the 1950s; getting deductions on property taxes; help with bonds for States so they can rebuild hospitals and sewers; and tax relief for tuition and teachers for their out-of-pocket expenses. And finally, yes, we have to protect those coasts and increase the oil spill liability trust fund.

But there is more to do, we all know that, and that is why this week we are looking to pass the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, to close tax loopholes that many corporations have taken advantage of. We have to restore credit to small businesses, extend tax incentives so American businesses can do the research that they need, and, yes, our young people need jobs. Didn't you get one?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1362, which honors the tremendous accomplishments of the late Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, who passed away on May 9, 2010 at the age of 92. Born in 1917 in Brooklyn, NY, Lena Horne was one of the most prolific and accomplished performers of her time. At the young age of 16, Ms. Horne began her career when she joined the chorus line of the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. Over the years, her phenomenal talent garnered increasing critical acclaim and widespread recognition, as she became one of the most prominent figures in American entertainment.

I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Conyers for honoring the legacy of this superb American actress and songstress.

Despite the segregation-era law that prohibited African Americans from playing leading roles in white films or plays, Ms. Horne's talent attracted widespread national attention. She was beloved for her part in the 1943 musical Cabin in the Sky. Additionally, for her role in the Calypso musical Jamaica, Ms. Horne was nominated for a Tony Award for ``Best Actress in a Musical.''

Ms. Horne's musical career was equally impressive. In 1957, her live album entitled Lena Horne at the Waldorf-Astoria became the best selling album by a female recording artist in the history of the RCA- Victor label. In the 1950s, Ms. Horne appeared in a number of popular television shows including, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, The Judy Garland Show, and The Andy Williams Show.

Lena Horne's pursuits were not limited to the stage. She was an outspoken activist committed to fighting racism and Jim Crow. She attended the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech and performed on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the National Council of Negro Women. During World War II, she refused to perform before segregated audiences and protested shows in which German Prisoners of War were seated in front of African American soldiers.

I salute the artistic talent and inspirational life led by Lena Horne. I commend her contribution to the richness of American performance art and vocal stances against oppression and discrimination. Lena Horne captivated and inspired a nation and she will be greatly missed.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1362.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1362, which honors the tremendous accomplishments of the late Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, who passed away on May 9, 2010 at the age of 92. Born in 1917 in Brooklyn, NY, Lena Horne was one of the most prolific and accomplished performers of her time. At the young age of 16, Ms. Horne began her career when she joined the chorus line of the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. Over the years, her phenomenal talent garnered increasing critical acclaim and widespread recognition, as she became one of the most prominent figures in American entertainment.

I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Conyers for honoring the legacy of this superb American actress and songstress.

Despite the segregation-era law that prohibited African Americans from playing leading roles in white films or plays, Ms. Horne's talent attracted widespread national attention. She was beloved for her part in the 1943 musical Cabin in the Sky. Additionally, for her role in the Calypso musical Jamaica, Ms. Horne was nominated for a Tony Award for ``Best Actress in a Musical.''

Ms. Horne's musical career was equally impressive. In 1957, her live album entitled Lena Horne at the Waldorf-Astoria became the best selling album by a female recording artist in the history of the RCA- Victor label. In the 1950s, Ms. Horne appeared in a number of popular television shows including, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, The Judy Garland Show, and The Andy Williams Show.

Lena Horne's pursuits were not limited to the stage. She was an outspoken activist committed to fighting racism and Jim Crow. She attended the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech and performed on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the National Council of Negro Women. During World War II, she refused to perform before segregated audiences and protested shows in which German Prisoners of War were seated in front of African American soldiers.

I salute the artistic talent and inspirational life led by Lena Horne. I commend her contribution to the richness of American performance art and vocal stances against oppression and discrimination. Lena Horne captivated and inspired a nation and she will be greatly missed.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1362.