Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2136, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, which establishes the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies.

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 colleague Congressman Fudge, who introduced this legislation in honor of our distinguished colleague Stephanie Tubbs Jones. The late Congresswoman Tubbs Jones introduced the College Fire Prevention Act in each of the last four sessions of Congress and passed a resolution regarding Campus Fire Safety Month. I am pleased that the legislation she worked so hard on is finally coming before the House.

As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, fire prevention for students is an important issue to me. There are between 1,500 and 1,800 fires each year in college residence halls, dormitories, and sorority or fraternity houses. But when fire suppression technology is present in student housing, the chance of surviving a fire increases by 97 percent and the likelihood of property damage is 35 percent less.

H.R. 2136 establishes an incentive program within the Department of Education (DOE) that will promote the installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing or dormitories. The program will provide competitive matching grants that will fund up to half of the installation costs and priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate the greatest financial need. In addition, the legislation would reserve at least 10 percent of the funds in grant program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. At least 10 percent will be reserved for fraternities and sororities.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation to keep our students safe. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to promote increased safety measures in college dormitories as well as providing the funds in support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2136.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2136, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, which establishes the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies.

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 colleague Congressman Fudge, who introduced this legislation in honor of our distinguished colleague Stephanie Tubbs Jones. The late Congresswoman Tubbs Jones introduced the College Fire Prevention Act in each of the last four sessions of Congress and passed a resolution regarding Campus Fire Safety Month. I am pleased that the legislation she worked so hard on is finally coming before the House.

As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, fire prevention for students is an important issue to me. There are between 1,500 and 1,800 fires each year in college residence halls, dormitories, and sorority or fraternity houses. But when fire suppression technology is present in student housing, the chance of surviving a fire increases by 97 percent and the likelihood of property damage is 35 percent less.

H.R. 2136 establishes an incentive program within the Department of Education (DOE) that will promote the installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing or dormitories. The program will provide competitive matching grants that will fund up to half of the installation costs and priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate the greatest financial need. In addition, the legislation would reserve at least 10 percent of the funds in grant program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. At least 10 percent will be reserved for fraternities and sororities.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation to keep our students safe. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to promote increased safety measures in college dormitories as well as providing the funds in support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2136.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2546, the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009, which will prohibit a condominium association, cooperative association, or real estate management association from preventing a resident from displaying a military service flag on his or her property or living space. This important measure will ensure that the families of our servicemen and servicewomen have the right to honor their brave loved ones for their service to this country.

I would like to thank Chairman Frank for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Boccieri. I am deeply grateful to Congressman Boccieri for his service to this nation and I thank him for helping to ensure that no American is deprived of the opportunity to honor a family member who is courageously defending our country.

Madam Speaker, I am deeply saddened by accounts of individuals being required by condominium and apartment owners to remove the service flags flown in their windows or on their porches in honor of family members serving overseas. Every American deserves the right to honor a loved one serving in the military. Our Nation should never discourage expressions of support for its troops. Fortunately, this legislation will ensure that never again will a mother be told that she cannot honor her son or daughter, whose service fills her with pride and for whose wellbeing and safety she prays daily.

Madam Speaker, California's 37th district is home to over 24,000 veterans and hundreds of brave men and women currently enlisted in the Armed Forces, many of whom are fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am forever grateful for their service and consistently work to ensure that they receive recognition for their courage and the support they need upon returning home. I stand in solidarity with their families in honoring their bravery and hoping that those who are currently deployed soon return home to be reunited with their loved ones.

With Memorial Day just over a week away it is important that we take time to honor and express our gratitude for the fallen heroes who

made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. We must also commit ourselves to standing by the families of our brave men and women in uniform. My district has a long history of supporting military families. Long Beach is home to the Gold Star Manor, which provides affordable and quality housing to mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of their country. We must continue supporting the family members of our men and women in uniform and always express our gratitude for our troops' willingness to risk their lives on behalf of our Nation.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2546.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2546, the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009, which will prohibit a condominium association, cooperative association, or real estate management association from preventing a resident from displaying a military service flag on his or her property or living space. This important measure will ensure that the families of our servicemen and servicewomen have the right to honor their brave loved ones for their service to this country.

I would like to thank Chairman Frank for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Boccieri. I am deeply grateful to Congressman Boccieri for his service to this nation and I thank him for helping to ensure that no American is deprived of the opportunity to honor a family member who is courageously defending our country.

Madam Speaker, I am deeply saddened by accounts of individuals being required by condominium and apartment owners to remove the service flags flown in their windows or on their porches in honor of family members serving overseas. Every American deserves the right to honor a loved one serving in the military. Our Nation should never discourage expressions of support for its troops. Fortunately, this legislation will ensure that never again will a mother be told that she cannot honor her son or daughter, whose service fills her with pride and for whose wellbeing and safety she prays daily.

Madam Speaker, California's 37th district is home to over 24,000 veterans and hundreds of brave men and women currently enlisted in the Armed Forces, many of whom are fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am forever grateful for their service and consistently work to ensure that they receive recognition for their courage and the support they need upon returning home. I stand in solidarity with their families in honoring their bravery and hoping that those who are currently deployed soon return home to be reunited with their loved ones.

With Memorial Day just over a week away it is important that we take time to honor and express our gratitude for the fallen heroes who

made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. We must also commit ourselves to standing by the families of our brave men and women in uniform. My district has a long history of supporting military families. Long Beach is home to the Gold Star Manor, which provides affordable and quality housing to mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of their country. We must continue supporting the family members of our men and women in uniform and always express our gratitude for our troops' willingness to risk their lives on behalf of our Nation.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2546.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about the American people today. They are some of the most resilient people in the world. But over the last 2 years, even the most optimistic individual has been fearful. Just 2 years ago, we were losing 727,000 jobs a month. The stock market dropped 3,000 points, making 401(k) plans look like 201(k)s, and we feared for the next generation, that they would have enough money to live on. But what a difference a year makes.

The Democratic Congress, working with the new Obama administration, has moved in a new direction, first of all by passing the Recovery Act. Instead of losing jobs, we have been gaining jobs. Since passing the Recovery Act, the stock market has risen dramatically, real estate is coming back, and home sales are coming back. When you look at the job growth, it is going up again.

These are the changes, and these are the differences that we can see that are facts and not fiction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 268, which supports the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week and requests that the President of the United States issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and interested groups to observe National Women's Health Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. This is an important measure that will increase public awareness of the critical issue of women's health.

I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Hinchey, for his dedication to ensuring that women's health is a national priority.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that our nation adopt a heightened focus on the issue of women's health. Women of all backgrounds should be encouraged to reduce their risk of common diseases through preventative measures, such as engaging in regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and visiting a healthcare specialist to receive regular checkups and preventative screenings. These healthy habits begin at a young age and so we must stress the importance of preventative health measures to children in homes and schools across the country.

Unfortunately, there is a high prevalence of disease and health complications among minority women. African-American women, Asian- American women, and American Indian women all face a high risk of contracting diseases. As the representative of a district that is home to large African American and Latino populations, as well as the largest Cambodian population in the country, I understand the crucial importance of improving public awareness about women's health and the unique health challenges for minority women.

Thanks to the historic passage of health care reform, we have taken a giant step in the right direction for women's health. All Americans will have access to affordable, quality care and no longer will women be discriminated against by insurance companies. We owe it to all women in this country--now and in future generations--to continue this effort to increase awareness regarding women's health.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res 268.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1094, which honors the tremendous accomplishments of the late Cynthia Delores Tucker. Ms. Tucker dedicated her life to advancing the interests of women and minorities in the United States. Raised in Philadelphia during the Great Depression, Ms. Tucker overcame great hardships to become one of our Nation's leaders in both the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for women's rights. After a life full of achievements and milestones, Ms. Tucker passed away in 2005 at the age of 78. We owe our national gratitude to Ms. Tucker, an American hero who made the United States a more fair and tolerant country.

I thank Chairman Conyers for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman Watson, for her commitment to ensuring that the legacy of Cynthia Delores Tucker always shines as a beacon of social progress.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Tucker became politically active in 1950, when she worked to register African American voters during Philadelphia's mayoral campaign. She went on to play a central role in the Civil Rights Movement and marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In January of 1971, Governor Milton Shapp appointed Ms. Tucker as Pennsylvania's secretary of state, making her the first African American female secretary of state in the country. While serving as secretary of state, Ms. Tucker was a leader in the successful effort to add an Equal Rights Amendment to Pennsylvania's State constitution, guaranteeing equal rights for women under State law. She also oversaw the lowering of the Pennsylvania voting age from 21 to 18 years old.

In 1984, Ms. Tucker founded the National Political Congress of Black Women, an organization dedicated to supporting the interests and well- being of African American women and their families. Ms. Tucker was also the first African American president of the National Federation of Democratic Women and founded the Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Non-Violence. Additionally, she founded the Bethune- Dubois Institute in an effort to promote the cultural and educational development of African American youth.

In her later years, Ms. Tucker spearheaded a campaign against gangster rap music containing lyrics glamorizing criminal lifestyles and disrespect of women. In this effort to combat the negativity in gangster rap music, Ms. Tucker initiated a boycott of companies that produced such music and spoke out in objection to the NAACP honoring rapper Tupac Shakur with its Image Award.

William Tucker, Ms. Tucker's husband of more than forty years, once described her as ``one of the most fearless individuals I have ever known. She will take on anyone, anything, if that is what she thinks is right. . . . I tell her there are times you have to compromise, but she is not one who will readily entertain the idea of compromise about anything.'' It was this dedication to social progress and unwillingness to settle for anything short of equality for all that makes Ms. Tucker a national hero.

I salute the dedication and resilience that characterized Ms. Tucker's work throughout her life. I am truly grateful for her efforts to help women and minorities achieve equality and justice.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1094.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1337, expressing the sympathy and condolences of the House of Representatives to those affected by the flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi in May 2010.

I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Oberstar for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Cooper, who authored this legislation.

As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response, I stand with my colleagues in expressing our deepest sympathy to those affected by this recent flooding. The State of Tennessee was hit by unprecedented rainfall that resulted in the massive flooding of areas in and around Nashville. According to the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the two-day rainfall totals of 13.53 inches more than doubles the previous record of 6.68 inches set in September, 1979. Unfortunately, the storms causing the rainfall claimed the lives of 31 people across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones.

In addition, the storms destroyed homes and displaced thousands of people across Tennessee, and the flooding affected travel along hundreds of roads throughout Tennessee, including interstate highways 40 and 24. Schools and universities across the region were closed. However, in this time of need, citizens and emergency responders worked together to aid their neighbors after the storm. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to the people of the State of Tennessee and the surrounding States, who continue to work to protect people from the floodwaters and aid in the recovery efforts.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I stand with my colleagues today to honor the emergency responders across Tennessee for their bravery and sacrifice during this tragedy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1337.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1320, expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens and law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism.

I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Thompson for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleagues Congressman McMahon, Congressman Himes, and Congressman Hall, who authored this legislation.

As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response, I am an original cosponsor of this resolution. I am pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing the New York City first responders who safely evacuated hundreds of people from Times Square and responded in a prompt and effective manner, as the result of extensive terrorism preparedness efforts that are supported, in part, by the Department of Homeland Security. H. Res. 1320 recognizes the efforts of these men and women as well as the action of two alert citizens, Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson, who notified the New York Police Department about a suspicious vehicle that was parked on 45th Street in Times Square. It is due to the exceptional professionalism and investigative work by the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut that a suspect was apprehended only 48 hours following the attempted bombing.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because it is important to recognize and honor the men and women who put themselves in harm's way all day, every day, doing the important work to keep our homeland safe. I am proud to stand with my colleagues today in support of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1320.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1187, which recognizes Federal employees for their outstanding service to our Nation and stresses the importance of promoting their safety and security while they are at work. H. Res. 1187 is an important measure that raises public awareness in regards to both the excellent work performed by Federal employees and the need to protect them on the job.

I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Moran, for recognizing the importance of seeking ways to improve the safety and security of Federal employees.

Federal employees work long hours every day to ensure that Government is working for the American people. In return, we must do what we can to show our appreciation for their service. This includes ensuring their safety while at work. Unfortunately, recent events show that we can do more.

Mr. Speaker, as Chairwoman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency, Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I am particularly attuned to the threats facing our Federal employees. Between 2001 and 2008, more than 1,200 attacks have been made on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) buildings. The February 18, 2010 attack on the Austin, Texas IRS building claimed the life of two-tour Vietnam veteran Vernon Hunter. The March 4, 2010 shooting that injured two Pentagon guards represented the fourth attack or security scare on a Federal building in 2010.

These unfortunate events show that we must adopt a heightened focus on protecting Federal employees and securing Federal workplaces. Additionally, we should also be grateful for the service of the state and local government employees throughout the country and work to ensure that they, too, are safe at work. As the representative of thousands of state and local government employees, I understand the importance of the work they perform to ensure that our states and cities are run fairly and efficiently. We must be dedicated to their workplace safety.

In addition, these attacks should also serve as a reminder of the need to enhance our security efforts not only for government employees, but for all Americans. The areas in and around my district contain multiple infrastructure sites of national importance, such as the Port of Long Beach, the Gerald Desmond Bridge, and the Alameda Corridor. Due to the constant flow of goods through these sites, they are vulnerable to attack and intentional sabotage. We must enhance our national security efforts to ensure that these sites, and the hundreds of others across the country, are secure and that the American people are safe.

Mr. Speaker, we must continue to protect the people who serve us every day. I applaud the Federal employees who dedicate their lives in making sure government is working on behalf of the American people.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1187.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1299, which recognizes the men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty as law enforcement officers. This is an important measure that pays tribute to the selfless men and women who lost their lives as they worked to protect the American people. These brave individuals deserve our national gratitude for their sacrifice.

I thank Chairman Conyers for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Poe, for his dedication to ensuring that the men and women who protect our families and communities are honored for their bravery, service, and sacrifice.

Careers in law enforcement are inherently dangerous and the men and women who decide to serve as police officers should be commended for their bravery. Today, there are more than 900,000 law enforcement officers in the United States who risk their lives every day to protect our communities. Following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, more than seventy law enforcement officers were killed while rescuing victims and restoring a sense of order during this time of national tragedy. September 11, 2001, was the deadliest day for law enforcement officers in the history of our nation.

More than 18,600 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty throughout the history of the United States. These police officers were killed while responding to disturbance calls, making arrests in robberies, investigating suspicious circumstances, making traffic stops, and countless other efforts to protect the American people and ensure the safety of our communities.

In my district in Long Beach, California, 28 police officers have died in the line of duty. In a Peace Officers Memorial Day tribute, Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster eloquently stated, ``All of our officers and firefighters chose a profession where they could no longer sit still and proclaim that somebody should do something. Thinking about taking action and actually taking action is what separates the good from the great; the well intentioned from the heroes.'' I agree with Mayor Foster. Law enforcement officers are true American heroes.

I salute the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers at the Federal, State, and local levels. I extend my deepest sympathy to the loved ones of police officers who have been killed while working to protect the American people.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1299.

Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5019-- Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. I want to thank my colleague Representative Welch for bringing this important bill to the floor.

In our current economic crisis we need to seize on opportunities to create jobs, and with our need to find the energy to power our country, we need to find every kilowatt of savings we can. This bill will help accomplish both of those goals.

Home Star is a short-term program to create jobs, save energy, and lower families' energy bills. Home Star will restart the assembly lines at factories that manufacture energy efficiency technologies and will put construction workers back on the job installing these improvements in the homes of millions of American families.

There are huge energy savings available through basic retrofits, which will save people money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. By encouraging people to help themselves through the installation of specific energy-saving technologies, including insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing, and water heaters, we will all benefit.

Home Star is expected to allow 3 million families to retrofit their homes to be more energy efficient. Consumers are predicted to save $9.2 billion on their energy bills over the next 10 years as a result of Home Star's energy efficiency investments. And Home Star will create 168,000 new jobs here in the United States. Construction jobs cannot be outsourced, and more than 90 percent of energy efficiency technologies are manufactured here in America.

We also must do everything we can to continue to encourage the development of an energy efficiency industry in this country. Foreign countries are threatening to take our market share in manufacturing energy efficient technologies and we cannot let this huge market go offshore. This bill will help create a larger market for these products and solidify our position as a market leader.

This bill is a win-win-win, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5019, the ``Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010.'' I am a proud cosponsor of this important legislation, which will create thousands of good paying jobs, help millions of consumers and families, and make our nation more energy efficient and independent. This bill is good for business, good for labor, good for families, and good for America. It is little wonder that it enjoys broad based and bipartisan support.

I thank Chairman Waxman for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Welch, for recognizing the positive effect that home energy retrofitting can have on our economy, our energy supply, and our planet.

Madam Chair, our nation faces a serious energy crisis. We must adopt a comprehensive energy strategy that weans us off of our dependence on foreign oil and ensures our nation's long term prosperity. This strategy has to include becoming more efficient in our everyday use of energy, and that starts in our homes.

H.R. 5019 will spur home retrofits by offering rebates to homeowners who install energy saving products, such as insulation, duct sealing, air sealing, water heaters, and windows. Retrofitting will save homeowners $9.2 million on their energy bills over the next 10 years. Additionally, investing in the green economy creates jobs. This bill will create 168,000 new jobs by restarting the assembly lines that produce energy-saving devices and creating a demand for home construction and installations. Construction and installation jobs cannot be shipped overseas and 90 percent of energy efficiency technologies are manufactured here in the United States.

As importantly, this legislation will help the individuals in this country who are the most vulnerable. I know individuals in my Congressional district and across the country are struggling to pay their bills as energy costs skyrocket. Many do not know how long they will be able to afford hot water, heat for the winter, or cold air to make stifling summers bearable. This bill will lower energy costs for those individuals and help them ensure that they can afford safe and decent living conditions for themselves and their families.

This bill is supported by a wide-ranging coalition of religious, conservation, and pro-growth groups. H.R. 5019 is the right thing to do for our economy, our environment, and our communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5019.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1307, which honors the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the United States. This important measure recognizes the National Science Foundation for its continued leadership in promoting groundbreaking research and educational opportunities in the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics--fields that are critical to the United States ability to compete in an increasingly technical global economy.

I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for sponsoring this resolution and for his leadership in bringing it to the floor.

Since its inception by Congress in 1950, the National Science Foundation has used grants to support the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. In doing so, it has strengthened our economy and improved quality of life for Americans. Each year the National Science Foundation supports a network of over 200,000 individual scientists, engineers, students, and educators at over 2,000 colleges and universities, schools, nonprofits, science centers and museums, and small businesses.

As a former member of the Science and Technology Committee, I understand the importance of science in advancing and protecting our nation. More importantly, as the chairwoman of the Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response, I commend the National Science Foundation for its National Hazards Reduction Program, Approaches to Combat Terrorism Program, and other research activities that have predicted and reduced the risk of both natural and man-made disasters.

In or near my congressional district are multiple major critical infrastructure sites, including the Port of Long Beach, the Alameda Corridor, and the Gerald Desmond Bridge. This critical infrastructure is a vital part of the good movement throughout the nation. However, due to the high volume of cargo that travels through them daily, these infrastructure sites also represent real national security risks. Thus, I am particularly attuned to the importance of the National Science Foundation's efforts to engineer secure infrastructure and design programs that help identity and reduce national security threats.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the National Science Foundation is a driving force and a pioneer in the field science, engineering, and mathematics. I applaud the National Science Foundation for continuing to lead the nation by example in building a new generation of leaders in these fields, strengthening our economy, and protecting our citizens.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1307.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1213, which recognizes the need to increase student participation in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). H. Res. 1213 also supports the ideals of National Lab Day, a national initiative designed to bring together educators, scientists and community members in the interest of providing students from kindergarten through 12th grade with hands-on scientific learning experiences. On National Lab Day, which is celebrated every year during the first week of May, scientists and other STEM professionals can give back to the community by volunteering their time to work with educators and students on lab projects.

Women and minorities have long been underrepresented in STEM careers. We need to reverse this trend so that STEM professionals better reflect the diverse character of our nation. Several initiatives in my district and the surrounding region have taken steps to make this happen. Great Minds in STEM is a nonprofit organization that operates an afterschool program in the Compton Unified School District in Compton, California that educates students from underrepresented demographic groups in STEM subject areas. STEM UP is another initiative that is working to establish a STEM education program in Southern California that focuses on increasing diversity.

The skills taught through STEM education are essential to an increasing number of jobs in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that science and engineering occupations will grow by 21.4 percent from 2004 to 2014, while non-STEM occupations will only grow by 13 percent. Additionally, equipping more Americans with advanced skills in STEM is essential to ensuring America's competitiveness in the global marketplace. In 2006, only 4.5 percent of college graduates in the United States majored in a STEM field compared with 25.4 percent of graduates in South Korea, 33.3 percent of graduates in China, and 39.1 percent of graduates in Singapore. We must graduate more students with the technical knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly globalized and hi-tech economy.

I consider increasing educational and employment opportunities in the STEM fields to be so important that I recently introduced the America RISING Act of 2010. This bill will pay the salaries for two years of recent college graduates who are hired by small businesses or larger companies with operations in areas of low employment. It also establishes a higher education opportunity program which will provide funding to recent college graduates to help them obtain two years of additional education and training in the STEM fields.

I salute the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, teachers, and students involved in National Lab Day and the organizations committed to increasing participation in STEM disciplines and careers.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1213.