Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the legacy of Dr. Dorothy Height, who passed away this morning at the age of 98. As one of the most significant figures of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Dorothy Height was a true American heroine. Dr. Height spent her entire life fighting injustice and discrimination, and, in doing so, helped make our society more equitable and tolerant.

Dr. Dorothy Height was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1912, a setting in which racism and sexism were the norm. However, Dr. Height did not let this oppressive environment prevent her from following her dreams. After being denied entrance to Barnard College due to a quota allowing only two African-American students per class, she enrolled at New York University, where she earned a Master's degree in educational psychology.

Although Dr. Height began her career as a caseworker, she soon felt called to the arena of social justice and joined the National Council of Negro Women. In 1957, Dr. Height was elected President of the National Council of Negro Women and proudly served in that post for 40 years. Dr. Height also served as the president of the historically black Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she developed programs that promoted education and leadership among African-American women.

Dr. Height is often referred to as the ``godmother of the Civil Rights Movement `` due to her founding role in the Movement and her consistent voice of guidance and inspiration in the fight against discrimination. Dr. Height fought to desegregate public schools, obtain voting rights for African-Americans, and ensure equality for women of all races. Dr. Height marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King and gave advice to Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson on civil rights and women's rights issues.

Dr. Height's amazing and inspirational work has been honored by our nation's most prestigious awards. In 1994, President Bill Clinton awarded Dr. Height with the Medal of Freedom and in 2004, President George W. Bush presented her with the Congressional Gold Medal. Dr. Height has also received the Presidential Citizen Medal, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Freedom From Want Award, the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP, and the 7th Annual Heinz Award Chairman's Medal.

Dr. Height never stopped fighting for justice and equality, and in January 2009, Dr. Height was honored as a distinguished guest at the inauguration of our nation's first African-American president.

Our country has lost a true leader and a beacon of social justice. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Dorothy Height, as they grieve the loss of this special individual. All Americans mourn her loss, but we take solace in the certain knowledge that our country is better because of her.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, during the Holocaust week of remembrance which follows Yom Hashoah this past Sunday. I rise to honor the memory of all those who perished in the Holocaust, all the survivors who had to suffer so greatly, and all those who lost family and friends in the Holocaust. The Holocaust was a tragedy unmatched in the history of the world and we must never forget it lest we allow history to repeat itself.

The Nazis systematically exterminated over 6 million Jewish people and killed between 11 and 17 million people all told. They established concentration camps, including the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau, Treblinka, Belzec, and Sobibor where they worked people to death and systematically exterminated them.

The importance of commemorating and studying the Holocaust is particularly urgent now as the number of survivors that can relate their firsthand impressions is dwindling. We must learn from those who personally witnessed the horrors while we still can.

The timing of this week of remembrance is particularly appropriate as President Obama negotiates the world's nuclear future at this week's historic two-day nuclear summit. During the Holocaust we saw the devastation that can be brought when evil gains power. We have seen millions of people die and that was before the world knew of the destructive

power of nuclear weapons. While we all celebrate the creation of the State of Israel, an amazing country I was able to visit last year and witness the incredible things the Israelis have done with such a small country surrounded by hostile neighbors, we know that the concentration of the Jewish people in their own State leaves them vulnerable if a nuclear weapon fell into the hands of an entity wishing to bring the destruction the Nazis brought. And we unfortunately know such entities exist.

Therefore we must remember the tragedy of the Holocaust and do everything in our power to ensure no tragedy of this magnitude will ever occur again. This means continuing to educate people, promoting tolerance, and vigilantly checking the power of those forces who would wish to revisit the horror of the Holocaust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1236, which honors the 29 coal miners who tragically died in the Upper Big Branch Mine-South, extends condolences to the victims' families, and recognizes the valiant efforts of the emergency workers who responded to the mine disaster. H. Res. 1236 is an important measure that expresses our heartfelt sadness over this tragic loss of life in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Importantly, it also reaches out to the friends and families who are grieving their loss, and honors the selfless men and women who risked their own lives in responding to the disaster.

I thank Chairman Miller for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, my friend Congressman Nick Rahall. The coalminers tragically lost in the disaster were his constituents and I know how heavily this tragedy is weighing upon him. But I also know his resolve to do all he can to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

Mr. Speaker, in West Virginia, coal mining is more than just a profession--it is a way of life, a vital part of the State's history and culture. However, the work done by coalminers has implications across the country. Our Nation is indebted to West Virginia coalminers for the dangerous work that they do on a daily basis to help power our Nation and keep it strong and secure. Despite repeated accidents in our Nation's mines, coalminers have returned to the mines time and again in order to support their families and provide the energy that helps fuel industry and power homes across the country. The 29 miners lost in the disaster were performing this important work and deserve our gratitude and appreciation. Just as important, their families deserve our condolences and support in this time of need.

It is also entirely fitting that we honor the brave emergency workers who responded immediately to the disaster and worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped and injured in the disaster. The emergency responders entered the Upper Big Branch Mine with full knowledge that they may never return from the mine. This willingness to put their own lives at risk in an attempt to save others is heroic and worthy of our continued gratitude and praise.

Finally, the tragedy in Raleigh County, West Virginia is a poignant reminder of the need to do more to ensure the safety of our Nation's mines. Hopefully, we can take this horrible tragedy--the worst mining disaster in 40 years--as a call to ensure that all necessary safety and health regulations are in place in our mines, so that coalminers can work in the safest possible conditions. In order to protect the lives of our Nation's miners and their families from tragedy, we must do all that we can to prevent future mining disasters.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1236.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Mr. Benjamin Hooks, who passed away this morning at the age of 85. Benjamin Hooks was a champion of equality and justice who fought tirelessly for civil rights and, in doing so, made our country a better place for all Americans.

Benjamin Hooks was a critical figure in the fight for civil rights in the United States. In addition to fighting racial segregation through his successful careers a businessman, lawyer, judge, and minister, Mr. Hooks is most well known for his work with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. Mr. Hooks was a pioneer of the NAACP-sponsored restaurant sit-ins and boycotts in the early years of the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1976, the NAACP elected Benjamin Hooks as the executive director of the organization. Mr. Hooks reenergized the NAACP, increased its enrollment dramatically, and enhanced the group's effectiveness. At a time when the Civil Rights Movement was widely considered to have ended, Mr. Hooks recognized that much work was left to be done and recommitted the NAACP to tirelessly fighting for the rights of disadvantaged communities across the United States. Mr. Hooks guided the NAACP through decades of activism and oversaw the constant modernization and adaptation of the organization to respond to the new challenges of changing times.

Benjamin Hooks was a giant in the fight for civil rights in America over the last 60 years. Even as he and his family were targeted in bombings against civil rights leaders in the 1990s, his resolve and commitment to an equitable society never faltered. In characteristic modesty, Benjamin Hooks often referred to himself as ``just a poor little old country preacher,'' but the truth is that he was much more than that. He left an indelible mark on American society and helped improve the lives of countless Americans. Mr. Hooks was honored for his life of service with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which President George W. Bush presented to him in 2007.

I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Benjamin Hooks as they grieve the loss of this truly special individual.

Mr. Chair, as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee I rise to lend my strong support to H.R. 4715 ``The Clean Estuaries Act of 2010.''

This Act will not only improve the management of our current estuaries, but it will allow several other sites that have expressed interest in becoming a part of the National Estuaries program by significantly increasing the funding level for the National Estuaries program. The sites that are interested in inclusion in my area include the San Pedro Bay and Newport Bay, which join thirty six other sites that are also interested in inclusion.

Supporting Estuaries is critical to our prosperity because of the importance of coastal areas to our Nation's economy. Coastal counties account for 40 percent of the employment and 49 percent of the economic output for the nation.

Through the adoption of the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010, all approved estuary programs will be evaluated and will periodically update their management plans, increasing program transparency and improving program performance. Approved programs would have to identify the impact of climate change on estuaries and prepare adaptation responses, as well as work to educate the public on estuary health issues and develop performance measures and targets.

This bill will help expand the program to protect and clean our estuaries and I thank Congressman Bishop for his hard work bringing this bill through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and to the floor today. I ask that my colleagues today support this bill, and help protect our estuaries.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1062 that recognizes the Coast Guard Group Astoria's more than 60 years of service to the Pacific Northwest.

Let me take a moment to commend Congressman David Wu for bringing this resolution to the floor and giving us the opportunity to commend the Coast Guard for its continued service.

The Coast Guard Group Astoria, based out of Warrenton, Oregon, operates three Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters as it patrols and responds to emergencies throughout the Pacific Northwest. I know how important the Coast Guard is because of its presence in the Port of Long Beach in the 37th District of California, which I represent. I see on a regular basis just how hard those men and women work to protect our coastal areas and waterways. Their presence in my district, as well as my position on the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, make me acutely aware of how important the Coast Guard is to our national security and safety.

We are indebted to the men and women who dedicate their lives to the Coast Guard. These brave men and women, such as those who have spent the last 60 years working for Coast Guard Astoria, are ready and willing to serve their country in whatever way necessary. I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Native American Caucus, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1237, a resolution recognizing and honoring the life of Wilma Pearl Mankiller. Chief Mankiller was an ardent advocate for the Native American community and an inspiration to the rest of the nation, and I am proud to support this resolution honoring her.

I would like to thank Congressman Boren for authoring this important resolution, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi for their skill and leadership in bringing it to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, Chief Wilma Mankiller inspired Native American women and girls across the United States when she became principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, the second largest tribe in the United States. Born November 18, 1945 on family land at Mankiller Flats near Rocky Mountain, Oklahoma, she attended San Francisco University, where she became an activist for Native American causes. Chief Mankiller's political career began when she was elected deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1983, before becoming principal chief in 1985.

This accomplishment gave her the opportunity and platform to become an unyielding activist for the continued enhancement of the indigenous population. She was successful in establishing tribally owned businesses, such as horticultural operations, improving infrastructure, and building a hydroelectric facility. In addition to this important work, she also advocated for Native American and women's issues by improving federal and tribal negotiations, as well as through her participation in organizations like the Ford Foundation, the Seventh Generation Fund, and the Freedom Forum. Because of her tireless efforts towards improving the general welfare of Native Americans, Chief Mankiller has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution honoring the life and accomplishments of this extraordinary woman. Her work and dedication have improved the lives of Native Americans across the country, as well as given Americans across the country a better understanding of the Native American community.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1237.

I rise today to congratulate the Duke University men's basketball team for winning the 2010 Division I National Championship and in support of H. Res. 1242.

Now, after listening to talk about ``Them Dogs'' and the ``Blue Devils,'' being a Bruin and a Trojan myself, I thought we needed to weigh in and extend our congratulations.

This spectacular season by the Duke Blue Devils capped by a thrilling, hard-fought victory against the Butler Bulldogs in the NCAA tournament finals last Monday night is another proud chapter in Duke's very long history of success. As a graduate of both UCLA and USC--and that's USC, University of Southern California, not University of South Carolina--as I found since coming to Congress here--I'm a former basketball player and I understand what it takes in terms of hard work, intense focus, and a tireless dedication required by both players, team members and the university itself.

Particularly when we look at the Duke men's basketball team that, as has already been stated, has 15 Final Four appearances, 11, I believe, under the name of Coach K, when you consider that accomplishment, it will long be filled with the histories of college basketball, of the incredible commitment that this university has done not only on the court but off the court as well.

When I look at Coach K and we hear about all of his commitment to his players and we consider his record, the fourth national championship and how Coach K has now tied Adolph Rupp, I would like to point out, though, that he still has six more to catch my alma mater, which is John Wooden of UCLA. But we welcome that challenge.

In addition, when we talk about Coach K, Mr. Pence talked about his mentorship, and I read a little bit about his commitment, of being a role model and the positive impact he wants to have on young men--not only with Duke University but the other young men who were watching how Duke played and were carrying themselves.

But, finally, I would like to commend Congressman David Price not only for sponsoring this resolution but for his success, something many of us in Congress could figure out how to do, how he can represent both the Duke Blue Devils and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels who won the championship last year, as he mentioned.

Any college basketball fan knows that the Duke-UNC rivalry is only second to the UCLA-USC rivalry. And I've got to tell you, it's tough living in my household having those battles. It takes exceptional skill and diplomacy to successfully represent both ends of Tobacco Road, skills that my colleague from North Carolina possesses in abundance.

I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Congressman Price. And in terms of the resolution next year, I'm willing to wager a bet.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Oberstar amendment, Subcommittee Chair Costello, and the FAA Authorization Act as passed by the Senate. The Oberstar amendment makes a number of necessary fixes, one of which is to assure that the bill is in compliance with PAYGO rules. I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for his unrelenting leadership in bringing this amendment and the original FAA Authorization Act to the floor.

The FAA Authorization Act represents our commitment to safety in general aviation, commercial, cargo, and many other areas, especially the innovative programs to come. This is important to our economy, but also to our quality of life. I fly two times a week, 3,000 miles each way. So I can tell you as a passenger that all of the work that we do in our committee is important.

In the committee hearings, we have discussed issues from safety, to programs, to what's going on with the pilots. I can assure you that Subcommittee Chairman Costello has made every effort to ensure that this authorization is a good bill and meets the needs of the public.

This authorization is a step in the right direction to the total modernization that is needed and that has been long awaited.

Transportation experts and those who work in the airline industry agree that this is the time for a bold, new transportation vision. Many Members have already spoken so far about the upcoming awaited implementation of NextGen, but this bill is much more than that.

That is why I am proud to provide support to the FAA Reauthorization Act as it comes before the House today, and not only today, but as Chairman Oberstar brought it to us before.

I urge my colleagues' support in this effort.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4938, which extends the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program.

I support this legislation because in these difficult economic times, extending the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program to extend opportunities to 26.8 million small businesses is a critical component of our economic recovery.

H.R. 4938 permits the use of $40 million of the funds provided in the FY 2010 Omnibus

Appropriations Act for fee reductions and eliminations under the Small Business Administration section 7(a) loan program and the section 504 certified development company program, as well as for the cost of guaranteed loans for qualifying small businesses. The measure also extends through April 30 the ability of the SBA to guarantee up to 90 percent of qualifying small business loans originating under the 504 program, and to refinance such loans.

Small businesses employ just over half of all private sector employees, with a payroll of about $175 billion, and create many of the new jobs we need.

In my district, the 37th Congressional District of California, there are approximately 16,300 small businesses.

But in the global economy of the 21st century, small businesses, very much like the banks and the auto industry, need sound fiscal options to remain competitive, especially in difficult economic times for them and their customers.

This is where the Small Business Administration can help.

The SBA exists to aid and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our Nation.

The SBA was established in 1953 by the Federal Government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our Nation.

The SBA's Office of Business Development assists firms owned and controlled by economically and socially disadvantaged individuals enter the economic mainstream by providing firm-specific analyses, counseling, management training, professional consulting and monitoring services, and access to business development opportunities under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act.

Much like the loan guarantee program, the Section 8(a) program is well intended. But one of its problems is that too often program participants are ``graduated'' before they are sufficiently prepared to compete for contracts with large and established companies in the private sector.

This has resulted in a large number of former 8(a) companies failing to remain in business shortly after leaving the development program.

I have introduced legislation that can build upon the loan guarantee program extended by H.R. 493 and which would eliminate the problem of ``graduating'' Section 8(a) program participants before they are sufficiently prepared to compete for contracts with large and established companies in the private sector.

My legislation, H.R. 4897, the ``Not Too Small To Succeed in Business Act,'' reforms and modernizes the Section 8(a) program to help more small and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) remain in business and hire more workers by doing the following:

1. Amending the Small Business Act to increase the net worth limits-- to $750,000--used by SBA in determining whether an applicant satisfies the ``economically disadvantaged'' requirement for admission to the program and increases to $2.25 million the net worth required for early graduation from the program.

2. Extending the Section 8(a) program period to 11 years, from the current 9 years.

3. Granting a one-time 2-year reinstatement in the Section 8(a) program for companies who were graduated from the program at the expiration of the 9 year term.

Mr. Speaker, extending the SBA Loan Guarantee Program and amending the Section 8(a) Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program are a necessary part of strengthening our SBA programs to help small business succeed and provide jobs for our people. I urge all Members to join me in voting for H.R. 4938.

I rise today to something that's very personal to me and important, and that's advocating for working people. You see, you're looking at a Member of Congress who had the opportunity to have a mother who was part of a bargaining unit, who was a member of a union. She had an opportunity to have someone advocate on behalf of not only herself but her two daughters as well. And because my mother had that advocate, she was able to send her daughters to good schools, she was able to put braces on our teeth, and she was able to ensure that, yes, that little girl back in Los Angeles, California, would have an opportunity to one day become a Member of Congress.

You know, it wasn't that long ago when we had elections, and we saw things that were happening out in America where working people had worked all their lives for these companies, and yet they were finding that they were being sent out the door. Let me tell you about a story that I heard about this last week. I rise today to speak in support of the hardworking miners of Local 30 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, ILWU, in Boron, California. Since January 31, 2010, approximately 560 mine workers, 560 families have found themselves locked out of their jobs by their employer Rio Tinto, leaving them scrambling to provide for their families and to pay for health care benefits--what we've been talking about these last couple of weeks, to have to pay through the nose premiums of COBRA which many of them cannot afford. So they've had to choose between putting food on their tables and providing benefits for their families, something no one in America should have to choose. Days before the lockout, the miners were presented with a contract that called for cutting benefits, converting full-time jobs to part-time jobs, and reserving to itself the right to outsource all of their jobs.

Mr. Speaker, this style and approach to hardworking Americans is not operating in good faith. This isn't what we signed up to do, and neither did we sign up to support it. Leaving 560 hardworking men and women forced to choose between their job and benefits is happening too often to too many workers these days. Companies that come to this Congress to ask us to approve and authorize assistance so that they can have concessions and then to refuse to turn around and pass those same benefits on to the American people is wrong. I believe it's time for this Congress--not other Congresses, but this Congress right now--to stand up, this administration and the agencies, and support legislation and funding that helps the workers, the companies, and our economy. All of them should be viewed at the same level.

This Congress helped with TARP legislation. We helped with the American Recovery Act. We did all that, and many on Wall Street benefited, and we see that today. My message today is, isn't it time for us to also do the same for Main Street, for those 560 locked-out mine workers in California who deserve at least the same?

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Ways and Means be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4957) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4872, the Reconciliation Act of 2010, because this bill is good for seniors, good for women, good for small businesses, and good for all Americans. Today we have the opportunity to take a historic vote that will forever change the face, health, and life of America for the better. H.R. 4872 will provide access to affordable, quality health care for over 30 million Americans and will reign in the ever- escalating costs of health care. Today, history will be made and a legacy left behind for generations to come. 435 Members who represent over 300 million people will be remembered for beginning to fulfill the promise all Americans were pledged, the unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which adequate healthcare embodies.

For the people I represent in the 37th District of California, H.R. 4872 will improve coverage for 299,000 residents who already have insurance. It will give tax credits and other assistance to up to 146,000 families and 15,100 small businesses to help them afford coverage. H.R. 4872 will improve Medicare for 63,000 beneficiaries in my district, including closing the donut hole for them. This legislation will extend coverage to 92,500 uninsured residents of the 37th District and will guarantee that 17,500 residents with preexisting conditions can obtain the health insurance they need. H.R. 4872 will protect 1,100 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs and will allow 59,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents' insurance plans. This bill will provide millions of dollars in new funding for 11 community health centers in my district. And finally, it will reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $125 million annually.

H.R. 4872 helps seniors by ensuring that they will not be forced out of Medicare, that their doctors will continue to care for Medicare patients because of increased payment levels, and that the prescription donut hole will be completely closed by 2020. H.R. 4872 helps women by eliminating the discriminatory gender rating system, making sure that insurance companies do not consider pregnancy grounds for denying coverage, and doing away with all preexisting conditions. H.R. 4872 helps the uninsured by extending coverage to 95% percent of Americans. Furthermore, it increases access and choice for all Americans by providing $11 billion in new funding for community health centers, of which there are 11 in my district alone. Finally, H.R. 4872 helps small businesses by eliminating price and benefit discrimination, providing tax credits for up to 50 percent of the cost of insuring their employees, and giving them greater control over the spiraling costs of health care coverage.

As I participated in countless debates, caucuses, and meetings over the past year, I knew that each step we took put us one step closer to what Theodore Roosevelt proposed in 1908 over 100 years ago: quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans. Our health care system up until now has not worked for most people, whether it be the physician as provider, the employer as payer, or the patient as recipient.

Mr. Speaker, this bill provides American families with stability and peace of mind. Never again will they have to choose between their health and their livelihood. H.R. 4872 provides all American families with the possibility of better healthcare.

It is time for us to move forward. H.R. 4872 is a new direction for this great country. I urge my colleagues to be a part of this historic heatlh care policy change, and to be part of the days ahead in which we will work to further strengthen it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as National Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross has provided assistance and comfort to communities stricken by disasters large and small since it was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton. For over 100 years, the American Red Cross has continued to help ensure our communities are prepared and resilient in the face of future disasters.

Madam Speaker, at home and abroad, one in five Americans is touched by the Red Cross every single year. On September 29, an 8.0 earthquake in the Pacific Ocean generated tsunami waves in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga, killing more than 170 people. The district I represent, the 37th of California, has the largest population of Samoans in the continental United States, so this tragedy directly impacted many families in my district. I would like to recognize the American Red Cross for their invaluable assistance and quick response in providing relief after this event. I can attest to the good work they did when I traveled to American Samoa to deliver supplies donated by my constituents. The American Red Cross mobilized 90 volunteers to provide food, water, and relief supplies, as well as tracing services for families separated during the disaster. The Samoan Red Cross mobilized 200 volunteers to distribute relief items and support camps sheltering the homeless, with the goal of assisting 15,000 people.

In my district, the Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross has 590 registered volunteers. They have certified 32,160 people in CPR/first aid, AED and water safety skills, and more than 4,330 people have received disaster preparedness training through health fairs, speaking engagements or trained in preparedness classes. In addition, the Disaster Action Teams (DAT) responded to 33 local emergency operations, opened 3 shelters and provided disaster shelter and food to 58 individuals, and financial support to 39 families. Finally, our volunteer youth group served 1,000 needy adults and children at their annual Holiday Project.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in applauding the hard work of the American Red Cross volunteers and celebrating March as American Red Cross Month.

Madam Speaker, as an original cosponsor, I rise today in support of H.R. 4360, which designates the Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center in Long Beach, California, the ``Major Charles R. Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center.'' The naming of the Veterans Affairs Long Beach Blind Rehabilitation Center in honor of Major Soltes is a fitting tribute to the dual service Major Soltes rendered the Nation as a soldier and a doctor of optometry.

I thank Chairman Filner for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank Congressman Campbell for sponsoring this bill.

Madam Speaker, growing up in a military family, Charles Robert ``Rob'' Soltes, Jr., always possessed a love of country and an appreciation of the importance of service and sacrifice. Major Soltes also had a gift for medicine and a passion for helping others. It was that sense of duty and passion that enabled him to excel at Norwich University, from which he graduated and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Major Soltes went on to attend optometry school in Boston, where he met his wife.

Major Soltes took his passion for medicine to the military when he joined the Army Reserve in 1990. He served on active duty as an optometrist from 1994-1999. In 2004, he was called to duty in Iraq, where he was a member of the 7214th Medical Support Unit, which was charged with helping to rebuild the public health infrastructure in Iraq. On October 13, 2004, Major Soltes was tragically killed when an explosive device hit his convoy as it traveled back from a local Army hospital.

It is entirely fitting that we take this opportunity to honor this fallen soldier who left us too soon. Major Soltes embodied all that Americans can ask for in heroes--courage, love of country, selflessness. Major Soltes touched many lives, but he will be missed most by his family. He was a devoted father and a loving husband. No matter how much time his military service and professional obligations demanded, he always put family first. They will miss him, as we all do. However, by passing this bill today, we can ensure that he will not be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4360.