Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency, Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4899, the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010. I support this legislation because it will help local communities, small businesses, and our Nation's youth. This is the kind of legislation we need to lift us out of this economic downturn and deal with the unprecedented disasters that our Nation has faced these past few months.

I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Obey for their leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010 is a $5.1 billion disaster aid package that will help communities rebuild their homes, infrastructure and local economies and to take steps to protect them from future disasters. In addition, H.R. 4899 also provides fully offset funding to expand this summer's youth jobs program and continue assistance to America's small businesses.

In my home State of California, youth unemployment has hit over 25 percent. The funding provided by H.R. 4899 will allow local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) to expand successful summer jobs programs that were funded in the Recovery Act. California is also no stranger to natural disasters, such as wildfires and mudslides. H.R. 4899 provides $5.1 billion to ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can continue its work helping communities recover from recent disasters and to ensure that they have resources to respond to future disasters.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because it will provide funding to the communities and populations that need the most assistance in both disaster relief and job training. I would also like to note that this bill is fully paid for because it rescinds emergency funding that is not needed this year, including $44 million provided for Cash for Clunkers and $103 million provided for agriculture disasters, that is no longer needed for those disasters.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4899.

I rise in support of this health care reform legislation.

Women comprise over 50 percent of the population. In the 2008 Presidential election, 53 percent of the people who voted were women. And indirectly, when women are involved in anything, any major decision, it impacts all family households

because women are becoming more and more the primary breadwinner.

On Sunday, this Sunday, a part of Women's History Month, we mothers, sisters, brothers, and dads will have the opportunity to cast an historic vote that will improve health care for all Americans and long- awaited gains for women in particular.

What women have to gain from this bill. Number one, no more gender ratings. Right now a gender rating system is used by many insurance companies in the current health care system to charge women more than men for the same health care insurance. Discriminatory practices are allowed in all but 12 States. With the health care reconciliation bill, women and men will be charged the same price for the same coverage. It only makes right sense.

What is the second thing we will do? You will no longer be able to see women struggling that they will be denied their coverage based upon preexisting conditions. Women are often denied coverage because of past pregnancies, C-sections, and domestic violence injuries. With the new health care reconciliation bill it will be illegal, and that only makes sense, to deny women coverage or charge them higher rates based upon any supposed ``preexisting conditions.''

And then what is the third thing? Expanding access to employer- provided health care insurance. Can you believe that right now less than half of American women receive health care through their employers? Why? Because more women work for small businesses, and they also work more part-time than most men. So because of that, their ability for health care insurance is hindered. With the health care reconciliation bill, small businesses will be able to afford health care and good choices. By joining with others in the exchange, they will have an increase in their purchasing power. And then most importantly, there will be tax credits to make it affordable for small businesses to have coverage.

And then what is the fourth thing? By this, when you look at currently, doing away with copays and deductibles for preventive care. Many women forgo preventive care such as mammograms because of the prohibitive high costs. With the health care reconciliation bill, which makes sense, we can emphasize the importance of preventive care and early detection. We can eliminate copays and deductibles for preventive care. And most importantly, we can encourage women to go to their doctors regularly, protect themselves from debilitating medical crises, and oh, by the way, save money too.

Women have much to gain with health care reform. Women, when you consider it, we also have much to lose for continued nonaction and status quo. What women stand to lose if reform does not occur, women will continue to be subjected to discrimination. Right now many women are being charged 48 percent more than men for the same health insurance. It doesn't make sense and it is not right. We cannot continue to condone this discrimination in America.

If reform does not occur, women will be denied coverage based upon preexisting conditions. And in eight States, including where we reside now, the District of Columbia, women are still being denied health care because they might have been victims of brutal domestic violence. If reform does not occur, some women will not receive health care even when they are pregnant and they need it most.

Women need the peace of mind that they and their baby will not have to worry about skyrocketing health care costs. Many companies today right now continue to not include maternity coverage. And as I close, this would mean that 79 percent of the women in individual markets today do not have maternity coverage.

Americans face discrimination. All Americans are currently facing discrimination with our failed health care policies. And women, their fate is even worse. The final reconciliation version of the health care bill includes equal access to affordable, quality health care for women and for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor of H. Res. 1096, which encourages all individuals in the United States to participate in the 2010 Census and expresses support for the designation of March 2010 as Census Awareness Month. This important legislation will help achieve an accurate count of the United States population and ensure that communities across the country have the schools, infrastructure, and other vital resources they need to thrive.

I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the author of this legislation, Congressman Reyes, who has taken the time to increase public awareness on this crucial issue.

Mr. Speaker, an accurate count of all individuals living in the United States, as required by the Constitution, is critical to ensure the well-being of cities and communities throughout the country. The Census helps guarantee the accurate and fair composition of voting districts at the Federal, State, and local levels and the proper allocation of Federal resources

to communities. Census data also helps city planners identify changes in population so that they can place schools, fire and police stations, and other city services in locations that will best serve their residents. Finally, accurate census data is essential to the long term prosperity of our country, as it is used by businesses to make effective decisions regarding investments and growth.

It is crucial that we increase public awareness of and achieve full participation in the 2010 Census. It is estimated that approximately 16 million individuals--the equivalent of nearly 27 Congressional districts--did not participate in the 2000 Census. Low-income communities--the communities that rely most on a fair distribution of resources and services--are at risk of being undercounted in this year's Census and, consequently, underserved for the next decade. This important legislation will help ensure that all communities get their fair share of resources and are equipped to achieve prosperity and growth.

I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H. Res. 1096.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute the Aquarium of the Pacific located in my community of Long Beach, California, for receiving the prestigious Super Nova Star of Energy Efficiency from the Alliance to Save Energy, a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy to benefit consumers, the environment, economy, and national security. Each year the Alliance to Save Energy recognizes companies, learning institutions, state offices, and government programs for their efforts to promote energy efficiency domestically and globally. My constituents at the Aquarium of the Pacific received the Super Nova Star Award on September 17, 2009, at the Alliance to Save Energy Gala in Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, the Aquarium was chosen for this globally recognized award because it is the most energy efficient business in the Nation with annual revenues under $50 million. The Aquarium became the first among museums, zoos, and other aquariums in this country to certify its greenhouse gas emissions with a third-party, the California Climate Action Registry. This led to its being named as a Climate Action Leader with the Climate Action Registry in 2007. The Aquarium of the Pacific has used energy-efficient practices to maintain steady kilowatt-hour usage for the past 8 years despite rising visitor numbers.

It is no surprise to me that the Aquarium of the Pacific received such a prestigious award because it is a pioneer of marine education and energy efficiency in my district. In 2008, the Aquarium inaugurated a new environmental classroom that was recognized as Long Beach's first LEED-platinum certified building. The classroom achieved LEED-platinum certification because it uses solar power, a green roof, a rainwater capture system, and a highly efficient pool pump, among other energy and water efficiencies. The Aquarium is committed to achieving LEED platinum or gold certification for all future projects and is setting an excellent example for how other businesses and institutions in my district can prioritize and achieve energy efficiency.

Madam Speaker, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a vital part of my constituents' community environmental conservation efforts. The Aquarium's Green Team task force organizes environmentally friendly activities such as an annual street cleanup day, an Earth Day festival, a sustainable seafood initiative, and a watershed and ocean literacy program. As the Aquarium continues to grow, one of the underlying objectives of the master plan is to increase attendance by expanding the facility's capacity and conservation programs without increasing energy and potable water usage.

Madam Speaker, I also want to commemorate the Aquarium of the Pacific for its ongoing efforts to broaden the public's understanding of the Pacific Ocean and its complex ecosystem. The Aquarium's mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. It is the largest aquarium in Southern California and the fifth largest in the nation. With 200,000 school children visiting annually, the Aquarium of the Pacific provides a fun and educational experience for students of all ages and backgrounds through its interactive exhibits and daily presentations. The Aquarium hosts a variety of educational programs, cultural festivals, classes and courses, offsite field trips, and renowned guest speakers to connect Long Beach's diverse community with the Pacific Ocean's diverse ecosystem.

I applaud the Aquarium of the Pacific for its hard work and dedication both to educating the community of Long Beach about marine environments and to mitigating the effects of climate change. I ask my fellow colleagues to

join me in recognizing the Aquarium of the Pacific for having received the high honor of the Super Nova Star of Energy Efficiency.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Native American Caucus, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, which will formally extend the federal policy of self-determination and self-governance to Native Hawaiians.

I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid, and Chairman Rahall for their leadership in bringing this milestone bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Akaka, the author of this legislation, who worked so hard for so many years to give Native Hawaiians the opportunity for self governance.

Mr. Speaker, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act provides Native Hawaiians with an opportunity for self determination and cultural preservation, while empowering them to be an equal partner with the state and federal government. They will finally be on equal footing in federal policies toward American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

I am pleased to champion H.R. 2314, which provides the self governing opportunities that have been denied to this community for so long. Native Hawaiians should have the same opportunity for cultural preservation and self-determination as indigenous people on the mainland U.S. Just to be clear, this bill does not recognize a Native Hawaiian government upon passage, nor exempt a Native Hawaiian government from any provision of the U.S. Constitution, Federal law, or taxation.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because it will finally extend the federal policy of recognition to Native Hawaiians. This legislation is yet another example of how Congress is responding to calls for change in America.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2314.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 362, a resolution expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch Program. The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. I support this resolution because it recognizes the fundamental role the National School Lunch Program plays in making sure that every child, regardless of socioeconomic status, has the energy and nutrients he or she needs to learn and grow as scholars.

The National School Lunch Program has been providing for children in our public schools for over sixty years. It was established under the National School Lunch Act signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. In 2008, the National School Lunch Program provided meals for more than 30 million American children. Parents who work two and three jobs just to put a roof over their children's heads do not have to worry that their children will not have lunch when they get to school every day. In 1998, Congress expanded this program to include reimbursement for snacks that children receive at afterschool programs. Children receive nutritious snacks so they have the energy and ability to focus during valuable tutoring sessions and enriching extra-curricular lessons.

Mr. Speaker, during these difficult economic times, the National School Lunch Program is even more important than usual. In September 2009, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released an analysis of how the recession had affected working families thus far. According to that report, the median household income declined 3.6 percent in 2008 after adjusting for inflation, the largest single-year decline on record. The poverty rate rose to 13.2 percent, its highest level since 1997. The number of people in poverty hit 39.8 million, the highest level since 1960. While Congress works to turn this recession around by passing landmark legislation like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Jobs for Main Street Act, programs such as the National School Lunch Program give working parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their children are taken care of. If a parent loses his job and his family falls into poverty, he does not have to worry that his children will have nutritious lunches and snacks provided every day at school. That is one less thing for hard-working families to worry about in these tough times.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the National School Lunch Program for its dedication feeding our most valuable population in this country--our children. Without nutritious food, low-income children would have extreme difficulties focusing in school and therefore would be at a great disadvantage academically. The National School Lunch Program does its part to ensure that all children have the energy they need to learn and succeed every day in school. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 362.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1085, which supports the goals and ideals of National African American History Month, celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to the transportation and infrastructure of the United States, and urges the American people to join the House of Representatives in celebrating these vital contributions. H. Res. 1085 is an important measure that pays tribute to African Americans' crucial role in building our nation, innovating new technologies, and helping create long-lasting economic growth and prosperity.

I thank Chairman Oberstar for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the author of this legislation, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, for chronicling the crucial, and often overlooked contributions of African Americans to our nation's growth and progress.

Madam Speaker, African Americans have made significant and far- reaching contributions to our nation's transportation systems and critical infrastructure. Thousands of African Americans overcame racial discrimination, harsh environmental conditions, and frequently physical danger, to build critical portions of our nation's highways, bridges, and transit systems. Many African Americans founded aeronautics schools that trained pilots who went on to serve in the military or fly commercial airliners. Further, African Americans were the source of innovative designs that helped make our transportation and infrastructure systems modern, efficient, and safe. For example, Garrett A. Morgan developed the traffic signal, which has proven indispensible to our transportation system. Elijah McCoy's ``lubricating cup'' automatically oiled steam engines, making the railroad system dramatically more efficient. Elbert R. Robinson invented the electric railway trolley, which was adopted by cities across the country. Humphrey Reynolds produced the safety gate on bridges, a development that has made transportation significantly safer. These are only a few examples of the vital contributions of African Americans to transportation and infrastructure in the United States.

It is perhaps even less well known that during the Civil Rights Movement, countless African Americans devoted themselves to tireless activism that led to the desegregation of our nation's transportation systems and improved working conditions for transportation workers of all races across the country. These invaluable efforts not only improved our roads, bridges, and transit systems, but also led to significant national progress in achieving racial equality and reconciliation. It is entirely fitting that we take this opportunity to honor African Americans' contributions to our transportation and infrastructure and appreciate the innumerable benefits that these efforts yielded for our nation.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1085.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1022, which honors the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evars, recognizes the important role he played in progressing the cause of civil rights, and congratulates the United States Navy for honoring him with the naming of the United States naval ship Medgar Evars. H. Res. 1022 is an important measure that pays tribute to an individual who sacrificed his life fighting for the core American values of equality and civil rights.

I thank Chairmen Conyers for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the author of this legislation, Congressman Hank Johnson, who has taken the time to remember the invaluable work of Medgar Evars and to celebrate the United States Navy's efforts to honor this American hero.

Medgar Evars was born in 1925 in Decatur, Mississippi. Growing up in the heart of the segregated South, Medgar Evars experienced the worst of racial oppression. Still, in 1943, he volunteered to serve his country in World War II, and fought valiantly with the United States Army in the Battle of Normandy.

After fighting overseas for the cause of freedom and democracy, Medgar Evars returned home to a segregated country as a second-class citizen. He dedicated himself to activism, working tirelessly for the cause of racial equality on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). As a result of his activism, Medgar Evars was the target of numerous death threats and assassination attempts. But his bravery and dedication knew no bounds and he continued his important work until he was tragically murdered on June 12, 1963.

It is entirely fitting that we honor Medgar Evars, who in his life as well as his death, helped move our country out of a time of oppression and segregation and into an era of greater tolerance and equality.

It is equally fitting that the United States Navy has chosen to honor Medgar Evars with the naming of the United States naval ship Medgar Evars. This ship, a Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship, is a state- of-the-art vessel that will provide essential logistics support to Navy operations around the world. Just as Medgar Evars helped bring our nation racial reconciliation, the United States naval ship Medgar Evars will help the Navy to promote peace and conflict resolution throughout the world. This ship is one more way in which the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evars will continue to serve as a beacon of equality.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1022.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4532, the Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2009, which will authorize the permanent extension of the attorney and non-attorney fee-withholding provisions passed under the Social Security Protection Act of 2004. This important legislation will guarantee that seniors have access to the professional representation needed to secure the benefits that they deserve.

I thank Chairman Rangel for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the author of this legislation, Congressman Tanner, for his hard work and determined efforts to ensure that Americans are able to achieve financial security and stability in their old age.

Madam Speaker, for seniors, getting Social Security benefits can be a rigorous process. Many seniors rely on professional representatives to help them complete applications, obtain medical evidence, and prepare themselves and other witnesses for hearings. H.R. 4532 will permanently extend critical provisions passed under the Social Security Protection Act of 2004 that allow representation fees to be withheld from Social Security Insurance (SSI) applicants' past-due benefits and paid directly to representatives. H.R. 4532 will also extend provisions that make qualified non-attorney representatives eligible to be paid through fee-withholding.

The provisions set to be extended by H.R. 4532 will provide easy access to the qualified representation that many seniors need in order to secure their benefits. This legislation is especially important in these tough economic times. With limited income and increased health care needs, seniors across the country--and especially in my home State of California--have been hit particularly hard by the ongoing economic recession. Now, more than ever, we need to help the elderly access the benefits that they need to achieve financial stability.

In conclusion, I support this bill because it will make the Social Security system more fair and easy to use for the 63,000 seniors in my district and millions more across the country. In order to uphold our obligation to senior citizens we must provide them with the resources needed to take advantage of available benefits. By helping senior citizens get the benefits they need, the Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2009 represents a much needed response to our Nation's current economic challenges.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4532.

Madam Chair, I rise to engage the chairman of the Intelligence Committee for purposes of a colloquy.

Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee and subcommittee Chair, I'm concerned that the members of the Homeland Security Committee have not consistently and were not adequately briefed by the administration on the events surrounding the failed Christmas Day terrorist attack. The Homeland Security Committee has an important role in congressional oversight over agencies within its jurisdiction.

Mr. Chairman, do you agree with me and Chairman Thompson that the Homeland Security Committee should be briefed in a timely manner on national security matters that play a central role in homeland security?

I thank the chairman for that response.

One year ago the economy was declining by 6 percent. Over 600,000 Americans month after month after month were losing their jobs, with no relief. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that this Democratic Congress ensured that we brought forward was enacted to ensure that President Obama and his commitment as well would jump-start our economy, that we would create and save 3.5 million jobs, that we would give 95 percent of Americans who needed assistance a tax cut that we would deliver, and finally, that we would rebuild America through our roads, our rail, and our water infrastructure.

When we look at America today, we are doing better than what we were doing a year ago, but we have more to do. The American Recovery Act helped us to create new infrastructure, to train teachers, hire educators, and to improve health care. But we are ready to do more.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4061, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, which addresses the recommendations of the Cyberspace Policy Review to improve cybersecurity in the Federal, private, and public sectors.

I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Gordon for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Lipinski, who authored this legislation that will result in the development and implementation of a strategic plan guiding the overall direction of Federal cybersecurity and information assurance research and development.

As a former member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have been concerned about these issues. The rapid development of information technology has led to increased connectivity and productivity that has greatly benefited the U.S. economy. However, with these great advances comes the disadvantage of increased vulnerability of our information technology infrastructure. Reports of cyber crime, hacking, and viruses has steadily risen, heightening concerns over the adequacy of our cybersecurity measures and the need for further research and development.

My district, the 37th district of California, is heavily dependent on technology and computing networks, so I am pleased that H.R. 4061 is a bill that will improve cybersecurity in the Federal, private, and public sectors. This legislation achieves this goal by developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce, coordinating and prioritizing the Federal R&D portfolio, improving the transfer of cybersecurity technologies to the marketplace, promoting cybersecurity education and awareness for the general public, and coordinating U.S. representation in the development of international cybersecurity technical standards. My district, the 37th district of California, is heavily dependent on technology and computing networks, so I am pleased that . . .

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I support this legislation because with our increasing reliance on the internet, we need to make sure our cyber systems are secure. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to promote these improvements and adequately fund the areas of government responsible for our cybersecurity.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4061.

Madam Speaker, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2611, which will amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Securing the Cities Initiative of the Department of Homeland Security. This legislation will implement a unified strategy and provide the technology for defending New York City, Long Island and surrounding areas against radiological and nuclear threats.

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

H.R. 2611 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize appropriations to the Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Securing the Cities Initiative. The Initiative uses next generation radiation detection technology to detect the transport of nuclear and radiological material in urban areas by terrorists or other unauthorized individuals. As the representative of one of the largest ports in the nation, Long Beach, I so pleased to support this initiative.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I support this bill because it is another step to making our cities and ports as safe as we possibly can. The Securing the Cities Initiative is a critical national capability to detect the dangerous introduction of nuclear and radiological material.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2611.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Native American Caucus, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 2009, which will safeguard an industry critical to the Native American economy and small businesses.

First, I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Chairman Rahall for their leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Pastor, the author of this legislation, who worked so hard to help such an underserved community protect their economic livelihood.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 2009 amends the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 to authorize any federal law enforcement officer to conduct an investigation of an offense involving the sale of any good that is misrepresented as an Indian produced good or product. H.R. 725 authorizes the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to refer offenses to any federal law enforcement officer for investigation. In addition, this bill proposes new penalties for goods offered or displayed for sale or sold for less than $1,000 at a $25,000 fine, a 1-year imprisonment, or both.

In California, the State I represent, there are over one hundred Native American tribes, many of varying levels of economic success. Misrepresentation of products is one of the biggest problems facing the Native American art industry and market. Not only does the industry have to compete with the larger market, but Native Americans must compete with those who copy and counterfeit their work. Income from a single artist is often the sole source of support for their family, as well as being a source of strength and pride that reinforces cultures and traditions within communities. Therefore, as a long time friend and supporter of the Native American community, I am so pleased to champion a bill such as H.R. 725, which protects the unique economic opportunities of this community.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because it protects an important industry in the areas and populations that needs assistance. The communities benefiting from H.R. 725 represent some of the most traditionally disadvantaged, isolated, and underserved populations in America. I am proud to work with my colleagues to ensure that Native Americans receive full protection of their most viable industry.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 725.