Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the tireless service and dedication of one of my own constituents, Ms. Beatrice Beiler. Ms. Beiler has been an essential part of the Long Beach foster care program for over 20 years and has a truly inspirational story.

Upon retiring from Hughes Aircraft in 1992, rather than living the life of leisure that many retirees do, Ms. Beiler chose to be of service. Coming from a big family herself, she has always been very family oriented and it is this experience that opened her mind to the idea to giving back through foster care.

Her caring spirit and giving nature instilled Ms. Beiler with a heart that is able to see the needs of others and immediately try to fulfill those needs. When Ms. Beiler found out that there was a shortage of foster homes able to house multiples of siblings of two or more, she volunteered her home to foster children siblings without hesitation. As a result, she helped many children to avoid damaging transitions by helping them to stay together and maintain a sense of family in spite of the turmoil that led to their entry into the foster care system.

In California there are over 80,000 children in the foster care system, the majority of whom are placed there as a result of parental abuse or neglect. As a member of the Congressional Caucus of Foster Youth I am particularly impressed by the service that Ms. Beiler has done for my community and the many families and children she has helped to reunite. Through her work, many children have had the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving environment that they might not have otherwise had.

Ms. Beiler has been able to help many foster children succeed despite their painful pasts. Children like Kelsey, a foster child Ms. Beiler has raised since she was just 8 months old until the age of 17, find not only shelter but also love and nurture while in the care of Ms. Beiler. She has seen students go from struggling to stay in school to making straight A's. She has watched many go from dire situations to reunification with their families. It is stories like these that fuel her passion to continue to reach out to anyone whose life she can change for the better. Along with her dedication to the foster care system, Ms. Beiler has also opened a daycare facility to continue to be able to help parents and children in need. It is her mission to touch as many hearts and lives as she can.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Beiler is the type of woman we should all look to emulate. She is selflessly committed and graciously generous with her time, her money, her home, and her love. It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity recognize the hard work and dedication of this unsung hero.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Native American Caucus and co-sponsor, I rise today in support of H.R. 2362, ``The Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstrations Project Act of 2011.'' This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to select up to six Indian tribes or consortia of Indian tribes to participate in an Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project that facilitates trade and financial investment in Indian tribal economies by private entities from Turkey.

Tribes selected for the program are to develop their own guidelines for leasing land and services to both foreign and domestic companies for economic development purposes. This act requires that the Secretary of Interior approve land leasing guidelines only once, reducing current multi-layer prohibitive land leasing laws. H.R. 2362 is a demonstration project, and if successful it would be expanded. This bill has been amended to expand the period of the demonstration project from one to three years to allow reasonable time for Tribes to draft leasing regulations, attain approval by the Secretary of Interior, and enter into a lease.

Economic development on tribal lands is hampered by a restrictive and archaic leasing system that requires applications to go through multiple levels of review and can sometimes take up to six years. Examples of projects delayed by this application process: Round Valley Indian Housing Authority has been waiting for nine years for BIA to process a lease for a large housing project. In 2006, the Swinomish made a deal with Wal-Mart to build a store on the reservation. The BIA regional office sat on the lease for two years and Wal-Mart pulled out of the deal after the 2008 financial crisis.

During a hearing on the bill held in the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, a tribal witness explained that Turkey has a long track record of promoting good relations and trade between its private business community and Indian tribes in the United States. The intent of the bill is to further such relations to increase private business development in Indian Country where economic diversification is greatly needed. This bill also allows all 155 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) an equal opportunity to invest in Indian tribal economies.

Mr. Speaker, the major purpose and dominant aim of this bill is to promote economic development is Indian Country and not to reward or show favoritism to Turkey. The reason Turkey is directly recognized in this legislation is to acknowledge its helpful role in developing this bill.

Mr. Speaker, Native Americans suffer from the highest unemployment and social illness rates reported in the United States. This legislation will be the first step to ameliorating those ailments and begin to diversify Indian Country.

That is why this legislation is strongly supported by the National Congress of American Indians and the National American Indian Housing Council two of the nation's leading advocacy organizations on behalf of Native Americans. I will continue support legislation that invests in our economy and our Indian tribes. I urge my colleagues to support this demonstration so that we can expand this much needed project.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word in order to engage in a colloquy.

I would like to thank Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks for ensuring that this legislation, the fiscal year 2013 Defense appropriations bill, would not include any reductions in the number of C-17s that are used and serviced by our armed services.

The C-17 is the Air Force's premier strategic transport aircraft, and it remains the military's most reliable and capable airlift aircraft. The C-17 flies more than 80 percent of all U.S. airlift missions while comprising only 60 percent of the airlift fleet. The C-17 has proven capable of delivering more cargo, troops, and non-war humanitarian missions than any other aircraft that we have.

Mr. Chairman, this aircraft was instrumental in saving lives during the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last year. In addition to that, it was instrumental in aiding in the humanitarian efforts that I witnessed personally in Samoa. Some of the other missions include the delivery of 10,005 tons of disaster relief supplies and the carrying of 13,812 passengers in response to the earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. In 2009, I worked with Congressman Eni Faleomavaega to help get disaster relief supplies to American Samoa after an earthquake and tsunami that ravaged that island. The 10-day relief mission was conducted with the C-17 aircraft.

The C-17 provides rapid-response capability for relief missions anywhere in the world, including--but not limited to--serving those who serve us.

Mr. Chairman, in addition to these humanitarian efforts, the C-17 leads in providing positive economic benefits to our country. The C-17 is built in Long Beach, California, which I happen to have the privilege to represent with my colleague Mr. Rohrabacher. The production of the C-17 is responsible for over 13,000 jobs in California, and it provides $2 billion in economic benefit. Nationally, the production of the C-17 has suppliers in 44 States, all of which we represent here. It supports more than 30,000 jobs and has an $8.4 billion economic impact.

While we are looking for ways to rein in spending, the C-17 remains critical to our national security, to our humanitarian relief missions, and to our economy. My effort today is to make sure that we have an adequate number of C-17s that are available, serviced and maintained for our Armed Forces.

Will the chairman and ranking member continue to work with me to ensure that there is a sufficient and well-maintained fleet of our C- 17s in our armed services?

I yield to the gentleman.

I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

I would like to thank Chairman Young and also Ranking Member Dicks for their response and their commitment to this program.

Yes, in fact, we have been utilizing foreign sales, and given the current occupations in this country, we stand ready to continue to build them to protect this country.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

I would like to engage in a colloquy.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks for including language in the conference report that recognizes the importance of increasing the fair opportunity for numbers of women and minorities in officer positions and within the Special Operations Forces.

Minorities and women to have an opportunity to fairly compete--and I stress, ``compete''--are often underrepresented in the leadership ranks within our Armed Services. African Americans account for 12 percent of the U.S. population but represent just 8 percent of Active Duty officers. Likewise, when it comes to Hispanic Americans, it's even worse. Hispanics make up 15 percent of the U.S. population but number only 5 percent of the officer corps.

While the number of women in officer positions has seen increases, there is still a lack of women in top officer positions. In 2009, there were 40 individuals who held the highest rank in our Armed Services.

Mr. Chairman, do you know how many of those were women? I'm sad to say, just 1 out of 40. This shows that there is considerable room for improvement.

Having served on the Transportation Committee with Mr. Cummings, much work was done on the Coast Guard side, but really should be equalled throughout the Armed Forces.

I was planning on offering an amendment to the Defense appropriations bill that would make it explicit that it is the sense of Congress that efforts should be made to increase the number of women and minorities in officer positions, but it would be subject to a point of order. However, I've worked with Chairman Young and his staff that going forward we would continue to look at ways to increase women and minorities within the leadership ranks and to give them an opportunity again to compete for fair positions.

Chairman Young, will you continue to work with me on this very important issue?

And I yield to the gentleman.

I thank the gentleman for his response, his leadership, and his commitment on this issue

I yield to the gentleman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and also Ranking Member Dicks.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Berg

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of Willis Edwards who died on July 15, 2012, after waging a valiant battle against cancer. He was 66. For more than forty years, Willis Edwards served his community and the nation as a soldier in Vietnam, as an academic support specialist at the University of Southern California, as a civil rights activist and community organizer, as the long-time president of the Hollywood/Beverly Hills Chapter of the NAACP, and a trusted advisor to presidential candidates.

Born in Texas in 1946, Mr. Edwards was raised in Palm Springs and attended California State University at Los Angeles, where he was elected the first African American student body president in the school's history. After graduation Mr. Edwards was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam where he was awarded a Bronze Star. Upon his honorable discharge, Mr. Edwards served as Director of Black Student Services at USC.

Mr. Edwards' political activism in national politics began with Robert F. Kennedy's historic 1968 presidential campaign. Through his dealings with the Democratic Party, he became a supporter and friend of Los Angeles' first black mayor, Tom Bradley, who later appointed him to the city's Social Service Commission in 1973.

In 1982 Mr. Edwards was elected president of the NAACP's Beverly Hills/Hollywood branch. He played a major part in getting the group's Image Awards, a gala that honored African Americans who worked in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood, televised on NBC. He also played a leading role in Reverend Jesse Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign.

Mr. Edwards played a major role in securing national honors for Rosa Parks; friends say that was his proudest accomplishment. He helped to arrange for the civil rights hero to be seated next to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton during the 1999 State of the Union address. He also helped secure for her the Congressional Gold Medal, and for her casket to lie in repose in the Rotunda of the Capitol.

It is easy to forget that among all Mr. Edwards accomplishments in the civil rights and political arenas, he was also battling a very personal struggle with HIV. The disease nearly took his life 15 years ago, but he miraculously recovered with the help of new drugs. In a 2001 speech to the NAACP he went public about his experience living with HIV. He helped to tear down barriers in order to have a frank conversation about the disease within the African American Community, where it was still regarded as a taboo subject by many.

Mr. Speaker, with the passing of Willis Edwards, this country has lost a great man and leader. My home state of California and county of Los Angeles has lost a champion and fighter for civil rights and equal opportunity. I have lost a dear friend.

I ask a moment of silence to honor the memory of Willis Edwards.

Offered By: Ms. Richardson

Amendment No. 7: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of a truly inspirational woman, Kay Calas. Kay was a resident of Carson for over seven decades, and helped the area evolve into a large and diverse city with a thriving business community.

Shortly after moving to Carson in 1940 with her oldest son Chuck Thonney she met her husband, John Calas. Together they had four sons and were active members of the Carson community. He went on to found the Carson Chamber of Commerce, help the city incorporate in 1968 and finally was elected to the City Council in 1972.

Only three years later Mr. Calas passed away. The city saw something special in Kay, and 1,400 residents signed a petition urging the council to appoint her to the seat for the remainder of his term. Although the effort was unsuccessful she ran in the next election, and won. She won the next seven elections as well, before retiring in 2005.

Throughout scandal and corruption in the city's government, Kay could always be looked to as the beacon of righteousness. Although many of her colleagues were brought down from these scandals, not once was she affected.

Kay's life was dedicated to her sons and the city she loved so much. She had a particular passion for senior citizen's rights and the fine arts. There were instances where she would pay for a senior's hearing aid if the insurance would not cover it, and every year she paid the travel expenses to bring 3,000 school children to The Carson Symphony Orchestra.

Her political rivals had great respect for her as well, stating that although they disagreed on legislative issues, they knew Kay was always trying to help the city and residents of Carson.

Kay Calas was an innovative and visionary woman. As a woman in Congress I can appreciate what it takes to break into a traditionally male oriented world, and being elected in the seventies to public office is all the more impressive. She was an ideal role model for the young women of Carson, and her presence will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I happily rise today to celebrate Nelson Mandela's birthday on July 18. Mr. Mandela is a man whose life has been absolutely dedicated to service and social justice.

From a young age, Mr. Mandela was aware of the economic and civil injustices that plagued South Africa under apartheid, where racial discrimination was official government policy. Mr. Mandela joined the African National Congress and worked to end minority rule in his home country, becoming an enemy of the South African government.

In 1963, Mr. Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for political offenses, ultimately serving 27 years. During this time, he refused to renounce his political beliefs in exchange for a reduced term, and he remained steadfastly committed to his cause. Many would see a life sentence as total defeat, but Mr. Mandela continued his campaign and, in doing so, became an international symbol of resistance.

Despite a lifetime of constant struggle, Mr. Mandela never became bitter or overcome with anger. He instead looked ahead to the possibility of equality and freedom in a country that had always been divided by race. His dream was not to wage war against his oppressors. Rather he sought to liberate them from ignorance and hatred and create a unified nation.

Mr. Mandela's struggle has distinguished him as an extraordinary leader in the eyes of the international community and his fellow South Africans. Mr. Mandela was presented with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and he accepted the award on behalf of all South Africans who had made tremendous sacrifices in the name of peace and liberty. The following year, he was elected President of South Africa in the first fully representative democratic election, defeating apartheid rule.

Even after stepping down from the South African presidency, Mr. Mandela's commitment to service did not waiver. Mr. Mandela has since founded three foundations: The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, and the Mandela-Rhodes Foundation. I am truly inspired by Mr. Mandela's tireless work and continued advocacy.

In 2009, July 18 was adopted by the United Nations as Nelson Mandela International Day of Service. Mr. Mandela gave 67 years of his life to the fight for human rights, and people all over the world are asked to spend Mandela Day giving 67 minutes of their time to serve their local communities and charities.

Mr. Speaker, apartheid has ended, but struggles for peace and human dignity persist in all corners of the world. I remember one passage that Mr. Mandela wrote: ``After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are

many more hills to climb.'' With this sentiment in mind, I ask my colleagues and fellow Americans to join me in observing Mandela Day and continuing Mr. Mandela's legacy in our own communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Administration for the immediate executive actions that will accelerate our nation's small business growth. There are 28.6 million small businesses in the U.S. and small businesses create two out of every three jobs in the country. In the state of California small businesses employ more than 50 percent of the state's 16 million workers and represent 90% of job growth for high-paying jobs. The statistics are clear, small businesses are the key to economic recovery and continued growth.

Ameliorating the burdens of small businesses stabilizes uncertainty and encourages critical job growth. Five of these initiatives are immediate executive actions that will accelerate Federal payments, reduce paperwork, and make it easier for small firms to access loans and tax credits, and one is a legislative proposal to raise the amount of investment small businesses can expense next year.

Mr. Speaker, let me briefly highlight some of the key initiatives:

(1) Accelerate payments to small business subcontractors: Through the Office of Management and Budget, agencies will be directed to make contract payments along an accelerated timeline to all prime contractors for the next year (typically 15 days after receipt of proper documentation, as opposed to 30 days), with the understanding that those prime contractors will similarly accelerate payments to their small business subcontractors.

(2) Announce support for Section 179 expensing at $250,000 for one year: President Obama is calling on Congress to write legislation to allow small businesses to write off up to $250,000 in capital investments in 2013, such as machinery and equipment, to drive productivity. Without an act from Congress, the expensing limit for small businesses is scheduled to decline to only $25,000 in 2013.

(3) Increase access to capital through SBA's Small Loan Advantage (SLA) 2.0: SBA is re-launching Small Loan Advantage, one of its key small dollar loan products, as SLA 2.0. This revamped program raises the maximum loan amount from $250,000 to $350,000, streamlines the loan process, and makes it easier for lenders to extend loans to small businesses across America.

(4) Launch ``Quick App'' for surety bond guarantees under $250,000: SBA is launching ``Quick App,'' a streamlined application that will eliminate the need for contractors to complete five unnecessary forms to apply for surety bonds. Providing small firms, particularly in the construction industry, streamlined access to these bonds will make it easier for them to compete for and win additional business, which is important to allowing them to expand and create jobs.

(5) Reduce paperwork for SBA's Disaster Loan Program: Cutting the online application from 80 screens to three or four screens (depending on loan type) will allow families and businesses easier and quicker access to support for rebuilding after a disaster.

(6) Align New Markets Tax Credit with the needs of investors in growing small firms: Reforms the existing New Markets Tax Credit that will make it easier for community development entities (CDEs) to attract private sector funds for investment in startups and small businesses operating in lower-income communities. The regulations are designed to encourage CDEs to invest in other types of small local businesses by relaxing the reinvestment requirements for CDEs investing in certain operating businesses. The Treasury Department is also considering regulatory reforms that would further simplify the requirements for these CDEs and intends to publish these for comment in the future.

Entrepreneurs and small businesses are engines of innovation and economic growth; the small businesses in my district are at the forefront of innovation. The diverse innovation of small businesses in my district from aerospace to healthcare will be able to expand market share with the support of these six key initiatives. I will continue to fight for legislation that will support the approximately 16,300 small businesses in my district.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Administration for taking the necessary steps to help small businesses expand their export programs and alleviate potential layoffs. I urge my colleagues to build upon the Administration's executive actions and provide more support for small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 47th anniversary of the Older Americans Act.

The Older Americans Act of 1965 was the first federal-level initiative aimed at providing comprehensive services for American seniors. The Older Americans Act has played an instrumental role in shaping American society by supporting critical nutrition services, job training, senior centers, caregiver support, transportation, health promotion, and benefits enrollment, among other services.

The Older Americans Act remains an important element in our government, especially as American citizens live longer, and as many face financial challenges during these tough economic times.

Today, the Older Americans Act authorizes an extensive array of service programs through a national network of 56 state agencies, 629 area agencies, nearly 20,000 service providers, 244 tribal organizations, and two Native Hawaiian organizations that represent 400 Tribes. Additionally, it includes community service employment for low- income seniors. It also provides older citizens with training, research, and demonstration activities in the field of aging and vulnerable elder rights protection activities.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that many seniors in the 37th Congressional District of California have benefited from this indispensable piece of legislation and have been protected from homelessness and joblessness. On the anniversary of the Older Americans Act, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the wonderful contributions American seniors have made to our nation and to continue supporting the services critical to their wellbeing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the latest Republican attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act and to block meaningful health care reform. The Affordable Care Act has been upheld by the highest court, the United States Supreme Court, who found that this legislation was constitutional.

I rise today to stress my support of the Affordable Care Act and my opposition to the legislation brought before us today.

This legislation addresses the Affordable Health Care Act, millions of uninsured Americans, and it strengthens the Medicare system. It relieves all Americans of the growing financial burden and medical costs of insurance that many find tough to bear.

Let me talk a little bit about my district in California. In the 37th Congressional District, the benefits of this bill are already undisputable. There are now 23,000 children and 90,000 adults who have health care insurance that covers preventive services with no copays, co-insurance, or deductible. There will be 501 small businesses that will receive tax credits that will help them maintain or expand their health care coverage for their employees. Health care providers in my district have received $3.4 million in affordable care grants since 2010 to support community health centers, to develop innovative and cost-saving health care delivery systems, and to train new health care professionals. These statistics are not unique to my district. There are similar success stories emerging all over the country.

Let me speak a little bit about some of those general things that are happening. If you're a senior, based upon the Affordable Care Act now, you are receiving a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs when you are in Medicare and you experience the doughnut hole coverage gap. You have free key preventive services such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and a free annual well-visit with your physician. If you're a woman, you now have free coverage of lifesaving preventive services such as mammograms. Beginning in August, free coverage will also include additional comprehensive women-preventive services, including breast feeding support, contraception, and domestic violence screening.

If you're a parent and you have a child who is under the age of 19, they can't be denied coverage by an insurance company because of a preexisting condition. If you're an adult, you can now join or stay on your parents' health plan until you're 26 years old. Those are for our young adults. If you're a small business owner, you will be one of the millions who will be eligible as a small business owner to receive tax credits if you choose to offer coverage to your employees.

Mr. Speaker, the Affordable Care Act was a long-overdue bill that corrects deep injustices and access to health care. The Affordable Care Act should be an act that is respected and upheld by this House. It has gone through the proper channels of legislation and now has been validated by the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Speaker, all Americans--young, old, rich, and poor--have an inalienable right to health care and to be able to prosper. To be able to prosper, you need to be healthy.

I ask my colleagues to support the Affordable Care Act and to join me in fierce opposition to repealing the advances in health care that we already won. When we look forward, we must focus on implementing the affordable health care bill and focus on getting Americans back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 6079, the latest Republican attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and block meaningful reform. I stand with the young people who can now find coverage under their parents' health insurance plans, Americans with pre-existing conditions who had been denied access to care, and senior citizens who cannot afford the sky-rocketing costs of medical treatments. Mr. Speaker, I stand with all Americans who will now begin to see the overall cost of health insurance go down.

The Affordable Care Act has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court as a constitutional law. I now rise to praise it as a wise and moral one, as well.

Access to quality, affordable healthcare is a basic right and is critical to the wellbeing of America, both today and in the future. This legislation addresses the needs of the millions of uninsured Americans, strengthens the Medicare system, and relieves all Americans of the growing financial burden of medical costs and insurance. Those who are attempting to obstruct healthcare reform are in effect sabotaging the health and financial security of my constituents and fellow Americans, and I cannot allow this repeal to pass.

In the 37th Congressional District of California, the benefits of the Affordable Care Act are undisputable. 23,000 children and 90,000 adults now have health insurance that covers preventative services with no co- pays, coinsurance, or deductibles. 510 small businesses have received tax credits to help maintain or expand healthcare coverage for their employees. Healthcare providers in the district have also received $3.4 million in Affordable Care Act grants since 2010 to support community health centers; to develop innovative, cost-saving healthcare delivery systems; and to train health professionals.

These statistics are not unique to my district, and similar success stories are emerging in all corners of the country.

Look, for instance, at how the healthcare law is benefiting young adults and children. Under this reform, young adults may stay on their parents' health insurance until their 26th birthday, which is especially critical when recent graduates and young adults are seeking employment. Young adults are the most uninsured group among all Americans, and without this provision, 3.1 million young adults would be uncovered.

Before the Affordable Care Act passed, health insurance companies could also deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, including common conditions like asthma. Healthcare reform corrected this unconscionable abuse, and its repeal would be a direct attack on the 17 million children who will now be protected from discrimination.

The concept of pre-existing conditions was also used to justify discriminatory policies that targeted women. Many women have been denied coverage or are charged at higher rates for conditions that include breast or cervical cancer, pregnancy, a history of a C-section, or having been a victim of domestic violence. I have a long history of supporting women's access to reproductive healthcare as well as a strong record fighting domestic violence. I am proud to support the Affordable Care Act, which gives women many of the rights and protections that I have fought for.

I would also like to take a moment to highlight how the Affordable Care Act helps American seniors by strengthening Medicare. 5.3 million seniors who used to fall into the ``donut hole'' Medicare coverage gap have already saved $3.7 billion on prescription drugs because of healthcare reform, averaging $600 per senior. The healthcare law will also completely close the ``donut hole'' by 2020. In addition, Medicare recipients are receiving a free annual wellness visit and coverage of key preventive services, meaning that seniors can access care before any problems escalate into costly and chronic conditions down the road. These services are possible because the Affordable Care Act has sparked a record-breaking crackdown on Medicare fraud, recovering more than $4.1 billion in fiscal year 2011 alone.

Mr. Speaker, the Affordable Care Act addresses serious problems that have been plaguing children, women, and seniors. Its reforms will even the playing field for anyone who wants quality health insurance and will help our country more closely resemble the principles on which it was founded.

Despite the unfounded claims that this bill will raise taxes for everyday Americans, the Affordable Care Act will bring significant and immediate savings to the middle class at a time when they need it most. The healthcare law will provide a tax cut that averages around $4,000 for 18 million middle class people, and 12.8 million Americans will receive $1.1 billion back in rebates by August. When insurance companies overspend on administrative costs and CEO bonuses, it is the middle class who pays.

Until now, everyday citizens have also had to subsidize the medical costs for a small number of people who can afford healthcare but choose to remain without coverage. These individuals force American families to pay an additional $1,017 each year to compensate. The Affordable Care Act would impose a modest penalty, ensuring that those who do not purchase their own coverage do not cause spikes in the cost of others' insurance. Although opponents of the Affordable Care Act attack this ``free-rider'' penalty as an unfair tax, the truth is that the majority of Americans will never have to pay it and rather stand to benefit from lower insurance rates.

Mr. Speaker, the Affordable Care Act was a long overdue bill that corrects deep injustices

in access to healthcare. Should the act be repealed, there is no planned reform to take its place. We would simply return to the same broken healthcare system and the same failed policies.

Many Americans view Congress as a system that is equally broken. They see that their leaders have an unprecedented opportunity for creating real and lasting change, and instead that chance is being squandered for short-sighted political gain. The GOP-controlled House is unleashing this attack without offering any new solutions. The Republican dismantling of the healthcare bill would be an act of betrayal to the American people who deserve basic health insurance, not election-year politics.

We have just celebrated the Fourth of July and marked the 236th anniversary of American independence. Looking back on our nation's history, there are certain moments that exemplify our evolution toward true democracy. Those are moments of action, not simply a rhetorical commitment to equality. We freed the slaves, extended voting rights to women, passed the Civil Rights Act and the G.I. bill, gave the right to vote to 18-year-olds, created social security and Medicare, and most recently repealed the discriminatory ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. Each of these battles faced fierce opposition, but, now that they have been won, they are remembered as a triumph of core American values. Many look back and believe that America's best days are behind us, but I look ahead and see the Affordable Care Act as yet another brick in the wall of American greatness.

Mr. Speaker, all Americans--young, old, rich, and poor--have an unalienable right to healthcare. I ask my colleagues to join me in my pledge to support the Affordable Care Act and to continue efforts to strengthen our healthcare system in years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of one of the most beloved television personalities of all time, Andy Griffith. For over five decades he entertained us with the wholesome and charismatic energy he was known for. Mr. Griffith's career is the very definition of legendary, and he will be sorely missed.

Mr. Griffith came from humble beginnings. Born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, in 1926, he started out his entertainment career in minor comedic roles and obtained notoriety with his hit monologue ``What it Was, Was Football''. He went on to star in his first dramatic role in the movie ``A Face in the Crowd''. The character he played was a country boy who manipulated his way to political power. The movie taught all of us the lesson that power corrupts, and corrupts absolutely.

Although this was his only real big screen success, Mr. Griffith's television roles are what we will remember him for. ``The Andy Griffith Show'' was an instant success. Mr. Griffith starred as the lovable Sheriff Andy Taylor, and while he never received a writing credit, he was also involved in the development of every script. Overlooked year after year for an Emmy Award, Mr. Griffith congratulated his

costars and crew with graciousness and humility.

It was not until 1987 that Mr. Griffith was recognized with a People's Choice Award for his work on the television show ``Matlock''. He was able to show his diversity as the righteous lawyer Ben Matlock, best known for always coming out on top. Most impressively, Mr. Griffith showed the strength of his character by overcoming leg paralysis from Guillain-Barre Syndrome right before taking part in the show.

Throughout the rest of his career Mr. Griffith never stopped surprising his audience. He released many different albums, and his 1996 release ``I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns'' went platinum.

In 2005 he was honored by President George W. Bush with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mr. Griffith truly personified grace and decency, his memorable performances brought millions of Americans joy while demonstrating the finest qualities of our country. Even today, that trademark whistle still makes us think of a sense of neighborliness and small town charm of years past.

Andy Griffith was a true jack-of-all-trades, who demonstrated talents both on screen and off. He started his own production company, completed an award-winning gospel music album, and later became involved in political activism. Yet audiences could be sure that Mr. Griffith would bring the same infectious energy and charisma to each endeavor.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Andy Griffith's family and loved ones. I hope they can find some comfort in knowing the incredible legacy he leaves behind in hearts across the nation.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of one of Lakewood California's most prominent residents, Bruce DuBois. Mr. DuBois was born in my own district in 1935 at Seaside Hospital in Long Beach. He attended school in Compton until transferring to Downey High School. He could not stay away from the 37th district for long, and after enlisting in the Army and serving in France, he returned to attend Compton College.

It was during his time in college where Mr. DuBois met the love of his life and the woman he would spend the next five decades with. Diane DuBois was also a student at Compton College, and after the two met at a party it was only a year until they were married. Mrs. DuBois would later go on to become mayor of Lakewood, always with the proud support of her beloved husband.

While being an avid family man, Mr. DuBois dedicated his life to serving the community. He was very active with the Jaycees, a service group that provides leadership training through community service for adults ages 18-40. He met many of his best friends through this organization.

After retirement Mr. DuBois continued his volunteer work with the organization Meals on Wheels. At least once a week he would deliver meals to his community's shut-ins and elderly. His wife stated that he took great pride in this work, and met many friends along the way.

Mr. DuBois' life can be remembered as full of service to his community, friendship and family. He was a man we could all look to for warmth and kindness, and his presence will be sorely missed. He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, four grandchildren and a sister.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report on H.R. 4348, the Surface Transportation Extension Act, which provides funding for the Federal-aid highway program through fiscal year 2014 at current funding levels.

Among other things, the conference report makes key investments in our Nation's infrastructure critical to goods movement, which is specifically very important to me in my district, and the additional $500 million that is there for projects of national and regional significance.

The conference report also calls for a national freight strategic plan, and it encourages States to develop State freight plans to incentivize those States to invest in freight projects, policies, and to make sure that we can make progress in that area that has long avoided us.

In recent days, some Members have come down and expressed a desire for the Federal Government to adopt a national freight policy. As a member of the Transportation Committee representing the 37th Congressional District, I represent a very transportation-intensive district, and that's why last March I introduced a bill, H.R. 1122, the Freight Focus Act. That particular legislation was supported very much across the aisle and included support of the American Association of Port Authorities, the American Trucking Association, Operating Engineers, and many more.

My Freight Focus Act was to establish an office of freight planning within the office of the new assistant secretary, and many of those ideas have been incorporated.

As we look forward at this bill, it certainly is not what we had hoped for. We had hoped for something more like a 5-year reauthorization. That would be helpful, but at this point, given our limitations, the key thing I would like to see us focus on is to ensure that there is a strong freight plan, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure that's implemented.

Further, my legislation created a goods movement trust fund. That is something that is not addressed in this legislation but should be considered as we go forward.

As you can see, there are sound freight policies. I have been a leader of that in working with Chairman Mica and others, and I look forward to us bringing forward not only this bill, but many more to come which will put Americans back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1447, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2011, which amongst other things amends title 49 of the United States Code to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established the ASAC in 1989 following the bombing of Pan American World Airways Flight 103. When the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established, the sponsorship of the ASAC transferred to TSA. Despite significant contributions to TSA policymaking, particularly with respect to air cargo security, and strong support from aviation security stakeholders who participated in the ASAC, TSA allowed the ASAC's charter to expire.

H.R. 1447 provides for the establishment of an ASAC to assist and make recommendations to the TSA Assistant Secretary on aviation security matters, including the development and implementation of policies, programs, rulemaking, and security directives pertaining to aviation security. Within the Advisory Committee are three subcommittees: (1) an air cargo security working group, (2) a general aviation working group, and (3) an airport perimeter security working group.

U.S. and industry stakeholders have expressed frustration about the level of dialogue with TSA about the threat of potential attacks. The lack of communication between TSA and stakeholders makes our aviation industry vulnerable to threats such as Yemen insurgents shipping explosive devices on our passenger and cargo airplanes. H.R. 1447 provides us with the tools to reopen these lines of communication between air carriers to aircraft manufacturers from aviation technology security industries to labor organizations.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I fought for and strongly supported legislation that protects our homeland and our people. I will continue to support legislation that enables us to stay ahead of any potential threat. That is why I support H.R. 1447, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2011, and urge my colleagues to do likewise.