Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and to thank them for their contributions to the struggle for civil rights. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, and its very name serves as an important reminder that we owe our freedom to the hard work and sacrifice of these American heroes. Each recipient is a shining example of quiet courage and unwavering dedication to equality. They have used their own personal talents to advance the rights of the disenfranchised, and for that, our nation stands stronger today.

Delores Huerta has spent her entire career in the fight for farm workers' rights and has fiercely defended marginalized populations. From promoting Spanish-language ballots for voters to securing drinking water free from pesticides, Ms. Huerta has demonstrated the incredible power of community organizing and is a leader in a class of her own. Ms. Huerta has made such a tremendous impact on the state of California and across the nation that I have dedicated a separate statement to her.

John Doar served as Assistant Attorney General during the most pivotal years of the Civil Rights Movement. He used his position to bridge the local struggles he witnessed in the south with the national efforts of the federal government. Mr. Doar is remembered for escorting the first African-American student at the University of Mississippi to classes as well as for diffusing an angry mob following the assassination of Medgar Evans. He also helped draft the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He again and again put himself in the line of fire, armed only with a call for nonviolence and justice.

Bob Dylan was the poet laureate of the sixties generation, and his lyrics will forever be ingrained in American history. Through groundbreaking songs like ``Blowin' in the Wind'' and ``Times They Are A-Changing,'' Mr. Dylan coupled his talents as a songwriter with his visions as an activist. He never caved to outside voices or criticisms, instead remaining steadfast in his quest for truth and justice.

Gordon Hirabayashi was honored posthumously for his actions on behalf of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Mr. Hirabayashi was one of three Americans to defy internment, calling it racial discrimination. He took his case all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled against him. Mr. Hirabayashi waited over forty years for the court to overturn that conviction, but he was not embittered by his struggle. Rather, he saw it as part of a greater mission to uphold the integrity of the U.S. Constitution and ensure that its protections are extended to every American.

Mr. Speaker, this year's award recipients are a personal inspiration to me as well as to millions of other Americans. They have all persevered against fierce opposition, not for their own personal gain but in defense of the core values on which this nation was founded. I would like to personally thank them and am pleased to see them honored with great distinction.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the official start of this year's hurricane season. As ranking member of the Subcommittee of Emergency Communications Preparedness and Response that supports the Department of Homeland Security, I'm speaking today to note that broadcasters have demonstrated a continued commitment to local communities in providing critical information during times of disaster.

When disaster strikes, Americans depend upon their local television and radio stations for access to lifesaving information and emergency announcements. Broadcasters' commitment to public service is never more apparent than in the time of a crisis.

As we typically see during times of disasters, whether it's a hurricane, flood, fire, tornado, earthquake, or a widespread power outage, broadcasters remain to cover the dangerous situations, and, most importantly, they provide vital assistance to those who might need it.

During an emergency, broadcasters deliver comprehensive, up-to-date warnings and information to those affected areas, which helps victims and also brings comfort to family members who are awaiting any kind of information. This issue is very important to all of us. Broadcasters can provide information in a moment's notice when we need it most.

I ask my colleagues to join me to commend our local broadcasters for their work, their continued readiness, and the important role that they play in the time of an emergency.

Mr. Chair, today I rise in support of H.R. 5743, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. This bipartisan bill, which was reported by the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence by a unanimous 19 0 vote, provides funding and policy guidance to the America's intelligence community. Few bills are as important to our nation's security as this one.

H.R. 5743 provides the necessary resources to vital security programs, many of which focus on detecting and preventing terrorist attacks. It is critical that America maintains its qualitative security edge with respect to intelligence gathering, data analysis, and counter-terrorism. This bill would ensure that happens.

I recognize that given these challenging economic circumstances, difficult choices have to be made. This has led the Committee to authorize funding for intelligence activities at level that is four percent below last year's enacted budget. I appreciate the way Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Ruppersberger have worked together in an effort to fashion a bill that strikes an appropriate balance.

The committee has made fiscally responsible choices when deciding where to cut funding, eliminating redundancies and directing that other programs be managed more efficiently.

Mr. Chair, for obvious reasons many of the programs authorized by this legislation cannot be discussed publicly. However, these programs are subjected to congressional oversight and scrutiny by the Intelligence Committee, which takes seriously obligation to ensure that the programs authorized under this legislation and the officials who administer them operate within constitutional and legal bounds.

I am pleased that the bill also contains provisions to strengthen the protection of the identities of covert agencies, to combat attempts by other countries to buy technology that could be used to develop weapons of mass destruction, and to enhance our counterterrorism efforts. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security I know how important it is to make counterintelligence and counterterrorism efforts priorities.

It is a sad truth that we live in an age where our most pressing concern is the imminent threat of another terrorist attack. Our enemy does not respond to logic or reason, and therefore we must be prepared for every situation.

Mr. Chair, I support this bill because I am persuaded that it furthers the nation's security interests and is the right thing to do. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 5743.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for allowing me to speak on the Grimm Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2013 Military Construction/Veteran Affairs Appropriations bill.

I also want to thank Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Bishop for their efforts in bringing this bill forward.

Last year, I worked with Congressman LaTourette on defeating anti- Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) language in the MilCon/VA Appropriations bill.

This year, I rise in support of the Grimm Amendment. This amendment simply saves taxpayers money!

The Grimm Amendment ensures that funds for large-scale construction projects utilize the most cost-effective and efficient process for the awarding of Federal contracts.

Section 517 of H.R. 5854 prohibits agencies from being able to use all available methods to ensure that federal contracts are cost- efficient.

Section 517 raises the risk of project cost overruns and delays. Section 517 of this legislation fails to protect our workers.

Mr. Chair, however one feels about Project Labor Agreements, the MilCon/VA bill is not the appropriate vehicle to have this debate.

The MilCon/VA bill is intended to reflect our commitment to our veterans and our service members in uniform and should be limited to that purpose.

I would like to inform my colleagues about the benefits of Project Labor Agreements.

There is no credible evidence that Project Labor Agreements decrease the number of bidders on a project, or increase the costs of construction projects.

In fact, Project Labor Agreements promote cost-effectiveness and efficiency in construction projects.

Project Labor Agreements prevent labor disputes and project delays by having an agreement negotiated prior to starting a construction project.

Project Labor Agreements establish working conditions and safety standards for workers.

Project Labor Agreements are used by both union and non-union contractors.

Project Labor Agreements promote providing employment to workers in our local communities and help address the employment situation in many of our economically distressed communities.

Mr. Chair, the Grimm Amendment simply allows Federal agencies to use all tools at their disposal in awarding large-scale contracts that ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that projects are completed on time and on budget.

All of us in Congress are looking at ways to rein in our deficit. This amendment protects workers and taxpayer funds.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the Grimm Amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Delores Huerta for being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As you know, Mr. Speaker, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor and I cannot think of anyone in this country more deserving of this distinction than Delores Huerta.

A lifelong labor leader and civil rights activist, Delores Huerta's activism has helped redefine the way laborers in California and across the country are treated. From fighting to ensure safer working conditions to negotiating better salaries, Delores Huerta's influence extends far beyond California's San Joaquin Valley. Her unparalleled drive and dedication embody the spirit of activism that keeps our country moving forward.

In 1962, Delores Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers Union with labor legend Cesar Chavez. As part of their struggle to ensure that farm workers receive a fair wage and

safe working conditions, the UFW led a worldwide grape boycott that helped secure farm workers a seat at the table in contract negotiations.

In 1963, Delores Huerta was successful at securing Aid for Dependent Families and disability insurance for farm workers in California. Delores Huerta's hard work and determination also paid off in 1975 when the California State Legislature enacted the Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which gave farm workers in California the right to organize and bargain for better pay and safer working conditions.

At the age of 82, Delores Huerta continues to fight for social justice, giving a voice to the working poor throughout the country. Through the Delores Huerta Foundation, a non-profit she established in 2002, Ms. Huerta is helping to train a new generation grassroots organizers who are committed to the same ideals and principles she has fought for throughout her lifetime.

Mr. Speaker, not only is Delores Huerta a role model to a new generation of civil rights activists, but she remains an inspiration to those who grew up in the '60s and '70s, myself included.

I urge my colleagues in joining me to congratulate Delores Huerta for being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3541, the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2011. I stand with the more than 200 leading organizations that oppose this bill as an unwanted and punitive burden on American women. I stand with those who are focused on women's empowerment and the protection of their civil liberties.

This bill is a misguided proposal that would put additional barriers between women and their healthcare providers rather than seriously tackling gender discrimination. It is an unworkable bill designed with a purely political agenda that will have a damaging effect on women's health and autonomy.

This legislation imposes criminal penalties on healthcare providers who perform certain abortions and requires them to report suspicions of sex-selective abortion. The bill lacks clear definitions and is so dangerously vague that it will force all healthcare providers to stop offering these services due to fear of jail time and civil damages claims. For instance, prosecutors could use shaky circumstantial evidence to suggest gender bias, including routine ultrasounds or profiling based on race or culture.

There rarely exists evidence strong enough to conclude that an abortion is motivated by the sex or any other singular factor. The World Health Organization has analyzed similar laws around the world that criminalize sex-selective abortions but has found that it is nearly impossible to prosecute such cases. The United Nations has argued that the most effective way to fight a pervasive preference for sons is to instead dedicate ourselves to ending economic and social inequalities. By passing H.R. 3541, we would stand at odds with the international community.

As a representative of the 37th District of California, I am particularly concerned that this bill will unfairly subject Asian American women to additional scrutiny and racial profiling. It is unclear to what extent sex-selection abortions exist in the United States; however, the law specifically targets women of Asian descent and places them under a cloud of suspicion. Minority communities already face difficulties in accessing healthcare, and this bill will cause further marginalization.

We should be uniting around healthcare reform, not legislation that erodes trust on both sides of the patient-doctor relationship. Honest dialogue between women and medical professionals is critical in ensuring safe and appropriate care, and I cannot vote for any bill that does not protect open communication. Medical practices are already governed by strict codes of conduct and regulations. This bill simply adds unnecessary government interference. It puts physicians at risk for criminal penalties while doing absolutely nothing to address root causes of gender biases and inequalities.

There are many proven investments that support women and girls and help them to

lead safe and healthy lives. Those include policies that promote equal pay and employment, access to healthcare, and protection from gender- based violence. Nevertheless, in the 112th Congress, House Republicans have voted in favor of reducing protections against gender-based violence and limiting access to reproductive healthcare and birth control.

H.R. 3541 continues this pattern of perpetuating gender inequalities by allowing the state to scrutinize the private decisions made by women and their doctors, notwithstanding the recent lip service being paid to gender discrimination. Additionally, this legislation will have no effect on the rates of abortions and unwanted pregnancies as long as the House Republican majority continues its unbroken and disturbing record of cutting public funding for sex education, family planning, and maternal health services.

Mr. Speaker, the sponsors of H.R. 3541 are continuing to attack the rights of women, albeit now under the disguise of gender equality. I urge my colleagues to see the hypocrisy of this bill and to join me in voting against this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3670, to require the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, USERRA, is intended to ensure that persons who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard or other uniformed services: (1) are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service, (2) are promptly reemployed in their civilian jobs upon their return from duty, and (3) are not discriminated against in employment based on past, present, or future military service.

Soon after the attacks of 9/11, TSA was given USERRA exemption to allow the agency to hire new employees without delay for airport screenings. USERRA protects service members so they are able to keep their job, benefits, and seniority in their civilian job if they are called up to Active Duty. TSA has voluntarily adopted some USERRA provisions for their employees, but TSA no longer requires special hiring authorities that it required when newly created. With more than 10,000 veterans among the agency's employees, counting for 20 percent of the Transportation Security Officer workforce, TSA, like any other federal agency, should be required to comply with the same USERRA rules as other Federal agencies and private employers.

With the month of May and National Military Appreciation Month concluding, we must continue to appreciate and support our service members by supporting this legislation. Our veterans and servicemembers do not choose our conflicts and we cannot allow employers to punish them for their unrelenting dedication to our nation's freedom.

Mr. Speaker, requiring the Transportation Security Administration to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act is the right thing to. That is why I strongly support H.R. 3670 and I urge my colleagues to support our servicemembers and veterans by supporting H.R. 3670.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 915, the Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act, which establishes a Border Enforcement Security Task Force program to enhance cooperation amongst border security forces.

This legislation is named in honor of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jaime Zapata, who was killed in the line of the duty while serving on a Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) team in Mexico. BEST teams incorporate personnel from ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO), along with other key Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies.

H.R. 915 establishes a BEST program to enhance border security by fostering coordinated efforts among Federal, State, and local border and law enforcement officials to protect United States border cities and communities from transnational crime, including violence associated with drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and across the international borders of the United States.

Securing our borders from those who would harm Americans is my highest priority as a Member of Congress. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Administration to keep our borders secure from all those who threaten our freedom and liberty. As the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have sponsored and co-sponsored legislation that improves our Nation's ability to secure the Nation's borders. I support H.R. 915 because it is a positive step in the right direction and I strongly urge my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3140, the Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act. Since the catastrophic events of September 11th, 2001 the United States has gone to every possible length to prevent another terrorist attack.

Unfortunately, our enemies cannot be deterred through logic and reason. No matter how secure we make our borders they will always be developing new ways to threaten our citizens. For this reason it is vital that America continues to improve its security and intelligence capabilities.

Since 9/11 mass transit attacks against the West have been on the rise. In 2004 a terrorist cell of Al Qaeda detonated multiple explosives on packed trains in Madrid, Spain, killing 191 people. Only a year later London was attacked by another cell linked to Al Qaeda. Four suicide bombers, all of whom were on public transportation killed more than fifty people. The Mumbai attacks followed, which killed over 200 people during evening rush hour on the local train network.

Mr. Speaker, if there is one lesson to take away from all of these horrific events, it is that America is still frighteningly vulnerable to a mass transit attack. Terrorists continue to develop methods to get around our security systems and inflict as much damage as possible.

As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security it is my duty to ensure everything possible is being done to prevent another attack on U.S. soil. In my own district in California there are multiple systems that could be prone to attack, but across the country there are systems that have little protection.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest public transportation system. It serves a population of 14.6 million people in the 5,000-square-mile area fanning out from New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. Each weekday an average of 8,487,642 use this system. If this system is targeted, they have little security or defense and millions of people could be at risk.

The Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act aims to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize intelligence officers and analysts, including those from the Transportation Security Administration to high-risk jurisdictions with mass transit systems. The bill also requires the officers assigned to these areas to develop mass transit intelligence products as a primary responsibility.

This bill offers a way to promote the timely sharing of information between Federal, State and local partners, with the ultimate goal of preventing any attack against an American mass transit system.

Mr. Speaker, I fully support H.R. 3140 and the added security it brings to American citizens, and all those using our public transportation systems.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4041, the Export Promotion Reform Act, which will revise the duties of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to improve the research conducted for export promotion efforts. If enacted, this bill will increase the effectiveness of the steps that are taken by the TPCC to boost international trade. I support the bill because expanding America's share of the export market is critical if we are to compete and win in the global economy of the 21st century and provide jobs that will sustain a middle-class standard of living for our people.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will require the government to take into account the recommendations of small- and medium-sized businesses when developing federal trade promotion efforts. This requirement will enable policymakers to better understand the environment in which they are attempting to promote trade.

A more focused understanding of the current economic environment can help the government create more effective export expansion initiatives. By creating targeted initiatives, the Federal Government can help the U.S. economy by expanding economic opportunity for local business to increase foreign sales, thereby creating more good-paying jobs, and economic growth.

This bill also requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct global assessments of overseas markets to determine which markets have the greatest export potential, and deploy resources accordingly. This will assist U.S. businesses in identifying profitable market opportunities abroad, making it easier for them to begin exporting goods and services. Additionally, the deployed personnel and other resources will help to limit barriers to entry of foreign markets by U.S. businesses.

I support this bill also because of the strong positive impact that an increase in exports will have on the constituents of the 37th Congressional District of California, which I am privileged to represent. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are major economic engines in the Southern California economy, currently providing nearly $14.5 billion a year in trade-related wages, and more than $47 billion in direct and indirect business sales.

An increase in international exports will boost these figures and create jobs. Additionally, an increase in exports will, provide more opportunities for local businesses to thrive by expanding into foreign markets.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 4041.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Donna Summer, a singer whose legacy continues to shape the music industry and inspire audiences around the world.

Donna Summer passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones after a long battle with cancer. She was 63.

Donna Summer was a powerhouse who defined dance music and paved the road for countless performers. Her music career spanned across four decades and led to five Grammy awards. She was the first female artist to have four number-one hits in a 13-month period as well as the first to receive a Grammy in rock. She infused the music industry with a sense of excitement and energy that brought everyone to the dance floor and continues to inspire today's artists.

Her songs provided the soundtrack to the disco years, but her legacy extends far beyond this singular genre. Her versatility and talent cemented her place in music history even as the disco lights faded, and she continued to write and perform until recent years.

As a devout born-again Christian, Donna Summer's life hardly resembled the glitz and glam of her stage persona. She grew up singing gospel, and her faith provided her with a strong sense of purpose and conviction. Although she may first be remembered as a singer and performer, her memory will also live on as a loving mother, wife, and friend.

I feel love when I hear her music, a love that will last even after I have no more tears to shed. Her memory will carry on in the hearts of all who remember yesterday and the joy they felt when Donna Summer's songs played on the radio. Although Ms. Summer may have danced her last dance on Earth, Heaven knows she will be dancing and singing long after we dim all the lights.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence in honor of her memory.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the service and dedication of one of my own constituents, Ms. Cynthia Berry. For almost five years now Ms. Berry has been an essential part of the Long Beach foster care program.

Ms. Berry's story is simple but inspiring. She graduated from college and took in her first foster children in her early 20's, ready to open her heart and home to try and give those less fortunate the warm and happy childhood she had experienced. When she went on to nursing school it was too time consuming to give

the children everything they deserved, so she took a break from the foster care system.

After becoming a single parent and raising her daughter, Ms. Berry decided it was time once again to become a foster parent. Over the past five years she has selflessly brought 20 children through her home, and showed them a type of love and nurture their own families were not able to provide.

At 50 years old she is showing no signs of slowing down, and is currently in the process of adopting her three most recent children who are all under the age of five. 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 amazed by the way Ms. Berry works with the families of her children to help them become better parents. This way they will hopefully have the opportunity to return to a safe and happier home.

Most of the children that pass through her home are able to go back to their own families after being cleared by the state, but when they are unable to they continue in the system until they are 18. From there they are pretty much on their own with limited financial support from the state. Their only real hope is people like Ms. Berry, who get them out of the system.

In 2008, there was an average of 123,000 children waiting to be adopted. Over the course of the year only 55,000 of these children managed to be adopted.

It is vital that these foster homes are warm and nurturing places a child feels safe in. These children have already experienced so much pain in their lives, and this might be their first experience of having a caring parent watching out for them. Ms. Berry provides them with that love and security.

For all her work and dedication Ms. Berry is being honored at an open house reception put on by Aspiranet, the agency that she works with. She will share her story and experiences with all the children she has helped over the years. Since May is National Foster Care Month it seems fitting that a woman of her caliber should represent the Long Beach foster care system.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Berry is the type of woman we should all look to for inspiration. She is hardworking, selfless and above all, a caring mother to all her children, biological or not. When we are feeling overwhelmed, overworked or just unhappy about our own lives, we should look to Ms. Berry, who does it all with a smile, and asks for nothing in return except the future success of the kids she loves so much.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 4310, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013,'' which provides $642 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.

Although the bill is not perfect and contains several provisions that I do not support, on balance I support the legislation because it (1) provides our troops the resources they need to protect and defend our country and themselves; (2) supports military families; (3) makes important investments to keep our homeland safe; and (4) incorporates three critical amendments I offered to strengthen the nation's strategic ports (of which the Port of Long Beach is perhaps the most critical), provide expanded protections for women service members, and enhances the effectiveness of the Northern Command (``NORTHCOM'') in protecting the homeland in event of war.

I thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for their hard work in shepherding this bill to the floor on this bill and for their commitment to the men and women of the Armed Forces.

Let me briefly highlight some of the key provisions that I support.

I support the provisions in the bill providing all service members a pay raise of 1.7 percent, the level included in the President's request, and extends certain special pay and bonuses for active-duty and reserve personnel. The bill limits any annual increase in cost- sharing rates under the TRICARE pharmacy program to the percentage increase in retiree pay, beginning October 1, 2013. I am also pleased that the bill extends access to family housing for six months for service members mustering out due to personnel reductions.

Mr. Chair, combating domestic violence and deterring sexual offenses in both the civilian and military sectors is a national priority. That is why I am pleased that this bill includes provisions requiring secretaries of the military departments to establish special victim teams for investigation, prosecution and victim support in connection with child abuse, serious domestic violence or sexual offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The bill further requires that at least one team in each military department be in place within one year of enactment and that each secretary report within 270 days of enactment with a plan and timeline for the establishment of the remainder of the special victim teams that the secretary has determined are needed.

Mr. Chair, this bill provides the resources needed to protect our troops in harm's way. It provides:

$2.8 billion for measures to counter IED activities in Afghanistan;

$3.2 billion for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Afghanistan;

An increase of $321 million in unrequested funds for modernization of M 1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, vehicles that help protect the lives of our troops; and

$7.6 billion for operations and maintenance of the Special Operations Command, an amount that includes $2.5 billion in the Overseas Contingency Operations account.

Another reason for supporting this bill is that it provides expanded opportunities for small businesses to participate in Defense Department contracts. For example, the bill includes several provisions designed to eliminate barriers that have prevented many small and medium-sized businesses from competing for Pentagon contracts. It also establishes new DOD goals for procurement contracts awarded to small businesses. There are also provisions to amend the Small Business Act to establish a government-wide goal for participation by small businesses at not less than 25 percent of all prime contracts for each fiscal year, and 40 percent of all subcontract awards for each fiscal year.

Mr. Chair, as I noted earlier in my remarks, an additional reason why I support this legislation is because it includes three amendments that I offered to improve the bill. I want to thank Rules Committee Chairman Dreier, Ranking Member Slaughter, Armed Services Committee Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for working with me to include these amendments.

My first amendment, Richardson Amendment No. 82, requires the Department of Defense to post on all its websites information on sexual assault prevention and response resources.

In light of technology, many people, particularly service personnel receive the majority of their information via the Internet.

Further, online access to the needed information is particularly important because persons needing sexual assault resource information may be reluctant to seek information in a public setting without fear of losing privacy, or worse retaliation.

My second amendment, Richardson Amendment No. 112, improves the bill by increasing the effectiveness of the Northern Command (``NORTHCOM'') in fulfilling its critical mission of protecting the U.S. homeland in event of war and to provide support to local, state, and federal authorities in times of national emergency. This amendment was included in last year's National Defense Authorization Act and I am pleased that it is included again this year also.

The purpose for NORTHCOM's existence is to bring the capabilities and the resources of the U.S. military to the assistance of the American people during a catastrophic disaster. NORTHCOM leaders will be much more effective in saving lives, protecting assets, and enhancing resilience after a disaster has occurred if they are trained in the techniques of effective engagement with civilian leadership. My amendment ensures that such training will be available.

I want to thank my good friend and colleague, Congressman Don Young of Alaska for working with me across the aisle and partnering with me on the amendment, Young/Richardson Amendment 141. This amendment calls for the expedited completion of the study of the Nation's strategic ports called for in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report 112 329.

As the representative of a district served by the largest port complex in the nation, I have long been a strong champion on protecting our nation's ports.

My colleagues have heard me say often that ``in times of war, the role of the ports is to protect the forts.''

This amendment also directs the Department of Defense to provide a copy of the report to the GAO for additional review of the extent to which the facilities and infrastructure serving strategic seaports meet the Department of Defense's requirements.

The completion of this report is vital in the assessment of the structural integrity and deficiencies of the port facilities.

It further examines infrastructure improvements that are needed directly or indirectly to meet national security and readiness requirements.

In addition to assessing the impact on operational readiness, this report will identify potential funding sources to undertake needed improvements.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong and unyielding opposition to H.R. 4970, ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012.'' I urge my colleagues to reject this legislation and appeal to the Republican leadership to bring to the floor the Senate version of this bill which passed with a substantial bipartisan majority. Every Democratic Senator and 15 Senate Republicans, including all of the Senate GOP women, voted for the bill.

H.R. 4970 reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for five years. It provides federal resources authorized by VAWA directly to organizations and programs that help prevent violent crime and protect victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It consolidates grant programs and requires more audits and direct grant applicants to disclose their sources of federal funding. It also includes new benchmarks for visa applicants who are the victims of violent crime.

Madam Speaker, VAWA has never been a partisan issue until this Congress. Twice over the last 20 years, Democrats and Republicans have worked together to reauthorize VAWA and make necessary improvements. But just like on the Highway Bill, House Republicans are abandoning the bipartisan consensus that has always existed on VAWA reauthorizations. The bill rolls back important protections for immigrant victims that put them in a more vulnerable position than under current law by eliminating longstanding confidentiality of VAWA petitions for protection by allowing immigration officials to contact a battered woman's abusive spouse, tipping off the abuser to the victim's efforts to leave.

H.R. 4970 also makes it more difficult for undocumented witnesses to work with law enforcement officials, and eliminates a pathway

to permanent residency for victims of major crimes who cooperate with police on serious criminal cases. The bill also completely excludes vulnerable populations such as tribal women, and LGBT individuals.

The House Republican bill removes the key provisions from the bipartisan passed Senate bill improving protections for Native American women and ensuring all victims are assisted regardless of religion or sexual orientation.

The House Republican bill is opposed by hundreds of groups within the domestic violence community, as well as law enforcement, civil rights and faith-based groups.

Drafting a VAWA bill without any input from Democrats and without any Democratic support in the Judiciary Committee goes against how these reauthorizations have been crafted for over two decades. And it has produced a bill that weakens, rather than strengthens, protections for women against domestic abuse.

I oppose H.R. 4970 and urge my colleagues to do likewise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5326, which makes appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013. Although the bill provides adequate funding levels for many programs that I support, they are far outweighed by the unpalatable provisions in the bill. That is why I will vote no on final passage.

Let me list some of the more objectionable provisions of this bill.

Department of Commerce

The bill reduces funding by $93 million for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). I also oppose the $92 million reduction from the President's FY 2013 Budget request for the Census Bureau. A cut of this magnitude threatens the Bureau's ability to implement Economic Census data collection activities that peak in FY 2013, hindering the successful development of critical benchmarks for Gross Domestic Product estimates.

Department of Justice

I strongly oppose the level of funding provided in the bill as reported by the Committee for the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Grants Program, which is $217 million below the President's FY 2013 Budget request. This reduced funding level would result in the loss of approximately 1,200 police hires/rehires, including veterans. Inaddition, some communities seriously impacted by crime would not be able to support enough police officers to effectively respond.

The Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program offers local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement access to intelligence databases, investigative support and research, equipment loans, training and publications, and field staff support, among other services. RISS is a proven, trusted and cost-effective program that has contributed to 52,350 arrests and yielded $857 million in narcotics, property and case seizures. This represents a 223 percent return on federal investment. Today, state and local law enforcement agencies are experiencing reductions in funding and resources and are turning to RISS to cope. Nevertheless, RISS funding was severely decreased from $45 million in FY2o11 to $27 million in FY2012 and a recommended $27 million in FY2013. I requested an additional $18 million for this program to return funding back to $45 million.

Mr. Speaker, the purpose of State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) is to reimburse municipalities for the costs incurred incarcerating undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes. This program is vitally important to my home state of California. In 2009, California received $159 million in SCAAP funds, representing over 40 Percent of the funds allocated nationwide. These funds are an important contribution towards California's cost of incarcerating undocumented immigrants, which is over $1 billion annually. The Committee recommended federal funding for SCAAP at $165 million, which is a cut from FY2012 levels by $75 million and which falls below my request by $785 million.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

I also believe strongly that the Committee's funding level for EEOC, which is $7 million less than the FY 2013 Budget request is inadequate. As the Administration points out in its Statement of Administration Policy, funding at this level would prevent EEOC from filling critical investigator positions lost through attrition, which would increase EEOC's backlog and weaken its ability to enforce Federal laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

I also strongly oppose the level of funding provided in the bill for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), which is $74 million below the FY 2013 Budget request. At this funding level, tens of thousands of low- income Americans, including many military families and veterans, would be denied assistance with civil legal problems, impacting their ability to receive fair treatment in the courts.

Now Mr. Speaker, as a representative of the 37th Congressional District of California, I understand the importance of supporting emerging businesses and manufacturers. 30,000 of my constituents are employed in the manufacturing sector, and nearly 45 percent of all U.S. imports travel through the district's neighborhoods. The 37th district also includes three universities and five medical facilities, all of which benefit from funding directed at science and research.

The programs covered in this bill have a direct impact on lives across the country, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that commercial, legal and research facilities in my district are able to continue their important work. I would note briefly the provisions in the bill as amended that I do support:

1. U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA): The EDA is the only federal agency focused on private sector job creation. It provides infrastructure grants, strategic planning assistance, business development capital, and technical assistance in economically distressed areas. The Committee approved funding at $219.5 million, or 92.2 percent of my funding request.

2. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program: MEP is the only public-private program dedicated to providing technical support to small and medium sized manufacturers to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. In FY2009 alone, MEP projects created or retained 52,948 jobs, generated more than $9.1 billion in sales and provided cost savings of more than $1.41 billion. The Committee met my request for funding at $128 million.

3. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): MBDA works to foster the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned U.S. businesses. Minority firms currently provide nearly 5.8 million jobs but have the potential to create 17.5 million jobs, leading to stronger communities and a bolstered economy. The Committee designated $28,689,000 for the agency, 94.2 percent of my request.

4. Department of Justice Youth Mentoring Grants: This account is the sole remaining source of federal funding to support mentoring for at- risk youth. The account provides grants to non-profit organizations that reduce youth interaction with the juvenile justice system, which proves to be a cost-effective method for reducing the likeliness of drug and alcohol use while improving academic performance and family relations. The Committee exceeded my request and FY2012 funding by allocating $90 million.

5. National Science Foundation (NSF): This funding will allow NSF and universities to sustain and expand their vital research and education programs, which range from improving science education to developing multimedia technologies to improve telemedicine. This significant investment will support technological advancement here at home and properly train the country's next generation of scientists and engineers. Funding for FY2013 is $7.3 billion, which is 97 percent of my request.

6. Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors (STOP) Formula Grant Program: As the cornerstone of VAWA, STOP awards funds to every state and territory to create and sustain coordinated community responses and trainings for law enforcement, prosecutors, judicial personnel, and victim advocates. This coordinated response has been proven effective in helping hundreds of thousands of victims find safety and holds perpetrators accountable for their actions. The Committee recommends funding at $189 million, 92.2 percent of my request.

7. VAWA Transitional Housing Assistance Grants Program: After fleeing dangerous and abusive situations, survivors must rebuild their shattered lives. The VAWA Transitional Housing Program provides an essential continuum between emergency shelter and independent living, helping victims move from crisis to stability. The Committee met my funding request of $25 million.

8. Victims of Trafficking Grant Program: There are currently 40 task forces nationwide that integrate federal, state and local law enforcement with prosecutorial and victim service organizations to prevent and prosecute human trafficking and to protect the victims of trafficking and slavery. I supported the continuation of this task force program, and the Committee has set funding at $13.5 million, 90 percent of my request.

9. Community Relations Services: CRS provides resources and tools to address community conflicts that arise from racial and ethnic tensions. The Committee recommended $11,456,000 for these services, or 95.1 percent of my request.

10. Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms: The TAAF program is the only trade adjustment assistance program that works with economically distressed U.S. manufacturers impacted by international trade agreements, offering technical assistance to help them remain employers in their communities. Its continuation is critical to the sustainability and growth of domestic manufacturing, and the Committee met my request of $15.8 million.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the decision of the Appropriations Committee to fund the programs I have described at a level consistent with my requests and want to express my thanks to Chairman Wolf and Ranking Member Fattah for their responsiveness. It is my hope that the more problematic provisions of the bill will be corrected as the process goes forward so that the final version of the bill can be signed by the president and worthy of my support.