Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to be present in the Capitol for votes on Thursday, November 5, 2009. However, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on:

1. Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 2868--Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009;

2. H. Res. 885--Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2868-- Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009;

3. H. Res. 868--Honoring and recognizing the service and achievements of current and former female members of the Armed Forces;

4. Senate Amendments to H.R. 3548--Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009;

5. H. Con. Res. 139--Congratulating the first graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy on their 50th graduation anniversary and recognizing their contributions to the Nation;

6. H.R. 1849--World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009;

7. H.R. 3276--American Medical Isotopes Production Act of 2009;

8. H. Res. 878--Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Family Literacy Day;

And I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 880--Recognizing the efforts of career and technical colleges to educate and train workers for positions in high-demand industries.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be present in the Capitol for one vote on Thursday, October 29, 2009.

However, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 729, designating a ``National Firefighters Memorial Day'' to honor and celebrate the firefighters of the United States.

Madam Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to be present in the Capitol for votes on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.

However, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3949, Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009; ``yea'' on H. Res. 398, Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift's success; ``yea'' on H. Res. 866, Expressing support for designation of a National Veterans History Project Week to encourage public participation in a nationwide project that collects and preserves the stories of the men and women who served our Nation in times of war and conflict; yea on H. Res. 867, Calling on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration of the ``Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict'' in multilateral for a; ``yea'' on H.R. 3157, To name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, as the ``Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic''; and ``yea'' on H. Res. 736, To name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, as the ``Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.''

Madam Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to be present in the Capitol for votes on today, Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

However, had I been present, I would have voted the following way: Ordering the Previous Question on H.R. 3639--``yea''; the rule to Debate H.R. 3639--``aye''; H. Res. 858 congratulating the Inter- American Foundation (IAF) on its 40th anniversary--``yea''; H. Res. 839 condemning the illegal extraction of Madagascar's natural resources-- ``yea''; Hensarling (TX) Amendment to H.R. 3639--``aye''; McCarthy (NY) Amendment to H.R. 3639--``aye''; Maffei (NY) Amendment to H.R. 3639-- ``aye''; Sutton (OH) Amendment to H.R. 3639--``aye''; Sutton (OH)/ Stupak (MI) Amendment to H.R. 3639--``aye''; final Passage of H.R. 3639--Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act of 2009--``aye''; H. Res. 863--Recognizing November 2 as World Pneumonia Day--``yea''; H. Res. 641--Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty--``yea''; H. Res. 711--Calling on the United States Government and the international community to address the human rights and humanitarian needs of Sri Lanka's Tamil--``aye''; H. Res. 856--Recognizing the Commissioning of the USS New York LPD 21--``yea''.

I also would have voted ``no'' on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 3639.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support a Resolution expressing the sense of the House that a ``National Labor History Month'' should be established.

Today, most Americans work in clean, well-lit, well-ventilated, air- conditioned workplaces. So it is all too easy to forget the desperate conditions in which our grandparents and their grandparents often toiled. Child labor was commonplace. Workers were subjected to dangerous work environments, and were often forced to put themselves at risk of death or serious injury in order to put food on the table for their families. Women were especially attractive employees--because you could pay them less for the exact same work. The labor movement played a leading role in ending these inhumane and unfair practices. And for this, all modern Americans owe a debt of gratitude.

In addition to fighting against the exploitation of workers, labor leaders also played a significant role in the civil rights movement, fighting to end racial discrimination in the workplace. As early as World War II, labor leaders fought to end racial discrimination against African-Americans working in the defense industry. And Cesar Chavez's United Farmworkers Union fought not only for labor rights, but for equal rights for Latinos in countless walks of life. This resolution will help us pay tribute to those who put themselves on the line for all of America's working men and women.

What they fought for represents the best of the American character. I urge all my colleagues to support this bi-partisan effort to recognize the importance of the labor movement to America's history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution to declare October 2009 the twenty-second Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed in 1987. Over these last 22 years, we have made major strides in making Americans safer and more secure and ensuring the victims of violence receive the services they need.

With the support of federal and state funds, the number of domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers and service programs has increased significantly. These shelters offer victims a place to turn for help: for emergency shelter and crisis services, and also for legal assistance, transitional housing, and services for their children.

Not only have we strengthened our laws and justice system, we have also brought together victims advocates. law enforcement, and health care professionals to ensure more effective treatment for victims of domestic violence.

This month is an occasion to recognize dedicated law enforcement officers, special prosecutors, counselors, and shelter programs that understand that ending violence requires the efforts of an entire community. It is also a time to reiterate that domestic violence in any form is a crime. It does not matter whether the abuser is a family member; a current or past spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend; an acquaintance; or a stranger. It is a crime, and it is wrong.

Today, I also commend those who have found the courage to leave an abusive relationship. When individuals get the resources they need, they become strong, and so do their families.

Despite all the gains we have made in reducing domestic violence, we must recognize that the work is not complete; too many are still victims, and too many live in fear on a daily basis. It will take all of us to fulfill the promise to end domestic violence and assault.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be present in the Capitol for three votes on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

However, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3689, providing for an extension of the legislative authority of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. to establish a Vietnam Veterans Memorial visitor center; ``yea'' on H.R. 3476, reauthorizing the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Citizen Advisory Commission; and ``yea'' on H. Res. 659, congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be present in the Capitol for two votes on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. However, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 746, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3221--the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, and ``yea'' on H. Res. 260, supporting efforts to reduce infant mortality in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to pass comprehensive health reform, not this decade, not next year but this year.

Our constituents need help now. My constituents have told me that health care costs are beyond their reach. Some can't afford insurance at all and others have been denied coverage or dropped the minute they got sick. These problems plague our entire population, but disproportionately affect Hispanics.

Hispanics have an unbelievable uninsured rate of 31 percent. Our health system must provide essential services to all Americans, including those of Hispanic descent.

Hispanic Americans are the fastest-growing demographic group in this country. They are our future workforce.

Without health care coverage for all Americans, our country's economic future is at risk. Health care reform means having the peace of mind that if something unexpected should happen, an accident or an unexpected illness, people won't fall into economic ruin. Health care coverage for all Americans means a healthier, more productive America.

The time for health care reform is now.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of real health care reform for the American people. As a member of the Committee on Ways and Means, I have been working hard to develop a bill that really makes health care better.

What stands out to me the most from my work are the stories I hear from my district in California. Neighbors like Blasa Ochoa, who lost her insurance when her employer went bankrupt, and who has been unable to get another policy because she has a pre-existing condition.

Or Denise from Lakewood who told me that doctors treat her special- needs son like a number and not a person.

The other night, I spoke to several hundred of my neighbors during a telephone town hall, and they told me about the problems with the current system: high costs, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and the flat out inability to find a plan for those 60 and older.

I'm working so hard on this issue because I know health care reform is what my neighbors back home in California want and need.

America's Affordable Health Choices Act will fix these problems and more.

But sadly, there are still many misconceptions out there.

So let me clear some things up.

This bill will put a stop to abusive insurance company practices, so that you can get a policy no matter what your age or whether you have a pre-existing condition.

This bill will control skyrocketing health costs and make health insurance more affordable. Its strongest cost-control tool is the public health plan option.

We need a strong and stable public option because the private plans, busy seeking profits, have been unsuccessful in controlling the growth in healthcare costs. Their idea of controlling costs is denying care!

But a robust public plan, like the one in this bill, will give the private plans real competition and persuade them to change their ways. This makes health care cheaper for you.

A strong public plan will show how investing in comprehensive, high- quality care, including preventive care, will make Americans healthier and save money at the same time.

An NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll from earlier this year showed that 76 percent of American voters want a public health plan option. And I am proud to have worked on a bill that gives them just that.

But the public plan option is not the only standout provision in this bill.

This bill will protect small businesses and their employees.

This bill is going to help small businesses offer health insurance to their employees--something most small employers want, but can't afford to do right now.

Currently, small businesses pay an average of 18 percent more for health coverage than large businesses.

But with the America's Affordable Health Choices Act, small businesses will have access to the new Health Insurance Exchange, giving them the benefits of lower rates that only large businesses now enjoy. The exchange will also give small businesses more plans to choose from.

The bill also creates a new tax credit--worth up to half the cost of health insurance premiums--to assist small employers who want to offer coverage.

Finally, small businesses will be exempt from the ``pay or play'' requirements that will apply to large employers. Small businesses with a total payroll of $250,000 or less--that's $250,000 in employee payroll, and doesn't count the owner's take home pay--will be exempt from ``pay or play.''

Altogether, the bill makes it easier for small businesses and their employees to afford high quality care while protecting their bottom line.

I encourage my colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle to stop the bickering--and stop spreading misconceptions that are delaying this much-needed reform bill.

Americans cannot wait any longer. They're counting on us to get this done. We need to pass reform that lowers cost, promotes choice and provides care for all, no matter where they work or how large--or small--their paychecks.

Mr. Chair, the Legal Services Corporation exists to promote equal access to justice and to provide high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans. Since its establishment by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has been the single largest provider of civil legal aid for the poor in the nation. LSC-funded programs serve the most basic civil legal needs of the poor in every state in the nation. The LSC helps people resolve landlord-tenant disputes, assists victims of domestic violence, and protects the elderly and other vulnerable groups from being victimized by unscrupulous lenders. Although the Legal Services Corporation has long garnered bipartisan support, some Members of this body are supporting efforts to decimate this already underfunded program. I am curious--do these Members think that poor people do not deserve access to legal help?

At least seven Members of the House submitted amendments that would take valuable dollars away from this invaluable program. One has even offered an amendment to eliminate all funding for the LSC. The message of these amendments is that if you are poor, you should take your lumps. Put your family in uninhabitable housing. Try to escape from domestic violence on your own. Let businesses defraud you with impunity. I say no. I am here as a proud supporter of the Legal Services Corporation. Over 95% of the LSC funding goes directly out to the programs. The Corporation consumes less than 5% in overhead.

I commend the Legal Services Corporation for addressing the justice gap that exists between rich and poor. Currently, for every eligible person assisted by LSC, one is turned away. Fifty percent of eligible citizens who seek help are turned away for one primary reason: lack of resources.

That is why I am grateful for Chairman Mollohan's leadership in lifting some of the cumbersome restrictions and increasing our investment in the LSC and the people it serves. The truth is that Congress should be moving towards a future where no American will have to surrender her rights because she lacks the funds to pay for a high priced attorney. Instead, these amendments would take us in the wrong direction.

I urge my colleagues to support the Legal Services Corporation and oppose efforts to limit the assistance it can provide.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Ms. Mary Elizabeth Lash, who is currently teaching in Paramount, California, in my Congressional District, and has been teaching for a remarkable 59 years. She is California's longest-serving credentialed teacher.

Nearly all of Mary's 59 years of teaching have been in the Paramount Unified School District. In 1950, the Compton Unified School District hired Mary as a Home Economics teacher at Paramount Junior High School. In 1953, when Paramount formed its own unified school district, she took a Home Economics position at Paramount Senior High School, where she continues to teach today.

In 1955, Mary began working with the high school youth organization known as the ``Corsairs'' as the assistant to its founder. This service organization remains under Mary's leadership 54 years later. She has influenced many young men and women into a life of service to others through this organization.

Mary was also a charter organizer of Future Homemakers of America/ HERO, which is a national service organization whose goal is to develop citizenship, leadership, life skills, and career goals through competition, recognition events, and club-sponsored activities. Paramount High School's chapter of Future Homemakers of America/HERO has earned several Silver and Gold Medals in prepared speech, community involvement, and chapter exhibit events on both the National and State Levels.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in tribute to Ms. Mary Elizabeth Lash as she is being honored in California for being its longest serving teacher. Mary has shown an enduring commitment to educating the youth of Paramount and providing them with the tools and skills needed to contribute to their communities and prosper in their adult lives. She truly touched the future, reaching many generations of students. Students, both current and past, who had the privilege of being in her class or in an organization she advised, will continue to be influenced by her example of hard work, dedication, and public service.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support this amendment to increase funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). When the Federal government passed SCAAP in 1994, it recognized its responsibility to reimburse states and localities for the arrest, incarceration, and transportation costs associated with criminal aliens.

Unfortunately, this program has been consistently under-funded. This year was not the first time a President proposed no funding for the SCAAP program. Fortunately, the Appropriations Committee allocated $300 million to the program. While this level is significantly better than zero, it remains $100 million below the 2009 funding level. Our amendment will provide that additional $100 million for SCAAP.

Even with $400 million, states and localities would still only receive reimbursement for a small fraction of what they are spending. This inadequate funding has had a devastating effect on public safety, especially in California and other border states. At a time when many states and counties face budget shortfalls, every dollar reduction in SCAAP reimbursement means one less dollar to spend on essential public safety services. Following SCAAP funding cuts in 2003, the LA County Sheriff's Department was forced to implement a new ``early release'' policy for inmates convicted of misdemeanors.

From a public safety perspective, it is far better for criminals to serve their full sentences. Without adequate resources, other programs will have to be scaled back or terminated to accomplish this goal. Basic police protection, anti-gang activities, homicide investigations, anti-terrorism activities; and rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism are programs that could face cuts in California and across the nation if this amendment does not pass.

We introduced this bipartisan amendment to ensure that police chiefs and sheriffs do not have to choose between keeping our youth out of gangs and incarcerating criminal aliens.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the purpose of introducing the most important and undoubtedly the greatest piece of work I have ever brought to the floor of this House.

Mr. Speaker, before I take all of the credit, I want to thank especially the health care workers from coast to coast who helped me deliver a very healthy baby. And I want to especially recognize the distinguished doctors and nurses at Washington Hospital Medical Center and the talented doctors in Los Angeles, especially Dr. Aliabadi, Dr. Rotmench, and Dr. Iqbal.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy that my husband, James Sullivan and I, introduce to you and to all of my colleagues the proudest achievement and newest member of the California delegation, Joaquin Sanchez Sullivan.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to pay tribute to U.S. Army First Sergeant Blue C. Rowe. Sergeant Rowe, a devoted husband and father, was a constituent of

mine from Whittier, California. This brave American was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 26, 2009, on the 15th anniversary of his service in the military.

Sergeant Rowe was killed by an improvised explosive device. The 33- year old Rowe leaves behind his 7-year old son, Andrew, and his wife Cindy. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy and Andrew, and I hope that they can find some solace in the gratitude that our Nation owes to Sergeant Rowe for his honorable service to his countrymen.

Sergeant Rowe spent his entire adult life serving our country. He joined the Army in 1994 and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Last July he mobilized again for duty in Afghanistan.

He and his family have made the greatest sacrifice that one can make, and we are forever in his debt.

Sergeant Rowe, whose life embodied the meaning of the word ``patriot'', will be missed by family, friends and colleagues, but his honorable deeds will not be forgotten.