Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 56 and support the goals of National School Counseling Week.

I want to thank Chairman George Miller and Ranking Member Buck McKeon, as well as Representative Vernon Ehlers, for their support of this very important resolution.

This resolution aims to highlight the very important work that school counselors do in our schools every single day. The best counselors inspire young people to dream big. They help young people get on the road to accomplish their dreams. And, when necessary, they enlist the support of parents, teachers, mentors, tutors, and anyone else that it takes in order to keep our children moving along that path to accomplishment.

As I know from visiting schools in my district, counselors--though there are far too few of them--play a critical role in student success. Unlike teachers, who often only get to know students one semester or year at a time, counselors follow students throughout their many years at an elementary, middle or high school.

They are adept at spotting long-term trends in student progress or behavior and arranging the appropriate intervention or enrichment. They assist

teachers in developing instructional and behavioral programs tailored to meet the individual and unique needs of a particular student.

I want to recognize all the dedicated counselors from my district who accomplish amazing things every day that they go to work. Lisa Torres from Cleveland Elementary and Brian Kamper of Artesia High School are just two of the many exceptional counselors that I have heard of. Lisa and Brian help their students to believe in themselves and achieve their goals, and their reputations are well known. Parents are rightly proud of these counselors and secure in the knowledge that Lisa and Brian are looking out for their children's academic achievement as well as their emotional well-being. I want to applaud the work of all those like Lisa and Brian, who are an integral part of the education team.

I also hope that this year, as Congress continues to address No Child Left Behind and the role of our Federal Government in our local schools, that we can find a way to encourage schools to invest in counseling. The nationwide average student-to-counselor ratio of 475- to-1 is simply inadequate to provide students, teachers, and parents with the counseling services that they need.

Just think of all the students who are considering dropping out who need extra help from a literacy coach or who don't think that they can pay for college who could be reached if we simply had the counselors in those schools dedicated to those students.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in addressing our health care crisis. The facts are clear: too many Americans lack access to quality, affordable health care.

Today, more than 47 million Americans, including 9 million children, lack health insurance. Last year, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults struggled to pay medical bills, went without needed care because of costs, or were uninsured. Nearly 9 million people have lost their health insurance since 2000. This is unacceptable. In fact, in the richest nation in the world, it's absolutely shameful.

Countless Americans lay awake at night trying to figure out how they will pay mounting medical bills, whether they should go to the doctor for that recurring pain, or wondering if their health insurance will actually cover tests their doctor recommended. With soaring gas and food prices, working families across the United States are forced to make tough financial choices, often sacrificing needed health care and health insurance.

It is reality for Laura T. whose son Christopher was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma in 2003. Though this family had insurance, the insurer refused to cover the treatments proven to help Christopher. No mother should ever have to fight with an insurance company for the life of her child, but that's exactly what this brave woman did. Laura fought these insurance companies and won. Because he received the appropriate treatments, Christopher is alive today. However, months of fighting for her child's life took a tremendous toll on her family. Laura and her three children lost their home. Her credit is ruined. Unfortunately, Laura and her family are not alone. Even more unfortunate is the fact that these families don't always win. Families across America are dealing with these situations every day.

While there are several issues that we disagree on, I am confident that we can all agree that no parent should have to fight for the medical treatment necessary for her child's survival. No family should have to forego needed health care because of money. Health care should not be a privilege to be reserved for the wealthy few. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together and fix our Nation's broken health care system.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be present in the Capitol on Monday, September 15, 2008, and was unable to cast votes on the House floor that evening.

However, had I been present I would have voted yea on H. Res. 1200-- Honoring the dedication and outstanding work of military support groups across the country for their steadfast support of the members of our Armed Forces and their families; yea on H. Con. Res. 390--Honoring the 28th Infantry Division for serving and protecting the United States; and yea on H.R. 6889--To extend the authority of the Secretary of Education to ensure continued access to Federal student loans, for 1 year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my most sincere condolences on the death of the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

I was extremely saddened to hear the news of Congresswoman Jones' passing. Since 1999, she has proudly and honorably served Ohio's eleventh district.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones was the daughter of an Airport skycap. She grew up in Cleveland and graduated from college and law school at Case Western. She began her life of public service when she went to work as a local government lawyer and went on to serve

8 years as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Cuyahoga County. As the first African American woman elected from Ohio to serve in Congress, she brought a fresh energy and new perspective to the House. No one was surprised when she quickly rose to a position on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

I got to know Stephanie in my first term in Congress because my office was next door to hers. She was never too busy to help a freshman member in whatever way she could. Her energy was boundless, and I will sorely miss her smile--it could light up a crowded room. Those who had the good fortune to know this incredible woman know what I am talking about.

During her four terms in Congress, she was a champion for the people of the eleventh district. She worked tirelessly to create equal opportunities for all people in this country as she fought to increase the minimum wage, to increase funding to public schools, and to create affordable and accessible healthcare.

The people of Ohio have lost a great political leader, and we have lost a beloved and respected colleague. We will all miss her friendly smile and her passion for her fellow man.

At this time, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the distinguished majority leader, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, during further proceedings today in the House and in a Committee of the Whole, the Chair be authorized to reduce to 2 minutes the minimum time for electronic voting on any question that otherwise could be subjected to 5-minute voting under clause 8 or 9 of rule XX or under clause 6 of rule XVIII.

Mr. Chairman, at this time I would like to recognize a true champion of women in the House and the author of the Paycheck Fairness Act, the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. Rosa DeLauro), for 6 minutes.

I would yield 2 minutes to a distinguished Member of this body, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

It gives me great pleasure to yield 2 minutes to a champion of the working class and the Chair of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pension Subcommittee of Education and Labor, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

(Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

I rise today in strong support of the Paycheck Fairness Act, to protect the right of all Americans to equal pay for equal work. I want to begin by thanking my colleague, Representative DeLauro, for introducing this bill, and Chairman Miller for steering it through committee and onto the floor. It is long overdue.

After years of neglect under the former majority, this House has boldly taken on the challenge of trying to solve longstanding economic problems so that hardworking families can really achieve the American Dream instead of just dreaming about the American Dream.

Women across America are still only paid 77 percent of what men are paid. Does this mean that women are only 77 percent as valuable as their male counterparts? Certainly not. It means there are, unfortunately, still lingering remnants of an earlier time in our history when women didn't have the same rights as men.

Though we have made great strides toward fair and equal treatment for women in the workplace, our work is still not done. This bill continues our progress by creating more opportunities for women and their families. Nearly 7\1/2\ million of America's poverty-stricken children live in female-headed households. This bill will help those families rise out of poverty by ensuring the hard work of female-headed households is rewarded equally and fairly.

Much has been said about this bill lining the pockets of trial lawyers. Let's not lose focus of what this bill is about. It is saying to women that if you have been wronged, if you have

been discriminated against, you will have a fair day in court.

So, for yourselves, your wives, your sisters, your daughters, and the children of America, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on this important piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was delayed by traffic on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, and I missed two votes on the House floor.

However, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3981-- To authorize the Preserve America Program and Save America's Treasures Program, and for other purposes; and ``yea'' on H.R. 1423--To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease a portion of a visitor center to be constructed outside the boundary of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter County, Indiana, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be present in the Capitol on Monday, June 23, 2008, and was unable to cast votes on the House floor that evening.

However, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 1242, Honoring the life, musical accomplishments, and contributions of Louis Jordan on the 100th anniversary of his birth; ``yea'' on H. Con. Res. 372, Supporting the goals and ideals of Black Music

Month and to honor the outstanding contributions that African American singers and musicians have made to the United States; and ``yea'' on H. Res. 1051, Congratulating James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for 100 years of service and leadership to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, a player dunked in a Sunday night basketball game. Most Americans might not think that's news, but when you tell them the player was the WNBA's Candace Parker, only the second woman to dunk in WNBA history, you get a different reaction.

Parker's slam dunk is just one more sign that title IX is a slam dunk. At its core, title IX is a one-sentence law that bans sex discrimination in Federally funded education programs. Title IX tore down the quotas in law and medical schools that would often limit the enrollment of women to 15 per year.

Today, more women than men are attending college. And in law schools,

women are now the majority. In 1970, only one out of 27 high school girls played varsity sports. Today that figure is two in five, and these girls are reaping the benefits that come from sports: lower rates of substance abuse, unintended pregnancies, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.

Title IX has made it possible for women to pursue any career they want. I am excited to see what today's girls and young women will do with the opportunities title IX will provide for their futures.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008 to protect one of our most vulnerable groups: the elderly. This legislation is designed to make unenforceable all pre-dispute, mandatory binding arbitration clauses in contracts between long-term care facilities and their residents. Let me be clear: I am supportive of the principles of arbitration, so this legislation will not prohibit arbitration. Instead, it will simply ensure that residents have the choice whether to arbitrate a dispute after it has arisen.

The Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, which I chair, has held three hearings this term on issues related to the Federal Arbitration Act. During these hearings, witnesses testified that many businesses utilize arbitration agreements to the disadvantage of consumers by limiting constitutional rights, imposing unreasonable costs, and creating a system in which consumers are likely to lose even when they file a valid claim.

The long-term care industry is one stark example where businesses draft take-it-or-leave-it admission agreements for prospective residents that include pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses. A witness at the Subcommittee's October 25, 2007 hearing on H.R. 3010, the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007, testified that the ``current system of binding mandatory arbitration employed by nursing homes creates a playing field that is tilted in favor of nursing homes and against frail, vulnerable residents who suffer terribly at the hands of their caregivers. Sadly these residents are, all too often, the victims of abuse by their caregivers. They should not be further abused by an arbitration system that dispenses anything but justice.''

After hearing several stories of abhorrent conditions in nursing homes and how arbitration clauses have effectively silenced residents who want to improve those conditions, I am introducing this legislation to make unenforceable pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses and to restore to residents and their families their full legal rights. Residents and their families will no longer have to worry about losing their right to a jury trial when they are going through the emotional and traumatic process of searching for long-term care facilities and then choosing the perfect one. I understand the emotional toll and the sense of vulnerability when moving a loved one and his belongings into the care of strangers at a nursing home. My father was recently placed into a nursing home, and one of the last things I wanted to worry about was whether he was forgoing his legal rights when he entered it. Instead, I wanted to focus solely on the quality and range of services the facility would provide him. This legislation will allow families and residents to retain their legal rights while they look for that perfect long-term care facility.

Several groups, including the AARP, the Alzheimer's Association, the National Senior Citizens Law Center, and many others who advocate on behalf of the elderly and consumers, support this legislation. Already a similar bipartisan bill has been introduced in the Senate. I am optimistic that Congress can soon send a bill to the President for his signature so that nursing home residents will retain their choice whether to arbitrate a dispute.

I urge my colleagues to join me, Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, John Conyers, Hank Johnson, Dennis Kucinich, and William Delahunt, and take the important step of cosponsoring this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a growing national trend, cyberbullying.

Many of us know of the dangers our kids already face online: predators, fraud, and sexually explicit material. Now children are also facing online bullying. When a young person is ridiculed or threatened online, it can have severe and even tragic effects.

A perfect case in point is Megan Meier, a St. Louis teenager who made friends with a young man named Josh online. The friendship soon deteriorated, with Josh telling Megan, ``The world would be better off without you.'' Megan Meier committed suicide.

Six weeks after Megan's death came the horrifying news that Josh was actually just an alias created by the mother of one of Megan's former friends. At the time of Megan's death, cyberbullying was not considered a crime. The adult responsible for the hoax went unpunished. Recently, Federal charges were filed, but the prosecutor had to be creative because Federal law is inadequate. That is wrong.

Congress must act soon to send a clear message: Online actions have offline consequences.

Madam Speaker, I rise to mark Israel's 60th year of nationhood. As a cochair of the Democratic Israel Working Group I am proud to join my colleagues to celebrate the importance of America's relationship with Israel and to commemorate the founding of our trusted ally in the Middle East.

On May 14, 1948, the nation of Israel was born, bringing Jewish refugees from all over the world together, under one unified flag, providing a permanent home for a people persecuted throughout history.

For 60 years, the United States has enjoyed Israel's trusted friendship and support. Our peoples have worked together to promote respect, stability, and prosperity.

As we reflect on the significance and importance of Israel's 60 years of existence, we should not forget there is still much work to be done and many goals to be accomplished.

I ask my colleagues to join me in ushering in Israel's 60th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1512) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for compensation to States incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, today we act to restore the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program or SCAAP, to its original meaning, that which Congress originally intended it to have. Introduced by myself, H.R. 1512 will help States obtain much-needed reimbursement for the costs of detaining deportable immigrants charged with or convicted of certain criminal offenses.

SCAAP was created in 1994 to reimburse States and localities for arrest, incarceration and transportation costs incurred in detaining criminal aliens. From the program's inception until 2003, States were able to obtain reimbursement for the costs of detaining deportable illegal immigrants charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.

In 2003, however, DOJ reinterpreted the SCAAP statute to require that a criminal alien be actually convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors. Moreover, the reimbursement must be requested in the year in which the conviction takes place, and is limited to that 1 year, regardless of how long the expenses are incurred.

Not surprisingly, this novel reinterpretation, which contradicted Congress' clear intent, as well as DOJ's consistent interpretation, from 1994 to 2003, caused every State's reimbursement to fall dramatically.

H.R. 1512 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to return SCAAP to its originally intended meaning. States and localities would be reimbursed for the cost of incarcerating criminal aliens who are either ``charged with or convicted'' of a felony or two misdemeanors regardless of when the incarceration and conviction occur.

H.R. 1512 corrects the current administration's errant reinterpretation of the law and provides States and localities burdened by the costs of jailing criminal aliens the opportunity to apply for and receive much-needed reimbursement for the costs they bear from detaining deportable immigrants charged with crimes.

The bill has broad bipartisan support and the support of many respected law enforcement groups.

I would like to especially commend Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the Immigration subcommittee and Steve King, the Subcommittee ranking member, for their leadership in helping bring this bill to the floor today.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the right to close.

Mr. Speaker, you know, immigration is probably the signature Federal policy issue. Try as they might, States simply can't fix failures in Federal immigration policy on their own.

But when we fall down on the job, States, cities and counties bear the burden for an immigration system that simply doesn't work. While Congress is working on a comprehensive solution to our broken immigration system, we must not forget about the local governments who are paying an extremely high cost as a result of our inaction.

In 1994, Congress passed the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, SCAAP, to reimburse States and localities for the arrest and incarceration and transportation costs associated with criminal aliens, averting a tidal wave of expenses that could have overwhelmed the State and local budgets.

However, in 2003, the Department of Justice reinterpreted the SCAAP statute and caused a drastic drop in every State's reimbursement. Now States no longer receive reimbursements unless, first, the criminal alien is convicted of a criminal felony and two misdemeanors; and, second, the arrest and conviction occur in the same year.

To add insult to injury, President Bush has zeroed out SCAAP in his budget proposals for the last 6 years. This means that State and local governments are left to pick up the tab. Every dollar reduction in SCAAP reimbursements means one less dollar that law enforcement agencies have to hire new officers, provide essential training, make critical equipment purchases and detain other, perhaps more violent, inmates.

Following the SCAAP funding cuts in 2003, the LA County Sheriff's Department implemented a new early-release policy for inmates convicted of misdemeanors. This means the neighborhoods I represent in Southern California are at risk.

Sadly, these communities are not alone. Across the country, the SCAAP reimbursement cuts have had a domino effect, where funding for anti- gang activities, homicide investigations, anti-terrorism activities and even basic maintenance is cut to pay for expenses associated with incarcerating criminal aliens and suspected criminal aliens.

As Arizona county supervisors recently stated, ``This is a huge problem because we can't keep up with fixing roads, the other costs of law enforcement, and keeping up with health agencies.''

While this bill on its own won't solve the fiscal crisis many States now face, it will help in the long term by covering a greater share of costs that

properly belonged to the Federal Government.

H.R. 1512 amends the SCAAP statute so that States and localities can be reimbursed for the cost of incarcerating aliens who are either charged with or convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors, just like it was before the DOJ's reinterpretation in 2003. This Federal investment will allow State and local law enforcement agencies to devote more resources to important public safety programs.

Law enforcement agencies and coalitions from all over the country, including the U.S.-Mexico Border Counties Coalition, the National Association of Counties, the California State Association of Counties, the Sheriffs' Association of Texas and the Virginia Sheriffs' Association support this bipartisan legislation.

Lastly, I want to offer thanks and gratitude to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this bill unanimously through the Judiciary Committee and for bringing it to the floor today without any amendments. We may not agree on many aspects of immigration policy, but this bill accomplishes a larger goal, making our community safer. For that reason, I appreciate your support.

I urge my colleagues to support their local law enforcement agencies by voting for this bill.

I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, and thank my colleague, Congresswoman Slaughter, for her tireless work term after term to support this bill and ensure that it would eventually become law.

Over the past several years, genetic discoveries have progressed at a remarkable rate. Today, doctors and scientists have the ability to detect genes linked to common conditions like colon cancer and heart disease. Individuals who learn about their genetic risk factors can make lifestyle changes and begin treatments that prevent these conditions altogether.

But too many Americans don't take advantage of these amazing breakthroughs for a very practical reason. They fear that the information will be used to deny them health insurance or even a job.

While the best way to allay those fears would be to enact universal health care coverage for all, this bill is a fantastic first step.

By prohibiting discrimination on the basis of our genes, this bill will improve the chances that average Americans can benefit from cutting edge genetic science. It will promote better health care by helping Americans feel secure enough to learn about their genetic risk factors.

As the daughter of a father who suffers from Alzheimer's and a mother who suffers from arthritis, I personally understand the need to make genetic testing a positive step in understanding one's genetic predispositions and making health care choices. Genetic testing should not be a hindrance to getting or keeping one's job or health care benefits.

While this bill will accomplish many great things, I want to point out just two very important ones. Number 1, it will arm people with necessary and relevant information about their own health. And Number 2, it will ensure that people won't be penalized for seeking and using this valuable information.

I urge all my colleagues to support the Genetic Information Non- Discrimination Act.