Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the regional winners of the American Advertising Federation's 2009 National Student Advertising Competition.

Of the 142 schools that participated in this year's contest, 18 regional winners are gathering during the first week of June in our nation's capital for the final competition. The teams proudly represent the following distinguished colleges and universities: the University of California, Berkeley; Johnson & Wales University; The George Washington University; Syracuse University; University of Virginia; Florida State University; Ohio University; Columbia College Chicago; Northwood University; The University of Alabama; University of Minnesota; the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Texas Tech University; Portland State University; Art Center Design College-Tucson; Hawai'i Pacific University; Chapman University; and Texas Christian University.

This highly respected contest is the nation's leading competitive program to showcase emerging student talent in the advertising field. Each year, student advertising clubs at colleges and universities across the nation compete to create a winning integrated advertising campaign for the competition's sponsor.

The 2009 competition challenge is particularly innovative. For the first time in the 36 year history of the competition, the students

are being asked to tackle a social issue via public service advertising. This year's contest is focused on preventing binge drinking--a dangerous activity commonplace on many college and university campuses that all too often leads to grave and tragic consequences.

To understand how serious of a problem this is, you need only look at recent statistics. According to the Monitoring The Future Study, 40 percent of college students reported binge drinking in the past year. Tragically, this alarming statistic has remained relatively unchanged since 1993. In addition, numerous studies confirm excessive drinking by college students can lead to difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, mood changes as well as other problems that impact a person's daily life. Binge drinking also carries more serious risks such as alcohol poisoning, and physical and mental health issues such as lower brain function, personality changes, depression and even alcoholism.

I commend the competition sponsor and organizers for tackling this importance issue that jeopardizes the health and safety of so many of our young people. This year's competition was made possible due to the collaborative efforts of the Century Council, the competition's sponsor, the Ad Council and the American Council on Education.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of the competition's national finals in the Washington, D.C. area June 4-5, I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing these remarkable students for their contribution to attacking the critical issue of binge drinking and for their talents, creativity and hard work. Each team spent many months developing their concepts, testing their messages on campus and creating evaluation criteria. Their winning concepts will not only provide fresh and innovative ideas for a communications campaign, but will also help us to better understand how to fight this serious problem. It is also my hope that long after this year's competition ends the participants and their universities will continue their work on this topic by sharing their messages with fellow students. Together, we can save lives by reducing binge drinking on college campuses.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act.

America's vast, interconnected transportation networks are the lifeblood of our economy, safely conveying millions of Americans to countless destinations from coast to coast. Unfortunately, these arteries of commerce--so critical to our national well-being--also represent a tremendous vulnerability and the difficult task of securing them falls to a single agency: the Transportation Security Administration.

Thankfully, that organization is staffed by thousands of dedicated professionals and their efforts to defend our transportation system will be sensibly strengthened by this legislation. With greater resources, newer technology and more innovative strategies at its disposal, TSA will be better equipped to take on the immense challenge of preserving our freedom of movement.

American aviation faces an array of threats, but guided by this bill, TSA is working to address them in ways that save tax dollars and don't unnecessarily inconvenience travelers.

The Act establishes the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, which will enhance the agency's decision-making processes by bringing together key stakeholders, both in private industry and the law enforcement community. The bill also bars TSA from providing advance notice of covert tests, thus increasing their usefulness as a performance indicator. In addition, it requires TSA to report on the deployment of advanced systems to screen air travelers' baggage, another crucial step in preventing future terror attacks.

While commercial aviation should undoubtedly remain TSA's top priority, the London and Madrid bombings tragically illustrated the vulnerability of mass transit systems. This legislation emphasizes the importance of modes of transportation that were neglected as the agency understandably focused the lion's share of its resources on securing our nation's airports in the years after 9/11.

H.R. 2200 establishes a Surface Transportation Inspection Office and directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to hire additional inspectors. By identifying vulnerabilities and enforcing regulations, these men and women play a crucial role in protecting our mass transit systems and I'm pleased that this legislation will bolster their ranks. In addition, this bill creates a grant program that would aid the efforts of state and local governments to augment the security of their public transportation networks.

While I'm confident that every member-of this body is deeply concerned about the security of the nation's transportation system, the issue is especially important to me as a representative of one of America's great cities. Los Angeles is home to our largest container port complex, one of our busiest airports, and a sprawling transit network that covers hundreds of square miles.

Beset by threats both foreign and domestic, all Americans--but especially the inhabitants of urban areas like L.A.--expect that their government will do what is necessary to safeguard the buses they ride across town and the jets they fly across the country. By enacting this legislation, we are working to fulfill that responsibility to our constituents and to the dedicated TSA personnel charged with protecting them.

Please join me in supporting H.R. 2200.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jewish Labor Committee and the committee's Western Region, based in Los Angeles, California, on the occasion of the national non-profit organization's 75th anniversary of fighting to protect the rights of working families in our country.

In 1934, the national Jewish Labor Committee (JLC) formed on New York's Lower East Side by a coalition of labor and Jewish groups that recognized that European Nazism threatened the rights of trade unionists and Jews. That same year, the committee's ``Western Region'' formed in Los Angeles.

With its funding drawn primarily from labor union members and the Jewish community, the JLC focused its resources on saving unionists and other political prisoners from Nazi tyranny in Europe during World War II. Alerting the world to the Nazi/Fascist threat, the JLC worked tirelessly with its labor affiliates to defeat Hitler by organizing economic boycotts of German-made products and raising large amounts of money for anti-Nazi partisan fighters. Immediately following the war, the JLC helped thousands of people, especially war orphans, survive Displaced Persons camps and emigrate to America and the then-forming state of Israel.

Recognizing post-war changing labor patterns, the JLC's Western Region developed deep relationships with Latino, African American and Asian communities in Los Angeles, continuing the fight for social justice on political fronts. The JLC's Western Region fought to elect minority candidates, gain fair housing, eradicate racial discrimination, and defeat anti-labor campaigns.

In 1949, the JLC's Western Region worked with the AFL Central Labor Council, the CIO Council, The Anti Defamation League, American Jewish Congress, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Japanese American Citizens League, the Mexican-American oriented Community Services Organization, and many religious organizations, to rally behind my father, the late Congressman Edward Roybal, who was then a Los Angeles City Councilman as he proposed the Fair Employment Practices Ordinance. Eight years later, in 1958, the JLC's Western Region joined a coalition of labor, minority and religious civil rights groups to prevent California from becoming a Right-to-Work state.

In 2009, under the current leadership of President Floyd Glen- Lambert, the Jewish Labor Committee Western Region still fights anti- labor campaigns, most notably by pushing for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act in partnership with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

To remind the community how critical it is for workers to safeguard organized representation to bargain for fair wages, benefits and conditions, the JLC holds annual Labor Passover Seders and continues to work with labor and Jewish businesses to resolve disputes. The JLC is also forming a new Ethnic Coalition to address persistent labor issues.

Under the auspices of Captive Daughters of the Los Angeles Unity Coalition, the JLC's Western Region is using a grant to make labor aware of human trafficking, the fastest growing crime in America. The JLC will never forget how quickly slave labor burgeoned in Europe during World War II and remains committed to its eradication.

As an affiliate of the Labor Task Force for Universal Healthcare, the JLC's Western Region is making headway on another crucial issue to workers--bringing health care reform to California and the nation. With state budget cuts looming, the Jewish Public Affairs Committee and the JLC's Western Region are also lobbying state legislators on many other critical issues, including how budget cuts will affect our most vulnerable citizens who need in-home health care to avoid being forced into nursing homes and the need for fair wages for in-home health care givers.

Finally, in keeping with the Jewish principle of Tikun Olam, which means ``to repair the

world,'' the JLC's Western Region is planning a training program for foster youth who are about to find their first jobs. In an effort to help them succeed, the training program is designed to give them an in- depth understanding of the legal, social and political intricacies of the workplace.

To mark the national organization's 75 year anniversary, the committee's Western Region is holding an awards brunch on June 14 at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency Hotel in Los Angeles at which a number of honorees will be recognized for their outstanding service to our communities. The honorees are: State Controller John Chiang; Executive Liaison for Universal Pictures James D. Brubaker; President/CEO of the National Association for the Hispanic Elderly Dr. Carmela Lacayo; and Business Manager, Southern California District Council of Laborers, Mike Quevedo Jr.

Madam Speaker, as the Jewish Labor Committee observes this milestone and continues the fight for social and political justice in Los Angeles, California and throughout our great nation, I ask my colleagues to please join me in commending everyone involved with the national JLC and its Western Region as well as this year's honorees for their continued commitment to securing fairness for all working families. I extend to them my best wishes for many more successful years ahead.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Japan America Society of Southern California, a non-profit charitable and educational organization dedicated to fostering friendship, understanding and relationship building opportunities for the people of Japan and the United States, on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary.

Sixteen American and Japanese volunteer leaders in Los Angeles founded the Japan America Society of Southern California in 1909. These visionaries understood the long-term role that such a unique organization could play in their diverse community and were committed to its establishment during a period of increasing anti-Asian sentiment. The fledgling society soon grew to as many as 800 members by the time of the opening in Los Angeles of the first Consulate General of Japan in 1915.

Since those early, formative years, the Japan America Society has undertaken the primary responsibility for forging relationships between Americans and the Japanese in Southern California. Its mission is to promote mutual understanding and to strengthen economic, cultural, governmental and personal relationships between Americans and the Japanese.

The Japan America Society offers unique opportunities to become involved in the business and cultural relationship between the two countries. Its active calendar of events includes breakfast and luncheon programs, business networking mixers, weekend family events, and programs highlighting art, music, fashion, film, performing arts and other special activities. Annual events include the Anniversary Gala Dinner, Golf Classic & Tennis Open, Family Fishing Trip and Family Whale Watch Cruise, Japan America Kite Festival  and United States- Japan Green Conference.

Throughout the year of its Centennial, the Japan America Society is celebrating its history by presenting an extraordinary series of programs focusing on the United States-Japan relationship. It will showcase Japan-related programming through collaborations with numerous Japanese-American and Japanese organizations, and other cultural and educational organizations throughout Southern California and Japan.

The Japan America Society's Centennial Dinner & Gala Celebration, scheduled for June 15, 2009, at The Globe Theatre, Universal Studios Hollywood, will commemorate the important role of the United States- Japan relationship, past, present and future.

The future agenda of the Japan America Society includes the establishment of a Japan America Language Center that will offer comprehensive introductory, advanced and business Japanese-language courses for Los Angeles residents. These language courses will be designed to build and improve upon the language skills of non-native Japanese speakers so they can more fully appreciate Japanese history and culture and open doors to lasting personal and professional relationships. Other specialized courses and workshops will be offered, including shodo (Japanese calligraphy). In addition, the Center will cater to native Japanese speakers living in Los Angeles by providing English conversation (ESL) classes and a Japanese Language Teacher Training Program.

The society also plans to expand the elementary school Hitachi Japanese Kite Workshops that take place throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, every fall. The workshops are ``hands-on,'' in- classroom special events that help to teach our very young children the concept of different perspectives. They also provide a positive introduction to Japan and Japanese culture through the building of a traditional Japanese kite. Led by Japanese kite masters from Japan, elementary students learn how to build and fly a Japanese bamboo and washi (rice paper) kite. To date, nearly 4,000 students have benefited from this program.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of the Japan America Society of Southern California's 100th Anniversary, I join today with fellow leaders from throughout the state in recognizing Board Chairman Robert Brasch, Co-Vice Chairs Kappei Morishita and Nancy Woo Hiromoto, President Douglas Erber, the Board of Directors, the Board of Governors and the organization's employees and members for their outstanding work to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States. I extend my thanks on behalf of the residents of the 34th Congressional District for their passion to provide educational opportunities for school children and their determination to strengthen economic, cultural, governmental and personal relationships between Americans and Japanese, and I wish them many years of continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles County that is dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals find jobs and become self-sufficient through employment opportunities.

The organization derives its name from the term used to describe the growth stage during which a caterpillar is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. Chrysalis, the organization, seeks to lead its clients on a similar path--transforming lives by helping people who have fallen on hard times work their way out of poverty and obtain economic stability.

When Chrysalis was founded by 22-year-old John Dillon 25 years ago, the organization was a food and shelter agency located on Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles. John soon realized that he wanted to change the agency's focus. He then transformed the organization into what it is today: an agency dedicated to helping people find jobs and become self- sufficient through employment opportunities.

To date, Chrysalis has assisted more than 30,000 people on the path toward self-sufficiency at three centers located throughout areas in Los Angeles County where poverty is most pervasive: Downtown Los Angeles on Skid Row, Santa Monica, and Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley. Through its employment programs and services, Chrysalis helps more than 2,500 people each year. Chrysalis clients not only find employment, but they change their lives through their new jobs, reuniting with their families, decreasing their reliance on government support, renting their own apartments, and regaining self-esteem.

To support their work, Chrysalis will hold its 8th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 6 at the Mandeville Canyon home of Susan Harris and Hayward Kaiser. This incredible evening is supported by friends of Chrysalis, including executives and artists in film, television, and music who will come together to help raise funds to keep Chrysalis' doors open to people in need throughout the year.

In recognition of the important role of Chrysalis' supporters, this year's celebration will honor several individuals critical to the organization's success, including Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks, Academy Award Winning producers most prominently known for their work on the movies MILK and AMERICAN BEAUTY, as well as Doug Ellin, the creator and executive producer of the HBO television series, ``Entourage.'' In addition, Chrysalis client Terry Moore will also be honored as this year's recipient of the John Dillon Butterfly Award. With the help of Chrysalis' services, Terry Moore overcame multiple barriers to find and keep a job, build a successful career, and regain dignity and self- esteem.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Chrysalis' 25th anniversary, I join today with my congressional colleagues in recognizing all of the many dedicated people who make this fine organization the beacon of hope that it is today. I extend my thanks to this year's honorees, incredible donors and supporters, invaluable volunteer force, the Chrysalis staff, and, most of all, the agency's clients. Chrysalis provides the resources that enable those seeking a brighter future to truly ``transform'' themselves and their lives, and I wish everyone involved with this fine organization many more years of continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brandon Silveria and his father, Tony Silveria, two courageous individuals who have turned a personal tragedy into a message of hope and possibility for teenagers and their families across the country.

On March 1, 1987, Brandon Silveria had the world at his fingertips. He was a popular high school athlete in Los Gatos, California. He and his friends had dreams of making the Olympic rowing team and attending Boston College on rowing scholarships.

But on that day, Brandon's dreams were shattered by one bad decision. Brandon and his friends went to a party and drank alcohol. Seventeen- year-old Brandon drove everyone home. After he dropped his best friend off, Brandon continued the short drive to his house. He never made it. Brandon crashed his car into a tree and barely survived.

Brandon's parents, Tony and Shirley Silveria, rushed to the hospital to be by Brandon's side and faced the nightmare of almost losing their son to an underage drinking and driving crash. Brandon spent 3 months in a coma followed by 3 years in rehabilitation. Brandon had to relearn everything. Walking, talking and eating were skills he had to regain. He worked hard to recover and his family stood by his side and nursed him back to health.

Today, Brandon and Tony travel the country for The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization funded by distillers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking. Over the last 20 years they have spoken to over 2 million students in all 50 states across the nation--from Maine to California--and their story has been told on ``Rescue911,'' NBC's ``TODAY Show,'' and the Discovery Channel's ``HEALTHWATCH.'' Their message focuses on encouraging teens to make the right choices, resist peer pressure, and realize the trauma created by this kind of personal tragedy.

I first met the Silverias in the fall of 2007 when The Brandon Tells His Story program was featured at one of the high schools in my district. I was so moved by their presentation that I have worked with The Century Council to bring this compelling message to the teenagers and parents in two other high schools in my district.

Brandon walks and talks with great difficulty but that doesn't prevent him from delivering a forceful message to teens about the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving. He has permanent health problems as a result of a traumatic brain injury and must travel the country with his father. Tony has his own program for parents called Tony's Tips where he discusses the impact Brandon's crash had on his family and about the importance of talking to your kids about underage drinking. Many families unravel emotionally or financially in the face of a tragedy like Brandon's. Despite this often sad reality, the Silverias managed to pull together and make it their mission to deliver a lifesaving message to teenagers and families across the country.

Madam Speaker, because of the Silverias' mission to share their story, more than 2 million students have seen firsthand the tragic consequences of underage drinking and driving. I ask my colleagues to please join me in thanking Brandon and Tony for their courage and commitment to saving the lives of our nation's children, and in extending to them our best wishes for continued success in exemplifying for all us what it means to overcome tragedy and work to make a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the GUIDE Act of 2009 on behalf of millions of vulnerable individuals known as dual eligibles, who are faced with critical and essential decisions on which drug plan and pharmacy will provide the medications they need to survive.

Seven million Americans are duly enrolled in Medicaid due to low income levels and Medicare because of their age or disability. Almost 40 percent are cognitively impaired. These are people with mental retardation, mental illness, autism and dementia. Over 75 percent have one or more functional limitations such as problems eating, bathing, dressing, and managing money.

Prior to the passage of the Medicare Modernization Act, which established the Medicare part D prescription drug program, dual eligibles received their medications by simply taking their prescriptions and their Medicaid card to a pharmacy of their choice and paying a nominal fee.

With the passage of part D, this simple process changed and dual eligibles were required to pick a plan from the new program or be automatically and randomly enrolled in one.

Unfortunately, due to the life challenges faced by these cognitively impaired individuals, their attempt to navigate the array of complex prescription drug plans was overwhelming with regrettable consequences.

Many mistakenly chose or were enrolled in plans that presented obstacles including: prohibited copays, limited formularies, and medication exclusions.

Their lack of access to prescribed medications has been linked to serious adverse events, including increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

To eliminate these access problems, I, together with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), have introduced the Guidance, Understanding and Information for Dual Eligibles Act, or the GUIDE Act.

The GUIDE Act addresses the life-threatening issue by establishing a pilot program where experienced social workers and case managers will provide dual eligibles with one-on-one counseling for Medicare part D in their community mental health centers and community nonprofit centers.

This program will benefit this group of vulnerable Americans by ensuring tangible access to the medications they so badly need to live healthy and productive lives. In addition, this program will benefit all Americans by reducing the social and economic costs associated with lack of access to essential medications.

Mr. Speaker, the GUIDE Act is an important bill that will provide one of the most vulnerable groups in our society with the information, guidance, and understanding they need to successfully choose the Medicare part D prescription drug plan that meets their health care needs for survival and a healthier and better quality of life.

On behalf of the millions of cognitively disabled and mentally ill Americans who live in all of our districts, I strongly urge my colleagues to cosponsor and support the GUIDE Act.

Mr. Speaker, I was proud to cast my vote along with 249 other members of the House of Representatives in favor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This legislation will protect Americans by expanding the definition of hate crimes and providing law enforcement officers with the tools they need to prosecute these heinous crimes.

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act is not a cure- all and it will not stop all hate violence, but it will send the message that senseless violence is unacceptable and perpetrators will be punished. Since law enforcement sometimes lacks the personnel, resources or determination needed to properly investigate and prosecute hate crimes, this measure will give the appropriate agencies the tools they need to combat hate violence in our communities.

Under current law, the Federal Government can only investigate hate crimes motivated by the victim's race, color, religion or national origin. The Hate Crimes Prevention Act extends Federal jurisdiction to hate crimes motivated by the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. Because such crimes are directed at an entire group of people and not just one individual, the bill provides assistance to state and local law enforcement to streamline the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes.

It is my hope that the Senate will quickly take up and pass this important measure. Hate motivated crimes undermine our communities and final passage of this bill has been delayed for far too long. I look forward to the day when legislation like this will no longer be needed, but until that day comes I applaud passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sister Julia Mary Farley, an extraordinary and dedicated woman who has been providing care and shelter for homeless women and children in the 34th District in Los Angeles for the last quarter of a century. On May 15, 2009, friends and supporters of the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children will celebrate the center's 25th anniversary and honor Sister Julia Mary for her years of service to the homeless.

A native of Chicago, Sister Julia Mary has been a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet since 1951. She has a Master's Degree in Health Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Loyola Marymount University. As a hospital administrator, Sister Julia Mary worked in hospitals in Lewiston, Idaho, and Pasco, Washington, St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona, and Daniel Freeman Hospitals in Inglewood and Marina del Rey, California. She also taught at Mount St. Mary's College and several elementary schools in Los Angeles. In 1983, Sister Julia Mary joined the staff of Angels Flight, a crisis intervention center for runaway teenagers operated by Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

The following year, Cardinal Timothy Manning noticed that the number of homeless women on the street around St. Vibiana's Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles was increasing dramatically. To address this disturbing trend, he initiated the establishment of a program to provide emergency services to homeless women. He named Sister Julia Mary as the new program's director.

Since 1984, the Good Shepherd Center has empowered women to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency through its housing, employment, and support services. Under Sister Julia Mary's leadership, the center has grown from an emergency shelter and drop-in center to five residential facilities offering a broad spectrum of employment and support services a quarter of a century later.

Following the opening of the emergency shelter and drop-in center on May 6, 1984, Good Shepherd Center expanded its services

over the next eight years. The center added a Mobile Outreach Program to take food, clothing, offers of shelter and words of hope to women on the street. In 1988, the center's Belmont Avenue shelter expanded to provide transitional housing for 30 single homeless women, and four years later, the center established a transitional residence serving nine mothers and 20 children in an old Craftsman house.

In 1998, fulfilling Sister Julia Mary's dream, the center opened the first phase of the ``Women's Village.'' The Hawkes Transitional Residence provides transitional and affordable housing for homeless women and their children as well as facilities to train the women for jobs. Two years later, in 2000, the second phase of the ``Women's Village'' was completed with the Angel Guardian Home. It provides 12 apartments that offer long-term housing in a supportive community setting for homeless mothers with disabilities and their children. In June 2008, the final piece of the Women's Village was completed, with the opening of the Sister Julia Mary Farley Women's Village. This facility provides transitional housing in one-bedroom apartments for 21 employed homeless women. It also includes an employment and client services center that serves all Good Shepherd Center residents, and The Village Kitchen--a bakery and cafe in which residents receive job training and experience in the culinary arts.

With the completion of the Women's Village, Sister Julia Mary and Good Shepherd Center now serve more than 1,100 homeless women and children annually, and house 150 women and children each night.

I have had the privilege of visiting with Sister Julia Mary and the residents of Good Shepherd Center, and I must say the determination of the women to make better lives for themselves and their children is truly inspiring.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Sister Julia Mary Farley's founding of Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children, I ask my colleagues to please join me in commending Sister Julia Mary for her vision and tireless efforts to provide daily inspiration to the center's residents, friends, generous donors, skilled staff, and caring volunteers, and in thanking her for a lifetime of dedicated service to homeless women and their children.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights. I am very pleased that leadership has brought this important consumer protection legislation to the floor today.

As we all know, having a credit card account is essential to building the credit history needed to buy a home or obtain a loan. Given the necessity of having good credit, I am very concerned that in recent years, credit card companies have established policies which result in limiting the control that individuals have over their financial decisions. This inappropriate level of control has serious implications for people's lives and their financial security.

One common practice is that a credit card company will raise interest rates without warning. When a credit card holder tries to opt out, they realize they are locked into a plan that differs vastly from what they originally signed up for. These types of abuses against consumers have even more serious implications in these trying economic times, in that families may not be able to meet credit obligations that were not expected or planned.

The Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights ensures that credit cardholders are protected from unfair and confusing credit card gimmicks that result in their being required to pay more than what they should owe to the credit card companies.

The bill protects cardholders against arbitrary interest rate increases, empowers them to set limits on their credit and requires card companies to fairly credit and allocate payments. It also prohibits charging fees just to

pay a bill by phone or issuing credits cards to minors.

These new, common-sense protections will empower consumers and prevent the credit card industry from continuing to reap excessive profits from often unsuspecting customers.

I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this critical consumer protection measure, and I urge the Senate to act on this measure so that it can be quickly signed into law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 230, a bill recognizing the significance of Cinco de Mayo. This day holds special meaning for me as it does for millions of other Mexican Americans and it provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the innumerable contributions that generations of Mexican Americans have made to our national life.

On Cinco de Mayo, we celebrate the valor of a small contingent of Mexican patriots who prevailed against a much larger French army in the Battle of Puebla. Just as in our own fight for independence, they triumphed despite overwhelming odds. Indeed, like Lexington and Concord, Puebla marks a significant victory in the struggle for liberty in the New World.

Today Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a day to celebrate our Mexican American culture and the immeasurable ways in which Mexican Americans have shaped this country. Through music, literature and cuisine, we have enriched the American melting pot. Through an entrepreneurial spirit, Mexican American small businesses are playing a critical role in our economic recovery. Our men and women on the battlefield are helping to secure lasting peace in Iraq and Afghanistan. As CEOs, religious leaders, cabinet secretaries and Members of Congress, we are providing leadership in the face of unprecedented challenges both at home and abroad.

Finally, Mexico is among our most important allies and this day offers us the chance to reaffirm that friendship. As our neighbors to the south fight drug cartels and the H1N1 flu virus, we should pause to consider what more we can do to aid the Mexican people. Just as they did on Cinco de Mayo 1862, they are waging a courageous battle against forces that seek to undermine their democratic society and just as on that famous date, I am confident that Mexico will emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (LA NHS), a non-

profit lender and community developer dedicated to building stronger neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County, on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary.

Incorporated in 1984, LA NHS has catapulted itself from a small housing agency to the largest, non-profit affordable homeownership provider in Southern California. LA NHS focuses on specific target neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. In addition to the Boyle Heights/ East Los Angeles areas in the 34th Congressional District, the organization targets Central Los Angeles, Crenshaw, Pacoima, San Pedro- Wilmington and Carson.

Over the last 25 years, LA NHS has reinvested more than $2 billion into neighborhoods throughout the county and region. The organization has developed and rehabilitated more than 11,000 housing and commercial units, put 1.9 million families on the road to homeownership, created 175 block clubs, and employed 200 neighborhood youth. As a lender to underserved communities, LA NHS has maintained a loan portfolio with a 3 percent or less delinquency ratio and no foreclosures.

Since 2007, LA NHS, along with its partners through the Los Angeles County NeighborWorks Center for Foreclosure Solutions, has been on the frontline of the mortgage crisis. The LA NHS 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner Concert & Silent Auction, scheduled for April 30, 2009, will commemorate the partners that have worked tirelessly to keep families in their homes in the midst of this crisis.

As a Community Development Financial Institution during the last fiscal year, Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services working with its affiliates, NHS Neighborhood Redevelopment Corporation and NHS Neighborhood Lending Services, reinvested nearly $97 million into Los Angeles neighborhoods, providing nearly $70 million in loans to local residents to improve housing conditions, create homeownership opportunities, and combat predatory lending. In addition, during that time, LA NHS reinvested more than $9.8 million through real estate services and $1.5 million through neighborhood revitalization projects.

Through aggressive foreclosure prevention efforts, LA NHS assisted more than 59,000 families over the last fiscal year to preserve their homes and prevent foreclosure. This ongoing multi-faceted initiative includes post-purchase education fairs, clinics and workshops, affordable lending, loan modifications, comprehensive loss mitigation initiatives, and other LA NHS programs.

I had the privilege of seeing firsthand the extraordinarily helpful services provided by LA NHS to residents of the 34th Congressional District. Last July, more than 500 homeowners attended a LA NHS organized-foreclosure prevention fair in the City of Downey. Credit counselors and lenders were on hand at the free event to offer on-site assistance, one-on-one counseling, and information on viable options to avoid foreclosure. Housing, tax and financial professionals also provided presentations to help homeowners understand the foreclosure process, guard against fraud and scams, address tax issues and rebuild their credit. Representatives from the LA County NeighborWorks Center for Foreclosure Solutions, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and area banks also participated in the workshop.

LA NHS credits the tremendous efforts of its community volunteers during the last fiscal year for the success of its outreach efforts, including the Downey foreclosure prevention fair. More than 800 volunteers spent more than 6,400 hours participating in the LA NHS sponsored foreclosure prevention fairs, clinics, workshops, and Neighborhood Pride Day events. The two Pride Day events involved more than 400 volunteers who gave their time and labor to refurbish homes and plant flowers in underserved neighborhoods. In total during the last fiscal year, these community outreach events assisted more than 10,000 families to preserve their homes and prevent foreclosure.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. 25th Anniversary, I join today with fellow leaders from throughout the state in recognizing President and Chief Executive Officer Lori Gay, Board Chairman Sal Mendoza, the Board of Directors, and the organization's 40 employees for their tireless work to help families throughout Los Angeles County. I extend my thanks on behalf of the residents of the 34th Congressional District for their passion and determination to revitalize communities, build stronger neighborhoods and help families of modest means actualize their dream of homeownership, and I wish them many years of continued success.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 187, due to delayed elevators. I was unable to get to the Chamber in time to note. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleague Representative Howard Berman in introducing the American Dream Act, a bill that would enable thousands of ambitious young people to attend college and fulfill their God-given potential.

The Act is the product of Congressman Berman's tireless efforts on behalf of undocumented students. Recognizing the senselessness of wasting their promise, we worked together to craft this crucial legislation, which stands as a testament to his commitment to fighting for the most vulnerable Americans. I commend him for his leadership on this important issue and thank him for his friendship.

The Act's premise is simple and just: Undocumented students deserve the same opportunities as the 2.8 million others who graduate from this country's high schools every year. We cannot afford to waste our investments in these talented, motivated young people who are products of our schools and our communities. Indeed, in this era of globalization, America will struggle to maintain its competitive advantage if we continue to deprive some of our most promising students the chance to earn a college education.

The American Dream Act offers a prudent, equitable solution to the challenges that undocumented students face in attempting to gain admission to our colleges and universities. First, it provides a path to legalization and citizenship to students who entered the U.S. before the age of 16, have lived here for 5 years, and have completed two years of higher education or military service. Second, because they often face severe economic hardships, the bill also eliminates a federal provision that discourages states from allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition.

The fight to fix a policy that squanders the intellectual gifts of so many is part of a much wider struggle. Our immigration system is broken. It divides families, enables the persecution of workers and denies immigrants basic legal protections. The American Dream Act is a critical component of comprehensive immigration reform. As we work with President Obama's administration over the coming months to overhaul our immigration system, we should ensure that The American Dream Act is a critical component of our plans.

The millions of high school students who comprise the Class of 2009 are mere months away from graduation. Among them are thousands of kids who have the potential to become doctors, lawyers and even members of Congress but face insurmountable legal obstacles. We have a moral obligation to remove these impediments so that all of our young people can accomplish their goals. Moreover, this nation cannot afford to waste the investment we have already made in these young people and inhibit their potential by denying them the opportunity to earn a college degree. Please join me in supporting the American Dream Act.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained at the White House today and was not present for votes on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 1388 (rollcall 131). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''