Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 964, the Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act.

When the gentleman from New York and I first introduced the spyware bill in 2003, few people knew what spyware was or how problematic it could be to American citizens; and since that time the online threat of spyware remains. According to a recent Consumer Report survey, spyware and viruses cost American computer users nearly $8 billion over a 2- year period.

Historically, spyware legislation in this House has received strong bipartisan support. Our initial bill in the 108th Congress passed 399- 1; and in the 109th Congress, our spyware bill again received overwhelming bipartisan support, garnering over 60 cosponsors and passing the House 393-4.

Mr. Speaker, this Congress, H.R. 964, the Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act, or SPY Act, has again garnered wide bipartisan support with 41 cosponsors.

Because of the Internet's role in interstate commerce, the need for Federal spyware legislation is clear. We cannot expect online companies to function efficiently when they are faced with a patchwork of State anti-spyware statutes. There needs to be legal uniformity.

Additionally, I remain a strong proponent of anti-spyware legislation because I believe consumers should have the final say about what plants itself on their computer, not a third party with potentially conflicting interests. The SPY Act accomplishes this by prohibiting commonly known, unfair or deceptive acts relating to spyware.

H.R. 964 also prohibits the collection of personal information from a computer without notice and consent before the first execution of any information collection program. The bill also requires that the user is able to easily remove or disable the spyware.

I also understand there are instances where spyware can be useful. H.R. 964 exempts action taken by law enforcement and national security pursuant to warrant, court order or other lawful process, or actions taken in good faith with the user's consent. H.R. 964 also protects the developers of anti-spyware software from the threat of serious lawsuits.

Simply stated, this bill works to restore privacy on the home computer, which has become the control center for our business transactions as well as as our personal interactions.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague from New York and I began this effort in 2003; and I thank the gentleman, Ed Towns, for all of his efforts and for being such a terrific partner in this process. Again, since that time, this effort has received the bipartisan support of the House. It is my hope that the 110th Congress will continue to act in a bipartisan way that passes this legislation.

I ask for the support of my colleagues and hope that once again we can take back our computers so the consumer owns their computer, not a third party. Let's pass the SPY Act, H.R. 984.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer my concerns regarding a provision that was not included in this legislation, yet it is of significant importance to all of southern California. My concerns pertain to the importance of addressing the issues associated with the Salton Sea in southern California, which is California's largest lake.

This body of water is significant not only because of its role in becoming an economic engine for the future, but also because of the impacts that will be felt in our local economy and environment if action is not taken.

In order to address the problems associated with the Salton Sea, I have worked to include moneys within WRDA in prior congressional sessions. My goal is that moneys can be included to fund pilot projects in my district that would begin the proper steps to restore the sea.

To meet this need, yesterday I offered an amendment in the Rules Committee that would provide $26 million for the restoration projects. Unfortunately, today we do not have the chance to vote on this important funding.

It is important to note that my amendment would have directly mirrored language that was included in the final version of the WRDA legislation in the 109th Congress, H.R. 2864. At that time, displaying the bipartisan nature of this proposal, both the chairman and the ranking member, and now chairman, Mr. Oberstar, agreed that this language was important and worthy of inclusion.

The support of the Senate remains consistent with their approval in conference of this project last year and its recent inclusion in their WRDA legislation reported from the Environment and Public Works Committee just a few weeks ago. I am grateful that we have the support from the other body on a Salton Sea provision.

The time is right to act, as the State of California is on the verge of determining a plan that will permanently save the Salton Sea. The status quo, Mr. Chairman, is simply not an option. Massive yearly fish die and the potential for the deterioration in local air quality due to blowing sediments are a very serious reality. These problems will likely only worsen in the future, depending on the actions the State of California and our Federal Government take.

I now yield to the gentleman from Florida in the hopes of entering into a colloquy.

Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman.

And I just want to reiterate that since my coming to Congress, I took over this issue actually from my late husband, Sonny Bono, and we did pass the Sonny Bono Memorial Act in 1998. I thank the gentleman very much for his understanding of how important this is and southern California's willingness to help me as we move forward in conference.

I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 126, as authored by my fellow Californian, Mrs. Watson.

As an alumnus of the University of Southern California, I've had the pleasure of watching our football teams compete against some of the best teams in the country over the years. The recent record of success is undeniable, which is why I'm happy to offer my support of my alma matter and this Resolution.

This year's Rose Bowl included USC playing against a University of Michigan football team that was nationally ranked at number three in the country. The Wolverines, though laden with their own star-power, were simply unable to match the combined efforts of the Trojans on New Year's Day in January.

The players on offense for USC displayed one reason why the Trojans were ranked so highly at the end of the season, even while playing what was one of the most difficult schedules of any collegiate team in the country. Our offense was led by the tandem of John Booty and Dwayne Jarrett, who helped the Trojans to a second-half burst that was exciting for any USC supporter, young or old.

But they were not the only reason for an impressive 32-18 victory; the Trojans defense held the University of Michigan offense to just 14 yards of total rushing, which is no simple feat given the running backs for the Wolverines.

The Trojans' win in January was part of a recent string of impressive marks, from winning a fifth consecutive Pac-10 Conference Championship to the team winning 56 of its last 60 games. Winning the 2007 Rose Bowl was an excellent way to end the team's season and should remain a motivating factor when this fall rolls around.

I'm hopeful all of our Members, and yes, even those who attended the University of Michigan, can offer their support of today's resolution that commends USC on its victory. And here's to hoping we can support a similar such Resolution next year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay special tribute to a great American playwright, television visionary and literary artist whose stories and characters have entertained and impacted the lives of generations of Americans, Mr. Sidney Sheldon.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 63, the non-binding Iraq War Policy resolution.

We are being asked today to vote on a non-binding resolution that stands as nothing more than a political statement on an issue that greatly transcends the politics of the Nation's capital. The importance of ensuring our troops have the supplies and equipment they require for battle is clear. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to use valuable time during this legislative week to address true tangible needs that exist for those with enough courage to stand up for the freedoms our country affords.

The importance of a stable and secure Iraq should not be underestimated, given the responsibility to assist the Iraqi people to further their personal freedoms. Sadaam Hussein's brutal dictatorship is one that cannot be soon forgotten. Those who share his world view of oppressing fundamental human rights must know that we Americans will continue to support policies that will protect all citizens from these radical and militant Islamic terrorist cells. This battle is only one front on the larger war on terror, and today's non-binding resolution does nothing to achieve more stability in the international community.

To me, supporting this resolution only serves the purely political purpose of second-guessing a decision already made to move forward by the Commander in Chief. Those voting in favor of this resolution appear only to have a hunger to score meaningless political points, while lacking an appetite for pursuing the larger goals of keeping our brave soldiers equipped as they strive to ensure the safety of our country and citizens abroad.

I would like to make clear that I have grave reservations regarding the current situation in Iraq. For too long, circumstances have limited our ability to reduce the sectarian violence plaguing this region, especially in Baghdad. It is critical that we see a greater commitment from the Iraqi government and the citizens of Iraq to help quell the insurgency. I question whether or not this increased level of force will accomplish the desired goal but I also respect the need to explore all options to stabilize the situation in this troubled country. My hope is that General Petraeus, given his extensive direct experience in training our troops on the ground, will have a strong sense of what can be achieved on the ground given the challenges of the future.

My vote today is not an open-ended endorsement of the policy in Iraq. Rather, I will continue to monitor closely the situation and encourage continued Congressional oversight of the war. Today's debate displays the different views that we hold on this matter, but we should be unified in our support of those

who are moving forward to complete the mission at hand. Recognizing that continued difficulties lie ahead, we should again not be voting on a resolution that will achieve a political end, rather we should be looking for ways to help those soldiers who continue to carry out this mission or have returned from battle.

Our vote today is one that will be remembered as either for or against a decision already made by the Commander in Chief. In the short term, though, we should remember this nonbinding resolution serves no practical purpose in our larger fight against the war on terror.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, February 6, 2007, I was unable to attend suspension votes due to personal illness.

Were I present for the rollcall votes, I would have voted in the following manner for the following votes:

1. Rollcall Vote No. 76, H.R. 161, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act of 2007--Vote: ``Yea.''

2. Rollcall Vote No. 77, H.R. 386, the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District Conveyance Act of 2007--Vote: ``Yea.''

Mr. Speaker, after five United States Forest Service fire fighters were killed in the line of duty battling the Esperanza fire to protect life and property, a fund was set up to help care for the families of these brave men.

Thousands of citizens from across the country donated to this worthy cause. The response was so overwhelming that soon, the County of Riverside found itself with approximately $1 million to distribute to their survivors. The County turned to the Central County United Way in Hemet, CA to help manage these donations.

Local officials were surprised to learn soon thereafter that tax- exempt charitable organizations are not allowed to raise money for a group as small and specific as the families of these five American heros.

My colleagues, Chairman Jerry Lewis and Congressman Ken Calvert, and I, along with Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, are trying to remedy this situation.

The pain these families have suffered through should not be worsened due to their inability to receive funds that Americans so generously donated. Nor should the United Way jeopardize its tax exempt status to help distribute these donations.

Sometimes, our rules and regulations just don't make sense and they prevent charity and kind heartedness from being furthered. While no amount of money will ease the suffering of the families of these fallen firefighters, Congress can take an important step to help get them the donations they deserve.

I want to thank Chairman Bill Thomas, Majority Leader John Boehner and Ranking Member Charles Rangel for helping to make this bill possible. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will not be forgotten.

I urge the passage of this critical piece of legislation.

The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me the time to speak on this most important piece of legislation. I would also like to commend the members of our leadership and thank them for allowing a vote on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Combating Autism Act of 2006. This historic and monumental piece of legislation is a critical first step towards addressing the unknown causes of autism by providing record levels of research funding and support for other services.

Today, one in 166 individuals is diagnosed with autism. This alarming statistic proves that autism does not discriminate based on race or gender.

As a longstanding supporter of the autism community, I have had the opportunity to speak with many national organizations, individuals and families who have been personally impacted by this disease. The selfless service that is provided by parents, siblings, extended family and other caregivers is unwavering and is unending.

While we have made significant strides since the identification of the disease in 1943, the task that lies before us requires the support of all involved parties and I am proud to have witnessed the cooperation of many groups that span the autism community. They banded together in an unprecedented manner, and their collective voice resonated with the Congress.

On May 18, 2005, it was my privilege to introduce the House version of this legislation. More than 240 of my colleagues joined Representative DeGette and myself in support of autism research. Today, I hope that they will join me in voicing their support of the Combating Autism Act of 2006.

I would like to commend Chairman Joe Barton, who has been a steadfast supporter of the autism community, and Senators Rick Santorum and Christopher Dodd for their commitment and action to support the autism community.

I would like to give special acknowledgement to former Congressman Jim Greenwood of Pennsylvania, who throughout the process has remained a tireless champion of this cause.

I would also like to thank the hardworking members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee staff, Randy Pate and Ryan Long; of the Senate HELP Committee, Shana Christrup and Erin Bishop; Jennifer Vesey of Senator Santorum's office; Jim Fenton of Senator Dodd's staff; and Jed Perry of

Congresswoman DeGette's office for their commitment on this piece of legislation.

Finally, I would like to thank my personal staff, both past and present, Katherine Martin and Taryn Nader, for their hard work and tireless efforts on the Combating Autism Act of 2006.

As the 109th Congress comes to a close, we have an opportunity to pass this meaningful and life-changing piece of legislation. I will proudly cast my vote in support, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Again, I thank the chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act. Its consideration on the floor today is testament to the bipartisan nature of this legislation.

HIV/AIDS is a disease that has virtually touched all of us in all parts of our great Nation. Since its inception, the purpose of the Ryan White CARE Act has been to provide care.

As we discuss this specifics of this legislation, and the more technical aspects of the funding formulas, it is my

hope that each of us will bear in mind the true purpose of this legislation. It is critical that we recognize the significant steps that have been made towards ensuring that the funding we are providing here today is going to real people to meet very real and very imminent needs.

In bringing together systems of care from across the Nation, significant compromises have been made, and I assure you that they have been made in the interest of providing care to the individuals who need it the most. Every attempt has been made to ensure that funds are directed to areas of greatest need and are balanced by provisions that limit the loss of funds for jurisdictions.

I believe that none of us want to reduce funding for HIV services in any jurisdictions, but I ask you to consider carefully the existing disparities in funding and services, to bear in mind our solemn duty to serve people with HIV regardless of where they live and to support the effort of the Modernization Act to address those disparities.

In California's 45th district, I have had the opportunity to work closely with an exceptional provider of this care, the Desert AIDS Project. It has been my privilege to see firsthand what caring and dedicated people do with the funds and framework that have been provided in the Ryan White CARE Act. Their input throughout this process has been invaluable to me, and their work has been and continues to be inspiring. I would like to express my personal thanks to the great people of the Desert AIDS Project.

I would also like to express my deep appreciation to Chairman Barton, Chairman Deal and Ranking Member Dingell for bringing this bill to the floor today.

This reauthorization has been the product of bipartisan and bicameral efforts. I would like to thank the committee staff who have dedicated so much time to this effort from both sides of the Capitol and from both sides of the aisle: Melissa Bartlett, John Ford, Shana Christrup and Connie Garner. And, finally, I would like to thank my personal staff, both past, Katherine Martin, and present, Taryn Nader, for their hard work and tireless efforts on behalf of the Ryan White CARE Act.

The goal of each Member of this body is to serve their constituencies and all citizens of this great country by passing legislation that meets the needs of our citizens. The CARE Act has for 16 years been a cornerstone of the care, treatment and support services necessary for the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. It is vitally important to maintain its support and modernize its approach to ensure it continues to sustain the lives of people with HIV and AIDS.

I ask my colleagues for their support, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Representatives Castle and DeGette for their tireless efforts on behalf of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005. This important legislation provides much needed expansion of federal policy while implementing stricter ethical guidelines for this research.

I would be remiss in my commendation if I failed to mention the work of former first lady Nancy Reagan, who has been a true leader on this issue. I would like to reiterate a point made in one of her oft quoted statements on this issue, ``We have lost so much time already. I just really can't bear to lose any more.'' Time is one commodity that we cannot create, we cannot stop and we cannot afford to waste. The American people have made clear their support for this research, and I am proud that Congress has acted. We have passed this critical stem cell legislation in both the House and the Senate. We are on the brink of moving forward in a scientific endeavor that has the potential to ease the pain and suffering of millions--to be stopped here is to deprive millions of hope.

While I commend President Bush for taking the initiative in 2001 to provide Federal funds for stem cell research, I am deeply disappointed with the decision to move ahead with this veto. Many human diseases arise from a defect in a single gene; muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington's disease, to name a few. Embryonic research provides an unparalleled opportunity to understand and perhaps correct some of the errors that result in these medical conditions.

My own State of California has already moved ahead by establishing the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which will devote $3 billion to embryonic stem cell over the next 10 years. As the people of California did, Congress now has the opportunity to permit embryonic stem cell research, which will allow scientists throughout the entire country to search for cures and to stay competitive with the rest of the world.

The President's veto today is not in line with the hope that he created in 2001. His leadership at that time opened a critical door to some of the most promising research of our generation, and embryonic stem cell research will enhance and advance that vision of progress. I will be voting to override this veto and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support our country's effort in the global war on terror. This war takes many forms and is waged on many different fronts. It involves the vigilance of our citizens in their neighborhoods to the first responders who patrol our cities. It courses through every state in the union. It must stand vigilant along our southern border and face the difficult challenges along the even lengthier and more remote terrain of the northern border. And yes, the global war on terror takes place across the vast oceans that no longer offer our homeland the protective barriers they once did.

As Americans view on their television sets the hatred spewed by the likes of Ahmadinejad of Iran and whoever is the face of al Qaeda, we stand resolute in our beliefs of freedom and democracy. We carry emotions with us that are equal to those who wish us and our allies harm. But our emotions are not bent on creating destruction but preventing it, not on crying out for the annihilation of an entire nation but on rebuilding and helping those who choose to enter the civilized world community. To those who wish to be our friends, there is no more generous nation than that of the United States of America and to those who wish us harm no more determined of a nation when our values and safety are threatened.

In order to win this war, we must support our troops who are deployed around the world. They protect and defend our nation and our allies everyday. These young men and women carry the patch of our flag on their arms and the spirit of our nation in their hearts.

We also must continue to rebuild our intelligence agencies so they do not fall into the lackluster conditions they did before and work with others in the world community to stop threats before they reach our shores. There is still a great deal more work to do, but we will pursue until the job is finished.

While we fight this battle across the world, others may wonder where we draw our energy from. It is important that our friends and enemies realize one important and crucial fact: the war on terror is spurred on by the hearts and minds of every American who will not let the world forget what happened on that tragic day in September.

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 200 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional educational institution in the 45th Congressional District of California, La Quinta High School. Through the hard work and commitment of a tremendously talented faculty and staff, La Quinta High School has been named among the top 600 high schools in the nation by Newsweek magazine.

La Quinta High School holds the 583th slot on a list of 1,000 of the top high schools in the United States of America. The high school was honored for the high number of students who participate in both International Baccalaureate and Advance Placement classes.

Under the leadership of Principle Donna Salazar, La Quinta High School has established a record of success in the community by fostering an environment where students are challenged to excel and meet their academic dreams. As the highest ranked school in Riverside County, the Newsweek results are a testament to the high quality of this academic establishment.

I am impressed by the openness of La Quinta High School to students wanting the opportunity to learn and to challenge their mind. With an ethically and socio-economically diverse student body, La Quinta High School is a model for schools around the state.

Thomas Jefferson said, ``Educate and inform the whole mass of the people . . . They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.'' Jefferson was a powerful advocate for freedom and his message of the importance of a knowledge-based population holds great significance for continuing prosperity of our nation.

An educated public begins with our children and La Quinta High School is fulfilling our founding father's vision by fostering an educational environment that challenges today's students and tomorrow's leaders, to reach their academic potential.

Mr. Speaker, I would like once again to pay tribute to La Quinta High School for this impressive achievement. I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating this exceptional high school.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding contributions of two individuals in California's 45th Congressional

District--Janice and Richard Oliphant. Jan and Dick are well-known throughout the Inland Empire for their commitment to bettering the community and their devotion to education. I am pleased to join the Indian Wells Rotary Club, which established the ``Dick Oliphant Scholarship Endowment Fund,'' in recognizing Jan and Dick for their exemplary work in our community.

Since moving to the desert in 1962, Jan and Dick Oliphant have been valued members of our community. The time and effort these two individuals have devoted to the valley is highly commendable and will have a lasting impact for years to come.

As a leader in the construction and development business, Dick's projects, including designing golf courses, retirement communities, apartment complexes, and commercial and medical centers, have earned him international recognition, including some of the highest awards one can achieve in the building industry. Among his first projects in the desert was the development and construction of Palm City, later named the Palm Desert Country Club, which was California's first retirement community and winner of 21 National Awards.

Both Jan and Dick Oliphant are firm believers in giving back to their community and are known for their philanthropic work in Southern California, especially in the area of education. Their service in numerous nonprofit organizations and community service projects has made them invaluable assets to our region. Additionally, Dick has served over two years as an Indian Wells Planning Commissioner, six years as a councilman, two years as the vice mayor and eight years as mayor. He is the founding chairman of the Coachella Valley Economic Development Conference and State of the Valley, the founder and chairman of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, and the founding Chairman of the Lincoln Club of the Coachella Valley.

Jan and Dick have truly enhanced our community with their support of and involvement with education. Jan has served as president and founder of several parents clubs, including the Katherine Finchy Parents Club in Palm Springs and the John F. Kennedy Parents Club in Indio. Both Jan and Dick are actively involved on countless advisory boards and committees, truly extending themselves to promote education in the Coachella Valley.

For over sixteen years, Dick has been a member of the California State University, San Bernardino Advisory Board, and he is also a co- chair in fundraising for a public/private partnership with the California State University, San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus. He has been named a ``fellow'' by the A. Gary Anderson School of Business at the University of Riverside, where he spent a year lecturing and counseling graduate students on campus. Furthermore, nearly every city in the Coachella Valley has designated a ``Richard R. Oliphant Day'' because of his extensive work on valley-wide issues. For their outstanding contributions, in 1996, Jan and Dick were named the ``Distinguished Citizens of the Year'' by the Boy Scouts of America.

Both Jan and Dick Oliphant have graciously offered their resources and services to the benefit of our community and are well-deserving of our praise. Devoted to their family and to each other, Jan and Dick are truly exemplary citizens, and I am honored by their friendship and to serve as their representative in the 45th Congressional District of California.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring and recognizing Jan and Dick Oliphant, for their unwaveling dedication, integrity, and outstanding public service. Their energy and passion to build our community and to foster learning and education, continues to benefit Palm Desert and our entire community.

I thank the chairman for your willingness to address the issue, and I also want to congratulate you.

What perfect timing, Mr. Chairman. I can thank you again and congratulate you again on your position and also thank the ranking member for his generosity.

I want to join my colleagues to remind everybody that in college, plagiarism can be an expellable offense. Colleges play a key role in teaching us that stealing someone else's work by plagiarism is just not acceptable.

Just imagine the positive contributions colleges and universities could lend our economy and way of life if they took the lead in teaching students the value of intellectual property.

Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I hope that you will work with me and my colleagues to create such a new environment, including possibly holding a hearing before the House Education and the Workforce Committee. I look forward to doing so with you and with your leadership.

I yield to you for your comments.