Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Franklin Odo for his 12 years of service as Director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program. The Asian Pacific American Program assists the Smithsonian's 19 museums and research centers with the collection of Asian Pacific Americans' artifacts, programs, research, and outreach. The program gives Asian Pacific American communities across the Nation access to the Smithsonian.

In addition to being the founding director of the Asian Pacific American Program at the Smithsonian Institution, Dr. Odo was the first and only Asian Pacific American curator at the National Museum of American History. Dr. Odo has dedicated his life to documenting, preserving, and presenting the histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. He has written numerous critically acclaimed books on the Asian American experience, taught at prestigious universities across the Nation, and brought to the Smithsonian cutting edge exhibits on Chinese Americans, Native Hawaiians, Korean Americans, Filipino Americans, and Japanese Americans.

As an educator myself, I understand and respect Dr. Odo's work. Whether as a professor or a curator, Dr. Odo has made teaching his priority. Through his work and vision, Dr. Odo has managed to engage thousands of people in the history, culture, and important contributions of Asian Pacific Americans. He is able to translate scholarly work into publicly accessible formats. Dr. Odo has helped many of us tell our story and ensure that these important lessons continue to pass on from generation to generation.

Franklin Odo has been an activist and academic, and will continue to be a leader in our community. We hold a debt of gratitude to Dr. Odo for his incredible contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009. Passage of this legislation is a top priority of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, which I currently chair.

I commend Representative Neil Abercrombie, sponsor of the bill, and the House Committee on Natural Resources for recognizing the importance of self-determination to the Native Hawaiian people.

In 1893, the monarchy of the Kingdom of Hawai'i was overthrown by agents of the United States. This has created wounds and issues that have never been addressed or resolved. The United States took an important first step in reconciling this part of history by passing a resolution which acknowledged the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i and offered an apology to Native Hawaiians.

While these are laudable efforts, H.R. 2314 would continue the reconciliation and healing process by providing Native Hawaiians the same right of self governance and self determination that is afforded to other indigenous peoples. Since Hawaii was annexed as a territory, the United States has treated Native Hawaiians in a manner similar to that of American Indians and Alaska Natives. This bill would formalize that relationship and establish parity in federal policies towards all of our indigenous peoples.

I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2314 and afford Native Hawaiians the opportunity for self determination and self governance.

I want to thank the chairman for this opportunity.

For those who are in this debate, I think this is what Congress is all about, where we talk about very substantive issues. And this is one of those most important issues because it affects our relationship with other countries, other States, and other indigenous people. And in this case, indigenous people who are considered sovereign entities. And this is what we are trying to accomplish for the Native Hawaiians in Hawaii.

This is not about race. I think when we use race and other things it sort of muddies up the issues. And I think that our colleague, Congressman Cole, explains it very clearly. And as a teacher, and I am not a lawyer, but as a teacher and as a very simple person not understanding all the laws and all the terminologies in law, how he explains it is very clear.

I think the people of this country understand clear talk. When they hear clear talk they understand that when we are talking about justice and equality and recognizing indigenous people, it becomes very, very evident which way we should go.

This is, like Congressman Cole said, this is about Federal authority under the Constitution. And the 48 States had already done this with indigenous people. Some people call them Indian tribes, but nonetheless, they were indigenous people. Mr. Young, from the 49th State, indicates the same sentiment. And that when they became the 49th State, their considerations to indigenous people, or Indian tribes, they accorded them the same kind of consideration of self- determination. Hawaii is trying to do the same thing, the 50th State.

And so it seems like if the previous 49 States are able to do this, this is one of replication, and there is a lot of things being established. And Chairman Rahall had indicated what this bill is not about. And that should just clearly set aside any kinds of arguments against this kind of an effort.

I appreciate the work of both Mr. Abercrombie and Ms. Hirono. And I think that under the Constitution and under the eyes of justice, and for those who are clear thinkers in the Congress, this should be a no brainer. We should approve this bill and make it into law and finally recognize the people of Hawaii, the indigenous people of Hawaii as who they are, a self-determining indigenous group.

The Federal courts did not talk about when it was brought up about the moneys being used for the native tribes.

If I could have 30 seconds.

In 5 seconds, Federal moneys cannot be used for State elections. State elections cannot be used for private kinds of elections. That is what they were saying. It is not about race.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the compassionate work of the tens of thousands members of the U.S. armed forces, federal agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and volunteers on the ground providing direct assistance to the people of Haiti. Our brothers and sisters from the island nation of Haiti are facing an unimaginable human catastrophe as the country works to recover from the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck on January 12, 2010, the largest recorded in Haiti in over a century. By providing critical services ranging from emergency medical care and food distribution to helping maintain security, these men and women represent the best of the humanitarian character and make us all proud.

It is prudent, then, that we match their bravery and selflessness in the epicenter of the disaster with a compassionate, multi-pronged response. President Obama quickly brought the focus of the relevant federal agencies onto Haiti, and Congress has acted swiftly to encourage the American people to contribute to the effort by passing H.R. 4462, which would allow taxpayers to deduct charitable cash donations for the relief of victims of this tragic event on their 2009 income tax returns.

Further, I recognize that the Government of Haiti cannot afford to invest in humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and development efforts, while continuing to make payments on debts owed to multilateral financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Even before the earthquake, debt service payments to these institutions were a tremendous burden that interfered with the ability of the Government of Haiti to meet the needs of its people. For this reason, I have long been a supporter of efforts to cancel Haiti's debts owed to these multilateral financial institutions, and I have reiterated my call for debt cancellation in the wake of the earthquake. In addition, many of my colleagues and I have joined the effort to extend temporary protected status to Haitian nationals who are currently in the U.S. so that they can assist their fellow countrymen and women through remittances and other support.

The effect of the earthquake on Haiti is reflected not only in the thousands of buildings destroyed, but more accurately in the cost of human lives and families devastated. According to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, ``[o]f Haiti's 9 million people, initial reports suggest roughly a third may be affected by the disaster.'' The international humanitarian and security response has already provided much needed shelter, food, and medical support. As these initial efforts unfold, the need expands into maintaining security, reestablishing the democratically elected government, and providing sustainable services to the people of Haiti. To help fulfill this need, I am a proud cosponsor of the Next Steps for Haiti Act (H.R. 417). Introduced by my dear friend Congresswoman Barbara Lee, H.R. 417 would support the capacity building efforts by the Haitian government and civil society, supporting President Obama's commitment to support the people of Haiti in their efforts to not only recover from this human catastrophe but also to hold on to and work hard toward their vision of a strong economy and democracy.

Once again, Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in expressing my condolences to the victims' families, both here at home and on the island, and encourage all Americans to help in Haiti's rescue, recovery and empowerment.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Greg Van Wassenhove, recently retired Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of the County of Santa Clara. Throughout his many years of service, Greg has brought knowledge, strength and vitality not only to the agricultural community but to the many County departments that he has managed.

Greg Van Wassenhove graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in Biological Sciences in 1973, and in 1974 started work with the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner's Office. In 1983, Greg was appointed the Agricultural Commissioner/ Sealer of Weights and Measures for Santa Clara County; and for the past 25 years, Greg has demonstrated a continuing commitment to pest prevention at the state and national levels. Greg has participated in numerous advisory committees relating to pest prevention, including the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Eradication of Exotic Pests. Greg has collaborated with other County Agricultural Commissioners to develop common efforts on pest prevention, and has also worked with the Statewide County Agricultural Commissioners' Association to establish ongoing funding to prevent the introduction of invasive species and to control and eradicate pest populations once they were established. Greg has successfully contributed to the eradication of the Mediterranean fruit fly from San Mateo County and, on three occasions, in Santa Clara County.

For the past 35 years, Greg has dedicated himself to providing exceptional public services that promote and protect the agricultural industry of the State as well as consumers. He has worked in two urban counties where the control and prevention of invasive species introduction is critical to the local agricultural economy and the rest of the state. His cooperative efforts with industry as well as with all levels of federal, state and local government, including the development of an excellent working relationship with USDA, CDFA, and Congressional and State representatives, promoted programs that involved the prevention

and control of invasive species. As an expert in the field of pest prevention, Greg's efforts helped lead to the development of the California High Risk Pest Exclusion Program and the Pest and Disease Management Section of the 2007 Farm Bill.

Greg has also led Santa Clara County's efforts to advocate for and protect its residents through his position as the County's Sealer of Weights and Measures, where Greg has enforced the laws which ensure that consumers are treated honestly and businesses are held accountable.

Finally, Greg has accepted any challenge presented to him. In addition to his other duties, Greg oversaw such diverse divisions of County government as Animal Control, Vector Control, Integrated Waste Management, Environmental Health, Fire Marshall and Weed Abatement.

It is with great respect for, and in admiration of, Greg Van Wassenhove that I stand in honor today. His many years of service to the residents of Santa Clara County, the agricultural community, and the State of California are greatly appreciated and his legacy will benefit us for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1002, honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the continued commitment to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service. Through the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, we honor Dr. King's noble vision of equality and message of compassion.

Dr. King preached peace in the fight for equality, shaking the foundations of segregation with love for others, even those who sought to oppose his vision. His unyielding commitment to non-violent resistance anchored his messages, and his ``I Have a Dream'' speech changed America and sparked a movement that embraced civil rights, justice, equality and human dignity for all. This is a movement that we must continue to fight for and protect.

We have celebrated considerable successes due to Dr. King's Dream. Housing, schools and transportation are now accessible by all Americans. Indeed, in 2008 Americans took another great step toward realizing Dr. King's vision by electing America's first African- American President, Barack Obama. These achievements were not easily won, but Dr. King's Dream has proven resilient and it has persevered.

As a Representative of Silicon Valley, one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the country, I appreciate Dr. King's message of equality. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, CAPAC, I recognize the great strides that have been made since Dr. King sparked the historic civil rights movement, and CAPAC has continued to vigilantly ensure equal opportunity remains accessible to all. For his vision and sacrifices, we owe Dr. King a great debt of gratitude for his service and leadership to our Nation, and there is no better way to express that gratitude than through our own personal service to the Nation.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will serve to remind Americans that we should all take the time to contribute to our communities. This day continues to pay tribute to the life and actions of a great man, as we continue to foster brotherhood and service amongst our friends, neighbors, and communities. Since its designation as a federal holiday in 1994, Americans have Dr. King's birthday to act on his ideals. It has been a day to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and change our Nation into the ``Beloved Community'' that Dr. King had hoped to see during his life. Thanks in part to the commitment we have shown to honor Dr. King, the Day of Service continues to grow in popularity as a chance for citizens, business leaders, and public officials alike to contribute to their communities. In 2009 alone, over 13,000 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service projects occurred throughout the Nation, honoring the Dream of Dr. King.

I am pleased that the constituents of California's 15th District have answered this call to service as a tribute to Dr. King's life. Constituents of all backgrounds volunteer to remove graffiti, pick up litter, improve parks, and engage in other activities that aim to selflessly improve the world around them. Though each individual's effort may be small, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service provides the medium to combine an individual's energies with those of his or her neighbors. The resulting collaboration is an impactful and tangible celebration of Dr. King's messages.

As we near the day of remembrance, we must recognize that the fight goes on. Dr. King's Dream embodies an ideal for our Nation to pursue-- Americans of all ethnicities and creeds, living together with dignity and hope. To admire Dr. King's life requires us to follow his legacy. Let us honor his life by working together to continue to build an America where every child enjoys all the privileges of equal opportunity and freedom.

Madam Speaker, today I honor the life and achievements of my dear friend, former California State Assemblymember Nao Takasugi. Nao dedicated his life to public service with humility, integrity, and commitment to the American ideals of equality and justice.

Nao was a 19-year-old student at the University of California, Los Angeles, when he and his family were incarcerated in an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II.

His family was forced to sell most of their possessions, but was able to keep the family store, the Asahi Market in downtown Oxnard, which they had owned since 1907.

The Takasugi family was able to save the store during their imprisonment by entrusting the family business to a Mexican American employee, Ignacio Carmona. When the Takasugi family returned to Oxnard in 1945, Mr. Carmona returned the business back to the Takasugis, after faithfully carrying on the business for three years.

In 1943, Nao was among approximately 4,000 Japanese American college students who were released from the internment camps and allowed to attend college on the East Coast. Nao earned his business administration degree at Temple University in Philadelphia and a master's in business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946. When he returned to Oxnard, he ran his family's Asahi Market.

His family's imprisonment inspired him to commit his life to strengthening our democracy in public service, and did not cause deep embitterment. As Oxnard City Councilman, Mayor, and then California State Assemblyman, he ably represented all of his diverse constituents, crossing racial and ethnic divides, and building bridges across party lines.

At the age of 87, Nao died of complications from a stroke on November 19, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy, and their five children, Scott, Russell, Ron, Tricia and Lea.

I was truly saddened by the loss of my dear friend Nao Takasugi. He was a gentle soul, and never let his kind demeanor get in the way of his strong beliefs about justice and civil rights. When he spoke, people listened as he was always true to his convictions and sense of honor. I will miss him dearly and will always reflect on his life as a metric of how I should conduct my own.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H. Res. 727, emphasizing the need for greater awareness about ovarian cancer and adopting the goals and ideals established by National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Having lost my wife of 36 years, Jeanne, to ovarian cancer in 2004, I am acutely sensitive to the need for reliable early detection programs and effective treatments for late stage ovarian cancer. I am not alone in having lost a loved one to this disease--ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, affecting over 20,000 women a year. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women, killing nearly 55 percent of those diagnosed within the first 5 years. Despite this tragically high toll, we still remain woefully ignorant of proper prevention strategies for ovarian cancer, and have yet to develop a reliable early detection program.

While over 90 percent of ovarian cancer cases can be prevented with early screening and treatment, many women remain unaware of their risk factors and the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are particularly difficult to accurately diagnose. Because of this, 75 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the advanced stages where it is often too late to prevent the cancer's spread. Awareness and early recognition are the best way to save women's lives.

Congress is making some effort to address the inadequacies in our current system. For example, in November 2005, the House passed the Gynecological Resolution for the Advancement of Ovarian Cancer Education in a bipartisan effort to increase the public's understanding of this deadly disease. The President and nonprofit advocacy groups are also engaged in educating the public. President Obama proclaimed September National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and throughout September, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance held hundreds of events across the country to inform women about the importance of gynecologic exams, and to teach them about the warning signs of ovarian cancer.

Better education, more funding for research, and increased awareness efforts are critical to ensuring that we reduce infection and mortality rates for ovarian cancer in women. I urge my colleagues to continue our efforts to increase research funding to cure ovarian cancer and support public outreach programs on the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancers.

Madam Speaker, I rise along with my colleagues Ms. Zoe Lofgren, Mr. Jerry McNerney, and Ms. Anna Eshoo to honor Sig Sanchez, a truly dedicated public servant of California's 15th Congressional District. Sig, a resident of Gilroy, California, will retire this December, after 55 years of exemplary public service in Santa Clara County. His most recent service included 29 years as a Director and five-time Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Prior to this, Mr. Sanchez served as an elected member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for 18 years, a Gilroy City Councilmember for 14 years, and Mayor of the City of Gilroy for five years.

During his busy and productive career, Mr. Sanchez has also been an active member of numerous national, state, and local water resource affiliations, including the Agricultural Water Advisory Committee, Central Valley Project Authority, Pajaro River Watershed Flood Prevention Authority, San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority Board and Finance Committee, Uvas/Llagas Flood Control and Watershed Advisory Committee, Santa Clara Valley Water Commission, Santa Clara Valley Water District Board Ad Hoc Audit Committee, and the South County Regional Wastewater Authority.

Even while dedicating so much of his time to water issues, Sig did not lose focus on the big picture, helping to strengthen the local community through his efforts with HOPE Rehabilitation, Wheeler Hospital Foundation Board, South Valley Hospital, Health Dimensions Inc., Odd-Fellows and Rebekah Children's Home, and the Gilroy Elks Club.

In 1991, Mr. Sanchez was inducted into the Gilroy Hall of Fame and was honored and recognized with a 10-mile portion of state Highway Route 101 named for him. His work as a farmer and businessman, along with his years as public servant to the water community as a leader during very tumultuous times, has won him the hearts and good will of all who know him.

Our community is grateful to Sig Sanchez for his dedication to public service and contributions to the residents of Santa Clara County, and we wish him well in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the month of November as Native American Indian Heritage Month, and to express my support for the Native American Business Development Enhancement Act of 2009.

Over 562 Native American tribes have made extraordinary professional, educational, and cultural contributions to our community. After centuries of gross mistreatment at the hands of the U.S. government and generations of unequal, exploitative policies that have worked to effectively rob Native Americans of their land, culture, and livelihood, it is a privilege to honor the many accomplishments that these groups are making today. Their rich ancestry and surviving traditions are a living testament of the strength and unyielding spirit shared by many great tribal nations across this land, and their legacy will continue to be a major part of the ethnic fabric of American society.

Since its inception in 1990, Native American Indian Heritage Month has sought to promote recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States, and increase awareness of the tragedies and discrimination these groups have experienced throughout history. This year's theme, Pride in Our Heritage, Honor to our Ancestors, reflects the importance of remembering the rich and diverse cultural legacy of our Native American communities.

In the spirit of recognizing the longstanding social and economic inequalities facing Native American tribes, it is crucial that we take steps to ensure that Native American communities achieve equal access to public services, government funding, employment, business and educational opportunities. Individually and as distinct nations, Native Americans have made distinguished and significant achievements in the fields of agriculture, business, medicine, music, language, and art. I have every confidence that they will continue to distinguish themselves in those arenas as well as in government, as entrepreneurs, athletes, and scholars in the years and decades to come.

As we proceed to strengthen America's economic and social infrastructure, it is imperative that we target existing inequalities and discriminatory policies and make an active, nationwide effort to include Native Americans in future programs through forward-thinking legislation, such as the Native American Business Development Enhancement Act of 2009.

I strongly support H.R. 1834, the Native American Business Development Enhancement Act of 2009, which will be considered by the House today. This legislation, introduced by my colleague Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, will establish the Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration. This effort will increase Native American entrepreneurship and engage tribes in the small business arena.

In this vein, I have been working to further Native American business and economic development by supporting the elevation and funding of the Office of Native American Business Development, ONABD, at the Department of Commerce. I believe the ONABD should be more independent and receive an increase of funds in order to expand its activities, and fulfill its duties to expand business development, trade promotion and tourism opportunities for Native American tribes and their enterprises.

In closing, Madam Speaker, celebrating Native American Indian Heritage Month and supporting our Native American community is an important milestone to increase public awareness of their role in American history and recognize their cultural legacies that enrich our everyday lives.

Mr. Speaker, in our lives as public servants, Members of Congress are rarely presented with opportunities to support the passage of truly historic legislation. Today is such a day, and this health care vote such an opportunity. Over the past ten months that I have participated in the creation of this health reform bill, I have been thinking about the words of Hubert Humphrey: ``It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.''

Today I rise in strong support of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. For 70 years Americans have been waiting for this moment. I would like to particularly thank Speaker Pelosi for her deft leadership and management of a complex policy debate, Majority Leader Hoyer, Majority Whip Clyburn, the Chairs of the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Education and Labor, and Ways and Means, along with my fellow progressive and colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (collectively known as the TriCaucus) for their public and private commitments to preserve the public option. Finally, I commend staff of all the committees for their hard work and commitment to this issue.

Against an organized, scorched earth campaign of misinformation and fear mongering, we are emerging with a strong bill, and an even stronger sense of unity and purpose in our fight to bring access, affordability, and high quality health care to every person in America. If the best of our reforms prevail, insurance companies will no longer be able to subject people to complex, confusing policy details, lifetime and annual limits, or denials based on pre-existing conditions. American taxpayers will save over $100 billion in the first decade and will experience significant improvements in our health care system.

Although I have strenuously supported a stronger public option, I recognize that the balance of improvements made to the health care system as a whole through the reforms in this bill is substantial. When some thought the public option was dead, I and my other colleagues rallied to bring it back into the discussion and succeeded in keeping the public option in the final bill. The public option is a cornerstone of the effort to bend the cost curve in health care and must be preserved.

In my district alone, H.R. 2692 will improve employer based coverage for 500,000 residents, allow 16,700 small businesses to obtain affordable health care coverage and provide coverage for 28,000 uninsured residents. Finally, in a time of increasing pressure on local governments, it will reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers by $205 million. It will protect the seniors in my district from the doughnut hole and improve the quality of their Medicare coverage.

As Chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am particularly encouraged by the inclusion of legislative language addressing racial and ethnic health disparities. As members of the TriCaucus, we have long been advocating on the issue of health disparities and I am proud of the impact we have had in making changes that will directly help the poorest and most disadvantaged communities. across this nation. As a long-time supporter of Native Americans in their struggle to survive and thrive after hundreds of years of oppression and genocide, I am particularly pleased by the inclusion of the Indian Comprehensive Health Insurance Act in

health care reform. Native American communities worked for over a decade to come together and write policy that would help their communities begin to address the terrible and tragic health disparities they experience and the inclusion of ICHIA is a step in the right direction by the Federal Government to rectify some of the imbalances and abuses that they have caused in Native communities.

Despite the many extraordinary improvements to many aspects of our healthcare system, including an unprecedented expansion of access to Medicaid for many poor families, I am dismayed that we were not able to lift the 5 year bar on legal immigrant participation in Medicaid. Legal immigrants are tax paying citizens in waiting who work hard and contribute. It is only fair that we afford them equal access to the benefits of Medicaid. I will continue to advocate on this issue in the future and I know that I am joined in my concern by many of my colleagues.

Americans live in the wealthiest, most powerful nation in the world and spend $2 trillion a year on health care every year--more than the national budget of China--and yet we don't have the best health care in the world. Thousands suffer and many die because of a lack of access to health care. Passing this bill and preserving its structure is a critical investment in the health of future generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Team California, a partnership between Santa Clara University and California College of the Arts, for placing third in the Department of Energy's 2009 International Solar Decathlon. I congratulate the students, faculty, administration, and sponsors for their tremendous accomplishments.

The Solar Decathlon competition challenged university teams from around the globe to design, build, and operate a solar energy powered home that incorporates energy efficiency, architectural creativity, and an applicable living style in order to illustrate the benefits and practical application of green living.

The team of Santa Clara University and the California College of the Arts was one of only 20 teams from around the world selected to compete in the 2009 Solar Decathlon, the only schools from California and from the entire West Coast involved in the competition. SCU and CCA were among the smallest schools in the Decathlon, but they excelled in the competition and received top scores for their remarkable ``Refract House.''

En route to placing 3rd overall, Team California placed first in the Architecture and Communications contests and earned second place for Appliances, Home Entertainment, and Engineering in the design and structure of their home. Their efforts and outstanding achievements at the 2009 Solar Decathlon are to be highly commended, and their work will contribute significantly to the future designs of solar powered homes.

The ``Refract House'' offered a wide array of eco-friendly features, including aesthetically-pleasing solar photovoltaic arrays, radiant heating and cooling, double-paned windows and doors and top-of-the line energy-efficient appliances. Moreover, the house was largely composed from recycled waste, illustrated by their walls composed of used billboards and salvaged redwood.

Through their work in the Solar Decathlon, Santa Clara University and the California College of the Arts have shown that it is within our grasp to reduce carbon emissions and live off renewable energy. Santa Clara University is demonstrating this even beyond the Solar Decathlon as well, recently earning recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership as one of the Nation's Top 20 Colleges and Universities using green power and qualifying for EPA's Green Power Leadership Club.

During the Decathlon competition, I had the pleasure of hosting a briefing in the U.S. Capitol during which the Team California members talked about their solar house, the technologies they used, and policy issues surrounding renewable energy. I was honored to have my California colleagues Representative Zoe Lofgren and Sam Farr attend the briefing, and was proud of the work the students, faculty, and administrators did to educate Members of Congress and the public about the promise of renewable energy, which does not produce greenhouse gases and can reduce global warming.

Global warming threatens our economy, our coastal cities, and possibly the very existence of humanity. Expanding the use of renewable energy is a key development for improving American livelihoods and the livelihoods of individuals all over the world, who will gain greater control over their own lives as they gain control over the means of generating their energy, and the work of Team California will help to make that a reality.

The ``Refract House'' highlights the strengths and technological innovation of Silicon Valley, and I once again extend my congratulations and my thanks to Santa Clara University and the California College of the Arts for their strong representation of California and outstanding performance in the 2009 Solar Decathlon.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support House Resolution 784, honoring the 2560th anniversary of the Birth of Confucius and recognizing his invaluable contributions to philosophy, and social and political thought. This resolution is sponsored by my friend and executive board member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressman Al Green of Texas.

Confucius was born on September 28, 551 BC in the town of Qufu, in what is now the Shandong Province of China. Though he grew up in poverty, Confucius recognized the value of education in creating an informed and knowledgeable society. He lived his life by this principle and traveled throughout China as a teacher to counsel others in introspection, self-cultivation, sincerity, and the observance of respect within social relationships as a means of achieving justice and attaining morality in the personal and public life. In a chaotic time of internal feuds and wars, Confucius established a peaceful intellectual and personal evolution in the minds and hearts of the Chinese people. He began a global effort to move society in an enlightened direction, and his teachings in the principles of self- transformation, humaneness, strength of mind, and an orderly society have contributed to our advancement.

In addition to being known for his commitment to education and self- enlightenment, Confucius's thought also included the principle that politicians must be models of truth and morality. He believed that government must adopt the practice of moral correctness and that politicians must rule with justice and sincerity. These principles have helped build the foundation for political philosophy, and have been a cornerstone for past and future leaders in representing their constituents. Confucius's philosophical teachings have been studied by scholars throughout the world, and his words of wisdom have inspired many generations of dedicated followers.

Confucius is considered to be one of the greatest philosophers, whose teachings and philosophy still influence millions of people around the world today. I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 784 to honor Confucius's birth, life, and teachings. This resolution recognizes the importance of Confucius's edicts in today's society, and conveys the House of Representatives's deepest respect to this important philosopher.

I would especially like to thank Congressman Green for making this resolution a priority on the House floor. As a member of CAPAC, Congressman Green is a committed and conscientious advocate on behalf of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. I commend his efforts to recognize Confucius's great contributions to society, and I join him in asking you to support House Resolution 784.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Ho Luong Tran, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) on the occasion of her retirement from the Forum to pursue new advocacy opportunities.

Dr. Tran has spent 7 years working with sincere, focused dedication to build APIAHF into a leading policy. Dr. Tran has been leading innovative legislative, policy, and community initiatives with an outstanding ability to establish coalitions among the public, private and community sectors for more than 20 years.

Under Dr. Tran's leadership, APIAHF has partnered with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on a groundbreaking initiative, Health Through Action, to provide local communities with funding, training, and technical assistance to address health issues and strengthen a national network of advocates to create a broader health movement. During her tenure as the President and CEO of APIAHF, Dr. Tran has helped create the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Alliance and the National Council of API Physicians.

Furthermore, she led the development of a national policy blueprint for Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander health and enhanced the organization's national presence and reach in Washington

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, October 14th, I was unavoidably detained due to official business at the White House and was not present for a number of roll call votes.

Had I been present I would have voted:

``Yea'' on Rollcall 776, H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009.

``Yea'' on Rollcall 777, H. Res. 816, mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa and Samoa.

``Yea'' on Rollcall 778, H. Res. 786, commemorating the canonization of Father Damien de Veuster, SS.CC. to sainthood.

``Yea'' on Rollcall 779, H.R. 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009.