Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the signs of an energy crisis are clear--we are facing the consequences of significant climatic change, our national security continues to be at risk, and our energy economy must change in the face of $100 per barrel oil.

Investors are ready to invest billions of dollars into American made next generation clean technologies, but for too long the Federal Government has been subsidizing the old technologies. Inventors and entrepreneurs, the true engines of American economic growth, are already focused on energy, but they are still waiting for Congress to send them the right signals before bringing their full efforts to bear on the problem.

That is why I am pleased to rise in support of an energy bill that sends the right signal and will help to revolutionize our Nation's energy economy as we know it, help free us of our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of new jobs, and address global warming.

The Energy Independence and Security Act will increase corporate average fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020; greatly expand the national biofuels mandate; require utilities nationwide to provide 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2020; strengthen energy efficiency for a wide range of products, appliances, lighting, and buildings; create education and job training programs to train the next generation of Americans to ensure we remain competitive in the new energy economy; and repeal tax breaks for profit-rich oil companies and invest that money in clean renewable energy technologies and in much needed research and development.

The evidence that we need to change our reliance on fossil fuels has never been clearer. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued its latest, and most dire, report on what we can expect if we do not immediately reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. The IPCC has said that worldwide carbon emissions must fall by at least 50 percent by 2050 to limit a temperature rise of about three degrees Fahrenheit and prevent the worst climate impacts from occurring.

By passing the Energy Independence and Security Act, we are taking the first step in developing a policy for reducing carbon emissions. I pledge to work diligently with my colleagues to take additional steps in 2008, and urge adoption of this important legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I'm amazed that the Democrats took so long to write such a bad bill. I would laugh if this was any laughing matter, but designing the Nation's energy policy is among the most serious responsibilities of the Congress. H.R. 6 has recklessly been designed by radical environmentalists to achieve many of their long-term goals, including significantly raising the price of energy used by Americans, vastly reducing American manufacturing and mining jobs, increasing federal control over rural Western communities, and reducing and further locking-up the use of our vast God-given coal, oil and gas, oil shale, and timber resources.

This bill reaches into every American's bank account and steals vast amounts of hard earned dollars. As a result of this bill, gasoline will be much more expensive, electricity in all areas of the country will go up with many areas with huge increases, home heating oil will continue to surge to record levels, and natural gas prices will literally go through the roof. This bill, a work of exceeding incompetence, is the greatest holiday gift to the OPEC oil cartel ever given by a sovereign nation.

Although there are a few provisions in this bill that are appropriate, the vast expanse of this bill is an abomination. If it becomes law, the Democrats who supported it will have to answer to the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to acknowledge National American Indian Heritage Month and to call attention to the dire situation that many of our Native American brothers and sisters continue to live in today. In the world's richest nation on earth, many Native American people struggle to obtain the most basic of services made available to the rest of the nation, effectively threatening the health and well-being of future generations. For this reason, I continually support legislation that strengthens the self-determination of Native American people living both on and off Indian reservations.

According to the National Congress of American Indians and the National Indian Health Board, the Native American infant mortality rate is 150 percent greater than that of Caucasian infants, suicide among Native Americans is 2\1/2\ times higher than the national average, Native Americans are 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, and the life expectancy rate for Native Americans is 5 years less than the rest of the U.S. population. There is an urgent need for sufficient and effective healthcare for Native American people and yet the President has proposed zeroing out Urban Indian Health Programs and reducing funding to Indian Health Facilities by $25 million. In addition, inadequate legal services and weakening education support continue to hinder Native American people from achieving self- sufficiency and upward mobility.

As a new Appropriations Committee member, I am committed to strengthening the funding sources for Native American programs, specifically those programs in the areas of healthcare, education, and the justice system. I have fought for the full funding for the Community Health Partnership of Santa Clara County's Healthy Women, Healthy Choices project, which aims to increase health status of medically underserved mid-life women by providing comprehensive health education and promoting adoption of healthier behaviors through community workshops and provider trainings. I have also fought to continue the funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Urban Indian Health Program, which works to eradicate the mental health, substance abuse, and chronic disease disparities plaguing urban Indian people. These valuable programs provide the holistic and culturally sensitive care needed to effectively support this very vulnerable population.

In addition, I have cosponsored numerous health care bills developed specifically to address the needs of Native American people including the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007. Introduced by Representative Frank Pallone, H.R. 1328 seeks to create comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare services for Native American peoples. By passing policies such as these, Congress can help turn around the Native American health care crisis and improve the well-being of future generations.

Since joining the Appropriations committee, I have also argued for the continued funding of the O'Malley Education program. As a former educator, I know and understand the positive influence that a properly funded school system can have on the performance of its students. Authorized in 1934, the Johnson O'Malley Act was passed to ensure that the federal government supports the unique and specialized educational needs of Native American children. Providing funding for basic education-related items such as eyeglasses, school supplies, learning materials, and scholastic testing fees, the O'Malley Education program helps Native American children achieve academic success. The program provides critical supplemental funding not covered by any other Federal, State, or local agency. It is an essential component that is supporting the efforts of the educational school system and improving the educational attainment of Native American children.

Preservation of indigenous languages is another significant challenge impacting Native America and one that Congress can help support. According to the National Indian Education Association (NIEA), Native American languages are being lost at a rate so rapid that by the year 2050 only twenty indigenous languages will remain viable. Allowing the loss of these indigenous languages would not only be devastating to Native American people, but would be a true disservice to the world. For this reason, I have supported legislation such as H. Con. Res. 11, the English Plus Resolution, introduced by Representative Joe Serrano, which calls on the Federal Government to support and assist Native American groups working to preserve and prevent the extinction of their languages and cultures.

Legal services for Native American people also require continued Congressional attention. To ensure the sustainability of Indian legal services, we must continue to provide the tribal justice system with adequate federal financial support. For this reason, I have proposed appropriations funding for the California Indian Legal Services' Tribal Court Development Project (TCD). Funding the TCD project would strengthen existing tribal courts in California and foster the development of new tribal courts. TCD would improve capacity and resource-building, increase State-wide institution-building and information-sharing, and enhance legal services offered by the California tribal justice system. I have also urged the Appropriations Committee to fund the National Congress of American Indians and the California Indian Legal Services' Alcohol and Substance Abuse Demonstration Projects, the Tribal Courts Assistance Program, and the Tribal Prison Construction Program. Together, these initiatives work to strengthen State and local law enforcement efforts and provide much needed funding directed at improving resources, services, and infrastructure available in the tribal justice system.

In addition to bringing these issues to light, I have also cosponsored H.J. Res. 3, introduced by Representative Jo Ann Davis, which calls on the Federal Government to recognize and apologize for the ill-conceived policies it has implemented against Native American peoples throughout our Nation's history, and H.R. 3585, introduced by Representative Joe Baca, which formally honors the achievements and contributions of Native American people, calls for the development of a model educational curriculum, which recognizes such achievements, and encourages the American people to celebrate National American Indian Heritage Day.

As we embark on the 2007 National American Indian Heritage Month, I am hopeful that my colleagues and I will have the opportunity to pass the proposed legislation and confirm Congress' commitment to support Native American peoples and uphold Native American cultures and languages.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 365, recognizing the 150th anniversary of my alma mater, San Jose State University in California.

I'd like to thank Representatives Lofgren, Eshoo, Farr, Chairman Miller, and Ranking Member McKeon of the Education and Labor Committee, and additional cosponsors of H.R. 365, for the support of this legislation.

For a century and a half, San Jose State has provided affordable access to quality education. Founded in 1857, it is the oldest public institution of higher education on the west coast. From its beginnings as a normal school to train teachers for the developing frontier, the campus has matured into a comprehensive university, offering bachelor's and master's degrees in 134 programs, including 69 bachelor's degrees with 81 concentrations, and 65 master's degrees with 29 concentrations.

In the western region, San Jose State is ranked among the top 10 colleges and universities offering bachelors and masters degrees. San Jose State is part of the California State University System, the Nation's largest public university system.

Noteworthy in this sesquicentennial year of celebration is the fact San Jose State is the largest public 4-year university in Silicon Valley with over 32,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff members. The university awards more than 4,200 bachelors degrees and 2,400 masters degrees each academic year. Since its founding, the university has sent nearly 300,000 graduates into the workforce. These graduates continue to make significant contributions to the region's rich economy and culture.

The history of San Jose State is very unique. The university traces its origins to Minns Evening Normal School, established in San Francisco in 1857 by George W. Minns and other dedicated educational leaders to address the shortage of qualified teachers for the new State of California. In 1862, the school became California State Normal School by action of the State legislature. Although initial enrollments were low, demand for teacher training shot up when California instituted free public education for every child, paid for with property taxes.

The years of growth and expansion at the new location in San Jose State downtown, the first alumni association was formed in 1873. The determination of California leaders to support teacher training was evident when a fire destroyed the normal school building in 1880. In 1921, the control of the school passed from its board of trustees to the State Department of Education.

As the 20th century came to a close, San Jose State University has developed into a thriving comprehensive university known for ``powering Silicon Valley.''

Mr. Speaker, I just want to close by recognizing the current president, Don W. Kassing, for all the work he is doing to make San Jose State University one of the great, great higher education institutions in the United States, melding itself with the National Hispanic University and also providing students and intellectual power to NASA Ames and the other Silicon Valley enterprises in Silicon Valley.

San Jose State ranks among the nation's top universities for its academics and ethnic diversity. The university has ranked 10th in the nation for the total number of minority graduates (African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics with bachelor's degrees) across all disciplines. San Jose State University has conferred bachelor's degrees in business management and the health professions to more Asian Americans than any other college or university in the nation.

Noteworthy also is the fact that San Jose State is Silicon Valley's largest university and fourth largest public-sector employer. Its 154- acre campus is in downtown San Jose, the nation's 10th largest city and home to many leading technology companies, including Adobe, Cisco Systems, and E-Bay.

The history of San Jose State is very unique. The university traces its origins to Minns' Evening Normal School, established in San Francisco in 1857 by George W. Minns and other dedicated educational leaders, to address the shortage of qualified teachers for the new state of California. In 1862, the school became the California State Normal School by action of the state legislature. Although initial enrollments were low, demand for teacher training shot up when California instituted free public education for every child, paid for with property taxes.

An earthquake in 1868 and the challenges of San Francisco's rapid growth spurred school leaders to consider a more stable location for the new school. Several cities vied for the honor; the nod went to the town of San Jose, then a thriving community of 9,089. State Superintendent O.P. Fitzgerald characterized San Jose as meeting every requirement: ``The climate is unsurpassed, the place is large enough to furnish all needed facilities . . . the people are intelligent, hospitable and moral.'' In 1870, the trustees selected a tract of land near local transit called Washington Square from among several sites offered by the city. School leaders moved the college and its 150 students to this 27-acre campus in 1871.

Years of growth and expansion at the new location followed; the school added more students, faculty, coursework and facilities. The first alumni association was formed in 1873. The determination of California leaders to support teacher training was evident when a fire destroyed the normal school building in 1880. The legislature promptly provided $150,000 to rebuild. By 1887, the San Jose State Normal School had an enrollment of 800, highest in the nation except for New York City and Philadelphia.

In 1921, control of the school passed from its board of trustees to the State Department of Education and it became known as San Jose State Teachers College. Under the leadership of Thomas W. MacQuarrie, who was

named president in 1927, there was significant growth and expansion of the curriculum, including the first program for college-trained police officers in the nation.

In 1932, the San Jose State College Corporation was formed, the forerunner of today's San Jose State University Research Foundation, which for the past 75 years has partnered with the University to manage externally funded research and education-related activities that are so integral to the University's mission. The campus gained university status and became part of the California State University system in the 1970s. In 1990, student enrollment topped 30,000 and by 1993, the campus reached cultural pluralism, with no ethnic majority.

As the 20th century came to a close, San Jose State University had developed into a thriving comprehensive university known for ``powering Silicon Valley'' with the high numbers of graduates who went to work there. Fruitful partnerships with area firms also made possible new programs and laboratories, as well as ALL internships, summer research and scholarships. A unique partnership with the city of San Jose resulted in the construction and opening of the nation's first joint city-university library.

In 2006, President Don W. Kassing accepted the largest single private donation to the university in its history, a $10 million gift from alumni Sally and Donald Lucas to create a new graduate school of business. One year later, during this sesquicentennial year, $15 million was given by alumnus Charles W. Davidson for the SJSU's College of Engineering, which ties for the largest single private donation in California State University history. Building upon its tradition as a teacher's college, the university also received a donation of $10 million from alumna Connie L. Lurie for the College of Education.

Having receiving both my Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from San Jose State University I personally attest to the University's academic rigor and integrity. San Jose State University continues to be a driving force in educating our future leaders and in developing collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, industries, and communities to enhance the quality of education, research, development, and community service for the State of California.

I also want to recognize the current president, Don W. Kassing, for all he is doing to make San Jose State University one of the great, great higher education institutions in the United States, and we all look forward to the next 150 years.

Mr. Speaker, as we approach Veterans Day, I rise to urge Congress to support the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. This important piece of legislation will restore U.S. veterans status to the surviving soldiers of the 250,000 Filipinos who were called into military service to the United States Armed Forces by President Roosevelt on July 26, 1941.

Of the only 22,000 surviving Filipino World War II veterans, I want to highlight Faustino ``Peping'' Baclig, who currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Peping was among the 75,000 Filipino and U.S. soldiers subjected to the 90-mile trek from Mariveles to Tarlac, better known as the Bataan Death March. He survived the atrocities of Japanese occupation and fought side by side with the Americans, only to have his service as a U.S. national and a veteran denied by the 1946 Rescission Act.

We now have a unique moment to undo the injustice of that act and give honor and respect to this brave group of veterans. As Peping tells us, though, ``They pay us to die, but they cannot pay us to live.'' For these men, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act will fulfill a promise we denied them for over 60 years, recognition of a grateful Nation that their service to our country is just as equal as the soldiers with whom they stood shoulder-to-shoulder on field of battle.

Madam Chairman, I rise today to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), an important step forward in the fight for civil rights in the United States. It is high time for Congress to recognize and address the fear of persecution in the workplace experienced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans. The Federal Government is right to follow the lead of 20 progressive states to extend federal employment protection to the lesbian and gay community, and I look forward to casting my vote in favor of this bill. ENDA ensures that American workers will be judged on their ability as workers instead of allowing ignorance and fear to bar them from contributing to the success of the Nation and enjoying the unalienable rights of ``life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.''

Sadly, more inclusive language was narrowed to exclude the most vulnerable, least understood group within the LGBT community, transgender men and women. I congratulate Representative Baldwin on offering an amendment to re-insert this wording into the underlying bill and I proudly support her effort. Although this amendment was withdrawn, I was prepared to vote in its favor. Despite this compromise, I support final passage of the bill because I recognize that the perfect should not be the enemy of the good. I trust in my colleagues and my leadership that we will not stop the push for civil rights after consideration of this bill, and I reiterate my dedication to further expanding protection to transgender men and women.

Finally, I strongly object to the mischaracterization of this bill as anti-religious. Gay, lesbian, and straight people alike, strongly religious and strongly secular, support this important step in the struggle for civil rights. Yet, the authors of the bill have wisely sought a compromise for those who still hold a religious objection to these civil rights protections by crafting exemptions for religious organizations and schools.

I am proud to vote for this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the passage of H. Res. 550, congratulating the people of Ethiopia on the second millennium of Ethiopia. I introduced this resolution, along with my colleague and fellow member of the Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus, Congressman Donald Payne.

Ethiopia's calendar is based on the Orthodox Tewahedo calendar which is derived from the Julian calendar. The West follows the Gregorian calendar. On September 11 of this year, Ethiopians around the world celebrated a new millennium according to their official calendar.

H. Res. 550 demonstrates congressional support for the Ethiopian American community, and I plan to use the attention surrounding the millennium to highlight priority issues, including political reconciliation and peace in the Horn of Africa.

True reconciliation includes the speedy release of political prisoners and granting members of opposition parties the right to participate in a democratic society. Peace in that part of the word will have to involve a final demarcation and implementation of the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia.

In the spirit of new beginnings, it is my hope that the Ethiopian Government and members of the political opposition take every necessary step toward true reconciliation. It is my hope that Eritrea and Ethiopia will come to a peaceful and fair resolution and finally be able to work together to encourage stability in the region.

Members of the Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus are eager to use the millennium as an opportunity to bring national attention to Ethiopia, the original homes of hundred of thousands of Ethiopian Americans. Ethiopia is a symbol of freedom. It is a country with rich history and culture. Ethiopians made important contributions for the freedom of many African countries and fought courageously to defend its own.

This resolution pays tribute to the many sacrifices made by Ethiopians over the centuries. In the wake of a tumultuous period in Ethiopian history, it was important for me to do more to increase visibility around this country that has meant so much to an important, but largely overlooked, minority constituency.

We want to do more to show our appreciation to the Ethiopian American community for all that they continue to contribute to our society and, more importantly, to support their efforts to bring national attention to the issues that matter to them.

Ethiopian Americans make up the second largest African immigrant community in the United States, with U.S.-Ethiopian relations initiated in 1903. Recognizing Ethiopia's role in the formation of a Pan-African movement and defeating colonial rule are key points in the resolution, and a significant aspect of Ethiopian identity.

The resolution also recognizes the efforts of all those who organized the millennium celebrations. The African Union has already declared the Ethiopia Millennium as the African Millennium and acknowledges the critical role Ethiopia plays in keeping peace on the continent. I thank my colleagues for passing H. Res. 550, and I look forward to the Senate vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Santa Clara University's Solar Decathlon Team for placing third in the Department of Energy's 2007 International Solar Decathlon. I am joined by my colleague the Honorable Zoe Lofgren, a graduate of Santa Clara University, in congratulating the students, administration, and sponsors for their tremendous accomplishments.

In this competition, university teams were challenged to design, build, and operate an energy-efficient and aesthetically-pleasing home powered by solar energy alone.

Santa Clara University was selected as one of just 20 international competitors in the 2007 Solar Decathlon, and was the only school west of the Rockies chosen to compete. Even more impressive was that Santa Clara, a school of approximately 4,500 students, competed against schools like MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Tech, making them by far the smallest school in the Decathlon and the only competitor without a school or department of architecture.

In addition to placing third overall, they were one of five teams to score a perfect 100 points in the Hot Water contest and one of seven teams to score a perfect 100 points in the Energy Balance contest. Santa Clara's home boasted a variety of unique features that are both sustainable and energy-efficient, including the first bamboo I-beams in the United States and insulation made from recycled blue jeans.

We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Santa Clara University's Solar Decathlon Team and the generous support provided by their industrial sponsors. Their project highlights the technology and innovation characteristic of Silicon Valley.

On behalf of Representative Lofgren and myself, congratulations to Santa Clara University's Solar Decathlon Team for placing third in this international competition and for your strong representation of the strengths of the Silicon Valley and the State of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in unconditional support of H.R. 505, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007. This bill provides a process for the reorganization of the Native Hawaiian governing entity for the purposes of a federally recognized government- to-government relationship.

Since the annexation of the Territory of Hawaii, Native Hawaiians, Hawaii's indigenous peoples, have been treated by Congress in a manner similar to

American Indians and Alaska Natives. Congress has passed over 160 statutes to address the conditions of Native Hawaiians and has repeatedly recognized the United States' political and legal relationship with Native Hawaiians.

H.R. 505 formally extends the Federal policy of self-governance and self-determination to Native Hawaiians, thereby providing parity in Federal policies toward American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

This bill does not grant Federal recognition, but provides a process for Native Hawaiians to be federally recognized. The Secretary of Interior will be required to certify the Native Hawaiian governing entity before it is federally recognized.

This bill will also provide a structured process to address the longstanding issues resulting from the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The bill provides for a negotiation process to resolve these issues with the Federal and State governments and will alleviate the growing mistrust, misunderstanding, anger and frustration about these matters.

This measure is supported by Hawaii's Republican Governor, Linda Lingle, Hawaii's congressional delegation, and the Hawaii State legislature. The bill is supported by the National Congress of American Indians and Alaska Federation of Natives as well as numerous other national organizations. In addition, the bill is also supported by a number of organizations in Hawaii who have passed resolutions in support of enacting this bill.

I ask my colleagues to support this measure and advance the reconciliation process for our people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay respect and tribute to one of law enforcement's finest and the only Chinese-American Sheriff in the Nation, Harry Lee of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Sheriff Lee died of leukemia on Monday, October 1 at the age of 75. I had the pleasure of meeting Sheriff Lee during the House Democratic Caucus' Katrina Task Force trip to the Gulf Coast. He was a fixture in Louisiana politics and a fine example of Asian Pacific American leadership.

Sheriff Lee had a humble beginning, the son of Chinese immigrant parents and the oldest of eight children. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a determined spirit which served him well in his educational and occupational pursuits.

After a promising educational start at Francis T. Nicholls High School, where he served as both senior class president and student body president, a school first, Mr. Lee went on to college at Louisiana State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in geography. While at LSU, Mr. Lee participated in the ROTC program and was designated an outstanding ROTC cadet. Upon graduation, Mr. Lee entered the Air Force and, as a Junior Officer in the Strategic Air Command was rated in the top two percent of Junior Officers in the entire Air Force.

Returning to Louisiana in 1959, Mr. Lee helped his family open the famous House of Lee Restaurant. Because of his leadership, Mr. Lee was elected president of the New Orleans Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association in 1964. His fellow restauranteurs credit his leadership for the peaceful integration of restaurants in New Orleans after the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Soon after, Mr. Lee enrolled at the Loyola University School of Law while working 12 hour days at the family restaurant. Mr. Lee's diligence paid off as he was named the first Magistrate for the U.S. District Court in New Orleans in 1971. Due to his outstanding leadership abilities, Mr. Lee was elected President of the National Council of United States Magistrates in 1973. He subsequently became the chief attorney for Jefferson Parish in 1976.

In 1979, Mr. Lee was elected Sheriff of Jefferson Parish, a position he held for more than two decades, earning him the distinction as the second-longest serving sheriff in Jefferson Parish history. Under his watch, Mr. Lee modernized the Sheriff's Office and led Jefferson Parish to a homicide solve rate of more than 90 percent. An unconventional leader who

often shot from the hip, Mr. Lee was fiercely loyal to his deputies and earned the respect of even his most vocal adversaries. Mr. Lee soon became a household name in Louisiana and was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2001.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Sheriff Lee, a dedicated community leader and great friend to all. I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to Sheriff Lee's wife, Lai, his daughter, Cynthia Sheng and his two grandchildren. He will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3056, the Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007. Among other provisions, this bill would repeal the authority of the Internal Revenue Service, IRS, to use private debt collection companies to collect overdue taxes.

I would also like to voice my support for an initiative being led by Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska to provide disabled veterans and persons with disabilities with gainful employment as tax collectors. The Disability Preference Program for Tax Collection Contracts would give an incentive to private collection companies to employ people with disabilities. Despite the pending repeal of these debt collecting contracts by the IRS, I sincerely believe this initiative can provide immediate benefits to people with disabilities and be used as a model program for other services and industries to encourage similar hires.

Even after enactment of H.R. 3056, complete repeal of private debt collection authority would still take a couple of years while the existing private contracts expire. In that time, Sen. Nelson's initiative could provide disabled Americans invaluable training and experience to help continue their careers in similar services, likely with the same debt collecting company or even with the IRS. Since much of the same background scrutiny in hiring and job training are used for both the debt collection companies and the IRS, these disabled Americans would have an advantage for employment in the IRS. Additionally, under current Federal law, the disabled veterans would have right of first refusal to become IRS collectors.

The extraordinarily large number of returning disabled veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are facing new, unexpected challenges to restoring their lives in America. These disabled veterans face an unemployment rate three times that of the general population. After their personal and their families' sacrifices for their country, it is Congress's responsibility to open doors to the largest number of jobs for the disabled, and these debt collecting jobs are exceptionally suited for people with disabilities. Even multiple amputees returning from Iraq, with only a high school education and expecting their career is over, could easily perform and excel in this profession.

Mr. Speaker, while I do not generally support the privatization of Federal tax collecting, I applaud Senator Ben Nelson's initiative to provide career paths for disabled veterans and people with severe disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 949, I was unable to vote on H. Res. 32. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 2003, the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act.

As Chair of the Ethiopia Caucus, I believe that if given the necessary tools, Ethiopia can truly be a lighthouse for Africa. In the dawn of the Ethiopian millennium, it is important now more than ever to celebrate this country with vigilance and genuine partnership.

I will continue to be an advocate of humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia and for supporting policies that promote trade and economic development there, but I cannot comply with clear offenses to the democratic process by the ruling government right now.

I believe that the financial and ideological backing of the United States administration can encourage the Ethiopian Government to allow for the effective participation of opposition parliamentarians and civil society.

I hope we can find a way to provide substantially more support for a true political and economic partnership with the Ethiopian people beyond this legislation.

I will vote ``yes'' on Mr. Payne's legislation. I ask my colleagues to do so too.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Minnie Vautrin, an American woman and missionary whose heroism changed the course of history during World War II.

Japan's violent occupation of then-capital Nanking, China, historically known as the Rape of Nanking, claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent Chinese men, women and children and left its mark on history as one of the most brutal massacres and crimes against humanity of the 20th Century. An estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians were killed, and an estimated 20,000 women were raped, with some estimates as high as 80,000.

Minnie Vautrin, a missionary who worked at a women's college in Nanking, courageously stood against the Japanese Imperial Army. A native of Illinois, she was one of the few Americans in the region when the Japanese army invaded Nanking.

By using the American flag and proclamations issued by the American Embassy in China maintaining the college as a sanctuary, Minnie helped repel incursions into the college, where thousands of women and children sought protection from the Japanese army. She often risked her own life to defend the lives of thousands of Chinese civilians.

Her devotion during this horrific event earned her the nickname ``American Goddess of Mercy'' among the people of Nanking, where she is fondly remembered. Her heroic actions and unparalleled efforts to save lives deserve to be recognized. Sadly, her story is relatively unknown.

Today, on the 121st anniversary of her birth, I would like to honor Ms. Vautrin for her sacrifice, courage, humanity, and commitment to peace and justice during the violent Rape of Nanking. Minnie Vautrin's story defines patriotism and heroism in the midst of war.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues for joining me in remembering this phenomenal yet unsung heroine. To the thousands of innocent men, women and children whose lives were spared because of Minnie Vautrin's bold courage, she will never be forgotten.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my support for H.R. 3567, the Small Business Investment Expansion Act. In particular, Title V of the Small Business Investment Expansion Act modernizes the definition of a small business so that it reflects current reality. In today's economy, there are many small companies entering high technology, capital-intensive industries that receive venture capital investment.

Many of these small companies are based in my home State of California. California is one of the most innovative States in the country, with the San Francisco Bay area as the birthplace of the biotechnology industry. From 2000 to 2003, California biotech companies developed 32 breakthrough drugs, and over 600 new therapies are currently in the research and development pipeline. Private investment is the lifeblood of the biotechnology industry, and venture capital investment in life sciences typically outpaces investment in any other industry. This venture capital investment

allows small biotechnology companies to pursue breakthrough technologies--from developing cures for debilitating diseases to creating alternative energy sources.

Also concentrated in my Silicon Valley district, the burgeoning nanotechnology industry has been predicted to be a $1 trillion market by the year 2017. Many of these small, innovative nanotech companies rely on venture capital investments to support their heavy costs of startup and basic research and development. In 2005, the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology that I commissioned to advise me on ways to promote the development and sustainability of the nanotechnology industry recommended expanding Small Business Innovation Research eligibility in the same way as Title V of H.R. 3567.

Unfortunately, the outdated U.S. Small Business Administration regulations currently prevent small businesses from receiving assistance if they rely on venture capital to fund their R&D. Often some of the most important breakthroughs these companies make are a result of the riskier work they do, which only federal funding for small business research can enable. H.R. 3567 will correct this unwise discrimination against small businesses that receive venture capital funding so that these companies will again be able to compete for grants and receive other small business assistance.

By making this important change to the SBA regulations, the House will be moving forward on another piece of our Innovation Agenda and helping to keep America a leader in the global marketplace. I thank my colleague Mr. Altmire for introducing this bill; Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Chabot for moving it through their committee; and Majority Leader Hoyer and Speaker Pelosi for bringing this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3567.

Madam Speaker, on Monday August 24, I was unavoidably detained due to official business in New York and was not present for a number of rollcall votes.

Had I been present I would have voted:

``Yea'' on rollcall 891, H. Con. Res. 193, recognizing all hunters across the United States for their continued commitment to safety.

``Yea'' on rollcall 892, H. Res. 668, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the September 25, 1957, desegregation of Little Rock Central High School by the Little Rock Nine.

``Yea'' on rollcall 893, H.R. 1199, to extend the grant program for drug-endangered children.

``Yea'' on rollcall 894, H. Res. 340, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives of the importance of providing a voice for the many victims (and families of victims) involved in missing persons cases and unidentified human remains cases.