Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the U.N. Security Council to reject Iran's attempt to continue down the path of nuclear proliferation.

Iran would have us believe that the nuclear deal it reached with Brazil and Turkey was of the same caliber as the offer Tehran rejected in October. The truth is, it's not even close. This agreement would allow Iran to pursue richer-grade uranium, keep more of its nuclear materials, and maintain access to the dangerous supplies it would send to Turkey.

The Security Council must recognize the severity of this threat posed by a nuclear Iran. It must choose a deal based on substance over convenience. But most of all, it must remember the safety and security of the State of Israel and the Israeli people.

In the face of Iran's latest diplomatic diversion, it is more important than ever that we levy real sanctions against a nation bent on destroying a friend. The future of Israel--our most important ally-- depends on it.

Madam Speaker, in Ernie Harwell's famous definition of baseball, he wrote that it was ``just a game, as simple as a ball and bat; yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes.'' There was nothing complex, however, about what one of baseball's most iconic broadcasters meant to us all. Ernie lent his voice to one of America's deepest loves for more than 50 years, most of them calling games for his beloved Detroit Tigers. He passed away a few short weeks ago at the age of 92.

Ernie brought Tiger Stadium into Michigan living rooms from Hamtramck to Bloomfield, and made the old ballpark at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull feel like a neighborhood sandlot. He'd call out the hometowns of fans who caught foul balls as if he knew all 35,000 of them by name. The beauty of his commentary was in its understated grace--simple, earnest, and full of insight. Ernie was the rare broadcaster who made you feel like you were in the stadium. He'd tell you the score at least once a minute, but never fell victim to the need to hear himself speak. A silence filled with the hum of the crowd and the call of a vendor was almost as important to his broadcast style as the vignettes from every era of the game that peppered his play-by-play.

For Ernie's faithful listeners spring was a time of hope and rebirth, as he welcomed four decades of spring training seasons with a familiar Psalm: ``For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.'' It is the kind of hope we can all relate to, especially fans of a certain team in my district who believe that every year might just be ``next year.''

When Ernie retired from broadcasting in a moving on-field ceremony in 2002, he told us ``rather than say good-bye, please allow me to say thank you.'' Today, it's our turn. Thank you, Ernie, for all the memories. You will be missed.

Madam Speaker, in Ernie Harwell's famous definition of baseball, he wrote that it was ``just a game, as simple as a ball and bat; yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes.'' There was nothing complex, however, about what one of baseball's most iconic broadcasters meant to us all. Ernie lent his voice to one of America's deepest loves for more than 50 years, most of them calling games for his beloved Detroit Tigers. He passed away a few short weeks ago at the age of 92.

Ernie brought Tiger Stadium into Michigan living rooms from Hamtramck to Bloomfield, and made the old ballpark at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull feel like a neighborhood sandlot. He'd call out the hometowns of fans who caught foul balls as if he knew all 35,000 of them by name. The beauty of his commentary was in its understated grace--simple, earnest, and full of insight. Ernie was the rare broadcaster who made you feel like you were in the stadium. He'd tell you the score at least once a minute, but never fell victim to the need to hear himself speak. A silence filled with the hum of the crowd and the call of a vendor was almost as important to his broadcast style as the vignettes from every era of the game that peppered his play-by-play.

For Ernie's faithful listeners spring was a time of hope and rebirth, as he welcomed four decades of spring training seasons with a familiar Psalm: ``For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.'' It is the kind of hope we can all relate to, especially fans of a certain team in my district who believe that every year might just be ``next year.''

When Ernie retired from broadcasting in a moving on-field ceremony in 2002, he told us ``rather than say good-bye, please allow me to say thank you.'' Today, it's our turn. Thank you, Ernie, for all the memories. You will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, the public's trust in government is near an all-time low. According to a recent CBS/New York Times survey, only 19 percent of the people said they trust the government to do what is right. This deficit of trust is not inconsequential. Without the public's trust, we cannot effectively govern; but we can rebuild this lost confidence by opening up the government and making its inner workings more transparent.

I recently introduced H.R. 4983, the Transparency in Government Act, a bill that calls for unprecedented government transparency. H.R. 4983 increases disclosures from lobbyists and lawmakers, creates the first centralized earmark database, and improves oversight of Federal contracts.

As Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said: Sunlight is the best of disinfectants. And at a time when the public's trust in government is perilously low, we could use a bit of sunlight.

And go, Black Hawks.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their kind words on this matter.

I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1143, a bipartisan resolution commending the Community of Democracies on its 10-year anniversary.

The Community of Democracies is a truly global, intergovernmental organization of democratic nations. The organization seeks to promote democracy and strengthen democratic institutions around the world. Spearheaded by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the overarching goal was to create a global community of democratic nations. Secretary Albright's vision became a reality in 2000 when 106 nations came together in Warsaw to launch the Community of Democracies.

This July marks the 10-year anniversary, and my resolution honors their achievements over the last decade. The resolution also expresses hope for success at the anniversary conference to be held in Krakow this July. Honoring the Community has always been important, but in light of the recent tragedy in Poland, the significance of this resolution has dramatically increased.

The Community of Democracies has deep ties with Poland and Polish leaders. The organization was founded in Warsaw, Poland, under the leadership of then-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Bronislaw Geremek. It was the Government of Poland that initiated the establishment of a Permanent Secretariat in Warsaw in January 2009 to strengthen the institution. It is fitting, therefore, that Poland will host the anniversary conference.

Poland has endured much sorrow recently, but we know the country and her people will find the resilience to emerge stronger, as they have before, following this unimaginable tragedy.

This resolution honors those democratic institutions exemplified by Poland and by every other democracy throughout the world. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1143, commending the Community of Democracies.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the contributions made by the Croatian American Association for enriching the lives of native Croatians and Croatian-Americans alike for the past 20 years.

The Croatian American Association was established in 1990, when it began advocating for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Democratic Republic of Croatia. Its efforts led to public demonstrations in Washington, DC attended by over 50,000 people in support of Croatian democracy. Furthermore, its members have organized rallies throughout America to raise money for the defense of Croatia and to make humanitarian aid available for Croatians living at home and abroad.

The Croatian American Association has also worked tirelessly with the U.S. government in order to help address the concerns of many Croatian- Americans. It has established an office in Washington, DC to help lobby and educate Members of Congress about Croatian history, and the desire for a sovereign Democratic Republic of Croatia. In addition, it has pushed for the inclusion of Croatia into NATO, the Partnership for Peace, and the European Union.

The Croatian American Association has also worked to establish an Embassy of The Republic of Croatia, and to further provide services to Croatian-Americans by establishing a number of consulates in many major U.S. cities.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Croatian American Association and its members for their 20 years of service as an invaluable partner to Croatians throughout the world, and to wish them many more years of continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Michael A. Robbins, who served the City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department for 22 years before his untimely death on September 13, 2008.

A South Side Chicago native, Robbins enlisted in the Navy shortly after graduating high school and was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious service during the Vietnam War. His dedication to public service continued when he joined the Chicago Police Department in 1986 and then went on to serve the United States military in the Navy Reserve.

On September 10, 1994, Officer Robbins responded to a call of shots fired in a neighborhood with a high level of gang activity. When he arrived he was fired upon repeatedly, resulting in 11 bullet wounds. Although he made a strong recovery, three of the bullets remained lodged in his heart.

As a result of this experience Michael Robbins became an avid activist urging better gun control laws. Most notably, he spoke on the issue at the 1996 National Democratic Convention and later served as a victims' advocate for Fight Crime: Invest in Kids.

On September 13, 2008, Officer Robbins was found dead in his home as a result of the bullets still lodged in his heart. Michael Robbins will forever be remembered for his dedication to making the City of Chicago and the United States a safer place.

I rise today, representing the City of Chicago, to express my deepest gratitude and sympathy to Officer Robbins's family for his dedication and courageous commitment to our communities. Officer Robbins will forever be remembered for his heroic sacrifice by the addition of his name to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC on May 15, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Alejandro Valadez, who honorably served the City of Chicago as a member of the Chicago Police Department for 3 years before his untimely death on June 1, 2009.

At just 27 years of age, Officer Valadez maintained a strong reputation for outstanding performance and professionalism on the job. Within his three short years of serving the Chicago Police Department he was awarded a department commendation and 22 honorable mentions.

A South Side Chicago native, Officer Valadez lived his life with honesty, integrity, and courage never wavering from the task at hand. Alejandro was known to love his job and gladly served the Chicago police force alongside his brother, sister, and expectant girlfriend.

On June 1, 2009, Officer Valadez made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the residents of the Englewood community in Chicago. Shortly after midnight, he and his partner were questioning several residents when a vehicle drove up to them and opened fire. Bullets struck Valadez once in the leg and once in the head. He was later rushed to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital where he died the next morning.

I rise today, representing with the City of Chicago, to express my deepest gratitude and sympathy to Officer Valadez's family for his dedication and courageous commitment to keeping our communities safe. Chicago and the United States will forever remember Alejandro Valadez for his heroic sacrifice by the addition of his name to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC, on May 15, 2010.

Madam Speaker, the Secretary of Defense has asked Congress not to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell until the Pentagon has another year to review the policy.

With all due respect, we've been reviewing the policy since its implementation in 1993. To paraphrase the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, here are some reasons why we can't wait:

Another year of dismissals will add to the 13,500 who have already been fired under the law since 1994. Another year will reduce the ranks of mission-critical troops and linguists, harming our national security. Another year will mean we will continue to allow young patriots to lose their lives for us but not allow them to live the lives they choose.

Our troops agree, our allies agree, and leaders of our Nation agree we must repeal this policy now. Dr. King wrote: ``The time is always right to do what is right.''

Madam Speaker, that is why we can't wait.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because Wall Street reform needs to happen today. Lehman Brothers and AIG collapsed over a year- and-a-half ago, but our regulators still lack the basic power to enforce consumer financial protections and prevent future

taxpayer bailouts of large financial firms.

Wall Street reform will safeguard against the deceptive financial products that destabilized the entire economy and caused the crisis. Wall Street reform will establish an orderly process to shut down large failing financial firms like AIG or Lehman Brothers at no cost to taxpayers. Wall Street reform will protect investors from fraudulent investments like Madoff's $65 billion Ponzi scheme. Wall Street reform will ensure that consumers aren't steered to bad, unaffordable mortgages when they qualify for good ones.

We need Wall Street reform now to ensure we never repeat the events of the financial crisis.

Mr. Speaker, this month marks Jewish American Heritage Month. So now seems a fitting

time to look back on the history of the State of Israel and remember it accurately. In recent weeks there has been much attention paid to the announcement of new construction in East Jerusalem. Lost in the debate were some basic facts about settlements and the historical context that must be remembered.

Today I want to set the record straight and outline six key facts about settlements. No. 1, the construction under debate is not in Arab East Jerusalem, but in a Jewish neighborhood in northern Jerusalem. Not only has this area never been governed under Palestinian authority, but there has never been a question of to whom the land belongs. Under every possible two-state plan, including the plan produced by President Clinton at Camp David in 2000 and the scenario and the letter from President Bush to Prime Minister Sharon in 2004, this area would be part of Israel.

No. 2, Jerusalem is not a settlement. Jerusalem has been a Jewish majority since 1870. And every Israeli Government since 1967 has recognized Jerusalem as the sovereign capital of Israel, not part of the West Bank. To reduce Jerusalem to anything less undermines the very foundation of Israel.

No. 3, settlements are not an obstacle to peace. This is where remembering history is especially important. Twice Israel has given up land and removed settlers in an effort to make peace, and each time peace was rejected. In 1980, after its peace accord with Egypt, Israel removed settlements from the Sinai Peninsula, but peace was rejected. Again in 2005, settlers were forcibly removed from Gaza, but peace was rejected. Settlements can be dealt with in any future negotiations through land swaps and border adjustments. But the issue of settlements should never prevent the two sides from sitting down to negotiate.

No. 4. The 10-month moratorium on new construction in the West Bank issued by Prime Minister Netanyahu is unprecedented. Despite staunch domestic criticism and incredible political risk, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a 10-month moratorium on new construction in the West Bank. The move was praised by the Obama administration. U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell called the move significant, stating that ``for the first time ever an Israeli Government will stop all new construction in West Bank settlements.'' Yet the Palestinian Authority continues to refuse to resume peace negotiations.

In the past, settlement construction did not prevent negotiations. In fact, both Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas negotiated with Israel even while building in settlements continued.

No. 5, only Israelis and Palestinians together can create a lasting peace agreement. The U.S. must continue to play a central role in peace negotiations, but ultimately the conflict must be resolved through direct talks between the two parties. Requiring preconditions for negotiations simply allows the parties to avoid direct dialogue and ultimately a resolution. Any rhetoric that prevents the parties from resuming negotiations must be tempered.

No. 6, this constant focus on settlements distracts us from the greater threat, a nuclear Iran. The most significant threat to Middle East security is Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons would surely spur nuclear proliferation throughout the Middle East, and even result in terrorist groups obtaining nuclear weapons. Our focus now must be on preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power, not on debates about Jerusalem's construction policies.

Yes, settlements must be addressed, and they will be addressed in any peace process negotiations. We know this because over the years numerous proposals to solve the settlement issue have been floated, and Israel has twice shown it's willing to take action, pulling its citizens out of Sinai and Gaza. But settlements cannot be an excuse not to negotiate. Settlements cannot be considered an impediment to peace. And settlements cannot distract us from the looming threat of a nuclear Iran.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 24, a bill which will redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps, and to recognize George Mulvaney and the Veterans of America's Heartland role in bringing this legislation to the floor.

The Marine Corps is one of world's most capable and premier fighting forces. Since 1775 they have fought in every major armed conflict that our country has been a part of.

Previously Congress has declared that there are four branches of the military, however today there are only three departments.

The perception that the Marine Corps is under the Navy rather than being equal is real and evident, and should be corrected.

The Navy and the Marine Corps are a team, and it is important that the American public be fully aware that these branches operate as partners and equals.

H.R. 24 will recognize the Corps and their overall importance to our country and our national security. The long and proud history of the Marine Corps more than justifies the recognition of equal status with our other service branches and making all Americans aware of this is long overdue.

Mr. Speaker, Renae Ogletree dedicated her life to fighting for others. She fought for equality in the GLBT community. She fought for equality for everyone. She fought to bring people together around issues of diversity, development, and health care. She fought for the children in the Chicago Public Schools.

In the final days of her life, the community she served for so long surrounded her with love and comfort. Upon learning of her illness, President Obama wrote to Renae, ``In trying times, each of us draw on the power of hope, determination, perseverance, and faith.''

Renae Ogletree lived her life changing the community she served through a perseverance few may ever know.

Renae, we'll continue your fight.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5013, and I want to commend Mr. Andrews and all of his colleagues who have worked so diligently on this important piece of legislation.

I have offered an amendment, along with Congresswoman Giffords and Congressman Bartlett, which seeks to make the Department of Defense more energy efficient. This goal is absolutely essential to improving defense acquisition.

The Department of Defense accounts for 80 percent of the U.S. Government's energy consumption, including 330,000 barrels of oil each day. Just petroleum products cost the DOD $13 billion per year. Passing my amendment will save money and will conserve energy by including energy efficiency as a metric in performance assessment of defense acquisitions. It will also make weapon systems more energy efficient, which is a critical reform that can save lives.

In Afghanistan, consider that the Marines alone consume 800,000 gallons of fuel each day. These 800,000 gallons of fuel must cross from Pakistan into Afghanistan through a lawless border region. During this 400-mile trip from Karachi, convoys are extremely vulnerable to IEDs, but energy-efficient weapons systems reduces fuel use, which reduces the number of convoys, which reduces the number of troops in harm's way.

I urge you to support my amendment and to support energy efficiency in the defense acquisition process, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment directs the Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, or CAPE, in its next report to Congress to do two things:

First, the amendment asks the CAPE to assess whether and to what extent program cost estimators for major defense acquisition programs are, indeed, independent.

Second, the amendment asks the CAPE to determine whether a lack of independence affects their ability to generate reliable cost estimates.

For 30 years now, DOD officials, analysts, and industry experts have argued that a primary cause of the cost growth in DOD acquisitions is unrealistically low cost estimates. Many of these unrealistic cost estimates are generated by individuals, such as program representatives, who have a stake in the approval of their systems. The newly created CAPE is designed to generate reliable cost estimates, but cost estimates are still generated by contractors and program representatives whose independence is paramount to creating reliable estimates. This amendment seeks to address this problem.

I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my friend and colleague, the gentlelady from Arizona (Ms. Giffords).

I yield the gentlelady 1 additional minute.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the AIDS Foundation of Chicago for 25 years of service to the people of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois.

The foundation has served as the center of AIDS and HIV services in the Chicago metropolitan area and has been a leading advocate of sound policies and legislation in Illinois and Washington. The foundation has raised and disseminated millions of dollars in grants for prevention, care, and advocacy in underserved communities.

Praised as a national model of coordinated case management and supportive housing services, many look to the foundation as a way to do business. The AIDS Foundation is the kind of community-based, people- oriented organization that makes America great. Thanks to CEO Mark Ishaug and to all the staff, volunteers, and board for being a beacon of hope in the fight against AIDS and HIV.