Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, global warming is no longer an academic question for scientists to ponder. It's a very real crisis that requires our leadership. This is not a political issue. This is a critical generational responsibility that will take a commitment from Congress and from every person in our society. We have a real opportunity this year to prove our commitment by voting for H.R. 2454, the American Energy and Security Act.

The renewable technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions exist. The societal will and desire to go clean have been demonstrated, and the political climate to finally create sound public policy is now present. The cost of inaction on this critical challenge is unacceptable and the price too high. A recent study concluded that unchecked effects of climate change could result in a cost of $271 billion per year by 2025. Failure to act is intolerable when considering the economic and job creation opportunities a clean energy economy presents. The American Energy and Security Act provides a path that leads us to a clean, sustainable energy future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join one of my constituents, Bill Cox of Haverhill, Massachusetts, in honoring Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts by including a copy of Bill's heartfelt remarks, given at a recent event in Haverhill, in the Congressional Record. His comments fondly and appropriately pay tribute to Senator Kennedy for his lifetime of unparalleled service to Haverhill, Massachusetts, and our country.

If you tell Ted Kennedy that you are from Haverhill, the

first thing he will tell you is how proud he is to have

Barbara Souliotis looking out for his Massachusetts office.

Barbara has worked for the Senator since he was first elected

47 years ago and currently serves as his State Director.

Barbara has been called the role model for running a

senator's district office.

I can now tell you that one of the most difficult

assignments anyone can undertake is to attempt to summarize

the career and accomplishments of Senator Ted Kennedy.

It has been said that no one works harder than Ted Kennedy

and that his legislative instincts are unsurpassed. Both

statements are indisputable.

His record of achievements on educational opportunities,

justice and equal rights for all people, protecting the

environment and achieving quality health care for all

Americans is unsurpassed. Even as he contends with his own

recent health issues, his drive and determination are

stronger than ever.

Having been our United States Senator for 47 years, Ted

Kennedy has . . . fought for issues that benefit the people

of Massachusetts and the nation, such as increasing the

minimum wage and funding his `No Child Left Behind'

initiative. He continues to work to better the lives of

working families and to secure our nation from our true

threats.

He has a reverence for those who serve in our Armed Forces

. . . and has quietly intervened for and consoled those

families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Senator Kennedy has moved an agenda that includes

everything from hunger to high tech.

Senator Kennedy has a deep and abiding devotion to his home

state. He led the charge to see that we have sufficient

funding for a parking garage here in Haverhill. Although the

Senator is a citizen of the world, he knows that he is home

when he is in Haverhill. We recall fondly his recent visit to

the City [with] Congresswoman Tsongas. He stopped at Mark's

Deli to visit with his old friends, the Dimakis family, then

on to A-1 Deli where a crowd awaited him and he met new

friends and old.

On behalf of the City Committee, we send our best wishes to

Ted and Vicki, and take this opportunity to reflect and pay

thanks to the unparalleled service of Senator Kennedy for his

lifetime of service to our City, State and Country.

Madam Speaker, as the House is soon to consider comprehensive climate change legislation, I would like to illustrate how individual states stand ready to lead the effort to combat global warming and are willing to take extremely ambitious and necessary stands. On March 12th, my home state of Massachusetts passed a resolution committing to re-power America with 100 percent clean electricity in the next ten years. The resolution was successful in large part because of the tireless efforts of Massachusetts Power Shift, a grassroots organization of climate advocates. Global warming is no longer an academic question for scientists to ponder. It's a very real crisis that requires American leadership. This is not a political issue; this is a critical generational responsibility that will take a commitment from every American. The renewable technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards energy independence exist; the societal will and desire to go green have been demonstrated; and the political climate to finally create sound public policy to do so is now present. Re-powering America with clean energy will create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions--the clearest solution to preserving our natural treasures for future generations. I am proud to represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and congratulate its legislature for such a resolution.

Mr. Speaker, following September 11, our Armed Forces made tremendous strides in Afghanistan, but our resources were diverted to fight the war in Iraq. The circumstances now present in Afghanistan and the region are markedly different than those that characterized

our original entry in 2001. As a result, the President's request for supplemental funding is not a reallocation of resources. It is support for a new and different war and must be assessed as such.

I have repeatedly asked in various venues how the President's new strategy would bring regional stability, the length of time, and troop levels that such a commitment requires and what our exit strategy would be. The best answer I have received thus far was from Admiral Mullen. He said, ``I think it's going to be a while. At what level of combat, what level of troops, that's difficult to predict right now.''

A ``yes'' vote on the supplemental is fundamentally an acceptance of an open-ended military commitment to Afghanistan. That is not something I can support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the town of Tyngsborough, Massachusetts. Known as the ``gateway to the White Mountains,'' Tyngsborough is a unique and diverse community, defined by innovative businesses, rich history, and hardworking families. I am proud to honor the people of Tyngsborough for their spirit of innovation and success as they celebrate this milestone.

With its distinct location along the Route 3 corridor between Boston and New Hampshire's mountains, Tyngsborough continues to draw new residents and businesses as it grows in both size and prosperity. Leading companies in the fields of software, energy, materials, and technology have chosen Tyngsborough for their headquarters.

Tyngsborough's location also makes it a popular leisure destination thanks to the 1,000-acre Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest, which features miles of trails for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross- country skiing, and snowmobiling as well as ponds and streams for fishing and water sports. This land has long held special significance to the Native Americans who first settled along the banks of the Merrimack River above the Pawtucket Falls. The preservation of the natural beauty afforded by the river and woods is an important goal of the community and one that I particularly applaud.

I am proud to honor Tyngsborough's bicentennial, and I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the people of Tyngsborough another 200 years of innovation and success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 275th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

From its inception, Tewksbury has contributed to the rich history of Massachusetts and the country. Tewksbury began as a small collection of farms that now exist alongside the technological powerhouses of the new millennium. Businesses that call Tewksbury home conduct cutting edge research in the areas of energy, defense, digital entertainment, and medicine. From the American Revolution through the industrial revolution and now the information technology revolution, Tewksbury has emerged as a successful, innovative, and vibrant community.

I am proud to honor Tewksbury's 275th anniversary, and I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the people of Tewksbury another 275 years of innovation and success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Juan and Luis Yepez, small business owners in Lawrence, MA, for receiving the Small Business Administration's 2009 Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery. The SBA gives the Phoenix Award to individuals who display selflessness, ingenuity and tenacity in the aftermath of a disaster, while contributing to the rebuilding of their communities.

The entrepreneurial Yepez brothers are owners of Mainstream Global, a small computer product distribution company. The Yepez brothers chose to locate their business in the old industrial City of Lawrence and to become part of the surrounding community. Unfortunately, in May 2006 the company's facilities along the banks of the Merrimack River flooded, destroying hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment and forcing a three-month shutdown of the business.

Despite this setback, Juan and Luis kept their twelve employees on payroll throughout the recovery process, and now, in the midst of a deep recession, they have expanded Mainstream Global to a staff of thirty-two. The Yepez brothers continue to be committed partners in the rebirth of Lawrence by investing in the renovation of other old, abandoned mill buildings in the downtown, converting these buildings into office space, educational facilities, and affordable housing.

I congratulate the Yepez brothers for their outstanding contribution to the City of Lawrence and its residents, and their dedication to the revitalization of our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dan Sallet of Ayer, Massachusetts upon his retirement from the Ayer School Committee.

Respected throughout the community for his commitment to public service, Mr. Sallet is leaving the School Committee after 14 years of dedicated service, including serving as Chairman for six years. Sallet was instrumental in leading the schools out of significant financial difficulties in 2006-2007 and was a prime mover in establishing the Ayer Tri-Board, a joint committee of Selectmen, School and Finance Committees, which works cooperatively to develop budgets and resolve financial issues for the town. Mr. Sallet's words are respected as the voice of reason at Ayer Town Meetings.

Mr. Sallet has also represented the community as a member of Devens Education Advisory Committee (DEAC) and on the finance subcommittee for the Devens Disposition Executive Board. Mr. Sallet has also been active in Ayer youth baseball, soccer and basketball programs.

Mr. Sallet and his wife Julie have lived in Ayer since 1994 with their three children, Connor, Patrick and Molly.

I thank Mr. Sallet for his commitment to our community and congratulate him on his many years of service to the Town of Ayer and its children.

Madam Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia.

I am pleased to rise in support of this Democratic budget resolution which makes a much-needed investment in early education. We have heard much about the costs of action but not enough about the costs of inaction.

As we look ahead to an increasingly competitive global economy, it has never been more important to ensure that our citizens are well prepared. Simply put, we will not again experience sustained economic growth if we do not invest in educating our future workforce now.

A number of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have proposed a freeze on all non-defense spending for the next 5 years. I understand their concerns about fiscal responsibility. And I know their proposals are well-intentioned. However, I can think of nothing worse for the health of our economy in the short term and in the long term than restricting access to education.

As we all know, State and local governments around the country have been forced to lay off teachers, cut programs, and reduce the number of children able to participate in early education and after-school programs. Education provides access to a better life, and early childhood education sets a foundation upon which later academic success is built.

If we take the shortsighted approach offered by our Republican colleagues, any small amount of savings we gain today will quickly be overwhelmed by the very real losses to our productivity tomorrow. Recognizing this basic fact, businesses, both large and small, have made supporting education one of their top priorities for their communities and for Congress. And this is certainly true in my State of Massachusetts.

I represent old industrial cities where public education dollars pay a critical role in helping all of our children gain the skills that they need to succeed in our knowledge-based economy and in helping newcomers integrate into our American society.

During the last administration, we failed to properly fund education, particularly for the youngest and most vulnerable. But through the economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have already begun to reorient our priorities by including funding for Head Start, Early Head Start, and other early education programs.

This Democratic budget builds upon those investments and helps to strengthen and expand these programs, including proven home-visitation programs. These funds are critical because an active Federal partner can play a strategic role in concert with local and State partners to keep the education pipeline firm.

I thank the gentleman from Virginia, and I call on my colleagues to support this budget.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 273 and to honor the people of Greece on the 188th anniversary of their independence. This occasion is truly a celebration of the shared traditions and values of American and Greek democracy.

Over a million Americans, including the family of my husband Paul, claim Greek heritage. This vibrant community contributes to the fabric of our nation and further reinforces the bond between the United States and Greece.

I had the opportunity to visit Greece just last year as part of a Congressional Delegation to the region and saw firsthand the progress Greece has made in bringing prosperity to its people.

Greece has also stepped forward on the international stage to assist others in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Through their active engagement in international peacekeeping efforts, the Greek people have shown their leadership on the world stage as well as their commitment to the democratic ideals we share.

Our common values have built an unbreakable bond between our two nations. This bond stretches back to the founding of our country and the establishment of the modern Greek state.

It is only fitting that the House of Representatives celebrate the 188th anniversary of Greek independence; express support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed; and honor the contributions of Greece to the global community throughout its 188 years as an independent nation.

As an original cosponsor of this important resolution, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 273 to honor the 188th anniversary of Greek independence and to recognize the essential role that Greek culture has played in the development of democracy around the world.

I care deeply about the health of our Nation's cities. Cities, large and small, are our Nation's economic engines, and their well-being is critical to the prosperity and well-being of all Americans.

Our cities generate wealth and economic development for entire regions; provide the foundation for an educated workforce; offer solutions to climate change and sustainable development; act as gateways for goods and knowledge; and serve on the front lines of homeland security.

They are centers of our Nation's cultural activities and sports, and a repository of architectural and historic riches. They represent the diversity and strength of our country.

When cities suffer, our Nation as a whole suffers. During the last 8 years, our cities have suffered because we have failed to properly invest in them when economic times were good.

Between 2001 and 2009, programs critical to ensuring the health and vitality of our cities, from social services to infrastructure, to economic development, have been cut or flat-funded, even as the Bush administration set records for deficits in debt.

Instead of making continuous modest investments in the health of our cities when the economy was good, President Bush chose to shortchange them, bequeathing our country a significant shortfall in infrastructure, housing, services, and veterans' care.

The debt exploded under the Bush administration, and we have little to show for it. As a result, in President Bush's 2009 budget request, interest payments alone were almost four times more than education funding, five times more than veterans' health care costs, and almost six times more than funding for homeland security for fiscal year 2009.

I represent older industrial cities in the Merrimack Valley where for years the government failed to act, and the consequences were severe. It took decades to recover, and it was only after the Federal Government reengaged to the National Park System that we began to turn the corner.

As we enter a severe economic crisis, we now face dual challenges left over from the last administration. We need to stimulate our economy by reinvesting in the health of our cities and towns, and we need to take smart, tough action to address our national debt.

I thank the chairman, and I yield back my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Rice of Andover, MA for his election into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Regarded as one of the most dominant hitters to have played the game, Rice was a 1978 American League Most Valuable Player and an eight-time All Star. With a .298 career batting average, Rice hit 382 homeruns and 1,451 RBIs during his 16 years in Major League Baseball. Having spent his entire career in Boston, Rice becomes the fourth Hall of Fame player to have spent his entire career with the Red Sox.

Rice has also been an active member of his community, contributing his time and effort to several charitable organizations in Massachusetts. In 1979 he was named an honorary chairman of the Jimmy Fund, which supports cancer research and care at the Dana-Farber Institute in Boston. He was also recognized by the Jimmy Fund in 1992 with the Jimmy Award, which honors individuals who have shown ``exceptional devotion'' to cancer research. Some of his other charitable activities include working with the Neurofibromatosis Foundation of New England and raising money for toy drives for local homeless children.

Since retiring in 1989, Rice has continued his commitment to the Red Sox, working as a hitting coach and instructor. Rice also serves as a popular studio analyst on the Red Sox pre- and post-game shows for

Madam Speaker, today, I rise in support of legislation we will be considering today to expand the Children's Health Insurance Program.

This bill provides coverage to children whose families cannot afford private insurance, and would expand access to health insurance for millions of children nationally--over 200,000 living in Massachusetts.

I first voted to override the President Bush's veto of similar legislation on the day I was sworn into office. It was my first vote and one of which I am enormously proud. Tens of thousands of people from my District, and millions more across the country, both Republicans and Democrats, have made their support for this program resoundingly clear.

This program is also important to my State of Massachusetts, where the program was first developed, because it is a critical component of the groundbreaking universal Massachusetts Health Care Plan.

Today, I stand with a strong bipartisan majority ready to give our Nation's children a chance at a healthy childhood and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for two important bills that we will consider later today. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act both advance the fight to ensure equal pay for women in the workforce

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women make 78 cents for every dollar earned for similar work by their male counterparts. This form of discrimination is unacceptable, and it not just a women's issue, it is a family issue. The Institute of Women's Policy Research found that this wage disparity will cost an individual woman anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over a lifetime in

lost wages. We can easily imagine the impact on a woman's life, as well as her children's.

I am proud to support these important measures which make the American promise of opportunity more accessible to women and to their families.

Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to be speaking on behalf of H.R. 5853, the Minute Man National Historical Park Act, which extends the boundary of the Minute Man National Park located in Concord, Massachusetts, to include historic Barrett's Farm.

This bill is a simple, noncontroversial boundary adjustment of 67 acres to the current national park and enjoys the support of the National Park Service and Save Our Heritage, the nonprofit organization which currently owns Barrett's Farm.

It may seem like small change, but the preservation of such a significant site is monumentally important to the history of this country.

Barrett's Farm is the former home of Colonel James Barrett, the commander of the Middlesex militia during the Revolutionary War. It was also used to store the militia's munitions in the weeks preceding the Battle of Concord and Lexington.

On April 19, 1775, General Thomas Gage, the commander of all British forces in North America, ordered 700 of his troops to march to Barrett's Farm and destroy these supplies. Our colonial militia learned of the British plot in advance, and Paul Revere made his famous ride, calling his fellow countrymen to arms.

By the time the British reached Barrett's Farm, the colonial militia's guns were safely hidden, and Colonel Barrett had strategically positioned the militia to strike the British Army. Barrett's militia confronted British soldiers at the North Bridge in Concord, where the infamous ``shot heard 'round the world'' was fired, launching our war for independence.

Through the hard work and ongoing efforts of the nonprofit group, Save Our Heritage, Barrett's Farm has been kept in excellent condition. Private donations throughout the years have been used for its upkeep and restoration. Our country is indebted to these committed people for preserving this national historical treasure.

But it is time for this important location to be part of the larger Minute Man National Park so that the considerable resources and expertise of the National Park Service can be put towards the restoration and permanent preservation of this remarkable piece of Massachusetts' rich revolutionary history.

It will also enable park visitors to have a more complete understanding of how and where our American Revolution began.

I urge the House to pass this bill to protect Colonel James Barrett's Farm so that current and future generations can learn about the role this site played in the birth of our Nation.

I want to thank Chairman Rahall and Chairman Grijalva for their leadership on this bill, and I would also like to thank all the cosponsors of this bill for their support.

I urge my colleagues today to vote for this important piece of legislation.