Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement into the Record opposing the GOP's indefensible Mother's Day gift--more work and less pay for working moms. Happy Mother's Day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues from Massachusetts to thank the law enforcement officers, medical professionals, first responders and citizen heroes for their incredible bravery and sacrifice during and after the tragic events last week at the Boston Marathon.

Given the time constraints, I'd like to now yield to my colleague from Massachusetts, Bill Keating.

I thank the gentleman and appreciate very much his heartfelt comments.

At this time, I would like to yield to my colleague from Rhode Island, David Cicilline.

Mr. Speaker, on April 15 and in the days after, local, State, and Federal law enforcement personnel from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and nearby States of Rhode Island and New Hampshire joined in a weeklong effort to respond to the marathon bombing and assist in finding and capturing the suspects. These dedicated first responders saved hundreds of lives in the immediate aftermath of the attack and saved countless more from the threat of future attacks.

Through unprecedented communication and confident leadership, public safety agencies at every level coordinated to bring justice down upon those responsible. Their actions proved that no act of terror can blunt the spirit of resiliency, of fortitude, of endurance that is at the heart of the American people.

As relief and pride wash over the Boston area, we must not forget that there is still much healing to be done. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of Martin Richard, a young boy whose big smile we will never forget and whose sign, ``No more hurting people. Peace,'' is a living challenge to all of us; Krystle Campbell, a fine young woman who, since she could, has attended virtually every marathon day, so emblematic of the great event that it is for the city of Boston, but also for the entire Commonwealth and region; Lu Lingzi, a young student from China, so emblematic of the ways in which Boston's great academic institutions draw people from across the world to share in the great treasure that we have there, but also to participate in those great days that are uniquely American, like Patriots' Day; and Officer Sean Collier, somebody beloved by the student body.

I had several MIT students in to see me just a couple of days ago. They said everybody knew him and everybody liked him.

And the more than 200 innocent people--a number from my district--who suffered severe injuries from this senseless attack, we want to remember and encourage all of them as they go forward.

Jeff Bauman, who suffered tragic loss of limbs, but who, as he came out of surgery, was able to help identify the suspects.

The Corcoran family, a mother and daughter who are currently sharing a hospital room together as they begin the long journey of recovery but who are already having tremendous assistance. Lowell High School, where Krystle is a student, sent prom tickets to be sure that she would make her way there. And many amputees, who have successfully gone on to new lives, were in the waiting room waiting to encourage them as they go forward and to show them what is possible.

Richard Donohue, Jr., the MBTA Transit policeman who rushed to assist, doing his duty critically injured.

Also from my district, Brittany Loring, Steven Byrne, James Gauntlett, David Yepez, many members of the White family, the Brassard family, and Roseann Sdoia; remarkable people who shared in a tremendous and troubling moment in our history.

I'd also like to remember some other specific people who have roots to my district.

Commissioner Ed Davis. I have known Commissioner Davis since his early days on the beat in my hometown of Lowell. During a 28-year career at the Lowell Police Department Davis worked as a beat cop, a detective, and a vice and narcotics officer before being named chief in 1994.

During his time in Lowell, Chief Davis helped to turn around our city and set it off into an age of growth. We were proud of him when he left to become the Boston Police Commissioner, and we are even more proud of him now.

Commissioner Davis showed extraordinary intelligence, professionalism, poise and confidence from Monday through the capture of the suspects on Friday. He was a calming influence in a time of great chaos and crisis. He deserves the thanks and gratitude of the people of Boston, of our Commonwealth, and of our country.

I commend Special Agent in Charge Richard DesLauriers, who proved himself extremely capable during the entire crisis as he oversaw the massive operation of identifying and tracking down the suspects and helped bring the swift arm of justice down upon those responsible.

Also, at times of great crisis we look to our leaders for guidance and confidence. Our leaders--city, State and Federal--did not shy away but rather confronted the chaos head-on, challenged the evil, and pushed forward so that we could, together as one community, arrive quickly at healing and justice.

In particular, Mayor Tom Menino. This mayor came from the hospital to be involved in the aftermath and suspect search. Seeing him on television in a wheelchair gave everyone a great feeling of pride, and we couldn't help but notice how deeply he cares for the city he has so ably overseen for many years. He embodies the grit and toughness that Boston is known for. He embodies Boston Strong.

Governor Deval Patrick was a true leader during a time of crisis. He helped oversee the coordination of so many agencies to ensure optimal collaboration and made sure the public was up to date and aware of the situation as it developed, as we all watched moment to moment from our homes or whatever we might be. He stood with gravitas and a determined, strong composure that trickled down throughout the State public safety agencies.

And we will always appreciate President Barack Obama's deep involvement since the start. His words during the service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross were a touching example of our Nation's unwavering resolve. As much as we are Boston Strong, Commonwealth Strong, we are all one and we are all strong.

I have to say that the interfaith service was a remarkable moment, when representatives of the many different faiths came together as we embarked

on a journey of healing and reassurance about the unity, strength and resiliency that Boston is known for.

It was a uniquely American day. The marathon that is much celebrated draws people from across the world, across our country, across Massachusetts; a great Red Sox game--many go from one event to the other; and Patriot's Day, which commemorates the beginning of the American Revolution, the reenactment of Paul Revere's ride, and the Shot Heard Around the World. The commemoration takes place in my district.

All of that is to say that we will work hard to follow up with and be strong supporters of those who still seek to recover, make sure they have all the necessary resources going forward, and that they have the strong support of their community and friends. And we will do all that it takes to move forward from this tragic moment and to make of it something good that brings us all together and helps continue this country on a path of healing.

With that, I'd like to yield to my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern).

I thank the gentleman and appreciate his comments and the fact that we are all coming together to talk about this event we are still working very hard to comprehend.

With that, I would like to yield to my colleague, our newest Member from Massachusetts, Congressman Kennedy.

I thank my colleague for his very insightful comments. It is so true: it's a spirit of community that was so evident. It's embedded in the race itself, the marathon itself. It's something that was so evident as everybody responded, as the bombs went off to tragic effect. It's been followed up with all the tremendous outpouring of contributions both to individual funds as well as the One Fund; and in the smallest of ways, as I mentioned, Lowell High School sent prom tickets to Sydney Corcoran, wanting to make sure that she would be able to attend, and also that spirit of help from across the country, to have a young man who lost his leg in a shark attack in Hawaii at his own expense come to Boston to visit with some of those who had sadly lost their legs, to say, yes, you're going to be, not fine, forever changed, but your life will be very productive and positive. We have seen this over and over again, and I thank you for your comments.

With that, I would like to yield to my colleague from New Hampshire, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.

I thank the gentlewoman and appreciate very much her comments as well as the shared commitment of Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to responding to the horrific attacks.

As we face the days ahead, Patriots Day will continue to be a day when we commemorate a people who refused to be terrorized and courageously defend the ideals on which our Nation was founded.

In the words of our great poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, ``Our flag will most defiantly remain unfurled in April's breeze.''

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the House Budget Committee, I understand well the challenges of budgeting for our Nation's future. Unfortunately, the budget introduced by House Republicans this week fails at its most fundamental tasks: protecting the middle class and laying the groundwork for strong economic growth.

As it has for the last 2 years, the Ryan budget once again makes deep cuts to Medicare, as it also repeals a host of Federal measures making health insurance affordable for middle class families. It replaces the security of Medicare with a voucher that will lose its value over time--driving many middle class seniors into poverty--and makes deep cuts to education, transportation and infrastructure, and public health and safety, gutting society's basic functions without which businesses can't find educated workers, move their products to market, or operate safely.

Voters roundly rejected this approach only a few months ago. I call on my colleagues to reject this budget and join me in supporting a balanced approach to deficit reduction.

``Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill.''

Madam Speaker, every corner of America has been deeply affected by the tragic loss of so many lives in Newtown, Connecticut. We mourn for the enormity of grief and for the inconsolable loss visited upon Newtown's families, and we know that our response to Newtown must not and cannot go the way of the many other senseless acts of violence we almost routinely witness. The tragedy in Newtown must be a call to action.

Members from both sides of the aisle have acknowledged that it is time for a conversation about the accessibility of high-capacity weapons in our country and of the culture of violence we live in. This conversation is long overdue, and it is simply not an option to allow this discussion to become stagnant or to be bullied into silence by seemingly untouchable organizations.

America's laws must reasonably control gun manufacturing, sale, and usage. We must act to make real changes that will provide real protection for America's families. In the days to come, let us work together to do just that.

Thank you, Mr. Markey.

It's great to be here, although a sad moment as well because we are losing--not truly losing, but no longer serving on a daily basis with-- two remarkable colleagues with whom it has been my privilege to serve for 5 years. They are distinguished legislators, as we're hearing, but they're also great friends.

Barney Frank has been a family friend for many years. In fact, my sister-in-law, Thaleia Tsongas Schlesinger, was Barney's press secretary in his first race for Congress.

And I was so proud to receive his support when I first got the seat 5 years ago. He commented at the time that he was responsible for defeating the last woman who had served from Massachusetts, and he wanted to help elect the next woman who was seeking to serve for Massachusetts. It had been 25 years.

And Barney, as we've heard, really has been a legend in everything he's done. I watched him from afar. I was quite young when he was working with Kevin White. We knew who he was because, even at that young age, he was very colorful and very able and recognized as being so extraordinarily bright and always witty, as a State legislator as well. In here we see it and have heard about it over and over again.

Soon after getting here 5 years ago, maybe a year into it, you know, we struggled with the collapse of Wall Street. And I remember thinking that we were so fortunate to have Barney Frank in a place where his expertise, his commitment to learning, brought such great value to what we sought to do in order to stop the free fall, while protecting American citizens and the American economy. And it really was a moment where one was reminded that as much as we talk about term limits and the need to be reinvigorated and bring new people in, there is tremendous value in people who have been here a while, who have mastered the material and who know quickly how to respond in an emergency, which that moment most certainly was. And it's something I take with me, that we need to have a balance. But we were fortunate to have Barney Frank in the position as chairman of Financial Services, as he was at that moment.

And we've heard and will never forget the tremendous work he has done on civil rights and gender equality. I often think that, as we come to Washington and we seek to make a difference, we're really like a little feather in a stream. We can make a little difference here and there, but Barney Frank has improved the lives of millions of Americans across this country with his work on gender equality.

And, again, I will never forget, as the Employment Nondiscrimination Act passed this House for the first time, did not go anywhere in the Senate, but, again, a remarkable testament to Barney's commitment and extraordinary personal courage as he has fought for these issues for so many years.

And I have to congratulate him on falling in love with and marrying a gentleman from my district, Jim Ready. It's been a wonderful thing. But I think the best thing of all was that he came from Tewksbury, Massachusetts, now John's district.

John Olver, I think of John as a gentleman of the House. He's so thoughtful, so knowledgeable, so quiet, but so committed. And I've been happy to inherit a certain part of his district; although, I know that his constituents there will miss him forever. And I think, as an example of how generous a man he is, how hard he worked as we made our way into these new communities, how hard he worked for me and Congressman McGovern to make sure that we were introduced in a way that positioned us well to move on and become representatives of those communities.

So I'm happy to inherit them, but again, I know I have such big shoes to fill, and I see it in particular in all his work. He has been the cardinal on the transportation side of the Appropriations Committee, the tremendous work he's done to bring resources to some communities that really will benefit from them.

But it is not just about the resources. The Fitchburg rail lane is not just about a rail line. It is about the future of a community connecting the central part of Massachusetts into the Boston area, improving the lives, the economic opportunities of the people who live and work there. So again, a remarkable legislator who I know I will miss.

I went to an event that was hosted by his many, many staff members. He was beloved by his staff. And also attending were a number of people who, over the years, had made their way into John's office to talk about some particular funding that they were seeking. And across the board, everyone said how well prepared they had to be because, invariably, he knew more than they knew and would have a question for them that they could not answer.

I have to say I had the very same experience with him as I made my way into his office.

So, remarkable legislators, people who have done so much good for our country, so much good for our Commonwealth, and who do so much. For those who wonder about the quality of those of us who serve here, I think we can only be proud. They have only elevated the stature of this most remarkable institution and that which we all seek, which is to be a Member of Congress, and do so in a way that is intelligent, with great integrity. None of us will have the wit, though, of Barney Frank.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this motion to instruct.

As we have heard, this motion supports bipartisan Senate language that would help promote the security of Afghan women and girls.

Since becoming a Member of Congress, I have had the honor of visiting Afghanistan four times, several with the Mother's Day trips that Chairman McKeon referenced. I have been fortunate on those trips to visit in particular with some of our military moms who are serving in Afghanistan. These are female soldiers who have children back home, leaving them for months on end. Thousands of soldiers, men and women, go without seeing their family and loved ones for months on end, highlighting the extraordinary commitment that accompanies military service. This service and commitment is something that we take home with us as we learn from them and from their stories. These servicemen and -women have made very personal sacrifices for the people of Afghanistan.

The ever increasing participation of women in our military demonstrates the important contributions women are making to our effort in Afghanistan and around the world. It also stands in stark contrast to the involvement that Afghan women are able to have in their country's public life. One of the most important observations and lessons that I have learned during this trip, as well as the others, was that if this country is to become more stable and secure, women must be included in Afghan society and government.

Several years ago, I visited a school where over 1,000 young Afghan girls cycled through each day of all ages, very young, up to high school. When we asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up, the answers we heard were doctor, lawyer, teacher, even journalist. These are exactly what so many of our own young daughters

hope to achieve. These young women felt optimistic about opportunities that were previously unheard of for women in Afghanistan and represent a future of promise for this country. We should take great pride in the work that we have done to elevate their sight lines. Ensuring that these young girls continue to have access to these opportunities and more broadly ensuring that women are able to participate in Afghan society as a whole is not only good for the future of Afghanistan, it is good for the United States, as well, so that we can help ensure a more peaceful and just future there.

On Monday, we were starkly reminded of the tenuous position of women in Afghanistan when the acting head of women's affairs in an eastern province was assassinated as she traveled to work. It also reminds us of their extraordinary courage as they take advantage of the opportunities and seek to be full participants in their country's lives. As we reduce our military presence in Afghanistan, the United States must be cognizant of how we will make sure that women continue to have a seat at the table and the nascent gains for them are not abdicated.

The bipartisan language in the motion before us would require that the Department of Defense produce a plan to promote the security of Afghan women and girls as it withdraws from the country. It would encourage the recruitment of women as members of the security forces. In fact, several years ago, we met with young women who were being trained to be helicopter pilots and required the Department of Defense to report back on its progress toward meeting these goals.

I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on the motion and am so pleased to see our chairman's support for it.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was proud to join my colleagues in signing a petition to bring the middle class tax cuts to the House floor for an up-or-down vote. While there is much left to negotiate, there is one step that we can take today. It will provide millions of families and 97 percent of all small businesses with the security of knowing that their income taxes will not rise on January 1.

Both parties and the American people agree on the need to pass an extension of the tax cuts for every family on the first $250,000 of income. The Senate has passed such a bill, the President stands ready to sign it today, and I have heard from hundreds of constituents urging support for this now.

I urge my Republican colleagues to join us today in protecting middle class Americans and send the Senate-passed bill to the President.

I thank my colleague, Mr. Capuano, for yielding to me.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6604, which recognizes and honors the legacy of former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill. Tip O'Neill had a long and distinguished career in public service, as we've heard. And this was clearly an O'Neill family value, as so many have carried on with such distinction.

Tip, a friend and a mentor to me and my late husband, Paul, when Paul served with him in the House, is often remembered for coining the phrase ``all politics is local,'' as we in Massachusetts are so often reminded. His imprint has shaped the thriving Boston of today and protected the glories of Cape Cod for tomorrow.

And we treasure his innate ability to bring together, with good humor and unwavering purpose, people from both sides of the aisle, a singular aspect to his legacy which is most embodied in his work with President Reagan to strengthen Social Security, protecting this critically important program for decades.

I thank Speaker Boehner and Leader Pelosi for introducing this legislation that will name a building in the shadow of this great Capitol after a great Speaker, Tip O'Neill.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on the day of September 19, 2012 because I was unavoidably detained back in my District. Had I been present, I would have voted for H.R. 5044, the Andrew P. Carpenter Tax Act. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I recognize the sacrifices made by our nation's servicemembers. It is appropriate and fair that when the student loan debt of a fallen servicemember is forgiven, his or her family members should not be hit with an income tax bill on that debt forgiveness. H.R. 5044 is a small step toward honoring their service and ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation, and I support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition to talk about a critical issue for Massachusetts and our Nation: the wind protection tax credit.

Providing a modest credit of 2.2 cents per kilowatt hour generated, it has encouraged over $75 billion in private investment over the last 5 years. Now 60 percent of the average turbine is manufactured here in the United States. These companies hire a diversity of workers and provide good-paying jobs in a rapidly growing sector of our economy.

Bay Stater Nigel Greene worked for GE Wind as a wind farm parts runner. He says:

I can tell you honestly that nothing gave me more pride in

my country than seeing a turbine go from ``in-repair'' status

back to ``on-line'' and producing clean, renewable power. It

is truly a sight to behold.

Last year alone, clean energy jobs in Massachusetts grew 11 percent. If it is allowed to expire, we will lose an important new manufacturing opportunity and too many good-paying American jobs.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I would like to thank our ranking member, Mr. Markey of Massachusetts, for his forceful advocacy on this issue.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6168, legislation that would support the President's proposed Offshore Drilling Lease Sale Plan for 2012-2017. This plan, which has been developed over the past few years with extensive public input, is a responsible way to increase domestic production of oil and gas while still protecting our delicate and vital ocean environment.

Contrary to Republican claims that the plan would restrict domestic production and hurt jobs, the President's proposed plan would actually open 75 percent of offshore oil and gas resources to development. Where there are resources, the land is being opened--75 percent. In fact, domestic production of oil is at an 18-year high, and gas production is at an all-time high under President Obama.

At the same time that the President's plan includes new leasing, it also protects many of our most important ocean environments from drilling, such as Georges Bank and other vital fishing areas off the coast of my State, Massachusetts. Georges Bank is a valuable public resource that has been central to our region's rich cultural heritage, economy, and identity.

For years, these waters have been at the heart of the New England fishing industry and have historically been one of the country's most productive fishing grounds. Income from Massachusetts fisheries has been valued at approximately $350 million annually, and Georges Bank is a key part of this marine ecosystem. Allowing oil and gas drilling on Georges Bank would threaten to destroy these rich fishing grounds and could have a devastating effect on the Massachusetts economy.

But the benefits of the President's responsible plan go well beyond just protecting Massachusetts. This plan would also protect Bristol Bay in Alaska from drilling. Bristol Bay, as many know, is one of Alaska's most pristine fishing grounds and the source of much of the salmon that we consume here in the United States.

The decision to keep these areas off-limits was based on local recommendations and a lack of infrastructure and oil spill preparedness. If we open this fishing ground to oil drilling, the impact could be felt across our country.

The Republican plan would also require just one environmental review for every new lease offered in the Atlantic, Pacific, or Bristol Bay, without taking into account the uniqueness of each of these locations. While I certainly understand the desire to streamline these reviews, requiring one blanket review for the entire country is not the answer.

The harsh climate of Alaska is infinitely different than that of the Gulf of Mexico or the Gulf of Maine. It is important to know the conditions of each site before drilling is started or we could face another disaster like the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon spill from which the Gulf Coast States are still recovering.

So I call upon my colleagues to support the President's responsible offshore leasing plan and vote in favor of H.R. 6168. Our support of the President's plan is support for the fishermen in Massachusetts and throughout the United States.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, the number of lease sales don't translate into more drilling on these leases necessarily. Oil companies already hold leases in the Gulf of Mexico that are sitting idle that contain nearly 18 billion barrels of oil, according to the Interior Department. Oil companies should begin drilling on those leases before asking to threaten Massachusetts and other coastal States with new drilling.

Now I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran).

Mr. Speaker, today marks the 38th anniversary of the illegal invasion of Cyprus by Turkish armed forces. The lengthy duration of this occupation, which consumes

nearly 37% of Cyprus' territory, is particularly disappointing given the number of multilateral organizations--the UN, NATO and the EU--who have a vested interest in this dispute and who should work in concert to bring about a peaceful resolution. While some progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Greek Cypriots have been evicted from their property, and cultural and religious desecration has been widespread. The Turkish government cannot maintain this occupation and hope to ever achieve membership in the EU.

Respect for international law and calls for self-representation must be answered with regard to Cyprus. Turkey must live up to its international responsibilities and return all of Cyprus to the Cypriots. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have supported a variety of initiatives in support of this outcome including sending letters to President Obama and Secretary Clinton applauding the administration's commitment to exercise U.S. leadership in the negotiation for a just solution on Cyprus. We agree that a solution to the Cyprus problem should result in a single, sovereign country within a bi-zonal, bi- communal federation. 38 years of discord is long enough; Cypriots deserve a government for them and by them.

Since his election in February 2008, President Demetris Christofias has followed through on his promise to make the solution of the Cyprus problem his top priority and principal concern. In September of 2008, he embarked on negotiations with the then-leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, under the auspices of the United Nations with U.S. support. He also continued these negotiations with the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr. Dervis Eroglu.

Unfortunately, despite these negotiations, Turkey has stepped up its efforts to illegally obtain natural resources like oil and natural gas from the Republic of Cyprus' sovereign territory. Furthermore, Turkey's threat of possible annexation of northern Cyprus and Turkey's refusal to be a part of any EU discussion, communication, or policymaking while Cyprus holds the EU presidency does nothing to facilitate progress.

The solution must reunite the island and safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots and the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Cyprus.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on the day of June 1, 2012, because I was unavoidably detained at a family funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted against amendments to the FY 2013 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act that sought to reduce funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. I would have instead supported amendments that support and expand renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, and also increase funding for weatherization assistance and state energy programs.

Finally, I would have voted for an amendment to strike language undermining Clean Water Act protections for streams, wetlands, and other waterways. The underlying bill strikes protections that help safeguard drinking water sources from pollution, protect lives and property from flooding, and ensures the viability of economically beneficial fish and wildlife habitat.

Mr. Speaker, during this Congress, we have seen numerous bills that would reverse decades of progress for women's health. Today we take our ninth such floor vote.

We have seen H.R. 358, which permits hospitals and hospital workers to choose to deny women care that would save their lives, putting ideology above all. We have seen H.R. 3, a bill that would cause insurers to start refusing to cover a legal and safe procedure. We have seen bills that would restrict women's access to preventive care, and efforts to eliminate all funding for the only Federal program dedicated to providing comprehensive family planning services.

At home, our constituents are pleading for us to focus on job creation, but here we are again today about to debate H.R. 3541, yet another ideologically driven bill that intrudes on the relationship between a woman and her doctor. In particular, this bill puts doctors in situations where they would be forced to report confidential conversations with women to law enforcement.

Let's reject H.R. 3541 and start looking at bills that can solve problems for women.