Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman, our distinguished chair. It's been a pleasure working with you. And I just want to say to the current chair of our committee, we've always worked in a bipartisan way, and that's why I reluctantly rise in opposition to the State and Foreign Operations budget in the CR. But I look forward to continuing to work together.

These are irresponsible cuts. These cuts would threaten global security and stability. Despite broad agreement that a three-legged stool of defense, diplomacy, and development is vital to our national security, this bill dramatically weakens diplomacy and development.

On a positive note, I'm pleased with the inclusion of $3 billion pursuant to the MOU between the United States and Israel and continued commitments to Egypt and Jordan.

However, especially given the ongoing development in Egypt, through the region, and around the world, the drastic cuts in democratic governance, alternate development options, international financial institutions, conflict mitigation, reconciliation, disaster assistance, and global health, would significantly impede our ability to achieve our security objectives.

I'm really disappointed with the Republican leadership's partisan approach because, as I mentioned, during my 4 years as chair of the subcommittee, I worked closely with my ranking member, and we did not include divisive social issues in our bills. Yet this CR would reinstate the global gag rule and prohibit funds for the United Nations Population Fund, denying millions of women family planning and basic health services.

Finally, while all these measures are brought to the floor under the guise of fiscal responsibility, in my judgment, they endanger our long- term economic security and fail to create jobs. So I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Offered By: Mrs. Lowey

Amendment No. 335: Page 287, line 12, insert ``(increased

by $317,491,000)'' after ``$5,313,171,000''.

Page 287, lines 17 and 18, strike ``no funds shall be for

the program under title X of the Public Health Service Act''

and insert ``$317,491,000 shall be for the program under

title X of the Public Health Service Act''.

Offered By: Mrs. Lowey

Amendment No. 334: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Tomorrow, the House will vote on the Patients' Rights Repeal Act. While none of us thought that the landmark reform bill passed last year was perfect, repeal would only recreate many problems that last year's bill solved. Instead of identifying specific improvements, Republicans have proposed to repeal every single consumer protection, protections that benefit all of our constituents. We cannot allow this irresponsible bill to become law.

During the debate over health insurance reform in 2009, I received countless letters from individuals throughout my district who testified to the dire need to address high costs and inadequacy in service. For example, a constituent from White Plains told me about her 27-year-old son who was battling cancer and cannot afford some of the treatments. She wrote, ``From discrimination by insurance companies against the millions of us with `preexisting conditions' to lack of affordable care, we've had enough.''

By ending denials of coverage based on preexisting conditions, 9,200 residents of my congressional district with preexisting conditions will now have access to health insurance. That is just one benefit of reform that's at stake.

If the repeal law were to become law, insurers could impose devastating annual and lifetime benefit caps. Young adults would lose coverage on their parents' plans. Pregnant women and breast cancer and prostate cancer survivors could be denied coverage when they most need it. Seniors would pay higher prescription drug costs. Consumer protections for 445,000 constituents who have private insurance would be rescinded, resulting in higher health care costs and reduced coverage. 22,100 businesses and 91,000 families in my district would not receive tax credits to access better and more affordable coverage. Large insurers would no longer be required to spend at least 85 percent of premiums on health benefits and justify large rate increases.

And reforms the Commonwealth Foundation estimates will lower the rate of premium increases by $2,000 on average by the end of the decade will be undone.

I am very happy to work with anyone who genuinely wants to improve health coverage and make it more affordable. I am deeply concerned that this vote tomorrow is about keeping campaign promises without serious examination of the impact of this repeal, especially on Americans like my 27-year-old constituent in White Plains who has cancer.

To my colleagues, if you want to help your constituents who have insurance and the millions of Americans who don't, I urge you to vote ``no'' on repealing every consumer protection that benefits them.

Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I rise in condemnation of the senseless attack that took place on Saturday, January 8th in Tucson, Arizona targeting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and other innocent men, women, and children.

The families and friends of those victims who died in the attack-- Gabriel Zimmerman, U.S. District Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schenck, Dorwin Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, and nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green--are in all of our thoughts and prayers. It is heartbreaking that so many lost their lives as a result of the actions of one highly disturbed individual.

We also hope and pray for the health of Gabby Giffords and fourteen other innocent individuals who were injured in this premeditated and indiscriminate act of violence. I pray that they will gain the strength to recover physically and emotionally from this horrific event.

Gabby Giffords is a warm, kind, and spirited woman and a dedicated and hardworking representative. It is all the more tragic that this violent act occurred as she was fulfilling her most basic duty as a representative--solving government problems for her constituents and listening to their concerns and opinions about federal issues.

I commend the heroes of January 8th. Without the heroic actions of bystanders who subdued the shooter and those who administered first aid to the victims, as well as the first responders and medical personnel who saved victims' lives, the toll of fatalities and injuries surely would have been far worse.

If anything positive could come of this horrifying event, I hope that self-reflection will result in a return to civility in our political discourse. Elected officials, media personalities, and political activists should make a real effort to turn down the temperature in heated rhetoric, carefully considering the actions it could incite, even if unintended, and the public at large must reject the incendiary language that has become too common.

Those who died in Tucson on Saturday will not be forgotten, and justice will be served for the attacker who caused such heartbreak for so many. We all pray for the families of the victims, the recovery of the survivors, and a more civil and peaceful tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, today the House will consider the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

More than 70,000 Americans from every state descended upon ground zero to help recover and rebuild after 9/11. Some have died from illnesses as a result and more than 17,000 who are ill lack the care they need.

Just as we provide medical care for our troops, we must care for those who heroically responded.

Passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act is a milestone for our nation, as we finally fulfill our obligation to those who sacrificed so much for us. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid to the September 11 responders who died or were sickened as a result of their brave and selfless actions.

Nearly all of us represent a responder, and almost nine years later, have a duty to do what is right--vote for this bill today.

I thank the chair for yielding to me because it's been such an honor for me to serve with David Obey, one of the most effective legislators this body has known. And we are so sad to see your service in Congress coming to an end.

People have described David many ways: direct, gruff, cantankerous, and maybe even some words not suitable for the Congressional Record. But for me, it has been such a great honor to serve with somebody who exemplifies exactly what a Representative should be. He is one of the most principled legislators this body has ever known.

David's critical role in bringing to an end the Vietnam War, a sad chapter in American history, is well known. He understands and takes seriously the congressional role in authorizing war and peace, and he has never taken lightly our solemn obligation to the American people in this regard.

He has served this institution with great honesty. Regardless of your request, idea, opinion, or question, you never have to wonder about where David Obey stands. He is always going to tell it to you straight. And even in holding one of the most powerful positions in Congress, he never lost sight of who exactly sent him here--the people of Wisconsin's Seventh District.

To this day, more than 40 years after he was elected to Congress, he still maintains the fierce, dogged determination on behalf of the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of the people of Wisconsin. The United States Congress is a better institution, the people of Wisconsin are better off today as a result of your service. And even though some may describe you in colorful ways, I will always be proud to call you a colleague and a dear friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 335, a concurrent resolution in remembrance and appreciation of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke.

The passing of Ambassador Holbrooke on Monday, December 13, is a great loss for the American people. One of our Nation's most talented diplomats, Richard Holbrooke possessed a fierce determination and unsurpassed brilliance in advocating for American security, diplomatic and development interests around the world--in Southeast Asia and post- Cold War Europe, at the United Nations, and most recently in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His exceptional accomplishments as a peacemaker, diplomat, writer, scholar, manager, and mentor will define his legacy as one of the true great foreign policy giants of our time.

I was honored and privileged to have known Richard Holbrooke from his time brokering the Dayton Peace Accords, helping to end the ethnic cleansing and genocide in the Balkans. His political acumen, deft maneuvering and relentless, dogged pursuit of peace saved tens of thousands of innocent lives in Bosnia and helped to stabilize one of the most volatile regions in the world.

In his role as Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, it was a privilege to work with him as our Nation navigates an intractable situation for regional and global security.

Throughout his career, he served the United States as a tireless advocate, loyal patriot and tenacious fighter for U.S. interests. Richard Holbrooke was a giant of diplomacy and a trusted voice for me and many other Members of Congress who valued his counsel. Our Nation owes him a debt of gratitude for his many years of service.

My thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathies are with his beloved wife, Kati; his children and grandchildren; and countless friends and colleagues.

We will miss you, Richard. Rest in peace, my friend. However, I know your wise advice will continue to guide us.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution in honor of one of our country's greatest diplomats.

Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed rollcall votes on December 14. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: Rollcall No. 628: ``yea''; Rollcall No. 629: ``yea''; and Rollcall No. 630: ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2965, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. I am proud to cosponsor this common-sense legislation, which would end this discriminatory policy in an organized manner once and for all.

Following President Obama's call for repeal of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' as part of his State of the Union Address, the Armed Forces engaged in a 9-month long, comprehensive review, receiving input from more than 115,000 active-duty and reserve members and more than 44,000 spouses.

A clear and overwhelming majority of our Armed Forces believe allowing gay and lesbian individuals to serve openly would not have a negative impact.

Offered by Iraq War veteran Congressman Patrick Murphy, this bill would ensure individuals wishing to serve in the Armed Forces are permitted to do so regardless of sexual orientation.

It is insulting to our brave men and women on the ground to insinuate that they are not professional enough to follow the orders of their Commander-in-Chief, to defend our Nation during a time of war, or to continue serving heroically, simply because they serve alongside gay and lesbian service members.

This repeal has the support of the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mike Mullen. Both of these men have spent their careers protecting and defending this Nation and could not be more forceful in their insistence that now is the right time to repeal this unfair policy that benefits no one and compromises the quality of our military. I have no doubt that if this repeal would be harmful to our troops or to our national security, they would speak out forcefully.

Admiral Mullen himself said during his recent testimony, ``Our people sacrifice a lot for their country, including their lives. None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well.''

Gays and lesbians who wish to defend our Nation are patriots, pure and simple--no less so than a straight soldier, airman, seaman, or marine--and they deserve to be treated as such.

I stand with Congressman Murphy in calling for repeal of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' and urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, this is a blatant attempt to politically interfere with the programming decision-making of America's public radio stations.

Efforts to deny funding to public broadcasting for political reasons are a violation of America's standards of a free and independent press.

This represents a wholesale breach of local stations' ability to make local, independent decisions to meet the needs of local audiences.

Fundamentally, public broadcasting is rooted in local communities. Stations are locally licensed and governed, locally programmed and locally staffed. It is a system of local stations interconnected to enable local, regional and national program production and distribution, but committed to local service.

For more than 40 years, the federal government has provided financial support for public broadcasting--to provide essential educational, news and cultural programming that meets the local needs of American communities, large and small.

Public broadcasting is the last remaining source of independent, non- commercial, thought-provoking broadcast media in the country. In many communities, public radio is the only source of free local, national and international news and music and cultural programming. Public radio stations are located in nearly every major city and small town, delivering highly trusted, agenda-free news and information to 37 million Americans each week.

Federal funding has played an important role in assuring free and universal access to programs that inform and enrich the life of millions of Americans in every corner of the country.

Vote ``yes'' on the previous question.

More than 70,000 Americans from every State, including more than 1,100 from my district, descended upon Ground Zero to recover and rebuild after 9/11. They ran into burning buildings. They rescued trapped workers. They sorted through destruction. I know. We were there.

Just as we provide medical care for our troops, we must care for the 13,000 who are now sick as a result of their heroic actions in a toxic environment. They disregarded their personal safety for our country. We must pass the bipartisan bill before us today. Nearly all of us represent a responder, no matter where in the United States we're from, and 9 years later we have a responsibility to do what is right.

Vote for the rule and vote for the bipartisan bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which begins on October 1. This month should serve as a time to reflect on the struggles faced by women fighting this deadly disease and to celebrate how far we have come and all we have accomplished in the fight for a cure.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which has provided health services to more than 3.7 million underserved women. It focuses on one of the key factors in surviving breast cancer--early detection. Due to the sobering fact that breast cancer will afflict 1.3 million women this year, it is vital that we ensure access to affordable breast health services. Last year alone, the early detection program screened almost 325,000 women for breast cancer--and detected 4,600 instances of cancer.

In addition to maintaining this progress, we must also maintain our investment in innovative research to develop better screening tools and treatments. Numerous provisions in the health reform law will improve breast cancer screening, including annual mammograms for women age 40 and older.

A number of non-profit organizations are dedicated to saving lives and ensuring quality care for those suffering from this terrible disease. This is the 30th anniversary of Nancy G. Brinker's promise to her sister, Susan Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

I encourage everyone to join me in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I would like to acknowledge this month as a time of hope for those fighting this disease and to honor the 2.5 million survivors living in the U.S. today who serve as a testament to the power of education, early detection, and advances in treatment.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Brother John G. Driscoll who passed away on September 21, 2010. Brother Driscoll served as the sixth president of his undergraduate alma mater, Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, from 1971 to 1995, where he also was a mathematics professor.

A New York City native and long-time member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, Brother Driscoll earned a PhD in theoretical mathematics from Columbia University. He taught at all educational levels, including elementary and secondary schools in Manhattan and the West Indies, and colleges and universities in four states. In his nearly quarter century as Iona College's top administrator, Brother Driscoll left an impressive legacy in many academic and student life areas. He was inducted into Iona's Hall of Fame in 1994 for his significant contributions in enhancing lona's athletic department, including expanding women's athletics, developing athletic scholarships in almost all sports and raising the competitive standing of lona's teams. Because of his active leadership and involvement in a wide range of educational, civic and religious organizations, he also made a lasting mark throughout the broader community of New Rochelle, Westchester County and New York State.

After leaving Iona, Brother Driscoll combined his commitment to lifelong learning and teaching with his passion for Jewish-Catholic studies. In February 1989, Brother Driscoll was appointed director of the Bat Kol Institute

in Jerusalem, Israel. From 1995 until recently, he served as a Scholar in Residence at Hebrew University in Israel, and presented lectures on biblical studies taught through the Jewish traditions to Christian seminary groups and in religious education study centers in the US, India, South Africa, Italy, Zambia, Canada, the Philippines and Australia, among others. His seriousness of purpose in fostering ecumenism was enhanced by his infectious Irish wit and wisdom, earning him well-deserved international respect and admiration. Among the many tributes were honorary doctorate degrees from the National University of Ireland, Galway; Pace University; St. Thomas Aquinas College; and the College of New Rochelle. But perhaps one unusual honor--the endowment of the Brother John G. Driscoll Professorship in Jewish- Catholic studies at Iona College--best captures this remarkable man's lifelong work. Its mission statement reads: ``The Professorship takes Brother Driscoll's hopes as its own: that ancient truths will be revered, that hidden truths will be revealed and that new ways will be found to touch the human heart.''

Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed Rollcall votes on September 22, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner:

Rollcall No. 532: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 533: ``yea.''