Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Saint Cecilia's School, located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, as it celebrates 100 years of academic excellence. This institution has served the educational needs of countless students in the community, and it is with great pleasure that I recognize its strident efforts on this momentous occasion.

Since its inception, Saint Cecilia's has fostered both the intellectual and spiritual development of local students, providing them with the resources they need for success in the classroom. Through the leadership and dedication of its first rate faculty, this institution boasts a commendable record of academic achievement, thereby enriching the lives of school age children throughout our community.

St. Cecilia's School has a longstanding tradition of promoting a culture of community-oriented citizens that are devoted to the interests of Brooklyn, as well as our Nation. Its comprehensive approach to education has contributed to the ongoing revitalization of our neighborhoods, inspiring a new generation of informed, engaged activists committed to real change and, ultimately, a more prosperous future.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the students, faculty and parents of Saint Cecilia's School as they celebrate 100 years of educational distinction in the Greenpoint community and extending best wishes for further success in the years that lie ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association (RPOCA), a not for profit organization committed to the development of a more vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Since its inception, RPOCA has served countless property owners and residents in the Ridgewood community of Queens, New York. This first rate organization has been instrumental in the ongoing restoration of our historically rich community, proactively supporting beautification projects throughout Ridgewood and advocating against redevelopment that threatens the livelihood of our neighborhoods.

RPOCA has taken a leadership role in supporting the revitalization of our neighborhoods, educating homeowners and spearheading initiatives that protect affordable housing for working families in Ridgewood. This unwavering commitment to civic participation in local preservation efforts is commendable and has strengthened the foundation upon which the community continues to grow.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to congratulate the RPOCA, its Board of Directors, membership, and this year's honorees--Angie Tantillo and Frank Cicero-- upon celebrating 75 years of service to Ridgewood residents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor in honor of the Greenpoint YMCA as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. This first rate organization enriches the lives of Brooklyn residents every day, and it is with great pleasure that I recognize its efforts on this momentous occasion.

The Greenpoint Branch stands as the second oldest YMCA building in Brooklyn and boasts a strong history of upholding its admirable mission--to promote positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body, welcoming all people with a focus on youth. This unwavering commitment to the tenets of community service and outreach sustains an engaged, more active citizenry, facilitating a culture of civic participation that will surely define our neighborhoods for generations to come.

Thanks to the leadership of the YMCA--its Founders, Board Members, Executive Director, staff, and supporters--local residents have access to a variety of educational and recreational activities that enable them to lead more fulfilled lives. From after-school programs to various health and wellness initiatives, the YMCA plays an integral role in the development of a more vibrant place to live. I commend its countless contributions toward the betterment of Brooklyn.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express hearty congratulations to the Greenpoint YMCA in commemoration of its 100th anniversary and express best wishes for a successful future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to congratulate the Lyndon Baines Johnson Public School 151K, located in Brooklyn, New York, on its centennial anniversary. Since its inception, Lyndon Baines Johnson School has maintained a standard of academic excellence, thereby enriching the lives of elementary schoolchildren throughout Bushwick.

Originally known as Public School 151K, Lyndon Baines Johnson School exemplifies Bushwick's historical dedication to establishing a community-oriented school system. Its name honors the significant achievements of President Lyndon Baines Johnson--from fighting poverty and promoting urban renewal to investing in education and social programs. It is ultimately through upholding the legacy of its

namesake that this institution has fostered the personal progress of countless students and, moreover, the growth of a more vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Lyndon Baines Johnson School is a community public school with a dedicated staff that continues to nurture the intellectual development of hundreds of students. Its partnerships with the private and public sectors have strengthened this institution's programs thereby enabling comprehensive support services, encouraging parent participation, and connecting families. Additionally, through the exceptional leadership of Principal Jeanette Sosa and Assistant Principal Stuart Spector, this award-winning school has effectively advanced a culture of civic, socially-minded students devoted to the interests of Bushwick--and our Nation.

This unwavering commitment to advocacy and respect for individuals has been the cornerstone of this remarkable learning institution throughout its 100-year existence. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the students, faculty, and parents of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Public School 151K on this momentous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the life and contributions of a tremendous community advocate, Armando Perez.

For over 30 years, Armando Perez was an outspoken advocate who championed the rights of the Lower East Side's poor and working class. Armando was the co-founder, and Artistic Director of CHARAS/EI Bohio Cultural and Community Center--a building in our community which recently received landmark status as it embodied the spirit of the neighborhood's history of organizing and grassroots activism--largely due to the work and dedication of Mr. Perez.

Armando was a true champion and leader within our community. Not only was he a Democratic district leader for his neighborhood, but he was also a tireless community activist on multiple fronts. Armando can be credited with helping to lead the fight to preserve the character and history of the Lower East Side--and succeeding.

Those that had the honor of working alongside Armando, and knowing him on a personal level, remember him for both his strong sense of honesty and for his humor. Many were inspired by the feelings of trust he instilled in others, the passion he had for the pursuit of justice, and the encouragement he offered to all in fighting for the betterment of our community.

Mr. Perez spent his lifetime helping others, especially the poor and working class. His commitment, contributions and leadership are now engrained in the Lower East Side. In honor of Armando's work and dedication to our community, a local street, E. Ninth, will be renamed for him. This is a small token of appreciation for all that Mr. Perez gave to our community--but one that will be recognized for generations to come, keeping his memory alive and vibrant throughout our neighborhood.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to honor the life and contributions of Armando Perez--a true, champion.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the legislation being offered today will extend the authorization of the Small Business Administration and most of its programs. While these initiatives would have been extended with any the continuing resolution that the House will pass this week, this bill will extend the authorization to February of 2007.

It is unfortunate that after 2 years, and nearly 50 hearings in the committee, that the only legislation to address the issues at the SBA consists of eight lines of text. While this extension may not include any program changes, it in no way should reflect that the agency is without its problems.

In fact, over the past 2 years, many of the issues at the SBA have been exacerbated by a combination of budget cuts, mismanagement and the inability to adequately respond to the needs of small businesses.

In the last few years, SBA loan programs have grown more expensive to borrowers because of an increase in fees that are being paid by small businesses. We have also seen the problems in our Federal contracting system grow worse for small firms. This year alone, $12 billion in Federal contracts that should have gone to small businesses went to large corporations.

The situation in the gulf coast also revealed that the SBA has serious structural and management problems related to its disaster loan program. Over a year after Hurricane Katrina, just over $2 billion of the $10 billion in approved disaster loans for Katrina victims had been disbursed.

At a time when small businesses are faced with an economic environment that is less than certain, I believe that we should be doing more to help these entrepreneurs. The SBA has a role in improving the climate for small businesses, and Congress has a duty to give them the tools to do just that.

While this legislation will ensure that many of the successful programs can continue to operate, it does fail to extend key provisions that serve veterans and low-income populations. We should be extending all of the initiatives, not picking and choosing.

I am disappointed that Congress will not improve the operations at the SBA, and it is my hope that the committee in the next Congress will act quickly to rectify this

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the gentlelady from New York for yielding, and also for the great leadership that she exhibited in working in a bipartisan manner on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5068, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006. The legislation before us today will increase lending opportunities for all of our Nation's exporters and will improve the country's trade performance.

The Nation's rapidly and exponentially rising trade deficit indicates that our businesses are losing their competitive edge in the global economy. One sector of American industry, small businesses, has bucked this trend, demonstrating success exporting to markets across the world. Today, these businesses are the Nation's leading exporters, dominating many sectors, operating with a trade surplus, and are growing two times faster than their corporate counterparts. However, due to limited finances and production capacity, these firms face obstacles trading internationally.

The Export-Import Bank was established to increase the capacity for all United States businesses to competitively engage in international trade by providing access to affordable financing and insurance. Yet the bank has failed to fulfill its congressional mandate established in the previous reauthorization to ensure that small businesses are a priority in lending decisions.

To establish a culture that prioritizes these businesses, the bank's institutional structure on policies must be enhanced to focus on small exporter issues. I believe the new changes adopted in the legislation will significantly expand lending opportunities as it creates a new Small Business Division, an Office for Minority Exporters and a minority financing goal at the bank. These changes will ensure that the bank fulfills its mandate to support a successful component of the Nation's trade strategy.

The country will significantly benefit from challenging the bank to expand financing opportunities for all of our entrepreneurs. By approving this legislation, we have the opportunity to keep small and minority businesses on the path to success. By supporting a diverse and successful set of exporters, we will also ensure that the Nation improves its trade performance.

I urge Members to support the bill to ensure that all of our promising businesses can succeed in the global economy.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the reauthorization of the provisions of this important civil rights law, the Voting Rights Act. The origins of this law are the truest reflection of our Nation's struggle and aspiration to build a better country for all of its citizens. We have made great advances. This does not mean that we have overcome. We still need to make great strides in our road toward building a more perfect union.

The Voting Rights Act was necessary in the 1960's because for over 100 years, in certain parts of our country, millions of U.S. citizens had their right to vote limited or denied just because of the color of their skin. Those were not our country's proudest years.

Is the Voting Rights Act important today? Yes. The problems in our country that led to the enactment of this law are not in the distant past. Our work is not done. Our country still struggles to find the path of equality and ``The Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization Act'' is still needed to keep us on the right and just path in our country's historic democratic experiment.

I celebrate the great accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement and the political leadership of the time that led to the enactment of the Civil Rights Legislation and the crowning achievement, the Voting Rights Act. The importance of this law can be seen in every election where minorities have the right to elect people that truly stand for their interests; every time someone is able to mark a ballot with instructions in a language that he or she can understand; and every time unfair elections conditions are corrected to be just and fair for all citizens. Mr. Speaker, this law is needed because there are still acts of discrimination taking place. We still need the Voting Rights Act.

Now, I know there are those who believe this is a political party issue. But this is not a Democrat or Republican partisan issue--this is an American issue and this bill has bipartisan support.

I urge you to show your support for protecting the right of all Americans to vote. Vote in favor of this historic reauthorization and vote against all the amendments presented today. The only true aim of these amendments is to weaken this bill and weaken our country's democratic values.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5293, the ``Senior Independence Act of 2006,'' reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. This is an important measure for our Nation's seniors in delivering nutrition services, supportive services, and caregiver services. I am particularly appreciative of the bipartisan manner in which this measure was crafted by Chairman Tiberi and Ranking Member Hinojosa, and thank them specifically for improvements in the law which would help to target individuals with limited English proficiency.

Though the bill offers valuable resources for our Nation's seniors, one area where I believe we can continue to make strides is in capitalizing on the experience older Americans can share with their communities. I have introduced legislation to establish a ``Silver Scholarship'' program--H.R. 5275--based on President Bush's 2001 proposal to reward seniors for their volunteer service. The Silver Scholarship program would provide an educational award to any senior, age 55 and older, who dedicates a set number of hours each year to volunteering in their communities. The educational award, or ``Silver Scholarship,'' would be fully transferable to a family member or any other deserving individual to help them pursue postsecondary education.

The first of the 77 million baby boomers turn 60 this year. This new ``senior'' population is the largest, healthiest, best educated population of older Americans in our history. Baby boomers are pioneers in a new stage spanning the decades between middle and late life, and represent an extraordinary pool of social and human capital. This initiative would foster senior service and invest in the education of the next generation of America's workforce.

While I understand this provision was not included in the reported version of H.R. 5293, I look forward to working with my colleagues as the process moves forward in the hopes that this worthy bipartisan initiative be promoted through our efforts.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, when we talk about targeted policies that are aimed at improving the economic environment for small businesses, we are talking about this amendment. This is a bipartisan measure that has passed the House for the past 2 years.

Lowering the cost of the Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program is a fiscally responsible, commonsense solution that will result in job growth and increased revenue.

The truth is that the program is simply too costly for this Nation's small businesses. The cost for start-up loans has increased by nearly $1,500 to $3,000, and for more established small businesses, the total cost can be as high as $50,000. This is money our Nation's small businesses are paying directly to the Federal Government.

As a result, entrepreneurs today are getting a more expensive loan that is almost 50 percent smaller than what it was just a few years ago, limiting their ability to start and expand their ventures. In fact, recent SBA figures show that the program is doing $160 million less than it was during the same time the previous year, showing how these rising costs are having an impact on lending.

This amendment would reverse this effect and would lower the cost of the 7(a) loan program.

To compound the problem further, entrepreneurs are also finding that they have fewer places to go to access this financing. In fact, the number of lenders willing to offer 7(a) loans has dropped in half over the past several years, leaving small firms scrambling to find vital sources of capital.

Today is an opportunity for us to take action to help relieve our small businesses of these burdens.

Fees have been raised four times over the past 2 years and are already at their maximum level. If we were to see a significant increase in interest rates, experience an economic downturn, or a regional crisis like what we saw in the gulf coast, this program would not be able to support itself. The result would be caps, limits on loan sizes, and even the shutdown of the program altogether. The adoption of this measure will enable us to avoid this type of lending crisis in the future.

This amendment is fiscally responsible and uses offsets from four different salaries and expense accounts so that no one agency is disproportionately harmed. In fact, it only takes $10 million from each agency, which amounts to less than 1 percent of the four S&E accounts.

Nearly 20 prominent small business groups are in support of this amendment, up from 14 last year, illustrating the demand from our Nation's small businesses for this type of action.

This is a program that is now doing nearly a half billion dollars less since the fees were raised. It is clearly not doing better, and it is certainly not benefiting this Nation's small businesses.

A ``yes'' vote is a vote to help this Nation's small businesses move forward as the drivers of our economy. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, the chairman of the Small Business Committee is saying that it will cost small businesses only 10 bucks a month. Well, these are the facts coming from the Small Business Administration: Costs have gone up $1,500 to $3,000, and now many small businesses are paying as much as $50,000 to the Federal Government.

Lending is down $160 million from this time last year and $400 million below before the fee increases were adopted. Fees are at the statutory limit, which means that any more costs will result in program caps or a shutdown.

Today, there are only half as many lenders making 7(a) loans. The 7(a) loans are 40 percent smaller than they were a few years ago. Lending last year was $2 billion below what the agency claimed they would do.

Those are the facts. And the chairman keeps talking about the banks and how taxpayers' money is paying $50,000 to the government, benefiting the banks. The only greedy one here is the Federal Government, which has increased four times their fees in the past years.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan).

Mr. Chairman, at the beginning of the debate, the chairman said that only 10 bucks a month small businesses were paying. Now he admitted it is $3,500, at least, and the smaller small business loans are down.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Bean).

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I would just like to make a point of clarification that the $10 million is not taken from the blast mitigation, but from salary and expenses.

Mr. Chairman, today's amendment is about improving the economic environment for this Nation's small businesses. 7(a) loans cost twice as much today for small businesses, are nearly 50 percent smaller and the program is doing nearly a half a billion dollars less than before the fee increase was implemented. Women and veteran business owners receive $100 million less in lending this year, and rural business owners receive $300 million less. Just look at the numbers here. Enough is said.

This amendment will change this and allow small businesses to invest back into the firms, and, in turn, the U.S. economy. If you believe that small businesses, which make up the majority of our taxpayers, should be able to keep their money, then you need to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. However, if you prefer to see our government grow, rather than the U.S. economy, then you should vote against this measure today.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this measure.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, lead paint hazards still threaten communities with exposure to toxins in the home triggering asthma at a great cost to American families and the national economy. Those most vulnerable are low-income and minority children living in older, substandard housing.

Despite these facts and the continued bipartisan support for HUD's lead hazard control grants, this bill cuts funding by approximately $35 million. With only one-third of the HUD requests from cities and States being funded, these cuts would only further jeopardize the health and safety of children and families across the Nation.

I, therefore, rise today to urge you to support the Slaughter- Velazquez-Terry amendment which restores funds for this critical program that will help with prevention efforts and move us closer to the national goal of eradicating lead poisoning altogether. Last year, a similar amendment passed the House with bipartisan support.

Voting for this amendment will ensure that children and families nationwide will have a safe place to call home, free from the worry of harm from household toxins.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of restored funding for Section 8 vouchers. Our Nation is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis--and hard working families are bearing the brunt of the short fall. Yet again Section 8 is funded below the President's request--this year $144 million less than proposed

The Nadler-Velazquez amendment will restore $70 million for Section 8, providing vouchers for approximately 10,000 families. This increase will ensure that families working to create a better life for their children will have a safe, decent place to call home--something that is critical to positive outcomes for the future.

The Section 8 program is a lifeline for millions of families struggling to make ends meet and end the cycle of poverty so common in low-income communities. In my district--and districts around the country--families have been waiting upwards of ten years for vouchers. We cannot turn our backs on families striving to achieve more for their children against the odds.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise once more to denounce our continued involvement in the Iraq war, which was the wrong decision, at the wrong time, based on wrong information. And, what are we doing today to correct all those wrong actions?--absolutely nothing--nothing but talk about it. It is time for a change; it is time for a new direction.

We are having a debate today to adopt a resolution that merely expresses this chamber's views and opinions on our current military engagements in the War on Terror. This resolution honors our men and women who have given their lives in the defense of this country and it honors our armed forces presently on active engagement overseas, among other things. These praises to our armed forces are indeed truly deserved, as they have been thrust into a very difficult conflict with perilous conditions.

However, I think our troops can better appreciate Congress' good intentions with actions rather than mere congratulatory words. This majority could have demonstrated our appreciation of the troops through laws that gave them all the equipment they needed when we sent them to war. This majority could have shown their commitment by demanding that the Commander in Chief clearly layout a plan of action and exit strategy, instead of allowing the continuing improvisation our troops have endured. This majority certainly might have demonstrated its commitment to the troops by not nickel and diming them on health care and making their reintegration to civil society more difficult and costly; and this majority definitely could have made the ultimate honor by acknowledging their well done job by bringing the troops home.

This majority only wants to praise them--but won't lift a finger to make sure our troops can come home sooner rather than later. We constantly hear the mantras such as: Stay the course; we are making progress and so on and so forth. That is the extent of their strategy. Mr. Speaker enough is enough! It is time to bring the troops home!

Iraq has a new democratic government; it is our responsibility to help them secure their country. This country can help Iraq, as it helps other countries, protect itself by providing resources and equipment. We need to let them fight for their country in their way. It is time to be friends and not guardians, let Iraq fight for Iraq. Our troops have done their job; it is time to bring them home.

Mr. Chairman and ranking member, some public housing authorities nationwide are feeling the crunch from several years worth of budget constraints and the New York City Housing Authority, the largest PHA in the country, is not different. NYCHA is facing a $168 million shortfall in part because of lack of flexibility in how they can use the three main funding streams: section 8, public housing operating and capital funds. Limited fungibility of funding streams will go a long way in helping PHAs to creatively address funding constraints.

Mr. Chairman, I am hopeful that as the appropriations process moves forward we can continue to discuss a solution to alleviate these funding constraints by providing limited flexibility in the use of funding streams.

I appreciate the Chairman's willingness to work on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the 75th anniversary of the National Housing Conference (NHC), an organization with over 900 members dedicated to forwarding the cause of affordable housing and community development.

Organized in 1931 by Mary Simkhovitch, a reformer and social worker, this pioneering advocacy group was the first non-partisan, independent coalition of its kind to include national housing leaders from both public and private sectors. NHC's early membership included an array of bankers, builders, civic leaders, realtors, organized labor, architects and residents from across the greater New York City region. Since its inception, the organization has worked to elevate public awareness on the plight of America's millions of working class families and its consequences on general welfare.

Early on, NHC was committed to making a difference in low-income communities across the country. The organization was instrumental in garnering support for the passage of key legislation, including the Federal Home Loan Bank Act, and the National Housing Act of 1934 that created the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). After President Roosevelt stressed in his second inaugural address of 1937 that ``one third of the nation is ill-fed, ill-clothed and ill-housed''--NHC sprang into action and mobilized national support to persuade Congress to pass the critical Housing Act of 1937.

After moving its headquarters from New York City to Washington, DC in 1945, NHC took on a new and tremendous challenge--``get rid of the slums, eliminate substandard housing.'' Working in conjunction with the labor movement to mobilize grassroots support, NHC's incredible efforts helped to secure the passage of the landmark Housing Act of 1949. This sweeping and ambitious housing legislation called for ``a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family.''

During the 1950s and 1960s, NHC continued to draw upon its early successes to advocate for the needs of America's hardworking families and individuals. NHC played a major role in the passage of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 that established the Cabinet-level Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the 1968 Fair Housing Act that prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, color, or national origin.

NHC's advocacy does not stop here. Over the past 35 years, the organization has never ceased to fight for a variety of legislative proposals to improve the landscape of the affordable housing industry. From Section 8 housing, to home ownership programs, and even low income tax credits--NHC continues to fight for the integrity of these programs, despite a constant battle for available federal resources.

In honor of the organization's 75th anniversary, an incredible milestone, NHC has rededicated itself to a central mission: Fulfilling the Dream of the 1949 Housing Act--``a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family.''

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the National Housing Conference, and join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to commend this organization for its outstanding service and dedication to making affordable housing a reality for the millions of working class American families across the country.