Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, if I had been born in Colombia, I would probably be dead. As a former president of my labor union, my fight for higher wages, better working conditions, and secure pension could have cost me my life.

Thirty-nine trade unionists were murdered in Colombia in 2007, and they are being killed at a rate of over one per week this year. Even more alarming is only around 3 percent of cases result in convictions, illustrating the culture of violence that has existed in Colombia for decades. Inexplicably, President Bush wants to reward Colombia with a free trade agreement. Not on my watch.

The right to organize and bargain collectively is essential to human freedom and the passage of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement would greatly diminish our Nation's reputation as a leader in the fight to end human rights abuses worldwide. We should not even consider this agreement until Colombia puts a stop to the violence against union organizers.

Madam Speaker, on March 31, 2008, I was unavoidably detained. I would like the record to reflect that had I been present, I would have voted as follows: on rollcall No. 147, To reauthorize and amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 148, To provide for the conveyance of approximately 140 acres of land in the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma to the Indian Nations Council, Inc., of the Boy Scouts of America, I would have voted ``yea''; and on rollcall No. 149, Supporting the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my Chief of Staff, Dennis King, who is retiring from the House of Representatives after 33 years of distinguished public service.

Dennis, a native of Miami, Florida, first came to Congress as a Special Assistant to the late Representative Dante Fascell. He then served as Chief of Staff for my friend and predecessor, Representative Lane Evans.

When I asked Dennis to continue in the same role on my staff, he enthusiastically accepted, saying he felt like he had ``unfinished business to take care of.'' Dennis' decision to extend his service shows his dedication, not only to the people of the 17th District of Illinois, but to working families and to veterans everywhere.

Dennis and I have been very close friends for over 25 years. We share the same values. Some might wonder how Dennis, a Duke University graduate with a Georgetown law degree, could form such a close bond with me, a factory worker from West Central Illinois. It's simple. Dennis cares about the people of the 17th District as much as I do.

When Congressman Evans hired me to be his District Director and Dennis was my supervisor, he had faith in me from day 1, serving as a mentor and pulling me from the edge of the cliff during the times I lost my way. I will always be grateful for the chance Dennis gave me.

And Dennis is also a congenial and friendly person. Current and former staff say they will miss sitting in his office talking about everything from politics to family to sports. No matter what time of day or how busy Dennis was, he always put down whatever he was doing the minute someone walked into his office. The care and attention he gave to every single person is one of the major reasons he's so beloved.

Another trait I admire in Dennis is his brilliant political mind. I asked him to be my Chief of Staff because, as a new Member of Congress, I knew I needed someone who understood Capitol Hill inside and out, and whom I could trust to keep me on the right path. Dennis has amazed me with his intuitions, decision-making and loyalty, always choosing the right course for the people of my district and this Nation.

It cannot go without saying that when one thinks of Dennis King, one thinks of Lane Evans and vice versa. The two men were like brothers, a friendship that started when they attended law school at Georgetown University. And together they made history fighting for veterans and working families across our Nation.

Dennis often mentions how much he learned from Lane, but the truth is that Dennis taught Lane so much as well. He was an integral part of all the great things Lane was able to accomplish.

I want to also acknowledge Dennis' family, his wife, Nancy, and his two sons, Steven and Jeffrey. As most of you know, the job of Chief of Staff can take a toll on one's family. The time commitment is great and the stress can be overwhelming. Nancy has demonstrated remarkable patience over the years and remains an incredible source of support for Dennis. Next year Dennis and Nancy will celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, a true testament to their love and respect for each other. I wish them both the best in whatever life brings them.

And Dennis, although I say this with a heavy heart, congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for your service, your laughs, your hard work. Your efforts and advice have allowed us to accomplish many great things in my first term and have ultimately made me a much better Member of this body. Your spirit, humor, intelligence and the ease by which you led the Hare team will be missed.

Best of luck, and please keep in touch.

God bless.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true humanitarian from my congressional district, Mike Daly. In 2007, Mike retired as principal of the Black Hawk Area Education Center in East Moline, Illinois, ending a remarkable 35-year career in special education and public service.

Throughout his career, Mike demonstrated tremendous passion and dedication. He successfully established partnerships between local businesses, service organizations, and the special needs community to provide opportunities for his students, such as competing in the Special Olympics, and always believing that communities should not have boundaries.

Mike's tireless efforts have touched the lives of thousands of people and their families, and I am proud to have the opportunity to represent him.

Mike, thank you for your work, your commitment to others, and your efforts to make your community a better place for everyone.

I wish you the best in your retirement, and may you continue to find fulfillment in helping others.

Madam Chairman, H.R. 2857, the GIVE Act, reauthorizes our national service programs for the first time in 15 years. This legislation strengthens programs like AmeriCorps, Vista, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America so they can continue their invaluable services and expand into underserved communities.

The people of my congressional district are no strangers to community service. We have four effective Retired Senior Volunteer Programs, known as RSVPs, located in my district: West Central Illinois RSVP, Adams County RSVP, RSVP of the Quad Cities, and RSVP of Springfield, Illinois. Together, these programs engage 3,464 volunteers in 577,226 hours of services in 13 counties. I had the opportunity to visit several of these last October and was impressed by their organization, their large number of volunteers, and the variety of services that they offer.

Illinois RSVP volunteers serve the young and old, the healthy and the infirm. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, with the Red Cross, police department, and assist with home delivery meal programs. These dedicated volunteers touch the lives of hundreds of people and have a profound impact on the communities in which they serve.

I want to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, and their staffs for their work on this legislation and their efforts to address these concerns.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1007 and join with my colleagues in expressing my condolences to those who have been affected by the shooting incident at Northern Illinois University that killed 6 and injured 18 people last month. I thank my friend and fellow Illinois colleague, Representative Don Manzullo for introducing this resolution.

I know that words will not bring those six people back or erase the fear in the eyes of those injured by this event. All I can say is that my heart goes out to the families of the

victims, and to the students and faculty who survived--I too mourn with you.

Northern Illinois University is less than 100 miles northeast of my congressional district, so news of the shooting hit close to home for me. At a time like this we find ourselves asking ``why?'' and jumping to conclusions about campus security and gun control. However, we seldom talk about the stigma of mental health in our Nation. I find it appropriate that on the same day we are considering this resolution, we are also debating the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, legislation that will make it easier for people to seek and receive mental health treatment.

I believe we need to do more on mental health care in this country in addition to other measures to make our schools, our children and our young adults safe.

Again, my condolences go out to all those affected by the horrific shooting at Northern Illinois University--may you find comfort in those still with you and my you come together as a community once again and move forward to better times.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5140, the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act.

For 7 years the Bush administration has pursued economic policies that have been focused on making the wealthy in this Nation even wealthier, while ignoring the middle class--the backbone of our Nation.

Only now as the economy is dangerously close to recession, Congress is attempting to take the burden off the backs of those who need the most relief--hard-working American families.

The tax rebates passed in H.R. 5140 will put money back into the pockets of American families, and in turn, back into the American economy.

I am extremely supportive of the Senate amendment, which extended the rebates to 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans. During this time of economic uncertainty, no one should be left out of this stimulus package.

While today's stimulus package is a good first step to revitalizing our economic well-being, checks in the mail alone are not going to get the job done. Recently, after Maytag and Carhartt, among others, moved their operations from Illinois, yet another plant in my district announced it was closing its doors, costing us another 700 jobs.

My constituents need more than just a check. They need fair trade policies that do not provide incentives for companies to outsource jobs to other countries. My constituents need an overhaul of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program and increased funding in order to establish the safety net they deserve. My constituents need unemployment benefits to help them survive long periods of joblessness exacerbated by an unstable economy. I am extremely disappointed that we missed another opportunity to extend unemployment benefits to millions of Americans who are left out of this stimulus package.

Today's legislation is a good step toward addressing the hardships felt by many Americans, and I am proud to support it. I strongly urge the President to quickly sign this measure into law.

Madam Speaker, on February 6, 2008, I was unavoidably detained. I would have voted as follows: on rollcall No. 29, Commending the Houston Dynamo soccer team for winning the 2007 Major League Soccer Cup. I would have voted ``aye;'' on rollcall No. 30, Recognizing the significance of Black History Month, I would have voted ``aye;'' and on rollcall No. 31, Remembering the space shuttle Challenger disaster and honoring its crew members, who lost their lives on January 28, 1986, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I had the privilege of working on this legislation, which will have a large impact on the students, veterans, and workers in the rural communities of my Congressional district.

Today's legislation includes several provisions I authored to increase enrollment of graduates from rural high schools in institutions of higher education, help rural schools recruit qualified teachers and administrators, and develop a strong workforce in rural America.

One-third of K-12 schools in the United States are located in rural areas and are responsible for educating almost 10 million children. Unfortunately, these schools struggle to recruit highly qualified teachers, putting our rural students at a disadvantage.

Teachers in rural schools often teach several subjects to multiple grade levels and play many different roles in the school, such as counselor, coach, lunchroom attendant, janitor, administrator, and others. Therefore, in order for rural schools to recruit qualified teachers, colleges of education must teach students the skills needed to work in rural America. My provision achieves this goal by providing incentives to colleges of education to add a rural focus to their curriculum, and encourage students to complete their required student teaching hours in rural schools.

I am also proud that Title VIII of the bill includes the College and University Rural Education (CURE) Act, which I introduced with my colleagues, Representatives David Loebsack and Zack Space. A variety of studies show that fewer high school graduates from rural schools continue on to college than from suburban schools. This unfortunate reality leads to difficulties in training a qualified workforce in rural America.

Now, more than ever, our Nation needs a skilled workforce of teachers, health care workers, information technologists, and engineers willing to live and work in rural communities in order to create and support a competitive workforce, and to enhance the quality of life for Americans living in rural areas.

The CURE Act responds to this call by establishing three grant programs to increase enrollment of rural high school graduates in institutions of higher education; increase economic development partnerships to create an employment pipeline from higher education institutions to the workforce; and increase the quality of life in rural areas by providing training for professions of need in rural areas.

Finally, I am pleased today's bill includes another provision I developed to help the dislocated workers of Galesburg, IL, and other trade impacted communities across the Nation. This provision allows workers to indicate on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that they have lost their job and would like to use current year income when applying for financial aid. This will ensure that

dislocated workers receive appropriate financial support, directly resulting in greater access to training opportunities for workers who lost their jobs.

The College Opportunity and Affordability Act builds upon the work we started in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act to make college more affordable and accessible to all Americans. I thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for their leadership in moving these bills through our committee and quickly to the floor. I urge all my colleagues to support the Manager's Amendment and underlining bill.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the expanded access to higher education that individuals with intellectual disabilities will have under the College Opportunity and Affordability Act being considered on the House floor today.

As many of my colleagues know, my son Alex, who just turned 14, has Down syndrome. As a student at J.L. Long Middle School in Dallas, Texas, Alex has made significant academic progress and received many of the same education opportunities as his peers as a result of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. While IDEA will provide invaluable education for Alex throughout his K-12 education, I also realize that IDEA will not be there to serve his needs after high school.

Currently, the education opportunities for most individuals with intellectual disabilities end with secondary school. Unfortunately, most remain unemployed and completely dependent.

As the parent of an individual with intellectual disabilities, I have worked to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources and opportunities to develop self-reliance and life skills, enabling them to achieve their potential and to contribute to our communities.

Mr. Chairman, in 2006, I authored legislative language to grant students with intellectual disabilities access to Federal work study funds for enrollment in comprehensive post-secondary education programs.

I am very pleased that the College Opportunity and Affordability Act not only includes my work study language, but it also builds on those efforts by providing access to Pell Grants and Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants. By providing access to Federal student aid, we will be empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities across our Nation to learn, develop, and achieve to the best of their abilities.

Additionally, I am pleased that this legislation will establish a model education demonstration for a comprehensive transition and post- secondary program for students with intellectual disabilities. By awarding competitive grants to higher education institutions, the development of this model demonstration will establish important first steps for the creation and expansion of additional transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities across our Nation.

To ensure the integrity and success of these groundbreaking programs for students with intellectual disabilities, this legislation also authorizes a coordinating center that will provide technical assistance, evaluation, and recommendations for the development of accreditation standards.

Mr. Chairman, the establishment of these vital programs will represent a historic victory not only for individuals with intellectual disabilities, but also for their families and for the educators and advocates who have worked diligently to establish these post-secondary education opportunities.

In particular, I would like to recognize Stephanie Lee and Madeleine Will with the National Down Syndrome Society for their invaluable expertise and support to ensure that dreams of student aid and transitional education programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities become a reality.

Today, we can ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities have access to the educational resources and opportunities that can enable them to lead a very fulfilling life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5140, the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act.

For the last 7 years, powerful interests--whether its oil and gas companies, PHARMA, or the wealthiest Americans--have had their day in Congress.

Today, as the economy is on the brink of recession, we are finally providing relief to those who need it most--working families.

These tax rebates will put money back into the pockets of Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. I recently asked a young mother in my district how she would spend her rebate check. ``Buy new clothes for my kids,'' she said.

While today's package is a good start, checks in the mail are not enough. Just last week, Methode Electronics announced that it would close its Carthage plant--costing my district an additional 850 jobs. This is the latest example of how the Bush economy has failed average Americans and a stark reminder that we need to do more for working families.

I am extremely supportive of the Senate proposal to extend unemployment benefits to millions of Americans and strongly believe we must reauthorize the Trade Adjustment Assistance program to provide a safety net for workers who lose their jobs due to unfair trade. If we are sincerely dedicated to stimulating the economy, we need to invest in our greatest economic asset--our workers.

Today's legislation is just a start, but it shows that this Democratic Congress is committed to putting working families first--in good times and in bad.

I strongly urge the President to accept these common-sense measures expected in the Senate's proposal as we move forward on the stimulus package.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, January 22, 2008, I was unavoidably detained. I ask for unanimous consent that the Record reflect had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 19, H.R. 4211--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 725 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as the ``Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office''; and I would have vote ``aye'' on rollcall No. 20, H. Res. 866--Honoring the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard whose tireless work, dedication, and commitment to protecting the United States have led to the Coast Guard seizing over 350,000 pounds of cocaine at sea during 2007, far surpassing all of our previous records.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of this critical piece of legislation.

Mining remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, and our laws have not kept up with the changes in the industry. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I participated in several hearings on this issue. At one in particular, I was touched by the little boy whose father had just been killed in the Crandall Canyon tragedy. It is for him and the countless other children who will grow up without a mom or a dad that I believe, as Members of Congress, we have the responsibility to do all we can to ensure that our miners are safe and come home to their families safely every night.

The recent tragedies at Sago, Darby and Crandall Canyon mines have made it apparent that the MINER Act of 2006 has fallen short in some areas. The legislation we are considering today addresses these areas. I am particularly pleased that the bill grants MSHA the authority to shut down mines that have neglected to pay fines for safety violations. Additionally, the retreat mining and whistleblower protections are much-needed improvements in the bill.

While the MINER Act of 2006 was a very good first step towards improving mine safety, it is clear that more work must be done. I believe today's bill will take us that one step further in making mining a little safer. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.

I yield to the gentleman from California.

I thank the chairman for your comments and for your work. There is not a more stand-up Member in this Congress for the working men and women of this Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Improving Access to Worker's Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act.'' This legislation would ensure that our Federal workers are reimbursed for crucial healthcare and services that they receive.

In many rural areas, Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are the only full-time healthcare providers. Unfortunately, medical services and supplies provided by PAs and NPs are not covered under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. As such, claims signed by PAs and NPs are denied by the Department of Labor. In many cases injured workers have to travel long distances to receive care that is reimbursable, or use emergency rooms for non-emergency care.

PAs and NPs are legally regulated in all fifty States, the District of Columbia, and Guam. All fifty States also authorize physicians to delegate prescriptive privileges to the PAs they supervise, and authorize NPs to prescribe medications under their own signature.

The exclusion of PAs and NPs from the category of covered providers under the Federal Employee's Compensation Act limits patients' access to medical care, services, and supplies, as well as disrupts continuity of care, and creates unnecessary costs for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.

My bill, the ``Improving Access to Worker's Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act'' amends the Federal Employee's Compensation Act to recognize PAs, NPs and several other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as covered providers. In doing so, Federal law is aligned with the overwhelming majority of State workers' compensation programs, and ensures that injured workers, especially those who live in rural areas, receive the care and treatment they need.

This bill was introduced by former Representative Charles Norwood (R- GA) in the 108th and 109th Congresses and enjoyed broad bipartisan support. It has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA).

I would like to thank the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners for their help on this legislation and for their support of the bill. I am also happy that my colleague on the Education and Labor Committee, Congressman Mark Souder from Indiana has joined me in supporting this legislation. I look forward to working with him and others to garner additional bipartisan support so we can quickly move this bill through the House.

I am proud to be involved in this effort to ensure our Federal workers, especially those living in rural America, have access to critical healthcare providers and services. Thank you Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4156.

For the last 4 years, President Bush has demanded more and more money from this Congress for the war in Iraq, draining funding from domestic priorities in the process. And this year's just no different.

True to form, in October the President casually requested an additional $200 billion to continue his failed policy.

Mr. Speaker, every time I travel back to my district, constituents plead with me to stand up to this President and end the war. Fortunately for them, the days of the rubber-stamp Congress are over. This bill before us holds the President accountable.

The bill provides only $50 billion of the President's $200 billion request, which serves to meet the immediate needs of our troops currently deployed, while the balance is dependent upon progress in Iraq.

The funding is also conditioned on the redeployment of troops from Iraq to begin within 30 days of enactment, with a target for completion by December of 2008.

Passage of this bill is the first step towards forcing a change of course in Iraq, shifting the mission from the combat forces to a comprehensive strategy.

I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4156.

Madam Speaker, on November 5, 2007, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: on rollcall No. 1034, On Closing Portions of the Conference for Department of Defense Appropriations, I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 1035, H.R. 513--National Heroes Credit Protection Act, I would have voted ``aye''; and on rollcall No. 1036, H. Res. 744--Recognizing the contributions of Native American veterans and calling upon the President to issue a proclamation urging the people of the United States to observe a day in honor of Native American veterans, I would have voted ``aye.''