Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stewart Winstein, who turns 95 years young on May the 28th. Stewart is a giant of Rock Island County and one of the most respected leaders in my entire congressional district.

Stewart's contributions to the Quad Cities region are enough to fill up three biographies. He was the longest serving chairman in the history of the Rock Island County Metropolitan Airport Authority. In that position, he fostered unprecedented growth at the Quad City International Airport. He oversaw major expansion projects, as well as the increased security that resulted from the September 11 terrorist attacks. Through it all, Stewart was committed to providing the people of the Quad Cities with a safe, reliable, and very bustling airport. The thousands of people that fly in and out of the Quad City airport are fortunate to have had Stewart's leadership and his dedication.

From 1974 to 1978, Stewart served as president of the Rock Island County Welfare Information and Referral Services. And as if that didn't keep him busy enough, he was also public administrator, public guardian, and conservator during that time.

Amazingly, all the things I've named so far were just Stewart's extracurricular activities. His day job was being the best attorney in all of Rock Island County. Stewart is renowned for the law firm he founded with his two partners, Frank Wallace and Harrison Kavensky, nearly 50 years ago. Winstein, Kavensky & Wallace has withstood the test of time as a result of the tremendous leadership of Stewart and the outstanding service he has provided to all of his clients.

But it was in the arena of politics that I got to know Stewart so well. He is a fierce and articulate advocate of the Democratic Party and our principles. He worked tirelessly for local Democrats, including myself and my predecessor, Congressman Lane Evans. Stewart has hosted events for candidates from the White House to the courthouse at his home. He witnessed history as a delegate to the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago and attended several more in the years that followed. He served long stints as vice chairperson and treasurer of the Illinois State Democratic Central Committee.

To list Stewart's numerous accomplishments only tells half the story. Stewart is a great man. He always had tremendous love for family, especially his late wife, Dorothy. Dorothy was not just Stewart's wife, she was his very best friend.

I have had the honor and privilege of calling Stewart a longtime friend and trusted advisor for many years. Our community has benefited greatly from his generosity and his goodwill. To put it simply, the Quad Cities is a better place to live because of Stewart Winstein.

I would like to join Stewart's son, Arthur, his stepson, Max, and all of his family and friends in wishing him a very happy 95th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Ms. Eva A. Valentine of Rock Island, Illinois. On March 27, 2009, Eva passed away at the age of 87, surrounded by loving family, friends and neighbors.

Eva was a devoted mother, wife, and was an active member of the Rock Island community. She participated in the American Legion Post 246 Auxiliary and the Moline Croatian Crest Club. She also devoted many hours to St. Mary's Catholic Church and to the Altar Society.

I had the pleasure of knowing Eva as the mother of my friend, Wayne Valentine. I have many fond memories of Eva as Wayne and I grew up together. She was a reliable source of support, and she helped me become the person that I am today. I owe Eva my thanks and my gratitude.

Eva will be dearly missed by her husband, John, by her son, Wayne, by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and by the Rock Island community. As we celebrate and remember her long life, we are reminded of the important influence Eva was and will continue to be in our lives.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the life of Ms. Eva A. Valentine.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is the 39th anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. While this law has resulted in great strides for workplace safety, too many workers are still at risk of injury, illness, or even death in their jobs. In fact, each year, 6,000 workers are killed on the job and thousands more are injured.

On the eve of Workers' Memorial Day to honor all the workers who have been injured or killed at work, I rise to introduce the Corporate Injury, Illness, and Fatality Reporting Act of 2009. This legislation would require America's largest employers to accurately report to the Department of Labor on the numbers and rates of work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses at all of their work sites. They must also supply compliance data regarding OSHA inspections and citations that have occurred at any and all of their work sites.

OSHA is not currently required to conduct nationwide investigations into large companies with multiple establishments. Therefore, serial offenders can hide in the weeds and avoid making their workplace as safe as possible. This legislation would bring these companies into the light of day and provide OSHA invaluable data so they can protect workers in danger of illness, accidents, or worse.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation, ensuring safer and healthier working conditions to workers across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to respond to recent comments made by the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Kirk, regarding the Panama and Colombia Free Trade Agreements.

In addition to the tax haven and money laundering issues with Panama, and the fact that Colombia remains the most violent country for trade unionists in the world, it would be a mistake to pursue these two unfair trade agreements as we attempt to recover from

the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Our economy began this downward spiral as a result of irresponsible trade policies that have outsourced millions of good-paying American jobs. With the unemployment rate at 8.5 percent, the last thing our economy can afford is more of the same.

I intend to work with the Obama administration and my colleagues in Congress to forge a new direction on trade that addresses the devastation caused by NAFTA and, instead, creates jobs and grows industry in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, today March 31, 2009, I was unavoidably detained in a Water Resources Subcommittee meeting. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On rollcall No. 169, On Motion To Concur in the Senate Amendments to the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, I would have voted ``yea;'' on rollcall No. 170, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended the Vision Care for Kids Act of 2009, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Chair, President Obama has set high goals for this nation to improve public education, combat climate change, extend quality affordable health care to all Americans, and honor our veterans. I believe renewing our nation's commitment to service will be the vehicle through which we meet these challenges.

Under the leadership of Chairman Miller and Subcommittee Chair, Congresswoman McCarthy, the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388) answers the President's call to service, and I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Chair, very important to me as a veteran of the Army Reserves and the veterans' community is a provision I worked to secure in the GIVE Act that establishes a Veterans' Corps.

Last Congress when we considered legislation similar to H. R. 1388, I offered an amendment to create a grant program to enhance service opportunities for veterans and military families. The GIVE Act builds upon this effort by establishing a separate Veterans' Corps.

As more and more troops return from Iraq and Afghanistan, fulfilling our promise to them will be an even greater challenge and priority for our nation. Through the Veterans' Corps we can recruit and mobilize veterans into service projects that provide educational and economic opportunities, job training, mentoring and outreach to other veterans.

Mr. Chair, our nation's veterans have already demonstrated a profound commitment to service. The Veterans' Corps aims to harness that spirit and in the process give back to those who have sacrificed so much for us.

I would like to acknowledge the work of my friend and colleague, Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland. Together, we introduced H.R. 1401, the VET Corps Act, which was the foundation for the Veterans' Corps in the GIVE Act.

I ask my colleagues to vote yes on the GIVE Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1106, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009.

When I was a kid, my parents lost their house. My father became sick and could not keep up with the payments. Millions of Americans have suffered a similar fate during the current economic crisis and millions more are hanging on by a thread. We have a moral obligation to help prevent vulnerable homeowners from experiencing the same pain and suffering my family did.

It is projected that nearly 4,000 homes in my congressional district will go into foreclosure this year with over 8,000 to follow in the next 4 years.

H.R. 1106, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act would provide lenders the incentive to refinance mortgages for homeowners in danger of foreclosure. It would reduce fees for refinancing and protect lenders from investor lawsuits. In addition, the bill would allow bankruptcy judges to modify the terms of a mortgage for homeowners who can no longer afford their payments. This provision will save an estimated 1,225 homes in my district.

Millions of Americans have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. So it is no wonder that many cannot afford their house payments. Allowing working families to renegotiate the terms of their mortgage is both fair and responsible.

Addressing the foreclosure crisis is key to our economic recovery. The mortgage meltdown got us into this mess, driving down home values and leaving our banks frozen with toxic assets. This legislation will protect homeowners and get our economy back on track. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 1106 and help families save their homes.

I thank the chairman.

Mr. Speaker, today we have been told to slow down, take a deep breath. Well, I'm not in the mood for slowing down and I'm not taking a deep breath.

I was in a grocery store and had people coming up, saying, What are you going to do about it?

My friends on the other side have spent the largest portion of the debate today finger-pointing, wondering who said what; who wrote what, when. I do know this. When this vote is called, that board will have red lights and green lights next to every Members' name. And the chairman is absolutely right--for those Members who feel that they cannot and don't want to make sure that these people get their bonuses, they will vote for Mr. Rangel's bill. For those of you who want to continue to dole it out to the people who deserve it the least, then you're going to have a red light next to it.

I will have a green light next to my name. I am tired of this. These people have stolen the very money that is supposed to help keep people in their homes.

Don't ask me to slow down and don't ask me to be patient. My patience has run out.

I thank the chairman for his work on this bill. And if anybody wants to worry about the constitutionality, you take it up with the court.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1586 to pose an additional tax on bonuses received from TARP recipients. Like my constituents, I am frustrated and angry that the American International Group (AIG) paid $165 million in bonuses after we have given them billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars. Clearly, the `G' in AIG stands for greed.

It is outrageous that taxpayers are subsidizing bonuses as much as $6.5 million at a time when working families are struggling to make ends meet. I am reminded of the saying: 'Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.' I wholeheartedly opposed the decision to pour an additional $30 billion into AIG earlier this month given the company's record. AIG is a company that spent $440,000 on a luxury retreat less than a week after receiving its first federal bailout. To make matters worse, the company then spent $86,000 on an English hunting trip. Enough is enough.

I support any and all legal efforts to recoup this money, and protect working families in this difficult economy.

I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 1586 and tell the American people that this Congress is fed up with corporate abuses of the Troubled Asset Relief Program and we will do everything in our power to be better stewards of taxpayer money.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a bill today that would elevate the current position of Physicians Assistant (PA) Advisor to a full-time Director of PA Services in the VA Central Office.

I would like to thank my good friend Representative Jerry Moran for leading this effort with me, as well as Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer and all of my colleagues who are original cosponsors of this legislation. I would also like to thank the American Academy of Physician Assistants for their tireless work on this bill.

There are currently about 1,600 PAs serving in the Veterans' Health Administration (VHA), including many veterans, National Guard and Reservists. PAs are a critical component of the health care delivery system and are responsible for roughly one-quarter of all primary care patients seen in the VHA.

The change from the current role of PA Advisor, who works part time and is based in the field, to a full-time Director is necessary in order to ensure that PAs are being appropriately and effectively utilized throughout the VHA. Right now, the PA Advisor is being left out of strategic planning discussions and long-term staffing initiatives, leaving PAs with no voice and no advocate.

Additionally, there is a severe disparity throughout VHA facilities in how PAs are being utilized, what medical services they can perform, and even whether facilities can hire PAs.

Most importantly, the unnecessary restrictions and widespread confusion are causing the VA to miss an important opportunity to improve the quality of health care for veterans.

One of the biggest challenges facing current and future PAs in the VA system is their exclusion from any recruitment and retention efforts or benefits; the VA designates certain positions, such as physicians and nurses, as critical occupations, which are given priority in loan repayment and scholarship programs. Since PAs are not designated as a critical occupation, they are excluded from these monies, despite the fact that the VA has determined PAs and Nurse Practitioners are functionally interchangeable and equal in the work they perform.

The underutilization, lack of recruitment and retention efforts, and pay disparity are all leading PAs to not consider the VHA as a viable employment option.

PAs are very important for veterans living in rural areas, like those living in my congressional district. Veterans that live in underserved areas made the same sacrifices as their urban and suburban counterparts. With a disproportionate number of these brave men and women being cared for by PAs, it is critical that we establish a system that will best serve the needs of those veterans so as not to compromise their care.

Considering the fact that nearly 40 percent of all VA PAs are projected to retire in the next five years, the VA is in danger of losing its PA workforce unless some attention is paid to this critical group.

My bill will allow the Director of PA Services to become an integral component within the VA system, to proactively solve the many issues facing PAs, and give PAs a fair and long overdue voice within the VA.

Madam Speaker, this commonsense legislation promotes quality medical care for our veterans and I am proud to introduce it again this Congress. This bill (H.R. 2790) passed the House in the 110th Congress, but stalled in the Senate. I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues to once again bring this measure to the floor so our nation's heroes have access to the care they need and deserve.

Mr. Speaker, last week, in Galesburg, Illinois, I held a town hall meeting to discuss the economic recovery package. While I was there, I told a standing-room-only crowd that Joyce Bean, who manages my Galesburg office, was retiring after 26 years of service to the 17th Congressional District. Joyce received a standing ovation. That one moment captured just how much the people of Galesburg, Knox County, and the 17th Congressional District and I appreciate her service.

Joyce has spent her entire career giving to others. As a member of the Communication Workers of America, the United Way of Knox County, and a longtime staffer to my predecessor, Congressman Lane Evans, she made a lasting impact on so many people's lives.

Upon receiving a prestigious community service award from the United

Way in 1986, Joyce was called ``one of those rare phenomena that comes along only once in a lifetime.'' Joyce helped provide Christmas presents for needy children, acquired an acre of land for local Boy Scouts, and organized the area's first recycling drive, just to name a few. She was the first woman to become a United Way President in Galesburg, Illinois. Through her leadership, she has inspired others to answer the call of service.

When Maytag Corporation shut its doors in 2004, she was the first person to offer displaced workers the helping hand they so desperately needed. And as a member of my staff, she has assisted local families with everything from retirement security to workers rights, and even going to bat for them with our friends at the Internal Revenue Service.

For her service to the labor movement, the city of Galesburg, the 17th Congressional District, and our entire Nation, I salute her. Joyce, congratulations on your retirement. You will be missed not just by the staff, not just by me, but the entire people of the 17th District.

Once again, Joyce, congratulations, and best of luck on your retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend Mr. Lynch for yielding.

I rise today in strong support of S. 234, a bill to name the Cook Street Post Office in Springfield, Illinois, after Colonel John H. Wilson, Jr.

I am deeply honored to have been allowed to introduce H.R. 516, the companion bill to the legislation before us today with the support of the entire Illinois delegation.

Colonel John H. Wilson answered the call to serve not once but twice in his life before he passed last year. During World War II, he joined the segregated United States Army and received the Silver Star for Gallantry. Mr. Wilson later served in the U.S. Army Reserves, and in 1965 he was promoted to colonel, the first African American from Illinois to achieve this rank.

Assistant Secretary to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tammy Duckworth, praised Colonel Wilson's distinguished military career saying, ``If it wasn't for the brave men and women like Colonel Wilson, we would not have the same freedoms we do today. America would just not be the same.''

Following his military retirement in 1973, Colonel Wilson joined the United States Postal Service. For 57 years, 6 days a week, through rain, sleet, and snow, Colonel Wilson worked at the Cook Street Post Office and was an active member of the American Postal Workers Union. Ron Smith, President of the Lincoln Land Area Local, remembers Colonel Wilson as a dedicated employee. He said to me, ``John always

sought to bring honor and integrity to the postal service through his words and his actions and recognized the ever important role that the postal service has played in the everyday lives of everyone.''

Mr. Speaker, bestowing Colonel Wilson's name to the post office where he served his community for so many years is only a small tribute to a man who dedicated his entire life to the service of others. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is fitting that we honor this great American hero and pioneer. I ask my colleagues to support S. 234.

To his wife of 63 years, Lydia, and their two daughters and two grandsons, it is my privilege to share Colonel Wilson's story today. I know he made you proud as he has made the people of Illinois proud.

Thank you to my good friend and Illinois colleague Senator Dick Durbin for introducing this legislation. I would also like to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa for working with me to bring this bill to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 154, a resolution honoring my good friend and colleague, Representative John Dingell for becoming the longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

A true public servant, Mr. Dingell has devoted more than half of his life to the service of our nation both in his home state of Michigan and in the United States Congress. Today marks the 54th year of his commitment and dedication to the American people and a day when Mr. Dingell has surpassed every other member of the House of Representatives with the longest tenure in House history.

Over the past half-century, Mr. Dingell has proudly championed the rights of workers from being a longtime supporter of equal pay for equal work, to supporting collective bargaining rights. However, he is perhaps best known for his vigorous approach to government oversight.

As an icon serving on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Mr. Dingell fought for environmental protections and defended consumer rights. He displayed great leadership and stewardship in ushering through important pieces of legislation such as the landmark Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Clean Air Act of 1990. Additionally, Mr. Dingell has consistently sought to uncover government corruption and waste, ensuring American tax dollars are spent wisely and transparently.

Today, I proudly recognize Mr. Dingell's distinguished service to the United States. He has been and will continue to be a role model to me and hundreds of others in this chamber. I am honored to serve with him and wish him well on this historic day.

I thank my friend for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 139, commemorating the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth. As a Member who proudly represents west central Illinois--the Land of Lincoln--I was honored to introduce this resolution.

My congressional district includes Decatur where Abraham Lincoln found his political voice at the young age of 21. Illinois' 17th District is also home to three sites of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates that carried the future President to national prominence. Not far is the town of Springfield, Illinois, which Lincoln himself said, ``To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything.''

Today, February 12, 2009, marks the 200th anniversary of President Lincoln's birth and provides the entire country an opportunity to reflect on the life and the contributions of this great man.

Madam Speaker, at a time of great division, President Lincoln played a central role in our Nation's history. His mission to preserve the Union ultimately resulted in the abolition of slavery. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free southern slaves. Still today, two centuries after his birth, President Lincoln's leadership continues to serve as an example and an inspiration to people all over the world.

I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on House Resolution 139 and join me in celebrating Illinois' favorite son. I would also like to thank Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer for working with me to craft this legislation, and acknowledge Senator Richard Durbin, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and other members of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission for their efforts to ensure the legacy of Lincoln's service and sacrifice is honored and will never be forgotten.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to the amendment submitted by my colleague from Arizona, Mr. Flake.

The amendment would slash funding for an essential service to the American people, Amtrak. Amtrak is the main provider of all intercity passenger rail service in the United States and it is a key component of the American economy.

Amtrak is a safe, energy efficient transportation alternative that moves thousands of people and tons of cargo every day. It also employs thousands of Americans across the country. What started as a proposal for a minimum of $5 billion in funding has already been reduced to $1.1 billion in the base bill. Further cuts are unacceptable; they would prevent the development of intercity passenger rail in communities such as the Quad Cities in my home state of Illinois. We are fighting to re- establish the Quad Cities to Chicago route which would help commuters with their work-day travel and make the Quad Cities more desirable for new businesses and economic development. Additionally, the Quad Cities is the only community of its size in the entire country that does not have a four-year institution of higher education. Amtrak service would expedite plans already underway to establish the tech and engineering branch of Western Illinois University in Moline, which is why I offered an amendment to add $500 million for capital assistance for intercity passenger rail service.

In addition to the benefits Amtrak provides my own community, it also impacts the entire nation. For every $1 billion invested in transportation infrastructure, over 40,000 jobs are created and $6.2 billion in economic activity is generated. Federal funding for Amtrak and passenger rail would boost the economy and create jobs all across America.

It is time to invest in America's future. I urge my colleagues to vote no on this amendment and to preserve the transportation and energy future of America's cities.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

One week ago, President Obama called for bold and swift action to address the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Millions of jobs have been lost, homes have been foreclosed, and families have been stretched to the limit. We must act now.

I join my colleagues to give the American people hope that better days are ahead. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a downpayment on the investment of our future. It is the first vital step in an intensive effort to reinvigorate our economy by focusing on JOBS,