Floor Statements

Chairman Skelton, America thanks you. The troops in Texas thank you, and all of the troops around the world thank you.

I thank you for strengthening your commitment to service men and women and their families.

Readiness has been your challenge. I thank you for that. For strengthening the military forces, for making sure they have the right, secure, safe, and the most technologically sophisticated equipment, I thank you.

Likewise, let me say to you: For your demeanor and spirit, for the tears you shed for those who lost their lives, you have never wavered; and for the service that you gave as a young man in the United States military, I cannot thank you enough.

I come today to support this Ike Skelton bill and to ask my colleagues to pay tribute to this American hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6523, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

As a Member of both the Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees, I highly commend Chairman Ike Skelton for his steadfast leadership and tireless efforts to invest in our military to increase our national security. I join him in strongly supporting the men and women of our Armed Forces; they make the greatest of sacrifices to ensure our national security as a matter of duty. So, I stand here today to say to my colleagues here in Congress, that ``now it is our duty to take care of the military families who take care of us!''

This defense bill reflects our commitment to support the men and women who fight to secure not only our citizen's freedom, but the freedom of others. In H.R. 6523, Chairman Ike Skelton and the Armed Services Committee provide the necessary resources to protect the American people and our national interests at home and abroad.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 makes record investments in our Nation's military, authorizing a $725 billion budget to further strengthen our national security, provide our brave men and women in uniform with the tools to do their jobs, and take care of our servicemembers and their families who make sacrifices right there beside them. It utilizes a sound and balanced strategy to provide the resources we need to sustain two wars today and to be prepared for the threats of tomorrow--whatever and wherever they may be.

This legislation: Strengthens counterterrorism efforts and force protection; strengthens missile defense; strengthens nuclear nonproliferation; strengthens support for servicemembers and their families; strengthens military forces; and strengthens defense acquisition.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, further strengthens our national security by continuing Congress' work to provide the necessary funding, authorities, and oversight for those who defend America from terrorists. It fully supports President Obama's counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan, the nation that served as the genesis for multiple attacks against America, including the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The President's plan in Afghanistan continues to show clear signs of tactical success, putting us on the road toward ensuring that Afghanistan will no longer be used as a safe haven for terrorists.

The bill provides the resources to successfully implement this new strategy and continues to fix the dramatic shortfalls of the previous Administration, when the war in Afghanistan was the forgotten war. It supports the President's strategy on both sides of the border, helping to strengthen the relationship with

Pakistan by expanding Coalition Support Funds. Additionally, it supports the President's efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with key nations, such as Yemen.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, also takes unprecedented steps to strengthen our missile defense, continuing to move away from the Cold War mentality and instead align our missile defense policy with the threats of the 21st century. The bill provides support to the President's new Phased, Adaptive Approach to missile defense, which places the highest priority on countering our most immediate threats from nations like Iran and North Korea with proven and effective defense systems, while still providing us with the flexibility to be prepared for the threats of tomorrow.

The efforts of terrorist organizations like al Qaeda to obtain nuclear capabilities are among the most serious threats facing America today. While the threat of nuclear war with a superpower is diminishing, the threat of nuclear terrorism and the risk that nuclear materials might spread to countries hostile to the U.S. are increasing. We cannot adequately protect our Nation until we bring our nuclear policy out of the Cold War era and into the 21st century, and the bill fully supports the President's efforts to secure vulnerable nuclear material and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to those who seek to do us harm. It funds key programs such as the Department of Energy's Global Threat Reduction Initiative and International Nuclear Materials Protection and Cooperation program and the Global Nuclear Lockdown activities under the Department of Defense's Cooperative Threat Reduction Program.

Our Nation has the best military in the world, and Congress remains committed to providing the very best care and benefits to our troops and the families who are always there to lift them up. This year's bill provides a 1.4 percent pay raise to the troops, allows military families to extend TRICARE coverage to their dependent adult children until age 26, improves the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, and restructures certain education benefits. This year's bill also includes the most comprehensive legislation package ever to address sexual assault in the military and creates a more robust domestic violence prevention program.

This defense authorization bill sponsored by my colleague, Representative Ike Skelton, rightfully enjoys strong bi-partisan support. It shows our military families that we truly value their service and sacrifice, and provides our military with the level of support they need to keep our national security strong. As a member of the Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees from the great State of Texas, which is home to some 15 military bases and has a proud history of national service, I strongly support this legislation and thank my colleagues for joining me in strengthening our national security and taking care of our military families.

Madam Speaker, before I begin my tribute to my dear friends that are leaving, I want to make mention again of a dear friend that we lost this week, and that is the Honorable Richard Holbrooke, who served this Nation ably and who was given tribute today by H. Con. Res. 335, as amended.

Just a brief word about Ambassador Holbrooke as I begin to talk about the outstanding Members that I wish to pay tribute to. I'm reminded not only of his courage, the magnitude of his physical size, the love that he had for his family, the love that he had for the Nation, and the admiration that he received from around the world, but I'm reminded of his tenure at the United Nations. He did something that was equal to moving the Earth. He brought peace between two giants: one, the Vice President of the United States, who in fact came to speak about HIV/ AIDS, and he drew also to that very issue with the then-chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman Jesse Helms. He thought that was a great accomplishment--and we did too. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus went to the United Nations at that time. So I am rising to acknowledge Ambassador Holbrooke and will join with my other colleagues who honored him earlier today.

But I have the great, if you will, honor of honoring wonderful, stellar organizations that are coming to pay tribute to a number of members of the Congressional Black Caucus. And I say ``organizations'' because I know that sororities, fraternities, the NAACP, women's organizations, so many would want to say thank-you to the following members:

First, my dear sister, Ambassador Diane Watson. I always call her ``Ambassador.'' And that she is. She carried herself in a framework of peace; of wanting to bring people together; of challenging our consciousness, and doing it with integrity, honesty, and courageousness. Let me thank her for the work that she did in honoring Dr. Dorothy Height and thank her for the work she did in helping to carry forth the vision of C. Delores Tucker. And now, because of my sister Diane Watson and myself and the late Congresswoman Millender- McDonald, I can say that we have the Sojourner Truth statue in the United States Congress, which will always be remembered by this great work.

And her sister, the Honorable Carolyn Kilpatrick, who took up the Sojourner Truth movement, she's the second African American woman to be appointed to the Appropriations Committee. I can tell you Carolyn Kilpatrick never wavered from investing in people and ensuring that people had resources that came from the taxpayers' dollars. My hat is off to the former Congresswoman and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Might I thank a colleague on the Judiciary Committee, Congressman Artur Davis. Yes, a former U.S. Attorney, but a vigorous speaker and a progeny of the civil rights movement. He was in fact the beneficiary of the civil rights movement and carried it in dignity by becoming a U.S. Attorney in the district that covered Alabama. We thank him for his work on the Ways and Means Committee, and we thank him for his service on the Judiciary Committee, and wish him well.

The Honorable Kendrick Meek is to all of us like a brother. We loved his mother, Carrie. And we saw in him those traits as he worked hard in the 30-somethings in the first couple of years when he was in the Congress, trying to get us back in the majority, but more importantly, speaking to the people.

He ran a fantastic open, wide, welcoming race for the United States Senate. His great days are before him. His wonderful wife and children were a fixture around this place, and we pay tribute to him because of the passion and sacrifice he made for Haitians in his area and for the many people that he represented.

So, Madam Speaker, let me say to you, sadness falls because we will be losing to great things Members like Congresswoman Diane Watson, Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick, Congressman Artur Davis, and Congressman Kendrick Meek. As my dear sister, Congresswoman Diane Watson, is

on the floor of the House, I will tell you that is indicative of her work; that she was here for us in the morning, here for us late at night. And so I have no doubt that she will be carrying forth the torch in California, as all the others will be doing. Having just hosted the Attorney General from California, Ms. Harris, I know that you will be a great comfort and nurturer to her.

I would like to make sure that we classify this not as class warfare, if you will, but a Good Samaritan waving the flag. And, frankly, if we take the best of America and recognize that working people need help, the unemployment insurance that is part of this bill is a valid part of it. The child tax credit, the payroll holiday, all of those speak to the vision of this Nation that we have the willingness to share.

We understand when men and women on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan, they fight not for any one class or any one community. They fight for America. So when we provide an estate tax that blurs the understanding of America, that we need an estate tax that is $5 million and $10 million, we're not telling the truth. The present law provides for most Americans, $3.5 million for an individual, $7 million for those who are couples; provides for family businesses; it provide for farmers. It works--and it has worked. It is not necessarily the best. But to give $25 billion to $28 billion unnecessarily that would go and take away from education and Social Security and Medicare, domestic spending that is necessary, is a crime.

So this is not about fighting against someone who has a few more dollars than the next person. It's to do what we're sent here to do and make sure that the capitalistic system works for everybody, including those who are now unemployed. Let's get our senses together. Let's get the Senate to understand what the real deal is. Fight for everybody, not just a small special interest group. It's time to stand up and be counted. And I'd like to see this rule go forward simply because I want to put it to them that you can't spend $28 billion and waste it on those who don't need it.

Mr. Chairman, I ask that we send this bill back to the drawing board, work with the President, so that we can really help the unemployed, the 99ers, and not just grow the deficit. Where are the good Samaritans?

We have voted over and over for tax cuts. I believe in them. The House voted for tax cuts 2 weeks ago, but this tax bill is a budget buster and just growing the deficit, the same deficit that we're going to be called upon to do something about.

I want America to thrive. So they cannot be giving tax cuts to billionaires who do not want them. We cannot cut into the Social Security, costing us $120 billion and impacting firefighters, teachers, and police who do not get a benefit from the payroll tax holiday. I want middle class tax cuts, but I want the Republicans to stop holding us hostage for hardworking Americans to get a dime from this country. They work hard.

I offered an amendment to ensure that the corporations that are getting the tax cuts really do save a job or hire the people who are unemployed. With billions being spent and trillions in the deficit, it is time now to work for middle class Americans.

Mr. Chair, I have deep reservations with portions of this bill, especially as it relates to the estate tax and tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans. Nevertheless, I do support portions of H.R. 4853, to extend vital tax cuts for America's middle and working class and extending unemployment insurance benefits that will otherwise expire at the end of this month. I have consistently supported and voted for middle class tax cuts, as I did two weeks ago when I voted for the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010, and the extension of unemployment benefits.

I am deeply saddened that the fate of unemployed, low and middle income Americans has been held hostage by the insistence by Republicans that this legislation include a giveaway to the wealthiest 2% of Americans that is going to irresponsibly expand the already large deficit. I have spoken to and heard from many fine, patriotic, hardworking middle income Americans from Houston, from the great State of Texas, and all across the nation. Middle class American families and small businesses are deeply concerned about our troubled economy, the skyrocketing national deficit, high unemployment rates, job creation, and sorely needed extension of the tax relief and unemployment benefits set to expire at the end of this month. The American people are asking the President and Members of Congress to move swiftly and take decisive action to help restore our economy in a fiscally responsible manner. I am disappointed that Republicans have insisted on holding unemployment benefits and tax cuts for working and middle class families' hostage in order to benefit the wealthiest 2% of Americans.

I also have some serious concerns that the temporary payroll tax cut included in this legislation could jeopardize Social Security. Although this is a temporary tax cut, there will inevitably be debate in the future about extending it before its expiration, which could create substantial shortfalls in Social Security's long term viability. Future extensions of this payroll tax at the expense of Social Security could force hard-earned retirement benefits to compete with other government programs for funding rather than remaining self-sufficient. Tax cuts must be instituted without compromising Social Security.

I would like to thank President Obama for his determined leadership, support and commitment to protecting important tax relief issues for middle-income Americans and the nation's small businesses and farmers during these challenging economic times. I would also like to thank all the Members and their staff who worked diligently to bring this essential legislation to the House floor today in an attempt to do all that we can to protect the American people and move this nation toward fiscally responsible economic recovery.

I support those provisions of H.R. 4853 as amended by Senate Amendment 4753 that provide necessary tax relief to struggling middle income Americans. Under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act, Senate Amendment 4753, middle- class families and small businesses will see their taxes go down. This measure contains job-creating tax incentives, including incentives to create clean energy jobs, energy-efficient homes, and investments in renewable energy. It also ensures that millions of Americans still looking for work continue to have access to an emergency safety net to afford basic necessities, without extending the amount of time these benefits can be claimed for any given household.

The specific ways that this bill will benefit middle-class families and aid the economic recovery include the following:

It preserves the current income tax rate for middle-class families (2 years).

It reauthorizes the current emergency unemployment insurance program (13 months, or through the end of 2011).

It continues vital middle-class tax credits, including the American Opportunity Tax Credit to help families pay for college, the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (two years).

It helps businesses by allowing them to deduct 100 percent of certain investments in 2011 and 50 percent in 2012.

It extends the state and local sales tax deduction, which is particularly important for states, like Texas, which have no state income tax (2 years).

It extends Alternative Minimum Tax relief through 2011 (2 years).

I have already voted for all of the above benefits.

Unlike those provisions of H.R. 4853 which benefit America's struggling middle class, I do not support the provisions of this legislation which condition that desperately needed relief upon the unconscionably high cost of providing an unnecessary, expensive giveaway to the wealthiest Americans by providing a two-year extension of Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans while lowering their estate tax rate to 35% on estates valued at more than $5 million for individuals and more than $10 million for couples. These giveaways to the wealthiest Americans during these dire economic times needlessly add billions of dollars to our skyrocketing deficit yet create no value for our ailing economy since these tax cuts are not tied to job creation and preservation.

I offered an amendment that would require all large businesses and corporations who received a tax benefit under this legislation to report how their tax savings are being used to create or save jobs. Tax cuts for America's largest corporations must be tied to job creation or preservation, which is why I offered my amendment. Failing to tie tax cuts to job creation is irresponsible since it exacerbates our growing deficit without bolstering job creation.

I would like to add my support for the Amendment to H.R. 4853 introduced by my colleague, Mr. Pomeroy of North Dakota. This amendment would strike Title III of the Senate amendment to H.R. 4583 and amend the bill to provide two years of estate tax relief at 2009 levels. In calendar years 2011 and 2012, the estate tax exemption amount would be $3.5 million ($7 million total for a married couple) and the maximum tax rate on estates would be 45%. Additionally, the amendment would provide estates from decedents in 2010 with the ability to elect to be treated under the 2009 levels or to be treated under current law for tax purposes. This election will allow estates to receive a step up in basis on inherited property rather than the 2010 carryover basis rules. The exemption level and rate are consistent with the estate tax proposal included in the President's FY2010 and FY2011 budgets.

While I am opposed to the portions of H.R. 4853 that amount to an expensive giveaway to the wealthiest 2% of Americans, I want to emphasize that I fully support President Obama's vision for change. I share his commitment to fighting for low and middle-income Americans who are the backbone of this country and our economy. However, this legislation, especially as it pertains to tax cuts for the top 2% of Americans and estate tax provisions that are regressive and inflate the deficit, does not comport with this vision. I have serious misgivings about extending tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans at the expense of our deficit, especially if these tax cuts are not targeted towards job creation.

I strongly support the tax and unemployment insurance relief that H.R. 4853 provides to middle-income families, small businesses and farmers. But, my friends, I must express my concern that this legislation does not provide extension of unemployment benefits for those unfortunate unemployed Americans who have run up against a brick wall. These so-called ``99ers'' have been sincerely looking for work for a very long time and have run out of resources to provide for their families and pay their mortgages, pay their bills and buy food. They simply want and need a job to pay for these obligations. H.R. 4853 proposes to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, yet fails to provide for the so-called ``99ers.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6510. First, I would like to thank Ron Kendell, Elliot Doomes, Ward McCarrington, Johanna Hardy, Major Keithen Washington and Shashrina Thomas for their tireless efforts in moving this bill. I would also like to thank the co-sponsors of this bill and my colleagues: Representatives: Mario Diaz-Balart, Ted Poe, Ileana

Ros-Lehtinen, Charles Gonzalez, Henry ``Hank'' Johnson and Ralph Hall. I introduced this bill requesting that the Administrator of General Services convey land to the Military Museum of Texas.

The Military Museum of Texas was formed to create, maintain and operate an institution to honor and perpetuate the memories of all men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The President of the Military Museum of Texas, Ed Farris, a former Marine sergeant, and a 22-year veteran of the Houston Police Department's motorcycle patrol and bomb squad, has worked tirelessly to preserve the memories of the men and women of the armed forces. They paid with their lives and their youth to ensure that the United States remains a free and prosperous nation. It is important that we support Mr. Farris and the board members of the Military Museum of Texas to honor and recognize the men and women, living and dead, who have served in the armed forces of the United States. The museum provides a way to hold them up as the heroes they are.

Mr. Speaker, our freedom is intertwined with the sacrifices of our Veterans, whose devotion to our way of life is unparalleled. I am privileged to honor their sacrifices and the role they play in our nation by introducing House Resolution 6510.

Our nation and veterans from the great State of Texas have a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country. We must be united in seeing that every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, and coast guardsmen has a place of memory, pride and honor, in which the Military Museum of Texas provides.

Today, we continue to be engaged in hostilities in Afghanistan, and young men and women will pay the ultimate price while wearing the uniform of our nation. Let us honor the memory of the 4,400 Americans who have died in Iraq and more than 1,300 who have died in Afghanistan. We also honor the sacrifices of our wounded: nearly 32,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and 9,000 in Afghanistan.

Throughout the Military Museum of Texas, Americans will learn from the surviving World War II veterans to the veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' It is not simply enough to sing the praises of our nation's great veterans; I firmly believe that we must demonstrate by our actions how proud we are of our American heroes. Join me and support H.R. 6510. I firmly believe that we should celebrate our veterans after every conflict, and I remain committed to both meeting the needs of veterans of previous wars, and to provide a fitting welcome home to those who are now serving.

Currently, there are 23 million veterans in the United States. There are more than 1,626,000 veterans living in Texas and more than 32,000 veterans living in my Congressional district alone. H.R. 6510 will allow Congress to express our appreciation to those who have answered the call to duty. As the great British leader Winston Churchill famously stated, ``Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.''

Our nation is founded on the principles, laid out in the Declaration of Independence, that ``all men are created equal,'' ``that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,'' and ``that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.'' At various points in our history as a nation, we have found need to send our sons and daughters, our most precious resources, overseas to fight in defense of these great principles. At times when the need is greatest, America's soldiers have always stepped up to protect our nation.

And so, today, I hope we will all take time from our daily lives to reflect upon the sacrifices made by those who serve in our armed forces, and to resolve together that we will provide returning veterans with the welcome, services, care, and compassion that they deserve--a Museum of reflection. As we consider H.R. 6510, let us all remember the one thing that makes our nation truly great are the young men and women willing to fight to defend it, to defend us, and to defend our way of life. Join me and support H.R. 6510.

Memories fade all too quickly, and we are losing about 1000 WWII veterans every day. It is important that we record and preserve the memories of these veterans so that future generations can understand the sacrifices of our veterans. The Museum is a place for preservation of military memorabilia, personal stories, artifacts and the history of past wars to remember American veterans and their sacrifices.

It is remarkably easy for succeeding generations to forget why we enjoy the freedoms we do in our country. The Museum seeks to educate the public about the sacrifices of our veterans that gave us those freedoms.

It is difficult for those who have not served in combat to understand the horrors our veterans endured and the trauma that still affects their lives. Veterans themselves conduct tours and convey their personal experiences to visitors.

The Museum provides a place where veterans can congregate and discuss their experiences, and in the process, heal. It also permits them to talk about their experiences with museum visitors.

Soldiers currently serving in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan need to know that the people back home in the great state of Texas support them. Volunteers at the Military Museum of Texas prepare and send care packages to troops who are serving overseas and are patients in military hospitals recovering from wounds. The Military Museum of Texas also hosts reunions, participate in parades and other events in the Houston, Texas area.

The Military Museum is a pillar in the community, and a benefit to schools, veterans and military related groups. It provides educational programs, live reenactments from military personnel as well as interactive exhibits. Furthermore, the Military Museum provides internships in military history and preservation, and a research database available for education and historical institutions and the public.

Let us continue to preserve and honor the memory of those who defend our freedom and liberty.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 6510, and ask for its immediate adoption.

It is moving to hear so many members of the United States military who have served to come to the floor and honor the flag and the Constitution. I am not that fortunate to have served in the military, but I have been fortunate enough to travel amongst them, from Kosovo to Bosnia to Albania to Iraq and Afghanistan and places within those nations.

If I have observed anything, I've observed men and women who understand the Constitution and take great pride to be on the front lines to be able to say I live in a country of the land of the free and the brave. So I ask today for my colleagues to be brave and to be free, to unshackle themselves of stereotypes and to repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell and vote for the rule and the underlying bill. Do it in the name of my constituent, a young man by the name of Seaman Provost, who had the unfortunate circumstances, I believe, of being considered someone who should not be in the United States Navy.

So I would call upon those who believe in the Constitution, who understand the values of the human rights campaign of which I had the privilege of receiving notice from, that we all are created equal. It is time now to bust this unholy alliance that suggests that men and women whose lifestyles may be different do not have a heart of gold and love the red, white, and blue. It is time now for America to be America.

Let us vote for this rule and the underlying bill. Let us vote for freedom, stand for all those who are brave, and stand behind the men and women who fight for us every single day of their lives. God bless all of them.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Congressman Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for introducing and bringing this momentous legislation to the House. Our troops and veterans have taken the Oath of Service and have devoted their lives to our country. I want to thank our Nation's Armed Services for proudly and courageously serving our Nation.

In supporting our troops, I stand here today in unwavering support of repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation. The ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010'' presents the Congress of the United States with an opportunity to uphold civil and human rights in one of the most noble institutions of the United States--our armed forces.

I believe that the Pentagon's extensive report regarding DADT's repeal speaks for itself The report explained that the majority of the military supported allowing gay members of the armed services to serve openly. Furthermore, the report stated that allowing gay Americans to serve openly would not have a substantial impact on troop morale, readiness, or effectiveness. It is important that we realize and recognize that we have the power to prevent the potentially disruptive process of having the courts repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell by doing it legislatively today.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has emphasized on numerous occasions that it is critical that we pass this legislation and allow the Department of Defense to implement the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Now it is our opportunity to serve our Nation, and to do what it is best for our armed services.

Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has expressed his strong support for the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell as well. Like Admiral Mullen, I too am troubled by such a policy that forces the young men and women to lie about who they are. We should not undermine the integrity of our Nation's institutions nor of those who courageously protect our Nation's interests abroad. We must do right by all of our American troops and move forward by repealing DADT.

It is time to end this lingering method of discrimination, and we should not rest until this message is clear. Every American has the right to stand among their peers to undertake the noble and courageous task of defending their Nation. Our military should not have to lose the patriotic and talented men and women who want to serve our country, but are unable to do so because of DADT. Since 1993, DADT has forced over 13,000 qualified and patriotic men and women to leave the service. And that does not include the thousands more who have decided not to re-enlist or join the military at all because of DADT.

I know firsthand that the men and women of the United States military are courageous and have compassion for the humanity of each other; it is the expansiveness of their humanity which leads them to sacrifice and offer the last full measure of devotion on behalf of the American people. We know it is distinctive, but there is a reason that Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be eliminated, and it is that every patriotic human being deserves the right to serve his or her country if they are willing to take the Oath of Service.

President Lyndon Baines Johnson stated, ``We seek not just equality as a right and a theory but equality as a fact and equality as a result.'' America is a Nation of values; the right to equality and the principle of non-discrimination is a fundamental tenet of our democracy. Our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution speak specifically to the equality of all people. Now is the time for Congress to act and ensure that every American of good character has the right to serve their Nation. We must respect the humanity and the service of those troops who respect our country so much that they are willing to sacrifice their lives for it.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell is also a costly policy. In 2009 alone, we lost 428 service members to Don't Ask, Don't Tell at the estimated cost of over $12 million. There are an estimated 66,000 gay and lesbian service members currently on active-duty, serving in all capacities around the world to protect our Nation and advance our interests. We cannot allow the strength and unity of our military to suffer from a destructive force within. The cost is not only monetary; Don't Ask, Don't Tell costs the United States by eroding our position on respecting human and civil rights. In the same vein of the civil rights movement of years past, we must not forget that the fight for civil and human rights continues.

The research has been done, the representatives of our Armed Forces support the repeal, and our President has expressed his support. It is our turn to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. We must act now, to ensure that human and civil rights are ensured and protected. I urge my colleagues to defend the human and civil rights at home for those who protect ours abroad.

Let me thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding.

I rise to support this legislation. As I listened earlier--and I had to depart from the floor--I wanted to reinforce the comments and perspective that Chairman Berman has announced.

Mr. Speaker, diplomacy is bilateral. It is a two-way street. It is a give-and-take. It is the ability to help all of the people who are involved, and it is also the ability for the world to recognize that a coming together has occurred. I have the greatest sense of concern and respect for the Palestinian people and for Palestinian Americans, who themselves have reached out and asked for help.

I believe the people of the West Bank and Gaza want freedom, opportunity, equality, and a peaceful existence. I believe, over the years, the people of Israel and its many leaders have engaged in the process of peace. We in the United States are committed to a two-party state. We are committed to a peace resolution. Make peace today. Unilateral affirmation of one state without the recognition of the importance of both states coexisting and working together does not lead to the recognition that the world should give to two independent states that will be working alongside each other.

So I would simply indicate that, as we move forward, it is enormously important that we get energized on the two-party debate, discussion and diplomacy, and that we provide a peaceful existence as one of the negotiators--the United States--for the Palestinian people and the people of Israel. We should be engaged. We have been asked to be engaged. We can make a difference, and I would support the idea of our making a difference.

To my friends who have proceeded on a unilateral perspective, Mr. Speaker, I would simply say: go this route of a two-party state, engaging to provide peace for the two states.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I am saddened by the occasion on which I come to the floor of the House, but it is a privilege to be able to speak about a great American, for we do not capture the life and the legacy of great Americans. We find ourselves forgetting. Some would say, if we don't remember the past, we are doomed to repeat some of those hills and valleys in the future. Tonight, I want to remember Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, whom this Nation lost on Monday evening.

It is important that his story be told for I would like to know him and for this Nation to know him as America's peacemaker, but many will say that peacemaker had a tough edge.

Before I start, I want to mention his family and express my sympathy to them for their loss--to his wife, his two sons, and his stepchildren--all who loved him so very, very much.

What I would say to you is that this was an action man. He was someone who threw himself into the world of diplomacy. Frankly, there was no challenge of peace too difficult for Ambassador Richard Holbrooke.

One newspaper, USA Today, calls him as he is known in the headline-- Bulldozer, Giant of Diplomacy Holbrooke Dies.

Among his credits, the 1995 Bosnian pact, but Richard was also known around the world for being unending and unceasing in his commitment to solving a problem, and he would ask you to work with him to solve that problem.

Henry Kissinger said, If Richard calls you and asks you for something, just say, ``Yes.'' If you say, ``No,'' you will eventually get to saying ``yes,'' but the journey will be very painful.

Ambassador Holbrooke was not prepared to give up. He learned to become extremely informed about whatever country he was in. He would push for an exit strategy and look for ways to get those who lived in a country to take responsibility for their own security. He didn't mind getting engaged and involved with those who lived in faraway places, whether it was Vietnam or whether it was Bosnia--the resulting agreement, the Dayton peace treaty. The Washington Post headline credited him with deft maneuvering that resulted in that peace treaty. He brokered the accord in Bosnia. He was seeking peace in Afghanistan, and he refused to give up.

So, tonight, it is important that we remember this man, this gentleman--this giant of a man, large in size and with the capacity to do much. America was saddened by his loss. In particular, I note that Ambassador Holbrooke always accepted the call to duty, whether it was as the U.N. ambassador or whether it was as the special envoy which President Obama called him to be. In the time of sadness, many came to present and to give their thoughts. Let me share with you some of those words.

For nearly 50 years, Richard served the country he loved with honor and distinction. He worked as a young foreign service officer during the Vietnam war, and then supported the Paris Peace Talks, which ended that war.

As a young assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, he helped normalize relations with China. As U.S. ambassador to Germany, he helped Europe emerge from a long Cold War and encouraged NATO to welcome new members. The progress that we have made in Afghanistan and Pakistan is due in no small measure to Richard's relentless focus on America's national interests and pursuit of peace and security. He understood in his life, his work, and his interests that they encompass the values that we hold so dear, and as usual, amidst this extraordinary duty, he also mentored young people who will serve our country for decades to come. One of his friends and admirers once said that if you're not on the team and you're in the way, God help you. Like so many Presidents before me, I am grateful that Richard Holbrooke was on my team, as are the American people. President Barack Obama.

I remind you, like so many Presidents before me, I'm grateful that he was on my team. The President understood the kind of strength that Ambassador Holbrooke had. This sounds just like him: If you're not on the team and you're in his way, God help you. But remember, he was doing it for the good of this Nation and for the good of the world.

Another comment on his great life: In a lifetime of passionate, brilliant service on the front lines of war and peace, freedom and oppression, Richard Holbrooke saved lives, secured peace, and restored hope for countless people around the world. He was central to our efforts to limit ethnic cleansing in Kosova and paved the way for its independence, and he found a way to break the stalemate in the talks in Cyprus.

Little known to many people, I was proud to nominate him as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations where he helped equip the U.N. to meet the challenges of our 21st-century world. Former President Bill Clinton.

Let me just reiterate these words. He helped restore hope for countless people around the world. I remember engaging with Ambassador Holbrooke in the early stages of my congressional career, and I remember him as the United Nations ambassador: resilient, joyful, persistent, determined, ready to tackle the world for peace. He wasn't bored with his job. He was never bored. He was always ready to do what was right.

Another comment on his life: Richard Holbrooke was a larger-than-life figure who through his brilliance, determination and sheer force of will helped bend the curve of history in the direction of progress. He touched so many lives and helped save countless more. He was a tireless negotiator, a relentless advocate for American interests, and the most talented diplomat we have had in a generation. Vice President Joe Biden.

Other words pouring out for him and toward him: From his early days in Vietnam, to his historic role bringing peace to the Balkans, to his last mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard helped shape our history, manage our perilous present, and secure our future. I had the privilege to know Richard for many years and to call him a friend, colleague, and confidante. As Secretary of State, I have counted on his advice, relied on his leadership. This is a sad day for me, for the State Department and, yes, for the United States of America. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Some would say that States and defense, power and diplomacy, sometimes did not match or mix, but Richard Holbrooke knew how to walk that line. Ambassador Holbrooke was one of the most formidable and consequential public servants of his generation, bringing his uncommon passion, energy, tenacity, and intellect to bear on the most difficult national security interests of our time. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

He never lost time fighting for ideals he believed in. He never lost touch with the problems faced by millions of people he never knew. And he never lost hope that those same people could live in peace, security, and safety. Indeed, he shared their vivid aspirations. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen.

You can see that he interacted with these leaders of our present government and past government quite frequently. He was a frequent visitor to the White House. Those who worked in this area and those who did not knew Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, and he drew the admiration and respect and sometimes the intimidation of those who watched him work and wondered

what he would say next. Well, I can tell you as someone who has likewise watched his work, he would be talking about peace.

Further words about him: His drive was immense. His desire to do good in the world was fierce, and he pursued all that he set out to do with a resolution and tenacity that was second to none. His legacy will be his work, his inspiration to so many around the world. That's what we should note about Ambassador Holbrooke: how many miles he accumulated in his travels around the world, how many times in his lifetime around the world he went.

More than we probably could calculate because, when this Nation called him, when there was a conflict, a difficult situation, where people were at odds, where others were suffering, he wanted to intervene and to bring peace. He wanted to see the best of Pakistan and Afghanistan. He wanted those people to thrive and to grow. He wanted the children to have an opportunity for education and to mature into citizens of their nation.

He wanted the people of Afghanistan to have freedom and a good government and good governance. He wanted there to be the opportunity for girls to go to school and women to be respected and held in dignity and to have the same access to opportunities that we cherish here in the United States of America. He cared about our soldiers on the front line, and he knew that they were putting themselves on the line so that he could work his magic and bring resolution.

You know what I would say to my colleagues, I know that the heads of state of both Pakistan and Afghanistan have experienced the similar loss and pain of a giant like Ambassador Holbrooke in losing his life. I know that because both Presidents, Presidents Zardari and Karzai, called the family to express their concern. Presidents called far away from their homes, as one could imagine, because they respected a man who would get in the mix and fight both, if he had to, to draw them together and to iron out or to box out these particular issues that were keeping us from being united around the question of peace.

Further comments about this great man. They noted that Ambassador Holbrooke's service spanned decades and continents confronting profoundly difficult issues and global affairs. The members of the council expressed admiration for his contributions as the United States' permanent representative to the United Nations, as well as for his energetic and unrelenting commitment to promoting peace and strengthening international cooperation of the United Nations.

I will tell you that his work at the United Nations allowed him to touch governments around the world, and I venture to say that any hotspot that would occur today, this giant of a man would be able to go and begin to develop a solution. Remember what I said, any country that he would go to, he would begin to know more than anyone else about that country and probably more than those who lived there. That's what made him effective. That's what made him have the ability to talk to heads of state and prime ministers and foreign ministers and those who were engaged in the day-to-day diplomacy of that particular country. It was his understanding of their culture, his understanding of their language, his understanding of how they thought, but most of all, his understanding of his own thoughts, and he knew he wanted peace, and he would do what was necessary.

There were so many that considered him friend, but there were really so many more that respected him for being the bulldozer, giant for peace. I call him America's peacemaker.

Further comments that I pay tribute to his diplomatic skills, strategic vision, and legendary determination as the architect of the 1995 Dayton Agreement, Ambassador Holbrooke played a key role in ending the war in Bosnia, the most terrible tragedy on European soil since World War II. At the end of this long and distinguished career, he traveled tirelessly to Afghanistan and Pakistan in pursuit of peace and stability in the region, and he would not stop. My words.

He knew that history is unpredictable, that we sometimes have to defend our security by facing conflict in distant places and that the transatlantic alliance remains indispensable. Secretary General of

Mr. Speaker, let me thank the chairwoman of the subcommittee, first of all, for her kind generosity and the excellent staff of the chairperson, and as well my friend and my good friend from Florida, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who is the ranking member of this committee, for the wisdom and for their staff's excellent work that has generated relief for hardworking veterans.

In one sense, the Texas Military Museum, it speaks to individuals who have found themselves now living in the State of Texas. But these are heroes that served the Nation, proudly so, and they welcome the Nation to come and to celebrate the idea of a military museum. I don't think we can have enough of these facilities. And so I am very grateful that this nonprofit institution, in the wisdom of my bipartisan cosponsors, of which I want to express deep and abiding appreciation as I indicated to the ranking member for his sponsorship and to the chairwoman for her leadership, because it is preserving the honor and the memory of citizens who served defending the United States' freedom and liberty, and, as well, we emphasize, serving the entire country.

This will include all branches of the Armed Forces, including the Reserves and the National Guard. This will allow these individuals who have nurtured and cared for military vehicles and other equipment for display since the beginning of their operations, critical components of the military history. These individuals, these soldiers have restored and preserved this military equipment and memorabilia with enduring kindness, volunteerism; and they have stood fast just like they stood fast on the battlefield on behalf of the Nation.

The museum has had to turn down historic military equipment for display and restoration given their space limitations, so this museum will in essence be an asset for the American people.

What will it do? In addition to saying thank you to veterans, to those who have served, it will be a benefit to the community, schools, as well as veterans and military-related groups. It will teach the children to value a soldier, both old and young, both active and nonactive. It will teach them to understand what sacrifice is all about. It will explain to them, these tough vehicles that children rarely see, what they mean to their freedom. The Military Museum provides educational programs. You can't imagine the different schools that are eager to see them. Live reenactments from military personnel, interactive exhibits, provide internships to military history and preservation, as well as research databases available for educational and historical institutions and the public.

I might deviate just for a moment. A fallen hero that all of us admired, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, took his arms of peace. He was of course the envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where a war is raging in Afghanistan. What I would say to you is that he understood the partnership and the work that has to be done with the military.

That is why this museum is so important. They work together for peace, diplomacy and peace. It is enormously important that we provide an opportunity for these to be recognized.

Now, we are grateful that the General Services Administration has a light bulb on, and we thank those who have recognized the fact, how important it is to be able to fix this, if you will. That is what we are doing.

But we are fixing it for the right reasons. This will be conveyed for market value, the title and interest to the benefit of the United States of America. Therefore, this particular land will not go unused or misused. It, in actuality, will be for the Military Museum of Texas that can really be called the Military Museum--one of them--of the United States of America. We support honoring our soldiers.

So let me thank Ron Kendall, Elliot Doomes, Ward McCarragher, Johanna Hardy, Major Keithen Washington of my office, who was a Department of Defense detailee. We thank him for his fine work, and my deputy chief of staff for her untiring efforts to keep moving this bill.

Certainly we want to acknowledge all of the original cosponsors: Mario Diaz-Balart, Ted Poe, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Charlie Gonzalez, Henry ``Hank'' Johnson, and Ralph Hall, and the many others who have rallied around to be supportive.

Let me close at this time and indicate that we often speak of making sure that our veterans have all their benefits. We want to help the wounded warriors. Many of us visit the front lines from Iraq to Afghanistan to Bosnia to Albania and places beyond, but we want them to know that we cherish what they have done, and a military museum is a way of doing that. It gives them great joy to teach and educate adults and children, alike, what it is to serve. Our freedom is intertwined with the sacrifices of our servicemen and -women whose devotion to freedom is unparalleled. I am privileged to honor their sacrifices and the role each plays in our freedom by championing and supporting this legislation.

This bill is yet another reminder to all Americans of the risk that our servicemembers take on our behalf daily. Moreover, H.R. 6510 is an expression of gratitude for their service.

The Military Museum of Texas houses wonderful memorabilia and artifacts, and I can say that the relics remind us to be grateful and thankful for the reasons owed to military servicemen and -women for the sacrifices they made for our enjoyment of freedom. So I ask my colleagues to help us make it right, and I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 6510, a bipartisan bill recognizing the history of our great military men and women.

Madam Speaker, it's my pleasure to rise on the floor of the House and congratulate the Texas Southern University Fighting Tigers, who won the SWAC competition in Birmingham, Alabama, against Alabama State. Congratulations to Coach Cole, the athletic director, President John Rudley, the Board of Regents, but most of all, our outstanding football players, who are vested in character and integrity and doing the right thing. Let me thank all the students, the band, all of those who came to cheer.

I had the great privilege of being there in Birmingham, Alabama, to support this great team. They celebrated today at city hall with the mayor and the community, and we look forward to a greater understanding of who Texas Southern University is, a great institution, vested in the history of this country, educating young people. And now we can call them the Fighting Tigers, the 2010 winners of the SWAC championship. Fighting Tigers, congratulations to all of you.

Madam Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and to congratulate the Texas Southern University, TSU, Tigers for bringing home the Southwestern Atlantic Conference, SWAC, Championship to my district in Houston, Texas. In a display of great sportsmanship and great endurance, the Tigers defeated the Alabama State Hornets on December 11, and became conference champions for the first time in 42 years. I would like to congratulate the Tigers' athletic association, their football team, and, of course, Coach Johnnie Cole on a momentous finale to a tremendous season.

As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, it is truly an honor to recognize Texas Southern University not only for their conference championship, but also for their academic successes as one of the nation's largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, HBCU. Additionally, TSU contributes to the multiculturalism that makes Houston the

diverse city it is today, by hosting a number of international students. Texas Southern University, which is located in the heart of metropolitan Houston, proudly serves students of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Moreover, Texas Southern University is poised towards a greater tomorrow--its academic programs are designed to encourage and develop America's future model citizens.

The fighting Tigers of TSU dominated defensively throughout the December 11th game against the Alabama State Hornets at Legion Field. With the final and, winning score of 11-6, the Tigers were able to rejoice in the reclamation of the SWAC Championship, the team's first since 1968--but this time it is theirs alone. Guided by Coach Cole, and led by Dejuan Fulghum, Defensive MVP of the Championship game, and Riko Smalls, Offensive MVP of the Championship game, the fighting Tigers were able to bring home the SWAC championship.

Coach Johnnie Cole achieved many successes in his tenure at Texas Southern University. By transforming and revitalizing the Tigers' football team, he truly has brought football back to TSU. Coach Cole has had a long history with TSU, ever since he played on losing TSU football teams in the 1980s. Though, this year, Coach Cole turned a new leaf for TSU, by coaching an astoundingly successful and triumphant football team all the way to the SWAC championship. Since joining the football leadership team in 2008, Coach Cole has ignored the defeatist mentality and has a renewed focus on reigniting the school spirit for the TSU Fighting Tigers. This year, they finished the season on an eight game winning streak, and Cole bringing TSU the first Conference Championship since 1968 was ``icing on the cake.'' I would like to congratulate Coach Johnnie Cole on his recent award for the Southwestern Atlantic Conference's Coach of the Year; his success represents the future of TSU. It truly was a great combination--with Coach Johnnie Cole, athletic director Charles McClelland, a supportive and spirited student body, and finally a hardworking and motivated football team--that led the fighting Tigers to a great year of dignity, sportsmanship, and success.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a few moments to recognize the Most Valuable Players from the 2010 Southwestern Atlantic Conference Championship game. I believe that they exhibited the great athleticism and leadership that paved the way for the Tigers' Championship on December 11. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Dejuan Fulghum, the SWAC's Defensive Player of the Year, and the Championship Game's Most Valuable Defensive Player. Dejuan Fulghum is a senior linebacker, who has had a tremendous career with the TSU Tigers. He led the Southwestern Atlantic Conference in sacks, with nine this year, and was third in tackles, with 91. Furthermore, he recorded an interception and two forced fumbles that led to the Football Championship Subdivision designating TSU as the number two defensive team. The Championship Game's Most Valuable Offensive Player, Riko Smalls, a sophomore quarterback, was called to the field on last Saturday, when senior quarterback Arvell Nelson was unable to play. Riko Smalls helped place TSU in the best position for winning the Championship, and rose to his role as a leader on the field. Riko Smalls' first start with the TSU Tigers, in arguably their most important game, demonstrates the growing capabilities of the Texas Southern Tigers and of the TSU coaching staff. The entire team was well prepared to succeed that day and I congratulate all the Texas Southern Tigers; and, I would like to commemorate the success of their football team, which can now claim the title of the best college football team in Houston.

In representing the eighteenth district of Texas, I am proud to commemorate the fighting Tigers of TSU for their athletic success, and moreover, to commemorate the greater TSU community for their scholastic drive and dedication to becoming champions on and off the field.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 4994, the ``Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act,'' which makes certain that our seniors and military families are able to continue seeing their doctors.

Scheduled for January 1 and through 2011, this bipartisan legislation stops the 25 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors. This very important legislation protects and supports our doctors who are serving Medicare recipients and active duty military, their families, the Reserve members and military retirees whose access to healthcare is tied to Medicare through the TRICARE system. If we fail to pass this legislation we are doing an extreme injustice to numerous Americans who depend on these doctors and this Congress for their healthcare.

In my Congressional District, Riverside General Hospital (RGH), a member of the TRICARE network can ensure military families will be able to continue to see their doctors. Riverside General Hospital, formerly The Houston Negro Hospital was erected in 1926 in memory of Lieutenant John Halm Cullinan, 344th FA., 90th Div. AEP.

St. Joseph Medical Center, in Houston, Texas, in my district, the only hospital in the inner city of Houston, can now continue to provide access to Medicare beneficiaries to Houston's most needy patient population as a result of this legislation in its current form. Currently, St. Joseph's provides $14 million in uninsured care in the Houston Market.

St. Joseph Medical Center provides a full range of comprehensive medical and surgical services, such as, cardiology, cancer care, behavioral health, intensive care/critical care, emergency care, neurosurgery, orthopedics and pediatrics. St. Joseph Women's Medical Center, Houston's only full service women's hospital attached to a general acute care hospital, provides women's medical and surgical services, a family birthing center for moms and newborns, labor/ delivery/recovery suites and a neonatal intensive care unit for premature or seriously ill newborns. The Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is staffed by the Small Wonders Team of specially trained doctors, nurses and staff who provide the smallest patients with the best chance at life. Specialty services provided by St. Joseph include an advanced wound care center, behavioral medicine, blood conservation and management services, occupational medicine, sports medicine and rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient diagnostic imaging, and Corporate Healthcare Connection, a partnership with Houston's corporate businesses that provides expedited care to their employees. A Houston institution for 120 years, St. Joseph Medical Center is also a major provider of psychiatric beds as it currently operates 102 of the 800 licensed beds in Houston.

For an entire year, this legislation provides thousands with a practical, invaluable, and stable solution for deserving patients and doctors. These doctors deserve payment for the aid they render and we would be doing an intensely unjust service to them by not ensuring their repayment. Furthermore, we would be building a shaky platform for our constituents by not ensuring healthcare and medicine to the elderly, unfortunate, or those who so altruistically serve or served our country.

Moreover, the bill is fully paid for according to the Congressional Budget Office. Furthermore, the CBO reports that it would serve to reduce the deficit by $2.8 billion over the next 10 years if the bill is passed. This is made possible by modifying the Affordable Care Act in the area of overpayments of tax credits to help individuals afford insurance. It is important to note that this bill's provision will in fact protect income based tax credits. Specifically, this provision would change the way individuals pay back overpayments when they receive a larger tax credit than they were eligible for based on their actual income for the year. Also, this legislation is highly supported by AARP and the American Medical Association.

Other extensions include:

The Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA), which allows low-income families to keep their Medicaid coverage as they move into employment and their income increases. Which is extremely important for those who are struggling to get on the their feet and make a way for themselves and their families. If we take away their assistance just as they are beginning to earn more money then we force those individuals to struggle to pay for more costly healthcare they cannot afford subsequently reducing their total income.

Extension of the Qualifying Individual (Q1) Program which allows Medicaid to pay the Medicare premiums for those with incomes 120-135 percent below the poverty line who are Medicare recipients.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 4994, which greatly assists our countrymen and helps those who are elderly, poverty stricken, and those brave individuals who serve and served in our armed forces and their family members.

Further, however the major component to keeping our health care system working is to not reduce doctors' payments from medicare by 25% as of January 1, 2011. This bill will fix that inequity and extend current medicare payments to doctors. Until December, 2012.

This is good advice. I urge a ``yea'' vote.

I would like to address a few items for my colleagues. First of all, I am very proud today to introduce H.R. 6510, which will allow Texas veterans to have a Texas military museum. We look forward to this moving through this Congress and saying ``thank you'' to our veterans.

I think it is important that we move quickly to pass the Senior Protection Act of 2010 to get $250 to our seniors. And I rise as well to support H.R. 4994 that we voted on, so that physicians do not get a 25 percent cut in their Medicare payments. That we also are able to provide for Medicare therapy that many of our seniors have. That as well that we will have a mental health add-on that many of my constituents, including MMHRA, will need. And as well that we are providing to make sure that we have enough money to pay for those in poverty to be able to pay their Medicare payments, Medicare Part B.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to address the needs of Americans who have worked, including the veterans who celebrate a veterans museum, including those doctors who work for us, and certainly seniors who need these Medicare benefits. This is a time for us to stand for them.

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, let me thank you for your leadership. I think it is important to always engage our colleagues in reasoned conversation.

Before I begin a reasoned conversation and asking of the hard questions, let me, first of all, add my appreciation to this bipartisan House that saw fit to create opportunities for young, working Americans, and that is by passage of the DREAM Act.

And the only sentence I want to leave with you, beyond the idea of equality and justice, which many times we take lightly, we use it often, but it is very real. It is why so many Americans pledge allegiance to the flag and have an abiding faith and love in this country.

But also, this is an economic engine of investment for those young people who have come to this country, and perpetrated no criminal act of their own, and now will be able to work and contribute to society, serve us in the United States military, perpetuate community service and generally, as we always ask of our young people, to be the kind of citizens that make this country great. Thank you for passing the DREAM Act.

Now we'll have many months to come to renew the effort that I had in Save America Comprehensive Immigration Act, that includes border security and reinforcement of the men and women in Border Patrol and as well, Customs and Border Protection, combined agencies now, but as well, new technology and working to secure America as we should. And so I look forward to that journey again.

However, there are other issues that I believe are enormously important, and many of us have engaged in what has been known to be the providing for middle class, middle-income tax cuts or relief, is what I like to call it. And I believe that there is some value to one's values.

So let me just say to my colleagues and through them, those who they represent, the American people, who are, in fact, our bosses, this is not a class warfare. This is not ``dissing'' one particular group, but it is holding true to what you have asked us to do, bar any political party, and that is to reduce the deficit.

So, my friends, a middle-income tax relief that would include, if you will, a child tax credit, that would include an idea of ensuring that the working Americans who are now, unfortunately, unemployed will have unemployment insurance, that would further include those who have run up against a brick wall, the ``99ers'' as they call them, don't have any more resources but still have mortgages and food to pay for and bills to pay, and they want to pay for it.

A reasoned tax relief legislation will be the real answer, not the answer, if you will, of a huge, ridiculous amount of dollars going to individuals who, of their own voice, have said, we are well. We are well. The economy is turning, the Dow is working.

If you ask our major banks, they have more than $4 billion-plus in some of our major banks in the third quarter in profits. And as well, we see that the economy is moving. In fact, we know that some of the unemployment numbers even went down.

But we need to focus on reducing that deficit, not adding to it by a ludicrous, reordering of even the Bush response to estate tax. And that is, to create a $68 billion, if you will, burden on the American people to give an unusual tax relief to an estate of a magnitude that only fits a small number of people, some 39,000 out of a 300 million-person country.

We're not trying to deny those working family farms, those small businesses that will have an opportunity to benefit again.

But let me remind you there were tax cuts in the stimulus. There were tax cuts in the recent Small Business Jobs Act, some 16 or more tax cuts for small businesses. In addition, there is $30 billion sitting for small businesses in our community banks.

I believe some of the elements of any kind of tax relief should ensure that those who get tax relief, such as major corporations, should have accountability. Yes, they should have profit; but at the same time there should be a linkage to their commitment to retaining jobs and not laying people off.

We want the right kind of relief for the American people, and that's the kind of tax bill that I'll be supporting. And I look forward to my colleagues working with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5987, ``Supporting the Seniors Protection Act of 2010.'' Let me begin by thanking my colleague Representative Earl Pomeroy for introducing this very important legislation into the House of Representatives as it is important that we recognize the struggle that a certain segment of our Nation endures and support them by ensuring that we give attention to this matter.

As you may know, H.R. 5987, directs the Secretary of the Treasury to disburse a $250 payment to recipients of Social Security, SSI (Supplemental Security Income under title XVI of the Social Security Act), railroad retirement benefits, and veterans disability compensation or pension benefits if no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is payable in 2011.

I support the Seniors Protection Act of 2010. This Act will provide immediate relief to seniors struggling on fixed income with increasing expenses. The legislation will provide 54 million Social Security beneficiaries and others with a one-time $250 payment, in lieu of a COLA. Now more than ever this emergency spending of $14.5 billion would provide targeted economic relief to our most vulnerable citizens living on fixed incomes, and struggling with rising health care, food and utility costs.

For many, social security checks are the primary source of income and for others, social security checks are the only source of income. It is both fair and appropriate to now provide a second payment to help stimulate our Nation's economy and at the same time assist seniors, people with disabilities, children and other Social Security beneficiaries who did not receive a cost of living adjustment in 2010 and will not get one again in 2011. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that the cost of medical care services has risen by nearly seven percent in just the last two years. This $250 payment would represent a small step toward reversing the erosion in benefits caused by the skyrocketing cost of health care.

Therefore, I am requesting that we, the Congress urge President Obama to include a $500 payment for seniors in his Budget Request for next year. This $500 payment represents an inclusion for the lack of COLA in 2010 and 2011 years. While I understand that this will not totally eradicate the financial strain, I believe this allotment will serve to ameliorate some financial hardships. It is important that Congress guarantees resources to our seniors that will assist them in not only surviving, but also thriving.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 5987 and ask for its immediate adoption.