Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1157, ``Congratulating the National Urban League on its 100th year of service to the United States.''

As a member of the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, I take great pleasure in thanking my colleague, Representative Alcee L. Hastings, for introducing this important piece of legislation that honors this historic civil rights organization.

Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues in recognizing and congratulating the National Urban League for its 100 years of service to historically underserved urban communities across the United States. The National Urban League was originally known as the National League of Black Men and Women. Created in 1910 as a civil rights organization, the National Urban League has since made tremendous gains in equality and empowerment for the African-American community. Throughout the League's 100 years of service the organization has assisted millions of Americans and especially African-Americans in combating poverty, inequality and social injustice.

The National Urban League saw tremendous growth in its partnership with the Federal Government throughout the 1970s. During this time the League began delivering aid to urban areas and making improvements in housing, education, health and minority-owned small businesses. This partnership between the League and the Federal Government revolutionized how the country viewed race relations, challenged the deep discrimination within America's social structure and established the League's reputation as a premier social justice organization.

Since that time, the League has expanded to include 25 national programs, with more than 100 local affiliates in 36 states as well as the District of Columbia.

In my home district in Houston, Texas, the National Urban League has played a strong role in helping the community through outreach programs. The League has sponsored hundreds of such programs over the years from job fairs to Computer Technology courses. These types of educational and community empowerment programs help to improve the quality of life for communities across the United States.

The National Urban League in Houston has also played a strong role in the clean-up and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. In September 2008, a massive Category 4 Hurricane named Hurricane Ike came ashore and slammed the Texas coastline near my home district of Houston. The National Urban League of Houston has since provided assistance to children, families and senior citizens in the community. I thank the League for its continued support of our community.

Over the past several years, National Urban League has also helped thousands of people weather through one of the worst economic disasters in recent memory. Through the League's Housing and Community Development division the League was able to assist over 50,000 people with mortgage, foreclosure and other similar economic problems in 2009. Furthermore, from this assistance provided by the League's ``Foreclosure Prevention'' program, 3,000 people were able to avoid filing foreclosure in 2009.

The National Urban League also helps out youth across our nation and promotes childhood education through programs like the League's Education and Youth Development division. Also, programs like the League's ``Project Ready'' ensure that students will be prepared for the transition from high school to college, or joining the workforce.

The League has also created and outlined 4 new aspirational goals to mark its centennial

anniversary as part of its I AM EMPOWERED campaign. The League has pledged to help achieve the following goals by 2025: Ensure that every American child is ready for college, work and life; ensure that every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits; ensure that every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy-efficient housing on fair terms; and ensure that every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions.

Altogether the work of the National Urban League has been pivotal in improving the lives of millions of Americans through community-oriented programs, civil rights, and leadership opportunities. I stand with my colleagues today in appreciation for the service the League has provided our citizens over the last l00 years and look forward to working alongside the League for the next 100 years.

Since its inception, the National Urban League has been known as an historic civil rights organization dedicated to elevating the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The League continues in that legacy today and continuously seeks to empower the citizens of urban and inner-city communities.

I would like to thank and praise the thousands of volunteers, workers and community advocates with the National Urban League who have worked towards the empowerment of their respective communities and the creation of new opportunities.

I ask my colleagues for their support of H. Res. 1157, as well as for their continued support for the National Urban League. Through the continuation of the League's programs over the next 100 years, I am confident that the United States will continue to be a more fair, just and equitable society for all Americans.

I would like to again thank my colleague Representative Alcee L. Hastings for his leadership in introducing this bill as well as for his support of the National Urban League.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1157.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1247, ``Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3 through 9, 2010, and throughout the year.''

I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Stephen F. Lynch, for introducing this legislation as it is important that we recognize the service and dedication to duty of those in public service here in the United States.

Those involved in Public Service at all levels of government have formed the foundations of our great nation for hundreds of years. From those involved in community education and outreach programs to policy makers at the State Department our country would not be able to properly function without these praiseworthy individuals. I salute leaders in our government for giving selflessly of their time and energy towards the sustained growth and improvement of our nation.

I would especially like to recognize the men and women who serve in the armed forces. These real-life, modern-day heroes selflessly give of their time--and sometimes even their lives to protect our country against foreign threats. For that we are forever thankful and indebted to them for their service.

I would also like to recognize members of local, state and federal police and fire departments all across the country. Because of the protection and stability they provide our communities we are all able to live safe and healthy lives.

Madam Speaker, officially establishing the week of May 3 through 9, 2010 as Public Service Recognition Week would seek to show our continued support for those in the public sector across our nation. It is important that we recognize these individuals for their service to our country as well as for the role they play in the continued success of our nation.

I stand today with Representative Stephen F. Lynch and other Members of Congress in reaffirming our support and appreciation for those in Public Service.

I ask my colleagues for their support of H. Res. 1247, as well as for their continued support of government employees and public servants. By increasing our support for those in government jobs and promoting the importance of these jobs for our nation, we will ensure that our government remains efficient and productive for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1247.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1320, ``Expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens and law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010. Their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism.''

Mr. Speaker, democrats are focused on keeping Americans safe. This was an excellent example of Federal, State, and local law enforcement and counter-terrorism authorities working together in a coordinated way, and also a good reminder that citizen awareness and responsible action by every day Americans is also a key component in defeating those who seek to harm us. This timely awareness and cooperation resulted in a quick and appropriate response Saturday night, and combined with a sophisticated and aggressive investigation, led to a swift arrest shortly thereafter.

It is prevalent that we live in a dangerous world with ever-evolving threats. The Obama Administration and our State and local law enforcement authorities understand the nature of the threats and are working tirelessly to defeat them. In Congress, we provided state-of- the-art resources, tools, and authority to wage this fight against terrorism and we will continue to do so in the future. Some may want to politicize this very serious attempted attack and dispute whether the suspect should be read his Miranda rights, taken to federal court or given other rights afforded to U.S. citizens.

Because the suspect is an American citizen, even Glenn Beck agrees that the Constitution must be upheld with respect to a citizen's rights in this case.

Democratic Record [and Contrast with Republican Approach]

We have tripled the number of our troops fighting on the central front in the war against al Qaeda and their extremist allies in Afghanistan--after years of taking our eye off the ball and under- resourcing this fight. We have successfully stepped up our partnership with Pakistan, which has gone on the offensive for many months in the rugged border region with Afghanistan--after years in which al Qaeda was able to establish a safe-haven.

We have worked with our partners to target al Qaeda's leadership, and to take out key terrorist leaders--increasing the pressure to a

new level. We are responsibly removing our troops from Iraq and ending that war--after seven years of a war that carried enormous costs in lives and resources. We have restored America's leadership and standing in the world, strengthening our alliances and building new partnerships--after years of frayed alliances and growing opposition to our leadership. We have rallied the world around the ambitious goal of securing all vulnerable nuclear material around the world in 4 years, including specific steps and a clear plan for achieving that goal-- after years of insufficient action against the gravest threat we face.

We have reset our relations with Russia, including the most comprehensive nuclear arms treaty in 20 years--after relations with Russia fell to a post-Cold War low. We have increased Iran's isolation through our diplomatic efforts, tightening enforcement on U.S. sanctions, seeking broader sanctions through the U.N., and building a broader coalition of countries to stand up to Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons--after years in which Iran went from zero centrifuges to 7000, and strengthened its position in the region.

We are pursuing a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, which would enhance Israel's security--after years in which America was too often absent from the peace process.

We have led an unprecedented international response to the global economic crisis through the G-20, averting catastrophe and putting our economy on the pathway to recovery--after the gravest economic crisis that we've faced since the Great Depression.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1320.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5160--the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act of 2010. As a co-sponsor of this bill, I strongly believe that it is another important and necessary step to ensure successful recovery and future sustainability in Haiti.

Haiti's long term development is the ultimate concern and goal of all participating donors and supporting organizations. January's earthquake struck Haiti during a time of economic vulnerability. Before the earthquake, Haiti was, by far, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. However, the United States has led the way in securing a stable and prosperous future for the people and government of Haiti.

We have displayed our commitment through trade preference programs including the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, as amended by the United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, ``HOPE Act'', and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008, ``HOPE II Act''. These amendments extended duty-free tariff treatment to certain apparel produced in Haiti and have made an important contribution to Haiti's economic development efforts.

Before the earthquake, Haiti also has among the world's lowest levels of gross domestic product per capita. An estimated 80 percent of the population lived under the poverty line and 54 percent living in abject poverty, according to the CIA World Factbook. According to the United Nations Human Development Report, more than two-thirds of the labor force is believed to not have formal jobs, and just 62.1 percent of adults over age 15 are literate. Additionally, 18 percent of Haitians did not live to the age of 40.

Yet, despite the destruction wreaked by multiple tropical storms in 2008, Haiti's economy and infrastructure-building seemed to be turning a corner in recent years, aided by international support and debt relief programs.

In fact, according to the New York Times, ``Haiti was one of only two Caribbean countries expected to grow in 2009. There were hopes of a tourism revival, reinforced by the announcement that a new Comfort Inn would open there this May. In a sign of its growing structural sophistication, Haiti even recently announced that it would begin collecting better national statistics, with the help of the International Monetary Fund, so that it could better assess and calibrate its economic policies.'' The earthquake on January derailed this progress.

Today we approved a bill which will help Haiti recover from that devastating earthquake by opening the U.S. market to more clothing from the Caribbean country, sparking growth in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding region. Subsequently, when the bill reaches the Senate, I urge my colleagues to move quickly in support of the bill.

The clothing sector accounted for 75 percent of Haiti's export earnings and employed more than 25,000 people before the January 12 earthquake that killed more than 300,000, and this bill makes it more attractive for clothing manufacturers to invest in new facilities in Haiti by extending and expanding the duty-free access to the U.S. clothing market under two separate programs.

As important as this legislation is, it is only one part of a much larger American assistance response to the earthquake. America will continue to respond with humanitarian assistance to help the people of this struggling island nation rebuild their livelihoods. I send my condolences to the people and government of Haiti as they grieve once again in the aftermath of a natural disaster. As Haiti's neighbor, I believe it is the United States' responsibility to help Haiti recover, and build the capacity to mitigate against future disasters.

Once again I stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti and will do everything in my power to assist them with rebuilding their country and livelihoods. I am proud of our first responders, and pledge that America's long term commitment to Haiti will live up to the standard that the first responders set.

Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5019, ``The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010.''

I would like to thank my colleague Representative Peter Welch for introducing this legislation as it is important that we embrace programs that create jobs for Americans and help improve energy efficiency in our country.

As a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus I am proud to express my support for this bill. Through the Home Star program, this bill seeks to create new jobs, save energy, and lower families' energy bills. The Home Star program will do this by encouraging home and business owners to update their stock of appliances and electronic devices with new energy efficient devices and appliances. Through the use of rebates and other consumer incentives this program will work in a proactive economic way to promote green technology and innovation.

This bill comes at an important time in our history, Madam Chair. Over the last several decades we have seen national electricity and energy use growing at unprecedented rates. We have also seen massive increases in greenhouse gas emissions and a loss in employment opportunities. This bill seeks to address each and every one of these issues with an approach that would benefit the environment and work towards the improvement of our communities.

The increases in consumer spending we seek to gain from this bill would also have a massive economic impact on our country during these turbulent economic times. By spurring consumer spending we will be creating new opportunities right here in the United States for industrial, economic and jobs growth.

This program is expected to allow 3 million families to retrofit their homes with new energy efficient appliances. Consumers are predicted to save $9.2 billion on their energy bills over the next 10 years as a result of Home Star's energy efficiency investments. Furthermore, the Home Star program will create 168,000 new jobs here in the United States.

Madam Chair, these jobs are desperately needed as our national unemployment rate has recently hit the 10 percent mark. This legislation would stipulate that construction jobs cannot be outsourced and more than 90 percent of the energy efficiency technologies approved by this bill are also manufactured right here in the United States.

This legislation will also save consumers money and cut pollution. By ensuring that more American homes and businesses are retrofitted with these new energy efficient appliances and fixtures we will be working proactively to cut greenhouse gases and reduce unnecessary use of our vital energy resources. Furthermore, this bill would also help us in our goal of achieving energy independence by further reducing our demand for foreign oil and fossil fuels.

The Home Star program proposed in this bill is authorized at $6 billion--however, H.R. 5019 will not include any appropriated funds. In other words, Madam Chair, this bill does not affect direct spending or revenue and will not hurt the American taxpayer.

I stand today with Representative Peter Welch and other Members of Congress in reaffirming our support for energy efficiency in our nation. I also stand with my fellow members of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus in supporting this bipartisan legislation. By enacting these types of economic incentives for consumers our nation will be cleaner, more efficient and will have lower levels of unemployment.

I ask my colleagues for their support of H.R. 5019, as well as for their continued support of green technology and the unemployed in our nation. By increasing our support for these types of programs we will ensure that our country remains a leader in energy efficient technology.

Madam Chair, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5019.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1307, ``Honoring the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the Nation.'' As a former member of the House Science Committee, I would like to thank my colleague Representative Bart Gordon for introducing this legislation as it is important that we recognize the important role that the National Science Foundation has played in support of education, research and innovation in our country.

Mr. Speaker, the National Science Foundation was originally created by this very body--the United States Congress--in 1950. The intent of Congress at the time was to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure our nation through defense technology and innovation.

Since that time, the National Science Foundation has worked diligently to ensure that the United States maintains its expertise and precision in discovery and innovation in addition to education in science, engineering, and mathematics.

Additionally, the National Science Foundation was created with the intent of helping to educate the children of our nation and give them the tools necessary to become doctors, researchers, astronauts and chemists. As the Chairwoman of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I fully support the National Science Foundation in its efforts towards childhood education and I understand the great importance of educating our children in these areas.

Moreover, the National Science Foundation supports science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels from elementary schools to national research universities. We all know the great importance this type of education has on children and I applaud the National Science Foundation for its dedication to high- quality education for the children of our nation.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the National Science Foundation had made many significant contributions to our collective standard of living and economy. By creating opportunities for research and innovation in new areas, our nation has benefited from cutting-edge medical tools, safer cars and transportation systems as well as defense innovations that have helped to protect the American people from those that would seek to do us harm.

Through its research capacities, the National Science Foundation supports a network of 200,000 individuals each year, including scientists, engineers, students, and educators at over 2,000 colleges and universities, schools, nonprofit organizations, science centers and museums, and small businesses throughout our Nation. The National Science Foundation also works with and funds multi-user facilities and tools for conducting world-class research and training initiatives.

In addition to these efforts, the National Science Foundation has taken a protective stance for our country against the threat of earthquakes and other natural and man-made disasters. Through its National Hazards Reduction Program, Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, the Approaches to Combat Terrorism program, and similar research activities the National Science Foundation has contributed to predicting and reducing the risk of devastation from natural and man- made disasters during the past decade.

The National Science Foundation has also funded quick-response research at the sites of unprecedented national and international tragedies, including the September 11 attacks on the United States, the South Asian earthquake and tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the Haitian earthquake. These response and research efforts have helped to contribute to further preventing and mitigating the impact of future disasters.

I stand today with Representative Bart Gordon and other members of Congress in reaffirming our national commitment and appreciation for the National Science Foundation as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

I would also like to thank and praise the thousands of scientists, engineers, researchers and administrators who have worked in conjunction with the National Science Foundation towards the creation of new technologies and the improvement of our collective standards of living.

I ask my colleagues for their support of H. Res. 1307, as well as for their continued support for the National Science Foundation and its initiatives. By maintaining and increasing the capacity of our nation to research and develop new technologies and innovations, I am confident that the United States will continue to be a leader in the market for technology products for years to come.

I would like to again thank my colleague Representative Bart Gordon for his leadership in introducing this bill as well as for his support of the National Science Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1307.

Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the Science Committee and a strong supporter of education, I rise in strong support of this resolution Recognizing the need to improve the participation and performance of America's students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

This legislation recognizes the importance of equipping young minds with the technological and scientific knowledge necessary to compete in a globalized economy. Further, within the context of globalization, I strongly believe that this country's ability to achieve and maintain a high standard of living is dependent on the extent to which it can harness science and technology. Thus, in order to enhance the international competitiveness of the country, it is critical for us to promote and support students pursuing careers in meteorology, climatology and atmospheric research.

From Ben Franklin to NASA to Silicon Valley, America has a great history of scientific innovation. In recent years, however, we have diverged from this path and have endangered our reputation as a nation at the forefront of science and technology. In 2006 only 4.5 percent of college graduates in the United States received a diploma in engineering, compared with 25.4 percent in South Korea, 33.3 percent in China, and 39.1 percent in Singapore. Today, American students rank 21st out of 30 in scientific literacy among students from developed countries, and 25th out of 30 in math literacy.

If this trend continues, there are dire consequences for our children and our economy. As this bill notes, ``In 2005 the National Academy of Sciences published a report entitled `Rising Above the Gathering Storm', which estimated that in the United States innovations generated by the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields account for nearly half of the growth in gross domestic product.''

Mr. Speaker, it is essential that we invest in a workforce ready for global competition by creating a new generation of innovators and make a sustained commitment to federal research and development. We need to spur and expand affordable access to broadband, achieve energy independence, and provide small business with tools to encourage entrepreneurial innovation.

The establishment and maintenance of a capable science and technological workforce remains an important facet of U.S. efforts to maintain economic competitiveness. Pre-college instruction in mathematics and scientific fields is crucial to the development of U.S. science and technological personnel, as well as our overall scientific literacy as a nation. The value of education in science and mathematics is not limited to those students pursuing a degree in one of these fields, and even students pursuing nonscientific and nonmathematical fields are likely to require basic knowledge in these subjects.

In particular, there is a need to extend access to mathematics and scientific education to a number of specific groups. Even as certain minorities, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, comprise an increasingly large proportion of the U.S. population, they continue to be underrepresented in science and engineering disciplines. Together, these three groups comprise over 25 percent of the population, but earn only 16.2 percent of the bachelor degrees, 10.7 percent of the masters degrees, and 5.4 percent of the doctorate degrees in these fields.

Mr. Speaker, as we develop the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), we must fully integrate and fund STEM education programs. Such programs are vital to the future of our nation.

Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I rise today to thank all of the brave individuals who were able to quickly capture the Times Square alleged bomber who was attempting to kill many in the United States--from the vendor who noticed and said that his motto is, for the American people, ``If you see, tell someone''; to the law enforcement officers, the mounties on horses; to the SWAT team and the fire department that was part of making sure it did not go off; and certainly to the people of New York.

I also want to thank the Obama administration, the Attorney General, and Homeland Security, and, in particular, before we start asking questions about the no-fly list and the TSA, let's get the facts. But we do know that we are going to have more homegrown terrorists. America now has to look very seriously, as we have done, at securing America. All of us are now involved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1280, ``Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day.''

Let me begin by thanking my colleague Representative Paul Tonko for introducing this piece of legislation into the House of Representatives as it is important that we diligently work towards the improvement of deteriorating public schools across the nation and also work towards the improvement of construction techniques in schools.

The issue of environmental hazards in schools has been a growing problem over the last several decades. It is unfortunate that in schools across the nation investigators can find unchecked renovations, pesticide misapplications, unsafe drinking water, and indoor air pollutants such as mold infestations.

It is unreasonable to think that our children can receive the best possible learning environment when they are expected to learn under these types of conditions.

There are also a wide range of problems stemming from poor air quality and ventilation problems in schools. It has consistently been shown that these types of air quality problems can lead to poor concentration, respiratory illnesses, learning difficulties, and even cancer in students.

Today there are approximately 55,000,000 children and 7,000,000 adults who spend their days in the Nation's more than 125,000 public and private schools. Students and teachers also spend an average of 30 to 50 hours per week in school.

These numbers equate to nearly 20 percent of our nation's population spending their days in schools across the country--many of which are currently facing deterioration in the quality of their buildings while in the face of massive budget cuts. Therefore it is critical that we work together to seek comprehensive solutions to the trend of deteriorating schools in our nation.

A recent study showed that approximately one-third of public school principals reported that some environmental factors in their schools have interfered with classroom instruction. This report highlights an increasingly troubling trend among schools of deteriorating environmental factors.

In fact school facilities with poor building quality can result in lower test scores, poor attendance, and health problems for students and staff. These problems are only worsened for the nearly 9 percent of American students who are known to have asthma. Asthma is also the leading cause of absence from school and is aggravated by poor air quality and ventilation problems in schools.

To meet these challenges, I believe that we should begin working with school districts across the nation towards the implementation of healthy and high performance schools.

These types of schools would be designed to improve indoor environments while reducing energy and maintenance costs. They would also provide for an improvement in the quality of ambient light, would reduce exposures to toxic substances and would provide a healthier and safer learning environment for children.

Healthy and high performance schools are designed with specific environmental factors in mind, such as pollutant source controls, proper ventilation mechanisms, and moisture and mold controls. It is imperative that school districts in our nation recognize the importance of these new construction and maintenance techniques and work to ensure the improvement of student and teacher health across the board.

By officially designating April 26, 2010 as `National Healthy Schools Day,' we in Congress will be sending a strong message to students and teachers across the nation that we intend to provide healthy and safe buildings for students to learn in. We will also be sending a message to school districts across the nation that it is vitally important to build new schools with renewable resource materials and energy efficient appliances.

We must always ensure that schools and children receive all the necessary tools for their continued growth. Furthermore it is vitally important that we continue to work with state and local agencies including independent school districts across the nation for the implementation of these measures in public schools.

I would like to again thank my colleague Representative Paul Tonko for introducing H. Res. 1280. I ask my colleagues for their support of this legislation as well as their continued support for children, teachers and public schools across the nation.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 1280 and the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 3253, ``A bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes.''

Let me begin by thanking my colleague Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana for introducing this piece of legislation into the House of Representatives as it is important that we

work together with small businesses across the country towards the recovery of our national economy.

Small businesses have long been the bedrock of our Nation's economy and many would agree that they still are. Even with the advent of modern-day multi-national corporations, most of our day-to-day purchases take place at ``mom and pop'' small businesses.

Moreover, 99 percent of all independent companies and businesses in the U.S. are considered small businesses.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, these small businesses account for 52 percent of all U.S. workers. These small businesses also provide a continuing source of vitality for the American economy. Small businesses in the U.S. produced three-fourths of the economy's new jobs between 1990 and 1995, and represent an entry point into the economy for new groups. Women, for instance, participate heavily in small businesses.

The number of female-owned businesses climbed by 89 percent, to an estimated 8.1 million, between 1987 and 1997, and women-owned sole proprietorships were expected to reach 35 percent of all such ventures by the year 2000. Small firms also tend to hire a greater number of older workers and people who prefer to work part-time.

One strength that small businesses are known for is their ability to respond quickly to changing economic conditions. They often know their customers personally and are especially suited to meet local needs. There are tons of stories of startup companies catching national attention and growing into large corporations. Just a few examples of these types of startup businesses making big include the computer software company Microsoft; the package delivery service Federal Express; sports clothing manufacturer Nike; the computer networking firm America OnLine; and ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's.

Through the passage of S. 3253 we will be temporarily extending programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through the end of July 2010. With the passage of this bill we will be helping small businesses and communities across the Nation. We will also be helping to drive our economy upward and will be helping businesses across the Nation.

We must always ensure that we place a high level of priority on small businesses. It is also important that we work towards ensuring that small businesses receive all the tools and resources necessary for their continued growth and development.

I would like to again thank my colleague Sen. Mary Landrieu for introducing S. 3253. I ask my colleagues for their support of this legislation as well as their continued support for small businesses across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support S. 3253 and the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I join my good friend from Florida in acknowledging that many of the issues that we debate on this floor are not political issues.

So I ask America and I ask my friends on the other side of the aisle, let us not internally implode over a decent human rights issue of immigration reform. While the economy is failing and questions are being asked about the integrity of Wall Street, let us look to a reasoned response to immigration reform. Not troops on the border, not the National Guard on the border, but a real comprehensive immigration reform that provides access to this country, legalization, and the picking up of the criminals. We understand that. There is no time for politicking and grandstanding on the question of students and families who want to be reunited.

I am ashamed of the action of the Governor of Arizona, but I sympathize with the people. Let us have real border security. I will be reintroducing my legislation that asks for ramping up of Customs and Border Patrol agents, more technology to secure the border. Let's do this the right way. The faith community, the business community of America, let's talk reasonably. The business community should be talking across America about the importance of comprehensive immigration reform.

The Republicans always want to dwell on distractions, but I believe that the American people are waiting for the health care reform bill to be implemented--and that it will. And it will save lives. But why are the Republicans standing on the side of big business and big companies too big to fail? Now we need the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to be able to respond to America's cry for honesty and integrity on Wall Street.

Right now, one of the biggest Wall Street casinos, Goldman Sachs, is testifying. And I don't know whether they can find the facts to be able to defend atrocious acts causing millions of Americans to lose money. I personally know of a small business that they literally destroyed because they were unwilling to look at ways of allowing that business to survive. And so the $14 million of net worth loss, $22 million decline in net worth, and 2.2 million in homes lost is because of the lack of integrity on Wall Street.

Pass the legislation that will end bailouts; protect families' retirement funds; college savings; homes and businesses; protect consumers; and, yes, inject transparency. Goldman Sachs, what is your answer to the question?

Madam Speaker, I rise to make a correction on the vote on passage of H.R. 5146, providing that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011.

Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the Record that I support the denial of a cost of living adjustment for Members. The correct vote for rollcall No. 226 would have been ``aye'' instead of ``nay,'' providing that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011.

Again, I want to state that Congresswoman Jackson Lee opposes the cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress as stated appropriately in H.R. 5146.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 1271 ``Honoring the life and achievements of Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks'' introduced by my distinguished colleague from Michigan, Representative Conyers.

Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks was a civil rights leader and served as the Executive Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1977 to 1992. Dr. Hooks graduated with a bachelor's degree from Howard University, a juris doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law, and received an honorary doctorate from Central Connecticut State University. He held professional memberships with the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Tennessee Council on Human Relations, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. After passing the Tennessee Bar, he established his own law practice.

Dr. Hooks served as a distinguished adjunct professor for the Political Science Department at the University of Memphis. In 1996, the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change was established at the University of Memphis. The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute is a public policy research center supporting the urban research mission, and honoring Hooks' many years of leadership in the American Civil Rights Movement. The Hooks Institute also emphasizes social movements, race relations, strong communities, public education, effective public participation, and social and economic justice.

Dr. Hooks was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1956, and he preached regularly at the Greater Middle Baptist Church in Memphis. He joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Hooks became a pioneer of NAACP-sponsored restaurant sit-ins and other boycotts of consumer items and services.

In 1965, Dr. Hooks was appointed by Governor Frank G. Clement as the first African American criminal court judge in the Shelby Criminal Court. In 1966, he would later campaign for and win a full term to the same judicial office that he had been appointed to due to a vacancy. In 1972, President Richard Nixon appointed Dr. Hooks to be one of the five commissioners to the Federal Communications Commission, FCC. As a member, he addressed the lack of minority ownership of television and radio stations, the minority employment statistics for the broadcasting industry, and the image of African Americans in mass media. Dr. Hooks served as a producer and host for several local television shows in Memphis.

Dr. Hooks' honors and awards include the NAACP Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievements made by an African American, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in November of 2007, and he was inducted into the International Civil Rights Hall of Fame at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site on January 12, 2008. The Memphis Library Branch is also named in his honor. The NAACP later created the Benjamin L. Hooks Distinguished Service Award, which is awarded to persons for their efforts in implementing policies and programs which promote equal opportunity.

So it is with great pride and admiration that we honor Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks as a great civil rights leader, and as a successful

businessman, judge, lawyer, and minister. He has fought triumphantly for the rights of African Americans and made great contributions to the African American community.

Madam Speaker, over this weekend, the Governor of Arizona raised up the idea of prayer, and in her remarks, she indicated that she prayed for strength and that she prayed for our State.

I rise today to pray for Arizona, for this Nation, and for those who would think a law that was signed by the Arizona Governor raises any level of constitutionality. Yet I agree with the Governor of Arizona. They have been waiting very long, and there is a crisis that is necessary to address.

Madam Speaker, many of us on this side of the aisle have tried over and over again. Former President George Bush, in the last administration, tried, but that's where reasonable minds will disagree.

So I'd ask the Governor to ask her own party:

Why do they fail to stand up and be counted on a fair, comprehensive immigration reform proposal that, in years past, included border security as well as the opportunity for access to legalization?

So the actions this past week are a travesty, hypocritical, and not sincere because you'd ask the question: What is a legal contact? What are the law enforcement authorities of the State of Arizona to do in the midst of the work that they have in protecting the community from the array of criminal acts by anyone regardless of their background? There are burglaries, thefts, and rapes, robberies and actions that require the intervention of State and local law enforcement.

What is a legal contact? Is it a person who is rushing his pregnant wife to the hospital and who is stopping to ask a police officer, Will you lead me through the lights to the hospital? Is that a legal contact?

What is a determination of reasonable probability? Is it brown skin? Is it someone who is dressed in yard clothes? What is the determination of reasonableness? There is no answer to that other than it is patently unconstitutional.

Yes, I want comprehensive immigration reform, which is a term that many have demonized--you have to run away from it now--but we in Texas have lived with this for a very long time, the men and women of all economic levels--the business community, the nonprofit community, the faith community. The Houston-Galveston Diocese, our cardinal, the cardinal in the Houston area, has raised his voice, along with many faith leaders, to say that now is the time for real comprehensive immigration reform.

I am ashamed of the law that was written and signed, because it bears no fruit. Of course, there are law enforcement officers in the region, and certainly, I'm not from the area whose only voice is to claim airtime and to shout ridiculous comments: I can lock them up. Anybody, I can lock up. This is not to say that there is not empathy and sympathy for the borders in Arizona. There is a need now for comprehensive immigration reform for Arizona, for New Mexico, for California, for Texas--for all of America.

Though, I will tell you, Madam Speaker, if a young person comes to me in my district who came here from a foreign country--in this instance, France--who has been in our school system, who did not know the process and who is now unstatus but who has never been in trouble and who is going through school--he is an immigrant, but unfortunately, status-- then he is no less than the immigrants from Ireland, than the immigrants from Italy and the immigrants from places elsewhere who came to this country and who helped to build it and to make it a better place. Maybe he is no better than the immigrants who came in shackles, like myself, and their ancestors, who came in the bottom of the belly of a slave boat; but we found a way to regularize them. This Congress must find a way to regularize this process and all of the families who are huddled in fear, who have never perpetrated a crime.

I want to thank the leadership of this House and the leadership of the Senate, both of which are courageous enough to take the battering and the abuse of those who misuse the Constitution and who believe they are doing something. They are not.

Should they be responded to? Madam Speaker, they should. My answer is that we pass right now comprehensive immigration reform to save America, to save our dignity, to save the Constitution, and to stand for the values we believe in.