Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1046, ``Recognizing the significance of Black History Month'' and for other purposes, introduced by my distinguished colleague from Texas, Representative Green. ``Black History Month,'' recognizes, reflects, and honors the many contributions, achievements and works of African-Americans who have influenced American history through their selflessness and sacrifices. The origins of ``Black History Month'' derived from Negro History Week, in efforts to enhance the knowledge of Black history started through the Journal of Negro History, published by Dr. Carter G. Woodson's Association for the Study of African- American Life and History. The birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass inspired the creation of Negro History Week.

Negro History Week is the precursor to Black History Month, and the month of February has been celebrated as Black History Month since 1926 when a special period of time was set aside to recognize and celebrate the heritage and achievements of African-Americans. Whereas the first African-Americans were brought involuntarily to the shores of the America as early as the 17th century and despite being held in slavery, African-Americans in all walks of life have made significant contributions throughout the history of the United States. Significant contributions made by African-Americans include the--

(1) Writings of Booker T. Washington, Phyllis Wheatley, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Ralph Ellison, Zora Neale Hurston, and Alex Haley;

(2) Music of Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Bessie Smith, and Duke Ellington;

(3) Resolve of athletes such as Jackie Robinson, Althea Gibson, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, and Muhammad Ali;

(4) Scientific advancements of George Washington Carver, Charles Drew, Benjamin Banneker, and Mae Jemison;

(5) Vision of leaders such as Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, and Shirley Chisholm; and

(6) Bravery of those who stood on the front lines in the battle against oppression, such as Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hammer, and Rosa Parks.

In the face of injustices, United States citizens of good will and of all races distinguished themselves with their commitment to the noble ideals upon which the United States was founded and courageously fought for the rights and freedom of African-Americans, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived and died to make real these noble ideas. He is most known for his ``I Have A Dream'' speech.

The Honorable Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States, making him the first African-American Chief Executive. President Obama's election to the U.S. Presidency broke one of the last racial barriers in politics in this country. President Obama has inspired hopes in the lives of many Americans across the country and to people across the globe.

Black History Month is an important time that we recognize the contributions of African-Americans in the Nation's history and encourages the continued celebration of February to provide an opportunity for all peoples of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have helped shape the Nation.

When we were fighting in the civil rights movement, you could always count on the naysayers to stand aside and say America could not tolerate the equality of so many new people. Here we are today with the same crowd complaining about the good.

Let me tell you about the Investment Act that has generated opportunities for jobs. Before I tell you that, we do have a health care plan, one that will provide the largest middle class tax cuts in American history for affordable health care, one that will provide you with a competitive marketplace to go in and buy your insurance. No preexisting condition can ever keep you from health insurance. As far as I am concerned, the people in the 18th Congressional District understand the good, and they know that health care in this form is good for them.

Then, as we stood with Speaker Pelosi at the Port of Houston on Monday and were able to announce $45 million to fix one of the most dangerous bridges in the Nation, investment, and to acknowledge 2,000 jobs and 3,000 extra jobs, the good is on the way.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1066--to honor the extreme bravery, responsiveness and effectiveness demonstrated by our United States Armed Services, local first responders and other members in support of Operation Unified Response led by USAID.

As you know, on Tuesday, January 12, a massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince. There is still no official estimate of death or destruction but the damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

Within hours of the earthquake, the United States sent world-class teams of first responders and search and rescue teams to help search for survivors. These teams, from all across the country, comprised roughly one-third of the entire international search and rescue effort in Haiti. In total, the United States sent over 511 rescue workers. These rescue workers worked tirelessly to search for survivors, and found and rescued more than 130 people from under the rubble. Without these search and rescue units, it is possible that these people would not have been located in time to save their lives.

In the following days, U.S. Southern Command deployed a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief efforts in the aftermath of one of the largest natural disasters in the western hemisphere. The team included U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. military engineers, operational planners, and a command and control group and communication specialists arriving on two C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Shortly thereafter, U.S. Southern Command had established Joint Task Force-Haiti to oversee U.S. military relief efforts in which was commanded by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ken Keen. From the initial response forward more than 13,000 U.S. military personnel, 19 ships and more than 60 aircraft are supporting operations to provide relief and care to more than three million Haitians who were affected by the January 12 earthquake.

U.S. military forces are currently supporting efforts to provide shelter, establish settlements, and conduct debris removal as well as ensuring the delivery of aid to the Haitian people. They are also assisting the World Food

Program's food distribution surge while continuing to work with the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH, the international community and local responders to alleviate human suffering and support humanitarian relief efforts.

The hospital ship USNS Comfort, embarked with nearly 1,000 medical personnel, is treating a steady stream of Haitian patients. Comfort's hospital capabilities include fully-equipped operating rooms, digital radiological services, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, an optometry lab, a CAT-scan and two oxygen-producing plants. Comfort's bed capacity is about 1,000.

Members supporting Operation Unified Response are also helping move thousands of pounds of medical aid to various distribution points and are working with local officials to address long-term rehabilitation of the Haitian public health system.

As of February 21 the incredible members of Operation Unified Response had delivered more than 2.6 million bottles of water, 2.2 million food rations, 17 million pounds of bulk food and 147,000 pounds of medical supplies into Haiti. Additionally, water production continues as U.S. military and international water purification units produce thousands of gallons of drinkable water daily.

I would like to personally thank the professional team of Sailor, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen of U.S. Southern Command for their role in providing guidance and securing passage for a Texas- based initial response medical team. These military professionals played a key role in arranging for the doctors and medical personnel from the Forest Park Medical Center to obtain the necessary clearance from the State and Defense Departments to fly jets carrying supplies, seven doctors, six nurses, two techs, and two search and rescue volunteers to Haiti.

The medical team, led by Dr. Richard Toussaint, flew from Dallas Love Field Airport and arrived in Haiti where they treated about 600 patients, including 70 amputations, and 150 surgeries. The team also provided medical and supplies to Haiti's Hospital Sacre Coeur.

America is committed to deliver her support to our neighbor who is still in dire need of our continued and immediate humanitarian assistance. This effort will be a monumental task that will take years to complete but we must be resolute to help the people of this struggling island nation rebuild their livelihoods.

To date the United States Government has contributed over $400 million in earthquake response funding for Haiti. It has also deployed approximately 19,000 military personnel in support of the relief effort. Subsequently, as part of the new Government of Haiti-lead effort, the U.N. World Food Program will provide commodities, non- governmental organizations will manage distributions, and U.S. military will provide security escorts.

America and her allies have delivered a comprehensive, interagency response to the earthquake. The State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, USAID--all worked vigorously to ensure critical resources were positioned to support the response and recovery effort, including efforts to find and assist American citizens in Haiti.

Once again I am proud of our Armed Services, the first responders and all the members of Operation Unified Relief that deliver an overwhelming successful initial response. We all owe you a debt of gratitude and our undying support.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1059--Honoring the heroism of the seven United States Agency for International Development and Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance supported urban search and rescue teams deployed to Haiti from New York City, New York, Fairfax County, Virginia, Los Angeles County, California, Miami, Florida, Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, and commending their dedication and assistance in the aftermath of the January 12, 2010 Haitian earthquake.

As you know, on Tuesday, January 12th, a massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince. There is still no official estimate of death or destruction but the damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

America is responding, and will continue to respond with immediate 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.

To date the United States Government has contributed over $402 million in earthquake response funding for Haiti. It has also deployed approximately 17,000 military personnel in support of the relief effort. Subsequently, as part of the new Government of Haiti-led effort, the U.N. World Food Program will provide commodities, non- governmental organizations will manage distributions, and U.S. Military will provide security escorts.

American and her allies have already initiated a comprehensive, interagency response to the earthquake. The State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, USAID--all worked overnight to ensure critical resources were positioned to support the response and recovery effort, including efforts to find and assist American citizens in Haiti.

Within days of last week's devastating earthquake, U.S. Southern Command deployed a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief efforts in the aftermath of one of the largest natural disasters in the western hemisphere. The team included U.S. military engineers, operational planners, and a command and control group and communication specialists arriving on two C-130 Hercules aircraft. Since, there has been a tremendous interagency response with support and partnering with U.S. Embassy personnel as well as Haitian, United Nations and international officials to assess the situation and facilitate follow on U.S. military support.

Within hours of the earthquake, the United States sent world-class teams of search and rescue to help search for survivors. These teams, from all across the country comprised roughly one-third of the entire international USAR effort in Haiti. In total, the United States sent over five hundred and eleven rescue workers. These rescue workers worked tirelessly to search for survivors, and found and rescued more than 130 people from under the rubble. Without these search and rescue units, it is possible that these people would not have been located in time to save their lives.

The search and rescue teams were, quite literally, our first responders. At a moment's notice these men and women packed their bags and left their homes to confront the aftermath of the largest natural disaster in recent memory. I commend them for their readiness and tireless commitment to saving lives. Madam Speaker, over a month has passed since the earthquake, the search and rescue missions have ended, and Haiti has transitioned to long term reconstruction and development.

Recently, I proposed a plan that would increase the ability of the U.S. to assist Haiti in its efforts toward reconstruction and stabilization to Dr. Rajiv Shah, the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

This plan would create an oversight position within the USAID that would coordinate and regulate faith-based and non-profit organizations operating in the reconstruction efforts in Haiti. I also recommended the creation of a U.S. civilian corps, an extension of the American Peace Corps, that would be tasked the specific mission of assisting reconstruction efforts in Haiti. This civilian entity would serve as a supplemental contingent which could be incrementally dispatched as needed by U.S. Government agencies or Nongovernment Organization.

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 Speaker, I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 1074 ``Honoring the life of Miep Gies, who aided Anne Frank's family while they were in hiding and preserved her diary for future generations.''

I would like to begin by thanking my colleague Representative Mary Jo Kilroy for introducing this resolution in the House, as it is important that we honor and recognize those who helped and aided groups of people who were persecuted by the Nazis during World War II. Furthermore, we must never forget the horrible atrocities of the Holocaust and continue to fight against acts of genocide around the world as well as fight against bigotry and intolerance here at home in the U.S.

During the Second World War, Miep Gies helped and assisted Anne Frank and her family by hiding and protecting them from Nazi persecution. In fact, Miep Gies agreed to hide and assist the Frank family in avoiding Jewish persecution at the hands of the Nazis without hesitation.

Miep Gies initially met Anne Frank's father, Otto Frank, in 1933 and worked as a secretary in his pectin manufacturing company, Opekta. After some time, she became well acquainted with the Frank family, as did her husband Jan Gies, whom she married on July 16, 1941.

In the early 1940s, the Nazis began targeting specific groups of people including Jews, ethnic Poles, Romani, Soviet civilians, Soviet prisoners of war, people with disabilities, homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other political and religious groups. Between 1940 and 1945 during the Holocaust, more than 6 million Jews and other targeted groups were exterminated by the Nazis.

During this time, Miep Gies along with her husband and several colleagues helped hide the Frank family including Edith and Otto Frank, their daughters Margot and Anne, Hermann and Auguste van Pels, their son Peter, and Fritz Pfeffer, from Nazi persecution. Miep Gies' husband Jan Gies was a member of the Dutch Resistance who was dedicated to assisting Jews and other persecuted peoples escape by obtaining illegal ration cards for food and finding good hiding places. Miep Gies and her husband hid the Frank family in a secret upstairs room of the office building that was used by Mr. Frank's spice company from July 1942 to August 1944.

Every few days Miep Gies would come by the secret upstairs room of Mr. Frank's former office building and bring food supplies in addition to writing supplies for Anne Frank. Because of Miep Gies' genuine compassion and selflessness, her friends were able to evade the horrors of Nazi persecution for two years.

Sadly, on the morning of August 4, 1944, the Grune Polizei arrested Anne Frank and her family who were hiding in the secret upstairs room of Mr. Frank's office building. Because of her genuine care and compassion for her friends however, Miep Gies attempted to petition and bribe the Austrian Nazi officer to release her friends for several days after their arrest. Unfortunately the officer would not allow for their release.

After being arrested, Anne Frank and her family were deported to the Auschwitz Nazi Concentration Camp where Anne stayed until being transferred to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Sadly, Anne Frank later died there in March 1945 at the age of 15 though her father Otto Frank, from whom she was separated, survived the war.

Sometime after Anne Frank and her family were arrested and deported, Miep Gies found the diary Anne Frank had kept while hiding from the Nazis in the secret room and safeguarded it through the end of the war. It wasn't until after the end of World War II that Miep Gies released the pages of Anne Frank's diary to her father, Otto Frank.

The diary of Anne Frank was later published and entitled ``The Diary of a Young Girl.'' The diary was also translated into 70 languages and remains as a testament for future generations on the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of preventing genocide in all forms.

Sadly Miep Gies recently passed away on January 11, 2010 leaving behind a legacy of compassion and teaching. Today I stand in recognition of the courage that Miep Gies had in risking her own life to shelter and provide for the Frank family while they were in hiding from the Nazis. The love and selflessness that Miep Gies showed in sheltering her friends from the hatred and persecution of Nazi Germany should be an example to us all.

I would also like to commend Miep Gies for recovering and preserving the diary of Anne Frank through the end of World War II. Because of the thoughtfulness of Miep Gies, the Diary of Anne Frank now serves as both an inspiration as well as an example to millions of people around the world.

It is important that we never forget the horrible actions that took place during the Holocaust. It is also important that we never forget the courageous and noble acts of people all across Europe in the fight against the Nazi regime as well as those who assisted persecuted groups during those terrible times.

Furthermore, I would also like to urge countries and leaders across the world to reassess their efforts in fighting racism, intolerance and anti-Semitism. Through providing education and instruction to adults and children alike, we can help to ensure that what happened in Europe during the Holocaust is never allowed to happen again.

I ask my colleagues for their support of this legislation as well as their support for those who protect defenseless people across the world. I strongly urge you to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 944--``Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on religious minorities in Iraq.'' As a cosponsor of this resolution, I join my colleagues in expressing my concern about the plight of vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities of Iraq, and we are particularly concerned for the Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, and other Christians, Sabean Mandeans, Yazidis, Baha'is, Jews, and Muslim ethnic minorities, the Shabak and Turkomen, and other religious and ethnic minorities of Iraq.

Political and religious freedom in Iraq is a vital concern with regards to the nation and region. When we envision the long-term peace and security of Iraq, we envision a country with a strong, functioning democracy that respects the rights of all citizens. That vision is not a product of the imperialism of Western ideas; the tradition of religious plurality has roots in the history and religious beliefs of the Iraqi people. But, although Iraq has a strong history of multiculturalism, it must not rest on this reputation. The rights of minorities in Iraq are not fully protected, and the Iraqi government can and must do more to protect the rights of its minorities.

The degree to which Iraq protects those rights is a reflection on our country. Because of the United States' unfortunate detour from our struggle against terrorism into Iraq, the actions of the new government of Iraq directly reflect upon us. So far, I believe that the actions of the government of Iraq with respect to political and religious freedoms are problematic.

In no case is the Iraqi government's treatment of minorities more troubling than their treatment of the residents of Camp Ashraf. Although Camp Ashraf is halfway around the world, the conditions there affect Americans, including in my own district and throughout the state of Texas where some of my constituents have family members in Camp Ashraf. For example, my constituent, Mitra Sohrabi, has a brother who is currently detained in Camp Ashraf, and worries about his health on a daily

basis. I also know many people in Houston and throughout the state of Texas who were affected directly by the July 2009 raid on Camp Ashraf.

Late last year, three months after U.S. forces turned over control of Camp Ashraf, Iraqi Security Forces violated the human rights of the People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI). Camp Ashraf detains over 3,400 exiled Iranian political dissidents, who are members of the PMOI, including over 1,000 women. The PMOI opposes the current Iranian regime, and for their political beliefs they have been exiled from Iran and sequestered in Camp Ashraf. Several women detained at Camp Ashraf have reported acts of intimidation and threats of physical and sexual violence by members of the Iraqi security forces.

On July 28, 2009, Iraqi Security Forces conducted a raid on the detainees at Camp Ashraf. The raid occurred fewer than three months after the U.S. passed control of Camp Ashraf to the government of Iraq. The raid began on Tuesday, July 28th when Iraqi armored vehicles began attacks against the Iranian prisoners. The attacks continued for two full days and resulted in the death of 11 exiles and the injury of over 400 more. As a result of the raid on Camp Ashraf, 36 men were arrested under allegations of violent behavior. The 36 arrested Camp Ashraf residents have since been freed, but the United States has a continuing interest in ensuring that the events of July 28th never occur again.

Although most of the residents of Camp Ashraf were not religious minorities, the Iraqi government's treatment of the camp's residents sets a dangerous example. In recent years, there have been alarming numbers of religiously motivated killings, abductions, beatings, rapes, threats, intimidation, forced conversions, marriages, and displacement from homes and businesses, and attacks on religious leaders, pilgrims, and holy sites, in Iraq, with the smallest religious minorities in Iraq having been among the most vulnerable, although Iraqis from many religious communities, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, have suffered in this violence. In summary, members of small religious minority communities in Iraq do not have militia or tribal structures to defend them, do not receive adequate official protection, and are legally, politically, and economically marginalized.

This resolution will remind the Iraqi government that minorities of any type--be it race, religion, political affiliation, or difference of thought--are integral components of a robust civil society and a true democracy. I have faith that Iraq can and will achieve such a democracy, but we must remember that building democracy requires more than a constitution--it requires a commitment to democratic principles.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1048. This resolution commends the efforts and honors the work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in the immediate response to those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.

As you know, on Tuesday, January 12, a massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince. There is still no official estimate of death or destruction but the damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

America is responding, and will continue to respond with immediate 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.

To date the United States Government has contributed over $402 million in earthquake response funding for Haiti. It has also deployed approximately 17,000 military personnel in support of the relief effort. Subsequently, as part of the new Government of Haiti-led effort, the U.N. World Food Program will provide commodities, non- governmental organizations will manage distributions, and the U.S. military will provide security escorts.

American and her allies have already initiated a comprehensive, interagency response to the earthquake. The State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, USAID--all worked overnight to ensure critical resources were positioned to support the response and recovery effort, including efforts to find and assist American citizens in Haiti.

Within days of last week's devastating earthquake, U.S. Southern Command deployed a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief efforts in the aftermath of one of the largest natural disasters in the western hemisphere. The team included U.S. military engineers, operational planners, and a command and control group and communication specialists arriving on two C-130 Hercules aircraft. Since, there has been a tremendous interagency response with support and partnering with U.S. Embassy personnel as well as Haitian, United Nations and international officials to assess the situation and facilitate follow- on U.S. military support.

Within hours of the earthquake, the United States mobilized a multi- agency response that included our armed forces and civil service. With their hospitals reduced to rubble, Port-au-Prince was unable to treat the hundreds of thousands of injured people seeking help. In response, the U.S. efforts included the hospital ship USNS Comfort as well as naval helicopter ships such as the USS Carl Vinson. Arriving on station less than 72 hours after the quake, Carl Vinson immediately rendered assistance. Over two weeks, Vinson and its embarked 19 helicopters flew more than 2,200 sorties, delivering more than 166 tons of food, 89,000 gallons of water and 38,700 pounds of medical supplies to earthquake victims. Additionally, Vinson's helicopters conducted 476 medical evacuations, MEDEVACs, and the ship's doctors and corpsmen treated 60 patients in its medical ward.

The USNS Comfort, a floating hospital, brought to Haiti a 550-person medical staff that included trauma surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, eye surgeons, and obstetricians and gynecologists. The USNS Comfort and its crew of 1,200 have provided 24-hour care for nearly 500 Haitians, ranging from newborns to critically ill patients. As of January 24, 2010, the medical staff of the USNS Comfort had performed over 100 surgeries.

The skill and perseverance displayed by these men and women are extraordinary. The USNS Comfort medical staff has saved the lives of 98 percent of the ship's patient population as of January 25, 2010.

Madam Speaker, over a month has passed since the earthquake, the search and rescue missions have ended, and Haiti has transitioned to long-term reconstruction and

development. Because our Navy cannot remain off of Haiti's coast forever, we must work with the Haitian government to rebuild the capacity of Haiti's medical system. Although this mission will take time, I am confident that Haiti will build their health care system back to be more comprehensive and robust than before the earthquake. This will be an especially critical part of the Haitian government because the thousands injured by the earthquake will need long-term medical care.

Recently, I proposed a plan that would increase the ability of the U.S. to assist Haiti in its efforts toward reconstruction and stabilization to Dr. Rajiv Shah, the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

This plan would create an oversight position within the USAID that would coordinate and regulate faith-based and non-profit organizations operating in the reconstruction efforts in Haiti. I also recommended the creation of a U.S. civilian corps, an extension of the American Peace Corps, that would be tasked the specific mission of assisting reconstruction efforts in Haiti. This civilian entity would serve as a supplemental contingent which could be incrementally dispatched as needed by U.S. Government agencies or nongovernment organizations.

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 Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 227, brought forth by my esteemed colleague, Representative Edolphus Towns, New York, which articulates support for the ultimate goal that the National Urban Crimes Awareness Week stands to convey. This message is not for a specific neighborhood, race or ethnicity, but is for all nationalities and communities. Through reaching out to various organizations, businesses, colleges and universities, crime awareness will spread through like ``wild fire.''

This resolution states that Congress realizes the importance of National Crime Awareness Week and acknowledges and welcomes the opportunity to educate the public about urban violence and take steps to prevent violence and provide support to victims.

I cannot stress enough the significance of Congress supporting the concept of the resolution; not only for actual crime prevention, but also for the victims of crime. By joining in a consensus, we are informing Americans that we empathize and sympathize with their issues, concerns and safety. We are also declaring that we support both in theory and implementation any approach necessary to increase support for victims, increase successful and fair prosecutions and applaud the courage of individuals who pick up the shattered pieces of their lives and triumph in the midst of adversity! This resolution also acknowledges more comprehensive rehabilitation programs for ex- offenders.

This is especially important in my city, Houston, TX, where the population is the fourth largest in the United States. It is imperative to spread crime awareness, not only in this month, but every day, to maintain order and a safe living environment for all.

So in conclusion, I immensely support H. Con. Res. 227 and I encourage my colleagues to follow my lead.

Madam Speaker, I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 274 ``Expressing support for designation of March as National Nutrition Month.''

I would like to begin by thanking my colleague Representative Kathy Castor for introducing this resolution in the House of Representatives, as it is important that we acknowledge and recognize the importance of good nutrition toward maintaining a healthy and productive nation.

Furthermore, it is important that we continue to educate and encourage our local communities to raise their awareness of nutritional health and encourage an expanded knowledge within the community regarding the benefits of proper nutrition. By improving nutrition standards within our communities we can help support people in their efforts toward living a long, healthy and productive life.

Unfortunately, obesity and poor nutrition among citizens is especially prevalent in my home city of Houston, Texas. For years Houston has been consistently rated as the ``fattest city in America.'' Currently, 58 percent of adults and 39 percent of children are classified as overweight or obese in the Greater Houston community. This resolution would also seek to help the people of my district in Houston by raising the awareness of nutritional health issues.

It is estimated that since 1980, obesity rates for adults have doubled and obesity rates for children have nearly tripled due to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles in the United States. Furthermore, four of the top ten causes of death including heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes have been attributed to factors surrounding a person's nutrition and diet. These four health conditions are estimated to cost the United States over $600 billion each year in medical expenses and lost productivity.

These are several of the major factors highlighting the importance of good nutrition in our nation. It also shows the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In conjunction with good nutrition, it is also important that citizens take on healthy physical activity on a regular basis to maintain good health.

These health and nutrition factors take an even greater level of importance when we discuss the effects of nutrition on our nation's children. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise in school-age children has been shown to cause a decrease in academic performance in addition to behavioral problems. In younger children, poor nutrition can manifest itself in more severe ways. Lack of proper nutrition also makes young children more prone to illness and disease and inhibits children's cognitive development.

Furthermore it is important that we recognize the gaps in school lunch programs at public schools. The National School Lunch Program was designed to provide low cost or free school lunch meals to qualified students through subsidies given to schools. In many school districts however, this poses a problem as children are only in school around 180 days out of the year. How is this federally mandated program supposed to adequately provide for and supplement children's diets when it is only available to them for half of the year?

It is vitally important that we work together as a nation to improve nutrition standards across the board; particularly for children and the elderly. It is appalling to me that children still go hungry in this great nation and it is our duty to ensure that all children receive proper nutrition in addition to great physical education in schools.

Officially establishing the month of March as ``National Nutrition Month'' would seek to improve the lives of our citizens as well as increase our citizen's awareness of the importance of good nutrition in living a healthy and productive life. Furthermore, by providing education and instruction to adults and children alike, we can help to ensure that the United States continues to serve as a model of balanced nutrition to the world.

I ask my colleagues for their support of this legislation as well as their support for the improving nutrition across our country. I strongly urge you to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4061, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009, and I would like to thank my colleagues, Rep. Lipinski for introducing this measure, and Rep. Ehlers, Rep. Wu, Rep. Smith and Rep. Hall for their contributions to gain bipartisan support on this very important legislation that we are considering today.

This bill will help ensure a strategic plan for Federal Cybersecurity Research & Development (R&D) activities, strengthen public-private partnerships in cybersecurity, help train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, and improve cybersecurity technical standards.

Our Nation's cyber-infrastructure is an interconnected combination of private, public and government networks. It is critical that government and industry work closely to protect both the infrastructure and the future of innovation. Giving them the tools to ensure they can protect themselves--access to timely action-oriented information and availability of insurance for cyber incidents--as well as encouraging critical cybersecurity R&D here in the U.S., are the most important efforts our administration can take to secure our cyber-infrastructure.

We are all aware of the growing number of Internet security incidents, involving such

things as computer viruses, denial of service attacks, and defaced Web sites. These events have disrupted business and government activities, and have sometimes resulted in significant recovery costs.

While we have been fortunate so far in avoiding a catastrophic cyber attack, last year the Pentagon reported more than 360 million attempts to break into its networks. A 2009 Consumer Reports study found that over the past two years, one in five online consumers has been a victim of cyber crime.

In 2009 the Department of Homeland Security logged 5,499 such cyber attack incidents--a 40 percent increase over the previous year. A 2007 Government Accountability Office report estimates the total U.S. business losses due to cyber attacks exceeds $117.5 billion per year.

It is time for a broad-reaching, forward-thinking approach and the successful passage of H.R. 4061 is the beginning to an increased collaboration and coordination with the private sector to conquer this dilemma.

Almost a year ago President Obama called for a comprehensive 60 day review of U.S. cyberspace policy. This review and the recommendations contained in the report led to a series of hearings on various aspects of cybersecurity R&D, including the state of research programs, partnerships with the private sector, the IT workforce, and how both NIST and the NSF are responding to the review.

H.R. 4061 is built upon these hearings, and addresses the issues raised in the 60-day review. Specifically, it aims to build strong public-private partnerships, improve the transfer of cybersecurity technologies to the marketplace, train an IT workforce for both the public and private sectors, and coordinate and prioritize federal cybersecurity R&D. Of course cybersecurity research, standards setting, and education are only one piece of the recommendations of the 60-day report, and are only part of the solution. however, it is the beginning to a widespread need to improving the security of cyberspace is that is one of the utmost importance and it will take the collective effort of the federal government, the private sector, our scientists and engineers, and every American to succeed.

H.R. 4061 requires federal agencies participating in the NITRD program to develop, update, and implement a strategic plan guiding the overall direction of federal cybersecurity and information assurance

Madam Speaker, I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 1044 ``Commemorating the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a Nazi concentration and extermination camp, honoring the victims of the Holocaust, and expressing commitment to strengthen the fight against bigotry and intolerance.''

I would like to begin by thanking my colleague Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for introducing this resolution in the House, as it is important that we never forget the horrible atrocities of the Holocaust and that we continue to fight against acts of genocide around the world as well as fight against bigotry and intolerance here at home in the

I would like to thank my dear friend, Mr. Kanjorski, for offering a privileged resolution.

My simple words are that this House was privileged to have a man like John Murtha walk these halls and this floor. I know that as he is honored on Wednesday night with a Special Order, we will gather to celebrate and commemorate a life well lived not only for his family, but for his country and for the people that he loved and the military that he served and respected.

Madam Speaker, I come as well today to speak very quickly about the President's issuance of a health care reform package. Everywhere I have gone in my district there are people crying out for relief, and that relief comes in terms of no preexisting disease, lower premium costs, the insuring of 36 million, and the opportunity for people to go into an exchange and find the insurance that they can subscribe to, including that which covers those of us in Congress. We have to stop those who are dying, 45,000, who live without insurance. It is time to pass health care reform now.

Let me thank the Congresswoman from Cleveland, Ohio, Congresswoman Fudge, for her leadership on providing for the Congressional Record a recounting of the history of African American people and for particularly highlighting the notables of her congressional area.

I rise today to join as a participant in the Congressional Black Caucus special hour celebrating black history. It's interesting that my friend and colleague started out with Dr. Woodson, who is called the ``father of black history.'' I was sitting in church, at the Greater St. Matthew Church, where Pastor Gusta Booker is the presiding minister and pastor. In their black history program, a young man stood up and recounted the history of Carter G. Woodson.

That is what black history is about--the carrying on of the story, the embedding of the history of a people who are part of this American landscape into the hearts and minds of our young leaders. That is what our purpose should be today, as our message will be forever embedded in the Congressional Record--that on this day, February 22, 2010, we stood to honor those who made a difference.

In my congressional district, let me simply call the roll:

Mr. John Chase, one of the first African American architects and, clearly, a person who paved the way for architects to follow.

Dr. John B. Coleman, one of the first African American doctors. He has a highway named after him. His son is Representative Garnet Coleman, who is a leader in his own right and who is a senior member of the Texas legislature. The legacy continues.

Dr. Zeb Poindexter, Sr., one of the first African American dentists who built a building and who began serving our community, and now his legacy is passed on to his son.

Dr. Edith Irby Jones, one of the first graduates from the University of Arkansas Medical School, who has been in the practice of medicine in Houston, Texas, for 50 years.

E.M. Knight, one of the champions of political advocates and social justice advocates, now passed, who advocated for the right of African Americans in Houston to vote.

Christie Adair, of whom I had the privilege of sitting, in essence, at her feet as the first secretary of the NAACP, which was a real accomplishment for women during those days.

Moses Leroy, a union fighter, an advocate for social justice.

The Reverend C.L. Jackson, who followed a great pastor at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and who really was the first pastoral architect of the largest church in our community, a dome church, built when others said it could not be built.

The Reverend Jack Yates, who organized and led the Fourth Ward/ Freedman's Town, who our Jack Yates High School is named after. This pastor was a social activist as well.

The Reverend Bill Lawson, who came to Texas Southern University as a young pastor and led those students through the civil rights movement.

Then I would like to emphasize the fact that out of these leaders comes so much, and much of it is done by members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Let me continue in the roll call:

Constable A.B. Chambers, in Texas, the first African American constable-law enforcement officer in the history of the State of Texas, since passed.

Constable May Walker, the first African American woman law enforcement officer and constable in the State of Texas.

Chief Lee P. Brown, the first African American chief of police in Houston, Texas who came after a rough and often violent experience between the African American community and those who did not understand diversity. The chief of police brought such grand opportunities.

Let me just finish so that I can show the nexus between these leaders in Houston, Texas, and the leaders whom I want to honor in the Congressional Black Caucus:

Adam Clayton Powell, who chaired one of our most important committees, who was one of the architects of Medicare and Medicaid and who fought for the establishment of the Department of Labor and who fought for the opportunity for people to work.

The Honorable Shirley Chisholm, who reminds us that she was unbossed and unbought and who reminded all of us that, even if named to the Agriculture Committee as the new freshman Congresswoman, she rose to be a fighter for justice but also to be an architect of legislation that helped her constituents in a place called Brooklyn, as she would say.

Then my colleagues who were my predecessors:

The Honorable Barbara Jordan, who said that she didn't mind being called a ``politician'' as long as she could be called a ``good politician.'' We will never forget her words ``we the people'' as she sat on the impeachment proceedings of Richard Nixon. She established the vitality of the Constitution, and we will be forever indebted to her voice and her words.

Then, of course, the Honorable Mickey Leland, of which so much in this Congress is named after. But more importantly, he left a spirit of humanitarianism that has never been overcome. Mickey cared for those who could not care for themselves. He died on the side of an Ethiopian mountain, trying to feed those who were starving in Ethiopia, but he left in his memory many things, including the Mickey Leland Kibbutzim program, the Mickey Leland Internship and the Mickey Leland Hunger Center, because hunger has not been stamped out. Mickey's memory continues to be part of that.

My immediate predecessor, the Honorable Craig Washington, 25 years in the Texas State senate. At that time, he was known as the single champion for justice.

As the Congresswoman from the 18th Congressional District, it is important to note that we are part of a synergism. That is what black history is about. So, when we talk about black radio, it was a creature of the advocacy of African Americans. When we talk about cable and about the expansion of diverse programming, it is a creature of African Americans in the United States Congress. When we now talk about health care reform and about speaking to the issues of disparities and of making sure that health care reform fits our communities, it is, in fact, a creature of the United States Congress and members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

In conclusion, let me pay tribute to one Member whom I had the privilege of working with, Juanita Melinda McDonald. She passed. I am reminded that she became the first African American chairwoman of the House Administration Committee. What she did as a member of that committee was, again, to focus this Congress on the wide diversity of the Congress, helping to put the first portrait of an African American woman Congressperson--that had never been done. She helped to work with me and C. Delores Tucker on establishing the opportunity for the Sojourner Truth Bust to be placed in the United States Congress.

We have so many giants, and this is a very important time to be able to say ``thank you'' to them. I stand with a great appreciation, and for this Congressional Record to reflect that, as we have had those who have gone on, what they have done has generated opportunities for so many today.

I thank my colleague, and yield back.

Madam Speaker, many people might not be focused on the work that was done today and led by the Democratic Caucus, and I think it's important to reinforce what we did today. We protected the American people. We protected our veterans. We protected our seniors with Social Security and Medicare. We protected the most vulnerable, our children.

As everyone knows, our children have, many times, the least opportunity for health care reform except for the work that we did just a few months ago when we worked to enroll some 11 million more children in the Children's Health Insurance Program. But at the same time as we move forward, we know more and more children are uninsured.

The PAYGO work that we did and the work that we did addressing the question of this Nation's deficit was clearly not a selfish act; it was a selfless act. And that is to say to our seniors, We'll never forget you. We'll never abandon your Medicare and Social Security.

Our veterans have offered themselves on behalf of this Nation, and we will never, never forget our veterans and our soldiers. And we certainly will not forget the most vulnerable in our society who need food stamps and medical care.

We did the right thing today, and I am proud to have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4532. This legislation will ``permanently extend fee withholding procedures which allow Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to pay fees to lawyers and representatives in successful applications for benefits directly out of a claimant's benefits, such as SSI disability.''

``The legislation would set the criteria for an eligible non-attorney representative, including requirements that a representative have a bachelor's degree, pass an examination, have professional liability insurance, and undergo a criminal background check. In addition, the bill would allow the Social Security Commissioner to assess `reasonable fees' on recipients participating in the program. The program, which was last extended in 2004, is set to expire on March 1, 2009.''

Mr. Speaker, it is known that proper representation for Social Security is a must, in order for individuals to obtain their benefits. In some cases, many may not be able to afford attorneys, hence losing the capability to acquire benefits, which are directly related to the well-being of their life. I am very eager for this legislation to pass, so those citizens, who have desperate needs, would be able to have them met.

By extending and continuing this ``fee withholding'' procedure, which is the practice of the Social Security Administration, this would open the opportunity for citizens to receive the proper representation. It enables them to pay their representative through the awarded Disability Insurance, DI, or SSI benefits. In addition, the program has also increased annual federal revenue by approximately $55 million, which is an added windfall.

So in conclusion, I support H.R. 4532 and I encourage my colleagues to follow my lead!