Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1230, Condemning Postelection Violence in Zimbabwe and Calling for a Peaceful Resolution to the Current Political Crisis; introduced by my distinguished colleague from New Jersey, Representative Donald Payne, of which I am a proud cosponsor. This important legislation calls on all security forces, informal militias and individuals to immediately cease attacks on and abuse of civilians.

The Zimbabwean African National Union-Patriotic Front, ZANU-PF, led by President Robert Mugabe, has controlled Zimbabwe's executive and legislative branches for 28 years; over the past 8 years, ZANU-PF has suppressed political dissidents and won elections and referendums through the use of vote rigging, localized violence, harassment, and intimidation. The political and economic situation in Zimbabwe has been worsening since 2000, culminating in the current electoral crisis.

In the wake of the elections, President Mugabe has unleashed security forces and militia against opposition supporters and members of civil society. Over 900 people have been tortured and beaten, and 22 have been confirmed dead. The offices of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network have been raided and some of its employees detained. Security forces have attacked humanitarian organizations and civil society groups.

Madam Speaker, such atrocities must come to an end. While the African Union, AU, and Southern African Development Community, SADC, have been continually engaged in efforts to bring about an end to the political crisis in Zimbabwe; unfortunately, after the AU and SADC dispatched delegations to Harare, they have not yet successfully compelled the Government of Zimbabwe to restore the rule of law.

The people of Zimbabwe are in desperate need of our aid. A prime example of this is represented through Zimbabwe's gross domestic product which declined about 43 percent between 2000 and 2007, and the unemployment rate of 80 percent. Zimbabwe's inflation rate, at almost 165,000 percent, is the

highest in the world and has contributed significantly to the country's economic collapse. Additionally, worsening economic conditions and commodity shortages have caused at least 3 million people to flee the country.

I firmly believe that we must pass this legislation in order to demonstrate through our actions that the people of the United States, local, State, national organizations and governmental institutions support democracy and oppose tyranny.

All parties must engage constructively towards peace and reconciliation for the sake of the Zimbabwean people. The people of Zimbabwe deserve the assistance of the international community in the restoration of fundamental human rights, democratic freedom, and the rule of law. That is why we must pass H. Res. 1230.

I am proud to support this legislation and I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in so doing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 350, Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in all of its forms, including scientific and other special permit whaling, coastal whaling, and community-based whaling, and seek to strengthen the conservation and management measures to facilitate the conservation of whale species, and for other purposes, introduced by my distinguished colleague from West Virginia, Representative Nick Rahall, and of which I am a proud cosponsor. This legislation is an important step in the conservation of the precious whale species.

As of today, 79 nations have adopted the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, which established the International Whaling Commission to provide for the conservation of whale stocks. The United States was instrumental in influencing the Commission to adopt a moratorium on commercial whaling, which is important in order to conserve and promote the recovery of whale stocks, many of which had been hunted to near extinction by the whaling industry.

However, three International Whaling Commission member nations continue to kill whales for financial gain, killing more than 25,000 whales since the moratorium, over 11,000 of which were killed under the guise of scientific research. Because nonlethal research alternatives exist, the majority of the world's cetacean scientists have found whaling conducted for scientific purposes unnecessary. Numerous resolutions have been adopted by the member nations of the International Whaling Commission opposing and calling for an end to scientific whaling, most recently in 2007 at the annual Commission meeting in Anchorage, Alaska.

Whaling undermines the conservation mandate of the International Whaling Commission and impairs the Commission's ability to function effectively. Allowing whaling for commercial purposes, or under the false guise of scientific research, is reprehensible. This whaling must end now. Additionally, the majority of Americans oppose killing whales for commercial purposes. They expect the Members of Congress to do all in their means to end this killing. We must listen to the American people on this issue.

By passing this legislation, we affirm to the American people our commitment to ending whaling in any form, including scientific and other special permit whaling, coastal whaling, and community-based whaling. It is an important step towards saving the whale species. Surely, this legislation should not be ignored.

H. Con. Res. 350 would encourage Congress to use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in all of its forms, oppose any initiative that would result in new whale hunting, and seek to strengthen conservation and management measures to facilitate the conservation of the whale species. I urge my fellow members of Congress to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to indicate that I was detained off the floor for the Republican motion to recommit on the NASA authorization bill, H.R. 6063. I obviously oppose enthusiastically the waiving of section 526.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on the motion to recommit.

I thank the distinguished gentleman from New

York, and I thank the original author of this legislation, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Davis), and I thank the distinguished Speaker for her leadership as well, and my colleagues.

Congressman Higgins, this is Juneteenth Week for those of us who come from the States in which we honor this very special holiday. And so it is very special to stand today to acknowledge how important, how moving a time this is, particularly in the State of Texas where Major Granger landed in Galveston 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which means that the slaves that were held in the State of Texas were held 2 years longer than any slaves in the United States in the region in which slavery was the law. I would like to acknowledge Rep. Al Edwards who is the Father of the Juneteenth Holiday in Texas.

So we hold this as a sacred time, a time of jubilee and celebration, but also of pain and anguish for knowing that we were held in bondage in the State of Texas for a period of time longer than the time that was declared by the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

I'm delighted to be one of the original cosponsors to acknowledge what this day really means. And as we celebrate it throughout the week in Texas, this past weekend I celebrated with the Acres Home Community and their Juneteenth celebration and the Zydeco music and the fun that seniors and children alike would have in fellowship and understanding our history.

And many people don't recognize that it is as important a date as might be days that we commemorate Black History Month, special days such as the acknowledgment and the celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, or the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights bill or the March on Washington or the tragic assassination of Dr. King, and this happens to be the 40th year.

It is a time when we renew ourselves in having a respect for freedom. And Major Granger, who came and acknowledged, gave way to decades and years of celebration.

He also gave way to something called Freedom Watch on New Year's Eve. Many people believe that is a celebration for the new year. But in old years or years back, black churches used to watch on New Year's Eve calling it Freedom Watch to be able to celebrate freedom; and it was the idea of knowing that on January 1, 1863, the slaves would be free.

This is a time to acknowledge that our history should be remembered, that we should teach it to our children, that we should take this history to ourselves, if we will, embed it in our hearts and our souls, and make sure that as we embed it, that we live what this history stands for. It stands for determination, tenacity, strength, character, integrity.

And we must fight against all of these things that enslave us now, and that is, of course, drugs and crime and poverty. And I hope that this Congress, in passing this legislation, will renew our commitment to ridding this Nation of drugs and the devastation of how it destroys families and that we will commit ourselves to building housing, we will commit ourselves to educating our children, we will commit ourselves to building our families, we will commit ourselves to peace, because that's what an emancipation means: Emancipating yourselves from things that were wrong, that were ill.

The Emancipation Proclamation rid this Nation of slavery. Its dastardly effects still continue even today as it separates races and religions, but we have a commitment as the United States Congress to use this floor today to be able to stand against what was a horrific time in the history of America where we held slaves, we debased them, and we rejected humanity and human rights and dignity; but now we must come and respect through this resolution.

So I thank the Congressman for his leadership on managing this bill. I particularly pay tribute to my colleague and friend, Congressman Danny Davis, and to all of my constituents in the State of Texas who will now celebrate this day with a gospel celebration on Saturday, a parade on Saturday, and many, many family reunions around the idea of being emancipated.

Let us live freedom. Let us stand for freedom by building this Nation free of the ills of drugs and poor housing and poverty and war, and that will truly be a commemoration of Juneteenth because Juneteenth is a freedom, and it is emancipation.

I thank the distinguished gentleman, and to the New Yorkers and Washingtonians that had the privilege of having Tim Russert as their native son and someone who moved to their particular area, and to the State of Ohio where he was educated.

Let me thank the author of this legislation, the Congressman from New York (Mr. Higgins), the full committee Chair and ranking member.

This is a special tribute that is necessary for this body because we are nothing without words. And Tim Russert was the architect of words that gave politicians a basis of explaining how democracy works. That's what Meet the Press and Sunday morning was all about for many, many Americans.

So I rise to pay tribute to Tim Russert for his life and what he gave to the process of government, and to thank him as well as I watched over the weekend in the times that I was able to see the tributes toward him that he also gave a sense of importance of family, and how he emphasized his wife and his son and of course his family and ``Big Russ.''

And isn't it interesting that he lost his life on the weekend of Father's Day? But it allows so many to emphasize that he was more than just the moderator, the host of Meet the Press; he was an American who loved this country and loved his flag, but he was also someone who loved his family and showed America that even in all of his energy and all of his business he could stop and smell the roses and appreciate the wonderment of his family.

And so I join my colleagues in tribute to him today on the floor of the House and ask, as we celebrate his life, that we will be reminded of the preciousness of democracy and all that we have in benefits to be able to stand on this floor and to espouse our words and to talk about what democracy and freedom is all about. Tim Russert captured it in his love for this process, and his giving to America the ability to understand it in layman's terms.

I offer my deepest sympathy to the Russert family.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1692) to grant a Federal charter to Korean War Veterans Association, Incorporated.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I would now like to yield 1 minute to our distinguished majority leader, Mr. Steny Hoyer, the author of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I would like to now yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes) who also desires to rise to thank the Korean War veterans.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Madam Speaker, let me rise in appreciation to the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Mr. Conyers, and the ranking member, Mr. Smith, in working with the Senate and working with the staff on this very important initiative. And I would like to acknowledge both former Senator Sarbanes, Senator Cardin, and of course our very, very able and distinguished and dedicated Majority Leader Hoyer in collaboration with Congressman Sarbanes to have this legislation, S. 1692, move, which is to create the Korean War Veterans Association to become a Federally tax-exempt organization. It was a Federally tax-exempt corporation that was incorporated in the State of New York on June 25, 1985. And now this bill will grant a Federal charter to the Korean War Veterans Association.

The veterans association is an association of persons who have seen honorable service during the Korean War at any time between June 25, 1950 and January 31, 1955, both dates inclusive, and of certain other persons, the particular qualifications for membership to be set forth in the bylaws of the Korean War Veterans Association.

Over the years, the organization has established a strong record of service and commitment to fellow Korean War veterans ranging from the efforts on behalf of Project Freedom to a successful effort to construct a national Korean War veterans memorial on the National Mall.

I certainly personally want to thank my friend and colleague from Texas, Congressman Sam Johnson, who has never wavered from his commitment and dedication to the men and women of the United States military, to his love of Texas, and certainly to his particular love of those who served in the Korean War as he did, along with his service in the Vietnam War.

He made mention of our friends and colleagues, Congressman John Conyers and Congressman Charlie Rangel. So today we honor them as we honor many, many of those who served. The Korean War, often overlooked in American history, is anything but forgotten by the nearly 1.2 million American veterans of the Korean War still alive today. And during the 3-year course of the war, some 5.7 million Americans were called to serve.

And by the time the Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed in July 1953, more than 36,000 Americans sacrificed their lives, 103,284 were wounded, 7,140 were captured and 664 were missing. And so we know it was, in fact, a war that saw a painful time in American history but yet saw the valiant effort of our American soldiers.

American troops fought to protect our freedom as we know it today and paved the way for the United States to vanguard the movement for global democracy and liberty, a movement that afforded many countries the opportunity to shift to democratic regimes.

And so it is a special honor to me to able to stand today and join my colleagues, to be able to support this legislation, S. 1692. I would ask my colleagues to support this legislation and be reminded that no war should ever be forgotten. We stand here today to acknowledge that the Korean War is not forgotten, and as well, that we will have the opportunity to celebrate in the passing of this legislation.

With that, Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote for S. 1692.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S.1692, a bill to grant a Federal charter to the Korean War Veterans Association. This legislation honors the sacrifice and courage of our soldiers who served in the Korean War. My distinguished colleague from Maryland, Senator Benjamin L. Cardin and the Majority Leader Steny Hoyer seek to recognize the heroic deeds of Korean War veterans by granting the Korean War Veterans Association Incorporated a Federal Charter.

The Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) is a federally-tax exempt organization that was incorporated in the State of New York on June 25, 1985. Its original founder was Mr. William T. Norris, of New York, a member of F Company, 27th Infantry Regiment (Wolfhounds), 25th Infantry Division, when he served as a sergeant in the Korean War.

This legislation provides an opportunity for each of us, regardless of political views, religion, ethnicity, gender, or background to come together, and to recognize and honor our nation's heroes. We gather here today, in the midst of ongoing conflict and warfare, honoring the dedication of our men and women in uniform. Though we may be divided by our positions on the war in Iraq, we stand together to support all of our veterans, highlighting in this particular legislation those who fought in the Korean War.

Our nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country. We must be united in seeing to it that every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine is welcomed back with all the care and compassion this grateful nation can bestow. S.1692 assists us in these endeavors by extending a small gesture of gratitude that grants a federal charter to an organization that promotes and maintains benevolent and charitable endeavors. The Korean War Veterans Association is an association of persons who have seen honorable service during the Korean War at any time between June 25, 1950 and 31 January 1955, both dates inclusive, and of certain other persons, the particular qualifications for membership to be set forth in the by-laws of the Korean War Veterans Association. Over the years, the organization has established a strong record of service and commitment to fellow Korean War veterans, ranging from efforts on behalf of Project Freedom to its successful effort to construct a national Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall.

The Korean War, often overlooked in American history, is anything but forgotten by the nearly 1.2 million American veterans of the Korean War still alive today. During the three year course of the war, some 5.7 million Americans were called to serve, and by the time the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in July 1953, more than 36,000 Americans sacrificed their lives, 103,284 were wounded, 7,140 were captured and 664 were missing.

American troops fought to protect our freedom as we know it today and paved the way for the United States to vanguard the movement for global democracy and liberty; a movement that afforded many countries the opportunity to shift to democratic regimes.

Sadly, all too many of our veterans are left without the help and support they need to transition from the horrors they bravely faced on the front lines of battle to a successful civilian life. According to the Veteran's Affairs Department, as of 2006, on any given night, 196,000 veterans of all ages were homeless. As we work to curb this formidable reality, let us demonstrate our support for the veterans of the Korean War by supporting this legislation. This should encourage us to continue to honor this nation's troops who are fighting and who have fought for the rights of all of us in places we do not dare to go, under environments we cannot fully appreciate from this comfortable position.

I firmly believe that we should celebrate our veterans after every conflict, and I remain committed, as a Member of Congress, to both meeting the needs of veterans of previous wars, and to provide a fitting welcome home to those who are now serving. Veterans have kept their promise to serve our nation; they have willingly risked their lives to protect the country we all love.

I have always been a strong supporter of our country's troops, male and female. That is why I introduced the House Concurrent Resolution 320 which celebrates one of our heroic daughters of Texas, Specialist Monica L. Brown of the United States Army with for her efforts earlier this year.

Spec. Brown was the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second female soldier since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal for valor. This soldier from Lake Jackson, Texas was only 20-years-old.

On April 25, 2007, Specialist Brown was part of a four-vehicle convoy patrolling near Jani Kheil in the eastern province of Paktia on April 25, 2007, when a bomb struck one of the Humvees.

When Spec. Brown saw her fellow soldiers were injured, she grabbed her aid bag and started running toward the burning vehicle as insurgents opened fire. All five wounded soldiers from her platoon scrambled out. Under this commotion, she assessed her patients and moved them to a safer location because they were still receiving incoming fire.

Other veteran's legislation that I am pursuing entails guaranteeing that our VA hospitals have the capacity to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of our troops. The Riverside Hospital in Houston, Texas is a historic medical center that has served the needs of veterans in the Houston area for a long time. However, currently, the hospital is lacking the tools necessary to treat the augmenting number of troops who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other common problems associated with fighting in battle. Today, at this very second let us take a united stand for the well being of our veterans; to say the very least, they deserve it and to say the most; we've promised it.

This attests to the fact that we must now ensure that we keep our promises to our veterans by extending our gratitude and appreciation. Currently, there are over 25 million veterans in the United States. There are more than 1,633,000 veterans living in Texas and more than 32,000 veterans living in my Congressional district alone. I hope we will all take the time to show appreciation to those who have answered the call to duty. As the Winston Churchill famously stated, ``Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.'' This recognition for our nation's Korean War Veterans is long overdue, and it is a small expression of appreciation our nation can offer to these men and women, and it will enable them to ensure that the ``Forgotten War'' is forgotten no more.

Madam Speaker, as we approach the 55th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting and serving those who have served this nation.

With that, I yield back my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 188) to revise the short title of the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

And I now yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 188, a companion bill to H.R. 6250, providing for revising the short title of the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006.

On January 31, 2007, I introduced H.R. 745 to add Barbara Jordan and Cesar Chavez. On June 12, 2008, I authored and introduced the House companion to S. 188, H.R. 6250, in order to add numbers of individuals who deserve the recognition of this legislation.

I would like to thank Senator Salazar on the Senate side for his leadership on this issue. And certainly I would like to thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Conyers, and the ranking member, Mr. Smith, for their leadership and collaboration, along with the chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee. I also want to thank Mr. Keenan Keller of the Judiciary Committee staff and all the staff who worked with him, Mr. Yohannes Tsehai and Mr. Arthur D. Sidney of my staff, for their work on the House bill and for their work on bringing this bill as quickly as possible to the floor.

The bill before us adds the names of Cesar E. Chavez, Barbara C. Jordan, William C. Velasquez and Dr. Hector P. Garcia to the short title. It is only an addition of names. It is not a deletion of any names. It is adding to the name portion of the bill only.

These great people are pillars in the Nation's struggle for civil rights, equality and justice for all, and I strongly support the bill.

Allow me, Madam Speaker, to share the humble beginnings of all of the individuals that have come before us to be named now to this very important bill, a bill of which we know was really borne in the sweat and tears of those who struggled in the civil rights movement. Many lost their lives in this battle. This reauthorization that occurred in the last session, and the session before is a testimony to the struggle.

Cesar Estrada Chavez was born of humble beginnings on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona. Early in his life, Mr. Chavez was forced to recognize the harsh realities of racism that all too often plagued communities of color. After his family's home and land were taken from them, Mr. Chavez knew firsthand what it meant to be a victim of gross injustice. Yet despite this and similar experiences of discrimination, Mr. Chavez was not deterred. He often said that ``the love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but also the most true to our nature.''

At only 10 years old, Mr. Chavez became a migrant farmworker. He attended 38 different schools before quitting at the end of the eighth grade to support his family full time.

In 1945, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the western Pacific during the end of World War II. After completing his military service, Mr. Chavez returned to his roots, laboring in the fields.

Mr. Chavez was unwavering in his activities in voter registration campaigns. He is truly warranting of this honor today.

By day, Mr. Chavez picked apricots in an orchard outside of San Jose. And be reminded that he served in the United States Navy. But he picked apricots in this orchard, and by night he was actively involved in galvanizing voter registration drives. In 1952, Mr. Chavez was a full- time organizer with the Chicago-based Community Service Organization (CSO), not only coordinating voter registration drives, but battling racial and economic discrimination against Chicano residents and organizing CSO chapters across California and Arizona, as well.

In 1968, Chavez conducted a 25-day fast to reaffirm the United Farm Workers' commitment to non-violence. In the process, Mr. Chavez gained the support of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy and was propelled onto the national political scene. Kennedy called Cesar Chavez ``one of the heroic figures of our time'' and actually flew to be with Mr. Chavez when he ended his fast.

On August 8, 1994, Mr. Chavez became the second Mexican American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. The award was presented posthumously by then- President Bill Clinton.

Mr. Chavez dedicated his life to improving the working conditions for the poor and exploited. He worked on behalf of the migrant workers in the western United States. He worked also tirelessly to ensure that Hispanic Americans were involved in the political process. He is deserving of this honor. And we commend him as we move this legislation forward.

The next named person to have her name listed on the Voting Rights bill is Barbara Charline Jordan. Congresswoman Jordan was a friend to many, a mentor to me, and an icon. The late honorable Congresswoman Barbara Jordan represented the 18th Congressional District. She was the maiden holder of this seat. After this opportunity was given through the Voting Rights Act of 1965, I am now privileged to serve, and she was one of the first two African Americans from the South to be elected to the House of Representatives since Reconstruction.

Barbara Jordan was known for her eloquence but also to many for her quiet thoughtfulness and seriousness in the legislative process. Barbara Jordan was a renaissance woman, eloquent, fearless and peerless in her pursuit of justice and equality.

I pay tribute also to her sister who has carried on her legacy by presenting herself to the public and helping people understand Barbara's legacy, that is to a dear friend, Ms. Rosemary McGowan, who lives in Houston, Texas, today. All of her family grew up and lived in Fifth Ward, and we were with them just a few weeks ago when they showed us the remnants of where they lived. It is now railroad tracks. But we will never have their history extinguished.

Barbara Jordan exhorted all of us to strive for the excellence, stand fast for justice and fairness, and yield to no one in the manner of defending the Constitution and upholding the most sacred principles of a democratic government. To Barbara Jordan, the Constitution was a very profound document, one to be upheld.

On January 17, 1996, Barbara Jordan died too early, at the young age of 59. On that day, Texas and the Nation lost one of its finest daughters, a woman who had served the people of Houston and Harris County in State and national government for over a decade. And with Barbara Jordan's passing, America lost one of its finest citizens.

Barbara Jordan's voice and eloquence was one of a kind, and so was she.

From her outspokenness during Watergate, to her ethics back in Texas to improve transparency, accountability and ethics in government, no stand was too controversial or too unpopular for Barbara Jordan to take. If she believed that it was the right thing to do, she did it. She was not afraid to take unpopular stands. And she often ruffled the feathers of friends and foes alike.

The Washington Post, too, half-jokingly described Barbara Jordan as ``the first black woman everything.'' And a Cosmopolitan magazine survey of 700 political opinions in 1975 put Jordan at the top of the list of women they would like to see become President.

And in 1966 she became the first African American woman elected to the Texas State Senate. She was the only woman in that legislative session.

In 1972, she came to the United States Congress. She worked on worker's compensation and she also amended the Voting Rights Act to include Mexican Americans in Texas and other southwestern States and to extend its authorities to those States where minorities had been denied the right to vote.

She obviously was renowned for her Watergate work and also her 1976 speech to the Democratic Convention. One of Professor Jordan's colleagues paid her the ultimate compliment. ``She pushed her students. She said, `You know, you have an obligation. You owe something for what you have, and you need to pay it back.' '' That was Barbara Jordan, continuing to give public service.

She ended her life as a professor at the Lyndon Baines Johnson School. In the tradition of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King and Thurgood Marshall, she believed that the Constitution should be upheld.

We honor her, deservedly so, by naming her to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, reauthorized.

The next named person is William C. Velasquez, also a Texan, affectionately known as ``Willie.'' He paved the way for his generation and future generations of Hispanics to empower themselves through voter registration, political empowerment, economic self-reliance and education.

Mr. Velasquez was one of the founding members of the Mexican American Youth Organization, MAYO, a Chicano youth organization aimed at social action. His role in MAYO led to his becoming Texas' first statewide coordinator of the El Movimiento Social de la Raza Unida, the precursor of La Raza Unida Party. His involvement with the Latino organization was extensive. In 1968, as boycott coordinator for the United Farm Workers, he organized strikes in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

After leaving the UFW, he became the founder and director of the Mexican-American Unity Council in San Antonio, Texas. In 1970, he was named field director of the Southwest Council of La Raza.

From 1972 to July 1974, he concentrated his efforts on building the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. That is what so many of us know him for, SVREP. Little notice was given when Velasquez opened the doors to SVREP in 1974, seated on a folding chair behind a small desk calling from a borrowed rotary telephone to spur Mexican Americans into politics.

Mr. Velasquez's work of empowering all Americans through political participation by his nonpartisan voter registration, voter education, candidate training, get-out-the-vote efforts, this work of SVREP continues as it began through his work. He enlisted the aid of community organizers. Together they launched hundreds of voter registration and get-out-the-vote GOTV campaigns throughout the Southwest.

The legacy of Mr. Velasquez is apparent. Since its inception, his organization has cultivated 50,000 community leaders, successfully litigated 85 voting rights lawsuits, and has conducted 2,300 nonpartisan voter registration and GOTV campaigns. Consequently, voter registration has grown over the years from 2.4 million registered Latinos in 1974 to almost 12 million nationwide.

Upon news of his death, the Congress adjourned its session for the day, symbolically illustrating his single-handed effect on our political process. President Clinton posthumously awarded Mr. Velasquez the Presidential Medal of Freedom, stating that he was driven by an unwavering belief that every American should have a role in our democracy and share in the opportunities of our great Nation, adding that Mr. Velasquez made this a greater country.

I agree with him. It is for this reason, Madam Speaker, that we are honored today to be able to add Mr. William ``Willie'' C. Velasquez in the short title of the Voting Rights Act, now reauthorized, but the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Our next named person, Dr. Hector P. Garcia, was an interesting and strong Texan. Dr. Hector P. Garcia was a Mexican immigrant who became a doctor, soldier, war hero and presidential confidante. He dedicated his life to advocating for the education, civil rights, labor rights and human rights of our community by struggling against racism and injustice. His life is an example for the younger generation.

Dr. Garcia received many honors during his life-long fight for veterans rights. He is a giant in Texas. He is well-known, as we have found, throughout the Nation, throughout the veterans efforts that have come about, particularly representing Latinos. He is a giant. His fight for veterans rights and his struggle against discrimination in housing, education and voting rights is renowned.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson made him the first Mexican to serve on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Johnson also appointed him Alternate Ambassador to the United Nations to promote better relations with Latin America and Spain. Dr. Garcia served Presidents John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter as an adviser.

President Ronald Reagan awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor. Pope John Paul II recognized him with the Equestrian Order of Pope Gregory the Great. President Clinton eulogized him as a national hero.

The Treasury Department's new $75 Series I U.S. Savings Bond bears Dr. Garcia's portrait. The eight Americans depicted on the bonds, which debuted on September 1, 2007, were chosen for their individual achievements and service, and, for the first time, to reflect the Nation's racial and ethnic diversity. Dr. Garcia is the only Hispanic. Other honorees include General George C. Marshall and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King.

Congress honored Dr. Garcia, who died on July 26, 1996, at the age of 82, by passing a bill in August 1996 that made the American G.I. Forum a Congressionally chartered veterans organization. Dr. Garcia founded the organization in 1948, and today it is the Nation's largest Hispanic veterans group. The charter status recognizes the G.I. Forum as a peer of the American Legion.

Dr. Garcia was born in a Mexican village in 1914 to a college professor and a schoolteacher. They fled to Texas in 1918 to escape the Mexican Revolution. He was one of seven children, six of whom became doctors. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical School, joined the Army in World War II and served in North Africa and Italy as an infantryman and combat engineer until the Army officials found out that he was a doctor. He earned the Bronze Star Medal with six battle stars in Italy.

A disturbing incident in 1949 convinced Dr. Garcia that the Forum needed to fight for more than veterans rights. Army Private Felix Longoria was killed on June 14, 1945, while on patrol in the Philippines to flush out retreating Japanese. It took nearly four years to identify and return his remains to his family. A funeral director in Three Rivers, Texas, told the family that the Anglo community wouldn't stand for his remains to lie in the chapel for a wake, but he offered to arrange for Longoria's burial in the segregated Mexican cemetery separated by barbed wire.

Private Longoria's widow called Dr. Garcia for help, who then contacted the funeral home and asked permission to use the chapel. The director told him no Mexican American had ever used the chapel and he wouldn't allow it because it might offend the whites. Dr. Garcia went on to talk about this issue and to fight against it, and ultimately he prevailed when many noticed that the State of Texas, which loomed so large on the map, looked so small tonight.

So within 24 hours the founder of the newly organized American G.I. Forum received a telegram from then Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, who expressed his regret about what occurred, and therefore he made arrangements to have Felix Longoria buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

This is truly a story of a hero, and that is why we stand today to acknowledge Hector P. Garcia, who will be named to the short title of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He will join these heroes, Cesar Chavez, Barbara Jordan, Willie Velasquez, and now Dr. Hector P. Garcia, for he has fought for those who could not speak for themselves to in essence have the opportunity to vote.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation in honor of these magnificent individuals.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 188, to revise the short title of the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006. On January 31, 2007, I introduced H.R. 745 to add Barbara Jordan and Cesar Chavez. On June 12, 2008, I authored and introduced the House companion, H.R. 6250 to S. 188. I want to commend the author on the Senate side, Senator Salazar.

I would like to thank Mr. Keenan Keller, and Mr. Yohannes Tsehai and Mr. Arthur D. Sidney of my staff for their work on the House bill and for their work on bringing this bill quickly to the floor. The bill before us adds the names of Cesar E. Chavez, Barbara C. Jordan, William C. Velasquez, and Dr. Hector P. Garcia to the short title. These great people are pillars in the nation's struggle for civil rights, equality, and justice for all. I strongly support this bill.

cesar estrada chavez

Cesar Estrada Chavez was born of humble beginnings on March 31, 1927, near Yuma, Arizona. Early in life, Mr. Chavez was forced to recognize the harsh realities of racism that all too often plagued communities of color. After his family's home and land were taken from them, Mr. Chavez knew first hand what it meant to be the victim of gross injustice. Yet, despite this and similar experiences of discrimination, Mr. Chavez was not deterred. He often said that ``the love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but also the most true to our nature.''

At only 10 years old, Mr. Chavez became a migrant farmworker. He attended 38 different schools before quitting at the end of the eighth grade to support his family full time.

In 1945, Mr. Chavez joined the US Navy and served in the Western Pacific during the end of World War II. After completing his military service, Mr. Chavez returned to his roots, laboring in the fields.

Mr. Chavez was unwavering in his activities in voter registration campaigns. By day, Mr. Chavez picked apricots in an orchard outside of San Jose; by night, he was actively involved in galvanizing voter registration drives. In 1952, Mr. Chavez was a full time organizer with the Chicago-based Community Service Organization (CSO), not only coordinating voter registration drives, but battling racial and economic discrimination against Chicano residents and organizing new CSO chapters across California and Arizona as well.

Mr. Chavez was also a passionate member of the labor movement in this country. In 1962, he moved his wife and eight young children to California, where he founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), the first successful farm workers' union in U.S. history.

In 1968, Chavez conducted a 25-day fast to reaffirm the United Farm Workers commitment to non-violence. In the process, Mr. Chavez gained the support of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy and was propelled onto the national political scene. Kennedy called Cesar Chavez ``one of the heroic figures of our time,'' and actually flew to be with Mr. Chavez when he ended his fast.

In 1991, Mr. Chavez received the Aguila Azteca (The Aztec Eagle), Mexico's highest award presented to people of Mexican heritage who have made significant contributions outside of Mexico. When he passed away on April 23, 1993, at the age of 66, he was the president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO.

On August 8, 1994, Mr. Chavez became the second Mexican American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. The award was presented posthumously by then- President Bill Clinton.

Mr. Chavez dedicated his life to achieving better working conditions for the poor and the exploited migrant farmers in the western United States. He also tirelessly worked to ensure that Hispanic Americans were involved in the political process and were registered to vote. He is regarded as one of the most important people in the U.S. labor movement and in the Hispanic voter registration movement in this country. We honor his life and his legacy with the addition of his name on this important piece of legislation.

barbara charline jordan

Barbara Charline Jordan was a friend to many, a mentor to me and an icon. The late honorable Congresswoman Barbara Jordan represented the 18th Congressional District of Texas that I am now privileged to serve, and was one of the first two African-Americans from the South to be elected to the House of Representatives since Reconstruction.

Barbara Jordan was a renaissance woman, eloquent, fearless, and peerless in her pursuit of justice and equality. She exhorted all of us to strive for excellence, stand fast for justice and fairness, and yield to no one in the matter of defending the Constitution and upholding the most sacred principles of a democratic government. To Barbara Jordan, the Constitution was a very profound document, one to be upheld.

On January 17, 1996, Barbara Jordan died at the young age of 59. On that day, Texas lost one of its finest daughters--a woman who had served the people of Houston and Harris County in state and national government for over a decade. And with Barbara Jordan's passing, America lost one of its finest citizens.

Barbara Jordan's voice and eloquence were one of a kind. And so was she.

Her accomplishments and admirers were legion. As a statesman and as a teacher, Barbara Jordan transcended race, gender, class, and political affiliation. She was not afraid to take unpopular stands--and she often ruffled the feathers of friends and foes alike.

From her outspokenness during Watergate, to her efforts back in Texas to improve transparency, accountability, and ethics in government, no stand was too controversial or too unpopular for Barbara Jordan to take--if she believed that it was the right thing to do.

Her rise through the ranks of state and national politics compelled The Washington Post to half-jokingly describe Barbara Jordan as ``the first black woman everything.'' And a Cosmopolitan magazine survey of 700 political opinion leaders in 1975 put Jordan at the top of a list of women they would like see become President.

In 1966, she became the first African-American woman elected to the Texas state Senate. She was the only woman in that legislative session.

In 1972, she became the first African-American woman elected to Congress from Texas after Reconstruction. While in Washington, she served with distinction on the House Judiciary Committee.

As a public servant, Barbara Jordan sponsored bills that championed the cause of the poor and the disenfranchised. One of her most

important bills as state senator was the Workman's Compensation Act, which increased the maximum benefits paid to injured workers. As a congresswoman, she sponsored legislation to broaden the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to cover Mexican Americans in Texas and other southwestern states, and to extend its authority to those states where minorities had been denied the right to vote or had their rights restricted by unfair registration practices, such as literacy tests.

She gained national prominence for the position she took and the statement she made at the 1974 impeachment hearing of President Richard Nixon. In casting her ``yes'' vote, Jordan stated, ``My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total.''

In 1976, she was the first African-American woman to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. She would deliver the keynote address again at the Democratic National Convention in 1992.

President Jimmy Carter considered her for Attorney General and U.N. Ambassador, but she chose to remain in Congress. She seriously considered challenging Sen. John Tower in 1978, but became ill and retired from politics.

Representative Jordan left Congress in 1979 to become Professor Jordan when she joined the faculty of the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas. President Johnson was a mentor to Jordan. Fittingly, Professor Jordan held the endowed Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial Chair in National Policy.

One of Professor Jordan's colleagues paid her this ultimate compliment: ``She pushed her students. She said, `you know, you have an obligation. You owe something for what you have and you need to pay it back.' And I think they all caught that passion that she had for public service.''

Professor Jordan, reflecting on her service in Congress, offered this pearl: ``One sometimes gets the feeling that the Washington politician feels that all wisdom resides in the nation's capital. That is not the view of the people on the outside, the people I am now working with and communicating with. Distance has a way of lessening the impact of what the Federal Government does.'' Few truer words have ever been spoken.

As a distinguished professor at the LBJ School, Professor Jordan was able to have a major influence on the next generation of public officials. She impressed her students with her intellect and ability to inspire them to achieve excellence in the classroom, and to be committed to public service.

Barbara Jordan was a lawyer, legislator, scholar, author, and presidential adviser. She was immensely gifted, and used every bit of her talent and skill to address, improve, and dignify the conditions of human life. In the tradition of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, and Thurgood Marshall, she challenged the Federal Government and the American people to uphold the principles set forth in the Constitution.

Today, we honor Barbara Jordan by including her name on the Voting Rights Act, an Act up which she personally worked. She sponsored legislation to broaden the Voting Rights Act of 1965 so that its promises would be extended to all Americans. For this, we celebrate her and her legacy.

Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman. It is my hope that we will enthusiastically support this legislation in tribute to these outstanding Americans.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 31) recognizing the Honorable Andrew L. Jefferson, Jr., on the occasion of the establishment of an endowment for trial advocacy called the ``Andrew L. Jefferson Endowment for Trial Advocacy'' at Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, it is a true honor to have the opportunity to sometimes honor those who are quiet giants, who represent the embodiment of the best of America, those who have pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, and to have the success story written by their own pen, by their own ink. So I rise today to honor a great Texan, a great civil rights advocate and a great American. The resolution recognizes a great legal scholar, as well as a great institution of legal education located in Houston, Texas.

Judge Andrew Jefferson is the embodiment of scholarship, of toughness, of respect, of fairness. He is respected by members of our community, Republicans and Democrats alike. He is respected by members, icons themselves, of the Texas Bar, and well-known around the Nation. He is cherished by the National Bar Association, the Houston Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and as well he is cherished by Texas Southern University and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

This scholar is Judge Andrew L. Jefferson, and the institution that he cherishes is the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Both embody the spirit of legal excellence and public service.

As we talked this day on the celebration of Juneteenth, I am reminded of Representative Al Edwards, who organized Juneteenth, and we have celebrated under his leadership for 29 years. Juneteenth, as I indicated, was about freedom, and Judge Jefferson connotes freedom.

Andrew L. Jefferson, a native of Dallas, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1959. After earning his Bachelor's Degree from Texas Southern University, he was the President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and rose to become a partner at the law firm of Washington and Jefferson, Attorneys at Law, in Houston. He has served as an assistant criminal district attorney for Bexar County. These, Madam Speaker, were jobs that he was able to secure with his own talents way before integration came to the south.

He was a Chief Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas. He was a pioneer for young lawyers, a pioneer in going in places in the law where African American lawyers could not go. In Houston, Texas, African American lawyers could not use the law library. They could not eat in the cafeteria. And, of course, he was a trial counsel and labor relations counsel for Humble Oil and Refining Company, the predecessor to Exxon.

Each time, he was a pioneer, he explored new ground, and certainly as an African American getting his degrees in the late 1950s going through the 1960s before the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1965 and the Voting Rights Act, he truly braved new areas and stood for the dignity and respect of all in our community.

Judge Jefferson served in the Judge Advocate General Corps in the United States Army Reserve. He was honorably discharged as a captain. Mind you, he was pioneering and doing all of this in the early days of the 1950s and 1960s.

He has as his lovely bride another civic leader, Mary Jefferson, who I spoke to just last evening. I sent her my best greetings and those to Judge Jefferson, who is mending. We wish him a speedy recovery.

But we also know he has strength and determination and is a role model to many. Mary Jefferson, his partner of many years, has served on many organizations herself. She is a strong advocate for quality education for our youth and for more opportunities for young people to go to college by expanding financial access, and she is a fighter for civil rights herself. She is a long-standing member of the Links in Houston.

A longtime, active committee member of the State Bar of Texas, Judge Jefferson is also a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a member of the American Bar Foundation, of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and of the Texas Constitutional Revision Commission. This outstanding jurist, who is renowned for his expertise in legal practice, has been a highly sought after speaker throughout his career and has frequently shared his experience and knowledge with the Criminal Law Institute for the Houston Bar Association, with the San Antonio Bar Association, and he has spoken in many places. He served on the board of the Houston branch of the Federal Reserve Bank and of the Texas Southern University Foundation.

I remind my colleagues that Texas Southern University was borne out of discrimination when individuals in the State of Texas could not go to the University of Texas, as evidenced by the Heman Sweatt lawsuit.

He has received numerous awards and honors, among them the Anti- Defamation League's National Torch of Liberty Award, the Forward Times Community Service Award, the League of United Latin American Citizens National Community Service Award, and the Community Service Award from La Raza. In addition, he was the Presidential nominee to sit on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

To honor Judge Jefferson on this occasion will be momentous for the City of Houston, for Texas Southern University and for minorities worldwide who aspire to study and practice law.

I congratulate Judge Jefferson for the life that he has led, for the young people whom he has been able to lead. Through his great service, the Texas Southern University Law School, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, has established a trial advocacy program that will be in his name at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and it will be because of what he did for those he stood by and for those he managed to lead and to inspire.

Judge Jefferson was a good friend and advisor to Barbara Jordan. He ran many campaigns, but as he continues to live his life, he will be renowned and will continue to be known for fighting for equality, for civil rights, for standing tall, and for never stepping away from a tough fight.

So, as we acknowledge Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, I will say that he is the person who stood by her as she sought to expand the Voting Rights Act in her time in Congress.

Judge Jefferson: A leader, a role model, a civil rights fighter, along with his wife, Mary Jefferson, icons of our community, patriots, and great Americans.

I ask my colleagues to support the legislation H. Res. 31.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, let me close by indicating

that Judge Jefferson is to be honored today for many reasons, but I hope one of the strongest reasons will be his ability to work with young lawyers and the excellent service that he gave as a member of the State bench.

For those reasons, along with his commitment to civil rights and voter rights, I ask my colleagues to enthusiastically support H. Res. 31, recognizing the Honorable Andrew L. Jefferson.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Texan, a great civil rights advocate, and a great American. My resolution recognizes a great legal scholar, as well as a great institution of legal education located in the 18th Congressional District of Texas.

The scholar is Judge Andrew L. Jefferson, and the institution is the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Both embody the spirit of the legal excellence and public service.

Andrew L. Jefferson, a native of Dallas, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1959, after earning his Bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University.

He was president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and rose to became a partner with Washington and Jefferson, Attorneys at Law, in Houston.

He has served as an assistant criminal district attorney for Bexar Country, a chief assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas, and a trial counsel and labor relations counsel for Humble Oil and Refining Company.

Each time, he was a pioneer, he explored new ground, and certainly as an African American, getting his degrees in the late 1950s, going through the 1960s before the passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965, and the Voting Rights Act, he truly braved new areas and stood for the dignity and respect of all in our community.

Judge Jefferson served in the Judge Advocate General Corps in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he was honorably discharged as a captain.

He has as his lovely bride another civic leader, Mary Jefferson, who I have the pleasure of serving with on a number of organizations. She advocates for quality education for our youth, and for more opportunities for young people to go to college by expanding financial access.

A long-time active committee member of the State Bar of Texas, Judge Jefferson is also a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a member of the American Bar Foundation, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Texas Constitutional Revision Commission.

This outstanding jurist, who is renowned for his expertise in legal practice, has been a highly sought-after speaker throughout his career, and has frequently shared his experience and knowledge with the Criminal Law Institute for the Houston Bar Association and the San Antonio Bar Association. Furthermore, Judge Jefferson has spoken at conventions for the National Bar Association and the Family Law Institute.

Aside from the respect that he has earned as a skilled jurist and advocate, Judge Jefferson's leadership and sound judgment has merited tenures as chairman of the board of the Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank and of the Texas Southern University Foundation. Moreover, he is a life member of the Houston Area Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

He has received numerous awards and honors, among them the Anti- Defamation League National Torch of Liberty Award, the Forward Times Community Service Award, the League of United Latin American Citizens National Community Service Award, and the Community Service Award from La Raza. In addition, he was a Presidential Nominee to sit on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

To honor Judge Jefferson on this occasion will be momentous for the City of Houston, for Texas Southern University, and for minorities worldwide who aspire to study and practice law. He is an inspiration for minority students to give them confidence in their potential to succeed.

I congratulate and thank the State of Texas for its contribution to the overall accrual of the resources that were required for the endowment.

The establishment of a Trial Advocacy program at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law will be both an actual and a symbolic landmark.

It was not in the Sixties, but only a few years ago, that I joined the students, legislators, and community leaders at Prairie View A&M University on the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to fight for fair and unobstructed voting rights for those students. It was the skilled advocacy of the Lawyer's Committee that produced a statement by the Secretary of State in favor of the students.

Furthermore, the well-settled jurisprudence of case law such as Symm v. United States and United States v. Texas, which made important pronouncements as to the adequacy of students' residency/domicile status to determine eligibility to vote, were the product of skilled trial advocacy.

Without the work of the skilled advocates who argued those cases, we would have an even longer journey to equality of the right to vote in this nation.

Judge Jefferson was also a good friend and advisor to Barbara Jordan. They were strong friends together, because they believed in the empowerment of all. They fought side by side for equality and civil rights. When Barbara Jordan sought to expand the Voter Rights Act of 1965 to Texas in 1968, Judge Jefferson was right by her side.

My mentor, Barbara Jordan, was surrounded by the best and brightest, and Judge Jefferson was no exception.

Therefore, the endowment that will be established in the name of the Honorable Andrew L. Jefferson, Jr. will provide a legacy and will produce legal scholars who will contribute to the achievement of equality in the United States of America.

I congratulate the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and I thank Judge Jefferson for his service.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I have no other speakers, and I would be happy to yield back my time.

Madam Speaker, I want to remind my good friends that yesterday we were on the floor of the House and my good friends on the other side of the aisle, the Republican minority, blocked the passage of this emergency relief to so many Americans. And I rose yesterday and I asked the question, Who will be a Good Samaritan and stand with those who are in need?

Right now, soldiers on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan have family members who are unemployed and who have exhausted their benefits. What do we say to them? In Texas, we have a total of 160,000 Texans who have now either exhausted or will exhaust their unemployment benefits. They do so in an economy where they've lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

That's why we put this bill on the floor of the House because you could have gone to a job, worked for a week, and the business closed down because of varying economic crises created by this administration.

We've lost--324,000 jobs have disappeared over this period of time, 5 consecutive months. We've lost 300,000-plus job. And the unemployment rose to the highest in the month of May.

The highest number of unemployment in 20 years in the month of May, and over the last 12 months, the number of unemployed workers have grown by 1.6 million, 200,000 more long-term jobless.

Who will be the Good Samaritan for the American people who have helped build this country? Who will tell the Iraqi soldiers and Afghanistan soldiers that the mother and father that is there longing for their return does not have a job and cannot pay for gasoline and rent and food? We have to stand today. Who will be the Good Samaritans?

This legislation is written the way it is to solve the problems of Americans. I will stand with them.

I ask you to support the underlying legislation and the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5749, Emergency Extended Unemployment Act of 2008, introduced by my distinguished colleague Representative McDermott. This important legislation will provide much-needed relief to 3.8 million unemployed workers who are besieged to cope with rapidly rising gas and food costs, while they continue to struggle to find work in the slowing economy.

Democrats in Congress have pushed to extend unemployment benefits since the beginning of the year, as the economy weakened, but have faced continued resistance from the Bush Administration. Today, the House will take up H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act on the suspension calendar. The legislation would immediately provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every state to workers who have exhausted the 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. For states with especially high unemployment rates, an additional 13 weeks would be offered, bringing the total to 26 weeks of extended benefits.

The need for action is clear. For the fifth straight month, the economy lost jobs and unemployment rose from 5.0 percent in April to 5.5 percent in May, with 49,000 jobs lost in May alone. The economy has lost nearly 325,000 jobs this year and 3.8 million Americans are unemployed. These grim statistics are yet another signal that the Bush Administration's economic policies have failed the American people. Americans are now facing higher costs for basic necessities, unemployment is up, millions of families have lost their homes or value in their homes due to the housing crisis, and 7 million more Americans are uninsured.

Extending unemployment benefits is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy because the money is spent quickly, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Every $1 spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.64 in new economic demand. Unfortunately, President Bush and some Republicans oppose our effort to help unemployed workers and to get our economy moving again. Instead, they want more of the same.

Middle class families can't afford four more years of the kind of policies that have weakened our economy and left hundreds of thousands of Americans looking for work and struggling to make ends meet. We hope the President and his Republican allies will change course and work with us to assist unemployed workers. Today, gas prices hit an average of $4.05 per gallon, a new historic high. The price of a barrel of oil increased more on Friday, in one single day, than a barrel cost a decade ago, before George W. Bush became President. Even in the face of these record increases, Senate Republicans blocked consideration of the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 passed the House, and would retain and create hundreds of thousands of green energy jobs. Experts estimate biofuel blends are keeping gas prices about 15 percent lower than they otherwise would be now--and the energy law increases our commitment to these and other American-grown biofuels.

While Democrats are taking action to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and lower prices, Republicans continue to repeat the same old rhetoric: continued calling for drilling in ANWR, even though the Department of Energy has concluded that opening up the Arctic for drilling would not reduce the price of a gallon of gasoline until 20 years from now--and then only by about 1 penny. Since 2000, drilling has increased dramatically--climbing about 66 percent--while gas prices continue to increase. Additionally, the federal government has already opened up leases to 68 million acres of federal land that oil companies aren't even tapping.

From day one, the New Direction Congress has been fighting to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, bring down record gas prices, and launch a cleaner, smarter energy future for America that lowers costs and creates hundreds of thousands of green jobs. Democrats in Congress have already taken action to bring down the price of gas, passing legislation to suspend the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, SPR, starting June 30th and going through the end of the year. The House also approved the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act of 2008. The legislation gives U.S. authorities the ability to prosecute anticompetitive conduct committed by international cartels like OPEC that restricts supply and drives up prices. The House also continues to build on the work of the Energy Independence and Security Act which will transition the American economy to more efficient vehicles and reduce our dependence on foreign fuels.

I am proud to support this important legislation that will address the economic needs of the American people, and I urge my colleagues to join in so doing.

Let me thank the distinguished chairman of the committee. It's really good to be with him, in spite of holding us over. We are still here fighting the good fight.

Chairman Gordon, thank you for your leadership and the work that you've done, of course, with the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Udall, and my very dear colleague, who has been an advocate, Congressman Nick Lampson, who has worked closely on this issue, to the ranking member, Mr. Hall, and of course the ranking members on the respective committees. I rise today to enthusiastically support this legislation dealing with NASA's authorization.

I was reflecting on the history of authorization, and the committee should be commended. This is not a very easy task to get an authorization bill out, and we have done so. And I'm very proud that this Congress, this Democratic Congress has done so.

Today's legislation will allow NASA to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, keeping our Nation on the forefront of innovation and exploration. After the Columbia disaster, NASA stands at a pivotal moment in its history. It is the responsibility of this Congress to ensure that the future of NASA is one of continued progress. Our children depend on us to do this.

Space exploration remains part of our national destiny. Knowing the cutting edge of technology, the research on HIV/AIDS, on stroke, on heart disease, on cancer, all of this has occurred through NASA exploration and the International Space Station. It inspires our children to look at the stars and dream of what they, too, one day may achieve.

Space exploration allows us to push the bounds of our scientific knowledge as we carry out research projects not possible within the constraints of the planet Earth. Just an anecdote, when I have an annual Christmas party of 3,000 children, the astronauts that come are more popular than Santa Claus. That should be the test for continuing this wonderful effort to ensure that America always stands at the forefront of innovativeness.

As a Nation, we have made tremendous strides forward in the pursuit of space exploration since President John F. Kennedy set the course for our Nation in 1962 calling it the ``greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.'' Despite the setbacks of recent years, including the tragedy that befell the Space Shuttles Columbia and Challenger, NASA and the American people have refused to abandon the pursuit of knowledge of our universe. On October 1, 1958, NASA began its operation. It consisted of only about 8,000 employees and an annual budget of $100 million, but it is now in its 50th year, and we are going further.

President Kennedy in 1961 said, ``I believe this Nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth.''

Believe it not, we have now had men going into space, and we have just recently had the fiftieth woman going into space. This is an important challenge. And this legislation today provides us with an opportunity to save the 18,000 employees and to begin to look to a funding system that will continue our journey.

H.R. 6063 is addressing serious concerns. Between 2010, when the space shuttle will be phased out, and 2015 when the next generation human space flight is likely to become operational, the United States will have no method of transportation to the space station that we have already invested in.

With this legislation, we are going to deliver important hardware, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, through an additional extension. The bill also authorizes $1 billion in augmented funding to accelerate the development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle, the successor to the space shuttle, in hopes of narrowing the gap.

We are also allowing one more shuttle trip for the space shuttle. This is helpful to Johnson. We don't want to

lose jobs. We want to support this effort. And we may want to reconsider, as we go forward, the retiring of the space shuttle.

Let me thank the committee for supporting, as well, my small business amendment that addresses the question of giving training, technological training, to veterans-owned businesses, to HUB businesses, to women- owned businesses and minority-owned businesses so they can be part of the cutting edge of science.

I conclude simply by saying that President Kennedy set the mark. I am glad this committee and this Congress is carrying the torch. We must continue space exploration. It is our duty. It is our challenge. It is our obligation as patriots. And it is for the future of our children. On with the space. This legislation gets us there.

Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United States space program, this legislation reaffirms the ever growing and changing role of NASA, providing resources to carry the agency forward with its ambitious agenda of research, exploration, and discovery. I would like to thank Congressman Udall for introducing this important legislation, as well as Science Committee Chairman Gordon for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor today.

I would also like to thank Chairman Gordon for his support of an amendment that I am offering. My amendment modifies section 1108 of the bill, and it states:

(1) in subsection (a), strike ``small businesses'' and

insert ``small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses'';

and

(2) In subsection (b)(2), insert ``, giving preference to

socially and economically disadvantaged small business

concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by

service-disabled veterans, and HUB Zone small business

concerns'' after ``to small businesses.''

My amendment clarifies that the NASA Outreach and Technology Assistance Program will include small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. It would also give preference, in selection of businesses to participate in the program, to socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and HUBZone small business concerns. I would like to thank my colleague and fellow Texan, Congressman Lampson, for his leadership in authoring the important section describing the NASA Outreach and Technology Assistance Program, and for supporting my amendment.

Madam Chairman, today's legislation will allow NASA to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, keeping our nation on the forefront of innovation and exploration. After the Columbia disaster, NASA stands at a pivotal moment in its history. It is the responsibility of this Congress to ensure that the future of NASA is one of continued progress. Space exploration remains a part of our national destiny. It inspires our children to look to the stars and dream of what they too, one day, may achieve. Space exploration allows us to push the bounds of our scientific knowledge, as we carry out research projects not possible within the constraints of the planet Earth. As a nation, we have made tremendous strides forward in the pursuit of space exploration since President John F. Kennedy set the course for our nation in 1962, calling it the ``greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.'' Despite the setbacks of recent years, including the tragedy that befell the Space Shuttle Columbia, NASA and the American people have refused to abandon the pursuit of knowledge of our universe. On October 1, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began operation. At the time it consisted of only about 8,000 employees and an annual budget of $100 million. Over the next 50 years, NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have been involved in many defining events occurred which have shaped the course of human history and demonstrated to the world the character of the people of the United States.

Many of us remember how inspired we were when on May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed: ``I believe this Nation should commitment itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.'' The success of the United States space exploration program in the 20th Century augurs well for its continued leadership in the 21st Century. This success is largely attributable to the remarkable and indispensable partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and its 10 space and research centers. One of these important research centers is located in my home city of Houston. The Johnson Space Center, which manages the development, testing, production, and delivery of all United States human spacecraft and all human spacecraft-related functions, is one of the crown jewels of the Houston area.

Today, NASA is the nations' primary civil space and aeronautics research and development agency, and its current activities employ over 18,000 Americans. Today's legislation reaffirms the fundamental operating principles of NASA, emphasizes the importance of NASA leadership in a range of endeavors such as Earth observations and research, aeronautics reach and development, and an exploration program. It authorizes $20.21 billion in NASA funding for FY 2009.

Madam Chairman, in addition to this funding, H.R. 6063 begins to address what many of us believe is a serious problem that we will face in the coming years. Between 2010, when the space shuttle will be phased out, and 2015, when the next-generation human spaceflight vehicle is likely to become operational, the United States will have no method of transportation to the International Space Station, which we have already invested a great deal of American resources in. This legislation allows for an additional space shuttle flight to the International Space Station, to deliver important hardware (the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer). The bill also authorizes $1 billion in augmented funding to accelerate the development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle, the successor to the space shuttle, in hopes of narrowing the gap.

Always on the forefront of technological innovation, NASA has been home to countless ``firsts'' in the field of space exploration. America has, countless times, proven itself to be a leader in innovation, and many technologies that have become part of our everyday lives were developed by NASA scientists. The benefits of NASA's programming and innovation are felt far beyond scientific and academic spheres. Space technologies provide practical, tangible benefits to society, and NASA provides valuable opportunities to businesses in our community. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation, and in support of the future of American innovation and exploration.

Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Madam Chairman, let me thank the committee, both the ranking member, Mr. Hall, and the chairman of the full committee, as well as the subcommittee chairs and ranking members.

It is a pleasure to have had the honor and privilege of serving on the Science Committee for a number of years and to congratulate them for its very important work. I believe the Science Committee, as I've indicated, creates the work of the 21st century: science and technology and research.

My amendment has a very simple premise, and it is an amendment to the program of which Mr. Lampson of Texas has created that is part of the Innovative Partnerships Program that NASA's had for a very long time.

The amendment clarifies that the NASA Outreach and Technology Assistance Program will include small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses. But as well, it specifically focuses on small business concerns owned and controlled, which is part of the existing law, by service-disabled veterans and HUBZone small business concerns. So this will be added to small businesses. What better way to ensure diversity than to ensure that our returning veterans, service-disabled, have the further opportunity of participating in this program.

And Madam Chairman, let me share with you how vital small businesses are, no matter where they are. First of all, small firms represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms. They employ about half of all private sector employees. They pay more than 45 percent of the total U.S. payroll, and in 2006, we believe there were 26.8 million businesses.

When you speak to veterans, it seems that it's their cup of tea. They're independent, they're resilient, and yes, they've fought a war. And so, there's given emphasis in selection of the businesses to participate in this technology and outreach program to socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, and as I indicated, to service-disabled veterans and HUBZone small businesses.

The interesting part of this effort, of course, is the very backbone of our economy will get the opportunity to benefit from the strength of this great NASA program.

And the full committee has been very fair in the dollars that they've put in science and research and the space exploration program, and this, of course, would provide an opportunity for our small businesses to be right in the middle.

I believe that science and technology creates the work of the 21st century, and for that reason, this program and its ability to reach out to these small businesses is a plus for us. They will include the opportunity to hire people who have that technology training. They will reach out to various universities, Hispanic-serving and historically black colleges and other colleges around the Nation, to get the employees that will work in these small firms, and they'll have the technological training that is so important.

I hope my colleagues will support this and continue to support the opportunity for outreach, particularly as it creates jobs and interests and commitment to the NASA mentality and the NASA technology, and it puts America on the cutting edge.

I reserve my time.

I'm glad the gentleman asked the question, and the gentleman is right in terms of the positive and not the negative. It is ``and,'' it is including. It is to indicate that if these businesses are around, reach out to them.

And again, this does not impact any contracts of NASA. It only impacts the access to this outreach program, and to have small businesses, if a small business is there, they're there. But to ensure that others are aware of the program and can participate in it.

And of course, it just adds that those who will be part of the outreach will be women-owned, will be HUBZone businesses, and will also be disabled veterans, many of whom are returning back to the country.

I want to again reaffirm to the gentleman that this does not impact contracts. This only impacts the ability to participate in getting technical assistance and accessing the wisdom and the expertise of NASA.

In addition, the language is small, comma, and then it goes on. So no one is replaced. It is simply adding a list and saying, don't forget this list as well. It will not replace anyone, and it will not replace anyone or require a small contractor to replace or be replaced, if you will. It is all about technical training and assistance.

If I might simply close and thank the distinguished gentleman, Mr. Feeney, for his inquiries and, as well, his clarification.

And with that, I would indicate that this is a reemphasis of how important small businesses are, accessing technical assistance, and I would ask my colleagues to support the Jackson-Lee amendment dealing with expanding opportunities to socially and disadvantaged businesses and, of course, returning veterans and other HUBZones.

I ask my colleagues to support this amendment for technical assistance.

Madam Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008. My amendment modifies section 1108, and it states:

(1) in subsection (a), strike ``small businesses'' and

insert ``small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses'';

and

(2) in subsection (b)(2), insert ``, giving preference to

socially and economically disadvantaged small business

concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by

service-disabled veterans, and HUBZone small business

concerns'' after ``to small businesses.''

My amendment clarifies that the NASA Outreach and Technology Assistance Program will include small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. It would also give preference, in selection of businesses to participate in the program, to socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and HUBZone small business concerns.

Madam Chairman, I would like to thank my colleague and fellow Texan, Congressman Lampson, for his leadership in authoring the important section describing the NASA Outreach and Technology Assistance Program. As set forth in this legislation, this program is intended to support the mission of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program to provide technical assistance through joint partnerships with industry, academia, government agencies, and national laboratories. It will facilitate technology transfer to the private sector, create a network of academic institutions, aerospace contractors, and NASA centers that will commit to donating technical assistance to small businesses, and create a network of economic development organizations to increase the awareness and enhance the effectiveness of the program nationwide.

My amendment would clarify that the NASA Outreach and Technology Assistance Program will include small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. It would also give preference, in the selection of businesses to participate in this program, to socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and HUBZone small business concerns.

Small businesses represent more than the American dream--they represent the American economy. Small businesses account for 95 percent of all employers, create half of our gross domestic product, and provide three out of four new jobs in this country. Minority businesses are also crucial to our communities and our country. Black entrepreneurs owned 9.7 percent of all such businesses in the United States. Statistics gathered between 1997 and 2002 show substantial increases in the number of black-owned firms with receipts of $1 million or more, as well as the number of black-owned firms with 100 employees or more. Black-owned firms accounted for 5 percent of all non-farm business in the United States in 2002.

In my home city of Houston, small businesses are vital to our economy. In 2002, Harris County ranked 6th in the nation for counties with the largest number of black-owned firms, with 27,770 firms with receipts totaling $1,817 million. I have worked to introduce minority, women, and small business owners to contracting officials at NASA to help promote and develop Houston small businesses.

Madam Chairman, the NASA Office of Small Business Programs sets forth, as its mission, ``to promote and integrate all small businesses into the competitive base of contractors that pioneer the future of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research.'' Today's legislation makes important strides toward working to realize this important goal, and I believe that my amendment would strengthen this objective. The legislation we are considering today reinforces the fundamental fact that the benefits of NASA's programming and innovation are felt far beyond scientific and academic spheres. Space technologies provide practical, tangible benefits to society, and NASA provides valuable opportunities to businesses in our community.

My amendment would help to ensure that the important program authorized by this legislation to develop technical partnerships with private industry will be readily accessible to these vital, but disadvantaged, enterprises. I would like to thank Congressman Lampson for his support of my amendment. I ask that my amendment be ruled in order, and that my colleagues join me in working to bring the benefits of this important legislation to all members of our community.

Madam Chairman, I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Udall for introducing this important legislation. After the Columbia disaster, NASA stands at a pivotal moment in its history. It is the responsibility of this Congress to ensure that the future of NASA is one of continued progress. Space exploration remains a part of our national destiny. It inspires our children to look to the stars and dream of what they too, one day, may achieve. Space exploration allows us to push the bounds of our scientific knowledge, as we carry out research projects not possible within the constraints of the planet Earth.

Support STEM Diversity Related Amendments to H.R. 6063

Diversity and Innovation Caucus,

June 11, 2008.

Dear Colleague: We write to bring your attention to several

amendments that may be offered during consideration of H.R.

6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Authorization Act of 2008. Amendments presented by

Representatives Hodes and Jackson-Lee are aimed at creating

greater diversity in the science, technology, engineering,

and math (STEM) workforce through opportunity and access. As

Co-chairs of the Diversity and Innovation Caucus, we have

worked to expand the participation of under-represented

groups in the STEM fields to help bolster U.S.

competitiveness. The amendments that will help us accomplish

this goal in H.R. 6063 include:

Hodes (NH)--VOTE YES: Establishes a scholarship program in

honor of Christa McAulliffe, a teacher from Concord, New

Hampshire who died in the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle

disaster. The scholarship would go to women pursuing degrees

in mathematics, science, and engineering.

Jackson-Lee (TX)--VOTE YES: Clarifies that the NASA

Outreach and Technology Assistance Program includes small,

minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. It would also

give preference, in selection for the program, to socially

and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, small

business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled

veterans, and HUBZone small business concerns.

If America is to achieve its strategic objectives in STEM,

then the enormous potential of groups that are currently

under-represented in the STEM fields must be utilized. STEM

policies which encourage diversity help strengthen American

innovation and competitiveness by expanding the STEM

pipeline. We strongly urge you to support the amendments to

HR 6063 listed above.

Thank you for our careful consideration of these important

amendments.

I yield back my time.

Mr. Speaker, we just finished a historic debate for historic legislation, H.R. 6063, and I look forward to my colleagues enthusiastically supporting the NASA Reauthorization Bill.

Let me highlight what this bill will generate for science in America. Funding for science will be some $4.932 billion. Aeronautics will be $853 million. Space exploration will be $3.886 billion. Education will be $128 million. Space operations will be some $6 billion. Cross-Agency Support Programs, some $3 billion. And Inspector General, which is very important to ensure the integrity of the program, some $35 million. This is an investment not for this Congress, but for America, and that is why this debate is so important.

As we move this bill forward, I am very pleased that this body supported my amendment. And I wanted to ensure that we had record clarity to know that this amendment was worked on by the Science Committee and the Small Business Administration Committee, and was timely submitted to the Rules Committee and, as well, was, if you will, approved by the Rules Committee. And I was very pleased to have this listed as an approved amendment in the structured rule process.

And so all is well now that this amendment has been passed and that this bill now has been passed, if you will, out of this body. And of course there will be votes to finalize the passage of the bill.

Let me move now, just very briefly, to add my deep sympathy to Americans who have experienced the tragedy of untimely and precipitous weather. This, I think, will be the most remarkable weather season that we may have experienced in a couple of years. Tornados are hitting Americans and floods all over the Nation. Many of our colleagues are absent because of the tragedy occurring in their respective districts. This further emphasizes, of course, the work that we do here, but nothing can give solace to those who have lost family members.

As a member of the Board of the Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America, I offer my deepest sympathy to the Boy Scouts who lost their lives in Iowa, and to their Member of Congress and to the families there. Let me also cite the brave young men who were involved in protecting others and providing first aid. It shows what kind of character and integrity is built for those who are in the Boy Scouts. And we offer to them our deepest sympathy. We know that the national Boy Scouts are mourning, and Boy Scouts across America. But as they mourn, let us also pay tribute to those who rose and showed themselves well as they sought to help those who could not help themselves.

Again, our sympathy to the Boy Scouts of America, to the Boy Scouts of Iowa, and certainly to the families of those who lost their lives in the last 24 to 48 hours, and those Americans who are also in the face of these tragic, terrible natural disasters, and who have suffered personal loss, property loss, and certainly the loss of loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, where is a good Samaritan? My friends are talking about the high price of gasoline. Can you imagine the impact on those who have exhausted their unemployment, people who have built this Nation, hard-working Americans.

Do you recognize that just this past week, unfortunately, with embarrassment, the administration had to announce that unemployment rose 5 percent in April, 5.5 percent in May, 49,000 jobs were lost. Where is the good Samaritan?

That is why today Democrats will stand on the floor of the House and stand alongside of working Americans and extend the unemployment benefits for those families who have exhausted all of their resources, this will go into March 2009, helping the bus driver, the nurse, helping those who are working with their hands, who have families to support, who can barely get gasoline.

Can you imagine being unemployed through no fault of your own, and this administration does not want to offer the extension of unemployment benefits? Today the good Samaritan will be on the floor of the House. We will debate this question. We will pass this bill. The President will sign it, and we will give relief to hard-working Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule for H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United States space program, this legislation reaffirms the ever growing and changing role of NASA, providing resources to carry the agency forward with its ambitious agenda of research, exploration, and discovery. I would like to thank Congressman Udall for introducing this important legislation, as well as Science Committee Chairman Gordon for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor today.

This structured rule allows for the consideration of 14 amendments, including one that I offered. I would also like to thank Chairman Gordon for his support of my amendment, which modifies section 1108 of the bill, and it states:

(1) in subsection (a), strike ``small businesses'' and insert ``small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses''; and

(2) in subsection (b)(2), insert ``, giving preference to socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and HUBZone small business concerns'' after ``to small businesses.''

My amendment clarifies that the NASA Outreach and Technology Assistance Program will include small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. It would also give preference, in selection of businesses to participate in the program, to socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and HUBZone small business concerns. I would like to thank my colleague and fellow Texan, Congressman Lampson, for his leadership in authoring the important section describing the NASA Outreach and Technology Assistance Program, and for supporting my amendment.

Madam Speaker, today's legislation will allow NASA to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, keeping our Nation on the forefront of innovation and exploration. After the Columbia disaster, NASA stands at a pivotal moment in its history. It is the responsibility of this Congress to ensure that the future of NASA is one of continued progress. Space exploration remains a part of our national destiny. It inspires our children to look to the stars and dream of what they too, one day, may achieve. Space exploration allows us to push the bounds of our scientific knowledge, as we carry out research projects not possible within the constraints of the planet Earth. As a nation, we have made tremendous strides forward in the pursuit of space exploration since President John F. Kennedy set the course for our Nation in 1962, calling it the ``greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.'' Despite the setbacks of recent years, including the tragedy that befell the Space Shuttle Columbia, NASA and the American people have refused to abandon the pursuit of knowledge of our universe. On October 1, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began operation. At the time it consisted of only about 8,000 employees and an annual budget of $100 million. Over the next 50 years, NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have been involved in many defining events that occurred which have shaped the course of human history and demonstrated to the world the character of the people of the United States.

Many of us remember how inspired we were when on May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed: ``I believe this Nation should commitment itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.'' The success of the United States space exploration program in the 20th century augurs well for its continued leadership in the 21st century. This success is largely attributable to the remarkable and indispensable partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and its 10 space and research centers. One of these important research centers is located in my home city of Houston. The Johnson Space Center, which manages the development, testing, production, and delivery of all United States human spacecraft and all human spacecraft-related functions, is one of the crown jewels of the Houston area.

Today, NASA is the Nation's primary civil space and aeronautics research and development agency, and its current activities employ over 18,000 Americans. Today's legislation reaffirms the fundamental operating principles of NASA, emphasizes the importance of NASA leadership in a range of endeavors such as Earth observations and research, aeronautics reach and development, and an exploration program. It authorizes $20.21 billion in NASA funding for FY 2009.

Madam Speaker, in addition to this funding, H.R. 6063 begins to address what many of us believe is a serious problem that we will face in the coming years. Between 2010, when the space shuttle will be phased out, and 2015, when the next-generation human spaceflight vehicle is likely to become operational, the United States will have no method of transportation to the International Space Station, which we have already invested a great deal of American resources in. This legislation allows for an additional space shuttle flight to the International Space Station, to deliver important hardware (the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer). The bill also authorizes $1 billion in augmented funding to accelerate the development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle, the successor to the space shuttle, in hopes of narrowing the gap.

Always on the forefront of technological innovation, NASA has been home to countless ``firsts'' in the field of space exploration. America has, countless times, proven itself to be a leader in innovation, and many technologies that have become part of our everyday lives were developed by NASA scientists. The benefits of NASA's programming and innovation

are felt far beyond scientific and academic spheres. Space technologies provide practical, tangible benefits to society, and NASA provides valuable opportunities to businesses in our community.

I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation, and in support of the future of American innovation and exploration.

The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows:

Amendment to H. Res. 1257

Offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart of Florida

At the end of the resolution, add the following:

Sec. 3. Notwithstanding any other provision of this

resolution or the operation of the previous question, it

shall be in order to consider any amendment to the bill which

the proponent asserts, if enacted, would have the effect of

lowering the national average price per gallon of regular

unleaded gasoline. Such amendments shall be considered as

read, shall be debatable for thirty minutes equally divided

and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be

subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand

for division of the question in the House or in the Committee

of the Whole. All points of order against such amendments are

waived except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI. For

purposes of compliance with clause 9(a)(3) of rule XXI, a

statement submitted for printing in the Congressional Record

by the proponent of such amendment prior to its consideration

shall have the same effect as a statement actually printed.