Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. I am honored to support one of the many noble causes of the late Senator Paul Wellstone and strongly believe that this bill will address and improve our Nation's need for enhanced mental health services.

The plight of families suffering from mental illness is immense due to an absence of adequate social services and the unwarranted stigma surrounding mental health issues. Due to the unwarranted social stigma and a systemic failure to ensure health care coverage, over two-thirds of the people who suffer from mental illness go untreated according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Within minority communities, even greater needs exist for mental health services.

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, 20 percent of our children and 26.2 percent of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. As the leading cause of disability in the U.S., many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. Thus, the need for mental health services is immense, and we cannot allow discriminatory practices by insurance companies to be an impediment to accessing available services.

Last year, I introduced H. Con. Res. 86 to express the sense of Congress that an appropriate month should be recognized as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Bebe Moore Campbell was a premier journalist who, before her untimely death, authored a children's book titled, Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry, winner of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Outstanding Literature Award. Through this story of how a little girl copes with being reared by her mentally ill mother, Moore Campbell was able to raise public awareness of mental health issues and heighten the consciousness of this topic within minority communities.

In conclusion, I would like to affirm my support for H.R. 1424. This legislation is necessary to assist families who are struggling through the effects of mental illness and will contribute greatly to our Nation's overall wellness.

Mr. Speaker, due to events in my district, I will miss votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows:

H.R. 1143, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes-- ``yea.''

H.R. 1311, to direct the Secrtary of the Interior to convey the Alta- Hualapai Site to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the development of a cancer treatment facility--``yea.''

H.R. 816, to provide for the release of certain land from the Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area in the State of Nevada and to grant a right-of-way across the released land for the construction and maintenance of a flood control project--``yea.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district I missed votes held on February 26 and 27. Had I been present the record would reflect the following votes: Tuesday, February 26, H. Res. 974--A resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 3521--``yea''; Wednesday, February 27, H.R. 5351--A bill to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy--``yea''; H.R. 5264--A bill to extend certain trade preference programs--``yea''.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Phillip Moses, a good friend and a great constituent of the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio.

Phillip Moses is characterized by many as an ``affable and altruistic man.'' Phillip Moses joined the staff of the Case Western Reserve University law school on October 4, 1971, as building superintendent when the law school was located on Adelbert Road in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then he has worked tirelessly providing support for over one hundred faculty and staff, over six hundred students, and to keep the facilities of the building running smoothly.

Phillip's calm demeanor and great sense of humor have become an invaluable presence at the law school as well as his ability to prepare the building for classes and special events. Phillip has also been described by some as, ``The ultimate handyman''. When Phillip is not working in the law school, he can be found working on carpentry and construction projects at his home.

In 2004, Phillip Moses was chosen as one of three recipients of the President's Award for Distinguished Service at Case Western Reserve University. This is the highest award that the University confers on its staff personnel. The award recognizes an individual's dedication to provide outstanding service to the Case Western Reserve University community.

Phillip Moses retired from his work on February 1, 2008. Phillip and his wife will enjoy retirement in their newly purchased home in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee.

On behalf of the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio it gives me great pleasure to congratulate my friend, Phillip Moses, for his service to Case Western Reserve University, and the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Phillip Morris, a good friend and a great constituent of the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio.

Phillip Morris is characterized by many as an ``affable and altruistic man.'' Phillip Morris joined the staff of the Case Western Reserve University law school on October 4, 1971, as building superintendent when the law school was located on Adelbert Road in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then he has worked tirelessly providing support for over one hundred faculty and staff, over six hundred students, and to keep the facilities of the building running smoothly.

Phillip's calm demeanor and great sense of humor have become an invaluable presence at the law school as well as his ability to prepare the building for classes and special events. Phillip has also been described by some as, ``The ultimate handyman''. When Phillip is not working in the law school, he can be found working on carpentry and construction projects at his home.

In 2004, Phillip Morris was chosen as one of three recipients of the President's Award for Distinguished Service at Case Western Reserve University. This is the highest award that the University confers on its staff personnel. The award recognizes an individual's dedication to provide outstanding service to the Case Western Reserve University community.

Phillip Morris retired from his work on February 1, 2008. Phillip and his wife will enjoy retirement in their newly purchased home in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee.

On behalf of the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio it gives me great pleasure to congratulate my friend, Phillip Morris, for his service to Case Western Reserve University, and the Eleventh Congressional district of Ohio.

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district I will miss votes on February 14, 2008. Had I been present, the Record would reflect the following votes:

H. Res. 982, providing for the adoption of H. Res. 979 and H. Res. 980, contempt of Congress resolutions, ``yea.''

H. Res. 966, honoring African-American inventors, past and present, for their leadership, courage, and significant contributions to our national competitiveness, ``yea.''

H.R. 1834, National Ocean Exploration Program Act, ``yea.''

S. 2571, to make technical corrections to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, ``yea.''

H. Con. Res. 289, honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 99th anniversary, ``yea.''

H.R. 4169, American Braille Flag Memorial Act, ``yea.''

H. Res. 790, commending the people of the State of Washington for showing their support for the needs of the State of Washington's veterans and encouraging residents of the other States to pursue creative ways to show their own support for veterans, ``yea.''

H. Res. 963, supporting the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, ``yea.''

H. Res. 972, supporting the goals and ideals of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day, ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 74th anniversary of the Columbus, Ohio Alumnae Chapter of my beloved sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Chartered on May 20, 1934, the Columbus Alumnae chapter was the 66th chapter of the sorority. Additionally, Delta Sigma Theta, a public service, non-profit organization, will celebrate 95 years of service, locally and globally, this year.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a sorority of predominantly Black college-educated women founded here in Washington, DC at Howard University in 1913. The major programs of our sorority revolve around our Five Point Thrust of: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. With over 250,000 members, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority works to continue the vision of our 22 Founders.

This year, during their annual Founder's Day Luncheon, the Columbus Alumnae Chapter highlight the many activities they have been engaged in that have contributed to the betterment of the Columbus area including youth Read-Ins, Scholarships to High School graduates, mentorship, and art and culture programs. Additionally, they will recognize African American women in the Columbus area who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the community during their annual Founders Day Luncheon.

Therefore, I commend the Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for their commitment to the people of Columbus, Ohio and across this country. I join with them in this celebration and thank them for their enduring commitment to the sisterhood, scholarship, and service of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. This legislation will help break down the barriers, particularly the ever-rising costs of higher education, for Americans to obtain a college degree.

I am extremely excited about the provision from my legislation, the Campus Fire Safety and Prevention Act, that is included in this bill. This legislation would establish a demonstration incentive program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing or dormitories, and for other purposes.

Fire safety and prevention is an issue that needs to be addressed across this country. Over these few years we have seen many tragedies involving fire at colleges, places of business, entertainment venues and places of residence.

Nationwide, 126 people have been killed in student housing since January 2000, as identified by the Center for Campus Fire Safety, a non-profit organization that compiles information on campus-related fires.

Almost 83 percent of the fire fatalities have occurred in off-campus occupancies such as rented houses and apartments. Common factors in a number of these fires include: lack of automatic sprinklers, disabled smoke alarms, careless disposal of smoking materials, and alcohol consumption.

We must begin to put in place suppression measures against fires and increase support and resources for our fire fighters to ensure that no more lives are lost to fires that could have been prevented.

I encourage my colleagues to pass the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. This legislation would reform our higher education system so that it operates in the best interests of students and families.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007, as reported by the Education and Labor Committee under the able leadership of the gentlemen from California, Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon.

I want to commend the chairman specifically for including in the bill a provision requiring the Government Accountability Office to examine the impact that law school accreditation requirements and other factors have on the costs of law school and student access to law school, including the impact of such requirements on racial and ethnic minorities. I would also like to thank my colleague Representative Bobby Scott for his efforts to have this amendment included.

This provision is important and timely in light of a 15 year decline in minority law school enrollment documented by a Columbia Law School web site created in conjunction with the Society of American Law Teachers. As described in the National Law Journal and other publications, the site uses 12 graphs and nearly 200 data points to illustrate an 8.6 percent drop in law school enrollment among African American and Mexican American students between 1992 and 2006. This disturbing trend has occurred even while overall law school enrollment numbers have increased and admissibility indicators for minority applicants have improved.

in addition, 2007 statistics from the Law School Admissions Council suggest that high shutout rates may be discouraging African American and Mexican American students from applying to law school in the first place; data show that the number of African American and Mexican American applicants has fallen significantly since 2004.

One certain factor in the trend is the over-reliance of law schools and accreditors on L.S.A.T. scores as an admissions criterion and I expect the GAO study to bear that out.

In the meantime, Madam Chairman, this trend threatens great harm to minority and disadvantaged communities throughout the United States where the consequences will include reduced access to quality legal services and less economic opportunity and empowerment. It is therefore critical that Congress understand and take active steps to counteract the various factors that have contributed to the decline.

Realizing the promise of ``equal justice under the law'' requires that we ensure equal opportunity to legal education for students who come from, and intend to serve, our Nation's neediest communities. Despite the remarkable progress that has been made, many obstacles to opportunity remain. We cannot stand idle as minority underrepresentation in the legal profession increases.

So, as we await the results of the GAO study, I respectfully urge my colleagues on the Education Committee to conduct hearings that will illuminate the problem, its causes, and expert recommendations for alleviating it.

In closing, I will insert into the Record the aforementioned articles. There are current efforts underway by members of the Congressional Black and Hispanic Caucuses to formally request a hearing on this subject and to urge the ABA Section of Legal Education to adopt law school accreditation standards that are consistent with the goal of increasing minority representation in the legal profession.

Madam Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

[From the National Law Journal, Jan. 21, 2008]

Minority Enrollment Is Faltering

(By Leigh Jones)

A web site recently established by an elite law school

paints a dismal picture of enrollment among certain minority

groups in law schools generally--a picture that may well

become still bleaker.

Enrollment of blacks and Mexican-Americans has fallen by

8.6% in the past 15 years, according to a Web site created by

Columbia Law School and the Society of American Law Teachers

(SALT).

The decline has occurred as applications to law schools

among those two groups have remained constant and as law

school enrollment overall has increased since 1992.

With law schools continuing to revere U.S. News & World

Report rankings and with anti-affirmative action initiatives

possibly being on the ballot in five states in November, it

appears that the situation may only worsen.

``It's not a pipeline problem,'' said Conrad Johnson,

clinical professor of law at Columbia. Johnson and two law

students working with the school's Lawyering in the Digital

Age Clinic helped create the Web site, along with SALT. He

said that the statistics, compiled from information provided

by the Law School Admission Council, dispute the notion that

the low enrollment numbers among blacks and Mexican-Americans

are due to dwindling applications from those groups.

Eye on rankings

From 1992 to 2006, the number of blacks and Mexican-

Americans enrolled in the nation's law schools accredited by

the American Bar Association (ABA) fell from 3,937 to 3,595.

During that same time period, the number of ABA accredited

law schools grew from 176 to 195.

Johnson acknowledged an uptick in African-American

enrollment in 2006, the biggest increase in 10 years, but he

said that a combination of both groups showed a continuous

decline during the 15-year period.

Vernellia Randall, a professor at University of Dayton

School of Law and creator of the The Whitest Law School

Report, said that law schools, concerned about their U.S.

News & World Report rankings, are requiring higher scores

from applicants on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT),

which has resulted in lower admission numbers among people

from the two minority groups.

In the rankings, a school's median LSAT score is part of a

larger score designed to measure a school's selectivity in

choosing applicants who enter an incoming class. Selectivity

accounts for 25% of a school's ranking.

The Columbia Law School Web site notes that LSAT and grade-

point average scores have increased among African-American

and Mexican-American applicants. But more demanding

requirements from law schools continue to outpace

improvements in scores, Randall said.

``It's going to get a whole lot worse before it gets

better,'' she said.

U.S. News & World Report does not include diversity as one

of the factors in the rankings, but it does publish a

separate ranking of law schools that have high minority

enrollment numbers. Revamping the general law school rankings

to include diversity as a factor would be difficult, said

Robert Morse, director of data research at U.S. News & World

Report.

Not only would the standard need to account for the

difference in minority populations in various parts of the

country, but the rankings would require a value judgment

regarding which minority groups' enrollment ``improved'' a

school, he said.

Part of the concern about the low numbers relates to

efforts in five states to ban race- and gender-based

preferences. Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and

Oklahoma all have initiatives under way to place questions on

November ballots that would end programs that increase

minority and female numbers in education and in government.

The effort is led by Ward Connerly, president of the American

Civil Liberties Institute, which led successful efforts to

ban such preferences in California, Michigan and Washington.

``Preferences are morally wrong,'' said Connerly, who is

black.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2003 in Grutter v.

Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306, that the University of Michigan Law

School's race-preference admissions policy served a

compelling interest in maintaining a diverse student body.

Marquette University Law School Dean Joseph Kearney said

his school relies heavily on affirmative action to recruit

minorities. Marquette was ranked No. 8 among Randall's latest

ranking of the "Whitest Law Schools." Its student body is

89.5% white, with black enrollment equaling 2.7% and Mexican-

Americans making up 0.7%, according to the 2007 ABA Official

Guide to ABA Approved Law Schools.

Kearney, who challenges the validity of Randall's list,

attributes his school's low numbers to competition from its

state competitor, University of Wisconsin Law School, which

has lower tuition and is aggressive on minority recruitment.

Madam Speaker, due to events scheduled in my district, I will miss votes on January 29, 2008. Please let the Record reflect that had I been present, my vote would have reflected the following:

H.R. 5140 Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008--``yea.''

H.R. 1528 New England National Scenic Trail Designation Act--``aye.''

H.R. 933 Commending the Louisiana State University Tigers Football Team--``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to celebrate the life of one of the greatest leaders in our Nation's history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King is revered and respected throughout the world for his commitment to unite humanity by working to end segregation and racial discrimination and to create social and economic justice for all.

Martin Luther King, Jr. brought the issues of racism, segregation, and inequality to the forefront of the United States' and the world's moral conscience. He willingly sacrificed his life for humanity in the hope of helping our Nation fulfill its promise of ``life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness'' for all Americans. He vehemently expressed that America could not be true to its vision unless these inalienable rights expressed in its founding documents could be applied to all.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned a world-wide community where all forms of discrimination and prejudice would cease to exist. He advocated peaceful methods of conflict resolution instead of brute force and violence. To King, his dream was not a utopian ideal, but a reality that could be actively sought. King stated that, ``It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.''

Those who released attack dogs at him, sprayed him down with firehoses, threatened him, and even bombed his house ultimately learned to respect him and his vision because of his unequivocal embrace of humanity for all. He looked past the evil he faced and the ignorance many held firmly close at heart with an empathetic vision of hope for social and economic justice. That is, he believed righteousness and love could overcome the greatest evils. I quote his vision, ``Yes if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind.''

In his last sermon, Dr. King stated, ``If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don't want a long funeral, and if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell him not to talk too long.--Tell him not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize; that isn't important. Tell him not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards; that's not important. Tell him not to mention where I went to school. I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to love somebody--I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.''

On behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional of Ohio I join with the rest of the Nation, and the world to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The torch has now been passed on to us to carry on his commitment for social and economic justice. There is still more work to be done. We must continue to strive towards making the dream Dr. King dreamt for us into a reality. May his legacy live on.

I don't know whether I did or not. I wanted to come to the floor and say how proud I am of my ``sons,'' Kendrick and Tim. Actually, they are not my sons, but I call them that anyway.

But I come here and look, and I have Anna and Mary who are visiting the House floor today, and these two young women are examples of how important SCHIP could be to the children of America. I am so glad they had a chance to join me with one of my good friends, Robin. We serve on a couple of

committees together, and this is what we talk about, bipartisan action on the floor of the House.

Ladies, thank you so much for coming to visit with me. I will take this pink sweater and this red ribbon and I will look gorgeous.

But I am glad to join my colleagues here on the floor of the House as we talk about the economic stimulus, because the people of Ohio need a stimulus. They need jobs, they need health care, and they need jobs that make real money. They need to be saved from these mortgage brokers who have hurt them deeply.

I recognize my ``sons,'' of whom I am so very proud.

I will recognize each of you. Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. Since 1973, women in this country have exercised choice over their health and the future of their lives. Celebration of this landmark decision is a celebration of America's commitment to uphold freedom and liberty for all.

According to the National Abortion Federation, abortion was actually legal, common, and publicly advertised until the mid 1880s. When abortions became illegal, many women died or suffered serious medical problems after attempting to self-induce their abortions or by going to untrained practitioners who performed abortions with primitive methods or in unsanitary conditions. Prior to this 1973 decision, women with economic means were able to access medical assistance, (however illegal) while poor women in desperation were forced to subject themselves to back-alley abortions and the subsequent consequences to health, dignity, and privacy. According to the advocacy group Human Rights Watch, approximately 13 percent of maternal deaths worldwide today are attributable to unsafe abortion--between 68,000 and 78,000 deaths annually.

Equitable access to safe abortion services is first and foremost a human right. It has been accurately stated, ``Where abortion is safe and legal, no one is forced to have one''--Human Rights Watch. Having a choice and access to a safe abortion is an enormous concern, estimated to affect one in three American women by the age of 45--National Abortion Federation.

In many countries, the denial of reproductive choices makes women succumb to second rate citizenship, further perpetuating the feminization of poverty. Where women are able to exercise choice, they are in control of their opportunities without intrusion by their government. Any restriction on such a choice offends fundamental liberties.

The social, economic and physical consequences of denying women choice are devastating. Because of our global position as a model of democracy and freedom, it is imperative that we stand to acknowledge this decision of the Supreme Court that affirms women's jurisdiction over their bodies and extends the message that the United States is a country which affirms reproductive choice. May we forever remain a Nation that does not corner its citizens, but rather respects their capacity to make decisions over their health and future pursuits.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding the time. We who believe in freedom cannot rest. We who believe in freedom cannot rest. And today we who believe in freedom must stand up on behalf of the people of Darfur.

It is a wonderful opportunity that we have through Senate 2271 authorizing State and local governments to divest assets in companies that conduct business operations in Sudan. While I want to celebrate the work of the Senate, I must celebrate the work of my colleagues here in the House who have been really carrying this heavy load and pushing folks to move forward on this legislation, to the Chair, to the ranking member, to my good friend, Barbara Lee, who is always stepping up and saying, if we believe in freedom we must step out and make a difference in our communities across the world.

As we fight terrorism, and make no mistake about it, the violence in Sudan is akin to what happened in Rwanda and Serbia in recent decades, this is a form of terrorism and genocide. We turned our backs on those populations then, but we must assume responsibility now.

The bill would prohibit the United States Government from contracting with companies that engage in business in Sudan. The American dollar should not be put to use to enforce instability and slaughter of civilians. This legislation also authorizes States, local government and universities to prohibit new contracts with such companies.

It provides safe harbor to mutual funds and pension plans choosing to divest their assets and prohibits the Federal Government from entering into new contracts. I have already said that. But I really want also to take the time to thank many of the organizations across this country who have stood up on our behalf. Specifically, the work of the Save Darfur Coalition, STAND, the NAACP, American Jewish World Service, the National Association of Evangelicals, and especially the Genocide Intervention Network and the Sudan Divestment Task Force.

Lastly, I want to say that all 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus were signatories to this legislation. This is a piece of legislation that was a priority for the Congressional Black Caucus under the leadership of our Chair, Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, and we are so proud we have stood so tall and fought this good fight. And, as I said at the beginning: We who believe in freedom cannot rest. We who believe in freedom cannot rest, and we cannot rest until the people of Darfur are taken care of and we are looking out for them and their babies just like we look after our own.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3648) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude discharges of indebtedness on principal residences from gross income, and for other purposes.

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

I am happy that the Congress is doing its part today to alleviate the pressure Americans all over the country are feeling due to the subprime mortgage crisis. It is estimated that before this housing slump is over, almost 2 million homeowners will lose their homes due to skyrocketing interest rates on their mortgages.

In September of this year, the House passed the Mortgage Relief Debt Forgiveness Act of 2007 without controversy. The Members of the House agreed on a bipartisan basis that this relief is necessary to give homeowners peace of mind as they navigate the current difficulties in the housing market. The Senate amendment to this bill further demonstrates Congress's support for this relief.

Many Americans are getting hit by the double whammy of, one, losing their homes to foreclosure and, two, getting slapped with a tax bill when the debt on their home is discharged by the lender. In situations where a lender forgives outstanding debt, it is considered income and, thus, is taxable.

I believe that our Tax Code, above all, should promote fairness and equity. Under current law, if your House is under foreclosure and the bank discharges your debt, you receive a tax bill. I don't think that's fair or equitable. It doesn't seem right for individuals in this circumstance to face a tax bill when they really have no increase in their net worth. As I see it, their house went down in value, and the individuals couldn't meet their current requirements, resulting in foreclosure. The resolution we consider today rectifies that disconnect so that if a person's principal residence lost value, that loss won't give rise to a tax liability. The provision would sunset in 3 years.

In addition, H.R. 3648, as amended, would provide a 3-year extension of the deduction for private mortgage insurance. The deduction makes it easier for homebuyers to avoid having to take out a risky high-interest second loan in order to make a down payment.

Finally, the bill includes provisions to make it easier for taxpayers to form housing cooperation corporations.

I hope this whole House can join the Ways and Means Committee members in strong support of this resolution. H.R. 3648 restores some fairness to the Tax Code by preventing the unexpected tax consequences of foreclosure from hurting homeowners already smarting from the loss of their homes. Passage today will direct this bill to the President's desk and clear the path for this important legislation to become law.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our Chair, Mr. Rangel, and our ranking member for the hard work that they've done on this legislation.

It gives me great pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin).

(Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our chairman, Mr. Rangel, for allowing me to manage this bill because he knows that in Ohio, the foreclosure epidemic has gone from bad to worse, with new cases growing by nearly 24 percent from 2005.

Another colleague of mine on this great committee, in my same class, I yield 2 minutes to Mr. Larson of Connecticut.

Mr. Brady, we're happy you got a wake-up call. Maybe you could bring us a few other Members over here to our side.

It gives me great pleasure to recognize now my colleague and good friend from the committee, Mr. Blumenauer, for 2 minutes.

I join with my colleague to say I hope that at some point we will be able to extend this so it has no sunsetting provisions.

I yield 2 minutes to my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

(Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to submit remarks for the Record.

It gives me great pleasure at this time to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke). She is a freshman in Congress and has been a leader in working on a lot of issues, particularly this one; and I yield to her particularly because this bill expands some of the coverages for cooperative housing corporations which I am confident is an issue for the gentlelady from Brooklyn.

Mr. Speaker, almost all of us dream of a day when we can have a place of our own. For most Americans, buying a home is the single best investment they will ever make. It is the first step to building wealth and can provide financial leverage for a family for a variety of things, including starting a business or funding an education. Therefore, we must put safeguards in place to ensure that people are able to keep their homes and not be thrown into further debt.

That is one reason why I am pleased to rise in support of this piece of legislation that will allow taxpayers to exclude from their income debt that which was forgiven by a financial institution or lender. We cannot sit by as Congress and add insult to injury to our most vulnerable taxpayers. That is why I am so pleased to stand with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in support of this very strong legislation in support of the American people.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my upcoming Special Order.