Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan in general, and the Azerbaijani community of San Diego in particular, on the 95th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan declared its independence and established the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The first-ever parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world, Azerbaijan proclaimed the right to vote for all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and religion, preceding even the United States in granting women equal political rights with men.

This Republic was recognized by many advanced nations of the time, including the United States. In fact, following a meeting with a delegation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic during the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson remarked that he and these men spoke the same language with respect to conceptions of liberty, right, and justice.

Tragically, Azerbaijan's independence was interrupted when the Russian Red Army invaded the nation in 1920. Only in 1991, as the Soviet Union disintegrated, were the people of Azerbaijan given a second chance to restore their democracy and rejoin the world's community of free nations.

Over the last twenty-two years, the Republic of Azerbaijan has consolidated its sovereignty and independence, and has become one of the fastest growing economies in the region and beyond. Azerbaijan is also a staunch ally and strategic partner of the United States in the critically important Caspian region.

I congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on this important anniversary, and commend them on their continued efforts and commitment to building a strong and vibrant Azerbaijan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Transparency for Lethal Control Act (TLC), legislation requiring the United States Department of Agriculture to publish clear and accessible information on animals killed through the Wildlife Services program of the Animal Health and Inspection Service.

The Wildlife Services program is responsible for intervening in situations when an animal is considered a threat or serious nuisance to humans. In some cases, animals are killed to fulfill this mission.

Efforts to gather adequate information regarding Wildlife Services operations have been difficult. The USDA has not made detailed data available to the public relating to where, why, how, and which animals have been killed. This lack of transparency and public reporting makes oversight impossible. The USDA could be acting inappropriately or recklessly and without this data, we can't know. That is why I am introducing legislation to require the USDA to publish kill data online by state, county (or other similar political subdivision), and municipality.

The killing of animals should not be a routine or reflexive government response. It should only be undertaken, if at all, after careful deliberation and under strict supervision. For that reason, the public and Congress need to have the opportunity for vigorous oversight to ensure that the USDA is acting appropriately and considering all cheaper and more humane alternatives.

Congress must improve oversight of the Wildlife Services program and ensure that the USDA is using tax dollars efficiently and appropriately. I urge passage of the Transparency for Lethal Control Act (TLC).

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Kaneko Oshima Bishop, whose work and contributions have

made her a well-known figure in San Diego and, most recently, recognized by the government of Japan.

On May 15, Ms. Bishop will receive the country's most prestigious decoration, the Order of the Rising Sun, with Gold and Silver Rays, for her contributions to promoting the regional relationship between Japan and the United States. Established in 1875, the Order of the Rising Sun is the Japanese government's oldest decoration.

Born in Nagoya, Japan, Kaneko Bishop moved to San Diego in 1972 and has since then made countless contributions to the Japanese-American community. She is the President of the San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society. After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, she led a fundraising effort that resulted in more than $10,000 for relief efforts. Our friends in Yokohama have also noted her tireless work. In 2003, when the wildfires ravaged in San Diego, it is no doubt that because of the good will and relationship she fostered, the Mayor of Yokohama led a campaign that raised $17,000 for relief efforts here at home.

Her life's work exemplifies what it means to promote mutual understanding and friendship between countries. As someone who has spent some time in Japan, it gives me tremendous pride to see such unwavering dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding. Our communities are all the more better because of it, and it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Kaneko Oshima Bishop on receiving this prestigious honor.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 140, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Veterans Home Loan Refinance Opportunity Act of 2013. This bipartisan legislation improves the federal Qualified

Veterans Mortgage Bonds (QVMB) program to allow eligible States to use tax-free bond proceeds to refinance the home mortgages of our military veterans.

This legislation is necessary during our troubled economic times. QVMB home loan financing was not available to newly discharged veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan until passage of the Heroes Earning Assistance Relief Tax Act of 2008 (H.R. 6081) in the 110th Congress.

Prior to 2008, some veterans may have taken out adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) to purchase a home during the real estate boom earlier in the decade. It is only fair to them that they have the same opportunity as newly discharged veterans to take advantage of the low- interest, fixed rate mortgages available through QVMB financing.

For some veterans with a costly ARM or interest-only mortgage, this legislation could prevent a foreclosure.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, this legislation includes an inflation index to ensure the QVMB program remains viable in the future.

I urge passage of the Veterans Home Loan Refinance Opportunity Act.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague, Mr. Peters, and rise to congratulate the remarkable achievement of San Diego's very own High Tech High robotics team.

This past week, the team participated in the largest and more prestigious school robotics world championship, and then came home taking the event's biggest prize. On behalf of San Diegans, we couldn't be any more proud of these remarkable and talented students, who are destined to change our world with their ideas and innovations.

High Tech High represents all that is possible in K-12 education. Some of these students never envisioned themselves in a STEM field, and now they have internships at some of the top STEM companies in the country.

I was able to visit and see the robotics team in action, and it was clear to me that the spirit of teamwork and cooperation I witnessed will make them successful in STEM fields and beyond. These students represent the best and the brightest in our Nation, and we stand and congratulate their hard-earned win and know that there is more to come.

Mr. Speaker, over 100,000 victims of gun violence last year, many of them children. What has this House done to prevent other children from being added to this tragic tally? Nothing, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely nothing.

Ninety percent of Americans support effective background checks--90 percent. So when does this Chamber, the people's House, work for the 10 percent? Opponents have said that background checks will not stop every incidence of gun violence. Well, true. They would, unfortunately, not stop all future acts of gun violence, anymore than other laws stop all illegal behavior--but it would stop some. It would save the lives of some of our children. It would be all of us saying we have a moral duty to ensure that those purchasing handguns are not an established threat to our families, and it would be the start of a comprehensive approach to protecting our families.

Congress plays politics on so many issues. Let's not play politics with the lives of so many innocent Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to mourn the passing of one of San Diego's great public servants, and my first Chief-of-Staff, Jennifer Adams-Brooks.

Like many other friends and colleagues, I was not aware of Jennifer's diagnosis. But that was no accident. It shows you exactly the type of person she was: someone who always thought about other people first.

Jennifer never stopped working to improve the San Diego community. I know she thrived in her executive leadership position on the San Diego Housing Commission, and was passionate about all her numerous volunteer efforts.

Among her many accomplishments, including starting her own consulting firm, Jennifer held the distinction of being the first African-American to serve as chair of the San Diego Foundation's Board of Governors in its 36-year history.

Throughout her entire life, Jennifer always remained highly active in local civic and community affairs. And that's how we happened to cross paths.

Jennifer got my office running when I first served in the California Assembly. And I can tell you she was just as impressive in person as on paper.

During that time, we shared many laughs and memories--even when we were up to our ears in work.

Looking back, I'm sure Jennifer would want us to always think of her with that indefatigable spirit--and to remember her as the consummate leader and community activist she most certainly was.

I will always treasure her loyalty and work ethic. And my thoughts go out to Leon, her husband, and the rest of her family and friends. I can only hope that many others will follow her lead and dedicate their lives to the service of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the contribution of the State of Israel as it celebrates its 65th anniversary as a vibrant and open democratic society.

I had the great privilege to live and work in Israel in the mid- 1960's and celebrated Israel's 22nd anniversary by taking part in a three-day walk from the shores of Tel Aviv to the hills of Jerusalem.

Now about 50 years later, I marvel at the extraordinary changes that have taken place in Israel.

In its 65 years, Israel has managed some incredible achievements.

These have been true gifts to Americans and the world--healing the sick, improving security, and promoting commerce.

Israeli doctors and researchers have produced countless medical advances.

Israelis have developed techniques to better assist cancer and Parkinson's patients.

Israelis invented the PillCam to better detect disorders of the GI Tract.

Israelis are pioneering robotic surgery.

Israelis were key to developing the cell phone--which has transformed American business and, of course, allowed many Jewish mothers, like myself, to instantly get in touch with their children.

Israelis also invented voice mail technology.

Israel developed the Iron Dome Missile Defense System which has already saved countless lives from missile attacks. And, Israel is sharing this vital technology with the United States.

Israel is also a leader in conservation and renewable energy. In fact, Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees, made more remarkable because this was achieved in an area considered mainly desert.

And, Israel continues to be a shining example of democratic governance in the Middle East.

Israel is the only country in the Middle East with protections for free speech, free press, free practice of religion, women's rights and gay rights.

All citizens of Israel have full voting rights without regard to race, sex, or ethnicity.

And, Israel's parliament, the Knesset, includes Jews and Arabs alike as members.

Israel is a small country in a hostile environment that has found a way to accomplish big things.

We as Americans are better off today because of Israel's existence.

And, as I wish Israel and her citizens a happy 65th birthday, I stress that I will continue working with my colleagues to support our closest friend and ally, as it continues to inspire the world with its achievement.

Mr. Speaker, we need to focus on fostering middle class prosperity, and I feel investing in job training and education is the best way to do that.

We recently had an opportunity to revamp the Workforce Investment Act. However, the consolidation approach that was taken with that bill was counterproductive. That legislation could have been a bipartisan effort. Instead, it has gone to the Senate to die.

So I propose, instead of belittling Federal employees, attacking unions and repealing environmental protections, why don't we focus on working together across the aisle and doing what we can to equip people with the skills and the education they need to fill the job openings that are out there.

That might sound warm and fuzzy, but that is what Americans want us to do. My constituents have told me again and again: let's focus on practical solutions to the problems people are facing, not political ideology.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to debate the budget again, but despite the differences in this Chamber, we could come together and choose to invest in our middle class. We could compromise and responsibly reduce spending while protecting the most vulnerable. We could reach across the aisle and protect the jobs of our teachers and police officers while ending the ludicrous tax loopholes for oil companies.

Instead, we see another case of political gamesmanship. Instead of providing targeted tax cuts to working class families, the Republican budget increases tax breaks for the wealthiest in the country at the expense of middle-income taxpayers, who will pay an average of $2,000 per family. Instead of solidifying the safety net for our seniors, the Republican budget guts it by turning Medicare into a voucher program. Instead of healing our still fragile housing market, the Republican budget refuses to protect the mortgage interest deduction that our middle class families depend upon.

What we should be doing is working together to put the American Dream back within the reach of our middle class.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring light to one of the many overlooked effects of sequestration. I just came from a Military Personnel hearing where the Services had an opportunity to speak frankly about how these cuts will affect them. Some of the worst impacts will come as a result of civilian furloughs.

Fifty-two percent of military behavioral health specialists are civilians, and those civilians will be furloughed, as will 62 of the specialists who work for the Marine Corps' Wounded Warrior unit. These specialists provide a vital service to our injured servicemembers. So how can Congress continue to treat the work of these and other Federal employees in what is perceived as a very callous manner?

Mr. Speaker, we have asked our men and women in uniform to sacrifice so much. How can we possibly ask them to sacrifice even more? We must come together to solve sequestration before these devastating cuts become irreversible.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 57, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, at last, at last. Madam Speaker, like Americans all across the country, I'm glad this Chamber has finally put the Senate Violence Against Women Act to the floor for a vote.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and to oppose the Republican substitute. If we pass a strong and bipartisan reauthorization, women can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Congress has got their backs.

Every woman deserves protection and justice. I'm glad that the Senate bill closes the gap in current law by extending that protection to Native American, LGBT, and immigrant victims.

In contrast, as we have heard, the Republican substitute inexplicably continues to exclude these groups and put them at risk. That is exclusionary and it is hurtful.

Let's swiftly pass the Senate VAWA and send it straight to the President's desk for his signature. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on S. 47 and to stand up for all victims of domestic violence. They've waited far too long for this day.

The once inconceivable now seems to be becoming the inevitable. On Friday, the sequester, a plan designed to never be implemented, will be triggered. And now the question among the papers and pundits is exactly how bad sequester will turn out to be. My question is: Why aren't we debating how to stop it? Why are we not working together on a balanced fiscal plan? We all know it's not the right thing to do. We all know it's not the smart thing to do.

My constituents in San Diego and everyone outside of D.C. knows that it's harmful. San Diegan air traffic controllers, our Border Patrol officers, and civilian defense personnel put on leave, making us less safe and less efficient? San Diegan senior citizens, many who have served our country, sent messages stating that they will not be able to receive the meals they depend on.

San Diego teachers furloughed, disrupting our children's education? Blindly taking an ax to our budget is not a solution, it's a problem.

With that, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 699, a balanced bill to replace the sequester with spending cuts and revenues.