Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I'm pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 3248, which designates the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building.

This legislation was introduced in October of 2011 by my colleague and friend, Representative Todd Akin of Missouri, and considered and reported out of the committee by a voice vote on November 3, 2011. Additionally, along with all of my fellow members of the Missouri delegation, we are proud to be cosponsors of this bill.

As was mentioned, Weaver was a native of St. Charles, Missouri. He bravely served with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force out of 29 Palms, California. On February 21, 2008, the young marine was killed in action in al Anbar province, Iraq, while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Speaker, Lance Corporal Drew Weaver's life and service stand as a testament to the strength and support of his devoted family. He is a fine example of the bravery and dedication of the young men and women who have joined him in serving this Nation and in making the ultimate sacrifice. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and it reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.

It is my hope that we can honor this outstanding marine through the passage of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of H.R. 3248.

Mr. Speaker, having no additional speakers, once again, I urge the adoption of H.R. 3248 in honor of Lance Corporal Drew Weaver, who gave his life in service to our country.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable coach, principal, and mentor to the young men and women in Missouri, Mr. Marvin Neals.

Marvin Neals has thirty years of coaching experience. In 1974 Marvin Neals started his epic career at Soldan High School, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he won a Class 4A state title. After 16 years, Marvin Neals left coaching to pursue a career in education administration. The Hall of Fame coach could not

be kept away from his passion for long, and returned to coach at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in 2000. Marvin Neals has already recorded three Class 3 championships with Cardinal Ritter.

On January 25, 2012, Marvin Neals reached a coaching milestone winning his 600th game. Marvin Neals was praised by his current and former players after the momentous win. The players spoke of his great influence and impact he has had on their lives. Marvin Neals wants to keep coaching the game he loves as long as possible, with no thoughts of slowing down in the future.

Mr. Speaker, Marvin Neals has dedicated his life to bettering the lives of the young men and women of St. Louis. His commitment can be recognized by the admiration of his colleagues, present and former players and students, and the remarkable feat of 600 career wins. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his remarkable service to the United States, the State of Missouri, and the St. Louis community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American--a nationally acclaimed civil rights attorney, public education advocate and a true champion of social justice . . . my dear friend and constituent, Frankie Muse Freeman.

Frankie Freeman has been a practicing attorney in state and federal courts for more than 60 years. After graduating Hampton Institute and Howard University Law School, she began her career serving the state of Missouri and the City of St. Louis. During this time she helped the NAACP in the case of Brewton v. St. Louis Board of Education, and later represented the NAACP in the landmark case, Davis v. the St. Louis Housing Authority, which ended racial discrimination in public housing.

In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Frankie Freeman as the first female member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.

From 1967-1971, Frankie Muse Freeman served with distinction as the 14th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. During this turbulent time period, she used her talents and skills as an attorney to enhance the Sorority's efforts to gain full civil rights for African-Americans. She spoke out often and effectively for social action and ensured that the Sorority continued to lead efforts to secure human rights for all people. She also used her tenure as National President to lead the Sorority in supporting the college education of a record breaking number of African-American students.

Last July, Ms. Freeman became the 96th recipient of the coveted Spingarn Medal, the highest honor bestowed on a citizen by the NAACP. In the official announcement issued by the NAACP Board of Directors Chairman Roslyn M. Brock, she noted, ``Frankie Muse Freeman has dedicated her life's work to the civil rights movement. She broke down barriers as a member of the NAACP's brain trust during the 1950s and as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Her determination to end racial discrimination in American society for more than half a century serves as an inspiration to us all.''

Mr. Speaker, Frankie Freeman has been a personal mentor of mine for almost 30 years. Her inspired advocacy laid the groundwork for the Federal Voting Rights Act, ended racial discrimination in public housing, and provided dedicated oversight of the St. Louis Public Schools and the voluntary desegregation plan. She is truly a national treasure and is most deserving of congressional recognition. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring her remarkable service to the United States, the State of Missouri and the St. Louis community.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I'm pleased to rise in support of S. 384, along with my chairman, Mr. Issa of California, of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. I want to thank him for bringing this legislation to the floor.

This bill, S. 384, will extend the authority of the U.S. Postal Service to issue the popular semipostal stamp that helps to raise funds for breast cancer research. The measure before us, S. 384, is sponsored by our Senate colleague, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and here in the House, Representative Joe Baca, also from California, who introduced the companion version of this legislation.

Cancer is one of the scourges of our society, and this is a truly bipartisan bill that makes a huge difference in a cost-efficient manner. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill without reservation. This will allow the American people to continue contributing to the fight against breast cancer and cancer in general for another 4 years. I urge passage of this bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of this bill.

H.R. 3220 designates the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 170 Evergreen Square SW in Pine City, Minnesota, as the Master Sergeant Daniel L. Fedder Post Office. The measure before us was first introduced by my colleague, Representative Chip Cravaack of Minnesota, on October 14, 2011.

Before serving in Afghanistan, Master Sergeant Fedder had served two highly decorated tours in Iraq. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart, a Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and a Joint Service Achievement Medal, among many others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we recognize and honor the heroic actions and the life of service of Master Sergeant Daniel L. Fedder and pass the underlying bill without reservation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers and want to close by again urging adoption of this bill. H.R. 3220 renames the post office in Pine City, Minnesota, after Master Sergeant Fedder, who gave his life in the name of freedom and service to our country.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

On behalf of the Democratic members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I stand in support of the consideration of H.R. 3246. This bill designates the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 15455 Manchester Road in Ballwin, Missouri, as the Specialist Peter J. Navarro Post Office Building.

The measure before us was first introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Todd Akin of Missouri, on October 24, 2011. In accordance with committee requirements, the entire Missouri delegation serves as cosponsors to the bill.

Peter J. Navarro was a resident of Wildwood, Missouri, and a graduate of Lafayette High School. In honor of his service, Specialist Navarro has been awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. He was a dedicated soldier, willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to protect his country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we recognize Specialist Navarro's life and pass the underlying bill without reservation. Passage of H.R. 3246 is but a small token of appreciation for the faithful service of an outstanding American soldier, and I urge its immediate adoption.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his comments. I have no further speakers.

Let us join together and support the passage of H.R. 3246 in honor of Specialist Peter J. Navarro.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I join with my colleague from the other side of the aisle and rise in support of H.R. 2158, which would rename the U.S. postal facility at 14901 Adelfa Drive in La Mirada, California, as the ``Wayne Grisham Post Office.''

This bill was first introduced by my colleague and friend, Representative Linda Sanchez of California. The bill is widely supported by the members of the California delegation and has been properly vetted and approved by the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

At this time I would like to yield such time as she may consume to my good friend and colleague, Ms. Sanchez.

Mr. Speaker, having no additional speakers, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2158, which renames the La Miranda, California, post office after Mr. Wayne Grisham, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 2767, this bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 8 West Silver Street in Westfield, Massachusetts, as the William T. Trant Post Office Building.

The measure was first introduced by my colleague, Representative John Olver of Massachusetts, on August 1, 2011. The entire Massachusetts delegation supports the bill. Having met all of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's requirements, H.R. 2767 was reported favorably by the committee on November 3, 2011.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield such time as he may consume to my friend from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers.

I ask that we recognize the long life and heroic service of William T. Trant and pass the underlying bill without reservation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the full committee and the chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee for their leadership and for moving this critical resolution.

I'm proud to have introduced the House version of this joint resolution, and it accomplishes two very good things: S.J. Res. 22 approves an important amendment to a compact between two States.

As was mentioned before, in 1949, Missouri and Illinois entered into an agreement to foster ``regional economic development through excellence in transportation.'' The compact created the Bi-State Development Agency. Congress approved it, and has approved several amendments over the last 6 decades.

The agency, now known as ``Metro,'' operates the St. Louis Metropolitan region's public transportation system. It has more than 2,400 employees and carries over 55 million passengers each year.

This resolution approves a small but crucial change to the Bi-State Compact. Both State legislatures have passed it, and both Governors have signed it. This is a necessary and good amendment, and there is no negative impact to the Nation or to States. As such, Congress should approve it.

This resolution also enables the Congress to fulfill one of its constitutional duties. And I agree with my good friend, Mr. Gohmert, that Congress should not overstep its authority. While we do not always agree on the limits of that power, we agree on this resolution and on the constitutional authority for it.

Article I, section 10, clause 3 of the Constitution says that ``No State shall, without the consent of Congress . . . enter into an agreement or compact with another State.''

The Framers of the Constitution required that Congress would have to approve these agreements to protect the interests and rights of the other States. This also protects the rights of the citizens within the States that are party to the compact by providing Federal oversight.

This clause was a compromise. There were those who wanted to give the Federal Government greater power over the States, including the authority to

regulate to negate State laws. Others felt very strongly that this would be overly nationalist and broad.

The Constitutional Convention, rather than giving the Federal Government complete control over everything, or nothing, compromised. They compromised for the good of the Nation. They granted the Federal Government blanket authority over some areas. They also limited the Federal Government's authority in others. And they required congressional approval for agreements between the States.

This compromise, one of many that formed our great country, demonstrates that two opposing sides, who each feel passionately about their point of view, can come together and compromise for the good of the Nation. They each put aside their well-intentioned and strongly held belief that they were completely correct, and that the other side was completely wrong, and found a way to work out the differences. Each gave up something they held dear in order to achieve a higher good: That was the creation of a strong Nation, a Nation that would endure.

Madam Speaker, there is a lesson here, a 224-year old lesson for us who serve in Congress today.

Once again, I thank the chairman and ranking member.

I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, there are ongoing attempts to suppress the valid legal vote of some communities in this country. Earlier efforts to stop selected Americans from voting, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, were overturned by this Congress. But while the tactics of these people have changed, their strategy remains the same--intimidate, discourage, or otherwise prevent certain groups of American citizens from voting.

Current tactics include burdensome voter ID laws, outrageous registration requirements, dishonest ``inactive voter lists,'' and unlawful disenfranchisement of ex-offenders. To these flagrant tactics proponents of voter suppression have added more subtle approaches, including disinformation campaigns and behind-the-scenes, quiet--and unfair--purging of voter rolls.

Now we are presented with their latest plan to deny certain Americans their right to vote--the elimination of two programs whose sole aim is to ensure that every American's voice is heard in our election. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund and the Election Assistance Commission are in need of strengthening, not elimination. They help make sure that all voices can be heard and that all votes will be counted. I support improving these programs.

But the only reason to want to eliminate them is to further suppress votes. The votes are the same groups who were targeted by Jim Crow laws decades ago. The votes are the same groups who are now targeted by ``inactive voter lists'' and voter ID laws and

all of the other new tactics designed for a single goal--voter suppression.

I urge my colleagues to defeat this bill and defeat yet another attempt to stop American citizens from voting.

Will the gentleman yield?

Madam Speaker, the attempt to intimidate, discourage, or otherwise prevent certain people from voting has a long and notorious history. Unfortunately, voter suppression isn't just a part of our past; it's a current event.

Southern States used tactics such as literacy tests and poll taxes to deny African Americans, Native Americans, and poor immigrants their right to vote. While civil rights achievements in the 1960s did away with these tactics, the strategy continues. The old ways have been replaced with voter ID laws, outrageous registration requirements, dishonest inactive voter lists, unfair purging of voter rolls, disinformation campaigns, and unlawful disenfranchisement of ex- offenders.

Madam Speaker, when anyone's right to vote is threatened, we're all threatened. We need to stop these blatant attempts to deny American citizens the right to vote.

I thank my friend from Michigan for yielding.

My Democratic colleagues have spoken, and will speak, eloquently on the numbers. They have, or will, correctly point to the millions of jobs the balanced budget amendment would certainly destroy.

However, I want to talk about the personal impact of this irresponsible legislation. For example, Social Security recipients should not be held responsible for Congress' reckless acts. Radically cutting Social Security hurts Americans. Drastically cutting Medicare hurts Americans. Enormous cuts to Defense and Homeland Security measures, to food stamps, to veterans' pensions and Supplemental Security Income for the elderly and disabled hurts Americans. It hurts America and makes us less safe and secure.

And make no mistake. This legislation requires these massive cuts. Some have claimed that these cuts will not be necessary under this legislation, or worse, that they are necessary and good. They claim that cutting benefits to the most vulnerable Americans is good, that destroying jobs, destroying lives is good.

Mr. Speaker, it is not. It is not good. It is not good to balance the budget on the backs of those who can least bear the burden. It is not good to balance the budget by taking away from those who have so little.

This is exactly what the balanced budget amendment would do, and it takes away from medical care for seniors. That means more of our elderly unable to afford their medication, unable to get needed tests and treatments, and more Americans hurting.

It destroys jobs. That means more Americans out of work, more Americans unable to pay their bills, and more American families hurting.

You know, Hubert Humphrey said it best. He said, ``The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of their life, the children; those who are in the twilight of their life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and disabled.''

This reckless legislation fails all tests.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this bill honoring the first black marines. I am a proud cosponsor, along with 305 of my colleagues, of H.R. 2447, ``to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines.''

In 1941, President Roosevelt issued a Presidential directive giving African Americans an opportunity to serve in the Marine Corps. These recruits, from all States, were not sent to Parris Island or San Diego. Instead, African American marines were segregated. They received recruit training at Montford Point, a facility on board Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Approximately 20,000 African American marines received basic training at Montford Point during World War II, and 75 percent served overseas. The initial intent of the Corps was to discharge these marines after the war and return them to civilian life. This would have left the Corps an all-white service. As World War II progressed, attitudes changed and reality took hold. Once given the chance to prove themselves, it became impossible to deny that these marines were just as capable as any other marine regardless of race, color, creed or national origin.

According to General James F. Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps:

``Montford Point Marines served with distinction in three of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific--Saipan, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The Montford Point Marines fought with such tenacity, valor and distinction that the commandant at the time was moved to declare, `The Negro marines are no longer on trial. They are marines--period.' Their actions reflected the finest attributes of the `leatherneck' fighting spirit and blazed the trail for generations of African Americans in the Marine Corps.''

The special recognition that Congress has already afforded the first African American servicemen of the Navy, Army and Air Force is long overdue the Montford Point Marines. The distinguished record of these African Americans advanced the cause of civil rights and contributed to President Truman's decision to order the desegregation of the Armed Forces in 1948.

Mr. Speaker, the Montford Point Marines' service and sacrifice reflect great credit upon themselves and uphold the highest traditions of the Marine Corps, so I urge all of my colleagues to honor the Montford Point Marines by voting for this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida and the original sponsor of this legislation, Ms. Brown.

I yield the gentlewoman 1 additional minute.

Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank my friend from New Mexico for his comments on the historic service of African Americans throughout our history.

At this time I would like to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).

At this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to first thank my good friend from North Carolina, Mr. Jones, for his leadership on this issue. I know that he represents Camp Lejeune, and he has certainly been a friend to the Marine Corps; and we are all indebted to him for that.

Mr. Speaker, the bill calls for the Treasury Secretary to strike a single gold medal of appropriate design in honor of the Montford Point Marines collectively in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country.

The bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the award of the medal on behalf of the Congress and authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze at a price sufficient to cover overhead expenses. To me, this is the least we can do for a group of men who served a grateful Nation so well.

During April of 1943, the first African American Marine drill instructors took over as the senior drill instructors of

the eight platoons then in training. The 16th Platoon was headed by Edgar R. Huff; the 17th Platoon was headed by Thomas Brokaw; the 18th Platoon was headed by Charles E. Allen; and the 19th Platoon was headed by Gilbert H. Johnson, who was mentioned earlier.

Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

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

I rise in support of H.R. 2527, the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation would honor the 75th anniversary of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

H.R. 2527 calls for the Treasury Secretary to issue, in 2015, no more than 50,000 five-dollar gold coins, 400,000 one-dollar silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar ``clad'' coins in recognition of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The program would be operated at no cost to the taxpayer and would be budget neutral. Currently, H.R. 2527 has 296 cosponsors.

I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, being from St. Louis, Missouri, and going through this time with the Fall Classic, the St. Louis Cardinals happen to be in the World Series, and hopefully, we can bring home a victory.

Speaking of victories, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, my good friend and the manager of the Democratic baseball team, Mike Doyle.

Let me thank my friend from Texas (Mr. Barton) for his encouragement for his home team, and we are certain that the better team will prevail in this Fall Classic.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

I yield the gentlewoman 1 additional minute.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly think that the National Baseball Hall of Fame is deserving of this recognition. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

I rise today in support of the Waxman amendment as well as of the subsequent amendments to come, especially the Capps amendment.

Mr. Chairman, we in Congress need to be working to create jobs. Instead of doing anything that would create jobs, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are making yet another assault on our public health and the Clean Air Act in the form of H.R. 2681. We should pass the President's American Jobs Act and other pieces of emergency jobs legislation that create jobs as soon as possible.

As my friend the President said, ``Pass the bill. Pass the bill.'' Then we will create jobs.

Unemployed Americans need emergency jobs legislation now, not an ideological attack on public health. Instead of focusing on jobs, Republicans want to eliminate or delay reasonable Clean Air Act regulations. This will jeopardize our public health and the clean air that we all breathe--regardless of party affiliation. This clean air regulation will reduce toxic pollutants produced by cement plants and will prevent 2,500 premature deaths every year. It will also be very cost-effective. This regulation provides up to $19 in public health benefits for every dollar spent on reducing harmful air pollution.

I represent the State of Missouri, the St. Louis metropolitan region. Less than 100 miles south of the St. Louis metropolitan area, we have the largest cement kiln in the country. The people that I represent in the St. Louis region suffer disproportionately from pollutants in the atmosphere, pollutants that come from that nearby cement kiln, as well as from other pollutants that are emitted through smokestacks in the region. Children in my district suffer from a high incidence of asthma as well as from other respiratory diseases.

Mr. Chairman, let me make it rather personal. Shortly after my youngest son was born, he contracted asthma. It is no mere coincidence, as we were so close to a cement kiln, that he, as well as thousands of other children in the St. Louis region, suffer disproportionately from asthma attacks and respiratory diseases that are unnecessary.

The Clean Air Act is a commonsense approach, a balance, in order to allow for industry to do its work and create jobs and to also protect those children and others who live in the St. Louis region who have to breathe this air. The Clean Air Act is a commonsense approach, and it does not deserve to be attacked.

I urge my colleagues to pass the Waxman amendment as well as the Capps amendment.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.