Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am writing to urge my support to bring our troops our home. The recent debate on removing the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan has been the topic of many discussions and now is the time to take action. This devastating war has continued on for nearly a decade and it has taken the lives of more than 1,400 Americans and cost taxpayers over $366 billion.

The war in Afghanistan is not worth fighting. We need to end this national humiliation and redirect war funding. The scope of our interest in Afghanistan has been exceeded and it is time to bring this war to a successful conclusion. While we have achieved hard-earned milestones, the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated and the threat to our national security remains unaffected.

We can no longer fight this war. We have to leave it up to the Afghan people to determine their own fate and future. I ask my colleagues to join me in taking a stand to bring our troops home. Our economy is at stake, the precious lives of our troops and their families hang in the balance and the integrity of the United States has been severely jeopardized.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly oppose H.R. 1076, the bill to stop federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR). The bill bars making federal funds available for: NPR; payments of dues to NPR; and the acquisition of any radio programming by or for the use of a public radio station.

Earlier this week the Republican led House passed a three week CR that contained $50 million in cuts for NPR's parent organization, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The new House majority is looking to cut all federal funding of public radio and television stations.

Mr. Speaker, without federal funding, many public radio and TV stations, especially in rural and small communities would go off air. Prohibiting local stations from using federal funds to acquire or produce local/national programming will interfere with the operating independence fundamental to the American's public radio system.

Barring public radio stations from using federal funds to acquire public radio programming would be a huge disruption to the economic model used by public radio stations to serve audiences and to develop local programming, including local/regional news.

If this measure were to pass, New York Public Radio's own station WNYC's national morning news program, The Takeaway, with an audience of younger and more diverse listeners, will be in serious jeopardy. New York Public Radio produces more than 150 original hours of programming each week, including a broad range of daily news, talk and cultural and classical music programming. New York Public Radio has two million weekly listeners in NYC metropolitan region and 3 million listeners across the country.

After 11 weeks with no jobs legislation, the Republican Majority is bringing up this bill that does not create jobs or reduce the deficit. I urge my colleagues to reject this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the majority's aggressive war on the middle class and those who aspire to be in the middle class. Today we're debating two bills that, if passed, will leave Americans with no Federal support to save their homes, and the worsening of the foreclosure crisis. Which, in effect, is a ``body blow'' that will leave millions of Americans who are struggling to find jobs even more vulnerable to losing their homes.

We are now in the 11th week of the 112th Congress, and the majority has yet to bring a single jobs bill to the floor for a vote. Instead, the majority has proposed a long-term continuing resolution that would eliminate 700,000 jobs while at the same time protecting tax cuts for multimillionaires and billionaires, the so-called job creators. The question remains, what exactly is the majority proposing to incentivize and encourage job creation? Where are the jobs? Mr. Speaker, the American people are waiting for the majority to stop the recalcitrant assault on the middle class and those who are aspiring to be in the middle class and work in a bipartisan way to do what we all were elected to do, which is to work for them, not against them.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidable detained in my district and missed several votes on February 14, 2011. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 35, the Motion to Recommit with Instructions, and ``no'' on rollcall No. 36, final passage of H.R. 514.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 72. H. Res. 72 is basically a solution in search of a problem. The House Small Business Committee already has a long bipartisan legacy of providing oversight and, when necessary, calling on government agencies to alter regulatory requirements that adversely affect small businesses.

H. Res. 72 does nothing to assist small businesses to create jobs, nor does it reduce Federal requirements on small businesses. All it does is order committees to do what they already do anyway.

Instead of distracting the American people's attention with this ploy disguised as a resolution, we should be focusing on doing what the American people want from us, which is to focus our efforts on the sorely needed real job-creation measures.

We are currently in our fifth week of the 112th Congress, and the new majority has not brought one bill to the floor that specifically focuses on job creation. How much longer must the job seekers of Brooklyn's 11th Congressional District wait before the new majority begins bringing legislation to the floor that promotes meaningful job creation?

If this is the best we can do, we are falling woefully short of the expectation of America's small businesses.

President Obama has made it clear that his primary objective is to promote job growth. We should be working with President Obama for the American people by bringing to the floor substantive legislation specifically targeted towards our small business entrepreneurs and meaningful and substantive job growth.

Madam Speaker, as a New Yorker and a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise in strong opposition to this misguided, ill-advised legislation which would limit the New York Police Department's ability to protect American citizens in the Nation's most at-risk city.

According to the State Department, up to $100 million of the $179 million that the other side is seeking to cut from the U.N. Tax Equalization Fund has been reprogrammed to help enhance security around the U.N. complex in New York City.

As the only member of the Committee of Homeland Security from New York City, I know firsthand the vital role that the NYPD plays in protecting not only U.N. workers but city residents and millions of tourists that visit each year. I have a particular concern to ensure that the NYPD is adequately funded to meet the challenges of defending the U.N. and New York City.

With the broad array of threats that New York City faces, it is unfathomable that we would consider hindering the NYPD's ability to protect one of the most important areas of

the city. The NYPD has protected visiting dignities and the city during the United Nations General Assembly for decades, and we must support our public safety officials and invest in the training and equipment to prevent and respond to emergencies. We should not take away the resources needed for the NYPD to protect citizens, and prevent and mitigate terrorist threats.

As we near the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we are reminded that New York City has been the target of multiple significant terrorist plots. United Nations facilities located around the globe have been targeted by terrorists. A vote for this legislation is a vote to expose New York to extreme risk and recklessness at best.

I urge my colleagues to vote against this misguided and potentially harmful legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2, a bill that would repeal the Healthcare Law.

In the United States, one of the richest countries in the world, nearly 50 million Americans lack health insurance, 13.5 percent of which are New Yorkers. Last year alone, New York City's hospitals spent 1.2 billion dollars in charity costs. Tragically, people who are either uninsured or underinsured often have to go without vital healthcare simply because they cannot afford it.

Every American has a human right to adequate physical and mental healthcare, and I believe that government has a responsibility to assist its citizens in securing quality healthcare.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which passed in the 111th Congress, does just that. It insures that Americans have access to quality healthcare. Repealing it would mean:

Insurance companies will once again be able to drop coverage for people when they get sick--exactly when coverage is needed most;

Children with pre-existing conditions will be denied coverage;

Insurance companies would again be able to impose devastating annual and lifetime caps;

Young people will no longer be able to stay on their parents' plans until age 26;

Pregnant women would be denied coverage simply because they are pregnant since pregnancy is considered a ``pre-existing condition'' and therefore a basis for denial of coverage;

And finally, seniors will face an increase in their prescription drug costs because they

would be thrown back into the Medicare Part D Donut Hole, which the healthcare reform law would have closed by 2020.

Let me share with you a letter that I received from one of my constituents in the 11th Congressional District of New York. Jonathan writes:

``I am a two-time cancer survivor, constantly worrying about being denied coverage because of my pre-existing condition. I'm not comfortable that corporations under the old rules would consider me ``unprofitable''. I think it's a disgrace that this problem has existed in our country. I, for one, will move to Canada or elsewhere if Healthcare Reform is repealed and I ever have a reoccurrence of my cancer. Meanwhile, I think it's every American's responsibility to not allow other people with pre-existing conditions to be denied coverage. ``

As Jonathan notes, this repeal would once again allow big insurance companies, who are only focused on profitability, to deny coverage to him and so many others with pre-existing conditions.

Are we going to allow Jonathan to be punished and denied coverage simply for being a cancer survivor? Repeal of this healthcare law would punish so many.

Healthcare is a fundamental human right, rather than a commodity, which is why I stand in strong opposition to repeal.

Thank you, Peter Welch.

Mr. Speaker, I just find it so interesting that here we are in the new 112th Congress and in the wealthiest Nation on the planet where nearly 50 million Americans still lack health care insurance, 13.5 percent of which are New Yorkers. Last year alone, New York City's hospitals spent $1.2 billion in charity cost. You see, in a city like New York, we're going to make sure that at the moment that people are most vulnerable, in an emergency, they're able to receive health care. But it has cost us $1.2 billion in charity costs.

Tragically, people who are either uninsured or underinsured often have to go without the vital health care services they need simply because they can't afford it. Every American has a human right to adequate physical and mental health care, and I believe that government has a responsibility to assist its citizens in securing quality health care. That's why I've been such a fervent supporter of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which passed the 111th Congress, because it does just that. It ensures that Americans have access to quality health care, and it makes sure that we begin an enlightened process of preventive care, which is the least expensive way of our being able to meet our health care needs.

Repealing this bill would mean that insurance companies will, once again, be able to drop coverage for people when they are ill, exactly when they need that coverage the most. It will mean that kids with preexisting conditions will be denied coverage once again. It will mean that insurance companies would again be able to impose devastating annual and lifetime caps. And it would mean that young people will no longer be able to stay on their parents' plan until the age of 26. It would mean that pregnant women would be denied coverage simply because they are pregnant, since pregnancy is considered a preexisting condition and therefore a basis for denial of coverage. And finally, our seniors, who face an increase in their prescription drug costs because they would be thrown back into the Medicare part D doughnut hole which the health care reform law would close by 2020.

With all that has been discussed about the virtues of health care reform, all that has already been implemented as a part of the health care packages of constituents in my district, people are recognizing how earthshaking and groundbreaking this legislation has been.

I would like to share with you a letter that I received from one of my constituents in the 11th Congressional District. His name is Jonathan. He says, Congresswoman Clarke, I am a two-time cancer survivor. I'm constantly worrying about being denied coverage because of my preexisting condition. I'm not comfortable that corporations under the old rules would have considered me unprofitable. I think it's a disgrace that this problem has existed in our country. I for one will move to Canada or elsewhere if health care reform is repealed and if I ever have a reoccurrence of my cancer. Meanwhile I think it's every American's responsibility not to allow other people with preexisting conditions to be denied coverage.

You see, Jonathan is not just thinking about himself. He recognizes that like himself there are millions of Americans across this country who may not have options of mobility to leave the country to seek health care but who need this legislation to go into full effect. And that's what we are here discussing today, the essence of what this legislation means for Americans across this Nation.

One thing about health care insurance, you often don't know what you need until you need it. And because there are individuals in our civil society, and many have referred to them as the invincibles, young people who are young, vital, physically fit, one tends to look after their health care after the fact. Well, we want to do a paradigm shift in this Nation where it brings down the cost of health care insurance. That means that every year we go through an annual physical. We know how our body is operating, and we are clear on that. And if by chance we develop a need or we're in a catastrophic accident of some sort, we have the coverage that will not allow us to go into bankruptcy. That's all that any family can truly ask for. And that's what we congratulate the last Congress on accomplishing.

What was displayed here today really was not forward leaning or forward thinking. It's our hope that the Senate won't even take this up because right now we're hearing from seniors who are saying, already we are looking forward to the support we can get for the prescription drugs that we need to address our chronic disease.

So as Jonathan noted in his letter to me, this repeal would once again allow big insurance companies who are only focused on profitability to deny coverage to him and so many others with preexisting conditions. I don't think we're going to allow Jonathan to be punished and denied coverage simply because he's a cancer survivor, and that's what repealing this health care law would do.

So I want to thank my colleagues for promoting this Special Order today and making sure that our voices are heard and the voices of our constituents are heard, who are really in favor of this legislation, this law of the land, actually, going into full maturity. Because as this law matures, more and more Americans will be covered, their families will be more secure, and we will be all the more healthier for it as a civil society.

I want to thank the gentleman from Vermont, Peter Welch, for anchoring this Special Order this evening.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the one year Anniversary of the devastating earthquake in the island nation of Haiti. One year ago, the United States joined the rest of the world in witnessing the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that left hundreds of thousands dead and one million people homeless. We joined the rest of the world in donating billions of dollars in financial and material aid. The Obama Administration acted quickly and compassionately, making an impressive impact on the emergency phase of one of the largest coordinated international disaster responses that the world has seen. The President quickly awarded Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals living in the U.S. to increase remittances back to Haiti. The. International community rallied around the Haitian government providing unprecedented support. The Haitian Diaspora instantaneously responded with the same diligence and fortitude necessary to assist our Nation with the distribution of aid, as well as keep our government accountable every step of the way. Lastly, the Haitian people exhibited the type of quintessential strength and perseverance that many of us could only imagine.

However, one year later we see a deteriorating Haiti. One not imagined in our collective plans to ``Build Back Better,'' one year ago. Instead, over one million displaced people still live in tent camps while conditions in the country continue to deteriorate. It is apparent that substantive reconstruction has barely begun and significant progress will continue to face obstacles in the near future. As witnessed in the recent demonstrations following the Haitian general elections, civil strife and unrest continue to pervade the populace at large. With the growing cholera epidemic, the situation in Haiti is especially dangerous and volatile.

Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of the second largest Haitian immigrant population in the country, I am deeply concerned about the conditions on the ground. Although some progress has been made, it appears as though conditions are deteriorating at a faster rate. As USAID and other international organizations scramble to resolve the housing/rubble crisis, security is rapidly decreasing within the IDP camps. Gender Based Violence (GBV) is further threatening the physical, mental and emotional capacity of women and girls. I commend USAID and the NGO community for taking steps to address this, but more is needed to end this phenomenon.

It is of the utmost importance for all parties engaged in this humanitarian response and reconstruction efforts to significantly improve their outreach to women and girls. Near term and longer term assistance programs will only be effective if women and girls are fully engaged as equal partners in program assessment, design, and implementation. There is a vibrant network of women's organizations in Haiti. Their involvement is critical to the successful reconstruction of Haiti and to the development of a society that offers equal protection and opportunity to all its citizens.

Before I conclude, I would like to also recognize Ms. Corrine Jocelyn, Executive Director of Diaspora Community Services for her remarkable work in organizing the March for Change that took place today in recognition of the one year anniversary of the earthquake. She was joined by many other Haitian organizations and prominent community leaders calling the Haitian Diaspora and their allies to actions. I fully support this endeavor and encourage the entire Haitian Diaspora to become more involved in advocating and educating our Nation on Haitian heritage and the issues that plague the island nation.

Lastly, I would like to recognize Bells for Haiti initiative that took place today in Minnesota. At the time the earthquake took place, bells will ring from churches, schools and organizations for 35 seconds to commemorate the event. I commend the organizers, Konbit--MN/Haiti and the participants for such a beautiful tribute.

As we continue to support our brothers and sisters in Haiti, let us never forget Let us never forget that as we unite with the people of Haiti, Haitian-Americans and the Haitian Diaspora that we are forever guided by the words etched indelibly on the Haitian flag, `L'Union fait la force' (Loon yon feh la force) . . . through unity, there is strength!

Madam Speaker, I rise on behalf of the people of New York's 11th congressional district to offer my thoughts and prayers to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, constituents, and all those affected by this tragic shooting. I am truly shocked, horrified and deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. I take time to reflect on those who lost their lives, including a Federal judge, a 9-year-old girl, and one of Congresswoman Giffords' staff. I pray for a swift recovery for the wounded and offer my heartfelt thanks to those who rushed in to offer aid.

I consider Gabby, as she is affectionately called, to be a wonderful colleague whom I have the pleasure of serving alongside on important issues such as immigration reform. She has demonstrated exemplary leadership and is a very well respected Member of the House of Representatives.

While we do not know the motive, we do know that the time has come for us to tone down our rhetoric and partisanship. We are responsible for our words and must respect those who hold different points of view. Our constituents and the world at large should see us as examples of civility, peaceful debate and democracy. Regardless of one's political affiliation, we must learn to respectfully agree to disagree. There are several issues before Congress that would benefit all Americans and many people overseas but often times have been marginalized by partisanship. Our constituents expect us to work for them and not allow politics to get in the way of governing.

Finally, this shooting has many of us thinking about the security and safety of our constituents when we are back home holding town hall meetings, meeting with constituents and doing the people's work. Many people die or are wounded daily from gun violence and many suffer from mental illnesses that are either not properly diagnosed or treated. This tragedy provides the opportunity to further discuss mental health and gun control legislation.

Madam Speaker, let us, as Members of Congress, reaffirm our commitment to work on behalf of our constituents--those who sent us here to represent their interest. Let us do our part to build a better Nation and world.

Section 3: ``No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress or elector of President or Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a Member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States or as a Member of any State legislature.''

Madam Speaker, as the 111th Congress comes to an end, it is with deep sadness that I come to the floor to wish a fond farewell to several members of the Congressional Black Caucus who will not be moving to the 112th Congress. These members, Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Congressman Kendrick Meek, and Congressman Artur Davis will be sorely missed.

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, AKA ``Auntie,'' as I affectionately called her, has been a friend and mentor throughout my service in Congress. A proud native of Detroit, Congresswoman Kilpatrick has led a long and distinguished career in public service. Before her service in the Michigan State House and later in Congress, she enriched the lives of young people as an educator. Throughout her tenure in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Kilpatrick has consistently supported the development of minority businesses and brought numerous projects to her home State as an appropriator.

Also leaving us will be Congresswoman Diane Watson, who was also a mentor, who I affectionately have referred to as ``Lady Di'' due to her grace and elegance. Congresswoman Watson began her career as a school psychologist. Upon entering politics, she's been a tireless advocate for consumer protection and health care. She was a member of the California Assembly and an ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia during the Clinton administration.

Congressman Artur Davis has also faithfully served on Capitol Hill. A former prosecutor, Congressman Davis has led a career in public service. He served on the House Ways and Means Committee, and has been a strong advocate for improvements in health care and education throughout the years.

Finally, hailing from the great State of Florida, Congressman Kendrick Meek will be leaving us. He is one half of a historic mother- to-son succession to the U.S. House of Representatives and affectionately known as my ``Brother.'' After years in law enforcement, Congressman Meek continued in public service by entering politics. He came to Congress at the retirement of his mother, Mrs. Carrie Meek. In the House of Representatives, he has faithfully represented the people of Miami and south Florida by focusing on policies that create jobs and improve health care.

The work of Representatives Kilpatrick, Watson, Davis, and Meek has not gone unnoticed. Their contributions will provide great assistance for not only their constituents, but for all Americans. I firmly believe that they all will continue to be change-makers along whichever paths they follow. Their role as public servants will always remain strong as they continue to enhance their communities. I wish them the best of luck in their next endeavors, and I will cherish the lasting friendship we have always shared.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the plight of Haiti. As we all know, Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake in January 2010. The magnitude 7 quake claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Haitians, displaced over a million and left the capital of Port-au-Prince and outlying country areas in ruins.

Haiti's road to recovery has been long and arduous. Despite overwhelming support from the international community, the success of redevelopment and rebuilding efforts has been extremely limited. Even today, thousands remain in international displacement camps, many overrun with disease and violence. To date, more than a thousand have died due to the cholera outbreak. Even more continue to suffer in unspeakable poverty and squalor.

One of the strongest obstacles to meaningful recovery in Haiti has been a political environment long plagued with corruption and dishonesty. Despite the presence of over 100 observers, Haiti's presidential election two Sundays ago was overrun with allegations of fraud and overtly questionable practices. It is my hope that the election results are indeed as accurate as possible and that the former First Lady Mirlande Manigat and ruling party candidate Jude Celestin are the true, democratically elected candidates to participate in the Presidential run-off.

Although Haiti experienced numerous political and economic problems prior to the earthquake, the current level of challenges the Haitian people are facing is no longer tolerable. The United States and the international community cannot continue to accept the pace at which Haiti's recovery is taking place, while human lives are at stake. We can all do better, and to choose complacency over deliberate action would be a grave insult to humanity.

As we approach a new year and a new Congress, I urge my colleagues to never forget Haiti and the challenges its people continue to face. As the Representative of a large Caribbean-American constituency and as a daughter of Caribbean, Haiti has always been close to my heart. However, my commitment to helping Haiti does not solely come from my constituency or my familial background. It comes from my identity as a public servant and a citizen of the world. In all of my work, I will continue to give the people of Haiti a voice. I will not give up until my colleagues recognize Haiti and Haiti resurges as the pearl of the Caribbean once again.

Let us never forget that as we unite with the people of Haiti, Haitian-Americans and the Haitian Diaspora to assist with the development of this great nation, we are forever guided by the words etched indelibly on the Haitian flag, `L'Union fait la force' (Loon yon feh la force) . . . through unity, there is strength!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of the DREAM Act.

The immigrant children and young adults that are affected by our broken immigration laws are as diverse as this country. My district, the 11th Congressional district of New York, is home to a significant and diverse immigrant population. According to the Census Bureau, 47 percent of the immigrant population that settled in my district between 1980 and 2008 has yet to obtain naturalized citizenship. Many of those individuals are documented legal residents and some are not.

With such a large population, my office has been inundated with instances of young people who are either facing the threat of deportation to a country they have never known or had no choice in leaving, or they are forced into an immigration purgatory whereby the opportunities to obtain higher education and gainful employment are curtailed by the immigrant status. Many of these young people have considered themselves Americans, having never truly known their land of birth.

We cannot delay passing the DREAM Act any longer. We cannot continue to punish a community of young people that came to this country at no fault of their own. Many communities across this Nation have nurtured these young people.

I support the DREAM Act, and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

It is my honor tonight to stand here as a second-generation American coming from a district where many people come as immigrants to make the United States their home. Some of those people, many of those people, are residents of our Nation and want to become citizens. Some are undocumented. Many of them are young people, are children who go through our school systems and look just like me. I am proud to stand here today because those young people have been law abiding and know this place as their home, have never known their place of origin but understand that the work that they do each and every day in our schools and in our communities accrue to a stronger Nation.

Tonight, we have the opportunity to make their dreams a reality, their dreams to do more than to stand and defend our flag, to give their lives as many give their lives for the freedoms of America. Today, we make sure that that dream is fulfilled and they fulfill their obligation as new Americans in our Nation. The DREAM Act will be a reality tonight, and I am proud to cast my vote in favor of those young people.