Alma Adams

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of North Carolina's most deserving citizens, and a very special constituent, Mrs. Alean Anderton Brock. I applaud Mrs. Brock on several significant fronts, first and foremost as the dedicated and nurturing mother of Charlotte's own Olympian Boxer, Calvin Brock. Equally worthy of mentioning, Mr. Speaker, is Alean Brock's redefinition of courage which she exhibited throughout her battle as a two-time breast cancer survivor. During her former years, Alean attended Elizabeth City State University and was crowned their Homecoming Queens. Alean is compassionate and kind and imparts words of encouragement to everyone whom she meets; as a result, Alean has earned the ``most favorite'' person status among her family and friends who are spread across the United States. Mr. Speaker, all who love and admire Alean Brock for her courage, determination, steadfastness and compassion, thought it would be appropriate to honor and pay tribute on the occasion of her 66th birthday. Over the years, Mrs. Brock has exhibited unwavering courage, determination and has remained steadfast during her bouts with breast cancer. Those persons who are most familiar with Alean Brock will support the claim that cancer never had a fighting chance with her. Cancer was no match because Alean knew the rules of the boxing game; after all, it was her son, Calvin's childhood dream to become the heavyweight boxing champion of the world. The main characters in Calvin's adventurous dream were constant, grounded and made many sacrifices. Those characters included Alean Brock, Calvin's father, Calvance Brock who doubled as Calvin's coach throughout his boxing career, and his precious sister Alexis. Alean Brock fought the cancer like a champion and with all steadfastness continued to encourage Calvin to pursue his dream. Along the way, Calvin achieved the honor as National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion in 1998; and in 1999 with Alean standing tall, bruised by her cancer, but never defeated, Calvin won the U.S. Amateur Championship at 201 pounds. Alean, Calvance and Alexis cheered Calvin on to Sydney Australia where he participated as an U.S. Olympics Boxing Team Member during the 2000 Olympics. With strength and determination borrowed from his mom's playbook as she continued her battle with cancer, Calvin went forward to fight his first well-known opponent, Clifford Etienne, one of Mike Tyson's opponents whom Calvin defeated by round 3 TKO on January 21, 2005. Alean reached deep and found the zeal to cheer Calvin on to win the title of IBF World Title Challenger in 2006. Still continuing to throw knock out punches at her cancer, Alean dug down deep to find strength, but never wavered when she learned that Calvin would be forced into early retirement after suffering an injury that caused damage to the retinal in his right eye. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that on July 18, 2015 family and friends will gather from all across the United States to pay tribute to Alean Brock, including her mother and father, Rebecca and Clinton Anderton, her daughter, Alexis Brock and the apples of her eye, her two grandchildren Jizelle and Brycen along with their parents Calvin and Yolanda Brock. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in paying tribute to Alean Anderton Brock, the picture of unwavering courage, determination and compassion that we all should strive to emulate.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to H.R. 5. Education is a civil right. And when the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed in 1965, its purpose was to ensure access to a quality education for our neediest students that are often low income and minority. We can all agree that ESEA reauthorization is long overdue. However, the proposal put forth by Republicans falls short and makes a bad situation worse. Each day that No Child Left Behind is law is one more day that we are, in fact, leaving children behind. H.R. 5 is not the answer. Voting for this bill means voting against our students, our teachers, and our schools. A vote for H.R. 5 is a vote to take money from our poorest and most at-risk students. It is a vote to erase the educational gains we have made over the past 50 years. It is a vote to deny many of our students a chance at real success. It is time to wake up. It is time to vote ``no'' on H.R. 5. Congress passed ESEA 50 years ago with the intent of protecting our students by providing quality and equal education. Today, instead of putting forth a bipartisan bill that moves us closer to equal and quality education for every child, Republicans have introduced a bill to roll back the hands of time and undo our progress. H.R. 5 turns its back on some of our most vulnerable student populations. It lacks the accountability measures to ensure student success. A report from the Southern Education Foundation found that more than 50 percent of our public school students live in poverty. Title I has always been the main source of Federal funding for our country's poorest students. H.R. 5 would reverse this longstanding practice and, instead, remove money from our school districts with the greatest need, diluting their ability to meaningfully fund programs that serve low-income students. At a time when 40 percent of college students take remedial courses and employers continue to complain of inadequate preparation for high school graduates, we must ensure that all students are college ready and are career ready. H.R. 5 allows States to lower standards that lead to students graduating unprepared. So how can we expect our students to compete in a global economy when they aren't prepared? We need to invest in the future of our children, support our teachers and our principals, ensure the success of our neediest students. And that is why I am proud to support the amendment of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), and I thank him for his leadership in challenging H.R. 5. This amendment reaffirms the Federal Government's proper role in education, addressing many of the problems that surround No Child Left Behind. Students in low-income families already have obvious disadvantages. This amendment prioritizes early education to help our students start out strong. It puts protections in place against bullying, and it supports the physical, mental, and emotional stability of students. It gets rid of AYP and also makes important investments in STEM education. Education should be an issue that unites us, not divides us. The Scott amendment is exactly what our schools and our students and our teachers need. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Scott amendment and not for H.R. 5 because H.R. 5 fails on all accounts. It fails our neediest students. It fails to invest in our teachers and principals. And it fails to prepare students for college and careers and to address the core principles of Federal education policies. H.R. 5 deserves an F. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing it.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank. Since 2009, the Export-Import Bank has created or sustained 1.3 million private sector jobs, many of which are small businesses. In my district alone, from 2007 to 2014, more than 28 companies, 800 jobs, and more than $123 million in exports were supported by the Export-Import Bank. In addition to creating jobs, the Export-Import Bank is self-sustaining. At the end of this month, the Bank's charter will expire, hampering growth of small business exports. Foreign companies are supporting their own like never before, Mr. Speaker. In stores across America, that is evident. It is time for our foreign competitors to see more ``made in America.'' Our American companies deserve a fair chance at success. We must reauthorize the Export-Import Bank now.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, on June 2, 2015, I was absent for recorded votes #270 through #273 due to the passing of my mother. I would like to reflect how I would have voted if I were here: On Roll Call #270, I would have voted ``yes.'' On Roll Call #271, I would have voted ``yes.'' On Roll Call #272, I would have voted ``yes.'' On Roll Call #273, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, on June 4, 2015 I was absent for recorded votes #298 through #308 due to the passing of my mother. I would like to reflect how I would have voted if I were here: On Roll Call #298 I would have voted No On Roll Call #299 I would have voted No On Roll Call #301 I would have voted Yes On Roll Call #302 I would have voted No On Roll Call #303 I would have voted No On Roll Call #304 I would have voted No On Roll Call #305 I would have voted Yes On Roll Call #306 I would have voted Yes On Roll Call #307 I would have voted No On Roll Call #308 I would have voted Yes

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, on June 3, 2015 I was absent for recorded votes #274 through #295 due to the passing of my mother. I would like to reflect how I would have voted if I were here: On Roll Call #274 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #275 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #276 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #277 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #278 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #279 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #280 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #281 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #282 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #283 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #284 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #285 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #286 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #287 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #288 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #289 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #290 I would have voted Yes. On Roll Call #291 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #292 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #293 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #294 I would have voted No. On Roll Call #295 I would have voted No.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, on June 2, 2015 I was absent for recorded votes #268 and #269 due to the passing of my mother. I would like to reflect how I would have voted if I were here: On Roll Call #268 I would have voted No, On Roll Call #269 I would have voted No.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the first National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Gun violence is an increasingly growing problem in our country, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands nationwide each year. This must be addressed now. Gun violence has taken the lives of America's men, women, and children. In 2010, nearly 3,000 infants, children, and teens died as a result of gun violence. This is unacceptable. In my State of North Carolina, gun violence is rampant. According to a 2013 Center for American Progress report, North Carolina ranked 15th in the Nation for gun violence. From 2001 through 2010, more than 11,000 North Carolinians died as a result of gun violence. These senseless crimes instill fear, pain, and insecurity in our communities. My colleagues, we must band together to repair our communities and help stop gun violence.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, if I was present during the end of yesterday's vote series, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 259 and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 260.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of continuing investments in early childhood education. Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary launch of Head Start. Head Start programs give students an opportunity to start out strong and help to close the achievement gap that plagues many low-income communities. As a mother, grandmother, and retired educator, I recognize that early education provides students with the resources they need in the most critical learning years. More than 27 percent of the people in my district live below the poverty line. Students in low-income families have obvious disadvantages that are exacerbated when they arrive in kindergarten less prepared than their peers. More than 3,000 children in my district benefit from Head Start programs. These programs give many children the jump-start and the confidence they need. Research shows that children enrolled in high-quality education programs are more likely to graduate from high school, go to college, and secure high-paying jobs. Mr. Speaker, an investment in early education is an investment in our future. I will continue fighting for early learning initiatives and commonsense education reform that prepare all of our students to succeed, and I call on my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of long-term investments in our Nation's critical transportation infrastructure. Across this Nation, our roads and bridges are crumbling, and communities are in need of updated transit systems. Investments in critical infrastructure are necessary to ensure our roads, bridges, and transit systems are in good working condition and updated with the newest technologies to ensure our safety. Jobs hang in the balance. The safety of our constituents hang in the balance. In North Carolina alone, there are more than 5,000 bridges in need of repair. More than 700 of those are in my district. We must make sure that critical road and infrastructure projects are not put on hold and that jobs are not placed in jeopardy. My colleagues, I urge you to make the smart decision for our Nation and support a long-term solution to funding our transportation infrastructure.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, today I rise against H.R. 36, the Pain- Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which should be called the Painful and Oppressive to Women Act. In January, women of the Republican Conference were so appalled by H.R. 36 they blocked it from coming to the floor. Four months later it is back. Shameful. Madam Speaker, the changes Republicans have made to this legislation are mere smokescreens and have done nothing to alleviate the burdens placed on women who are already grappling with the hard decision of whether or not to terminate a pregnancy. H.R. 36 poses grave dangers to women. And the American people will not be fooled. Women's health and personal decisions should be between a woman, her family, and her doctor, not a male-dominated Congress. Most abortions take place before 21 weeks, so many women who have abortions later in pregnancy do so because of medical complications and other barriers to access. H.R. 36 would harm women in need and increase obstacles to obtaining safe and legal abortions. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation. It is really bad.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Dent and Ranking Member Bishop for allowing me to present my amendment. Mr. Chair, I rise today to highlight the need for better access to resources and services for our veterans and military families. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and other Federal agencies are providing a vast array of services and resources that our heroes deserve, but the Federal Government alone is not able to address every challenge our servicemen and -women and their families are facing and will face in years to come. Many community providers and local governments are starting their own initiatives to assist veterans in applying for benefits with VA and other organizations. For those 37,000 veterans living in the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina, it is important that community-based groups work collaboratively with local, State, and Federal Government service providers so that recipients know where all of these different benefits and resources are and how to access them. Additionally, we need to make sure we are holding service providers accountable and that performance measures are in place. My amendment encourages the VA to assist with establishing and expanding technology systems at the local and State level to create a more unified network of veteran services. These networks would include private, public, and nonprofit partners who are qualified to serve veterans and their families. My amendment directs funding to a grant program that has not yet been authorized by law, and will be subject to a point of order. I look forward to working with the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and with the Appropriations Committee to make this funding a reality for our community providers in the future. The veterans in my district, in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Rowan, Davidson, Forsyth, and Guilford Counties, have noted that they have difficulties finding and accessing the services that are available to them and their families. As more servicemen and -women come home from serving overseas, Congress must support innovation and local solutions to providing services for our Nation's veterans. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for allowing me to present my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the 50th anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act enacted in 1965 to ensure access to a quality education for all students. I call on my colleagues today to do right by our students and reauthorize this legislation and make it even stronger. Sadly, there has been Republican attempts to send us back to 1965. H.R. 5, Republican legislation that passed out of the committee, will undoubtedly undo the past 50 years of education progress that we have made. A true display of Robin Hood in reverse, this legislation strips resources away from our neediest students, widening achievement gaps and leaving our low-income students behind. For the sake of our students and our schools, we must work together to reauthorize a stronger ESEA that upholds the principles of equal access to education for all, rich or poor. From promoting access to early education so students can start out strong to investing in STEM education and supporting our teachers, we need a reauthorized ESEA that puts our students first. Educating our students shouldn't be a Democratic or Republican issue. I urge all of my colleagues to put partisanship aside and support our students.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York. I stand in opposition to this blatantly dishonest Republican budget. Republicans call this A Balanced Budget for a Stronger America, but I call it Robin Hood in reverse. Republicans say that it will bring greater opportunity and a healthier economy for the working class, but I say it widens the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Our economy is driven by middle class American families. This budget attacks them, and it attacks our economy. It is a one- sided partisan plan, increasing savings for the rich by $200,000, increasing taxes for the average American by $2,000. It repeals the Affordable Care Act, which has insured 16 million more people previously uninsured. The district in North Carolina I represent benefits from the Democratic alternative budget. It is negatively impacted by this Republican budget. My district has an unemployment rate more than double the State and the national average, and more than 27 percent of people in my district live below the poverty line. That is 12 percent more, Mr. Chair, than the national average. Cuts to SNAP funding in this budget impact more than 1.5 million North Carolinians and more than 65,000 people in our 12th District. I cannot support a budget that hurts my constituents. We need a budget that brings jobs back to the 12th District and to the millions of Americans across this Nation who work hard every day to feed their families. This budget launches a strong attack on education. As a former professor and member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I am troubled by the fact that this budget slashes $1.2 billion in education funding for our country, cutting more than $36 million in education funding for North Carolinians. 790 children under 5 in North Carolina would be left out of critical Head Start programs. Pell grants would be frozen for students. When our children fail, everyone fails. The Democratic alternative budget is what we need because it supports hard-working middle class families, it contributes to job growth, it invests in our children's education, and it supports our most vital programs. I ask my colleagues on the other side to join me and countless other Members in supporting a sensible Democratic alternative. Let's continue the blue rise that our President made possible.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today as a member of the Higher Education Subcommittee and as a retired professor of 40 years at Bennett College in North Carolina. I am steadfastly committed to making sure that every student has access to a quality, affordable college education because education is key to achieving the American Dream. However, too many of our graduates are burdened with insurmountable debt, which hinders their prospect of achieving the great American Dream. Even worse, the rising cost of education and the threat of educational debt has become a barrier for many students considering college. That is not acceptable. National student loan debt is more than $1.3 trillion. It is time to invest in our constituents and help our graduates better manage their debt. Homeowners and car owners can refinance their loans. Why can't our hardworking graduates do the same? The Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act will allow them to do just that. It will allow graduates to refinance their old debt so that they are better equipped to pay it off. One in seven student borrowers defaults on their loans within the first 3 years. If we don't act now, our graduates will continue to be forced to choose between paying school debt, purchasing homes, creating a savings account, and starting families. The threat is too grave to our economy. I know firsthand what higher education can do for a person's life because of what it did for me. That is why I am fighting for every student to have access to a quality, affordable education. We can no longer sit back and watch students spend their entire adult lives paying off their student debt. I urge my colleagues to put our graduates before partisan politics, and let's pass this legislation.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, it has been 126 days since the President named Loretta Lynch as his nominee for the U.S. Attorney General position. It has been 46 days since the hearings began, and as we thought that there would soon be a full vote in the Senate, we are now facing another delay as Senate Republicans continue to drag their feet. This is unprecedented. Loretta Lynch rightfully deserves to be the next Attorney General for the United States. She is a proven litigator who is well qualified. She has a reputation as an accomplished, knowledgeable attorney. If confirmed, she will be the first African American woman to hold the position. This is a serious position, and it shouldn't fall victim to partisan gridlock. There is no argument that Loretta Lynch is more than qualified; yet she has been scrutinized more than any other male that has come before her vying for the U.S. Attorney General role: 900 questions, 9 hours of testimony. A fellow North Carolinian, Ms. Lynch is from a family of clergymen and civil rights community leaders. Throughout her career, she has served twice as U.S. attorney general for New York. I stand today in full support of Loretta Lynch as our next U.S. Attorney General. Let's confirm her as our next Attorney General, and let's make history.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Thank you, Congresswoman Kelly, for your leadership. I appreciate what you are doing very much. Certainly, it is something that we need to do, and we must do. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stress the importance of equal voting rights for everyone. Just over a week ago, I traveled to Selma with several of my colleagues to retrace the steps of those who shed blood as they tried, again, to gain equal access to the ballot box. As a professor for 40 years at Bennett College in North Carolina, I made sure that the students that passed through my classroom and our campus knew just how important it was to have their voices heard, and to this day, students know: ``Bennett Belles are voting belles.'' In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a major provision of the Voting Rights Act limiting Federal oversight over State voting laws. Sadly, my home State of North Carolina quickly implemented voting laws that disenfranchise voters by making cuts to early voting, reenforcing strict ID requirements, and ending some preregistration programs which did not allow young high school students to be able to register to vote. As I think about those who risked their lives in order to exercise their right to vote, I cannot believe that 50 years later, in 2015, that simple freedom given to us in the Constitution is still under attack. It is time for all of us, Mr. Speaker, to come together to restore the Voting Rights Act, to ensure that every voter--no matter their race, no matter their class or creed--can make their voice heard and elect the leaders of their choice.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Chairman, I thank Ranking Member Scott. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5. Two weeks ago, our committee came together expecting to seriously consider this bill, but instead Republicans said ``no'': ``no'' to moving beyond the status quo, ``no'' to investing in the futures of our kids, ``no'' to supporting our teachers and principals, and ``no'' to ensuring the success of our neediest students. Guess what. You said ``yes'' to taking money from our poorest students like Robin Hood in reverse, ``yes'' to erasing the gains we have made over the past 50 years, and ``yes'' to denying students success. This bill ignores the obvious needs of our students and turns its back on some of our most vulnerable. I hope we are not fooled by the name of the bill. Student Success is a failure. It clearly sets up our students to fail. H.R. 5 fails on all accounts. It fails our neediest students. It fails to invest in our teachers and our principals. It fails to prepare students for college and careers. This bill deserves an F. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 431, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the foot soldiers who participated in Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, and the final march from Selma to Montgomery, which was a catalyst for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I am proud to cosponsor this bill and to stand with Congresswoman Sewell and her delegation and one of the greatest leaders in the civil rights movement, Congressman John Lewis. It is important that we recognize the civil rights titans whose sacrifice is an essential part of American history. As we honor yesterday's foot soldiers with a Congressional Gold Medal, let us remember that we are still in the fight. In my home State of North Carolina, we are battling a new rollback on voters' rights. It was one of the most regressive laws we have passed. To fully honor the foot soldiers' sacrifice, we must keep fighting and restore the important protections that have been stripped from the Voting Rights Act. Mr. Speaker, thank you for joining me in honoring these American heroes.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to S. 1. Here we go again. For the 11th time, House Republicans are falsely promoting the idea that Keystone will improve the economy. They say Keystone will create 42,000 jobs. False--Keystone will create 35 permanent jobs. Republicans say the pipeline will guarantee U.S. energy independence. False--there is no concrete assurance that oil produced by the pipeline will remain in the U.S. Along with these economic shortcomings, U.S. taxpayers will bear 100 percent of the risk if a catastrophic spill occurs. America needs job growth, reliable energy, not hypotheticals. We must be focused on investments in clean energy and infrastructure projects that create jobs and boost our economy. With no real impact on job creation or energy security, this bill is a losing deal for everyone except the foreign company, TransCanada. The American people and our environment deserve better than to be collateral damage for an unfounded project. I stand opposed to the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise today in support of the Affordable Care Act. One year after implementing the health care exchanges, the number of uninsured in this country has decreased dramatically. Implementing the health care exchanges has provided health insurance access to 208,000 individuals in my district, with Charlotte accounting for one of North Carolina's highest number of subsidized health insurance enrollments. Young adults can now stay on their parents' plans until age 26, resulting in nearly 10,000 young adults retaining health insurance in my district. Seniors in my district have saved $11.1 million through Medicare part D prescription drug discounts. The Affordable Care Act has also created 9.6 million private sector jobs. My district's unemployment rate is 13.9 percent, so for me, this is not just about health, but jobs and our economy. These tangible benefits cannot be ignored. I urge my Republican colleagues to end talks of repeal and instead work with Democrats to strengthen the law. The Affordable Care Act would have meant a lot to my sister who I often had to take to the emergency room for primary care for sickle cell. She died at age 26, but I know she would have been grateful for the coverage provided by the Affordable Care Act.

Ms. ADAMS

Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a voice for the thousands of human trafficking victims both abroad and in this country. Sadly, these voiceless victims are often beaten, starved, and forced to work as prostitutes or to take grueling jobs as migrant and domestic workers. Time and time again, we hear terrible stories of violence, death, and trauma against innocent men, women, and children who have been trafficked through organized crime rings and even terrorist organizations. As Members of Congress, we must stand up for justice and human dignity. The bills we are considering today will improve collaboration between government agencies, will cut down on human trafficking, and will better protect victims. Ending human trafficking is a bipartisan issue that must remain a priority. Our country was founded upon the notion of ``equality and justice for all.'' That is why I cosponsored a bipartisan bill with my North Carolina Republican colleague, Mark Walker. H.R. 460, the Human Trafficking Detection Act, prioritizes training for the prevention and the detection of trafficked victims, and it brings us one step closer to finding a solution to this terrible tragedy of human trafficking.