Corrine Brown

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Florida, I rise to recognize and wish a Happy Birthday to Bishop James E. McKnight, a man of God and leader to the community of Gainesville, FL. Bishop James E. McKnight was born March 14, 1930, and is a life-long resident of Gainesville, Florida. He has been married to Jessie M. McKnight over 56 years with three sons and one daughter. As a man for whom education was key, Bishop McKnight graduated from Lincoln High School in Gainesville, Florida and attended Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Bishop McKnight was not only a religious and community leader but also a patriot, he joined the U.S. Army and received special training in the Intelligence Division while serving in the Korean War from 1951-1953. Bishop McKnight has been a pastor in the Church of God by Faith for 53 years. He is presiding pastor of Gainesville Church of God by Faith in Gainesville, Florida, where he and his wife have served as leaders for over 50 years. Under his leadership at Gainesville Church of God by Faith, a new building was built in 1973, and renovated and expanded in 1990. Bishop McKnight is very involved in the community and has served as a Board Member of the Eastside Clinic and development projects and the Black on Black Crime Task Force for many years. He was instrumental in offering their place of worship as a shelter to the residents of the former Kennedy Homes Apartment Building, who were displaced by fire in 2003. He received an award as a distinguished leader in the Gainesville Community in March of 2007. Bishop McKnight is highly respected and well known as a ``Praying Man'' in the Gainesville community and surrounding areas, and the National Church of God by Faith.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, just last week, Congress passed a two-week Continuing Resolution to cut spending and keep the government running. Now, in all my years as an elected official I have never seen a CR (Continuing Resolution) last as little as two weeks! I clearly see that on Capitol Hill these days it is only the big dogs that get to eat at the table! The Republican Party, while slamming through tax cuts for the rich last December is leading the charge for tens of billions of dollars in budget cuts for job training programs, environmental protection, disease control, programs to assist homeless veterans; transportation and infrastructure (including cuts to high speed rail and Amtrak), crime protection, education programs and dozens of other critical Extension of Remarks areas for our country. As always, if these cuts do pass, they will fall on the shoulders on the working poor and middle class. It is obvious that Republican lawmakers in the House remain indifferent to the suffering the cuts could bring to the American people. Moreover, as shown in a study conducted by Moody's Analytics, their budget plan also jeopardizes American jobs and our country's economic future by rolling back investments that would help the private sector to grow and put people back to work!

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. All I've got to say is that I have been elected for 30 years and this is in my opinion the worst politics I have ever seen. The Bible says, ``Without vision, the people perish.'' The people of Florida are going to suffer. We have a roughly 12 percent unemployment rate. That's over 2 million people that's unemployed. This is an opportunity to put 60,000 people to work. That translates not just in jobs, but if you have a job, you can pay your mortgage until the foreclosure goes down. It goes on and on. I want to thank the President, the Vice President, the mayors and all of the communities who have worked together for this project.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I thank my classmate for giving me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on the rule. I would like to begin by discussing the importance of reauthorizing the surface transportation bill. It has been a long time since we had a bill; since 2005, in fact. I cannot overemphasize the importance of completing this bill as soon as possible, not only to rebuild our Nation's infrastructure but for the desperately needed jobs it will create. Transportation projects are a natural economic development tool. The Department of Transportation has indicated for every $1 billion invested in transportation, it creates 42,000 permanent jobs and $2.1 billion in economic activity. It also saves the lives of 1,400 people. You can't argue with those numbers. Transportation funding is a win/win for everyone involved. States get to improve their transportation infrastructure, which creates economic development, puts people back to work, enhances safety, and improves local communities. Yet in delaying the passage of this much-needed legislation any further, we are doing a disservice to the driving population, and the Nation as a whole. The States who are battling red ink want to see this bill passed. The construction companies who are laying off employees want to see this bill passed. And the citizens waiting in traffic jams, like my constituents on the I-4 corridor in central Florida, want to see this bill passed. If this Congress fails to pass a real transportation funding bill, our Nation's transportation infrastructure, and the citizens who use it, will suffer for years to come. There are numerous studies that have come out in the last few months documenting the current state of affairs. The American Society of Civil Engineers has found that this country's infrastructure ranked ``D''-- barely passing, certainly not acceptable for a superpower like the United States. So we need to really pass this bill and really pass a full 6-year reauthorization bill so the States can plan and the communities can plan for their transportation needs. I have to take a moment to talk about high-speed rail because come Friday--it is a very sad state of affairs for the people of Florida. The Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, has indicated that he is going to turn down $2.5 billion for Federal high-speed rail funding. That is very sad for the people of Florida because we have worked for a number of years across the aisle. Mr. Mica and I have worked. And, in fact, when I was first elected, for every dollar we sent to Washington, we were receiving 77 cents in Florida transportation dollars. I worked to change that formula, and now we get 92 cents, and that is $5 billion. Well, for once Florida has an opportunity to get some of their gasoline tax dollars back and to put Floridians to work. We have 12 percent unemployment. With the 90 percent funding from the Federal Government and the 10 percent private, that would generate over 60,000 jobs. But it is so sad, and it is really a no-brainer for the Governor. He indicated he spent over $100 million to be the Governor of the State of Florida, and he indicated that he wanted to put Floridians to work. Well, Mr. Governor, how are you going to put them to work? What are you going to work them on besides talk? What really puts people to work is transportation and infrastructure, and it is a no-brainer, the high- speed rail project. The communities have worked on it. In fact, in 1980 Bob Graham, being the Governor, appointed me to a committee to work on high-speed rail. Let me just say, when there is no vision, the people perish.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Sir, that is the lowest; but it would provide 60,000 jobs because you're not just looking at the construction, but everywhere you build a station is economic development, and it is jobs. Let me say, this is public-private. In other words, we would be contracting the jobs out. Companies, private companies, would be building these stations. In fact, over eight different companies have indicated that they want to be partners with this. It is sort of the way we build airports. The Federal Government goes in and puts the major infrastructure down, and then there are private operators.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield to the gentleman.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I rise today as the ranking member on the Transportation Subcommittee on Railroads. I have been on this committee for over 19 years. I serve on Transportation because it's one of the most bipartisan committees in the House. I have got to tell you I am very, very disappointed with Florida Governor Rick Scott. Last week, the Governor told Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood that the State of Florida can do without the $2.5 billion for Federal highway rail funding. That's $2.5 billion, and 90 percent of the project is funded with Federal tax dollars. That's money that Floridians sent to Washington that we are sending back to Florida, gasoline tax money, not money from any foreign source, by the way. In addition, it didn't just happen. We worked on it, bipartisan, for years. In fact, in 1980 Bob Graham appointed me to a committee to work on high-speed rail in Florida. Over 30 years we worked on it. And let me just tell you 90 percent of the funding would put over 60,000 Floridians to work. It's 90 percent of the funding. Is the other 10 percent there? Absolutely. The private sector has indicated that they would put the 10 percent there. I have model trains in front of me today. We have over eight companies committed to high-speed rail. In fact, we started the rail system in Florida in this country, the Florida Flagler. In this country, we started the rail system, and now we are the caboose; and they don't use cabooses anymore. But all of our partners, the Chinese, the French, eight different countries want to be our partners. They have indicated that they would put up the 10 percent because they want to have the first right of refusal to go from Orlando to Miami. And everybody knows that's the money maker. Well, why is the first portion that the State of Florida applied for and the legislature in Florida came to the Congress and asked us to be partners, why was that first leg the first leg? Because all of the environmental issues have been resolved. In other words, we could put rail in Florida tomorrow if this contract went out. Florida has 12 percent unemployment--12 percent--and in my area 15 percent. The Governor says that he's not a politician--and I agree with him--but he says he's a businessman. What businessman would walk away from 90 percent funding? So, 90 percent funding, and you're a businessman? Well, he's concerned about Florida being left with the 10 percent. Well, if you're a businessman, then you know attorneys. They can write it any way you want to make sure that we can protect the people of Florida. So that's not the issue. Money is not the issue. Liability is not the issue. This is the worst kind of politics I've seen since I've been elected. It's a sad state of affairs. The Governor says let's get to work. I agree with you, Mr. Governor, but you have to be working on something. You have to have some projects. Infrastructure is what put America to work. What projects do you have, Mr. Governor, in your budget? You say: Well, I want this money. I think it would be better used for ports. What's in your budget? Ports. Florida has 14 ports. We compete with other States. So what is in your budget that is going to put Floridians to work? You come and say: I want another lane on I-4. Well, anybody who lives in Orlando or visits Orlando knows another lane will not help us. We have eight lanes. I just returned Monday from Salt Lake City, Utah, where we lost the money. A few years ago, money for Orlando went to Salt Lake City, Utah, and they run trains every day, move 40,000 people a day by rail. That's Salt Lake City, Utah. And so the money that we have appropriated this Friday will go to some other State. It will go to New York or California or Salt Lake City, Utah, or some other place. We are going to have rail in this country. What happens when failure is not an option? We must make sure that we work together to put Floridians to work.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I rise today very disappointed with the Governor of the State of Florida, Rick Scott. Last week, the Governor told Transportation Secretary LaHood that the State of Florida could do without $2.5 billion in Federal highway funds for rail. This money poses no risk to the people of Florida and would create over 60,000 jobs for Floridians. Unfortunately, Florida's Governor seems to be much more interested in politics than in creating jobs or improving the transportation system for the great people of Florida. Turning down high speed rail funds would do nothing to bring down Florida's 12 percent unemployment and, in some areas, 15 percent. Indeed, the high speed rail plan for Florida serves as a true example of a successful public-private partnership and, as DOT statistics show, for every $1 billion we spend in rail, it generates 42,000 permanent jobs. I urge Governor Scott, who has until this Friday, to change his mind and fulfill his campaign promise of ``Let's Get to Work.''

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I am totally opposed to this resolution. I knew back in December when Congress cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires that in February we would be cutting services for the working poor, children, and the disabled. The House Republican CR in fact is very similar to the last December tax cut bill, which included billions of dollars in tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans, while driving up the budget deficit an extra $700 billion. The proposed continuing resolution will be what I usually call reverse Robin Hood: it will rob from the poor and working people to give tax breaks to the rich. In my area of specialization, transportation and infrastructure, this bill would rescind $2.5 billion for high-speed rail projects already awarded, as well as cancellation of 76 transportation projects in 40 States, bringing about a loss of 25,000 new construction jobs. Pink slips. While the unemployment rate is still 9 percent in our Nation, it is critical to invest in infrastructure at this time. As I always said, Federal transportation and infrastructure funds are essential to job creation, and for every $1 billion invested in infrastructure projects, over 42,000 well-paid, permanent jobs are created and over $2 billion in economic development. This resolution also cuts programs to assist homeless vets. Over 130,000 of our Nation's 24 million veterans are homeless on any given night. In this time of foreclosures and uncertainty in the housing market, it is inconceivable that we would limit the help available to those who serve and protect our country's freedom that we hold so dear. So we are going to give pink slips to over 130,000 veterans. I want to say that that will not happen--but pink slips to the veterans. In addition, over 200,000 children we are going to kick off of Head Start. A pink slip for the Head Start program. We are going to reduce the maximum Pell Grant $800 per student. It takes away over 20,000 researchers supported at the National Science Foundation. And a program that is near and dear to my heart, over 1,300 cops will be taken off the beat. This program was started under President Clinton, where we put an additional 100,000 cops on the beat and cut down crime. We cut another 2,400 firefighters. Pink slips for the firefighters. And we cut $2.5 billion to the National Institutes of Health. Budget decisions by Congress and the President should prioritize the most vulnerable communities who are struggling to make ends meet at this difficult economic time, not the wealthy and the powerful. Today's bill on the House floor does absolutely nothing to create jobs or improve our Nation's economy but is a direct assault on the most vulnerable by cutting the budget in every single area, from transportation to our Nation's veterans to our Nation's children to police on the beat protecting our citizens. Once again, the Republican Party is asking our seniors, our students, our children, and working families to make fiscal sacrifices while millionaires and billionaires and powerful special interest groups get to walk off without a scratch. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Florida and myself we rise now to offer our heartfelt condolences and pay tribute to the life of Dr. Michael Bernard Butler, a humanitarian, healer, life activist and friend. We are moved and encouraged when recalling the life achievements of this giant in the field of medicine and community and social activism. As a husband and father, we embrace his wife, his foundation for more than four glorious decades, Mrs. M. Jean Clarkson, and their children Brian and Michele. As man for whom education was the key, Dr. Butler received his B.S. Degree from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama and the degree of Medical Doctor from Howard University, Washington, D.C. Additional studies took him to Frankfurt Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Mercy Catholic Medical Center, also in Philadelphia. These academic and professional accomplishments insured his certification by and admittance to prestigious medical societies, and he was an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida. As a man who served his country, Dr. Butler distinguished himself on the field of battle in the Vietnam War with his service to and for the physical health and morale of those in his charge. He distinguished himself as a fine Naval Officer who valued his service to others and extended that service to other international theatres of need. As a community activist, he gave of himself and his talents to benefit both the individuals and the many organizations he served. From the American Cancer Society to the Seminole County Rotary Board, the YMCA, the United Negro College Fund, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., NAACP and was a founding member of the Sweetwater and Heathrow Country Clubs. These and many other civic activities were distinctive and the accolades received for all his good works from many were prolific and countless. And as a man of integrity, Dr. Butler was both gifted and inspiring. Where he saw pain, he sought to relieve it with medical acumen and personal interaction; where he saw potential in others, he gave them impetus and encouragement; where he saw despair, he brought direction and promise; and where he saw the need for love and caring, he gave of himself. The life of Dr. Michael Bernard Butler was one of accomplishment, service and sharing. And now in his passing we pay tribute to the man and his life of service to all of us, and we pray that by his example each of us become the bearers of his legacy of caring. We come now to join in prayer for mother Janie Bell Butler, wife M. Jean Clarkson Butler, son Brian Butler, daughter-in-law Cathy Brown-Butler, daughter Michele Butler, two grandsons Michael James and Andrew, sister Judy Butler Rivers and husband Nathaniel, sister-in-law Rogena Butler and a host of loving relatives, friends, whose lives have been forever changed by this man of peace. We thank Our Heavenly Father for allowing us to be blessed with the time spent with Dr. Butler, our friend and brother.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to House Resolution 9, which instructs authorizing committees to develop legislation replacing existing healthcare laws. While I applaud the majority's intention to finally present their own comprehensive solutions to the health care crisis in this country, I note that they don't need a resolution by the entire House to do so. Committees can develop legislation on their own at any time. Moreover, I reject the idea that the Patients Protection and Affordable Care Act must be ``replaced.'' The PPACA represents a century of effort by people of all political persuasions to give people the peace of mind that comes from knowing they have access to affordable care. No law is ever perfect. Certainly, all legislation can all be improved and I welcome the opportunity to further the progress made by the 111th Congress on health care reform. Furthermore, current law meets most, if not all, of the goals identified in today's resolution. Since health care reform passed, the economy has grown, more than a million jobs have been created and thousands of small businesses have used tax credits to begin offering employees coverage for the first time. In order to foster competition and choice, the Department of Health and Human Services recently established a website where people can compare policies and when the exchanges launch in 2014, individuals and small businesses will select from a wide range of carriers competing for their business. Patients now have the right to choose their own primary care physician and women don't have to ask permission to see an obstetrician. Insurance carriers cannot arbitrarily deny care and patients have a robust right to repeal when company bureaucrats override doctors. Children cannot be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions and soon all Americans will enjoy that protection. When PPACA is fully implemented, 32 million people will have coverage who never had it before, millions more will be able to afford coverage more easily, and seniors will not pay so dearly for prescription drugs. All of these actions can be done while extending Medicare solvency by twelve years by reducing waste, fraud and abuse and while slashing the deficit by $1.4 trillion over the next twenty years. The Republican plan introduced in the House last session would cover just 3 million more Americans by 2019--leaving 51 million Americans uninsured in 2019. That plan reduced the deficit by $68 billion over the next 10 years--far less than the law we passed--and offered none of the cost savings and consumer protections that make health care reform work for all Americans. I sincerely hope Republicans offer more substantial solutions this session. Finally, one goal of today's resolution that I must take issue with is the provision regarding abortion. Nothing in the PPACA allows for taxpayer funded abortions and I would strenuously object to any new laws that further restricted a woman's right to choose or allow medical professionals to deny legitimate services based on their own religious beliefs. There is no reason why the healthcare options for women-- participating in insurance exchanges should be any different than they are for women who can afford coverage on their own.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 16, I intended to vote ``no.''

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the Republican House Majority's effort to repeal the historic health care reform law that Democrats passed last year is merely a charade. And thanks to Democratic control of the Senate, the Republican bill will never cross the President's desk. Indeed, a vote for repeal will only scare those who have come to rely on the law's benefits. I was first elected to Congress in 1992, and in all my years of service, I have worked to make affordable, quality health care available for all Americans. Indeed, for nearly a century, leaders from all over the political spectrum, beginning with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, have fought for health care and health insurance reform. In the words of the great former President Roosevelt, `the health of the people is a public concern; ill health is a major cause of suffering, economic loss, and dependency; good health is essential to the security and progress of the Nation.' In 1935, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, which made him the first President ever to advocate on behalf of federal assistance for the elderly. Yet it wasn't until 75 years later that our nation finally came together and passed the ``Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,'' which provides health care access for all Americans. Prior to this, nearly one in five citizens in the wealthiest country in the world were uninsured. I applaud President Obama for his persistent, hard work on this issue, and I was a proud cosponsor of the original Health Care legislation when it was first introduced in the House of Representatives. And although there is no such thing as a perfect bill, this law is a great start, and it needs to be left up to the medical specialists to make slight changes to make it better, not politicians in the Republican Party who want to repeal the law entirely. Yet today, even though it would be nearly impossible to accomplish, the Republican Party wants to take our country in the opposite direction and eviscerate this law. If this were ever accomplished, it would have drastic effects on the constituents in Florida's third congressional district, as well as for Americans across the country. In fact, the Republican bill would take our Nation back to a system in which: Children with pre-existing conditions, including 8,000-40,000 in my congressional district, were denied coverage; Young people age 26 cannot stay on their parents' plans (for district 3 in Florida, their plan would eliminate health care coverage for nearly 4,000 young adults); A system where Seniors pay more for prescription drugs, including 6,600 senior citizens who hit the Part D drug ``donut hole'' in my district, and would be forced to pay out of pocket costs, as well as 93,000 more Florida district 3 seniors who would be denied new preventive care benefits; It also would force small businesses to pay higher taxes; And increase the deficit by $230 billion, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The cost of returning to the prior system is too great. For too long, health care has been a privilege, not a right in America. To return to a system in which nearly 20 percent of Americans do not have access to the greatest health care available in the world would not only be a tremendous step backwards, but outright insensitive to the needs of millions of Americans.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment on clause 7 of House Rule XII, which requires that Members submit a statement citing the constitutional authority for any bill introduced in the House of Representatives. Every member of this body takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Therefore, this new rule adds nothing to the responsibilities we have already pledged to undertake. It does, however, add to the costs of government. Publishing each statement in the Congressional Record will cost the taxpayers an estimated $570,000 each year for supplies, labor and delivery. Furthermore, this requirement is a solution in search of a problem. According to the Congressional Research Service, only about two hundred and twenty acts of Congress have been held unconstitutional by the Supreme Court since 1789. In the past ten years, the Court has struck down laws a mere seventeen times. The number of acts courts have upheld is surely in the thousands. So I ask, what is the Constitutional crisis this requirement addresses? The rule itself demonstrates the lack of urgency here. It requires a perfunctory statement without explanation. Committees need not consider the statement, no Member will ever vote on it, and Senate bills can be considered without one. By omitting any teeth, the rule clearly indicates that Members are already capable of ensuring that bills comply with the Constitution. In the rare instance we go too far, the courts are perfectly capable of correcting us. Sometimes, the Constitution itself must be corrected. For example, the original Constitution expressly allowed for slavery and counted slaves as three-fifths of a person. Certainly, I would not be here to make this statement if no one had challenged those provisions. Without the Fourteenth Amendment, the Constitution would not guarantee the rights to due process and equal protection that are now fundamental principles throughout American life. For over one hundred years, until 1920, it failed to ensure that women had a right to vote. Imagine a country in which only white, land-owning men could vote--that is the world we would live in if we were bound by the words of the Constitution as written. Finally, while we respect the Constitution's limits on governmental action, we must remember that the framers purposely created a living document and intended it to grow and change with the country. The Constitution is a work in progress and what we do in Congress can help push it forward. Clauses we cite now may not exist or may be understood differently in the future. Pretending otherwise through empty (and costly) formalities does a disservice to its spirit and the causes of freedom and justice.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 96th National Convention of The Church of God By Faith. The Church Of God By Faith was founded in 1914 for the expressed purpose of glorifying God in the beauty of ``Holiness''. The Founders, Crawford Bright, Elder John Bright, Aaron Matthews, Sr., and Nathaniel Scipplo had a desire to seek the quality of life and character which is set before Christians as an ideal guide and moral obligation. This bonding or coming together and consequent formation of the Church of God By Faith was to serve as a basis whereby believers could be encouraged, educated in the Word of God, strengthened, sustained, spiritually grow, and be united in an environment where the Spirit of Christ is truly active. The Church was materialized from the perceptional thought of foresighted, spiritually led and blessed individuals. This enlightened tradition and founding principle is emboldened by its current spiritual leader, Bishop James E. McKnight, a man of great vision and purpose, whose leadership has spanned generations well into the present millennium and well poised for the future. We are indeed indebted to Bishop McKnight, all the Presiding Elders, Pastors, Officers and Members who, by faith and by practice, adhere to the founders' dreams and goals by maintaining the vibrancy and relevance of the Church of God By Faith for all its parishioners and the communities they serve. Congratulations on the observance of this Ninety-Sixth National Convention on December 16-19, 2010, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my dear friend and constituent Marvin Clyde Zanders of South Apopka, Florida. Mr. Zanders operated one of the premier funeral homes in the United States. But he was much more than a successful and popular mortician to the people of Central Florida. According to his son, ``his personality made him a `life-giver' '' and he gave so much of his own life to the community. Mr. Zanders served the families of Central Florida for over fifty years in ways too many to list. He provided scholarships, sponsored sports teams and gave continuous support to various organizations throughout Central Florida. He was known as ``The People's Choice'' and even Apopka's mayor often called him ``The Mayor of Apopka.'' The community formally recognized Mr. Zanders' humanitarian efforts by renaming Lake Avenue in Apopka to Marvin C. Zanders Avenue and dedicating the Marvin C. Zanders Park in Winter Garden. Ten years ago, the South Apopka Ministerial Alliance established the ``Marvin C. Zanders'' humanitarian banquet to honor the accomplishments of community leaders like him. Mr. Zanders also served individual families in their time of grief with extraordinary compassion. Whenever one of my constituents could not afford a proper service in honor of a loved one, I knew that Marvin would take care of them. Through his selflessness, Marvin Zanders showed people that when we give back, we all become better and stronger. As he often said, ``God gave me a chance; let me give my fellow man a chance.'' My thoughts and prayers are with his children and many grandchildren. God has blessed us by allowing us to have Marvin Zanders in our lives.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chair, although I support extending lower taxes for the working and middle class and reauthorizing unemployment benefits, I voted against the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4853) because it pays too high a price in terms of tax cuts for the rich. The disconnect between the needs of the country and the wealth of a few was just too much for me to bear. As the economy recovers, I think it is important to make sure that the working people of America keep as much of their hard-earned dollars as possible. For that reason, I am very happy that this bill extended tax cuts targeted for the middle and working class. The bill helps families make ends meet and provides a tremendous boost to our economy. Similarly, reauthorizing unemployment benefits provides stability and certainty for those hardest hit by the recession. Moreover, the unemployed will spend their benefits, which spread throughout their communities and help the entire economy. Low-income tax credits, refundable child tax credits, and college tuition credits in this bill all have the same effect. They invest in our people and stimulate the economy. Unfortunately, the tax policies forced on us by Republicans will have the opposite effect. We have been there before. I vividly remember when the Bush administration slammed huge tax cuts through Congress. They promised the economy would grow and deficits would never appear. Of course, the opposite occurred. The working and middle class earned less, the wealthy took home more and the deficit exploded, erasing the surplus created under President Clinton. I categorically oppose a return to Republican tax policies that benefit only the rich at the expense of the Nation. The elections told us that Americans are tired of giveaways to Wall Street and CEOs. But that is exactly what these tax cuts represent. Under the bill passed last night, 40,000 of the wealthiest families in America will save $25 billion on estate taxes compared to current law. Couples earning over $250,000 keep an extra $116 billion over two years. Each billion equals one thousand millions. Just think of all the deficit reduction and extended unemployment benefits that could pay for. When we are leaving millions of unemployed people empty handed a week before Christmas, it is outrageous to push our country further into debt just to give unnecessary tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. I simply could not support such a stark contrast in our priorities.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to the irresponsible and immoral tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans included in this bill. On this very night, senior citizens, disabled people, and poor families in public housing in Sanford, Florida are going without heat during one of the coldest spells in Florida's history. Yet, Congress is about to give billions to billionaires. There is a disconnect between tax cuts for the wealthy and the pain of everyday Americans that is shocking beyond belief. If we cannot take care of our poorest citizens, why are we giving handouts to the richest? The elections told us that Americans are tired of giveaways to Wall Street and CEOs. But here we go again. Why are we holding the middle class hostage to extending tax cuts for the top 2% of incomes? We can give away $700 Billion in income tax cuts, but we can't fix the heat in Sanford public housing. On Christmas Eve, why are we giving a 25 Billion Dollar gift to forty thousand families, but giving nothing to millions of people who have been unemployed for more than 99 weeks? The Bible teaches in Proverbs 21:13, ``if a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.'' I have never shut my ears to the cries of Americans who need help, but I will not vote for a bill that ties the fate of many to the wealth of a few.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, this is a very sad day for the U.S. House of Representatives as we say goodbye to Washington's true transportation guru, Chairman James Oberstar. Your expertise and long history in developing transportation policy for our nation will be sorely missed as we continue to fight for the type of infrastructure funding that will keep our nation going strong. You've guided the committee with wisdom and fairness. Continued the committee's longstanding bipartisanship, and steered major pieces of legislation affecting every sector of our transportation system. Your leadership will long be felt on this committee and throughout the nation long after you depart the chairman's seat. The trips we took to Haiti were some of my most memorable times serving in Congress. Traveling there with Chairman Oberstar was like spending time with a native. It was an honor working with you on so many issues over the years and I look forward to continuing to work with you as you remain a major player in transportation policy. Thank you Mr. Oberstar for all you have done.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, during debate on H.R. 1722, H.R. 6419 and S. 3774, I was unavoidably detained, and unable to make the votes. Had I been present, I would have voted the following: rollcall No. 578, ``yes''; rollcall 579, ``yes''; rollcall 580, ``yes.''

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I strongly support the extension of unemployment compensation. Indeed, there is no issue more important to our Nation right now than job creation. At a time when over 11 percent of Florida residents are desperately searching for employment and struggling to survive, it is simply mind blowing that we are not extending these benefits. Never before has America turned its back on millions of American families as they struggled to make ends meet with this high level of unemployment. Yet the same Republicans, who want to increase our deficit by extending massive tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, were willing to leave average Americans to fend for themselves and vote against this bill. Certainly, extending unemployment benefits is not only good for the unemployed; it is also one of the best and fastest ways to stimulate the economy. According to the Economic Policy Institute, unemployment benefits were responsible for creating more than 1 million jobs since the recession started, and adding almost 2 percent to the gross domestic product.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus and Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY) Chairman Emeritus of the House Ways and Means Committee for joining me in convening a very special Salute to Military Families and Children at the 40th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, held in Washington, DC on September 17, 2010. The 22nd Veterans Braintrust National Forum entitled: ``Supporting Our Troops, Preserving Their Families,'' focused on the challenges and, equally important, the strategies for sustaining and strengthening returning troops, their spouses, family members and children. Of particular importance was listening to and learning from the many homefront efforts of the public and private sectors, federal agencies, and distinguished scholars and professionals who are actively addressing the needs of returning soldiers, their families, and especially children who struggle emotionally to cope with multiple deployments, financial hardships, injuries, trauma and unimaginable caregiving responsibilities for honorably, and medically discharged U.S. military members. In the tradition of the black church, the morning's invocation was delivered by Chaplain Michael McCoy, Sr., Associate Director and Manager of Diversity Development for the Veterans National Chaplain Center (NCC). Inspirational music was provided by the internationally renowned Brenda Jackson singing our national anthem and the Negro anthem ``Lift Every Voice,'' and Jacksonville's Tori Robinson, who performed a stirring rendition of the ``Battle Hymn of the Republic,'' before a crowd of more than 200 people. Rep. Rangel served as moderator for the forum proceedings and opened saying, ``America has to do more to assist these brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us all.'' Reflecting upon his remarks along with both national statistics and congressional research examining the percentage of American families touched by the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those currently serving in the U.S. military, or Armed Forces who make up only one percent of the country's total population, we agree that 3.3 million military households representing only one percent of American families have become a virtual military underclass (or other) who are unfairly carrying the burden of war. Thus, we recognize most American's don't have any first-hand knowledge of the current military, but particularly the experiences of military families and children. For example, in 2008 demographically nearly half of the active duty forces (43.2%) have children; over half of the active duty force (60.4%) are married and has a child, and a significant number are single (5.3%) and dual military couples (2.9%) with children (DMDC). Yet, for us, single parents representing 63.2 percent of all black families or more than twice the percentage for white families, and 75 percent higher than that for Hispanics (Joint Center, 2000) are obviously of major concern even though they are officially recognized as military heads of households and provided the same financial and service benefits as married soldiers. However, according to Drs. Robert Scheider and James Martin, authors of ``Military Families and Combat Readiness'', within the military's very traditional culture they are sometimes not well tolerated, usually ignored by formal spouse organizations, and not generally included in formal family activities such as support groups. Furthermore, we are unclear about how youth, family, low income, race, gender, disability and place (or geographical locations) converge as risk factors, or inhibit successfully coping with problems. Given, that these families often lack the immediate availability of extended family support during some of the most difficult and challenging phases of both marital and military life. Our guest speakers were: Dr. David Satcher, 16th Surgeon General of the United States and Director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Founder and President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC), Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), General Counsel Will Gunn of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Robert Gordon, Ill, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, Edward Jennings, Jr., Regional Administrator of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Tom Brasuell, Vice President of Community Affairs, Major League Baseball (MLB), Carol Ramsey, Vice President of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), Dr. Ernestine Briggs-King, Ph.D., Director of the Trauma Treatment Program at the Center for Child and Family Health (CCFH) in Durham, NC, and Director of Data and Evaluation Program at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress at Duke University, Lyn Chwatsky, Assistant Vice President of Outreach Initiatives and Partners at Sesame Workshop, Aseneth Blackwell, Former President of Gold Star Wives of America and Ronald Steptoe, President and CEO of the Steptoe Group, LLC and a service disabled veteran. Much of the focus of the presentations centered around overviews of veterans' experiences and VA programs available to families and veterans; changes to the new PTSD rules that have expanded eligibility for benefits; DOD programs and problems; Major League Baseball (MLB) initiatives focusing on PTSD and how the business community helps; clinical issues working with military families on mental health; Sesame Street activities and programs aimed at helping children of veterans cope with deployment and returning home; programs for widows, as well as programs to help hospitalized veterans and their families; and care giving programs. The presentations culminated with Dr. David Satcher, MD, Ph.D. recommending (1) invest in deployment preparation, including family basic training; (2) better support, especially mental health support; (3) more support for family, spouse and significant others; (4) improving intimate relationships involving returning disabled soldiers; and (5) greater acknowledgement for the role of caregivers, because the majority of military health care providers are family members, and, lastly, support research. Although some may argue that there was no good news coming from Washington, DC before the mid-term elections, President Obama gets high marks for ending our combat mission in Iraq on August 17, 2010, welcoming back nearly 100,000 troops, and actually putting the money into the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) budget to make sure we're taking care of our veterans. Equally important, he signed legislation into law recognizing the role of family members in caring for wounded veterans, and within financial reform mandated the creation of a separate federal office just to provide special financial education and assistance to members of the military and their families. Therefore, we look forward to his next milestone coming at the end of 2011, when even more American troops will return home. We also must congratulate Hon. Sanford Bishop, Jr., Co-Chair, Congressional Military Family Caucus, for his consensus building with members on both sides of the aisle for military and veteran constituents and inspiring the establishment of the Senate Military Families Caucus. In addition, Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) is working on dual military career legislation regarding deployment. Similarly, the American Psychological Association's (APA) military family component policy focus and collaboration with Sesame Workshop and others because, as VA General Counsel Will Gunn said, ``we all have a role to play,'' in helping to build bridges and partnerships with public and private providers. Later that evening the Veterans Braintrust gala reception and awards ceremony featured special musical entertainment by Collaboration, and was sponsored by the generosity of the African American Civil War Museum, Cracker Barrel Foundation and Rick Blankenship. 2010 Braintrust awardees included Dr. Ronald Beavers, Ph.D., Major Alcestee Drisdale, USAF, Ret., Thomas Freeney, Actor Louis Gossett, Jr., late Judge Edward Gourdin (Posthumous), Dr. Thomas Horvath, MD, Dr. Alton Kirk, Ph.D., Fred Kuwornu, Frank Martin, Sgt. Maj. Turner McGarity, USA, Ret., Sam Mosley, Col. Krewasky Salter, USA, Ret., Ph.D., Col. Eugene Scott, USA, Ret., Trooper David Smith, Roosevelt ``Malik'' Thompson, Sgt. John Vasser, Sr., Secretary of State Jesse White, Lt. Col. Clarence Willie, USMC, Ret., Ed.D., Reggie Worlds, Center for the Study of the Korean War at Graceland University, Featherfist, Rebuilding Together Veterans Housing Program, and America's Buffalo Soldiers Re-Enactors Association (ABSRA), along with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority recognizing me for my work as a soro. Lastly, I would like to give a special thanks to Frank Martin, Col. Krewasky Salter, USA, Ret., Ph.D., Dr. Regina Akers, Tom Nastick, Anthony Hawkins, Dr. William Lawson, MD, Ph.D., Guileline Kraft, Ph.D., LGSW, Jason Young, BGen (Ret.) Robert Cocroft, Dr. Diane Elmore, Ph.D., and Edna Wells Handy; as well as Congressional staff members: Starcie McAferty, Eyang Nyambi, Jonathan Halpern, Maj. Alfred Boone, USA, Lee Footer, Roshan Hodge, Michael Ashley, Michael Collins, Nancy Berson, Hannah Kim, Sunny Lee, Frederic Maurin, Emile Milne, Wendy Featherson, Reba Rafaelli and Kristen Rice-Jones for once again contributing to a highly successful three day series of film, discussion, education, thinking and strategizing on behalf of returning Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers and their families through valuable content, extraordinary information, and great attendance. We all know that family life affects an Armed Forces member's performance, well-being, and retention in the military during peacetime, but particularly war. Thus, ensuring the family unit as a basic, or building block for community can easily be considered a national security issue given the alternatives: divorce, separation, domestic violence, arrest, incarceration, children problems, community instability, etc . . . Regardless of the nature, structure or type of military family relationships (e.g. nuclear, traditional two parents, single parent, dual career, extended, or augmented) they are still the bedrock of the American community, and a great resource for support, renewal and recovery.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support our national space industry. This industry is now facing a crisis point. S. 3729, the NASA Authorization Act, gives NASA direction so the agency, contractors, and employees can plan for the future. This bill will give NASA direction for foreseeable future. I am pleased that the ability to excite students and inspire our nation's youth to enter careers in STEM will continue. Being an astronaut or a rocket scientist are some the most exciting job descriptions one can have. This bill allows children to dream of becoming one of them again. The bill contains an extra $50 million for the Space Technology Program led by NASA's new Chief Technology Officer, Bobby Braun, to include hundreds of scholarships allowing students to study math, science, and engineering. Minority education funding has been stable and this bill calls for the continuation of these programs. NASA and Administrator Bolden continue to actively support these programs and the Administration will work to ensure future funding is consistent with the President's request. In addition this bill keeps shuttle employees and contractors in place for a while longer, sustains exploration funding. The country gains from launches and this bill continues those. This bill provides funding to upgrade critical infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center for the future of the space industry. Also, the bill extends the life of the International Space Station. The science we have received from the International Space Station is invaluable and this bill continues that project. We need to pass this bill now. Science and space exploration wait for no one, not even politicians. We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. NASA serves a vital role in our economy and education system. Therefore, please join me in voting Yes on S. 3729.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I encourage my colleagues to oppose this terrible amendment. Rail in America is experiencing a renaissance that we haven't seen in 50 years. All forms of passenger rail, including Amtrak, are seeing increased ridership numbers. In fact, in 2009 Amtrak welcomed aboard over 27 million passengers, the second largest annual total in Amtrak history. An average of more than 74,000 passengers ride more than 300 Amtrak trains per day. And with gridlocked roadways and ever increasing prices in gas, ridership will only increase. Amtrak provides a majority of all intercity passenger rail in the United States, with more States and localities across America turning to passenger rail to meet the transportation needs of their citizens. Amtrak reduces congestion and improves our energy independence. One full passenger train can take 250 to 350 cars off the road. Passenger rail also consumes less energy than both automobiles and commercial airlines. Moreover, Amtrak plays a vital role in emergency preparedness and recovery during Hurricane Katrina. In fact, Amtrak was the only entity that could get into New Orleans to evacuate victims and deliver food, water, and supplies. Amtrak has made significant improvements in its system over the last several years, has steadily increased ridership numbers, plays a vital role in disaster recovery, and has an ambitious agenda for future growth. Indeed, it was Congresswoman Bachmann and her Republican colleagues that put this country in this terrible debt and financial situation that we're in right now by rubber-stamping the Bush tax cut for the rich year after year, what I call ``reverse Robin Hood.'' We're robbing from the poor and working people to give tax breaks to the rich. I encourage my colleagues to support your constituents, support Amtrak, and vote ``no'' on this terrible amendment. I have a letter that I want to submit for the Record from the chairman of Amtrak, Joe Boardman. And I just want to give one statement. The lack of capital funds would deny intercity passenger rail service to 29 million people in over 500 communities in 46 States. And remember, folks, if it's Flake, it's ``no.'' National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Washington, DC, July 29, 2010. Hon. Member of Congress, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: I am writing to advise you what the impact to Amtrak would be if Representative Bachmann's amendment to eliminate $1.2 billion in capital funding is adopted during today's floor debate of the FY11 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies bill. If enacted, Amtrak would have no capital investment program for FY11. The lack of a capital funding program would deny intercity passenger rail service to 29 million people in over 500 communities in 46 states. Amtrak is on track to have the highest ridership year ever, carrying more people, more places than we did two years ago when the country was experiencing record high gas prices. This amendment would require us to furlough nearly all of our 20,000 employees who live in nearly every state in the Union. It would hamper the operation of key commuter rail services in major metropolitan areas including much of the Northeast, Chicago, Seattle, and Northern and Southern California, and we would default on commercial loans which finance most of our equipment. Just under two years ago, Congress recognized the importance of intercity passenger rail and approved a reauthorization of Amtrak in the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act. Amtrak's appropriations request for FY11 is in line with this congressionally-approved authorization. Investment in Amtrak's capital program creates jobs, provides energy efficient mobility, and allows us to keep America's passenger railroad safe and reliable. Sincerely, Joe Boardman, President and Chief Executive Officer.