Tammy Baldwin

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, since we have passed health care reform into law, I have received a flood of gratitude from my constituents. Edith of Madison assures me ``the plan will bring real benefits to many people in Wisconsin.'' Beth of Verona also thanked me, saying that, for the first time, she believes someday every woman diagnosed with cancer won't have to worry about being buried by the bills. Patrick of Madison wrote, ``Don't let negativity and fear-mongering ever lead you to question your decision,'' which was to vote ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, since I entered public service, I have worked to enact comprehensive health care reform. Now, just 2 months after this bill has become law, we are already seeing the expansion of insurance to young adults across the country. In just a few weeks, the Federal high- risk pool will be open to individuals who have been denied medical coverage because of preexisting conditions, and seniors are already getting extra help with their prescription drugs. With each milestone, I can feel hope grow across America.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career of Dr. James C. Allen of Madison, Wisconsin. There is no more appropriate time than now, as we approach Memorial Day, to recognize Dr. Allen's distinguished service to our country both as a veteran of war and an advocate for his fellow servicemembers. His tireless work as an ophthalmologist extends far beyond direct clinical care to touch the lives of countless veterans across our great Nation. Dr. Allen began his service to our country during the Korean war. After returning from duty, he started practicing ophthalmology at the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison. During his 35 year career at the VA Hospital, Dr. Allen discovered a significant problem with the VA compensation structure. Although veterans could receive compensation for service-connected loss of sight in one eye, they were not eligible for increased assistance if subsequent loss of sight occurred in the second eye until complete blindness set in. A service member himself, Dr. Allen recognized the tremendous sacrifices our veterans make and knew that they should not be forced to struggle with related optical issues without any additional assistance and care. For 7 years, Dr. Allen worked with me and Donald May of Lodi, Wisconsin to craft long overdue legislation that would ensure the correction of this inadequacy. In 2007, Congress unanimously passed and the President signed H.R. 797, the Dr. James C. Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act, allowing disabled veterans to receive greater compensation if they begin to lose sight in the second eye, regardless of whether or not that loss of sight is service-connected. The Dr. James C. Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act will directly impact the lives of those who sacrificed to defend our freedom. Over 13,000 veterans have been blinded in conflict since World War II, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who are incurring eye wounds at the highest rate of a major conflict since World War I. Over the years, Dr. Allen has received countless awards and honors, including the 2008 Wisconsin Medical Society Physician Citizen of the Year Award and the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award. However, no amount of accolades could accurately reflect how invaluable his work has been and will continue to be to our most courageous citizens. The American spirit embodies the idea that one thoughtful, committed citizen possesses the ability to create meaningful change and Dr. Allen exemplifies this spirit. I join the greater Madison community and veterans everywhere in honoring Dr. Allen for his unwavering commitment and dedication.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Chairman, today, we have the opportunity to right a wrong. I rise in strong support of repealing the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Seventeen years after Congress passed Don't Ask, Don't Tell, we know that it is a misguided, unjust, and discriminatory policy. Not only does Don't Ask, Don't Tell damage the lives and livelihoods of military professionals, it deprives our Nation and our Armed Forces of their honorable service and of their needed skills. Under this law, almost 14,000 servicemembers have been discharged, including almost 1,000 mission-critical troops and at least 60 Arabic speakers and 10 Farsi linguists. It is indefensible. When the House votes to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, we will have taken one more step on the path to full civil rights and equality for LGBT Americans, but we will also change the course of history for all of the courageous Americans who serve our country and for their families. Mr. Chairman, in the land of the free and the home of the brave, it is long past time for Congress to end this un-American policy.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, our hearts go out to victims of recent floods and natural disasters, but I also fear that we suffer from the old adage, ``Out of sight, out of mind.'' Once the cameras are packed away and the news crews leave for their next breaking story, what happens to the victims and the survivors of our natural disasters? You know, one would hope that the system of emergency response would keep on plugging away and assisting the families in need across this country. But sometimes, unfortunately, that system breaks down. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring the voices of my constituents in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, to the floor of the people's House. In 2008, homes along the northern shore of Lake Koshkonong and the surrounding community were absolutely devastated by a record-setting flood. This was a 500-year flood that ravaged much of the Midwest and, in particular, Wisconsin and Iowa. During that storm, I knew that the damage was going to be devastating and that many of the houses in our community would be beyond repair. But what I didn't know was that after nearly 2 years after the floods, our government would be leaving those hardworking Americans behind. You see, in February of this year, FEMA instituted what it calls ``immediate-needs funding.'' Basically, they are freezing already approved funds to folks in Wisconsin and in other disaster areas across the country. A couple of weekends ago I had the chance to visit with the property owners who were affected from the district that I have the privilege of representing. These are survivors of the 2008 floods. I wanted to hear their stories. Many brought photos, letters, and all brought unique stories and anger and frustration. I met first with Gene and Marie Harris at their home on Lamp Road, one of the most extensively damaged neighborhoods in this flood. The damage was so extensive that their house is absolutely uninhabitable, and has been since the flood. They showed me photos of before and during and after, and we talked about the tangle of bureaucratic red tape that they've waded through in order to get approved for FEMA money. But they were approved for FEMA money, until the freeze took effect. When I asked Marie to recall what they went through back in June of 2008, not surprisingly, she welled up with tears. I met with other families affected, a family who had four generations who lived in a property that is also beyond repair. He talked about the generations having put their heart and soul into remodeling. I met with a young family who had several properties in the area. This young family, with two young sons, decided that, in order to plan for their retirement, rather than investing in a 401(k), they were going to buy a few bungalows along the lake shore and rent them out. After they paid off the mortgage, this would help with their retirement. So they bought five bungalows. Three out of the five were damaged in the flood beyond repair. The remaining two are reparable. But what's happening, as they wait for those frozen funds, is that this family is having to pull out of their kids' college funds and money that they were saving for their retirement in order to pay mortgages, taxes on properties that are uninhabitable, and for which they are getting no rental income. They brought when they met with me a letter that asks, and I'm only reading a part: but why freeze the funding now? We've been waiting almost 2 years, and during this time we must still pay taxes, mortgages, and mow what is left of our lawn. How much longer are we expected to keep paying and waiting with no more source of rental income? Please, somebody, wake me up from this nightmare and tell me it's all a bad joke. Our government couldn't do something as unfair and cruel as this, could they? Do they think about the people whose lives they are destroying? I know there are people who are a lot worse than us and suffering even more. But at least, at least we have another home to live in right now.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1208 supports the goals of World Intellectual Property Day and recognizes the importance of protecting intellectual property. World Intellectual Property Day brings attention to the impact that intellectual property has in our daily lives, educates us on how intellectual property protection promotes creativity and innovation, and celebrates its contributions to society. The theme for World Intellectual Property Day this year is, ``Innovation: Linking the World.'' The focus is to educate us on how innovation technologies have created an interlinked and global society. Yesterday, we celebrated the 10th annual World Intellectual Property Day. This day was selected because on April 26, 1970, the United Nations established the World Intellectual Property Organization, otherwise known as WIPO. WIPO works to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world, and yesterday was WIPO's 40th anniversary. This resolution congratulates the World Intellectual Property Organization for building awareness of the value of intellectual property. This resolution also celebrates the contributions of innovators throughout the world and reminds us of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. Protecting intellectual property rights is key to maintaining incentives for the development of innovative solutions to meet today's global challenges, and so we must continue to fight against piracy and counterfeiting of intellectual property. Piracy damages our national economy and the world economy. It results in lost jobs and stifles innovation. I would like to thank Congressman Adam Smith for introducing this resolution. I would also like to acknowledge the strong bipartisan support of members of the Intellectual Property Caucus. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1208) supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith), the author of the resolution before us. (Mr. SMITH of Washington asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1259) recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, studies of the prevalence of crime and of victimization show that one in six women and one in 33 men will be a victim of rape or attempted rape in their lifetimes. On average, a person is sexually assaulted in the United States every 2\1/2\ minutes. In my home State of Wisconsin, we have learned that nearly 93 percent of sexual assault survivors are violated by someone they know and trust; tragically, oftentimes as youngsters before they have even reached the age of 15. Nationwide, we know that children and young adults are most at risk. Forty-four percent of sexual assault victims are under the age of 18, and 80 percent are under the age of 30. It is estimated that 20-25 percent of women attending college are raped or assaulted over the course of their college career. These statistics are staggering and unconscionable. Yet, as is often the case, statistics alone can't adequately convey the urgency of a future where no child, no woman, no man is ever sexually violated again. Last fall I got a chance to hear from a courageous woman from Wisconsin who was sexually assaulted in 1993. I will call her Carrie, although that is not her real name. Carrie was walking from her home to meet her husband at a party in suburban Milwaukee. She was approached by three strangers with guns. Madam Speaker, she was raped for 45 minutes while two guns were held against her. She thought about screaming, but she was afraid she would be shot. After the assault, Carrie said, I lay there and the first thought that came to my head was: I wish they had killed me because this isn't going to go away. Fifteen years later, the memories of the assault have not gone away. But with incredible personal strength, Carrie has channeled the horrendous experience of victimization and subsequent pain and fear into an incredibly positive way. She has dedicated herself to creating the social change necessary to end sexual violence, and she speaks eloquently about the need to support prevention programming and services for victims of sexual assault and their families. But maybe more importantly, she bravely puts a human face on sexual assault with those less familiar with the issue or its consequences. Carrie is a neighbor, a daughter, a sister, a wife. And Carrie is a reason to fight as long as it takes to keep other women from experiencing what she has endured. She is a true survivor and an inspiration to me, and should be to all of us. Although, like Carrie, most victims are younger women, the effects of sexual assault cut across all racial, social, religious, ethnic and economic boundaries. Whether the crime is rape, incest, child sexual abuse, stalking or sexual harassment, sexual assault impacts everywhere: our schools, workplaces, streets and homes. Sexual assault is a threat to both public health and public safety, and it requires a coordinated response in the form of increased support for prevention, education, law enforcement, prosecution, and services provided to survivors. This year, as our country faces difficult economic times, sexual assault service providers are seeing marked increases in reported sexual violence for a variety of reasons. Yet according to a 2010 survey of rape crisis centers by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, fully 72 percent of sexual assault prevention programs have experienced a reduction in funding over the past year; 56 percent have experienced a reduction in staffing; 23 percent currently have a waiting list for services; and funding and staffing cuts have resulted in an overall 50 percent reduction in the provision of institutional advocacy services. We still have far to go in eradicating the harm inflected in our communities by sexual assault. There is a clear and significant need for more public education and awareness. The National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month does just this. Recognized each year in April, this dedicated month provides a special opportunity to educate Americans about sexual violence and to encourage the prevention of sexual assault, the improved treatment of its survivors, and the prosecution of its perpetrators. As part of the National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we recognize national and community organizations as well as private sector supporters for their work in promoting awareness about sexual assault, and also applaud public safety, law enforcement, and health professionals for their hard work and innovative strategies to increase the percentage of sexual assault cases that result in the prosecution and incarceration of offenders. Along with my colleagues, Congressman Ted Poe from Texas and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz from Florida, I introduced House Resolution 1259 to recognize April 2010 as the National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. By supporting this resolution, we highlight the efforts of individuals and agencies that provide rape crisis intervention and prevention services. We also call attention to sexual violence as a major public health issue and raise awareness of the need for increased resources for preventing sexual violence. Madam Speaker, I want to extend my thanks to a number of advocates for their work on sexual assault prevention, and tireless work to help victims cope with the trauma of sexual assault and transition from victim to survivor. In Wisconsin, we are incredibly lucky to have the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault working to create the social change necessary to end sexual violence. My thanks go to the coalition and their member organizations across the State for the important work that they do. And finally, I want to extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues, Congressman Ted Poe and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for their strong support as the lead sponsors of this resolution. Thank you for your work and leadership. Although we have made significant progress, we still have far to go in eradicating the harm inflicted on our communities by sexual assault, and I urge all of my colleagues to fully support this resolution recognizing National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I appreciate my cosponsor of this legislation for also putting a name, a story, and a face on this very consequential matter. Lisa and Carrie from our respective States represent many other victims and survivors alike, and it speaks to the importance of this resolution. I commend the gentleman for his advocacy and ask for support of this resolution.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3808) to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 3808, the Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2009, requires all Federal and State courts to recognize documents lawfully notarized in any State of the Union when interstate commerce is involved. An identical version of this bill passed the House in 2007. A notary public has the professional expertise to verify the identity of the signatory to a document and ensure that it was willingly signed. Notary publics are a critical first line of defense against fraud. Although notarization serves the same purposes in all States, there are differences in State laws governing notarization, and also varying technical formalities. That makes it difficult for a State to recognize an out-of-state notarization. For example, some States dictate that ink seals must be used, while others require embossers. Some States require very specific language in the acknowledgment certificate, and thus the language used in other States may not be acceptable. Such technical differences between State law hinder the recognition of documents that were lawfully notarized in the State in which the notarization was performed, and this can cause unnecessary delays that impact important legal rights and interstate commerce. The fact that some States do not recognize documents lawfully notarized in other States also presents a constitutional issue. The U.S. Constitution requires that each State give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other State. The 21st century affords advances in transportation and telecommunications that have expanded the ability of individuals and businesses to conduct their affairs across State boundaries. The laws governing notarization should not be permitted to continue encumbering their ability to do so. By giving those laws reciprocal recognition, effectively harmonizing them, H.R. 3808 will bring those laws within the spirit of the Constitution's vision and bring much needed relief from antiquated formalities. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 3808, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Speier) for recognizing me out of order to speak to a previous resolution. Many years ago Gaylord Nelson, from my home State of Wisconsin, had a vision. He envisioned a world where our pristine oceans and lakes are protected, our air clean to breathe, and our planet preserved for future generations. Being the wise man that Senator Nelson was, he recognized the environmental degradation that everyone around him was acknowledging, everyone, that is, but the political establishment, which wasn't interested in action. He knew that if the environment was to have its place on the political agenda, it had to be brought there by the people. So he announced that there would be a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment. He called it Earth Day. At the time it was a gamble, but worth the try. No one expected the turnout: 20 million people came out to participate. The sheer numbers gathered the attention of the Congress, and it was those voices that led to congressional action on some of our most treasured environmental laws: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. I commend my colleague from Wisconsin, Mr. Obey, for bringing the resolution to honor the late Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin to the floor. And the resolution also commemorates the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. In the words of Senator Nelson: ``Our goal is an environment of decency, quality, and mutual respect for all human beings and all other living creatures. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution. announcement by the speaker pro tempore

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, what this all boils down to is, Whose side are you on? Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 13,500 people in my district who will finally have access to health insurance because of this measure. I rise for the 1,000 families in south central Wisconsin who will be protected from medical bankruptcy this year because of this effort. And I rise today because of the 539,000 constituents who will see their coverage improve because of the work we've done. Madam Speaker, I rise with pride and hope in the promise of this health care reform bill. There is no doubt that powerful interests have strenuously opposed reform, and they've often resorted to tactics that could make no one proud. But nothing can sully the pride I feel today in taking this critical step to provide health coverage for all Americans. I've worked my entire career to achieve health care for all. Today we stand on the floor of the people's House ready to pass the bill.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss and honor the life of Dr. Anthony Brown of Madison. Anthony was indeed larger than his own life. The gift of love and compassion that he tirelessly bequeathed to all of us during his lifetime is one that can be passed on and passed down forever. He taught us to believe in the power of one to make a difference and more importantly, he showed us by bringing joy and purpose to others every single day. His legacy transcends time, place, person, and death. We are all better for knowing Anthony, for having him in our community, and for feeling his radiant affection for all people. It would be impossible to recite the countless professional achievements and accomplishments that he accumulated throughout a career without end. To Anthony, his work was never done and that mindset permeated his every action. He was the epitome of a brother's keeper and embodied all that we strive for in a community of shared responsibility. No matter one's color, creed, or station in life, Anthony was never satisfied until the least among us was given the helping hand we all too often take for granted. While Anthony's spirit of uplifting love and generosity will live on in each of us and all those with whom we share it, the memories of our cherished moments with him will only live on in our thoughts and prayers. For me, that moment came the day before the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. When I was fortunate enough to be able to present Anthony and Brenda with an invitation to attend, I was met with tears of gratitude. For Anthony and millions more around the world, this was not simply a celebration of a new American leader. It was the realization of a dream told decades ago. It was only fitting for Anthony to be a part of something that he had a hand in creating. My condolences to Anthony's friends and family could never repay the debt of gratitude we owe Anthony for all he has done for us. All I can say is thank you.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, what this health debate boils down to is this question: Whose side are you on? Are you listening to and fighting for the American people or are you listening to insurance executives and fighting to line their pockets? I am listening to and fighting for the American people, and especially the Wisconsinites who will benefit so significantly from health care reform. This evening, I rise to speak about how health care reform will help women. Women shoulder a disproportionate burden in today's broken health care system. Perhaps most shocking is the discrimination women face in health insurance simply because we are women. To some insurers, being a woman is a preexisting condition. In Wisconsin, as in many other States, if a woman and a man purchase identical insurance coverage in the individual market, the woman will be charged more even though the medical services covered are exactly the same. In small businesses in Wisconsin and across the country, insurance companies are allowed to count how many male and female employees work at that small business. If the workforce is disproportionately female, the insurance company charges more. So, what sort of small businesses pay the most for health care? Child care centers, home health agencies, and other small businesses with female-dominated workforces. Adding insult to injury is that we all know that women's pay still lags behind men. Nationally, women earn 78 cents to every dollar earned by a man. And in Wisconsin, that figure is even worse--73 cents to the dollar. So women who make less have the added burden of paying more for their health coverage. Our health care reform measure will end this practice of gender rating, and that is just one reason why women have so much to gain in health reform. So I ask again, whose side are you on? The hundreds of thousands of women that you represent or the insurance companies that get away with these practices? We have talked during the debate a lot about people who can't get any insurance at all because of preexisting conditions, something in their medical history or health status that the insurance company points to and says, We are not going to cover you. Women also bear the brunt of these practices. Can you believe that women who have been the victims of domestic abuse have been denied health insurance because their victimization was considered a preexisting condition? Women who have given birth by C-section are also routinely either refused insurance or provided insurance that specifically denies coverage in the event they have a future C-section. Our health reform efforts will prevent the insurance companies from denying coverage to women who have been the victims of domestic violence and women who have had C-sections. In fact, our measure will stop the practice of denying needed insurance based on preexisting conditions altogether. So I ask, whose side are you on? I'm on the side of all Wisconsinites who have ever faced such denials, not on the side of the companies who refused to cover them. Women also have trouble finding insurance policies that cover what they need when they shop for insurance in the individual market. In that market, it can be next to impossible to find insurance that covers maternity care. In a survey by the National Women's Law Center of plans offered in the individual market in my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, they could not find a single plan that offered maternity care. I find this shocking. And health care reform will require all new plans to cover a wide set of benefits, including maternity care. Mr. Speaker, Wisconsinites sent me to Congress to fight for them. I ran for Congress in order to fight for the people of Wisconsin who have been denied insurance based on preexisting conditions or had their coverage dropped in their very time of need. In order to prevent Wisconsinites from having to declare personal bankruptcy because of mounting medical bills from a serious illness, and in order to help families be able to afford their premiums and their deductibles and their copays, this health care reform effort addresses all those problems and then some. It's not perfect and it's not all I wanted it to be, but it is a darn good start.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that I missed a recorded vote on March 11, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted in support of H. Res. 1031 on agreeing to Article II of the resolution (roll No. 103).

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. I remain deeply committed to keeping America and American interests abroad safe from acts of terrorism, but we cannot afford to have tens of thousands of troops remain in a country where al Qaeda no longer operates. At a time when our Nation is facing such extraordinary challenges at home, I believe we should focus on rebuilding our own Nation and on putting our people back to work.