Tammy Baldwin

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the effort by my colleague from Ohio to draw our collective attention, both in this Congress and throughout the Nation, to bringing our troops home from Afghanistan. In September, 2001, following the al Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., Congress approved a resolution authorizing then- President Bush to ``use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons.'' I voted in favor of that resolution and to continue to support all efforts focused on achieving that limited and specific mission. That resolution led to our military action in Afghanistan because at the time al Qaeda was using Afghanistan as a safe haven for its terrorist training camps, and the Taliban government in Afghanistan was supporting al Qaeda's presence within its borders. As a result of the U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan, the Taliban was driven from power, many al Qaeda operatives were killed, and others fled to nearby Pakistan or other more distant countries. National and local democratic elections have been held, a constitution has been written and ratified by the people, and attempts have been made to establish stability and the rule of law in Afghanistan. Yet, after more than 8 years at war, there is evidence that the democratically elected government has little control outside the city of Kabul. Many parts of the country are ungoverned or lawless, opium production is increasing, and the al Qaeda terrorists whom we seek to kill or capture are no longer present in Afghanistan. I am deeply concerned that our brave men and women in harm's way in Afghanistan are now expected to perform functions not authorized in the September 2001 authorization of military force. And President Obama's strategy for moving forward in Afghanistan places insufficient emphasis on political, diplomatic, and development initiatives, contains no real exit strategy, and ignores the clear fact of mission creep. Nobody can question the bravery of our men and women in harm's way in Afghanistan. Their service is courageous and admirable, bringing peace, stability, health, and well-being to a country that has suffered throughout years of conflict and war. But we can question whether these efforts extend beyond the very limited and specific mission articulated in the authorization of use of military force.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the United Council of UW Students on its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1960, the United Council of UW Students has served as a champion for student rights and a tireless advocate for protecting access to higher education in Wisconsin. A non-partisan, non-profit, student-driven organization, United Council employs grassroots techniques to ensure that the voices of students on every University of Wisconsin System campus are heard by our state government. With chapters across the state, United Council gives UW students an important and necessary seat at the table during the policymaking process. Since its inception, the United Council has worked on a variety of issues including merging the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State University systems, increasing student rights and the ability of students to participate in the formation of university policy, and addressing affordability and access to a college education. Ensuring that all university students have access to an affordable, quality higher education is essential to Wisconsin's economic future and the nation's position in the global economy. I am proud of the legacy of the United Council and its history of fighting for these vital goals. For 50 years of advocacy on behalf of the students of the University of Wisconsin System, I would like to thank the United Council of UW Students for its service and wish all the members and advocates continued success in the future.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that due to illness, I missed 30 votes on December 9, 2009 through December 11, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: On H. Res. 955, Providing for consideration of H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders Act, on ordering the previous question, I would have voted yes. On H. Res. 955, Providing for the consideration of H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders Act, on agreeing to the resolution, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 3951, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the Roy Rondeno, Sr. Post Office Building, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4213, Tax Extenders Act of 2009, Table Appealing of the Ruling of the Chair, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4213, Tax Extenders Act of 2009, on passage, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 3603, To rename the Ocmulgee National Monument, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, I would have voted yes. On H. Res. 956, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4173) to provide for financial regulatory reform, to protect consumers and investors, to enhance Federal understanding of insurance issues, to regulate the over-the-counter derivatives, markets, and for other purposes, on agreeing to the resolution, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 86, To eliminate an unused lighthouse reservation, provide management consistency by bringing the rocks and small islands along the coast of Orange County, California, and meet the original Congressional intent of preserving Orange County's rocks and small islands, and for other purposes, on motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, I would have voted yes. On H. Res. 961, Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3288) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, on ordering the previous question, I would have voted yes. On H. Res. 961, Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3288) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, on agreeing to the resolution, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 3288, Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, HUD, and related agencies for FY 2010, on agreeing to the conference report, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4017, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 43 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, as the Ann Marie Blute Post Office, on motion to suspend the rules and pass, I would have voted yes. On H. Res. 962, Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, on agreeing to the resolution, I would have voted yes. On H. Res. 964, Providing for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4173) to provide for financial regulatory reform, to protect consumers and investors, to enhance Federal understanding of insurance issues, to regulate the over-the-counter derivatives markets, and for other purposes, on agreeing to the resolution, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, Frank of Massachusetts amendment No. 1, as modified, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, Sessions of Texas amendment, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted no. On H.R. 4173, Lynch of Massachusetts amendment, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, Murphy of New York amendment No. 6, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have noted no. On H.R. 4173, Frank of Massachusetts amendment No. 7, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4174, Stupak of Michigan amendment No. 8, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, Stupak of Michigan amendment No. 9, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, Kanjorski of Pennsylvania amendment No. 12, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, McCarthy of California amendment, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted no. On H.R. 4173, Peters of Michigan amendment, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, Marshall of Georgia amendment, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, Schakowsky of Illinois amendment, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted yes. On H.R. 4173, Minnick of Idaho amendment, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted no. On H.R. 4173, Bachus of Alabama Substitute Amendment, as Modified, on agreeing to the amendment, I would have voted no. On H.R. 4173, The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009, on Motion to Recommit with Instructions, I would have voted no. On H.R. 4173, The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009, on passage, I would have voted yes.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and to recognize the efforts of the community organization Friends of the Arboretum. Since June 17, 1934, Madison area citizens have worked with University of Wisconsin officials to develop and maintain an invaluable collection of restored ecosystems. Though thousands of committed people have contributed to the Arboretum in countless ways, one group in particular offers an ideal example of dedication to the Arboretum's mission. The nonprofit organization Friends of the Arboretum has helped preserve this valuable ecological resource both by fundraising for the Arboretum and through volunteer work. Those efforts, and the work of many others, have made possible invaluable scientific research and unique community opportunities. Of course, Madison's Arboretum may not have been possible without the initial commitment of 200 hardworking individuals from the Civilian Conservation Corps. During the Great Depression, the efforts of these young government workers produced a natural sanctuary free from encroaching development and biological contamination. Just a few years after its dedication, the Madison Arboretum became the site of several important ecological experiments on conservation and restoration. One historic study conducted on the Arboretum's Curtis Prairie helped establish the use of fire as an effective prairie restoration technique, a method now widely recognized. Those 60 acres of Curtis Prairie today comprise the oldest restored prairie land in the United States. As University of Wisconsin scientists continue to develop and enhance methods of ecological restoration, the Arboretum remains an important resource in the research process. The Arboretum now contains several preserved forests, prairies, and other lands, spread over hundreds of acres, which make possible influential ecological studies. Since the Civilian Conservation Corps first began reintroducing native flora to the various ecosystems of the Arboretum, it has grown to house over 300 different species of plants. Though urbanization and the invasion of new plant types have provided new, modem challenges for this space, the commitment of university workers and community volunteers, such as those from Friends of the Arboretum, have kept the Arboretum strong. In addition to scientific research, Arboretum workers and volunteers facilitate a variety of community events, and offer unique educational opportunities in the field of ecology. Today, Madison's University of Wisconsin Arboretum contains the single most comprehensive assortment of restored ecosystems and a highly dedicated group of supporters. I therefore honor the 75th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and commend both Friends of the Arboretum and all other Arboretum volunteers. The sustained commitment of numerous community members has maintained and enhanced a truly priceless natural resource.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 125th anniversary of the Ringling Brothers Circus and to recognize the role of both the Circus World Museum and the Wisconsin Historical Society in the preservation of circus industry history. The Ringling Brothers Circus has become a celebrated national entertainment enterprise based in Baraboo, Wisconsin, while the Circus World Museum and Wisconsin Historical Society have developed an impressive collection of circus artifacts and knowledge. The Ringling Brothers Circus rose to prominence under the leadership of several Baraboo area brothers, eventually becoming one of the most successful entertainment enterprises in American history. This circus has contributed to the economic and cultural vitality of Wisconsin since the Ringling brothers gave their first performance on May 19, 1884. Though Chas, Al, John, Alf, and Otto Ringling launched their small business with less than $100 in assets, these five Baraboo natives went on to purchase the world famous Barnum and Bailey Circus. The organization continued to grow, exhibiting the unique talents and showmanship of this Sauk County family for hundreds of audiences across the country. Combining their passion for performance with an entrepreneurial spirit, the Ringling brothers created one of the longest-running entertainment enterprises in the world. The work of the Ringling brothers and the success of their circus provide impressive examples for ambitious performers and business people everywhere. I am proud of the group's contributions to both the state of Wisconsin and to audiences throughout America. Over the past half century, the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Circus World Museum have become stewards of circus industry memorabilia and information. Baraboo is home to one of the largest collections of historical circus artifacts in the world, and the Circus World Museum's Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center has become the world's foremost research facility for circus history. With objects dating back to 1793, these organizations are leaders, both on a local and national level, in the preservation of circus materials. By maintaining the documents, objects, and knowledge base associated with the circus, the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Circus World Museum have conserved a valuable aspect of our national heritage. The Historical Society's work on behalf of the Ringling Brothers Circus, as well as the circus industry as a whole, serves as an ideal example of its dedication to the local communities and to the enrichment of society through historical preservation. The citizens of Baraboo can be proud of their city, and its role as the first home to the ``Greatest Show on Earth.'' Since its inception, the Ringling Brothers Circus has cultivated a reputation for excellence in entertainment, while the Circus World Museum has set the standard for circus history preservation. I therefore commend Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for its sustained contributions to the national circus industry, as well as the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Circus World Museum, for their dedication to circus history and research.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment. A journalist asked me a few years ago if I could point to one thing that has contributed the most to the empowerment of women in our society. In answer to that query, I might have pointed to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote, or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or laws mandating equal pay for equal work. But instead, I responded to that journalist that it is the array of legal choices a woman now has that make it possible for her to plan her family--to decide whether to have children, and to decide when to have children. We refer to this array of choices as ``reproductive freedom.'' In the days before women were able to legally access contraception and abortion services, women often had to drop out of school, few could pursue careers in the professions, and too many women in desperate circumstances lost their lives from so-called back-alley abortions. In 1970 women made up a third of the workforce. Today for the first time in history, women make up half of the U.S. workforce. In 1970, ten women served in the House of Representatives. Today there are 76. In 1970, the percentage of female medical students was 9.6 percent. This year, women are 48 percent of our Nation's medical students. In 1970, the percentage of women in law school was 8 percent. Today, 46.7 percent of law students are female. These are just some of the changes in the role of women in American society that have occurred over the years during which women have secured the right to a full range of family planning options. The Stupak/Pitts amendment is an erosion of a woman's reproductive freedom. Access to abortion services in the United States is already severely limited. State laws mandating waiting periods, the lack of insurance coverage of abortion and the scarcity of clinics providing abortion services mean that the right to a safe and legal abortion for many women is already pretty hollow. If this amendment is adopted, a woman's right to choose will be further limited. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which will provide affordable health coverage to 36 million people who lack it today. This has been an aspiration for our Nation and our people for decades. I first ran for office motivated by my belief that every American should have access to quality health care, and I will not stop fighting until every American is covered. There are far too many daily reminders of the failures and injustices of our current system, the countless stories of bankruptcy, care delayed and premature death. And yet we have let years go by while people suffer. Today, we convene to debate and advance legislation that delivers meaningful insurance reform, outlawing outrageous insurance abuses, lowering costs, and extending coverage to all. I will cast my vote today on behalf of the people in Wisconsin and millions throughout America who have said enough is enough. Today, we declare with conviction: every American deserves health care, and every American shall have it.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, because it is time to protect older women by closing the doughnut hole, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in support of this bill.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of Wally's House of Embers. Located in Wisconsin Dells, House of Embers has been attracting local residents and hungry travelers since 1959. Offering much more than just legendary hickory smoked barbeque ribs, House of Embers has been an institution in Wisconsin's most popular tourist destination for decades. When Wally and Barbara Obois purchased Ray's Barbeque from Ray Grieves in 1959 and renamed it House of Embers, the restaurant was little more than four walls and a dirt floor. But year after year, Mr. and Mrs. Obois and their five children worked tirelessly to bring family tradition and a fine dining experience to their customers. Whether in the original building or the current one built in 1976, they continuously emphasized the importance of serving quality food with the highest level of customer service. And with a unique collection of specialty dining rooms, each having a personality all its own, House of Embers quickly became a staple in the community and continues to attract people from all over Wisconsin and beyond. After Wally and Barbara finally hung up their aprons in 1998 and set sail for retirement, three of their children purchased the restaurant with the intention of carrying on the Obois family tradition of fine dining. Mark and Mike Obois, graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, and their sister Deb Christensen, proved to be a successful trio as House of Embers ushered in the new millennium. In 2004, the late Dennis Getto, a restaurant critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, best characterized the famous Obois family ribs when he wrote, ``My first bite told me that this was real barbecue--the hickory smoke had permeated the rib meat and enriched its flavor.'' For exceptional longevity and superb originality, I congratulate Wally's House of Embers on a half century of providing a uniquely Wisconsin dining experience. The Obois tradition of fine dining is a symbol of the family's dedication to serving our community not only great food, but also laughter, joy, and a friendly smile. I wish the Oboises and everyone involved the very best and I look forward to many more years of success.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, Rep. Jack Kingston and I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Oscar G. Mayer, Jr., of Madison, Wisconsin. Mr. Mayer's death last July was mourned by his widow, Geraldine, his family, the Madison community and the celebrated company he, his father and grandfather built over the past 125 years. Rosalie Harrison Mayer, his first wife of 56 years, passed away in 1998. Starting with Oscar Mayer & Co. in Chicago in 1936 as a production trainee, Mr. Mayer devoted his entire business career to the company his grandfather started in 1883. After the deaths of his grandfather and father, Mr. Mayer served as President and later Chairman of Oscar Mayer & Co., leading the company through one of the most productive periods in its history. Although raised in Illinois, Mr. Mayer moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 1946, while serving as Assistant to the Vice President of Operations. Then in 1957, as company president, Mr. Mayer moved Oscar Mayer & Co.'s headquarters to the Wisconsin state capital. Once rooted in Wisconsin, Oscar Mayer's generosity and kindness were felt in every corner of the greater Madison community. An impassioned philanthropist, Oscar Mayer never shied away from an opportunity to help his community. Mr. Mayer was instrumental in turning the old Capitol Theater on State Street into Madison's first civic center. Mr. Mayer was a strong supporter of the Madison Arts Center and Elvehjem Art Museum and helped found the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, which has gone on to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the United Way of Dane County. ``Do the right thing,'' was Mr. Mayer's philosophy in business and he carried that into his personal life, donating time, money and services to various organizations and groups throughout Wisconsin, especially those who shared his love for the outdoors and sought to protect it. Additionally, in 2007, he was the inspiration for the establishment of the Oscar and Rosalie Mayer fund for Pediatric Care at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. Oscar Mayer's work and charity were widely recognized by his community. He received Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from the University of Wisconsin--Madison in 1977, Beloit College in 1978, and later from Edgewood College in Madison in 1991. In 1990, Mr. Mayer became one of the first inductees into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame. Oscar Mayer's devotion to his family, company, its employees, the state of Wisconsin and specifically the city of Madison has left a lasting impression. I join Rep. Kingston and the greater Madison community in honoring his life's work and loving spirit.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Thank you, Chairman Skelton. I rise today in opposition to the minority's motion to instruct. As my colleagues know, hate crimes are acts of violence, motivated by hate and prejudice in which the victim is selected and targeted based upon a characteristic, such as their race, their religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Hate crimes have the consequence of harming not only their victims, but also all who share the same characteristics as the victim. Whole communities are terrorized by hate crimes. In 1968 in response to horrific hate-based violence in our country, cross burnings, lynchings, fire bombings and the like, Congress acted to protect people who were targeted for violence on the basis of their race, color, religion, and national origin by passing our Nation's original hate crimes laws. In April of this year, the House passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act of 2009 by a strong and bipartisan margin, strengthening our response to this form of domestic terrorism by adding protections for people targeted for violence because of their gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We sought to add these new categories to the hate crimes statutes because of a history and a pervasive pattern of heinous violent crimes committed against individuals because of these characteristics. Yet the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act of 2009 is not yet law, and this motion to instruct would prevent it from becoming law, despite the support of the majority of the House and the majority in the other body and President Obama. Mr. Speaker, I want to share with you a few reasons why I believe this legislation must urgently be signed into law. I am thinking today of Angie Zapata, an 18-year-old transgender woman who was brutally murdered in Greeley, Colorado, last summer. Angie's killer beat her to death. Thankfully, Angie's killer was brought to justice under a State hate crimes law, but we know with staggering frequency, those who commit similar acts of violence and murder based on hate are not. I think of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old in Oxnard, California. Larry had suffered harassment from his peers and then was killed by a 14- year-old classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender identity. And I think today of Matthew Shepard who was brutally attacked by his homophobic assailants and left to die on a fence in Wyoming 10 years ago. Matthew's death generated international outrage by exposing the violent nature of hate crimes and the horrific effect upon targeted communities. And I think of the thousands of other victims of brutal hate crimes. The Department of Justice reported that over 1,500 Americans were victims of hate crimes based on sexual orientation in the year 2007. Americans across the country, young and old alike, must hear Congress clearly affirm that hate-based violence targeting gays and lesbians and transgender individuals, women, and people with disabilities will not be tolerated. Mr. Speaker, the arguments have been made, the evidence has been proffered, and, sadly, lives have been lost that more than justify this legislation becoming law. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this motion to instruct.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. I want to thank my friend and colleague both for your service to your country and for your leadership on this very critical issue. And also thank you for yielding me some time this evening to talk about it. I join you in strong support of H.R. 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. We have heard throughout the evening in 1993 Congress passed Don't Ask, Don't Tell, a law mandating the discharge of openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual servicemembers. At the time, this law was intended as sort of a compromise to allow gay and lesbian servicemembers to serve in the military so long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation, so long as they hid being gay, lesbian, or bisexual. In other words, this compromise required our servicemembers to conceal, at best, or to lie, at worst. And in an organization such as our military where trust and unit cohesion is so important, this was just untenable. Fifteen years later, we know that Don't Ask, Don't Tell is misguided, unjust, and, flat out, it is a discriminatory policy. Not only does Don't Ask, Don't Tell damage the lives and livelihoods of our military professionals, it deprives our Armed Forces of their honorable service and needed skills. The armed services have discharged almost 800 mission critical troops and at least 59 Arabic and nine Farsi linguists under Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the last 5 years. This is just indefensible. Further, the financial cost alone of implementing Don't Ask, Don't Tell from fiscal year 1994 through 2003 was more than $363 million. Now, we can't afford to lose any more dedicated and talented servicemembers to Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and surely we can put these dollars, these resources, to much better use. Earlier this summer I had the pleasure of meeting Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Victor Fehrenbach. He's an exceptional serviceman who's being discharged under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law. Lieutenant Colonel Fehrenbach has honorably served his country for 18 years as an F-15E pilot. He received nine Air Medals, including a medal for heroism during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. And he was handpicked to protect airspace over Washington, D.C. after the Pentagon was attacked on September 11, 2001. Lieutenant Colonel Fehrenbach, who has flown combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, against the Taliban and al Qaeda, continues to serve while the recommendation for his honorable discharge moves forward to a review board and eventually to the Secretary of the Air Force. Just 2 years away from his 20-year retirement, this dedicated serviceman stands to lose $46,000 a year in retirement and medical benefits for the rest of his life if he's discharged. There are approximately one million lesbian and gay veterans in the United States today, as well as 65,000 lesbian and gay servicemembers currently serving in our Armed Forces. Like Lieutenant Colonel Fehrenbach, these brave servicemembers are fighting and dying for their country in two wars. They're making sacrifices, and some are making the ultimate sacrifice, just like their straight counterparts. It makes no sense, and I just believe it's flat out wrong to discharge capable servicemembers for something as irrelevant as their sexual orientation. Now, as my colleagues have discussed this evening, the Military Readiness Act would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation against any member of the Armed Forces or any person seeking to become a member. Further, the Act would authorize the re- accession into the Armed Forces of otherwise qualified individuals previously separated under Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Finally, the Act would require that regulations governing the personal conduct of members of the Armed Forces are written and enforced without regard to sexual orientation. It's long past time for Congress to act to end discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals in our Armed Forces by passing the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. So I stand ready to join my colleagues in repealing this dishonorable law as soon as possible and restoring justice and equality in our Armed Forces. Mr. Speaker, before I conclude, I really do want to commend you, my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Patrick Murphy, for your bold leadership and your work in helping us move closer to repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell. You have taken the lead in advancing this bill, and I look forward to working with you to see that day come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that I missed four votes under suspension of the Rules on September 9, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted in support of the following four bills: H. Res. 447, H.R. 2097, H.R. 2498, and H. Res. 722.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on the eighth anniversary of September 11th to commemorate this momentous day in American history. My heart goes out to the thousands of innocent people who were taken from their loved ones and fellow citizens, and I am mindful of the many sacrifices made by the members of our armed forces and their families as they stand in harm's way to protect our great nation. The victims of the September 11th attacks were a microcosm of America. In the Twin Towers, on the hijacked planes, at the Pentagon, there were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends; there were millionaire bond traders and minimum wage busboys; there were service men and women, police officers and firefighters; there were people of every race and religion, from dozens of countries, all with their own dreams and disappointments; all bound by an invisible thread . . . our common humanity. And we are forever bound to them, and to each other. September 11th, 2001 was one of our nation's darkest days. But it illuminated some simple and important truths . . . that it means something special to be an American--something more than the happenstance of where you were born. It relates to the unending quest on the part of ``we the people'' to ``form a more perfect union'' and to a concept of the common good. Being an American means having a commitment to our collective well-being. In memory of all those who perished on September 11th, in respect to the survivors, in gratitude to the rescuers, and for the sake of ourselves and our posterity, I recall the words of President Kennedy: ``Let us not be blind to our differences--but let us also direct attention to our common interests and to the means by which those differences can be resolved. And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.'' Mr. Speaker, during the vote on H. Res. 722, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the U.S. on September 11th, 2001, I was absent from the House. I want my colleagues and constituents of the 2nd District of Wisconsin to know that I intended to vote yes on this resolution. I am grateful to my colleagues, Mr. Hoyer and Mr. Boehner, for their work in seeing it passed.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifelong philanthropy of Robert and Irwin Goodman of Madison, Wisconsin. Irwin's death in August was mourned by his brother, Bob, their extended family, and an entire community touched in ways big and small by the Goodman brothers' generosity. Astute businessmen, Bob and Irv saw their business not as an end in itself, but as a means to nurture the minds, bodies, and spirits of their neighbors. They lived frugally, spoke softly, and gave continually and in great measure, guided by the lessons and love of their parents, Harry and Belle. Gifted athletes, Bob and Irv were health conscious long before fitness became fashionable. Their philanthropy helps kids learn to swim, seniors to exercise, families to eat healthfully, and women to compete on a level and luminous playing field. From the University of Wisconsin to Edgewood College, the Red Cross to Rotary, HospiceCare to Meriter Hospital, the first community swimming pool to a new community center, the imprint of Bob and Irv's generosity is felt by in every corner of the greater Madison community. And while some bricks and mortar bear their name, vast numbers of beneficiaries will never know of their largesse. The Goodman brothers would rather bring light to the dark corners of society than stand in the spotlight themselves. Steadfast members and supporters of Madison's Jewish Community, Bob and Irv's lifelong devotion to helping others of all backgrounds is grounded in the Jewish tradition of ``tikkun olam,'' (repairing the world) inherited, they say, from their beloved mother. Bob and Irv Goodman shared far more than a bloodline. They shared an abiding commitment to each other and to their adopted hometown. I join the greater Madison community in honoring their life's work and loving spirit.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act represents our Nation's response to a challenge that has consequences of epic proportions. Global climate change must be addressed in a real and meaningful manner. Our greenhouse gas emissions have put our global environment, our security and our very social structure at risk; and if we fail to act, the impact will reverberate throughout this century with the loss of human lives, species destruction, destruction of ecosystems, declines in health and increased social conflict. Climate change is a unique challenge in that our greatest obligation in tackling this threat is to the generations of Americans and people throughout the world who haven't even been born yet, the ones who will inhabit this planet long after we're all gone. The legislation we have before us addresses global climate change while spurring innovation, creating clean energy jobs and containing costs. It brings what we need in terms of leadership and commitment as we look toward Copenhagen and beyond. It recognizes that our Nation's security, our planet's sustainability and our children's future hang in the balance. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and commit to a clean energy economy that creates jobs and protects our health, national security and planet for generations to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 3 minutes to a fellow member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and a champion of vision issues, Mr. Green of Texas.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. This resolution recognizes the 40th anniversary of the National Eye Institute within the National Institutes of Health and designates the years 2010 through 2020 as the Decade of Vision. Eye disease is a significant public health problem. Those disproportionately affected by eye disease are our aging population, the African American and Hispanic communities, and those who suffer from chronic diseases, especially diabetes. The National Eye Institute estimates that eye disease and vision impairment currently cost the Nation $68 billion in health care costs, lost productivity, reduced independence, diminished quality of life, and accelerated mortality. The NEI leads our Nation's efforts to prevent blindness and to save and restore vision. The NEI has been a leader in both basic and translational research. Its researchers have been able to associate one-quarter of all genes discovered to date with eye disease and vision impairment. The NEI has conducted more than 60 clinical trials that have resulted in treatments and therapies to save sight and, in some cases, actually reverse vision loss. The National Eye Institute estimates that over the decade of 2010 to 2020, the number of individuals over age 40 who experience blindness, low vision or age-related eye disease, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, will grow from today's level of 38 million cases to 50 million cases. As a result, the National Eye Institute's leadership, in directing vital vision research over the next decade, will be more important than ever. I have been pleased to work on this resolution with my coauthor Mr. Sessions of Texas. He has been a terrific coauthor and has worked very hard with me to bring this matter to the floor and to the attention of this Congress. I commend this resolution to my colleagues. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 366) recognizing the 40th anniversary of the National Eye Institute (NEI) and expressing support for designation of 2010 through 2020 as the ``Decade of Vision''.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I want to close by recognizing just a few of the champions of eye health and the warriors against eye disease from the district that I have the privilege of representing. And I know, like my coauthor, Congressman Sessions, we were drawn to this issue because of pioneering things that are happening in each of our respective districts. Dr. Paul Kaufman is a leading eye researcher at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a major partner of the National Eye Institute. And I want to commend and recognize his groundbreaking research. Also, a technology called BrainPort is being developed in my district by a company called Wicab with the support of National Eye Institute funding, and this technology is helping the blind to find new ways to process visual information. These sort-of breakthroughs are so exciting and really go back to the importance of celebrating the accomplishments to date and the future potential through the National Eye Institute with our support. Again, I commend my colleagues' support of this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Well, I thank the gentleman. I also want to appreciate my friend and colleague, Congressman Murphy, for bringing us together on this really critical issue. You know, health care for all is the issue that brought me to politics in the first place, and it's certainly the issue that keeps me here. I join my colleagues tonight on the floor to affirm our fight that we must complete comprehensive health care, meaningful and affordable comprehensive health care reform, this year. We can no longer afford to wait for health care reform. There was a recent report from the very respected Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that projects, if Federal reform efforts are not completed, that within 10 years the cost of health care for businesses could double, that the number of uninsured Americans could reach 65.7 million and that middle income families would really be the hardest hit. They would bear the brunt of our inaction. I represent a district in south central Wisconsin. Last month, I had the opportunity to gather and to meet with a number of stakeholders in my community. I got a chance to hear from diverse perspectives--from public and private urban and rural health providers, from patient advocates, from insurers, from businesses, and from labor. I always find it extremely helpful to hear divergent viewpoints and to get new suggestions as we prepare to write this bold, new legislation. No matter what their particular perspectives in this debate are, their main message was very clear, that the system is broken and that we have to fix it. Some would argue that we really don't even have a system intact anymore. I want to share just three quick stories from constituents, from Wisconsinites, that really symbolize what is broken in our health care system, that being the unaffordability of individual markets, the insurance discrimination based on preexisting conditions, and the struggles of small businesses. I really think it's important that we, as Americans and as Members of Congress, hear these stories. Our constituents, using their own words and telling their powerful and compelling stories, make the best case for health care for all and for the actions that we must take. So I'm just going to share with you excerpts of three letters that I've received. One is from Jean from Rio, Wisconsin. Jean writes, ``My husband, Steve, has worked hard his whole life, but as of last year, he has not been able to find work because of the downturn in the economy. Neither of the jobs that I have held have offered me health insurance. We have relied on insurance that we purchased in the individual market, which costs nearly $10,000 a year and has a $5,000 deductible, meaning that we pay out of pocket for basic doctor visits, screenings and prescriptions. ``Twenty years ago,'' Jean writes, ``Steve became very ill, and in the intervening years has developed multiple brain tumors that require extensive treatment and care. We eventually realized that he has recurring tumors due to a neurological disease and should be screened on an annual basis. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover these $13,000 procedures, and we cannot afford to pay that on an annual basis. We can only hope and pray that more tumors are not developing. It is just so infuriating that, in this wonderful country, we cannot get wonderful medical care.'' Lorraine from Port Washington, Wisconsin, writes, ``When my husband filled out an insurance application in July of 2002, he was asked if he had ever been diagnosed or treated for cancer in the past 5 years. He replied, `No.' He had never been diagnosed with cancer nor operated on nor treated for cancer. What he did have was basal cells--small carcinomas--which are never malignant and have to be removed from most blue-eyed blonds in the course of getting older. ``When my husband was diagnosed with bone marrow failure disease, the insurance company denied any coverage for his medical care, citing a preexisting condition. We were left with over $125,000 in medical bills. My husband has now passed away, and I am just thankful that I am not in complete financial ruin.'' Sally, from Madison, Wisconsin, writes me to say, ``I've had my own law office for 29 years. I employ two full-time employees and one part- time employee. I provide health care benefits for our small firm, but I have faced an annual increase in premiums of 12 percent, forcing me to pass on higher cost-sharing to these three employees. One employee has diabetes and also extends coverage to her husband, who is a dairy farmer without health insurance coverage. Because of their high medical costs, it would have been very difficult for me to find new health insurance without facing even higher rates. Health insurance is becoming steadily less inclusive and more difficult to keep--and it's no wonder that, in today's economy, families count health care costs as one of their top pocketbook issues.'' Madam Speaker and colleagues, these stories illustrate why affordable, quality health care for all is so important and is so necessary. Universal coverage is both a moral and an economic imperative if we are to succeed in the 21st century. For the first time, I firmly believe that health care for all is within our grasp. We must act now. Again, I want to thank my colleagues, my friend Congressman Murphy and my friend Congressman Altmire, for taking this fight up and for bringing us together to address this important issue.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maureen Arcand, a disability researcher and advocate, community leader, and mother of six. Celebrating her 80th birthday this month, Maureen has fought for positive social change and inspired many of her fellow Wisconsinites for years. Maureen was born in 1929 with cerebral palsy (CP). In those days, CP was poorly understood and many affected children were simply institutionalized. Nevertheless, her parents raised her through the Great Depression and World War II with high expectations, emphasizing her abilities. By age 40, Maureen was working full time, becoming increasingly involved in her community as an activist for the disabled, and single-handedly caring for her six children. While many Americans spend their retirement relaxing, Maureen has been perhaps most active at this point in her life. In her sixties, she served the greater Madison community as an elected member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, where I was fortunate to serve with her. Beyond her work with the Dane County Board, Maureen worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those living with disabilities. She served as president of Movin' Out, Inc., leading the Madison organization's efforts to assist people with disabilities in finding and retaining independent housing. She also lobbied for the Madison based nonprofit, Access to Independence, Inc., further reflecting her strong conviction that people with disabilities have the right to live independently and make individual choices. Following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Maureen became the first evaluation coordinator in Dane County for the ADA, proudly stating, ``Never have people with disabilities worked so well together to achieve a goal.'' In the past few years, Maureen has researched the aging process in people living with CP. Using personal insights and focus groups comprised of others affected by CP, she has illuminated much about this often misunderstood condition, creating valuable information for others with the disability. In her research titled ``One Person's Journey into Aging with Cerebral Palsy,'' Maureen states, ``This attempt to record my experiences is being made in the hope that other people with CP can benefit from knowing something about what has happened to me over the last thirty some years.'' On April 30, Maureen is celebrating her 80th birthday by launching the Maureen Arcand Advocacy and Leadership Awards to spotlight and inspire others who are continuing her work. Maureen once told me that her favorite animal is the giraffe, because it's always sticking its neck out. In reality, Maureen has spent a lifetime sticking her neck out for all of us, especially those without a voice. Today, I therefore commend Maureen Arcand not only for her myriad accomplishments, but also the many future contributions to society that she has undoubtedly nurtured and inspired.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. I want to thank Chairman Conyers for the time and for your diligent work on this measure. It has been an honor and a privilege to work closely with you. Today, by passing the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the House has a historic opportunity to reinforce the principles of equal rights and equal protection embodied in our Constitution. Hate crimes are acts of violence motivated by prejudice and committed against individuals that end up victimizing entire groups of people. In 1968 in response to horrific hate-based violence in our country, cross burnings, lynchings, fire bombings and the like, we acted to protect people who were victimized on the basis of their race, color, religion or national origin. Today, we strengthen our response to this form of domestic terrorism by adding protections for people targeted for violence because of their gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We add these characteristics to the hate crimes legislation not because they deserve special protection, but because of a history and pervasive pattern of heinous violent crimes committed against individuals because of these characteristics. Some opponents of this legislation are disseminating misinformation in order to derail this bill. But make no mistake--this legislation we pass today has been carefully crafted to protect our First Amendment rights to free speech, expression, and association. The First Amendment protects these freedoms, but it does not protect violence. This is not a hate thought bill. This is not a hate speech bill. This is a hate crimes bill that will provide needed Federal resources to local law enforcement authorities when they confront violent crimes motivated by prejudice and hate. I want to share with you a few reasons why I believe the passage of this legislation is so urgently necessary. I'm thinking today of Angie Zapata, an 18-year-old transgender woman who was brutally murdered in Greeley, Colorado, last summer. Angie's killer beat her to death with his fists and a fire extinguisher when he learned that she had been born a male. Thankfully, Angie's killer was brought to justice under a State hate crimes law. But we know that with staggering frequency, those who commit similar acts of violence and murder based on hate are not. I think of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old in Oxnard, California. Larry had suffered harassment from his peers and then was killed by a 14- year-old classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender identity. Americans across the country, young and old alike, must hear Congress clearly affirm that hate-based violence targeting gays, lesbians, transgender individuals, women, and people with disabilities will not be tolerated. I think today of Matthew Shepard, who was brutally attacked by his homophobic assailants and left to die on a fence in Wyoming 10 years ago. Matthew's death generated international outrage by exposing the violent nature of hate crimes and the horrific effect on the targeted community. I think of Judy Shepard, Matthew's mother, who is here with us today, still courageously advocating for the passage of this legislation more than 10 years after losing her son. The passage of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act will not make all hate crime go away. But this bill gives State, local, and Federal law enforcement authorities the necessary resources and tools to combat violent crimes based on hate and bias. Mr. Speaker, the arguments have been made, the evidence has been proffered, and, sadly, the lives have been lost that more than justify the passage of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.