Tammy Baldwin

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate bill, S. 793, the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008, to authorize research and public health activities relating to trauma and traumatic brain injury. The version of the bill we are considering today represents bipartisan and bicameral consensus. The purpose of S. 793, the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008, is to authorize funding for research, treatment, surveillance and education activities related to trauma and traumatic brain injury at the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reauthorizing the traumatic brain injury program will strengthen the goal of understanding and addressing traumatic brain injury and strengthen our commitment to all those who experience traumatic brain injury. I want to acknowledge my friend the gentleman from New Jersey, Congressman Bill Pascrell, for his incredible leadership in the House on this important matter. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in its support. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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 Senate bill under consideration.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 793) to provide for the expansion and improvement of traumatic brain injury programs, as amended.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to my colleague on the Health Subcommittee, the gentlelady from California (Mrs. Capps).

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time and would also commend my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

Ms. BALDWIN. I would yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

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

Ms. BALDWIN. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ronald Platz, or ``Red'' as he is known best by friends and colleagues. Red retired from the UAW International Union on Monday, March 31, 2008 after more than 30 years of leadership and loyal service to the community. Over the course of a tenacious career, Red made a profound and lasting impact on Wisconsin state and local politics. Red began working in the Engine Division of the Kohler Company in 1969. He soon transferred to the Enamel Shop 3 years later. In 1977, Red was elected to serve as Divisional Steward for UAW Local 833. Red served Local 833 for the next 24 years, holding the positions of Chief Steward, Vice President, and President. He also served as a full-time Benefit and Safety Representative from 1990 until 2001. In total, Red was instrumental in negotiating six labor agreements between the Kohler Company and Local 833. As a health and safety trainer for the UAW International Union, Red led workshops throughout the United States on issues such as workplace safety, hazardous chemical handling, and harassment. Red's unwavering political spirit led him to the Wisconsin State CAP- PAC Board where he remained active for more than 20 years and served 6 years as Chairperson. In August 2001, he was appointed to the UAW Region 4 International Staff as the CAP-PAC Coordinator for a six-state area that included Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. Red has served on numerous executive boards including the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Competitive Wisconsin, Inc., the State of Wisconsin Unemployment Compensation Insurance Advisory Council, and the School for Workers Labor Faculty Advisory Board. Red will retire to country living in Wisconsin to spend time with his wife Mutzie, two children Rick and Judy, and 3 grandchildren Shawn, Samantha, and Collin. UAW Local 833 will honor Red this weekend to commemorate a career marked by commitment and dedication. The celebration will feature a friendly roast by those who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Red. For his hard work, leadership, and service to the State of Wisconsin, I join all of UAW Local 833 in saluting and thanking Red Platz. I wish Red health and happiness in retirement.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of Ebony Expressions Cultural Awareness Project in Madison, WI. Each year, Ebony Expressions auditions and selects students from Madison area high schools to take part in a program that uses music, dance, drama, and spoken word to deliver a positive and thought- provoking message about the African American experience. Over the years, the performances have left a profound and lasting impression on audiences throughout our great State. Founded in 1982 under the direction of Ed Holmes, Ebony Expressions has fulfilled its mission to educate all people on the richness of the African American culture and community. Although February represents African American History Month, Ebony Expressions reminds us to recognize and value the cultural contributions of African Americans all year round. Since the time our Nation was just an idea, African Americans have been instrumental in creating and fortifying American culture through contributions in music, dance, and performing arts. In addition to highlighting cultural contributions of African Americans, Ebony Expressions also addresses important social and political issues affecting the African American community today. The young performers initiate an important public dialogue while transcending damaging stereotypes. Too often, our young people of color are not given the chance to express themselves in a positive light. Ebony Expressions gives students the opportunities they deserve to articulate their beauty and intellect and turn a debilitating label of ``at-risk to fail'' into a success story of ``at-risk to succeed and become leaders.'' Thanks to the tremendous work of Mr. Holmes and others in the Madison area, we can and will achieve something better. To honor Ebony Expressions' 25-year legacy of dedicated service to our community, past and present performers will gather this week to present a special program titled ``The Best of Ebony'' to celebrate the most memorable performances over the last two-and-a-half decades. I would like to congratulate Ebony Expressions on this magnificent milestone and I wish everyone involved 25 more years of continued success.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hiroshima- Nagasaki A-bomb Exhibition at the Wisconsin Capitol rotunda. Because of the dedicated efforts of a coalition of Madison organizations, the Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-bomb Exhibition Committee, and the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, this exhibition has made an incredibly important contribution toward educating Wisconsinites and our country about the devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki caused by nuclear weapons. I am heartened by the mission of these organizations to spread peace and international understanding and grateful to the citizens of Madison who helped bring this vital message to our Capitol. I further commend the Exhibition's goal to raise awareness about abolishing nuclear weapons. This is an issue that demands our close attention. I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm my support for nonproliferation strategies designed to eliminate weapons of mass destruction from U.S. and worldwide arsenals. I strongly support the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which sets forth objectives to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. I also believe we need to terminate efforts to enhance U.S. military capabilities of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. My thanks go out to the citizens and organizations of Wisconsin who have dared to imagine peace and help make it a reality.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that due to inclement winter weather, I missed recorded votes on February 6, 2008, and February 7, 2008. Had I been present on those days, I would have voted in support of H. Res. 867, H. Res. 942, H. Res. 943, H. Res. 956, H. Con. Res. 283, and H.R. 4848.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Veridian Homes for receiving Professional Builder magazine's Builder of the Year for 2008, one of the homebuilding industry's most prestigious and coveted awards. This honor not only demonstrates a unique level of innovation but also a vigorous dedication to quality and customer service. As the largest residential builder in the State of Wisconsin, Veridian builds nearly 500 homes and condominiums each year. This level of productivity has earned it a market share of over 30 percent while offering a variety in price, style, and size. In only 4 short years, Veridian Homes has claimed the spotlight as an industry leader despite the uncertainties presented by the current market. Co-founders David Simon and Jeff Rosenberg have successfully combined the conventional wisdom of community development with a creative blend of environmentally conscious business practices and quality improvement strategies. All of Veridian's homes and condominiums meet Green Built Home and Energy Star program standards. The company has also built six LEED-certified homes and initiated its own recycling program, in addition to actively experimenting with more resource and material- efficient processes. Even more impressive, though, is their attention to partnership and accountability. Simon and Rosenberg have consistently demanded feedback from their employees, trade partners, and customers alike to ensure a level of continuous development. This customer and product-first approach leaves no aspect of quality improvement unattended. To the truest extent, Veridian Homes has made Wisconsin a great place to live. I am proud to have such an extraordinary innovator and trendsetter right here in Dane County. I wish Veridian Homes many more years of success as a model for excellence and customer satisfaction.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team for their courageous and improbable victory in the 35th Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl to capture the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III national championship. With Salem Stadium as the backdrop, Whitewater capped off an incredible season by beating the undefeated and top-ranked Mount Union College Purple Raiders to give the university its first football national championship. The Warhawks' third trip to Salem, Va., in as many years proved to be the charm. Mount Union had defeated Whitewater in each of the previous two Stagg Bowl games en route to a 37-game winning streak that has now been snapped thanks to the tremendous dedication and determination of all the Warhawk players, coaches, staff, and fans. To add to his already long list of accolades including 2007 Gagliardi Trophy winner, National Player of the Year Justin Beaver was named the game's Most Outstanding Player. Beaver carried the ball 31 times for 249 yards and a touchdown, raising his season rushing total to 2,455 yards and breaking the previous Division III record he set two years ago. Beaver's play was complimented by the strong performance of the 22 other seniors who took the field for the last time at the Stagg Bowl. In a phenomenal first season, head coach Lance Leipold led Whitewater to a 14-1 record, going undefeated in league play to secure the Warhawks' third straight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title. Leipold took the reins of a storied program with a rich history that includes the likes of long-time coaches Bob Berezowitz and stadium namesake Forrest Perkins. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater represents the best of student-athletics and this title serves as a major accomplishment for the entire state of Wisconsin. I sincerely congratulate the team and the university and wish them luck in their quest to repeat as national champions.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Filner. I rise in strong support of H. Res. 855, the Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act that I introduced earlier this year. This bill fixes an inequity in the current paired organ statute that has resulted in a denial of appropriate disability compensation to blinded veterans. Congress has rightly recognized that some human organs or limbs are designed to work in pairs: legs, hands, kidneys, lungs, ears and, of course, eyes. In the instance of eyes, blindness in one eye profoundly affects depth perception even if sight is fully retained in the other eye. The paired organ statute was written to assist those veterans who experience a service-connected loss of a paired organ or limb. The statute recognizes the interdependency of paired organs and endeavors to treat the combined disability created by a nonservice-connected loss, injury or degeneration of the remaining paired organ or limb as though it was the result of a service-connected disability. In general, the paired organ statute accomplishes this task, with the exception of its treatment of eyes and loss of sight. I want to share with you the story of Dr. James Allen, after whom this legislation is named. Dr. Allen is a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in my district. He has worked at the Veterans Affairs Hospital for 33 years and treated numerous eye patients, including veterans who are blind. One example is Mr. Donald May. Don is a World War II veteran who lost his right eye in a hand grenade explosion. A few years ago, Mr. May became legally blind in the nonservice-connected left eye. He applied to the Department of Veterans Affairs for help and was denied further benefits. He was told that the current law in regard to paired organs did not apply to him, even though he was legally blind in his service- connected right eye. After Dr. Allen brought the plight of his patients to my attention, I began to research why these veterans were being denied the benefits I felt they deserved, benefits that I believe Congress intended to grant them. Through my work with the Blinded Veterans Association, we discovered that while the current paired organ statute covers blindness, in practice few, if any, veterans have ever been able to qualify for such compensation. In theory, the statute provides that a veteran who is service- connected for blindness in one eye could qualify for additional disability compensation if they become blind in the remaining eye for nonservice-connected reasons. However, the statute does not define the term ``blindness,'' nor is any provision made for impairment of vision in the nonservice-connected eye short of blindness. Rather than using visual acuity of 20/200 or loss of field of vision to 20 degrees as the definition of legal blindness that has been adopted by all 50 States and the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs uses a much more restrictive definition, 5/200, as a rating for legal blindness, which in rough layman's term is the equivalent of having an eye with light perception only. As a result, few, if any, blinded veterans are able to qualify for additional compensation under the paired organ statute. H. Res. 855, the Dr. James Allen Veterans Vision Equity Act, fixes this problem. It defines blindness as impairment of vision where the impairment is to a visual acuity of 20/200 or less or of a peripheral field loss of vision of 20 degrees or less. This change in the law would only affect a small percentage, estimated to be roughly 5 percent of the 13,000-plus veterans who are service-connected for loss of vision in one eye. Yet such a change would send a powerful message that our Nation's blinded veterans and the hardships that they have faced are not forgotten. Indeed, our Nation's blinded veterans face significant challenges in the labor market. The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research found that for individuals with visual impairments, to the extent that they are unable to read letters, the employment rate is only 30.8 percent, compared to 82.1 percent for those without disability. I want to mention that this resolution complies with the PAYGO rules. The costs associated with H. Res. 855 are fully offset. This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to match and compare VA needs-based pension benefits data, parents' dependency and indemnity compensation data, health care services data and unemployability compensation data with the National Directory of New Hires maintained by DHHS, for the purpose of determining eligibility for such benefits and services. According to the GAO, such data matching will help reduce fraud and abuse within the VA system as it determines eligibility and benefits to those veterans thought to be unemployable but are indeed working. I would like to just thank Chairman Filner, Subcommittee Chairman John Hall, as well as Congressmen John Boozman and Vic Snyder for their unwavering support of this bill. I also want to thank the staff of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for their help in advancing this legislation. H. Res. 855 is a modest but important step in restoring fair treatment to those veterans blinded due to their service to our country and to further our commitment to them. Their sacrifices and their service to this Nation should be matched by our desire to improve the quality of life for them and their families. Earlier this year, the Blinded Veterans Association had found over 200 soldiers returning from Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom who are blinded in one eye due to their service-related injuries. They could be benefited in the future by this legislation. I strongly encourage all my colleagues to support H. Res. 855.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. If I withdraw right now, I will preclude the gentleman from making his closing. I do not want to preclude him from doing that; so I will just wait to withdraw until he has finished with his remarks.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Chairman, I yield myself 3\1/2\ minutes. Madam Chairman, in the United States, the law forbids discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, religion or national origin. It forbids discrimination based on age or disability, perceived or real. These protections were not easy to achieve, but we are better for them. Today, ENDA seeks to expand the law to prohibit job discrimination against people because of their sexual orientation, and my amendment would also include gender identity. We have worked steadily over the years to rid our Nation of irrational hate and fear against gay and transgender Americans that too often results in violent hate crimes, ostracism, bullying and discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations or education. Today, at least 282 cities and towns and 19 States across the country have protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation in both public and private sector jobs. And more than 93 local jurisdictions in 11 States have laws that include protections based on gender identity. 195 American businesses employing more than 8.3 million American workers have exemplary policies that protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors; 58 percent of these firms provide employment protections on the basis of gender identity. It is time for Congress to catch up to our communities and American businesses. Today we can strengthen our laws against discrimination in the workplace. While gay and lesbian Americans are now out and accepted in record numbers, not everyone understands the issue of gender identity. Few understand how a person's body might not match their internal sense of gender. This is not a new phenomenon. It is not a fad. And it is certainly not a reason to lose one's job. Some have asked why it is essential to include protections for transgender Americans in this legislation. The answer is that this community shares a common history with the rest of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community, a history of suffering, discrimination, and too often violence, just for being who they are. The importance of nondiscrimination laws cannot be overstated. Substantively, they provide legal remedies and a chance to seek justice. Symbolically, they say that in America we judge our fellow citizens by their integrity, their character, their talents; and not their sexual orientation or gender identity, race or religion, age or disability. Irrational hate and fear have no place in our society. If we truly believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; if we truly want to protect the most vulnerable in our society; if we continue to profess that all men are created equal, then we must work towards achieving the American Dream for all, and not just for some. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Chairman, I withdraw the amendment.

Ms. BALDWIN. My amendment reflects my belief that we should be acting on an inclusive ENDA, covering both sexual orientation and gender identity. Now, those of us in politics know that it is much easier to protect a provision in a bill from removal on the floor than it is to add a provision to a bill once it has been reported out of committee. This amendment is no exception to that rule. But while I believe that a roll call vote on this amendment would demonstrate strong support for an inclusive ENDA, I believe that it will fall short of adoption. People have asked why I pressed for and insisted upon bringing an amendment to the floor and maintaining the option to withdraw it without a vote. The reason is simple: I believe that those who will be left behind by this bill deserve to hear on this House floor that you are not forgotten and our job will not be finished until you too share fully in the American Dream. So at the moment at which the closing arguments are made, I will withdraw this amendment with a commitment to my colleagues and all Americans committed to equality of opportunity and ending discrimination that I will do everything within my power to make this measure whole again.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 230) supporting the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 230, a resolution supporting the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As an original cosponsor of this resolution, I am proud to speak out in favor of greater support for breast cancer awareness and prevention. Through my work with Congresswoman Sue Myrick in reauthorizing the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, I am well aware of the challenges that lie ahead in preventing and ultimately finding a cure for breast cancer. As my colleagues may know, breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women between the ages of 45 and 54. Many of us have witnessed a family member or a friend struggle with the devastating effects of breast cancer. We must ensure that these women do not suffer alone. With this resolution, we affirm our solidarity with the 2 million- plus breast cancer survivors as we seek to find a cure for this and other cancers. We also pay tribute to the volunteers and health care professionals who work to combat breast cancer every day. H. Con. Resolution 230 supports the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reemphasize the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms. As in the case of many diseases, early detection goes a long way toward ensuring survival. As many of my colleagues know, approximately 98 percent of women who are able to detect breast cancer in its most early stage survive. We must use this opportunity to educate women, all women, to ensure that they take the necessary steps to protect themselves from this potentially fatal disease. I also rise to pay tribute to our friend and our colleague, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, who lost her life to breast cancer earlier this month. We are reminded that breast cancer can strike anyone. This resolution also expresses our gratitude to national and community organizations, such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, that have made us all aware of the power of the pink ribbon, been on the forefront in raising awareness about this disease and provided information to better understand this disease. I also want to thank my colleague Representative Ginny Brown-Waite and the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues for their leadership on this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support of its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support this very important resolution. Observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of monthly breast self-exams and annual mammograms. It also gives us an opportunity to salute those who work every day in raising awareness about breast cancer and our health care professionals who work with patients to fight it. Again, I want to commend the work of my colleague, Representative Ginny Brown-Waite, for her work on this important issue, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time and yield back the balance of my time.