Shelley Berkley

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the Republic of Cyprus as its first six-month rotation of the European Union Presidency comes to a close. The EU Presidency is a significant event in the history of this nation with which the United States has such a close relationship. This small, but vigorous country has overseen a number of historic events during its tenure in the Presidency. Most notably, the EU approved a new round of sanctions against Iran. These sanctions are the toughest measures imposed by the EU to date and target Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program. The sanctions ban financial transactions, prohibit the export to Iran of materials that could be used for its nuclear and ballistic program, ban the importation of natural gas from Iran, and impose an asset freeze and travel ban on 34 additional Iranian entities reportedly providing financial support to the Iranian government. I would like to congratulate the Republic of Cyprus for overseeing the enactment of these sanctions as they will work in tandem with the strong US sanctions imposed against Iran. This is a critically important step that will help to keep the rulers of Iran from fulfilling their quest for nuclear weapons. Furthermore, it will help to ensure the security of our strongest ally in the region, Israel, by maintaining regional stability. Again, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Republic of Cyprus on a successful EU Presidency.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I mistakenly voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 603. My intention was to vote ``no.'' Personal Explanation

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and achievements of Harriet Trudell of Las Vegas, Nevada on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Harriet was born on August 22, 1932 in St. Petersburg, Florida, into a family passionate in their beliefs of the Democratic Party and its principles. In 1948, 16-year-old Harriet had a life-changing experience when she accompanied her father to the Democratic National Convention where he was an alternate delegate. Hearing Hubert Humphrey's civil rights speech during the convention had a great impact on Harriet's life, and she returned home to Florida passionate for the cause of equality and began a lifelong quest for social change. Throughout every decade since, Harriet has been a force to contend with, fighting for fairness and equality for all. During the early 1950's, Harriet organized unions for the state AFL- CIO in Florida. In 1962, Harriet moved to Las Vegas with her husband and two children where she continued her passion for equality. In 1965, Harriet marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights activists from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, raising the awareness of voting rights of African-Americans. Coming full circle from her attendance at the 1948 Democratic National Convention, Harriet served as the Southern Nevada Director of Hubert Humphrey's 1968 presidential campaign. During the 1970's, Harriet was active in the League of Women Voters, National Organization for Women (NOW), and the Clark County Women's Democratic Club. She fought passionately against segregation in the Clark County School District, for welfare rights and for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. In March 1971, Harriet marched down the Las Vegas Strip in support of opportunity for the disenfranchised. Harriet served as Southern Nevada Aide for Governor Michael O'Callaghan from 1974 to 1978 and as the Foreign Affairs Aide for Congressman Harry Reid in Washington, D.C. from 1983 to 1986. In addition, throughout her extraordinary career, Harriet has been an advocate for Operation Life, served on the board for NOW, and been a lobbyist for the Feminist Majority Foundation in Washington, D.C. Fifty years after Harriet's initial foray into national and state politics, she was a driving force in NOW's ``Elect Women 2000.'' While serving as Campaign Director in Louisiana, she traveled throughout the State, and was successful in tripling the number of women elected to the Louisiana State Legislature. Presently, this remarkable woman serves as the Political Director for the Nevada State Democratic Party. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it gives me immense pride to honor Harriet Trudell of Las Vegas, Nevada, and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this incredible woman on the occasion of her 80th birthday.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3803, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Although nine other states have passed similar abortion bans, this is the first attempt to pass a law of this kind on a federal level. However, even the nine state laws include at least a narrow exception to protect women's health. This bill unfairly singles out the District of Columbia, but more importantly it lacks any health exceptions to the ban. Pregnancy can become dangerous, sometimes even life-threatening. This bill fails to provide women with necessary health exceptions to save their lives or their ability to have children in the future. In addition to not protecting women who are pregnant, H.R. 3803 fails to provide exceptions in instances of rape or incest, even when it involves young girls. About 25,000 women become pregnant due to rape each year and about 30 percent of rape cases involve women under 18. This bill falls short in providing the necessary protections for these women. I would have voted against H.R. 3803. Unfortunately my plane was delayed due to weather coming in to Washington, DC, causing me to miss the vote. I have been a strong supporter for women's health in the past and I plan to continue to do so.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, Congress must do right by Nevada's middle class families and make permanent the sales tax deduction, a measure that benefits so many middle class families in Nevada. Over 300,000 Nevadans claimed $456 million in deductions for State and local sales tax in 2009 alone. Nevada is one of only nine States that has no State income tax and, instead, revenue is raised through a sales tax. Nevadans should be able to deduct their sales tax from their Federal income tax, just as citizens from income tax States do now. The sales tax deduction helps families across Nevada by leaving more money in their pockets. This creates jobs, stimulates economic growth, and keeps money in their pockets. It's a matter of priority, Mr. Speaker. We must make the sales tax deduction permanent in order to give middle tax families the certainty of knowing they will have extra money in their pockets to put food on their table, gas in their cars, and be able to pay the mortgage on their family home.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding achievements of a great Nevadan, Mr. Gary Waddell. I am proud to call Gary my friend, and that makes me just like hundreds of thousands of Southern Nevadans who also have a friend in Gary. All of us know that when we catch a Gary Waddell television newscast, we get the news as it should be presented. No other newscaster has ever delivered news with better judgment and community perspective than Gary has for more than 30 years. No one has ever broadcast with more intelligence, warmth, and integrity than has Gary. Gary is the ``dean'' of newscasters, but that term hardly captures what he means to Southern Nevada. In times of crisis in our community over the years, we've always turned to Gary's coverage because he is a consummate news professional, never allowing competitive pressure to compromise accuracy, thoroughness and fairness. Gary's signature on-air style is incisive, sincere, assuring, and warm. Southern Nevadans rightly call him their ``Cronkite.'' When we see Gary's work on TV, we are also seeing Gary the man--the man who has done so much good for Southern Nevada, above and beyond the ordinary call of his profession. Since the 1970s, Gary has given his time and talent to help people in need. His efforts, both public and private, have aided countless thousands of Southern Nevadans and built a stronger community for all. Gary is coming to the end of his legendary broadcasting career. To say he will be missed is a major understatement. I understand he'll soon be riding off on his motorcycle, but I look forward to his return, and hope he may pursue a new venture that will again bring him into our living rooms. Congratulations and best wishes on your new life chapter, my friend.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call my colleagues' attention to the 38th anniversary of Turkey's unlawful and tragic invasion of Cyprus. Turkey's occupation, which began on July 20, 1974, left thousands of innocent Greek Cypriot civilians without their homes, their land, and their families. It is crucial for us to commemorate this unfortunate situation and assist the people of Cyprus in reaching a solution. Many of the Cypriot generation who suffered the invasion have not lived to see justice or a resolution to this conflict. Although many of the survivors have had the opportunity to return to their homes on the northern side of the island, it was only to discover them occupied by Turkish settlers. Only Turkey recognizes the occupied northern side of the country as a Turkish Cypriot state, but it does not even provide a valid standard of living to their own citizens. This was made evident through the recent demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots who have displayed their own dissatisfaction with the Turkish occupation. More recently, Turkey has threatened the use of force to stop Texas-based Noble Energy from drilling for oil and gas off the shores of Cyprus and to blacklist any businesses that work with Cyprus for natural resource extraction. Meanwhile, the Turkish government has begun to sow instability throughout its region. Turkey recognizes the terrorist Hamas government in Gaza and even received its leader in the Turkish parliament earlier this year--disturbing hypocrisy from a state that receives US support for its own fight against terrorism. Turkey also demands that Israel end its naval blockade of Gaza, despite the deadly security threat Hamas poses to Israel. Turkey's repeated, flagrant criticism of Israel is particularly troubling and potentially destabilizing. Turkey continues to deny the Armenian Genocide during which 1.5 million Armenians perished and has threatened punitive measures against the United States if Congress recognizes this tragic event. Since 1993, Turkey has maintained a destabilizing blockade of Armenia. The time has come for Turks to end their threats and denials, withdraw their troops, and return the territory that is not rightfully theirs. That way, the Cypriots--and the Cypriots alone--can make the decisions affecting their future.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate two important anniversaries that are coming up this July 14th in relation to our close friends in Taiwan. Since the end of World War Two, the United States and Taiwan have fostered a close relationship that has been of enormous strategic and economic benefit to both countries. When the United States shifted diplomatic relations from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in January 1979, Congress moved quickly to pass the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) to ensure that the United States would continue its robust engagement with Taiwan in the areas of commerce, culture, and security cooperation. On April 10, 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed this important and lasting piece of legislation into law and it has since served as the statutory basis for U.S.-Taiwan relations going forward. After 33 years, the TRA still stands as a model of Congressional leadership in the history of our foreign relations, and, together with the 1982 Six Assurances, it remains the cornerstone of a mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan. These Six Assurances--issued by President Ronald Reagan on July 14, 1982--further clarified U.S. policy toward Taiwan, particularly regarding arms sales, while reiterating our commitment to Taiwan's security under the TRA and reaffirming our position on Taiwan's sovereignty. It also stipulated that we would not pressure Taiwan to enter into negotiations with the PRC. On that same day five years later, martial law was lifted in Taiwan, setting the stage for a momentous process of democratization in Taiwan that continues to this day. Taiwan now has a robust, boisterous parliament, and has seen several peaceful transitions of presidential power between parties, based on repeated free and fair elections. They have truly joined the world's community of democracies, which has only strengthened the friendship between our two peoples. Unfortunately, though, Taiwan continues to live day after day under the ominous shadow cast by over 1400 short and medium-range ballistic missiles that the PRC has aimed at them. The PRC persists in claiming Taiwan as a ``renegade province,'' refusing to renounce the use of force to prevent Taiwan's formal de jure independence. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commemorating this July 14th as the 30th anniversary of the Six Assurances and the 25th anniversary of the lifting of martial law in Taiwan, to further underline our unwavering commitment to the people of Taiwan and to affirm our support for the strong and deepening relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan,

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Women Lawyers Division, WLD, of the National Bar Association, NBA, on its 40th Anniversary Celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Women Lawyers Division was formally established in 1972 as a vehicle for women in the practice of law to address the issues and problems that particularly affect the interests and concerns of African-American women. The WLD had its genesis during 1971 when an informal coalition of 19 women members of the National Bar Association discussed soliciting new NBA members to run for national offices. These women decided there were many issues they should consider addressing. Therefore, on August 5, 1971, Ruth Harvey Charity convened the first organizational meeting of NBA women lawyers in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1975, the Women Lawyers Division sponsored its first seminar at the NBA national convention. The WLD hosts seminars at each annual convention, addressing the following subjects: impact of juvenile law on the family; domestic violence; energy law; sexual harassment; child advocacy; international law; professional ethics; post conviction relief; law teaching and trial techniques; ascending to the bench and judicial selection methods; the Internet and personal computer technology; rainmaking and leadership for women. In 1977, Ruth Harvey Charity was elected a Vice President of the National Bar Association, which was the first time in 25 years a woman held so high a position within the NBA. In 1981, another WLD member, Arnette R. Hubbard, was elected the first President of the NBA, and Alice Bonner, another founder of the WLD, was installed as the first woman President of the NBA Judicial Council Division. Since that year, eight other WLD members have served as President of the NBA. The Supreme Court swearing-in tradition began in 1981 and continues today. Each spring, the Women Lawyers Division supports a group of National Bar Association members for admission to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court. This ceremony is held annually in an effort to enhance the posture of African-American lawyers as legal advocates and to increase the number of minority lawyers who are readily available to represent their clients before this nation's highest court. The WLD will kick off its 40th Anniversary Celebration with its Inaugural ``Respect Yourself'' Day, which will be a special salute to African-American women and girls to encourage love and respect for themselves and their fellow sisters. The WLD will host its Fourth Annual ``Respect Yourself'' Mentor Program to educate young, at-risk and disadvantaged African-American girls on the importance of self- respect. Through the Women Lawyers Division, women have made a significant impact on the goals and directions of the NBA by participating at all levels of the organization. The WLD has achieved its goal of adding positive direction to the NBA by contributing and establishing a new dimension and sensitivity of the NBA as it addresses legal issues affecting women, children, the family, and the African-American community as a whole. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it gives me immense pride to honor the Women Lawyers Division of the National Bar Association on its 40th Anniversary Celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this crucial organization and its admirable efforts.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) during its 2012 annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The National Council of La Raza became a national organization in 1972. NCLR has grown and evolved over the course of its history to become the most authoritative voice on Hispanic issues today. Latinos are strengthened through participation in NCLR and in the political process through its various civic engagement projects. NCLR also works to strengthen emerging community-based organizations in areas where there is a growing Latino population. Now in its 44th year, NCLR is busy building communities as an industry leader in homeownership counseling, operating programs in 40 sites throughout the country. Its Charter School Development Initiative has helped create more than 40 new schools and strengthen more than 45 others, and its Institute for Hispanic Health develops and implements health education and prevention programs and conducts health advocacy activities in partnership with its network of affiliates. NCLR's education component is dedicated to increasing educational opportunities, improving achievement, supporting college-readiness, and promoting equity in outcomes for Latinos. The efforts of the education team build the capacity and strengthen the quality of the community- based education sector and inform the broader public education system. NCLR's economic and workforce advocacy seeks to ensure the Latino community's ability to contribute to and share in the nation's economic opportunities by promoting policies that boost Hispanic employment in good jobs, provide safe and fair workplaces, bridge Latino workers' education and skills gaps, and offer a secure retirement. With the Raza Development Fund, NCLR's community development lending arm is one of the nation's largest and most successful community development banks. It has approved more than 117 loans totaling $54.6 million, leveraging more than $267 million in financing to community- based housing projects, schools, health clinics, and day care centers. More recently, in efforts to provide NCLR's affiliates with more direct access to elected officials in Washington, DC, earlier this year NCLR held its first annual NCLR National Advocacy Day. The event convened affiliate members from 22 states who were briefed on the most important issues facing Latinos at the national level, including education, economic mobility, health, and immigration, and who met with Members of Congress to educate them about the needs of the community. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it gives me immense pride to recognize the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the role they play in educating and training our community members, developing community leaders and fighting for equal rights and fair representation throughout the United States. I am especially pleased to welcome NCLR's members and the tens of thousands of attendees for its 2012 annual conference to Las Vegas, Nevada. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the great work of NCLR and wish them a most successful 2012 conference.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention an issue that is extremely important to me and the middle class families around the country: the ability for every student in America who so desires to get a college education. My dad was a waiter when I was growing up. I'm the first person in my family to go to college with the help of student loans. I know firsthand the invaluable role that student loans play in helping Nevada's middle class families enable their children to get a college education. That is why I am so pleased that President Obama is visiting my alma mater today, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He will call on Congress to focus on keeping student loans affordable for Nevada's families as we approach the July 1 deadline when student loans will double. Mr. Speaker, right now families across the country are sitting around their kitchen tables anxiously figuring out how to give their children the opportunity to go to college. They're counting on this Congress to stop worrying about protecting Wall Street corporations and Big Oil companies for just a few minutes and help their sons and daughters go to college. I hope that we're up for this challenge.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Jewish American Heritage Month. My family's story is very much an American Jewish story. On my father's side of the family, from the Russia-Poland border, an entire 1,000-year culture was wiped out as a result of World War II. My mother's side of the family comes from Thessaloniki, Greece, where there was a very vibrant Jewish community prior to World War II, totaling half of the city's entire population. But by the time the Nazis finished, there were only 1,000 Jews left there and I am not presumptuous enough to think that my family would have been among those chosen to live. My family escaped both the Russia-Poland area and Thessaloniki in order to come to our Nation's shores. And I grew up hearing stories of what their lives had been and how thrilled they were to come to the safe haven of the United States of America. It was the very survival of my family. Had they stayed where they lived in Europe, we would have been exterminated in the Holocaust, but we came to this remarkable country, where we've not only survived, but we've thrived. When my grandparents came here--and this is a story that is so common among American Jewish families--they couldn't speak English. They had no money. They had no skills. The only thing they had was a dream that their children and their children's children would have a better life here in the United States than they had where they came from. We American Jews are lucky to be a part of the fabric of this great country, to have full acceptance, to be able to access the highest levels of power, to be able to effectuate meaningful change in a very positive way by participating in the American political process. We have made more than a life for ourselves in the United States of America. We are very proud Americans, and we are very proud Jews. And we appreciate so much the fact that this country offered so many remarkable opportunities and gave us a chance not only for survival, but to become a part of something so much bigger than ourselves. I urge my colleagues to join me in marking this special occasion.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Ms. Jan Gilbert, for her 30-year career of advocating for income equality, human rights, and women's health. This year, Ms. Gilbert is retiring from her current position at the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN) after 30 years of advocacy on behalf of the voiceless. I am delighted to honor her service and leadership as a champion for justice in the State of Nevada. In 1982, Jan's work began by serving the community through the League of Women Voters of Nevada as president of the Carson City chapter. In 1990, Jan advocated for the passage of Question 7 to reaffirm women's reproductive rights. Jan's commitment to empowering citizens to become active participants in their government prompted her to cofound PLAN, a statewide organization that offers a unified force for social, environmental, and economic integrity in Nevada. Jan coauthored the 2002 Wider Opportunities for Women's Self Sufficiency Standard for Nevada. She also served as the cofounder of Nevada's Empowered Women's Project, representing low-income women. In addition, Ms. Gilbert has been instrumental in promoting social justice among Nevadans as the air of the Child Abuse Prevention, Family Support, and Respite Subcommittee of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Grants Management Advisory Committee. Jan has worked tirelessly for low-income women on welfare and facilitated the passage of ``make work pay'' that allowed women to remain on welfare after they started working. She helped increase the welfare grant level for recipients along with aiding in the creation of childcare funding for welfare recipients while they worked. Finally, Jan's proudest accomplishment was the 2009 passage of the Domestic Partner Registry. She worked vigorously to pass this measure for Nevada and she was responsible for obtaining the last remaining vote to secure its passage and override a gubernatorial veto. Since October 1, 2009, committed couples in Nevada can legally register their partnership and be recognized by the State. During Jan's years of service, she has received a number of distinguished awards, including the Mike O'Callaghan Humanitarian of the Year Award, the Hannah Humanitarian Award, the Public Citizen of the Year Award, and the Women's Role Model Award, recognizing her gallant efforts. Most recently, she was named a 2012 ``Champion of Change'' by the White House. As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it gives me immense pride to recognize Jan Gilbert and the remarkable work she has done for Nevada. She has made our State a more just, impartial, and equal place for all. I congratulate Jan and her family on a well- earned retirement, but I am sure her love for service and civic engagement will continue to benefit the Silver State in many exciting and innovative ways.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, it's hard to believe that in the 21st century women in Nevada are still making only 83 cents for every dollar that a man makes. What does that mean in real terms? It means a difference of $7,326 a year. It is not fair. In most cases, working women in Nevada are either the primary or the sole breadwinners of their families. That's why I'm calling on the Speaker to follow the Senate's lead and to schedule a vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act, which is legislation that will help close the unacceptable wage gap between men and women in this country. Unfortunately, far too many in the House and the Senate are still living in the Dark Ages when it comes to basic fairness for women. Women in Nevada are still shaking their heads in disbelief that in the year 2012 one of the major debates in this Congress has been whether to restrict access to birth control, and now there are those in the House and Senate who have voted time and time again against enforcing equal pay for equal work. It is time for this Congress to join the rest of us in the 21st century. Let's get the paycheck fairness bill on the floor, and let's vote ``yes.''

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, despite the fact that President Obama took swift action to punish those responsible for the outrageous abuse at the GSA, some in Washington, like the junior Senator from Kentucky, are looking to score cheap political points by attacking Las Vegas and Nevada's tourism industry. These Republicans are trying to bring back the last administration's so-called blacklist of resort cities like Las Vegas and Reno, prohibiting Federal agencies from traveling to Nevada to hold conferences and seminars. This policy has damaged the reputation of my State, hurt our economy, and killed jobs. Thanks to President Obama, this blacklist was lifted and discrimination against Las Vegas and Reno was ended. It's time that we make this policy permanent. That's why I'm going to introduce legislation to prohibit the blacklisting of any city in America. This means discrimination against cities like Las Vegas and Reno will be illegal. Las Vegas wasn't the problem; the irresponsible behavior of the GSA was. I urge my colleagues to stand up for jobs and join me in cosponsoring this legislation.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Each year on the 27th day of the Jewish month of Nisan, we remember the victims whose lives were destroyed, and who suffered unspeakable brutalities at the hands of their Nazi tormentors. We all know the number six million far too well, but we must always remember that each of those six million--along with so many others--was an individual whose life was snuffed out because of baseless, senseless hatred. We should also remember that the date for Yom HaShoah was also chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943, perhaps the most famous example of Jewish resistance to the Nazis. When the Germans came to liquidate the last remaining inhabitants of the Warsaw Ghetto in order to murder them at the Treblinka extermination camp, these brave, untrained, overmatched and starving souls fought back. Though they were ultimately crushed, they held out against the Nazis for nearly a month, forcing the German army to divert thousands of troops, as well as air force, artillery, armed vehicles, minethrowers, and machine guns in order to put down the rebellion. While the Holocaust is the greatest of Jewish tragedies, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising stands as a moment of pride for the Jewish people, and a foreshadowing of the new Jewish spirit that would rise with the State of Israel just a few years later. Never again would Jews give up without a fight. With a state and an army, the Jewish people would finally have a refuge to run to in their time of need. While we commemorate the Holocaust today, I call on my colleagues to join me in re-affirming our connection to the State of Israel, and our responsibility to help Israel through its most difficult times. The Jewish State ensures the survival of the Jewish people in a dangerous and often anti-Semitic world, which is one of the many reasons we in the United States have stood by Israel for so many years and will continue to stand by Israel for as long as they need our help. The memory of the six million killed by the Nazis demands no less. We in Congress stand with the entire Jewish people in saying Never Again.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in support of the Levin substitute and on behalf of the middle class families of Nevada, who are struggling to make ends meet. I'm talking about the housekeepers and the card dealers, the teachers, the nurses, the cops on the beat, the ones who work hard to take care of their families--to put food on the tables, to fill their cars with gas, to buy new sneakers for their kids, and to make the mortgage payments on time. Yet, in spite of these challenges, Washington asks them to give a little more. Washington Republicans ask them to make additional sacrifices and ask them to carry the extra burden for wealthy Wall Street millionaires who are not paying their fair share. Why on Earth should a waitress in Nevada pay a higher tax rate than a yacht owner? Why should a janitor pick up the slack for a Big Oil executive? Why should a card dealer sacrifice more than a Wall Street hedge fund manager? That doesn't make sense. It's not fair. Wall Street corporations shipping American jobs overseas and big oil companies making record profits don't need our help. Working men and women in this country do. This piece of legislation would be destructive to them, their futures, and their families. It is time we started siding with middle class families, who most definitely do need our help, and that starts by passing the Buffett rule.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in defense of the great State of Nevada. For almost 30 years, out-of-state Washington politicians have been trying to dump the Nation's nuclear waste in my State's backyard at a place called Yucca Mountain. The site is 90 miles from the world's greatest tourism destination, Las Vegas, and in order to get the radioactive toxic nuclear waste to this location they have to truck it on Nevada roads, through Nevada neighborhoods, and by Nevada schools. A single accident would have devastating consequences to the health of the people of the State of Nevada, not to mention the economy. Mr. Speaker, this is the most dangerous substance known to man. But there are still those in Washington trying to force it on the people of my State. One of those people is Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Kristine Svinicki. Thankfully, her term ends on June 30. I strongly oppose the renomination of someone who puts the interests of the nuclear industry ahead of the people of the State of Nevada. And I urge my Nevada colleagues in the Senate to do everything in their power to ensure this Yucca nuclear waste pusher does not have another term.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to acknowledge the great work of the volunteers of Las Vegas, Nevada, involved with the 13th annual Make A Difference Day food drive. These volunteers from Las Vegas have been selected as national 2012 Make a Difference Day winners. Make a Difference Day is a celebration of the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA Weekend, Make a Difference Day is an annual day of service that mobilizes more than three million volunteers to create change in their community. This group of outstanding volunteers from Las Vegas has made a substantial impact on our community by collecting 3,500 pounds of canned food. For the past 13 years on Make a Difference day, publicist Mary Vail has teamed up with local grocery stores and encouraged shoppers to buy just one extra can of food to donate. This year, the Smith's Food and Drug store in the Summerlin community served as the event's host location. Volunteers included Mayor Pro Tern Stavros Anthony, TV talent show contestants, and local news personalities who came by to support Mary Vail and her 22 volunteers. Throughout the 13 years Mary Vail has been holding these food drives, she has collected 22.3 tons of food and toiletries for the Salvation Army. I want to congratulate these outstanding Nevadans for their leadership and great work in the community. I am proud they will be honored here in Washington during National Volunteer Week for their service at the Points of Light event, Celebrating People in Action, on April 19.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly condemn reckless spending by a group of employees from GSA, the General Services Administration, whose actions are now the subject of multiple hearings in both the House and Senate. The misuse of taxpayer dollars by these GSA employees is truly deplorable. And it comes at a time when families in Nevada and across our Nation are tightening their belts. The lesson from this outrageous incident is clear: government must spend every penny in ways that serve the American people's interests, not the interests of those entrusted with overseeing the use of these taxpayer resources. President Obama has acted swiftly in demanding accountability from top GSA officials who failed in their leadership roles and I commend his response to the reckless GSA spending that has been revealed. Unfortunately, some of the comments that have been made surrounding the GSA scandal are meant to create the impression that Las Vegas itself is part of the problem. I want to make one thing clear to those looking to use these events as an opportunity to bash Las Vegas or to point fingers in our direction--Las Vegas is not to blame. Mr. Speaker, it's not where GSA went, it's what GSA spent. And the issue is not Las Vegas, it's the actions of certain GSA employees who must be held accountable for their stunning lack of good judgment, blatant disregard for cost and for thumbing their noses at the rules. There is no better destination on Planet Earth for meetings, conferences, or conventions than my hometown. No city does it better than Las Vegas. And the problem is not the men and women in my community who work in the tourism industry and who provide hospitality to tens of millions of visitors from around the globe each year. These moms and dads bring home paychecks from an industry that is vital to the economy of Las Vegas--the community I represent--and to cities all across Nevada. So, while I join my colleagues in calling for a thorough investigation into this incident, I hope the focus will remain on the actions of GSA employees and their behavior, and not on the location where these misdeeds took place.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. I'm here to talk about the Buffett bill, but I just cannot allow what Mr. Shimkus has just said to go unresponded to because it's such an important issue for the people of the State of Nevada. The so-called nuclear act that he discussed that was passed in '82 and amended in '87 is known in Nevada as the ``screw Nevada bill,'' and let me tell you what it is. It's a proposal that would ship 77,000 tons of toxic radioactive nuclear waste across 43 States to be buried in a hole in the Nevada desert, which is 90 miles from the major population center of Las Vegas, where we have groundwater issues, seismic activity, and volcanic activity. The EPA cannot come up with any radiation standards that would protect the people of the State of Nevada or anyone else in this country. Let me tell you, originally, when they came up with this nonsensical plan, which is purely political, that it has nothing to do with science. They said that we could store the rods, the nuclear waste, in Yucca Mountain with no problem, leave it there. Then we realized that that wouldn't work because of the groundwater. So then we decided that they would put their nuclear waste in canisters. But what do you know, there are no canisters that currently exist that can safely store this stuff. Then they came up with shields that would go around the canisters that don't exist to be put into Yucca Mountain. Then the last Republican Secretary of Energy talked about an army of robots that would walk down Yucca Mountain and be able to check on the nuclear waste while it's leaking and leaching into the groundwater. It's a ridiculous proposal, and it's time to go to Plan B because Plan A isn't going to happen. Seventy-seven percent of the people of the State of Nevada do not want nuclear waste stored at Yucca Mountain. End of that. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep disappointment with yesterday's vote in the United States Senate. Once again, Senate Republicans sided with Wall Street millionaires against the interests of struggling middle class families throughout Nevada. The Buffett rule is simple, and it's common sense. It means if you are a housekeeper, a nurse, a blackjack dealer, or a waitress, or any other middle class professional, you shouldn't pay higher tax rates than multi-millionaires who own yachts and travel in private jets. It means that if you are a Nevadan living paycheck to paycheck, you shouldn't be carrying the burden for Wall Street hedge fund managers and Big Oil company executives. The Senators who voted against basic tax fairness yesterday need to spend a little more time prioritizing the needs of hardworking Nevadans. They're struggling. These are the people that are struggling to put food on the table, to fill up their cars with gas, and to pay their mortgage or their rent. The fact that the wealthiest people in this country pay their taxes at a lower tax rate than their secretaries and their chauffeurs doesn't pass the smell test. It stinks, and that's why I'm proud to announce that I'm a cosponsor of the Buffett rule in the House, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me and let's bring some fundamental tax fairness to the people of the United States of America. Seventy-two percent of the American people agree with me that the Buffett rule should be made into law.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. Founded on April 9, 2001, the caucus was intended to serve as a forum to educate Members of Congress on issues affecting U.S.-Taiwan Relations, and to provide a platform for exploring ways to positively enhance and strengthen U.S. relations and cooperation with the government and people of Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act. It has grown from 85 Members at the time of its establishment to the current roster of 155, making it the second largest country caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the past 10 years, the membership of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus has remained solidly bipartisan, reflecting the broad and stable consensus in the U.S. Congress regarding the importance of Taiwan. Through the issuance of various joint letters, its agenda has focused first and foremost on maintaining faithful adherence to legal obligations and policy principles of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, as well as the 1982 ``Six Assurances'' to Taiwan. Together, these two documents form the cornerstone of our relationship with the people of Taiwan and have contributed immeasurably to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region, while allowing Taiwan to blossom into a vibrant, open society, eager to engage with the rest of the world. Today, Taiwan is well on the path to becoming a mature and fully consolidated democracy, and our shared values now form an ever stronger foundation of trust for cooperation across our many areas of mutual interest. At the same time, the military threat posed by the People's Republic of China to Taiwan's democratic way of life only continues to grow with each passing day. In the coming 10 years, we hope to forge a stronger consultative role for Congress in the formulation of Taiwan policy. We look forward to working closely with our allies--both abroad and at home--to find solutions for ensuring Taiwan's long-term security, and to deepen our dialogue with the people of Taiwan.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to both the Garrett substitute and the Ryan budget. Today's debate is about one thing: priorities. Should Nevada seniors be the priority for the United States Congress? Or should Wall Street and Big Oil companies be the priority? The Republican budget proposal answers that question very clearly. Instead of tackling Nevada's record unemployment and foreclosure rates, Washington Republicans are, instead, advocating to kill Medicare by turning it over to profit-hungry insurance companies. This proposal would raise the premiums for Nevada's seniors by up to $6,000 a year. Why would Republicans do this? In order to pay for more tax breaks for corporations that ship good-paying American jobs overseas or to continue taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil companies that made a record $137 billion in profits last year alone? Madam Chair, these are the wrong priorities. Wall Street millionaires and Big Oil companies don't need our help. They're doing just fine. But Nevada seniors are struggling to make ends meet. Putting private insurance companies in between patients and their doctors would just make things worse. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in rejecting this plan and any plan that has the wrong priorities and tries to kill Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies whose only interest is profits and not the health and well-being of our seniors.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, this week, Washington Republicans are showing Nevada families exactly who their priority is. Unfortunately, it's not Nevada's middle class families. This week, Republicans are reiterating their support for taxpayer giveaways for Big Oil, despite the fact that gas prices are soaring--and the oil industry made $137 billion in profits last year. Nevadans are hurting every time they go to the pump. The Republicans' answer to higher gas prices is more government handouts for Big Oil. This is the wrong priority. But, wait, there's more. On Thursday, they'll bring up the new--but not improved--Ryan budget that once again kills Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies. The plan is bad. Instead of improving care for Nevada's seniors, seniors would be forced to pay thousands more out of pocket for their health care. Nevada is suffering with the highest unemployment rate and highest foreclosure rate in the Nation. Republicans, get your priorities straight. We must put Nevada's middle class families and seniors first--not Big Oil and profit-hungry insurance companies.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 137, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''