Karen Bass

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a remarkable individual of California's 33rd Congressional District--Judge Michael Nash on occasion of his installation as President of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, NCJFCJ, as well as his service and dedication to strengthening the court system, helping American families and children, and bringing attention to critical issues facing these children and families. An accomplished leader, Judge Nash is characterized by his profound compassion for children and families in California. Judge Nash has continuously demonstrated his strong commitment to Los Angeles and the nation, having served in many outstanding positions directed toward the betterment of his community. He has served as a Judge in the Los Angeles Juvenile Court for over two decades and has been the Presiding Judge for 15 years. Judge Nash also was a co-chair of the California Judicial Council's Family & Juvenile Advisory Committee, and Chair of the Juvenile Court Judges of California. He has also left a legacy in his community by organizing the ``Adoption Saturdays'' Program in 1998, which has extended across the nation and has helped see the adoption of over 10,000 children in the foster care system. Judge Nash supervised the establishment of Los Angeles' first mental health and drug court for juveniles, dedicating himself to the development and progression of youth in his community. Judge Nash will bring years of experience, deep insight, and strong determination to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges as its President. He is an extraordinarily innovative leader who will continue to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children and their families throughout the nation. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to have such a pioneering and inspiring community leader in my home district. I take great pleasure in recognizing Judge Michael Nash as he assumes the Presidency of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize an exceptional foundation in California's 33rd District--Millennium Momentum Foundation, Inc. (MMF). This Los Angeles based organization was formed on July 12, 2002 as a 501(c)(3) with the critical mission to increase the number of students and young adults from various backgrounds in the public service system through higher education, scholarships, mentoring, and leadership development training. MMF empowers and encourages students to further develop their passion for service, commitment to change, and to become leaders within their communities. The program rewards exceptional student leaders with scholarships that are matched by their own institutions, providing more financial resources for students to complete their college degrees. Students attend life changing leadership development workshops focusing on important issues such as personal finance, professional communication, dispute resolution, and resume and interview preparation. This foundation has an outstanding and effectual track record of equipping young people with the tools and skills they need to reach success in public service. Millennium Momentum Foundation, Inc. has become one of the premier providers of leadership development training in the nation with a 96 percent college graduation rate and an 85 percent employment matriculation rate among program participants completing service delivery from 2004 to 2011. MMF's capacity to effectively reach, educate, train, and professionally develop young adults was so impressive, it was selected by the Obama administration in 2012 to serve as a national partner to help implement the White House Young America Series, a non-partisan educational conference initiative aiming to merge President Obama's vision with young America's needs in 17 cities around the nation. Mr. Speaker, we are very proud to have such an outstanding organization as part of the Los Angeles Community and California's 33rd Congressional District.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, today I honor an extraordinary individual from my home district--Marion Meredith Beal for his receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal for his dedication and contribution to the United States Marine Corps. A seasoned leader in his community, he serves as an outstanding example to the Los Angeles area and the nation, demonstrating profound service and devotion to the betterment of his family, his community members, and his country. Mr. Beal was born in East Texas, moved to Los Angeles in the early 1950's, and acquired his bachelor's degree at Bishop College and Master's at Pepperdine University. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945 being named ``Honor Man'' of his platoon, as he served as an original Montford Point Marine during World War II. He later established himself as Chief Clerk at the Montford Point Marine Corps headquarters serving as the only African American on his staff. Among many other notable achievements, he was also the first enlisted African American to perform duty in the U.S. Marine Corps headquarters in Washington D.C. Mr. Beal helped set the foundation for integration into the U.S.M.C. during a very crucial time for the U.S. Military. After his service, Mr. Beal continued to demonstrate commitment to his community and country through his work with the Veteran's Administration Hospital in West Los Angeles, and his time with the Los Angeles Unified School District as Assistant Supervisor of Student Body Finance, among other positions. He also helped found the 78th Street Block Club, and the Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops in his neighborhood. Mr. Beal is devoutly dedicated to the Greater New Light Baptist Church and is passionately devoted to his family. He is a very powerful and influential role model with over 50 years of active involvement in his community and he continues to be a positive example with a caring and genuine character that has dedicated himself to the well-being and improvement of Los Angeles. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to have such an inspirational community leader like Marion Meredith Beal as a part of California's 33rd Congressional District and I congratulate him on the receipt of this award.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. I rise to commend Congresswoman Maxine Waters for offering her TIGER grant amendment. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, grant program invests in innovative road, rail, transit, and port projects. Projects funded through TIGER strengthen the economy, create jobs, reduce traffic, and provide safe, affordable, and environmentally sustainable transportation choices. TIGER delivers projects faster and saves taxpayer dollars by reducing construction costs. In my Los Angeles district, TIGER has provided significant opportunity. In fact, TIGER has provided resources for the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor project, a light rail line that will connect key communities to the Los Angeles International Airport. I look forward to continue working with my respected colleague, Maxine Waters, to advocate for a comprehensive and community-valued Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor project that will include a station at Vernon Avenue in the historic Leimert Park Village, a neighborhood which serves as the central arts and cultural hub of Los Angeles County's African American community. The TIGER grant program is critical to the success of the Crenshaw/ LAX light rail line, as well as many projects like it throughout the country. I am sorry that the amendment was ruled out of order. I think that that was a mistake on our part. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BASS of California. I thank the gentleman for his offer, but given that I am the designee for Representative Jackson Lee, I don't feel it is appropriate for me to withdraw the amendment. I would simply close by saying that the purpose of the amendment is to recognize the importance of developing a diverse and highly skilled technical workforce within the DOI, and all studies have indicated that there is a serious lack of diversity. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BASS of California. I do rise as the designee for the gentlewoman from Texas, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee.

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BASS of California. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Chairman, my Los Angeles district is home to one of the largest urban oilfields in the United States, the Inglewood Oil Field. My constituents suffer from anxiety and stress because of the oil drilling. In 2006, drilling operations were ramped up, and the release of harmful fumes forced nearby residents to evacuate their homes. In April 2012, the County of Los Angeles conducted a study in which over 70 percent of residents living near the oilfields expressed concerns about exposure to emissions from the oilfield. Meanwhile, my colleagues, unfortunately, on the other side of the aisle continue to push for more domestic drilling and relaxed regulations. The bill before us today is based on two claims that appear to have become articles of faith. The claims are that gas prices will fall if we weaken environmental protections and if we open more areas for drilling in the United States. The problem is that there is no empirical evidence supporting these claims. Oil prices are set on a world market, and no amount of domestic drilling in the United States will have a meaningful impact on that price. This isn't spin from some interest groups; this is the conclusion drawn by experts. It has been corroborated by the Associated Press and the Congressional Budget Office. The AP conducted a thorough study of gasoline prices and U.S. oil production over the last 36 years and found zero correlation between the two. In other words, changes in U.S. oil production had absolutely no effect on gasoline prices, but that doesn't mean there's nothing we can do to help American families burdened by high fuel costs. CBO recently released a study on energy security. They found that boosting U.S. oil production will not protect Americans from gasoline price spikes. Instead, CBO found that the only way to protect consumers from these spikes is to use less oil. The reason for this is simple: Gasoline prices are linked to the global oil market. That's why Japan, which imports all of its oil it uses, and Canada, which exports more than 75 percent of the oil it produces, experience the very same gasoline spikes we experience. The best way to save money at the pump is to drive right past it. The Obama administration has been helping consumers do just that. We know that efficiency works to reduce cost. The Energy Information Administration has found that the cost per mile of driving has fallen by more than 25 percent since 1980 due to improvements in the efficiency of our vehicles. President Obama has already taken action to reduce costs further. The new vehicle efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for model years 2012-2016 will save consumers, on average, over $3,000 over the life of a vehicle, which is hundreds of dollars per year. The millions of Americans that have bought model year 2012 cars are already enjoying savings at the pump. In fact, the new standards are currently saving consumers 14 cents per gallon. Furthermore, the energy efficiency sector is a booming job-creating field. In my district, CODA Automotive, an electric car company, recently opened their new headquarters. In a few short months last year they created 300 new jobs, and hundreds more will be created in the coming years. This is the type of job creation and cost savings that we should be focused on. My amendment simply improves the bill by adding a provision that actually has something to do with gasoline prices. This amendment would require the newly created Interagency Committee to analyze how to protect American consumers from gasoline price spikes by reducing America's dependence on oil. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing that efficiency works and must be part of the solution. If not, this legislation will continue to ignore the only approach identified by CBO as helpful in protecting consumers from supply disruption and price spikes. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today as the designee to present Representative Sheila Jackson Lee's amendment No. 27 to H.R. 4480, which would establish an Office of Energy Employment and Training as well as an Office of Minority and Women Inclusion that would be responsible for all matters relating to diversity in management, employment, and business activity. This amendment simply recognizes the importance of developing a diverse and highly skilled technical workforce within the Department of the Interior. The Department of the Interior reviews permits, examines lease sales, and ensures that each application meets the highest safety standards. We should be focused on providing the Department of the Interior with trained technical engineers and other such necessary personnel to review drilling permit applications both carefully and thoroughly. Given the aftermath of the BP oil spill, it is easy to understand the importance of addressing all safety concerns prior to the issuance of oil and gas lease sales. Since the disaster, Federal safety regulations have been tightened, spill containment response capability has been enhanced, and lessons have been learned. These lessons must be understood by everyone involved in reviewing and approving each and every application for permits and lease sales. Responsible onshore drilling includes having our best minds working to carefully and diligently review each application. This amendment is intended to include both women and minorities in the process. This amendment is designed to ensure that DOI is able to recruit, retain, and train skilled professionals, many of whom require a science, technology, or math background. The DOI would be encouraged to reach out to high school students, college students, and professionals. It establishes an Office of Energy Employment and Training, which will oversee the efforts of the Department of the Interior's energy planning, permitting, and regulatory activities related to this act. This office will be responsible for issuing quarterly reports to the Secretary, which will include the amount of jobs created by the DOI, as well as reporting the types of job training programs that have been implemented or proposed. This amendment also addresses the need to encourage diversity within the DOI by creating the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, which is specifically designed to encourage diversity by reaching out to both women and minorities. Specifically, the DOI would have a director appointed by the Secretary of the Interior who will develop clear standards for equal employment opportunities and will address the need for increased racial, ethnic, and gender diversity at both the junior and senior management levels of the Department. This amendment would require the DOI to take affirmative steps to seek diversity in the workforce of the Department at all levels. The Department of the Interior would be required to sponsor job fairs in urban communities and partner with organizations that are focused on developing opportunities for both minorities and women in the energy industry. Again, it is the job of the DOI to ensure that all lease sales meet the highest reasonable standards for safety. This amendment is meant to ensure that women and minorities have a fair opportunity to participate in making these types of decisions within the Interior Department. I support my colleague Ms. Jackson Lee's amendment and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a remarkable constituent of California, Diane Nunn, for receiving the First Annual Mark Hardin Award for Child Welfare Legal Scholarship and Systems Change. Ms. Nunn is characterized by her leadership, humility, and her deep driving compassion for the lives of families and children in California. Ms. Nunn was recognized for this award because of her lifetime commitment to improving the lives of families and children in California as a teacher and through her work at the Administrative Office of the Courts. Ms. Nunn joined the Administrative Office of the Courts in 1986 as an attorney in private practice with an emphasis on family and criminal law, including domestic violence prevention and intervention. Since 2000, Ms. Nunn has been the Division Director of the Center for Families, Children & the Courts, and the Administrative Office of the Courts. During her time in this office, Ms. Nunn also served as a juvenile court referee for the Superior Court of Los Angeles and has published influential written material for her field. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have such a pioneering and inspirational community leader like Diane Nunn in my home state of California and I congratulate her on the receipt of this award.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as National Foster Care Month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness about the experiences and needs of more than 400,000 youth in the foster care system. Throughout the month, members of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth will share stories of foster youth in their districts. Today I would like to share a story from my constituent Kevin, a young man from Hollywood, California. His story is unique, yet his resiliency is characteristic of hundreds of thousands of foster youth across our Nation. Kevin was born into a family addicted to crack cocaine. He was removed from his parents at the age of 2, after a near-death drowning experience. After years in a group home, he was placed with a legal guardian. But this placement was difficult. Kevin was placed back with his biological mother, until she was incarcerated for the third time, leaving Kevin with no place to go. In the face of all these challenges, Kevin has persevered. He recently transferred from community college with a full-ride scholarship and a 3.8 GPA. He plans to become a professor in the social sciences. About his time in and out of foster care, Kevin says: I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have had because they allow me to identify and connect with a broad range of people. Today, in honor of Kevin's courage and tenacity, I join my fellow cochairs of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and with Representative Tom Marino, as well as over 90 of our colleagues in the House and the Senate, in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution in recognition of National Foster Care Month. I invite my colleagues to cosponsor the bipartisan resolution as well as join the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as National Foster Care Month. The goal of this special month is to raise awareness about the experiences and needs of more than 400,000 youth in the foster care system. The Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth asked young people around the country to tell us their experiences via our Web site, Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. Throughout the month, you will hear both Democrats and Republicans sharing these stories. For example, Renee, a young woman from Los Angeles, was in foster care for over 8 years. She was placed in six different homes until she aged out of the system in June 2008. She currently attends UCLA and hopes to pursue a career in social work or community health. Renee says: Being in foster care has played an integral role in shaping and developing my character and the person I am today. My experience with the foster care system has exposed me to speaking up, communicating with adults, and being open with my peers about my situation, not ashamed of who I am. In honor of Renee's courage and tenacity, I invite my colleagues to join the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and cosponsor the bipartisan resolution in recognition of National Foster Care Month and to wear the blue ribbon.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During this month, it is important that we acknowledge the role that we all play in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children in our communities. Unfortunately, throughout this congressional term, we've been astonished by a few high-profile child sex abuse cases; and in some situations, the abuse was unreported for years, leaving dozens of youth vulnerable to further maltreatment for decades. This is unacceptable. Adults should never turn a blind eye after seeing sexual abuse firsthand. Sadly, failing to report child sexual abuse is not new. In 1999, Sherrice Iverson, a 7-year-old girl from Los Angeles was attacked in a restroom. A witness didn't stop the attack or even call for help. She was ultimately murdered. Fortunately, California enacted a law in her name to help ensure this never happens again. At the end of 2011, Representative Bobby Schilling and I introduced a similar bill here in Congress. The bipartisan Speak Out to Stop Child Abuse Act requires all adult witnesses to report child sexual abuse to law enforcement or Child Protective Services. I ask my colleagues to cosponsor this bipartisan bill.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to two women of exceptional talent and character--Ms. Pamela McGee and Ms. Paula McGee. Always committed to excellence, the McGee twins, as they came to be known, are often recognized for their accolades in women's basketball. At the University of Southern California they teamed up with Cheryl Miller and Cynthia Cooper to win two back-to-back National Championships in 1983 and 1984. Equally as impressive are the McGee sister's lives off the court after her life in basketball, Paula McGee pursed her life's calling to preach. She was also the co-founder of Christian Business Success Network, a nonprofit organization that specialized in training and providing support for Christian business leaders. After winning a Gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Pamela McGee served as Executive Director of the non-profit Save the Children or Perish (S.T.O.P.), a grassroots organization that helped her to become an elected official as a School Board Member in Flint, Michigan. Mr. Speaker, Paula and Pamela McGee are two great American role models who I am proud to have in my District.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, the clock is ticking on extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits for millions of Americans. In just three short weeks, people barely surviving on unemployment benefits will be out on the streets. In three short weeks, 160 million people who get paychecks would have to pay the government nearly $1,000 more. Unfortunately, House Republican leadership insists on unrelated ideological legislation freezing the pay of middle class public servants for a third time in 3 years, slashing unemployment benefits by 40 weeks, and drug testing Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. I don't think my Republican colleagues understand the plight of Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. So I'm asking my constituents and people from around the country to go to my Web site, karenbass.house.gov, and send in stories about their efforts to look for work. I will share these stories with my Republican colleagues to help them understand in hopes they will do the right thing.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, every 9 minutes and 30 seconds someone is infected with HIV in the United States. Today, 34 million people worldwide live with HIV, and of those infected, 60 percent do not know they are positive. These staggering facts demand that we strengthen our efforts to prevent the spread of this life-threatening disease. Tomorrow, December 1, we will recognize World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is an opportunity to take action and invigorate the global movement to ultimately halt the spread of HIV. Emphasizing the importance of ending this three-decade fight, this year's World AIDS Day theme is ``Getting to Zero.'' Zero new infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths. In observance, starting at midnight, I will hold a 24-hour ``tweet- blast'' where every hour I will tweet facts about HIV/AIDS and ways everyone can get involved to help end this disease. I invite all of you to join me in this conversation on Twitter at Rep Karen Bass.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 858 I was unable to be present as I was in California attending a family funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 12th Annual National Adoption Day this Friday, November 18. As we prepare for Thanksgiving festivities with loved ones, many of us take for granted our opportunity to spend time with family and friends. But for thousands of foster youth around the country, celebrating a holiday with a permanent family remains out of reach. In the United States today there are more than 400,000 children in foster care, some waiting years to be adopted by a permanent, loving family. Although the number of youth without a home seems discouraging, there is hope. This week, in recognition of National Adoption Day, an unprecedented number of courts in 400 communities throughout the country will open their doors to finalize the adoption of thousands of children from the foster care system. National Adoption Day is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of children in foster care who are eligible and waiting for adoption, as well as to celebrate families that have been chosen to make a lasting difference in the life of a child through adoption or relative-based care. Since 2000, more than 35,000 children have been adopted through National Adoption Day activities. This year, nearly 5,000 adoptions will be finalized. In California alone, my home State, 500 youth will be adopted through these special events. While the number of children in foster care has significantly decreased over the past decade, the number of adoptions has remained unchanged. Youth often wait years in foster care before finding a permanent family through adoption. During their time in foster care, children are moved from home to home, changing schools, losing friends, coping with separation from siblings, and wondering if they will ever have anyone to call Mom or Dad again. What's worse is that nearly 28,000 youth age out of foster care each year never having been adopted, often going through life alone without the support systems children with permanent families have, not to mention sharing holiday traditions or a family meal. As the cochair of both the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and the Foster Youth Caucus, I look forward to continuing to work in a bipartisan fashion to identify solutions to improve the quality of life for our Nation's most vulnerable children. National Adoption Day reminds us that it is our responsibility and in our best interest to find solutions to ensure children have the opportunity to live in a safe and loving home. Nearly 48 million Americans have considered adopting from foster care, according to a recent national survey. If just one in 500 of these adults adopt, all the 107,000 children in foster care waiting for adoption would have permanent families to help create Thanksgiving traditions of their own. In closing, in this spirit of giving thanks, I'd like to express sincere gratitude to all of the adoptive parents, relative caregivers, and child welfare caseworkers. Their commitment to improving the lives of today's youth is truly commendable.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Physician Assistant Week, which is observed annually from October 6 through October 12. On October 6, 1967, the first PAs graduated from Duke University. Today, more than 40 years later, legions of practicing PAs have reached the number of over 83,000, and 307 million patients visited PAs last year alone. I know firsthand the key role of the PA profession in the delivery of care. Before serving in office, I worked for nearly a decade as a PA and served as a clinical instructor who trained future PAs. Created in response to a shortage of primary care physicians, the PA profession today is crucial to developing a strong primary care workforce. Not only do PAs provide high-quality, cost-effective care in virtually all health care settings, but PAs also extend the reach of medicine to underserved communities throughout the U.S. With health care reform expanding access to 33 million Americans, PAs are needed now more than ever. Mr. Speaker, as we mark the final day of PA week, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the contribution, as well as the promise, of the PA profession.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2883, the Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act. As cochair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Care, I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in support of this important legislation. Youth in the child welfare system fight for what so many of us take for granted--a family. In California, my home State, the Nation's largest foster care system in any given year, as many as 100,000 children can be placed in temporary out-of-home care. Foster parents and relatives are the frontline caregivers for children when their parents are unable to care for them. A pool of dedicated, loving foster parents is critical for our Nation's foster youth as they wait to be reunited with their parents or achieve permanency with a relative caregiver or adoptive family. However, there is a significant shortage of foster parents. In May, I introduced legislation calling for a study to find out how to best recruit and retain foster parents. This was included in the original House bill reauthorizing title IV-B child welfare programs introduced in August. I'm pleased that the modified bill before us today includes a provision that encourages States to develop and implement a plan to improve the recruitment and retention of high- quality foster family homes. H.R. 2883 builds on some of the best practices that were shared with me as I've traveled California hearing from youth, child welfare workers, and parents. The bill also appropriately addresses challenges facing the child welfare system by requiring States to address emotional trauma in foster children and to adopt protocols for using and monitoring psychotropic medications. I am very pleased with the comments of my colleague, Mr. McDermott, who talked about the use of psychotropics, and I would just add that, in too many cases, the children are prescribed multiple medications. And in talking with a number of youth up and down the State of California, one of the things that many youths said to me was, Can you please help me get off the medication. I would like to thank Ways and Means Chairman Camp, Ranking Member Levin, Human Resources Subcommittee Chair Geoff Davis, and Ranking Member Doggett for their unwavering commitment to our most vulnerable youth.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the launching of the Ijaw Diaspora Convention and Education Trust Fund and the presentation of the Ijaw History Project by the Ijaw Community in the Diaspora. From August 19 to August 20, 2011, the Ijaw Community in the Diaspora is assembling in New Jersey along with the nine governors of the Niger Delta States and scores of dignitaries and officials in Nigeria and the United States with Distinguished Prof E. A Alagoa of the University of Port Harcourt to present the ``Ijaw History Project''--A Five Year Landmark Research Project on the Izon people and to launch the Ijaw Diaspora Convention and Education Trust Fund. The Ijaw History Project and the Ijaw Diaspora Convention and Education Trust Fund are being launched with the support and endorsement of the Special Guest of Honor for this prestigious event, His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Governors Forum. Mr. Speaker, this historic event will focus on ``Transforming Niger Delta Ijaw Communities through Investment in Education and Capacity Development''; and promote the core beliefs of the Ijaw Community in the Diaspora. The organization stands for the power of literacy to end poverty, injustice, discrimination and violence; strengthen peace, democracy and prosperity; transform lives, families, communities and societies; reduce high infant mortality and preventable infectious diseases, and adapt to the challenges of globalization and technology. The Ijaw Diaspora Education Trust Fund will be used to support the Federal University at Otuoke Bayelsa State's current efforts to develop a library, provide University Scholarships and develop special projects such as research, education and training in Biotechnology to further the efforts of the U.S. based Corporate Council on Niger Delta Affairs in the development of a Biotechnology Industrial Park. The Federal University at Otuoke Bayelsa State is in the heartland of the Ijaw community of the Niger Delta and is a major contributor to meeting the goals of the US-Nigeria Binational Commission on meaningful development of the Niger Delta Region in the areas of food security, regional and economic security, environmental mitigation and energy. Mr. Speaker, the Ijaw Education Trust Fund has the potential to have a lasting beneficial influence of on countless families, individuals, and institutions in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Ijaw Community in the Diaspora and Bayelsa State Nigeria. I express my gratitude for the influence and contributions the Ijaw History Project and the Ijaw Diaspora Convention and Education Trust Fund will bestow to meeting the goals of the US-Nigeria Binational Commission on meaningful development of the Niger Delta Region. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to the supporters and donors of the Ijaw Diaspora Convention & Education Trust Fund on being presented with the ``International Leadership Award on the Advancement of Education and Capacity Development in Niger Delta Ijaw Communities.''