Karen Bass

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up the Senate amendment H.J. Res. 59, to open the government and go to conference on a budget so that we can end this Republican government shutdown.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act. Contrary to the rhetoric of my Republican colleagues, the overwhelming majority of SNAP recipients who can work do so. Among SNAP households with an able-bodied adult, more than 50 percent work while receiving SNAP benefits. They just do not earn enough money to provide food for their families. In my district in Los Angeles, nearly 77 percent of families receiving SNAP benefits are working families. The Republican attack on SNAP is a sad example of not understanding the struggles faced by so many Americans, including many of their own constituents. SNAP benefits help low-wage working families make ends meet as they try to get back on their feet. Millions of families rely on SNAP as they struggle with unemployment and low wages in the wake of the recession. The House Republican proposal would recklessly cut assistance for at least 4 million to 6 million people who need help, and we cannot let this happen.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Madam Chair, this amendment considered en bloc would provide the Department of Defense the flexibility to train and equip wildlife reserve rangers to help combat illicit poaching across the African continent. Poaching and wildlife trafficking are not only a matter of conservation but a matter of international security. As the ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, I'm deeply troubled by the damaging impact poaching has on the economic stability of African nations. During my travels, African heads of state and ambassadors have expressed that poaching erodes the tourism industry, public safety, and regional security. Various newspapers have reported that poaching and wildlife traffickers are more dangerous and militarized than ever before, with armed militias like Kony's Lord's Resistance Army and al Qaeda affiliates fueling conflicts with the profits from poached ivory and other animal products. The Department of Defense can play a leading role in helping to provide the training required to protect wildlife and put an end to regional conflicts and instability fueled by poaching. Training in reconnaissance, apprehension, and effective field communication will better prepare park rangers. I look forward to working with the chairman and ranking member.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in strong opposition to the farm bill rule and the underlying bill because it contributes to hunger in America.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my request for a recorded vote on my amendment to the end that the amendment stand disposed of by the voice vote taken on the amendment.

Ms. BASS

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

Ms. BASS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to introduce a straightforward and narrow amendment that restricts Federal resources from supporting hydraulic fracturing in the Baldwin Hills/Inglewood Oil Field, the largest urban oilfield in the United States. The urban location of the Inglewood Oil Field, as well as the area's susceptibility to earthquakes, requires unique health and safety considerations and precautions. The Inglewood Oil Field is nearly 90 years old, a 1,000-acre oilfield with over 350 oil wells in the center of Los Angeles. It is surrounded by thousands of homes, schools, and parks. In fact, 300,000 residents of Los Angeles, Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, Culver City, and Inglewood live and work directly around the field. Additionally, the oilfield borders the Kenny Hahn State Recreation Area, a park that welcomes thousands of families and visitors each year. Not only is the area around the Inglewood Oil Field densely populated; it also sits on the Newport-Inglewood fault, making it very vulnerable to severe earthquakes. Clearly, the urban landscape and history of seismic activity in this area necessitates stringent health and safety reviews prior to any new oil and gas extraction. However, hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is occurring in the Inglewood Oil Field without proper regulation or even a comprehensive study of its safety and impact. During my time in the California State Assembly, and since coming to Congress, I have heard numerous times directly from my constituents that they are fearful about the environmental health and seismic effects of fracturing in the Inglewood Oil Field and the impact it will have on their families and communities. They have discussed with me several concerns about fracking in the oilfield, like the impact on ground and drinking water safety, toxic chemical dispersion into the soil and air, and disruption of the Newport-Inglewood fault, which could lead to major earthquakes or landslides. In fact, environmental conservation and health community leaders, like Lark Galloway Gilliam, Jim Lamm, and Mary Anne Greene, a member of the Community Advisory Council, have continually advocated for increased assessment and regulation of fracking in the Inglewood Oil Field. In addition, Tom Camarella from Culver City has also expressed these concerns, and I believe these concerns are justified. The people of Los Angeles and Culver City are entitled to an extensive long-term and transparent assessment of fracking operations at the oilfields. Ensuring the health and safety of our constituents should be a top priority. That is why I rise today to offer this amendment, which will ensure that no Federal funds in this bill will be used to implement, administer, or enforce fracking in the Inglewood Oil Field for the coming fiscal year. This is a small step in the greater fracking debate, but I am proud to amplify the concerns of my community with this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BASS. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and celebrate the new ABC Family television drama--The Fosters. In its inaugural season, the new show highlights the strength, resiliency, and tenacity of foster youth and families in a compelling format. Throughout the United States, over 408,000 children have been removed from their families and currently live in foster care. Over 107,000 youth are eligible for and are awaiting adoption. Additionally, more than 27,900 youth ``age out'' of foster care without a legal permanent connection to an adult or family. The primary goal of the foster care system is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children while working to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for each child. The Fosters television series brings these statistics and facts to life by providing millions of people throughout the country with a powerful glimpse into the challenging reality facing foster families. By courageously depicting difficult topics like domestic violence, family separation, school instability, and mental health diagnoses, The Fosters creators help to inform the American public about the difficulties and repercussions of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. At the same time, the show artfully portrays the love, courage, and dedication of the broad foster care community, including foster youth and parents, child welfare caseworkers and staff, biological families, and community volunteers. The Fosters series helps to highlight the simple fact that loving families help children thrive. The show has the potential to inspire people throughout the country to become foster parents, adoptive parents, mentors, advocates, and volunteers. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I commend creators Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige, Executive Producers Jennifer Lopez, Joanna Johnson, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, Benny Medina and Greg Gugliotta, as well as the entire cast, crew, and production team for their dedication to creating a better future for our Nation's foster youth and families.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Chairman, this amendment modernizes and makes critical reforms to the U.S. Food for Peace program. While this amendment will feed millions more people, it importantly ends policies that have depressed local markets and, in some instances, hurt, rather than helped, those in need. In Africa, where we see food emergencies in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, creating greater flexibility to purchase food commodities from local and regional farmers will strengthen local markets and ensure African nations are less reliant on U.S. foreign aid. Too often, we Americans see Africa as a land of crisis. This amendment shifts this outlook and will show that Africans, themselves, can and will play a critical role in addressing hunger and malnutrition. This amendment saves money and assists countries to be self-sufficient. Let's put an end to backward policies that are harmful to local markets and allow the continent of Africa and many other nations-- Africa, with six of the fastest growing economies in the world--to help solve local food emergencies. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First and foremost, let me say that my heart goes out to all of those in Oklahoma who experienced a terrible tragedy yesterday, and I know I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that they get everything that they need to recover. On another note, I rise today to celebrate the second annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. Today, we are joined in the Halls of the U.S. Capitol by over 50 foster youth and alumni from across the country. They've been paired with Members of Congress as job shadows to get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the House of Representatives. The young leaders will attend hearings, join meetings, and participate in media interviews. As we welcome these young leaders and recognize National Foster Care Month throughout the month of May, we are reminded that foster youth far too often experience traumatic incidences of abuse and neglect and are separated from their homes and siblings. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the resiliency of foster youth remains strong. The young foster youth here today are no different. They were selected to participate in Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day based on their leadership and commitment to improving the lives of foster youth and families across the Nation. Today, I'm honored to recognize and celebrate an incredible young woman with whom I have the privilege of sharing my morning. Marcelina Valenzuela is 24 years old and grew up in Los Angeles. She spent 7 years in the California foster care system. She entered foster care at birth due to drug addiction of her mother. She left foster care at age 4 only to return at age 15 because of ongoing neglect and abuse. Like far too many foster youth, she struggled with her education, sibling separation, and mental health because of the constant moving and upheaval while in foster care. Yet she was able to overcome these obstacles. Now Marcelina actively works with organizations such as FosterClub, the National Foster Youth Action Network, and Foster Care Alumni of America to improve and reform the foster care system so that younger generations may not have to repeat the struggles and challenges that she faced. Today, Marcelina has custody of her two younger sisters, ages 14 and 16. She's only 24. Her ultimate goal is to finish school and then build a career around improving the foster care system. In fact, she hopes to open up her own nonprofit that focuses on helping youth coming out of the juvenile justice system. In honor of Marcelina's courage and tenacity, let us commit to doing what we can to ensure that 400,000-plus foster youth across the country have the opportunities, love, and families they deserve. As a first step, I invite my colleagues to join the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and to cosponsor the bipartisan resolution in recognition of May as National Foster Care Month.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement in the Record opposing the indefensible Mother's Day gift--more work and less pay for working moms. Happy Mother's Day.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Health IT Modernization for Underserved Communities Act, legislation that would amend the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HI TECH) Act to extend Electronic Health Record (EHR) Medicaid incentive payments to all physician assistants (PAs) whose patient volume includes at least 30 percent Medicaid and other financially needy beneficiaries. The HITECH Act currently offers the incentive payments to physicians and nurse practitioners who provide primary care to the requisite 30 percent threshold of Medicaid recipients, but limits the EHR incentive payments to care provided by PAs in ``PA-led'' rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. Enhanced, quality patient care is the goal of electronic health records, and patients are the ultimate beneficiaries of this legislation. The current HITECH limitation on Medicaid EHR limits the development of EHR systems for Medicaid beneficiaries who are served by PAs. This legislation extends additional support to community health centers and other medical practices in which PAs provide care to a high volume of Medicaid patients. I have firsthand knowledge of the key role of the Physician Assistant profession and the role the profession serves in bringing primary medical care to rural and other medically underserved communities. Before I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and before I served in the California Assembly, I was a Physician Assistant, and I know that the PA profession adds tremendous value to our health care system. PAs provide quality, team-based, patient-centered medical care and extend the reach of medicine throughout the U.S. It is a cost- efficient approach to providing needed medical care. There are over 90,000 practicing PAs in the U.S. today. PAs are one of three health care professionals providing primary medical care in the U.S. Although PAs practice in virtually all medical specialties, primary care is the largest area of specialty practice for PAs. The PA profession is uniquely flexible in adapting and responding to the evolving needs of the U.S. health care system by virtue of comprehensive educational programs that prepare PAs for a career in general medicine and a team-based approach to providing patient- centered medical care. I am pleased to introduce this important legislation and ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the Health IT Modernization for Underserved Communities Act.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to join Chairman Goodlatte in supporting H.R. 1067. This commonsense, noncontroversial bill was authored by the chairman, together with Ranking Member Conyers as an original cosponsor. H.R. 1067 simply makes long overdue technical revisions to title 36 of the U.S. Code pertaining to the patriotic and national observances and ceremonies, patriotic and national organizations, and treaty obligation organizations. This legislation has a history of strong bipartisan support. In the 112th Congress, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Conyers introduced identical legislation that passed the House by a vote of 392-0. Last month, the Judiciary Committee ordered the bill reported favorably by voice vote without amendment on March 14. H.R. 1067 was prepared by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel as part of its statutory responsibility to draft and submit to the Judiciary Committee a complete compilation, restatement, and revision of the general and permanent laws of the United States. Among the revisions that H.R. 1067 makes are the following: it replaces the existing abbreviated table of contents for title 36 with a more comprehensive version; it updates the format of chapter headings of reserved chapters; and makes other necessary technical corrections. This measure is not intended to make any substantial changes to the law. I thank Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers for their leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1067. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to join Chairman Goodlatte in supporting H.R. 1068, as amended. Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers introduced this commonsense, noncontroversial bill that enjoys strong bipartisan support. This legislation was drafted by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel as part of its ongoing statutory responsibility to prepare and submit to the Judiciary Committee a complete compilation, restatement, and revision of the general and permanent laws of the United States. H.R. 1068 concerns the National Park System, which is managed by the National Park Service. As many of us know, numerous laws relating to these entities have been enacted since the mid-19th century. These laws include, for example, the Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and other provisions intended to protect and preserve sites that document our Nation's history. These laws have been codified in scattered sections of title 16 of the United States Code. In addition, as laws relating to the National Park System were amended and new laws enacted pertaining to these provisions, the code classifications have become cumbersome to use. H.R. 1068 is not intended to make any significant changes in the law. As is typical with the codification process, a number of minor revisions are made, including the reorganization of the sections into a more coherent overall structure. This measure collects provisions relating to the establishment and administration of the National Park System, outdoor recreation programs that the Secretary of the Interior administers, and the responsibility of the Secretary to preserve historic sites, buildings, objects, and antiquities--all of which are currently found in various places throughout title 16 of the United States Code--and restates these provisions as a new positive law title of the code. On March 14, 2013, the Judiciary Committee ordered H.R. 1068 favorably reported by voice vote. The amended version of the bill that we are considering on the floor today is essentially the same as the version reported by the committee except that it makes minor typographical corrections. I commend the chairman and ranking member for their leadership on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Student Loan Fairness Act to address the crippling issue of student loan debt and the debilitating impact that this debt is having on American students and their ability to contribute to the growth of the United States economy. As you may know, total outstanding student loan debt in America has surpassed the $1 trillion mark. It has outpaced credit card debt, auto debt, and is second only to mortgage debt in America. In fact, a recent study shows that student loan debt is the only type of consumer debt in America that has actually increased during the ``Great Recession'' and the problem only continues to worsen. As a result of these debts, millions of Americans are not buying cars, purchasing homes, starting businesses, or otherwise realizing the American Dream. We need a fair and simple federal student loan repayment system which seeks to alleviate the financial burden of student loan debt on college graduates and support them as they begin their careers and lives. That is why I rise today to introduce the Student Loan Fairness Act. This new legislation combines two bills from the 112th Congress: Rep. Hansen Clarke's Student Loan Forgiveness Act (H.R. 4170), as well as my own Graduate Success Act (H.R. 5895). The Student Loan Fairness Act creates a new ``10-10'' standard for student loan repayment and establishes it as the new standard repayment plan for students taking out federal loans. This bill also combats the crushing interest rates of public and private loans, sends a lifeline to student borrowers who have fallen on difficult times, and promotes financial responsibility in higher education. In addition, our bill permanently caps the interest rate for all federal student loans at 3.4%, which will ultimately eliminate the need to enact temporary measures every year to prevent rates from doubling. This gives students more certainty and the comfort of knowing their interest rates will not go up every year. Congress needs to act now to help our students. The longer we wait to take action, the more we undermine their future and prevent students from becoming the people they dream of being and the workforce our economy needs.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Thank you, Representative Horsford. I do have to say, coming from the State house, it was a little discouraging to come here and find not a lot of common sense. So thank you for your leadership. And thank you very much, Representative Jeffries and especially Representative Scott, for your leadership and hours and hours of work that you've put into the Congressional Black Caucus budget. Today, the Republican Party released a sprawling report detailing their failures to connect with the anxieties of middle class Americans, citing this as a major reason why they lost last year's Presidential election. As a result, they are now promising a kinder, gentler Republican Party; but, sadly, the rhetoric just doesn't match the reality of the Paul Ryan budget, which is nothing more than a rehash of a failed agenda that the American people have already rejected. The Republican budget continues to push harsh and unnecessary budget cuts that eliminate the safety net for millions of middle class Americans. The American people don't want a budget that breaks our promises to seniors by turning Medicare into a voucher program or cuts investments that support job creation just for the sake of more budget- busting tax cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers and corporations. Yet my friends on the other side of the aisle continue pushing this failed approach all in the name of deficit reduction--except this weekend their own leadership admitted we don't have an immediate debt crisis in the country. Even the architect of the budget, Congressman Paul Ryan, said this weekend, ``We do not have a debt crisis right now.'' Speaker Boehner said, ``We do not have an immediate debt crisis'' and ``It's not an immediate problem.'' So why should we enact this failed budget when Democrats have offered a better and more balanced approach to protect the middle class and pay down the deficit? Why then should we pass a budget that gets 66 percent of its cuts from programs for people of low-or moderate incomes? Why should we pass a budget that cuts funding for programs like Pell Grants to help students go to college or cuts the SNAP program that helps to feed 48 million people just to give a $200,000 tax cut to millionaires? The budget put forward by the Congressional Black Caucus saves Pell Grants and continues the SNAP program to prevent Americans from going hungry while at the same time reducing the deficit by $2.8 trillion over 10 years. The American people know we can't cut our way to prosperity, nor can we succeed by pursuing the same failed policies that wrecked our economy in the first place and undermine our economic recovery. The Congressional Black Caucus budget offers a clear alternative that addresses the concerns of middle class Americans. Our budget is focused on core priorities for the middle class: creating jobs, growing the economy, strengthening the middle class, and reducing the deficit. Our proposal puts people to work this year with specific and targeted investments, while investing also in education, energy, research, and infrastructure, and keeping our commitment to America's seniors. Our plan is fair, balanced, reasonable, and responsible. It is pro- growth, pro-people, pro-America; and it is the approach favored by the majority in this country.

Ms. BASS

Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Southern California (USC), Dr. Solomon Golomb. On February 2, 2013, Dr. Golomb was named a National Medal of Science laureate by President Obama for his outstanding contributions to the realm of communications technology. His innovation and dedication to the advancement of science has shaped our ability to communicate via cell phone as well as our ability to communicate in deep space. Dr. Golomb had an illustrious academic career prior to working at USC. He received a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Harvard University as well as two honorary doctorate degrees. He was a Fulbright Fellow, and is currently a member of the National Academy of Engineering as well as a Fellow at both the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He has received numerous awards and medals for his work including the USC Presidential Medallion and the Shannon Award of the Information Theory Society of the IEEE. Dr. Golomb started his career at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he played a key role in formulating the design of deep-space communications for subsequent lunar and planetary explorations. After joining USC as a professor in 1963, he became one of the ``Magnificent Seven'' founders of the USC Communications Sciences Institute, which has made profound contributions to mathematics and engineering, particularly in interplanetary communications. His efforts have helped to make USC a center for communications research. Dr. Golomb's contributions have touched our lives in numerous ways. His pioneering work in shift register sequences has extensive military, industrial and consumer applications. Today, millions of cell phones utilize technology based on Golomb's contributions to the field. His mathematical coding schemes made it possible for us to see clear video images from the Mars Rover Curiosity. And he has been referred to as ``the godfather of Tetris'' for creating polyominoes that inspired the invention of the tile-matching puzzle video game. USC has long been a center for scientific innovation and I am proud to have such an incredible leader like Dr. Golomb working in California's 37th Congressional District.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3472, the Uninterrupted Scholars Act, a bill that will help foster children achieve educational success. First, I want to thank Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Miller for their support of this bill and their ongoing dedication to improving outcomes for foster youth throughout the Nation. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation and respect to Senator Landrieu. I am proud to work alongside the Senator, who is a tireless advocate for foster youth and families both domestic and worldwide. Throughout 2012, the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth has traveled the country and visited five States on a nationwide listening tour. We heard from youth, families, and community leaders about the best practices and challenges facing the child welfare system. In Miami, Florida, at the invitation of Congress Members Alcee Hastings and Frederica Wilson, we learned about a commonsense, no-cost legislative fix that would have a significant and positive impact on hundreds of thousands of foster children across the country. After we returned to Washington, I joined my fellow cochairs of the congressional caucus--Representatives Marino, McDermott, Bachmann, and a number of other members of the caucus--to introduce the bipartisan Uninterrupted Scholars Act. This bill will address the concerns raised in Florida by providing youth with the support they need to avoid problems like inappropriate course placement and lost credits upon changing schools. Specifically, it will simply allow caseworkers to access transcripts for foster youth while maintaining important privacy protections. Children in foster care are among the most educationally at-risk of all student populations. Because of the abuse and neglect foster youth have experienced in their young lives, they often face physical and emotional challenges that interfere with their learning and negatively impact their educational outcomes. For example, the average child in foster care goes to three to five high schools. Existing Federal law requires that child welfare agencies include educational records in their case plan and work with school districts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes for children in foster care. However, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, unintentionally creates a harmful barrier that prevents child welfare caseworkers from being able to quickly access school records necessary to help meet the educational needs of students in foster care. This can lead to significant delays that contribute to inappropriate class placements, enrollment delays, repeated classes, delayed graduation, and even dropouts. The story of young Jasmine is an example of stories we heard during the listening tour. When Jasmine was placed in foster care on an emergency basis, her mother's whereabouts were unknown and the child welfare agency caseworker was unable to obtain consent from any parent. Without timely access to the child's education records, the caseworker could not evaluate whether it would be in Jasmine's best interest to remain in the same school. Jasmine moved to a new school, which had different graduation requirements. She received no credits for her coursework from the prior school and had to repeat some of the same classes. She fell a full year behind and eventually dropped out of the school. In my district, the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services is currently responsible for the placement and care of over 15,000 foster youth. The sheer size of this youth population--larger than most States--as well as the 82 different school districts within L.A. County, make it particularly challenging to proactively address student needs without direct access to educational records. Another example from the listening tour when we were in L.A. is Vanessa, a fifth grader who has a similar story. She was transferred from L.A. Unified to another school district over 50 miles away while relocating to a new foster home. Her records did not follow. Therefore, she was placed in a fourth grade classroom, a full grade level below her actual skill level and age. She consistently cried at meetings with teachers. She eventually advocated for herself and her classes were transferred, but in the meantime she missed 2 months of fifth grade. The Uninterrupted Scholars Act would help avoid situations faced by young Jasmine and Vanessa by allowing child welfare caseworkers, who have the legal responsibility for a foster child's care and welfare, timely access to their educational records. At the same time, this bill protects and preserves the educational privacy rights of students and parents that we all want to safeguard. In the words of Mary Cagle, the director of Legal Services at the Florida Department of Children and Families, this bill ``fixes an existing conflict in Federal law. It's so simple, so easy, so clear.'' The Uninterrupted Scholars Act is endorsed by dozens of nationwide organizations, including the National Foster Parent Association, the National School Boards Association, the Child Welfare League of America, and many others. Today I stand with my bipartisan, bicameral colleagues in the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth to ask for your support, as well. We have a responsibility to foster youth, children whom we have removed from their parents' care, youth whom we promised to keep safe and help to succeed. The Uninterrupted Scholars Act will help us keep this promise.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the extraordinary leadership of my colleague, Mr. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents with distinction Missouri's Fifth District. I want to offer a special word of appreciation for his many years of service, not merely for his constituents, but for his steady commitment to employ the power of his office to ensure our Nation is set on a course where we all succeed. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Mr. Cleaver used this position of leadership to help elevate and embolden us to address some of the great social and economic challenges of our day, not just for African Americans, but for all Americans. I am reminded of the evening in North Carolina at the Democratic Convention when he gave that impassioned and fiery speech that brought everyone to our feet. He reminded us that in America our strength is rooted in our Nation's most profound gift--its diversity. He reminded us that no matter how difficult times may get or may be that we must ``hope on,'' and that it is the power of our hope that drives us to not give up when we have failed, but to try again until we get it right. As I complete my first term in Congress, let me thank the chairman for his counsel, his guidance, and his friendship. He's provided advice and wisdom that as a newcomer to Washington has been invaluable. He's stepping down as the head of the Congressional Black Caucus, but we will all continue to enjoy hearing his reflections at caucus meetings and getting the notes on promoting civility. It's my personal hope that one day he will collect all of these notes and reflections and publish them. But I did think that I would end with words from that famous North Carolina speech: Hope inspires me to believe that any day now, we will catch up to the ideals put forth by our Nation's Founding Fathers. It is our hope and faith that moves us. It is our hope that tells us our latter days will be better than our former. It is our hope that instructs us to march on. I look forward to working with you in the years through the struggles and successes that are in front of us. Thank you, Mr. Cleaver, for your service, your friendship and for your leadership.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protect Our Kids Act. First of all, I want to thank Ranking Member Doggett, Chairman Camp, and Chairman Paulsen for their leadership and commitment to eliminating child fatalities. Unfortunately, Federal Government statistics estimate that every day in America approximately 2,000 children are confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect, nearly 700 children are removed from their families and placed in foster care due to child abuse and neglect, and about four children die as a result. Additionally, in fiscal year 2010 alone, more than 1,500 children in the U.S. died due to maltreatment. Of these, more than 40 percent were under the age of 1 year old, and more than 80 percent were under the age of 4. These statistics are absolutely unacceptable; and to make matters worse, research has shown that these reports substantially underestimate the number of children who die due to maltreatment. As a Nation, we have a responsibility to develop effective strategies and solutions to proactively stop this abuse and neglect. When children are removed from their home, they really become our children, and it is our responsibility. While Congress has enacted a variety of laws regarding child welfare and protection, there is no unified, comprehensive Federal strategy for reducing instances of child abuse and neglect. This bill will ensure that the highest levels of government work together to develop a national strategy to eliminate child abuse and neglect fatalities. By bringing together experts on child development, trauma and crisis intervention, pediatrics, social work, law enforcement, criminal law, and substance abuse treatment, the commission will truly protect our kids. As the cochair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to help prevent child abuse, neglect and fatalities. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6655.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of a distinguished public servant from Los Angeles, Mr. Mark Ridley- Thomas. In 2008, Mr. Ridley-Thomas was overwhelmingly elected as the first African American man to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. This past November, Mr. Ridley-Thomas' leadership was further acknowledged and he was unanimously approved by the Board to become the first African American man to chair the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. First elected to public office over twenty years ago, Mr. Ridley- Thomas served with distinction on the Los Angeles City Council for nearly a dozen years. He later served two terms in the California State Assembly, where he chaired the Assembly Democratic Caucus. Thereafter, he served as a California State Senator where he chaired the Legislative Black Caucus and initiated unprecedented levels of cooperation and collaboration between the Black, Latino, and Asian- Pacific Islander Legislative Caucuses. Mr. Ridley-Thomas is widely regarded for uniting civic engagement and government decision-making. In an effort to encourage neighborhood- based advocacy and citizen leadership, Mr. Ridley-Thomas established the Empowerment Congress which served as a model and predecessor for the citywide Neighborhood Councils. Through education, engagement, and empowerment, Mr. Ridley-Thomas equipped and inspired his constituents to confront prevailing racial and economic disparities and improve community and public policy outcomes. Throughout his life, Mr. Ridley-Thomas has shown a dedication and passion for improving the health and wellness of communities by inspiring participatory engagement to provoke change. After earning a baccalaureate degree in Social Relations and a master's degree in Religious Studies, he further went on to receive his Ph.D. in Social Ethics from the University of Southern California focusing on Social Criticism and Social Change. He has devoted his life to the betterment of the people of Los Angeles County and has used his leadership to bring about effective change in Los Angeles County. In addition to this exemplary public service, Supervisor Ridley- Thomas is deeply committed to his roles as father and husband. His wife Avis and twin sons, Sebastian and Sinclair, are shining examples of love and inspiration that Mr. Ridley-Thomas derives from his family and graciously shares with the community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have called Mr. Mark Ridley-Thomas a friend and partner in the fight for social and economic justice. He has left an indelible mark on Los Angeles, and continues to inspire my work in Congress and people of Los Angeles. It is a great honor to recognize his work here on the floor today.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, today I'm honored to stand and recognize the extraordinary life of my dear friend Mr. Mervyn Dymally for his decades of public service to the great people of California. Mr. Dymally's life is a testament to the belief within our great country that no matter who you are or where you come from, America with its boundless opportunities remains a place where we can all thrive together. Mr. Dymally immigrated to the United States from his native Trinidad at the age of 19 years old. Through hard work he went on to graduate from California State University before later earning master's and doctoral degrees. He dedicated his life to public service early-- working as a special education teacher in Los Angeles and organizing the most marginalized citizens of our state so that they could use their voices to build a politics that best reflected their values and aspirations. Mr. Dymally became California's first foreign-born black state assemblyman when he was elected in 1962, its first black state senator four years later and, in 1974, its first black lieutenant governor. In 1980 he became one of the first foreign-born blacks elected to the House of Representatives, where he served six terms and led the Congressional Black Caucus for a time. Throughout his decades long career, Mr. Dymally made standing up for human rights and the working poor the hallmarks of his service to California and the nation. He worked to improve health care for the poor and sponsored legislation to expand civil rights protections for women. As lieutenant governor he joined Cesar Chavez in trying to protect jobs for farm workers. Mr. Dymally was a mentor to several African American leaders who followed him into public service, so much so that he was dubbed the ``Godfather of African-American politics.'' He broke down barriers and through it all remained humble and dedicated to the causes that brought him into public service in the first place. Mr. Dymally's life is an inspiration to us all who serve in this House and today we honor his service.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. I want to thank the gentleman from Washington State (Mr. McDermott) for his leadership, and I also want to acknowledge Congressman Rangel for his historic commitment to AGOA. But, in addition, I want to thank, as I stand here next to two men who I consider giants in the House of Representatives, I want to thank them for their patience and their guidance with me as a new Member here. It's been pretty amazing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle--Mr. Royce, Mr. Camp, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rangel--as they all worked with me to make sure that we were able to be here this moment and pass AGOA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of African growth and opportunity legislation, H.R. 5986. Passage of today's legislation comes as a result of strong and widespread bipartisan and bicameral support. It's been a pleasure to work alongside Mr. Royce in this bipartisan effort, and I also want to thank my friend from the Senate, Senator Coons, who has been a stalwart advocate. I want to acknowledge the African Diplomatic Corps. Thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of African jobs will be saved as a result of your efforts. Mr. Speaker, Africa is on the rise. Today, six of the world's fastest growing economies are in Africa. Opportunities abound, and we see increased political stability. Today's House vote on the extension of AGOA's fabric provision is, by all measures, a success for the U.S. and Africa alike. But we must not stop here. Let us take a moment to acknowledge this accomplishment, but also prepare ourselves for AGOA's reauthorization in 2015. Africa, a continent of opportunity, for too long has been overshadowed and ignored. While humanitarian, governance, and health challenges remain, we are the observers of remarkable growth and stability across the continent that exemplify positive strides that Africans themselves have made. Africa, and its many nations, stand on the critical precipice of extraordinary change. Increasingly, Africa's resource mineral wealth attracts investments by countries like China, Brazil, and India. We must, in the United States, increase our investment. We cannot allow our Nation to be left behind.

Ms. BASS of California

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a friend and a remarkable individual from Los Angeles, Willis Edwards. For the past 40 years, Mr. Edwards tirelessly advocated for civil and political rights and worked to ensure that positive images of African Americans were seen by the American public. Throughout his life, Willis Edwards was known for his strength of conviction and passion for the promotion of the African American community. After working for the Robert Kennedy Presidential campaign in college and earning a Bronze Star in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war, Edwards helped to elect the first African American mayor of Los Angeles, Tom Bradley, and served as the youngest-ever city commissioner on his Social Services Commission. Mr. Edwards continued his career of service as the director of black student services at the University of Southern California, where he helped future generations of students discover their passion. In 1982, Mr. Edwards was elected president of the Beverly Hills- Hollywood branch of the NAACP. Under his leadership, the branch fought to improve the image and gain more jobs for African Americans in front of and behind the scenes in Hollywood. As president in 1986, he helped to nationally televise the NAACP Image Awards, which continues today as a highly regarded entertainment event. Mr. Edwards never shied away from controversial subjects or issues. After his diagnosis with AIDS, he used his position on the national board of the NAACP to publicly discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS in the African American community, and he organized the NAACP's participation in World AIDS Day. Despite his health challenges, Mr. Edwards continued to support his friends and communities. Until Rosa Parks's death in 2002, Mr. Edwards was a friend and confidant of the civil rights legend. He helped to promote her legacy by escorting her to the 1998 Oscar ceremony and worked alongside former Congresswoman Julia Carson for Parks to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Upon her death, Edwards arranged for her to lie in state here in the Capitol rotunda. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have called Willis Edwards a friend and a mentor. He has left an indelible mark on Los Angeles, and his dedication to California and national politics will never be forgotten. It is a great honor to recognize his life here on the floor today. His spirit and vision will truly be missed.