Joyce Beatty

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, last week His Holiness Pope Francis addressed a Joint Session of Congress--an address that I, like many, found to be both profound and provocative. Pope Francis' first visit to our country coincided with a time when our nation as he stated, is ``marking the anniversaries of several great Americans'', including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fifty years ago led the Selma-to-Montgomery marches in order to achieve full civil and political rights for African-Americans. These marches culminated in the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which offered African-Americans a piece of Dr. King's dream of equality, fairness, and justice. Yet, our nation continues to struggle with ensuring racial equality and voter enfranchisement; we have, as Pope Francis stated at the White House last week, ``defaulted on a promissory note'', but now is the time to honor it.'' Let us continue to strive to follow the advice of Pope Francis and as envisioned by Dr. King--``to foster a culture which enables people to dream of full rights for all our brothers and sisters, instead of creating one which limits opportunity and growth.'' We could take a big step in that direction by passing the bipartisan Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015, H.R. 885. I urge all of my colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation and urge the Republican Leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote without delay.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you so much, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Mr. Speaker, tonight the Congressional Black Caucus honors the life and legacy of three civil rights leaders, Congressman Lou Stokes, Amelia Boynton Robinson, and Julian Bond, who dedicated their lives to making our Nation a better place. Countless more follow in their footsteps and continue to push for civil rights and voting rights today. We have come to these chambers tonight, Mr. Speaker, to continue their work as members of the Congressional Black Caucus. We call on Congress to immediately pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015. The American people deserve to have real voting rights. Thank you, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, not only for your leadership tonight, but for being a leader, for walking in their shoes, and for hosting the Congressional Black Caucus Special Order honoring three giants. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Leaders espoused words in 1965 that still hold true today, words because of the work of these three giants, works like: We have proved that great progress is possible. We know how much still remains to be done. And if our efforts continue, if our will is strong, if our hearts are right, and if courage remains our constant companion, then my fellow Americans, I am confident we shall overcome. Our objective must be to assure that all Americans play by the same rules, and all Americans play against the same odds. Who amongst us would claim that that is true today? Just last week His Holiness, Pope Francis, delivered a historic, profound, provocative address to the Joint Session of Congress. This address reminded us that the nation is ``considered great'' when ``it fosters a culture which enables people to dream of full rights for all their brothers and sisters.'' At the White House, he quoted from Martin Luther King, to use a telling phrase of the Reverend Martin Luther King: ``We can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note, and now is the time to honor it.'' These three individuals we honor tonight tirelessly contributed to this culture of full rights and equality we are committed to achieving. Tonight's roll call: Congressman Lou Stokes. I am honored to be the third African American from Ohio to follow in his footsteps, following my mentor and dear friend, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, my colleague, mentor and friend, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who said at his footsteps: I don't salute or get excited about a one hit wonder because Lou Stokes was far from that. Lou Stokes loved people. He loved the law. He loved the legislative process. He loved his family. And he loved Cleveland, Ohio. You have heard so much about him, I won't repeat it. I will submit it for the Record, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, if that is okay. But I will forever be grateful for his encouragement, his friendship, his wisdom, and his leadership. I can't think of a time or a decision in my life that I didn't pick up the phone and call Lou Stokes. Love you, Lou Stokes. Let me just briefly say we also salute Amelia Boynton Robinson, and much has been said about her. I stand on her shoulders. And then Julian Bond, another great civil rights icon, whose passion and dedication to equality and justice propelled him to the Georgia Legislature, the NAACP, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, which he co-founded. His commitment to ending discrimination and injustice continues to inspire us, and his legacy will guide us and the next generation of civil rights leaders and activists to greatness. He, like the other individuals we pay tribute to tonight, helped change this country for the better. Thank you, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Thank you to all my colleagues with the Congressional Black Caucus for capturing and reflecting on the lives of three great civil warriors as we took a walk in their footsteps of greatness. Tonight the Congressional Black Caucus honors the life and legacy of three Civil Rights leaders--Congressman Louis Stokes, Amelia Boynton Robinson and Julian Bond who dedicated their lives to making our nation a better place. Countless more follow in their footsteps and continue to push for civil rights and voting rights today. We have come to these chambers to continue their work as Members of the Congressional Black Caucus; we call on Congress to immediately pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015. The American people deserve to have real voting rights now. Thank you Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for hosting the CBC's Special Order Hour paying tribute to Congressman Louis Stokes, Amelia Boynton Robinson, and Julian Bond. This year is the 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act. Leaders . . . espoused words in 1965 that still hold true today. Words like: We have proved that great progress is possible. We know how much still remains to be done. And if our efforts continue, and if our will is strong, and if our hearts are right, and if courage remains our constant companion, then my fellow Americans, I am confident, we shall overcome. Our objective must be to assure that all Americans play by the same rules, and all Americans play against the same odds. Who among us would claim that that is true today? Just last week, His Holiness Pope Francis delivered a historic, profound, and provocative address to a Joint Session of Congress. This address reminded us that a nation is ``considered great'' when ``it fosters a culture which enables people to dream of full rights for all their brothers and sisters.'' At the White House, he quoted words from MLK . . . to use a telling phrase of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. . . . we can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note and now is the time to honor it. The three individuals we honor tonight tirelessly contributed to this culture of full rights and equality we are committed to achieving. Congressman Stokes I am honored to be the third African-American from Ohio to follow Congressman Louis Stokes who served for 30 years in Congress. I am forever grateful for his encouragement, friendship, wisdom, and leadership. He earned a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, the first person of color to ever do so, and focused on improving housing and urban development for veterans, seniors, and the poor. In 1971, along with our esteemed Dean of the House, Congressman John Conyers, Congressman Stokes helped found the Congressional Black Caucus to promote economic, educational, and social issues important to African Americans: this is a purpose the CBC continues to fulfill to this day, and a purpose I am honored to advance. His indelible mark in history will continue to live on. Amelia Boynton Robinson It is also an honor to pay tribute to Amelia Boynton Robinson--the matriarch of the voting rights movement. As an African-American female serving in the U.S. Congress, I stand on the shoulders of Mrs. Boynton Robinson. Mrs. Boynton Robinson helped organize the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, and walked at the front of the line that fateful day on March 7, 1965, which we now know as ``Bloody Sunday''. On August 6, 1965, she was the guest of honor at the White House when President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law. I had the privilege to join Mrs. Boynton Robinson this past March, as thousands of Americans marched once again over the Edmund Pettus Bridge, remembering the struggles and recommitting ourselves to restoring voting rights protections, equality, and justice. Julian Bond Julian Bond was a civil rights icon whose passion and dedication to equality and justice propelled him to the Georgia legislature, the NAACP, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, which he co-founded. His commitment to ending discrimination and injustice continues to inspire us and his legacy will guide the next generation of civil rights leaders and activists to greatness. He, like the other individuals we pay tribute to tonight, helped changed this country for the better. Thank you CBC for capturing and reflecting on the lives of three great civil rights warriors as we took a walk in their footsteps of greatness.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and as a proud cosponsor of the National Prostate Cancer Plan Act, H.R. 2730. As the most common cancer in men, prostate cancer is a national epidemic. This year alone one in seven men will be diagnosed and 28,000 men will die from prostate cancer. Last week, while hosting a community conversation in my district in Whitehall, Ohio, I met with two constituents, Linda and Ray Hoetger, an inspiring husband and wife team who tirelessly dedicate themselves to raising awareness about prostate cancer. Linda and Ray are members of the national organization ZERO, the End of Prostate Cancer, and are spearheading a campaign to raise awareness of prostate cancer throughout Ohio. I stand here today to commend their work. As Ray and Linda remind us, many of us have either been personally affected by this disease or have lost a loved one. So during this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to increase the quality of care in order to eliminate the pain and suffering once and for all.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, in 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed two important programs into law: Medicare and Medicaid. These two critical programs provide Americans much needed access to healthcare. They were created out of the truth that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and no one should fall into poverty due to a lack of healthcare or treatment. Over the last 50 years, Medicare has helped millions of American families maintain independence and security. Medicaid provides a health care safety net for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children and young adults from working families. For example, in 2013, in my district, Ohio's third congressional district, 85,313 of the residents received Medicare and 173,991 of the residents received Medicaid. That is why I applaud Governor Kasich for his decision to expand Medicaid in Ohio. Our path forward should build upon President Johnson's vision by strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, improving essential benefits, and containing costs. By closing the prescription drug ``doughnut hole'' and curtailing waste and fraud, the Affordable Care Act lowers costs to beneficiaries and improves benefits. There are definitely ways to improve Medicare and Medicaid programs, and cut waste, fraud, and abuse. But, these changes should not be on the backs of our seniors and most vulnerable citizens. We must work in a bipartisan way to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid and ensure enhanced access to affordable, quality healthcare. Fifty years later, Medicare and Medicaid continue to save lives, help Americans live healthier, and provide the peace of mind that comes with access to healthcare and treatment. I will continue to support and improve these two critical programs that are an integral part of our social safety net.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, last week, House Democrats celebrated the 5th anniversary of Dodd-Frank--the most sweeping financial regulatory reform in the United States since the 1930s. Signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010, Dodd-Frank has changed--for the better--the way consumers, investors, and other market participants interact with our financial system. It has provided oversight to Wall Street, giving regulators the tools to end the era of ``too big to fail'' entities and outrageous taxpayer bailouts, and has eliminated loopholes that allowed risky and abusive practices to go unnoticed and unregulated. But how did we get here? Five years ago, Dodd-Frank was enacted in the wake of profound economic devastation as our nation was reeling from the impact of the 2008 financial crisis. Millions of Americans suffered job loss, many small businesses closed down, foreclosures skyrocketed, the stock market suffered large drops, and a looming repeat of the Great Depression was feared. Specifically, in the six months before President Obama took office in February 2009, our economy lost a total of nearly 4 million private sector jobs--an unimaginable average of 650,000 jobs per month. Nearly $13 trillion in economic growth and $16 trillion in household wealth simply disappeared while close to 9 million individuals were displaced from their homes. 2008 was truly one of the lowest economic points in U.S. history. Yet, the American people weathered this storm and Congressional Democrats took action by passing legislation to restore responsibility and accountability in our financial system, and to give Americans confidence that we were the tools in place to avoid another economic crisis. In fact, since Dodd-Frank's passage in July 2010, the American economy has experienced vast improvement in private sector job growth with nearly 12 million jobs added; a lower unemployment rate, to 5.3 percent from the peak of 10.0 percent in October 2009, and a recovering housing market. Indeed, because of Dodd-Frank, financial regulators are now empowered to identify and address risks to our financial system through increased monitoring and stricter rules for our nation's biggest banks in a timely way. Dodd-Frank also provided new authority to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which, since 2011, has recovered more than $9.3 billion in civil fines and penalties despite Republicans' repeated budget cuts to the agency. Like all comprehensive reform bills, however, Dodd-Frank is not perfect. There are a few areas that I believe can be improved. Nonetheless, it is important that we do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I believe we also have a responsibility to build upon and improve this legislation when needed. One area of concern for many stakeholders in my district, and across the country, is the manner in which Dodd-Frank requires the Federal Reserve to subject bank holding companies with more than $50 billion in consolidated assets to enhanced regulatory supervision. However, if we are to subject smaller, regional bank holding companies to the same or similar supervisory requirements, then we should do so in a way that balances our nation's financial stability without placing excessive burdens on non-systemically important institutions by using a more deliberative assets-and-activities-based test should be considered in determining the ``systemic importance'' of bank holding companies. Earlier this month, Chair Yellen testified that she was open to raising a threshold for determining a bank's systemic importance. I look forward to working with her on this issue as this is at the top of my priority list for improving Dodd-Frank. Another area of concern for me lays in the development of diversity assessment standards under Section 342 of Dodd-Frank, also known as OMWI. Though Section 342 is not very long, it is a very significant step in the effort to improve the hiring of women and minorities in the financial services industry in which these groups remain woefully underrepresented. However, due to misinterpretations of congressional intent, I am concerned that after five years the federal financial regulators have not developed standards requiring the disclosure of diversity data, which would provide much needed transparency to this industry regarding the promotion of diversity in its workplace. In order to continue being a successful nation, we must capitalize on our diversity and tackle the inequality in wage and job growth in African-American communities. Today, I celebrate substantial achievements of Dodd-Frank and look forward to working with my congressional colleagues to find the appropriate tweaks to further facilitate its positive lasting effects on the financial markets and for consumers far beyond this five-year anniversary.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Waters of the Financial Services Committee for leading today's important discussion on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Earlier this week, House Democrats recognized the 5th anniversary of Dodd-Frank--the most sweeping financial regulatory reform in the United States since the 1930s. Signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010, Dodd-Frank has changed--for the better--the way consumers, investors, and other market participants interact with our financial system. It has provided oversight to Wall Street, giving regulators the tools to end the era of ``too big to fail'' entities and outrageous taxpayer bailouts, and has eliminated loopholes that allowed risky and abusive practices to go unnoticed and unregulated. But how did we get here? Five years ago, Dodd-Frank was enacted in the wake of profound economic devastation as our nation was reeling from the impact of the 2008 financial crisis. Millions of Americans suffered job loss, many small businesses closed down, foreclosures skyrocketed, the stock market suffered large drops, and a looming repeat of the Great Depression was feared. Specifically, in the six months before President Obama took office in February 2009, our economy lost a total of nearly 4 million private sector jobs--an unimaginable average of 650,000 jobs per month. Nearly $13 trillion in economic growth and $16 trillion in household wealth simply disappeared while close to 9 million individuals were displaced from their homes. 2008 was truly one of the lowest economic points in U.S. history. Yet, the American people weathered this storm and Congressional Democrats took action by passing legislation to restore responsibility and accountability in our financial system, and to give Americans confidence that we were putting the tools in place to avoid another economic crisis. In fact, since Dodd-Frank's passage in July 2010, the American economy has experienced vast improvement in private sector job growth with nearly 12 million jobs added; a lower unemployment rate, to 5.3 percent from the peak of 10.0 percent in October 2009, and a recovering housing market. Indeed, because of Dodd-Frank, financial regulators are now empowered to identify and address risks to our financial system through increased monitoring and stricter rules for our nation's biggest banks in a timely way. Dodd-Frank also provided new authority to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which, since 2011, has recovered more than $9.3 billion in civil fines and penalties despite Republicans' repeated budget cuts to the agency. Like all comprehensive reform bills, however, Dodd-Frank is not perfect. There are a few areas that I believe can be improved. Nonetheless, it is important that we do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I believe we also have a responsibility to build upon and improve this legislation when needed. One area of concern for many stakeholders in my district, and across the country, is the manner in which Dodd-Frank requires the Federal Reserve to subject bank holding companies with more than $50 billion in consolidated assets to enhanced regulatory supervision. However, if we are to subject smaller, regional bank holding companies to the same or similar supervisory requirements, then we should do so in a way that balances our nation's financial stability without placing excessive burdens on non-systemically important institutions by using a more deliberative assets-and-activities-based test should be considered in determining the ``systemic importance'' of bank holding companies. Earlier this month, Chair Yellen testified that she was open to raising a threshold for determining a bank's systemic importance. I look forward to working with her on this issue and African-American job growth efforts. This is at the top of my priority list for improving Dodd-Frank. Another area of concern for me lies in the development of diversity assessment standards under Section 342 of Dodd-Frank, also known as OMWI. Though Section 342 is not very long, it is a very significant step in the effort to improve the hiring of women and minorities in the financial services industry in which these groups remain woefully underrepresented. However, due to misinterpretations of congressional intent, I am concerned that after five years the federal financial regulators have not developed standards requiring the disclosure of diversity data, which would provide much needed transparency to this industry regarding the promotion of diversity in its workplace. Like my congressional colleagues here today, I celebrate substantial achievements of Dodd-Frank and look forward to working together to find the appropriate tweaks to further facilitate its positive lasting effects on the financial markets and for consumers far beyond this five-year anniversary. In order to continue being a successful nation, we must capitalize on our diversity and tackle the inequality in wage and job growth in African-American communities.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, since its enactment on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped remove barriers to education, employment, and technology for people with disabilities. For a quarter-century, this landmark legislation has enabled people with disabilities to have the same civil rights and public use enjoyed by other citizens in all areas of public life. The signing of the ADA was a pivotal moment in history, not just for people with disabilities, but for all Americans. The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and allows them to participate fully in the workforce and in their communities. Today, there are over 55 million people living with a disability in the United States. In my home state of Ohio, the Ohio County Boards of Developmental Disabilities serves more than 90,000 children and adults in all 88 Ohio counties and many more receive services from nonprofit partners and organizations. In the third congressional district of Ohio, we have outstanding centers, such as the Helping Hands Center for Special Needs, which strives to meet the educational and therapeutic needs of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. As it did twenty-five years ago in 1990, the ADA continues to help individuals with disabilities achieve their goals, realize their dreams, and give back to their communities. Today, I celebrate the strides we have made since the ADA's enactment and honor its goals of equality of opportunity, full participation, and high quality of life for Americans with disabilities.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join many of my Democratic colleagues to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and to ask this House to pass legislation for voting rights now. Mr. Speaker, this was the first nation in our history to be founded with a purpose. Great phrases of that purpose are still being said and quoted around the world from the souls and hearts of Americans: ``All men are created equal,'' and, ``Give me liberty or give me death.'' Those words were not to be revered as meaningless, to ring hollow over the years. Today I join my colleagues as guardians of that liberty and advocates for voting rights legislation. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago before Congress, President LBJ said: ``I want to be the President who helped the poor to find their way and who protected the right of every citizen to vote in every election.'' ``Every American citizen must have an equal right to vote. There is no reason which can excuse the denial of that right. There is no duty which weighs more heavily on us than the duty we have to ensure that right.'' Mr. Speaker, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King delivered his ``Give Us the Ballot'' speech, urging the President and Members of Congress to ensure voting rights for African Americans. He indicted both political parties for betraying the cause of justice. He said--let us be reminded of these words--``The Democrats have betrayed it by capitulating to the prejudices and undemocratic practices of the Southern Dixiecrats. The Republicans have betrayed it by capitulating to the blatant hypocrisy of the right wing, reactionary Northerners. These men so often have a high blood pressure of words and an anemia of deeds.'' Mr. Speaker, today I ask Democrats and Republicans to come together for voting rights legislation now. Over the past 50 years, our country has come a long way: the end of Jim Crow, integration of our public schools, and the election of our first Black President. While we have made great progress over the past 50 years, we must continue to fight for justice and equality at the polls. In the past few Presidential elections, we have seen long lines, intimidation, and voter suppression. We must remain diligent in our efforts to root out voting discrimination because of the Supreme Court's misguided decision in 2013 in the Shelby County v. Holder matter and the failure of Congress to remedy this dismantling of our Nation's fundamental rights. We must be more vigilant than ever. Two years ago, in Shelby, the Supreme Court struck down a critical part of the Voting Rights Act. Some would say it cut the heart of the Voting Rights Act by finding section 4 unconstitutional. This was a setback to our country and to our democracy by removing much-needed voting protections in disenfranchised communities. Our democracy was founded on the audacious idea that every eligible citizen should have access to the ballot box. This is why I am proud to stand with over 70 bipartisan congressional colleagues as an original cosponsor of the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015, H.R. 2867, which would restore and advance the critical voter protections taken away by the Shelby decision. Mr. Speaker, it is time for us to bring voting rights legislation to the floor. Now, more than ever, with just 7 legislative days left, we head back to our districts for our August work period. Congress should honor the progress of being able to allow us to say to our constituents, to this Nation, that our country has made sure that there is equal rights and equal treatment. Let us work together on advancing important legislative priorities, such as the Voting Rights Amendment Act.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Thirty-One Gives Foundation that is a philanthropic arm of Thirty-One Gifts, Inc., which is the 17th largest direct selling company in the world. I am so proud to have both based in my Ohio Third Congressional District. The Thirty-One Gives Foundation is an organization dedicated to celebrating girls, women, and families by providing them with the support and self-esteem needed to lead to successful lives. Since its first meeting just in 2012, Thirty-One Gives has donated over $80 million in product and cash to nonprofit organizations committed to their same mission. They have proudly partnered with many well-known national organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House, Girl Talk, Salvation Army, the American Heart Association, the Girl Scouts, and the YWCA of Central Ohio to advance this philanthropic mission. Cleverly built around their name, Thirty-One Gifts, with over 16,000 consultants, volunteer on the 31st day of every month with 31 days. Mr. Speaker, I salute their volunteers for providing services such as preparing and serving homemade meals to families staying at the Central Ohio Ronald McDonald House, helping to give stability and strength in these families' homes away from homes. They volunteer also to serve meals at the YWCA Family Center of Central Ohio, which provides emergency shelter and critical services to stabilize homeless families. As a long-time advocate against human trafficking and one of the sponsors of legislation included in the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, S. 178, which was recently signed into law by President Obama, I salute Thirty-One Gives for assisting over 15,000 women in transition from human trafficking, domestic violence, and homelessness. Mr. Speaker, during my recent district job tour, I had the opportunity to visit Thirty-One Gifts and meet the founder, CEO, and president, Cindy Monroe. Today I salute this incredible civic leader, self-starter, and entrepreneur and her team for making a difference in the lives of others and presenting a unique solution to the emotional and economic empowerment of women locally, nationally, and worldwide. I look forward to welcoming and joining this inspirational organization on Sunday, July 26, when some 16,500 sales leaders from Thirty-One Gifts travel to my congressional district for their annual national sales conference being held right in Columbus, Ohio. As the members of Thirty-One Gifts know, when we all work together and give a little piece of our heart, we can make a huge difference.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark Older Americans Act, which President Lyndon Johnson signed into law on July 14, 1965. Congress passed the Older Americans Act in response to concerns by policymakers about a lack of community social services for older persons. The Older Americans Act is the major federal vehicle for the delivery of social and nutrition services for older persons. It ensures seniors have transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store, adult day care and more. It provides critical support and respite services to those caring for older adults--and, today, over 35 million Americans are family caregivers for older Americans. The Older Americans Act also promotes health and well-being--helping manage diabetes, prevent falls, and improve behavioral health so seniors can live at home in their community. The Older Americans Act has been serving our seniors and families well for half a century. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, we have an obligation to keep the Older Americans Act strong. Just yesterday, President Obama spoke at the 2015 White House Conference on Aging to emphasize the importance of addressing aging issues and reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Across the country, older Americans are running businesses, helping to raise their grandchildren, serving as teachers, acting as mentors, and contributing their many talents for the better of their community. I am committed to making sure that Americans are able to enjoy the secure retirement they deserve--whether they are already retired, are about to retire or are just starting out. I will continue to work to protect and expand Social Security, improve health care affordability, and create affordable long-term care options. Americans who have worked hard, raised families, and kept our country strong should be able to live their years in retirement with dignity and independence. The Older Americans Act helps them do that by providing critical services to millions of senior citizens and their families. Reauthorization of this important piece of legislation should occur as soon as possible.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Vocational Guidance Services program and the AbilityOne Program and Mr. Tubbs, who visited my office a few weeks ago. VGS provides employment services designed to promote economic self- sufficiency for people with disabilities in the State of Ohio and has maintained a strong presence in my district, Ohio's Third Congressional District. The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating community- based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. Since 2004, nearly 900 area residents received employment opportunities through the Vocational Guidance Services program. In fact, last year alone, VGS provided employment for over 100 Columbus area people with disabilities. I commend VGS and the AbilityOne Program team for their dedication and commitment to helping individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities to find employment in Ohio.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, the hope of a secure, livable world lies within those who believe in justice and equality for all. Democrats have worked in a bipartisan fashion to ban the display of Confederate flags in Federal cemeteries and barred National Park Services from doing business in gift shops that sell the Confederate flag. Last night, Republicans rolled out an amendment that would resurrect the Confederate flag in our national parks. Mr. Speaker, I was appalled by these actions. The tragic events in Charleston led to South Carolina's landmark vote last night to take down the Confederate flag from their statehouse. If South Carolina can act, certainly and surely, Congress can support our national parks in acting to don't sell that flag. Mr. Speaker, these are America's parks, and they belong to all people. The Nation is watching. Don't go down in history as not standing up against violence and racism. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me to ensure that we don't sell that flag, the Confederate flag.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, the American people have spoken. I join over 1 million Americans who voted in an online poll conducted by Women on 20s, a nonprofit grassroots organization, to put a woman on the $20 bill. To celebrate the amazing achievements of women throughout our history, I introduced the legislation to Put a Woman on the Twenty Act, H.R. 2147, which would empower the Secretary of Treasury to put a woman on the face of a $20 bill as soon as possible. Since the first general circulation of paper currency in this country, no woman has ever held the honor of being featured on paper money, and I would say to Secretary Lew that you need look no further than the people's choice winner, Harriet Tubman, for inspiration. In her words, ``Every great dream begins with a dreamer.'' In her dreams, she always had a vision. More than ever, my vision is a redesign of the $20 bill. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and support putting a woman on the $20 bill.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduced the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act because I strongly believe that we need more girls and minorities represented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers and professions. Large segments of our population are underrepresented in those academic and professional areas, which means that our nation is leaving a significant amount of talent on the table--not engaging with or being exposed to tools for tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, here is the problem. According to a 2014 National Science Board annual report, African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives accounted for only 10 percent of U.S. workers in science and engineering in 2010. This is a far smaller proportion than their share of the general population, which was 26 percent. Women are also underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce. While women represent half of all college-educated workers in the United States, they made up just 28 percent of science and engineering workers in 2010. These statistics make clear we are ignoring an untapped opportunity to expand STEM employment in the United States, employment which leads to good jobs, steady wages, and the ability to join the middle class. The development of world-class talent in the STEM fields here at home is critical to America's global leadership. Supporting women and minorities in STEM is not only an essential part of America's strategy to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world, it is also important to students themselves. STEM careers offer women and minorities the opportunity to engage in some of the most exciting fields of discovery and technological innovation. A highly-skilled STEM educated workforce is essential to ensuring the United States' ability to succeed in the 21st century global economy. By broadening the STEM pipeline to include those who have been historically underrepresented in STEM fields, we will create a larger, more diverse STEM talent pool of problem solvers and inventors. We can increase the number of girls and underrepresented minorities in the STEM fields by getting these groups interested in STEM early and keeping them engaged. Students from historically disadvantaged groups such as African Americans and Hispanics, both female and male, are less likely to have access to advanced courses in math and science in high school, which negatively affects their ability to enter and successfully complete STEM majors in college. That is why I am introducing the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act. This bill would provide funding to local school districts to carry out activities designed to better engage girls and underrepresented minorities in STEM. This way we can be sure to tap into these vast talent pools of students, while they are young. Allowable activities under the legislation include improving professional development for teachers and other school personnel, strengthening outreach to parents, providing mentoring and tutoring programs, improving access to afterschool and summer programs that provide additional enrichment opportunities in STEM, and providing academic advice and assistance in high school course selection that encourages girls and underrepresented minorities to take advanced STEM classes. Diversity is key for the United States to continue to prosper and compete: We must do more to recruit women and underrepresented minorities into the science, technology, engineering and math fields. Diversity drives innovation, and its absence imperils our creativity and our productivity. By training our nation's underserved talent in STEM fields, we will ensure that we have the intellectual capital essential to enhance our position as the world's strongest economy, passing American greatness to the next generation. I encourage my colleagues to join me in this effort my co-sponsoring.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of this year's being the 150th anniversary of the Salvation Army. It all started in 1865 with a minister named William Booth. He took to the streets of London's slums to champion the poor and neglected, and he decided that we have got to do something. That ``something'' was transformed into innovative approaches to eliminate poverty by demonstrating faith and by offering practical support to those in need. In my Third Congressional District and across the Nation, the Salvation Army provides assistance to families in need by providing clothes and furniture, food, job training, and much more. We have all seen the volunteers with red kettles who ring the bells and ask for donations. Nationally, they have raised $135 million and continue to make tremendous contributions locally in Ohio, nationally, and globally. I thank the Salvation Army's members, staff, board, and volunteers in my district, and I honor their work and service throughout this yearlong celebration of their 150th anniversary. Happy anniversary.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share that the Nation is desperate for a long-term, 21st century transportation and infrastructure system that provides sustainable solutions to our Nation's infrastructure crisis. We can't kick the can down the road anymore. Patching our roads and our budgets will not reverse the serious decline in our infrastructure. In April of this year, I joined elected officials and community leaders in my district at the Central Ohio Transit Authority's new Spring Street Terminal to ``Stand Up 4 Transportation'' and call for a long-term funding bill. Short-term patches like the one that was rushed through Congress last month fail to meet the challenge of our Nation's crumbling roads and bridges--even as other nations advance their infrastructure by leaps and bounds. Mr. Speaker, without meaningful long-term transportation bills that provide forward thinking and predictable investments for our infrastructure, we are slamming the brakes on the economy and jobs. It is time to act. The clock is ticking.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you to my colleague, the gentlewoman from Illinois, and to my colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Congressional Black Caucus this evening for holding this Special Order hour focusing on the economy and job opportunities in our community. I know tonight that we will speak to America and to the folks in this Chamber talking about the issues that revolve around the economy and jobs and how it affects African Americans. I want to join my colleagues tonight and talk about those things that get in the way when we talk about our education system, when we talk about the young African Americans going to prison, and when we talk about the cost of higher education, Mr. Speaker. But I also want to say thank you, thank you to the HBC universities for educating African Americans. I want to say thank you to those African Americans who are in positions to help spur the economy, and having an African American in the White House. That is because along the way there has been hope and opportunity. So before I talk about those things that get in the way, I want to make sure that we send the message to a 12-year-old boy in my district, to a freshman in college, to individuals like my young nephew and my nieces and my grandchildren, that there will be hope and opportunity because there are Members in this Chamber and members in the Congressional Black Caucus who will come and stand up and build that hope and opportunity to make a difference because we will come with resolve. But tonight, I want to share that, while much has changed for African Americans since the 1963 March on Washington, one thing has not changed. The unemployment rate among Blacks is about double that among Whites, as it has been for almost the past six decades. Mr. Speaker, the current unemployment rate for African Americans is 9.6 percent. This is nearly twice the 4.7 percent unemployment rate for White Americans. Although the national unemployment rate has continued to decline since 2008, a significant race gap still remains. African Americans are almost three times more likely to live in poverty than White Americans. African Americans, like all Americans, want economic mobility, access to high wages, the ability to support themselves and their families in a middle class lifestyle, while earning wages to allow for the accumulation of wealth. To move forward in creating economic opportunities in the African American community, we must remain focused, focused as the members of the Congressional Black Caucus are, on how we can bridge the divides in our society, and how we can bring our Nation closer together. It is well established in the fact that students of color face harsher punishments in schools than their White peers, leading to a higher number of youth of color in detention, suspension, and even being expelled. African American students are arrested far more often than their White classmates. Black and Hispanic students, Mr. Speaker, represent more than 70 percent of those in school-related arrests or referrals to law enforcement. African Americans make up two-fifths and Hispanics one-fifth of confined youth today. Disparities are found not only in how we punish behavior in our schools, but also how we fund education. This is true in K-12, and it is also true with higher education. While we know that a college degree is a path to a middle class life, African Americans are less likely to obtain education beyond high school than White students, and they are less likely to earn a degree. And for those African American college students who are able to make it to graduation, after graduating they graduate with more student debt than White students. Continued Federal and State cuts to tuition assistance, grant programs, and work study opportunities continue to threaten African American access to a better education. We must confront these injustices head on. We have an obligation to find real solutions to these problems that have plagued our communities for generations. We must promote policies that increase the pace of job creation, expand opportunities for the long-term unemployed to reenter the workforce. We must provide incentives for businesses to hire and make investments in revitalizing schools, infrastructures, and our neighborhoods. Like we did 50 years ago as we were in Selma, we must continue to do that again today. We must continue to stand arm in arm so we can bring an end to the disparities that hold our hard-working families back from achieving the middle class dream and the dreams of all Americans that we all should be equal, Mr. Speaker. And again, to my colleagues, thank you for holding this Special Order hour. Thank you for working with the members of the Congressional Black Caucus and all of our colleagues so we could move forward and not have the disparities that you have heard about tonight.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day represents one of our nation's most important holidays. Each year, our nation unites, regardless of political differences and ideology, to remember the heroes from all branches of military service who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend the very freedoms we hold so dear. This Monday on Memorial Day, as we honor the courageous men and women in uniform who gave their lives to defend our country, we continue our nation's long-held tradition of paying tribute to America's fallen soldiers. On this day of remembrance, let us recall that these brave men and women left behind countless loved ones and family members who also deserve our collective gratitude. As we remember the remarkable lives of our nation's fallen soldiers and their families on this Memorial Day, we must continue to honor them each day, as a single day of commemoration is far short of what they deserve.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the launch of Head Start. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson started Head Start and the program has since grown to provide children from low-income families access to comprehensive preschool programs and prepare them for kindergarten and a successful future. Head Start is a key component of our national commitment to give every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, an opportunity to succeed in school and in life. Access to Head Start clearly improves children's preschool outcomes across developmental domains on multiple measures. There are 39,293 Head Start students in Ohio. Within my district, in Franklin County, Head Start serves 3,351 young students. I support the President's budget request for Head Start, which increases funding by $1.5 billion. I believe that we all should commit to supporting early childhood education, this crucial program, and work together, in a bipartisan way, to ensure that every child in America has an equal shot at success in school and beyond.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, this month, I join my colleagues in recognizing May as National Foster Care Month. National Foster Care Month was established over 20 years ago to bring foster care issues to the forefront, highlight the importance of permanency for every child, and recognize the essential role that foster parents, social workers, and advocates have in the lives of children in foster care throughout the United States. The goal of this special month is to raise awareness about the experiences and needs of the more than 400,000 youth in the foster care system. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the thousands of dedicated foster families who care for these children as well as the social workers and service providers who support them. I'd like to share a few statistics that showcase the child welfare landscape. In 2013, there were an estimated 399,546 children in foster care. In Ohio, there are about 14,000 children in foster care and 2,500 of these children are waiting for adoptive homes. We cannot allow these statistics to shape the reality of our nation's foster youth. All children deserve safe, loving, and permanent homes. We have a responsibility to continue to create policies that will improve outcomes and the overall well-being of foster youth and their families. While we have made progress, there is still much more to do. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enable every child in foster care can succeed. Every child in our country deserves the opportunity to succeed, and I hope that throughout the month of May, we'll be able to raise awareness to the needs of foster children across the United States.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, let me end by asking and encouraging all people, when they see something, say something. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues today to support this legislation so we may send it to the President's desk for signature, finally bringing justice to the tens of thousands of human trafficking victims.

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the bipartisan Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, S. 178. But first I would like to thank both Chairman Goodlatte of Virginia and Ranking Member Conyers of Michigan of the Judiciary Committee for bringing this important bill to the floor for consideration. I also would like to thank the gentlewoman from Texas, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, for her leadership and for managing the bill today for the Democrats, and a special thank you to the original sponsors. This comprehensive legislation is a major milestone in our efforts to crack down on sex trafficking and to help protect vulnerable children across America. One of my top priorities in the 114th Congress was to pass my trafficking bill, H.R. 246, and today's bill includes it and nine other bipartisan House bills aimed at combating the scourge of human trafficking. I thank Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley of Iowa for offering the language of my bill as an amendment during the markup of S. 178 to ensure its inclusion in this legislation. Mr. Speaker, on March 2, 2015, I sat through the Senate Judiciary Committee markup to witness and hear the committee's discussion and vote. Today I am proud to stand on this House floor with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, advocating for this legislation that will provide child sex trafficking victims with greater restitution, justice, and resources. Mr. Speaker, human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world. We have heard that, and it is worth repeating. In fact, according to the United States State Department, human trafficking is the world's second-largest criminal enterprise after the illegal drug trade. As we know, it is not just happening in faraway lands. It happens in our own backyards. I am proud to have participated and led discussions on preventing child sex trafficking in my district. Last year, I joined a bipartisan roundtable discussion to hear firsthand stories and challenges from once child victim Theresa Flores, who is now a national spokesperson and best-selling author of ``The Slave Across the Street.'' In the United States, some 300,000 children are at risk each year for commercial sexual exploitation. In my home State of Ohio, each year, an estimated 1,100 Ohio children become victims of human trafficking, and over 3,000 more are at risk. The average age of trafficked victims in the United States is between 12 and 13 years of age. At this early age, Mr. Speaker, children should be in middle school, making new friends, playing sports, enjoying afterschool programs, or just being children. Mr. Speaker, these children deserve better, and today's legislation is a much-needed step in that right direction. We know that no single system can successfully combat trafficking. Preventing, identifying, and serving victims of trafficking requires a multicoordinated approach across all levels of government as well as input and assistance from nongovernmental entities and the American people. My provision in this bill will update Federal law to include the term ``child sex trafficking'' to reinforce that children who are trafficked should not be criminalized as prostitutes; instead, treated as victims. We need to ensure people understand that if they report an instance of child sex trafficking, law enforcement is not going to pursue the child and prosecute them as a criminal. They are victims.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight my introduction of H. Res. 256, a resolution to recognize May 2015 as Stroke Awareness Month. Mr. Speaker, I proudly stand here today because of our Nation's commitment to greater awareness about stroke and funding to find treatments for stroke survivors. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 Americans per year. On average, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, while one American dies of stroke every 4 minutes. In light of these sobering statistics, I am reintroducing my resolution recognizing May as Stroke Awareness Month. This resolution strives to enhance public awareness, urges continued coordination and cooperation between researchers and families, and advocates for improved treatment for individuals who suffer stroke. Mr. Speaker, together, we can combat this devastating illness and work together toward long-term solutions to prevent and treat and improve the lives of those suffering from strokes. I am a stroke survivor, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing May as Stroke Awareness Month.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, to this day we, as a country, are still working through the devastating effects of the foreclosure crisis. This avoidable tragedy was caused in part by predatory lenders taking advantage of homebuyers who had little or no understanding of the purchases they were making. That is why, in recognition of Financial Literacy Month, I introduced legislation entitled, ``the Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2015.'' This bill would give first-time homebuyers who complete a Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD-certified housing counseling course a discount on their Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance premiums of 25 basis points (or 0.25 percent). For many Americans, owning a home is the cornerstone of achieving the American Dream. Homeownership not only benefits the homeowner's family and surrounding community, it is also linked to improved health and school performance for children. Additionally, FHA provides the gateway to affordable housing for these individuals and families. However, for many prospective first-time homeowners, the process of purchasing real estate may be confusing and daunting and may leave uninformed buyers victims of unaffordable or predatory loans. The Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2015 would motivate first-time homebuyers to seek vital pre-purchase housing counseling to alleviate the confusion and fears associated with purchasing real estate. These housing counseling programs help prospective homebuyers understand their financing and down-payment options, evaluate their readiness for a home purchase and navigate what sometimes may be a confusing and difficult process. In fact, studies have shown that homebuyers who receive pre-purchase housing counseling courses are nearly one-third less likely to fall behind on their mortgage, and that housing counseling can improve prospective borrowers' access to affordable, prudent mortgage loans. These programs are so important that just last week, HUD awarded more than $36 million in housing counseling grants to hundreds of national, regional and local organizations to help families and individuals with their housing needs and to prevent future foreclosures. Consequently, an additional benefit of housing counseling is a reduction in delinquencies or default by better-informed first-time homebuyers. The Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2015 would encourage first-time homebuyers to take advantage of these critical counseling resources that can increase their financial literacy skills and capabilities. Mr. Speaker, ensuring that first-time homebuyers have the knowledge and tools necessary to be successful homeowners is an objective that we can all share. I would like to thank the Members of Congress who signed on as original co-sponsors of this bipartisan bill, including the Democratic and Republican Co-Chairs of the Financial Literacy Caucus, and urge my colleagues to join in our efforts to increase financial literacy by adding their names to the Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2015.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I join many of my colleagues today proudly wearing red and this pin to ask us to remember to bring our girls back who were kidnapped by Boko Haram. Mr. Speaker, I also returned to Washington this week from a busy district work period, where I advocated for homeownership, explored funding for early childhood through college education, and heard from seniors and veterans about their need for access to affordable health care. Unfortunately, it is very clear, Mr. Speaker, that the Republican leadership continues to turn a deaf ear to the American people, to our seniors, to our veterans, and to the next generation by putting forward legislation that does not work for my district in central Ohio or this Nation. Democrats, however, have put forth plans to help hard-working American families by making it easier to own a home, making it easier to send our children to college, and making it easier to have a secure and enjoyable retirement. Mr. Speaker, Republican leadership should listen to American families and help them attain the tools they need to achieve economic security for now and the future.