Joyce Beatty

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Chair, I support the CBC Alternative Budget for Fiscal Year 2016. As has been highlighted during today's debate, the Federal budget is a blueprint for our nation. It is a statement of our national priorities and of our national values. Our budget should lay the groundwork to secure a strong middle class, create more jobs, and grow paychecks. We should be working to create a level playing field for all Americans. We cannot continue with these short-term fixes which lately have become all too common in Congress. For instance, in May, the Highway Trust Fund is set to expire--again. Yet, more than sixty-five percent of America's roads are in need of repair and the American Society of Civil Engineers has given our nation's infrastructure a D in its most recent report card. We could be creating thousands of jobs--from real estate to construction work--if we got serious about investing in infrastructure. As the conscious of the Congress. The CBC budget focuses on creating jobs and giving hard-working Americans families a fair-share. Our CBC budget would provide $230 billion for our nation's infrastructure--providing an immediate investment to help modernize our roads, bridges, and tunnels, as well as providing dollars to build new and improve existing commuter and public transportation systems. We cannot delay or rely on short term funding patches that seem to become the norm in this Republican led Congress. Mr. Chair, when we rebuild our roads and modernize our nation's transportation, we create and maintain good-paying jobs. That's the best investment we can make of taxpayer dollars. Not only do we keep Americans safe, but we invest in our greatest resource--the American worker. That's what I call a bang for your buck.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. I thank my colleagues, Congressman Donald Payne and Congresswoman Robin Kelly, for leading this evening's critical discussion on ``The State of Black Health: A Congressional Black Caucus Assessment During National Minority Health Month.'' Mr. Speaker, it is no surprise that we are here today because, certainly, we have had many firsthand experiences to know the disparities that exist across all Americans but, more specifically, across African American communities. To you, Mr. Payne, thank you for having the foresight to come tonight; and to you, Congresswoman Kelly, thank you for taking a leadership position in helping us share with the Nation the value and the importance of protecting all lives but giving information to the Nation about the state of black health. It is imperative that we continue to address health disparities that affect racial minorities and work together on the efforts to advance health equity. Since July 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus has sponsored national conferences and held brain trusts on black health. It is so timely that we have this discussion as we observe National Minority Health Month. Tonight is a call to action, a charge for all of us to unite towards a common goal of improving the health of our communities. Everyone in America should be able to live a healthy life, regardless of the color of their skin. Mr. Speaker, the good news is the overall health of an American has improved over the past few decades. This is, in part, due to the increased focus on preventive medicine and dynamic new advances in medical technology. However, not all Americans have benefited equally from healthcare improvements. Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans now have access to quality, affordable coverage. According to the American Medical Association, recent studies have shown that despite the steady improvement in overall health of the United States, racial and ethnic minorities experience a lower quality of health services and are less likely to receive routine medical procedures and have higher rates of morbidity and mortality than nonminorities. Disparities in health care exist even when controlling for gender, condition, age, and socioeconomic status. For example, cardiovascular diseases account for the largest proportion of inequality in life expectancy between African Americans and non-Hispanic whites. According to the American Cancer Society, African American women have a 44 percent higher death rate from breast cancer, despite having a mammography screening rate that is nearly the same rate for white women. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the CDC, the infant death rate among African Americans is still more than double that of whites. Mr. Speaker, tonight, you are going to hear my colleagues and I discuss much data and statistics because I am from the great State of Ohio and Ohio ranks 47th in the Nation in infant mortality, with black infants dying at twice the rate of white infants. According to a 2015 study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, in Ohio, on average, 14.5 black infants die per every 1,000 live births, while 6.3 white infants die. Ohio community leaders and the Greater Columbus Infant Mortality Task Force are working hard to lower Franklin County's infant mortality rate and the infant mortality rate in all of Ohio. Tonight, I salute them for their research, for their education, and for their consistency to save lives. The statistics are staggering, and we can and must do more to lower and eliminate them. The societal burden of healthcare disparities in America manifest in multiple and major ways. For example, a 2014 study by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies concluded that ``the combined costs of health inequalities and premature death in the United States were $1.24 trillion.'' That $1.24 trillion is the cost between 2003 and 2006. That is why, on March 23, 2010, when President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, it was a monumental step that has helped us address the overwhelming statistics and health disparities within our community. I proudly supported the Affordable Care Act because lives matter. All lives matter. Black lives matter. Now, we have comprehensive healthcare reform that improves access to affordable health coverage and guarantees that the most vulnerable in our communities have access to care. By improving access to quality health care for all Americans, the Affordable Care Act helps reduce health disparities. How does the Affordable Care Act do this? This law invests in prevention and wellness, gives individuals more control over their care, and expands initiatives to increase racial and ethnic diversity in healthcare professions by strengthening cultural competency training for all healthcare providers and improving communications between providers and patients. The Affordable Care Act represents the most significant Federal effort to reduce disparities in this country's history. Congressman Payne and Congresswoman Kelly, again, I salute you. I am going to repeat that because it is so important for us to let the Nation know that the Affordable Care Act represents the most significant Federal effort to reduce disparities in this country's history. The Affordable Care Act also increases funding for community health centers which serve an estimated one in three low-income people and one in four low-income minority residents. There are over 43 community health centers, Mr. Speaker, in Ohio, including many in my district: Columbus Neighborhood Health Centers, Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers, and Lower Lights Christian Health Centers. These community health centers provide outstanding primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services in our most underserved areas. In 2013, community health centers provided care to over 550,000 Ohioans and recorded over 2 million patient visits. We have come a long way, Madam Speaker, but there is still much more for us to do. All people should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential for health. We must continue to move forward to combat health disparities, build healthier communities, and create a stronger country. In order to have a successful Nation, I believe we must have a healthy Nation. Let me leave you with something a national figure once said: If you neglect to recharge a battery, it dies. If you run full speed ahead without stopping for water, you lose momentum to finish the race. Let us make sure that all Americans can finish the race.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you, Mr. Capuano, for yielding me time. Thank you, Mr. Neugebauer and Mr. Stivers. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Capital Access for Small Community Financial Institutions Act of 2015, H.R. 299. I join Congressman Steve Stivers in support of H.R. 299. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle supported this bill in a bipartisan fashion, a bill on which I am very proud to be the lead Democrat. We have worked together to have H.R. 299 reported out of the House Financial Services Committee with a vote of 56-1. In fact, last year, the same bill passed unanimously on this House floor by 395-0. Mr. Speaker, as you have heard, H.R. 299 would permit privately insured credit unions to apply for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank system. A primary benefit of the Federal Home Loan Bank membership is having access to low-cost secured funding, which is a tremendous benefit to consumers. H.R. 299 would not, however, mandate the privately insured credit unions to become members of a Federal Home Loan Bank. Therefore, under this legislation, a Federal Home Loan Bank would maintain the discretion to accept or to reject a privately insured credit union's application for membership based on its risk tolerance and underwriting guidelines. Why do we need this bill? H.R. 299 is an extremely important piece of legislation for these privately insured credit unions because it would help give members and businesses greater access to credit in a tight credit market. Currently, there are approximately 6,400 credit unions across the country, including some 128 to 130 privately insured credit unions. Of that number of those privately insured credit unions, Mr. Speaker, 57 of them are actually in Ohio. Both I and Mr. Stivers, the sponsor of the bill, are from the great State of Ohio. These 57 privately insured credit unions in Ohio serve more than 333,000 members in Ohio, and, roughly, 145,000 of those members are actually in my district. Indeed, the Capital Access for Small Community Financial Institutions Act of 2015, or H.R. 299, comes to the floor today because of the very important role we believe that credit unions play in consumer lending and homeownership across this country. For instance, this bill would improve access to home mortgage loans for members of three privately insured credit unions that are actually based in my district, the Third Congressional District of Ohio. Those are the Whitehall Credit Union, Producers Employee Credit Union, and the Central Credit Union. Additionally, this legislation has garnered support from the exclusive insurers of privately insured credit unions across the country--American Share Insurance, or ASI. ASI, which is based in central Ohio, which is just north of my district, continues to provide employment for many Ohioans, and it has never previously had a privately insured credit union depositor lose money. Therefore, I urge the support of H.R. 299 because this bipartisan legislation is good policy, is good for small credit unions, and may spur the growth of small credit unions, which serve the needs of their members, both individuals and businesses. Importantly, H.R. 299 has bipartisan, nationwide support for local communities and businesses. Mr. Speaker, I believe this legislation is a perfect example of the type of regular order, committee-driven actions that we should use, actually, as a template for bipartisan cooperation in the House and which, indeed, if enacted, would bring real benefits to the national housing market. I urge Members to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 299.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the CBC Alternative Budget for Fiscal Year 2016. As has been highlighted during today's debate, the Federal budget is a blueprint for our nation. It is a statement of our national priorities and of our national values. Our budget should lay the groundwork to secure a strong middle class, create more jobs, and grow paychecks. We should be working to create a level playing field for all Americans. We cannot continue with these short-term fixes which lately have become all too common in Congress. For instance, in May, the Highway Trust Fund is set to expire--again. Yet, more than sixty-five percent of America's roads are in need of repair and the American Society of Civil Engineers has given our nation's infrastructure a D in its most recent report card. We could be creating thousands of jobs--from real estate to construction work--if we got serious about investing in infrastructure. As the conscious of the Congress. The CBC budget focuses on creating jobs and giving hard-working Americans families a fair-share. Our CBC budget would provide $230 billion for our nation's infrastructure--providing an immediate investment to help modernize our roads, bridges, and tunnels, as well as providing dollars to build new and improve existing commuter and public transportation systems. We cannot delay or rely on short term funding patches that seem to become the norm in this Republican led Congress. Mr. Chair, when we rebuild our roads and modernize our nation's transportation, we create and maintain good-paying jobs. That's the best investment we can make of taxpayer dollars. Not only do we keep Americans safe, but we invest in our greatest resource--the American worker. That's what I call a bang for your buck.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from Illinois, for leading us in tonight's Special Order to address the unique challenges black women face. It is certainly fitting, Mr. Speaker, that we are discussing the contributions of women in our society during March as we celebrate Women's History Month. Let us acknowledge those who have sacrificed and led the charge in women's rights, voting rights, civil rights, and rights in this Chamber. Black women have consistently played a critical role in our Nation's history. In Congress, women like Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm, the first African American female to serve in Congress and to run for President of these United States. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, first black woman in Congress from the deep South. When I think of Shirley Chisolm, I remember the words that we still hear and say so often when we talk about women: unbought and unbossed. Women like Carol Moseley Braun, who became the first African American female woman elected to the United States Senate. Patricia Roberts Harris, the first black woman to serve in a Presidential Cabinet and the first woman to hold two Cabinet positions--the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and, later, Secretary of Health and Human Services. And then from my great State of Ohio, the seventh-largest State in this Nation, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, only to be followed by two women, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge and myself, representing the Third Congressional District. Even in the face of grave opposition and unequal treatment throughout our Nation's history, black women have continued to stand strong and contribute to the well-being of their families and our country as a whole, women like the women who serve in the Congressional Black Caucus, women like the women who serve in this Chamber, women like the only female to serve as Speaker of this House, Nancy Pelosi. And yet, Mr. Speaker, here we are in 2015, and a black female leader is waiting to lead the critically important office of the United States Attorney General. No one can say she is unqualified, no one can say she is inexperienced, no one can say she hasn't or didn't perform well, Mr. Speaker. Just a couple weeks ago, 8 hours of testimony, more than 900 questions answered, and yet, she is left waiting, waiting longer than the previous combined times of the seven previous Attorney Generals. For 132 days, Mr. Speaker, Ms. Lynch has been waiting for a vote. Mr. Speaker, that is three seasons. In the fall, the Senate failed to take up the nomination. In the winter, the Senate dithered on her nomination. Here we are, now in the spring, and we are waiting. Mr. Speaker, what is the Senate waiting for? Our Nation needs an Attorney General, and holding this nomination hostage is senseless and reckless. I strongly urge the Senate Republican leadership to stop playing politics with law enforcement and national security and to vote on the confirmation of Loretta Lynch to serve as our next Attorney General. Ms. Lynch is eminently qualified and is a proven leader with an exemplary record at the Department of Justice. She is a brilliant, well-educated, and experienced lawyer twice before confirmed. It is well past time for the United States Senate to move forward with the nomination of Loretta Lynch, a black woman and nominee for United States Attorney General and, possibly, another first in our history. As I always like to say, Mr. Speaker, firsts are never good unless there can be a second and a third and a fourth. If we make this first happen, as we have done in the past, then there can be other women standing here and sitting where you are sitting. I honor Ms. Lynch and all of the strong black women who have paved the way for each successive generation, for my granddaughter so that she can know that there are women who can stand up in this Chamber and speak on this floor. That is what the Congressional Black Caucus' Special Order, in part, is about because, every day, black women hold their families together as primary caregivers; they support their children and continue to preserve and persevere when our society fails to deliver on equal rights. Equal rights in pay equity, health care, and education are priorities for me in this Congress and for millions of women across this Nation. The pay gap is startling, but it is real because we know, when women succeed, America succeeds. In Ohio and across the Nation, women make 77 cents to every $1 a white man makes, and for African American women, it is 66 cents for every $1 that they make. Five years ago today, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Our Nation took a giant step forward--a giant leap--in saving lives and making health care a right for all, not just for the privileged few. The Affordable Care Act has important implications for black women as they face longstanding and persistent disparities in health care and in health in general. Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to thank my colleague, the Congresswoman from Illinois, for bringing forth this topic. I would also like to thank all of the members of the Congressional Black Caucus for hosting this Special Order hour. There are countless black women whose names may not appear prominently in our history books, who may not ever appear on this floor or be recognized in this Congress or in this country, women like my 91- year-old mother in Dayton, Ohio, who reared four daughters and told us and taught us about the value of standing up for what you believe in. They are women who won't appear in our history books but whose sweat and blood and strength are woven into our national identity. I honor all of these women. They continue to inform me and inform my sense of pride and dignity as an American. I am going to end with the same quote that my friend and colleague started with, a quote by the late Maya Angelou, ``Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it''--Mr. Speaker, as I stand today--``she stands up for all women.'' Thank you.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a GOP budget proposal that can be summed up in one phrase: work harder for less. The GOP leadership put forth a budget that does nothing to boost paychecks of hardworking Americans. Students will see education cuts, and college will be less affordable. Mr. Speaker, this budget takes away the tools that allow people to climb the ladder of opportunity. It attacks retirement for seniors; and seniors on Medicare will immediately pay more for preventive health services, and those with high prescription drug costs will see prices skyrocket. It will mean the end of the current Medicare guarantee, and millions of seniors can be hurt. While Republican leadership pushes this misguided budget proposal that doesn't work for my district and doesn't work for the Nation, Democrats will continue pursuing policies that provide the tools hardworking families need to achieve economic security.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a bipartisan resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 23, that would honor the Selma to Montgomery, Alabama marches with a commemorative stamp. I thank the 102 House Members who co-sponsored this resolution and leading sponsors Congressman Byrne, Congressman Hurd, and Congresswoman Sewell. The Selma Voting Rights March was a pivotal moment in our history that brought together Americans to march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama 50 years ago. This stamp celebrates the march and reminds us to protect voting rights. For 125 years the Postal Service has been issuing stamps that celebrate cultural milestones and the unique history of our nation. Surely the protection of voting rights is a landmark development in our nation's development. It is my hope that as we remember the struggles of discrimination and inequality we lift our hearts and unite to find bridges to equality and justice. I ask that all Members unite and join with me in commemorating this critical watershed event.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a bipartisan resolution that would honor the Selma to Montgomery marches with a commemorative stamp. I thank the 102 bipartisan House Members who cosponsored this resolution, and the original sponsors: Congressman Byrne, Congressman Hurd, and Congresswoman Sewell. The Selma voting rights march was a pivotal moment in our history that brought together Americans to march from Selma to Montgomery County 50 years ago. This stamp celebrates the march and reminds us to protect voting rights. For 125 years the United States Postal Services has been issuing stamps to celebrate cultural milestones in the unique history of our Nation. Surely the protection of voting rights is a landmark development in our Nation's development. It is my hope that, as we remember the struggles, discrimination, and inequalities, we will lift our hearts and unite to find bridges to equality and justice. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members unite with me and ask the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for a hearing on this stamp.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my classmate and colleagues for hosting us this evening for the Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, during the past month, we honored the great achievements and rich history of African Americans and the African American community. We reflected on an unfortunate journey through slavery and segregation, prejudices and discrimination. Though we bring Black History Month to a close, the Congressional Black Caucus will continue to fight for justice. Tonight our Special Order hour is Bridging the Divide: Observations on Race and Justice in America. Our attention to the divides in our society, however, does not end because we entered a new month. We must remain focused on how we can bridge the divides in our society and how we can bring our Nation closer together. The divides are striking, and we know them all too well: the school-to-prison pipeline, education disparities, health disparities, the injustices in our justice system. It is well established in 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, yes, expelled. Mr. Speaker, African American students are arrested far more often than their White classmates. Black and Hispanic students represent more than 70 percent of those involved in school-related arrests or referrals to law enforcement. Currently, 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 schools, but also how we fund education. Mr. Speaker, this is true in K-12. It is also true in higher education. And we know that a college degree is a path to a middle class life. As African American students graduate with more debt than their White classmates, the cuts to Pell grants are threatening African American access to a better education. Without the Pell grant program, hundreds of thousands of young African Americans would not be able to afford college. The disparities in access to health coverage are startling. The infant mortality rate among African Americans is 2.3 times that of non- Hispanic Whites, and African American infants are four times more likely than non-Hispanic White infants to die, mostly due to complications related to birth weight. Mr. Speaker, we must confront these prejudices and these injustices in our Nation head-on. The Congressional Black Caucus is committed to resolving these challenges. The Congressional Black Caucus has fought to ensure funding the Pell grant. Pell grants are contained in each year's appropriations bills. We have worked hard to make sure that the maternity and newborn care are part of health care plans under the Affordable Care Act. Over 390,000 African American women in the individual market alone are projected to gain maternity coverage thanks--yes, thanks--to the Affordable Care Act. Our task force on the elimination of sentencing disparities is moving the ball on how Black men and women are treated in the judicial system. As we have been working here in Congress, our partners, the Deltas, my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, held their annual Delta Days in the Nation's Capital today with thousands of women from across this Nation gathering and advocating for these same disparities and injustices. As Deltas were uniting in their efforts today in our Nation's Capital, my sorors and I were also uniting for one of our very own-- nominee Loretta Lynch. Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-8 to approve the confirmation of Loretta Lynch as the next United States Attorney General, bringing her confirmation to the full Senate for consideration. I remember it all too well a couple weeks before that when we were in that hearing room. It looked like a sea of red as Deltas marched in and lined up one after another wearing our colors, crimson and cream. Deltas lined the outside of the hearing room. Mr. Speaker, we did that because, prior to entering that room, media and some of my colleagues on the other side had tried to make it a bad thing that she organized and was a founder of her college chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. What we were able to do was to show them when we work together, whether that is Democrats and Republicans or sorority members or nonsorority members, when it is the right thing to do, we can make a difference. I was so proud last week to sit there on the front row with my other colleagues--with our chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman G.K. Butterfield; with the 100th woman sworn into the United States Congress, Congresswoman Alma Adams; to be there with the 21st national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge. We sat there next to Loretta Lynch's father, Reverend Lorenzo Lynch of North Carolina, while the Judiciary Committee favorably reported the nomination on a vote that was closer than it needed to be. Ms. Lynch's nomination is well deserved and historic. Ms. Lynch testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee for nearly 8 hours, and she responded to nearly 900 written questions, which is unprecedented. Many of the written questions, Mr. Speaker, were from Senators who had already declared their opposition to her nomination. Ms. Lynch's nomination has now been pending far longer than any recent Attorney General's nomination which, in my opinion, Mr. Speaker, is shameful. She deserves to be voted our next Attorney General. If Senators have a reason to vote against her nomination, they should make their case public. Yes, hiding behind procedural tactics does not help our Nation. As the Senate has an opportunity to unite behind a well-qualified nominee for a critical position, Congress Members will have an opportunity to be united this weekend when Democrats and Republicans will travel to Alabama to march to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches. Fifty years ago, people marched for equal voting rights. Out of those marches, we got the Voting Rights Act. However, disparities remain, and the Voting Rights Act has been eroded. We can end this divide, Mr. Speaker, of who votes if my Republican colleagues would bring up the Voting Rights Amendment Act, H.R. 885. Let me say that again, Mr. Speaker. We can end the divide of who can vote if my Republican colleagues would bring up the Voting Rights Amendment Act, H.R. 885. How long will it take? How long must we wait to have equal rights and justice? It is well past time that we deliver to all Americans what they deserve. Like we did 50 years ago in Selma, we must do so again today and stand united arm in arm, as my Congressional Black Caucus colleagues and I did recently in Ferguson and as we will do tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. Together, united, we can bring an end to the disparities that hold our hardworking families back from achieving the middle class dreams and the dreams of all Americans: that we should be equal.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately on February 26, 2015, I missed rollcall vote No. 91, On Question of Consideration of the Resolution, because I was in a meeting with Administration officials on behalf of my constituents. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up H.R. 861, the clean Department of Homeland Security funding bill that would keep the Department open so it can carry out not only its mission, but it can also keep the American people safe.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, we only have two more days before funding for the Department of Homeland Security runs out. Two days to ensure that our ports and borders are secure. Two days to keep our airports and skies safe. Two days to make sure our first responders are trained and protected. Mr. Speaker, the Majority leadership has decided to put our national security at risk and put the economic security of our public servants in jeopardy. 40,000 border agents, 50,000 airport screeners, and 40,000 Coast Guard military members, who are essential workers, will continue to work without pay. While Congress continues to receive pay. That is no way to thank Americans who put themselves in harm's way and secure the homeland. I urge my colleagues to fulfill our most basic duty--to ensure the safety and security of the American people.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Florida for allowing me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5, Student Success Act. This bill would continue unnecessary and arbitrary K-12 education funding cuts and erode accountability for historically underserved students. We should be preparing the next generation, but this bill is a step backwards in achieving academic excellence for 90 percent of the Nation's students. Mr. Speaker, diverse organizations across not only my State, the great State of Ohio, but across this Nation, educational organizations, educational funding organizations, parents and lawyer advocacy groups, business leaders and groups, disability and exceptional children's groups, and the NAACP and civil rights organizations are against this and very concerned about this bill. Mr. Speaker, the way we fund all of our schools and educate all of our young scholars is a reflection on our values and commitment to equality. Access to education is a civil right. It is the key to the middle class and to a prosperous nation. This bill would constrain educational opportunity and equality. We need an education bill that improves education and that invests in all of our children. H.R. 5 fails our children, Mr. Speaker, and H.R. 5 fails our Nation.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. I thank the gentlewoman from Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Congresswoman Terri Sewell, my good friend, and my good friend from Alabama, Martha Roby, in strong support of H.R. 431, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the foot soldiers who participated in the Selma freedom marches in March of 1965. These foot soldiers, including our colleague from Georgia, Congressman John Lewis, and the men, women, and children who marched on Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, and in the final march from Selma to Montgomery, were met with attacks and dogs, beatings, and death along the way. But, Mr. Speaker, still they marched, as many of us will march in a few weeks, to fight for equal rights and voting rights. Mr. Speaker, let us honor the 1965 foot soldiers for their bravery and for their equality, marching for equality. I urge all Members to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 431.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Go Red for Women. More than 600,000 women's lives have been saved from heart disease since Go Red for Women was created in 2004, but heart disease still remains the number one killer for women and men and causes more deaths than all forms of cancer. As a National Heart Association Board member, one of Columbus, Ohio's first Go Red chairs, and a member of the Congressional Heart Caucus, I rise today to recognize survivors, those battling with heart disease, and those who are fighting and working to find cures and improve treatments. Today, Members of Congress will stand together, Democrats and Republicans, in red to send a message to the Nation that as colleagues, we can stand and celebrate the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women campaign. Mr. Speaker, working together, we will make a difference.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, as we talk about the struggle continuing, it is my honor to ask my colleague and classmate, Congressman Marc Veasey from Texas, to be our next presenter.

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, in closing remarks, let me thank you for extending our time tonight. We have heard from voices of legends tonight. But tonight I would like to end by giving special recognition to two new voices, two new legends who tonight led us through something more than a Special Order hour. They led us through a Special Order hour in history. To Congressman Donald Payne of New Jersey, thank you for picking this topic and partnering with my colleague and friend, Congresswoman Robin Kelly. Mr. Speaker, tonight they are our voices of the future. Tonight they had the courage to come and manage time on an issue that we think, as members not only of the Congressional Black Caucus, but of this Congress, being the conscience of this Congress. Hopefully, it will make a difference in this Chamber as we proceed forward. Thank you again, Congressman Payne and Congresswoman Kelly. You are our voices. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my other colleagues tonight to thank Congresswoman Kelly from Illinois and Congressman Payne from New Jersey for organizing tonight's Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour. I rise to highlight a pivotal moment in America's history--the Selma voting rights march--that 50 years ago, Mr. Speaker, brought together Americans to march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, across the now famous Edmund Pettus Bridge. There were attacks and dogs, beatings and deaths, but still we marched because we as a country knew that all Americans should have the same rights. The 54-mile walk was an effort to demonstrate the desire of Black American citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote and to be treated equally. Mr. Speaker, although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination and segregation remained throughout much of the United States. The march led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which, today, continues to be eroded in a threatened bill. The communities across our Nation certainly have threats to their basic rights, and there are certainly injustices. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King--and they still ring true today when I think about his words--``injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'' When I reflect on my recent trip to Ferguson-- where I witnessed firsthand--it seems that we are still reengaging in our unfortunate history and ongoing challenges with voting rights, voter registration, and injustices--and with new vitality and vigor. Mr. Speaker, I will stand with my colleagues--those who are here, along with Congressman John Lewis and Congresswoman Terri Sewell--when we march across that bridge and when we say that we must turn our march toward solutions. If we, Democrats and Republicans, can watch a movie together about Selma, sharing silent moments in tears, sharing stories of our own experiences, surely we can come together to fix voting rights. How long must we wait, Mr. Speaker? How long will it take? Let me end with these words: it is on all of us here in this body to march for voting rights and to march for having voting rights. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague, Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to allow my colleague, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke from Brooklyn, who is also the vice president of the Congressional Black Caucus, to share her thoughts with us. (Ms. CLARKE of New York asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you so much to my colleague. Mr. Speaker, at this time it gives me great pleasure to ask Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman--I am very proud to say that she is a part of this 114th freshman class--to say a few words. (Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Because of the importance of this issue in my State and in our Nation, I engaged during my first term in Congress to pass a sex trafficking bill, 400-9. Last year, as you heard from Congresswoman Wagner, I partnered with Senator Portman from Ohio to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Bringing Missing Children Home Act, H.R. 3905. This Congress, I have introduced H.R. 246, which would improve and update the Missing Children's Assistance Act in order to reflect the current state of Federal law and reinforce that children who are sex- trafficked or sexually exploited are victims and not criminals. Lastly, my bill would add the phrase ``sex child trafficking, including child prostitution'' to section b(1)(P) of the Missing Children's Assistance Act to fight the perception that sex trafficking is a voluntary, victimless crime. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, in speaking against and bringing awareness of human trafficking. Our country, our constituents, our children need our help.

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, first let me just say thank you to my colleague from Missouri, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, for organizing tonight's Special Order hour but, probably more importantly, a bipartisan Special Order hour. And let me say, I proudly wear this bracelet in honor of all of those survivors. I also want to note that her work as a former United States Ambassador exposed her firsthand to the horrors of human trafficking on an international level. Her work has raised awareness of this problem and has laid the foundation for congressional action. Despite international efforts to eradicate human trafficking, it still exists and affects communities in every country, including the United States. This transnational crime exploits the weakest and often subjects victims to mental and physical abuse. Human trafficking is an estimated multibillion-dollar-a-year international enterprise that forces the weakest among us into the horrors of modern day slavery. It is also one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world. In fact, according to the United States State Department, human trafficking is the world's second-largest criminal enterprise, Mr. Speaker, after illegal drug trade. It is forced prostitution, domestic slavery, and forced labor. It is also oftentimes underground and masked so well that it is difficult to recognize. These victims are our housekeepers, our farmworkers brought into the United States by labor brokers who promised a job but enslaved these victims instead. Sex traffickers target the weakest members of our society by using violence or threats or other coercive means to keep victims enslaved. Human trafficking deprives individuals of their most basic and unalienable rights--life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That is why we must continue to work to end human trafficking and support the victims by providing resources and assistance during their time of need. My home State of Ohio is the fifth-leading State for human trafficking. In Ohio, an estimated 1,100 Ohio children become victims, with some 3,000 more at risk. In fact, a preliminary report on the scope of the problem in Ohio cited that 13 years of age is the most common age for youth to become victims of child sex trafficking. During my time in public service, as a public servant both in the Ohio Legislature and here, I have heard story after story of heartbreaking personal human trafficking experiences from Ohio. Just 2 weeks ago, my hometown paper, The Columbus Dispatch, reported that a massage spa in central Ohio was serving as a front for organized prostitution, where 18 women who spoke little or no English were forced to work there, eat there, and sleep there. Authorities believe that these women were likely trafficked into the United States to work in a sex trade. Mr. Speaker, I would like to have a copy of this article placed into the Record. [From the Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 15, 2015] (By Theodore Decker) Behind the Powell storefront--between a dentist's office and a dessert shop--the women slept each night on massage tables. Rarely, investigators say, did they appear to leave the Amsun Massage Spa, a business that caught the attention of Powell police not long after it opened last fall in a strip mall at 128 E. Olentangy St. The women worked there. They ate there. They slept there. They might not have had a choice, authorities said. Local, state and federal investigators announced yesterday that the massage parlor was a front for organized prostitution and was one of four addresses raided in Delaware and Franklin counties as part of Powell's investigation. A parallel federal investigation resulted in searches of other addresses, although details of those raids were under court- ordered seal yesterday. The combined searches turned up 18 women who speak little or no English and might have been trafficked to work in the sex trade. Investigators said various agencies have stepped in to provide shelter and other support to the women. ``They don't know the culture, they don't speak the language, and they're very untrusting of law enforcement,'' said Nathan Emery, special agent in charge of the Columbus office of the federal Homeland Security Investigations agency. The women fear deportation, a threat that was used by their employers to keep them in line, police said. Authorities are trying to pin down their identities and countries of origin. ``We are not just arresting those who are suspected of trafficking women for sex, we are also rescuing those who may be victims of this heinous crime,'' said Cmdr. Gary Cameron of the Columbus police narcotics bureau. Powell's search warrants were served at Amsun Massage in Powell; Amsun Massage, l000 High St., Worthington; Rainbow Massage, 5564 Hilliard-Rome Rd. on the Far West Side; and a Jasmine Court residence on the Far West Side. A man and woman from Columbus were arrested: Xiao Shuang Chao, 56, and Qing Xu, whose age was unknown. Investigators aren't sure of the couple's relationship but said they operated the businesses locally. They face organized-crime charges in Delaware County Common Pleas Court. Powell Police Chief Gary Vest said that soon after Amsun opened, his department was tipped that women were living there and providing sex-related services to clients. Emery said women are brought to the United States by human traffickers and, instead of finding a better life, ``to pay off their debts, they're put into forced servitude.''

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 246, a bipartisan bill I introduced which will help victims of child sex trafficking by decriminalizing their behavior. First, I would like to thank Chairman Kline from Minnesota and Ranking Member Scott from Virginia of the Education and the Workforce Committee for bringing this important bill to the floor for consideration. I want to also thank Representative Walberg, who is managing the bill, for his kind words and his leadership. He is managing the bill today for the Republicans. I also thank Congresswoman Karen Bass and Congresswoman Ann Wagner for their leadership and support. Also, I would like to thank Senator Portman, who I partnered with on this issue last Congress and who introduced the companion legislation in the Senate. I look forward to working with him again during the 114th Congress to advance this legislation. Mr. Speaker, last Congress, the House passed this exact bill unanimously by a vote of 409-0. Today, I hope that my colleagues in the House will again approve this legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support so we can better assist victims of child sex trafficking and ensure they are viewed and treated as victims, not criminals. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in Ohio's sixth annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which was held in my district at the Ohio statehouse. It was standing room only. The event was chaired by State Representative Teresa Fedor from Toledo, who has spent a lifetime on this issue. There, we heard story after story from victims, survivors, and advocates, just like the ones we heard on the House floor earlier today. Almost every time I am home in my district in Ohio, I hear from people who are concerned about the victims of child sex trafficking. Constituents implore me to have Congress do more to protect those among us who are the most vulnerable, those who are being forced into what many deem modern-day slavery. This is for a good reason. Human trafficking is one of the fastest- growing crimes in the world. In fact, according to the U.S. State Department, human trafficking is the world's second largest criminal enterprise, after the illegal drug trade. Criminals involved in trafficking trade prey on those children already at risk in our society, the children who fall through the cracks in our society. In the United States, some 300,000 children are at risk each year of commercial sexual exploitation. Mr. Speaker, many of these children are runaways, homeless, and in and out of foster care. These children deserve better. The average age of a trafficked victim in the United States is 12 years of age. Mr. Speaker, this is shameful. At 12 years old, children should be playing sports, participating in their school science fair, learning new languages, or just being children. They should not be for sale night after night. In my home State of Ohio, each year, there is an estimated 1,100 Ohio children who become victims of human trafficking, and over 3,000 more are at risk. Ohio is the fifth leading State for human trafficking because of its proximity to a waterway that leads to an international border and a system of interstate highways that allow an individual to exit the State within 2 hours to almost anywhere. The I-75 corridor runs through Toledo, Dayton, and Cincinnati. It is infamous for subjecting children to the horrors of sex trafficking, with reports of victims being repeatedly abused. 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. We need to encourage all people: when they see something, say something. How can concerned citizens report activities of suspected child exploitation? Currently, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children operates a CyberTipline, which receives leads and tips regarding suspected crimes of sexual exploitation committed against children. This CyberTipline is operated in partnership with the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service, United States Department of Justice, as well as other State and local enforcement agencies. These reports are constantly monitored to help ensure children in imminent danger get first priority. More than 2.8 million reports of suspected child exploitation have been made to the CyberTipline between 1998 and October of 2014. Under current law, child sex trafficking is not identified as one of the types of sexual exploitation that should be reported to the CyberTipline, even though the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children encounters child victims of sex trafficking and currently uses this term on its Web site in order to encourage the public's reporting of these types of crimes. Instead, the statute uses the term ``child prostitution''--yes, child prostitution, Mr. Speaker--which we know does not fully and accurately capture these types of crimes against children. My bill would add the phrase ``child sex trafficking, including child prostitution,'' to section b(1)(p) of the Missing Children's Assistance Act. This legislation was crafted in order to improve and update the law in order to reflect the current state of Federal laws and to reinforce that children who are sex-trafficked or sexually exploited are victims and not criminals. Mr. Speaker, children in sex trafficking situations are often misidentified as ``willing'' participants. We know there is a widespread lack of awareness and understanding of trafficking. Take, for instance, a story I recently heard about Holly, who is a survivor of human trafficking. When Holly was 14 years old, she ran away from home with a man she had met at a shopping mall. Holly and this man exchanged phone numbers. He continued to pursue Holly over the course of many months. Convincing her to run away with him was not an overnight accomplishment. He got to know her, analyzed her troubles, and asked about her dreams. He did this so that when Holly was on her summer break from the eighth grade, the pressures of her 14-year-old world boiled to the surface. With all this confusion and pressure Holly was feeling, this predator was able to convince her to flee towards what she thought was opportunity, possibility, and freedom. In reality, Holly ran right into the clutches of a sexual trafficking ring. Within hours of running away with what turned out to be a manipulative and threatening pimp, she was coerced into prostitution. Fortunately for Holly, eventually an officer on the street thought that she seemed underage, so he approached her and arrested her. She was soon recognized to be a victim and began the long journey toward healing. Today, I am proud to say that Holly is an advocate for stronger anti-trafficking laws and greater protection for survivors of all forms of human trafficking. This bill, H.R. 246, is intended to protect young children like Holly, to rescue and restore them. By adding the term ``child sex trafficking, including child prostitution,'' to the Missing Children's Assistance Act, we will be able to continue to fight the perception that sex trafficking is a voluntary, victimless crime, and this will exclude them from prostitution. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.