Joyce Beatty

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say congratulations to the Ohio State Buckeyes for their victory last night for the first College Football Playoff National Championship game. Mr. Speaker, I have the proud honor of representing the Third Congressional District of Ohio, home of the victorious Buckeyes football team. Mr. Speaker, last night, I joined my Ohio congressional delegation and others to cheer for the Buckeyes. Mr. Speaker, football is definitely a bipartisan activity. The most valuable player, Ezekiel Elliott, broke national championship records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns; and to our winning quarterback, Cardale Jones--who made the victory possible last night--to all the players, fans, the band, coaches, and athletic directors, I say, ``Congratulations.'' Go, Bucks.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Section 5: ``Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own Members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent Members, in such manner, and under such penalties as each House may provide.''

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I come today unscripted to speak to you about a lady that made a difference in the lives of this Nation. Fifty- nine years ago, one week ago, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat so she could make a stand for civil rights and justice. She said she was only tired of giving in. That day, her remaining in her seat, made a difference for a person like me, a young girl in 1955, who vowed to make a difference because this woman, known as the ``Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement,'' took a stand. In the Third Congressional District last week, Governor Bob Taft, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, my Third Congressional District, and the Ohio State University stood together and hosted hundreds of individuals to talk about redefining our communities, standing up for justice. I am proud that Congressman Hakeem Jeffries joined a panel with other scholars like Sharon Davies and Curtis Austin as we talked about moving forward, as we talked about moving forward from the Trayvon Martins, from the Michael Browns, from the Eric Garners, and the list goes on, across this Nation. We must come together for our children, for our families, and, yes, we must also stand up for justice that meets the standards of the values of this Nation. Today, I join my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus to thank another woman, our Rosa Parks, our Sojourner Truth--Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, for being the seventh woman to be the president and the leader of the Congressional Black Caucus. To you, Congresswoman Fudge, to you, Mr. Speaker, I say, thank you for the Congressional Black Caucus through her leadership being more than the conscience of the Congress, but for being scholarly, for standing up for justice, for daring to be different, and, also, for understanding agriculture, the judiciary system. You see, she is not only a Member of Congress, she has served as a mayor, she has served as a judge, she is a prominent lawyer. But, more important than all of these, she is a crusader for children, she is a crusader for the least of us, and she understands relationships and partnerships, and working far beyond the CBC. She reaches across both sides of the aisle because, at the end of the day, she really realizes the fight is not about one of us, the fight is for all of us.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues. Let me continue and be very brief and just say Michael Brown had a promising future before his life was cut short by police gunfire on that fateful Saturday in August. He was supposed to start technical college this past fall, planning to become a heating and cooling engineer one day. He hoped to start his own business. He strove to set an example for his younger siblings, teaching them to stay in school and further their education--instead, another loss. Michael Brown fell victim to a criminal justice system that too often fails people of color. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, he is now another Black male whose full promise and potential will never be realized because his life was taken too early by the very department created to protect and serve his community, the Ferguson Police Department. Mr. Speaker, I think it is appropriate that the Congressional Black Caucus is on the floor today discussing being Black in America. The CBC is the conscience of the Congress and, in many circumstances, the conscience of America on the topic of race relations, struggles, and inequities. We are also scholars and crusaders. We are our brothers' keepers. We have marched and written civil rights laws, and today, December 1, we are celebrating the 59th anniversary of Rosa Parks maintaining her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her civil disobedience on this day should be celebrated. As we see in the majority a peaceful protest in refusing to give up her seat, Rosa Parks sparked a civil rights movement that continues today; a movement highlighted by incremental progress such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, where a Nation came together with hopes of eliminating centuries of discrimination against Blacks and providing equal rights under law. The civil rights movement is ongoing and faces significant challenges. A great distrust between local residents and law enforcement remains today. Too many young Black men have been left behind and are seen as objects of fear, and we have a school-to-prison pipeline that tears our communities of color apart, leaving them forever incomplete. As Martin Luther King, Jr., said: Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concerns of dedicated individuals. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I am, today, hopeful. I am hopeful that initiatives like the President's My Brother's Keepers, which is implementing cradle to college and career programs for young people in my district, will allow us to continue Rosa Parks' progress that she sparked 59 years ago. Finally, should we work harder to get more people registered to vote? Should we have more get out the vote? Yes, but it takes more than that. This Congress should work with the President, and I fully support his request for some $263 million in part to equip police officers with cameras. Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Speaker, thank you.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed my honor to stand here not only with the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, but with you, Congressman Jeffries, for the work you have done. Today, I have a heavy heart as we stand here as members of the Congressional Black Caucus on the topic of being Black in America, what Ferguson says about where we are and where we need to go. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by expressing my deepest condolences to the family of Michael Brown as his death was undeniably tragic. The ``Gentle Giant,'' as Michael was nicknamed by his family members, will not be forgotten, nor what his loss represents. Michael Brown had a promising future before his life was cut short by police gunfire by police that fateful day in August.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary service and selfless sacrifice of our Nation's veterans. Each year, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to pay tribute to our veterans, the men and women who served this country with honor and distinction. To the almost 22 million veterans in the United States and the 43,000 veterans who live in my congressional district, I am here to say thank you for your service and sacrifice. You answered the call of service and never wavered. Whether at home or abroad, whether at war or at times of peace, you kept our Nation safe and protected our freedoms. In gratitude and humility, it is now our turn to serve you, providing the benefits and the resources you deserve and earned.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 15, a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform bill to properly address the humanitarian crises at the border.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Medicare and Medicaid a very happy 49th Anniversary! On this day in 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Social Security Act into law, establishing Medicare and Medicaid and the guarantee that a wide range of health and medical services would be available to millions of Americans. A year after declaring a war on poverty in 1954, President Johnson created two programs that would serve as the backbone of our Great Society and provide a backstop so that our fellow Americans would never again be left without a safety net or a helping hand. These programs matter, not only to their users, but to all citizens in our great nation. Medicare matters because it provides comprehensive health coverage to seniors and gives families peace of mind that their loved ones can retire with security. The program has provided seniors and the disabled with the quality health care, economic security, and the peace of mind they deserve. Because of Medicare, millions of Americans have been able to age with respect and dignity, instead of mounting medical debt and uncertainty regarding treatment. Mr. Speaker, I know firsthand how important Medicare is to seniors and families in America. Nearly 98 percent of older Ohioans were enrolled in Medicare in 2011, and nationwide more than 50 million seniors and people with disabilities are covered under Medicare. Medicaid matters because 1 in 5 Americans and 1 and 3 children receive health care through Medicaid. Providing preventative care and lifelong health assistance is not only the right, moral thing to do, it is also fiscally responsible. I look forward to continuing to work to strengthen and protect these programs and to ensure that the promise of health and economic security will be there for generations to come.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, thank you to Ranking Member Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Export-Import Bank and current legislation, H.R. 4950, to reauthorize the bank introduced by my freshman colleague and fellow Financial Services Committee member, Congressman Heck from Washington. The Export-Import Bank has been helping United States businesses of all sizes sell their products around the world for over 80 years. But despite the bank's proven track record of creating jobs, helping American businesses compete globally, and reducing the Federal deficit, a faction of House Republicans want to close the door of this important Federal agency forever. Mr. Speaker, shutting down the Export-Import Bank makes no sense to me, and it makes no sense to my constituents. In my congressional district, Ohio's Third, 10 companies, including six small businesses, have grown because of the Export-Import Bank. These businesses have been able to expand sales internationally and create jobs locally because of the Export-Import Bank. Earlier this month I received a letter from the CEO of Yenkin- Majestic Paint, a manufacturer in my district. In his letter, he writes: ``Normally we would not write in context of Washington crosscurrents about the bank. However, it would be very unfortunate if the Congress cannot reach a responsible bipartisan reauthorization of this work to encourage commerce for American-made products abroad and to help expand U.S. employment from sales beyond what is available on the home front.'' Mr. Speaker, this is just one of many letters I have received from affected constituents. I have also heard from a young man who works at International Risk Consultants, a Columbus-based company that provides guidance to small businesses to export internationally. He writes: ``The Ex-Im Bank offers trade finance solutions that work for small businesses that cannot find alternatives in the private market.'' He closes his letter in this way, I think most telling: ``Perhaps the most devastating effect of not reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank will be visited upon the many firms that never began exporting but would, if they were introduced to Ex-Im Bank solutions.'' Mr. Speaker, Congress should not allow an extreme faction of the Republican Conference to execute an ill-conceived and destructive plan to close Export-Import Bank. My constituents deserve better. Ohioans deserve better, and the American people deserve better. I urge the House Republican leadership to bring H.R. 4950, a bill with over 200 cosponsors, to the floor so we can keep the Export-Import Bank operating and, more importantly, keep Americans working. General Leave

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately on July 24, 2014, I missed rollcall vote No. 442 on Ordering the Previous Question. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me conclude by saying that I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to support H.R. 5111. This is a very important piece of legislation that will help the victims of child sex trafficking. It will decriminalize their behavior. It will help rescue them from the horrible situations that we have heard tonight. Let me also share that it is not only about H.R. 5111, but it is about all of the bills that we are hearing tonight that I ask this House to support. I would certainly be remiss if I did not thank the House leadership on both sides of the aisle for allowing us to bring these important bills forward and also my entire staff, but specifically my legislative director for all of her hard work. Lastly, to Congresswoman Bass, let me say thank you for being someone who has led this charge and has been willing to work with me and others on helping bring all of our bills forward. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, more must be done to assist these children, these children who are victims, not criminals, and need our help. 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. 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. More than 2.3 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation have been made to the CyberTipline between 1998 and March of this year. In identifying the types of sexual exploitation that should be reported to the CyberTipline, current law does not specifically mention ``child sex trafficking'' as one of its reporting categories, 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,'' 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 the section b(1)(p) of the Missing Children's Assistance Act. Working with my colleagues on the Education and the Workforce Committee and Congressman Chris Smith from New Jersey, we have crafted legislation in order to improve and update the law in order to reflect the current state of Federal law 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 widespread lack of awareness and understanding of trafficking. By adding the term ``child sex trafficking,'' including ``child prostitution,'' the Missing Children's Assistance Act will continue to fight the perception that sex trafficking is a voluntary, victimless crime. Child sex trafficking is an issue of abuse and exploitation of children. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass).

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 5111, a bill I introduced which would help victims of child sex trafficking by decriminalizing their behavior. I thank Chairman Kline from Minnesota and Ranking Member Miller from California of the Education and the Workforce Committee for bringing this important bill to the floor for consideration. I also thank Representative Walberg from Michigan, who is managing the bill today for the Republicans. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank Senator Portman, whom I partnered with on this legislation earlier this year. Together we introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation in order to assist victims of child sex trafficking and ensure that they are viewed and treated as victims and not criminals. We participated in a roundtable discussion with the Dominican Sisters of Peace in my district with diverse stakeholders who shared stories of victims and ideas of what we could do to further help these children who are trafficked. We heard story after story, just like on the House floor today: the story of Caroline, in my district; the story of Teresa, who was a victim herself at a very young age and now is a national advocate against child sex trafficking. As we know, human trafficking is 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 after the illegal drug trade. In the United States, some 300,000 children are at risk each year for commercial sexual exploitation. Many of them come from family and social backgrounds that render them particularly at risk. These are children who fall through the cracks in our society. Mr. Speaker, many are runaways, homeless, and in and out of foster care. These children deserve better. The average age of a traffic victim in the United States is 12 years of age. Mr. Speaker, this is shameful. At 12 years of age, girls and boys should be playing youth sports, participating in their school science fair, learning a new language, or just being able to be a child. In my home State of Ohio, each year, an estimated 1,078 Ohio children 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 allows an individual to exit the State within 2 hours to almost anywhere. The I-75 corridor--which runs through Toledo, Dayton, and Cincinnati--is infamous for subjecting children to the horrors of sex trafficking, with reports of victims being repeatedly abused. Just last week, my hometown paper, The Columbus Dispatch, reported that Ohio children younger than 6 years old have been sexually trafficked by their parents in exchange for drugs, for rent, or cash. Mr. Speaker, I will enter a copy of this article into the Record. [From the Columbus Dispatch, July 11, 2014.] Ohioans Selling Sex With Their Own Kids (By Alan Johnson) Ohio children younger than 6 have been sexually trafficked by their own parents in exchange for drugs, rent and cash, a new report indicates. Information from the Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers shows that 51 minors from across the state were potential human-trafficking victims--five of them age 6 or younger--over a nine-month period. The network has a state contract to screen children referred by law enforcement, children's services agencies and others, to determine whether they may have been trafficked. Statistics from July 2013 to March 2014 showed all but five of the 51 minors reported were 13 to 18 years old. Only one case involved a male. They came from both urban and rural areas of the state. ``I'm most shocked that families are doing this to their own children,'' said the director of the advocacy center that originally detected three of the cases involving the youngest children. She asked not to be identified for this story to avoid pinpointing specific details about the cases that might cause problems for the children, or jeopardize legal proceedings. ``We think it happens to young girls who are runaways. But with these youngest kids, it's their actual families who are trafficking them.'' She said more information about what happened to very young children gradually comes out over time as they are in counseling and other therapeutic programs. Information on at least three of the five youngest victims indicated they were trafficked sexually by one or both of their parents in ``exchange for drugs, rent, goods or money,'' said Amy Deverson Roberts of the children's advocacy network. She said some cases have been referred for prosecution and others are pending. She could not release specifics about any cases. The suspected victims were referred for help to law enforcement, children's services, mental-health providers and other agencies as needed, Roberts said. ``It's all about collaboration to provide the best services for victims,'' Roberts said. The network last year received a $523,000, two-year grant from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to provide training to detect signs of trafficking, to put on education programs, and to handle child referrals. The grant came from a trafficking task force created in an executive order by Gov. John Kasich. Officials estimate that 1,100 children are forced into the sex trade each year in Ohio; 13 is the most common age for children to be victimized.

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

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join with others across the Nation to ask Congress to pass the Voting Rights Amendment Act. I had the distinct pleasure to join near our Capitol last week with some 3,000 members of Links, Incorporated, at the national assembly and with the 15th national president and chair of KeyBank, Margot James Copeland, and with the national legislative chair and OhioHealth's president, Karen Morrison, of their foundation to lead a resolution to support the Voting Rights Act of America. Links members proudly voted in support of a resolution, calling on Congress to pass the Voting Rights Amendment Act, H.R. 3899. Martin Luther King, Jr., said: Our feet are tired, but our souls are rested. Let us say the same of ourselves as we continue the unfinished work of ensuring that every American cannot only vote, but has the freedom, the justice, and the dignity that all individuals rightly deserve. Let us join together as Democrats and Republicans and pass the Voting Rights Act.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, we have heard a lot about education today, probably because education is the economic engine of our future. Ohio State University plays a pivotal role in K-Life education. It is located in my district, and it serves not only my district but the Nation. Today, I rise to acknowledge Ohio State University's outgoing interim president, Dr. Joseph Alutto, a former colleague and a friend, and to welcome incoming president, Dr. Michael Drake. Thank you, Joe Alutto, for your leadership in preparing our next generation of teachers, artists, medical, corporate, and community leaders. In an era where innovation in science and technology and creative entrepreneurialism will determine our global station in the world, it is critical that we have capable leaders at the helm of our education and research institutions. I thank Joseph Alutto for his service to Ohio State University, the single-largest campus university in the country. God speed and good luck.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, I was unavoidably absent due to a spousal medical emergency. On rollcall vote No. 313, on H.R. 3375, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall vote No. 314, on H.R. 1671, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, I unavoidably missed rollcall vote No. 315, on H. Res. 628 due to a spousal medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, today, NetJets Inc., a worldwide leader in aviation, is celebrating its 50th anniversary at its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, in my congressional district. NetJets has made notable contributions to our community in central Ohio by providing transportation services during medical emergencies and natural disasters. Through the generous efforts of the aircraft owners, the hardworking employees, and intuitive management, NetJets has become the industry standard, by having flown more hours than all other fractional aircraft companies combined. This organization has thrived in meeting the complex transportation needs of American business through safe, reliable jet service, while creating jobs and contributing to central Ohio's economy. The legacy that NetJets continues to build will enrich the lives of generations to come and shape a bright future in aviation. I commend NetJets on its 50th anniversary.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2203, sponsored by Congressman Pat Tiberi, awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Columbus, Ohio, native Jack Nicklaus. Jack Nicklaus--an alumni of Ohio State University--is a world-famous professional golfer who has amassed 120 victories in professional tournaments worldwide. While well known for his athletic achievements on the golf course, Jack Nicklaus also has a long history of involvement in, and contributions to, numerous charitable activities. One example: last month I had the opportunity to attend the Legends Luncheon. While only a few years in existence, it has raised more than a half-million dollars in proceeds from his annual Memorial Tournament held in his home State of Ohio in support of Nationwide Children's Hospital located in my district, ensuring that central Ohio will continue to have one of the best children's hospitals in the United States. In honor of Jack Nicklaus' sportsmanship and philanthropy, I urge my colleagues to join the 304 of us who have signed H.R. 2203 and pass H.R. 2203.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, thank you to my colleague. Thank you so much, Mr. Horsford from Nevada, for leading us in this Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour, and also to my colleague from New York (Mr. Jeffries), thank you for your leadership. It is an honor for me to be here, not only as a Member of Congress, but someone who lived through our topic tonight. If we pause for a moment and could go back in history, that unanimous opinion written by Chief Justice Early Warren held that ``separate educational facilities are inherently unequal'' and that segregation of schools violates the 14th and Fifth Amendments of the United States Constitution. This decision, Mr. Speaker, signaled an end to the State-sanctioned segregation of public schools in the United States, making it unlawful to deny access to public facilities on the basis of race. Striking down segregation in our Nation's public schools provided a major catalyst for the civil rights movement and made advances in desegregating housing, public accommodations, and institutions of higher education possible. On the anniversary of this landmark decision, we acknowledge and applaud those who endured and lived through those days of crises so all Americans could enjoy the right to vote, the right to equal protection of law. It is the Brown story, but it could have been, as we heard from Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the Barbara Lee story. It could be the Congresswoman Joyce Beatty story because I grew up during this same era of time as a young child who, thank goodness, had a mother and father who understood the link of discriminating against African Americans, who understood the link between redlining in housing, to education; so they made a brave step and moved to an all- White neighborhood, so I could go to an integrated school. It reminds me of how Oliver Brown probably felt on that day when his young daughter, Linda, had to walk some 21 blocks, through all kinds of elements and traffic and danger zones, to get to the segregated school, when just six blocks away from where they lived was an all-White school. So you see, he took on this challenge because of his young daughter and, at that time, having another daughter that would follow and not knowing that there would even be a third daughter to follow. At the age of 32, at the time of the suit against the school system, he--a Baptist minister, a welder, a person who was active in his community--decided that he would let his name be put on the lawsuit. He testified that, many times, his daughter had to wait in the cold, to wait for a bus to take her to Monroe, even though, as I mentioned, seven blocks away from an all-White elementary school. That is the Oliver story. So when we think of the Oliver Brown story and we think of Mr. Brown, who opened up the schoolhouse doors to Americans, regardless of race or color, it created an opportunity for millions of Americans. Sadly, the promise of the Brown decision remains unfulfilled in many ways today. Millions of American families face trials and tribulations related to their color, creed, or religion. Even today, 60 years after legally-sanctioned educational segregation ended, the legacy of this discrimination can still be found in our schools, if you look at graduation rates, in the university, and yes, in the workplace. Today and every day, we must rededicate ourselves to raise a new generation that may seize their opportunities. It is incumbent upon us, as lawmakers, that we make sure that Americans are able to have a quality education, that they are able to exceed and succeed in all that they endeavor. While we pause in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Brown decision, we should not rest on our laurels until equality for all is a reality in our great Nation. Just this morning, a Columbus school board member reminded me, as Shawna Gibbs wrote me this note, she said, Mr. Speaker: No longer separate, but still fighting for equality. So as I close, I ask us to look at this visual and know that Oliver Brown's fight was for all of us, 60 years ago and today.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the National Women's History Commission Act, HR. 863, introduced by my esteemed colleague from New York, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. Representative Maloney has worked diligently to get this important bill to the floor, and I thank her for her tremendous efforts. H.R. 863 would establish a commission to report recommendations to the President and Congress concerning the establishment of a National Women's History Museum in Washington, DC. The National Women's History Museum Commission would be at no additional cost to the taxpayer, as the commission is entirely paid for without the use of federal funds. The Museum's mission would be to educate, inspire, empower, and shape the future by integrating women's distinctive history into the culture of the United States. All too often, women's history is largely missing from textbooks, memorials, and museum exhibits. Of the 210 statues in the United States Capitol, only nine are of female leaders. Less than five percent of the 2,400 national historic landmarks chronicle women's achievement. The museums and memorials in our nation's Capital demonstrate what we value. This bill would provide women, who comprise 53% of our population, a long overdue home on our National Mall honoring their many contributions that are the very backbone of our country. This effort is about bringing together women and remembering those women that came before us, who persevered and changed the course of history, and on whose shoulders we stand today. These unique experiences, perspectives, and historic accomplishments deserve recognition in our nation's capital. It is time for the women of our nation to be recognized with this landmark. H.R. 863 is a critical step in advancing the National Women's History Museum by providing us with a blueprint of steps to take in order to finally tell the story of more than half of our country's population. Let us honor our nation's foremothers and inspire present and future generations of women leaders. I urge all Members of the House to vote in favor of this bill.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Ranking Member Waters for all of her support and her leadership. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3584, the Capital Access for Small Community Financial Institutions Act, as amended. Today I stand here, joining my colleague from Ohio, Congressman Steve Stivers, in support of final passage of this bipartisan legislation. I thank the gentleman for introducing this bill on which I partnered as the lead Democrat. In a show of bipartisanship, we were able to work together to have the legislation unanimously reported out of the Financial Services Committee, as it is certainly worth noting again, with a vote of 55-0. Madam Speaker, H.R. 3584, if enacted, would permit privately insured credit unions to apply for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank system. It would not, however, mandate that these privately insured credit unions become members of the Federal Home Loan Bank. Currently, out of roughly some 6,000 credit unions across the country, there are 132 privately insured credit unions operated in nine States. These States include Alabama, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, my home State of Ohio, and Texas. In particular, this bill would improve access to home mortgage loans for members of the three privately insured credit unions that are based in my Third Congressional District of Ohio. H.R. 3584 is an extremely important piece of legislation for these privately insured credit unions because it will help give members and businesses greater access to credit in a tight credit market. Additionally, this legislation would also benefit the exclusive insurers of privately insured credit unions across the country, which are based in central Ohio, just north of my congressional district, which provide employment for many Ohioans. In addition, Madam Speaker, in order to ensure the best-drafted bill, Congressman Meeks and I offered amendments that were accepted during the committee markup. My amendment does two things. First, it removes any language referencing the National Credit Union Administration from the text of the legislation--clarifying that this legislation would not grant any supervisory jurisdiction to the NCUA over privately insured credit unions. Secondly, it created a Government Accountability Office study and report to Congress on the adequacy of insurance reserves held by the private insurer of these credit unions and also on the compliance of these credit unions with Federal regulations requiring consumers to receive disclosures explaining that such credit unions are privately-- not federally--insured. These changes were supported by the NCUA and unanimously by the entire Financial Services Committee. Indeed, H.R. 3584, the Capital Access for Small Community Financial Institutions Act, as amended, comes to the floor today because of the efforts of many members of the Financial Services Committee who worked to advance the legislation through regular order of the committee. I would urge support of H.R. 3584 because this bipartisan legislation is good policy, it is good for small credit unions, and it is an easy and effective way to demonstrate bipartisan, nationwide support for local communities and businesses. Madam Speaker, I believe this legislation is a perfect example of the type of regular order, committee-driven action that we should use as a template for bipartisan cooperation in the House, and which, if enacted, would bring real benefits to the national housing markets. I urge all of the Members to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3584, as amended.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, owning a home is the cornerstone of achieving the American Dream for many Americans. Homeownership is a source of pride and develops robust and stable communities. 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. I believe that we must support access to homeownership and the financial literacy necessary to become a successful first-time homeowner. That is why today I am introducing the Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2014 which would provide a discount on Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, upfront mortgage insurance premiums of 25 basis points to first-time homebuyers who complete a housing counseling program certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. This bill would encourage first time homebuyers to take advantage of these critical counseling resources that can increase their financial literacy skills and capabilities. Currently, HUD's Housing Counseling Assistance Program provides counseling to consumers on the entire spectrum of housing counseling needs: from finding and financing, to maintaining and owning a home. 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. Consequently, an additional anticipated benefit is a reduction in delinquencies and defaults by better-informed first-time homebuyers that should serve to strengthen the FHA's Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Mr. Speaker, for many Americans, their home is the largest financial asset they will ever own. Ensuring that first-time buyers have the knowledge and tools necessary to be successful homeowners is an objective that we can all share. My thanks goes out to the bipartisan group of original cosponsors who recognized the importance of this legislation, including the Democratic and Republican Co-Chairs of the Financial Literacy Caucus. I urge my colleagues to join in our efforts to increase financial literacy by cosponsoring the Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2014.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, today this Equal Pay Day, I rise to recognize the full value of women's skills, their significant contributions to the labor force, and acknowledge the gross injustice of wage inequality. Women--who make up nearly half of our Nation's workforce--on average still make only 77 cents for every dollar made by men. For black women, its 64 cents on the dollar. At a time when families across the United States are struggling to make ends meet, ensuring a fair wage is more important than ever. Equal pay is more than a basic right--it is an economic necessity. That is why I will continue to fight for the When Women Succeed, America Succeeds economic agenda, which includes enacting the Paycheck Fairness Act, to ensure equal pay for equal work for our nation's women, children, and families.