Joyce Beatty

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, many of my Republican colleagues are still obsessed with ending health care for the American citizen. I come here today to tell you the administration, experts, and my colleagues in Congress are working on making sure that all Americans have insurance. I say to you while they talk about ``glitch, glitch, glitches,'' yes, we are all disappointed with that. When they talk about the face of the stories, let me tell you that last week during our week at home, I held a tele-townhall conference, and many of my constituents called in and asked questions about the Affordable Care Act. Do you know why? Because they had a college student who can stay on their insurance. Do you know why? Because there were women who had pre-existing conditions now that can be covered. Do you know why? They were seniors. They were mothers. They were parents. That is what the Affordable Care Act is about. So I say to you to listen closely, America, because the Affordable Care Act will make a difference, and that is what we should have in this wonderful America that we live in.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I stand here first to salute those who advocate against domestic violence and those who advocate for more stroke awareness--health care issues. I also stand here not only as a Member of Congress, but as a person who has navigated the online health care insurance marketplace system, so let me note some facts. Yes, there have been problems. Unfortunately, the Web site was not prepared to handle the huge volume of interest, but President Obama has made it clear that the delays on the Web site are unacceptable and they will be fixed. Since the marketplace has opened, healthcare.gov has had over 20 million unique visitors. And while the site is being improved, consumers should keep in mind what we haven't heard from my colleagues, that there are four ways they can apply for coverage: by phone, online, by mail with a paper application, or with the help of an in-person assistant. I say to you, let us not forget the point that millions of Americans are now able to choose an insurance plan that will make the most sense for them and for their family.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you, Mr. Jeffries, and to Mr. Horsford. It is an honor for me to stand here on this floor with you as a colleague in our freshman class. But first let me thank you for your leadership, and also to Congresswoman Marsha Fudge from my great State of Ohio, as president of the Congressional Black Caucus. As I stand here tonight, I am reminded of the words of Martin Luther King when he said: The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in a time of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during this time of challenge and controversy to express my strong concern over Republicans' failure to immediately raise our country's debt limit. The failure to act is threatening an imminent default on our Nation's financial obligation. Raising the debt limit does not grow our deficit. Instead, it allows the Treasury to pay for what this Congress has already spent. What are the facts? Since 1917, the debt limit has been raised 103 times. In recent history, it has been raised 45 times. As you have heard my colleague state, 18 times during Ronald Reagan's Presidency. In 273 years since our country's founding we have never defaulted on our financial obligation. Yes, never. But if Republicans refuse to increase the debt limit by October 17, the Secretary of the Treasury has indicated very clearly that we won't be able to pay our outstanding debts on time. Quite frankly, this is unthinkable. The ``full faith and credit'' clause of the United States Constitution directs that the United States will pay all its debts in full and on time every time. America's full faith and credit has been the basis for our global economic superiority for at least 100 years. Like ordinary Americans, if the Federal Government does not pay its bills on time, then when it comes time to borrow in the future, the interest rates we pay will be much higher. If the debt limit is not raised, Americans will feel the impact immediately, both directly and indirectly. Who loses? Payments owed to our soldiers and veterans for their services will be delayed. Nearly 4 million disabled veterans receive monthly payments in recognition of their sacrifice. If we default, they will not receive their benefits on November 1. In my home, the great State of Ohio, 1,183 veterans receive disability compensation. It would be unthinkable for us to fail to pay them, and the benefits that they have earned for their services. Who loses? If the debt ceiling is not raised more than $36 million, Social Security recipients will not receive their earned benefits. In Ohio, over 2 million residents rely on Social Security to make ends meet. A default in our obligations would force them to choose between paying their rent or buying groceries. It is not a choice that Congress should force on our constituents to make. Americans will also see a sharp spike in interest rates offered on home mortgages, credit cards, car payments, and student loans. The spike will have an immediate, devastating negative impact on our Nation's housing recovery, which has been a driving force in recent economic growth. If Americans default, the average homeowner will pay an extra $100 a month in increased interest rates. This will cost families $36,000 over the life of a typically 30-year home loan. As the stock market reacts to the most significant defaults in modern history, you can expect steep drops in your IRAs and your 401Ks. Just last week, the Secretary of the Treasury reported that if our Nation were to default on our debts, the consequences would be ``catastrophic''--yes, catastrophic--``with many private sector analysts believing that it would lead to events of the magnitude of late 2008 or worse.'' We are still recovering from the worst recession in 80 years. We simply cannot afford to go backward, to go to double-digit unemployment, declining housing values, the financial markets declining, and a climate of economic uncertainty for businesses. Americans deserve swift action. I implore House Republican leadership to bring to the floor a bill which will raise the debt limit so the Treasury can continue to pay all of its bills on time. And lastly, I turn to the other imminent crisis: reopening the Federal Government. Throughout this hour, you have heard my colleagues talk about the choices that you force Americans to make when you try to piecemeal our funding. It is worth me repeating to say: it is like having a family and having parents having seven children, and decide that you are only going to feed three of them and watch the other four children starve before your eyes. We stand on this floor as Democrats and Republicans every day and we talk about how we care for this America, how we want to provide services, but yet we are making Americans make a choice between NIH funding for children who are cancer patients, who need to be in clinical trial, and we make a decision to pull the funding, Federal funding, in 11 States that they are losing their Head Start grants. The list goes on and on. This is not the America I know, this is not the America I love. Americans deserve better. Let's reopen the doors of government, and let's raise our debt ceiling.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up the Senate amendment to H.J. Res. 59, to open government and go to conference on a budget so we can end this unnecessary Republican government shutdown that hurts veterans and children and American citizens. Let's open up the government now.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up the Senate amendment to H.J. Res. 59, the clean CR, and go to conference on a budget so that we end this unnecessary Republican shutdown.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Horsford and Mr. Jeffries, for leading the CBC's important discussion on Republicans' refusal to bring a clean continuing resolution to the floor and the resulting government shutdown. The Republican course is a partisan path to nowhere, and it simply leaves our workers with fewer jobs, our families with less security, and our country with less certainty and stability. The government shut down has left hundreds of thousands of Federal employees immediately and indefinitely furloughed. Recruiting and hiring for Veteran jobs have ceased. Federal assistance to school districts, colleges and universities, and vocational rehabilitation agencies have been severely curtailed. Important government research into life-threatening diseases, environmental protection, and other areas has halted. This has all occurred because some Republicans do not like a law already enacted, that a majority of Americans support. A law that already has helped millions of American families, individuals, and businesses. Reforming our nation's health care system is a historic opportunity to make health care more affordable and bring the kind of change we were all elected to achieve for the American people. It's called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and it secures affordable, high quality and accessible health care. It is about establishing healthcare as a right, not a privilege, for every American. It is about wellness and prevention, economic security and entrepreneurship, and strengthening the middle class. This historic law is about creating a healthier America. October 1st marked the first day the public could enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the ACA. For many African-Americans, this date marked the beginning of fewer health inequities, increased access to quality care, more affordable health coverage, and greater investments in prevention. African-Americans and other underserved populations often have higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options, and reduced access to healthcare. The ACA addresses these overwhelming health inequities through several initiatives including data collection, prevention, workforce development, and quality improvement strategies. Thanks to the ACA, 7.3 million African-Americans with private health insurance can now receive preventive services, like wellness visits, and diabetes and cancer screenings, at no extra cost, 4.5 million African-Americans who have Medicare coverage can now receive preventive services, like flu shots and blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, at no extra cost, 6.8 million uninsured African-Americans may be eligible for coverage through the new Health Insurance Marketplace. The new Health Insurance Marketplace is healthcare, made simple. It builds on the last three years, during which many Americans have already seen lower costs and better coverage. Because of the ACA, 105 million Americans have already received access to free preventive services, 6.6 million Seniors have saved more than $7 billion on their prescription drugs. More than 100 million Americans no longer have a lifetime limit on their insurance coverage. Mr. Speaker, we are talking about saving lives. In Ohio, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there will be lower than expected premiums in the new Health Insurance Marketplace. Ohio consumers will be able to choose from an average of 46 health plans in the Marketplace. For every 10 individuals who are uninsured in Ohio, 6 will be able to find coverage for $100 or less per month, taking into account premium tax credits and Medicaid coverage. As a lifelong healthcare advocate, as a stroke survivor, and as an African-American woman, I know the importance of protecting access to affordable healthcare coverage for all Americans, particularly those who are the most in need. The new Marketplaces across the country will mean brand-new health and economic security for millions of Americans. It means a healthier, more prosperous nation. I look forward to helping educate the American people about the benefits of the ACA and continuing to move forward with its implementation. But, with all of the benefits the ACA brings to our country, there are some who still refuse to see how the law helps the American people. The ACA is the law of the land, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court and which is currently being implemented to the benefit of millions of Americans. I urge Speaker Boehner and the other House Republican leaders to follow the will of the American people--end their politically- manufactured government shutdown, and pass the clean Senate CR, so that the government can get back to helping the American people. I thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important issue.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I stand here at a time we should be celebrating the many freedoms bestowed upon us, but I am here in the midst of some Republicans crippling us. It is fatal for the Congress to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the desires of the American people who want the doors of government open, ending the whirlwinds of piecemeal, cherry- picking funding. Paraphrasing Martin Luther King: When the architects of our Republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. Instead, citizens are sitting at home, waiting for Congress to open the doors of government because bills are due, mortgage payments, rent, car loans, services are needed. So I request the Republican leadership to end this debate, because the American people are asking Congress to let them get back to work so they can cash their checks. Mr. Speaker, this is no way to run the government.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up the Senate amendment to H.J. Res. 59, the clean CR, and go to conference on a budget that will end this Republican government shutdown that is delaying home loans.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, so often we hear our colleagues saying, We come here to Congress to protect and to represent the American people. Well, the American people have spoken. They have asked us to open the doors of government, not shut them. Mr. Speaker, I say to you that we cannot let you have a few of your Republican Members hold the government hostage because they dislike this President or they dislike the Affordable Care Act. We cannot piecemeal this funding cycle, because fairness is not letting children starve. Eleven States will not be able to have grants for Head Start. The NIH has announced that they are not going to be able to have clinical trials for hundreds of patients. Thirty of those cancer patients are children. Fairness is not starving small businesses. Fairness is not piecemealing it. It's like having a large family and asking the parents to pick three children to feed and let the others starve before their eyes. We are starving America, we are starving government. And I say to my Republican colleagues, fairness is not shutting down the government.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this politically-manufactured government shutdown. By shutting down the United States government, House Republicans have proven that they are willing to gamble with both the economic security of hundreds of thousands federal employees and of our nation. A government shutdown is a serious matter, with real-world consequences. While Social Security checks will go out to current recipients, the 180,000 people who visit a Social Security office will find that they are understaffed. Their questions will go unanswered. The Small Business Administration's approval of loans will be put on hold indefinitely. Some 28 million American small businesses will no longer have access to federally-assisted loans or technical assistance. This government shutdown has forced us to shut the door on the American people. The most vulnerable among us, our seniors, veterans, and our children, will suffer the most. It is time for Republicans to put aside partisan politics and work with Democrats so that we can re-open the federal government for business and put our nation back on the road to economic prosperity. I strongly urge the House to adopt the Senate-passed Continuing Resolution without delay.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, Congress is faced with much unfinished business--a budget that needs to be passed, a sequester that needs to be repealed, and a debt limit that needs to be lifted. I remind my Republican colleagues that citizens want us united. They want compromise, not to be shut down. If the United States defaults on its debt, the results could be devastating. A default could mean 3.4 million veterans not receiving disability benefits; drug reimbursements for Medicare could stop; and in the first week, 10 million Americans would not receive their Social Security--but in these frightening times, all hope is not lost. John Hogan, founder of TeenForce, which is an enterprise dedicated to solving the youth employment crisis in America, recently received the White House Champions of Change award--from the President of these United States--for contributions to the administration's Youth Jobs program. John and his family are here today. Let John and other ``champions of change'' serve as an example to us all--that in hard times, if we work together, if we compromise, we can make a difference.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately on September 19, 2013, I missed rollcall vote No. 473 on H. Res. 352. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay''.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition of H.R. 3102, the Republican Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act. America should be uncomfortable because this bill would cut $40 billion in critical nutrition assistance programs, denying SNAP benefits to at least 4 million low-income Americans, affecting children, seniors, the disabled, and veterans. America should be uncomfortable because this Republican deal affects unemployed adults with an average income of just $2,500 per year who would immediately lose their SNAP benefits. America should be uncomfortable because this bill hurts Americans living in rural, urban, and suburban areas. For many, SNAP benefits are the only thing that keeps them from living with hunger and malnutrition and sickness. America should be uncomfortable. We should not cut these funds. These are extreme cuts of one of the most effective programs we have combating hunger.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to join and thank my colleague, Mr. Jeffries, for leading the Congressional Black Caucus' important discussion on achieving economic security through the labor movement. Labor unions played an important role in the civil rights movement. Today, the labor movement continues to be an important issue for African Americans, just as important as it was 50 years ago during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The labor unions and civil rights groups share the struggles of fighting for better pay and equal rights. The overall goal of this movement remains the same. We must invest in education, fair wages, and workers' rights. We must continue to fight for those in our community who are denied economic opportunity and equality. Labor unions are at the forefront of these endeavors. They ensure the gains that workers have made in the past are maintained and that workers' rights will be protected in the future. Union members have played a critical role in the civil rights movement, and their involvement continues today. Historically, the path of the middle class for African Americans was through a union job, and today unions continue to provide African Americans with economic security. You see, 13.3 percent of all union jobs in the United States are African American, despite African Americans only making up 11.4 percent of the overall domestic workforce. African American union jobs earn up to $10,000, or 31 percent, more per year than nonunion workers. If we really want to rebuild America's middle class, we need strong unions. Labor unions play a major role in our economy and on behalf of workers. The essence of what labor unions do is to provide workers with a strong voice so they receive a fair share of the economic growth that they help create. They have always been an important player in making sure that the economy works for all Americans. Labor unions have paved the way for middle class people, for millions of American workers, and pioneered benefits such as paid health care and pensions along the way. Even today, union workers still maintain more benefits and job protection than nonunion workers. Union jobs continue to offer higher salaries, pensions, health care, and benefits that give families the economic security that they deserve, the security to be able to send their children to college or trade schools. I know this firsthand because my dad was a union worker. Oftentimes I say that I was able to go to college because of union dollars. This is the American Dream, and unions have helped ensure that more Americans have a chance to live it. In central Ohio, the Third Congressional District of Ohio that I represent, labor unions are strong and a significant part of the community. During my August recess, I had the opportunity to visit the Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local 24, located in Columbus, Ohio. I also had the opportunity to have a labor town hall meeting where I had the opportunity to speak. Whether it's a teacher educating our children, a skilled tradesman improving our infrastructure, police and first responders keeping us safe, electric workers, those working in transportation, the Postal Service, nurses, automotive workers, local, State, Federal, and municipal government employees, these individuals assist us every day and their work improves our communities and our local economy. It is so important for us to come here today as Members of Congress and, yes, as members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Let me tell you why. In our current economic climate, unions are more important than ever before. We need fair wages. We need a higher minimum wage. As our economy continues to recover from the worst recession in 80 years, many workers are experiencing decreased wages, forcing them to spend their savings or try to figure out how to make ends meet. Yes, unions are a vital part of our society and so important as we continue to rebuild America. We must ensure that workers can retire with dignity. We must preserve the ideals and the principles of the middle class. We must make sure that we preserve the values of that civil rights movement 50 years ago and that labor movement that defines our country. When unions are strong and able to provide a voice to American workers, our communities, our States, and our Nation grows. So tonight I say ``thank you'' to all my friends in labor, because you are making us have a better America.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to the devastating funding cuts to the Transportation and Housing initiatives in this appropriations bill, and particularly the cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Established nearly forty years ago, the CDBG program provides State and local governments across the country with the funding and flexibility to most effectively target resources to local community development needs. The only Federal program of its kind, since 1974, the CDBG program has invested $135 billion in local communities. And, in addition to being a critical factor in national economic growth, this program has assisted States and local governments in achieving the kinds of infrastructure projects, job creation and poverty elimination that our communities so desperately need. In this Chamber, there is often talk of the need to make government more efficient, and reduce wasting taxpayer dollars. Well, I'm happy to report that this program does just that--it continues to be one of HUD's most efficient programs--with grantees devoting on average 94 percent of CDBG funds directly to efforts that provide benefits to low-to moderate-income families. Within my district in Franklin County Ohio, CDBG funding has been used for housing rehabilitation, micro-enterprise assistance, ADA compliance, and revitalization of downtown Columbus. These developments have made a real difference in my community. The City of Whitehall has removed and replaced about thirty-three- hundred feet of curb and gutter along Bernhard Road, enhancing water runoff management in the area--preventing pooling water and possible disease or outbreak. Recent projects have provided 650 households with access to public transit--public transit that many families use to get to and from work and stores all of which improves the local economy as a whole. And CDBG funds have given 1400 families in Franklin County, Ohio access to clean, safe drinking water--a project that would have been nearly impossible otherwise because local revenues were just not available. I'm proud to say that Franklin County continues to leverage $5.30 for infrastructure development for every dollar of CDBG funding it receives, but with the draconian cuts to CDBG contained in this bill, there's simply no way that we can make up the difference. That's why the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, the National Housing Trust, the Community Development Finance Authority, the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Development Organizations, the YWCA, Rebuilding Together, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, the American Planning Association, and the Council of State Community Development Agencies have all written in strong support of CDBG funding and the programs it sustains. And yet, here we are considering an appropriations bill that would literally cut the program in half. The proposed funding level would be less than when CDBG was first authorized in 1974. This would tip many low- to moderate-income Americans over the brink into poverty and would negatively impact our communities and our country. So I stand here today--with my colleagues--strongly opposed to the funding level cuts contained in this appropriations bill. The Chairman of the T-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, Representative Latham, has said ``cutting over $7 billion in programs was very challenging.'' I say this to my Republican colleagues, if cutting these programs was hard--I can assure you, the children, seniors, and families directly helped by CDBG programs will have a much more challenging time dealing with the effects of over $7 billion in cuts. I urge opposition to this bill.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, due to unforeseen illness, I missed rollcall votes No. 411, on the Pompeo amendment, and No. 412, on the Amash amendment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the Pompeo amendment, and ``nay'' on the Amash amendment.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the deep and drastic cuts to the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill. In existence since 1974, the CDBG program has invested $135 billion to local communities. In this Chamber, it is often said that we need to make sure that government is more efficient and reduces wasting taxpayers' dollars. Well, I am happy to report that this program continues to be one of HUD's most efficient programs, with grantees devoting on average 94 percent of CDBG funds directly to efforts that provide benefits to low- and moderate-income families. The Republican chairperson has said, ``Cutting over $7 billion in programs was very challenging.'' Well, Mr. Speaker, I say if this Chamber cuts these programs that provides jobs and infrastructure development, I can assure you that the children, the seniors, and the families helped by these programs will find it much more challenging dealing with $7 billion in cuts. I urge you to oppose these cuts.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Chair, on rollcall Nos. 411--Pompeo amendment #99, ``yes'' and 412--Amash amendment #100, ``No.'' Personal Explanation Mrs. NEGRETE McLEOD. Mr. Chair, on rollcall Nos. 411, ``yes'' and 412, ``yes.''

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of standing up for women and celebrating the 100-year anniversary of my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a sorority of more than 200,000 Black college- educated women founded in 1913, an organization where 22 African American women were the only women of color to participate in the women's suffrage march. I thank Delta Kappa Chapter, where I was made, and the Columbus and Dayton alumni chapters, where I serve, for standing on their shoulders and continuing the legacy because they understand that we must continue to stand up for women in health care, in education, and in the workplace, because when women do better, our children do well; when women do well, our families do well; when women do well, our men do well; and yes, when women do well, America does well. Thank you, women, and thank you, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act, H.R. 2642. Mr. Speaker, I refuse to vote for a FARM Bill that omits SNAP. SNAP is America's first line of defense against hunger. Its benefits improve nutrition, health, and increases the food- purchasing power of low-income households. To move forward with a FARM bill that does not include this funding is a shameful abandonment of the most vulnerable people who live in our country. The program has wide-reaching effects for the individuals participating in the program, their communities, and the entire nation. My constituents have been clear. Mothers have told me that without SNAP they cannot feed their children. Many seniors, disabled individuals and veterans have told me that without SNAP, they will not eat. How can we allow our children and those in need to starve? How can we allow our seniors to go hungry? I cannot and will not vote to harm our nation's most vulnerable. I will not turn my back on low-income families, children, seniors and the disabled. I will not vote for a FARM bill that omits SNAP and threatens the lives of American families, children and seniors.

Mrs. BEATTY

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

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. I stand here today in dismay and in disgust. I stand here on this same floor where we have the words, ``In God we trust,'' where we say the Pledge of Allegiance, where my Republican colleagues dare come to this podium and use words like ``train wreck'' and ``work in a bipartisan fashion'' in the same minute, and then today we are confronted with removing SNAP dollars from the farm bill. I came here to work on a compromise. Members of this great Congressional Black Caucus and Democratic Caucus stand together because we want America to know that we stand for poor families: Black, White, urban, suburban, and, yes, rural. We ask you to take note today, Mr. Speaker, that Republicans dare come to this floor and tell us that we want to serve the people. Aren't our children, our mothers, and families part of the people? Yes. We stand for SNAP.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I am a proud member of this sisterhood--a sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black-college educated women with some 900 chapters across the United States. This week, tens of thousands of my sorors will travel to Washington, DC, to honor our sisterhood, which was founded at Howard University on January 13, 1913. We will trace our journey from the halls of Howard where twenty-two visionary undergraduate students created an organization committed to fostering a spirit of sisterhood, scholarship, and service among women. We come together to honor the memory of all our sorors who came before us and contributed to our great Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. legacy. We stand on the shoulders of greatness and in the midst of greatness. And, I am certain our legacy of leadership, service, and friendship will endure for another one hundred years and beyond.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. I rise today to address the recent doubling of interest rates on federally backed, needs-based student loans. Students deserve access, not obstacles, to higher education. These rate hikes will make college less affordable at a time when we should be encouraging, not discouraging, people to seek higher education opportunities to grow our economy and to create jobs. But due to House Republicans' failure to act, the interest rate on college loans has doubled from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent for some 7.4 million students. In these tough economic times, Democrats understand we should be making every effort possible to increase access to higher education for all Americans. There is no time left. We need to act now to reverse the rate hike and keep student loan interest rates low so more Americans can have a fair shot at a college education.

Mrs. BEATTY

Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my colleague, Mr. Fattah, for leading the CBC's celebration of Congressman William H. Gray, III's life and legacy. Our nation has lost a strong community leader and devoted public servant. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1978, Congressman Bill Gray proudly served the citizens of Pennsylvania's Second Congressional District for over ten remarkable years. As a Member of Congress, he was a tireless advocate for the people of Philadelphia and a pioneer for a new generation of African- American elected officials. He was a trailblazer who fought to protect the most vulnerable individuals in his community, in our country, and around the world. During his tenure in Congress, Congressman Gray later became Chairman of the Democratic Caucus and Majority Whip for the party. With these Leadership positions, he became the highest-ranking African American ever to serve in Congress. His congressional record and service continues to inspire us all. During the four years he served as Chair of the House Budget Committee, Congressman Gray was the chief point man in budget negotiations between the Democratic Congress and the Reagan Administration. He was no stranger to reaching across the aisle to build consensus and work in a bipartisan manner. He wielded his Budget Committee gavel for the good of the international community pressing for more economic aid for Africa and leading the critique of South African apartheid. As a staunch supporter of education, he was a key advocate for strengthening and improving our nation's schools. Upon his retirement from Congress, Representative Gray became president and chief executive officer of the United Negro College Fund from 1991 to 2004, where he led the Fund to new fund-raising records while cutting costs and expanding programs and services. Congressman Gray was truly transformative for our communities and especially for our young people. In 1994, President Clinton appointed Congressman Gray as a special advisor to Haiti and in that role he assisted President Clinton in developing and carrying out policy to restore democracy to Haiti. Due to his service, in 1995, the Congressman received the Medal of Honor from the Haitian government. Congressman Gray's lifelong commitment to his community, to public service, and to his family was truly admirable and inspirational. To his wife, Andrea, his three sons and his many grandchildren, know that you are in our hearts and our prayers. And, I say to you, celebrate Bill's life, because he lived a life that was full of honor and integrity. Not only did he inspire each one of us with his service, he inspired the Nation. I am truly privileged to be able to stand here and honor Congressman Gray.