Julia Brownley

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. I thank the chairman for your extraordinary work on this bill--and a bipartisan bill as well--and I thank you for accepting the amendment. Rail-highway crossing safety problems are not unique to my district. Sadly, my colleagues have also experienced recent tragedies. On Monday, a Long Island Rail Road train struck a car stopped on the tracks in East Rockaway. In February, a Metro-North train struck a sport utility vehicle, tragically killing the driver and five train passengers in Valhalla. I strongly believe that Congress, along with State and local governments, must address this safety issue as a matter of urgency, and I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Yes.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Yes, I yield.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer a simple, commonsense amendment to the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015. My amendment would require each State to develop a grade crossing action plan, identifying specific solutions for improving safety at rail-highway crossings; furthermore, my amendment would direct States to focus resources on crossings that have experienced recent grade crossing accidents, multiple accidents, or crossings that are at high risk for accidents. Mr. Chairman, a week ago Tuesday, our Nation witnessed yet another tragic rail accident in my district when Metrolink Ventura County line 102 crashed into a truck along the train tracks in Oxnard. While there are many unanswered questions about this accident, one issue is abundantly clear. As a nation, we must do more to address rail-highway crossing safety and address the increasing backlog of safety projects nationwide. Currently, California ranks second in the Nation in the number of crossing accidents. Nationally, the Federal Railroad Administration estimates that there were over 2,000 accidents at railroad crossings in 2013, with 251 fatalities and 929 injuries. As many residents of Ventura County know, this is not the first time an accident has occurred at the Rice Avenue intersection. This is a heavily-used corridor for both rail goods movement, passenger rail-- both Amtrak and Metrolink--as well as automobiles and truck traffic. Unfortunately, like many local communities across the Nation, Ventura County cannot, on its own, fund rail-highway crossing safety improvements. As a member of this committee, I am pleased that this bill provides funds for passenger rail infrastructure, and I strongly support the provision that permits funds to be used for crossing safety improvements because we all know these investments benefit not only safety, but also our regional and national economies. In 2014, we invested $220 million in the Railway-Highway Crossings Program at the Federal level; yet, under title 49, only 10 States are required by Federal law to have action plans prioritizing rail-highway safety improvements. It is critically important for Congress to ensure that Federal dollars for passenger rail infrastructure improvements are used wisely. We must also ensure that Federal funds are prioritized to address safety improvements at the most dangerous crossings first. My amendment would get at the heart of this issue by requiring every State to have a specific plan in place that will ensure both the wise use of tax dollars and address rail-highway grade crossing safety in a systematic way. I ask my colleagues to vote for my commonsense amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate the Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. Since its inception on September 24, 1956, the Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role in the growth and advancement of the City of Port Hueneme's business community. The Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit California corporation, organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial, civic, and general interest of the City of Port Hueneme, the Oxnard Harbor District, and surrounding trade areas. One of the Chamber's earliest and most important accomplishments includes its fundamental role in the incorporation of the City of Port Hueneme in 1948. Among its many services and programs, the Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce answers inquiries regarding city matters, promotes community activities and engagement, monitors legislation affecting the business community, provides networking opportunities at events and meetings, and publishes a Business Directory for the City of Port Hueneme. The Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce continuously fosters working relationships and collaborations with many different stakeholders within Port Hueneme. Through its strong membership, varied community programs and special committees, the Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce pays tribute to the history and diversity of its community. I am honored to recognize the Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce on the celebration of its 75th anniversary. I applaud and thank the Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce for the essential role it has had and continues to have in the enrichment and successful growth of the City of Port Hueneme.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, my amendment, the Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching Act, would amend H.R. 5 to encourage and incentivize bilingual education for our students across the country. Specifically, my amendment would establish a grant program at the Department of Education to provide resources for States to create or to expand State biliteracy seal programs to recognize high school seniors who achieve a high level of proficiency in writing, reading, and speaking in English and in a second language. Students who speak more than one language have a competitive edge in the American job market. As businesses look to expand into overseas markets and serve a wider range of customers and as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for students with valuable language skills is increasing. It is not only the private sector that needs young people with language skills. The Federal Government also has a direct and compelling interest in ensuring that our young people become proficient in foreign languages. Our military, our diplomats, and our intelligence agencies are increasingly seeking to recruit young people with proficiency in a foreign language. However, there are few State or national standards for bilingual certification for high school students, and many students who could qualify for the seal are not enrolled in AP or baccalaureate classes either because they cannot afford the cost of the test or their school does not offer advanced courses; whereas States that have or are in the process of implementing State seals do so free of charge for every student. I must add that eight States have already approved a bilingual seal, and three more are considering it as we speak. A biliteracy seal is a very special marker on a student's high school diploma. It serves as a certification by the State that the student is fluent and literate in a language other than English. Under my amendment, these seals would be available to students who are proficient in any spoken language--Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish. My amendment also makes nonspoken languages, like American Sign Language and braille, also eligible. To receive a seal, a high school senior must have a strong academic record in both English and a second language, and he must be on track to graduate. My amendment establishes a voluntary grant program which would not impose any new mandates on States. It is also budget neutral. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that it would not increase direct spending. I urge Members to vote for my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, as chairwoman of the California Assembly Education Committee, I sponsored legislation in 2012 that established a State seal in California, the first of its kind in our country, and since that time I have seen firsthand how successful this program has been. In 2014, over 24,000 high school seniors and 219 school districts across California participated in this program. They earned their seals for achievement in 40 different languages. When I introduced this language in the 113th Congress, it was supported by many education and civil rights organizations, including the National Education Association, Centro Latino for Literacy, California Association for Bilingual Education, Families in Schools, California School Board Association, Californians Together, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and the Asian and Pacific Islanders California Action Network. I have crafted the amendment to give States the flexibility to shape their own seal programs while ensuring the programs guarantee equal access for all students. The BEST Act celebrates diversity and multiculturalism. It also recognizes that fluency in a second language helps students compete in an increasingly global marketplace. The seal also helps employers, colleges, and universities distinguish talented applicants with valuable skills. If you support encouraging bilingualism, this is an amendment to support. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I am so honored to serve a second term as ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help Ventura County's veterans and veterans across America access VA health care and benefits and to break down bureaucratic barriers to care at the VA. There is no commitment I take more seriously than to the men and women who have served our country. That is why I introduced the Veterans Health Care Improvement Act as my first bill in the 114th Congress. My bill would help guarantee adequate resources for veterans health care benefits by requiring the GAO to continue verifying the accuracy and adequacy of the VA's budget for medical care. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation with me.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, instead of wasting time on bills that would strip health care away from millions of Americans, we should be focusing on legislation like my bill, the American Manufacturing Jobs for Students Act, which will help connect young people to highly skilled manufacturing jobs in their own communities. A strong middle class begins with early and effective career education. Small business owners in my district have told me time and time again that they cannot find the workforce they need in the communities where they are located. Many high school graduates are underemployed and have trouble finding innovative and inspiring careers close to home. My bill would bridge that gap by fostering connections between manufacturing jobs, small businesses, and schools. It will support student engagement and professional relationships with local businesses through workplace visits and hands-on learning experiences. It will strengthen the economy and help employers find the employees they need close to home. By giving middle and high school students the opportunity to learn firsthand about exciting and innovative careers in manufacturing, we can strengthen our country's economic competitiveness. We can also encourage manufacturers to keep their production in the United States. We should do all we can to ensure that job creators stay here to provide opportunities for our own constituents. We should be working together on bills like the American Manufacturing Jobs for Students Act and not on bills which are dead on arrival when they reach the President's desk. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the motion on ordering the previous question on the rule.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce's 100th anniversary. I commend the Moorpark Chamber for their dedication and leadership in promoting a business friendly community and strengthening the economic environment in Moorpark that contributes to Ventura County's diverse and dynamic economy. The Moorpark Chamber of Commerce was established in 1915 surrounded by a pastoral community and chartered in 1950. The success of the Chamber is mirrored in the success of the City of Moorpark, a product of determined citizens coming together to accomplish a common goal, and creating a better way of life for residents. The service that the Moorpark Chamber has provided for the City of Moorpark has been invaluable to the community. Successful ventures included the business directory that began in 1963, and the publication of the Community Link Newspaper in 2009. The Moorpark Chamber supports cooperation, and collaborative relationships among citizens, businesses, and community organizations. Through strong membership, inclusive programs, and special committees, the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce honors the history and diversity of the community. The Moorpark Chamber of Commerce supports a strong vibrant community, rich in civic engagement, hosting events that facilitate community inclusion, recognizing outstanding residents of Moorpark through the Citizen of the Year recognition event and Annual Community Awards, and continuing to foster new generations of community leaders. I am honored to recognize the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce's centennial anniversary. I congratulate the Chamber in reaching this historic milestone, and would like to extend my sincere gratitude for their continued success, and service to the City of Moorpark and our community.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Dr. Debra Stakes, President of the Cuesta College Federation of Teachers, AFT 4909. Throughout her career, Dr. Stakes has been a committed individual to the advancement of high-quality education and scientific research. She has been a champion in moving forward these principles all while being a staunch advocate for faculty concerns and promoting community engagement, organizing, and political activism. Dr. Stakes prestigious career in the sciences is a product of her academic tenacity and achievements. She is a graduate of Rice University and received her doctorate in Oceanography from Oregon State University. Dr. Stakes' prominent postgraduate work included research appointments at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology, as well as a year at the National Science Foundation. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Stakes was the first woman to participate in a range of groundbreaking discoveries such as the seafloor hot vents. Later, Dr. Stakes taught at the University of South Carolina for almost eight years, where she was the only woman on a faculty of twenty-five in the Department of Geology. During her time at the University of South Carolina, Dr. Stakes promoted the management of large educational programs to support students to excel and succeed in the fields of mathematics and science. Dr. Stakes continued her work and research in scientific and oceanic developments during the decade she worked as the only female scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. In 2006, Dr. Stakes began teaching at Cuesta College in the fields of Geology and Oceanography, where she became involved in the faculty union as a Division Representative and later as the Committee on Political Education (COPE) Chair. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Stakes became the Vice President and took on the role of the organization's Chief Negotiator. Dr. Stakes' passion for the sciences is evident throughout the trajectory of her career. She has been a trailblazer for women in her field and has continuously shown outstanding dedication towards the value of people's work and has stood against the injustice to deny anyone acknowledgement of their contributions. As the current Chief Negotiator for Cuesta College's faculty union, Dr. Stakes continues to strive for the progress and enhancement of our education system, as well as the lives of educators. Dr. Stakes has encouraged and cultivated a strong bond of partnership between Cuesta College and the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council, which has benefitted many people throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. For these reasons, I am pleased to join the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council in honoring Dr. Debra Stakes for her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to expand the role of women in the workforce, the education sector and our community.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Dr. Steve Hall, President and Chief Negotiator for the Ventura County Federation of College Teachers, AFT Local 1828, who has successfully worked with labor and community groups throughout Ventura County to promote high-quality education and academic excellence for all students throughout the region. Throughout his life, Dr. Hall has followed his passion for teaching, but more importantly helping others attain their highest potential. With this in mind, he pursued a Doctor of Education Degree with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership at Pepperdine University, and has since dedicated his career to the fields of education and teaching. For several years, Dr. Hall has been an esteemed and respected member of the Oxnard College faculty. After only two years at Oxnard College, Dr. Hall was recognized for his excellence in teaching when he was voted ``Teacher of the Year'' and delivered the commencement address in 1998. In addition to teaching, Dr. Hall has also served as the Dean of Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Athletics, and Health Sciences at Oxnard Community College for six and a half years. Dr. Hall was the lead administrator responsible for starting an array of programs at Oxnard College that have immensely helped numerous students over the years. These programs have included the Oxnard College Dental Assistant Certificate Program, the ``Proyecto Access'' program, and the Oxnard College Marine Education Center. Dr. Hall has diligently worked alongside fellow faculty, staff, and community partners to make these milestones for Oxnard College students a possibility. In 2010, Dr. Hall began serving as the President and Chief Negotiator for the Ventura County Federation of College Teachers, AFT Local 1828. In this role, Dr. Hall worked in partnership with faculty and colleagues to secure a successful three year contract that provided stability for the teachers and students of the Ventura County Community College District. In November 2012, Dr. Hall was elected by the communities of Oxnard, Camarillo, and Port Hueneme to the Oxnard Union High School District School Board. Following his election, Dr. Hall continued his steadfast and outspoken advocacy for teachers and students. He has worked diligently to raise awareness about the necessity in reducing class sizes, raising pay for teachers and staff, and reducing expulsions. Dr. Hall has truly been a champion for Ventura County's students and teachers.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the City of Camarillo as it celebrates 50 years as a thriving and prosperous community in the heart of Ventura County, California. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the City of Camarillo, along with its residents, on this historic milestone. The City of Camarillo was incorporated on October 22, 1964, and was named after Adolfo and Juan Camarillo, the proprietors of Rancho Calleguas. At the time of the city's incorporation, a population of approximately 10,500 residents covered the 5.2 square miles of the municipality. Today, Camarillo boasts an appealing mixture of rural and suburban lifestyles to its over 66,000 residents covering a region that spans an estimated 19.5 square miles. Located in the Pleasant Valley at the eastern end of the Oxnard Plain, Camarillo has developed into a flourishing community since its incorporation. The city has become known for its outstanding high-tech retail stores, specialty businesses, and modern buildings. Additionally, Camarillo has been ranked as one of the safest communities in Ventura County, an ideal and premiere city to raise a family, live, and work. Furthermore, the City of Camarillo is home to an exceptional educated workforce, with a premiere four-year public university. California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) was established in 2002 and has been a phenomenal addition to the fabric of the city and surrounding community. Throughout the years, Camarillo has maintained a balance between modernity and history. While providing modern amenities to its residents, the city is peppered with significant cultural and historic landmarks, such as the Camarillo Ranch House, the Pleasant Valley Historical Museum, and Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Since 1964, the City of Camarillo has defined itself as a distinguished community, with a wealth of history, culture, and innovation. Camarillo takes pride in its unparalleled quality of life and the many attributes of the community that have lasted throughout the years. For these reasons, it is my sincere pleasure to congratulate the City of Camarillo on their 50th Anniversary.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Jon C. Foster, a distinguished and exemplary Firefighter for Fire Station 74, San Nicolas Island, for the Federal Fire Department Ventura County, on the occasion of his retirement from a remarkable career of over 35 years of dedicated service to our community and our country. Firefighter Foster has had an outstanding and admirable career, which began when he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Firefighter in 1976. He quickly rose to the ranks of Staff Sergeant and Crew Chief before the end of his enlistment in 1982. Firefighter Foster continued his commitment and service to the community by working at the Construction Battalion Center, where he served as a Firefighter for the United States Coast Guard and worked with the CBC Fire Department. Firefighter Foster was transferred to Point Mugu Fire Department, where he served for two years before being assigned to San Nicolas Outlying Field. Firefighter Foster has shown his impeccable dedication to Ventura County by serving for the last 25 years at Fire Station 74, San Nicolas Island. His unwavering service to Ventura County has been invaluable to the safety of this community. With over three and a half decades of exceptional work dedicated to the Department of Defense, Fire and Emergency Services, Firefighter Foster has set a superior standard of performance for those who serve with him. His service has truly lived up to the meaning of the Department of Defense, Fire and Emergency Services' motto, ``Protecting Those Who Defend America.'' Firefighter Foster's lifetime career of leadership and his many accomplishments are indicative of his steadfast commitment and dedication to our community. As this chapter in his career comes to an end, I want to express my sincere appreciation for Firefighter Foster's years of honorable and selfless dedication that greatly contributed to the success of the Federal Fire Department Ventura County. For these reasons, I commend Firefighter Jon C. Foster and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Pleasant Valley Historical Society as it celebrates 50 years as an exceptional organization that has been dedicated to promoting community pride, encouraging historical interest, and preserving and presenting the history of the Pleasant Valley. The Pleasant Valley Historical Society was founded in 1964, when a small group of community members, including the Honorable Stanley J. Daily, Mayor Emeritus of Camarillo, Ms. Pat Meredith, and Mr. Jack Fulkerson, established the organization with the intent to preserve the history and artifacts of the region, which is comprised of the areas of Camarillo, Pleasant Valley, Somis, and Santa Rosa. The diverse people and cultures that have encompassed Pleasant Valley have contributed to making the area a unique and special place. From the time of the Chumash that resided in the region to the Spanish and Mexican settlers to the Americanos who settled there when the newly formed State of California emerged, the Pleasant Valley has a rich heritage and history. Throughout the past five decades, the Pleasant Valley Historical Society has attracted hundreds of local residents and out of state visitors to enjoy and learn about the heritage of the Pleasant Valley. In 1985, the Museum and Botanical Gardens were established to showcase native plant species and educate visitors about the history of the land. The Pleasant Valley Historical Society also holds annual celebrations recognizing valued longtime residents of Pleasant Valley and honoring these volunteers as pillars of the community; bestowing the title of Don and Dona upon them for their civic service and philanthropy . In addition, the Pleasant Valley Historical Society holds numerous events on local history that foster a sense of community within the region which is valued by all who have interacted with the organization. For fifty years, the Pleasant Valley Historical Society has promoted and celebrated the history and culture of the Pleasant Valley area. It is with great enthusiasm that I offer the Pleasant Valley Historical Society my sincere congratulations in reaching this significant milestone, and I am pleased to join them in celebrating the 50th anniversary of their establishment.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the City of Thousand Oaks as it celebrates 50 years as a thriving and prosperous municipality in Ventura County, California. I would like to congratulate the city, along with its residents, on this momentous milestone. The City of Thousand Oaks was incorporated on October 7th, 1964, and was named for the beautiful and bountiful oak trees that are the hallmark and symbol of the city to this day. In the early years of its incorporation, nearly 20,000 people lived within the 14.28 square miles that was Thousand Oaks. Since its incorporation, Thousand Oaks has developed into a flourishing community, growing to 56 square miles with over 127,000 residents. This successful expansion is due to collaborative partnerships among city administrators and involved citizens working towards a vision to create a family-oriented community. Additionally, city officials have done an outstanding job to maintain the healthy growth of this community, while conserving and integrating the natural beauty that surrounds Thousand Oaks through its development. Over the last 50 years, more than 15,000 square acres of land have been designated as ``Open Space,'' including more than 75 miles of trails that have been protected to ensure that residents of the city today can enjoy the same beauty that the Chumash Native Americans experienced hundreds of years ago. While this natural acreage gives our community the best of nature, another source of pride is the Civic Arts Plaza, which is a jewel of cultural arts. Thousand Oaks has become a beacon for our region featuring world-class entertainment, musicals, concerts, children's shows, ballets, and much more. In addition, some of the city's most impressive accomplishments have come in the realm of infrastructure improvements, which have significantly enhanced the quality of life and ensured the mobility of its residents and businesses. Over the last five decades, the City of Thousand Oaks has grown into an exceptional and premiere community that has been recognized for being one of the most desirable places in all of California to live, work, recreate, and raise a family. It is my sincere pleasure to congratulate the City of Thousand Oaks on their 50th anniversary!

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize David M. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Ventura County, on the occasion of his retirement from an exemplary career in dedicated public service and outstanding contributions to our community. David Smith has had a remarkable and distinguished career as a community leader and philanthropist. His passion and dedication to the mission of United Way has fostered a thriving and prosperous environment for numerous community programs that serve the citizens of Ventura County with an array of invaluable health and human services. In October 2001, David took on the weighty role and responsibilities as the leader of United Way of Ventura County, and served as a steward for the organization's vision and shared purpose of changing lives and shaping communities. With over a decade of dedicated service, David has created a powerful strategy of encouraging individuals to invest in their community's needs, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all of Ventura County's residents and delivering positive community results. In addition, David holds an impressive volunteer track record as a member of the Board of Directors of Ventura County Economic Development Association. David has also served as a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, Casa Pacifica, the Ventura County Taxpayers Association, and the American Cancer Society Ventura County Chapter. For his selfless service to his community, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce honored David Smith as Man of the Year in 2010. David Smith's lifetime career of leadership, community service, and his many accomplishments are indicative of his unwavering commitment and dedication to Ventura County. As this chapter in his career comes to an end, I want to express my sincere appreciation for David's years of honorable and selfless dedication that greatly contributed to the success of the United Way of Ventura County, and our community as a whole. For these reasons, I commend David M. Smith and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Leo and Marilyn Valenzuela, two exemplary community leaders who have made remarkable contributions to the progress and prosperity of Ventura County. Leo Valenzuela first began his service to his community more than 50 years ago, as an advocate on behalf of workers throughout the region. He began working for a local labor union in 1963 but left his duties to serve his country in the Vietnam War. After his honorable service to our nation, Leo returned to his work and entered into the area's political sphere as a successful labor organizer and activist. Leo played an active role in the political careers of former United States Senator Alan Cranston, former United States Senator Gary Hart and former California State Senator Jack O'Connell. Leo has also played an instrumental part in the grassroots activism that comes with political campaigns. Leo has worked to organize and mobilize our community to change people's lives for the better. Similarly, for more than four decades, Marilyn Valenzuela has also been a tireless advocate for our community's labor force. Marilyn first began her career in 1964 when she joined the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 770. After raising a family, Marilyn began to work for the UFCW Local 1036 as a Member Assistance Program Director and Women's Network Regional Director. Within only a year, Marilyn was elected as the Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Tri-Counties Center Labor Council. Marilyn's steadfast character and commitment to Ventura County's workforce have been vital to the strengthening of our community. During her tenure on the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council, Marilyn increased membership by 100 percent. She has also been a board member of the Ventura County Workforce Investment Board and the Executive Director of the Labor Foundation. Leo and Marilyn are known as the tag team. Over the years, they have successfully worked hand in hand and together have accomplished and contributed so much to our community. I applaud Leo and Marilyn Valenzuela for their commendable commitment and dedication. They have both been staunch and unwavering leaders in the labor community and have dedicated their careers to working for our working families. I extend my sincere appreciation for their tireless work. For their unrelenting activism, passion for public service and unwavering work ethic, I am pleased to join the Ventura County Democratic Party in honoring Leo and Marilyn Valenzuela with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. I am, in its current form.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to H.R. 3522, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage as amended. My amendment would ensure that nothing in the underlying act would result in health care discrimination against women. It would prevent insurance companies from charging small businesses that employ women higher premiums, and it would stop insurance companies from selling group plans that deny women contraception or critical maternity care coverage. I hope that we can all agree that women should never have to pay more for their health care than men would pay simply because of their gender. Being a woman is not and must never be treated as a preexisting condition. Health care reform has created many new and needed consumer protections, which are helping women live healthier lives and build stronger families. Health care costs are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States. Allowing insurance companies to charge women more than men would hurt working women struggling to make ends meet. It would hurt families raising children who are trying to give them the healthy start they deserve. Before this unfair practice was banned, the National Women's Law Center reported that gender discrimination in premium prices alone cost women approximately $1 billion per year more than men. That is $1 billion that could have prevented many women and their children from living in poverty or being homeless. That is $1 billion that women and their families could have spent on rent. That is $1 billion that women and their families could have spent on child care. That is $1 billion that women and their families could have used to pay for college. That is $1 billion that women and their families could have used to start a business. That is $1 billion that could have been better used to strengthen the American economy. In a nation where women earn only 77 cents for every dollar that men earn, charging women more for health care compounds the financial strain on women and their families. Stopping gender-based premium discrimination is just one example of health care reform that works, and it is a new consumer protection that women and their families cannot afford to lose. My amendment will ensure that insurers continue to cover critical maternity care and contraception coverage. Until recently, many States did not require all health care plans to cover maternity care. Today, the law requires every new insurance policy to cover maternity care. We must ensure that women continue to have access to this critical coverage and access to contraception coverage that gives many women the economic independence to succeed because when women succeed, America succeeds. Contraception coverage ensures women can prevent unplanned pregnancies and choose the best time to start a family. When surveyed by the Guttmacher Institute, 63 percent of women said that access to contraception had enabled them to take better care of themselves and their families. Over half said they were better able to support themselves financially or complete their education. Mr. Speaker, the majority of Americans support these policies. A Kaiser health poll found that Americans support birth control coverage by a 2 to 1 margin and 86 percent of Americans support coverage of maternity care. A vote for my amendment is a vote to protect women from unfair discrimination. It is a vote promising our mothers, our sisters, and our daughters that they will be treated fairly and equally. These are the values of my constituents in Ventura County, and they are the values of the American people. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit. Vote ``yes'' for equality for women. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.