Donna Christensen

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in support of this resolution and to offer heartfelt sympathies oil behalf of myself, my family, staff and the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands to the people of the Eighth District of Arizona, our colleague Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, their families and all others who were hurt or killed in the tragic and senseless attack in Tucson, Arizona. Everywhere that I went at home, my constituents responded with outrage, but also prayerfully to this horrendous event. Our churches devoted Sunday services in memory of those who died, offered prayers for speedy and full recovery tor those injured, for the affected families, for the residents of the district and for our nation as well as in grateful tribute to all who responded and continue to respond. We joined our fellow Americans in the moment of silence on Monday. I, like all of my colleagues, and all public figures understand and accept the risks of being in public office and we and those charged with the responsibility of protecting us act to mitigate these risks. However we are here to represent the residents of our districts and are committed to doing what is needed to do so to the best of our ability. That means that we must meet, listen and interact with our constituents as much as possible. This incident will not prevent us from doing so, But just as we continue to carry out our duties, it is the responsibility of everyone, but particularly those who have a public platform, to be responsible in what they communicate to the public and how. There are many who warned that the increasingly inflammatory rhetoric of the past year, especially as the campaigns got underway, could lead to some kind of violent action. That being said I do not intend to point fingers or cast blame, but ask only that each and every one of us here and across this country honestly and fully examine our hearts, our consciences and our past words and actions and ensure that going forward all that we do and say reflect respect and unity instead of discord, divisiveness and violence. As someone who has abhorred violence and worked for peace all of my life, I have had the great privilege and honor of joining my distinguished colleague John Lewis and the Faith and Politics Institute almost every year that they have held it on the civil rights pilgrimage to pay tribute to all who work for justice and equality but also to renew my dedication to non-violence and my commitment to furthering the beloved community envisioned by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a spiritual, renewing and life enriching--for some, life changing experience--and I would urge as many as can to attend this year. Our colleague, Gabby Giffords, as many have already said and everyone now knows is a special person. Many of us supported her during what was an extremely difficult and unnecessarily bitter campaign. She may not have always voted as I would have wanted her to, but she is without a doubt fearless and faithful in the representation of her district and all of us respect her highly and love her dearly. We thank God that she is progressing well and we pray for her full and speedy recovery. This body is incomplete without her presence. As we approach the hard fought for Martin Luther King holiday, let us all rededicate ourselves to the principles he espoused, commit ourselves to continuing his legacy and to being drum majors for justice and peace!

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise with pride to offer my congratulations to Orlando Santos, son of Diane Tutein and Enrique Santos, who was featured on the Food Network on Sunday, December 19th as one of the competitors on the Food Network Challenge Sugar Destinations. Orlando, the executive pastry chef at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, hails from the island of St. Croix and truly represented his artistic and culinary talent with the sugar piece he produced. Although he did not win, he has made a name for himself and remains a favorite of the judges for his unselfish desire to take his mother to Denmark to connect with her Danish ancestry. Orlando is a product of the public school system in the Virgin Islands and was raised in a environment of strong, determined women to include his mother Diane, his maternal grandmother Mercedes and his maternal great-grandmother Mariel. He began his training in the culinary arts at St. Croix Vocational Complex. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, Florida and attended the French Pastry School in Chicago. Orlando won his first professional competition in Atlanta with our very own local sweetbread, a pastry that is typical in the Virgin Islands around the Christmas season. In 2004, he won first place in the wedding cake category at the Southern Pastry Classic. During the challenge on Sunday, Orlando displayed his signature technique; local Virgin Islands flowers, which represent his culture and traditions. So, on behalf of myself, my staff and our Virgin Islands community all over the world, we are very proud of Orlando as he continues to make a name for himself and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the very competitive culinary world.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3973, the reauthorization of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, a successful program that I strongly believe will make a major difference in lowering energy costs for consumers in all territories. I am pleased that the program includes entities in the smaller territories, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the first time. While we are not at the level that we need, we pledge to fight for better inclusion in the future and do recognize that this is an important first step for the territories, which rely considerably on fossil fuels, including diesel. As the country transitions to a clean energy economy, I am sure that we all can agree that it is only fitting that all jurisdictions under the U.S. flag are able to take part in national and state diesel emissions reduction grant and loan programs. Though the Energy Policy Act of 2005 has achieved much in ensuring that states qualify for grant and loan programs, geared towards reducing diesel emissions--today's reauthorization of the DERA will go a long way to ensure that all U.S. citizens are able to tap into the resources necessary to relieve the burdens associated with the combustion of dirty fossil fuels. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the U.S. and its territories. Though it is undeniable that diesel engines have proven to be an invaluable resource over the years, it is high time that we reevaluate our over dependence on this fuel source--and look towards more sustainable alternatives. As we are all aware, these engines emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and air toxins, resulting in serious public health concerns. Much of our heavy machinery and school buses are operated by diesel engines that do not meet EPA's clean diesel standards. Extension of the diesel emission reduction provisions will not only help to further current commitments to reduce air pollution but will make great strides in protecting our communities' health and that of future generations. Inclusion of all the territories in the DERA reauthorization would provide our jurisdictions with the opportunity to access currently unavailable resources necessary to retrofit existing equipment and implement new emissions control technologies. At this time I would applaud the authors of this bill and thank Chairman Waxman and Energy and Commerce Committee staff for their leadership in ensuring that the territories are included in this important bill. I would also like to recognize the CNMI, Guam, American Samoa and Puerto Rico delegations for their tireless efforts on this issue as well.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Thank you, Chairman Pallone, for yielding. Madam Speaker, I, too, rise in strong support of S. 3036, the National Alzheimer's Project Act. Today, the effects of Alzheimer's disease are devastating-- devastating to the estimated 5.3 million Americans with the disease to their more than 11 million caregivers and to the Nation as a whole, because we all share the tremendous cost of contending with Alzheimer's. By the middle of the century, as many as 60 million Americans could have Alzheimer's disease, putting it on the course of being our country's leading public health crisis and the defining disease of the baby boomer generation. Building on the recommendations of the Alzheimer's Study Group, the National Alzheimer's Project Act would create a national strategic plan and establish an interagency council to work with the Secretary of HHS to comprehensively assess and address Alzheimer's research, care, institutional services, and home- and community-based programs. It would ensure strategic planning and coordination across the Federal Government as a whole. Currently, without a coordinated effort, we have no way of evaluating outcomes or developing more effective ways to improve those outcomes. The National Alzheimer's Project Act addresses this critical gap by establishing a national plan which would assess current Federal initiatives, evaluate outcomes from these programs, prioritize future actions, and set national goals. In addition, this legislation will work to reduce the tremendous costs associated with Alzheimer's disease. The baby boomers are beginning to turn 65. Without the discovery and delivery of effective interventions, 10 million of us will develop Alzheimer's, and the lives of many millions more will be upended by the emotionally, physically, and financially draining toll of caring for us. According to the Alzheimer's Association's report, we are currently spending $172 billion annually on Alzheimer's and other dementia care in America. $88 billion of that is for Medicare alone, which is 17 percent of the total Medicare budget. Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer's or another dementia cost the system three times as much as a person who does not have dementia. For Medicaid, the cost multiplier for someone with dementia is nine times more. The report estimates that in the next 40 years, the cost of Alzheimer's and other dementias will be in the trillions. The National Alzheimer's Project Act will help to address these costs by establishing an advisory council in which Federal and private representatives will work to reduce costs for Federal programs, as well as for families, while working to improve national health outcomes. The National Alzheimer's Project Act also aims to decrease health disparities in Alzheimer's. Sixteen percent of women over the age of 70 have Alzheimer's compared to 11 percent of men, and although under- diagnosed, African Americans are two times more likely and Hispanic Americans 1\1/2\ times more likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias. The National Alzheimer's Project Act will ensure the inclusion of those at-risk populations in clinical, research, and service efforts.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. S. 3036 makes significant strides in addressing one of America's most feared, costly, and deadly diseases. I congratulate Mr. Markey for his work on this bill and I urge its passage. I rise in strong support of S. 3036--the National Alzheimer's Project Act, which will provide critical federal support and coordination to overcome the growing Alzheimer's crisis. Today, the effects of Alzheimer's disease are devastating--to the estimated 5.3 million Americans with the disease, to their more than 11 million caregivers, and to the nation as a whole as we all share the tremendous costs of contending with the Alzheimer crisis. Tomorrow, the devastation of Alzheimer's disease will grow far worse. In fact, it is on course to be our country's leading public health crisis of the 21st century, and the defining disease of the Baby Boom generation. If we don't succeed in changing the trajectory of this disease, by the middle of the century as many as 16 million Americans could have Alzheimer's. Building on the recommendations of the Alzheimer's Study Group, the National Alzheimer's Project Act, NAPA, would create a national strategic plan for the Alzheimer's disease crisis. It would also establish an inter-agency council to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to comprehensively assess and address Alzheimer research, care, institutional services, and home and community based programs. NAPA would ensure strategic planning and coordination of the fight against Alzheimer's across the federal government as a whole. Currently, without a coordinated effort, it is impossible to determine if it has been a good year in the fight against Alzheimer's. There are no benchmarks--we have no way of evaluating outcomes, let alone a way to improve them. The National Alzheimer's Project Act addresses this critical gap by establishing a national plan. This national plan would assess current federal initiatives, evaluate outcomes from these programs, prioritize future actions, and assert national goals. With an integrated national plan, the government can improve the quality of life and outcomes for the millions of Americans--and their families living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In addition, this legislation will work to reduce the tremendous costs associated with Alzheimer's disease. In a few weeks, the first Baby Boomer turns 65--Alzheimer cases will begin to mount at an ever- increasing pace. Without the discovery and delivery of effective interventions, 10 million American Baby Boomers will develop Alzheimer's disease. And the lives of many millions more will be upended by the emotionally, physically and financially draining toll of caring for them. The economic factors of Alzheimer's rival the human devastation of the disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association's report, ``Changing the Trajectory of Alzheimer's Disease: A National Imperative,'' we are currently spending $172 billion annually on Alzheimer's and other dementia care in America; $88 billion of that is for Medicare alone, which is 17 percent of the total Medicare budget. Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer's or another dementia cost the system three times as much as a person who does not have a dementia. For Medicaid, the cost multiplier for someone with dementia is nine times more. The Trajectory report estimates that during the next 40 years, the cost of Alzheimer's and other dementias will exceed $20 trillion. Our country is engaged in a collective and very appropriate conversation about what should be done to address our current fiscal situation. When we look at how we can take costs out of the system while improving outcomes, we quickly see that Alzheimer's should be a core part of these discussions. Fortunately, the National Alzheimer's Project Act will help to address these costs. The legislation establishes an Advisory Council comprised of federal and private representatives; the Council will work to reduce costs for federal programs, as well as families, while working to improve national health outcomes. The National Alzheimer's Project Act also aims to decrease health disparities within Alzheimer's. Studies have shown certain populations are at greater risk of suffering from this devastating disease. Sixteen percent of women over the age of 70 have Alzheimer's compared to 11 percent of men. African Americans are about two times more likely to have Alzheimer's disease and other dementias; however, they are less likely to have a diagnosis. The legislation will ensure the inclusion of those at risk populations in clinical, research, and service efforts which will play a vital role in changing the future of disease. The National Alzheimer's Project Act makes significant strides in addressing one of America's most feared, costly, and deadly diseases. I am pleased to support such a critical piece of legislation which will improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of our very own Virgin Islanders, Cyril Adolphus Barnes, as he celebrates his 100th birthday of December 22, 2010. Mr. Barnes was born on St. Croix on December 22, 1910, to Philip Barnes and Mary Eliza King. He was raised surrounded by strong family members including George Jackson, Headmaster of the then Christiansted School. Believing that the mainland United States would provide a better opportunity, in 1926 Mr. Barnes traveled by sea aboard the Dominica to New York. He, like many who went to the ``big city,'' soon learned that the streets of New York were not paved in gold and in order to accomplish his goals, he had to work hard. He did and continued his education. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1946. Returning back to civilian life, he became employed by the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1979. After spending 53 years on the mainland, Mr. Barnes relocated back to his birthplace of St. Croix, where among other community involvements, he became an active member of American Legion Post No. 85. In March of 1929, he married Gerda Barnes, also from St. Croix and they became the parents of two children, Leroy and Dorthea Barnes Stevens (both deceased). He had three other children, Maria Barnes (deceased), Harold Barnes and Violet Barnes Hughes. His family also includes six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He has numerous friends and family members that will be celebrating his 100 years of life. On behalf of myself, my staff, the entire Virgin Islands community and the Congress of the United States, I say ``Mr. Barnes, thank you for your service and we wish you a Happy Birthday and many more years filled with God's richest blessings.''

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, the national media ignored it, so I want the Nation to know of the devastating floods that occurred in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the last few weeks. First there were the dangerous mudslides, caused by Earl and Otto, that trapped residents and undermined the foundations of homes in St. John. But even worse were last week's rains, remnants of Tomas which caused unprecedented flooding that overcame bridges and storm drainage systems in a matter of hours, shutting down roads, washing away vehicles, stranding residents, flooding offices, schools and homes, and devastating the historic west end of St. Croix. Police and rescue personnel risked their own lives assisting those trapped in homes and stranded on flooded roadways. The floods claimed the life of one St. Croix woman, Ms. Rita Stinson. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to her family and many friends. Thank you to our police, rescue, the Coast Guard, and all who assisted in the search for Rita, the rescue of our residents, and emergency cleanup. Today damage assessments begin, but we need a disaster declaration because the cost of repairs and mitigation will be in the millions. Colleagues, as I ask you to join in prayers for Ms. Stinson and those who lost homes and property, I ask for your support to repair the damage and meet the needs of my community in the wake of this disaster.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 714) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 417, legislation that I introduced to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a lease with the owners of Caneel Bay Resort in my congressional district. I have a longer statement which I will submit for the Record, but I want to begin by thanking Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall and Subcommittee Chairman Raul Grijalva for their strong and steadfast support of this bill. I also want to thank Ranking Member Hastings and Subcommittee Ranking Member Bishop for their support as well. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 714 passed the House in February of 2009 and was approved by the other body, with an amendment, on May 14 of this year. We have been working to secure the enactment of this or a similar bill for more than 4 years, which will mean that the largest employer on the island of St. John in my district will be able to make badly needed upgrades to its facilities and keep operating and save jobs of over 400 employees during these challenging economic times. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Natural Resources Committee Chief of Staff Jim Zoia, Chief Counsel Rick Healy, and National Parks, Forest and Public Land Subcommittee Staff Director David Watkins for all their hard work and assistance on this bill. H.R. 714 is an example of an effective public-private partnership, and I urge my colleagues to support its adoption. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1378) condemning the theft from the Mojave National Preserve of the national Mojave Cross memorial honoring American soldiers who died in World War I.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1378 was introduced in May by Representative Lewis of California. The resolution condemns the theft of a cross from the Sunrise Rock in the Mojave National Preserve. This cross was first placed on Federal land in 1934 as a memorial to American soldiers who died in the First World War. Legal proceedings regarding constitutional issues raised by the cross are ongoing. However, the theft of the cross is inexcusable. We support this measure's condemnation of that theft and urge all Federal law enforcement officials to continue their efforts to recover the cross and bring those responsible for the theft to justice. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4347) to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian tribes, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1454, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2009, that was introduced by our colleague from South Carolina, Henry Brown. The Multinational Species Conservation Funds promote wildlife conservation around the world for keystone species, including great apes, tigers, and elephants. These programs consistently generate high- quality conservation projects and leverage $3 or $4 from non-Federal contributors for every Federal dollar spent. Mr. Speaker, revenues generated from the sale of a wildlife semipostal stamp, as authorized under this legislation, would fund these important grant programs. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1454 and supported its original passage by the House nearly a year ago. I urge my colleagues to support the amended version and send it on to the President so it may become law. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I also want to mention our colleague the gentlewoman from Guam's strong support for this bill. Though Ms. Bordallo could not be here today to speak in support of H.R. 1454 as she is on Guam conducting official business, she asked that I relay her thanks to the gentleman from South Carolina for his efforts with this legislation, and for the bipartisan manner in which he has worked with her and all of our Members on the Democratic side of the aisle as the ranking member of the subcommittee. I too am among the over 150 cosponsors of H.R. 1454, and recognize its value as a longtime member of the International Conservation Caucus. I continue to urge a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1508) celebrating the 200th Anniversary of John James Audubon in Henderson, Kentucky.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5131 was introduced by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) in April 2010. This bill would establish Coltsville National Historic Park on the former site of the Colt Fire Arms Company in Hartford, Connecticut. H.R. 5131 would create the park as part of a collaborative partnership between willing public and private landowners in the Coltsville historic district. It would also help revitalize one of Hartford's most economically challenged neighborhoods with new investments. A study conducted by the National Park Service found Coltsville to be of national significance but identified several technical challenges. Congressman Larson has worked with the committee and the National Park Service to include provisions in the bill addressing all of the agency's concerns. Mr. Larson is to be commended for his hard work on this legislation. This bill is good for the people of Connecticut, and it is good for our National Park System. I support H.R. 5131. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the chair of our caucus, the Honorable John Larson from Connecticut.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. One of the greatest exercises of tribe sovereignty is the ability of a tribe to determine its tribal membership. This measure would allow a Texas tribe to determine the blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe. My colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), introduced H.R. 5811 to restore the tribe's right to determine its own membership requirements by deleting a blood quantum requirement specified in a 1987 law. Passage of this legislation would extend to the tribe the same sovereign right possessed by all other Indian tribes: The ability to determine who is and who is not a member of that tribe. This measure is long overdue. I commend my colleague for introducing it. Similar legislation passed the House last Congress by unanimous consent. I urge Members to support this measure. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes).

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5110 would add 415 acres to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument located south of Phoenix, Arizona. Currently, the 472-acre monument represents only part of the historic Native American community that once existed in that area. A 2003 National Park Service report identified seven parcels for potential addition to this monument. H.R. 5110 authorizes the acquisition of three properties ``by donation, exchange, or purchase with donated or appropriated funds from willing owners only.'' Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5110 is a good bill. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick has worked hard to bring it to the floor, and I urge the House to approve it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the sponsor of this important piece of legislation, the gentlewoman from Arizona, Representative Ann Kirkpatrick.