Elijah Cummings

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. As I close, Mr. Speaker, I hope that many people from Greensburg observe this small session that we are going through right now. I hope that they know that we are with them.

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation is of vital importance, because it ensures that the Department of Defense has the funding necessary to replenish the depleted resources of the U.S. military and provides accountability standards as our military operations continue in Iraq. One of the critical issues we addressed in the House Armed Services Committee was the need to support our troops in combat operations. We accomplish this task by providing $141.8 billion in emergency supplemental spending, which will provide for new combat vehicles and armor that will protect our men and women in uniform from traumatic brain injuries and increase their overall survival rate. Additionally, this bill safeguards and enhances access to care and treatment programs for our injured servicemembers under the auspices of the Wounded Warriors Assistance Act. Finally, we address the need for oversight and accountability standards for our military operations in Iraq. Congressman David Loebsack and I have an amendment included in the bill that requires Secretary Gates, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to submit reports to the Congress on the status of the implementation of the Joint Campaign Plan. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this critical defense bill.

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional speakers, so I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Very briefly, we want to again congratulate Mrs. Drake on the sponsorship of this legislation. It is very important. One of the things our Subcommittee on the Coast Guard just recently had, we had a hearing with regard to fishing safety. One of the interesting things that came forth during that discussion and during that hearing was how the industry was so very much interested in making sure that there was boating safety, and they wanted to make sure that their industry was regulated. That was very pleasing to our ears. So it is with that, Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.

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

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I rise today in support of H. Res. 386, as amended. This resolution recognizes the goals of National Safe Boating Week and recognizes the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary for the outstanding work that they do to keep boaters safe and to rescue those in distress at sea. Like so many other of the critical safety awareness campaigns in the transportation field, National Safe Boating Week came about through the dedication of a concerned voluntary group. The North American Safe Boating Campaign began some 50 years ago this year. In 1958, a year after the campaign began, Congress passed a joint resolution that authorized and requested the President to designate the week prior to Memorial Day weekend as National Safe Boating Week. In keeping with this tradition, this year, on May 10, President Bush again designated the week before Memorial Day as National Safe Boating Week. According to the Coast Guard, as of 2005, there were just under 13 million registered recreational boats in the United States. In 2005 a total of 4,969 recreational boating accidents were reported to the Coast Guard, although it is likely that there were many more accidents that were never reported. According to the Coast Guard, the leading types of recreational boating accidents were collisions and falls overboard. Careless inattention on the part of a boat's operator was the largest single cause of recreational boating accidents in 2005. However, the use of alcohol was the largest cause of accidents that resulted in fatalities. Simply put, mixing boats and alcohol can yield the same fatal results that mixing cars and alcohol can yield. In 2005, recreational boating accidents caused nearly 3,500 injuries and nearly 700 deaths. Total deaths in 2005 were down approximately 25 percent below the total of 924 fatalities experienced in 1991. Unfortunately, however, recreational boating deaths in 2005 increased after 3 straight years of steady decline. The Coast Guard reports that of the nearly 700 people who died in recreational boating accidents in 2005, 491 died as a result of drowning and 426 of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. In my own State of Maryland, 13 of the 15 people who died in recreational boating accidents drowned. In response to the prevalence of drowning as the cause of death among recreational boaters, the theme of this year's National Safe Boating Week is simply ``Wear It.'' This imperative emphasizes the singular importance of the use of personal flotation devices during recreational boating. Importantly, however, it is not enough merely to have a personal flotational device on board a boat. Recreational boaters must familiarize themselves with the use of life jackets and should also take the time to experience swimming while wearing the device. I commend all those in our Nation's boating clubs who work year round to train recreational boaters on safe boating practices and to maintain awareness of safe boating practices. In closing, I want to recognize the outstanding work that the Coast Guard performs preserving life at sea. I have often said they are our thin blue line at sea, and that they are. Last year the Coast Guard saved more than 4,400 lives in the course of its search and rescue operations, many of which were performed under very difficult and dangerous circumstances. Just yesterday, we were again reminded of the incredible dedication and skill that the Coast Guard brings to their work when they coordinated the successful evacuation of a reported 281 passengers and crew members from the Empress of the North cruise ship off the coast of Alaska. Finally, I want to remember the Coast Guardsmen who have been lost this year, and all who have died in our Nation's service. I thank all of the members of the Coast Guard for their outstanding work. I also thank them for their work in the gulf coast during the Hurricane Katrina storm. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 386) recognizing the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boating Council for their efforts to promote National Safe Boating Week, as amended.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 386.

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader, who is the sponsor of this resolution, one who has constantly put children first.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this wonderful resolution, and with that I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 2007 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. As with all events on the Capitol Hill, this event will be open to the public and free of charge. The event organizers will work with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Hill Police to ensure all rules and regulations will be followed. The 2007 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby takes place on Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street, N.W., on June 16, 2007. This event has been held on the U.S. Capitol Grounds since 1991 and has attracted over 50 participants, ranging in ages from 8 to 17. Participants competing in the event will come from the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. The D.C. metropolitan race winners from each age division will meet later in the summer in Akron, Ohio, to compete in the All American Soap Box Derby. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the resolution and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 79.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 79) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 343) commemorating the marinas of the United States, expressing support for the designation of the sixth annual National Marina Day, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, once again I want to thank Mr. Rogers of Kentucky for this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 343, as amended, which would support designation of August 11, 2007, as the sixth annual National Marina Day. National Marina Day recognizes the central role that marinas play in giving shelter and providing gateways to the nearly 13 million recreational boats registered in the United States. National Marina Day is also intended to recognize the important role that recreational boaters and marina operators play in protecting our Nation's critical marine resources. Recreational boating is a central part of the tourism and recreation industry in the United States. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, in 2005 recreational boating generated an estimated $37 billion in sales and services nationwide. In my own State of Maryland, there are just over 200,000 registered boats. A study by the Maryland Sea Grant program estimated that in 2005 every 7.5 boats in the State supported a job in our State's economy and contributed just over $7,600 in economic activity. Recreational boating contributed an estimated $1.8 billion to the State's gross product. The millions of Americans who participate in recreational boating activities rely on the estimated 12,000 marinas and associated boating facilities in our Nation to access not only the water, but also the support services that boats and boaters need. An estimated 30 percent of these marinas are owned by municipal or State governments and provide the public with water access at low or limited cost. The remaining 70 percent of marinas are private, and many are owner- operated facilities with long family histories. Importantly, however, marinas are not only centers where boats can obtain fuel and services. They are also centers providing boating safety and boating education programs intended to help improve the operating proficiency of recreational boaters. Though 35 States now have some type of operator education or licensing requirement, the National Transportation Safety Board reported in 2007 that more than 80 percent of all recreational boaters have still never taken any kind of boating educational program. Perhaps in large measure as a result of the still limited enrollment in recreational boating safety classes, total deaths in recreational boating exceed deaths in general aviation. Marinas will continue to play a critical role in helping to reduce boating accidents and to lower the number of fatalities associated with recreational boating by organizing and hosting boating education programs to complement the technical services they provide. I hope that all marina operators through these United States will take the opportunity afforded this year by the National Marina Day to continue their vital effort to expand boating safety programs and efforts. I commend marina operators for their vital role in supporting recreational boating in the United States. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 343.

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

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, on May 7, 2007, due to a family illness, I missed the following recorded votes: rollcall vote No. 302, on H.R. 407--The Columbia Pacific National Heritage Area Study Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 303, on H.R. 1025--The Lower Republican River Basin Study Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye''; and rollcall vote No. 304, on H. Res. 371--In Observance of National Physical Education and Sports Week. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of this resolution that commends the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, which marks the beginning of the end of the deportation of slavery. This tremendous moment in time carries with it historical significance in African American history and culture. As many of my colleagues know, many of our ancestors were brought here in the grips of iron chains on slave ships. They were subjected to tremendous inhumane treatment. Many died and the ones that did survive were left to try and survive in a new and unforgiving world. Over the course of 4 centuries 11 to 12 million African men, women, and children were brought to the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America against their will. The transatlantic slave trade enabled the kidnapping, purchase, and commercial export of Africans, mostly from West and Central Africa between the 15th and late 19th century. Despite this ignoble beginning, the people of Africa created a noble culture that encompasses the African spirit of survival through adversity. Nevertheless, with all the horrors and inhumanity, the transatlantic slave trade was critical to the formation of the new world. We can now celebrate the trials, tribulations, accomplishments, and contributions of our ancestors. They certainly created and attained so much in history. Madam Speaker, I would like to share with you the words of Frederick Douglass, one of the most famous African American abolitionists, slave, editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer. He stated: Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blow, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress. The struggle to end the transatlantic slave trade and slavery was achieved by African resistance and economic factors as well as through humanitarian campaigns. Africans fought tirelessly to overcome the brutal treatment that they endured. The years that our ancestors fought for freedom were among the most difficult times that Africans faced. It is because of the sacrifices that our ancestors made that African Americans are free today, and able to be part of this wonderful body. We must not forget what our ancestors have done for us. We must teach our children and the generations not yet born of the sacrifices that were made in the name of our freedom. We must continue to celebrate the anniversaries such as this so our history may never go forgotten. The 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade marks a tremendous accomplishment in African American history. It is with great honor that I am able to speak on such a significant part of my history.

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, on Monday we will lay to rest a truly gifted friend, colleague, and public servant, Representative from the California's 37th Congressional District, Juanita Millender-McDonald. So today I would like to pay tribute to her legacy. In 1997 Glamour Magazine wisely named Congresswoman Millender- McDonald as ``one of 11 women who will change the world.'' And even though she has left us before her time, her very significant and meaningful impact on the world is known. Although Congresswoman Millender-McDonald has crossed over, her actions will continue to reverberate for us and for generations yet unborn. We both came to the Congress as a result of special elections in 1996. She came on March 25 and I was sworn in on April 26. As a close colleague, I was proud to see her take the helm of the House Administration Committee, which deemed her the ``Mayor of the House of Representatives.'' And, indeed, she was. In fact, she was the first African American woman to chair a House Committee. Further, within this committee, she was a leader in addressing issues of voting irregularities and voter disenfranchisement. I also worked closely with her on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for 11 years. And most recently, as Congress worked with the passage of the SAFETEA-LU bill, a major piece of legislation addressing highways, transit, and other public legislation, she was indeed a strong advocate for her district and for her State. When I served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I asked her to serve as the chairperson of the Annual Legislative Weekend, and she did with class. 2003, the year that she served as head of the Annual Legislative Weekend, was a very difficult year for all of us. The caucus had several issues to confront: Widespread unemployment, the war in Iraq, and coping with the negative effects of the Bush administration policies. Still, amidst these tough times, she led a 4-day conference entitled, ``Collective Leadership--Challenging a Bold New World.'' That conference reenergized our constituencies to fight for that better world that she fought for every day. Congresswoman Millender-McDonald changed the world by being a pioneer, and she paved a path for many to follow. She was the first African American woman to serve on the Carson City Council. She was the first to hold the position of chairperson of two very powerful California State Assembly committees, Insurance and Revenue Taxation, in her first term. Here in Washington she gave a voice to the voiceless by speaking out against genocide in Cambodia, Darfur, and other regions of the world. She also addressed global HIV/AIDS, which was a major issue for her, and she conducted an annual march in her district. During the 108th Congress, she drafted language that was incorporated into the U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act, which authorized funding to reduce mother-to-child transmissions of HIV/AIDS and gave priority in awarding of funds to organizations focused on family survival. In the 109th Congress, she introduced legislation to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that would establish a network of pediatric centers in certain developing countries to provide treatment and care for children with HIV/AIDS. She fought tirelessly for women's rights and empowering women to be all that they can be. As the first Democratic chair of the Congressional Democratic Caucus for Women's Issues, she led the caucus on two groundbreaking meetings, the first with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to talk about the plight of women globally, and another with the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange to develop strategies for increasing women's investments and net worth. She also worked to give women who served our country in uniform during wartime the recognition which they richly deserved. In this regard, she initiated the first annual Memorial Day tribute to women in the military at the Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, and led the fight to secure $15 million for the maintenance of that memorial. Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald did indeed change the world, and she will not be forgotten. My prayers go out to her husband and her family.

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Obey for bringing the conference report for the Iraq supplemental to the floor. You have shown tremendous leadership in the face of great opposition and criticism. To my colleagues who joined me in passing this legislation, we have demonstrated to our constituents that we are listening to their mandate. Five weeks ago, we commemorated the fourth year of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Today, we move with urgency to end 4 years of bloodshed that has resulted in the death of 3,300 men and women in uniform deployed in Iraq, 59 of those being sons and daughters of the great State of Maryland. While I opposed the war from the very beginning, I believe we have a duty to redeploy in a responsible manner that protects the Iraqi people and our troops. Additionally, we have a responsibility to our courageous men and women in uniform, their families, and the American people by putting an end to their incredible sacrifices. Despite the rhetoric, the President's plan is simply not working. According to a Washington Post report dated April 4, 2007, the number of Iraqi policemen killed across Iraq nearly doubled from 171 in February to 331 in March. Meanwhile, the numbers of unidentified bodies found across Baghdad are rising again, suggesting an increase in sectarian-motivated death squad killings. Surely, this is not a sign of us winning the war in Iraq; but instead, it is a sign of how the conflict is swiftly tumbling into a civil war that is on the edge of becoming a battle beyond our control. As Members of Congress, it is our duty to bring President Bush back to reality. Progress in Iraq will not be measured in military terms. The primary solution to many of the crises in Iraq are simply political, in that obtaining bilateral assistance from Iraq's neighbors, the international community and the Iraqis themselves, is a vital step to resolving many of the present conflicts. Unfortunately, the President views the situation quite differently. Rather than attempting to reach compromise, he has threatened to use his veto power. In doing so, he will be rejecting the benchmarks for Iraq that he himself has repeatedly stated must be reached to resolve this crisis. The President will also be vetoing so much more. The supplemental provides troops with three things they need to be successful: Training, equipment and rest. Further, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am particularly proud that $3 billion is provided for the purchase of mine resistant, ambush protected vehicles. The President should take note that he will be vetoing accountability requirements in the area of homeland security. To that end, the supplemental makes important changes to the Coast Guard's $24 billion, 25-year Deepwater contract to prevent the development of assets that simply do not work. Further, the supplemental will require the Coast Guard to identify both the staffing structure it needs to manage Deepwater, and the training that acquisitions oversight staff will require to be effective. Having chaired two oversight hearings involving Deepwater, and having worked with Chairman Oberstar, chairman of the full committee, to conduct an investigative hearing into Deepwater, I know that the significant problems that have been experienced with this contract have arisen at least in part due to the decision of the Coast Guard to move forward with the program before they had the staff, expertise, and management systems in place to ensure effective oversight. Finally, I strongly support these provisions and look forward to building on them in the Coast Guard reauthorization which we are drafting. If this supplemental is not signed and if we fail to override the veto, we will start from scratch, forcing us back to the drawing board. However, I will not give up or give in. It is time to bring our troops home

Mr. CUMMINGS

Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, today marks a date that is familiar to most Americans: April 17th is the deadline for filing taxes. Like most Americans, I too can now breathe a sigh of relief because my tax return has been mailed to the Internal Revenue Service, IRS. This year we were fortunate enough to have more time to file our taxes due to the normal tax day falling on the weekend and the Emancipation Day Holiday in the District of Columbia on Tuesday. While many filers will benefit from this extra time, millions of Americans will still ask for extensions to file due to their inability to understand the complicated tax regulations. I am committed to a tax system that is fair to all Americans and to a system that is ``tax-payer friendly.'' This is why I support efforts to simplify the tax code by closing loopholes, which will reduce the compliance burden. By simplifying our current code, we can increase compliance, and ensure our long-term fiscal stability. It is our duty to protect taxpayers and to provide a ``user-friendly'' government. For this reason, I support H.R. 1677, the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007. This Act requires the IRS to notify taxpayers of incidences of identity theft; prevents the wrongful use of one's name; permits the IRS to withhold information from the companies offering refund anticipation loans that are considered predatory; and gives taxpayers more time to collect money that was wrongfully held by the IRS. This legislation would help to protect taxpayers from unlawful acts that at times can be hard to detect. Each year millions of families expect to receive money back from the government. However, they deserve to be receiving more; America's families and workers need tax relief. It should be a priority for Congress to assist families with the cost of childcare and long-term health care, eliminate the marriage penalty, help small businesses, and help Americans save for higher education and retirement. We need to develop a refundable tax credit for workers who earn reasonably low incomes. This is very important to helping the American people. As a member of Congress it is our duty to ensure that taxpayers are being treated fairly and equally within our tax system. As the 110th Congress moves forward, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that this goal is achieved. That is why I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 1677, the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007. I want to thank Congressman Rangel and Congressman Lewis for introducing this vitally important legislation.