Lois Capps

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Wall Street reform. Wall Street shenanigans led us to this recession, and if not for having the taxpayers bail them out, these shenanigans would have melted down our entire financial system, all while Wall Street made hundreds of billions of dollars for themselves. Last December, the House of Representatives responded by passing commonsense Wall Street reform. It would protect families and small businesses from predatory loans, from indecipherable fine print, and from other industry gimmicks. It would end taxpayer-funded bailouts and too-big-to-fail banks. It would impose tough new laws on the riskiest Wall Street practices that got us into this mess in the first place. House Democrats voted ``yes'' on Wall Street reform, but unfortunately, Republicans all voted ``no.'' Yesterday, their Senate colleagues again voted ``no,'' this time even to start an open and honest debate. It is time to stop the obstructionism and to let the debate begin. If Senate Republicans have problems with the bill, make them known in public. Offer amendments. Take votes. Show us where you stand--with Main Street or with Wall Street.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to express my support for the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (S. 1963). This important piece of legislation is a tremendous step forward for our nation's bravest men and women, and the dedicated caregivers who support them. This landmark legislation will strengthen health care services for our nation's veterans by expanding services for women veterans, providing resources to caregivers of wounded veterans, improving health care for veterans living in rural areas, providing greater access to mental health services, and expanding assistance to homeless veterans. Importantly, the legislation has received strong endorsements from numerous veterans groups, including the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Among its many critical provisions, I am particularly proud of the expansion of VA services offered to the 1.8 million women who have courageously served their country, including child care for women receiving intensive mental and physical health care services, and post- delivery health care for newborns. In addition, the expansion of mental health benefits, greater support for caregivers, and help for homeless vets will improve the lives of millions of brave men and women and their families. This important legislation exemplifies the Democrat-led 111th Congress' unwavering commitment to our veterans and their families. Tremendous advances in battlefield medicine have increased the survival rate of wounded soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and made it even more important that we constantly work to improve veterans' health care and its many support services. As a nurse, I've seen first-hand the devastating consequences of inadequate health care for our nation's veterans. America has a sacred obligation to ensure these brave men and women receive the highest quality care and today that commitment extends to those dedicated individuals who care for our wounded warriors.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1116, recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, which actually took place the week of March 8. Now, while Multiple Sclerosis Week occurred last month, it is never the wrong time to draw attention to this important health issue and to reaffirm our commitment to combating MS. Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 400,000 people in the United States and 2\1/2\ million people worldwide. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system incorrectly attacks healthy nerve fibers of the central nervous system. Symptoms that people with MS experience include blurred vision and blindness, tremors, extreme fatigue and paralysis. However, the exact causes of MS are unknown, and there is no known cure for this disease. But what we all know is that it can affect men and women of all ages, and it does affect each person differently. Many of us have our own personal stories of loved ones who've been diagnosed with MS. We will hear some of those stories today. I've gotten to know some wonderful constituent advocates from my district to learn of their personal stories over the years through the MS Society chapter which I represent in my district, and I know that many of my colleagues have benefited from interactions with their local chapters and the members who have shared their stories with them. So I want to commend my colleague, Representative Lee, for introducing this resolution. I also recognize Representative Carnahan and Representative Burgess for their leadership on the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to yield to our colleague from Missouri, Representative Carnahan, who is the cochair of the Multiple Sclerosis Caucus, such time as he may consume.

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, as we conclude this discussion on the importance of being aware of multiple sclerosis and adoption of this resolution, I will call attention to my colleagues all of our local chapters throughout the country. Our colleagues have highlighted some of the chapters they represent, and I know I've had wonderful interactions with the Members and people who support our local chapter in my district as they seek to raise awareness within our local communities and also work together to raise funds through their walks and through their fundraising drives to provide quality of life and support for their members, those who are afflicted with multiple sclerosis and their families, and it is an honor to serve with them and work with them and represent them here as they would have us do. And what they would want us to underscore, as well, is the importance of our funding adequately the national endowments for the health, the efforts for continuing research, for accentuating the research in all neurological disorders, those that affect a whole host of ranges that impact people's lives; and among them, so important, are those who are afflicted with multiple sclerosis. That is surely what we can do on their behalf as we look forward to possibilities, as new discoveries are made, and much more research can be done in this arena. So our resolution can bring all of that to fruition. I encourage all of our colleagues to honor and vote for House Resolution 1116, supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. I yield back my time.

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1116) supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam 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 for the Record.

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as she may consume to the Representative from California, Representative Lee, who is the author of this resolution.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, this week we celebrate Earth Day. Since its inception following the tragic oil spill off Santa Barbara, Earth Day has become a call to action on behalf of the environment. As one who represents this coastline, one of the most beautiful and sensitive areas in America, I know that every day is Earth Day. But the important thing about this year's celebration is that it marks a turning point for our Nation. Under Democratic leadership our country is finally poised to begin addressing our longstanding energy issues. Through the Recovery Act, for example, we've launched a clean energy economy that's creating millions of jobs, reducing our dependence on dirty energy sources, and, through efficiencies, lowering energy costs for American families and businesses. Now is the time to seize the unprecedented opportunity before us. The clean energy legislation we've passed in this Chamber will be the legacy we leave for our children and our grandchildren. To protect them and all who come after us, we must continue making these smart investments and meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 212, H.R. 1257, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of World Malaria Day. While anyone exposed to a malaria-causing parasite can be afflicted with the disease, pregnant women and children are malaria's most frequent victims. Over ten percent of global maternal deaths are caused by malaria. Pregnant women are highly susceptible to malaria because their bodies' natural defense mechanisms are reduced during pregnancy. In these women, malaria causes high rates of miscarriage and severe anemia. Furthermore, malaria can cause low birth weight among newborn infants-- a leading risk factor for infant mortality and impaired growth and development. Malaria kills a child somewhere in the world every 30 seconds. In parts of the world where malaria is endemic, children are exposed repeatedly to the parasite, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Although malaria is both preventable and treatable, if ineffective medicines are given or if treatment is delayed, the number of parasites in a child's body continues to increase. In these children, the disease can progress to a severe stage that is fatal in the majority of cases. I have long been a supporter of U.S. programs to promote maternal and child health overseas, and malaria programming is a key aspect of that. We have proven, effective tools to prevent and treat malaria. But more must be done. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of scaled-up deployment of these tools to reduce soaring child and maternal mortality rates in the developing world.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Thank you. This modest funding increase will strengthen the capacity of our existing estuaries to protect these critical coastal and marine resources; and the proposed funding increase will allow for the responsible expansion of the program to incorporate new regions that are not currently served in the NEP. Mr. Chairman, we are at a critical juncture for our ocean and coastal resources, and the National Estuary Program is a vital part of that network. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to protect some of our Nation's most valuable and treasured natural resources, our national estuaries.

Mrs. CAPPS. Thank you, Chairman Oberstar, for recognizing me. I rise today to express my support for H.R. 4715, the Clean Estuaries Act, a bipartisan bill to reauthorize and make improvements to the National Estuary Program. I wish to thank my colleagues, Tim Bishop and Frank LoBiondo, for introducing this bill. We each represent coastal districts that are home to amazing estuary systems of great importance to our communities. In my district, the Morro Bay National Estuary is an ecological treasure. Lagoons and wetlands that were once common along the southern California coast are now nearly all filled and developed, but the Morro Bay Estuary has survived largely thanks to local efforts and now the support of the estuary program. Like other national estuaries, the one in Morro Bay provides vital habitat for birds and fish. It is an important stopover for more than 150 species of migratory birds and it acts as a nursery for more than 75 percent of commercial fish species right in the immediate area. Since the Morro Bay Estuary was incorporated into the national program in 1995, the inspiring team of local staff and volunteers has spearheaded numerous efforts to preserve and restore the estuary. I particularly want to commend former program director Dan Berman, interim director Mike Multari and his staff, as well as the Bay Foundation of Morro Bay. Their accomplishments over the years are a reflection of the strong partnerships and community support that define the Morro Bay National Estuary Program. For example, partnering with local ranchers, the hardworking team in Morro Bay has installed riparian fencing along nearly 75,000 feet of creek to limit cattle access. This has protected water quality and improved habitat on seven creeks leading to the estuary. The estuary program has also been a source of funding for the city of Morro Bay's efforts to remove derelict marine vessels before they pollute local waters and damage habitat. And the Estuary Nature Center helps the public to understand the estuary's importance to water quality and conservation. Mr. Speaker, estuaries are among the richest habitats known on the Earth, providing immeasurable economic and ecological benefits, but they are threatened by climate change, by pollution, and other human activities. The Clean Estuaries Act helps to combat these problems and improves the efficiency of our National Estuary Program. First, the bill requires that each approved estuary program be evaluated every 4 years and the results be publicly released. Second, the bill increases Federal attention to local priorities and requires that Federal agencies participate in planning and coordinating the implementation of the site's own management plan. Third, the bill requires that estuaries identify and plan for vulnerabilities to climate change. And, finally, the bill increases the program's annual authorization to $50 million.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Emergency Nurses Association and to congratulate them on their 40th anniversary. The Emergency Nurses Association, or ENA, is the only professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing and emergency care through advocacy, expertise, innovation and leadership. It boasts more than 37,000 members worldwide. Founded in 1970 as the Emergency Department Nurses Association and led by Anita M. Dorr, RN and Judith C. Kelleher, RN, it was originally established to set standards for best practices in emergency nursing care. It also provided continuing education programs for emergency nurses and a united voice for nurses involved in emergency care. In 1985, the Association name was changed to Emergency Nurses Association, ENA. Among its many accomplishments, ENA published its first Roadway Safety Scorecard in 2006, providing an overview of the kinds of roadway laws that prevent injuries and save lives, and a listing of the States that have enacted those laws. The initial report and the follow-up report in 2008 have provided the impetus for more States to pass roadway laws that protect lives and prevent injuries. ENA is also working to make emergency departments safer by pressing for Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards that would help prevent violence in emergency departments. A recent ENA report on workplace violence found that more than half of emergency nurses have been physically assaulted on the job in the past 3 years and scores more endure verbal abuse regularly. Violence in the emergency department adversely affects patient care and also puts patients themselves at risk of assault or worse. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the Emergency Nurses Association and its more than 37,000 members for their commitment to establishing public policies that reduce the need for emergency care and for working to improve the quality of that care when it is needed. I also ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating ENA on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Natalie Myerson, an exceptional woman and a dear friend. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in 1920, Natalie Anita Salter grew up in nearby Newton, MA and attended Goucher College in Baltimore, MD. In the fall of 1942, she was introduced to Raymond King Myerson, who was a naval officer stationed in Cambridge. After a brief courtship, Natalie and Raymond were married on February 20, 1943. They had 63 wonderful years together until Raymond's death in 2006. While Raymond was in the Navy during World War II, Natalie lived with his parents in Chicago. When Raymond returned from the war in 1945, the young couple moved into their own apartment in Chicago. Their daughter Bette Kay was born in 1946, and 3 years after that, in 1949, son Toby came along. Shortly after Toby's birth the family moved to Highland Park, Illinois where they lived for 15 years. In Highland Park Natalie was an active volunteer with the Brandeis National Women's Committee, Hadassah, and a number of other organizations. On July 4, 1964 the family moved to Los Angeles and in 1974 came to Santa Barbara. Natalie has lived longer in Santa Barbara than any other city; she and Raymond became very active members of the community. Natalie served on the Board of Directors and was treasurer of the Santa Barbara Symphony for many years. She and Raymond were great supporters of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith. They were honored at the ADL annual dinner in 2001. Natalie has also served on the Advisory Board of the Hillel Foundation of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Natalie and Raymond were honored by that organization in 2006. They were also involved with the Affiliates of University of California, Santa Barbara. Natalie was an active member of the Santa Barbara Arts Council for many years. She is currently one of the mainstays and most loyal and celebrated members of Santa Barbara's Congregation B'nai B'rith. Natalie was honored as a ``Woman of Valor'' by the Women's Division of the Santa Barbara Jewish Federation in 2009. Natalie is the matriarch of the Myerson and Salter families and is most beloved by her family. In addition, she has ``adopted'' 39 ``courtesy daughters'' who consider her their second mother. Natalie is sought after as a speaker, emcee, and presenter. She is an elegant, beautifully dressed, kind, and caring woman, and a gracious hostess. I can speak with authority that it is a privilege to call her a friend. Natalie is an instrumental pillar of our central coast community, and I'm humbled to honor her this month as she celebrates her 90th birthday. I wish her continued good health!

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, the House passed groundbreaking legislation to make college more affordable. Students in my district and across the Nation are struggling to keep up with devastating State budget cuts and ever rising tuition. This week I met with college students from UC Santa Barbara and Oxnard Community College on the Capitol steps, and I was proud to tell them that, during these tough economic times, I voted for the single largest investment ever in higher education. Our bill will save taxpayers over $60 billion from wasteful bank subsidies, and we're making education a priority, investing most of these savings directly into Pell Grants. The bill will mean nearly $48 million for Pell Grants for these and other students over the next 10 years. Now, more than ever, we need to invest in education to get our economy back on track, and with this bill we did just that. Today we can finish the job for our college students.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tremendous woman. Helen Pedotti was a rancher, business owner, activist, philanthropist, educator, wife and mother. She died on January 25 and with her passing, our community lost a wonderful friend whose talents were as limitless as her generosity. Throughout the Central and South Coasts of California, Helen was known in many circles. Along with her husband Pida, she ran Rancho Arbolado on the Gaviota Coast, where they also raised their four children: Holly, Tina, Jon and Chico. Active in the ranching community, Helen was known as a bighearted neighbor, efficient business partner and loyal friend. Helen was known in many circles for her support of community colleges, progressive politics, the environment, immigration reform, civic justice, and the right for all children to have a quality education. Her friend Robert Isaacson described her perfectly when he said ``her passions, values, and politics were integrated fully into a powerful force, and she was utterly fearless in her beliefs.'' Despite so many interests, Helen was never satisfied with just lending her support to a particular issue. She would tirelessly contribute her time, resources and innovative ideas to everything she felt passionately about. All of us who knew and worked with Helen were challenged to think greater and do better than we thought possible of ourselves. I will always be grateful to her for instilling that kind of confidence. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to this remarkable woman and friend. I know I speak on behalf of my entire community when I say she leaves an irreplaceable gap in our community and our hearts.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. I thank the chairman. Madam Speaker, we've been trying to reform health care in this country for decades, and I've been blessed to participate both as a health care provider and now as a Member of Congress. Passing this bill is not only the right thing to do; it is truly a matter of life and death for the millions of Americans who today lack health insurance coverage, and it is critical for all who suffer from diseases that could have been completely preventible or dealt with earlier had they had access to screenings. One thing, our bill will now guarantee no more copays for preventive screenings for diseases like cervical cancer or heart disease. As a public health nurse with decades of experience, I know this is one of the most important steps we can take to improve the health of American families, and I stress this point because it's one that's not brought up all that often. I underscore the importance of universal access to preventive care because this measure will improve the lives of millions of families and save us all billions in avoidable health care costs. I know my constituents are going to appreciate these important provisions which will improve health care in the United States. It's one of the many reasons I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of passing comprehensive health care reform legislation. This moment has been a long time coming. I've worked on health care since coming to Congress and passing comprehensive reform has always been a major goal of mine. I've met with and listened to my constituents, along with countless doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, researchers, and other health care experts. They know that America's health care system has many wonderful aspects: it can provide the most cutting edge care, cure diseases thought fatal only a few years ago, and devise new and exciting drugs, devices and treatments with mind numbing speed. But we also know our health care system's problems are legion. Coverage is erratic, incomplete and can evaporate without notice; costs are out of control for consumers, businesses and taxpayers; and health outcomes are actually better in dozens of countries that spend far less per capita than we do. The legislation before us addresses these problems and will help ensure that affordable, quality health care is always available to all Americans. The most trumpeted aspect of the bill is the coverage it would provide to some 32 million Americans who are currently uninsured, including an estimated 92,000 citizens in my own district. Passing this legislation is a matter of life or death for them as an estimated 45,000 Americans die every year because they lack health care insurance. In addition, the uninsured are much more likely to forego primary care and delay other health care services leading to the development of otherwise preventable disease, requiring much more invasive and costly treatments. The bill expands Medicaid to provide coverage for more very low income individuals, and sets up state exchanges that will serve as marketplaces for individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health plans. The bill provides assistance to some individuals to purchase coverage and tax credits to small businesses so that they can provide health insurance to their employees. And it lets young adults stay on their parents' plans until age 26. These new mechanisms and support systems should provide coverage to the vast majority of today's uninsured, improving both the physical and financial health of millions of our fellow citizens. But, perhaps just as important, the bill offers critical protection for those already with health insurance. Today, insurance companies often drop consumers if they get sick, refuse coverage for so-called pre-existing conditions, and put annual and lifetime limits on a consumer's coverage. This bill puts an end to those unfair practices. A wife's diagnosis of cancer or a child's serious accident shouldn't be the cause for a family losing health insurance just when it is needed most. Those currently with coverage will also benefit through lowered insurance premiums. The Congressional Budget Office says premiums will be 14 to 20 percent lower per policy holder. Furthermore, the nonpartisan Robert Wood Johnson Foundation estimates that without health care reform individuals and families would see their health insurance premiums rise by as much as 79 percent over the next decade. That is unaffordable, unsustainable and just one of the many reasons we must enact this legislation. The bill also makes significant investments to train our next generation of doctors, nurses and allied-health professionals. This is critical because today's current shortages of nurses and doctors would only be exacerbated as we bring millions of new regular patients into the system without the appropriate investment in our health care workforce. The legislation will also make it much easier to access preventive health care services by eliminating co-pays for important recommended screenings such as those for heart disease or cervical cancer. Mr. Speaker, I've been hearing a lot from senior citizens concerned about what our health care reform proposal would mean for them. The bill will close Medicare's prescription drug ``donut hole,'' which in my Congressional district affects nearly 9,000 beneficiaries. It is unfair that policyholders should have to pay insurance premiums while receiving no coverage. The legislation before us today will give seniors who fall into the donut hole a $250 rebate this year, 50 percent discounts on brand name drugs when they fall into the donut hole beginning next year, and completely close the donut hole by 2020. In addition to closing the donut hole, we take steps to crack down on fraud, waste and abuse which will extend the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund by 9 years, according to CBO. Finally, this bill is the largest deficit reduction measure in a generation. According to CBO enactment of this legislation is projected to reduce the federal deficit by $130 billion by 2020 and by over $1.2 trillion during the following decade. Earlier this year, the Democratic-led Congress reinstated tough ``pay-go'' budget rules the Republican-led Congress had allowed to lapse in 2003 and this health care bill is a reflection of our determination to bring our federal books back into balance as they were prior to the Bush Administration. Mr. Speaker, I will not argue this is a perfect bill because it is not. Most problematically, it lacks a public option, which would make the insurance market more competitive, ensure the greatest possible choice for consumers and bring down health care costs even more than the bill does already. I am also deeply disappointed the bill contains inappropriate language that may restrict a woman's access to reproductive health services. But I'm also not one to let the perfect be the enemy of the good and in this case, we have legislation that is very good and deserves our favorable consideration. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. As one who represents a national forest and a national marine sanctuary as well as a national park, the Channel Islands, I can attest to the great work of the Public Lands Corps and the importance of this legislation. So I thank you, Mr. Grijalva, for introducing this very important bill and for your great leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1612, the Public Lands Service Corps Act. And as I do so, I note the rather unusual markup of this bill or vote on this bill this afternoon here, or this morning here in our Nation's Capital on a Saturday. We are not usually gathered here, but that's because we have an historic opportunity tomorrow to cast a vote for major health care and health insurance reform legislation in the House of Representatives. It's interesting the way the various topics are interconnected. When I think of health, we often think of people's health. But we can also think of the health and survival, really, of our environment. And then I also believe that this is a jobs bill because this is a bill designed to put our young people to work. And that has a great deal to do with the subject very much on our minds these days with our slow economy and our great unemployment rate, and as the colleague who preceded me mentioned, the even higher unemployment rate among our young people. This legislation will allow more of them to go to work and go to work in very healthy settings, out in the fresh air, engaged in exercise, learning to appreciate their natural surroundings. And I believe it really is a win-win all the way around. So let me address the legislation. This important bill would help prepare, repair, and restore our Nation's public lands while also creating jobs for thousands of young Americans. Years of inadequate funding have left our public land management agencies with huge backlogs of labor-intensive work in our national parks, our forests, our wildlife refuges and our historic sites. Physical infrastructure is crumbling, and the natural resources have been neglected. In many places, such as my home State of California, the effects of climate change are only magnifying the existing problems such as fire risk, damage from invasive species, coastal erosion, and fragmented habitat. H.R. 1612 will help address all of these problems by expanding and strengthening the Public Lands Corps. It will streamline the corps' management, modernize its scope and provide new tools to help the program accomplish its mission. It will also expand the program to other agencies within the Department of the Interior and to the Commerce Department agencies, those which manage our coastal and marine systems, and our national marine sanctuaries. This expanded public service initiative will introduce people from a greater diversity of social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to our Nation's parks, our forests, and our public lands, not only as possible future employees, but also as lifelong enthusiasts. And this bill will create jobs. H.R. 1612 will provide meaningful training and employment to young people who especially need it now while also improving the condition of our priceless natural and cultural resources.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased now to yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards).

Mrs. CAPPS. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr) who is the pioneer in the area of coastal education.

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.