Lois Capps

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6022, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act of 2008, which will temporarily suspend filling the Nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve, SPR. Paying top dollar to fill the SPR is a poor use of precious taxpayer dollars, particularly when there's no pressing need to add additional petroleum to the reserve at this time. What's more, experts say that temporarily suspending the fill of the SPR is something that can be done right now to immediately lower gas prices for American families. As oil and gas prices continue to climb to new record highs and with the summer driving season approaching, consumers are in dire need of immediate relief from skyrocketing prices at the pump. Over the last 6 years, the price of oil has risen by nearly $100 and gas prices have more than tripled. According to recent projections by the Energy Department, consumers are likely to face even higher prices at the pump this summer. They project that gas prices could rise to above $4.00 per gallon during the summer driving season. Despite these record energy prices, the U.S. is currently taking 70,000 barrels of oil a day off the market to continue filling the SPR. Moreover, the Energy Department recently announced plans to increase this SPR fill rate to 76,000 barrels per day before the end of the summer. Mr. Speaker, this just doesn't make any sense. Even President Bush has suspended SPR purchases in order to lower fuel prices. In April 2006, President Bush said: I've directed the Department of Energy to defer filling the reserve this summer. Our strategic reserve is sufficiently large enough to guard against any major supply disruption over the next few months. So by deferring deposits until the fall, we'll leave a little more oil on the market. Every little bit helps. Well, the President was right about something: every little bit does help. It's time to halt filling the SPR. What's surprising is that now President Bush is rejecting bipartisan calls from Congress to once again suspend filling the SPR. It's curious that the President would now reject a sound proposal that he once embraced even though gas prices are now at record highs. In the absence of the President's leadership, the Democratic Congress is stepping in to force the administration to do the right thing and suspend filling the SPR. Allowing more oil to reach the market will send a signal to oil speculators and will provide the type of immediate, targeted relief that we need right now. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 6022, to help American families with skyrocketing gas prices.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Santa Maria Elks Club to honor the first week of May as Elks National Youth Week in tribute to our junior citizens and to honor them for their achievement and contributions to their community, State and Nation. Youth Week is designed to guide, inspire and encourage our youth to serve their community and help prepare them for the duties and opportunities of citizenship. Across the country, our Nation's young people are becoming active citizens and learning the importance of civic involvement. I firmly believe in encouraging the sense of community demonstrated by these ambitious and engaged young people. As a mother and a grandmother, I am amazed by the strength of character I see in junior citizens. I commend the goals and ideals of the Santa Maria Elks Club and am proud to honor America's future leaders today.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act, and H.R. 3221, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act. These bills come at a critical time for America--and especially for my constituents on the Central and South Coasts of California. That is why I am extremely disappointed that the President has threatened to veto them both. They include much-needed reforms of the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, and usher these agencies into the 21st century. But they also accomplish three tasks that are vital to the housing market and economy of the Central and South Coasts. First, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act makes permanent the temporary loan limit increases contained in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Mr. Speaker, I cannot stress enough how vital this provision is for my district. Median home prices in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties are well above the national average, and our families are truly struggling to obtain affordable housing. Second, this bill will stem foreclosures by creating a voluntary mortgage refinancing program that allows families to stay in their homes. Under this program, the Federal Housing Administration has the authority to refinance up to $300 billion in imperiled mortgages. With median home prices in Santa Barbara County alone declining almost 30 percent in the past year alone, it is undoubtedly in the best interests of lenders to participate in this program. Lastly, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act establishes a loan and grant program for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed homes. Just this week one of my hometown newspapers, the Ventura County Star, reported on the negative impact that foreclosed homes have on communities. Lower home values, increased crime, and safety hazards are just a few of the consequences that can result from foreclosure. This bill prevents neighborhood decline by providing targeted assistance to state and local governments. Mr. Speaker, American families need help, and that is exactly what is provided by the housing bills on the floor today. I urge my colleagues to support these bills, and I urge the President to work together with Congress in addressing the needs of the hard- working families in America who want to keep their homes.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, on this National Teacher Day, I rise to single out just one of the many talented teachers in my congressional district. Libby Anderson teaches second grade at Grover Heights Elementary School in Grover Beach. It's a national blue ribbon school. She is one of those gifted teachers with a truly unique way of igniting the interest of her students. A few years ago, she led a class project where each student picked a lighthouse to study from around the country. Through that project one student learned of the Federal efforts to restore the Piedras Blancas lighthouse in my district. Under her guidance, the class embarked on a campaign called ``Pennies for Piedras'' to raise money toward this effort. By the end of that school year, the students had raised $1,337.30 in pennies. I'm happy to say that her students have gone on to lead support for continued restoration of this special place. This is just one example of the many exceptional ways this teacher touched the lives of her students and expanded their awareness of their community. Our country is blessed to have teachers like Ms. Anderson who spark students' passions, encouraging them to get involved in the world around them.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. I thank my colleague for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1086 and in support of National Nurses Week. I commend my friend and fellow nurse, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), for introducing this resolution. As we observe National Nurses Week, I hope we can work together to raise awareness about important issues facing our nursing community and the important impact that nurses make to the lives of patients and their role in the arena of public health. This is central to our delivery of health care. We know that nurses advocate for their patients and provide personal care at the bedside. Often, it is life-saving care. They are also community educators, primary care providers, and they serve in our military so often putting themselves in harm's way to carry out their duties. But we are facing a terrible shortage of nurses. We are jeopardizing our ability to provide the best quality care which each individual and each family deserves in this country of ours. As a registered nurse currently serving in Congress, I feel it is my duty to advocate not only on behalf of my patients, but also on behalf of my fellow nurses. I am co-Chair of our House Nursing Caucus, and I was honored to be joined by 155 of our colleagues in a letter to the Appropriations Committee requesting additional funding for nurse education programs. These programs have trained thousands of nurses, but we are in desperate need of so many more. And the very fact that we are funding title VIII nurse education at the same exact amount that we did over 30 years ago is, quite frankly, inexcusable. In addition, nurses face difficult conditions in the workplace such as mandatory overtime, unsafe staffing numbers, hazardous lifting, and other workplace settings. These conditions are directly contributing to our inability to retain many qualified nurses in the hospital setting. As our Baby Boomers retire and our demand for nurses soars, let us use this week as an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to our current and our future nurses and thereby to a safer and healthier Nation.

Mr. CAPPS

Mr. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. The identification of genetic markers for disease is one of the most remarkable scientific accomplishments we have made. And this ability to identify risks for certain conditions holds so much promise for our ability to identify and practice greater preventive health care in this country. I can never emphasize enough just how important preventive health care is to our well-being. However, as with almost all great scientific advancements, we have also opened the door to a whole slew of unintended consequences. And I fear that preventive health care is put at risk when patients decline genetic testing for fear of insurance or employment discrimination. This bill before us will put aside those fears by offering protection from employment discrimination and closes the loopholes that deter individuals from pursuing information that can save their lives and the lives of others. After all, the biomedical research community is in dire need of greater clinical trial participation. But many patients are wary because they worry that participation in a clinical trial will reveal a genetic predisposition that employers or insurers can use as a basis for discrimination. H.R. 493 will provide individuals the security of knowing that they can take advantage of genetic testing and participate in research without the fear that their employment or insurance status be put at risk. I commend my colleagues Louise Slaughter, Judy Biggert and Anna Eshoo for their tireless work on this bill over the last 13 years. I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 493.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008. This bipartisan legislation consists of 61 measures that previously passed the House earlier in the 110th Congress. Among the bill's provisions is Section 201, which incorporates H.R. 276, the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area Act of 2007, a bill I sponsored and was approved by the House on March 5, 2007, by voice vote. First, I want to thank the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Mr. Rahall, and chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, Mr. Grijalva, as well as the ranking members of the full Committee and Subcommittee for expediting the consideration of this legislation and for bringing S. 2739 before us today. I also want to thank Senator Bingaman, the chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, as well as Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer for their support of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act. Section 201 of S. 2739 would designate the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station--located in my congressional district--as an Outstanding Natural Area within the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System. The Piedras Blancas Light Station is located on an 18-acre parcel of BLM-administered land along the Pacific Coast in San Luis Obispo County. The property is adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway and the Hearst Castle State Historic Monument, and it looks over a pristine coastal area that includes the southern portion of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California Coastal National Monument. It is also nationally recognized as an important monitoring point for migrating whales, and is used by the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Marine Fisheries Service and a number of universities and colleges for marine wildlife and plant research. The Light Station and the surrounding area are also important for tourism. For example, the national historic Light House--built in 1879--is a main destination focal point on the Central Coast, and the peninsula is very popular for viewing sea otters, elephant seals, and sea lions from shore. The elephant seal colony at Piedras Blancas attracts an estimated 400,000 visitors annually. In 2001, BLM assumed ownership and management of the Light Station from the U.S. Coast Guard. Since then, BLM, State and local agencies, community stakeholders and conservation groups have developed a very successful partnership to preserve the Light Station. Some of these partners include: the Piedras Blancas Light Station Association; California State Parks; San Luis Obispo County; the cities of Cambria and San Simeon; the California Coastal Conservancy and Coastal Commission; NOAA; and the Hearst Corporation. As a result of their hard work, the site was re-opened to public tours in 2003--for the first time in 128 years! These partners continue to work together on a series of environmental education, historical restoration and resource protection programs. And I'm confidant they will each support and showcase this national designation if enacted. Mr. Speaker, I also want to acknowledge the second and third-graders at Grover Heights Elementary school in my congressional district for their support of this Light Station. In 2006, these students began the ``Pennies for Piedras'' campaign to raise money toward restoration of the lighthouse. By the end of the school year, the students had raised $1337.30 in pennies to repair Piedras Blancas. I'm happy to report the students at Grover Heights continue this wonderful effort to protect and enhance one of the Central Coast's crown jewels. As you know, my legislation tracks the successful model of designating the Oregon Coast's Yaquina Head as an Outstanding Natural Area, which was signed into law in 1980. Yaquina Head was later included in the National Landscape Conservation System. Like Yaquina Head, the addition of the Piedras Blancas Light Station to the NLCS would be an important step in protecting and preserving this valuable natural and historic resource. It will also focus attention on the restoration of the Light Station and surrounding area, specifically the three on-site National Register properties. And, it will serve as a means to increase public awareness of the Light Station's scientific, cultural and educational values. Specifically, Section 201 stresses long-term conservation of the Light Station by requiring timely completion of a management plan. The management plan would be developed through a public process and include guidelines for restoration of the National Register of Historic Places buildings, including the Light House; public access; ecological and cultural resource management; and, fostering scientific study and research opportunities. Mr. Speaker, the Piedras Blancas Light Station is a wonderful resource. It has the potential to serve as a model for future resource management, and therefore would be an appropriate addition to the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System. Again, I would like to thank the Committee on Natural Resources for supporting this bill, which among other things, will designate the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station as an Outstanding Natural Area, and urge its immediate passage.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the National Day of Silence. On April 25, hundreds of thousands of students around our country will observe a day of silence in memory of Lawrence King. Lawrence was a 15-year-old attending E.O. Greene Junior High in Oxnard, California, my district. He liked to draw, study bugs, crochet, and sing. He was also repeatedly harassed in school because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. He endured anti-gay taunts, slurs, and other forms of bullying. This harassment culminated in his death when on February 1, 2008, he was shot in the head by his 14-year-old classmate. Larry's death is incredibly tragic. It is also a sad reminder that pleas for help from our young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population are often met with silence. I commend the courage of every student participating in the Day of Silence. I know that their efforts will bring much-needed attention to the plight that students like Larry face every single day.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to honor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who served as a Representative of California's 37th Congressional District from 1973 to 1979, and is retiring at the end of this year, after an impressive five-decade career as a public servant in the State of California. On the occasion of Mrs. Burke's retirement from public office, we wish to extend to her, sincere congratulations for the decades of dedicated service that she has given to her Nation, her State, and her county, most recently as chair of the county of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, the largest county in the Nation with a population of over 10 million. For the past 15 years, she has served with distinction as the supervisor of the second district, representing nearly 2.5 million residents. During her tenure, Mrs. Burke has focused on improving the lives of children, encouraging economic development, and improving transportation throughout Los Angeles, as well as promoting public social services, health care for the uninsured, and affirmative action for women and the economically disadvantaged. While Mrs. Burke has innumerable accomplishments over the past 15 years, these are some significant highlights of her service in the Second Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County: Currently chairs the Los Angeles County Children's Planning Council that is regarded as the most influential forum for advocating reform of children's service systems in a major metropolitan area. Helped to establish the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services ``Family to Family'' program, which advocates the placement of foster children in homes near their original communities. Established the Second District Education and Policy Foundation that awards scholarships to deserving local students. Encouraged private businesses and organizations to make computer laboratories available in areas such as public housing, and encouraged constituents to make use of computer research facilities in the county library system. Promoted the establishment of businesses in areas of the county that have been underserved, providing on-going services to small businesses and establishing the county's website that lists available contracts for small businesses. Pushed for the establishment of a multi-modal public transportation system, as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board, and continues to labor for the development of the Crenshaw Corridor and for a light and heavy rail system. Served as Past President and currently serves as a Board member of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), where she focused on major regional concerns, including the establishment of a multi-modal public transportation system for the Los Angeles area. Implemented the La Brea Green Belt as a major transportation artery in Los Angeles, as well as providing fire, flood, and landslide abatement. Led on many environmental issues, including joining the City of San Francisco, calling on residents to turn off lights for an hour to conserve energy; urged the use of paper, rather than plastic bags; and pushed for the observance of America Recycle Day in Los Angeles County. Spearheaded an effort in the County that resulted in a voluntary program for restaurants to eliminate trans fat. On behalf of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, the State of California, and the County of Los Angeles, I want to thank Yvonne Brathwaite Burke for sharing her tremendous gifts with us for so many years. We believe Mrs. Burke is an impeccable inspiration to all young women who aspire to posts of leadership and public service. We offer our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Burke for her countless contributions throughout her phenomenal career. We join with her many co-workers, family, friends, and associates in wishing her health, happiness, and continued good fortune.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 322 and join my colleagues in congratulating the people of the State of Israel on the 60th anniversary of their independence. In its short 60 years as an independent nation, Israel has made remarkable achievements in all sectors of society. Despite its tumultuous experiences, Israel is a vibrant democracy that embraces a free press and political dissent. Israel has also contributed remarkably through miraculous breakthroughs in medicine, revolutionary technological advancements, cultural icons and an agricultural system that is a model for the entire world. But the one thing Israel has yet been unable to achieve is a lasting peace with its neighbors. Wouldn't the best way to celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary be a renewed commitment to peace? We know that peace will only be achieved through a two-state solution. The Palestinian people's legitimate political aspirations must be realized in order for the people of Israel to live safely and securely. I have spent time with Israelis and Palestinians and the message they convey is universal. They just want to live in peace knowing that the future for their children is brighter than the past they have experienced. It is time for us to focus on our common goals rather than our differences. It is time to foster the people-to-people programs that connect Israelis and Palestinians on more human levels. Peace for Palestinians and Israelis is in the best interest of everyone in the region and also the United States. The U.S. must be active participants in the peace process and direct more resources towards this goal. Again, the best way to celebrate Israel's anniversary is to secure a safer future for her citizens. I remain committed to this goal and urge my colleagues to do the same. I wish Israel and all Israelis a ``Yom Huledet Sameach'' and look forward to the continued friendship enjoyed by the people of Israel and the United States.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise to call attention to Equal Pay Day. This is the day when the average wages of a female worker catch up to the average wages of a male worker during the previous year. That's right, the Equal Pay Act was signed into law by President Kennedy in 1963, yet here we are in 2008 and women still earn only 77 cents to every dollar a man earns. When women earn less, their entire family suffers. When we allow women to be paid unequal wages for equal work, we as a society are tolerating discrimination. That is why we must take action to close the wage gap, and treat all workers equally. Further compounding the difficulties that are faced by women and their families due to pay inequity, is the Supreme Court decision last year in Ledbetter v. Goodyear. The Court rules that a worker must file a charge of pay discrimination within 180 days of an employer's initial decision to pay someone less for discriminatory reasons. This clearly went against the intent of the Civil Rights Act and I was so proud that the House acted quickly to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which provides more effective remedies to women who are not being paid equal wages for doing equal work. This week, the Senate will consider this important legislation--how fitting that it occurs during the same week as Equal Pay Day? I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act immediately and urge the President to sign it into law.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of the Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections Act, I rise in strong support of the bill. Voting is the most fundamental element of democracy. It is the mechanism by which citizens hold their government accountable for its actions. This most critical of democratic actions depends, however, on voters' confidence that their votes are counted fairly and accurately. Voters have lost this confidence. Election after election, year after year, millions of voters cast votes not knowing if their votes will count because the machines produce no paper records. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 was supposed to resolve these problems. However, it failed to address several major issues that continue to plague the system and undermine the legitimacy of our elections. This so-called response to the 2000 election debacle in Florida failed to implement accountability measures to ensure that every vote is cast and counted accurately. The Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections Act would address this problem by providing funding for states and counties to implement safe, secure and auditable voting systems in time for the 2008 general election. It would reimburse jurisdictions that choose to convert to paper- based voting systems. The reimbursements also cover emergency paper ballots used in the event of machine failure, and the cost of conducting hand-counted audits or hand counting the results of elections. We must act to restore confidence in our election system. The Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections Act will help restore this confidence and help ensure that all votes are counted and recorded properly. I urge my colleagues to fulfill their responsibility to American voters by voting yes on this critical bill.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in recognition of the Week of the Young Child. I want to thank our colleague from Florida, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who is such a good role model, and oftentimes her children are here, and they give testimony to the fact that working moms can be successful parents as well as wonderful professionals in this business that we're in. And I'm pleased to be with some of my colleagues, Mazie Hirono and Jason Altmire and others who may join us, to call attention to the importance of the Week of the Young Child. My daughter and her dearest friend, whom she met in preschool, are visiting and taking part in this; and it's a testimony to the importance of those early years and some life-long friendships that can result as a result of that. As we celebrate this important week, I want to take the opportunity to highlight two very critical programs which our colleague has already mentioned that are so important to young children: The Child Care and Development Block Grant, CCDBG, and Head Start. As someone who has spent most of my life working with our kids in our public schools, I know firsthand the power and the importance of these programs for both our kids and our families. Due to the realities and demands of today's family life, there are many young people, many children who are left with too much unstructured time, and we know the hours right after school are the most dangerous and important hours of the day. Unfortunately, parents are working longer hours and often have to leave their children in the care of their siblings or others who should not have to have the responsibility to do this. Child care can often be the second highest cost in the family budget. Sometimes, it's the highest. Child care costs consume roughly 42 percent of the median single parent's family income, at around $10,000 annually. With a growing home mortgage crisis and stagnant economic outlook, parents cannot afford this. It's simply a matter that is of dire consequence to many of our families today. Child care and development block grants enable 162,000 children a month in California to receive adequate child care. As the only source of Federal funding to subsidize child care for low-income families, CCDBG has life-changing effects on thousands of families in California and therefore needs our full support. Unfortunately, this program has been level funded for 6 years, and that is why I'm fully supporting an $874 million increase in CCDBG. This funding would restore the program to an adequate level and provide child care to an additional 39,400 children in California alone. And as you can see from the chart here, there are children all across this country standing in line, waiting in line. One of the largest circles, if not the largest circle, is the one that designates California where 207,000 children today are standing in line waiting for child care. And you know, we know children don't stand in line. They don't stay. It is not status quo for children. They miss an opportunity. There's a black hole. There's a gap in what they need for their development, and that time goes away, and it never will come back to them. This investment that we need to make here will not only result in boosting children's social development and their school readiness but results in stable and productive employment among parents. The biggest worry that parents have on the job is what's happening to their children at home. The biggest obstruction to their doing their job well is the worry and the constant concern about where their children are and how they're being cared for. Providing the resources for children will help these parents gain promotions in their job and do a better work product for their employers. Additionally, an early childhood education provides a foundation necessary for the child's educational future. For four decades, Head Start programs have so successfully provided early education, health care, social service and parental involvement support for low-income children and their families. This is a proven program. It's tested. It's tried. It has succeeded for over the generations, and we know that this program works. It is one of the most cost-effective ways we can use tax dollars. The program helps children start their education ready to succeed. So much of education is focused on closing achievement gaps, and I believe Head Start is one of the best tools to do that because it starts at the front end before the gaps widen. Sadly, Head Start has received only modest funding increases over the past 7 years. Without an increase, thousands of children could lose access to Head Start because of inflation. The program is fundamental to the education success of thousands of children. We know that, and yet the program can only serve roughly half of the children who are eligible. I know, I believe I have seen it firsthand; Head Start gives all children the opportunity to succeed in school and therefore in life. And I fully support a $1.072 billion increase for this vital program. Our children deserve this support. And now it is my pleasure to relinquish my time to my colleagues who will carry this debate in this hour of conversation forward, and I'm so honored to be amongst them and to know that we are speaking for others in our Congress as well who know that this is the time to act on these matters. I thank my colleague for yielding to me.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Beach Protection Act. This bill will increase protections for the Nation's beaches and the public health. I commend Mr. Pallone, Mr. Bishop, and the Transportation Committee leadership for bringing this important bill to the floor in a bipartisan way. Despite having one of the most comprehensive beach water quality testing programs of all the coastal States, my home State of California has by far the most beach closures and advisories of all of the States. The State reported over 4,600 closing and advisory days statewide in 2006. This legislation builds on the progress made since the passage of the BEACH Act in 2000 to reduce the number of these closures which threaten public health. First, the legislation increases the funds available to the States, and expands the uses of those funds to include tracking the sources of pollution that cause beach closures, and supporting pollution- prevention efforts. It will also require the EPA to develop methods for rapid testing of beach water, so results are available in hours, not days. Second, the legislation strengthens the requirement for public notification of health risks posed by water contamination. These measures will improve the public's awareness of health risks posed by contamination of coastal waters and create additional tools for addressing the sources of pollution that cause beach closures, including leaking or overflowing sewer systems and storm water runoff. I know some of my colleagues are trying to make this debate into one of energy and our economy. This is a bill to help protect the health of our beaches and the health of our economies. Safe and healthy beaches are strongly tied to our local economies. So I urge my colleagues not to be distracted by extraneous arguments. Clean water is an economic and public health necessity for California and for all coastal States. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 2537. Let's take good care of our beaches.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. I thank my colleague. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1092. Colombia is an ally and a friend, and I commend President Uribe for reducing violence and unrest in Colombia. However, Colombia still leads the world in trade unionist murders. According to Human Rights Watch, 17 have been killed this year alone and more than 400 over the last 6 years. Hardly any of these murders have been investigated or prosecuted. This is not only about human rights. This is about domestic responsibility. How can we trade away jobs when unemployment is climbing and our economy is in recession? We need to expand and strengthen trade adjustment assistance. We must educate and train American workers to better compete in the global economy. The President had a choice. He chose to force a vote, and today he is getting that vote: a vote declaring that strong-arming Congress will not work, a vote for American workers and their families, a vote for human rights. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and stand up for workers' families both here at home and in Colombia.

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1092 and against the Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Colombia is an ally and friend of the United States. I commend President Uribe and his government for reducing the violence and unrest in Colombia. They have made great progress. However, Colombia still leads the world in trade unionist murders. According to Human Rights Watch, 17 have been killed this year alone, and more than 400 over the last six years. Hardly any of these murders have been investigated or prosecuted. It would be immoral and irresponsible to pass a free trade agreement with Colombia while these conditions persist. But this is not only about human rights. This is about domestic responsibility. How can we trade away jobs when unemployment is climbing and our economy sinks deeper into recession? Surely, this is not the time to rush into another trade agreement. Doing so without first strengthening our economy and helping American workers is just plain wrong. The global economy is changing rapidly, and we need to catch up. We need to expand and strengthen Trade Adjustment Assistance. We need a Trade Adjustment Assistance program that educates and trains the American workforce to better compete in the global economy. Yet the Administration and its allies on the Hill have expressed no interest in making this program meet the needs of American workers. Advancing free trade agreements without first addressing the needs of American workers is just plain irresponsible. We are here today because the President has once again chosen confrontation over compromise. Like with FISA, the Iraq War and countless other important issues, the President has determined that he alone knows what's best and that Congress and everyone else should just go along. Of course, his disastrous record over the last 7 years--on the economy, jobs, the deficit, health care, disaster relief and our national security, to name just a few issues--should make any fair observer pause before deferring to his judgment. By unilaterally forcing this issue, the President has yet again demonstrated his arrogant disregard for American workers and their families. The President had a choice. He chose to force a vote, and today he is getting that vote. This vote will declare that strong-arming Congress will not work. This vote will be a vote for human rights. This vote will be a vote for American workers and their families. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and stand up for working families both here at home and in Colombia.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and in support of nonviolence as the most powerful force in human relations. Unnecessary force and the systemic violation of human rights have led us to this day. The recent events in Tibet have saddened many of us, and have served as a disturbing reminder of the suffering that Tibetans continue to endure. News reports have captured violent scenes that are difficult to understand: Buddhist monks juxtaposed alongside armed riot police; protestors with fear and disbelief in their eyes standing across from stoic guards. The Chinese Government's crackdown in Tibet is a sad example of the state of human rights in China, and its overall lack of respect for freedom of expression. We are witnessing the struggle of a people that seek to preserve their traditions and their religion, so that their children may inherit a rich, peace-loving culture. And we must do what we can to promote peaceful dialogue that produces a resolution that underscores the fundamental freedoms of all Tibetians. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1077.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the National Landscape Conservation System Act. This bill will help protect some of our Nation's most treasured landscapes. I want to commend my chairmen, both Mr. Grijalva, the subcommittee chairman from Arizona; and Mr. Rahall, the full committee chairman, for bringing this important legislation to the floor today. The NLCS was created administratively in 2000 to guide the management of the national monuments, wilderness areas, and other significant public lands under the Bureau of Land Management's authority. Many of these lands, like the Carrizo Plain National Monument and California Coastal Monument in my congressional district, are on par with our national parks in their beauty and value to the American people. Unfortunately, the system has taken a back seat in our country's land conservation efforts. It's been shortchanged in funding in the President's budget year after year. There are not enough resources or staff to properly manage these lands. And reports continue to surface that the natural, cultural, and archeological sites on NLCS lands are being overrun or destroyed. Today we can take the first step in improving the stewardship of these lands by passing H.R. 2016. This is a straightforward bill. It simply writes the NLCS into law. I want to stress to my colleagues this bill does not change how any of the units in the system are presently managed. Grazing rights, water rights, and public access to the areas are unchanged. The bill does, however, recognize that these landscapes are of great significance to the American people and should be managed to protect their values. Over the coming decades, these lands will become more widely used, and we must be prepared to handle that increase. Finally, we have other areas that should be part of NLCS, and I hope they are, places like the Piedras Blancas Light Station in any district. I hope this will special place as one example, a place on California's central coast, will be soon be added to the system through legislation I have already introduced. Mr. Chairman, this bill is a logical and needed next step toward improving the management of the units that make up the NLCS. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 2016.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of Senate bill 1858, the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act. This legislation would facilitate the creation of Federal guidelines on newborn screening and would assist State newborn screening programs in meeting these guidelines. Newborn screening is used for early identification of infants affected by certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and functional conditions for which there may be an effective treatment or intervention. If left untreated, these disorders can cause death, disability, mental retardation and other serious conditions. Every year, more than 4 million infants are born and screened to detect conditions that could threaten their lives and their long- term health. Senate bill 1858 will educate parents and health care providers about newborn screening. It will improve follow-up care for infants when illness is detected, and it will help States expand and improve their newborn screening programs. It is very important to note that the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a markup of House companion legislation H.R. 3825, which was introduced by my colleague, Lucille Roybal-Allard. And I want to say a word of commendation toward Lucille Roybal-Allard, who has really worked diligently over quite a period of time to make sure that this bill reached the floor today. She couldn't be here to speak on behalf of the legislation, but I know that there has been a great deal of leadership that has brought us to this point today. The House Energy and Commerce Committee amended H.R. 3825 to ensure that it was identical to the Senate bill, 1858, which has already passed the Senate by unanimous consent. And so the good work of our friend, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, has brought us to this point and to the commitment that I share on this important piece of legislation. I appreciate all of her efforts to carry this legislation forward and admire her dedication to helping the children and families affected by these conditions. I urge all of my colleagues to join in support of Senate bill 1858. I reserve the remainder of my time.

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge the adoption of S. 1858, the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. At this point, Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and as has been so eloquently underscored by our majority leader on behalf of all of the families, millions of children, as has been said across this country, their families, but also the schools in which they attend public schools that it is incumbent upon us to pass this important legislation and get this bill signed into law.

Mrs. CAPPS

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

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2464) to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide a means for continued improvement in Emergency Medical Services for Children, as amended.

Mrs. CAPPS

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I move that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1237) to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide revised standards for quality assurance in screening and evaluation of gynecologic cytology preparations, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time and again would like to commend my colleagues Representative Gordon and Representative Deal and also the Women's Caucus for their much hard work and commitment on this important piece of legislation. This bill would improve the quality of women's health care, and I strongly encourage all of our colleagues to join in support of H.R. 1237.