Michael Capuano

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 1 minute to the Speaker of the House, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Mr. CAPUANO. I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo).

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, we've heard lots of goods things about Father Coughlin, but there are still a few mysteries left that he has to help us unravel. I will tell you, Father, with good faith, with a lot of prayer sometime, and a good team, the Cubs will actually win a World Series. As a Red Sox fan, I can tell you it works. Father, the other great mystery, as a good Irishman myself, you're going to have to explain to me Coughlin versus Coughlin. That will come later. I wanted to do this today because of my respect for Father Coughlin as a human being and as a priest. But I think to be a good priest you have to be a good human being first. I don't think it's the other way around. And I will tell that in the 10 years he's been here I've come to consider him a friend. I've come to see him as somebody in my mind who is one of the best representatives of the Catholic faith that I have ever known. And I will tell you, Father, from my perspective I want to thank you, not just for your service to this House, but for being such a good person. From somebody who's gone from the streets of Calcutta to the Vatican to the House of Representatives, you have maintained your modesty, you have maintained your dignity. And as far as I'm concerned, you're a fine and wonderful human being that I am proud to call both the Chaplain of this House, but also my friend and someone I look up to.

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I would urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, in 1910, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. opened its doors in Boston, on Congress Street, with just a handful of partners and infinite potential. That company became Peat, Marwick & Mitchell, and is known today as simply KPMG LLP. This year marks the 100th anniversary of KPMG LLP's relationship with Boston and I rise this afternoon to recognize the indelible contributions KPMG has made to the city, its residents, and its businesses; as well as to the health, strength and well being of American capital markets. Over the last 100 years, Boston has developed a reputation as more than just the birthplace of America. Today, it is firmly positioned as a leading center of culture, intellectualism, business innovation, and commerce, and KPMG is recognized as playing a leading role in Boston's expansion and growth. KPMG is one of the oldest and best-known professional services firms in the city, employing 600-plus professionals, headquartered at Two Financial Center, and providing audit, tax, and advisory services to the public and private sectors. Just as important, KPMG's partners and employees serve as officers, directors, and volunteers for many of Boston's charitable and philanthropic organizations In celebration of its 100th anniversary, KPMG launched the 100K Project, encouraging Boston alumni, partners, and professionals to clock at least 100 hours of volunteer service during this centennial year. Moreover, the firm has spearheaded more than 100 fundraising drives and community service projects over the past two years to beautify and green the city; feed and clothe the city's poor and homeless, raise monies for our world-class medical research facilities and patient care; teach, tutor and provide clothing, books and toys to Boston's neediest children; as well as generously donate to dozens of local and global causes. Madam Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to KPMG and its people for 100 years of service to Boston, for its contributions to the growth and health of the city's commerce, and for its many efforts benefiting our community's quality of life.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. I thank the gentleman for calling me valued. It's nice to be valued. He didn't say how much, but we will leave it alone--high value. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for this legislation and look forward to it. This legislation is long overdue. It's something that we have been working on now for, well, as long as I can recall. It has lots of important issues in there in the FAA and it also has an additional fix. As I see it, it's not even about the amount of money for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. From my perspective, it is about an equitable issue. That's really all it is. It's a matter of equity. We were put in a position to pass a bill that had other good job provisions in it that did not have equitable provisions in it, but we did it because this economy needs a boost. And like every bill we ever vote on anything, there is some good and some bad. So that particular bill, in my opinion, had some bad things in it. This bill has good things for the FAA, has good things for the country, has good things for all of us who fly, but it also had some provisions in there that will level the playing field for the people of this country, and that's why I wanted to come over this morning. Again, there are times when I usually get called on to ask when there is a fight going on. In this particular instance, there is no fight here. I am not sure exactly who the fight is with, and I am a little uncomfortable speaking when we are all on the same side, but it's nice for a change. I won't get used to it too often, but I do enjoy it on occasion when it happens, so I wanted to come over and express my support.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution introduced by my colleague, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, with the aim of bringing an end to the U.S. troop commitment in Afghanistan. I am a cosponsor of this resolution because, while not perfect, I believe it initiates a debate that is long overdue in Congress: what is our military strategy in Afghanistan and what future mission or missions are planned for our troops there? How long are they to be deployed and what are they being asked to accomplish? Do we also have a coherent diplomatic strategy for South Asia, involving not just Afghanistan but both Pakistan and India? For some time now, I have advocated the development of a U.S. exit strategy for Afghanistan. I voted to authorize use of force in 2001 against those responsible for the September 11 attacks. President Bush rightly determined that the Taliban regime in Afghanistan was providing shelter and material support to al-Qaeda, and he sent U.S. forces to Afghanistan to root out the terrorists. But the terrorists have now been largely driven from Afghanistan, and yet, President Obama seeks to increase our troop deployment to over 100,000 men and women in uniform. Given the statement from General Jim Jones last fall that there are currently fewer than 100 al-Qaeda members in Afghanistan, I have to question why a troop build up is necessary if our goal is to pursue the terrorists. In fact, I think all of my colleagues should question this. It may not be realistic to withdraw all of our troops by year's end, and I believe we should retain the ability to take limited military action in concert with the Government of Afghanistan in certain circumstances. However, the time to change course and start concluding this war is now. We must plan for the orderly redeployment of troops and rethink our approach to fighting terrorism globally. I thank my colleague for introducing this resolution and encouraging a fresh look at U.S. military policy. I know that we will continue to raise this issue until it has registered at the highest levels and we are able to bring our men and women in uniform home.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, out of respect for Jack, I will be very brief. Great American, great patriot, but for me he was a friend. He was my buddy. The truth is, he was my buddy not because we shared a philosophical view--we probably disagreed on more than we agreed on--but because we respected each other. In my world, the best thing you can say about anybody is he didn't forget where he came from. Jack never forgot. He represented working men and women to the utmost. Even when we disagreed, his motivation was pure. He was the epitome of a politician. He liked helping people. I disdain politicians who think that we won't or that we shouldn't help people. That's what we are here for. Jack knew that from the day he got here to the day he left. He was my friend. I'm going to miss him. I think America will miss him, but I will miss him. Jack, I will tell you that I am not looking forward to it, but when my day comes I'm going to be looking you up. My hope is that you'll be up there with a whole bunch of the good old boys and hopefully you'll welcome me then as you welcomed me when I got here. I'm going to miss you, Jack.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Representative Frank Wolf to recognize an important milestone. January 9, 2010, marks the 5th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended a decades-long civil war in Sudan. While this agreement represented a groundbreaking achievement when it was signed, many benchmarks are overdue as we approach two vital deadlines: April 2010 parliamentary and presidential elections (already pushed back from 2009) and the 2011 referendum on independence for Southern Sudan. Sudan's democratic and geographic integrity hang in the balance--as do the lives of its people. While the United States has consistently taken the lead on Sudan issues--from first declaring genocide in Darfur in July 2004, to playing a major role in brokering the CPA--we must once more engage at this crucial juncture. No one doubts that Special Envoy Scott Gration is earnest in his determination to seek peace for all of Sudan; however, the new U.S. policy articulated in October 2009 remains vague due to a lack of specifics on benchmarks, accountability, and sanctions. Ensuring security for the people of Darfur continues to be a struggle for UNAMID peacekeeping troops. Basic governance and infrastructure must be improved in Southern Sudan so that it can function either as a contributing region of Sudan or as a successful independent state, depending on the outcome of the referendum. Unfortunately, the outlook is bleak. Tribal violence in the South is increasing and must not be allowed to disrupt the process. We cannot afford to turn our attention away from Sudan at this crucial and dangerous moment. Instead, the U.S. needs to doggedly pursue CPA implementation while also doing our best to ensure that aid and diplomatic efforts target security, development, and reintegration programs wherever appropriate. As we observe the anniversary of this landmark pact, we should note that the job is far from done and the U.S. bears a responsibility to the people of Sudan. Let us rededicate ourselves to this cause of bringing peace to Sudan.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Ladies and gentlemen, this amendment is actually quite simple. As Mr. Kanjorski said, it's absolutely essential to this bill. Without this particular amendment, credit rating agencies will not be held accountable for anything they do. Simply put, the SEC has failed to do anything, and any limited action is limited by the First Amendment. They have got a decision in the courts of law that their provisions, that their expenditures have been protected by the First Amendment. You cannot sue them. All this does--and it's a very high standard--it holds them to the same standards--and we'll read it--the same standards with respect to knowledge and recklessness as everybody else. If they know what they're saying is bad, or they know it is wrong, they should be held accountable. If they are reckless by not looking at an accounting report, they should be held accountable. That's all this does. It's actually a pretty high standard. I would actually like it a little lower because I have a lot of trial attorneys that need the work. But more importantly, what Mr. Kanjorski said is 100 percent right. All this does is protect the American economy, a minor little thing. And we have to go back many, many years. Tell me the last time a credit rating agency was held accountable for giving a AAA rating to a piece of junk. Enron, junk bonds, credit default swaps, credit default options squared; they're never held accountable. All this says is they have to actually look at the books, they have to use anything they know, and they cannot be reckless about it. That's all it says. It doesn't say they're held accountable if they're wrong, nor should they be. A legitimate error is fine. All this says is they have to be held accountable to the American public when they basically don't do their job.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I missed a vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted on rollcall No. 929 ``yea.''

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3548, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. There are currently millions of workers who are looking for a job, but through no fault of their own are unable to find employment. This bill would extend emergency unemployment for an additional 20 weeks in high unemployment States like Massachusetts. In Massachusetts alone, the National Employment Law Center estimates that 39,530 workers would be exhausting their benefits if not for the additional assistance created by this bill. I cosponsored this extension, and have been a strong supporter of extended unemployment compensation during economic recessions so that those most directly affected by these difficult times are not left to fend for themselves. I also support extending the temporary homebuyer tax credit, which will help more Americans purchase homes. Congress first passed this provision in July 2008 by creating a refundable tax credit for first- time homebuyers. The credit served as an interest-free loan. In February, Congress extended the duration of the credit and also waived the repayment requirement. I supported the homebuyer tax credit on both occasions. H.R. 3548 includes a provision to extend the homebuyer tax credit for 5 additional months and to raise the income cap so more families are eligible. In addition, the measure would provide a $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners buying a new residence who consecutively live in their home for 5 years. I am a proud supporter of this reasonable extension of the homebuyer tax credit. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill quickly and clear it for the President.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, last week and earlier this week I missed several rollcall votes and I wish to state for the record how I would have voted had I been present: rollcall No. 812--``yes''; rollcall No. 813--``yes''; rollcall No. 814--``yes''; rollcall No. 815--``yes''.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1793 the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. This important bipartisan bill reauthorizes a program that has provided some of the most critical services to our country's most vulnerable populations for nearly two decades. As you know, according to the CDC, approximately 1.1 million Americans are currently living with HIV/AIDS. While we have made tremendous strides in the treatment of HIV, prolonging and improving the lives of those with the disease, the need for funding to provide treatment to all those living with HIV/AIDS has, accordingly, greatly increased. Furthermore, this epidemic has had an alarmingly disproportionate impact on communities of color. African Americans account for roughly 50% of HIV/AIDS diagnoses and Hispanics/Latinos 18 percent. We must properly address this troubling disparity and continue to work for improved access and treatment for racial and ethnic minorities living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program offers a comprehensive, cost- effective solution to these challenges. Ryan White has been a monumental success and has most certainly contributed to the decline in the number of AIDS cases and deaths due to HIV/AIDS. S. 1793 is an important piece of legislation and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, last week I missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present I would have voted the following: rollcall No. 790--``yes''; rollcall No. 791--``yes''; and rollcall No. 792-- ``yes.''

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a distinguished constituent, Betty Taymor, who will be honored this week at the University of Massachusetts. Her visionary leadership is responsible for the creation of the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at their McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies, and a scholarship fund has been created in her name. Her lifetime of civic engagement serves as an inspiration to us all. My colleagues in the Massachusetts delegation have joined in a letter of congratulation that I would like to read into the Record. This is what we wrote to Ms. Taymor: The Massachusetts delegation to the House of Representatives joins in tribute to you as your friends and colleagues gather to celebrate your extraordinary achievements. You have indeed run against many prevailing winds, and been energized, not subdued, by the challenges you've overcome. We recommend your inspiring book, Running against the Wind, to anyone who seeks to understand the progress made by American women in the second half of the last century. You entered public service as a volunteer, an honorable role shared by many idealistic women throughout our history and crucial to the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of women. During the Second World War, you joined with others on the home front in the important work of the Red Cross. Later, you sought and won positions of greater responsibility and authority, in Massachusetts and in the national Democratic Party. You were a personal mentor to many, but you wanted to do more. With characteristic energy, you created an institutional embodiment of your example in the Program for Women in Politics & Public Policy. This evening's celebration is dedicated to your vision and to the support of the Betty Taymor Fund to further the education of women who share your intellectual and moral fervor. Your courage and determination continue to inspire all good citizens, both men and women, committed to equal rights and equal opportunity. We unite in gratitude and congratulation.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, yesterday I missed several rollcall votes, and I wish to state how I would have voted had I been present: rollcall No. 772--``yea,'' rollcall No. 773--``yea,'' rollcall No. 774--``yea.''

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, last week I missed several rollcall votes and I wish to state how I would have voted had I been present: rollcall No. 753--yes; rollcall No. 754--no; rollcall No. 755--yes.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, last week I missed several rollcall votes and I wish to state for the record how I would have voted had I been present: Rollcall No. 740--``yes''; rollcall No. 741--``yes''; rollcall No. 742--``no''; rollcall No. 743--``yes''; rollcall No. 744--``yes''; rollcall No. 745--``yes''; rollcall No. 746--``no''; rollcall No. 747-- ``yes''; rollcall No. 748--``yes''; rollcall No. 749--``yes''; rollcall No. 750--``yes''; rollcall No. 751--``yes''; rollcall No. 752--``yes''.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, last week I missed several rollcall votes and I wish to state how I would have voted had I been present: Rollcall No. 720--``yes''; rollcall No. 721--``yes''; rollcall No. 722--``yes''; rollcall No. 723--``yes''; rollcall No. 724--``yes''; rollcall No. 725--``yes''; rollcall No. 726--``yes''; rollcall No. 727--``no''; rollcall No. 728--``yes''; rollcall No. 729--``yes''; rollcall No. 730--``no''; rollcall No. 731--``yes''; rollcall No. 732-- ``no''; rollcall No. 733--``yes''; rollcall No. 734--``no''; rollcall No. 738--``yes''; and rollcall No. 739--``yes''.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who dedicated his life to the people of Massachusetts. The passing of Senator Ted Kennedy has left our Commonwealth without its principal champion, and while we grieve, we take solace in remembering the magnitude of his many accomplishments during almost 47 years in the United States Senate. I am proud to have served with Senator Kennedy as a Member of the Massachusetts Delegation and humbled when I recognize what we have lost. His work impressed me before I was elected to Congress, but it was in this context that I came to know Senator Kennedy personally and witness his insight and intelligence and his formidable skills as a legislator. His ability to recognize an important and often daunting goal, and then effect legislation to achieve that end, was unparalleled. The testimonies we have heard from friends and colleagues in recent weeks bear witness to that. Ted Kennedy's approach to government had been instilled in him from an early age--that we must, no matter our position in life, strive to help those in need and speak up for those whose voices cannot be heard. It is a lesson both he and his brothers took to heart and to which they gave their lives in service. Senator Kennedy knew the people of Massachusetts needed his help, but his compassion did not stop there. He often championed national causes and shepherded major legislation with broad impact across the country: ensuring civil rights, expanding children's health insurance, establishing the Americans with Disabilities Act, strengthening education and service programs, and finally the effort he called ``the cause of my life''--reform of our health care system. Senator Kennedy soared to great heights in the Senate. He achieved immense influence among his colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, while never compromising his progressive values or quenching his fighting spirit. The personal touch he lent to relationships with colleagues and constituents told of his deep connection to the work he was doing and his dedication to being the most effective Senator that chamber has ever seen. I can say I am a better person for having known Ted Kennedy. I am saddened by his loss not only for myself and for the people of Massachusetts, but for the citizens of a grateful nation. Indeed, the world mourns the loss of his passion for justice and peace. We must all strive to honor his legacy and continue fighting for the causes he defended with such vigor. Lest it be forgotten or overlooked, Ted Kennedy was also a father and husband. I offer my deepest condolences to Vicki, Kara, Ted Jr., Caroline, Curran, and of course my colleague Patrick. I thank each of you for allowing us to share this great man with you. He is, and will always be, greatly missed.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, this isn't about community service. Community service is something you do voluntarily, something you sign up for. Indentured servitude is when you are told this is what you will do because you are getting something from the government. Now, if that's what you want to do, that's fine with me. I like the idea of Wall Street people doing it. I also like the idea of little children who are getting free lunches, let's get them to work. And don't forget the senior citizens in senior housing. Let's get them to work. They can do a lot. And let's not forget the farmers who get agricultural subsidies to the tune of hundreds of thousands dollars. Let's get them to work. Not ask them, not encourage them. Let's demand it. And let's do it on the basis of how much they earn. Because my guess is if you're talking about poor people in public housing--first of all, I wouldn't vote for 8 hours a month, 8 hours a year, or 8 minutes in a year. It's indentured servitude no matter how you slice it. Now, I know early America was built on the back of indentured servitude. I know that. Most of the ancestors of the people in room were indentured. At one time in this country, about two-thirds of the people in America were. It's wrong. We stopped it. We can't let it go on today.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, I would like to claim time in opposition.

Mr. CAPUANO. The gentleman is right. It is an affluent neighborhood, but the school is not affluent. The neighborhood is not doing the work; the school is going to do it. The neighborhood will benefit from it in some indirect way because they all live near the Charles River. The storm water currently runs into the Charles River and pollutes it. I want to make it clear. This is like many other things, my presumption is--I don't know yet--but it doesn't sound like this objection is with this particular earmark. It's with earmarks as a whole. I want to make it clear. Based on things I have read in the papers, this college does not have a lobbyist, either a Federal or State lobbyist. No one from the school has ever donated to my campaign. Nothing at the school is named after me or is proposed to be named after me, and to my knowledge, the school has never received an earmark of any sort from the Federal Government prior to this. So unless there is an objection with this specific earmark, I don't know if it fits into all of the categories that I've heard in the past. Just for the record, I would like to point out that not every Member of the majority wanted this amendment to be offered today, but I don't mind. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.