Yvette Clarke

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu), who is a leader on the Science and Technology Committee, who worked very closely with our committee to make this legislation a reality. We want to thank him for his leadership in that regard.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4842) to authorize appropriations for the Directorate of Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first female Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Patrice Marks. Ambassador Marks is serving as Jamaica's tenth Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS). She assumed office May 17, 2010. Ambassador Marks holds both a Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, and Nova University, Florida, USA, respectively. Prior to her appointment as Ambassador, Ms. Marks served on several private and public sectors Boards, including being Deputy Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), Chairman of the Central Wastewater Treatment Company Limited (CWTC), Chair of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Director of the Board of RBTT Securities Jamaica Limited, Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI), National Health Fund (NHF), the University of the West Indies (Mona School of Business). She holds the distinction of being the first female President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM), an organization which promotes investment and trade between the United States and Jamaica. ``As a Jamaican American woman, and the Representative of one of the largest districts of first and second generation Jamaican immigrants, it is truly my honor to recognize and commend Ambassador Marks for her accomplishments. She has indeed made history through her appointment. Ambassador Marks is well equipped to serve the country of Jamaica. With her talent and expertise, I am positive that she will help bring Jamaica and its people into a new era of prosperity and strengthen U.S.-Jamaican relations to create a more secure and stable hemisphere.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for key provisions and amendment to H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010. The bill provides a myriad of critical emergency funding for disaster relief in Haiti, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as fully paid for investments to meet domestic needs, such as education jobs and Pell Grants. Unfortunately, this bill also includes funding for the war in Afghanistan, the longest war in our nation's history. While I am grateful to the men and women who serve valiantly in our Armed Forces, both at home and abroad, I strongly oppose any additional funding for the war in Afghanistan. This war has gone on long enough without a clear and sufficient exit strategy. My constituents and I can no longer bear to see more Americans die or remain in harm's way, for this fruitless war. The time is now to bring our troops home, stop the unnecessary spending and stabilize our economy. That is why I support the amendments offered by CBC Chairwoman Barbara Lee and James McGovern, David Obey and Walter Jones. I commend Chairwoman Lee for working diligently to bring her important amendment for a vote. I agree we must begin to end the war by limiting funds to the safe, timely withdrawal of US troops and military contractors from Afghanistan. The people in my district demand it, I morally oppose it, and time is of the essence. I also want to commend the Chairman David Obey and the Members of the Committee on Appropriations for their hard work on the House Amendment to the Senate bill. In particular, I want to thank the Committee for including funding for school districts, like those in New York City, that are poised to receive high concentrations of Haitian child refugees. These children are more likely to settle in already overburdened school districts. Therefore, schools receiving these children will undoubtedly need extra resources to accommodate this new population. In April, I joined my colleagues on a letter to Chairman Obey, expressing this very concern. I am grateful that this language was adopted. Additionally the Obey amendment provides major benefits to education for all Americans. It includes $10 billion in aid to local school districts avert massive teacher layoffs and $5 billion to help close the current shortfall in Pell Grants for college students--the absence of which would seriously imperil education funding for fiscal year 2011. This will affect thousands of teachers and students in my district and in the Greater New York area. I strongly believe that H.R. 4899 is a key tool for Haiti's redevelopment. As the Representative of the second largest Haitian population of first and second generation Haitians Americans, I am greatly pleased that the bill includes $2.93 billion dollars for the U.S. participation in the Haiti disaster relief, $130 million above the President's request. The people of Haiti, its government, USAID and the Department of State cannot move forward in their recovery and reconstruction plans without the pledged financial support from our government. Mr. Speaker, I support our troops, veterans, and military families, and in honor of them I voted to reunite our service members in Afghanistan with their families here at home. My heart also goes out to the people of Haiti and will continue to support our reconstruction efforts there. Lastly, I am proud that the advocacy efforts of the New York congressional delegation in pushing to save education jobs in New York City have paid off.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th birthday of Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow or The Birdie. With a career spanning over 50 years and counting, entertaining audiences from the Caribbean to Asia and all points in between, The Birdie is widely recognized as the ``King of the Calypso World.'' The Mighty Sparrow was born to poor, working-class parents in Gran Roi, Grenada and migrated to his adopted homeland of Trinidad when he was one year old. As a child, he attended New Town Boys School and sang in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where his talent was quickly recognized as he became head choirboy. His influences included Nat King Cole, Frankie Laine, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstein, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as calypso pioneers Lord Melody, Lord Kitchener, Lord Christo, Lord Invader and the Mighty Spoiler. The Birdie had found success early with his hit ``Jean and Dinah'' at the age of 20. Not satisfied with early success, he followed up with a rapid succession of hits including ``Carnival Boycott'', ``P.A.Y.E.'', ``Russian Satellite'', ``Theresa'', ``Good Citizen'', ``Salt Fish'' and ``Penny Commission'' just to name a few. His songs covered a broad range of socially conscious topics including education, tyranny in Africa, animal cruelty and the welfare of his home of Trinidad and Tobago. The Mighty Sparrow's accomplishments include multiple Trinidad and Tobago Road March Competition titles, multiple Calypso Monarch titles, an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies, and his contributions to music and society led then-mayor Ed Koch to proclaim March 18th, 1986 ``The Mighty Sparrow Day.'' I hope all of my colleagues will join me in celebrating the birthday and extraordinary body of work that The Mighty Sparrow has contributed during his career as a lyricist, composer, singer, comedian and entertainer.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res 1405, a resolution celebrating 50 Years of African independence. I thank Mr. Rush for sponsoring this important resolution and for his work as a champion for Africa here in Congress. Mr. Rush's leadership, along with that of Representatives Donald Payne and Ed Royce, in shaping policies that help foster economic vitality and good governance on the continent is truly commendable. I was a lead cosponsor of this resolution because it recognizes the importance of good governance and democratic principles, which have flourished in many African countries over the past decade. Indeed, more than two-thirds of sub-Saharan African countries have held democratic elections since 2000. Moreover, several nations, from Senegal to Tanzania, and from Ghana to Zambia have seen successful power changes over the past decade. The United States Department of State has expressed its commitment to supporting African efforts to fortify government accountability and overall good governance, which is crucial to the continent's future growth and global influence. The resolution commends the socio-economic and political progress being made by African countries, while acknowledging the associated challenges that many still face. According to a June 2010 McKinsey Global Institute report entitled ``Lions on the Move: The Progress and Potential of African Economies,'' over the past decade ``Africa's economic pulse has quickened, infusing the continent with new commercial vibrancy.'' Africa's combined consumer spending in 2008 was $860 billion, and America is committed to partnering with African nations to foster economic development, entrepreneurship and trade in the continent. Kofi Annan, Chair of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) recently noted that ``Africa's future is in its own hands, but that success in managing its own affairs depends on supportive global policies and agreements.'' H. Res. 1405 comes at a time when the world is taking notice of Africa's great progress in recent years and it reaffirms the United States' commitment to growth and prosperity in Africa. This resolution is a celebration of the hope that resonates in the hearts and minds of the many Africans, African Americans, policymakers, and NGOs that are committed to Africa's progress and prosperity. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important resolution.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1405, a resolution celebrating 50 Years of African Independence. The seventeen African countries celebrating their political independence are: Cameroon, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Chad, Central Africa Republic, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria and Mauritania. This resolution is important because democratic principles have flourished in many African countries over the past decade. Indeed, more than two-thirds of sub-Saharan African countries have held democratic elections since 2000. Moreover, several nations, from Senegal to Tanzania, and from Ghana to Zambia have seen successful power changes over the past decade. The Unites States Department of State has expressed its commitment to supporting African efforts to fortify government accountability and overall good governance, which is crucial to the continent's future growth and global influence. The resolution commends the socio-economic and political progress being made by African countries, while acknowledging the associated challenges that many still face. According to a June 2010 McKinsey Global Institute report entitled `Lions on the Move: The Progress and Potential of African Economies,' over the past decade ``Africa's economic pulse has quickened, infusing the continent with new commercial vibrancy.'' Africa's combined consumer spending in 2008 was $860 billion, and America is committed to partnering with African nations to foster economic development, entrepreneurship and trade in the continent. Kofi Annan, Chair of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) recently noted that `Africa's future is in its own hands, but that success in managing its own affairs depends on supportive global policies and agreements.' H. Res. 1405 comes at a time when the world is taking notice of Africa's great progress in recent years and it reaffirms the United States' commitment to growth and prosperity in Africa. I commend the House for passing this important resolution.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues, Chair Waters and Chairman Frank, for bringing this important bill to the floor today and for supporting my amendment, which is cosponsored by Representative Cuellar from Texas. Before I speak about my amendment, I want to quickly recognize the significance of H.R. 5072. This bill will make essential reforms to strengthen the financial footing of the FHA, and it will enhance its authority to go after fraudulent lenders who have preyed on the most vulnerable of borrowers for far too long. Mr. Chairman, many people have blamed this foreclosure crisis on the borrowers while some individuals, desperate to achieve the American Dream, may have sought to cut corners in the process. Fraudulent and unscrupulous lenders ultimately held the purse strings. These lenders bear a great deal of the burden for the foreclosure crisis, which continues to impact Americans and to devastate communities from coast to coast. Last year, New York City saw a record 20,000 foreclosure filings. According to data compiled by the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York University, in the first quarter of 2010, there were 4,226 foreclosures across New York City, up 16.3 percent from 2008. Brooklyn alone experienced 1,546 foreclosures in the first quarter of 2010. Since the beginning of the FHA, Commissioner Stevens' tenure in 2009, the Commissioner and Deputy Assistant Secretary Bott have taken several steps to assess and to strengthen FHA's foreclosure mitigation capabilities, beginning with a thorough review of FHA and of private lender loss mitigation and foreclosure preventative activities. The FHA trained almost 2,000 staff lenders on how to better serve FHA borrowers to avoid foreclosure, to identify lenders which are underperforming and to share best practices to improve foreclosure mitigation performance. FHA assisted more than 450,000 borrowers in the past year to avoid foreclosure through a variety of loss mitigation programs, but my constituents are telling me that more can be done to support the foreclosure counseling efforts. We must determine if enough resources are being devoted to foreclosure mitigation, especially for low-income borrowers. That is why I proposed this amendment, along with Mr. Cuellar, which would direct GAO to analyze the effectiveness of HUD's loss mitigation home retention efforts in helping distressed borrowers, especially low-income borrowers, hold on to their American Dream. While the FHA is working to strengthen its mitigation capabilities, resources for these efforts are likely insufficient for the massive size of the program. I'd like to thank Representative Cuellar for joining me in this effort. Low-income borrowers in rural areas such as Mr. Cuellar's district in Texas are facing the same challenges as those in distressed urban areas such as parts of my district in Brooklyn. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment to assist our Nation to overcome our foreclosure crisis. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. CLARKE. I want to thank my colleague on the other side of the aisle for seeing the usefulness in this amendment. I want to thank Mr. Cuellar for being a partner and for bringing this amendment forward. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5026, the Grid Reliability and Infrastructure Defense Act, and urge my colleagues to support it. I thank my colleague Chairman Markey for bringing this important legislation to the floor. The GRID Act empowers the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in the event of a Presidential emergency declaration, to take actions needed to protect our grid. I have said this before but it bears repeating: A modern society is characterized by the presence of three things: clean available water, properly functioning sewage and sanitation services, and electricity. I would further assert that the way our present systems function, electricity is needed to power those other critical systems. So at a minimum, we rely on electricity to function as a modern society. It is our very reliance on this infrastructure that makes it an obvious target for attack. We know that many of our adversaries--from terrorist groups to nation states--have and continue to develop capabilities that would allow them to attack and destroy our grid at a time of their choosing. There are two significant threats to the electric grid. One is the threat of cyber attack. Many nation states, like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, have offensive cyber attack capabilities, while terrorist groups like Hezbollah and al Qaeda continue to work to develop capabilities to attack and destroy critical infrastructure like the electric grid through cyber means. If you believe intelligence sources, our grid is already compromised. An April 2009 article in the Wall Street Journal cited intelligence sources who claim that the grid has already been penetrated by cyber intruders from Russia and China who are positioned to activate malicious code that could destroy portions of the grid at their command. The other significant threat to the grid is the threat of a physical event that could come in the form of a natural or manmade Electromagnetic Pulse, known as EMP. The potentially devastating effects of an EMP to the grid are well documented. During the Cold War, the U.S. government simulated the effects of EMP on our infrastructure, because of the threat of nuclear weapons, which emit an EMP after detonation. Though we may no longer fear a nuclear attack from Soviet Russia, rogue adversaries (including North Korea and Iran) possess and test high altitude missiles that could potentially cause a catastrophic pulse across the grid. These are but two of the significant emerging threats we face in the 21st century. Our adversaries openly discuss using these capabilities against the United States. According to its ``Cyber Warfare Doctrine,'' China's military strategy is designed to achieve global ``electronic dominance'' by 2050, to include the capability to disrupt financial markets, military and civilian comunications capabilities, and the electric grid prior to the initiation of traditional military operations. Cyber and physical attacks against the grid could both be catastrophic and incredibly destructive events, but they are not inevitable. Protections can--and must--be put in place ahead of time to mitigate the impact of these attacks. The time for action is now, support the GRID Act and help ensure America's future.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1362, Celebrating the Life and Achievements of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne. I want to first thank my friend, mentor, and co-author, Chairman John Conyers, Jr. working with me to craft this resolution and for bringing it to the floor for a vote. I am here today to pay tribute to one of Brooklyn's most treasured gifts to American arts, culture, and civil society. On May 9, 2010, Hollywood actress, jazz singer, and civil rights activist Lena Horne passed away at the age of 92. Ms. Horne was a trail-blazing performing artist whose life exemplified her commitment to social justice, peace, and civil rights. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Ms. Horne made her debut performance in the famous Cotton Club in Harlem at the age of 16, propelling her into a thriving career that took her from Broadway to Hollywood. A major contributor to the arts, Ms. Horne's legacy as a Broadway star, movie star, and Grammy-award winning recording artist will never be forgotten. Her long career was punctuated by a number of notable firsts and industry accolades. She was the first African-American woman to perform with a white band ensemble, the first black performer to play the Copacabana nightclub, and among the first African Americans to sign a long-term Hollywood film studio contract. Industry recognized her talents with four Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Tony Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. A member of the NAACP since the age of two, Ms. Horne was an avid supporter of the civil rights movement. She participated in numerous civil rights rallies and demonstrations, including the March on Washington in August 1963. Joining Eleanor Roosevelt, Ms. Horne worked to pass anti-lynching legislation. A major supporter of the troops, during World War II, Ms. Horne initially toured with the USO performers. After criticizing the treatment of African-American troops, Ms. Horne refused to perform for a segregated military audience. When her studio pulled Horne off the tour as a response to her act of defiance, she ultimately used her own money to finance trips to perform at Army camps. I admire her dedication to honoring our troops. Ms. Horne left behind a legacy that has forever changed the opportunities available for female African-American performers. But even more important, Ms. Horne is a role model for young women of every race who are brave enough to follow their dreams or speak out against injustice. One of Brooklyn's finest, Lena Horne will be truly missed, but her legacy will forever remain in our memory, like a sweet . . . sweet . . . melody.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, we all know that health care costs are unsustainable. They're still crushing families, small businesses and large companies alike. When people lose their jobs, they lose their health insurance. Even people who do have jobs and want coverage but have preexisting conditions still couldn't get coverage. We are closer than ever to reforming our Nation's broken health insurance system with a plan that puts America back in control of their health care choices, holds insurance companies accountable, and makes coverage more affordable. As we move forward through this legislative process, I am confident that our bill will make health insurance affordable for the middle class and small businesses by reducing premiums and out-of-pocket costs, give millions of Americans access to affordable insurance choices through a new, competitive health insurance market, and hold insurance companies accountable to keep premiums down and prevent denials of coverage, including for preexisting conditions. And it will close the disastrous doughnut hole that seniors are having to chose between lifesaving medication and food to eat. For over 12 years, the once Republican-led Congress has failed to do this. We're going to do it now.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, the American Red Cross has provided assistance and comfort to communities stricken by disasters large and small since it was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton. President Woodrow Wilson was the first to proclaim ``Red Cross Week'' in 1918, as a time for our citizens ``to give generously to the continuation of the important work of relieving distress.'' For over 100 years, the American Red Cross has continued to help ensure our communities are more ready and resilient in the face of future disasters. This March, I urge all Americans to not only recognize the depth and breadth of services offered by the American Red Cross, but to also join the effort and increase awareness of humanitarian work. From rebuilding former adversaries after World War II, to combating HIV/AIDS in Africa, to saving lives after the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the American people have an unmatched tradition of responding to challenges at home and abroad with compassion and generosity. The American Red Cross has had an ongoing presence in Haiti since 2004 supporting local disaster preparedness, HIV education, malaria prevention and measles immunization initiatives. In just over one month since the earthquake, the Red Cross has provided assistance to more than 1.3 million people and will continue to aid hundreds of thousands more in the months ahead. At home and abroad, one in five Americans is touched by the Red Cross every single year. The American Red Cross was instrumental in providing immediate response to the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in January of this year. Currently, more than 100 people are representing the American Red Cross in Haiti. This includes 30 specialists providing relief distribution and telecommunications support and 14 employees, who were permanently based in Haiti prior to the earthquake and are helping to guide the response, in addition to over 50 Creole-speaking interpreters on the USNS Comfort. The American Red Cross is also responding to the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on February 27, making an initial $50,000 pledge from its International Response Fund for relief operations. In addition, the American Red Cross will continue to monitor the potential impacts of Saturday's tsunami and is prepared to help the people of Hawaii and the U.S. territories in the Pacific, if there is a need. In addition to deploying relief workers and other disaster management specialists, the American Red Cross is providing relief supplies for 130,000 Haitians including blankets, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, water containers and mosquito nets. The Red Cross has also provided three million pre-packaged meals to the United Nations World Food Programme in Haiti as well as funding to help feed an additional 1 million people for a month. The organization has also partnered with Population Services International to provide more than 1 million water- purification sachets, to ensure that Haitian families have access to clean drinking water. The Red Cross has also provided nearly 750 units of blood for Haiti earthquake survivors. As of early February, the American Red Cross has received over $225 million for the Haiti relief and recovery effort, and 91 cents of every dollar is going directly to critical humanitarian services and programs. That is why I partnered with the Red Cross of Greater New York to help with Haiti response efforts. Just one week after the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, the NY Red Cross, working in partnership with Local 1199SEIU, NAACP, Haitian Americans United for Progress, Councilman Mathieu Eugene and my office, was able to provide volunteer translators. The Red Cross of Greater New York has since deployed over forty Creole-speaking volunteers, to serve on the US Navy's hospital ship, the USNS Comfort anchored off the coast of Haiti. The Greater New York chapter has also helped thousands of Haitian Americans in my district connect with their family members in Haiti. Representing the second largest concentration for first and second generation Haitian immigrants, I applaud the Red Cross' Resorting Family Links programs, which has worked to register over 30,000 people affected by the earthquake. To date, the Red Cross of Greater New York has facilitated nearly 2,000 phone calls between earthquake survivors and their family abroad. Throughout the Greater New York region, the Red Cross provides invaluable services that protect the life and health of all New Yorkers. The American Red Cross of Greater New York is a key humanitarian partner providing immediate aid to as many as 100,000 New Yorkers affected by local disasters each year. When disaster strikes a densely populated urban area, the emergency-care needs are huge and immediate. Recently in my district, the Red Cross of Greater New York launched their ``March to 200'' campaign with the goal of training 200 Red Cross volunteers in shelter leadership roles. It is this dedication to service and preparedness which makes the Greater New York Red Cross a valuable asset to all New Yorkers. The Red Cross of Greater New York would not be what it is today without the priceless work of CEO Terry Bischoff. Her dedication and compassion have inspired us all, and her leadership has transformed the capacities of this organization. She will most certainly be missed, but the effects of her work will be lasting. Whether it is an earthquake or a single family home fire; a call for blood or a call for help, the American Red Cross is there. I ask all my colleagues join me today in applauding the hard work of the American Red Cross volunteers and celebrating March as American Red Cross Month.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4573, the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous leadership of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) and the leadership of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), who is the author of this legislation. As Representative of the second largest Haitian population in the country, I commend the Obama administration's swift response to the Haitian crisis. Without the President's comprehensive relief campaign, which included food, water, medical, and military assistance, as well as the $100 million in aid, we would not be at the point we are, which is ready to discuss the next step. Thankfully, we are. We must remember that the January earthquake did not create the troubling conditions in Haiti, although it certainly exacerbated them. Haiti is already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. H.R. 4573, the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act, will achieve three distinct goals which will help to keep the focus on humanitarian assistance. First, the Secretary of the Treasury would instruct the U.S. executive directors of the institutions which lent money to the Haiti Government to immediately cancel all debts owed to Haiti to their respective institutions. Next, Haiti's debt service payments would be suspended. Lastly, grants would be provided for additional assistance so that Haiti would not accumulate additional debts. It is my hope that, as we continue to rebuild, our rebuilding effort will not begin until the relief effort has concluded, and it will be dependent on all allowing Haiti to focus solely on humanitarian aid. To do this, it is imperative that we cancel the debts of the Haitian Government.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to address the floor on my amendment.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chairman, today I rise to offer my amendment to H.R. 4061 and request that it be supported along with the underlying legislation. I first want to commend Chairman Gordon, Ranking Member Hall, and Representative Lipinski, as well as Representative McCaul, for their leadership in bringing this important bipartisan bill to the floor today and for supporting this amendment. The Federal Government currently relies heavily on contract employees for critical cybersecurity functions. For instance, according to the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General, contractors accounted for 83 percent of the total staff of the Department's Office of the Chief Information Officer. A July 2009 Booz Allen Hamilton assessment of the cyberworkforce, titled, ``Cyber In-Security: Strengthening the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce,'' concluded the Federal Government needs more employees who can effectively manage the blended cybersecurity workforce of contractors and in-house employees. Clearly, any assessment of the cybersecurity workforce should include an analysis of contract employees who perform cybersecurity functions for the government. My amendment to H.R. 4061, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009, would do just that, amending section 107 of the bill to include an analysis of the extent to which Federal agencies rely on contractors to support the Federal cybersecurity workforce as well as each agency's capacity to manage these contractors. The amendment is not intended to judge whether Federal cybersecurity functions should be performed by government or contractor employees. It simply requires that these considerations be included in the workforce study. I hope that you will join me in supporting this amendment. I would just like to add that, as chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, I have become intimately aware of the cybersecurity challenges we face in the 21st century. I initially offered several other amendments which address the wide variety of challenges that we face, and I will work to address these issues through my subcommittee. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, let me also thank Congresswoman Fudge for her outstanding work in managing the time of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Special Orders, and for her expertise and talent that she lends to all of the subject matter. This particular Special Order on aid to Haiti is of great relevance to me. As we all know, on January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the Caribbean nation of Haiti, leaving most of the nation in utter devastation. Critical infrastructure was destroyed, and the death toll continues to rise as I speak, with reports estimating over 150,000 people perished. As one of my local council members, Mr. Jumaane Williams, stated, or phrased it, in Brooklyn, New York, we were victim to a 7.0 emotional aftershock as members of our vibrant Haitian American community come to grips with the utter death, destruction, and devastation faced in their homeland. As a Brooklyn native whose roots are firmly planted in my Caribbean heritage, this tragedy has hit home in more ways than I could ever imagine. New York is home to the second largest population of Haitian immigrants in the United States, most of whom reside in my district. I would like to take an opportunity to just recognize the Congressional Black Caucus for the leadership that they've taken in Congress in ensuring that we remain focused and committed to assist Haiti and to tend to the injured, orphaned, hungry, and dispossessed as Haiti continues with its recovery efforts. I would like to thank Chairwoman Barbara Lee of the Congressional Black Caucus for her longtime leadership and commitment to fighting on behalf of Haiti. I also want to applaud her hard work in bringing the resolution to the floor that we just passed expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010. I'd also like to thank Chairman Charles Rangel and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn for working quickly to get H.R. 4462 passed in the House. This legislation would allow all individuals who choose to donate during this time of crisis in Haiti to claim an itemized charitable deduction on this year's--2009, excuse me--tax return. As Haiti continues to recover, my heart goes out to my Haitian sisters and brothers as they endure this tragedy. I also express my deep sympathy and support for their families. Through all of the devastation, all of the trauma, the 11th Congressional District of New York, like the rest of this Nation and the global community, has demonstrated a unity of purpose in mobilizing goods, services, and volunteers to help their families and relations in Haiti. While I will continue to applaud the humanitarian efforts for Haiti, it is important that we do not allow compassion fatigue to set in. We must continue to uphold our commitment to helping our neighbors in the Caribbean. As a representative with the second-largest population of first- and second-generation Haitian immigrants located in my district, my office has been inundated and overwhelmed with calls from concerned constituents worried about their loved ones and their homeland. While my office has been vigorously working with the State Department to meet the needs of our constituents, there are many concerns that still need to be addressed. For many Haitian Americans, a major issue is family reunification. Most of their family members have lost everything, many are sick, injured, and living on the streets; babies and the elderly are vulnerable to disease; a majority of them are traumatized by their experiences. And since my constituents are blessed to live in the United States-- many of them have obtained their citizenship--they have the capacity to take care of their family members, they have the wherewithal to console, comfort, and nurse their families back to health and support their material needs. The only thing that impedes this reunification is that their family members are not American citizens and-or legal permanent residents and do not rank highly on the immigration priority list. I would encourage the administration to address this issue and work to reunite family members who are suffering from this devastation. And in response to this tragedy, on January 15, 2010, the Obama administration--which is to be commended for its quick action and its steadfast commitment--has granted temporary protected status to Haitian nationals currently in the United States. Unfortunately, there are those who try to take advantage and exploit those who seek to change their status, and I am concerned that there are fraudulent entities offering services and inflating the prices of the TPS application process for Haitians seeking it. It is important that we empower our residents affected by the devastation with the information and resources they need to access this status. That is why just last week I joined my colleagues in the New York City congressional delegation, State delegation, and New York City delegation in the opening of the Haitian Family Resource Center at the Brooklyn armory. The center will be a one-stop resource center for families who have been impacted by the earthquake. It will offer Creole-speaking translation services, immigration assistance, and help with completing immigration applications, child guardianship, and custody services, legal assistance, and help in locating family members, mental health services, coordination of volunteer efforts, and daily accurate briefings on the status of relief efforts. Know that I will continue to work closely with my colleagues, the Obama administration, and Caribbean officials to help this Nation recover from this natural disaster. I want to thank you once again, my colleague, for sharing this time where we can share information with the Nation about what is taking place in Haiti and ask that they continue to hold this Nation, our Caribbean neighbors, in their prayers

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2611, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2611, a bill authorizing the Securing of the Cities Initiative, was introduced by Representative Peter King, the ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, on May 21, 2009 and marked up and ordered reported by the committee on November 11, 2009. The Securing the Cities (STC) Initiative is a unified effort among Federal, State, and local law enforcement in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to defend against the threat of a radiological or nuclear device. DHS, the New York Police Department, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and officials from three States and 91 localities are involved in this partnership. The concept behind the STC is to build rings around New York City to provide a layered defense against the smuggling of a nuclear weapon. The more law enforcement officials who have the ability to detect and are on the lookout for nuclear and radiological material in and around New York City, the better chance that law enforcement has to prevent a successful nuclear attack. The STC has procured thousands of basic handheld radiation detectors which have been distributed to police officers throughout the region. Advanced vehicles, including trucks and boats with radiation detectors capable of distinguishing different radioactive materials, are also in use in Manhattan and the surrounding area. More than 1,400 local officers have received training in radiation detection operations under STC. STC funding is given to the New York Police Department, which acts as the grant distributor for the funds. State and local entities around New York City are eligible to receive STC funding. Participants in STC conduct periodic aerial screening in addition to the checkpoints that the NYPD sets up twice a day on Manhattan roadways as a defensive, training, and deterrence measure. Today, STC is limited to jurisdictions in and around New York City. An amendment offered by Mr. Green of Texas and included in the legislation before us today will broaden the scope of the STC program to include at least two additional Urban Area Security Initiative cities in the program. The bill authorizes appropriations of $40 million per city for the first year, with smaller sums available for sustainment in the following years. The STC is a great example of a successful Federal, State, and local partnership. We are in the early stages, and much work remains to be done. That said, the positive initial results justify the continuation and gradual expansion of the program directed in this bill. During the second session of the 110th Congress, the House passed a measure similar to the one before us today. I urge my colleagues to again support this important Homeland Security legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2611) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Securing the Cities Initiative of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, as you have heard, the measure under consideration is important Homeland Security legislation that has previously received and that again deserves the support of the Members of the House of Representatives. In closing, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on passage of the bill.