Yvette Clarke

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to give my enthusiastic support to the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, H.R. 2669. I want to thank Chairman Miller for his leadership in this matter. In the advent of the 21st century, the question we must ask ourselves is, what have we done to ensure the success of our Nation, the development of our civil society? Education has been and will always be the portal for our advancement. The cost of attending college has increased by 40 percent over the past 5 years. As a result, students are graduating with more debt than ever and postponing enrollment or avoiding college all together because they just can't afford it. This legislation is a much-needed sigh of relief for traditional college students, working families and adult learners in my home district in Brooklyn, New York, and across this Nation. The College Cost Reduction Act cuts interest rates in half on subsidized student loans over the next 5 years, increases the amount of Federal loans available to students, and so I ask your enthusiastic support for this groundbreaking legislation.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 613, the final passage of the College Cost Reduction Act, a bill I am proud to have been helpful in crafting, I was unavoidably detained. If I had been present, I would have proudly voted ``aye.''

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, in the engrossment of the bill, H.R. 2669, the Clerk be authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, citations, and cross references and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be appropriate to reflect the actions of the House.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) for the time and for the opportunity to discuss an important issue to me. With every passing day, I hear more talk about how to prevent illegal immigration. We're discussing it at this very moment. Many proposals to deal with undocumented immigrants involve punishing them through deportation or what has been termed as ``touchback,'' which requires immigrants to expel themselves and pay a heavy, extremely punitive fine. However, we could best reduce the number of undocumented immigrants by improving and reforming our own government bureaucracy. While many Members of this body believe that every undocumented immigrant walked across the southern border, the fact is that 40 percent of them enter our country legally, and many of them have only broken the law after falling through the cracks of a vast bureaucracy. Back home in Brooklyn, New York, an area that boasts immigrants from every corner of the world, I have personally talked to countless people who were frustrated because they had no intention of breaking the law, but simply became tied up in an overly complicated and backlogged system as their applications were delayed until their visas expired and suddenly they were here illegally. I'm further concerned with the proposed fee increases at CIS to process applications. All of the people who emigrate here from other countries have come looking for a better life. Many of these people work hard at jobs that pay so little that most Americans do not want to take them. We cannot expect these individuals to pay astronomical fees that they cannot afford, as this effectively creates another barrier to citizenship for many immigrants who only want to make an honest living, and leaves those who cannot pay in undocumented limbo. We in Congress must ensure that CIS has the funding it requires to be efficient and effective without resorting to taking money from those who cannot afford the extremely punitive costs. As the debate on immigration reform progresses, it is vital that we address these issues and ensure that CIS will be able to help everyone who desires to play by, and be in compliance with, the rules. It is simply not right that many people have been deemed criminals simply because our government is ill-equipped to process these applications or because we have made it totally unaffordable. I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) for his efforts at improving the legal immigration process, and I look forward to working together to bring about improvements and reforms to an immigration system that is reflective of the 21st century United States.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride and pleasure today to rise to inform the House, on this Friday, May 18, Haitians throughout the diaspora celebrated Haitian Flag Day. Since the creation of the Haitian flag on May 18, 1803, the day has been observed as Haitian Flag Day to Haitian Americans throughout the diaspora. This day has become a source of pride synonymous with unity and a symbol of freedom and individual liberty for Haitian people. Later this week, I will introduce legislation to commemorate this historic and celebrative event. The 18th of May, Haitian Flag Day, is the most celebrated holiday in Haiti. Just to put this day in context for most Americans, there are some historical facts that I would like to share with you. When Napoleon Bonaparte envisioned a great French empire in the New World, he had hoped to use the Mississippi Valley as a food and trade center to supply the island of Hispaniola. First, he had to restore French control of Hispaniola, where Haitian slaves under Toussaint L'Ouverture had seized power. Napoleon soon realized that Hispaniola must be abandoned. Accordingly, in April of 1803, he offered to sell Louisiana to the United States. President Thomas Jefferson had already sent James Monroe and Robert R. Livingston to Paris to negotiate the purchase of a tract of land in the lower Mississippi, or at least guarantee of free navigation of the river. Surprised and delighted by the French offer of the whole territory, they immediately negotiated the treaty. At one stroke, the United States would double in its size, an enormous tract of land would be open to settlement, and the free navigation of the Mississippi would be assured. Although the Constitution did not specifically empower the Federal Government to acquire new territory by treaty, Jefferson concluded that the practical benefits to the Nation far outweighed the possible violation of the Constitution. The Senate concurred with this decision and voted ratification October 20, 1803, this all precipitated by the revolution of freed slaves on the island of Haiti. The Spanish, who had never given up a physical possession of Louisiana to the French, did so in a ceremony at New Orleans on November 30, 1803. And in a second ceremony December 20, 1803, the French turned Louisiana over to the United States. I would like to also honor those brave Haitians who fought for American independence at the siege of Savannah, Georgia, in 1779: The Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, a regiment of soldiers who formed one-tenth of the allied army before Savannah in the fall of 1779. This unit was comprised of over 500 free men of color from the island of Haiti and was the largest unit of men of African descent to fight in the American revolution. The battle of Savannah, on October 9, 1779, reminds us that significant foreign resources of men, money and material contributed to the eventual success of the cause of American independence. The presence of the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint Domingue was made up of free men who volunteered for this expedition is startling to most people and surprising to most historians. Men of African heritage were to be found on most battlefields of the revolution in large numbers. A subsequent unit of Haitians was part of the French and Spanish campaign against Pensacola, where they faced some of the same regiments of British troops that their comrades faced in Savannah. Haiti, much smaller in population than the United States, was attacked by armies as large as those sent against America by Britain. The Haitian victory over the legions of Napoleon was achieved with much less foreign assistance than the United States enjoyed. It is these types of historical events put in the context of our Nation today that we celebrate with the Haitian Americans in diaspora, their accomplishments and achievements in the growth and development of our Nation. Many key figures in the Haitian War of Independence gained military experience and political insights through their participation in Savannah, most notably Henri Christophe, a youth at the time, but, in his adult years, a general of Haitian armies and King of his nation for 14 years. There is little appreciation in the United States for the events that led to the formation of the Haitian nation. Influenced by both the events of the American Revolution and the rhetoric of the French Revolution, the people of Haiti began a struggle for self-government and liberty. The first nation in the Western Hemisphere to form a government led by people of African descent, it was also the first nation to renounce slavery. The Haitian national flag is indisputably a symbol of general pride whose origin is tightly linked to a history of struggle for freedom. As you all already know, the Haitian flag was first presented in 1802 when Haiti was fighting against the French for independence and it was realized that both armies fought under the same flag. After the modification of the flag in 1807, the phrase ``L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE'', meaning that through unity we find strength, was re- adopted. The Haitian constitution of 1987 describes the new flag as: Two (2) equal-sized horizontal bands: a blue one on top and a red one underneath; The coat of arms of the Republic shall be placed in the center on a white square; The coat of arms of the Republic will be a Palm tree surmounted by the liberty cap and under the palms a trophy with the legend: In Union there is Strength; This weekend, I joined with hundreds of my Haitian constituents as we celebrated Haitian Flag Day together. For as long as I can remember, Haitians have gathered in my district of Brooklyn, NY to recognize this historic day. I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing the world's oldest black republic and the second-oldest republic in the Western Hemisphere celebrate the ideals of unity, strength and freedom embedded in the Haitian Flag by becoming a co-sponsor of the Haitian Flag Day resolution.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Chairman Miller for his leadership, promptness, and thoroughness on this issue and for bringing this bill to the House floor. H.R. 890--The Student Loan Sunshine Act, establishes requirements for lenders and institutions of higher education in order to protect students and other borrowers receiving educational loans. The key to both socio-economic mobility and stability has traditionally been through education. Education is critical to our economy as our global society transitions from an industrial to a technological society. There have been an increasing number of students enrolling in colleges, even though college costs are escalating. Students are particularly hard hit by the increasing cost of college attendance. As a result, the majority of college students rely on some form of student loans to finance their education. However, recently New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has uncovered many unscrupulous lending practices and conflicts of interests in the student loan industry. In light of Mr. Cuomo's discoveries, a bill such as the Student Loan Sunshine Act is desperately needed. This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, and requires each lender entering into an educational loan arrangement with a postsecondary school to: (1) Report annually to the Secretary of Education specified information concerning their arrangements with schools; (2) inform borrowers of their loan options under title IV (four) before extending private educational loans for attendance at schools; and (3) be barred by the school from marketing student loans in a manner implying the school's endorsement. For the protection of students and their families, I cast an aye vote in support of H.R. 890, the ``Student Loan Sunshine Act'' and I urge my colleagues to protect the integrity of the student loan program.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 105--A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Suffragists Day to promote awareness of the importance of the women suffragists who worked for the right of women to vote in the United States. One suffragette in particular comes to mind--Ms. Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth was an ex-slave, abolitionist and feminist who fought for women's rights. In that regard, she delivered her famous ``Ain't I A Woman'' speech at the 1851 Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Her speech dispels the perception of women as fragile beings unable to hold our own in society. Ms. Truth outlined the work she has done-- planting, plowing and gathering in barns. All without the assistance of a man. She then raises the question; Ain't I a woman? Sojourner Truth called for the extension of voting rights to all women. Her presence at the Convention was an important milestone in the women's movement and her speech left an indelible mark on the Convention, thus becoming a milestone of the women's rights movement. Sojourner's thought provoking speech resonates even today. Her courage helped to empower and ignite the spark in future generations of women. Fannie Lou Hamer, an ideological descendant of the suffrage movement became known as the lady in the civil rights movement that was ``sick and tired of being sick and tired.'' Shirley Chisholm was the daughter of Caribbean immigrants. She was the first black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress, (a beneficiary of a voting rights district). And the first black woman candidate for President of the United States. Shirley Chisholm was another descendant of the suffrage movement. And, Mr. Speaker, thanks to the bravery, perseverance and determination of women such as Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hamer and Shirley Chisholm--women on whose shoulders I stand--Here I Stand-- elected in the 110th Congress and representing a voting rights district. If Americans are honest, the list of individuals that have benefitted from the blood, sweat and tears of the women suffragists would fill volumes. It is my hope that all suffragists, in particular those of color such as Sojourner Truth and Fannie Lou Hamer whose contributions have historically been sidelined, are recognized for the vital role that they played in giving all women the right to vote in the United States. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisles to join me in voting in the affirmative for this important resolution.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Chairman, since the Department of Homeland Security was initially created in 2003, Congress has been unable to pass a single authorization bill for the Department. Today marks an important accomplishment, as the 110th Democratic Congress will pass a bill that finally brings much-needed accountability to DHS. Along with containing provisions to ensure full funding of security grants that go to our Nation's first responders; and to restore rights to DHS workers, providing them with the same protections received by employees of every other department and agency within our government; I am pleased to see this bill contain a provision requiring stronger oversight of the US-VISIT program. Although Congress mandated this border management tool 11 years ago, US-VISIT is a completely broken program at DHS because there have been few attempts to develop an exit component and complete this important program. Instead, DHS appears to be using the funds to create a vast and unauthorized database of personal information about every visitor to this country. As the representative from one of the most highly diverse districts in America--a district that is both a home and a popular destination for many thousands of people originally from other countries--I am highly concerned about this program. Congress intended to create a border management tool, not a massive list of personal information about law-abiding visitors. Again, I am pleased to see that this bill imposes greater oversight of this and other ineffective programs at DHS.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Thank you very much to Representative Payne and to the gentlelady from California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 272, a resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. The abolition of the trade was an important milestone in the fight against slavery, but that campaign continued throughout the 19th century and it still continues today. Currently, 27 million people are held in slavery around the world. Like the slaves of the past, slaves of today are controlled by violence, and suffer the theft of their labor and humanity. Our commemoration today rings hollow if we do not learn from the lessons of the abolition movement of the past. That botched emancipation of 1865 forced four million ex-slaves into the economic social society with no access to education, political participation or equal citizenship, nor a true recognition of their humanity. As I reflect on my own history as a descendant of African slaves who were survivors of the Middle Passage, my ancestors, kidnapped, brutalized and brought to the island Nation of Jamaica West Indies where centuries later my parents were born, who then migrated as subjects of the Queen to Brooklyn, New York, where I was born. The history of Africans in the Americas has been suppressed as evidenced by the lack of presence in our school's curriculums. Today, we see the results of granting freedom without dignity. People of African descent still face economic inequality, social inequality and racism. Slavery can be brought to an end within our lifetime. Madam Speaker, it is my prayer that someday soon this body will be celebrating of the global eradication of slavery. And in the spirit of the liberation and suffrage of my ancestors, the Civil Rights movement, human rights for every man, woman and child will be recognized. The liberty and the dreams of all will be attained through their collective will will not go unnoticed. We are not going to achieve true liberty unless and until we all embrace our collective and diverse humanity together.

Ms. CLARKE

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 68 honors the life and accomplishments of Gian Carlo Menotti, and recognizes the success of the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina, which he founded. I would like to thank Representative Brown from South Carolina for bringing this important resolution to the floor. Gian Carlo Menotti was born July 7, 1911, at Cadegliano-Viconago, Italy. At the age of 7, under the guidance of his mother, he began to compose songs, and 4 years later he wrote the words and music of his first opera, ``The Death of Pierrot.'' Following the death of his father, his mother took him to the United States, where he was enrolled at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music. There he completed his musical studies. His first mature work, the one-act opera buffa, ``Amelia Goes to the Ball,'' was premiered in 1937, a success that led to a commission from the National Broadcasting Company to write an opera especially for radio, ``The Old Maid and the Thief,'' the first such commission ever given. ``The Consul,'' Menotti's first full-length work, won the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award as the best musical play of the year in 1954. In 1984, Menotti was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor of Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. He was chosen 1991 Musician of the Year by Musical America, inaugurating worldwide tributes to the composer in honor of his 80th birthday. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE

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

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), the sponsor of the resolution.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 121, recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes, I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), for bringing this resolution to the floor. One of the basic reasons that every child must have an education in music is that music is a part of the fabric of our society. The intrinsic value of music for each individual is widely recognized in the many cultures that make up American life. Music helps shape individual abilities and character. Success in society is predicated on success in school. Skills learned through the discipline of music transfer to study skills, communication skills, and the cognitive skills useful in every part of the curriculum. Participation in music brings countless benefits to every individual throughout life. The benefits may be psychological, spiritual or physical. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution and support the next generation of music lovers. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Ms. CLARKE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 121) recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes.

Ms. CLARKE

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

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

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

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

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper).

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield as much time as he may consume to the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Education and Labor Committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H. Res. 320 congratulates the University of Tennessee women's basketball team for winning the 2007 NCAA Division I women's basketball championship. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Tennessee, Representative Duncan, for bringing this resolution to the floor. In recognition of the accomplishments of the Tennessee women's basketball team for winning the 2001 NCAA Division I championship, we need only reflect back to the year 1972, when in this body title VIII, also known as the Pepsi Teammate Equal Opportunity and Education Act, was enacted. Title VIII has demonstrated significant impact on high school and collegiate athletics. As a result, women nationwide have had the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities enriching their collegiate experience. As well, as a result, we are here today to recognize the victory of the Tennessee women's basketball team 2007 NCAA Division I champions. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and demonstrate our commitment to girls and women's athletics. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 320 into the Record.

Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 320) congratulating the University of Tennessee women's basketball team for winning the 2007 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship.

Ms. CLARKE

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