Judy Chu

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera), an outstanding doctor.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Contrary to its misleading title, this bill is not about protecting children born alive. Its real intent is to further undermine a woman's right to choose, a right that has been constitutionally guaranteed for more than 42 years by Roe v. Wade. Not only does this bill attempt to politicize women's health and to limit women's access to abortion, it would interfere with the sacred doctor-patient relationship and substitute a physician's best judgment with the judgment of a handful of politicians'. We must not forget that this bill has come to the floor at the same time as the push to defund Planned Parenthood. This attack on a venerable and respected provider of high-quality health care would have a devastating impact on women, especially women in rural communities, low-income women, and women of color, and it would deny women access to preventive care, life-saving cancer screenings, and family planning services. Approximately one woman in five has relied on Planned Parenthood for health care at some point in her lifetime. It is a blatant attack on women and families to defund an organization that uses Federal funds to prevent abortions and to help families stay healthy and cannot even use Federal funding for abortion. It would be the saddest of ironies that, by defunding Planned Parenthood's critical contraception and other reproductive health services in the name of opposing abortion, we would see more unintended pregnancies and, therefore, more abortions. Among its flaws, H.R. 3504 proposes a standard of care for abortion providers that could interfere with the ability of physicians to make medical decisions for their patients. In doing so, the bill represents an unprecedented level of intrusion by the government into medical decisions. For instance, the bill requires an abortion provider to immediately transport a fetus to a hospital in some cases even if the fetus is not viable under existing law and under the standards of care applicable to neonatal physicians. This requirement is so broad and the penalties so severe--up to 5 years in prison--that one can only conclude that the real purpose of the bill is to intimidate abortion providers out of service. The bill also requires doctors and employees of hospitals and clinics that provide abortion services to report any violations of the bill's standard of care to State or Federal law enforcement authorities. Any person who fails to comply with these requirements is threatened with fines and up to 5 years in prison. This is not just the doctors but the cleaning crew and the receptionists. On top of this, the language in this bill completely fails to distinguish between a viable and non-viable fetus, which is the constitutional line that separates abortions that may be performed without restrictions from those that may be regulated or prohibited. The bill's vague and broad mandates, combined with severe penalties, will effectively intimidate doctors and ultimately drive them away from the abortion practice, which appears to be the true intent of this troubling bill. This is why so many organizations are opposed to this bill, those like the National Women's Law Center, the AAUW, the ACLU, and Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health. In fact, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which represents 58,000 physicians, opposes H.R. 3504 because it represents a gross interference in the practice of medicine, inserting a politician between a woman and her doctor. By intimidating doctors and thereby making abortion unavailable as a practical matter, abortion opponents seek to accomplish, in fact, what they have not accomplished in the courts or in public opinion. Simply put, H.R. 3504 is yet another attack on women's health and rights. When the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, or BAIPA, became law 13 years ago, the bill's sponsors clarified that the law was not intended to affect abortion practice or a woman's right to choose. We did not want to constrain or chill medical decisions regarding patient care. That is why Judiciary Committee Democrats voted to support it. The bill before us today appears to directly contradict those assurances. Let's not forget that politicians are not doctors. We should be concerned about doing our jobs and fully funding high- quality women's health care instead of trying to keep doctors from doing theirs. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this dangerous bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen), the ranking member of our Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ruiz), a leading physician in our Congress.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to reiterate, this is a bill that has been introduced with virtually no process. This was introduced less than 48 hours ago, with no hearings and no expert testimony. In fact, those on the other side of the aisle are citing, as evidence, videos that have been shown to be highly edited, that are misleading and fraudulently obtained. There were 47 edits in the video that are shown. Even though Planned Parenthood doctors said 10 times that such procedures were not done for profit, that was all edited out. This is legislation based on sound bites and anti-choice rhetoric and not on facts. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Citizenship Day. America would not be the great country that it is without its immigrants. One of our greatest strengths is our Nation's diversity-- the ability of this country to absorb and integrate the most entrepreneurial minds that this world has to offer and to make them our own. In fact, immigrants or their children have founded more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies. However, there is a dangerous anti-immigrant sentiment perpetuated by those who fail to recognize the strength derived from our diversity. Even today, laws are being proposed to deny the constitutional right of citizenship to those born in America. Proposals like these are both appalling and un-American. In Congress, we must continue to fight against these anti-immigrant proposals and to push for comprehensive immigration reform, and we must work to ensure that every person who is eligible for naturalization understands the process that it takes to become a U.S. citizen and has a voice in our great democracy.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today against this measure to restrain President Obama from lifting sanctions and to support the Iran deal--the most important step that we could take to secure the future of this planet by stopping Iran's nuclear program for 15 years. A nuclear Iran is an unacceptable danger. Iran's support of terror and aggression throughout the world, its stated threats to Israel, and the nuclear arms race they would trigger are the reasons the world's major powers came together to put crushing sanctions on Iran in the first place. Currently, Iran can produce enough material for a nuclear weapon in 2 to 3 months. Under this deal, Iran must take several unprecedented steps that would prevent them from having a nuclear weapon in 15 years. This deal goes further than any agreement in history by including inspections of Iran's entire uranium enrichment supply chain for up to 25 years. Additionally, Iran will be subject to inspections forever under the additional protocol. It is those crushing economic sanctions that brought Iran to the table to finally accept the nuclear deal. What is critical to remember is that our terrorism sanctions still remain in place, and if a military strike is necessary, the U.S. will have the time and intelligence to intervene but without the threat of a nuclear bomb for 15 years. In contrast, without this deal, sanctions will be lifted anyway, and we will be left with nothing but fear, uncertainty, and an unfettered Iran. Considering the anxiety of recent years, when the prospect of a military strike on Iran felt imminent, this deal is a welcome alternative, and the risks of rejecting it are too great. For the sake of our security, the security of our allies, and our position as a trustworthy global leader, I urge my colleagues to support the deal and to reject this resolution.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, hundreds of courageous, unarmed men and women marched from Selma to Montgomery to call for the right to vote. They were met with violence, prejudice, and hate; but these brave men and women continued their push for equality. Because of their sacrifice and determination, the historic Voting Rights Act was passed. For over 40 years, the Voting Rights Act was one of our best tools to combat historic discrimination. It provided critical voter protections to ensure that Americans of all backgrounds had equal access to the ballot box; but with the Supreme Court's Shelby County decision 2 years ago, key provisions were gutted from this act that must be restored. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, I urge my Republican colleagues to restore dignity to our electoral process and ensure that this is a democracy of the people and by the people. Allow us to vote on meaningful legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I am here to ring the alarm bell on the pending expiration of a very important program next week. It is the Small Business Administration's flagship 7(a) loan program, which provides long-term loans to small businesses that are unable to secure financing through conventional channels. About 80 percent of small-business owners who apply for a non-SBA loan get rejected. It is SBA's 7(a) program that gets them the money they need to succeed. In my district alone, more than $2 billion in capital has been provided to small businesses since 1990. Not only does 7(a) lending directly support American jobs, it also operates at zero cost to taxpayers. We cannot let this successful program lapse. At the current rate of lending, this program could be forced to shut down as soon as next week. I urge the Speaker to act on this critical issue before the August recess and make sure that our small businesses thrive.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and work of my close friend, Mary Lois Nevins, who passed away on May 25, 2015. A resident of Pasadena for over seventy years, Mary Lois embodied civic engagement as she was an active supporter of the Altadena- Pasadena Young Democrats, the California Democratic Council, the League of Women Voters, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Club, and the National Women's Political Caucus of Greater Pasadena. She walked the precincts, knocked on doors to engage voters, and volunteered her time to monitor polling stations on Election Day. In fact, she was gearing up for the 2016 elections during her last weeks. I met Mary Lois when I won a seat on the California Board of Equalization, which was previously held by her husband, Richard Nevins. From that time, she was my most enthusiastic supporter in Pasadena, and I owe so much of my connection to the Pasadena community to her. After I came to the House of Representatives and redistricting placed Pasadena in my district, Mary was the first one to express her excitement and support. But my longstanding friendship with Mary Lois is just an example of the passion and positive change she brought to Pasadena. After raising three sons with Richard, she went back to school to earn her teaching credentials, and spent the next twenty years teaching at-risk youth at the center now known as Hillsides. But she didn't stop there. She founded the Tutor-Friend Volunteer program, which brings together the young residents of Hillsides with high school and college students in Pasadena. This unique program allows students to build close-knit communities as they help each other reach their highest potential. That was Mary Lois' strength since she saw the best in everyone she met. The students at Hillsides, many in the foster care system, were no exception. She was determined that they receive every opportunity regardless of their background, and her legacy with the Hillsides program will never be forgotten. After she retired from Hillsides in 1986, Mary Lois remained active in Pasadena. She was devoted to the Mother's Club Family Learning Center, and served as the President of the Board from 1988 to 1992. She promoted the revolutionary concept of two-generation learning, which focuses on educating both the child and his or her caregiver. She believed that educating a child during the first years of life is critical to a healthy future, but it is just as important to educate the child's caregiver. Thanks to her dedication, the Mother's Club is now a nationally recognized model for two-generation family learning. Mary Lois is truly a shining example of activism. She firmly believed that everyone should be engaged in their government, educated about the issues affecting them and their community, and that ordinary citizens putting their minds together could make a difference. We are thankful for her many years of service, and will continue to honor her legacy and commitment to her community.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, I was unable to vote due to travel delays. Had I been present on the House floor, I would have voted ``nay'' on roll call No. 376, final passage of H.R. 1190, the Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2015. I would have voted ``aye'' on roll call No. 377, H.R. 805, the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters Act of 2015, and ``aye'' on roll call No. 378, H.R. 2576, TSCA Modernization Act of 2015.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life and achievements of my friend, Michael Messina, former Mayor and City Councilmember of Alhambra, who passed away on April 10, 2015. Michael was devoted to his city and his community. A lifelong resident of Alhambra who attended Ramona Elementary School and Alhambra High School, he graduated from California State University Los Angeles, and remained a resident of Alhambra until his passing. In 1979, Michael began his public service career, serving on the Alhambra City Council from 1979 to 1986, and as Mayor in 1982 and 1986. During this time, Michael dedicated himself to improving the city and community he loved. Michael was driven to help businesses to flourish in Alhambra and thanks to his efforts, downtown Alhambra is now a thriving commercial center with restaurants and businesses, giving the intersection of Main and Garfield streets a ``Main Street USA'' feel. Michael worked to expand development, tackling things as instrumental as repaving streets and sidewalks to paving the way for Price Club (now Costco) to come to Alhambra, which has become the largest retail tax producer in the city. He also personally led a city delegation to meet with the founder and CEO of Mervyns Department stores, as he was convinced that such an addition would bring even more business to the city center, and he was right. Mervyns planted its roots in Alhambra, and stores followed, including the Alhambra Place shopping center, which is still the center of retail in the city today, and every year hosts the ``Taste of Alhambra'' Festival. This is all thanks to Michael's vision for his city. As the population of Los Angeles County grew in the past 20 years, Michael fought to increase his community's access to transportation and to bring down congestion in the area. He was a champion of seniors, expanding programs like Senior Ride and Senior Housing, and he believed deeply in the public spaces of Alhambra, increasing the capacity of the Parks and Recreation department, so everyone in the city could enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces in the San Gabriel Valley. For him, civil service was about the people and the community he loved. Even when he left the Alhambra City Council, Michael remained as a key figure in the community, eventually sitting on the Oversight Board for the city. He was a devoted parishioner of All Souls Church, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Knights of Columbus, the Alhambra Exchange Club, the Foundation for the Blind, and was president of the local St. Vincent de Paul Society. No matter what he did, Michael was determined to give back. Michael's dedication to Alhambra was an inspiration, and when I was first elected Mayor of the neighboring city of Monterey Park in 1988, I looked to Michael as an example of a true public servant. There is no doubt that Alhambra has lost one of its most devoted citizens and most stalwart champions. We are thankful for his many years of service, and will continue to honor his legacy of leadership and commitment to our community.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement in the Record that the House should focus on the real priorities of Americans instead of another attack on women's health care.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding community leader, William ``Bill'' Bogaard, on his retirement as the Mayor of the City of Pasadena. After nearly four decades in public service including his 16 years as Mayor, Bill Bogaard leaves behind a legacy of respected leadership and dedicated public service. Bill graduated from Loyola Marymount University and then heeded his first call to public service when he bravely served to protect our country as a U.S. Air Force Captain. He went on to Michigan Law School, and in 1971, Bill and his wife Claire moved to Pasadena, where they began a lovely family with their four children. From 1978 to 1986, Bill served on the Pasadena City Council, including a rotation into the mayoral position for a two-year term from 1984 to 1986. The City Council changed its charter and in 1999, Bill became the City's first directly-elected Mayor. He served as Mayor for the opening of the Los Angeles to Pasadena Gold Line Light rail system and advocated for its expansion east as a Board member of the Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority. Bill also had a vision to revitalize neighborhoods surrounding the Gold Line stations, and through the City's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, he encouraged transit-oriented and affordable housing developments. These initiatives opened access to public transportation for thousands of residents in Pasadena and modernized several neighborhoods throughout the City. In addition, Bill's efforts successfully kept Pasadena on the nation's map. He helped facilitate a new convention center that has attracted a wide variety of conferences to the City, exposing different industries to Pasadena and the resources of our local communities. He brought improvements such as an updated electrical system and additional aisles and accommodations to the nationally recognized Rose Bowl, which is home to the University of California-Los Angeles football team and the Rose Bowl Game. His work kept this stadium as a viable venue for so many historic games and events that have brought nationwide attention to the City each year. In 2012, Bill's exceptional leadership abilities were recognized throughout the state, and he was elected by his fellow local elected officials as President of the League of California Cities. The City of Pasadena and the State of California are grateful to have had such a passionate and engaged public servant. We will continue to honor his legacy of community investment and revitalization, and we are thankful for his many years of strong leadership and unwavering commitment to our community.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, prescription drugs improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. They treat illnesses, alleviate pain, and help cure disease. But the ease of abuse has turned a solution into a problem. Each year, nearly 15,000 overdose deaths are attributed to prescription pain relievers--more than heroin and cocaine combined. Our government and private entities in the prescription drug supply chain must do what they can to prevent drug abuse and diversion. At the same time, we must ensure that pharmacists, who are our Nation's most accessible healthcare providers, are able to dispense drugs to patients who are in legitimate need and have proper prescriptions without groundless disruptions. The bipartisan bill we vote on today that I am proud to have introduced with my colleagues would do just that. Our bill encourages collaboration between stakeholders and the Drug Enforcement Administration to ensure effective enforcement of abuse while also ensuring that patients will continue to have safe access to the drugs they need. This will lead to fewer disruptions for pharmacists and, in turn, ensure that patients will not be left behind. I urge an ``aye'' vote on this very important bill.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, our current education system must be fixed. However, H.R. 5 is not the solution. As chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I cannot support H.R. 5. This bill hurts the very children that ESEA intended to protect: children of color, children of poverty, and children with disabilities. H.R. 5 fails to hold States and schools accountable and to make students college- and career-ready. Almost 5 million English language learners will suffer with limited funds and block grants. Wraparound services that are so critical for a well-rounded education are eliminated. H.R. 5 hurts our students and makes America less competitive. By contrast, Mr. Speaker, the Democratic substitute ensures that high-poverty schools and high-needs students get the resources and the support that they need. I urge you to vote ``no'' on H.R. 5 and ``yes'' on the substitute.