Judy Chu

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, imagine the shocked faces of daughters and sons all across the country when they open up their July billing statement, add up all the figures, and find it's cheaper to buy a home than pursue their higher education. Come July 1, Republicans are going to let interest rates on student loans double. At the same time, they're making sure wasteful tax breaks for yacht and private jet owners stay in place. In fact, it's the best way for them to keep the Millionaires Club an exclusive club for good old boys, by blocking the best avenue for success that this country has ever known--a college education. The GOP is turning the aspirations of young Americans into a revenue stream for the wealthy. They're financing reckless tax policies on the hopes and dreams of our children. I urge them to join Democrats in a serious proposal to stop these interest rates from doubling. The next generation is counting on us to act responsibly.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. I have a personal reason for offering this amendment. My nephew was a victim of military hazing, and it killed him. Harry Lew was serving in the Marines in Afghanistan when his peers ordered him to dig a foxhole, to do push-ups, like crunches and planks, with his heavy, full body armor and a 25-pound sandbag. They stomped, kicked, and punched him, and poured the entire contents of the sandbag onto his face and in his mouth. It lasted a full 3 hours and 20 minutes. Twenty minutes later, he committed suicide. I thank Chairmen McKeon and Wilson and Ranking Member Smith because this bill takes the most significant steps to protect servicemembers from hazing--ever. My amendment adds a GAO report so we can have an objective analysis of the DOD's antihazing policies. It also adds an annual report to Congress on what the DOD is doing to prevent hazing so that we can ensure there is real accountability.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, this month is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. It is a time for us to take pride in our country's diversity and to celebrate the ways in which Asian Pacific Americans have contributed to the vibrancy of our Nation. Today, Asian Pacific Americans are the fastest growing racial group in the country and now account for nearly 6 percent of the total population. Asian Pacific Americans are an incredibly diverse group comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities and speaking over 100 different language dialects. We are represented in every arena of American life, from college presidents to public servants and CEOs, and even to an NBA basketball star, Jeremy Lin. This year marks a number of historic milestones for the Asian Pacific American community, including the 20th year since the formal establishment of APA Heritage Month; the 100th anniversary of the planting of the first cherry blossoms in our Nation's Capital; and the 150th year since the passage of the Pacific Railroad Act, which led to the construction of the transcontinental railroad. This year also marks the anniversary of several painful events in our history: 130 years since the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, a discriminatory piece of legislation which prevented people of Chinese ancestry from becoming naturalized citizens and from ever having the right to vote; 70 years since the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II; and 30 years since the unpunished murder of Vincent Chin in Detroit by two unemployed autoworkers who blamed him and all Asian Americans for the loss of their jobs. Although our history has indicated great progress since the days of discrimination, it is important to continue to remember our history in order to protect the civil rights of all Americans and to prevent these atrocities from ever happening again. As chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, or CAPAC, I have the privilege of advocating for the APA community's needs and priorities on a broad range of issues, including civil rights, health care, economic justice, and immigration reform. This year, our caucus welcomed 12 new Congress Members, bringing our total to a record high of 42 members. This means that CAPAC will be able to serve as an even stronger voice for the Asian Pacific community at all levels. As the Asian Pacific community continues to grow across the Nation-- not just in traditional strongholds like California, Hawaii, or New York, but also in States like Texas, Georgia, and Nevada--my colleagues and I will continue to ensure that the needs of the APA community are included as we push for policies that re-ignite the American Dream for all. So as we celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month this May, I hope you will join me and remember the many contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made to our great country.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. As a former rape counselor, I've gone to emergency rooms and have seen the damage that sexual assault and domestic violence have caused. That is why I was so relieved when the Violence Against Women Act passed. And for the last 20 years, Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have come together for legislation to protect women from violence. But not anymore. Though the Senate passed a bipartisan bill to reauthorize VAWA, with the support of 15 Republicans, including every female Republican Senator, this Republican House bill differs greatly. It declares war on women. The manager's amendment tries to make some changes, but don't be fooled. They are just small tweaks designed to pull the wool over women's eyes. They are trying to sneak in a bill that still fails to protect all women, that leaves LGBT victims out, and that prevents Native American women from seeing their abusers prosecuted. Let me be clear. This bill still rolls back existing law. For instance, with this bill, there is new, expedited deportation for any abused immigrant woman coming forth who has had even the slightest of errors in her report. If she goes to an emergency room and is in pain but has an error in her report, then she would be deported. Let's make sure that this bill does not pass. I urge its defeat.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Asian Pacific American Heritage month and to a service organization from my district, the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) that provides crucial services to our community. This month gives us an opportunity to reflect and honor the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) who have enriched our nation with their countless contributions to American history. While generations of AAPIs have had profound impact on our nation and have achieved the American Dream, the AAPIs community is extremely diverse and some AAPIs have challenges and require assistance from federal programs to overcome obstacles in the journey to achieve the American Dream. Around the country, there are number AAPI community based organizations that provide assistance to the diverse AAPI community and doing great work to support AAPIs families. I applaud them for the work that they do everyday to help AAPIs to overcome these obstacles and to support to better their lives for themselves and their families. An example of an outstanding AAPI organization is the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) that is lead by a committed and dedicated individual--Kerry Doi, the President and CEO. The mission of the PACE is to create economic solutions to meet the challenges of employment, education, housing, business development and the environment in the Pacific Asian and other diverse communities. PACE is a non-profit community development organization founded in 1976 to address the employment and job training needs of the Pacific Asian Islander communities. PACE has since expanded into a variety of service areas, all tailored to meet the growing and changing needs of the multi-ethnic communities in Los Angeles County. Now, in addition to job training and employment services, significant PACE programs encompass: business development; early childhood education; financial education and asset building; housing and rehabilitation services; weatherization and energy-conservation programs; and affordable housing development. PACE's guiding principle in all their programs is the idea of expanding opportunity. A small sample of their business lines include: An extensive workforce development center which offers a variety of job training opportunities. 190 affordable housing units and a home repair service to enable elderly and disabled persons to stay in their homes. An extensive energy and environmental program that promotes energy conservation. A business development center that provides entrepreneurial training, business counseling and access to capital. 28 school sites offering early childhood education programming for more than 1,900 low income children and their families. A financial literacy and asset building program that provides financial skills training. This year, PACE established a new initiative called the Diversity and Democracy: America's Strength program that celebrates the important contributions that our nation's many diverse ethnicities, nationalities and races have made to our way of life--and the important role that government has played in their success. With the donation of 40 tickets from Southwest Airlines, PACE embarked on a journey to bring a diverse group of Federal program participants to Washington, DC to meet and hold a briefing with their elected representatives in Congress and representatives of federal agencies and the White House to tell their stories of how these programs have helped them on their journey to achieve the American Dream. The clients who are of various ethnic backgrounds will tell their own unique story describing how various programs empowered them to be able to become productive, economically self-sufficient Americans. They hope by conveying their real stories from PACE program participants will illustrate the key role that the various Federal programs have played in the lives of low income, ethnic minority, refugees, immigrants and asylees. Numbers tell one story; faces tell an even more important story. As we in Congress debate the funding levels of the Federal programs that have helped numerous PACE participants, it is important that we listen to the voices of the PACE participants who have been helped by these programs that helped them--to start a business, to get the job training they need to secure good paying jobs, to provide early childhood education and to help refugees gain the skills they need to begin a new life in America. I encourage all my colleagues to read the compelling stories of these individuals who have become productive, economically self-sufficient Americans because of the existence of these Federal programs. Workforce Development I am Arax Nazarian. My story is about hope--how I almost lost it and then found it again. In April 2009, my family and I arrived in the U.S. as refugees from Iran. We fled our country seeking opportunities for a better life and to raise our son in a safe place without harsh discrimination. We came here without any money. But we had lots of hope. The U.S. was going through one of its worst economic downturn in 2009. I worried about how I could get a job to support my family, repay my debt and help my parents back home. I spoke very little English. I didn't have any work experience in the U.S. I also needed some time to adjust to a new society, new culture, and new rules. I applied for different full time jobs but I was denied repeatedly for different reasons. I was studying days and nights to improve my English and at the same time working in any odd jobs that I could find. But I was barely making ends meet. I felt helpless, desperate, frustrated and sad. I was losing hope. My worry and sadness must have shown on my face. Because my 11-year old son came to me one day and said, ``Don't worry, Mom. I don't need a new bow for my violin and I am not interested in going on the school's field trip. I just need your smile.'' I choked back the lump in my throat with a sense of guilt that I could not provide for my child's needs. I also felt a tinge of pain and pride in my heart that my child would sacrifice his own needs for his mother. I must not give up hope. A ray of hope came to me when I heard about the Transitional Subsidized Employment program. I started my first Work Experience job at PACE's Home Energy Assistance Program Department where needy families get helped by paying their gas and light bills. Through this on-the-job training opportunity I became more skilled and confident. I learned about my new society, work environment, rules and regulations. Little by little I adjusted myself to a new life here in the United States. Then I was offered a permanent job and I am now working at PACE Weatherization Department as a Program Support Clerk. I have earned recognition and respect from my coworkers. And the best of all, I am able to support my family. I am happy that I am no longer dependent on public aid. My husband has a peace of mind to focus on his education in pursuing his carrier as an Electrician. My son has been growing up with good manners. He is one of the best students in his school, and receiving many awards. I hope the program will continue to give other people the same opportunities I received. These programs give people hope, create jobs and change people's lives. They gave me my hope and changed my life.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Patients deserve choice when selecting the right prescriptions and pharmacies for them, but powerful, unregulated middlemen, known as pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, are limiting their options, and most people don't even know it. These companies are telling doctors what drugs they can prescribe, limiting access to pharmacy patient care, and they're telling customers what pharmacies they can go to. That's not fair to patients. With the pending merger of two of the biggest PBMs, one company will control three-quarters of the private insurance market. This leaves us with even less competition, higher prices, and fewer choices. That's why I support the Medicare Pharmacy Transparency and Fair Auditing Act. This bill will ensure that PBMs are transparent and fair when dealing with local pharmacies, and it will help make sure the Medicare part D prescription program works for seniors. It will be an important step in protecting pharmacy choice for patients.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. For women of color, access to birth control can mean the difference between life or death. Without birth control, they face more reproductive cancers, more unintended pregnancies, and more sexually transmitted infections. And because many times they can't afford to pay for health care, such diseases have a more disproportionate effect. Without affordable health care--and birth control being part of that health care--women's health is at risk. In fact, birth control pills prevent 200,000 ovarian deaths and 100,000 deaths overall for women. Without birth control being covered, out-of-pocket costs for women and their health care needs can be up to $600 per year. It's like a tax on women. That's not fair. That's why I support President Obama's decision that birth control should be part of all health care plans. Women do not have to be second-class citizens.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Budgets are about priorities. I think it should be about helping people climb the ladder of opportunity so they can live a good middle class life, the American Dream. But the Republican budget hurts the middle class. It provides billions in tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, Big Oil, and special interests. Millionaires get an extra $150,000 in their pockets in tax cuts. How do the Republicans pay for this? This is how: They take some by slashing education and leaving 10 million students with less money for college. They steal some from our future economy, gutting investments in science and technology. But Republicans do the most damage to seniors. They end the Medicare guarantee. They shift medical costs to seniors. They basically let Medicare wither on the vine. These aren't my priorities or those of the American people. That's why I oppose the Republican budget.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Chairman, this budget is about fairness, where everyone, not just a special few, can succeed. While the Republican budget ends the Medicare guarantee, the Budget for All makes no cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security. While their budget slashes Pell Grants, leaving 1 million students struggling, the Budget for All actually increases investments in education. While their budget destroys 4.1 million jobs in just 2 years, the Budget for All actually puts 2 million more people back to work by investing in infrastructure. The Republicans do all this to keep tax breaks for Big Oil and provide an extra $150,000 for millionaires. The Budget for All creates a fairer system by asking those who have benefited most from our economy to pay a sensible share. The Budget for All ensures everyone can achieve the American Dream if they just work hard and play by the rules.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our community, Ms. Irene Portillo, who passed away on March 13, 2012, after a valiant battle with cancer. My heart goes out to her two children, Desiree Portillo Rabinov and Darren Rae Portillo; her son-in-law, Paul Rabinov; her grandchildren Paloma Irene and David Darren Rabinov; her brothers Henry Jr., Armando, Mario and Arturo Esparza; her nieces and nephews; and all of her family and friends. Irene was an extraordinary citizen of the city and county of Los Angeles. Born and raised in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, she led a life dedicated to community service and improving the lives of her fellow Angelinos. Ms. Portillo's most lasting legacy was her service as founding member and Executive Director of Project Amiga, a non-profit, community based organization that provides education and computer training, support services, job placement and other assistance to at-risk youth and adults in Los Angeles County. Irene personally oversaw Project Amiga's training programs, and mentored many Welfare to Work participants and at-risk youth to help improve their lives and become self-sufficient. Irene truly loved her community. Not only did she create a whole new organization in Project Amiga to provide badly needed support services for our most economically disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, but she also dedicated much of her life to educating and molding our youth. She did this through many different avenues, as a tenured instructor at Rio Hondo College and as a Presidential Appointee on the National Advisory Councils on Vocational Education and Women's Educational Programs. Irene also worked hard to give folks a second chance at life, as the first Hispanic woman to manage one of the largest California State Employment Development Department offices. Through the EDD, she worked with felons recently released from the penal system and transitioning back into the community. Irene received many awards for her work, from L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and many others. I urge my House colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Irene Portillo for her record of community service, her indomitable spirit and her remarkable service and contributions to her community and to our nation.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. A year ago, on April 3, on a Marine base in Afghanistan, Harry Lew was the victim of hazing. He was punched and kicked by his peers as they poured the contents of a sandbag over his face and mouth. This physical torture and hazing lasted a full 3 hours and 20 minutes. Twenty-two minutes after his abusers stopped, Harry killed himself. He was my nephew. The perpetrators were let off with virtually no punishment. That is why, for months after his death, I have been calling for congressional hearings to look into the prevalence of hazing in the military. The military must implement a zero tolerance policy and must change the culture of hazing that is not only accepted but encouraged. Tomorrow, almost on the anniversary of his needless and avoidable death, Congress will act. I urge all of you to watch online the Armed Services Committee hearing on hazing in the military. We can and we must hold the military accountable so no one will ever again have to go through what Harry endured.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, have you been to the gas station recently and been shocked? Gas is above $4 a gallon, in many parts of the country, and climbing. That's 29 cents more than only a month ago. Families everywhere are feeling the pinch. But why? It doesn't make sense. Supply is up. We've quadrupled U.S. drilling rigs over the past 3 years. Oil production is at its highest in a decade. Last year, the import of oil fell to its lowest level in 16 years. The answer is Wall Street speculators who buy oil and hoard it. They take it off the market and lower supply until the price goes way up. Then they sell it and make a killing off the American people. That's not fair. We can't drill our way out of this problem. We must end Wall Street speculation, end subsidies for the oil companies, and end the political rhetoric. Let's have real solutions to the problems.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our community, Mrs. Ruth Willner, who passed away on February 28, 2012, after a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. My heart goes out to her two children, Paul and Julia; her granddaughter, Eryn; and her many friends and family members. Ruth was an extraordinary citizen, an advocate for her community, and a good friend and loyal supporter. I first got to know Ruth's strength and passion in the 1980s, when she was the Chairperson of the Committee for Harmony in Monterey Park, which was formed to defeat a proposed English-only and anti-immigrant ordinance in our hometown. Thanks to Ruth's tireless efforts we succeeded in defeating that ordinance. A native of East Los Angeles, Ruth attended Roosevelt High School and earned degrees from Los Angeles Community College and TIC Berkeley. A widower, she was married to her husband Irv for 56 years and lived in Monterey Park for 52 years. Ruth truly loved her community. She was involved in too many community groups, commissions and organizations to name here, including the city's Blue Ribbon Budget Committee, the School District Formation Committee, Friends of the Library, Concerned Citizens, and the anti- casino and anti-billboard committees, to name a few. As a 35-year member of the Pasadena League of Women Voters, Ruth played an integral role in educating and informing our local electorate. As program chair she shed light on issues as varied as NAFTA, Environmental Justice, Immigration and Welfare Reform, and as a member of the Speakers' Bureau for 25 years she presented pro and con forums on countless ballot issues and moderated scores of candidate forums. A true believer in the political process, Ruth was a member of the Monterey Park Democratic Club since 1967, where she served as past president and ran the club's newsletter for 20 years. She also was an elected member of the L.A. County Democratic Party for 12 years and served as corresponding secretary for the party. She was a tireless campaigner, walking precincts and phone banking for George Brown for Assembly, serving as the San Gabriel Valley Coordinator to End the War in Vietnam, and volunteering for Hubert Humphrey and George McGovern, among many others. I urge my House colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Ruth Willner for her record of civic activism, her indomitable spirit and her remarkable service and contributions to her community and to our nation.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, today I'm thinking about the 99 percent of American women who have used birth control. Today, I'm thinking about the 98 percent of Catholic women who have used birth control. Birth control is a necessity for many women, and it is unfair that women have to pay 68 percent more for it in out-of-pocket costs than men because it is not covered by all health insurance plans. It is especially unfair to the women who use birth control pills to save their lives. In fact, these pills have prevented 200,000 ovarian cancers and 100,000 deaths. The nurses, secretaries, and janitors who work at religiously affiliated hospitals and universities should not have to pay more for their health care costs and be punished because of where they work. That's not fair. The Obama administration's policy changes this and is fair. It's about time that women get a break for all that they do to raise children in this world.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our community, Mrs. Leora Hill, who passed away on New Year's Day, 2012, at the young age of 60. My heart goes out to her husband, Wayne Hill; her daughter, Tonii Nichole Brady; her six grandchildren and great- grandchild; and the rest of her family, friends and loved ones. Leora was an extraordinary citizen, an activist for working families, a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for her community in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. A fighter for her fellow California residents, Leora spent hundreds of hours attending community meetings, lobbying elected officials and volunteering on dozens of political and public service campaigns. Leora's dedication to her fellow Californians led her to a 23-year career as a tax technician for the State Board of Equalization, where she helped thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the state tax process, file the necessary paperwork to start their businesses and helping entrepreneurs to create jobs and become viable and productive members of the business community. Her passion for ensuring fair rights and decent wages for California's working families kicked off a longtime tenure as an activist in her union, SEIU Local 1000, where she became chair of the Committee on Political Education, COPE, for Southern California. She also served as President of Local 1000's District Labor Council 723, where she was the labor leader for state employees in south Los Angeles County. Leora was a true fighter for the underdog. When state employees were threatened with major reductions in wages and furloughed by the governor, she made numerous media appearances, speaking out forcefully in favor of working families. Leora's tireless efforts on behalf of working families were recognized by then-SEIU International President Andy Stern with a special recognition in 2008. Leora was also dedicated to increasing political awareness and civic involvement among her fellow residents. Her recruitment of friends, neighbors, and co-workers for political campaigns and other efforts to improve her community truly made a difference in the lives of countless Californians. I urge my House colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Leora Hill for her record of civic leadership, her indomitable spirit and her remarkable service and contributions to her community and to our Nation.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our community, Dr. Jacinto ``Jay'' Valencia, who passed away on January 31, 2012, at the age of 63. My heart goes out to his loving wife, Rosalie; his son, John; his daughter, Aileen V. Michel; his grandchildren Cello, Mycah and Naiya; and the rest of his family, friends and loved ones. I was proud to have known Dr. Jay, as he was fondly called by his friends, for many years. He was a tireless advocate for his community and for working families, and rose to one of the highest positions in the Filipino American union movement. Dr. Jay was vice president for administrative and legislative affairs of the National Union of Health Workers, based in California, where he worked hard to secure fair benefits and compensation for the organization's membership. His most lasting legacy, however, was his selection as the first Mayor of Philippinetown, Inc. and his work in securing the designation of Filipinotown as a Historic District by the City of Los Angeles in 2002. His passion for bettering the lives of his fellow community members was evident in his work for elected officials he believed in, such as his stint as field representative for then California Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa in Sacramento in the 1990s, and his long- time work in organized labor. He joined SEIU 99 in Los Angeles in 2000 and remained with the organization until his selection as vice president of NUHW, which represents many Filipino and Filipina hospital workers. Born in the Philippines on Sept. 11, 1949, Dr. Jay was very active in politics in his native country. A dedicated fighter for liberty and democratic rights, Dr. Jay was detained under martial law for being a staff member of the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. in 1972. He also actively campaigned for Eddie Villanueva during the Philippines presidential elections in 2009 and was president of Bagong Pilipino. He brought his passion for serving his community back to the United States, where he was a leader, advisor or member of many Filipino American organizations including Justice for Filipino American Veterans, through which he lobbied for full compensation of Filipino World War II veterans in Washington and Sacramento. I urge my House colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Jacinto ``Jay'' Valencia for his record of civic leadership, indomitable spirit and remarkable service and contributions to his community and to our nation.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 44, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Stated for:

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. I hear over and over from small businesses that the one thing they need in these tough times is customers. And who is the biggest customer? The Federal Government. Each year, the government spends $500 billion on Federal contracts, but only 20 percent is going to small firms. Small businesses create two out of every three new jobs. So for us to grow the economy, we have to give small businesses a bigger slice of the Federal contracting pie. Today I am introducing the Building Better Business Partnerships Act. This bill will help small firms break into Federal contracting by making it easier for them to join mentor-protege programs. These programs partner small businesses with companies already contracting with government. It gives small firms a foot in the door so they can navigate the Federal process, get experience on a contract, and eventually win a Federal job of their own. And that means more work and a new customer for small businesses everywhere.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Between 1988 and 1990, the Armenian population was the target of racially motivated pogroms in Azerbaijan. Hundreds of Armenians were murdered and more wounded during three violent attacks in Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku. Though the ethnic cleansing programs occurred over 20 years ago, they were atrocious acts of cruelty. We cannot forget them. I worry the sentiments that sparked this violence still remain in the Nagorno-Karabakh. Just last month, Azerbaijan began buying up weapons to regain control of the region. The President of Azerbaijan declared this is, ``not a frozen conflict, and it's not going to be one.'' America must remain committed to a peaceful and democratic resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, not one that relives the past.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. I came here today wanting to wish everybody a happy new year. But when I came, I found out that our Republican Congress wanted to give everybody an unhappy old year, continuing last year's agenda of no jobs for you. They ended last year not with a bang, but a whimper, as they walked out on a deal to stop a tax hike on the middle class right before the holidays. Even though Senate Republicans had agreed to a compromise, House Republicans were willing to abandon you, just as you were trying to figure out how to pay for gifts for your children. They were serious about letting the payroll tax and unemployment benefits expire. Thank goodness you expressed your outrage and they were forced to change their position. They gave a 2-month extension. Now in just over a month, they'll be faced with the same choice: to raise taxes for the middle class or finally work together with Democrats to give real relief to Americans like you. Make sure they do the right thing.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Victor Grifols Roura on being honored as the 2011 Business Leader of the Year by the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Grifols Roura is President and CEO of Grifols, a global healthcare company with U.S. headquarters in my congressional district in Los Angeles. Founded in Barcelona, Spain in 1940, Grifols is a leading producer of plasma protein therapies essential for the treatment of a variety of rare, chronic and often life-threatening diseases including: hemophilia, von-Willibrand disease, primary immune deficiencies, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. All of Grifols medicines are derived from human plasma collected at one of the company's 147 plasma donation centers across the country. For three generations, the Grifols family has been dedicated to improving the lives of patients around the world. One of the company's founders, Dr. Jose Antonio Grifols Roig, developed the plasma donation technique known as plasmapheresis with Dr. Edward Cohn in 1950. Still the method of choice today, plasmapheresis is an automated process that enables individuals to donate plasma while retaining their red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. This groundbreaking invention gave rise to the modern plasma therapeutics industry. Mr. Speaker, Grifols employs 700 people in its corporate, manufacturing, warehousing, and testing facilities in California's 32nd District. The company has invested $135 million in these facilities since 2003 and is moving forward with plans to add 70 new manufacturing jobs. As part of its commitment to Los Angeles, Grifols supports local organizations that promote education, job training and skills development for area residents. Through an industry partnership with Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Grifols devises curricula and hosts seminars in microbiology, manufacturing, interviewing techniques and resume preparation. Graduating students are given the opportunity to tour the Grifols manufacturing facility and learn about the production of plasma therapies. Grifols also partners with the Wilshire-Metro WorkSource Center, which provides workforce development resources to job seekers and local businesses. Grifols hires interns from the Center who have completed their certificate program in technology. In addition, the company interviews all graduates of the program to provide them with valuable, real-world experience. Grifols presence in the U.S. was greatly enhanced this year by the acquisition of Talecris Biotherapeutics. This transaction, valued at almost $5 billion, is the largest acquisition ever completed by a Spanish company in the U.S. Grifols is now the world's largest collector of human plasma, the third largest manufacturer of plasma protein therapies globally, and the leading plasma manufacturer in Europe. Mr. Speaker, the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the leading forum for the promotion of commercial, economic and industrial relations between Spain and the United States. Founded in 1959 and based in New York City, the Chamber is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic outreach between the two countries. The Chamber honored Mr. Grifols at its annual gala dinner in Manhattan on December 6th. The U.S Ambassador to Spain, the Spanish Ambassador to the U.S., and the Spanish Minister of Culture joined over 250 guests in recognizing Mr. Grifols Roura's commitment to fostering expanded economic and social ties between the U.S. and Spain. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Victor Grifols Roura for his outstanding leadership of Grifols and for his well deserved honor as 2011 Business Leader of the Year by the Spain- U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Over 13 million Americans are looking for work. That means for every one job opening in the United States, there are four Americans actively seeking employment. Another 10 million people have given up looking for a full-time job altogether because companies just aren't hiring. These are real people. They are more than just numbers. Ellen Andrews lost her job last year. She's been supporting herself and her 1-year- old son Henry with her unemployment benefits. They help her keep the lights on and keep food in the house until she can get a job. But the Republican plan will change all that. It will cut 40 weeks of Federal benefits out from under people like Ellen; and it will force partisan policies, like the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, on to a bill that should be all about helping American families. With the holidays around the corner, Congress should be about giving America hope and security, not playing partisan politics.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. America doesn't have a small business problem; it has a startup problem. That was the title of a recent Washington Post article. It pointed to the fact that self-employed startup businesses have been the chosen alternative for millions of Americans, but we must do more to help them. Today, one out of every three new jobs is created by self-employed startup businesses. But we can do better. Compared to other wealthy countries, the U.S. ranks 23rd in new businesses formed per thousand working adults. These entrepreneurs take risks to make it on their own, but they could do better if we help them be competitive. That is why yesterday I introduced the Entrepreneur Startup Growth Act. One of the most intimidating times of the year for new owners is tax season, as they learn and navigate the different tax standards for businesses. My bill turns this tough time into an opportunity by offering not only affordable business tax assistance but business development services so that these companies can get the advice they need in order to grow. This bill builds on the Self-Employment Tax Initiative launched by CFED, the Corporation for Enterprise Development, a nonprofit economic opportunity organization. According to CFED, nearly two-thirds of all self-employed people are operating business startups. Self-employed startups in their first year of existence create an average of 3 million jobs per year. In fact, without business startups, there would be no net job growth in the U.S. economy. Nearly all net job creation since 1980 has occurred in self-employed startups less than 5 years old. They are critical to our economy. In my bill, community-based organizations, local governments, and higher education institutions are eligible to apply for grants up to $75,000 to operate this program. The IRS will work with the Small Business Administration to ensure that the operators of the program have expertise in both tax assistance and business development assistance. This is a program that works. With such a modest investment in this assistance, 62 percent of businesses were able to get refundable tax credits such as EITC and Making Work Pay, refunds that they might otherwise have missed out on. The Entrepreneur Startup Growth Act will help businesses grow and help low-income households build the assets that they need in order to survive. They will get the economic security they desire. With this, we will be able to help people climb up that ladder of opportunity and reach for that American Dream.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Chair, on rollcall vote 874, on the Jackson Lee Amendment to H.R. 527, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. CHU. I rise in opposition to the so-called Regulatory Flexibility Act. This bill shows just how out of touch the House leadership is, not only with the American people, but with America's small businesses. A recent poll conducted by the Hartford Financial Group asked small businesses to name their biggest barrier to success. Despite the majority's claim, do you know how many cited government rules and regulations as the biggest barrier? Just 9 percent. Instead, a majority, a vast majority, in fact, 59 percent of small businesses, said they struggle the most with finding qualified talent. So it's clear that this bill does nothing to knock down barriers and help the majority of small businesses with their greatest needs. Instead, it just slows down the regulation process and stops government from protecting the consumers from unsafe products, dirty air or water that could make them sick, a dangerous workplace, or gross misconduct in the financial industry. Our country's small businesses don't have time for this nonsense. We should be working on a bill that creates jobs and actually helps small business.