Judy Chu

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak to the importance of passing the Investing in American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, the importance of passing this bill now. This bill creates jobs, rebuilds infrastructure, and promotes investments that gets our economy going again. And I want to take a moment to talk about one specific aspect of this bill, the extension of the Emergency Fund for Job Creation and Assistance. In Los Angeles County, the area I represent, one out of every eight residents is unemployed. In one area of my district, East L.A., the unemployment rate is 16.75 percent. This is unacceptable. A while back, L.A. County instituted an innovative program to get people back to work. It uses TANF funds from the stimulus to place unemployed workers in positions for up to a year. And it created over 11,000 jobs in L.A. County and almost 250,000 across the country. In Palmdale, California, this program helped Jody, a single mother of two, find work at a local coffeehouse. There, Jody so impressed her new boss that he plans to permanently hire her and three others from the program. But this proven job creation program expires in September. The clock is ticking. If we don't act, those 250,000 tales of success become horror stories. Today's bill will keep those Americans working. I urge all of my colleagues to support the Investing in American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 90) expressing support for designation of September 2010 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present H.J. Res. 90 for consideration. This resolution expresses support for Gospel Music Heritage Month celebrated in September and honors gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States. H.J. Res. 90 was introduced by our colleague Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas on June 17, 2010. It was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported favorably by unanimous consent on July 15, 2010. It enjoys the bipartisan support of 65 cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, gospel music has been enjoyed by generation after generation of Americans and by music lovers from around the world. As with many of our country's artistic and cultural traditions, it reflects our diverse ancestry, borrowing from such sources as African music, African American spirituals, Irish folk songs and hymns as well as ragtime, jazz, and blues. The blending of these styles with Christian hymns and gospel verse has led to a musical tradition at the heart of our culture. Throughout its history, gospel music has stood as a prominent form of Christian worship. Congregations across the country continue to sing gospel music during their regular services. Gospel music has also influenced many forms of secular music with rock, country, soul, rhythm and blues, with many other styles drawing from its distinct sound. Mr. Speaker, gospel music is a truly American art and H.J. Resolution 90 will recognize its profound contribution to our culture. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. I now recognize Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, the author of this resolution, for such time as she may consume.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Gospel Music Heritage Month, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present H. Res. 1527 for consideration. This measure congratulates the United States Men's National Soccer Team for its inspiring performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Mr. Speaker, with this resolution, we express our great pride in our Nation's performance in this year's FIFA World Cup. Its stunning win over Algeria on June 23 marked the first time that the U.S. won first place in its group since 1930. Cheers erupted all over the country as forward Landon Donovan scored the winning goal in the 91st minute of play, in what may have been the most dramatic moment in the history of the team. The U.S. team also played well in its matches against England and Slovenia, with goals scored by Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Michael Bradley, ensuring the team would have the chance to advance to the second round of the Cup. The team, comprised of excellent players from around the country, demonstrated that the U.S. can compete at elite levels with the top teams of the world, and it is fitting that we should congratulate them on their historic performance today. H. Res. 1527 was introduced by our colleague, Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas, on July 15, 2010. It was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported favorably by unanimous consent on July 28, 2010. It enjoys the bipartisan support of 50 cosponsors. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team for their inspiring World Cup performance. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1527) congratulating the United States Men's National Soccer Team for its inspiring performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our community, Mr. Irvin Lai, who passed away on July 16, 2010, at the age of 83. My heart goes out to his son, Laurence; his daughters Arlene Lowe, Corinne Gill, Irene Jong, Kathleen Lih and Pauline Yau; his brother Collin and sister Mildred Wong; his 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and the rest of his family and friends. Irvin was an extraordinary citizen, a role model for community activism and a powerful advocate for the Chinese American community. His selfless and just nature was cultivated in childhood during the Great Depression by his mother, Effie Lai, an unpaid social worker who helped Chinese immigrant women navigate the U.S. social welfare system. It was his mother's work, and his education in a segregated ``Oriental'' school, that taught him the importance of joining together and helping his community. Lai first served his country as a teenage volunteer in the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marines during World War II, where he achieved rank of Chief Steward during his 2 years of service. In 1950 he was drafted into the Korean War, where he served for 2 years in the 4th Infantry Division, 42nd Field Artillery in Germany. But it was upon his return from the war that Mr. Lai's civil rights activism really took off, when he joined the Los Angeles Lodge of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance in 1957. He worked his way up to national Grand President of the Alliance by 1985, and along the way he fought hard for equal political and economic rights for all Chinese Americans. Irvin is probably best known for saving the Peking duck in America, when he led the charge to change a law that required Chinese restauranteurs to throw away large quantities of Chinese roast duck and dim sum, or receive costly citations. As a direct result of testimony from Mr. Lai before the State Legislature, a roast duck exemption was added to the health code. Mr. Lai also stepped forward to help arrange the proper reinterment of Chinese remains unearthed during construction of the Gold Line Eastside Extension, and the preservation of artifacts found at the site. I urge all my House colleagues to join me in honoring our community hero, Mr. Irvin for his remarkable service and contributions to our country.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, in the 1930s, over half of our seniors lived in poverty. They survived on whatever friends and relatives could spare. So Congress created a shield against common threats like old age and disability. For 75 years, Social Security has protected millions of Americans. For 75 years, it's been our government's bedrock promise. For 75 years, it's helped people like Janice Moore, whose husband passed away 13 years ago, leaving Janice and their three children to fend for themselves. Republicans want to hand this over to Wall Street. It's the same privatization scheme they tried 5 years back. If they had succeeded, we would have lost trillions in the stock market. But Democrats and the American people said ``no.'' Today, we again reject these schemes and say ``yes'' to Social Security's promise--protecting American lives for another 75 years and many generations to come.

Ms. CHU

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

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 5610) to provide a technical adjustment with respect to funding for independent living centers under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in order to ensure stability for such centers.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H.R. 5610 into the Record.

Ms. CHU. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, a month ago we passed H.R. 5610, the Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act, to provide a necessary fix to protect services for the many people with disabilities who benefit from the work of the independent living centers. This fix will allow States to request that ARRA funds not be included in determining their centers' previous year allocations so that the temporary funds provided under ARRA do not permanently change centers' base allocations. The Senate amendment before us today changes the deadline for States to make that request from July 30 to August 5 so that eligible States can make use of this fix after this bill is passed. I urge you to support this technical change to ensure independent living centers can continue the important work for people with disabilities in our communities. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, on July 26, 2010, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 467, 468 and 469. Had I been present for vote 468, on H.R. 1320, the Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for vote 469, on H. Res. 1504, recognizing and honoring the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for vote 470, H.R. 3101, the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the millions of Americans caught in the crosshairs of Republican political calculations. Today, a partisan minority blocks relief to those laid off during this recession. This obstruction doesn't just keep food off American tables; it keeps Americans out of work. People like Annette Tornberg. Last month, she lost her benefits. Now she can't afford the gas she needs to drive to job interviews. Like the vast majority of those on unemployment, Annette uses the funds as a bridge to her next job-- not to replace it. The notion that relief discourages people from seeking jobs is not only wrong but outrageous. So today, I call on Republicans to stop hurting American workers. Stop playing politics with their lives and start letting the Senate and millions of Americans get back to work.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Thank you so much. And I truly appreciate the gentlelady from Ohio for her leadership in putting this Special Order together on such a critical topic. I rise today to call attention to the plight of millions of American families. Across the country, men, women, and children are caught in the crosshairs of Republican political calculations. Instead of providing emergency relief to Americans laid off during this latest recession, a partisan Senate minority is blocking this vital aid. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle should be ashamed. Time and time again, when asked to solve our Nation's problems, they've instead shown why they've been known as the party of ``no,'' and it couldn't come at a worse time. Throughout our country, we face the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. It's the legacy of 8 years of the Bush administration. My hometown of Los Angeles lost over 84,000 jobs this past year. That's the greatest decrease for any metropolitan area in America. Congressional Democrats want to confront this problem head on. That's why a majority of Senators have tried not once, not twice, but three times to temporarily extend unemployment benefits, because any economist will tell you that, in addition to helping individual families, the program stimulates the entire economy. But the obstructionists just don't care. They don't care about the 368,000 Californians who've lost benefits since their filibuster began a month ago. They don't care about the 2.1 million Americans in other States who've also been cut off. They don't care about people like Marcelo and Maria Gonzalez. For 34 years, Marcelo worked for the same credit card manufacturing company. The job provided a paycheck and peace of mind. But 16 months ago, his facility cut back production and Marcelo lost his job. Fortunately, unemployment benefits kept food on the table for the Gonzalez's and their two children, that is, until Republicans cut off the program and its aid to families like Marcelo's. Now, this obstruction doesn't just keep food off American tables. It keeps American people out of work. People like Annette Tornberg. Last summer, Annette lost her job at a Sacramento book bindery, and last month, she lost her weekly $270 in unemployment benefits. This means that Annette can no longer buy the gas she needs to drive to job interviews. You see, Annette, like the vast majority of those on unemployment, use these funds as a bridge to their next job, not a replacement for it. The notion that emergency relief somehow discourages people from looking for work is not only misguided, it reflects a lack of faith in hardworking Americans like Annette. This Republican opposition, however, goes beyond a lack of faith. It is a deliberate means of allowing millions to suffer, worrying about whether they can put food on the table, and we cannot let this happen. It's time for this stonewalling to end. Senate Republicans need to get out of the way so Annette Tornberg can get that new job, so Marcelo Gonzalez can start putting food on the table again, and so that millions of Americans who are out of work, through no fault of their own, can once again get the emergency relief and peace of mind they need to make it through these tough times. So, tonight, I'm calling on Republicans to stop hurting American families, stop playing politics with this problem, and start letting the Senate and millions of Americans get back to work. And again, I thank the gentlelady from Ohio for this very, very important Special Order and allowing us to say what we need to on this very important issue.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. The gulf oil spill is the worst environmental disaster in our Nation's history. It's devastated the gulf coast and taken lives, lives like Gordon Jones and the 10 other victims of the gulf Horizon explosion. Congress is making sure that the families of these men receive the justice that they deserve. Current law values the lives of those who die at sea far less than deaths on land, and to relatives not financially dependent on the deceased, it provides nothing but a check for funeral expenses. This is wrong. It doesn't matter where someone dies. If it's someone else's fault, justice is due. Moreover, these losses go far beyond the value of a pay stub or the costs of a funeral. That's why the SPILL Act ends the outdated devaluations of maritime deaths, and it opens the door for family members to receive damages based upon pain and suffering. But that's not all it does. Current law limits the liability of Transocean, the company who owned the rig, to just $25 million. Now, Kim Tran, Vietnamese shrimpers, and all the fishermen of Louisiana know that the damages caused are so much greater, and so does Congress. That's why our bill eliminates those caps and assures that we hold those who caused the spill accountable for the damage they've done, no matter who they might be. That's why I am proud to cosponsor the SPILL Act, and I call on all of my colleagues to vote for it.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. I rise in support of the amendment.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H.R. 5610 into the Record.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5610) to provide a technical adjustment with respect to funding for independent living centers under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in order to ensure stability for such centers, as amended.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 5610, and I yield back the balance of my time.