Judy Chu

Ms. CHU

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

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1042, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Minnick).

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to congratulate the Boise State University football team for their victory in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl. On January 4, football fans were treated to a much-anticipated game between the Boise State University Broncos and the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs. Boise State prevailed and narrowly defeated TCU by a score of 17-10 to win the Fiesta Bowl. Both teams came into the Fiesta Bowl undefeated in the regular season; and this game was essentially a rematch of the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl, in which Boise State lost to TCU by just one point. The game featured two of the premier offensive teams in the country, as Boise State led the Nation in points per game while TCU finished fourth in the Nation in points per game. While many expected TCU's dominant defense to play the deciding role, Boise State's defense excelled when it mattered most. Boise State's defense only allowed one third down conversion while forcing three turnovers. Congratulations to Head Coach Chris Petersen, who was the Conference Coach of the Year for the second year in a row and won the Paul ``Bear'' Bryant Award for National Coach of the Year for the second time. Since Coach Petersen took over the reins in 2006, Boise State has gone 49-4 with two perfect seasons and two Fiesta Bowl victories. Congratulations to Kyle Efaw, a sophomore tight end, and Brandyn Thompson, a junior cornerback, who were named co-MVPs. Thompson had two interceptions in the game and one for a touchdown. Congratulations to quarterback Kellen Moore, a sophomore, who broke the Boise State single-season touchdown pass record with 39 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Moore was also named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Six Broncos were named to the all-conference first team, which included Moore, junior wide receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young, sophomore offensive lineman Nate Potter, junior defensive end Ryan Winterswyk, senior defensive back Kyle Wilson. Young was honored on the first team for his special teams performance as well. The extraordinary accomplishments by the Boise State Broncos are no doubt because of their tireless determination and outstanding work ethic. They have consistently been a formidable team over the last 4 years and have brought national acclaim and great pride to the school. The fans of the University will certainly look forward to another successful 2010 season as the Broncos continue to fight for a spot in the National Championship game. Once again, I congratulate the Boise State football team for their success. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1042 into the Record.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1042) commending the Boise State University Broncos football team for winning the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1198 into the Record.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1198, which celebrates Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania for 140 years of service and leadership. Located along the Susquehanna River, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1870 as the Central State Normal School. By 1983, the school joined the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and was renamed Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. The University features a gorgeous 200-acre main campus in central Pennsylvania and an additional 13-acre branch campus in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, which was established in 1989. Lock Haven offers a small college lifestyle to over 5,100 undergraduates, along with more than 60 undergraduate programs and three graduate programs. The school has an outstanding athletic program, which offers 10 women's and eight men's NCAA teams, boasts 13 Division II championships, and has many active club sports teams. Students also have the opportunity to participate in over 120 clubs, activities, and organizations on and off campus. Lock Haven demonstrates leadership in serving the community and was named to the Presidential Honor Roll for Community Service in 2009. Every year its students perform over 40,000 hours of community service through the Mountain Serve Center, focusing on programs for disadvantaged youth. This year, Lock Haven will celebrate 140 years of broadening the minds and horizons of its students, and it will mark a significant milestone in the University's history. Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and thank Representative Thompson for bringing this bill forward. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. I urge passage of House Resolution 1198, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1222 into the Record.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1222) supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1222, which encourages all Americans to take advantage of the numerous resources libraries make available. Across the country, libraries help develop communities by bringing people of all nationalities, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds together to enjoy the pleasures of literature, media, and new technology. Libraries foster national discourse on intellectual freedom, and provide informational equity across the Nation. Libraries not only provide free resources to adults and children, but they also preserve historical artifacts and information, highlighting societal achievements. Today we have nearly 123,000 libraries nationwide playing a vital role in creating vibrant, energized communities. Our very own Library of Congress sponsors the annual National Book Festival. Authors, illustrators, and poets gather at the Nation's Capitol to promote reading and literacy in all 50 States. In fact, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama helped sponsor this event as honorary chairs. Last September, the annual National Book Festival was a huge success. With 80 best-selling authors and over 1,000 volunteers, scores of people gathered to promote reading to children. The Library of Congress is also a great resource for the public. As the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress holds more than 120 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 18 million books, 2.5 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.5 million maps, and 54 million manuscripts. National Library Week continues to commend librarians who help the public interpret the information they need to live, learn, and navigate their way into today's challenging and complicated economy. By providing free educational opportunities and a safe place for lifelong learning, libraries help people to explore their curiosities and to foster community involvement in education. I want to thank Representative Ehlers for his leadership and for bringing this important resolution forward. Again, I want to extend my gratitude towards libraries for their work in our communities, and I ask my colleagues to support this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1222. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 3 minutes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Ms. CHU

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

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1041, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 3 minutes the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Minnick).

Ms. CHU. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Idaho football team for their victory in the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl. On December 30, football fans nationwide witnessed a thrilling game as the University of Idaho Vandals defeated the Bowling Green State University Falcons to win the Humanitarian Bowl title. Both teams showcased their offense talents, but when the final whistle blew, the University of Idaho edged out a victory over Bowling Green State University by a score of 43-42. The bowl game featured plenty of offense as the two teams traded touchdowns in one of the most exciting bowl games of the season. The game was tied and less than a minute left when Bowling Green scored a go-ahead touchdown. With only 28 seconds left in the game, the University of Idaho pieced together a 66-yard game-winning drive, and capped it off with a dramatic two-point conversion, going for the win instead of a tie and overtime. In the past 3 years, head coach Robb Akey has challenged his athletes to become better young men both on and off the field. In 2009, the University of Idaho earned a winning record for the first time in 10 years, along with a spot in the Humanitarian Bowl. The team closed the year with the second bowl victory in school history. The only other time they appeared at the bowl game, they defeated the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in the 1998 Humanitarian Bowl. Congratulations to running back DeMaundray Woolridge, a senior, who was named a co-MVP of the game. Woolridge carried Idaho with 126 rushing yards and two third quarter touchdowns. Congratulations are also due to wide receiver Max Komar for making the game-winning touchdown catch, which was his only reception of the game. Komar was the leading University of Idaho receiver and offensive player of the year during the regular season. Congratulations to quarterback Nathan Enderle, a junior, who threw for 240 passing yards and four touchdowns, including the epic game winner. Enderle finished the season with the seventh best passer efficiency rating, and was named the team's most valuable player. Last but not least, congratulations to offensive guard Mike Iupati, who was the team's offensive captain and a consensus All-American selection. He is the first University of Idaho player to receive this honor since 1957. Iupati is considered one of the top prospects available at his position in the 2010 NFL draft. The outstanding players and coaches at the University of Idaho produced a great turnaround season, and their accomplishments are a testament to their skill and perseverance. The support of students, alumni, and fans helped bring great pride to the school. Finishing the season with a winning record and a bowl victory will only push the team further as fans look forward to a successful 2010 season. Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the University of Idaho football team for their success. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1041 into the Record.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1041) congratulating and commending the University of Idaho's football team for winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Health care reform will make life better for your son, your daughter, your mother, your father and the people you see every day. It certainly would have made life better for Eric, a young man on my staff. Eric was only 22 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph node. He went through 2 years of chemotherapy on his father's health insurance. They paid thousands of dollars in copays and traveled hundreds of miles to find lower cost care, but at least they had insurance. The crisis came when he reached the age of 24 and was going to be kicked off his parents' insurance. He tried to buy insurance but was denied because of a preexisting condition. Thank goodness he got a job with us. But with health care reform he wouldn't have had to fear for his young life, because children will be covered up until their 27th birthday. With health care reform, we have a chance to save lives. For the sake of young people like Eric, we must pass health care reform.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, women of America, Republicans want you to believe that our health care reform bill is poison, that doing nothing is better for the Nation. But the truth is doing nothing is poison for the women of America. Insurance companies are cheating women from getting the health care they need. It is women that need health care reform the most. Women have a harder time getting the care they need, women like Holly from Georgia. Holly is 3 months into her chemotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. She works at a small business that does not offer insurance to its employees, and she makes too much to qualify for Medicaid. But she thought she would be okay because of her husband's insurance. Then the devastating news came: her husband lost his job. They shopped around for private insurance but were turned away by the best plans because of her cancer. They are now stuck paying $850 a month to a private insurance company to cover their family of four, almost the same amount as her mortgage. It is just not fair. It is so clear that women need health care reform. Did you know that women pay more for health care? Today they are forced to settle for less health care at a higher price. Insurance companies charge as much as 50 percent more to women over men for the exact same coverage. What is worse is that this blatant gender inequality is legal in 38 States. But health care reform will make this type of gender discrimination illegal. Insurance companies will be forced to do what is right: charge everyone the same rate for the same care. Did you know that insurance companies make it hard for women to get preventive services even when it would save the insurance companies money? Today millions of women have trouble getting these kinds of services. They forgo important tests and screenings because they simply can't afford the copays. One-third of uninsured women go without preventive care for mammograms and pap smears, tests that could save lives if done today. But health care reform will require insurance companies to offer basic preventive services, reproductive health, and maternity care, and make these preventive tests free with insurance. Did you know that women have less access to insurance? Today fewer American women have access to their own health insurance compared to American men. Without a spouse, women are twice as likely to be uninsured than men. And when women are denied adequate coverage or lose their jobs, their families are hurt, too. For single mothers, unemployment left this group skyrocketing with troubles, leaving almost one-quarter of all single mothers without insurance to cover their families, leaving 275,000 children without regular access to doctors' visits or medication. But health care reform will make insurance affordable for all women. Did you know that insurance companies deny women health services? Today women are turned away by insurance companies because of supposed preexisting conditions. And what are those preexisting conditions? Believe it or not, they are domestic violence, pregnancy, and Cesarean sections. But health care reform will make it illegal to deny coverage due to any preexisting condition. Women will no longer be denied coverage for being mothers or finding a lump in their breast. Insurance companies are cheating women every day, and women are suffering because of it. Health care reform will make sure that your mother, your sister, and your daughter will be able to afford the treatment that they need, the best insurance they can afford, one that won't turn them away. That is why I strongly support this legislation. The women of America need health care reform.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Thank you, Congressman Garamendi, for bringing this special order together. I wanted to say a few words as to why I think women in particular need health care reform. Republicans want you to believe that our health care reform bill is poison and that doing nothing is better. But the truth is doing nothing is poison. Insurance companies will in fact continue to cheat women on their health care. And it is women of America that truly do need health care reform. Women have a harder time getting the care they need, women like Holly from Georgia. Holly is 3 months into her chemotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. She works at a small business that does not offer insurance to its employees, and she makes too much to qualify for Medicaid. She thought still she would do okay on her husband's plan, but then disaster happened. They got the devastating news that her husband lost his job. They shopped around for private insurance, but were turned away by the best plans because of her cancer. Now they are stuck paying $850 a month to a private insurance company to cover their family of four, almost the same as her mortgage. It isn't fair. Insurance companies are cheating women. Did you know that insurance companies make women pay more for health care? Today, women are forced to settle for less health care at a higher price. On average we pay as much as 50 percent more than men for the exact same coverage. But somehow the insurance companies justify price gouging young ladies even when they are at their healthiest. Sarah, a 22-year-old woman in Chicago, pays one-and-a-half times the premium compared to her boyfriend for the same insurance. This type of gender discrimination, making women pay more for the same product just because of their sex, indicates how insurance companies are taking advantage of us. What's worse is that this blatant gender inequity is legal in 38 States. Now, health care reform will make this type of gender discrimination illegal. Insurance companies will be forced to do what is right, and that is charge everyone the same rate for the same care. Did you know that insurance companies don't invest in prevention even though that would save them money? Today, millions of women have trouble getting much-needed preventative medical services. Now we all know the importance of prevention. It has long-term health benefits and helps contain medical costs for patients and society. Yet women forgo important tests and screenings simply because they can't afford the copays. One-third of uninsured women go without preventative care, from mammograms and pap smears, tests that can save lives if done today. Because of poor access to reproductive care, more women suffer from serious STDs like gonorrhea and genital herpes than men. But early preventive reproductive care will catch diseases that are less likely to prove fatal with early treatment. Now health care reform will make sure that every woman has access and can afford the crucial preventive care that can save her life. It will require insurance companies to offer basic prevention services, reproductive health and maternity care, and make the preventive tests free with insurance. That's no copays, no deductibles under health care insurance, our plan. Did you know that women have less access to insurance? Today, fewer American women have access to their own health insurance compared to American men. Many of America's women don't get health insurance through work because they work for small businesses that can't afford to offer their employees insurance. These small businesses can't afford it. Or else women work part-time or stay at home to care for their families. Making matters worse, the effect of the economic downturn that is being felt across the Nation left women and their families even more vulnerable. Women and their families have lost access to insurance and a way to pay for it. Since the recession began, over 1 million women have lost their health insurance because their spouse was laid off. And what about single women? Without a spouse, women are twice as likely to be uninsured than men. And it is not just women who are hurt by a lack of insurance. When women are denied adequate coverage or lose their job, their families are hurt, too. The weak job market is tough for single mothers. Unemployment for this group has skyrocketed, leaving almost one-quarter of all single mothers without health insurance to cover their families. That has left 275,000 children without regular access to doctors' visits or medication. But health care reform will help every woman--single, married, unemployed, or working part-time--to buy affordable coverage through the insurance exchange. And did you know that women are denied health services? Today, women are turned away by insurance companies because of supposed preexisting conditions. And what are those preexisting conditions? Believe it or not, domestic violence, pregnancy, and Cesarean sections. So rather than doing what is best for the patient or for society, the insurance company is just looking for a way to save a dollar. One advocate for the insurance industry argued that covering a victim of domestic violence was like insuring a smoker who doesn't stop smoking. A woman from Atlanta was proud to become pregnant shortly after she began working at a small downtown law firm, but her firm's insurance declared her pregnancy to be a preexisting condition and refused to cover her prenatal care of the delivery, despite the fact that the plan covered those services. But health care reform will make it illegal to deny coverage due to any preexisting condition. And women will no longer be denied coverage for being mothers or finding a lump in their breasts. Basic women's health will be covered. So I stand here today because women must understand how little the insurance companies look after our interests and how little the current system promotes our health needs. Health care reform will make sure women like Holly, Sarah, single women and moms can afford the treatment they need from the best insurance that they can afford and that they won't be turned away. That is why I so strongly support this legislation. The women of America truly need health care reform.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, last weekend a tragedy sent shock waves through the U.S. and Mexico when three U.S. consulate employees and their family were brutally murdered in Mexico by the drug cartels. They were all headed home from a birthday party when gunmen opened fire on the car of Lesley Enriquez, an employee of the U.S. consulate and her husband. Their 7-month-old infant, crying in the back seat, was miraculously unharmed. Minutes later, Jorge Salcido, husband of a consulate employee, was shot to death. His two young children suffered serious injuries in the back seat of the car. This is the latest in the string of attacks on innocent American and Mexican citizens, including Bobby Salcedo, an elected official and rising star from my district in El Monte, California, who was recently murdered in a shocking execution in Durango, Mexico. The murderers of these employees and of Bobby Salcedo must be brought to justice and the U.S. must renew and increase efforts to help Mexico bring an end to the terror of the drug cartels. This violence must be stopped.