Judy Chu

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. It's as simple as this: Are you for what the insurance companies are doing, or are you against it? Do you think it's right to cut your mother off her insurance because she's had a catastrophic cancer? I don't. Do you think it's right to deny your sister insurance because she had a cesarean section? Do you think it's right for insurance companies to raise rates 39 percent all at one time, forcing businesses to choose between health care or firing people? I don't. If you think it's right for the insurance companies to do this to your son, daughter, or mother, join the Republicans in opposing health care reform. I don't think it's right. In fact, I think it's an outrage. That is why I know we must pass health care reform now.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a member of the Democratic Congressional Jobs Working Group. Together, we are proposing solutions to our job crisis. In fact, one of those proposals is H.R. 4564, the Emergency Jobs Program and Assistance for Families Act. This bill extends an extremely successful employment program that we call Jobs NOW. It has created over 156,000 jobs over 29 States and is still developing more. In Palmdale, California, Jobs NOW helped Jody, a single mother of two, find a job at a local coffeehouse working as a barista. The regular paycheck puts food on the table and is helping her get through a rough patch. Her boss is impressed with her work and plans to permanently hire her and the other three subsidized employees they brought in. It is this kind of success story that makes Jobs NOW such a model for job creation. Without it, the coffeehouse would not have been able to grow its business or take on new employees. Jody would not have had a chance to learn new skills and support her family. I first learned of this innovative program in Los Angeles County. One of the supervisors, Don Knabe, created 11,000 jobs over the last year, using stimulus funds to create subsidized jobs. How does it work? Eligible participants are placed into subsidized jobs in all sectors of the economy, from nonprofits to government agencies to private businesses, and are matched with jobs that complement their employment goals. The employer must provide supervision equal to 20 percent of the wage cost and ensure that the job does not displace an existing employee or replace someone who was to be promoted. This means the county is paying for 80 percent or more of payroll costs in Recovery Act funds. Some examples of these jobs include park rangers, receptionists, teacher assistants, dental assistant trainees, customer service clerks, and child care workers. Workers get paid $10 per hour for up to 40 hours per week. Jobs NOW allows businesses to succeed and the employee to succeed. I have spoken to countless people in my district about this program, and I keep hearing about how this program is a win/win. It works for both workers and businesses. Workers benefit beyond the paycheck by getting hands-on experience in a setting where they earn wages, develop new skills, and enhance existing skills. Businesses benefit by getting the help they need to grow or expand while temporarily reducing payroll costs. Companies may ultimately decide to hire these subsidized workers permanently as the economy improves. The jobs generated by this program can help businesses expand in these difficult times by reducing their economic risk and need for expensive loans. California is leading the Nation in creating these subsidized jobs. For instance, V-Cube, a high-tech firm in Torrance, California, hired two subsidized employees with very little experience. Very quickly, these two employees showed they were motivated and quick to learn. Now one of the employees runs Web seminars and the other is a project coordinator. It is only through Jobs NOW that V-Cube and other businesses feel secure in taking on new workers in this economic environment. You can see that across California, in this map here, many, many jobs were created. In Fresno, 1,000 jobs were created. In San Francisco, over 1,500 jobs were created. In Los Angeles, an astonishing 11,000 jobs were created by the country's Jobs NOW program in less than a year. The State predicts that 25,000 jobs will be created through the Jobs NOW program by the end of present funding. However, we must act quickly or the job placements will stop when the program expires on September 30. Because subsidized employment programs often run for at least 6 months, many localities are planning to discontinue their jobs program between March and June of this year in anticipation of the emergency funds expiration date. Almost 60,000 jobs will disappear if the fund expires. In California, L.A. County will stop placing participants in new jobs in June. San Bernardino County has to stop creating new jobs in April. Sacramento County will stop putting people in 6-month-long jobs in March. It will pay people for shorter periods until June 2010, and then stop the program altogether. But the full amount of funding has yet to be claimed by the States. The Recovery Act authorized $5 billion for Jobs NOW employment subsidization programs, but actually less than $1.5 billion has been accessed by the States. And the program is still in the process of expanding. That's why I am proposing, along with the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott), a bill that will allow more States to help residents get back on their feet and into a job. In fact, all across the country there have been programs such as this. We can see that all across the country in the dark green spots there have been successful programs. In Tennessee, the State focused on rural Perry County, which was hard hit by a plant closure. The unemployment rate had risen to 27 percent. Tennessee brought local workforce development and human service agencies and the business community together and developed a subsidized employment program for over 500 individuals. In Mississippi, the State has developed the Steps Program, which uses Jobs NOW money to create private sector jobs that transition into permanent employment. The State begins by funding all of the wages of a new employee and steadily reduces its commitment until the business can support the employee on its own. As you can see, 29 States across the country have implemented programs that created subsidized jobs, and even more want to jump on the bandwagon. That's why people on each side of the aisle are in strong support of this proposal. President Obama is a strong supporter. Besides its funding in the Recovery Act, he has proposed a $2.5 billion increase and a year-long extension for this upcoming year's budget. But it is not just the President who thinks this is a good idea; there is deep bipartisan support. The American Enterprise Institute's Kevin Hassett recently wrote in Business Week that this program should be renewed and said, ``Given the state of the labor market, it is hard to imagine how any sensible person could oppose such a move.'' Jobs NOW allows States to be in the driver's seat for this program, and that is why the National Governors Association also supports this, urging Congress to pass an extension because of the outsized benefits to the States. The human cost of the recession has been high. It is easy to think of unemployment in terms of numbers and statistics, but numbers cannot describe the anxiety and fear a person feels when they are unemployed. Numbers can't show the hope and pride a person feels when they find a job. I was moved by the words of Ms. Taylor in Los Angeles about the Jobs NOW program and its effect on her life. Ms. Taylor is a mother of two children, one with autism. She has been living on her aunt's couch because she couldn't find work. Because of a job through Jobs NOW, she was able to get back on her feet and into her own apartment. She told California Social Services, ``You guys gave me a chance when the whole world seemed like they were saying `No, not this time.' Without this program, I could not have paid my rent, and my babies and I would be on the streets.'' She is not the only one. There are millions of economically disadvantaged people on the front lines of this economy. They are struggling every day. The Jobs NOW emergency fund gives them a chance to find work and start moving towards a future. It helps businesses expand in these tough times. I strongly urge the House leadership and my colleagues not to forget the thousands of people who need this help. We must pass H.R. 4564 for Jobs NOW.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1032, a resolution to honor Agustin ``Bobby'' Salcedo, an exemplary American citizen who was the victim of a shocking murder in Mexico, and to urge the United States to be resolute in its efforts to help Mexico fight the drug cartels. This past December, Bobby traveled to Gomez Palacio in the Mexican state of Durango to visit his wife's family for the holidays. On New Year's Eve, he was out with family and friends at a local restaurant when gunmen burst in and dragged Bobby, along with five other men, out of the restaurant at gunpoint. They were then each shot to death execution-style. The next day, all six bodies were found dumped in a ditch. Bobby was only 33 years old. I met Bobby early in his career. Having grown up in my district, in El Monte, California, he was dedicated to improving the lives of children in his community. He was an elected school board member in the El Monte School District. He returned to his alma mater to become its assistant principal and was studying for his doctorate in education at UCLA. It was clear to everyone who knew him that he was going somewhere. He was a rising star. After the investigation began, it was confirmed that none of the six murder victims were connected to the drug trade in any way. Bobby and the others were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Their deaths exemplify the growing number of innocent bystanders who are becoming victimized by cartel violence in Mexico. It had seemed as though the situation could not get worse. However, only weeks after Bobby was murdered, the lead state investigator in his case was also shot dead by the drug cartels. Bobby's murder brings to the forefront two critical issues: the urgency in finding the killers of Bobby Salcedo, and the importance of reducing the violence of the drug cartels in Mexico. There must be justice in the murder of Bobby Salcedo, but the challenges are great. The state of Durango is one of the most violent in Mexico. In 2009, there were 637 cartel-style murders in Durango, and not one of the cases has been solved by the police. State authorities are limited in their resources, and the cartels have successfully corrupted or scared away many officials from interfering in their business. That is why I have asked the Mexican Government to make every effort to bring the full force of the federal government on the Salcedo murder. The federal government's strong stance against organized crime offers hope in this case. The federal government has greater resources at their disposal, such as forensic equipment, manpower, and training. Although the federal government has yet to federalize Bobby's case, I am hopeful they will realize this case is a symbol for both of our countries and can demonstrate to all parties that progress can be made. We cannot allow the death of innocent bystanders, of American citizens, to pass without consequence. Until there is true accountability for the violence, there is little incentive for the drug lords to keep peace. But the overall solution is not stopping the violence of the drug cartels. The U.S. must be resolute in supporting Mexico's efforts to combat the drug trade and its violent consequences. There has been progress. President Felipe Calderon made the combating of drug violence his focal point. He greatly increased efforts on the Federal level to track down the drug kingpins and reduce their supply lines. In 2007 the United States and Mexico worked together to pass the Merida Initiative. This agreement took Mexican and American cooperation to a whole new level, providing over $1.3 billion to support the Mexican Government in its fight. The funds went to helicopters, surveillance aircraft, interdiction equipment, nonintrusive inspection equipment and improved data collection capabilities, as well as provided for training programs and institution building in Mexico. But now we are at a critical point. The Merida Initiative will expire at the end of this year, the war has not been won, and the violence grows more disturbing each day. That is why Congress and the administration must decide now how to implement the next phase of this partnership. In my conversations with law enforcement and state departments, three elements are critical in a new initiative: fighting the massive money laundering of funds out of the U.S., improving the forensic technology available to Mexican law enforcement entities, and helping Mexico rebuild its judicial institutions. On money laundering: Every year between $8 billion to $10 billion is smuggled out of the U.S. by the drug cartels. Even as our law enforcement agencies are improving their ability to stop these funds from leaving the country, the cartels are finding novel ways to launder money. They are using money service businesses, online services, and even legitimate retail businesses as fronts for their illegal transactions, and they are also using massive bulk cash transfers. Stopping the money laundering gets at the heart of the drug cartel operation. On technology: Mexican state and local law enforcement agencies are sorely lacking in the appropriate technology to combat these well-armed cartels. We must focus more of our efforts on the local institutions to provide them with 21st-century law enforcement technology. And on the judiciary: until we have a partner with a strong judiciary and objective law enforcement, the cartels will continue to run free. By providing resources to train law enforcement and rooting out corruption amongst them, drug kingpins will be forced to face the consequences of their actions.

Ms. CHU. Now is the time to pass this resolution. Bobby Salcedo's death is a brutal reminder that this violence is a growing threat not just to Mexicans, but also to Americans. Bringing his killers to justice will vindicate his death, and ending the violence in Mexico will save the lives of thousands of innocent victims in this gruesome war. For these reasons, I urge you to vote in favor of this resolution.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor California State University on its 50th anniversary. The CSU system is a model for States across the country. With 23 campuses, 430,000 students, and 44,000 faculty and staff, it is the largest and most diverse university system in the Nation. In fact, California State University Los Angeles is located right in my district and has been educating students for over 50 years. I once taught there, and I know firsthand that this is one of the most affordable and diverse Cal State universities in the state, if not the Nation. Since most Cal State LA students come from families with incomes under $50,000, this university plays a critical role in making it possible for every student to attain their dream of a college education. Many of these students go on to successful careers in high demand fields such as nursing, IT, and the life sciences, and help make up the backbone of the workforce in Los Angeles County. I commend California State University Los Angeles and the entire CSU system for serving California so well for over half a century.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our community, Mr. Lee Roy Test, who passed on December 20, 2009, at the age of 88. Roy was a shining example of what has become known as ``The Greatest Generation,'' enlisting in the Army Air Corps after the outbreak of World War II and serving as a co-pilot of the B-17 ``Flying Fortress'' in the 398th Bomb Group of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. He and his crew completed 32 missions over Europe in 77 days in the spring and summer of 1944, including D-Day. After WWII, Roy returned to civilian life and worked as a linotype operator in Los Angeles. An automobile aficionado, Roy helped start the 4N Car Club in West Covina and owned many different foreign sports cars, his favorite being the Triumph TR-3. Competitions and car rallies were a family activity. Roy and his wife Irene were active members of the local community, serving as Ambassadors of the Baldwin Park Chamber of Commerce for many years. He was also a volunteer in numerous organizations including Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education, Baldwin Park Friends of the Library, and Baldwin Park Historical Society, among many others. Roy's extensive community involvement earned him the City of Baldwin Park Senior of the Year Award in 1999. This was just one of many accolades Mr. Test received throughout the years, including recognitions and awards from local, state and federal officials. In 2008, State Assemblyman Hernandez honored Roy as the 57th Assembly District Veteran of the Year. And in October, 2009, Roy was given recognition as one of the founding members of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society, which he co-founded as a youth in 1934. Roy proudly supported several organizations that preserve history by maintaining WWII aircraft, and served as a docent at the Planes of Fame Air Museum at Chino Airport. He enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and loved flying, especially with the Warbirds. He particularly cherished displaying his WWII memorabilia at local air shows, and sharing his war experience with young students. I urge all my House colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Lee Roy Test, a proud patriot and a fine gentleman, for his remarkable service and contributions to his community and to our nation.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a pioneer in the field of Asian American political and educational research, and one of my dearest mentors, Dr. Don T. Nakanishi, on his retirement as director and professor of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center. Dr. Nakanishi's 20-year tenure at the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, the largest and most renowned research and teaching institute of its kind in the Nation, has provided key leadership and vision for the development of the field of Asian American Studies and Race and Ethnic Relations Scholarship. His contributions to this invaluable field of study date back nearly 4 decades. Born and raised in the multiethnic, working class community of East Los Angeles, California, Professor Nakanishi attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, where he served as student body president. He was also selected as boy mayor of the City of Los Angeles when he was a senior. A political scientist, Dr. Nakanishi received his B.A. in political science from Yale University in 1971, and his Ph.D., also in political science, from Harvard University in 1978. A professor at UCLA for 35 years, Dr. Nakanishi is a prolific writer and highly influential teacher and scholar who has written over 100 books, articles, and reports on the political participation of Asian Pacific Americans and other ethnic and racial groups in American politics; educational research on issues of access and representation; and the international political dimensions of minority experiences. Dr. Nakanishi is widely recognized for developing the fields of Asian American political and educational research. He has received numerous awards for his scholarly achievements and public service, including the National Community Leadership Award from the Asian Pacific Institute for Congressional Studies, the prestigious Yale Medal from Yale University, and the inaugural Engaged Scholar Award from the Association of Asian American Studies. Because of his accomplishments, President Bill Clinton appointed Dr. Nakanishi to the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund board of directors, which administered the program established under the 1988 Civil Liberties Act that provided a national apology and reparations for the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated in concentration camps during World War II. I urge all my House colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Don Nakanishi for his remarkable service and contribution to our community.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Thank you, Chairman Pallone and Chairman Waxman, for your assistance in getting this resolution presented to the House floor. It is January 26, and several months of flu season are still before us. Many people are still at risk of contracting H1N1 but have not gotten the vaccination that would save their lives. Months before cold and flu season began, the media and health professionals warned us about the potential complications from this new strain of flu, H1N1. And indeed, this virus killed over 10,000 people last year. The purpose of this resolution is to remind people that the threat is not over, and that it is imperative that they get their H1N1 vaccination. Such a vaccination would have helped one of my constituents, Monica Rodriguez. Monica was a wife, mother of three children, and 5 months pregnant. After experiencing severe flu symptoms, including fever, congestion, and cough, Monica went twice in 24 hours to a hospital in El Monte, but she was turned away with only cough syrup to numb the pain, which did little to help the underlying illness. Days later, after only getting worse, Monica returned to the hospital, where she was immediately admitted into intensive care, but it was too late. On October 25, 2009, Monica and her unborn child passed away from complications of the H1N1 virus. Monica's husband, Jorge Gonzalez, wants others to know his wife's story so that they can receive proper care. Many may believe that the risk of death from H1N1 no longer exists, but flu experts warn that we should prepare for a possible third wave of H1N1. Americans definitely have a window of opportunity of getting this vaccine and lessening the impact, or even preventing, another wave of illness. And Monica's husband Jorge would tell you that he wished a vaccine was available to save his wife's life. The threat of H1N1 is clearly not over. Getting vaccinated is the most important step to preventing the spread of influenza. That is why I have authored this resolution, which recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week. In contrast to last year, the H1N1 vaccine is now widely available. The risk of contracting flu is still high, and we have several months of flu season before us. Today with this resolution we have another opportunity to get the word out and to remind the public that it is the time to protect yourself. Many public health departments, hospitals, doctors and nurses are doing a good job of preventing and treating the 22 million cases of H1N1 across the country. However, we must not be complacent and let patients like Monica slip through the cracks. In fact, we must remind everyone to get the H1N1 vaccine. Today you can easily find the shot, such as online at flu.gov. And of course, we must not forget those who are still at greatest risk, pregnant women like Monica, people who care for infants, health care and emergency medical services personnel, those under the age of 24, and people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Please join me and the 22 health organizations that have endorsed this resolution in showing support for National Influenza Vaccination Week and spreading the message that getting vaccinated is the first step towards preventing the flu. Its passage will not only avert another wave of H1N1 but will honor Monica Rodriguez and all those who have suffered or died from the virus. List of Healthcare Organizations that Support H. Res. 1003: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Physician Assistants, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American College Health Association, American College of Preventative Medicine, American Nurses Association, American Pharmacists Association, American Public Health Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Families Fighting Flu, National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions, National Association of County and City Health Officials, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, National Community Pharmacists Association, National Environmental Health Association, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Trust for America's Health.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution decrying the shocking violence of the Mexican drug cartels, and I am urging the Mexican Government to bring to justice those responsible for the killing of Bobby Salcedo and of countless innocent bystanders. This past New Year's Eve, Bobby Salcedo, a young elected official and rising star from my district in El Monte, California, was brutally executed in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. Despite having no connection to the Mexican drug trade, Mr. Salcedo's death is part of a recent and pervasive surge in violence against innocent bystanders. Bobby's death reminds us that the violence of the Mexican drug cartels is not in some faraway land but that it affects us here in the United States as well. This violence must be stopped. Bobby's killers must be brought to justice. That is why I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution in urging the United States and Mexico to bring an end to the gruesome violence of the Mexican drug cartels.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. I rise today to speak of a shocking murder and a tragic loss to my California district. On New Year's eve, Bobby Salcedo was in a restaurant with family and friends in Durango, Mexico when gunmen burst in, took six of the men away, and shot each one to death execution style. Bobby was only 33 years old. With Bobby, they murdered an exemplary U.S. citizen. He was an elected member of the El Monte City School District Board. He returned to his alma mater, Mountain View High School, to become its assistant principal. He was studying for his doctorate in education at UCLA. He dedicated his life to helping youth and was a rising star in our community. Bobby's death shows that the violence done by Mexican drug cartels is not in some faraway land; its tentacles affect us in the U.S. all too closely. For the sake of Bobby Salcedo, we must end the violence of the Mexican drug cartels. My heart goes out to the family.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tragic loss to our community, Mr. Agustin Roberto ``Bobby'' Salcedo, who was senselessly murdered on December 31, 2009, at the young age of 33 while vacationing with his family in the city of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. My heart goes out to his wife, Betzy; his brother, Carlos Salcedo; his mother, father and the rest of his family, as well as his students and colleagues in the El Monte City and Union School Districts. Mr. Salcedo was an extraordinary citizen, a caring and dedicated educator, and a young leader and rising star in the El Monte/South El Monte community. He had dedicated his life to educating and enriching the lives of the youth of the very community he grew up in, serving as a football coach and vice principal at Mountain View High School, his alma mater, where he once was Student Body President. But Bobby did not stop at being an educator, mentor and friend to his students. A son of immigrant parents, he knew he had potential to become a leader, to chart a better course for his entire community. In 2004, he was elected to the El Monte City School District Board. He was reelected just last November, and was sworn in by his brother Carlos, also a school board member. Those of us who knew him know that this was just the start of what could have been a prodigious political career. Bobby Salcedo earned his bachelor's degree in history from California State University, Long Beach and later a master's degree in educational administration from Cal State San Bernardino. He was studying for his doctorate in educational leadership at the University of California, Los Angeles when he was tragically gunned down. Mr. Salcedo was also a founding member of the El Monte Coalition of Latino Professionals, which encourages education, cultural awareness, civic participation and economic development, as well as past President of the South El Monte/Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico Sister City Organization. I urge all my House colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Salcedo for his remarkable service and contribution to our community, and in recognizing the deep sorrow and profound loss that his death has caused to our entire community.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 969, Runaway Prevention Month, rollcall No. 970, Real Salt Lake Soccer Club, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Last night the Senate stood up for women. Last night the Senate rejected an amendment that would have hurt women all across this Nation. Though we won the battle, the fight is not over. We must oppose the Stupak language in the final health care bill. It was on this House floor that we passed the historic health care vote. But there is one moment that night that I'll never forget. I'll never forget looking up at the vote board and seeing that our House voted for the biggest rollback of women's reproductive rights in decades. My heart sank. Thirty years ago I got into the women's movement to ensure that women would not die in a back-alley abortion with coat hangers. Today, women finally have choice over their own bodies, but with the Stupak amendment that changes. It was not a compromise. Women will lose benefits. Plans will not offer abortion coverage. Women will be forced to buy an extra rider for abortion ahead of time. And what woman plans to have an abortion? Let's not make women the sacrificial lamb of health care reform. Let's pass health care reform that benefits all Americans.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1599) to amend title 36, United States Code, to include in the Federal charter of the Reserve Officers Association leadership positions newly added in its constitution and bylaws.

Ms. CHU. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 1599 amends the nearly 60-year-old Federal charter of the Reserve Officers Association to reflect simple changes that have already been made to the organization's structure. The Reserve Officers Association was founded in 1922 and received a Federal charter by Congress in 1950. As Congress observed at the time, the purpose of the corporation is to support and promote the development and execution of a military policy for the United States that will provide adequate national security. The ROA represents the Reserve Components officers for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, the Air and Army National Guard, Public Health Service and the officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This bill makes a number of technical changes to the ROA's Federal charter. For instance, the charter will now include the newly created position of president-elect and there would be more positions on the ROA's National Executive Committee. S. 1599 was introduced by Senators Leahy, Chambliss and Pryor and passed the Senate in September. Identical legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Howard Coble, my colleague on the Judiciary Committee, and Representatives Carney and Gary G. Miller. I commend the House sponsors as well as Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in moving this bill swiftly to the floor. It is important to point out that this bill does not run afoul of the Immigration Subcommittee's policy to not create any new Federal charters. Rather than create a new Federal charter, it merely amends a nearly 60-year-old existing charter. This policy against new charters was first adopted by the subcommittee of jurisdiction 20 years ago in the 101st Congress and has strong bipartisan support. It is based on the considered judgment that a congressional charter is unnecessary to the operation of any charitable organization and may falsely imply to the public that an organization and its activities carry a congressional seal of approval. Moreover, this policy reflects the subcommittee's judgment that the investigation and monitoring of a chartered organization takes congressional time and resources that are better spent on important policy and oversight efforts. That we are taking up this body's valuable time today to ratify simple changes to the ROA's leadership structure is evidence in itself that Congress should not be increasing the number of chartered organizations. That having been said, because S. 1599 makes only technical amendments to an existing charter and does nothing to create a new charter, I support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. CHU. I urge my colleagues to support S. 1599, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 851, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the sponsor of this resolution, the gentlelady from California (Ms. Matsui).

Ms. CHU. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 851 recognizes SEARCH, the National Consortium For Justice Information and Statistics' 40th anniversary. SEARCH is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving the criminal justice system through better information management and effective application of information and identification technology. SEARCH members are primarily State criminal justice officials responsible for the management of criminal justice information, particularly criminal history information. SEARCH was founded in 1969 when the Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration created Project SEARCH to explore the feasibility, practicality, and cost effectiveness of developing a computerized criminal history record system. Since its founding, SEARCH has sought to balance the individual's right to privacy with society's need for criminal history information. In 1970, for example, SEARCH first published findings and recommendations regarding the security, privacy and confidentiality of information contained in computerized criminal history files. SEARCH has a long history of involvement with criminal background checks, and has been invaluable to the formulation of national and State policies that guide the scope and use of criminal records. In 2005, SEARCH published the report of the National Task Force on the Commercial Sale of Criminal Justice Record Information. This report was a comprehensive look at the role that commercial background screening companies play in the collection, maintenance, sale, and dissemination of criminal history record information for employment screening and other purposes. SEARCH concluded the work of the National Task Force on the Criminal Backgrounding of America in 2006. This task force report was relied upon by the Department of Justice for its own report on criminal history background checks. SEARCH has played a critical role in the development of systems such as the Interstate Identification Index, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, also known as the Brady check system, the National Fingerprint File and the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Over its 40-year history, SEARCH's work has helped criminal justice, public safety and first-response professionals use information to combat crimes, acts of terrorism and disasters. For all these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 851) recognizing and honoring the 40th anniversary of SEARCH, The National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics, headquartered in Sacramento, California.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The clock is ticking for Americans and the children of my district. Families have been suffering, waiting for changes in our health care system so they can care for their children. They have been waiting for Congress to act. They are mothers like Maria, whose child has leukemia and worries that excessive copays will make her go bankrupt. They are children like Stacey, who has been waiting to get glasses and can't see the chalkboard at school, but she can't get them because her parents' insurance doesn't provide vision care. They are parents like Barbara and Jim, whose 20-year-old has diabetes and is no longer eligible for health insurance since he graduated from college. With the passage of this bill, out-of-pocket expenses will be capped at $10,000, vision care for children will be covered, and older children will be covered up until age 26. Maria will not go bankrupt, Stacey will get glasses, and a son with diabetes can get treated. Children and families will get the quality health care they deserve. Let's pass this health care bill now.

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment.