Katherine Clark

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), without whose leadership and expertise this legislation wouldn't be in the wonderful form that it is today, and we are very grateful for his role.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, legislation that I am proud to introduce with the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson), as well as Representatives Langevin, Nolan, Curbelo, and Byrne, and with the support of the House Education and the Workforce Committee ranking member, Mr. Scott, and our chairman, Mr. Kline. The bill before us is proof that Democrats and Republicans can come together and do the right thing for America's students, workers, and employers. The Perkins Career and Technical Education program reaches over 11 million American students across the country each year; and for the first time in 10 years, this legislation will comprehensively update the program, overhauling how government invests in our workforce and strengthens American competitiveness through job skills training. This bill will help families by preparing them with the skills they need to thrive in high-demand fields as diverse as child care, advanced manufacturing, carpentry, computer science, automotive technology, culinary arts, and more. This legislation is supported by over 200 leading national organizations, including educators, trade groups, and major employers across the country. It was reported by the House Education and the Workforce Committee without a single dissenting vote, which I think reflects the bipartisan, good faith process by which we came together to draft and introduce this bill. Specifically, I am pleased this legislation takes steps to help policymakers measure what does and does not work in career and technical education, allowing us to build on our past successes. It ensures our career and technical education programs are aligned with the needs of high-demand growth industries in order to make sure that America is competitive globally. It also supports our work-based learning and apprenticeships. It directly supports our early education and childcare workforce and brings the Perkins program into the modern 21st century global economy. I am very pleased to have this bill on the floor today. I urge its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), the distinguished ranking member of our committee.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Nolan). I thank him for his leadership on CTE and all his work for the students and employers of his district and our country.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney).

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis).

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Today we have heard Democrats and Republicans from across the United States speak in support of H.R. 5587. This legislation builds upon the investments this Chamber has made in the education system and updates CTE to allow our students to be competitive in a global economy. I want to give special thanks to the Committee on Education and the Workforce staff, who worked so hard to support Members in drafting this bill that has received such broad bipartisan support. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as our Senate colleagues, to quickly take up and approve this commonsense legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici).

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis).

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams).

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts Mr

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Kennedy). I would like to thank him for all his leadership and work on promoting American manufacturing, STEM and STEAM education, and CTE.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross).

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following letter from prominent women leaders from around the country, which urges Congress to take action on gun violence by implementing universal background checks. Women's Coalition For Common Sense July 14, 2016. Members of Congress: We are a coalition of women leaders from business, law enforcement, government, domestic violence prevention, women's advocacy, journalism, entertainment and public health. Like Americans all across our country, we are outraged by the mass killing in Orlando and other recent tragic events. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families. But sadly, these recent tragedies are only the latest horrific events in our national gun violence crisis that claimed 33,000 lives last year. This crisis is destroying families and our communities. That's why we have come together to demand that you do more to keep guns out of the wrong hands, protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans, and save lives. We are not alone. Americans--Democrats, Republicans, and Independents--agree that we need stronger laws to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. It is time for lawmakers like you to listen to your constituents, the very people you were elected to serve. You can start to address our gun violence crisis by acting to close the loopholes in our laws that allow domestic abusers and felons to buy a gun without a criminal background check. Unlike federally licensed gun dealers, unlicensed sellers are not required to conduct background checks on gun purchases, often with devastating consequences for women and families. Strengthening our laws and closing these dangerous loopholes would save lives. In states with background checks on all handgun sales, 46% fewer women are murdered with a gun by their intimate partners. As we continue to mourn the losses from gun violence everywhere, we urge you to give voice to the concerns of your constituents and honor the memory of the 33,000 Americans killed by gun violence every year and enact real, meaningful, and responsible solutions that can help prevent gun tragedies, and make our communities safer places to live. Sincerely, The Honorable Gabrielle Giffords, Former Congresswoman (2007-2012)* The Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, Former United States Secretary of State* Gail Becker, President of Strategic Partnerships and Global Integration and Chair of the Global Women's Network, Edelman* Connie Britton, Actress and Activist* Melanie L. Campbell, Convener, Black Women's Roundtable; President and CEO, NCBCP* Dr. Brittney Cooper, Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and Africana Studies, Rutgers University* Kim Gandy, President and CEO, National Network to End Domestic Violence* Ruth Glenn, Executive Director, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence* Chief Jane Harteau, Chief of Police, City of Minneapolis* The Honorable Carla Hills, Former United States Trade Representative* Nanxi Liu, Founder and CEO, Enplug Technologies Dyllan McGee, Founder and Executive Producer, MAKERS* Barbara Bailey Parker, Mother of Alison Parker and Gun Violence Prevention Advocate* Dr. Lynn Pasquerella, President, Association of American Colleges and Universities* Jennifer Pinckney, Gun Violence Survivor; Wife of the Late South Carolina State Senator Clementa Pinckney; Founder of The Honorable Reverend Clementa Pinckney Foundation* Andrea Pino, Co-Founder and Director of Policy and Support, End Rape on Campus* Katie Ray-Jones, CEO, The National Domestic Violence Hotline* Dr. Debora Spar, President, Barnard College* Neera Tanden, President, Center for American Progress* Robyn Thomas, Executive Director, Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence* The Honorable Ann Veneman, Former United States Secretary of Agriculture* Shannon Watts, Founder, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America* The Honorable Christine Todd Whitman, Former Governor of New Jersey* Silvestre Acedillo, Founder and Creative Director, VENUTEC The Honorable Lashrecse D. Aird, Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates Leah Gunn Barrett, Executive Director, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Allie Bones, CEO, Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) Dr. Alice Chen, Executive Director, Doctors for America Cameka Crawford, Chief Communications Officer, The National Domestic Violence Hotline Andrea Cuvelier Donna Dees-Thomases, Founder, Million Mom March Marium Durrani, Public Policy Attorney, National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Dr. Regina Edwards, CEO, Arizona YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix Judy Fisher, Moms Demand Action Ilana Flemming, Manager of Advocacy Initiatives, Jewish Women International (JWI) The Honorable Kate Gallego, Vice Mayor, City of Phoenix Janet Gilmore Shira Goodman, Executive Director, CeaseFire Pennsylvania Rachel Graber, Public Policy Manager, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) Lanae Erickson Hatalsky, Vice President for Social Policy and Politics, Third Way The Honorable Debra Heffernan, Representative, Delaware House of Representatives Kathleen Higgins, Officer, Compliance Test Design/Analytics Specialist, Bank of America Joani Horchler, Maryland Moms Demand Action Carolyn Jenkins, Organizing for Action Helene Keeley, Speaker Pro-Tempore, Delaware House of Representatives Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy, USA (Ret.) Nancy Kennedy Babe King, Organizer, YELLOW TAPE PROJECT to Stop Gun Violence Suzanne Koepplinger, Former Executive Director, Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center Captain Gail Kulisch, USCG (Ret.) Ronald Legrand, Vice President, Public Policy, National Network to End Domestic Violence Dr. Barbara Levy, Vice President, Health Policy, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Gail Levyveld Shelly Livingston, C Street Democrats The Honorable Valerie Longhurst, Representative, Delaware House of Representatives Jennifer Lynch, Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety Natalie Marra Heather Martens, Executive Director, Protect Minnesota Martha Strawn Morris, Director, The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services Nonna Noto, Jubilee Jobs Chelsea Parsons, Vice President, Guns and Crime Policy, Center for American Progress The Honorable Karen Peterson, Senator, Delaware State Senate Jody Rabhan, Director, Washington Office, National Council of Jewish Women Jane Randel, Co-Founder, Karp Randel Beth Reilly, Faith Advocate and Organizer Patricia Reuss, Policy Advisor, National Organization for Women Carol Robles-Roman, President and CEO, Legal Momentum The Honorable Katherine Rogers, New Hampshire House of Representatives The Honorable Diane Rosenbaum, Senate Majority Leader, Oregon State Senate Deborah Rosenbloom, Vice President of Programs and New Initiatives, Jewish Women International (JWI) Arlene Schler Jessica Scoratow, Georgetown Against Gun Violence Rabbi Susan Shankman, Washington Hebrew Congregation Katie Simon, Policy Organizing Manager, Brady Campaign Dianne Snyder The Honorable Liane Sorenson, Board Chair, Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President, External Affairs, Center for American Progress Kiersten Stewart, Policy Director, Futures Without Violence Susan Stoltenberg, Executive Director, YWCA of Greater Portland Diane Tattersall, Last Chance Animal Rescue Sarah Trumble, Senior Policy Counsel, Third Way The Honorable Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Mayor, City of Eden Prairie, Minnesota Roberta Valente, Chief Officer for Government Affairs, The National Domestic Violence Hotline Kristin Wald, Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates Lori Weinstein, CEO, Jewish Women International (JWI) Melissa Youssef, Legal Aid, Institute of Policy Research *Advisory Committee Members

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, this Republican Congress has left this Chamber early without addressing a public health crisis in this country called gun violence. The Republican Congress may find comfort in remaining silent, in doing the bidding of the gun lobby, in turning its back on the American people. But our inaction disservices our constituents and the tens of thousands of families who have lost their loved ones to gun violence. Millions more worry that they and their families are not safe, and if mothers can't sleep at night knowing their children are safe from harm, neither should this Congress. I challenge my colleagues who have left here early to be silent to engage their communities when they go home. Find the courage to do the right thing and reject the gun lobby's heavy hand. Let's bring the will of the American people to this body and pass commonsense legislation. Do not be on the wrong side of history. Do not bet against the American people. Stand with us to end this deadly silence.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, 3 weeks ago today, House Democrats conducted a sit-in to demand a commonsense debate and votes on gun violence. Americans gathered around their televisions, computers, and phones and rooted for this Congress to do the right thing. Across the country, families demanded that this body take up two commonsense measures to reduce our country's epidemic of gun violence. Phones in our offices throughout Capitol Hill were ringing off the hook. Thousands of Americans--students, teachers, grieving parents, strangers to the political process--saw something that inspired and excited them, and they picked up the phone because they had hope. Their message: Thank you for fighting for us. Make sure something is done. What did this Congress do with that hope? Well, instead of allowing a vote to expand background checks to keep Americans safe, instead of allowing a vote to close the terrorist gun loophole, instead of even having a debate on gun safety, the Speaker turned his back on the American people and sent the House home early. Since Orlando, hundreds have died from gun violence. Just in the streets of Chicago, more than 300 people have been hurt or killed by guns in the last month. An average of 91 Americans are killed every day by guns. There was a time when unthinkable violence and mass shootings shook our Nation to its core, and our elected leaders would find a way to bring us together like the bipartisan calls we heard for unity in Dallas yesterday. They would struggle to get it right, but ultimately they would and save lives. It happened 82 years ago with the New Deal for Crime. It happened 48 years ago with major gun violence reforms. And it happened 23 years ago when Americans stood up to the powerful gun lobby and passed the Brady Handgun Violence Program. Each time, a frustrated, grieving, but determined Nation took a stand together to say enough is enough. It has been 23 years since our country passed any meaningful gun violence legislation. Since then, gun-related crimes have claimed more American lives than AIDS, war, and illegal drug overdoses combined. Since Newtown, tens of thousands of lives have been lost to this deadly crisis. The number of bills that have been debated and passed by this Congress to prevent these deaths remains at zero. This Republican Congress may find comfort in remaining silent, in doing the bidding of the NRA, in turning its back on our people. But our inaction disservices our constituents and the tens of thousands of families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. Millions more worry that they and their families are not safe. And if mothers can't sleep at night knowing their children are safe from harm, neither should this Congress. I challenge my colleagues who have been silent on gun violence to engage their communities when they go home, to try and find a way to reject the gun lobby's heavy hand and bring the will of the American people to this body and to help us reduce gun fatalities. The number of Americans who are resolved to taking steps to reduce gun violence is growing. I ask my colleagues to take stock of their solemn duty to keep families safe from harm. I ask them to take stock of history. Do not bet against the American people. Stand with us to end Congress' deadly silence.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Colorado for yielding and for all her work in this area. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today would allow a woman's boss to decide what type of medical care she is allowed to access. Republicans are telling us that it is not up to a woman to consult her doctor or her family or her own faith--that she needs to consult with her boss when it comes to her personal, private, and constitutionally protected medical decisions. Here we are in the midst of unprecedented public health emergencies-- nearly 50 American women diagnosed with Zika every single day, a dangerously underfunded opioid response program, no relief for the families of Flint, Michigan, and the worst gun massacre in our country's history--and this is the Republican majority's priority? The response to these emergencies is wrapping themselves in religious liberty when religious objections are already protected under our current laws, as they should be, and, instead, insert themselves into a woman's most private medical decisions. This is no way to govern. I know it, the majority knows it, and the American people are going to remember it. This so-called Conscience Protection Act is ironically titled because I cannot imagine a more blatant admission of this Congress' crisis of conscience. With 91 people dying every day by guns, with the threat of Zika to unborn babies unanswered and unfunded, with 125 deaths from opioids every day in this country, this bill is an abject rejection of conscience. If anyone needs their conscience protected, it is the Republicans in Congress who think this is what we should be dealing with right now. My question to my colleagues is this: How does your conscience feel when you remain silent in the face of such tragedy and public health threats?

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan expanded background checks legislation, to honor the memory of Damond Dawson, a victim of gun violence who never received a moment of silence on the House floor.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan expanded background checks legislation, to honor the memory of Claudina Molina, a victim of gun violence who never received a moment of action on the House floor.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan expanded background checks legislation to honor the memory of Lori Dooley and Brooke Dooley, a mother and daughter, victims of gun violence who never received legislative action on the House floor.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, the American people have been clear: they are demanding a vote to keep Americans safe from gun violence. When the Speaker announced a vote this week on gun violence, the American people hoped this would be a vote for families and children, a vote to honor victims and survivors of senseless gun violence, and a vote to keep Americans safe from harm. Instead, the American families have been given a bait-and-switch. The bill we have in front of us is a vote for powerful special interests, a vote to honor the millions of dollars of the NRA's campaign spending, and a vote for a bill that does nothing to keep Americans safe from harm. This is a bill backed by the heavyhanded gun lobby that ensures it is easier for terrorist suspects to buy an assault rifle than to get on a plane. Last week, representing half a million people, the mayors in my district came together and asked me to deliver a letter to Speaker Ryan. In part it reads: ``A strong and growing number of our constituents are deeply frustrated with the inaction of this Congress. We urge you to allow debate and votes on expanding background checks and keeping guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists.'' The time is now for those votes.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I ask this Congress to pass comprehensive background checks and to keep guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists and defeat the previous question.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, the American people have been very clear. They are demanding a vote to keep American families safe from gun violence. When the Speaker announced a vote this week on gun legislation, the American people hoped this would be the moment when the silence would end and debating and voting here in Congress on commonsense proposals to curb gun violence would begin. Instead, American families have been given a bait-and-switch. And for years, the majority of Americans have supported bipartisan, commonsense legislation that has been gathering dust on the Speaker's desk. Over the last few weeks since the horrendous event in Orlando, whether it was a sit-in on the floor of the House, to demonstrations across this country, the American people have clearly stated they will no longer stand for capitulation to the gun lobby. Yet, instead of listening to those demands, Speaker Ryan has doubled down on the gun lobby's demands. You, in America, are 25 times more likely to be shot to death than in any other developed country. But we know it doesn't have to be this way. We can look to my home State of Massachusetts where we rolled up our sleeves. We had tough debates with local communities, with sportsmen, with gun rights advocates, with law enforcement, moms, dads, teachers, voices from across our communities and neighborhoods. We worked together to close loopholes and enact some of the strongest gun safety bills in the country. What happened as a result? We in the Commonwealth are the third lowest in the country in terms of gun deaths. This wasn't easy, but we fought for it because we knew it would save lives. Most importantly, the families of victims and survivors fought to make sure their voices were heard so others would not have to endure their same pain. Massachusetts lawmakers went to work for them. Shouldn't the American people know that their Federal lawmakers work for them, too? So I ask the Speaker: Does this Congress work for the American people? Or are we working for the gun lobby? I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote the will of the American people, to reject a cynical bill bought and paid for by the gun lobby and that will do nothing to make Americans safe.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, there is an African proverb that says: ``When you pray, move your feet.'' But this Congress meets our gun violence crisis with only deadly silence. Forty-nine people massacred on a dance floor, silence. First graders and their teachers shot in their elementary school, silence. Students and professors shot in their college classrooms, silence. Parishioners shot after Bible study in their church, silence. Social workers and disabled clients shot at a holiday party, silence. Moviegoers shot watching a film, silence. Our colleague shot while meeting with constituents, silence. Neighborhood sidewalks and parks transformed into blood-soaked memorials, silence. Over the past 12 years, gun violence has claimed more American lives than war, AIDS, and illegal drug overdoses combined. Since Newtown, tens of thousands of lives have been lost to this deadly crisis. Yet the number of bills that have been debated and passed by this Congress to help prevent such deaths, to put an end, to start to slow this violence: zero. Inaction is a choice. Inaction is costing lives, and that is why I am asking this House to have a vote that we perform our basic responsibilities as Members of Congress and members of our communities. Let's debate and vote on two commonsense measures to curb gun violence. Let's vote on expanding background checks and preventing suspected terrorists from being able to buy a gun. Why is this so paralyzing? It is widely supported by the American people. Why is the only proposal scheduled for a vote drafted by the NRA? Does House leadership really believe that our Constitution and liberties are so fragile that we have to tolerate carnage like we saw in Orlando rather than risk a vote? These proposals are widely supported by people of all types of political ideologies. The American people get it. They understand we could protect our constitutional rights and take reasoned steps to reduce gun violence. Moments of silence should be where the action begins. Sadly, in this Congress, it is the only action ever taken. No more silence. I urge us to bring up these two practical proposals for a vote. Our communities and our democracy deserve that.

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, we have come to the floor today to demand action. We have come to the floor with John Lewis. When John Lewis speaks--the conscience of our Congress--America listens. As the barbaric details of the massacre of people dancing at the Pulse nightclub were released, I grieved for those lost. I thought about their dancing and how the human species is the only species that dances. Maybe that is because dancing is a celebration of spirit. Whether you love the waltz, the dab, square dancing, disco, or raves, dancing connects us. For the LGBT community, the dance floor is often the place at which acceptance and belonging come together. While the massacre of 49 people would have been horrifying and shocking wherever it had happened, it happened on the dance floor at a gay club. A place of refuge--where fear and intimidation give way to joy, acceptance, and belonging--was transformed by hate and cowardice into a grotesque barrow. Many of our sanctuaries have been violated by gun violence. It is a grisly routine: first graders and their teachers shot in their elementary school; students and professors shot in their college classrooms; parishioners shot after Bible study and fellowship in their church; social workers and disabled clients shot at a holiday party; our colleague shot while meeting with constituents; neighborhood sidewalks and parks transformed into blood soaked memorials. Over the last 12 years, gun violence has claimed more American lives than war, AIDS, and illegal drug overdoses combined. Since Newtown, tens of thousands of lives have been lost to this deadly crisis. Yet the number of bills that have been debated and passed by this Congress to help prevent such deaths: zero. Inaction is a choice. Inaction is costing lives. Today I am asking that this House have a vote, that we perform our basic responsibilities not only as Members of Congress, but as members of a community, and debate and vote on two commonsense measures to curb gun violence. I am asking for a vote on expanding background checks and on preventing suspected terrorists from being able to buy a gun. The debate wages on on cable news, in our living rooms, on our Twitter feeds, and on Facebook. Why can't the debate happen here? There is no one solution to end gun violence or even to reduce it, but we have to try. This absolutist approach that we can't even vote on commonsense measures to help protect our families leaves us in a deadly arms race with ourselves. Why is a vote so paralyzing? Is it special interests? Is it fear? Does the House leadership really believe that our Constitution and our liberties are so fragile that we have to tolerate carnage like we saw in Orlando or like we see on the streets of Chicago rather than risk a vote? These two proposals have widespread support from the American people. Whatever your position on the substance of the bill, let's vote. Let's put it out there for people to judge. The American people get it. They understand that we can protect our constitutional rights and take reasoned steps to reduce gun violence. The American people understand that the two are, in fact, compatible under a robust democracy, not mutually exclusive. Millions of Americans at home are worried and frustrated by this Congress' silence on this deadly epidemic. Without action, moments of silence cease to honor the thousands of victims, survivors, and families who have been devastated by gun violence. Moments of silence should be where action begins. Sadly, in this Congress, it is the only action that is taken. No more silence. I urge the Speaker, before he sends Members home for the 4th of July, to have us vote on these two practical proposals. There is no holiday from gun violence for ordinary Americans. Our communities and our democracy deserve a vote so our children can dance again in freedom and safety.