Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to Louise Endel, a pillar of the New Haven community and a dear friend. Though she lived a long and fulfilling life, it still feels as though she was taken from us much too. soon. Hers is a legacy of compassion, philanthropy and generosity that will surely continue to serve as an inspiration to all those who know her-- and likely many that did not. Louise and her husband, Charlie, moved to North Haven with their three daughters in 1952 and soon became actively involved in the community and with a myriad of community organizations, including the League of Women Voters, the Girl Scouts, and Ridge Road School's Parent Teacher Association. Louise and Charlie were also founding members of the Ridge Top Club, the first swimming club in the area to ``eschew racial and religious discrimination.'' Over the course of her life, Louise served on fifty-two local, state and national boards and was passionately devoted to supporting many New Haven non-profits including the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, the Long Wharf Theatre, the Elm Shakespeare Theater, St. Raphael's Hospital Foundation, and L.E.A.P. Louise was the epitome of a ``people-person.'' She intrinsically understood the soul of a person--where their passions lay and how best they could make a difference. Louise herself was one of the most giving people I have ever had the good fortune to know. She was affectionately known as the ``matchmaker''--not because she matched people for love, but because she could match people to the best ways in which they could contribute to the community. Louise connected people with complimenting talents, ensuring the success of countless organizations and events. In a word, she was remarkable. I myself benefitted from her unique talents. Louise was one of the first people to approach and encourage me to run for Congress. I remember her coming to me and asking if I would ever consider running, and when I replied that I was, she said, ``let me introduce you to . . .'' and the rest, as they say, is history. I, like so many others, consider myself fortunate to have called her my friend. Louise was an extraordinary woman whose kind heart and generosity touched the lives of many. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, Louise is survived by her three daughters, Susan, Barbara, and Patricia; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. To them, I extend my deepest sympathies and hope that they know what an enormous impact Louise had on all those who knew her. Hers is a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of one of the pillars of New Haven's Italian-American community and my dear friend, Theresa Carrano Argento. She lived a long, full life and our community will not be the same without her. One of six children, Theresa grew up in the Wooster Square neighborhood of New Haven. Her father owned a ``specialty market,'' selling imported fruit from California--pears, oranges, and cherries, all individually wrapped in color-coded paper. Her mother was an immigrant from Italy. When the stock market crashed, her father nearly lost the store. Instead of folding as so many others had, her father found work, as did she and her siblings, and her mother was left to run the family business. It was from these early life lessons that Theresa learned the true strength of family and community. Theresa dedicated most of her adult life to preserving and celebrating the community and its members' shared Italian heritage. She was a founding member of the Saint Andrew's Ladies Auxiliary, the women's branch of one of New Haven's Italian-American Societies and an organization she led for decades before stepping down only a few short years ago. She was also a dedicated communicant of St. Michael's Church, Connecticut's oldest Italian church, organizing and supporting fundraisers and even serving as its bookkeeper for a time. She worked to revive the Columbus Day celebration in New Haven and was a constant presence at Wooster Square's annual Cherry Blossom Festival. She was a member, and often served in the leadership, of most of the Italian- American clubs and organizations in the community. Theresa understood the importance of preserving and sharing that culture and those traditions with new generations. She was, in a word, remarkable. Theresa was a matriarch in the Wooster Square community, much like my own mother, Luisa. They were, in fact, great friends and it was a friendship that remained strong until my mother's passing just two years ago. Both Theresa and my mother were forces of nature in their own rights, and when they got together, there was no stopping them. It was at their feet that I learned the importance of community and it is on their shoulders that I stand today. I would not be who I am today without their influence so I will be forever grateful for their guidance and support. Theresa was an extraordinary friend, mentor, and community leader. I like so many others consider myself fortunate to have known her. She was so much more than a friend--she was family. I am heartbroken at her loss, but I know her memory will live on. I extend my deepest sympathies to Theresa's daughters, Nettie and Francis, as well as her four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Throughout her life, she touched the lives of many and hers is a legacy that will continue to inspire both those who knew her and generations to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I rise today to pay tribute to Elizabeth ``Betsy'' Gilbertson, a dear friend who we lost much too soon. Though she waged a fierce battle, Betsy recently lost her fight with ovarian cancer. Betsy dedicated her professional life and much of her personal time to ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, quality health care. From the earliest days of her career, Betsy combined her passion for advocacy with that of her belief that quality, affordable healthcare was a right, not a privilege. As a member of the Connecticut Nurses Association and District 1199, New England SEIU, Betsy represented her fellow nurses in collective bargaining. She also led a non-profit women's health center before joining UNITE HERE HEALTH, a Taft-Hartley labor management trust fund that provides health benefits that offer high quality, affordable health care to their participants, where she held a number of leadership roles prior to her last position as Chief of Strategy. Betsy's dedication to quality, affordable healthcare extended far beyond her professional career. She served on National Quality Forum Task Forces on patient safety and ambulatory care measures; was founder as well as Chair/Co-Chair of the Health Services Coalition, a labor management organization that contracts with hospitals and advocates for public policies that improve quality health care, affordability, and access in Nevada; and was a Board member of the National Committee for Quality Assurance for five years. In more recent years, she continued her good work serving on the Lown Institute Advisory Council and the federal Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee. For me, Betsy was not only been an invaluable resource on healthcare issues, but a cherished friend. It is a friendship that dates back to a time before our lives took us to Washington, D.C. Betsy and her husband, John, lived in my childhood neighborhood of Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut for many years--John and my husband, Stan, teaching together at Yale University long before we met. Betsy and I were kindred spirits and I will be forever grateful to have had her friendship all these years. I am heartbroken at Betsy's loss and extend my deepest sympathies to her husband, John Wilhelm, as well as their children Tom and Vinnie; and their three grandchildren. I, like so many of those who had the opportunity to know her, consider myself fortunate to have called her my friend and will continue to be inspired by her memory. Betsy was an extraordinary woman who passion and dedication touched countless lives--this world is just a bit dimmer without her in it.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to join the New Haven community in extending my heartfelt congratulations and very best wishes to Richard L. Jacobs, Esq., as he celebrates his 90th birthday. A New Haven native who has dedicated a lifetime to the pursuit of advocacy and justice, this is a remarkable milestone for this pillar of our community. The Jacobs family's law practice has been an institution in the City of New Haven since its founding by Dick's father, Israel, more than a century ago. Following his graduation from Yale University and Yale Law School, Dick joined the family firm where he has been practicing for more than six decades. He is well known for both his staunch advocacy on behalf of as well as his sincere affection for his clients. Dick's commitment and determination to ensure justice for all led to his early and unfailing support of the New Haven Legal Assistance Association and ensuring that those most in need had access to quality, affordable legal services. Throughout his professional career, Dick has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the justice system. He has been a member of the New Haven County Bar Association and the American Association for Justice since his bar admittance in 1957 and has served four years as both a member and section chairman on the Connecticut Bar Association. Among the many accolades he has earned, Dick was honored with both the Connecticut Bar Association's Special President's Award as well as the New Haven Legal Assistance Association's Award for Support and Equal Access to Justice. Dick is endowed with an unwavering duty to pursue what is right and it is that indefectible spirit that has won him the respect and admiration of those fortunate enough to know him both in and out of the courtroom. A lifelong resident of New Haven, Dick has always shown a deep commitment to the community. It is where he and his wife, Cary, raised their own family and where they continue their good work to make a difference. A proud graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, Dick is an Eli through and through--never missing a home football game, often simply walking right to Yale Bowl to see the games. Like so many others, I consider myself fortunate to know Dick Jacobs and I am honored to have this opportunity to celebrate this very special occasion. Today, as he marks his 90th birthday, we pay tribute to the lifetime of dedication Richard L. Jacobs has made to the City of New Haven and our legal system. I wish Dick all the best for many more years of health and happiness. Happy Birthday.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the HEROES Act is a critical $3 trillion rescue for our frontline workers, cities and States, and our small businesses. It creates the kind of modern-day safety net I have been fighting for with so many brave allies in and outside the U.S. Congress. Paid sick days and paid family and medical leave are now available to all workers, including those workers in warehouses, healthcare, grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail. The child tax credit is now available for all families, raised to $3,000 per child over 6 years old and a higher benefit for younger children, cutting child poverty nearly in half. We raised the maximum food stamp benefit by 15 percent, bigger than in 2009, and we purged President Trump's $135 billion gift to real estate developers and hedge fund managers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues: Let us act boldly and let us act swiftly for this Nation.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I am honored to add my voice to this important special order. Let me commend my colleagues, Congressmen Ami Bera and Ted Yoho for their leadership on global health. As a global leader in the international community, the United States has a duty to support global health. No one can match our resources, our talent, our infrastructure. As chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, I am proud to fight for global health. And, I am proud that in the congressional relief packages we have passed to help support the health and economic wellbeing of our families and working people, we secured vital dollars for global health. In total, at least $800 million. This funding is critical because if we stop outbreaks abroad, we prevent outbreaks in the United States. But, our work for global health cannot stop once we stop this pandemic. Let us not lapse in complacency. Instead, let us honor the sacrifice of those frontline workers fighting to save our humanity, the courage of those overcoming this illness, and the grief of those who have said goodbye too soon. Let us invest in global health. Otherwise, we risk American health. So, once again, I want to thank my colleagues for their leadership in raising this important issue. Let us keep fighting this virus. Let us win this battle. And let us make sure investing in global health is always an American priority.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, this economic relief package is for small businesses, finally. I am proud that we also secured $25 billion to expand testing, with $11 billion to increase State and local testing capacity; $1 billion for the CDC, $1.8 billion for the NIH, $1 billion for BARDA, money for the Food and Drug Administration and money for community health centers. This is not everything we wanted. Next, we need relief for States and localities, SNAP benefits, paid family leave and paid sick days, and the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Vote ``yes'' to continue working for people.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, with state revenues collapsing at the same time demand for services is skyrocketing, we have had broad agreement that something needs to be done to help the states. Although some might have preferred to increase the federal matching rate for Medicaid, this legislation goes a different route with a fiscal relief fund for state and local governments. In any case, the key is to help states plug the enormous fiscal gaps they are currently facing. I am pleased that the final legislative language, unlike some earlier proposals that we rejected, gives states broad flexibility in how they spend the money they will receive. At this point, it has become impossible to separate the effects on state budgets of rising demands for services and shortfalls in revenues. States cannot spend the money on new projects unrelated to the public health emergency and its economic fallout. I doubt any state would have done that anyway, but the legislation clearly says that they cannot. Beyond that, we trust states' discretion about what expenditures are necessary in light of the current crisis. We also know that states planned many expenditures assuming revenues that they are no longer receiving. An activity without the revenue to support it is not accounted for in the state's budget. States should understand that they can apply this money to prevent the cuts that would devastate their necessary functions that they can no longer cover from their general funds because of the loss of sales and income tax revenues. We are assured that the Treasury Department appreciates the importance of getting this money out to states quickly, flexibly and with a bare minimum of paperwork. I include in the Record the following Washington Post article, ``States and Cities Should Brace Themselves for a Downward Spiral,'' written by Catherine Rampell and published yesterday, March 26, 2020. States are facing huge shortages--and not just of ventilators, masks and health-care personnel. They're about to confront enormous budget shortages, too. This is the sleeper issue of the current economic crisis, and aiding states now could well be the difference between a brief recession and a prolonged depression. Particularly in ailing regions of the United States that still haven't recovered from the last recession. The bill the Senate passed Wednesday would give state and local governments $150 billion to help plug budget holes. It also includes $31 billion for local schools and colleges. That money is definitely welcome. But it will be nowhere near sufficient to prevent cascading state and local government layoffs and cuts to critical public services that otherwise lie ahead. For context: States suffered a cumulative $600 billion revenue shortfall in the first five years after the Great Recession hit. And there are ample reasons to believe the fiscal crunch could be worse this time around. Many states entered this dual public health and economic emergency in poor budgetary shape, with too little in their ``rainy day'' funds to handle this Noah-style deluge. As of late last year, only about half the states had the funds they need to weather even a moderate recession, according to Moody's Analytics. Seemingly every state will take a huge hit, for different reasons. Those whose economies are especially dependent on tourism (Florida, Nevada), energy (Texas, Oklahoma) and other hard-hit sectors are in trouble. As are those dependent on capital gains revenue (New York, California), given stock market declines. High-fixed-cost public transit systems everywhere will suffer as they lose rider revenue. And so on. Among the biggest problems are the expected declines in sales tax collections, which make up about a third of state revenue. With millions of retail stores, restaurants and other businesses shuttered, sales on which those taxes are based have stopped. Even the early-pandemic panic-buying is unlikely to help, because groceries, medications and other necessities are often exempt from sales taxes. Taking a cue from the feds, many states have delayed their deadlines for filing 2019 income taxes, too, meaning they will not be able to count on an April bump. Tax money that would normally be withheld from people's paychecks this year will also be depressed while people are out of work, suggesting revenue shortfalls will continue for a while. Depending on how long layoffs last, they could eventually start to depress property values, too--and thus the property taxes that disproportionately pay for schools and local services. Which suggests there could be reverberating fiscal effects for years after this pandemic ends. That's just one side of the ledger. Meanwhile, states' expenses are spiking, too. This always happens during recessions, as people seek a safety net when their income falls. But the particular cause of this recession--a public health emergency--means there will be even more demand for public services than usual. Already, unemployment insurance claims are off the charts, with initial claims filed last week reaching an all-time high of 3.3 million. (The past record was 695,000, in 1982.) That figure probably understates the severity of the need, because government unemployment websites have crashed. The aid package passed the Senate Wednesday would top off what states will offer workers seeking unemployment benefits, and extend benefits to new categories of workers, but states will still be on the hook for huge obligations. Medicaid enrollment also usually rises during a downturn, as jobless people lose their private insurance and reduced earnings make people newly eligible for benefits. But given that this downturn was caused by a pandemic, we should expect that more people than usual will seek public insurance, and that the spending per enrollee will be higher than normal. In its ``phase two'' bill, Congress temporarily increased the share of Medicaid costs borne by the federal government-- but not by nearly as much as is needed, and not even by as much as it did in response to the Great Recession. Which is a shame, given that Medicaid is such a useful vehicle for distributing federal funds to states even when there isn't a public health emergency. The fastest, most efficient way to get money out to the states is through Medicaid, because there's a whole mechanism already that allows for that all in place,'' said Scott Pattison, former executive director of both the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers. Unlike the federal government, most state and local governments are legally required to balance their budgets. Without more federal help, states and cities shouldn't expect a swift snapback from this crisis. Instead, they should brace for a downward spiral--of service cuts, deteriorating conditions for households and businesses, and depressed economic conditions for years to come.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this historic bill. This is the biggest economic and health crisis the country has ever faced. Nurses and doctors are in intensive care units trying to save our humanity against this awful pandemic. This is the biggest governmental response the country has ever seen to rescue people, the economy, and our healthcare system. It is necessary. The United States is now the epicenter of a global pandemic. Cases of the coronavirus are rising exponentially. To slow the spread of the contagion, serious measures of social distancing are underway. Schools are closing. Businesses are shuttering. Last week, more than 3 million filed for unemployment. So, the hour is dark. But today, Congress is ready to help get families, workers, and the country to the dawn of recovery. For that, I commend Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Appropriations Chair Nita Lowey, and all the Appropriations subcommittee chairs. Their leadership has been crucial in the progress that we were able to make for the people. Had we passed our House bill, things would be different, but we managed to shape this package in a fundamental way. We secured a large investment in hospitals, health systems, and State and local governments; a profound increase in unemployment insurance benefits; and a significant expansion in support for small businesses. We made rent, mortgage, and utility costs eligible for SBA loan forgiveness. As chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I am proud of the investments we have made for working people, for public health, and for our teachers and students. For health, we secured $140 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services; $4.3 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to the pandemic; $945 million for the NIH to support research; $127 billion for our medical response effort; and important increases for seniors, those living with disabilities, and those struggling with mental health. For education, we secured $30 billion for the Department of Education, billions for elementary and secondary education, and billions to help colleges and universities confront the immediate effects of the pandemic. While this funding is crucial, let me be clear: It is a start. For working people and families, we secured $3.5 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and $360 million for programs at the Department of Labor. I am proud of the increases that other Appropriations subcommittee chairs have secured: millions to ensure the Economic Injury Disaster Loans; millions to assist firefighters and our first responders to secure personal protective equipment; $25 billion for public transit to protect passengers and operators as they access essential services; $5 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, to help communities respond to economic and housing impacts; emergency funding for child nutrition programs; $4 billion for homeless grants; and $45 billion for FEMA disaster relief, providing assistance to every single State that has declared an emergency. And we have provided relief to our Tribal organizations and to our territories. So, I embrace this historic bill. I know the Speaker, Appropriations Chairwoman Lowey, and the committee chairs fought to include paid sick days, paid leave for all, increased food assistance, and a strengthened and fully refundable child tax credit and a young child tax credit. Soon, duty will call on us to take the next major bold steps in this crisis. I call on the House of Representatives to support the relief that Americans need.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nancy Martin who plans to retire next month after nearly 43 years of service to the federal government. After growing up in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights in Illinois, Nancy earned an Associate of Arts degree from Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the American University in Washington, DC. Nancy's career as a civil servant began at the Veteran's Administration in 1977. Less than a year later, she accepted a job at what was then called the Office of Education in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. She helped with the transition team during the creation of the Department of Education as a separate Cabinet agency in 1980. She has shaken hands with every U.S. Secretary of Education. In 1987, Nancy joined the Department of Education's Budget Service. Over the past 33 years, Nancy has been involved in the formulation and presentation of the President's Budget and related documents and tables and is the lead in the development of the annual Congressional Budget Justifications. I thank Nancy for her dedication to the Department and its mission to foster educational excellence and ensure equal access. Nancy has been an indispensable resource to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, which I chair. In addition to her expertise in the budget process, she has always approached our technical assistance needs with the utmost professionalism and attention, providing the support necessary for us to craft Department of Education appropriations bills. For that I am deeply grateful. Nancy's dedication to public extends outside of the Department of Education. She served as a volunteer and docent with the Friends of the National Zoo for over 20 years and currently serves on the board of an organization that connects our Nation's military veterans with shelter animals. We will feel the void left by her retirement going forward. I thank Nancy for her service and congratulate her on her upcoming retirement.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, we are at a critical juncture for abortion rights in America. Abortion is health care and a fundamental right. But, across the street from the Capitol, the Supreme Court appears ready to overturn precedent to go after reproductive justice. June Medical Services v. Russo is the first abortion case to be heard by anti-abortion Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. They could pave the way for states to ban abortion for 25 million people in the United States. So, we are standing up. Because we will not be standing by. Regardless of where they live or how much money they make, individuals deserve the right to control their own bodies and future, and to get the healthcare that they want and need. When women can make decisions about their own reproductive healthcare, including whether and when to have children, they have autonomy over their lives, and their economic security. So, reproductive justice is about economic justice. That is what is under threat. And, not just the courts. Opponents of abortion have launched a nationwide, full court press against abortion and women's health. Last year, 300 bills were introduced across the U.S. to curb or ban abortion. Alabama passed an extreme and callous law that would force teenage survivors of rape and incest, as well as people of any age, to carry a pregnancy without their consent. Texas introduced a bill to make abortion a capital offense. Then, there is the Trump-Pence administration. Its domestic gag rule insert Donald Trump and Mike Pence in between a woman and her doctor. More than four million women and men, including 45,000 in my state, go to Title X clinics for their health care services. Sixty percent of those women consider it their primary care. But, the domestic gag rule bans providers from even talking about abortion or abortion-related services with their patient, even if an abortion is medically necessary. Americans want more health care, not less. And, abortion is safe and legal, and the law of the land. So, as the chair of the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations Subcommittee, I am proud to fight for women and families and for reproductive justice. In our House Labor-HHS bill, we fought to block the domestic gag rule. But the administration and the Senate Republicans stopped us. We are not giving up. Instead, the Democratic Majority of the U.S. House of Representatives is fighting for reproductive justice. We have legislation such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee's EACH Woman Act. The Hyde Amendment is a discriminatory policy that makes access to abortion dependent on your income. That is wrong, and I oppose it. We will continue the fight and we will win that fight in the near term to ensure that women of color, low income women and all women are on equal footing, with regards to reproductive rights. Making the decision to continue or end a pregnancy is a complex decision and a very personal one. Throughout their pregnancy, a person must be able to make health decisions that are best for their circumstances, including whether to end a pregnancy, without interference from politicians. President Trump does not get a veto. The Supreme Court should not forget that. The American people, and the voters, will not.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, let me commend my colleague and friend Congressman John Larson, the chair of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, for his leadership and his legislation the Social Security 2100 Act. He is a tireless advocate for upholding our promise to our seniors, with respect to their retirement and their economic wellbeing. Perhaps the ultimate legislative expression of our nation's shared values is our Social Security program. In 1935, our federal government made a promise to American workers that if they worked hard all of their lives, they would not fall into poverty when they retire. Social Security is foundational to tens of millions' Americans economic security as they retire. It provides a stable and secure source of income for our nation's seniors and their families. We continue to keep that promise today, as Social Security lifts out of poverty 22 million seniors nationwide and 130,000 in Connecticut. In fact, according to the Economic Policy Institute, quote, ``Social Security remains by far the most important source of income for most seniors. It constitutes most of the income of seniors in the bottom half of the income distribution.'' Yet, a cliff is coming. Social Security no longer stretches as far as it once did. Even with their Social Security benefits, more than 5 percent of Connecticut's seniors are living in poverty. And, if we do nothing, in less than 15 years, Social Security benefits will be cut by nearly 25 percent. When Social Security does not keep up with the cost of living, or modern economic challenges, seniors are robbed of their dignity and independence. They suffer when we do not uphold our promise. That is why we need to protect and enhance Social Security and to ensure it is able to help those who need it. That is why we need the Social Security 2100 Act. It was introduced by my dear friend Congressman John Larson. I am an original cosponsor. The bill expands benefits, strengthens the Social Security trust fund, and cuts taxes for seniors. The bill and House Democrats' leadership is critical at a time when Americans are struggling with stagnant incomes and a lack of good-paying jobs. In total, this bill would boost benefits for 62 million people. And, it will put the program on sound financial footing for the next 75 years. It does so with several smart steps, including by having millionaires and billionaires pay the same tax rate as everyone else. For many Americans, this is commonsense. What is nonsensical, however, is that Republicans passed a $1.5 trillion tax giveaway for the wealthy and well-connected. 83 percent of the benefits go to the top 1 percent. Instead of a giveaway to the rich, it is time for an investment in working people and seniors. That is what we are trying to do with the Social Security 2100 Act. Experts have pointed to its economic benefits, for both individuals and the nation. For example, former Council of Economic Advisors Chair Jason Furman and former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, have said this legislation would positively impact economic growth. As President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said of Social Security in 1934, quote, ``This seeking for a greater measure of welfare and happiness does not indicate a change of values. It is rather a return to values lost in the course of our economic development and expansion.'' Values lost, an apt description for our economy today. Costs skyrocketing. Wages stalling. Savings stagnating. And, seniors suffering. But, with this legislation, we can be returning to values lost, to upholding our promise, to ensuring economic security. All Americans must keep up the fight to protect and expand social safety net programs like Social Security, The 60 million Americans receiving Social Security and countless more who will receive it are counting on us, and we will deliver.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the rule and this comprehensive legislation, which prohibits all flavored tobacco products. Madam Speaker, I commend Chairman Frank Pallone and Congresswoman Donna Shalala for their leadership. The youth vaping epidemic is a public health emergency that threatens our youngsters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four high schoolers are using e-cigarettes, and not just occasionally. More than a third of users in high school said that they were smoking e-cigarettes at least 20 days a month. My granddaughter, who is a high schooler, when I asked her about this, she said it is everywhere, that everyone is smoking e-cigarettes. Last year, I hosted a hearing on the youth vaping crisis in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee. As experts have said, the flavors are a key factor in this. Seven out of 10 current youth e-cigarette users said that they used e-cigarettes because ``they come in flavors I like.'' Nearly all, or 97 percent, had used a flavored e-cigarette in the past month. Mango, mint, cotton candy, and gummy bears are just some of the 15,000 flavors still available, thanks to the loophole-laden action the Trump administration took in January. The President made a promise in the Oval Office to American families to ban flavors, which are hooking our youngsters. They are becoming addicted. But special interests appear to be more important. He allowed popular flavors like menthol to remain for products like the popular Juul device. He allowed disposable vapes of all flavors to remain on the market. It is unacceptable. The health of our children must be our priority. So, the Democratic majority of the United States House of Representatives is stepping up for our children by voting for this bill and this rule. We can ban flavors and take comprehensive action to defend our kids. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for the rule and the bill.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Joel Packer, a true hero for education and a dear friend. Joel Packer is known across the education community as a champion for education funding. He spent more than 40 years advocating for students both in the public and private sector. Starting at the Student Association of the State University of New York, his career as an advocate grew with his work in D.C. at the National Education Association, and most recently, The Raben Group and the Committee for Education Funding (CEF) before his retirement in 2016. Joel worked on critical issues like education funding, higher education, environmental hazards in schools, and civil rights. He was on the front lines of the push to improve testing in No Child Left Behind and was always there to remind us who we need to be prioritizing in the Congress: our children and their education. Joel championed the coalition of education advocates at CEF and masterfully represented the interests of a diverse group of educational institutions. Joel led the CEF's fight against education budget cuts in 2015, never giving up on his mission to ensure a genuine federal investment in our children's education. Throughout his career, Joel's dedication demonstrated the kind of intensity and willingness to collaborate necessary to win in the fight for education. Moreover, his passion for education and bettering the lives of all students was clear. Joel was an expert when it came to education policy and the Appropriations process; he knew, and helped all of us learn, how good ideas and good policies are not good enough--not without the necessary resources to make a difference. I feel lucky to have known such a tremendous advocate for education in this country. Joel was many things--he was an amazing husband, a proud father and grandfather, an inspiring mentor and colleague, and an unwavering friend. Joel was taken from us too suddenly, and my deepest condolences go to his family. We will miss Joel and his boundless passion for fighting for what is right and for what our nation's children need most. Joel's values and mission will live on in those of us who remain in the fight, and we fight in his honor. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Joel Packer. He was a true champion for education and his leadership will never be forgotten.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the many family, friends, and community leaders who have gathered today and extend my very best wishes to Howard and Ken Kreiger as they mark the 130th Anniversary of their iconic Main Street store, Spector Furniture. Family owned and operated since its doors opened in 1890, Spector Furniture is a cornerstone of the community of Ansonia, Connecticut. One hundred-thirty years of Spector Furniture is an impressive achievement. As old as the City of Ansonia itself, it is the oldest furniture store in Connecticut and a testament to the honored traditions of Yankee craftsmanship as well as entrepreneurial spirit. Simon Spector opened the business and it has been passed down generation to generation--from Simon to George Spector, then Lawrence Winer, followed by David Kreiger, and now Howie and Ken--with each facing their own challenges to survival. Spector Furniture has weathered World War I, Prohibition, the Great Depression, the devastating Flood of 1955, de-industrialization, stagflation, NAFTA, and the rise of Made in China. Through it all, and all of the changes that have taken place in the American economy, the Connecticut economy, and the economy of the Valley, Spector Furniture has stood tall. I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy. For one hundred-thirty years, Spector Furniture has been a fixture in Ansonia and throughout its history, has been a testament to the impact small businesses can have on a community. Even as the store has grown and expanded over the years, their vision and commitment to innovation and quality service has never wavered. It is small businesses like Spector Furniture, that forge the strongest bonds of our communities. I am honored to take this moment and stand to recognize the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Simon Spector and the generations of his family who have not only made Spector Furniture a success, but, more importantly, have ensured that its success has bolstered the Ansonia community as a whole. To Howard, Ken and the entire family--my heartfelt congratulations on this incredible milestone. I have no doubt that Spector Furniture will continue in its success for many years to come. One hundred (Cent' Anni).

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Chair, I rise to speak in support of the supplemental bill for Puerto Rico. The island has been rocked by earthquakes and tremors. Thousands of Americans are left without water or power, facing catastrophic property damage. In my district, I met with affected families and community members. We discussed the ongoing disaster and the response and recovery needs. I have staff, people who have family in Puerto Rico who are sleeping outdoors for fear of going back into a home that is badly damaged. There should be no question about providing the resources necessary to recover. This supplemental package provides $4.67 billion for educational needs, transportation infrastructure repairs, and disaster relief activities, including $100 million for education. For K-12 programs, it helps schools restart operations, support reenrollment, and pay for the costs of providing education to students who have been displaced by natural disasters, and yes, it addresses the mental health needs of children as they have experienced a traumatic event. Higher education, the funding helps defray the unexpected costs associated with enrolling displaced students and with rebuilding damaged facilities. This supplemental also extends the child tax credit to all children in Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories. Under the current system, Puerto Rican families are only eligible for the child tax credit for the third or subsequent child. What we need to do is to expand and improve the child tax credit, make it fully refundable, but this is a necessary step in the meantime so that U.S. citizens in the territories are treated exactly like those in the States. Let me just also assure my colleagues on a final note, that we are working with the administration to determine the costs of our ongoing response to the 2019 novel coronavirus. We have urged the administration to work with the Congress on a bipartisan basis to enact an emergency supplemental for that public health emergency. We stand ready to move forward quickly to protect public health and safety. On this supplemental for Puerto Rico, let me urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' vote ``yes'' for Americans who are in dire straits on that island, and it is unconscionable that we would have second thoughts about the kind of support that they need during this crisis. Urge the Senate, urge the President to add their support swiftly. Our fellow Americans and Puerto Rico cannot afford for us to delay any longer.

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. It is $1 million that provides funds for a study on the impacts of natural disasters on the well-being and educational paths of affected students and children in Puerto Rico. The children in Puerto Rico have been struggling from the trauma of multiple natural disasters. It has been resulting in unbelievable disruptions to their lives at home and at school. After Hurricane Maria, Congresswoman Grace Meng from New York and I went to Puerto Rico. We visited the schools, and the teachers told us that the children were not coming to school. Why? We asked the question: Why? They were scared that if they went to school and they returned home, they would not find their families, their home, or anything else that gave them their strength and the hope with their families, so they weren't going. They also couldn't go because the power was out, and the heat was too much for them to be there. What is it that you can't understand? What is it that this administration doesn't understand about what is happening to children, American children, in Puerto Rico? We included $3 million in the 2019 Labor-HHS appropriations bill to provide behavorial health services and counseling to children in Puerto Rico. These services are being provided through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, which is a national network of grantees that provide services for children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events. Schools are the center of our communities. They offer students stable schedules, warm meals, and support from teachers and school professionals. They are the center of learning. We need to act with urgency to support the school recovery and restore this stability for the children in Puerto Rico, but we must take a careful look at the long-term impacts of these disasters on student well-being and educational access and success. Madam Chair, this amendment provides those resources. I support it, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Chair, I look forward to the day when my colleague, Miss Gonzalez-Colon from Puerto Rico, can vote in this House of Representatives. I also want to add one thing. A colleague from South Carolina said earlier that folks in Puerto Rico do not pay taxes. They pay payroll taxes. We all understand payroll taxes; and, quite frankly, that is the basis on which the child tax credit is determined. So they are paying taxes. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. I am honored to colead it with my colleague Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, with Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, and Congressmen Serrano and Soto. It increases funding for Puerto Rico's Nutrition Assistance Program to $210 million. The $40 million in the underlying bill provides a strong foundation on which to build; and, in light of a new analysis from leading nutrition experts which has shown how great the need is, the amendment increases the resources to what the experts are now calling for. Thousands have been left without food, water, or power. We cannot turn our backs on the people of Puerto Rico. We need to meet basic needs so that they can rebuild. It is not only a responsibility, but it is a moral responsibility. And why is this necessary? Because Puerto Rico receives a block grant for nutrition assistance. It is known as the Nutrition Assistance Program, or NAP. Because the value of the block grant is fixed, their nutrition assistance is unable to meet the heightened needs of children and families in times of disaster. It is fundamentally different from how food stamps work for the millions of other Americans elsewhere in our country. But we know where this administration falls on the food stamp program. They are willing to deny 3 million people access to food stamps, take 2 million kids off of the School Lunch Program. Folks here are in need, but the people in Puerto Rico, the children in Puerto Rico are in need. An island ravished by earthquakes and tremors--Wednesday saw a 5.0 magnitude earthquake. In her request to the Congress, Puerto Rico's Governor warned: ``Puerto Ricans are currently suffering economic and job loss, displacement and interruption of essential services, and thousands of refugees currently located in camps are children and the elderly.'' We offer a bipartisan amendment today to build on the underlying bill. I commend the committee chair, Congresswoman Lowey, and the subcommittee chair, Congressman Bishop, for their hard work on this fast-moving matter. To my colleagues: Have a sense of what food means to people. We live in a land of plenty. We should not be about the business of denying food and nutrition help to others, and especially American children and American families from Puerto Rico, the nutrition assistance, the food that they need in order to survive. Madam Chair, no one should go to bed hungry in this country or in those countries where we have American citizens, and that is Puerto Rico. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues, please--please--deal with what our moral responsibility is in this body. We have the power to make this happen. Let's make it happen today. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak in support of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or the PRO Act. I am the daughter of a garment worker, so the fight for workers' rights has always had a special place in my heart. My mother toiled every day in the sweatshops in New Haven, Connecticut, sewing shirt collars and dresses. And she was a pieceworker, which meant she got pennies on the dollar. As chair of the Appropriations Committee's Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I work every day to ensure that her early struggles were not in vain. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the PRO Act introduced by the chair of the committee, Congressman Bobby Scott. It strengthens the rights of working people to come together in union to secure better wages and better working conditions. The single biggest economic challenge of our times is that people's pay doesn't keep up with their rising costs of healthcare, education, and childcare. From 1980 to 2017, average incomes for the bottom 90 percent of households stagnated to a 1.1 percent increase while skyrocketing more than 180 percent for the wealthiest 1 percent in this country. It is no coincidence that, at the same time, union membership fell to a record low of 10 percent. Economists at Princeton found that the alarming rise of income inequality since the 1970s can be at least partially attributed to the decline in union membership. The PRO Act is about leveling the playing field for working people. It penalizes predatory corporations that violate workers' rights and streamlines procedures at the National Labor Relations Board to more effectively deal with violations. It protects workers from being misclassified as independent contractors. It helps working people secure a winning agreement as part of a union. It protects union elections against interference. And it empowers unions and employers to negotiate agreements that collect fair share fees.

Ms. DeLAURO. It establishes a mediation and arbitration process to help ensure corporations and newly formed unions reach a first contract. As Nobel-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz has said: Inequality is not inevitable. It is about the public policy choices we make. Madam Speaker, it is not globalization, and it is not technology. We have the opportunity today to choose a public policy that, in fact, will defend and protect working people in this country. Madam Speaker, pass the PRO Act.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to celebrate with our dear friend, Laura Smith, who is retiring from Yale University after thirty-nine years of dedicated service. In a career that has spanned four decades, Laura has become a fixture at the University, earning a respected reputation for her dedication as well as her commitment to her colleagues. Laura's career at Yale began in the Bursar's Office where she served as a Collection Correspondent in the Student Loan Collection Department. In the decade that she spent there, she built lasting memories--many of which include calls made using a rotary phone as well as tracking collections with microfiche and pin-fed spreadsheets. Those of us who can remember using those technology trends can appreciate the humor with which she recalls those years. Laura's second decade with Yale began as an Editorial Assistant in the Alumni Records Department where she was tasked with maintaining the class reunion directories. Shortly after beginning this new role, the Department was merged with the Office of Development which has been Laura's professional home ever since. Over the course of her tenure in the Office of Development, Laura has held a myriad of positions and taken on a variety of responsibilities--all in support of alumni activities and communications. In addition to her years of service within Development, Laura has been involved with the Local 34 union as an active member and leader throughout her career. In 1994, Laura was elected President of Local 34, a position in which she served for sixteen years. It was in her role with Local 34 that I had the opportunity to work closely with Laura. Her leadership, vision, compassion, and commitment not only inspired her members, but in all of us who support the labor movement. She proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with her hard-working colleagues, fighting to ensure that they were receiving a living wage, working in a safe environment, and were secure in their health and retirement. Laura was and is a passionate advocate for workers' rights and has long been a pillar of support for her union colleagues. Her tireless advocacy and unwavering support for her union brothers and sisters will most certainly be missed, though I have no doubt that she will continue to find ways to contribute to the cause. Today, as Laura marks the end of her professional career, I hope that she knows how many lives she has touched and what a difference she has made. I am proud to stand today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Laura Smith as she celebrates her retirement. I wish her all the best for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I thank the majority leader for the opportunity to speak on this Special Order. Americans are struggling under President Trump. They are desperately waiting for their incomes to rise and their costs to slow. Yet, the President has failed to fully deliver on his promises to them. That is according to the Joint Economic Committee's excellent new report. In fact, according to this report, growth in median annual household income was three times greater during the last 2 years of the Obama administration than the first 2 years of the Trump administration. And mostly, job growth has slowed. According to the report, in the first 35 months of President Trump's term, there were 36,000 fewer nonfarm jobs created per month than the final 35 months of President Obama's term. This is despite the Republicans' 2017 tax law. It will cost $1.9 trillion, but 83 percent of its benefits go to the top 1 percent. Working people, middle-class families cannot afford more of the President's giveaways to the wealthy and the well-connected. The single biggest economic challenge of our time is that people's pay is not keeping rise with skyrocketing costs, healthcare, childcare, housing. They struggle, including in my State of Connecticut. The United Way put out a report, it is Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, the ALICE report. And what essentially it says is that people who are working one or two jobs just can't make a standard of living. They are above the poverty line, but they can't make it. Out of the 20 most common jobs or occupations, registered nurses, cashiers, laborers, et cetera, only one pays enough to reasonably support a household; that is operations managers. Under this President, many Americans are suffering something akin to a personal economic crisis. To claim otherwise is to ignore the reality of their circumstances. We see their suffering. That is why the House has passed the Paycheck Fairness Act for equal pay, lower drug costs to reduce prescription drug costs, raise the wage by raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2025. We need to work hard to make opportunity real for people. We urge the President to join us because, as this new report from the Joint Economic Committee indicates, Americans need a break, not more broken promises.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this action to overturn Secretary DeVos' misguided policy against defrauded students. Predatory, for-profit colleges are scamming students and taxpayers out of millions of dollars. Secretary DeVos is helping them to get away with it. I held an oversight hearing in my Committee on Appropriations subcommittee, and what did we find? While accounting for only 9 percent of all students enrolled in post-secondary education, predatory, for- profit colleges account for 34 percent of all defaults. Under Secretary DeVos' new rule, students may not receive the financial relief that they deserve and are entitled to under the borrower defense to repayment provision of the Higher Education Act. While the Obama administration created a streamlined process to help students access the relief, the Trump administration is making it nearly impossible. Under the Secretary's new rule, if borrowers cannot prove the school intentionally defrauded them or if they cannot file their claim fast enough or if they cannot document their exact financial harm, they lose out. As little as 3 percent of eligible debt will be forgiven now. With the Secretary's rule, what little relief there is will likely be shouldered by taxpayers, not the schools that are committing the fraud. It is wrong. In Connecticut, 1,100 defrauded students are waiting to be made whole. They need help, not Secretary DeVos' cruel policy. We must pass this Congressional Review Act resolution and stop her.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, the War Powers Resolution simply requires the President to consult with the Congress and with the American public before going to war with Iran. Our constituents held their breath on Tuesday. Thankfully, no lives were lost in Iran's retaliatory attack, but serious concerns remain about the rationale and the ramifications. We do not mourn the loss of Qasem Soleimani. He was responsible for actions that harmed and killed American personnel and allies, and I condemn that. But any U.S. military action, especially one that could spark catastrophic consequences, needs to be carefully considered, fully justified within the law. President Trump failed to consult the Congress, failed to secure specific authorization, failed to cite with specificity the imminent threat. In a classified briefing for Members of Congress, the administration would not, could not provide any specifics about what constituted an imminent threat. They couldn't tell us what the targets were, nor would they divulge any of the timelines for the attack. It is unprecedented the level at which this administration is seeking to obscure the facts from the Congress and the American people. The rationale is in doubt, the ramifications as well: The U.S. announced it will suspend our fight against ISIS; Iraq's Prime Minister and the legislature moved to expel our troops; the Iranian leaders announced they would no longer abide by the 2015 nuclear deal. President Trump's actions have dramatically increased the possibility of war with Iran and Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Today, America and our allies are less safe as a result of the administration's actions.