Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Let us understand what the cuts to nutrition programs that the majority is suggesting mean in terms of our children. Roughly 20 percent of these households that receive the benefits have children under the age of 18; 23 percent have children that are 4 years old and under. The damage that hunger does to children is irreparable. If they go to school hungry, they cannot learn; and if they cannot learn, they cannot succeed. I only ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to read the data. Read the report in The Lancet journal just in the last week or so that tells you what the scientific data is that shows what the impact of hunger is on children's brains and their ability to learn. We know that the learning period for children is from zero to 3. Why would we want to do irreparable harm to the children in this Nation by cutting off food, of which the United States has a great abundance--and overabundance--and yet we want to cut $40 billion from the food stamp program? It is reckless and it is extreme. I just say to my colleagues, if the farm programs are being reauthorized for 5 years, the nutrition programs should be reauthorized for 5 years, just like they have in the past, with that coalition that is coming from all over the country, region by region, Democrats and Republicans, in one unified farm bill. I urge my colleagues to go in that direction.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend and outstanding community member, Dr. Louis Magnarelli, whose recent passing was all too soon. Internationally recognized scientist, mentor, and friend, Lou was a remarkable man whose kind heart and passion for science touched the lives of many. Earning his B.S. in Biology at the State University New York at Oswego, an M.S. in Biology at the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. in Medical Entomology at Cornell University, Lou began his career at the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station in 1975. He dedicated a lifetime to his research and his work earned him a distinguished reputation on his area of expertise, medical entomology. He began as Assistant Scientist, served as Associate Scientist, Scientist, and later Chief Scientist/State Entomologist and Vice Director. For the last nine years, Lou led the Station as its Director. His contributions to Connecticut and science were extensive and unparalleled, publishing in excess of two hundred scientific articles. His expertise was not only recognized here but internationally, particularly for his work on ticks, tick-associated diseases, serological testing for vector-borne pathogens. His colleagues perhaps put it best when they wrote ``Lou was not only our Director, he was our colleague and most of all, our friend. His door was always open, both literally and figuratively, for discussion of all matters from the scientific to the personal. His keen scientific and analytical mind was only exceeded by his desire to bring this institution's scientific knowledge and experience to the benefit of the citizens of Connecticut. He was a strong supporter of Connecticut agriculture, the state's trees and woodlands, and the green industry. Lou's wisdom and skillful stewardship as our leader will be sorely missed. Even through his illness, his thoughts were always of the Experiment Station. All Station staff, both present and future, will take tremendous pride in honoring and continuing Dr. Magnarelli's unwavering commitment for Putting Science to Work for Society.'' I would be remiss if I did not extend a personal note of thanks and appreciation to Lou for his many years of friendship and service. I often sought his guidance and expertise. Lou's joy and dedication to his work was contagious and I could always count on him for outstanding research or an update on Station's recent work. I am proud of the work that we did together and the many accomplishments that were achieved on behalf of the Station and the residents of Connecticut. Louis Magnarelli's presence, both at the Station and in the scientific community, will be deeply missed. He worked tirelessly for the people of Connecticut, our communities and the environment. He was an extraordinary individual whose passion for science, exceptional leadership, and compassion for others will long serve as an inspiration to others--that is his lasting legacy. I join so many others in extending my deepest sympathies to his wife, Sharon, family, friends, and colleagues as they mourn his loss.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to the members of the West Haven Fire Department, past and present, as they celebrate their 125th anniversary. This is a milestone for this wonderful organization and I am proud to have this opportunity to honor their outstanding work on behalf of the West Haven community. The men and women who serve as firefighters face risks that few of us can comprehend. Each day, they must be ready to perform under intense pressure--literally in life or death situations as we have all witnessed in recent days. Few things are more important than feeling safe in our homes and workplaces. Our firefighters provide us with that peace of mind. Their commitment and dedication cannot be questioned and our thanks can never repay those who put their lives on the line to ensure our safety. A combination of career and volunteer firefighters, the members of the West Haven Fire Department have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our community. On November 6, 1888, a fire broke out at the Hinman Hotel on the Corner of Washington Avenue and Beach Street. Not having a fire department of their own, the City of West Haven sent word to New Haven and asking for assistance. Unfortunately, by the time the New Haven Fire Department was able to respond, the Hinman Hotel had burned to the ground. This prompted the people of West Haven to form their own fire department and on November 18, 1888, Engine & Hose Company #1 was founded. It was not until 1892 that two more companies were formed. In January of that year, the James Graham Hook & Ladder and the West Haven Hook & Ladder both came to be. In 1895 North End Hose #3 and Seaside Hose #4 (later to become Savin Rock Hose #4) both entered the department. Although the James Grahams would disband in 1902, Engine #1, Hook & Ladder, Engine #3 and Engine #4 all remain active companies to this day. During World War II, a group of firefighters would be formed and funded by the Federal Government for civil defense. At the end of the war these men founded Steven Heights Engine Company #5, bringing the total number of the volunteer companies back up to five. In 1919, shortly after the passing of House Bill 177, West Haven's first official Board of Commissioners was seated and they continue to serve in the same capacity to this day. On January 24, 1933, the Commissioners appointed the first six permanent paid firemen, establishing the career department. Lloyd Cameron was appointed Chief of Department by the new board in 1919. In 1936 the board made Chief Cameron the first Permanent Paid Chief of the department. Over its 125 year history, the career department would expand from six men to its current compliment of 54. All in all 167 men have been hired by the career department including those who are currently employed. In 1988, in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the department, the Department began their Explorer Post program. Young boys and girls of high school age are able to join the Explorers, learn about firefighting and train alongside the members of the Department. Most go on to join the volunteer companies and a few have even become career firefighters. Today, as they reflect on their history and look towards their future, I am honored to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to every member of the West Haven Fire Department, career or volunteer, past and present, for their outstanding service to our community. Happy 125th anniversary.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the many who have gathered in celebration of Xavier High School's 50th Anniversary. It is a remarkable milestone for this educational institution. ``A Catholic community fostering excellence in scholarship, leadership and service,'' over the course of the last five decades, Xavier has helped prepare hundreds of young men from communities across Connecticut for their future success--educating the whole person: spirit, mind and body within a Christian framework. Founded in 1963 by The Most Rev. Vincent J. Hines, second bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, as a Catholic secondary school for young men, Xavier High School is sponsored jointly by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich and the Congregation of the Brothers of Saint Francis Xavier. From its earliest days, Xavier has maintained an educational philosophy which seeks ``to impress upon students the dignity of the human person created by God, to guide and counsel students in educational and vocational need and to help them prepare for college, for life work, and above all, for life itself.'' As the school year closed this past summer, Brother Brian Davis, Headmaster at Xavier, took a moment to reflect on the Xavier's first fifty years in the school magazine's summer edition, commenting on how some things had changed but many had stayed the same--particularly the commitment of the school, faculty, staff, and students to service. Giving back to their communities and working to benefit those less fortunate has always been a central tenant of a Xavier education. Just this past year, students not only spent countless hours working in their hometowns, but also on service trips sponsored by the school to Guatemala and Camden, New Jersey. And the lessons they learn about service stay with Xavier graduates throughout their adult lives, with many remaining actively involved in public and community service. Xavier has created an educational environment which fosters the spiritual, academic, and physical growth of its students and challenges them to use their talents in service--an environment perhaps best described by their motto, ``Be a man. A man like Jesus.'' The school's motto is central to their philosophy, and is reflected throughout their curriculum and in the day to day activities of the students, faculty, and staff. I am proud to stand today to extend my sincere congratulations to them as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary and wish them all the best for many more years of success.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the Branford community in extending my heartfelt congratulations to the Branford Italian-American Club as they gather in celebration of their 75th Anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this community treasure! Today, as the Club members and their families gather to commemorate their 75th Anniversary, they also celebrate the many invaluable contributions the Club has made to our community. People across the country struggle to create a sense of community, a sense of belonging. Growing up in an Italian-American neighborhood, I know the feeling of heritage and kinship that organizations like the Branford Italian- American Club provide. Like so many others, the Club has played an important role in forging strong bonds of friendship throughout the community. The Branford Italian-American Club's strength lies in the participation and commitment of its members. Over the seventy-five years, the Club's membership has worked hard to preserve and protect the rich history of our ancestors. Whether it through the Bocce League, Dart Club, the Club Cruise, or their participation in such local events as the Branford Festival, the activities offered through the Club allow families to connect with each other--celebrating our shared history and traditions. That sense of heritage and culture is the special gift that the Club gives to their members, our community, and future generations. Our communities would not be the same without the efforts of volunteers like you whose energy, compassion, and concern touches people's lives every day. Throughout its history, a commitment to community service has been at the center of the Branford Italian- American Club's mission. Its members have volunteered for countless community efforts, volunteering as mentors for children in the local school system, and adopting families in need during the holiday season. Today, as they gather to celebrate the past 75 years, the members of the Branford Italian-American Club can be proud of the many ways in which they have helped to shape our community. I am proud to have this opportunity to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the Club's leadership and its members for all of their outstanding efforts to improve the quality of life for others and to make our community a better place. I am also honored to stand today to congratulate them on this very special anniversary and wish them a the best for many more years of success.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the Branford community and the Myers family as they celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Myers Flower Shop--a remarkable milestone for this community institution. Charles Myers had a unique passion for flowers. Following his studies at Yale University, he dedicated himself to the establishment of a premier flower shop, opening his first location at 936 Chapel Street in New Haven, Connecticut in 1913. In 1940 the shop moved to 28 Whitney Avenue and just seven years later, Charles, while doing what he loved best, suffered a fatal heart attack at the shop. His wife, who had been a long-time assistant at the shop, stepped in to fill the breach until 1950 when his son, Allan, returned home and took over the operation of the family business. Following Alan's passing in 1959, his wife, Sue took up the reins until the third generation of the Myers family, their son Chuck and his wife, Elsie, assumed the leadership role in 1971. Despite the many changes, the business flourished and a new branch was opened in Branford and then another in Guilford. Though the New Haven and Guilford shops have since closed, the Branford shop continues to be a staple of Branford's merchant center at its location at 1008 Main Street. Today, grand-daughters Lee-Ellen and Elsie run the store with the same strong sense of hard-work and passion that was the trademark of Charles Myers. As it was recently described by one of his grand-daughters, when Myers celebrated its grand-opening, life expectancy was about forty- seven years, few doctors went to college, most babies were born at home, and the speed limit was set at 15 mph to prevent Model T cars from spooking horses. So many things have changed over the course of its one hundred year history, but the one constant has been the company's commitment to outstanding customer service. Lee-Ellen and Elsie remain committed to ensuring that the legacy of their grandfather thrives--bringing flowers from all over the world to its customers, offering great quality and excellent service to every client, and doing whatever they can to make the lives of others just a little bit brighter. In a recent article about the centennial celebration, Albert Canosa wrote: ``Every industry has its legacies. The Kennedys are synonymous with politics. The Fords are the kings of automobiles. And here in Branford, Connecticut, the legacy of Charles Myers is associated with flowers.'' Myers Flower Shop is a community treasure--a classic example of the American entrepreneurial spirit and the very essence of what we so often describe as the American Dream. I am proud to rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lee-Ellen, Elsie, and the entire Myers family as they mark this centennial celebration and wish them all the best for continued success.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say to the chairman of the full committee, the National Head Start Association has said--I'm commenting on this sham of a bill before the House today--that they are opposed to this effort because they realize that it is a charade. I think it's important to note that. They are certainly committed--and have been for years--in terms of early-learning education and education for our children, but they, too, understand what is happening here today. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from California (Ms. Lee), a member of the subcommittee.

Ms. DeLAURO. I thank the gentlewoman from New York, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the United States of America has now been closed for a full week. People are out of work. Some are even going hungry. Our economy is poised on the brink of a disastrous default, and yet this Republican majority continues to play political games with the future of our country and the lives and health of American families. The hostage being negotiated today is Head Start, one of the true American success stories. Unquestionably, it is the most effective early childhood development program ever developed, and I've heard so often from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle about how unsuccessful the program is and what a terrible program it is and that we ought to cut it. For almost 50 years now, Head Start has provided comprehensive childhood development, literacy, and family services to nearly 30 million preschoolers from low-income and working families. It now serves nearly 1 million children every year. It's an example of how dedicated teachers, with the help of a smart Federal investment, can enrich the lives of our citizens--the cornerstone of our efforts to close the achievement gap--combat poverty, and provide all kids with the opportunity to thrive. It is another important Federal program that Republicans are claiming to support today in full defiance of their previous voting record. It is as if the majority expects that we have all forgotten the positions they have been promoting for years--up to this point. We have not forgotten. I am the ranking member of the subcommittee that oversees Head Start funding, and I have had to continually fight tooth and nail to see this program adequately funded and to protect it from the deep cuts put forward by the majority. In 2011, the very first bill the Republican majority passed tried to cut Head Start by over a billion dollars; and 218,000 kids would have been cut from the rolls, 16,000 classrooms closed, and 55,000 teachers, assistants, and staff would have lost their jobs. That was the majority's opening offer, and they didn't blink an eye. Parent, teachers, and advocates stood up and said ``no'' to these cuts, and the majority had to back down. Instead, what they're doing now would be automatic cuts, the across- the-board cuts known as sequestration, which was never meant to become law. They're using that to do their work for them. Because of those cuts, this majority has voted to make permanent that 57,000 students all across America have already lost access to Head Start. Even the children who are able to remain in Head Start can expect shortened school days, elimination of home visits, and teacher layoffs. In total, 78,000 children have lost access to this early learning since this House majority took office, and those sequester cuts will grow worse over time. This is a self-inflicted government shutdown. Head Start centers are being forced to close. The longer the majority perpetuates this shutdown, the more kids are being denied an opportunity to learn. I'm happy to see my colleagues on the other side of the aisle embrace the importance of early childhood education. President Obama has called for universal preschool, which would make a profound and positive difference for children and their families across the country; but this Republican majority turned its back on that proposal, walked away from it, and didn't even consider it. Let's stop playing games with people's lives, their health, and our children's future. It is little wonder that, according to the latest polls, a full 70 percent of the country opposes this hostage-taking and wants us to get back to work. I urge my colleagues to oppose the resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I am dismayed, but we are all dismayed. We have fought these battles on Head Start in the committee. As to the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, who sits on the Labor-HHS Subcommittee, we fought over and over and over again in talking about how important this program is; and day after day after day after day, we have been told that the facts belie themselves, that this is not a successful program, that kids aren't learning. They have dug up studies from 20 years ago to tell us that this program doesn't work. All of a sudden, today, they think that there is merit in Head Start? I hope this extends to what the President has asked for in universal early childhood education. Do you know that the Labor-HHS Subcommittee never even saw a markup, nor did they ever mention, with their draft proposal, early childhood education? They dismissed the President's view of early childhood education and providing universal early education for kids; and now, today, they stand before this body and this Nation and say they support this effort. Let me just tell you, this is more of the reason why the hostage- taking by the majority has to end. Every day, we waste time with these gimmicks mortgages our kids' futures and our future as a Nation. It's not responsible governing, and it's time for it to end.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining?

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just say to my colleague who just spoke, vote for it. Let's take the bill that was passed in the Senate, bring it here. There are apparently enough votes to reopen this government. Vote for it. Why be afraid of the process? That's what we do here--we vote. Bring the bill here. Let's open it up and take our chances. What are we afraid of? What are we afraid of? Are we afraid that, in fact, some Republicans will join all of the Democrats to pass a bill that reopens the Federal Government and protects these children, protects our veterans, protects our workers, protects everyone? There is just a fear and a loathing here which I truly do not understand. With regard to Head Start and other early childhood education programs, we know what those economic dividends are. It's about productivity; it's about prosperity; but it's about the quality of their lives and their futures. That's what ``Head Start'' means. Given the record of this majority and its past actions in cutting funding over and over and over again for Head Start, it just proves how disingenuous this gimmick is here today. They're playing to the crowd, but the crowd isn't listening. No one will forget what you have done. In fact, Head Start graduates are less likely to need special education services, to be left back a grade, or to get into trouble with the law. They're more likely to go on to college and to have a professional career. It is a program, yes, that works wonders, which is why we've all been surprised and dismayed by our Republicans and their attempts to slash this funding in the past. May I ask the gentleman if he has any additional speakers or if he is going to close?

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield the gentlewoman 10 seconds.

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me just comment for a moment in that I think that it is not a question of holding these children hostage. You are holding the entire Nation hostage for an effort that is not going to change, and that is: the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. Let's have a vote on this floor of the House of Representatives. We can reopen this government and not hold anyone hostage any longer. If my memory serves me well, in 2011, the gentleman, whom I do have great respect for, voted for H.R. 1--and maybe it was his bill that he passed--which would have cut Head Start by over $1 billion. It is puzzling to me that all of a sudden my Republican colleagues have gotten religion on the Head Start program. It is so inconsistent with where this majority has been with regard to Head Start and so disingenuous and duplicitous that we know it is a political ploy. I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield an additional 10 seconds to the gentlewoman.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to read a headline from Connecticut's Hartford Courant: ``Head Start Memo: Nearly 1,000 Children Shut Out.'' I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, a quote from the National Head Start Association: The proposed Head Start for Low-Income Children Act, while attempting to provide a funding extension for Head Start, does not put forward a true solution to the government shutdown. I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, we are almost a full week into this self- inflicted government shutdown because the Speaker refuses to stand up to a vocal minority in his own party. There is no end in sight. Instead, we sit here watching the Republican majority talk out of both sides of their mouths and pretend to hold positions they have been voting against from the first day that they took power. This bill is today's daily exercise in cynicism. I served as chairwoman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, the body that oversees funding for the Food and Drug Administration. We worked hard to increase the resources at FDA so that more food could be inspected, more outbreaks prevented. We also passed the Food Safety Modernization Act in 2010 to improve FDA's ability to respond quickly and efficiently in a proactive, science-based fashion to contaminated food outbreaks. Since taking office in 2011, this Republican majority has tried to undercut and hamstring the FDA at every step. In 2011, the first bill this majority passed included a $241 million cut to the FDA. In 2012, they tried to slash salaries by 21 percent, hampering the agency's ability to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act. In 2013, they tried to cut FDA by another $16 million. They rejected an amendment that I offered to increase funding by $50 million for monitoring foodborne pathogens and implementing the new food safety law. For years, we've been trying to get the Republican majority to be serious about the FDA and food safety funding. Food illnesses account for 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths each year, and particularly affect children, pregnant women, and older adults. Meanwhile, over 80 percent of the seafood and 30 percent of the fruit and nuts consumed in the United States are produced elsewhere, yet less than 1 percent of imported food is inspected by the FDA. The Republican majority has refused to fund these food safety initiatives. Now they are bringing up this disingenuous bill for political show. The health of American families is not a game. These are people's lives. Over 13 Federal agencies have important food safety responsibilities. The Centers for Disease Control identifies food safety pathogens in sources, and they are not funded in this bill. The Department of Justice prosecutes food contaminators, but they are not funded in this bill. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration carries out seafood inspections for the FDA, but they are not funded in this bill. USDA is responsible for a whole host of critical safety measures, but they are not funded in this bill. Now, if you think there should be only one food safety agency, that's something that we can talk about. This bill does not protect our families from contaminated food. It doesn't adequately fund the FDA. It's another in a series of purely political bills put forward by the Republican majority.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this cruel political game the majority is playing this afternoon. Since they took office, this Republican majority has repeatedly tried to slash the women, infants, and children feeding program--2011, 2012, 2013. I sit on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. This past summer, on a party-line vote, the Republican members on the committee who have just gotten up to speak to you voted to slash the WIC program and take nutritious food from over 200,000 pregnant mothers and infants. I introduced an amendment to restore this critical funding, and the Republican majority shut it down. When it mattered, when we all voted, the Republican majority cut this funding. And now they're trying to use low-income families for a political message. This is disingenuous, this is duplicitous, and it is shameful. Last month, on a party-line vote, they took food stamps from over 4 million low-income families, seniors, veterans, and children. Are we meant to believe that today they have come to Jesus? Or is it just politics? I have strongly supported the Women, Infants and Children feeding program my entire career; and when I served as chair of the Ag Appropriations Subcommittee, the Democrats funded WIC at record levels, expanded it as the need arose during a recession. We are talking about people's lives. This majority chose to shut the government down, and families all across this country are being affected. Furloughed workers, small businesses, and families cannot get loans. Biomedical and scientific research has stopped. Food safety, food banks, flu tracking, Federal economic reports, immunizations--they have been stopped because of what the Republican majority is doing here. The gamesmanship is heartless; it's offensive. The government has been shut down now for 4 days. Do not use hungry families as political pawns. It's time to stop these bills, fund the government, reopen it. And I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller), my friend, the distinguished ranking member of the Education and the Workforce Committee. (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.