Susan Davis

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of health care reform--finally. When people are asked why they chose their profession, so many say it's because they wanted to make a difference. We have the unique opportunity and honor to do just that. Passing healthcare reform will impact our constituents in almost all aspects of their lives. Good health is one of the most important things a person can have-- there is truth in the saying that it is more valuable than all the riches in the world. The bill we're passing isn't just about reducing sky-rocketing premiums or putting patients ahead of insurance companies--it's about the total outlay for families when it comes to providing for both basic and high risk care. Having affordable and certain health insurance translates not only to better health care but to better financial security so people can save money and use it for the betterment of their families. It means Americans can take the job they want, not just the job with healthcare. And it means they can strike out on their own and start the new businesses that spur our economy. We are making a difference as we do this for the American people. I truly appreciate my constituents whether they are for or against this measure, and I thank all of them for sharing their stories with me.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I support the health reform bill that this body will consider tomorrow, yet section 1501 of the Senate bill needs to be modified to ensure that the insurance our brave men and women in uniform have qualifies as ``minimum essential coverage'' under the new law. I already believe that TRICARE and the nonappropriated fund health plans will meet the minimum requirements for individual health insurance coverage in the health care bill. Yet like Mr. Skelton, I believe this legislation should explicitly state that these health plans meet the minimum threshold. As chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I am a strong proponent of the TRICARE system and do not want that great benefit threatened in any way by health care reform in the United States. Fixing section 1501 of the Senate bill will help achieve this goal and will remove any ambiguity for men and women in uniform and for my colleagues who do not believe that the current bill goes far enough to protect those who serve. Mr. Speaker, this language to protect TRICARE originally passed the House Education and Labor Committee on a bipartisan basis. I remember it. I was there. I would ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to put aside politics for this one vote and help pass a measure that will allow our men and women in uniform to focus on their mission, not their health insurance. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this measure.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I can remember when women couldn't get credit cards in their own names, when drug companies didn't run tests on women, and when women were told that secretarial school was about the only career option they had. Even as recently as a year ago, women didn't have the same fair-pay rights and protections in the workplace as men have until this Congress voted to change that. It takes women speaking up to make unfair and discriminatory practices like those a thing of the past, which is why we must speak up for this health care bill. I would ask opponents of this reform to think of a woman in their life--whether it's a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a daughter, or even a friend--think about her and ask yourself, is it right that insurance companies can deny her coverage based on gender? Is it right that insurance companies charge her more because she's a woman? Should women be turned away by insurance companies for such preexisting conditions as pregnancy, giving birth by C-section, or being the victim of domestic abuse? Should 80 percent of mothers in my State of California not be offered maternity coverage in the individual market? Should women who often rely on a spouse's insurance because they are taking care of children be more vulnerable if they are divorced or widowed? If you don't think these things are right, then you should support this bill. The American Medical Association that represents professional caretakers of our country, they support it because it protects the health of the caretakers in our families. So, Mr. Speaker, once it passes, insurance company penalties for the women in our lives will be a thing of the past. Let's pass the bill.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Gracia Molina de Pick, a distinguished activist, feminist, author, and educator in the San Diego community, upon her 80th birthday. Born into a politically active family in Mexico, Gracia Molina de Pick moved to San Diego in 1957, and has maintained her spirit of activism through her many years of work and service in our region. Along the way, she received her master's degree from San Diego State University and participated in doctoral studies at the University of California, San Diego and a doctoral fellowship at the University of Southern California. Gracia Molina de Pick has been fighting for the rights of Latinos and Chicanos since she was a teenager. She is the founder of IMPACT, an early community grassroots organization that fought for the civil rights of Mexican-Americans in San Diego. From 1969 to 1977 she served on the National Council of La Raza, the first civil rights advocacy group for Hispanic Americans. In 1970, she also founded the first national feminist Chicana Association, the Comision Femenil Mexicana Nacional, and the following year she served as the Chicana Caucus Chair of the National Women's Political Caucus. She is the national organizer for Chicana participation at the United Nations World Conferences on Women. Gracia Molina de Pick has tirelessly persisted in her efforts to secure equality for women. She helped to organize and found the Partido Popular, a Mexican political party that fought to secure voting rights for women. A published author, she has penned numerous articles and co- authored two books. Her most recent book, Mujeres en la Historia & Historias de Mujeres, offers readers biographies of influential women in Mexican history. Understandably, many prominent organizations have honored Gracia Molina de Pick with well-deserved awards and recognition. In 2001, Assemblymember Christine Kehoe named Gracia ``Woman of the Year,'' and she was inducted into the San Diego Women's Hall of Fame the year after. In 2004, she received the Jesse de la Cruz Award from the California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., a venerable legal advocacy and economic justice organization. Gracia continues to work for equality for those who are underrepresented and underserved, particularly in the areas of service and education. For many years, she served as a professor at Mesa College and a lecturer at the University of California, San Diego, where she helped found the University's Thurgood Marshall College. She served as the Commissioner of the California Post-Secondary Education Commission, and recently initiated the Gracia Molina de Pick Endowed Fund for Chicano/a Studies at the University of California, San Diego. Currently, Gracia is a member of San Diego's Human Relations Commission, where she works to ensure that the city upholds the protections of basic human and civil rights that she herself has worked so hard to establish. In keeping with her selfless spirit, Gracia is commemorating her birthday with a benefit celebration to raise financial support for the Logan Heights Library in San Diego. On this happy occasion, please join me in honoring Gracia Molina de Pick and her years of hard work making a difference in our community.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, opponents often cite polls saying the American people don't want Congress to pass health care reform, but I've talked to my constituents and I've listened closely to what they expect from the system. They don't think preexisting conditions should stop you from getting coverage. Insurance companies shouldn't just drop you. And nobody, nobody should face one-time 40 percent increases in premiums like what just happened in California. Madam Speaker, it has been a difficult and a long debate, but we're closer than any time in history to putting into law the health security Americans want. Let's finish the job and put patients first.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I thank my colleague from California for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the Olympics entertain us, inspire us, and humble us. The athletes who participate are committed to a dream, a dream that we, as spectators, are all privileged to witness. I introduced House Resolution 1128 to honor the athletes who represented the United States in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and to thank Vancouver, Canada, for showing hospitality to athletes from around the world. American athletes won 37 medals for the United States, the most medals ever won by any nation at a single Olympic Winter Games. The Olympics fosters good-natured competition between nations and builds a sense of camaraderie in cities and communities around the world. In the United States, we don't identify our Olympians as Californians or Coloradans. We honor and respect them as Americans. With the help of families, coaches and their own inner strength, these athletes continue to break records and set new standards of athletic performance. We celebrate their victories as national achievements and respect them for their hard work and their dedication in getting there. The athleticism and dedication of our athletes should be an example to all Americans. Adults and children alike can aspire to be dedicated to a healthy exercise regimen. We can't all be Olympic athletes, but we can all try to keep our bodies fit and healthy. Mr. Speaker, you may wonder why a San Diegan is honoring Winter Olympians. It's true we don't get quite as much snow as they do in other parts of the country, but we have a strong connection to this Winter Games. Rachel Flatt, the graceful figure skater, and the two Shauns, Shaun Palmer and Shaun White, both accomplished snowboarders, all have ties to San Diego. And also, the U.S. Olympic Training Center south of San Diego is an important training ground for winter athletes. Athletes benefit from the temperate climate and natural resources of San Diego. They are able to train with Navy SEALs and participate in wind tunnel assessments. This Olympic Training Center helps athletes train for alpine skiing, for freestyle skiing, for bobsled and skeleton, speed skating, luge and snowboard events. The unsung heroes of the Olympics are the organizers and support staff who create a safe and enjoyable experience for the athletes and spectators. And I want to join all of my colleagues again in thanking Vancouver, Canada for opening its doors to the world and completing the behind-the-scenes work involved in a public event of this nature. The first-class resources used for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games are now being used for the 2010 Paralympic Games, which began on March 12, and I certainly wish all the participating paralympic athletes an exhilarating and safe competition. May the flame of the Olympic torch burn bright, and may the dedication and perseverance it represents inspire us for years to come.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 102, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein).

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 239) authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record on this concurrent resolution.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 239. As Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel and as co-Chair of the Women's Caucus Task Force on Women in the Military and Veterans, I am privileged to recognize their service. We are all familiar with the icon of Rosie the Riveter, working in war factories during World War II. Her motto was, ``We can do it.'' Well, the Women Airforce Service Pilots did it, too. Almost 70 years ago, they became pioneers for women's equality in the armed services. As civilian pilots under the direction of the U.S. Army Air Forces, flying noncombat missions from 1942 to 1944, they bravely stepped into service while their male counterparts were sent to combat. The Women Airforce Service Pilots are referred to as the ``WASP.'' Unlike many acronyms used in the military, this is an apt name. For like WASP, their work demanded a unique combination of feistiness and strength, underlined by loyalty to their fellow WASP and their country. They flew every type of military aircraft in every kind of mission except combat. They ferried aircraft from factories to military installations. They towed aerial targets, transported cargo, and served in training exercises. There were 38 of the, roughly, 1,100 women who lost their lives during the war. There are only about 300 surviving WASP. I am astounded by their tenacity and by their bravery. Yet, despite that dedication, these women have encountered difficulties in being recognized for their service. The WASP corps only received full military status for their service in 1977 after having their records kept secret in classified archival files for more than 35 years. Next week, on March 10, we will honor their legacy as the first female aviators in American military history with the award of the Congressional Gold Medal. This is the highest civilian honor Congress can give, and it is both well deserved and, certainly, long overdue. I was proud to have been a co-lead with Congresswoman Ileana Ros- Lehtinen on the bill awarding them this honor. It is wonderful to see this come to fruition. Last year, the Union-Tribune in San Diego highlighted several of these women from my district, some of whom will be attending the ceremony next week. I look forward to meeting them, and I hope all of my colleagues will come and meet the WASP from their districts. To quote Vivian Eddy, one of these intrepid women from my district, their desire to serve our country was ``not so much to prove anything to anybody but just to fly.'' This ceremony will be an illustrative example of our indebtedness to their fearless, selfless service. This group of unsung heroines demonstrates the courage of women in the past, the integrity with which women continue to serve today, and the enthusiasm of the young women who dream of serving this great Nation in the future. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in thanking the WASP and their families by offering their support for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, but I certainly wanted to say, and I appreciate the wonderful words of my colleague, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, that we are finally having an opportunity to recognize these women in a way that we should have done a long time ago. But we are going to be recognizing the Women Air Force Service Pilots with a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. I certainly hope our colleagues will join us on March 10 in Emancipation Hall for a very special day, I know, to see and hear from these women who were far more than trailblazers; they served their country and they did it courageously. We are very proud of them and want to let them know how much we care about that service. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots. As Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel and Co-Chair of the Women's Caucus Task Force on Women in the Military and Veterans, I am privileged to honor these women who, almost 70 years ago, became pioneers for women's equality in the Armed Forces. And now, on March 10, 2010, we will honor their legacy as the first female aviators in American military history with the award of the Congressional Gold Medal. The Women Airforce Service Pilots are referred to as the WASPs. Unlike many acronyms used in the military, this is an apt name. Like wasps, their work demanded a unique combination of feistiness and strength, underlined by loyalty to their fellow WASPs and their country. I am astounded by their tenacity and their bravery. And yet, despite that dedication, these women have encountered difficulties in being recognized for their service. This ceremony will be an illustrative example of our indebtedness to their service, and I hope all of my colleagues will join me in thanking the WASPs. This group of unsung heroines demonstrates the courage of servicewomen in the past, the integrity with which women serve today, and the enthusiasm of the young women who dream of serving this great nation in the future. I am therefore honored to ask for authorization for the use of Emancipation Hall for the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, over the past week, the Olympics have been a reminder of how supportive and impressive our country truly is and what it can do when we come together for a common goal. But I know that feeling doesn't always translate to the issues that are weighing heavy on people across our country. Every day, my constituents tell me that they need jobs and job security, as well as loans for small businesses and home mortgages, and they worry about excessive government spending, our debt to foreign nations, and unconscionable Wall Street payments. We have saved our economy from the brink, but we cannot ignore the challenges still before us. We need to continue to pair fiscal responsibility with thoughtful job creation by encouraging small business growth and supporting needed infrastructure projects. And we have to keep holding Wall Street accountable by cracking down on big bonuses and making sure that taxpayers never have to bail it out again. After spending time with my constituents in San Diego, I know what the American people want us to focus on. We need jobs, Mr. Speaker. We need to think about the future, we need to focus on our kids and their education. This body, Mr. Speaker, is up to the challenge, and we need to move forward.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots. As Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel and Co-chair of the Women's Caucus Task Force on Women in the Military and Veterans, I am privileged to honor these women who, almost 70 years ago, became pioneers for women's equality in the Armed Forces. And now, on March 10, 2010, we will honor their legacy as the first female aviators in American military history with the award of the Congressional Gold Medal. The Women Airforce Service Pilots are referred to as the WASP. Unlike many acronyms used in the military, this is an apt name! Like wasps, their work demanded a unique combination of feistiness and strength, underlined by loyalty to their fellow WASP and their country. I am astounded by their tenacity and their bravery. And yet, despite that dedication, these women have encountered difficulties in being recognized for their service. This ceremony will be an illustrative example of our indebtedness to their service, and I hope all of my colleagues will join me in thanking the WASP. This group of unsung heroines demonstrates the courage of servicewomen in the past, the integrity with which women serve today, and the enthusiasm of the young women who dream of serving this great Nation in the future. I am therefore honored to ask for authorization for the use of the Capitol Rotunda for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony. Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to introduce this resolution today.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, December 15, 2009, the House electronic voting system recorded the insertion and removal of my voting card for rollcall vote No. 977, on motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 1472, the Human Rights Enforcement Act of 2009. However, it did not record my vote of ``aye'' on this bill. I have long been a fervent advocate for human rights and want to ensure the recording of my support for this important measure.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, research shows that school leadership can be one of the most positive and effective factors in improving student learning. In fact, a strong school principal is often the principle reason behind a successful, well-functioning school that attracts and maintains quality instructors. In high-need schools, strong school leadership is especially crucial. When the No Child Left Behind Act is reauthorized, the federal government will look to provide additional resources to help high-need schools improve student achievement. With a strong and inspirational principal at the helm, a high-need school will be more likely to achieve success. Representative Todd Russell Platts and I are introducing the School Principal Recruitment and Training Act of 2009 to put the nation on the right track toward creating a new generation of effective school leaders. The legislation provides competitive grants to recruit and train high-caliber aspiring and current principals to lead high-need schools and stay in their positions. As part of the training, principals will be mentored by other successful school leaders, and they will receive on-going education even after their placement. The legislation includes a data and reporting component so successful outcomes can be disseminated and replicated at other high-need schools. Madam Speaker, I urge consideration of this legislation as we continue the effort to improve education in the United States and close the Achievement Gap.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on House Administration from further consideration of the bill (S. 1860) to permit each current member of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to serve for 3 terms, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, the statute we are amending limits the terms of the current Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to two consecutive five year terms. The Board consists of five legal practitioners from around the country, each of whom is an expert in labor and employment matters. They were originally appointed in 1999 and 2000, and reappointed to second terms in 2004 and 2005. The terms of three Board members expired last month, and the terms of the remaining two Board members will expire this coming May. The Congressional Accountability Act does not allow for holdovers, so the current Board has already lost its quorum. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found in 2004 that term limits for Board members caused a loss of leadership, and negatively impacted the Office's continuity of operations. To avoid that negative impact, the Committee proposes to amend the law to allow the current Board to serve for an additional term. This particular Board has demonstrated extraordinary productivity and balance in its handling of multiple cases, and its issuance of a number of substantive regulations. The current Board operates collegially, and appreciates the operating environment in which they perform their responsibilities. Over the last decade, the Board has met its statutory mandate without cause for concern from the Congress. The Board has been a neutral body, committed to advancing safety, health, and workplace rights, while working with the Congress to promulgate regulations that reflect the unique nature of the Legislative Branch. The Congress amended the Congressional Accountability Act five years ago to allow for a second term. The GAO's 2004 report on the operations of the Board noted that, in comparable administrative regulatory agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Labor Relations Board, and the National Labor Relations Board, there were no limitations on board members serving consecutive terms. The Board members have provided an excellent balance, and unnecessary change to the composition of this Board creates a risk of loss of such balance. The Committee therefore recommends that the term limits for the current Board members be extended by an additional five year term. By enacting S. 1860, we will accomplish this purpose. The bill was ordered to be read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address a serious and expanding health problem. Rates of type 2 diabetes continue to rise--despite our knowledge of how to prevent it--and it is time we took action to reverse the disturbing trend. Thirty years ago, there was no known or proven strategy to fight the onset of type 2 diabetes. Now, we know how to delay onset of this disease, or prevent it completely, according to the National Institutes of Health, NIH. And yet, we are not using this potentially life-saving knowledge to our greatest benefit. Meanwhile, those who develop the illness still suffer from and can't always properly recognize its symptoms, including fatigue and vision problems. When type 2 diabetes causes those symptoms to progress, it can lead to detrimental and heartbreaking results. Furthermore, the cost to care for diabetes patients reached $174 billion in 2007, and that number is only expected to get larger. The illness is a growing problem in the population as a whole, and appears to be increasing among children and adolescents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. It makes sense to work to prevent onset of type 2 diabetes. This will both ensure quality of life for patients and reduce overall health spending--especially when the number of Americans at risk is predicted to grow. I am introducing the Diabetes Prevention Act of 2009 to put our medical knowledge to use to reduce and delay instances of type 2 diabetes. Through the CDC, communities will be able to apply for grants to establish prevention programs designed to assist those diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Working with local medical officials, the programs will help patients with good diet, exercise plans, and other lifestyle changes needed to prevent or delay onset of the illness. The Diabetes Prevention Act of 2009 builds on the success community organizations have had with similar programs in preventing illness. It is crucial that we address this serious problem and act now to stem the number of cases of type 2 diabetes developing in our country. I urge consideration of the legislation.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record on S. 1860.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today on a motion offered pursuant to this order, it adjourn to meet at 3 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2009, unless it sooner has received a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in House Concurrent Resolution 214, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I was absent for three rollcall votes on Monday, November 16, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote Nos. 889 and 890, and ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 891. The items of legislation I would have voted on are as follows: Yea on S. 1314--A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 630 Northeast Killingsworth Avenue in Portland, Oregon, as the ``Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Post Office''. Yea on H.R. 3539--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 427 Harrison Avenue in Harrison, New Jersey, as the ``Patricia D. McGinty-Juhl Post Office Building''. Aye on H.R. 3767--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 North Main Street in Smithfield, Utah, as the ``W. Hazen Hillyard Post Office Building''.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.