Susan Davis

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 6890.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6890 which will aid schools affected by Hurricanes Gustav, Ike, Katrina, and Rita in addition to those impacted by this summer's flooding in the Midwest. This August marked the third year since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the gulf coast. People lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their family members. Entire towns were leveled and cities emptied. While in the past 3 years, the affected States have made great strides towards normalcy, many school districts, many school districts still struggle to deal with the loss of students, teachers, facilities, and funding. And only a few weeks ago, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit the still- recovering region causing an incredible amount of damage to its communities, the extent of which has yet to be fully realized. Many students are not yet back in their homes. Many schools were destroyed by the storms or by flooding. Many teachers have not yet returned, and much of the affected States' resources have gone to addressing other recovery needs. It is not surprising that as a result of storms like these, school budgets are stretched thin and students' education suffers. As part of the Hurricane Education Recovery Act of 2005, Congress granted the Secretary of Education the authority to waive several requirements in order to ease fiscal burdens on the States where a major disaster had been declared. These provisions have proved useful to all States affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita with Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas all applying for and receiving waivers. This bill extends the waivers allowing Restart programs to be more flexible with their fiscal resources. It will allow schools in the affected regions to continue on their road to recovery by devoting funds to their most pressing needs so that they can better serve students who have been through so much in the past few years. This bill also guarantees that schools affected by the most recent storms and flooding will maintain the same level of funding under Federal grant programs in the 2009 and 2010 school year as they received for the current school year. By allowing school districts to maintain their previous level of funding for the next year, this provision allows them to rebuild and prepare for the return of their students without having to deal with the additional challenge of reduced resources. It reassures families that when they do return to their homes, their children's education will not suffer. By bringing students and families back to the region, it's an important step in helping those devastated areas recover and become vibrant communities once more. Mr. Speaker, once again, I urge the adoption of H.R. 6890. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of H.R. 6890, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6890) to extend the waiver authority for the Secretary of Education under section 105 of subtitle A of title IV of division B of Public Law 109-148, relating to elementary and secondary education hurricane recovery relief, as amended.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1464 into the Record.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this resolution, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and privilege that I rise in support of House Resolution 1464 in commemoration and recognition of the AARP's 50th anniversary. In what started as a campaign to obtain affordable health care for retired teachers, AARP founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, began a movement dedicated to serving and advocating for its nearly 40 million members and all Americans over the age of 50. For the past 50 years, the AARP has advocated tirelessly to address the needs of the elderly, contributing immensely to the greater well-being of some of our most vulnerable citizens. During this time, the AARP has also provided trusted research and information that continues to shape public policy. This national organization exemplifies the ideals of service and advocacy, and has been a tremendous force in enhancing opportunities for older Americans in their search for quality health care, pension and retirement security, financial and overall well-being. In addition, I would also like to thank and congratulate AARP's CEO, Bill Novelli and the countless volunteers and staff for their leadership and commitment to furthering the organization's mission of a healthy and secure elderly population in the United States. I would like to extend my congratulations and appreciation to the AARP for their exceptional dedication and service, and I wish this organization continued success in years to come. I urge the adoption of this resolution, and reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1464) recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of the founding of AARP.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 642 into the Record.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 642, the College Fire Prevention Act. This legislation is the result of the life work of the late Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Many of us know the commitment of Representative Tubbs Jones to the cause of campus fire safety. Every September, she would come to the floor to advocate for the recognition of September as Campus Fire Safety Month. Because of her efforts, States around the country also recognized September as Campus Fire Safety Month and helped to make students aware of the dangers they face and to ensure that colleges and universities do all they can to assist students. H.R. 642 builds on Representative Tubbs Jones' work to protect students on campus by creating a demonstration program within the Department of Education to encourage colleges and universities to install fire sprinkler systems and other fire suppression and prevention technologies in student housing and dormitories. I can think of no better time to talk about campus fire safety than now, when our students are returning to schools. We all know that in the hustle and bustle of moving in and getting ready for class, thoughts of whether one is prepared for a fire can sometimes get lost. Historically, August and September are two of the most fatal months for campus fires. We can assist institutions in avoiding these preventable tragedies by encouraging colleges and universities to educate students about fire safety before they arrive on campus. In passing this legislation here today, we not only honor the work of Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones, but we also ensure the safety of students on campus. I urge the passage of this timely and important legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, we come on the floor once again to honor the life and work of the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones, and we do that with this bill, very important bill, H.R. 642, the College Fire Prevention Act. I'm delighted that Mr. Clyburn was able to be here and to continue her legacy in this way. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to recognize the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn) for as much time as he may consume.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1463) recognizing the benefits of service-learning as a teaching strategy to effectively engage youth in the community and classroom, and supporting the goals of the National Learn and Serve Challenge, as amended.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1463 into the Record.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the benefits of service learning as a teaching strategy and to support the goals of the National Learn and Serve Challenge. Service learning is an educational model that can be used from kindergarten to the university level across all subjects and disciplines. More than just community service, service learning challenges students to apply their classroom lessons by asking them to investigate a problem in their community, plan solutions, take action through service, and then reflect on their experience. By integrating classroom learning with real-world challenges in the community, service learning can make school assignments come alive for our students. At the same time, we are also encouraging our young people to help improve our local neighborhoods. Studies have shown a connection between service learning and higher academic achievement, enhanced classroom engagement, increased attendance, better problem solving skills, and a deeper understanding of cognitive complexities. Research also suggests that students involved in service-learning opportunities build self-confidence, leadership skills, and increase their tolerance of others. This all makes service learning a successful strategy in reducing negative behaviors such as those that lead to dropping out, arrest, or unintended pregnancies. In addition, service learning promotes involvement in our democracy, development of strong ethics, and a sense of social responsibilities. For example, studies have shown that high school students that participated in service learning are more likely to vote 15 years after their experience than those that did not participate. And finally, students who are exposed to service learning build important social and personal skills. Service learning is an onramp to civic engagement for a lifetime. In order to call attention to the many benefits of service learning, the National Learn and Serve Challenge will take place October 6-12. This week-long nationwide celebration of service will raise awareness of service learning and foster collaborative partnerships between local schools, institutions of higher education, and their surrounding communities. The organization has set an ambitious goal of having 5 million college students and 50 percent of K-12 schools engaged in meaningful service by 2010. Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for the National Learn and Serve Challenge, and I encourage more schools to take advantage of the many benefits service learning can have on our students and our communities. I urge the adoption of this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to Mr. Hinchey of New York as much time as he may consume.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as she may consume to Representative McCarthy of New York.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 998, which would create the Civil Rights History Project. The bill directs the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution, through the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to collaborate and establish an oral history project. This joint venture will result in the collection and preservation of audio and video recordings by individuals who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. A fundamental precept of our American democracy is that individuals stand up for their rights and beliefs and pursue justice through civil means. Many who participated in the Civil Rights Movement did so at great personal sacrifice. Their actions were often heroic and tireless, and challenged the practice of racial segregation in the Nation, which resulted in equal rights legislation for all American citizens. As these pioneers continue to age, it is important that their memories and stories of events are documented so that future generations can witness their testimony regarding the lives and times of that era. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 998) to direct the Librarian of Congress and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out a joint project at the Library of Congress and the National Museum of African American History and Culture to collect video and audio recordings of personal histories and testimonials of individuals who participated in the Civil Rights movement, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the motions to suspend the rules relating to the following measures be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Monday, September 15, 2008: House Resolution 1255, House Resolution 1372, House Resolution 1425, House Concurrent Resolution 410, H.R. 2352, H.R. 2535, H.R. 3437, H.R. 5293, H.R. 5350, H.R. 5736, H.R. 6064, H.R. 6503, and H.R. 6855.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I stand with the House leadership in full support of House Concurrent Resolution 388. This resolution insists that the government strengthen its promise under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to assist our military and overseas citizens to vote. House Concurrent Resolution 388 would direct the Federal Voting Assistance Program to provide military personnel and their dependents with electronic reminders about the election process and ensure paper and electronic copies of the Federal Post Card Application are provided. According to a 2006 U.S. Election Assistance Commission Report, 70 percent of uncounted military and overseas ballots were due to incorrect or undeliverable addresses. House Concurrent Resolution 388 would also direct election offices to work with the Federal Voting Assistance Program to update contact information as well as expand outreach efforts to military and overseas voters. I applaud Mr. Hoyer and Mr. Blunt for their leadership in drafting this bipartisan resolution. House Concurrent Resolution 388 reinforces the government's commitment to assisting our military and overseas voters. I urge all Members to support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.