Susan Davis

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker I urge an aye vote, 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. 6399) to improve certain administrative operations of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, and for other purposes.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the measure now under consideration.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill does two things: First, over time Congress has passed five laws creating three categories of senior management positions in the Architect's Office. The five laws specify the number of positions in each category, their functions and compensation. The creation of multiple categories with different pay caps can yield undesirable effects, including the possibility of employees earning more than supervisors. This patchwork hinders the Architect's flexibility to align senior positions equitably across the agency and to make broad organizational changes. This bill combines the affected positions into one category for administrative purposes capped at a single rate of pay. The Architect requested this sensible provision, which solves the problem that Congress never intended to create. Second, Mr. Speaker, the bill provides the Architect with the authority to purchase a vehicle maintenance facility for the U.S. Capitol Police. Congress has previously appropriated the money, and there is no additional cost. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. I urge support. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

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

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 512 offers each Member of this body the opportunity to help Americans feel confident that their electoral process is fair and their interests are protected. This legislation that we're considering today would take the long overdue step of prohibiting chief election officials from playing a leadership role in the political campaigns of Federal candidates and elections over which they have supervisory authority, and that includes using their name, serving on a campaign committee, fundraising, or using their official office to interfere or affect the results of an election. When I introduced this in the last Congress, they gave us the number H.R. 101. Well, I thought that was pretty fitting because this bill is so basic you could call it Election Officiating 101, and as any novice knows, when the outcome of a contest is determined by judges, steps are taken to ensure that the judging is impartial so that everyone involved knows that the contest is fair, that they have confidence in the results, and that they want to participate. To actively support one side and to be a judge is unthinkable in every kind of competition I can think of, except, Mr. Speaker, one, our elections, the most important contest in our country. It's right. Under current law--people probably are surprised by this. Under current law, the chief election official, the person who actually is certifying the final validity of the results, can be actively backing a side by giving a candidate money or other support. It is the equivalent of a person being a player and referee at the same time. In sports, everyone knows who the refs are because they wear the stripes. In elections, the officials can actually run plays on the field and blow the whistle, all while wearing team jerseys and being head of the booster club. The election official may be and probably is--I would suspect mostly is making the right calls. But it doesn't look unbiased, and it certainly doesn't inspire confidence in the system and in the results. As a former president of the League of Women Voters in San Diego and a proud American voter myself, I know that election officials are entrusted with a crucial responsibility for our democracy. Their only allegiance must be to the will of the voters, not to partisan political agendas or special interests. Americans are craving good government solutions to problems facing our country, and this legislation is just that. Congress should not wait for another Florida or Ohio before passing a bill that should not be a partisan fight. In fact, this isn't a partisan issue. It's an issue of preserving the American people's faith and the integrity of our democracy. This bill will finally close the door on inherent conflict of interest. It certainly won't solve everything, but it will help prevent future controversies. Those who want to oppose this bill can come up with all kinds of excuses for their position. But let's be clear: A vote against this bill is a vote for allowing those who certify our elections to fund- raise and rally for candidates of their choice. If you want our elections to appear tainted, then go ahead and vote against this bill. But if you think election officials should join Federal judges in restraining from political activity, then I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 512) to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit certain State election administration officials from actively participating in electoral campaigns, as amended.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, it is really interesting to me because one of the first things I think my colleague said was that this was somehow drastic legislation. And yet he went on to go out and think about how he might expand it. Well, I appreciate the issues that he is referring to. Those are issues that, in fact, the Justice Department is looking at, a number of allegations that they are looking at. But that is not part of this bill. And I go back and I ask my colleague, please read the bill. The bill talks about an active part that a chief State election official might take in political management or in a political campaign, which means serving as a member of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office, or the use of official authority, official authority to influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election for Federal office. That is a very different situation than what my colleague is referring to. And he seems to be concerned about the Secretaries of State. I respect them greatly. A lot of them support this bill. Some of them don't. I am not sure I understand why they don't, because what we are doing here is talking about not them so much as the voters. It is about the voters. And the most important thing is that voters trust that elections are fair. And my colleague would suggest that maybe there shouldn't be any rules; but I think we do have some rules, and it is important that we have them. We have them for judges as well. So I think we need to understand what is in this bill. It is not solving all the problems that have been raised, but it is solving a very important one for voters. And they do need to feel, and we saw it happen in our history, in our pretty recent history, that it is an issue for people. It should be. Why shouldn't people be concerned that their State official person who is overseeing, who is supervising elections doesn't have a bias that is quite clear? Mr. Speaker, many years ago I was very active with the League of Women Voters. And one of the rules is, if you are a key official, a vice president overseeing the election process for that organization, for the community, or a president, that you don't get involved in political activity. That is one of the rules. I thought it was a great rule, and I was very happy to adhere to it. This gets to be serious business because we have people out in the streets and we know that because they were concerned about this issue. So I think this is important. It is very narrowly drawn, of course, and it should be. And I would certainly hope that my colleagues would really take a serious look at this because we need to ensure that voters trust the election. That is what this is about. And I believe that they have every right, and we have every right to make certain that that judgment is there, and that there is nothing that gets in the way between the voters and the political process. Remember, these are Federal elections. And article I, section 4 of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to makes laws governing the time, the place and the manner of holding Federal elections. This is in our purview. I urge my colleagues to support this measure. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1646) recognizing the commitment and efforts made by the Library of Congress to promote the joy of reading through the sponsorship of the National Book Festival.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record and to include extraneous matter.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the National Book Festival. The Library of Congress' commitment to the spread of knowledge is well-known and so is their unbridled joy of books and reading. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this resolution, along with all the members of the Committee on House Administration, and would like to congratulate the Library of Congress on another highly successful National Book Festival and laud their continued efforts to spread the joy and wonder of reading. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to join with my colleague in recognizing the successful annual book festival. It did set a new attendance record, and we're delighted and we look forward to next year. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I certainly support the Smithsonian in this effort, and I look forward to passage of this important legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5717 would upgrade the Smithsonian Institution's scientific and educational activities at its unique animal conservation facility, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at Front Royal, Virginia. Mr. Speaker, in the interest of time, I understand that there is a consensus on this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5717) to authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct a facility and to enter into agreements relating to education programs at the National Zoological Park facility in Front Royal, Virginia, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution supporting October 2010 as National Principals Month. This designation will highlight and recognize the critical role that principals play, leading our schools. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution with my colleague from the Education and Labor Committee, Congressman Todd Platts. On any given day, principals are likely to be everything from an educational visionary, to community builder, to budget analyst, to facility manager, to counselor. This means principals work long hours. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that one in three principals works more than 40 hours per week and often works additional time supervising school activities at night and on weekends. Principals set the academic tone for their schools and collaborate with teachers to develop performance goals and objectives, all in an effort to improve student achievement. In the end, it is principals who are responsible for creating and managing the environment where our students learn and grow. During the time I served on the San Diego School Board, I worked with many remarkable school leaders. I witnessed how their commitment and energy can inspire an entire school--from the youngest student to the most senior teacher. It is a privilege to introduce a resolution paying tribute to our dedicated school leaders. This October, let's honor this important role, which they dedicate themselves to year-round.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I want to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for bringing H.R. 2039 forward today. Mr. Speaker, the forefathers and mothers of our Nation included Congress in section 1 of the Constitution for a reason. Congress is for the people by the people. But for too long, Congress has encouraged Buy America throughout this country without setting a strong enough example here in the Halls of Congress. My colleague has just referenced a number of the pieces of goods that people purchased that were certainly not made in America. I suspect that our forefathers would be pleased with this piece of legislation before us. As our Nation works to bolster our manufacturing sector for the 21st century and beyond, we can start with making sure that goods sold in the Capitol and Congress are made right here in the U.S. The congressional Made in America Promise Act does just that by requiring that the rules of the Buy America Act apply to the legislative branch. By passing it, Congress is setting an example for our Nation. Goods sold in Congress should say ``Made in the U.S.A.'' For the people, by the people. Right now, we are seeing that getting back to the basics of making it in America is what works for our economy. In fact, in August, U.S. manufacturing expanded for the 13th straight month. Our manufacturing sector has always been a source of pride for our country, and it is still the best in the world. Now more than ever, we need to encourage the production of goods that are made in America because the more we make at home the more Americans will be able to go back to work. I strongly support the congressional Made in America Promise Act.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 1538, and I want to thank Chairman Berman for bringing my resolution to the floor. As the world watched the World Cup finals on July 11, terrorists launched suicide attacks against innocent men and women in the city of Kampala, Uganda. At least 70 people tragically died in those blasts, one of whom was a 25-year-old American, Nate ``Oteka'' Henn. This resolution condemns the terrorist attacks in Kampala, recognizes the important role Uganda plays in the African Union Mission in Somalia, and sends a message to our allies that the United States stands by our strategic partners. It also highlights the urgent need for the United States to work with the international community to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism in East Africa. And finally, this resolution honors Nate ``Oteka'' Henn and all of the victims of this tragedy. Mr. Speaker, Nate was a committed volunteer for Invisible Children, Inc., a nonprofit organization headquartered in San Diego. That organization works to shed light on the grim reality that is faced by many Ugandans, particularly the children who are abducted and forced to become child soldiers there. Nate was a beloved and hardworking part of this cause, whether at the helm of an Invisible Children van as a member of the team of ``roadies'' or as an effective and heartfelt fundraiser who helped send Ugandan students to school. From what I now know of Nate's innate warmth, humor, and determination, it's no surprise that he was given the name ``Oteka,'' which means ``the strong one,'' by his Ugandan friends, a name he proudly tattooed on his right arm. Responsibility for the attack that killed Nate and the dozens of other innocent men and women in Uganda has been claimed by the Somalia- based al-Shabaab terrorist organization. Al-Shabaab has justified the deadly violence on Uganda's 3,400-troop contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia. But al-Shabaab, which means ``the youth,'' also chose its targets to send a message to Somalis around the world, a message designed to help tighten its control in Somalia and recruit young men into its ranks, including young men from many of the districts we represent. Nate Henn's life, on quite the other hand, and the work of groups like Invisible Children send a far different message to the youth of Africa, a message that is one of promise and hope rather than of war. Today, Congress can help reinforce that message by showing that the American people stand side by side with those who strive to make the future brighter for Africa's youth while at the same time telling groups like al-Shabaab that we will not ignore atrocities committed against civilians or our allies. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that all of my colleagues will support this important resolution.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, with almost half of the unemployed out of work for more than 6 months, I am extremely disappointed that partisan bickering has delayed this important relief to American families. I want to share with you what one of my constituents wrote to me. He said, ``I've worked all my life and supported myself and didn't ask for any special treatment. There is pride that comes from work . . . No one is more ready and willing to work than me . . . but there just isn't any.'' Since the lapsing of unemployment benefits, millions have lost the benefits which are keeping their families in their homes and food on their tables, but what we and people may not know or really appreciate is that this also includes tens of thousands of former servicemembers and reservists who have returned home to find themselves without work. How, I ask you, Mr. Speaker, does prohibiting them from being able to pay their electric and grocery bills help our economy recover? I urge my colleagues to join me in strong support of this extension.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, for 75 years Social Security has been a promise, an investment in the future of our Nation's workforce. An estimated 159 million Americans are eligible for Social Security benefits, and they have earned them. It is their money, but many worry that these benefits won't be around when they need them. These workers can rest assured that my Democratic colleagues and I intend to preserve and strengthen Social Security for generations to come. Social Security is a major income source for retired Americans, and workers should receive back what they have paid into Social Security over the years. Our children and grandchildren also deserve to have Social Security available to them upon their retirement. We can and we will protect the core values of the Social Security system.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act. Mr. Speaker, it is in the national security interests of the United States and our allies to compel Iran's leaders to halt their nuclear program. Sanctions, combined with unified international diplomatic pressure, are our best hope for peacefully achieving this goal. The tools we use to confront this threat should not be go-it-alone military action, but diplomacy and international pressure. I have long believed that Iran will only be convinced to give up their nuclear weapons program if a strong, unified international community rallies against Iran's nuclear ambitions. With President Obama's diplomatic efforts over the past 18 months, we are getting closer to this reality. This bill follows on President Obama's successful work to pass a very strong fourth round of sanctions through the United Nations Security Council. The U.N. resolution brought Russia and China on board for globally- binding U.N. sanctions on Iran's banking, finance, shipping and energy sectors. Now it is time for Congress to act. The bill before us today complements the diplomatic gains made at the U.N. by expanding sanctions on foreign companies that sell Iran goods, services, or know-how that assist it in developing its energy sector. In addition, H.R. 2194 imposes significant financial penalties and travel restrictions on Iran's human rights abusers. Ultimately, this bill provides Iran, and the people and companies that do business with the Islamic Republic a stark choice: comply with the will of the international community, or face the consequences of diplomatic and financial isolation. Until Iran makes the strategic choice to abandon their nuclear ambitions, this body and the international community have a responsibility to act. I urge my colleagues to vote for this important legislation.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, at roundtables that I hold with small business owners in San Diego, there are some consistent themes. They all say that they need banks to lend and people to spend. A few also pointed out that when their businesses fail or fall behind on their taxes, the IRS is more than willing to work out a payment plan that they can afford but then slaps them with penalties that they can't afford. The small business lending package we passed earlier this month provides small business penalty relief and $3.5 billion in tax incentives for innovation and growth, and it gives community banks the lending leverage they need to help small businesses keep their doors open and create jobs. This legislation is essential for businesses in my district and across our country. I hope our colleagues in the Senate see the importance of its immediate passage.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the DISCLOSE Act. Under current law, yes, it is correct that groups must disclose their name in advertisements and file a disclosure form, but, you know, that doesn't tell anyone very much at all. Right now, voters see TV ads sponsored by organizations they have never heard of, groups like the American Future Fund, American Leadership Project, Citizens for Strength and Security, Common Sense in America, and today I am getting calls from the Campaign for Liberty. But they will not tell us who they are. Does anybody know who they are? In 2008, there were over 80 of these groups, and they bought $135 million in advertisements. I, for one, don't think our constituents should go through another election cycle in the dark. Voters want to know: Who's behind that ad? Who stands to gain from it? Why isn't an actual person, a corporation, or a union taking responsibility for it? The DISCLOSE Act will finally put that information in voters' hands with tough disclosure and disclaimer requirements. I want to tell you because the DISCLOSE Act also sets some important limits to protect taxpayer dollars. I ask those opposed to the bill: Do we want ads from banks that still have TARP funds? Do we want subsidiaries of foreign-controlled companies meddling in our elections? Well, I would think the answer is clearly ``no.'' The DISCLOSE Act is just like other consumer protection bills this body has passed. I can think of no single time that I regretted giving my constituents more information so they can make wise, informed decisions.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, June 10, 2010, I was attending to a family matter and missed the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yea'' on rollcall No. 347; ``no'' on rollcall No. 348; ``no'' on rollcall No. 349; ``no'' on rollcall No. 350; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 351; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 352; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 353; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 354.