Susan Davis

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, it has really been an honor to present this resolution today. I was recalling the trip that we last made to Kandahar, Afghanistan. We had an opportunity to meet with about 40-plus, maybe 50, women there in all of the different services, just asking them about why they were there and about why they joined the service. The kind of work they were doing was truly inspiring; and, of course, they always wanted to tell us about their children, who were at home. These women are providing a tremendous service to our country. We honor them, and I certainly encourage and know that all of my colleagues will be supporting this resolution.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days with which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 868) honoring and recognizing the service and achievements of current and former female members of the Armed Forces.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 139) congratulating the first graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy on their 50th graduation anniversary and recognizing their contributions to the Nation, as amended.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, in America, if you get overcharged on a telephone or cable bill, you have recourse to get your money back. If a mechanic does an unnecessary repair, there are agencies that can help you. On the government level, we work to defend consumers and guard against markets being too concentrated. That was one of the goals when I chaired the Consumer Protection Committee in the California State assembly. And yet when it comes to health care, strong consumer protections just don't exist and Americans are suffering because no one is looking out for them. That's why the Consumers Union, which Americans trust for information on major purchases, calls our health care system a ``consumer crisis'' and endorses our efforts to reform the system. Once the bill's provisions take effect, no insurance company can deny or drop your coverage. Every insurance company would have to provide a minimum set of benefits, including prescription drugs, hospital care, and mental health. This reform will give Americans the reliability and security they deserve.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, our brave student servicemembers defending the United States in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries abroad are often charged interest on their federal college student loans while deployed. Because this interest is costly and unfair, I rise today to introduce the Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act to end the practice. This legislation builds upon a provision included in the Higher Education Opportunity Act (H.R. 4137) in the 110th Congress, which prevents interest from accruing on loans originated after October 2008 during activations. The provision provided important relief to servicemembers who intended to take out loans in the future, but it did not address those who currently had student loan debt. The bill I introduce today corrects that issue and provides interest relief to all active duty servicemembers with eligible loans. Our students in uniform could save up to $1,479 during a 12- to 15-month activation under this bill, according to estimates. As our servicemembers put themselves in harm's way, the least we can do is put their student loans on hold until they return home. I'm pleased to work with Senator Bayh on this important issue. I urge passage of this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, no doubt, the national discussion over health care reform has been emotional for all Americans. People from every corner and every background of our country have had a chance to tell their story, to weigh in on this issue. Many of the stories we have heard from our constituents back home have been personal--they have been heartbreaking--about struggles with the health care system. Those kinds of experiences can sometimes be difficult and they can be emotional to share, but they have played an important part in the conversation. Because we are starting to see that in our uniquely American way, all of that passion is being channeled to productive change. We are close to bringing forward a potentially life-changing bill. Just think about what this means. For the first time, millions of uninsured Americans can have access to health insurance and all of us will have health security knowing we can't lose our coverage. Ultimately, voting on reform means voting to give millions of Americans peace of mind.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution honoring the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans. Every time I visit military installations, both at home and abroad, I am constantly impressed by the tremendous job our service members are doing. And I am always particularly struck by the essential and natural role our brave servicewomen play in so many parts of our Armed Services. There are close to 350,000 American women currently serving in our Armed Forces. And it's hard to believe they were only granted permanent status in the regular and Reserve Armed Forces in 1948--because women were certainly making their mark well before then. Women have voluntarily served in every military conflict in our country's history since the Revolutionary War. They have been on the frontlines as nurses, waterbearers, and even saboteurs. For years, dedicated women had to disguise themselves as men in order to enlist in our military. Today, that's not the case--our servicewomen play an increasingly important role in America's military forces, and our country is the better for it. Women are flying helicopters and fighter aircrafis; they are saving lives as nurses and doctors; they are driving support vehicles and policing perimeters. They do not seek special recognition, but I believe it is important to understand and recognize the additional burdens that are inherent in the many roles they play outside of work--as wives, mothers, and caretakers. The resolution recognizes the sacrifices our servicewomen and their families make to keep our country safe. 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 the legacy of servicewomen in the past, the courage with which women serve today, and the enthusiasm of the young women who dream of serving this great nation in the future. Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to introduce this resolution today.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I thank my colleague for yielding the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act. I think that it is so important. I am very proud of my community of San Diego because we are known, as everyone is aware, of our perennial sunshine. I also wanted to assure our colleagues that we are not just basking in those rays; in fact, we are putting them to work. San Diego has been working to put that sun to use for some time. Our city ranks first among California cities for use of solar energy according to a recent report by the Environment California Research & Policy Center. Our city's solar friendly policies, such as our quicker permitting for buildings that use solar power and a pilot program to offer homeowners incentives for solar installations, has made us really a bellwether for clean energy operations. The other very, very critical issue that I want to applaud is our military and our Navy, because the Navy Region Southwest has taken great advantage of this wonderful resource that we have in our sun by investing in solar panels throughout San Diego bases, saving both energy and taxpayer dollars. There are a number of parking lots that are shielded by solar panels, a number of the buildings that have been transferred over the years. So this kind of sustainability of many of our military installations and buildings in San Diego is critically important for us. It makes a huge difference. I certainly hope that other cities can take a look at what we have been able to accomplish and that San Diego's leadership can serve as a road map for other cities. As we guarantee our country's leadership for providing a road map for financial and structural investments in the research and development of solar energy, we can continue to move forward with the kind of momentum that is really critical, and that is what this bill is providing. The public-private partnerships that will result from this bill will help make solar energy more affordable and accessible for all Americans. I see in my own neighborhood the changes that are occurring, pilot projects, solar projects in front of homes throughout the community. That sends a very powerful message to people. I am thrilled to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 3585.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 837) recognizing Kentucky Wesleyan College for over 150 years of service as an institution of higher education.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 837, which recognizes Kentucky Wesleyan College for its over 150 years of operation. Founded in 1858, during a Kentucky Methodist conference, Kentucky Wesleyan College began as a training school for preachers, but the curriculum expanded to include an inclusive liberal arts education and, after a strong demand, business classes. By the 1880s, half of the alumni were employed as either teachers or as businessmen--I hope businesswomen as well, but perhaps not at that time--a testament to the quality of the education students received at KWC. As of 2008, Kentucky Wesleyan College annually enrolls over 950 students, and offers a wide range of courses. With 27 majors and a 15-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Kentucky Wesleyan College boasts a strong academic program. By coupling this strong educational base with small classes and elite professors, KWC offers a supportive environment for their students to learn and grow. KWC's religious history influences its students. Today, young men and women graduate from Kentucky Wesleyan College with high morals, values and faith. At this institution, students are encouraged to become the best that they can be in both their personal and academic lives. Students are also encouraged to serve. Last year, one-third of the students took part in a community service event. For example, Kentucky Wesleyan College student Campus Ministries puts on service projects on campus and in the Owensboro area. This small college accomplishes many feats. It graduates educational leaders, professional athletes and even United States Supreme Court Justice Stanley Forman Reed. Though much has changed at KWC since it was founded in 1858, the core principles have remained the same. KWC still strives to nourish, stimulate and prepare students and alumni to lead organizations with integrity and to lead a life of spirituality. KWC has existed for over 150 years. As the college celebrates this milestone, I want to take a moment to recognize KWC's success. The college will also take a look ahead to continue its service to the community and to its students. Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for Kentucky Wesleyan College, and I thank Representative Guthrie for bringing this bill forward, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I 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 on House Resolution 837 into the Record.

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

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 811 into the Record.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 811) expressing support for designation of October 2009 as ``National Principals Month,'' as amended.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1818) to amend the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to honor the legacy of Stewart L. Udall, and for other purposes.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on House Resolution 836 into the Record.

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

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 836) expressing support for Teen Read Week.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I know how important this is. We talk to young families about the importance of reading to their young children. But it's also important that we continue that enthusiasm in the home for their younger adults as they go through school. Kids read to learn. There are so many places that they can go because they can read. Often it is true that young people have to read a lot of things in school, but they don't often read for their enjoyment. And until they start doing that, and they really understand what it can mean to them for the rest of their lives, they may not become the kind of readers that they probably would want to be and would benefit from. So I'm delighted that my colleague has brought this forward. It helps us to encourage teens to continue to read. I support House Resolution 836 and urge my colleagues to do so. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I am honored. I certainly want to thank Mr. Kissell for really giving us a more expanded view of the Laurinburg Institute. I appreciate his passion and interest in it. I want to encourage my colleagues to support this resolution, House Resolution 660, recognizing the historical importance of the Laurinburg Institute. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.