Susan Davis

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 2510, the Absentee Ballot Track, Receive, and Confirm, or TRAC Act. I would like to thank House Administration Committee Chairman Brady, Ranking Member Lungren, and Election Subcommittee Chairwoman Lofgren for allowing this bill to come forward today. I would also like to especially thank our subcommittee's ranking member, Mr. McCarthy, for joining me in introducing this bill. I appreciate my California colleague's input in support of this important legislation. This is a better bill because of his efforts, and I hope that the members of our subcommittee can continue to work together across party lines because election administration need not be a partisan issue. We introduced this bill after hearing from absentee voters that they would like to know whether their ballots were sent, whether their ballots were received, and whether their votes were actually counted. In most cases, the fears of one's mail-in ballot somehow being lost in the system are unfounded, but we all know that the worry is still there, and sometimes there is real reason for concern. We have all heard election horror stories from people who simply did not receive a ballot they requested. Other voters have called their overwhelmed election officers and waited on hold for far too long trying to find out what happened to their ballots. And most voters never know whether their absentee ballot actually was counted. Was there a problem with their signature, they might wonder? Was the ballot damaged in the mail? Our Nation's voters deserve electoral procedures that are transparent and that strengthen their faith in democracy. The good news is that it is possible and practical to track absentee ballots. If voters can identify a problem early, they can work with their election offices to fix it and ensure that their votes count. The TRAC Act is modeled on a successful piece of bipartisan California State legislation that allows voters to go online or call a phone number to easily find out whether an elections office has sent out a ballot, whether a completed ballot has arrived back at the registrar's office, and whether the registrar has counted the ballot; and if not, why not? Absentee tracking has been a proven success in California and in several other States. In my home county of San Diego, over 98,000 voters checked their ballot status online last November using such a system. Tracking gives voters easy access to the answers they need, and it takes a burden off the phone lines at elections offices. Absentee ballot tracking is particularly useful for our men and women in uniform serving overseas who have difficulty phoning their elections offices during regular business hours. The TRAC Act would allow the Federal Government to reimburse States for establishing absentee tracking systems. And setting up these tracking systems can be done for just a few thousand dollars in many jurisdictions. San Mateo County in California, for example, did it by simply linking their database to their Web site, and many other counties have followed that model. In these tough economic times, even the small grants we are offering States today will be especially helpful. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join Mr. McCarthy and me in supporting this effort to strengthen the democratic process and give American voters the electoral certainty they deserve. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2510) to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to reimburse States for the costs incurred in establishing a program to track and confirm the receipt of voted absentee ballots in elections for Federal office and make information on the receipt of such ballots available by means of online access, and for other purposes.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

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

Mrs. DAVIS of California. The gentleman is correct. We would be delighted to work with him on that.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the principal purpose of this legislation is to allow the Committee on House Administration to oversee and administer a payday schedule for all staff in the House of Representatives. It does not affect pay for Members. The House passed a similar bill in the 110th Congress. This bill gives the Committee on House Administration the ability to set the day of pay for House employees. This flexibility will allow the committee to be more responsive to the needs of our employees, many of whom have expressed their frustration about the current system. Furthermore, this bill will give us the opportunity to be more consistent with employees in the Senate, the executive branch, and most of the private sector with regard to paydays. The committee also adopted a technical amendment to provide that staff members of congressional liaison offices assigned to the House who are on active duty in the Armed Forces will continue to be eligible to apply for membership in the House of Representatives staff exercise facility. The House passed a resolution, H. Res. 1068, in the 110th Congress which approved this policy, and the bill before us simply would enact it into permanent law. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1752) to provide that the usual day for paying salaries in or under the House of Representatives may be established by regulations of the Committee on House Administration, as amended.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I certainly want to salute our exemplary leader on this committee, Mr. Skelton, and thank him very much for all his support. Mr. Chairman, I join my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee in support of H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. As chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I'm particularly proud of the provisions in the bill that improve the quality of life for our servicemembers, their families, retirees, and military survivors. I want to recognize my colleague and ranking member, the gentleman from South Carolina, Joe Wilson, for working with me in support of these very important initiatives. Mr. Chairman, servicemembers and their families are bearing the burden of multiple deployments after nearly 8 years of conflict. It is our responsibility to support our men and women in uniform and their families, given the enormous sacrifices they are making in defense of our Nation. We all agree that these men and women are the heart and soul of our military. All the weapons systems in the world cannot substitute for their competency, their dedication and sacrifice. Sadly, a recent survey shows that 94 percent of military families do not believe that the American people truly understand the sacrifices they are making on behalf of our country, so we have a responsibility to change that, and we're trying to do that with this bill today. Fortunately, this year the subcommittee did not have to deal with the dramatic increases to TRICARE fees and premiums previously proposed by the Department of Defense. Secretary Gates has indicated a willingness to work with the committee to address the significant growth in military health care expenditures. And we need to work together not only with the Department of Defense, but with those who represent our military personnel, retirees, survivors, and their families to find a fair and equitable solution that protects our beneficiaries and ensures that the financial viability of the military health care system is real. Some of the highlights of the bill include a 3.4 percent pay raise, which is half a percent higher than the President's budget request. Those who are serving on the front lines every day have earned this pay raise. The bill also includes a number of initiatives that are focused on military families, such as TRICARE coverage for reservists and their families and a monthly compensation allowance for members with combat- related catastrophic illnesses and injuries to receive assistance for activities related to daily living. The committee has taken more steps to address the serious mental health issues faced by our military. I am pleased that we will be able to include a series of amendments to make the mental health provisions in this bill even stronger. We must continue to work on this issue. Lastly, this bill continues the committee's oversight and commitment to significantly reducing sexual assaults and harassment within the Department of Defense. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2990, the Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009. I would like to echo the comments of Chairman Skelton on the merits of this bill and to congratulate him for bringing this important measure to the floor. The process of identifying and coordinating the spending offsets was a long, hard struggle which demonstrates the resolve of the chairman and the Armed Services Committee as a whole to end the disabled veterans tax. The disabled veterans tax has been an economic burden on our military retirees for far too long. This is especially true for the severely disabled military retirees that were denied to serve for a full 20-year career, and this bill provides immediate protection for the most severely disabled with ratings of 190 percent. Madam Speaker, this is not a perfect solution. The chairman and I and all of our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee want a full and permanent fix, but the task to find the needed offsets from entitlement accounts was a very difficult one. But no one, no one should doubt our resolve to bring full benefits to our disabled retirees. I want to assure other groups with issues that face the same daunting challenge to find entitlement funding offsets, that we have not forgotten your causes. Today we have focused on disabled retirees, but we are fully aware that more needs to be done to (1) fix the SBP/DIC offset; (2) enhance reserve retirement benefits; (3) protect health care benefits; and (4) eliminate the disabled veteran's disability tax for those disabled retirees who are not addressed by H.R. 2990. We will continue to search for the necessary offsets to resolve each and every one of these programs as soon as possible. Madam Speaker, Democrats have much to be proud about in our efforts to eliminate the veterans disability tax. We are again taking a leadership role in providing the benefits that our disabled military retirees deserve. H.R. 2990 is a good bill that keeps faith with our veterans. I urge my colleagues to support the Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, today, I am reintroducing the Women's Obstetrician and Gynecologist Medical Access Now Act, the WOMAN Act. This bill will ensure that every woman has direct access to her ob-gyn. I believe women should not need a permission slip to receive ob-gyn care. Unfortunately, that is the reality faced by many women when they need to see their doctor. Numerous managed care plans require women to visit their primary care physicians before seeking the health care services they need from the providers they want. Denying direct access or forcing women to jump through numerous bureaucratic hoops to see their ob-gyn is not acceptable treatment. The WOMAN Act recognizes women have different medical needs than men and the significant role ob-gyns play in women's health. Women who see an ob-gyn on a regular basis are more likely to receive important screening services, such as pelvic exams, as well as counseling on critical reproductive health issues. My legislation removes the barriers complicating women's access to their doctors. Women will no longer have to contend with the gatekeeper system that can prevent or delay appropriate care. It is easy to understand what a difference direct ob-gyn access makes in women's health care. Imagine, for a moment, a woman in San Diego who works 45 hours a week and has limited sick and vacation time. Now, imagine she has an urgent medical problem requiring an ob-gyn visit. On Monday, she calls from work to make an appointment with her primary care physician. If she is lucky, she gets an appointment for the following morning. She takes time off Tuesday to go see her doctor. Her primary care doctor agrees she should be seen by her ob-gyn and gives her a referral. Tuesday afternoon she returns to work and calls her ob- gyn for an appointment. The doctor is in surgery on Wednesday, but they offer her an appointment on Friday morning. On Friday she takes another morning off from work and finally, after almost a week, gets the care she needs. The unnecessary referral process resulted' in her taking an extra morning off work and delayed her proper medical care by 5 days. The patient, employer, primary care physician, and health plan provider would have saved money and time if the patient had been able to go directly to her ob-gyn. While serving in the California State Assembly, I heard from many women who experienced the same problems I have outlined. After meeting with women, obstetricians and gynecologists, health plan representatives, and providers in the State of California, I wrote the state law allowing women direct access to their ob-gyn. That law was a good first step; however, it still does not cover women enrolled in self-insured, federally regulated health plans. This means that even if a woman lives in a state with direct access protections, like California, she may not be able to see her ob-gyn without a referral if she is covered by a federally regulated ERISA health plan. In addition, there are still states which still do not provide women with direct access to ob-gyns! Women save time and money with better access to ob-gyn care. I believe the time has come to make direct access to an ob-gyn a national standard. I urge you, Madam Speaker, and all of my colleagues to pass this critical legislation into law.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, as the House coauthor of legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II, I request that the names of these brave patriots be inserted for history's sake: Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II Class, First Name, Name, Post-WASP, Name in Training: 44-10, Margaret E, Temme, (Eger); 44-10, Louise, Thokey, (Magoon); 44-10, Joan M, Uhalt, (Freter); 44-10, Natalie, Vinson, (Jones); 44-10, Mary J, Wagner, (Ceyanes); 44-10, Janis M, Wheatley, (Gregg); 44-10, Florence E, Wheeler, (Emig); 44-10, Betty, White, (Fulbright); 44-10, Elizabeth L, Whiting, (Phillips); 44-10, Mary Anna, Wyall, (Martin); 44-10, Frankie, Yearwood, (Yearwood); 44-10, Millicent A, Young, (Peterson); 44-10, Jacquelyn, Zerland, (Riley); 44-2, Kate Lee, Adams, (Harris); 44-2, Ruth, Adams, (Adams); 44-2, Twila E, Andrews, (Edwards); 44-2, Clarice I., Bergemann, (Siddall); 44-2, Eleanor J, Brady, (Patterson); 44-2, Maisie Kay, Browning, (Clevely); 44-2, Annelle H, Bulechek, (Henderson); 44-2, Virginia D, Campbell, (Dulaney); 44-2, Susan P, Clarke, (Clarke); 44-2, Jean H, Cole, (Haskell); 44-2, Phyillis Sally, Felker, (Tobias); 44-2, Dorothy C, Goot, (Hawkins); 44-2, Doris J, Hamaker, (Elkington); 44-2, Mary L, Heckman, (Heckman); 44-2, Kathryn F, Herman, (Herman); 44-2, Verda-Mae, Jennings, (Lowe); 44-2, Marjorie J, Johnson, (Johnson); 44-2, Mary Ellen, Keil, (Kell); 44-2, Ruth M, Kunkie, (Weller); 44-2, Betty M, LeFevre, (LeFevre); 44-2, Anne E, Lesnikowski, (Berry); 44-2, Joan W, Lyle, (Whelan); 44-2, Elizabeth, Magid, (MacKethan); 44-2, Mary J, McCallum, (McCrae); 44-2, Alice M, Montgomery, (Montgomery); 44-2, Annabelle, Moss, (Craft); 44-2, Esther E, Noffke, (Noffke); 44-2, Madeline E, O'Donnell, (Sullivan); 44-2, Joanne, Orr, (Wallace); 44-2, Mildred W, Palmer, (Grossman); 44-2, Anna Mae, Pattee, (Petteys); 44-2, Mary V, Peter, (Strok); 44-2, Ruth Mary, Petry, (Petry); 44-2, Rose L, Potter, (Puett); 44-2, Rose D, Reese, (Reese); 44-2, Marie, Robinson, (Michell); 44-2, Lorraine H, Rodgers, (Zillner); 44-2, Muriel L, Segall, (Lindstrom); 44-2, Frances L, Smith, (Laraway); 44-2, Jean M, Soard, (Moore); 44-2, Yvonne, Stafford, (Stafford); 44-2, Marjorie, Stewart, (Gilbert); 44-2, Frances M, Tuchband, (Smith); 44-2, Margaret E, Twito, (Ehlers); 44-2, J Margaret, Walker, (Needham); 44-2, Mary M, Willson, (Saunders); 44-2, Jane, Wisewell, (Rutherford); 44-2, W. Ruth, Woods, (Woods); 44-2, Leona H, Zimmer, (Golbinec); 44-3, June E, Bent, (Braun); 44-3, Marquerite T, Bernhardt, (Tuffin); 44-3, Eunice E, Boardman, (Boardman); 44-3, Vergie M, Buchele, (Bryant); 44-3, Elizabeth M, Chambers, (Chambers); 44-3, Margaret D, Christian, (DeBolt); 44-3, Marjorie, Christiansen, (Redding); 44-3, Mary C, Cox, (Cooper); 44-3, Ann Russell, Darr, (Darr); 44-3, M.Joy, DeCosta, (Jehl); 44-3, Virginia Lee, Doerr, (Warren); 44-3, Betty Jane, Erenberg, (Hanson); 44-3, Mary H Crane, Foster, (Foster); 44-3, Ann M, Frink, (Brothers); 44-3, Josephine F, Gale, (Martin); 44-3, Virginia N, Grant, (Grant); 44-3, Starley M, Grona, (Grona); 44-3, Isabelle G, Hale, (McCrae); 44-3, Maxine H, Harvey, (Manogue); 44-3, Alma J, Jeschien, (Jacomini); 44-3, Cecily E, Kayes, (Elmes); 44-3, Kristin S, Lent, (Swan); 44-3, Winfrey M, Leonard, (Robinson); 44-3, Mary P, Loomis, (MacLoed); 44-3, Elizabeth Ann, Lore, (Lore); 44-3, Marcella M, Lucier, (Fried); 44-3, Lea Ola, McDonald, (McDonald); 44-3, Doris K, Muise, (Duren); 44-3, Vivian G, Nemhauser, (Gilchrist); 44-3, Jeanne L, Norbeck, (Norbeck); 44-3, Beryl O, Paschich, (Owens); 44-3, Mary Louise, Prine, (Prine); 44-3, Mary Abbie, Quinlan, (Quinlan); 44-3, Hazel J, Raines, (Raines); 44-3, Jimmie P, Rees, (Parker); 44-3, Kathryn ``Kip'', Requardt, (Humphreys); 44-3, Hazel Sue, Richter, (Richter); 44-3, Dorothy M, Rooney, (Moulton); 44-3, Mary Eleanor, Sabota, (Martin); 44-3, Gloria D, Schwager, (DeVore); 44-3, Betty, Scott, (Scott); 44-3, Delrose, Sieber, (Sieber); 44-3, Jeanne A, Simpson, (Wagner); 44-3, Juliette, Stege, (Jenner); 44-3, Clara Jo, Stember, (Marsh); 44-3, Margaret, Tamplin, (Chamberlain); 44-3, Ruth A, Thatcher, (Choquette); 44-3, Harriet M, Thyson, (Thyson); 44-3, Evelyn R, Wahlburg, (Taylor); 44-3, Mary T, Wallace, (Gilmore); 44-3, Patricia A, Weaver, (Nethercutt); 44-3, Norine P, Welch, (Patterson); 44-3, Rita M, Wischmeyer, (Murphy); 44-3, Eileen, Wright, (Evans); 44-3, Shirley A, Wunsch, (Haugan); 44-3, Lois A, Young, (Bristol); 44-3, Mary W, Holden, (Waters); 44-4, Frances E, Acker, (Standefer); 44-4, Dorothy J, Allen, (Allen); 44-4, Meriem L, Anderson, (Roby); 44-4, Marybelle J, Arduengo, (Lyall); 44-4, Eloise, Bailey, (Huffhines); 44-4, Susie, Bain, (Winston); 44-4, Mickie M, Carmichael, (Carmichael); 44-4, Stella Jo, Claiborne, (Baker); 44-4, Catherine, D'Arezzo, (D'Arezzo); 44-4, Margaet K, Dallwig, (Diffin); 44-4, Mildred T, Dalrymple, (Davidson); 44-4, Mary L, DeBehnke, (Cavette); 44-4, Mary M, Dourdeville, (Brown); 44-4, Mildred J, Doyle, (Baessler); 44-4, Ann Gift, Dula, (Tucker); 44-4, Grey Allison, Dunlap, (Hoyt); 44-4, Peggie, Eccles, (Parker); 44-4, Grace E, Everett, (Everett); 44-4, Ruth S, Fleisher, (Shafer); 44-4, Corinna H, Folkins, (MacDonald); 44-4, Patricia, Gibson, (Gibson); 44-4, Carol, Granger, (Kelly); 44-4, Mary N, Guthrie, (Hagner); 44-4, Hazel M, Hohn, (Stamper); 44-4, Louise J, Hyde, (Brand); 44-4, Frances, Johannessen, (Gilbert); 44-4, Jeannette C, Kapus, (Kapus); 44-4, Florine P, Maloney, (Phillips); 44-4, Dorothy F, Mann, (Britt); 44-4, Peggy, Martin, (Martin); 44-4, Jean F, McCart, (McCart); 44-4, Madge, Moore, (Leon); 44-4, Doris K, Ohm, (Klein); 44-4, Faye, Olney, (Wolfe); 44-4, Maurine M, Orr, (Miller); 44-4, M. Odean ``Deanie'', Parrish, (Bishop); 44-4, JoAnn, Parry, (Parry); 44-4, Ina C, Petsch, (Barkley); 44-4, Flora Belle, Reece, (Smith); 44-4, Frances R, Reeves, (Roulstone); 44-4, Betty W, Roberts, (Hayes); 44-4, Alyce S, Rohrer, (Stevens); 44-4, Anabel L, Ruso, (Earp); 44-4, Elizabeth H, Shipley, (Williamson); 44-4, Dorothy L, Sweeney, (Herthneck); 44-4, Shirley J, Tannehill, (Tannehill); 44-4, Doris, Tanner, (Brinker) 44-4, Jane C, Tedeschi, (Dunbar); 44-4, Della, Tissaw, (Gremling); 44-4, M. Ann, Ufer, (Ufer); 44-4, Ethelyn M, Young, (Sowards); 44-4, Alma E, Zell, (Velut); 44-5, Norma A, Anderson, (Sisler); 44-5, Bette N, Anderson, (Richards); 44-5, Lorraine M, Bain, (Nelson); 44-5, Harriet T, Blake, (Train); 44-5, Martha M, Boshart, (Mace); 44-5, Irene R, Brady, (Minter); 44-5, Dorothy H, Burns, (Beard); 44-5, Martha M, Carpenter, (McKenzie); 44-5, Urcela, Coventry, (Wald); 44-5, Betty J, Cozzens, (Stump); 44-5, Lillian D, Eno, (Calkins); 44-5, Alma L, Fornal, (Newsom); 44-5, Margaret A, Goldhahn, (Roberts); 44-5, Holly H, Grasso, (Hollinger); 44-5, Harriet, Griggs, (Griggs); 44-5, Janet, Hargrove, (Hargrove); 44-5, Earlene, Hayes, (Flory); 44-5, Virginia S, Healy, (Knapp); 44-5, Mary H, Hearn, (Nesbit); 44-5, Gloria W, Heath, (Heath); 44-5, Virginia M, Hubbard, (Williams); 44-5, Marion P, Jameson, (Jameson); 44-5, Lucille R, Johnson, (Carey); 44-5, Karla D, Jordan, (Mogensen); 44-5, Mary Jane, Kenward, (Stimson); 44-5, Jean, Koehler, (McFarland); 44-5, Dorothy M, Lewis, (Swain); 44-5, Codye Gwen, Linder, (Clinkscales); 44-5, Mildred T, Marshall, (Taylor); 44-5, Muriel V, Martin, (Kiester); 44-5, Peggy M, McCaffrey, (Moynihan); 44-5, Dorothy C, McCracken, (Ehrhardt); 44-5, Margaret W, McGlinn, (Bergh); 44-5, Jeanne L, McSheehy, (McSheehy); 44-5, Joan C, McWaters, (Hutton); 44-5, Kathryn L, Miles, (Boyd); 44-5, Jane C, Miller, (Dyde); 44-5, Jacqueline, Morgan, (Twitchell); 44-5, Beverly, Moses, (Moses); 44-5, Jennie M, Mosley, (Hill); 44-5, Marjory V, Munn, (Foster); 44-5, Mary L, Nirmaier, (Burch); 44-5, Margaret L ``Peggy'', Nispel, (Nispel); 44-5, Dorothea M, Norris, (Norris); 44-5, Patricia, Nuckols, (Kenworthy); 44-5, Phyllis M, Paradis, (Johnson); 44-5, Marylyn E, Peyton, (Myers); 44-5, Genevieve, Rausch, (Landman); 44-5, Florence G, Reynolds, (Shutsy); 44-5, Dorothy M, Ritscher, (Meyn); 44-5, Irene M, Robertson, (Raven); 44-5, Martha G, Roundtree, (Harmon); 44-5, Merridee, Schneberger, (Newell); 44-5, Carol E, Selfridge, (Brinton); 44-5, Ethel L, Sheffler, (Jones); 44-5, Leta, Shirley, (Brownfield); 44-5, Caroline, Shunn, (Shunn); 44-5, Beverly, Southwick, (Olson); 44-5, Harriet I, Stockwell, (Stockwell); 44-5, Margaret P, Taylor, (Phelan); 44-5, Elizabeth E, Taylor, (Eyre); 44-5, Wanda C, Townsley, (Robedee); 44-5, Barbara E, Truitt, (Truitt); 44-5, Margot, Veal, (Harvey); 44-5, Elizabeth A, Watson, (Watson); 44-5, Dortha E, Wethey, (Sexten); 44-5, Pauline C, White, (Cutler); 44-5, Ruth S, Wilson, (Steel); 44-5, Anne, Wiltsee, (TePas); 44-5, Elizabeth, Worrall, (Hubbard); 44-5, Helen P ``Patti'', Wright, (Ordway); 44-5, Jennie L, Wynne, (Gower); 44-6, Kay, Alspach, (Alspach); 44-6, Edna B, Atkins, (Harrison); 44-6, Pauline C, Banken, (Canney); 44-6, Beverley, Beesemyer, (Beesemyer); 44-6, Juner, Bellew, (Bellew); 44-6, Mary B, Boyce, (Hilberg); 44-6, Frankie, Bretherick, (Lovvorn); 44-6, Helen Louise, Brown, (Hall); 44-6, Mary R, Burchard, (Reineberg); 44-6, Mary H, Chappell, (Gosnell); 44-6, Frances E, Coughlin, (Coughlin); 44-6, Geraldine M, Crockett, (Tribble); 44-6, Irene I, Crum, (Crum); 44-6, Carolyn L, Cullen, (Cullen); 44-6, Edith M, Daley, (Cragin); 44-6, Audrey W, DuCote, (Maxwell); 44-6, Elizabeth I, Dybbro, (White); 44-6, Nancy U, Foran, (Upper); 44-6, Barbara L, Foss, (Fleming); 44-6, Georgia, Gehring, (Gehring); 44-6, Elizabeth G, Goette, (Peters); 44-6, Lavina B, Green, (Lippincott); 44-6, Ann G, Griffith, (Warren); 44-6, Norma ``Penny'', Halberg, (Hall); 44-6, Dorothea B, Hamilton, (Baumeister); 44-6, Dorothy L, Hammett, (Bancroft); 44-6, Nancy, Hanks, (Hanks); 44-6, Mary B, Hansen, (Breidenbach); 44-6, Nanette, Hazeltine; 44-6, Hayden A, Head, (Head); 44-6, Jean F, Hixson, (Hixson); 44-6, Patricia A, Hughes, (Collins); 44-6, Alice R, Jakle, (Jakle); 44-6, Lucy D, Johnson, (Dubiel); 44-6, Janice, Kaufman, (Norton); 44-6, Barbara H, Kennedy, (Hart); 44-6, Shirley C, Kruse, (Chase); 44-6, Lorraine R, Lasswell, (Lasswell); 44-6, Irene M, Leahy, (McConihay); 44-6, Joan M, Lemley, (Michaels); 44-6, Mildred P, MacRobble, (Coats); 44-6, Marion A, Mayfield, (Hagen); 44-6, Beverly F, McCarty, (Cangiamila); 44-6, Verneda G, McLean, (Rodriquez); 44-6, Patricia, Moran, (Hopkins); 44-6, Dorothy B, Mosher, (Hines); 44-6, Betty, Niehoff, (LeVeque); 44-6, Eleanor R, O'Dell, (O'Dell); 44-6, Rose A, Palmer, (Palmer); 44-6, Suzanne U, Parish, (Delano); 44-6, Anita F, Paul, Sr Terese, OCD, (Paul); 44-6, E. Marie, Pedersen, (Pedersen) 44-6, Evelyn B, Perrin, (McNulty); 44-6, Barbara L, Posey, (Leonard); 44-6, Margaret M, Powell, (Godfrey); 44-6, Ava, Richardson, (Hamm); 44-6, Marilyn, Saunders, (Miller); 44-6, Dorathea B, Scatena, (Rexroad); 44-6, Betty A, Sharr, (Thompson); 44-6, Janet L, Simpson, (Hutchinson); 44-6, Genevieve N, Sinkler, (Lee); 44-6, Mabelle ``Barry'', Smith, (Vincent); 44-6, Elinor, Stebbins, (Fairchild); 44-6, Mary E, Szablowski, (Shoemaker); 44-6, Christie E, Thuresson, (Carlton); 44-6, Daisy M, Vaughan, (Vaughan); 44-6, Sarabel D, Wardle, (Booth); 44-6, Mary R, Wells, (Retick); 44-6, Margaret, Wight, (Hicks); 44-6, Betty Jane, Williams, (Williams); 44-6, Lesley S, Williams, (Williams); 44-6, Justine H, Woods, (Fletcher); 44-7, Margarete M, Armstrong, (McGrath); 44-7, Ruth, Bauer, (Reilly); 44-7, Edith S, Beal, (Smith); 44-7, Velta C, Benn, (Haney); 44-7, Patricia J, Bonansinga, (Blackburn); 44-7, Frances W, Brookings, (Winter); 44-7, Betty June, Brown, (Overman); 44-7, Sylvia M, Burrill, (Miller); 44-7, M. Ellen, Campbell, (Wimberly); 44-7, Mildred E, Carder, (Eckert); 44-7, Beverly F, Carruth, (Frisbie); 44-7, Nancy Allison, Conklin, (Conklin); 44-7, Ann Connelly, (Pedroncelli); 44-7, Betty M, Cross, (Roth); 44-7, L. Jane, Cunningham, (Harris); 44-7, Mary Ann, Dreher, (Walker); 44-7, Nancy A, Dunnam, (Nordhoff); 44-7, Mary Catherine, Edwards, (Quist); 44-7, Opal Vivian, Fagan, (Hicks); 44-7, Eileen W, Ferguson, (Wright); 44-7, Margaret, Garland, (Parish); 44-7, V. ``Scotty'', Gough, (Bradley); 44-7, Eleanor M, Gunderson, (Gunderson) 44-7, Hulda M, Haag, (Chilcoat); 44-7, Bernice F, Haydu, (Falk); 44-7, Annie J, Henry, (Henry); 44-7, Winnie Lee, Jones, (Jones); 44-7, Julia E, Jordan, (Eagan); 44-7, Alberta A, Kinney, (Paskvan); 44-7, Virginia B, Krum, (Krum); 44-7, Jean I, Landa, (Landa); 44-7, Margaret S, Latta, (Shaffer); 44-7, Carol A, Lewis, (Nicholson); 44-7, Grace E, Lotowycz, (Ashwell); 44-7, Dorothy A, Lucas, (Smith); 44-7, Iola V, Magruder, (Clay); 44-7, Lila M, Mann, (Moore); 44-7, Margaret E, Martin, (Neyman); 44-7, Joan A, McKesson, (Smythe); 44-7, Naoma ``Penny'', Moore, (Halladay); 44-7, Virginia H, Mullen, (Mullen); 44-7, Elizabeth P, Nicholas, (Pettitt); 44-7, Ann E, O'Connor, (Cawley); 44-7, Geraldine F, Olinger, (Bowen); 44-7, Nona H, Pickering, (Holt); 44-7, Bernice M, Pickerton, (Dannefer); 44-7, Betty Jo, Reed, (Streff); 44-7, Ola M, Rexroat, (Rexroat); 44-7, Muriel R, Reynolds, (Rath); 44-7, Mary S, Ruprecht, (Storm); 44-7, Adelaide, Schaefer, (Schaefer); 44-7, Mary ``Mimi'', Sheean, (Caffrey); 44-7, Edith U, Smith, (Upson); 44-7, Mary B, Sturdevant, (Barnes); 44-7, Dorothy, Van Valkenberg, (Sorensen); 44-7, Mary Alice, Vandeventer, (Putnam); 44-7, Margaret M, Weiss, (Weiss); 44-7, Vyvian Mae, Williams, (Williams); 44-7, Irene N, Wysocki, (Norris); 44-8, Lucy G, Alston, (Gadson); 44-8, Arline M, Baker, (Baker); 44-8, Jamece, Brewton, (Paxson); 44-8, Eula ``Betty'', Brown, (Morton); 44-8, Dorothy L, Burri, (Johnson); 44-8, Myrtle R, Carter, (Allen); 44-8, Geraldine F, Crook, (Fulk); 44-8, Doris J, Daniel, (Anderson); 44-8, Gertrude E, Dietz, (Dietz); 44-8, Cathleen B, Dooley, (Dooley); 44-8, Mary Jane, Ehrman, (Isham); 44-8, Muriel, Essertier, (Keir); 44-8, Joan G, Frost, (Gough); 44-8, Emily M, Giles, (Metz); 44-8, Patricia T, Gladney, (Thomas); 44-8, Mary Ann, Hays, (Palmer); 44-8, Neil Douglas, Herrod, (McInnis); 44-8, Carla H, Horowitz, (Howard); 44-8, Ruth C, Hubert, (Clifford); 44-8, Pearl B, Judd, (Brummett); 44-8, Marguerite ``Ty'', Killen, (Hughes); 44-8, Georgia P, Kingdon, (Sloan); 44-8, Mary, Kinney, (Jackson); 44-8, Mary W (DR), Lamy, (Lamy); 44-8, Edna D, MacDougall, (Maginnis); 44-8, Anne D, Marshall, (Dailey); 44-8, Joanne B, Martin, (Blair); 44-8, Mary L, McCann, (Stuart); 44-8, Wilda W, McCurrach, (Winfield); 44-8, Lois J, McMurdie, (McCurdie); 44-8, Margaret M, Moore, (Moore); 44-8, Ann W, Morse, (Kenyon); 44-8, Jean, Neill, (Ward); 44-8, Roberta E, Newcomb, (Sattler); 44-8, Patricia, O'Bannon, (Braun); 44-8, Shireen M, Phelps, (Phelps); 44-8, Marjorie C, Roberts, (Stevenson); 44-8, Patricia, Sherwood, (Sherwood); 44-8, Bonnie J, Shinski, (Dorsey); 44-8, Margaet VC, Standish, (Standish); 44-8, Kathleen N, Thomson, (Elliott); 44-8, Bea St. Claire, Thurston, (Smith); 44-8, Helen L, Venskus, (Venskus); 44-8, Doris, Wanty, (Boothe); 44-8, Mary L, Webster, (Webster); 44-8, Beverly, Wilkinson, (Dietrich); 44-8, Katherine, Willinger, (Willinger); 44-8, Virginia F, Wise, (Fisher); 44-8, Jan Marie, Wood, (Wood); 44-9, Phyllis M, Bahl, (McCarty); 44-9, Anna C, Baron, (Beiliveau); 44-9, Julia L, Bartlett, (Lamm); 44-9, Marjorie M, Beck, (Christiansen); 44-9, Evelyn P, Brier, (Brier); 44-9, Eleanor M, Brown, (McLernon); 44-9, Helen C, Cannon, (Johnson); 44-9, Catherine, Chatham, (Parker); 44-9, Gloria L, Collins, (Nelson); 44-9, Dorothy C, Duffield, (Picture); 44-9, Dorothy, Estep, (Estep); 44-9, Dorothy Deane, Ferguson, (Ferguson); 44-9, Mildred H, Ferree, (House); 44-9, Roberta Jane, Fohl, (Fohl); 44-9, Penolope, Garrett, (Pierce); 44-9, Margaret, Gee, (Gee); 44-9, Sarah J, Gleeson, (Allishouse); 44-9, Ann G, Gleszer, (Griffin); 44-9, Mary Ann, Gordon, (Baldner); 44-9, Jean D, Harman, (Downey); 44-9, Elaine D, Harmon, (Harmon); 44-9, Phyllis, Hitner, (Lee); 44-9, Margaret J, Johnson, (Phillips); 44-9, Rosalie T, Johnson, (Phillips); 44-9, Marie J, Jones, (Jacobson); 44-9, Ruth W, Kearney, (Groves); 44-9, Lillian, Kelley, (Dixon); 44-9, Kathryn J, Kleinecke, (Kleinecke); 44-9, Anita B, Matthew, (Bronken); 44-9, Wilma L, Miller, (Miller); 44-9, Nadine V, Nagle, (Canfield); 44-9, Marjorie, Nicol, (Osborne); 44-9, Frances D, Ochoa, (Stroud); 44-9, Joan, Olmsted, (Olmsted); 44-9, Marilyn H ``Jackie'', Petty, (Hughes); 44-9, Elizabeth W, Ransom, (Davis); 44-9, Jean (Barbara?), Reimer, (Reimer); 44-9, Martha S, Reuel, (Sarager); 44-9, Mary Anne, Richey, (Showers); 44-9, Betty F, Riddle, (Martin); 44-9, Esther L, Rumler, (Stahr); 44-9, Gayle M, Snell, (Snell); 44-9, Virginia E, Spear, (Eatherton); 44-9, Elizabeth M, Stone, (Briscoe); 44-9, Sarah G, Symmes, (Rewey); 44-9, Virginia M, Trumbull, (Potthoff); 44-9, Janet W, Tuch, (Wayne); 44-9, Barbara H, Tucker, (Hershey); 44-9, Betty S, Turner, (Stagg); 44-9, Norma, Van Brooker, (Boston); 44-9, Vee M, Van Delden, (Nisley); 44-9, Mary, Wilkinson, (Regalbuto); 44-9, Sona, Wilson, (Kierstead); 44-9, Mary F, Woodward, (Woodward); 44-9, Lillian G, Wray, (Glezen); DWP, Jacqueline, Cochran, (Cochran); WAFS, Bernice I, Batten, (Batten); WAFS, Delphine, Bohn, (Bohn); WAFS, Aline, Brooks, (Rhonie); WAFS, Esther L, Carpenter, (Nelson); WAFS, Helen Mary, Clark, (Clark); WAFS, Nancy B, Crews, (Batson); WAFS, Barbara T, Fasken, (Towne); WAFS, Kathryn, Fine, (Bernheim); WAFS, Cornelia, Fort, (Fort); WAFS, Phyllis B, Fulton, (Burchfield); WAFS, Betty Huyler, Gillies, (Gillies); WAFS, Theresa D, James, (James); WAFS, Gertrude T, Levalley, (Meserve); WAFS, Barbara E, London, (Erickson); WAFS, Nancy L, Love, (Harknell); WAFS, Lenora L, McElroy, (McElroy); WAFS, Helen, McGilvery, (McGilvery); WAFS, Helen, Prosser, (Richards); WAFS, Katherine, Rawls, (Thompson); WAFS, Barbara, Ross, (Donahue); WAFS, Adela R, Scharr, (Scharr); WAFS, Dorothy, Scott, (Scott); WAFS, Evelyn, Sharp, (Sharp); WAFS, Barbara, Shoemaker, (Poole); WAFS, Dorothy, Slinn, (Fulton); WAFS, Florene, Watson, (Miller); WAFS, Esther, Westervelt, (Manning); WAFS, Opal ``Betsy'', Woodward, (Ferguson);

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in supporting this resolution. The Holocaust museum offers more than an important education opportunity for so many people worldwide. It is a symbol of the need to continue our efforts to reduce intolerance, prejudice and hatred in the world. It was over 15 years ago when I led a group of young people from San Diego to visit the newly opened museum, a group of high school students from all walks of life who were participating in a mentoring program. I was the executive director of that program and made it a point to put a visit to the Holocaust museum on our agenda. It was such an emotional moment for many of these teenagers who until that day had never fully comprehended what the Holocaust meant. So I want to add my voice in expressing heartfelt condolences to the family of museum guard Stephen Tyrone Johns. His courage and his sacrifice will not be forgotten in a place that we always say ``Never again.'' Also to be recognized and praised are the security guards who subdued the gunman and prevented a tragic incident from becoming even more tragic. This incident hit me hard yesterday because I happened to be standing at the museum 2 days before the very time that this incident occurred, and it was so pleasing to see the people who were gathering there and who flock to it all the time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise to urge my colleagues to support this amendment offered by myself and Representative Grayson, which would direct the Inspectors General responsible for oversight in Afghanistan to include in their auditing and assessment protocols the impact U.S. development assistance has on the objectives of the Afghan Freedom Support Act of 2002 to advance political and human rights, health care education, training, security, and shelter for women and girls. Mr. Chairman, I recently returned from a congressional visit to Kabul and Kandahar where we met with women from all walks of Afghan life. Unfortunately, the roles and experiences of women are not always considered in wartime or during stabilization and reconstruction operations. These women want to contribute to the stabilization and reconstruction of their nation. That is what we heard from not just a few Afghan women who are in political or professional positions, but from the poorest women who simply want the ability to care for their families, access education and health care, and feel safe and secure in their communities. If we don't include women, we are ignoring 50 percent of the population that is eager and has the desire and capacity to be agents of change. Ultimately, it is in the interests of the national security of the United States to prevent the emergence of a terrorist safe haven in Afghanistan. The kind of instability women in Afghanistan are submitted to has a direct and a negative correlation to their ability to help stabilize their communities. The situation for women has been made worse by a lack of security, corruption in Kabul, and passage of oppressive measures such as the Shia personal status law. Every conversation that I have had with commanders there, including on our recent trip, assures me that the kind of gender apartheid that is occurring in Afghanistan undermines our national security. So we cannot sit idly by and do nothing about it if we are to stabilize this region and bring our troops home. During a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing on the effectiveness of U.S. assistance and counterinsurgency operations, the GAO witness highlighted the importance of empowering women but noted that her agency had not focused on the advancement of women in Afghanistan. And she went on to state, ``Investment in women is often a pivotal investment focus for returns on economic growth and economic development in countries.'' And I believe that, and I also believe that this is true for political growth as well. In education, some say if you don't test it, you won't teach it. Well, without these metrics, we can't know how our aid is impacting our women. We are reshaping our commitment to the Afghan people in a way that fosters trust, promotes justice, and protects human rights. The protection of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and their full and equal participation in Afghan civil society is essential to Afghan national security as well as ours. And I urge my colleagues to reach out to the women of Afghanistan when they're traveling there, because we know that when you include them in your delegation conversations, they, too, can express their concerns to you. Even our male colleagues will have that opportunity with any number of women there. I want to thank Mr. Berman for his support, and I urge the adoption of this amendment. I yield back my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to Mr. Grayson. We have a number of individuals who want to speak, and he's going to do that first.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I have an amendment made in order by the rule, and I ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Retirement Savings Transparency Act. More than ever, Americans are relying on 401(k) plans to finance their retirements. Almost 50 million Americans have invested approximately $2.7 trillion in 401(k) retirement plans. Yet a recent study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that over 80 percent of Americans do not know what kind of fees are being charged on their hard earned retirement savings. But even small differences in these 401(k) fees can lead to significant reductions in the amount of money retirees can expect to see. For example, an increase of only one percent in 401(k) fees can lower a retiree's savings by over $32,000 over the course of a 30-year period. The same reductions can take place because of even minor differences in the rates of return on a 401(k) investment portfolio. One of the most persistent barriers to workers understanding their retirement options is the failure of financial disclosures to put these fees and returns in context. When they are provided with information on fees and returns, consumers often have no frame of reference to which to make comparisons. Yet these benchmarks are readily available in the marketplace and are regularly used by institutional investors in making their investment decisions. I believe we need to make these same benchmarks available to all Americans saving for retirement. We have an obligation to help workers make informed decisions when it comes to their precious retirement savings. The legislation I am introducing today would provide workers with appropriate points of comparison for both the fees and returns associated with each investment option in their 401(k) accounts. This will help Americans better understand their investment options and make the right decisions to maximize their retirement savings. At the same time, the increased transparency in fees and returns will force plan providers to compete, driving down costs and increasing returns. During the tough economic climate, Americans have already seen their retirements decline. Many retirees have seen their nest eggs evaporate and some are even being forced to go back to work after retirement. It is even more important now than ever to help Americans squeeze every penny out of their retirement investments. I hope we will pass this important legislation and empower Americans to make the most of their hard earned savings.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation encouraging teacher development in the schools that are in need of quality instructors. Several years ago, we passed the No Child Left Behind Act, NCLB, with the goals of closing the achievement gap and improving academic performance overall. Schools have since found some success, but I believe we need to make a number of changes to NCLB to make it more supportive for educators. Madam Speaker, our teachers are crucial to our educational system. It is teachers who connect with our children and inspire them to achieve. I am introducing the High Quality Teaching Act of 2009 to provide professional development opportunities for our teachers in struggling or at-risk schools. Specifically, this legislation authorizes federal grant funding for schools to invite the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, NBPTS, to implement its Targeted High Need Initiative, THNI. The NBPTS trains teachers to become professionally certified. This legislation targets funding to the schools the most in need of quality teaching, such as those falling into Program Improvement under No Child Left Behind or those with high student populations from disadvantaged backgrounds. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support professional teacher development in the schools that could benefit from the best possible instruction.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Veterans Home Loan Refinance Opportunity Act of 2009. This bipartisan legislation improves the federal Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bonds (QVMB) program to allow eligible states to use tax-free bond proceeds to refinance the home mortgages of our military veterans. This legislation is necessary during our troubled economic times. QVMB home loan financing was not available to newly discharged veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan until passage of the Heroes Earning Assistance Relief Tax Act of 2008 (H.R. 6081) in the 110th Congress. Prior to 2008, some veterans may have taken out adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) to purchase a home during the real estate boom earlier in the decade. It is only fair to them that they have the same opportunity as newly discharged veterans to take advantage of the low- interest, fixed rate mortgages available through QVMB financing. For some veterans with a costly ARM or interest-only mortgage, this legislation could prevent a foreclosure. Finally, Madam Speaker, this legislation includes an inflation index to ensure the QVMB veterans home loan program remains viable in the future. I urge passage of the Veterans Home Loan Refinance Opportunity Act.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce The Absentee Ballot Track, Receive and Confirm (TRAC) Act--a bill to assist states in establishing absentee ballot tracking systems. Many voters worry that they cannot determine whether their absentee ballots were actually sent out, received and counted. In most cases, the fears of one's mail-in ballot somehow being lost in the system are unfounded--but we all know the concern is still there. Our nation's voters deserve electoral procedures that are transparent and which strengthen their faith in democracy. Sometimes there is reason for concern. I have heard from people who simply did not receive a ballot they requested. There are various reasons for this from clerical errors to confusion over addresses. Other times, a problem occurs when an absentee ballot is rejected because a voter's signature has changed over time and the voter never knows the difference. The good news is that it is possible and practical to track mail ballots. Many elections offices are already tracking ballots with great success. In fact, in California it is law that all counties establish absentee ballot tracking systems and the systems are quite popular with voters and elections officials. In my home of San Diego County, CA, our registrar's online voter registration/absentee look-up feature received 98,000 hits before the 2008 November election. Quite simply, the technology exists to allow voters to easily find out whether an elections office has sent out a ballot, whether a completed ballot has arrived back at the registrar's office, whether the registrar has counted the ballot, and if not, why not. Implementing ballot tracking systems will bring voters peace of mind and reduce the burden on elections offices which are often barraged with phone calls from voters trying to determine the status of their ballots. Moreover, the ability to check absentee status round the clock is a convenient service for voters, especially for military and overseas voters in various time zones. Not only is mail ballot tracking feasible and helpful, but it is also affordable. Setting up systems at an elections office can be as simple as redesigning a website and linking it to a back-up of a current database as San Mateo County, CA discovered when they created a tracking system for just $2000. Absentee tracking could even help elections offices save money in the long run as call volumes will likely go down and the strain on elections office staff declines. Mail ballot tracking is a win-win for voters and elections officials. We should follow the lead of the trailblazers who are already tracking mail ballots and encourage local jurisdictions to create tracking systems. The TRAC Act would allow the federal government to reimburse states for establishing tracking systems. However, I want to be clear that it would not require any state to set up a tracking system. I am proud to introduce this bill along with my fellow colleague from California, Mr. McCarthy and I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in supporting this effort to strengthen the democratic process and give American voters the electoral certainty they deserve.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2009 or the VETS Act to address some of the difficulties our military personnel face when they are activated while attending college. Thousands of military reservists have been activated to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan directly from their college campuses. Unfortunately, students who serve in the military face unique hardships when called upon to defend the United States. Most colleges and universities refund tuition and fees to students when the activation occurs during the academic calendar. However, instances have occurred when a service member has not been reimbursed. The goal of the VETS Act is to provide our service members with certain rights when they are activated while in college to defend our country. The legislation requires colleges and universities to refund tuition and fees for unearned credit for unexpected withdrawals due to activation. It also sets guidelines for the Department of Education to forgive student loans when a student service member for the semester or quarter in which the service member is activated to defend the United States. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation to give rights and protections to the service members activated while attending a college or university. This is the least we can do for our brave men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much for us.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Right to a Second Medical Opinion Act of 2009 to ensure the accessibility and coverage of medical second opinions. Imagine that your doctor tells you that you must undergo surgery that may threaten the use of a limb or leave you with a serious chronic condition. It is only natural to want a second opinion from another doctor when facing such a serious health event. Besides giving patients much-needed peace of mind, second opinions can benefit health plans by reducing the number of invasive procedures and result in better patient care through increased dialogue about treatment options. Some health care groups see the value in such requests and provide patients with a second opinion. When I was a member of the California State Assembly, I heard from a number of patients who experienced a glitch in their health care coverage. They noticed the absence of a clear process for obtaining medical second opinions. These patients, many struggling with challenging health conditions, had difficulties obtaining second opinions through their health plans. After meeting with patients, physicians and health groups, I authored a law in California that guarantees coverage of second opinions. The law in California was a good first step. Unfortunately, only a small number of states have similar laws on the books. It is time to extend second opinion coverage to health plans nationwide. Americans deserve quality and comprehensive health care coverage. I urge you, Madam Speaker, and all of my colleagues to pass this critical legislation into law.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Peter L. Litrenta, a husband, father, 25-year Navy veteran and civic leader with a passion for San Diego, its waterfront and its people. Pete, as he was affectionately known, peacefully passed away in his Coronado home on April 22, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a full and meaningful life, making countless contributions to San Diego and serving as an inspiration and role model to all. Pete was born in Racine, Wisconsin on April 25, 1942. He attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a BA in Communications in 1964. He began his Navy career after graduation, later earning an MA in Public Relations from Boston University in 1972. Not long after his 23rd birthday, Pete met the love of his life, Linda. Theirs was a fairytale romance. Pete and Linda married just four months after they first met and celebrated their 43rd anniversary just five months ago. While Pete's life took him all over the world, San Diego was Pete's home. It is where he and Linda raised their three wonderful daughters, Danielle, LyAnne and Katie. Family was Pete's first and only true love. But Pete did have other passions: Notre Dame football, the United States Navy, and San Diego, just to name a few. Pete's Navy Career marched alongside history, from the Gulf of Tonkin incident to the terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut. Mr. Litrenta organized Beirut the news bureau, serving as spokesperson for the Marines when they landed in 1982. In 1986, he developed and implemented the San Diego Rally Against Drugs, mobilizing over 35,000 people to parade down Broadway to bring awareness to the dangers of drug use. After retiring from the Navy, Pete worked for the Chamber of Commerce and then for the San Diego Port Tenants Association. He became intimately involved in nearly all aspects of San Diego's social, civic and philanthropic endeavors. Pete's influence on San Diego is everywhere. If you watched the Holiday Bowl, Pete helped select the teams on the field. If you gazed upon the waterfront, you will see the USS Midway Museum, which Pete helped bring to our port. If you saw Dennis Conner defend the America's Cup, Pete served on the Organizing Committee in charge of media and community relations. Whether volunteering or working, Pete was intimately connected to the community. He served as President of the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation and the Coronado Schools Foundation. Pete was a member of the Mayor's BRAC Task Force, served on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego USO, the San Diego Convention and Visitors' Bureau, the USS Midway Museum, the San Diego Taxpayers' Association, and the Holiday & Poinsettia Bowls. At times, it seemed as if Pete was everywhere. He touched the lives of many, leaving an imprint on all he graced. So today I honor Mr. Pete Litrenta. As one of his thousands of friends, I join his colleagues, his wife Linda, and their three daughters Danielle, LyAnne and Katie, in not only mourning his loss, but in celebrating his life. His memorial will be held on board the USS Midway Museum, a venue as identifiable with San Diego as Pete. He was a pillar of the San Diego community and will be missed by all. I am reminded of what Mark Twain said about life: ``Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.'' It's hard to imagine something Pete did not do. He explored the world, but found safe harbor in San Diego. He dreamed of brighter futures for his family, friends and for the entire San Diego community. He discovered his true love and pursued his true passions. Madam Speaker, I ask the House observe a moment of silence in honor of Mr. Peter L. Litrenta.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Medicaid Birth Center Reimbursement Act. Birth centers offer an alternative birthing environment to hospitals for mothers with healthy, low-risk pregnancies. They are also part of a vital safety net for Medicaid mothers across the country. Last year, administrators at a birth center in my district reached out to me, distraught with what they saw as an impending Medicaid repayment crisis. Even though birth centers had been recognized as Medicaid providers by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)--and, earlier, by HCFA--since 1987, over the past few years, CMS has begun disallowing federal matching funds for state Medicaid payments for freestanding birth center facility fees. A recent decision by a federal administrative judge ruled against birth centers in a Texas Medicaid case, stating that CMS is not required to pay any state their federal match for birth center facility fees. Without payment of these facility fees, birth centers in all states could be pushed to the brink of closure. Today, I, along with my colleague Representative Gus Bilirakis, am introducing the Medicaid Birth Center Reimbursement Act, to ensure Medicaid birth center facility fee payments to states. I urge you, Madam Speaker, and all of my colleagues, to support this legislation and ensure continued access to quality health care for pregnant women served by our Medicaid system in their districts.