Thelma Drake

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mrs. DRAKE. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McHenry).

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield the remaining 30 seconds to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon).

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, Americans are growing frustrated. A recent Los Angeles Times poll placed Congress' approval ratings at the lowest point they have been in a decade, 27 percent down from 36 percent in January. And based on the many calls that my office receives every day, that frustration is largely embodied in the immigration issue. Specifically, for the last 2 weeks, I have received numerous calls from my constituents asking where is the border fence. Well, Mr. Speaker, that's a good question. Where is the border fence? Last night and early this morning, while this Chamber was debating a Homeland Security funding bill, that contains no funding specifically for fencing, hundreds of people were able to make their way across the border or were trafficked into America. And while we would like to believe that every single person made their way in order to seek out a better life for themselves or their family, we know that is not always the case. Some, as evidenced by the plot to attack Fort Dix, are here to harm us. I would impress upon the majority to do the right thing.

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I yield my time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett).

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Chairman, I introduce an amendment today to highlight the importance of State and local law enforcement participation in immigration enforcement. The intent of this amendment is to fully fund the President's budget request of $26.4 million for State and local law enforcement support for the training and support for the voluntary participation of local law enforcement officers and immigration law enforcement as authorized under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This program is designed to enhance cooperation and communication between Federal, State, and local law enforcement in identifying and removing criminal illegal aliens. Under 287(g), ICE provides State and local law enforcement with the training and authorization to identify; process; and, when appropriate, detain immigration offenders they encounter during their regular daily law enforcement activity. It is very important to note that the 287(g) program is not used for rounding up illegal aliens in random street operations. This program is targeted specifically for those individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety and national security. Additionally, the 287(g) program is not used to determine the legal status of witnesses and victims of crime. Officers in the 287(g) program are trained to respect the status of witnesses and victims involved in a criminal case in order to ensure the integrity of our criminal justice system. Currently, the 287(g) program is implemented in 13 jurisdictions. Perhaps the jurisdiction with the greatest success in this program is Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. In just 12 months, Sheriff Jim Pendergraph has been able to identify and deport nearly 1,900 criminal illegal aliens, most of whom had been previously ordered deported by an immigration judge. This program is working and the demand for participation among the States is increasing. And in the report accompanying this appropriations bill, the committee has acknowledged the importance of identifying criminal illegal aliens while incarcerated in our State and local jails. Participation in the 287(g) program can rectify that problem. Immigration enforcement is clearly a Federal responsibility. It is the Federal Government's primary duty to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. But we cannot do it alone. We need the assistance of our State and local law enforcement who encounter these issues on a daily basis. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to point out that the reason I chose this funding, the Office of the Secretary of Management, is because in researching this, I realized there was an $89 million increase between 2007 and 2008 funding. That is a 60 percent increase. I think it is important that money be spent in our communities. I would also like to point out that I did research the $50 million that was referenced in the report, and that report isn't very accurate because by the end of this month, there will be roughly $1 million left in that account, not $50 million. In 2006, $5 million was appropriated for operating expenses. In 2007, it was $5.4 million; and then there was the $50 million appropriated for start-up costs. But by the end of this month, those will have been almost spent. With the hard work of people like Sheriff Pendergraff in North Carolina and our other sheriffs across the Nation, the public is aware of the services, the resources, the technology and the training, that can be provided through this program. Unfortunately for us in Virginia Beach, all of America heard of the very, very tragic accident that took the lives of two beautiful young women at the hands of an illegal alien DUI driver who had been apprehended in our community at least three times and was still back out on the street. This is a voluntary program, but citizens in our State are asking: How can you break our law, be in our justice system and be right back out on the streets again? This is a program that deals with people who have been apprehended and not victims or witnesses. There are also State-level programs. With our DMV, I think every one of us would want to know that our DMVs can find fraudulent documents because of these resources that are available. And in regards to our correctional systems, for local governments to be telling ICE right in the very beginning, ICE can have all of the paperwork done and be ready when that person is released for that person to be deported, just like that, no additional cost of detainment. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my friends today who have spoken on behalf of this amendment, and I certainly appreciate the chairman of the subcommittee saying he is willing to accept this amendment. I think all of America thanks you.

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. House Resolution 352 is a bipartisan resolution which recognizes the important contributions that public works professionals make every day to improve the public infrastructure of the United States. I represent a coastal district in which healthy water transportation and infrastructure systems add to the economic and environmental prosperity of southeast Virginia. Healthy water transportation and infrastructure systems are not only important to coastal communities, but to every district across the country. To meet these needs, as well as the need for flood protection and environmental restoration, passing a Water Resources Development Act for 2007 is a matter of high importance. According to separate studies conducted by the Congressional Budget Office, EPA and municipal groups, the current rate of capital investment will not keep our wastewater treatment systems operational. State and local governments are spending approximately $10 billion a year in capital investments in wastewater infrastructure. Most of this funding comes from local ratepayers. For rural towns like those located on the eastern shore of Virginia, this often proves to be an unattainable feat. Because of the importance public infrastructure places in enhancing our quality of life, improving our environment and contributing to our economic prosperity, it is important for Congress to recognize the contributions that professionals, engineers and administrators make to ensuring America remains the world's premier economic power. I urge all Members to support H. Res. 352.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 343, which was introduced by my colleague Harold Rogers, recognizes August 11, 2007, as National Marina Day. This resolution acknowledges the significant contributions that marinas provide to so many of our local waterfront communities. There are over 12,000 marinas in the United States, and these facilities serve as a place where people who share a passion for the water can come together to enjoy our Nation's oceans, lakes and rivers. Marinas also serve as stewards of the environment and actively seek to protect the waterways that surround them. I represent a district in which recreational boating plays an important role in the lives of many constituents, and marinas provide an easy access point for citizens who wish to enjoy our Nation's waterways. This resolution highlights the importance of marinas and their role in promoting recreational boating and in connecting people to their local waterways. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers).

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller), the cochair of the Boating Caucus.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 79 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 66th Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to be held on June 16, 2007. The event is open to the public and free of charge. The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby is one of the largest qualifying races in the country. The races take place on Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street, N.W. Participants are residents of the Washington Metropolitan area and range in age from 8 to 17. They compete in three open divisions depending on their level of expertise. The winners of these races will represent the Washington Metropolitan Area at the national finals held annually in Akron, Ohio. The Annual Soap Box Derby is a wonderful summer tradition. I support this resolution, which continues our custom of authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for this exciting event, and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I introduced House Resolution 386 last week which recognizes the important work of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and National Safe Boating Council in promoting boating safety. I represent a district in which recreational boating plays an extremely important role in the lives of many constituents. Sailors, water sports enthusiasts, and fishermen are active recreational boaters in the Chesapeake Bay and in Virginia's coastal waters. Recreational boating is one of the Nation's most popular pastimes, and while the number of recreational boating fatalities has declined by more than half since 1970, many lives are still lost each year. And, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, there are far too many of us who have lost friends or family members. More than half of these lives could be saved with the proper use of boating safety equipment. The Coast Guard and States continue to work closely together to promote boating safety and to decrease the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities on U.S. waters, and they should be commended for their efforts. Congress took action in 2005 to support State and Federal boating safety programs by establishing the Sport Fishing and Recreational Boating Safety trust fund. In fiscal year 2006, more than $92 million in recreational boating safety State grants were provided to the States and U.S. territories from revenues that were wholly derived from Federal taxes on marine fuels and fishing equipment. This funding supports programs that encourage the use of personal flotation devices and other safe boating practices and are critical in safeguarding the recreational boating public. This resolution highlights the importance of safe recreational boating, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 335, the Lewis motion to recommit H.R. 2207, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. DRAKE

Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, this has been a very somber week for the Commonwealth of Virginia as we have watched tragedy unfold on one of our proud universities. As Virginia's largest University, the Virginia Tech family extends into every corner of our Commonwealth and we have all been affected by Monday's events. Unfortunately, we are not able to explain such unthinkable tragedies. Furthermore, mere words seem small under the weight of such a heartbreaking event. However, I express my deepest sympathy for the victims and their families and I offer a prayer of support and condolence for the Virginia Tech community. As Virginia, and indeed the entire Nation, grieves so many young lives being lost, it is important to remember the grace, love and goodness exhibited by those who survived this horrible tragedy. I was inspired by the ability of students, alumni, faculty, family and neighbors to come together driven by a sense of community and compassion to support others in their time of need. As I took part in yesterday's convocation at Cassell Coliseum, I was encouraged by the leadership demonstrated by Gov. Tim Kaine, President George W. Bush and the numerous dedicated educators at Virginia Tech. The coming days, weeks, and months will continue to be difficult ones as the Virginia Tech community comes to terms with what took place on a dark day in April. But it will also be a time of healing and I am confident that Hokie nation will be able to come back stronger because of the compassion and character that has been displayed since this tragedy. Just as the heinous actions of one troubled individual so obviously filled with hate has left us grasping for answers, the reaction of the Virginia Tech family gave reason to make all Virginians proud and demonstrate the tremendous promise of our future generation.