Kathleen Dahlkemper

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. I thank the gentlelady from Ohio for yielding. And I want to extend a thank you for inviting me to have this opportunity tonight to speak on the floor about the issue of life, an issue that is very important to me. I believe in the sanctity of life from birth to natural death. In fact, I often like to refer to myself as a person who is ``whole life'' in my beliefs. This issue of abortion is very personal for me. When I was 21 and I was in college, I found myself unmarried and pregnant, and it was obviously a very difficult time of my life. There was a lot of soul searching that went on, a lot of praying. I had the support of friends and family, but I struggled; I struggled with the thought of telling my parents, and I struggled with the social stigma and the fact that I may have to drop out of school, and also the fact that I would have to be a single parent. But I knew that there was a life inside of me, a living person. And little did I know at that very early stage the joy and the beauty that that child would bring into my life. Today I have an absolutely gorgeous 30-year-old son who is married, and he made me a grandmother just a little over 2 months ago with a beautiful daughter named Charlotte. She is obviously the joy of his life right now, and certainly the joy of her grandfather and my life, too. But that's why I feel so strongly about this important issue of choosing life, an issue where there is a general consensus among American people--in fact, a recent poll shows that a majority of Americans believe in at least some restrictions on abortions, and they certainly do not support their taxpayer dollars going to fund abortion. In fact, a May 15 Gallup poll shows that this practice is opposed by 75 percent of the American people. Now, I came to Congress just a short 5\1/2\ months ago, but I came to this Chamber to represent the American people and my constituents. Therefore, I do not believe that we should be using taxpayer dollars, hard-earned taxpayer dollars for something that faces such widespread opposition. That being said, it is equally important that we provide the support that is required to bring that child into this world; only then are we going to be able to prevent the root cause of abortion in America and, actually, throughout this world. So I would like us to use our taxpayer dollars not to fund abortions, but to use this money for the moms and for the babies for health care and other services that they need. I was really proud during my first few weeks here in Washington, in this Chamber, to vote for SCHIP. This legislation provides critical health services for our Nation's babies, and just as importantly, it provides crucial assistance for pregnant moms as well, the first time that we've done that in this country. What a blessing it is that we are finally taking care of our brand new precious babies and providing support for moms too. I strongly supported this bill because of another personal story that I have. When my second child was being born, when I was pregnant with number two, Gretchen, we changed jobs in the middle of the pregnancy. My husband was carrying the health insurance through his job, and we had a new health care provider. All of a sudden, I had a pre-existing condition, and that preexisting condition was my pregnancy. And that child was born without myself having any health care coverage. Luckily, I had a very noneventful natural birth, but you still have to go to a doctor and make sure that your child's needs and your needs are taken care of. I would just like to say that a child is not a preexisting condition; a child is precious, and a life that we need to be taking care of. So as we go forward here in Congress and we take up health care reform, we must address this issue of pre-existing conditions that too often keep mothers, fathers, and children from the care that they need. But the first step is stopping the practice of spending taxpayer dollars to fund abortion. Once again, I want to thank you so much for the opportunity to speak on the floor tonight about an issue that is very personal for me and for millions of families across this country. And I ask all of my colleagues from both sides to join me in making the whole life of the child a priority, beginning at conception. This begins with steering taxpayers' hard-earned dollars away from providing abortions and towards health care and the other critical services for our children, as well as our moms and dads. I want to thank the gentlelady, and I yield back.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Will the gentlelady yield?

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. I just have to tell of another joy. My second grandchild was born just 2 weeks ago today, and I was there for that birth.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. I yield back and thank the gentlelady.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Speaker, one of the first acts of the 111th Congress was to enact the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, historic legislation to jump start our economy and create good-paying jobs. The Recovery Act money is being allocated at a pace of almost $1 billion a week. And I'm pleased to say that we're already seeing positive effects of the Recovery Act in my district, Pennsylvania's Third. While times are still very difficult for many families struggling to make ends meet, we have seen a glimmer of some encouraging news in recent days. During the month of April, Erie County's unemployment rate stabilized for the first time in months. And in neighboring Crawford County, the unemployment rate actually fell. This is the result of the targeted, job-creating investments in our Nation's science, clean energy, education, health care and transportation infrastructure through the Recovery Act. Certainly there is more work to be done. And as the Recovery Act continues to take effect, we must renew our commitment to continue to create the good-paying jobs that will stay here in the United States.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today as a cosponsor and strong supporter of the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009. And I want to thank the chairwoman, the ranking member and the subcommittee chair and Republican ranking member on the subcommittee for this bipartisan effort. A strong small business community is critical to rebuilding our economy, to create the good-paying jobs that stay here in the United States. However, as a small business owner myself, I know firsthand that America's entrepreneurs often need assistance, whether it be accessing capital, procuring contracts or marketing their firms. Entrepreneurial development programs have a proven track record of successfully providing businesses with this type of assistance. However, they have not been modernized in over a decade to meet today's small business needs. This is especially important for groups that are underrepresented in the business world, such as women, minorities, and veterans. For example, the Veterans Business Outreach Program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services, such as business training, counseling, mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. It was my amendment in the Small Business Committee that will allow members of the National Guard and Reserve to also access this important program. As we have seen from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, these brave men and women can be deployed for months and then struggle when they return home to their business or job. The Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act improves current programs. In this case, it gives all those who have bravely served our country in uniform the tools to start and grow their own business. Mr. Chairman, we are here today because we understand that small business is critical, not only to creating jobs, but to driving our Nation's economic recovery. Small business development and growth is crucial to aiding our economic recovery in this Nation. For this reason, in the middle of National Small Business Week, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Small Business Week on behalf of the millions of small businesses across the country. As a family business owner and chairwoman of a Small Business subcommittee, I know firsthand that these small firms are the driving force behind job creation and our economic recovery. Therefore we have an obligation to assist these hardworking Americans during these difficult times. The Recovery Act was an important first step generating $21 billion in new lending and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs. However, we must go further and relieve the pressure small businesses experience from the skyrocketing cost of health insurance. Finally, we must help small businesses get the resources they need like those found in the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act that the House will take up this week. Mr. Speaker, small businesses are critical both to job creation and our Nation's recovery. During National Small Business Week, Congress should renew our commitment to giving them the assistance they deserve.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Madam Speaker, we owe our Nation's brave men and women in uniform a debt of gratitude. However, after speaking with so many families, it's obvious that we must do better to give veterans the support that they have earned. None of our troops should end up on the streets after serving their country, and all of our troops should have access to treatment for conditions such as posttraumatic stress syndrome. This is why I rise today to announce my strong support for the Veterans Bill of Rights. This new bill of rights pledges three things. One, we will increase the Veterans Administration's direct support for homeless veterans. No veteran should ever go hungry. Two, we will make counseling services for PTSD available in every veterans center in America. And, most importantly, three, we in Congress will make veterans a number one priority in all public policy decisions. We owe this to them and much, much more. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of Veterans Bill of Rights.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 1728, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, legislation that will curb predatory lending and other egregious industry practices that caused the subprime lending boom and the Nation's highest home foreclosure rate in 25 years. My amendment in this crucial legislation adds a financial literacy component to the underlying bill. Especially during this period of economic recession, it is critical that borrowers have all the necessary information to make smart financial decisions when purchasing a home. H.R. 1728 requires that the Department of Housing and Urban Development publish a guide for prospective borrowers at least every 5 years. This guide explains the concepts of balloon payments, prepayment penalties, and the tradeoff between paying up-front closing costs and the resulting interest rate over the life of the loan. Prepayment penalties are limited in many circumstances under the base bill and even prohibited in others. Prepayment penalties often limit a consumer's choice to refinance when interest rates become more favorable or make partial payments when the consumer has the means and the desire to do so. My amendment adds a requirement that the advantages of loan prepayment also be included in the HUD consumer education guide. I believe it is important to provide prospective borrowers with an advance explanation of the substantial and positive economic impact that even modest prepayments during the early years of a loan term may have. Having this knowledge prior to committing to a mortgage will allow borrowers to weigh the pros and cons of the prepayment penalty clause that are often found in mortgage documents before they lose the opportunity to either bargain them out of their loan document or seek out other options. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting my amendment to promote greater financial literacy as well as the underlying legislation. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. I want to thank my colleague from Texas, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the brave men and women who have served their country in uniform, many of them in Iraq and Afghanistan. We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for putting their lives on the line for our country. However, I believe that we must show our gratitude, not only with our words, but with our actions. That is why I am pleased that all eligible veterans can now take advantage of the 21st-Century GI Bill. Any member of the military who has served on active duty since September 11, 2001, can receive up to 4 years of college tuition, including money for housing and books. Eligible veterans include activated Reservist and members of the National Guard. And as of last Friday, they can apply online at the VA's Web site. This new GI Bill will open up doors for thousands of veterans throughout western Pennsylvania and across the country, and I encourage all our veterans to go online immediately to take advantage of the benefits they have earned. I offer my sincere gratitude to all who have served our Nation, both our soldiers and their families.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights. As I've traveled across my district in western Pennsylvania, I've seen firsthand how abusive credit card practices can devastate families throughout this country, especially during this recession. The time has come to end the unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive practices by credit card companies. These include soaring fees, arbitrary interest rate hikes, due-date gimmicks, and the incomprehensible credit card contracts that all Americans are familiar with. The Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights offers an important opportunity to protect consumers from these practices, and this legislation can't come soon enough. With consumer credit card debt approaching $1 trillion, we cannot wait any longer to hold credit card companies accountable and to give American cardholders more control over their credit limits. That's why I urge my colleagues to act today and join me in passing the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Speaker, 39 years ago, then-Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin established a day on which millions of Americans across the country could demonstrate their support for the most precious resources we have, a healthy, sustainable environment. For nearly four decades tens of millions of Americans continue on this tradition every April 22, a day we call Earth Day. I want to acknowledge the commitment and vision of the millions of forward-thinking citizens who use this day to do their part, whether planting a tree, picking up litter, or teaching their children what they can do each day to better the world. Each and every one of these individuals is playing a crucial role as we work to meet the challenges that we all face as a Nation and as a world. Mr. Speaker, I have always been a proponent of the environment. In fact, I founded and operated the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, and I have tried to impart upon my children the important role they can play in meeting the environmental challenges of the 21st century. In the House of Representatives, I'm proud to continue this work as we take proactive steps to protect our environment and our way of life. This week we will consider the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act to help improve our environment by securing fresh, clean water for all Americans. To this end, I'm very proud to have attached my amendment that encourages reuse and recycling of our water to promote conservation and sustainability for generations to come. Thank you to all Americans and those around the world doing their part not only today--Earth Day--but each and every day.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. I yield.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I shall consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 1664 to clarify and strengthen key provisions within this important legislation that provides crucial protection for taxpayer dollars. I strongly support H.R. 1664, legislation that prohibits ANY institution that has received a direct capital investment under TARP from paying any employee compensation that is ``unreasonable or excessive.'' It also prohibits any bonus or payment that is not directly based on performance-based standards set by the Treasury Secretary. My constituents are demanding accountability from financial institutions that are receiving taxpayer assistance. The amendment that I offer to you today speaks on behalf of those demands by closing loopholes that may exist in order to protect taxpayers as TARP-funded companies allocate bonuses to their employees. It specifies that H.R. 1664 includes payments made before, during, or after employment of the executive by the financial institution receiving a direct capital investment under the TARP section 1117 of the Housing Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Furthermore, my amendment helps to clarify that prohibited executive compensation for purposes of this bill may take the form of money paid, property transferred, or services rendered. There are many possible forms of compensation, and indeed, there's a virtual industry which specializes in nurturing this diversity. This amendment affirms the intent of H.R. 1664 by taking a very comprehensive view of the concept of executive compensation and, in turn, possible prohibited executive compensation. Mr. Chairman, like most of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, my district has been hit especially hard by this economic downturn. Traveling across my district, I have heard the same story from far too many middle-class families about how they're bearing the brunt of a faltering economy. In fact, many of my constituents who have worked hard and played by the rules have had to take a pay cut simply to keep their job. Various small businesses across my district have had to make some hard choices. Many have had to reduce their workforce. Executives and workers alike have had to take sometimes up to 20 percent reductions in their income, while others have had to reduce their work week to 4 days. As a small business owner myself, I understand firsthand that the small business community is struggling just to keep employees on the payroll and the lights on at the end of the day. Mr. Chairman, my constituents work hard and meet their responsibilities every day. And their hard-earned tax dollars are being used to bail out companies, some of which were responsible for the economic downturn we have today. What they ask for in return is accountability, transparency, and to play by the same rules as everybody else. The purpose of this legislation before us is to set up an operating framework to give taxpayers the confidence that the irresponsible actions of some of the bad actors will not be repeated again. The purpose of my amendment is to offer additional clarity to that end. All excessive bonuses at taxpayer expense are prohibited regardless of when the executive worked at the company. All excessive bonuses at taxpayer expense are prohibited regardless of what form they take. Mr. Chairman, I came to Congress to represent the interests of my constituents on Main Street. That means putting in place important protections to safeguard taxpayer dollars. That's why I'm offering my amendment today. I thank the chairman for working with me on developing this amendment and for his leadership, and that's why I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. If this is excessive, any time before or after.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Yes, it does.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Only while the investment is outstanding, if it's in violation of the rules.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. If it's in violation of the rules.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Yes, it does.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. If they're unreasonable and excessive.

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER

Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the hardworking families of my district in the State of Pennsylvania who have been hit especially hard by the economic downturn. Across my district, paychecks just don't seem to stretch as far to buy groceries and to pay the utility bills. Many have had to take a pay cut simply to keep their job. Madam Speaker, my constituents are struggling just to make ends meet, and they are sick and tired of seeing their hard-earned tax dollars go to pay the excessive bonuses at companies like AIG. However, I have good news for those who want to put an end to this shameless practice. Today, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have an opportunity to support my amendment to H.R. 1664. The purpose of my amendment is to close any loopholes and to make it crystal clear that excessive taxpayer-funded bonuses are absolutely not allowed, regardless of when the executive worked at the company. Let me repeat that. It does not matter when the executive was employed at the company, it does not matter what the official name of the bonus is called; all excessive bonuses at taxpayer expense are prohibited. Madam Speaker, I came to Congress to represent my constituents on Main Street, not the corporate executives on Wall Street. That is why I voted against the Wall Street bailout, and that is why I am offering my amendment today, to protect taxpayer dollars and hold Wall Street executives accountable.