Tammy Duckworth

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I rise to yield the remainder of my postcloture time to Senator Schumer.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I yield the remainder of my debate time to Senator Schumer.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Will the Senator yield for a question?

Ms. DUCKWORTH. I do not believe that the President nominated the best candidate to serve as Secretary of Education. I don't believe he even nominated a qualified candidate. Mrs. DeVos has never taught, never worked in a school system, and has no educational degree in education policy. I was hoping that she would ease my concerns over her qualifications at the confirmation hearing and prove that she was indeed up for the job, but, instead, Mrs. DeVos failed to study, showed up unprepared, and appeared unfamiliar with the foundational civil rights law that guarantees every student, including those with disabilities, the right to a quality equitable education. I would not be here today were it not for strong public schools and civil rights protections. Confirming her to lead the agency tasked with educating our children and helping them develop into successful adults would be a mistake for our children because they would have to pay for and live with this mistake for decades to come. There is simply no way that I can support her nomination. I ask the Senator, how is it possible that we could have a Secretary of Education who does not understand or even know about those Federal protections for students with disabilities to have access to equitable and fair education?

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Madam Clerk, how am I recorded?

Ms. DUCKWORTH. On behalf of the 1.2 million Illinoisans--

Ms. DUCKWORTH.--who will lose health insurance with this repeal of the ACA and for all those with preexisting conditions, I stand on prosthetic legs to vote no.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on September 26, 2016, on Roll Call Number 557 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 3537, Dangerous Synthetic Drug Control Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 3537. On September 26, 2016, on Roll Call Number 558 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5392, No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5392.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on September 20, 2016, on Roll call number 521 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 670, Special Needs Trust Fairness and Medicaid Improvement Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 670. On September 20, 2016, on Roll call number 522 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5785, To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for an annuity supplement for certain air traffic controllers, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5785. On September 20, 2016, on Roll call number 523 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5690, GAO Access and Oversight Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, as an original cosponsor of the bipartisan GAO Access and Oversight Act, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5690.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. Twenty-eight years--1988--that is how long I have known Mark. As long as I have known him, he always was the champion for the most vulnerable. We met at the University of Hawaii. He was the serious one--if you can imagine that--and focused. At the Ka Leo O Hawaii student newspaper where he was editor, he investigated sexual harassment at a time when victims were routinely blamed and disbelieved. Perhaps that is not too hard to believe because even today that is happening, but almost 30 years ago, he stood up for the victims. We were there watching him as he stood up and was sued by the very same union that later on became some of his biggest supporters for his stance on education. In fact, he brought millions back to Hawaii for education--work that took not months or years, but sometimes a decade of steady work. He was worried about the education of our military children who must follow their servicemember parents from base to base. He wanted to make sure that they got good, continuous education and did not lose out because their parents were serving our Nation. Mark had so many aspects to him. Some of it was funny, some of it was annoying, and some of it was so unique to him. But it was all part of what a great person--a great human being--he was. I remember the months of emails and conversations we would have long distance--I was in Illinois and he was in Hawaii--when he was about to get his first Nissan LEAF. He was so proud he would get the very first one on the islands, and then his annoyance when the commanding general of the Hawaii National Guard got the first one and he got the second. I told him he was being ridiculous, that it didn't matter, and that what he was doing was going to be good for the environment and the world regardless. I had no idea that I was opening the door for years and years of conversations with Mark where he would detail exactly how much wattage he had sold back to Hawaii Electric from the solar panels on his roof or how long he had been able to go without having to recharge his electric vehicle. He was there when my husband convinced me that we should ourselves buy an electric vehicle and the conversations the two of them would have about how important it was. It tried even this progressive Democrat's patience. But he was always also there for others. I think one of the greatest skills that Mark had was to get others to join him in his cause, whatever that was; to get others to come and help share the load, whatever the load needed to be. Every time I went to Hawaii, whether it was on a family vacation or just to visit my mom who, by the way, lived in Pearl City, his Hawaii district, he would say: ``Tammy, I need you to do this. I need you to go to this middle school and talk to these kids. Tammy, I need you to come do this. I need you to go to the University of Hawaii. I want you to go to the memorial. We need to talk and be there for the family of this fallen servicemember. Do you remember your friend from the Hawaii Guard?'' It was always: ``Tammy, we have got something to do.'' And do you know what? He made it so much fun that you always did anyway. You went, and you were better for it, Hawaii was better for it, and the constituency got the service of a man who was never, ever on vacation, who never stopped. One of the things that I think you have heard from other folks here was just the pure joy of living that Mark had--all the meals that we would eat. He would show up, and you might just want to go get a sandwich someplace, but you were always off for an adventure for a new restaurant or a better place to eat. It was actually at one of those unforgettable meals when he mentioned to me that he was interested in running for Congress. The minute he said it, I knew that I was on board because he was perfect for this House. He was perfect to be here to work on behalf of not just the people of Hawaii but for the people of the United States. He was audacious but gentle. He was crusading and firm. I couldn't think of anyone who belonged here more. He had planned to serve for years, decades, gaining seniority to serve Hawaii. I miss him every day. He would sit in that seat over there next to me in my wheelchair. I don't sit there now. I stopped when he could no longer be here. It was too much to try to sit next to the empty seat where Mark would sit. I would only go back when he was back here to vote. Before his illness, we had planned to reserve adjacent military morale welfare recreation cabins at Barking Sands missile range for a joint family vacation. As he took a turn for the worse, he actually came up to me on this floor and said he was sorry, he was sorry that he couldn't keep our date with our families. The man was dying, and he was apologizing to me. That was Mark. Even as he was fighting for his life, as he was working to secure the future for his two beloved children and the love of his life, he was concerned for others. He sat through the entire NDAA until 3:00 in the morning. When we were exhausted and tired and didn't think we could make it, there was Mark, fighting cancer, a big smile on his face, flashing a shaka to everyone. I will treasure always one of our final trips together to Israel where we visited an Iron Dome battery together. Even as he was fighting for his life, he was concerned and working to ensure that the security of our Nation and our ally Israel was secure. I am so glad he made it here and that he served. I am so glad that he made such a big difference in so many lives here. But that was Mark. From the time he was a young man to the day that he left us, he was about service to others. Thank you very much--mahalo nui loa--Mark, for being my friend, for showing me how to be a better person, and for showing me a better way to serve. I miss you. I will never forget you. Until we meet again--a hui kaua.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on September 13, 2016, on Roll Call Number 498 on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 859, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 859. On September 13, 2016, on Roll Call Number 499 on agreeing to the resolution, H. Res. 859, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on agreeing to the resolution, H. Res. 859. On September 13, 2016, on Roll Call Number 500 on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 858, providing for consideration of H.R. 3590, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the increase in the income threshold used in determining the deduction for medical care, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on agreeing to the resolution, H. Res. 858. On September 13, 2016 on Roll Call Number 501 on agreeing to the resolution, H. Res. 858, providing for consideration of H.R. 3590, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the increase in the income threshold used in determining the deduction for medical care, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on agreeing to the resolution, H. Res. 858. On September 13, 2016 on Roll Call Number 502 on passage of H.R. 3590, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the increase in the income threshold used in determining the deduction for medical care, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on agreeing to H.R. 3590. On September 13, 2016 on Roll Call Number 503 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 5587, Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 5587. On September 13, 2016 on Roll Call Number 504 on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 729, Expressing support for the expeditious consideration and finalization of a new, robust, and long- term Memorandum of Understanding on military assistance to Israel between the United States Government and the Government of Israel, I am not recorded. Had I been present, as a cosponsor of H. Res. 729, I would have voted YES on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 729.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2015. As a Veteran with a service-connected disability, I have personally participated in the Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program (AAEP) and I know how valuable this program is to Veterans across the country. As a mother of a toddler, I care about the safety of my car more than ever. I am committed to making the best choices for my daughter and strive to keep her out of danger. My story is not unique. There are so many Veterans out there that depend on the AAEP to provide transportation for their families. Safety and the quality of services provided to our wounded Veterans should be a top priority. Last Congress, I wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) urging them to reevaluate the AAEP because it does not require vendors to meet any standards of quality, performance and safety. I am extremely concerned that this obvious lack of guidelines exposes our most vulnerable Veterans to vendors who manufacture and install subpar, low quality and dangerous equipment. It can also lead to higher maintenance costs and wastes taxpayer money. Unfortunately, this gap in the statute allows improper and unsafe installations for our Veterans and also puts the general driving public in harm's way. The fix here is simple--we must have high quality and certification standards for those who provide automobile adaptive equipment, installations and maintenance for disabled Veterans. Veterans with disabilities have earned the right to be able to have safe, quality adaptive equipment in their cars that meets their needs and allows them to live full, independent lives. I urge my Colleagues to support this measure, and to remedy the VA's lack of minimum standards for the AAE program in order to hold vendors accountable, increase quality of VA healthcare and ensure safe driving conditions for Veterans, their families and civilians.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on September 12, 2016, on Roll Call Number 496 on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 847, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives about a national strategy for the Internet of Things to promote economic growth and consumer empowerment, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 847. On September 12, 2016, on Roll Call Number 497 on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 835, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should adopt a national policy for technology to promote consumers' access to financial tools and online commerce to promote economic growth and consumer empowerment, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 835.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on September 7, 2016, on Roll Call No. 481 on the motion on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 843, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted no on the motion on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 843. On September 7, 2016, on Roll Call No. 482 on agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 843, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted no on agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 843. On September 7, 2016, on Roll Call No. 483 on agreeing to the Amendment, Conyers of Michigan Amendment No. 1, offered to H.R. 5063, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on agreeing to the Amendment, Conyers of Michigan Amendment No. 1. On September 7, 2016, on Roll Call No. 484 on agreeing to the Amendment, Cicilline of Rhode Island Amendment No. 2, offered to H.R. 5063, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on agreeing to the Amendment, Cicilline of Rhode Island Amendment No. 2. On September 7, 2016, on Roll Call No. 485 on agreeing to the Amendment, Jackson Lee of Texas Amendment No. 4, offered to H.R. 5063, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on agreeing to the Amendment, Jackson Lee of Texas Amendment No. 4. On September 7, 2016, on Roll Call No. 486 on agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Amendment No. 5, offered to H.R. 5063, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted no on agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Amendment No. 5. On September 7, 2016, on Roll Call No. 487 on the motion to recommit with instructions, H.R. 5063, Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on the motion to recommit with instructions. On September 7, 2016, on Roll Call No. 488 on passage of H.R. 5063, Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted no on passage of H.R. 5063.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on September 6, 2016, on Roll Call Number 479 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5578, Survivors' Bill of Rights Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5578. On September 6, 2016, on Roll Call Number 480 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3881, Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3881.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Second Baptist Church of Elgin on its 150th anniversary. Since it was formally organized in 1866 by a group of men, women and children who had escaped slavery and established Elgin's African- American community, the Second Baptist Church has served the Greater Elgin Community through ministry and outreach. In its 150 years, the church has grown in both size and membership and remains an important part of our Eighth District Community. From its humble beginnings, the Second Baptist Church of Elgin has expanded to include a soup kitchen, young adult ministry, prison ministry, bus ministry, couples ministry and street ministry. The church has partnered with local schools to help at-risk students, donated funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin and in 2003 hosted a young State Senator by the name of Barack Obama as he introduced himself to our community. I've met with their members when their League of Military Veterans came to visit Washington, DC, and I'm so proud of the connections they have forged that help keep our community connected and strong. I am proud to honor the Second Baptist Church of Elgin as they celebrate their 150th anniversary and I look forward to their continued contributions to our community.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on June 7, 2016, on Roll Call Number 269 on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to, as amended, H. Con. Res. 129, Expressing support for the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust victims live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years, and urging the Federal Republic of Germany to reaffirm its commitment to this goal through a financial commitment to comprehensively address the unique health and welfare needs of vulnerable Holocaust victims, including home care and other medically prescribed needs, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. On June 7, 2016, on Roll Call Number 270 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4906, To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the eligibility of employees of a land management agency in a time-limited appointment to compete for a permanent appointment at any Federal agency, and for other purposes, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4906. On June 7, 2016, on Roll Call Number 271 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4904, Making Electronic Government Accountable By Yielding Tangible Efficiencies Act of 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4904. On June 7, 2016, on Roll Call Number 272 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 1815, Eastern Nevada Land Implementation Improvement Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1815, as amended.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on May 23, 2016, on Roll Call Number 229 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 4889, Kelsey Smith Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, As Amended, H.R. 4889. On May 23, 2016, on Roll Call Number 230 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3998, Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3998.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) on its 75th anniversary. Located in the heart of Illinois' 8th District, GTI is a large part of our community and a pillar of our country's energy sector. Every day, GTI researchers develop protocols, processes, technologies, tools and training solutions which enhance our energy products worldwide. Starting with only a dozen staff and barely enough space to conduct a few experiments, GTI quickly grew. Utilizing their robust technical expertise, currently GTI holds over 1,300 patents; including more than 80 patents for fuel cells technology. I have had the opportunity to visit GTI and see firsthand their state-of-the-art facilities and learn about their developments in advanced biofuels. For 75 years, GTI has provided innovative solutions to critical energy challenges and improved the way we produce, transport and use energy. I applaud GTI's success and congratulate them on 75 remarkable years of innovation, leadership and expertise in our energy sector. Illinois is fortunate to be home to such a renowned institution.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on May 10, 2016, on Roll Call Number 180 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4957, To designate the Federal Building located at 99 New York Avenue, N.E., in the District of Columbia as the ``Ariel Rios Federal Building,'' I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4957. On May 10, 2016, on Roll Call Number 181 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 5052, Opioid Program Evaluation Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 5052.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on April 29, 2016, on Roll Call Number 178 on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions on H.R. 4901, ``To Reauthorize the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, and for other purposes,'' I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions. On April 29, 2016, on Roll Call Number 179 on passage of H.R. 4901, ``To Reauthorize the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, and for other purposes,'' I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on passage of H.R. 4901.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on March 21, 2016, on Roll Call No. 130 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4314, Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act of 2016, as amended, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on H.R. 4314.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on March 14, 2016, on Roll Call Number 111 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 2426, To direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in the International Criminal Police Organization, and for other purposes, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on S. 2426. On March 14, 2016, on Roll Call Number 112 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended, to H. Con. Res. 75, Expressing the sense of Congress that those who commit or support atrocities against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities and who target them specifically for ethnic or religious reasons, are committing, and are hereby declared to be committing, ``war crimes'', ``crimes against humanity'', and ``genocide'', I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Con. Res. 75. On March 14, 2016, on Roll Call Number 113 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended, to H. Con. Res. 121, Expressing the sense of the Congress condemning the gross violations of international law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Government of Syria, its allies, and other parties to the conflict in Syria, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Con. Res. 121.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Captain Edward Chow, Jr., a decorated Army veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star for his selfless service in the Vietnam war. True to his character, Ed's service to our great Nation did not end after the war. Out of uniform, Ed has continued serving his fellow Americans, dedicating his life to supporting fellow vets. Ed's illustrious public service career culminated in leading the State of Maryland's Department of Veterans Affairs. Under Secretary Chow's leadership, the Department enhanced claims processing and improved the quality of its veterans' homes. As Ed's friend, I witnessed his dedication and passion for helping the men and women who defended our country. Ed never hesitated to help whenever I called him on behalf of a veteran needing assistance. I, like so many others, thank Ed for his admirable career of military and public service and want him to know his legacy will endure.

Ms. DUCKWORTH

Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on February 23, 2016, on Roll Call No. 83 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4408, to require the development of a national strategy to combat terrorist travel, and for other purposes, as amended, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on this bill to require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, within 180 days of enactment, to transmit a national strategy to Congress to combat terrorist travel. On February 23, 2016, on Roll Call No. 84 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4402, Foreign Fighter Review Act of 2016, as amended, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on this bill to require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, within 120 days of enactment, to provide a report to Congress on instances or attempted instances since 2011 of foreign fighter travel from the United States to Iraq or Syria.