Madeleine Dean

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, this amendment is a valuable amendment to tackle what we knew before the pandemic was a problem: $1.6 trillion in student loan debt, $119 billion of that for private student loans. What we do know is, while the default rate on private student loans is less, it amounts to $4 billion of defaulting private student loan debts. That is not an inconsequential amount of money. This amendment really comes from me as a former professor, as a mother, and as a grandmother. The burden of student loan debt in this country is too high, and now, as a result of a pandemic, through no fault of their own, many borrowers are falling into delinquency, which will hurt our economy, will hurt their buying power, and will hurt their credit rating for a long time to come. So I proudly produced this amendment, and I ask for support. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I, too, offer you my and my family's sympathies on the loss of your father. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to rise in support of this historic bill, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Enough is enough. Racial injustice has been right before our eyes for far too long-- Amadou Diallo, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and George Floyd. We can no longer turn a blind eye. We need to meet this civil rights moment of national anguish. We must insist on bold change, not surrender to a bare minimum. Unarmed Black Americans are being murdered in the street by those who have sworn to protect and serve. This is not a Black problem. It is my problem. It is your problem. It is our American problem. We must ban chokeholds, no-knock warrants, and finally hold officers accountable. George Floyd's daughter said, ``My daddy changed the world.'' Let's come together and honor her words. Let's change the world with this transformative bill.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the HEROES Act because it recognizes the human sacrifice of our families, our teachers, our postal workers, our police. It recognizes the human suffering. In my own counties of Berks County, 207 are dead, and in Montgomery Country, 608 are dead. Included in that number is my own mother-in-law, dead of COVID earlier this month in a local nursing home without the ability of her family to be at her side. And it recognizes the heroes all around us, like the staff at that nursing home who stood by and took care of Joan in a loving way.

Ms. DEAN. I will be voting ``yes'' on this bill to send nearly $40 billion to my hard-hit State of Pennsylvania. I urge all of our colleagues to do the same.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, shame on those who would not tell the truth during a pandemic. Though more help is needed, I rise in support of this interim funding bill. These dollars must actually make it to those who need it: small family businesses, minority- and women-owned businesses, so many I have talked to over these last few weeks. Their future and our economy depends upon it. For healthcare workers saving lives, we have the responsibility to do all we can to help protect those who are saving our families' lives. To reopen our country, we need testing, testing, testing. I look forward to the next more robust and even more equitable bill of relief for the people.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, the coronavirus pandemic is a reminder of our common humanity and our interconnectedness. I stand today to say Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and Berks County, Pennsylvania, my home district, have been particularly hard hit. There are suffering and courage in my community. We have had three deaths. I rise in support of this CARES Act. It is unprecedented. It is a monumental bill to send relief and confidence to those who are suffering, to our workers, to our families, to our children, to our business owners. I am proud to support this bill.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, our servicemen and -women deserve more than a thank-you. They deserve our support and our protection. This week, with unanimous support, we passed H.R. 5003, the Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act, to stand up for our troops against abusive debt collection practices. Many debt collectors have used manipulative practices against our soldiers, such as threatening to contact a soldier's superior officer, threatening to reduce rank, and threatening to revoke a security clearance. If these practices aren't shameful enough, many debt collectors have resorted to contacting the soldier's family. Soldiers are already under enough stress keeping us safe. The House passage of H.R. 5003 sends a clear message that we will protect those who protect us, and predator debt collection practices are never acceptable. I urge the Senate to consider our servicemembers and support H.R. 5003.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the good gentleman from Guam for yielding. I rise in support of H.R. 5003, the Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act. Every day we are reminded of the significant sacrifices our troops make to protect us, and as Members of Congress we have a responsibility to protect those who protect us. The Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act works to live up to this responsibility by addressing abusive debt collection practices specifically targeting servicemembers. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, approximately 40 percent of the complaints filed by servicemembers concern debt collection, as compared to 26 percent by nonservicemembers. These debt collection practices are manipulative and have negative career implications for soldiers and their families. Egregious practices include: Contacting the servicemembers' chain of command in order to extract payment, threatening punishment through the Uniform Code of Military Justice, threatening rank reduction, or threatening to revoke a soldier's security clearances. Unfortunately, these practices do not stop with the servicemember. Some debt collectors also target military spouses, unfairly burdening our military families who sacrifice so much for us. These tactics are egregious and must stop. Our servicemen and -women make extraordinary sacrifices for all of us. The last thing they need is harassment from debt collectors who take advantage of their service, which is why I am pleased to rise in support of this bill and to have had the chance to work with the entire Financial Services Committee, the chair, the ranking member, and the members. Specifically, my bill amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and prohibits a debt collector from communicating with a servicemember's chain of command or department for the purpose of threatening to have their rank reduced or threatening to revoke security clearance. This legislation will help ensure that our military families are not unnecessarily targeted for their service to our country and shield them from bad practices. I am in awe of our servicemembers' spirit of service. We must do our part to service them. I thank my colleagues, Representative Stivers and Representative Davidson, a fellow member of the Financial Services Committee and an Army veteran with years of service, for cosponsoring and supporting this bill. I urge all Members to support it.

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, as Black History Month comes to an end, I would like to acknowledge some of my local NAACP leaders: Ms. Val Ward of Willow Grove; Mr. Craig Brown of Cheltenham; Shaykh Anwar Muhammad of Ambler; Mr. John Milligan of Norristown; Ms. Diana Robertson of the Main Line; Mr. Johnny Corson of Pottstown, whose ancestral farm in Plymouth Meeting was a key stop on the Underground Railway. Madam Speaker, I want to thank these and other local leaders for their tireless efforts toward racial equality. Today, I am pleased to stand here to tell you about a roundtable that we held on Monday with Black business owners. As one constituent expressed to me, they need allies; and so I stand here today as an ally for the Montgomery County and Berks County communities in pursuit of a world free from divides of race, ethnicity, gender, and nationality. Yes, Black History Month is ending tomorrow. May we never stop celebrating Black History Month. It is our American history, and it is the pathway to equality for all.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, PFAS water contamination continues to threaten the purity of our drinking water and the health of our communities, including my own. FAS contaminants exist on more than 400 military bases nationwide and threaten the health and safety of those who live nearby. This public health crisis demands our full attention and requires a national solution. This 116th Congress has proposed and passed more PFAS legislation than any previous Congress in history, including the PFAS Action Act, which would require the EPA to enforce cleanup of contaminated sites and require a nationwide PFAS drinking water standard. Still much work remains to be done. We must stand up for stronger regulations, cleaner water, and healthier communities. Clean drinking water cannot be another issue that the Senate majority continues to ignore and add to their graveyard. We have an obligation to address this national health crisis. Madam Speaker, I urge the Senate, including my own Senators, to prioritize the well-being of our communities and to act swiftly on the passage of the PFAS Action Act.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Nadler for bringing this resolution to a vote and thank Representative Speier and Representative Maloney for their work on this legislation. This is a historic day. It has been nearly a century since the first constitutional amendment to guarantee equal treatment for women was introduced in 1923. Since then, 37 States have ratified the equal rights amendment, including my home State of Pennsylvania in 1972. Virginia's ratification of the ERA this past January brought us one step closer to this basic right that we will be held equal in the eyes of the Constitution. The motto of Susan B. Anthony's newspaper was: ``Men their rights and nothing more; women their rights and nothing less.'' Today, we again say women will accept nothing less than equality. ERA builds on the work of Anthony and others like Jeannette Rankin, Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, and this diverse Congress. I am filled with joy today because I am looking forward to going home and telling my granddaughters, Aubrey and Ella, that we are one step closer to a more perfect Union.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize National Gun Violence Survivors Week and the 58 percent of Americans who have experienced gun violence in their lifetimes. Gun violence kills nearly 40,000 Americans every year; more than half of those deaths are suicide. Another 100,000 people are physically caught wounded in the crossfire. Entire communities suffer, too--those that may never shake the trauma, fear, anxiety, and sadness of violent tragedy, like my friends Marge Sexton, Jami Amo, Jennifer Lugar, Julia Spoor, gun violence survivors who live with the scars of unimaginable tragedy and yet continue to fight for sensible gun violence prevention legislation. Our communities should be safe, joyful places. We should not live in fear of gun violence at our public schools, our places of worship, movie theaters, music venues, night clubs, or even in our homes. This National Gun Violence Survivors Week, let's hold survivors closer in prayer, in love, and in action and promise we will do more and everything we can to end the crisis of gun violence in this Nation.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent and friend, June Parkinson. June passed away on January 4 at the age of 64. June was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, a gifted artist and special education teacher, and a true community leader. She devoted her life in service to others sharing her talents for the betterment of us all. June was a longtime committee-person of the Greater Glenside Patriotic Association and chairperson of the Glenside Fourth of July Parade. The annual parade is the longest continuous Independence Day parade in America and the pride of our hometown of Glenside. June made it her mission each year to ensure this treasured tradition continued. June was an environmental activist best remembered for spearheading the yearly Earth Day clean-up of Keswick Avenue. Even though June was born in Boston and was a Red Sox fan, all of us Phillies fans in Glenside embraced and thanked her for her kind heart, her giving spirit, and her dedication to community. I join June's friends, family, and the wider Glenside community in mourning her loss. I am thankful for June's example of quiet acts of service, and I am better for having known June.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, over the last week, our relationship with Iran has fallen to its most difficult period since 1979. The United States killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, a bad man whom we do not mourn, and yet it was a provocative and disproportionate event. Iran responded with missiles on two of our military bases. I am grateful, thankful that none of our soldiers were in that attack and that tensions between our countries appear to be easing. I hope we can use this moment to assess where we are, how we got here, and find the better path that lies ahead. First, I call on the administration to share the intelligence with Congress about the timing and rationale for the strike. Second, I urge continued de-escalation. We stand less safe in heightened tensions with Iran. It is essential that we emphasize diplomacy once again. Third, I ask that we treat this moment as an opportunity to redefine our relationships with foes and friends alike and how we act as a nation. We will always defend America's security, but we should never create needless provocation. As Matthew tells us: ``Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.''

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Chair, I thank Representative Tonko for yielding. Article I, section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, States: ``The people have a right to clean air, to pure water.'' Similar in spirit, the Environmental Protection Agency's website proclaims that: ``The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.'' Unfortunately, EPA has taken only halting steps to deal with our PFAS water contamination challenge, despite its ongoing harm to human health. EPA's website describes those harms: ``low infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer . . . and thyroid hormone disruption.'' I rise in support of H.R. 535 which will require EPA to mandate cleanup of contaminated sites, set air emission limits, and limit new PFAS chemicals in the marketplace; Identify health risks by requiring comprehensive health testing, reporting and monitoring; Require a national PFAS drinking water standard that creates clarity for States and municipalities; Holds polluters accountable. I am pleased to have worked on this public health issue and to see that part of my bill, H.R. 2600, included, which will require EPA to develop needed rules for safe PFAS disposal. I rise in support of this bill.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule, and I thank Representative Scanlon for allowing me this brief time. PFAS water contamination continues to harm America's health. The EPA's website describes some of the effects: ``low infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer . . . and thyroid hormone disruption.'' Our constituents deserve better. Our constituents have a right to clean water. Finally, we are making some progress. Over the last year, we have considered and passed more PFAS legislation than any previous Congress, and this week's PFAS Action Act marks our most comprehensive step. We also see progress at the local level. In my district, contaminated surface water runoff from Horsham Air Guard Station has polluted local wells and waterways for years. Last week, the Air Force released the funds for a $2.8 million containment and filtration system at the runoff site. I commend them for their leadership. Still, however, much work remains. PFAS contaminants exist on more than 400 military bases nationwide and threaten the health and safety of those who live nearby. Addressing this challenge fully requires a national solution. That means listing PFAS as a toxin, banning its manufacture, regulating its disposal, cleaning up our water supplies, and providing health testing and treatment to everyone who needs it. I thank Representative Dingell for her tenacity in drafting and passing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this rule.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, words matter. We have heard many words over the course of these last weeks. Still, what strikes me are the words that are missing from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, a gaping hole in this conversation, the words they cannot or will not mouth, defending a President's conduct, conduct that threatens our constitutional order. So, Madam Speaker, I ask: When is it ever right for a President to coerce a foreign power to interfere in our elections? When is it ever right for a President to intimidate a foreign leader into announcing false investigations into a political rival? When is it ever right for that President to withhold congressionally appropriated aid to that country at the expense of its national security and our very own? And when is it ever right for a President to block a coequal branch of government from investigating this scheme to cheat an election? The answer, of course, is never. But that word does not come trippingly from the tongues of those who are making the choice to stand behind a man whose behavior is not worthy of your tortured words. By our vote today, we are speaking to future Presidents and to future generations. We are declaring that we will not tolerate foreign interference in our Presidential elections. Americans alone will determine the outcome. And we will not permit a President to order the complete defiance of a coequal branch of government. In the end, regardless of the outcome of this impeachment, the President's tenure will end, and this body and our grandchildren will be left with what we did here today. Ours is a somber generational duty about love of country and lifting our Constitution to its gravest protections but its highest aspirations. Our democracy is a matter of conscience and, by voting to safeguard our Constitution, mine is clear.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, in our conversation about gun violence, one side sees the need for background checks. The other side prefers to ``enforce the laws we already have.'' Yet we do not have universal background checks, so we cannot enforce it. Meanwhile, our children are exposed. This year there have been 45 school shootings in 46 weeks, 370 mass shootings by the end of October. That is more than one per day. Something has got to give. Senator McConnell said he will hold a vote on our background check bill only if President Trump says he will sign it. So let me address the President directly from the heart: Sir, I have two granddaughters. Aubrey is eight; Ella is just one-month old. When Aubrey attends terrifying active shooter drills, what would you have me tell her? How about when she notices that we have laws barring certain people from owning guns, but that much of the time we don't bother to check who is who? Or when she realizes that her leaders could have put basic lifesaving safeguards in place, and they chose not to, what shall I say to her? What would you tell her? President Trump, my granddaughters, your grandchildren need your leadership, and so does America.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4300, the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act, and I thank the manager, Mr. Green, and Representative Wagner for their wholehearted support. The Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act is a bipartisan bill that addresses the needs of foster youth facing homelessness as they age out of the foster care system. Every year, approximately 20,000 young people across this country age out of foster care. Studies show that between one-fifth to one-third of these young adults will become homeless in transition years. That sudden and permanent transition from foster care to adulthood-- including the loss of financial, educational, and social supports that the child welfare system provides--places these vulnerable youth at risk of homelessness and housing instability. In my home State of Pennsylvania, for example, 32 percent of foster youth surveyed in fiscal year 2018 reported that they had been homeless by the age of 21. That is nearly a third of the young people coming out of the foster care system. The Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act will address this problem by reforming and extending the current voucher system. It provides vouchers from HUD on demand to foster youth who are at risk of becoming homeless, rather than forcing them to spend years on waiting lists. Furthermore, this bill incentivizes young people to participate in self-sufficiency activities by extending their assistance for up to an additional 2 years. Qualifying activities include pursuing an education, workforce development, or employment. Finally, the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act builds upon the current Family Unification Program under the foster youth portion to better align the child welfare and affordable housing systems and to coordinate and improve the lives of foster youth. This bill is endorsed by more than 40 organizations, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and the Child Welfare League of America. I thank my colleague on the Financial Services Committee in particular, Congressman Stivers, for his leadership on this bipartisan bill; as well as Congresswoman Bass, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth; and Congressman Turner, who has been a leader on this issue for many years. Finally, I thank the Financial Services Committee chair, Chairwoman Waters, for her support on this legislation. The Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act passed the Financial Services Committee unanimously, and I urge Members of the full House to pass it as well.

Ms. DEAN

Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, this week the Supreme Court heard oral arguments surrounding DACA. Now 800,000 lives hang in the balance. Mr. Speaker, 800,000 is a big number, and in the face of abstract figures it is easy to lose touch with the human reality. So let's think of, maybe, just one person, one young woman who has lived virtually her entire life in this country; whose friends, family, and community are here; who attends school and plays on the soccer team and volunteers at a food bank; who speaks English and no other language. Which one of us would take that child to the border and send her across alone? Which one of us would banish her to a place she has never been? Which one of us would force her to build a life and a language she does not even know? Which one of us could abandon that child with a clear conscience? I suspect the answer is very few of us. And, if that is right, if in our hearts we would not permit us to behave with such coldness and cruelty, then we cannot allow our government to do so either. As our dear colleague Mr. Cummings said, we are better than this.