Anna Eshoo

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, there is something extraordinary taking place. Not only are we implementing the Affordable Care Act across 50 states benefitting hundreds of millions of people in our country, but there is simultaneously an effort in the House of Representatives to repeal the law for the 40th time. Imagine. . .this is not the fourth time, but the 40th time that Republicans are moving to take away rights to which Americans are legally entitled. These are the rights signed into law by the President and confirmed by the United States Supreme Court. There's never been such an effort in Congress in the history of our country where a measure has been taken up 40 times. I believe my friends on the other side of the aisle are on the wrong side of history. I would like to highlight this phenomenon through the lens of constituents and the rights they have and the rights that my Republican colleagues want to take away from them. They want to reopen the prescription drug donut hole that was created through the program that they supported, costing seniors thousands of out-of-pocket expenses a year. They want to take away from children the ability to stay on their parents' insurance policy up to the age of 26. They want to take away lifetime limit caps on insurance policies. How can anyone argue that lifetime limit caps were ever good policy? They want to take away preventive services from Americans like mammograms and colonoscopies. They want to take away health care premiums that are actually spent on medical care instead of advertising. They want to take away the right to plain language explanations of plan benefits. And most of all, they want to take away the rights of my constituents to health insurance for those with preexisting conditions. Thomas Jefferson said in 1808 that ``great innovations should not be forced on slender majorities.'' I think an overwhelming number of American people would say they are in favor of the rights they have under the Affordable Care Act, versus going back to a time of discriminatory practices of private insurers.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Boris Wolper, a distinguished constituent who died on July 22, 2013, not long after celebrating his 89th birthday. He was born to Marian and Mordecai Wolper on April 8, 1924, in San Francisco, California. Boris Wolper was a man of many interests. He enjoyed a successful career as a commercial and industrial real estate broker, and served his community as a member of the Woodside Planning Commission. He loved to travel and was a supporter of many causes and institutions. He loved friends, food, wine, sports, and cultural events. He was a proud graduate of Sanford University and its Graduate School of Business, and attended every Big Game from 1942 until 2011. He was a skier and tennis player, and he loved to hike with his friends Howard Eisenberg, Bob Kohn, Dick Zukin, Paul Kaplan, Roy Goldberg and Joe Samson. Boris leaves his loving wife of sixty-four years, Marilyn; two daughters, Julie Brenner and Andrea Wolper; sons-in-law Ellis Brenner and Ken Filiano; and his grandchildren Sharon and Elliott Brenner. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Malkah and Don Carothers, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our condolences to Boris Wolper's family and pay tribute to his long and productive life. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him, and those of us who called him friend will never forget him. Our community has lost a favorite son, and our country has lost a model citizen.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary woman, Carla Anderson, who passed away on July 23, 2013, in Bismarck, North Dakota. Carla Anderson was born on September 15, 1960, to Donald and Cecelia Albers in Bismarck. She never lost her love for her home town of Center, North Dakota and her rural America roots. For the past eight years, Carla served as Deputy Executive Director of the Next Generation (NG) 9-1-1 Institute, a not-for-profit organization that works with the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus to promote the deployment of advanced and effective NG 9-1-1 services across the nation. Throughout the years, Carla worked tirelessly to help the Caucus raise awareness of 9-1-1, develop and pass legislation to support the transition to NG 9-1-1, and make 9-1-1 a national priority. No one in our country did more to promote 9-1-1 education. Carla was instrumental in creating a coalition of national public safety and industry organizations to come together to promote 9-1-1 education. Carla's dedication and enthusiasm to advance 9-1-1 and promote public safety was unmatched. Her impact has been felt not only throughout the United States, but internationally as well. Her smile and positive demeanor brought cheer and enthusiasm to everyone she touched and she will be missed by all those who have had the privilege of working with her. The 9-1-1 community has lost one of its greatest and most prominent champions. Carla will forever be remembered as a devoted wife to her husband Tracy Anderson and extraordinary mother to their two beautiful sons, Brandon and Andrew. Her memory will always be cherished by her parents and bring joy to her siblings Kurt Albers, Scott Albers, Jeff Albers and Karen Thomas. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Carla Anderson. As Co-Chair of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, I'm very proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to know and work with Carla. She took on every cause with a passion--whether it was cheering on the Center Wildcats basketball team, volunteering as the community photographer, or leading the charge on 9-1-1 education. Her untimely death is a loss not only for her family but to the entire Congress, the public safety community and our nation.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I was not present during rollcall vote No. 382 on July 23, 2013, regarding an amendment to H.R. 2397 offered by Representative Blumenauer of Oregon. I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary man, Kenzo Kamei, who was born in Vacaville, California on August 28, 1931, and died on June 1, 2013. Kenzo Kamei spent his early years in Japan where he attended elementary and secondary school. He returned to California at the age of 18, and worked with his parents harvesting crops and working on farms. As a young man he met and married Ruth Kisa ``Kisako'' Nishimoto in Sunnyvale, California, and shortly thereafter the couple was interned at Heart Mountain, Wyoming. Kenzo Kamei kept many mementos which documented his time at Heart Mountain . . . his daily work release pay stubs recording his earnings of $18 per month, the highest in the camp, and the receipt that he was given on his final release from the Camp, giving him $28, or $5 per day for five days of travel, and $3 for subsistence enroute. These artifacts are now part of an interpretive center built by the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, a non-profit group that has made it its mission to tell the many stories of internment, about triumph and tragedy, prejudice and friendship. After being released from internment, Kenzo and Ruth returned to Sunnyvale. Kenzo worked as a gardener and warehouseman, and he and Ruth saved enough money to launch Kamei Nursery, Inc., a grower of award-winning flowers, in Mountain View, California. They opened nurseries in Mountain View and Morgan Hill, and they were key in founding the Buddhist Temple in Mountain View. Kenzo Kamei was a devoted husband who spent several years caring for his beloved wife of 70 years, who passed away on June 8, 2012. Kenzo leaves his son Kenneth; his daughters, Eileen (Robert) Eng, and Judy (Steve) Inamori. He also leaves his adored grandchildren, Ami, Ellen and Jonathan Kamei; Emily Eng Holbrook, Laura Eng Derdenger and Julia Eng; and Bradley, Gregory and Kathryn Inamori. He also leaves his great-grandson Davis Patrick Derdenger, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, Kenzo Kamei was an extraordinary American who will be greatly missed by his family and his community. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our condolences to his family and friends who mourn his passing and honor his life which was lived in dignity and accomplishment.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, on June 7, 2013, Congressman John Dingell became the longest-serving Member of Congress in the history of our country. To put Congressman Dingell's tenure into perspective mathematically, one would need a calculator. The Washington Post reported that since the American Revolution, Congressman Dingell has been a Member of Congress for 24 percent of that time. That's over 20,000 days. I measure his tenure in far greater terms . . . his contributions to our country. Nearly every major law one can point to today bears the imprint of Congressman Dingell. From fighting for civil rights and clean water, to improving labor laws and health care, John Dingell is the epitome of effective service to our country. He has seen Popes pass and Presidents elected, wars won and wars lost, championship sports teams and the first email. Much in the world has changed since Congressman Dingell was first elected in 1955, but he has been the ``constant'' in Congress to count on. He fights for what's right, putting his constituents first and politics second. He sets his sights on his goals and relentlessly pursues them. He is a prudent and wise man. So thank you, Mr. Dingell. Thank you for inspiring us, and thank you for all you've done for our country. It's an honor to serve with you.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, our nation's armed forces are the best in the world, but I rise today to speak against a form of cancer spreading within the ranks that is compromising the integrity of our armed forces. For 25 years, Congress has pressured the Department of Defense to take bold action against sexual assault among our service men and women, and for 25 years, we've heard the same promises. In hearing after hearing, they've offered the results of study after study; told us about their zero tolerance policy; created task forces; and promised to prioritize this issue within the chain of command. Despite these promises, sexual assault in the military is at an all- time high and rising. According to the Defense Department, there were more than 70 assaults per day in 2012, an estimated 26,000 total and a 30 percent increase over two years. Worse, only three percent of estimated sexual assaults in the military in 2012 were prosecuted. Countless service members continue to have little faith in the military justice system, and countless more suffer in silence for fear of retaliation. The existing military justice system has clearly demonstrated its inability to solve this problem. As the civilian institution tasked with military oversight, it is incumbent upon Congress to act. The amendment offered by my colleague, Representative Speier, is an effective and meaningful solution. This amendment is modeled on legislation, the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act (STOP Act), which I'm proud to cosponsor. The STOP Act rightfully removes the sexual assault response process from the military chain of command and replaces it with an accountable, civilian-controlled oversight office. It ensures that trained, impartial prosecutors respond to allegations of sexual assault, not higher ranking commanders with a potential bone to pick. It provides victims with real access to justice, via an objective response system. And it means no more fear of retaliation, lost promotion, re-victimization, and pushback. Sexual assault is a scourge that weakens our military and our nation and has absolutely no place in society. I encourage my colleagues in the strongest possible terms to support this sensible amendment.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, fifty years ago when President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963, he stated that ``when women enter the labor force they will find equality in their pay envelopes.'' Yet a half century later, women still do not have equality in their pay. In 1963, women made an average of 59 cents for every dollar earned by men. Today, women nationwide make on average 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. According to a new report from the American Association of University Women, women in my Congressional District still earn only 74 cents for every dollar earned by men- progress, but not nearly enough. With the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act upon us, and as American women continue to encounter lower pay in the workplace, I can think of no better action to take than to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. Here's why. If the United States adopts a policy of paycheck fairness, it will put $200 billion more into the economy every year. That comes out to about $137 for every white woman per pay check, and approximately $300 for every woman of color who are doubly discriminated against. And with a record number of women in the workforce, wage discrimination is hurting the majority of American families, both in terms of their economic security today and their retirement security tomorrow. This means fewer resources to pay the mortgage, send kids to college, or have a decent retirement. Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act will close loopholes that allow pay discrimination to continue. The bill requires employers to demonstrate pay disparity is related to job-performance-not gender. It prohibits employer retaliation for sharing salary information with coworkers, and it strengthens remedies for pay discrimination by increasing compensation women can seek. Fifty years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, the law has brought more equity to the workplace, but neither President Kennedy nor today's leaders can say our job is done. Pass the Paycheck Fairness Act because pay equity means economic growth for America's women and their families.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great and good man, a man who lived a life of service to his country and his community. Robert Howard Bury died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 94 on May 2, 2013. Bob Bury was born in San Francisco to Helen and Howard Bury. He and his sister Gloria lived a happy but impecunious life with them. At an early age Bob delivered newspapers and groceries to help make ends meet for the family. This early training served him well in his later career as a successful tire dealer in Redwood City and Palo Alto. Bob Bury was a fine provider for his family and his life was synonymous with service. He served his country in the United States Navy, with four years in combat in the Pacific. He was a Machinists Mate 1st Class and served on the USS Karnes, an attack transport ship. Bob was proud of being aboard the Karnes during the Battle of Okinawa when the ship was delivering reinforcements of troops and equipment, despite being under Kamikaze attack. Bob also served his community through his many years of extraordinary service to his beloved home town, Redwood City. He served 24 years on the Redwood City Council, seeing the City through many difficult years, and was Mayor from 1968 to 1972. He served in leadership posts in countless organizations, including the Redwood City Chamber of Commerce, the Redwood City Port Commission, Redwood City Kiwanis, and the San Mateo County Visitors Bureau. Bob retired from service only two years ago when he left the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board. Bob Bury earned and deserved the sobriquet ``Mr. Redwood City"! Bob adored his family, and they him. He leaves his beloved wife of 70 years, June. He also leaves four children; Susan (Harry Battin), Bob Bury Jr. (Sue Subbot), Judy Bury Alessandri (Tom Alessandri), and Patricia Bury, as well as several grandchildren who affectionately called him ``Bobbie". Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Bob Bury, and in extolling his life of service to others. I also ask my colleagues to join me in extending our most sincere condolences to Bob Bury's family, for their loss is a great one. I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to know and work with Bob Bury and even prouder to call him my friend. Through his leadership, integrity and decency, he made our country and our community stronger and better.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great and good man, Fernando Vega, who lived a life of service to his country and his community, and who died peacefully at his home at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family. Fernando Vega was born in Houston, Texas, on November 20, 1924, and died on May 9, 2013 in Redwood City, California. Between the bookmarks of birth and death, he accomplished much and served many. He was a devoted husband and father, and his marriage in 1948 to his beloved Tina was an inspiration to everyone. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps where he received the training that led to his lifelong career as an airline mechanic. A transfer led Tina and Fernando to Redwood City with their six children in 1960, a move that proved fortuitous for them and our entire community. Fernando made Redwood City his home and gave it his all. To supplement his income for his large family, he opened Vegas Market and Grill on Middlefield Road. The market was sold in 1984, but it still bears the family's name. He served on the Redwood City Council with distinction, and was a member of the Redwood City Elementary School District Board of Trustees. He was a Commissioner of the San Mateo County Grand Jury and the San Mateo County Civil Service Commission. Fernando was rightfully proud of his service with Kiwanis in the formation and continued operation of the Redwood City Farmer's Market which contributed so much to the needy in the community. He began his service with the market in the late '80s and only ended it about five years ago when a stroke deprived him of the mobility he needed to help out. Fernando is survived by his beloved wife Tina, and was predeceased by his son David (Pat). His children Oscar (Nada), George (Karen), Eloy (Sef), Fernanado (Carol), and Belinda will miss him deeply, as will his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Fernando Vega and in extolling his life of service to others. I ask my colleagues to also join me in extending our most sincere condolences to Fernando Vega's family, for their loss is a great one. I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to know and work with Fernando and even prouder to have called him my friend. There wasn't a finer human being or greater patriot. Through his integrity, leadership and decency, he strengthened our country and our community in countless ways.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, the GOP needs to reorder its priorities. The American people want us to focus on jobs and strengthening our economy, instead of relitigating the past. Today is the 37th time the majority has taken up repealing patient protections for the American people. This is a very bad idea. Since January 2011, the House has been in session and held votes on only 281 days. Forty-three of those days have been spent on repealing the Affordable Care Act alone. That's 15 percent of the American people's time spent solely on failed attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. For the party that's seeking to cut their way to prosperity, consider this: based on the cost per day to run Congress, the Congressional Research Service calculated that the time spent attempting to repeal the health law has come with a $52.4 million price tag for taxpayers. This money could restore the estimated $41 million cut under sequestration to Meals on Wheels nutrition programs across the country. Or it could pay for nearly 7,000 children to participate in the Head Start program for a year. Now, consider the benefits the American people have enjoyed since the Affordable Care Act became law: children no longer face discrimination due to pre-existing conditions; students and young adults are gaining coverage through their parents' plans; Medicare is stronger, and seniors are paying less for prescription drugs and getting better treatment at lower cost; Americans no longer face lifetime limits; families are receiving rebates from insurance companies; and women have access to a wide range of free preventive services. Since the law was enacted in March 2010, over 800,000 jobs have been created in the health care industry. So when the GOP says the Affordable Care Act is ``killing jobs,'' it's flat out wrong. Repealing the Affordable Care Act would leave millions of Americans without vital patient protections and has cost the American people precious time and money. We should instead vote for legislation to create jobs, expand our economy, and strengthen the middle class.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julius Knapp and Evan Kwerel on receiving Presidential Rank Awards. Every year the President confers these prestigious awards to a select group of career senior executives with the designation of Distinguished Executive, and Meritorious Executive. Last month, Julius Knapp, Chief of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Office of Engineering and Technology and a dedicated agency employee for nearly 39 years, received the Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award. This award recognizes Julius for his ongoing work to unleash new technological innovation. Evan Kwerel, the FCC's Senior Economic Advisor and a 30-year agency employee, received the Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award. As the ``father of FCC spectrum auctions,'' Evan was recognized for his keen economic analysis that has made an extraordinary impact on modern communications policy. Mr. Speaker, I ask the entire House to join me in congratulating Julius Knapp and Evan Kwerel on receiving these very special awards and for their dedicated years of service to the Federal Communications Commission and to the people of our nation whom they have served in an exemplary fashion.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, as the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF) begins in Geneva, Switzerland today, it's fitting that the House is considering legislation that affirms the support of the United States for the multi-stakeholder process of global Internet governance. As we've debated before the Communications and Technology Subcommittee time and time again, H.R. 1580 is not about our views on domestic Internet policy. The legality of the FCC's 2010 Open Internet Order will be decided by the Courts. H.R. 1580 is about ensuring that this week and at future conferences, the International community knows that the U.S. Congress stands behind the multi-stakeholder process and the importance of a free and open Internet. The Internet continues to advance rapidly and with this growth, billions around the world will experience the innovation, openness and transparency that have enabled the Internet to flourish. I thank Chairman Walden for bringing this legislation to the floor in a bipartisan manner and urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1580.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, for the first time in years, Congress is poised to pass a budget that the American people deserve--one that reflects our nation's values, invests in jobs and economic growth, pursues balanced deficit reduction, and strengthens the middle class. The House and Senate acted on two competing proposals last month, but these plans have languished because the Republican Leadership refuses to appoint conferees. Why? Perhaps consensus would have to be reached. Back in the real world, $85 billion in indiscriminate cuts from sequestration continue to take their toll on our national security, health, and economic growth. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects 750,000 jobs will be lost from sequestration in this year alone. This alarming projection is proving to be reality with headlines from across the country citing jobs lost in defense, research, healthcare, education, tourism--the list goes on and on. Nearly a hundred thousand Head Start slots are facing elimination. Cuts to housing vouchers for 140,000 low-income families have begun. Unemployment benefits have been cut by 11 percent for millions of unemployed workers. Is this the America we come here to shape and serve? I don't. It's time for Congress to complete the job of producing a budget. There's no reason to stop the conference process in its tracks when our constituents, our families, and our middle class have demanded a reasonable, responsible budget that advances their interests and strengthens our economy. Let's set aside partisan political games, halt backroom talks and unnecessary delays, and engage in a full, open, transparent debate about our priorities and the path forward for our budget and our country.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, on April 16, 2013 Taiwan's President Ma Ying- jeou took part in a video conference with the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law at Stanford University in my Congressional District. The event was chaired by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and featured a panel including the Center's Director Dr. Larry Diamond, Dr. Francis Fukuyama, and retired Admiral Gary Roughead. After opening greetings by Secretary Rice, President Ma delivered an address entitled ``Steering through a Sea of Change'' which follows. Steering through a Sea of Change--Speech by President Ma Ying-jeou, Republic of China (Taiwan), Video Conference With Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law, Stanford University--April 16, 2013 I. Opening Remarks Professor (Condoleezza) Rice, Professor (Larry) Diamond, Professor (Francis) Fukuyama, Admiral (Gary) Roughead, distinguished guests, faculty members and students of Stanford University, ladies and gentlemen: Good evening! It's your evening now, but it's our morning here in Taipei. Before I start, I want to pay my deep condolences to the victims of the explosion that happened at the Boston Marathon on Monday. My prayers and thoughts are with their family members. In the meantime, I also strongly condemn the violence on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Let's start. It is a great pleasure to address my friends at Stanford University this evening. Stanford University has long been a distinguished center of learning. Under the guidance of Professor Diamond, the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law, through the Journal of Democracy, has made incomparable contributions to the study of democracy. Since Taiwan represents a shining example of how democracy can take root in the Chinese-speaking world, it is only fitting to join you today for this videoconference. II. Changes in East Asia Since I took office as President of the Republic of China in 2008, the geopolitical situation in East Asia has undergone tremendous change. Five years ago, there were two flash points: the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait. Today, the Korean Peninsula is at an unprecedented level of tension: North Korea has conducted a third nuclear test explosion, and in the aftermath of the resulting UN sanctions continues its saber rattling, even claiming that it has abrogated the 1953 Armistice Agreement that ended Korean War fighting 60 years ago. In contrast, tensions in the Taiwan Strait have been greatly reduced, and relations between Taiwan and mainland China continue to advance toward peace and prosperity. This does not necessarily mean, however, that only one potential source of instability remains in East Asia. Geopolitical competition in both the East China Sea and the South China Sea is growing more intense even as the drive toward regional economic integration continues. In addition, three of the major players in East Asia--mainland China, South Korea and Japan--have changed leadership in the last eight months, while here in Taiwan, I was elected to a second term of office early last year. Thus, amidst the uncertainty resulting from such changes, the Republic of China on Taiwan remains firmly committed to fostering peace and stability, and is a strong proponent of the liberal values cherished by democracies worldwide. It is against this backdrop that I would like to discuss how my administration has steered Taiwan through this sea of change. III. How Cross-Strait Rapprochement Was Achieved I decided to seek rapprochement with mainland China long before I took office in 2008. To ensure peace in the Taiwan Strait after some sixty tumultuous years, my administration had to meet both the challenges of establishing mutual trust between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and of rebuilding Taiwan's strength so that peace could be guaranteed. From the start, the ``1992 Consensus'' was a critical anchoring point for Taiwan and mainland China to find common ground on the otherwise intractable issue of ``one China.'' The consensus, reached between the two sides in 1992, established a common understanding of ``one China with respective interpretations''. With this understanding as the foundation, my administration designed a number of modus operandi that broadly defined how Taiwan would pursue peace and prosperity with mainland China. These included iteration of the ``Three No's''--``No Unification, No Independence, and No Use of Force''--under the framework of the Republic of China Constitution. This formulation, grounded de jure in the 1947 Constitution of the Republic of China, sets clear parameters for how both parties can work to move the relationship forward in a positive direction without misunderstandings or hidden agendas, so as to build mutual trust and achieve mutual benefit for the people on either side of the Taiwan Strait. ``Beating swords into ploughshares'' requires pragmatism and the wisdom to remain focused on what can be accomplished in spite of past differences. So we then called for ``mutual non-recognition of sovereignty, mutual non-denial of governing authority'' allowing both sides to pursue substantive exchanges without being derailed by disagreements over sovereignty issues. We also spelled out clearly to the other side, as well as to the Taiwan public, how we intended to proceed with the cross-strait dialogue. The priority of issues for the two sides to address would be ``pressing matters before less pressing ones, easy matters before difficult ones, and economic matters before political ones''. My administration firmly believed in setting a clear agenda from the start, to prevent the cross-strait dialogue being bogged down by intractable issues when we could see that agreement might be found on many others. The goal is to build mutual trust which is fundamental for long-term progress in developing a peaceful cross-strait relationship. I firmly believe that this ``building-blocks'' approach is the only way to achieve lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait. The result of this is 18 agreements concluded between Taiwan and mainland China over the past five years, covering such issues as direct flights, tourism, economic cooperation, intellectual property rights, nuclear safety, and mutual judicial assistance. Let me just give you an example of how things stand now. Five years ago, there were no scheduled flights between Taiwan and the mainland. Now there are 616 scheduled flights per week. Five years ago, 274,000 mainland people visited Taiwan. In 2012, there were 2.5 million people. When the SARS epidemic first broke out in 2003, mainland China completely ignored Taiwan's needs and concerns. But when the H7N9 avian flu struck recently, public health experts from both sides began working together to check its spread. Over the next three years, the two sides are expected to complete negotiations on trade in services and trade in goods under the 2010 Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). Both sides will also greatly expand the level of educational and cultural exchanges. For example, the number of students from mainland China studying in Taiwan, which currently is 17,000 a year, is expected to rise, and there will be more cross-strait cultural cooperation. Each side also intends to set up offices in major cities on the other side to take better care of the 7 million people and over 160 billion US dollars' worth of goods and services that moved across the Taiwan Strait last year alone. As a result, cross- strait relations are now the most stable and peaceful that they have been in over 60 years. IV. Taiwan's Enhanced International Presence As cross-strait relations continue to develop peacefully, Taiwan is gaining an enhanced international presence. The clear parameters articulated by my administration as we began resumption of the cross-strait dialogue counter any mistaken attempt to link Taiwan's greater international participation to an agenda of ``two Chinas,'' ``one China, one Taiwan,'' or ``Taiwan Independence.'' Taiwan today strives to conduct itself as a responsible stakeholder, that is, as a facilitator of peace, a provider of humanitarian aid, a promoter of cultural exchanges, a creator of new technology and business opportunity, and the standard bearer of Chinese culture. The international community has seen recently how Taiwan deports itself as a responsible stakeholder and facilitator of peace. Last August, my administration proposed an East China Sea Peace Initiative urging that negotiation take precedence over confrontation regarding the sovereignty dispute over the Diaoyutai Islets. The following November, Taipei and Tokyo began negotiations on an East China Sea fishery agreement. Sixteen rounds of such talks had been held since 1996 but no agreement was ever reached. This time, both sides decided to jointly conserve and manage fishery resources in the Agreement Area of the East China Sea without changing their respective territorial and maritime claims regarding the Diaoyutai Islets. A fishery agreement was thus signed six days ago which safeguards the security of fishing boats from both sides in the Agreement Area, which is twice the size of Taiwan. This agreement marks a historic milestone in the development of Taiwan-Japan relations, and sets a good example of how the concerned parties can find ways to settle their dispute and preserve peace and stability in the region at the same time. Our efforts over the past five years to enhance Taiwan's participation in the international community have also resulted in concrete progress. The Republic of China has kept intact its diplomatic relations with its 23 allies, and has enhanced its substantive relations with other countries. For instance, we signed an investment agreement with Japan in 2011, and are working to sign economic cooperation agreements with Singapore and New Zealand, respectively, in the near future. Meanwhile, our health minister has attended the World Health Assembly (WHA) of the WHO as an official observer since 2009, the same year as Taiwan acceded to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) of the WTO. For five years in a row, former Vice President Lien Chan at my request has attended as ``leader's representative'' at the Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. On March 19 this year I led an official delegation to attend the investiture of Pope Francis, the first time for a Republic of China president to meet with a pope in the last 71 years, ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1942. Taiwan's enhanced international presence attests to a virtuous cycle of improved cross-strait relations that encourages greater international support for allowing Taiwan further opportunities to play its role as a responsible stakeholder. This in turn further enhances regional peace and stability, which is in the best interest of the international community. V. Taiwan-U.S. Ties: Security, Economic, and Cultural My administration is fully aware that strength is fundamental to achieving peace. When I took office five years ago, my administration worked promptly to restore high-level trust between Taipei and Washington. As former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Taiwan is an important security and economic partner of the United States. We deeply appreciate the relationship we have with the United States, including US arms sales to Taiwan. Only with a sufficient self-defense capability can Taiwan confidently engage in a dialogue with mainland China. The stability engendered by America's enhanced presence in the Western Pacific will certainly help. The United States is Taiwan's third largest trading partner but remains the most important source of our technology. However large a trading partner mainland China is to Taiwan, the United States has always been an important trade and investment partner to Taiwan. The ICT (information and communication technology) industries are Taiwan's most important export sector and they are the largest recipient of U.S. investment. We definitely want to deepen our economic ties with the United States. After successfully resolving the beef import issue last year, the Republic of China resumed trade negotiations with the U.S. under the 1994 Taiwan-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Obviously, Taiwan needs to accelerate its pace of trade liberalization. For the good of its economic prosperity and national security, Taiwan cannot afford to be left out of the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Culturally, American values and its high academic standards have attracted Chinese students since Yung Wing became the first Chinese student to study in the U.S. back in 1847. Generations of Chinese students who studied in the United States have brought American values back to their homeland, making tremendous contributions to China's modernization, including the 1911 revolution. Today, the United States still remains the most sought-after academic destination for Taiwan students. Taiwan is grateful to the United States for letting Taiwan join the Visa Waiver Program beginning in November last year. The Republic of China is the 37th nation in the world to secure that status, and the only one that does not have formal diplomatic relations with the United States. The more than 400,000 Taiwan visitors to the U.S. each year not only take in American culture and natural scenery, they also shop very seriously in the United States and thus help reduce the U.S. trade deficit with Taiwan. In a word, relations between the Republic of China and the United States have continued to thrive and grow since the end of formal diplomatic ties in 1979. Nevertheless, Taiwan still faces many challenges, with only limited resources at its disposal. In formulating Taiwan's national security strategy, my administration has steered Taiwan toward a tripartite national security framework. The first part involves institutionalization of the rapprochement with mainland China so that neither side would ever contemplate resorting to non-peaceful means to settle their differences. The second part involves making Taiwan a model world citizen by upholding the principles of a liberal democracy, championing free trade and providing foreign aid to the international community. The third part involves strengthening national defense capability. This national security strategy is formulated to facilitate peaceful and positive development of cross-strait ties while remaining grounded in a pragmatic realization of the challenges we face. In other words, Taiwan and the United States share the same values and interests in preserving regional peace and stability. VI. Taiwan's Ultimate Value: A Beacon of Democracy States in a security partnership frequently fear being entrapped or abandoned by their partners. In the past, some in the United States have expressed concern that as mainland China rises, Taiwan might someday entrap the United States in an unnecessary conflict with mainland China. Others fear that Taiwan is tilting toward mainland China, thus ``abandoning'' the United States. Both arguments imply that the United States should reduce support for Taiwan. But neither view is warranted. My administration's pursuit of rapprochement with mainland China has clearly helped preserve and enhance peace in the Taiwan Strait. My administration's adherence to the Constitution of the Republic of China legally rules out any possibility of a reckless change in the status quo. Taiwan has so much in common with the United States, from our love of democracy, to respect for human rights and the rule of law, to support for free trade, and even to an intense passion for basketball and baseball! We are also crazy about Jeremy Lin and Chien-Ming Wang. Taiwan cherishes its longstanding friendship with the United States and will always cherish the values and culture that the Chinese people have developed over five thousand years. Preserving the Republic of China has immense importance that goes far beyond the borders of Taiwan. For the first time in Chinese history, we in Taiwan have proved that democracy can thrive in a Chinese society. It presents a shining ray of hope to the 1.3 billion Chinese people on the mainland. I know how much this means to the government and people of the United States, just as it does to my administration and the people of Taiwan. Ladies and gentlemen, my administration will steer this democracy through the sea of change in East Asia. We will endeavor to strengthen peace and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait; and, in the meantime, we will strive for an enhanced international presence for Taiwan that allows it to play its role as a responsible stakeholder in the international community. I feel nothing but confidence about the future of the Republic of China! Thank you.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a former member of the House of Representatives, Congressman William H. Royer, who served in the House from 1979 to 1981 after winning a special election to succeed the late Leo J. Ryan who was slain in Jonestown, Guyana. Bill Royer was born in Jerome, Idaho, on April 11, 1920, and died on April 8, 2013, at the age of 92. At the time of his death he was the 15th oldest former member of the House. He was brought to Redwood City, California by his family as a young boy, and lived there his entire life. He was a graduate of Sequoia High School and Santa Clara University which he attended on a baseball scholarship, and he did graduate work at Oklahoma State University. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1945 and enjoyed a successful career in real estate. Bill Royer served on the Redwood City City Council from 1950 to 1966, and twice served as mayor. He was a member of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors from 1973 to 1979. Bill Royer was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Shirley Royer, and leaves his sons Dennis and Peter, their wives and children, and many grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask the entire House to join me in honoring our former colleague who served his community and his country with great devotion and distinction, and in expressing our most sincere sympathy to his sons and their families.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of an extraordinary woman. Ollie Mayer died at the age of 94, in Woodside, California, after a lifetime of firsts, mosts, and bests. She was a force of nature, a force for nature, and a force for all things good and just. She was ahead of her time in everything she did, and the list of challenges she dared to face is long and daunting. Our beloved San Francisco Peninsula has been the beneficiary of so much of her brilliance and activism, and our world is a better place because she graced it. Olive Hendricks was born on the East Coast and studied engineering at Swarthmore College. She and her husband, Dr. Henry Mayer, met while hiking the Rocky Mountains. They moved to Woodside, California, where Ollie started a machine shop, then a science education company, and then began devoting all her energies to environmental causes in the early 1970s. She was an activist for free speech during the McCarthy era and provided support for victims of blacklisting. She was an organizer of cultural exchanges between U.S. and Soviet women in the early 1960s. She was an early opponent of the Vietnam war and an early civil rights activist. She fearlessly took on unpopular causes, often alone. What an extraordinary example she set for generations to come. Ollie's husband, Dr. Mayer, preceded her in death. She was the loving mother of Judy and Robert, and the devoted grandmother of four. She leaves behind countless friends, and I feel privileged to count myself among that group. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our condolences to her family and her friends who mourn the passing of this great and good woman who did so much to strengthen our democracy and protect our environment, and lived a life that stands as an eloquent statement for the ages.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Peter Scott Carter, an extraordinary man who died of a tragic accident at his home on March 7, 2013, at the age of 70. He was a proud Los Gatan, a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a bon vivant, a lover of cooking, wine, music, and politics, but most of all he loved people. He was witty, worldly, a successful advertising executive, an accomplished photographer and a mentor to many. Peter was born in San Diego on February 20, 1943. His family moved to Santa Clara in 1957, and he graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory School and Georgetown University. He was an active member of the Los Gatos Music and Arts Committee and a member of the San Jose Rotary Club. Known as a pillar of the community, he was the founder and mainstay of the Los Gatos Social Club, a group that meets on Wednesdays for cocktails and dinner. I was honored last year to be the beneficiary of Peter's invitation to his home to meet the Los Gatos Social Club, where I met a cross section of the community. Scott Carter wrote fondly about that meeting . . . one I shall cherish all the days of my life. The words written by Peter's son Scott and published online in the Los Gatos Patch paint a vivid picture of this vibrant, dynamic man: My Father enjoyed politics, and while he wasn't shy about blasting the Democratic Party for this or that, it never stopped him from supporting the candidate that he thought was going to do the most good for the community. When Los Gatos was redistricted from Mike Honda to Anna Eshoo, he was able to get both Members to spend the evening with the Los Gatos Social Club for a Passing of the Torch party. He told me that he and Representative Eshoo closed Chicago Steak and Fish that night, talking long past everyone else's departure. He cared deeply about his family. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye. Grandpa's house was filled with candy, all of it bowls that can be reached by any child old enough to walk. While he was always a happy person, the joy on his face as he was spoiling the girls was unmatched. As much as he loved throwing a party, I know that he loved taking them to Powell's and giving them presents even more. His love for Dennise was obvious to us all. A woman who shares his passion for giving to others and caring for the community, she has dedicated most of her life to starting and growing nonprofits. She is probably the only person on the planet willing and capable of being the hostess as often as he wanted to be the host. She brought tremendous joy to my father's life, and words will never express the feelings of gratitude and love that I feel for her. Peter Carter leaves his wife Dennise McNulty Carter, his sons Scott and Shawn, and four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life lived well by Peter Carter, and for his great contributions to his community and our country. He will be remembered and missed by all who had the good fortune to know him, and I count myself among that privileged group. Today, the entire House of Representatives extends our most sincere condolences to Dennise Carter, to Peter's sons, his grandchildren and his entire family.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, today is Equal Pay Day--the day that symbolizes when, more than three months into the year, the average woman's yearly income finally catches up to what a man was paid in a previous year. Getting paid fairly for the work you do is tough for almost everyone, but, for women, it's particularly difficult. Women earn an average of 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, costing women and their families up to $2 million over a woman's working lifetime. With a record number of women in the workforce, wage discrimination is hurting the majority of American families, both in terms of their economic security today and their retirement security tomorrow. Families have fewer resources to pay the mortgage, send kids to college, or have a decent retirement. If the United States had an adopted policy of equal pay, it would put $200 billion more into the economy every year. This comes out to about $137 for every white woman per pay check, and approximately $300 for every woman of color, who are doubly discriminated against. Today, there are an unprecedented number of women who are the breadwinners of their families. This makes pay equity even more critical, not simply to family economic security, but also to our nation's economy. As we look for ways to create more jobs and grow the economy, it's astounding to me that Congress has not yet passed legislation ensuring equal pay for equal work. It's a powerful policy which would produce enormously positive economic outcomes. The Paycheck Fairness Act ensures that employers who try to justify paying a man more than a woman for the same job must demonstrate that the disparity is not sex-based, but job-related and necessary. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who discuss or disclose their own salary information with their co-workers, and it strengthens the remedies available to wronged employees. Pay inequity due to gender discrimination is real, it should not be tolerated, and we need to take action against it.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Chair, I was not present during the rollcall votes Nos. 76-86, on March 18-20, 2013. I would like the record to reflect how I would have voted: On rollcall vote No. 76 I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote No. 77 I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote No. 78 I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote No. 79 I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote No. 80 I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote No. 81 I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote No. 82 I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote No. 83 I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote No. 84 I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote No. 85 I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote No. 86 I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 5 in the Nature of a Substitute Offered by Mr. Van Hollen

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. I thank our ranking member, Mr. Pallone, for his leadership on the committee and for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act. This is legislation that I wrote, together with Congressman Mike Rogers, going back to when we first introduced it in 2006, in order to better help our country prepare for a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack--all of the things that are really unthinkable; but in a post-9/11 era, we had to be prepared, and we developed this legislation. So it pleases me enormously that we are now reauthorizing it. Right now, the American people are left wondering what the heck the Congress is doing--why we can't come together, why we can't work in a bipartisan way and develop consensus. Do you know what? On this bill, we are, and I am very proud of that. Developing and stockpiling appropriate countermeasures is essential for the safety of the American people, and these programs encourage American companies to invest in areas of critical need. The bill before us today includes new provisions, which I think really enhance what we did originally, provisions that highlight the important needs of our Nation's children. Children are not just little adults. They need special care and medical attention. They are especially vulnerable to biological or chemical agents because of their size, their limited capacity to flush out toxins, their underdeveloped motor skills, and their total reliance on their parents or other caregivers. I know firsthand the importance of stockpiling vaccines critical to our public health. I recently visited a company in my district, Bavarian Nordic. It is a company which clearly demonstrates that technical expertise and investment in this area must be backed by the government's commitment to preparedness. Because medical countermeasures don't always have a natural commercial market, it is our responsibility--right here in the Congress--to encourage and incent private companies to develop them. When I was meeting with them, they told me that, when we were considering the original legislation and then passed it, they were immediately invested in it by the sum of some $80 million because there was confidence in that particular market. This legislation is supported by many, but I think it's a real honor roll in terms of the groups and organizations: the American Public Health Association, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the Trust for America's Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. This legislation, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, did pass the House last month; and with minor changes, it passed the Senate last week, as my colleagues have said on both sides of the aisle. Today, I, once again, urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Senate-amended bill so that it may swiftly be sent to the President for his signature. I think, together, we will have something to celebrate because this is not only important, but it can and will make a difference for the American people.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. I thank the ranking member for recognizing me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Academic Competition Resolution of 2013, which is really the first step toward establishing a mobile apps contest for students across America, which I find very, very exciting. Building on the success of the Congressional Arts Competition, which for more than 30 years has recognized and encouraged artistic talent among our Nation's youth, an apps competition will foster interest in STEM education--science, technology, engineering, and math--which is just what our country needs to prepare for our future. According to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, in the next decade there will be approximately 8.5 million STEM job opportunities; but during the same time, it is projected we'll face a shortage of 1 million STEM graduates. We need to address this mismatch by encouraging our children's innate curiosity and creativity. And what better way to do so than through a mobile apps competition? From mobile medical apps that can revolutionize the way we seek and receive health care to apps that enable video conferencing and the streaming of online video, our lives have been changed forever by the mobility and the economic impact that these apps have provided. Studies show the app economy has already created approximately 150,000 jobs in my State of California alone, and over half a million jobs nationwide, so there is a huge economic benefit already, but we need to leverage this. So I thank Chairwoman Miller; I thank the ranking member of the committee, and I want to acknowledge my wonderful colleague, Chairman Goodlatte, who heads up the House Congressional Internet Caucus, and I'm proud to be a cochair with him. We look forward to working with the committee to ensure that the success of this competition and the continued growth of the app marketplace takes place.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to welcome Archbishop John Quinn to the House of Representatives and to thank him for offering the opening prayer today. Archbishop Quinn is one of the preeminent spiritual leaders and theologians of our Nation. His church service spans over four decades, beginning with his ordination in Rome in 1953. He has served as a pastor, as an educator, as Provost of the University of San Diego College for Men, as Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego, as Bishop of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, as the first Archbishop of Oklahoma City; and in 1977, he was named the sixth Archbishop of San Francisco. His fellow bishops elected him President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1977, where he led with great distinction for a 3-year term. In December 1995, after 18 years of ``tending his flock'' of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, he resigned and was given a visiting fellowship at Campion Hall, Oxford. My colleagues, our country has been blessed by the great patriotism, wisdom, scholarship, deep spirituality, and inspirational leadership of this humble and holy man. Thank you, Archbishop Quinn, for gracing the House of Representatives with your prayer and your presence and for strengthening our country with a faith that calls each of us to be instruments of peace and justice.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, the Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education program was first created in 1999, because there were not nearly enough pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists to serve the children of our country. The program has been overwhelmingly successful, increasing the number of pediatricians by 35 percent. Today, CHGME provides funding to train more than 40 percent of pediatricians in the U.S. However, at current funding levels, we still don't have enough providers to treat the unique needs of children in our country. I cannot emphasize enough how critical this funding is to stand-alone children's hospitals, such as Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in my Congressional District. We have a responsibility to help train the next generation of pediatricians who will care for our children through the earliest, and often the most critical time of their lives. Under the Affordable Care Act, all Americans will have access to healthcare, but we have to ensure we have an adequate medical workforce to care for them. I look forward to the passage of CHGME reauthorization in the House, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to see that we move forward with a bill that can swiftly pass both bodies and be sent to the President for his signature.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I was not present during the rollcall vote No. 5, on January 3, 2013. I would like the record to reflect that I would have voted ``yes.''