Marcia Fudge

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Black Caucus, the CBC, is proud to anchor this hour on jobs and the economy. Currently, the CBC is chaired by the Honorable Barbara Lee from the Ninth Congressional District of California. My name is Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, representing the 11th Congressional District of Ohio. CBC members are advocates for the human family, nationally and internationally, and have played a significant role as local and regional advocates. We continue to work diligently to be the conscience of the Congress, but we understand that all politics are local. Therefore, we provide dedicated and focused service to the citizens and congressional districts we serve. The vision of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which was to promote the public welfare through legislation designed to meet the needs of millions of neglected citizens, continues to be a focal point for the legislative work and political activities of the Congressional Black Caucus today. When I first became a Member of the Congress, in the fall of 2008 when I joined Congress, our economy was at its worst since the Great Depression. Predatory and subprime lending were at an all-time high. The housing bubble had just burst, and many of our largest financial institutions had gone bankrupt. Retirement and savings accounts were cut in half, forcing many of us to hold off retirement and continue working well into our golden years. Over 200,000 American workers were being laid off each month. In the State of Ohio, unemployment was growing rapidly, quickly approaching double-digit numbers. The 11th Congressional District's unemployment rate was even greater, already at double digits and growing. In October of 2008, when I arrived in Congress, my number one priority was promoting policies that created jobs, spurred economic development, and helped struggling Americans. I have consistently advocated for these policies. In early 2009, one of my first and most important votes in this Congress infused more than $787 billion into the U.S. economy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation was desperately needed to create and save millions of jobs. It focused on rebuilding America using green technologies and LEED-certified construction, making the United States more energy independent. It invested billions of dollars in research and emerging technologies to make our Nation more globally competitive. It also gave 95 percent of all American workers an immediate tax cut through the Making Work Pay tax credit. It invested billions of dollars in infrastructure needs, including roads, bridges, mass transit, and energy-efficient buildings. Finally, it invested dollars quickly into our economy. In Cuyahoga County, which is where I live, this legislation meant over 4,500 jobs and it provided salaries for teachers and firefighters. It also paid for construction workers to make critical improvements to our roads and our bridges. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus continue to support policies that create jobs, that provide career training and improve our economy. In the American Clean Energy Act, Representative Bobby Rush offered an amendment requiring that jobs created from the legislation go to the residents of impacted communities. In the 2010 budget, Congressman Bobby Scott and Congresswoman Gwen Moore fought for and secured more dollars for job training and block grants. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, with the support of her CBC colleagues, authored a letter to the White House to promote funding for surface transportation projects. Tomorrow, the Congressional Black Caucus, along with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Jobs Task Force will lead a timely and necessary forum titled ``Putting Americans Back to Work: Direct Job Creation in Local Communities.'' This is only a sample of the important legislation my colleagues in the CBC have created. We are beginning to see more growth in our economy. Even The Wall Street Journal reported that the economist from the National Association for Business Economics predicts solid growth and employment gains through 2011. This growth would not have happened without the Recovery Act and other Democratic-led legislation putting Americans back to work. We have done a great deal in a short period of time, but there is still much work to be done. There has been much improvement in the job outlook since I first came to Washington. The number of job losses each month, as well as the unemployment rate, have begun to fall. In April, the Federal Reserve Bank noted that economic activity has continued to strengthen and the labor market is improving. While we have a better outlook than when I first came to Congress during the height of the financial crisis, there is still more to be done. The Nation's unemployment rate is alarming--9.5 percent of the population is without a job. In northeast Ohio, the rate is 12 percent. Unfortunately, African Americans across the Nation have been hit hardest by this recession. We see the devastating effects of unemployment in all of our communities. The most recent data shows 16.2 percent of African Americans are unemployed. Many parts of the greater Cleveland area suffer from abject poverty and unemployment. Nearly one in every four Cuyahoga County residents live below the poverty line. These statistics demonstrate that Americans need and deserve a more concerted Federal effort to reduce poverty and create jobs among struggling populations. We must do more to curb our Nation's unemployment problem. We must do more to create jobs for our people. Yet there is still much work to be done. I cosponsored the Local Jobs for America Act. The Education and Labor Committee on which I serve recognizes we are going through one of the most difficult economic times in our history. The recession is forcing States and municipalities to cut critical jobs, those of teachers, police officers, and firefighters. I recently spoke with Mayor Clinton Hall of Warrensville Heights, Ohio. His community desperately needs money to keep its firefighters. Mayor Joe Cicero of Lyndhurst, Ohio, has been struggling to keep his police force. The city of Cleveland has had massive layoffs in the public school workforce. The Local Jobs for America Act will provide our economy a big boost by putting 1 million people to work by restoring services to local communities. The legislation will create and save public and private jobs in local communities this year. It will help ensure these communities have the ability to provide essential services. Finally, the legislation will help teachers by providing $23 billion this year to help States support 250,000 education jobs, $1.18 billion to put law enforcement officers back to work, and $500 million to retain and hire firefighters. Mr. Speaker, I have been joined by the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. I now yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Ms. FUDGE. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to say that our chair is involved in so many things, but one of the things that I can always say is that she has been a tireless advocate for jobs programs, especially summer jobs programs for our young people, and has always made sure that we kept at the top of our agenda what we need to do for those who are most in need. I just appreciate that, and I appreciate her leadership and her friendship. And I think that under her leadership the caucus has made great strides in making our communities aware of the work we do and how hard we work on their behalf. I thank you so much, Madam Chair. Mr. Speaker, as we in Congress have worked to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health care, I thought to include an important provision in the health care legislation. This provision requires the Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Evaluation and Assessment to monitor the retention and expansion of the health workforce and to maintain quality and adequate staff levels in the wake of reform. This legislation will create job opportunities for my constituents. It provides a rapid response to the current shortages in the health care workforce. Recently, I, along with Chairman Towns of New York, introduced H.R. 5055, the College Debt Swap Act of 2010. This proposal allows college graduates to exchange a portion of their private college student loan debt for Federal loans. As a result of the conversion, the Federal Government would earn about $9 billion, and this would improve funding for the Pell Grant program and provide opportunities for learning and training in various jobs that are available right now. Finally, I am introducing CAREER, Career Attainment Remedial Education and Resources Act of 2010. This act is for dropouts and adjudicated youth. With the help of the National Urban League, I crafted this legislation to help those most in need of career training services. This bill will provide grants to communities and organizations helping young people find jobs. We must retrain workers in expanding industries. Instead of those industries that are shrinking, we must provide financial support for students to complete their trade certifications and their college degrees. Education is the only way to end the cycle of poverty. We must demand innovation in lending so small businesses and those in minority communities have access to capital. We must aggressively advocate for loan modifications to reduce foreclosures and keep Americans in their homes. In short, Mr. Speaker, we need a concerted effort from the Federal Government to expand critical services and resources in minority communities. Targeted assistance to those Americans who have been disproportionately suffering from the recession is crucial to reducing the unemployment rate for all. Mr. Speaker, I just want to make sure that the American people understand that even though we know that we need jobs and we know that we need them badly, we understand that there are many issues in this country, but jobs will solve a lot of the problems. In fact, we have done more in the short time that Mr. Obama has been the President of the United States than has been done in recent history. We have done more for our military; we have increased and provided better pay and better benefits. Taxes are lower than they have been in recent history. Business policies have been put in place that encourage growth of small businesses. Mr. Speaker, we have been mayors. We know what difficulties cities are having today. We understand that our cities can no longer provide fire service, police service, trash pick-up, trash removal. Times are tough. When you live in communities that survive by property taxes and people are losing their homes every day, people are losing their jobs every day, these communities cannot survive. It is our job as a government--and I say this to anyone--the only job the government has is to take care of the people it serves. And so it is important for us to make sure that we do our part to pass legislation that is going to make life better for the citizens we serve. Jobs do more than just put money in your pocket. Jobs can change our whole attitude, and they can change the attitude of an entire community, an entire class of students, an entire street. When you have a job, you start to feel good about yourself, Mr. Speaker. You start to feel that you can do things that are going to contribute not only to your household, but to society. So jobs are of significant importance. I would just ask that we continue to keep jobs in the forefront; but as well, that we continue to help those who can't find a job because we are in tough, difficult times. We want to make sure that we do extend the unemployment benefits, and we want to make sure that we do continue to assist people with COBRA payments. We want to make sure that we can keep people living in their homes at least until they can find a way to better their situation. So I would ask all of my colleagues, those being on either side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, that we work very, very hard to ensure that we pass the kind of legislation that is going to be something that is good for this country so that people will understand that we do know their pain, we do understand that America is hurting, we do understand that these are difficult times. And we certainly do want to encourage people to go to work. We want to encourage the small businesses to hire more people. We want to make people understand that we are doing the very best we can. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to enter remarks into the Record on this topic.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to enter remarks into the Record on this topic.

Ms. FUDGE. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to say that our chair is involved in so many things, but one of the things that I can always say is that she has been a tireless advocate for jobs programs, especially summer jobs programs for our young people, and has always made sure that we kept at the top of our agenda what we need to do for those who are most in need. I just appreciate that, and I appreciate her leadership and her friendship. And I think that under her leadership the caucus has made great strides in making our communities aware of the work we do and how hard we work on their behalf. I thank you so much, Madam Chair. Mr. Speaker, as we in Congress have worked to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health care, I thought to include an important provision in the health care legislation. This provision requires the Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Evaluation and Assessment to monitor the retention and expansion of the health workforce and to maintain quality and adequate staff levels in the wake of reform. This legislation will create job opportunities for my constituents. It provides a rapid response to the current shortages in the health care workforce. Recently, I, along with Chairman Towns of New York, introduced H.R. 5055, the College Debt Swap Act of 2010. This proposal allows college graduates to exchange a portion of their private college student loan debt for Federal loans. As a result of the conversion, the Federal Government would earn about $9 billion, and this would improve funding for the Pell Grant program and provide opportunities for learning and training in various jobs that are available right now. Finally, I am introducing CAREER, Career Attainment Remedial Education and Resources Act of 2010. This act is for dropouts and adjudicated youth. With the help of the National Urban League, I crafted this legislation to help those most in need of career training services. This bill will provide grants to communities and organizations helping young people find jobs. We must retrain workers in expanding industries. Instead of those industries that are shrinking, we must provide financial support for students to complete their trade certifications and their college degrees. Education is the only way to end the cycle of poverty. We must demand innovation in lending so small businesses and those in minority communities have access to capital. We must aggressively advocate for loan modifications to reduce foreclosures and keep Americans in their homes. In short, Mr. Speaker, we need a concerted effort from the Federal Government to expand critical services and resources in minority communities. Targeted assistance to those Americans who have been disproportionately suffering from the recession is crucial to reducing the unemployment rate for all. Mr. Speaker, I just want to make sure that the American people understand that even though we know that we need jobs and we know that we need them badly, we understand that there are many issues in this country, but jobs will solve a lot of the problems. In fact, we have done more in the short time that Mr. Obama has been the President of the United States than has been done in recent history. We have done more for our military; we have increased and provided better pay and better benefits. Taxes are lower than they have been in recent history. Business policies have been put in place that encourage growth of small businesses. Mr. Speaker, we have been mayors. We know what difficulties cities are having today. We understand that our cities can no longer provide fire service, police service, trash pick-up, trash removal. Times are tough. When you live in communities that survive by property taxes and people are losing their homes every day, people are losing their jobs every day, these communities cannot survive. It is our job as a government--and I say this to anyone--the only job the government has is to take care of the people it serves. And so it is important for us to make sure that we do our part to pass legislation that is going to make life better for the citizens we serve. Jobs do more than just put money in your pocket. Jobs can change our whole attitude, and they can change the attitude of an entire community, an entire class of students, an entire street. When you have a job, you start to feel good about yourself, Mr. Speaker. You start to feel that you can do things that are going to contribute not only to your household, but to society. So jobs are of significant importance. I would just ask that we continue to keep jobs in the forefront; but as well, that we continue to help those who can't find a job because we are in tough, difficult times. We want to make sure that we do extend the unemployment benefits, and we want to make sure that we do continue to assist people with COBRA payments. We want to make sure that we can keep people living in their homes at least until they can find a way to better their situation. So I would ask all of my colleagues, those being on either side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, that we work very, very hard to ensure that we pass the kind of legislation that is going to be something that is good for this country so that people will understand that we do know their pain, we do understand that America is hurting, we do understand that these are difficult times. And we certainly do want to encourage people to go to work. We want to encourage the small businesses to hire more people. We want to make people understand that we are doing the very best we can. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Black Caucus, the CBC, is proud to anchor this hour on jobs and the economy. Currently, the CBC is chaired by the Honorable Barbara Lee from the Ninth Congressional District of California. My name is Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, representing the 11th Congressional District of Ohio. CBC members are advocates for the human family, nationally and internationally, and have played a significant role as local and regional advocates. We continue to work diligently to be the conscience of the Congress, but we understand that all politics are local. Therefore, we provide dedicated and focused service to the citizens and congressional districts we serve. The vision of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which was to promote the public welfare through legislation designed to meet the needs of millions of neglected citizens, continues to be a focal point for the legislative work and political activities of the Congressional Black Caucus today. When I first became a Member of the Congress, in the fall of 2008 when I joined Congress, our economy was at its worst since the Great Depression. Predatory and subprime lending were at an all-time high. The housing bubble had just burst, and many of our largest financial institutions had gone bankrupt. Retirement and savings accounts were cut in half, forcing many of us to hold off retirement and continue working well into our golden years. Over 200,000 American workers were being laid off each month. In the State of Ohio, unemployment was growing rapidly, quickly approaching double-digit numbers. The 11th Congressional District's unemployment rate was even greater, already at double digits and growing. In October of 2008, when I arrived in Congress, my number one priority was promoting policies that created jobs, spurred economic development, and helped struggling Americans. I have consistently advocated for these policies. In early 2009, one of my first and most important votes in this Congress infused more than $787 billion into the U.S. economy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation was desperately needed to create and save millions of jobs. It focused on rebuilding America using green technologies and LEED-certified construction, making the United States more energy independent. It invested billions of dollars in research and emerging technologies to make our Nation more globally competitive. It also gave 95 percent of all American workers an immediate tax cut through the Making Work Pay tax credit. It invested billions of dollars in infrastructure needs, including roads, bridges, mass transit, and energy-efficient buildings. Finally, it invested dollars quickly into our economy. In Cuyahoga County, which is where I live, this legislation meant over 4,500 jobs and it provided salaries for teachers and firefighters. It also paid for construction workers to make critical improvements to our roads and our bridges. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus continue to support policies that create jobs, that provide career training and improve our economy. In the American Clean Energy Act, Representative Bobby Rush offered an amendment requiring that jobs created from the legislation go to the residents of impacted communities. In the 2010 budget, Congressman Bobby Scott and Congresswoman Gwen Moore fought for and secured more dollars for job training and block grants. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, with the support of her CBC colleagues, authored a letter to the White House to promote funding for surface transportation projects. Tomorrow, the Congressional Black Caucus, along with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Jobs Task Force will lead a timely and necessary forum titled ``Putting Americans Back to Work: Direct Job Creation in Local Communities.'' This is only a sample of the important legislation my colleagues in the CBC have created. We are beginning to see more growth in our economy. Even The Wall Street Journal reported that the economist from the National Association for Business Economics predicts solid growth and employment gains through 2011. This growth would not have happened without the Recovery Act and other Democratic-led legislation putting Americans back to work. We have done a great deal in a short period of time, but there is still much work to be done. There has been much improvement in the job outlook since I first came to Washington. The number of job losses each month, as well as the unemployment rate, have begun to fall. In April, the Federal Reserve Bank noted that economic activity has continued to strengthen and the labor market is improving. While we have a better outlook than when I first came to Congress during the height of the financial crisis, there is still more to be done. The Nation's unemployment rate is alarming--9.5 percent of the population is without a job. In northeast Ohio, the rate is 12 percent. Unfortunately, African Americans across the Nation have been hit hardest by this recession. We see the devastating effects of unemployment in all of our communities. The most recent data shows 16.2 percent of African Americans are unemployed. Many parts of the greater Cleveland area suffer from abject poverty and unemployment. Nearly one in every four Cuyahoga County residents live below the poverty line. These statistics demonstrate that Americans need and deserve a more concerted Federal effort to reduce poverty and create jobs among struggling populations. We must do more to curb our Nation's unemployment problem. We must do more to create jobs for our people. Yet there is still much work to be done. I cosponsored the Local Jobs for America Act. The Education and Labor Committee on which I serve recognizes we are going through one of the most difficult economic times in our history. The recession is forcing States and municipalities to cut critical jobs, those of teachers, police officers, and firefighters. I recently spoke with Mayor Clinton Hall of Warrensville Heights, Ohio. His community desperately needs money to keep its firefighters. Mayor Joe Cicero of Lyndhurst, Ohio, has been struggling to keep his police force. The city of Cleveland has had massive layoffs in the public school workforce. The Local Jobs for America Act will provide our economy a big boost by putting 1 million people to work by restoring services to local communities. The legislation will create and save public and private jobs in local communities this year. It will help ensure these communities have the ability to provide essential services. Finally, the legislation will help teachers by providing $23 billion this year to help States support 250,000 education jobs, $1.18 billion to put law enforcement officers back to work, and $500 million to retain and hire firefighters. Mr. Speaker, I have been joined by the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. I now yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. 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. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1361) recognizing North Carolina Central University on its 100th anniversary, as amended.

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1361 into the Record.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5220) to reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004, to provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days within which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on H.R. 5220 in the Record.

Ms. FUDGE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5220, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act of 2010, which will provide important resources and services to the people with intellectual disabilities. This bill will reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004, provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs, and establish the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes for Sports and Social Impact. Special Olympics and the Best Buddies program would not be where they are today or mean so much to so many people without Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She dedicated her life to the goal of a fully inclusive and supportive society for people with intellectual disabilities. Mrs. Shriver founded Special Olympics and was a longtime supporter and board member of Best Buddies. She knew that all too often people with intellectual disabilities are subject to social isolation because of their different abilities. She fought hard to ensure that children and adults with intellectual disabilities were not subject to stigmatization and prejudice. This bill makes sure that children and adults can fully participate and engage in education, social activities, and community opportunities. With this bill, we will move closer toward the goal of increased participation and inclusivity in society for people with intellectual disabilities. For more than 40 years, Special Olympics has provided sports training and competitive opportunities to more than 3 million athletes with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics has enhanced the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities, improving their health and physical well-being, building their confidence and self-esteem, and giving them a voice to become active and productive members of their communities. Since 1989, Best Buddies has worked with 1,300 middle school, high school, and college campuses to create inclusive communities for people with intellectual disabilities through a medium of friendship. Over 700,000 people have benefited from the Best Buddies one-to-one peer matches, citizen programs for adults, and job programs that promote integration in the workplace. Finally, this bill establishes the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes for Sports and Social Impact. The Institutes support research on effective means for inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, provide technical assistance to promote inclusion, foster collaboration among people and organizations working toward effective inclusion, and commemorate Mrs. Shriver's dedication to this cause. As many of you recall, Mrs. Shriver passed away last August, just before her brother the late Senator Ted Kennedy, also a champion of people with disabilities. This bill is fittingly named the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act of 2010 and honors her vision of a world where people with intellectual disabilities are successfully integrated into our schools, our workplaces, and our general communities. I share that vision and support the activities authorized by this bill. Once again, I express my support for H.R. 5220 and thank Representative Hoyer for introducing this important legislation. I also want to thank Chairman Berman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee for working with the Education and Labor Committee on allowing this bill to move expeditiously to the floor. I submit an exchange of letters dated May 7, May 10, and May 14, 2010, between these chairmen and Chairman Miller to be included in the Record. Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 7, 2010. Hon. George Miller, Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 5220, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act, introduced by Representative Hoyer on May 5, 2010. This bill contains provisions within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. In the interest of permitting your Committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this Committee's right to mark up this bill. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Foreign Affairs does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. Further, I request your support for the appointment of Foreign Affairs Committee conferees during any House-Senate conference convened on this legislation. Please include a copy of this letter and your response in the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Sincerely, Howard L. Berman, Chairman.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy) for such time as he may consume.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1336 into the Record.

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I, too, would just ask that my colleagues support H. Res. 1336. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FUDGE. 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. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1336) congratulating the University of Texas men's swimming and diving team for winning the NCAA Division I national championship.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their support, and I urge support of H.R. 2136. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on H.R. 2136 into the Record.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2136. I would like to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member Kline, the members of the Education and Labor Committee, and the 70 Members on both sides of the aisle who cosponsored this important legislation, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act. During the last 8 years of her career in Congress, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones tirelessly advocated for the passage of this bill. She believed, as I do, that college students must be safeguarded against house fires. When I was elected to Congress last fall, I promised myself and the people of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio that I would use my vote to support policies providing practical and lasting solutions for the district. This bill does just that. H.R. 2136, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, supports the installation and management of fire suppression or fire prevention technologies in student housing, including fraternal houses. The Act directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies. The funding would be disbursed to dormitories at institutions of higher education as well as fraternity and sorority housing. College students deserve safe housing with fire prevention systems, regardless of whether they live in nontraditional student housing, a sorority or fraternity house, or in dormitories. Fraternal organizations have long played a leading role in cultivating the social and intellectual well-being of our college students. We must ensure that these organizations have access to the necessary resources to protect our youth. So far this year, there have been six deaths attributed to student housing fires. Since the year 2000, Ohio alone has suffered 13 student deaths and 36 related campus incidents due to student housing fires, according to Campus Firewatch. When fire prevention and sprinkler systems are present, students' survival rates increase by 97 percent, and property damage is lowered by 35 percent. Carol Dietz, assistant vice president of facilities at John Carroll University, which is in my district, stresses the importance of fire safety measures. John Carroll is currently planning the implementation of fire fighting technologies which cost $500,000 for each residence hall. These grants could help us defray the costs of safeguarding our students. Once again, I would like to thank the Education and Labor Committee, the many supporters of this important legislation, and college students across the Nation who have worked tirelessly to move this legislation forward. Finally, I am grateful for the vision and compassion of my friend, the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 6, 2010. Hon. George Miller, Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Miller: In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of H.R. 2136, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, the Committee on the Judiciary agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall within its rule X jurisdiction. The Committee takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 2136 at this time, it does not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that our Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward, so that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. The Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation, and requests your support for any such request. I would appreciate your including this letter in the Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the House floor. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for the cooperative working relationship between our two committees. Sincerely, John Conyers, Jr., Chairman.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2136) to establish the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing and dormitories, and for other purposes.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1292) congratulating the Emporia State University Lady Hornets women's basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship, as amended.

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Emporia State University women's basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship. The Emporia State Lady Hornets defeated the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks 65-53 in an exciting game. The Lady Hornets took home their school's first-ever women's basketball national championship title. Their victory was also Emporia State's first national championship win in any sport since 1984. This Lady Hornets women's basketball season marked Coach Brandon Schneider's 10th season with Emporia State University. Coach Schneider and assistant coaches Jory Collins and Kiel Unruh guided the Lady Hornets to a final record of 30 wins and only five losses. Sensational junior center and Elite 8 Most Outstanding Player Alli Volkens led the Hornets to their victory with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks in the game. A back-and-forth night for most of the game, the Lady Hornets started to pull away midway through the second half thanks to a 10-0 run. Rachel Hanf scored 15 points and was a perfect 3 for 3 from behind the arc. The alumni, faculty, and staff of Emporia State University have much to be proud of. Once again I congratulate the Lady Hornets on winning their first NCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship and I thank Mr. Moran for bringing this resolution forward. I reserve the balance of my time.