Marcia Fudge

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 1231, the resolution now under consideration.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1231) celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United States Television Infrared Observation Satellite, the world's first meteorological satellite, launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on April 1, 1960, and fulfilling the promise of President Eisenhower to all nations of the world to promote the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all mankind.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1269, a resolution commemorating the 400th anniversary of the first use of the telescope for astronomical observation by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei. I want to congratulate the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) for introducing this important resolution recognizing the work of a true Renaissance man, Galileo. Galileo is known as the ``father of science.'' His numerous contributions in the areas of astronomy, mathematics, and physics laid the foundation for modern science. In fact, Galileo was the first scientist to apply the use of mathematics to the study of motion. In 1609, within months of learning about the telescope, Galileo constructed his own more powerful version and began observing the night sky. With his telescope Galileo discovered sunspots, examined the surface of the moon, observed a supernova, and disproved the prevailing theory that the Earth was the center of the universe, instead observing that the Earth revolved around the Sun. Galileo's life and his many contributions to science have made his name synonymous with discovery. I want to once again commend Mr. Tiberi and his cosponsors for introducing this resolution and urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the important astronomical observations made by Galileo by voting in support of House Resolution 1269. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1310) recognizing the 50th anniversary of the laser.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I would just ask that my colleagues support this resolution, H. Res. 1310, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FUDGE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1310, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the creation of the first laser. The world's first laser was operated on May 16, 1960. It was constructed by Theodore Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California. This was a significant engineering and scientific feat. Theodore Maiman's work was preceded by theoretical work by Charles Townes, James Gordon, Herbert Zeiger, Nikolay Basov, and Aleksandr Prokhorov. Townes, Basov, and Prokhorov won the 1964 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work. One of the peculiarities of the achievement of the invention of the laser is that, for many years after its creation, the laser was an invention without many practical applications. However, as time went on, scientists and engineers recognized the incredible potential of the laser. Today, the laser is almost ubiquitous. It can be found in almost every home, office, and automobile in America. Lasers are also big business, with annual laser sales approaching $6 billion per year, and growing. The story of the laser is illustrative of how investments in basic R&D can have huge economic and scientific implications down the road. It is a story to remember well as this Congress prepares to take up the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act in the coming weeks. I would like to take a moment to recognize the sponsor of this resolution, Dr. Vern Ehlers. It is my understanding that, in a prior life, Dr. Ehlers knew one of the persons cited in this resolution, Dr. Townes, so it is especially fitting that he is the sponsor. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 1310, the resolution now under consideration.

Ms. FUDGE

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

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would ask that my colleagues support H. Res. 1213. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman).

Ms. FUDGE

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

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1307) honoring the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the Nation.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On yesterday, Madam Speaker, a civil rights icon and humanitarian, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, passed away at the age of 98. She was my friend, my mentor, and one of my predecessors as the national president of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Dr. Height was passionate about justice and equality. Everything she did, every position she held, and every policy she advocated served her life's mission, which was to eliminate barriers to success for women and blacks, while inspiring the next generation. Even though Presidents and other world leaders sought her counsel, she always took the time to advise and encourage young women, including myself. While we mourn her loss, I am not sad. She lived a great life. We often talk about life is not the longevity, but it is the breadth, and she had a great life. So we celebrate her life today, a great humanitarian who leaves a legacy of strong and caring women. That is why I am honored to introduce this resolution celebrating Dr. Height's life and recognizing her work. Dr. Height served as president of the National Council of Negro Women for four decades, stepping down from the position in 1997. In her position with the Council, which, by the way, connected nearly 4 million women worldwide, she tackled issues that affected all families, including child care for working mothers, health and nutrition, and providing adequate housing for families in need. She served as the national president of Delta Sigma Theta from 1947 to 1957. Widely recognized as one of the founding members of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Height was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 by President Bill Clinton, and in 2004 she received the Congressional Gold Medal. Dr. Height fought for equal rights for both women and blacks and was active in such causes as securing voting rights, equal employment opportunities and desegregation of public schools. Marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she advocated women's rights during the civil rights struggle. Dr. Height was instrumental in the fight for equal pay for women and organized numerous programs to help women achieve equal rights and independence. Dr. Height was a tenacious and zealous civil rights activist, social worker, advocate, educator, organizer, mentor and friend. She was my friend. I will miss her, but my life has been better just by knowing her.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, this morning, Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks--civil rights leader, minister, scholar, and attorney--passed away. With great sorrow, I extend my condolences and sympathy to his family and friends. Dr. Hooks was a champion of minorities and the poor, who raised the stature of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People in his 15 years as executive director (1977-1992). He repositioned the organization to increase its national prominence and added thousands of new members. A staunch advocate of self-help among the Black community, who urged wealthy and middle-class Blacks to give time and resources to those less fortunate, Dr. Hooks once stated, ``It's time today to bring it out of the closet. No longer can we proffer polite, explicable, reasons why Black America cannot do more for itself. I'm calling for a moratorium on excuses. I challenge Black America today, all of us, to set aside our alibis.'' His challenge powerfully resonated throughout the NAACP and, in turn, impacted the Black community. Throughout his life, Dr. Hooks continued his advocacy and focused on opening channels of dialogue among all races and classes in America. Upon retirement he served as a professor and later returned to preaching. In honor of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others, I encourage each of us to remember Dr. Benjamin Hooks great contributions to our Nation.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Richardson) for 3 minutes.

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I ask support for House Resolution 1242, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) for as much time as he may consume.

Ms. FUDGE. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Duke University men's basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship. When the final buzzer sounded in the 2010 Men's Basketball NCAA Championship game, two exceptional college basketball programs' seasons came to an end. Both the Duke University Blue Devils and the Butler University Bulldogs played with exceptional talent and dedication. The ball pressure and stifling defenses from both teams led to a low- scoring, yet entertaining, game. The game included five ties, 15 lead changes, and two potentially game-winning shots. In the end, Duke seized their fourth NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, cementing its legacy in college basketball history. With a 61-59 victory Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Duke University Blue Devils proved that they are still one of the country's most elite college basketball programs. The Blue Devils finished their regular 2009-2010 season strongly, with a 35-5 record, followed by winning the 2010 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. In addition, they were cochampions of the ACC with a record of 13-3, while earning an NCAA tournament number 1 seed. In a tournament where the top seeds were falling and upsets were ample, the Blue Devils consistently dominated their opponents. This Blue Devils men's basketball season marked Coach Mike Krzyzewski's 30th season at Duke and his fourth NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. Better known as Coach K, Coach K has led Duke to the Final Four 11 times during his time with the team, and this game was his 868th career win as a coach. The 2010 NCAA championship game marked his 77th NCAA tournament game, the most in NCAA history. He won his fourth national championship and tied Adolph Rupp for second most in NCAA history. Kyle Singler was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player, scoring 19 points and collecting nine rebounds while playing all 40 minutes in the championship game. He has been a leader and a remarkable asset to the Blue Devils all season. Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer, and Nolan Smith were each named to the all-tournament team. I congratulate these men and all of the players on a great victory. The alumni, faculty, and staff have much to be proud of. With over a 75 percent winning rate in the NCAA tournament, the rest of the country measures themselves to Duke. Once again, I congratulate Duke on winning the national championship. I thank Representative Price for bringing this bill forward. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on H. Res. 1242 into the Record.

Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1242) congratulating the Duke University men's basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this health care legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to vote for my constituents. Ohioans want health care reform and they want it now. They told me: `` Now is the time to stand for change. Now is the moment to fight for quality care.'' I'm voting for Vera--a former nurse who lost her insurance after a divorce, despite a lifetime of caring for others. She has over ninety thousand dollars in medical debt, as a result of her 3 strokes. I'm voting for ``Mary's'' mom, who faced cancer without health coverage. ``Mary's'' mom died in her daughter's arms in pain and without medication because she had no insurance. I'm voting for the father in my District, who is forced to choose between maintaining his child's health insurance or meeting his monthly bills. He shouldn't have to choose between treating his son's sickle cell disease and putting food on the table. As a pastor said this morning: I'm voting like unborn children depend on me. I'm voting like a single mom in East Cleveland depends on me. I'm voting like seniors in Warrensville Heights depend on me. I'm voting like foster youth are waiting on me. I'm voting for the person in Euclid who died too soon. I'm voting like I don't have health care insurance myself. I'm voting for justice and equality. I'm voting for health care reform, so that I can hold my head high, look my neighbors in the eye and tell them: ``I voted for you, and you, and you.''

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, since 1943 Americans have celebrated the month March as Red Cross Month. I am proud to continue this tradition and recognize the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross' mission and the dedication of its volunteers. The American Red Cross of Greater Cleveland, which has its headquarters on Euclid Avenue, does a tremendous job serving the community. The Cleveland chapter improves the quality of lives through emergency preparedness, responding to disasters with humanitarian aid, and providing health and safety training. When a recent explosion on West 83rd left several families with nothing, the Greater Cleveland Red Cross stepped in and opened a temporary housing facility for them. It then joined with local residents to raise funds and accept donations. That situation demonstrates our Red Cross' responsiveness to community needs and compassion for Americans. I'd like to congratulate Mary-Alice Frank, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Chapter, David Plate, CEO of the Northern Ohio Blood Services, and Richard W. Vogue, Chairman of the Greater Cleveland Chapter's Board of Directors, on their stewardship of the American Red Cross of Greater Cleveland. I am equally proud of the Red Cross on the national level. Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, the first woman to be selected as Chairman in the organization's 126-year history, and Gail J. McGovern, the President and CEO, are doing an outstanding job in furthering the goals of the organization. As its mission states, the Red Cross continuously provides relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. These goals deserve recognition and celebration all year.

Ms. FUDGE

Ms. FUDGE. Thank you. I want to thank you as well, Madam Chair, just for keeping our caucus focused on jobs and poverty and, of course, pushing for the fundamental fairness we all deserve and what is expected of all of us in this House. I thank you for your work and for your leadership. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to my friend, Mr. Cleaver, the Representative from Missouri. Mr. Cleaver.

Ms. FUDGE. I want to thank my friend, Mr. Speaker, for just saying to us in a clear and concise way that it is time to be honest about where we find ourselves as a Nation, and that it is important that people be given an opportunity, just an opportunity--not a handout, an opportunity--to find work because, if we don't, we will have more problems than we can ever imagine. Not only does it take a toll on the wallet and on your home, but on your physical and on your mental health. So I certainly do hope that we will take heed to the things that were said by our Chair tonight as well as by Representative Cleaver and start to move in a direction that is going to positively impact the people of this country. I thank you both for being with me tonight. Mr. Speaker, the CBC believes that stable employment at a fair wage is a fundamental right for all Americans. In times of economic weakness, such as this recession, government should empower our Nation's workforce by providing training and placement opportunities for dislocated workers. During the month of March, the CBC will engage in a 5-week campaign to seek policy solutions for the chronically unemployed, engaging President Obama, Congress, and the coalition partners in a strategy to put Americans back to work. The chronically unemployed are not counted by labor statistics, Mr. Speaker. They are not counted in the Workforce Investment Act, which is designed to get people back to work. Congress inadvertently sent them a message that they don't count. But they do count, and they want to work. The CBC's agenda, Opportunities for All--Pathways Out of Poverty focuses on six areas: education for low-income communities, increasing the reach of economic security, eliminating health disparities, providing affordable housing options, reforming our judicial system to break the cradle-to-prison pipeline, and addressing global poverty. During tonight's Special Order, Chairwoman Lee discussed with you some of the progress we've made in our efforts in this endeavor. If you wish to receive additional information or ask for updates, you can email the Congressional Black Caucus at congressional black caucus@mail.house.gov. I want to just talk a bit about some of the things that you've heard tonight but maybe in a different way. We know that national unemployment is somewhere around 9.7 percent. There are currently 15 million people seeking employment in this Nation, up from 7.5 million in December of 2007. There are 2.5 million people out of work, and 9 million are employed only part time rather than the full-time employment they prefer and need. With the unemployment rate at 9.7 percent, U.S. labor market conditions are certainly grim. We all, I think, can agree with that. The unemployed who have been out of work and searching for a new job for at least 6 months remains at a record high, at or above 27 percent, and hitting a record 41 percent in January of this year. If we examine unemployment rates by demographic information, you will see proof of the inequality of which we speak tonight. While all major groups have experienced substantial layoffs during this downturn, communities of color, particularly African Americans and Hispanic Americans, are experiencing the worst of these job losses. According to the Department of Labor, although the national unemployment rate was 9.7 in February, the rate for African Americans was 15.8 and the rate for Hispanics was 12.4. Not only is the unemployment rate for African Americans nearly twice that of Caucasians, the gap in some important demographics has widened rapidly over the past 14 months. Over those months, the unemployment rate for Caucasian college graduates under 24 years of age grew by about 20 percent. The rate for African Americans in the same demographics grew by almost twice that much. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the gap in unemployment rates for communities of color is widening. As a result, minority children and families are entering poverty at an increasingly alarming rate. More than 24 percent of African Americans live below the poverty level and are 55 percent more likely to be unemployed than other Americans. As then-Candidate Obama said in a speech during the Democratic primary, ``Race is an issue that I believe this Nation cannot afford to ignore right now.'' In a speech to the Hispanic Caucus Institute earlier this year, President Obama said that when unemployment reaches over 10 percent among Hispanics, that was not just a problem for them, it was a problem for the Nation. We believe it is the same for African Americans. The Congressional Black Caucus, in its continued role as the conscience of the Congress, has a moral obligation to address inequality and injustice as never before in our history. And I have been joined by my colleague and my dear friend from Minnesota (Mr. Ellison). How are you, sir?