Al Green

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I extend my support for H. Res. 800, H. Res. 816, and H. Res. 810, which express sympathy for the citizens of the Philippines dealing with Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma, for the people of American Samoa and Samoa in the aftermath of an earthquake and tsunami, and for the citizens of Indonesia after a devastating earthquake. On September 26, 2009, Tropical Storm Ketsana made landfall in the Philippines. Rain and flooding submerged 80 percent of the capital city, Manila, took 277 lives, forced 135,470 families into evacuation centers, and destroyed over 4,500 homes. Typhoon Parma hit the islands several days later on October 2, 2009 and caused further damage. On September 29, 2009, a powerful earthquake struck below the ocean 140 miles southwest of American Samoa and 125 miles south of Samoa. The earthquake, which registered 8.3 on the Richter scale, produced waves 20 feet in height that penetrated one mile inland, sweeping away homes and cars. On September 30, 2009, 700 lives were lost to a 7.6 magnitude earthquake originating in West Sumatra, Indonesia, which also destroyed 83,700 homes, 200 public buildings, 285 schools and other infrastructure. In the wake of these recent events and on behalf of the 70,000 Asian American and Pacific Islanders living in the 9th Congressional District of Texas, including the 6,000 Filipino Americans that I represent, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families whose loved ones were lost in these tragedies. As the Philippines, American Samoa, Samoa, and Indonesia rebuild homes and communities destroyed in the disasters, we recognize the heroic rescue efforts mounted by international aid organizations and foreign governments, including American forces sent by President Obama. Let these events remind us of our shared humanity and concern for those struggling in the face of adversity. Americans across the country continue to watch the recovery efforts being undertaken in the Philippines, American Samoa, Samoa, and Indonesia. We stand ready to assist our fellow brothers and sisters in need at a minute's notice, and we keep you every day in our thoughts and prayers. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 800, H. Res. 816, and H. Res. 810.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I believe that there is but one race, and that is the human race. I believe that one God created all humanity to live in harmony. I am honored to be here today to express my sympathies and my oneness with the people of American Samoa, Indonesia, as well as the Philippines. I also want to make it very clear that my district is a polyglot melting pot. It is, in fact, a culture of cultures. Because it is such, I have a special kinship and relationship with the persons who have been devastated by these natural disasters. I believe that we cannot do enough to help them recover. But I also understand in my heart that when you cannot do enough, you have a duty to do all that you can. I want us to do more because these are our fellow human beings. They are part of the one race, the human race.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I extend my support to H.R. 3590, the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009, and thank my friend from New York, Mr. Rangel, for introducing this legislation. When Congress passed the first-time homebuyer tax credit in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in January of this year, it sought to reverse the downturn in the housing market by helping qualified homebuyers purchase their first home with a maximum $8,000 tax credit. To ensure that the credit benefitted ordinary Americans and not speculators, we required that borrowers who took advantage of the credit repay it if they sold their home within three years of the purchase date. At the time, we thought this was good policy. However, it is clear now that an exception should have been made for our servicemen and women and their families, who are often required by federal orders to redeploy overseas within a three-year period. The chance for us to correct this oversight has now come. The Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act amends the federal tax code to provide an exemption for members of the military, CIA, and Department of State that would not require them to repay the homebuyer tax credit if they are called for overseas duty and are forced to sell their homes within three years of purchasing it. It also extends for one year the deadline for utilizing the first-time homebuyer tax credit for service members who served outside the country for at least 90 days in 2009. This provision would help returning veterans take full advantage of the tax credit, which is set to expire on November 30, 2009. In exchange for service in war zones abroad and the sacrifices that our servicemen and women make everyday, it is only fair that our military families be able to take full advantage of the programs we enact in Congress. The Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 is deficit neutral and reaffirms our commitment to our men and women in uniform. I am proud to provide my support to H.R. 3590.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1707, the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, a bipartisan bill designed to forge a true strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people, strengthen its democratic government, and support Pakistan so it may become a force for stability in a volatile region. This legislation triples the authorization for U.S. economic, social, and democratic development assistance to Pakistan to $1.5 billion a year for fiscal years 2010 through 2014. The bill provides that this aid be provided with a particular focus on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting economic development, and improving Pakistan's public education system. The bill also authorizes military assistance to Pakistan to help it disrupt and defeat al Qaeda and relevant insurgent elements, and requires that such assistance be focused primarily on helping Pakistan with its critical counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts. The security of Pakistan and the United States is closely linked. We cannot succeed in defeating al Qaeda by ourselves. Therefore, it is critically important that we develop a robust, long-term relationship with our strategic partners to prevail against those who threaten our national security. S. 1707 is an essential tool in our efforts to dismantle terrorism and underscores the United States' long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 1707, the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chair, I wish to express my strong support for H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009. The global competition for producing the cars and trucks of the future is happening now. There is no question that in the years ahead, people will be driving hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and cars and trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The question is whether these technologies will be imported from abroad, or produced right here in the United States by a sustainable, cutting-edge American automobile industry. The global economic downturn and credit crisis have limited the resources that automakers and vehicle manufacturers can draw on to support their research and development activities. As American automakers struggle to become globally competitive and we race to make the best and most fuel-efficient vehicles, we have a chance to accelerate their development through the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will reauthorize the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program, through which the Department partners with industry to provide research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of advanced vehicle technologies in the U.S. These programs have led to numerous successes, including a dual-mode hybrid transmission system used in transit buses and trucks manufactured in the U.S. Through supporting advanced vehicle technologies, this legislation also reaffirms our commitment to reducing energy use to combat global warming and increase America's energy independence by reducing the need for imported oil. Recognizing the importance of this legislation, H.R. 3246 has been endorsed by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, the UAW, Nissan, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, Daimler, Magna International Delphi, ArvinMeritor, Robert Bosch LLC, Caterpillar, Dueco Odyne, Achates Power, and the Engine Manufacturers Association. Let us invest in American energy independence, American jobs, a cleaner environment and cleaner communities by voting in favor of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3246.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I extend my strong support to H. Res. 215, which congratulates the Minority Business Development Agency for its accomplishments on its 40th anniversary. For forty years, the Minority Business Development Agency has fostered the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America. Since the agency's founding in 1969, it has assisted 625,000 minority businesses and helped them secure more than $25 billion in loans and bonding. In 2008, it served 25,000 businesses and contributed to the creation of over 5,000 new jobs. The Minority Business Development Agency is the only federal agency dedicated to minority business enterprise and works to achieve entrepreneurial parity so that minority businesses are represented proportionally to the minority population in this country. While the number of minority businesses in the United States has grown today to 4 million from only 322,000 in 1969, the growth of minority firms has not kept pace with the growth of the minority population. Minority groups represent 26 percent of the country's population, but own only 12 percent of the nation's businesses and receive only 6 percent of total sales. Nevertheless, minority enterprises account for $668 billion in total annual sales receipts and employ 5 million people. By 2042, minorities in America will become a numerical majority. Based on this population shift, it is clear that the success of the American economy is directly linked to the success of minority businesses, which are in a unique position to support the vibrancy of local communities. Supporting minority businesses is not only beneficial to minority enterprise, but to communities and people who depend on those businesses as well. As the Minority Business Development Agency enters its fifth decade, I urge the agency to continue its efforts to help minorities achieve entrepreneurial parity, contribute to the health of the national economy and communities across America. I am proud to celebrate the achievements of the Minority Business Development Agency on its 40th anniversary and I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 215.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as an American and Representative of the 9th Congressional District of Texas I would like to express my support for H. Res. 722, which recognizes the victims and heroes of the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001. This year commemorates the eighth anniversary of 9/11, which lives on in the hearts and minds of Americans as we mourn and remember the lives lost in that tragedy. On September 11, we will honor the memory of the 3,000 men, women, and children who were taken from us, pay homage to the countless lives who have died defending our freedom, and service men and women currently fighting in combat zones across the world. Moreover, on this September 11, Americans will for the first time honor the victims and heroes of 9/11 by serving their neighbors and communities in the first National Day of Service and Remembrance. This federally designated day was created as a part of bipartisan legislation in the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which was signed into law by President Obama on April 21, 2009. In the spirit of unity and compassion, Americans everywhere will join the President and Mrs. Obama in service projects at schools, hospitals, and communities. As we honor the sacrifices of our fellow Americans through our own service in communities across the nation, let us renew our devotion to the universal ideals that make our Nation great: freedom, equality, and democracy. On September 11, 2009, let us forget our differences and embrace our common heritage as one people, the American people. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 722.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, although they are not my words, we have heard that it takes an act of Congress to get many things done. I would only add to this what I have heard, it also takes a Congress willing to act. This is our opportunity to act. This is our opportunity to do what Dr. King called ``bending the arc of the moral universe toward justice.'' This piece of legislation is just, given the circumstances that we have been coping with. There is no dispute that many CEOs have had their pay structured such that no matter what the consequences of their actions, they were going to receive enormous bonuses. I think there are two good reasons to support this legislation: one, it deals with the safety and soundness of the banking institutions. It performs perfectly if it does just this, as far as I am concerned. If it allows a banking regulator who sees that the structure of pay is impacting the safety and soundness of the institution, if it allows this regulator to take some affirmative action to protect the safety and soundness of the institution, this piece of legislation is working. That is what it is designed to do, not to structure the pay, but to prevent the pay from causing ordinary people to have to bail out big banks. People are expecting us to do something to prevent this from happening again. If we are going to act, this is a means by which we can act. Talking about that which we cannot do and will not do that is not on the agenda will not help us to do what we can do today. I never let what I cannot do prevent me from doing what I can do. The second reason why I support this legislation: this legislation allows shareholders--by the way, I trust shareholders. I think people who have a vested interest in something ought to have some say. I think they ought to be able to know what the salary structure is and say something about it. And in this case it is nonbinding. There are many people who are of the opinion that nonbinding is not enough. But I trust the shareholders to have an opinion. They have but an opinion. They don't do anything to bind the corporation. These two reasons, when combined, will help us with the safety and soundness of these institutions and give the shareholders an opportunity to know how the salaries are structured and have some say. Finally, if we want to be a Congress that acts, we have got to have courage. These are trying times. These are difficult times. It is easy to stay with the status quo. Those who want change have got to be willing to take the risk of doing the right thing. The arc of the moral universe bends towards justice, but it doesn't do so by itself. It does so because of people who are willing to do the right thing under unusual and extraordinary circumstances. I am going to stand with the chairman. I believe the chairman is eminently correct. He has structured a great piece of legislation. Those who really want change will vote for this legislation. Those who want to see a better system so we don't end up with more headlines that read ``bailed out banks gave millions in executive bonuses,'' notwithstanding the fact that these banks have not been managed properly and could have been managed a lot better, these kinds of headlines are going to cause problems for a lot of people. I am going to vote with the chairman. I am voting for the bill. It is a good bill. It is a just bill.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to submit my support of H.R. 2529, the Neighborhood Preservation Act. This Act will allow depository institutions and their affiliate entities to lease foreclosed properties for up to five years- it also has a provision which would allow for people to sign leases with the intent to purchase. The Neighborhood Preservation Act is a commendable approach to utilizing the growing inventory of foreclosed properties and putting American families back into homes. Allowing foreclosed homes to be leased is a win-win situation. This allows people who may not be financially positioned to buy a house an opportunity to live in and potentially purchase a home while also allowing the bank to get some of the money back from the foreclosed property. Additionally, by allowing depository institutions to lease foreclosed properties, we will put people in homes and begin to reduce the housing inventory overhang that is currently causing downward pressure on home values. This will help stabilize the housing market and will help facilitate the recovery of the greater economy. Communities throughout the nation will benefit from this legislation, and it could not have come at a more opportune time.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, It is with great pleasure that I commend Continental Airlines on its 75th anniversary. I would also like to thank my colleague the Honorable Gene Green for introducing this resolution and I am honored to be a cosponsor. Continental Airlines is an outstanding company that has grown internationally without losing sight of the people they serve. Since the founding of Continental Airlines, the company has consistently served the community. In July of 1934 the company Varney Speed Lines was created in West Texas by Walter T. Varney and Louis Mueller primarily as a mail service. During World War II, they built the Denver Modification Center in Houston, where workers modified B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-29 Super Fortresses to assist in the war effort. Today, Continental Airlines' main headquarters are in Houston and their main hub is located there as well at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Continental Airlines has also been a pacesetter in diversity among airlines. The company named Deborah McCoy the first woman in the Nation to head a major commercial airline pilot group in 1999. In 2005, Continental was ranked among HISPANIC Magazine's ``Hispanic Corporate 100: One Hundred Companies Providing the Most Opportunities for Hispanics'' for the eighth year in a row. Continental Airlines has also been named to the Corporate Diversity Honor Roll in Latin Business magazine Continental has exemplified a dedication to customer service. Following the September 11th attacks, Continental offered special compassion fares to and from the New York area to assist family members of the September 11th victims, relief organizations and volunteers. Continental was the first airline to offer three of the most popular business applications on its fleet of 737, 757, and MD 80 aircraft: two-way e-mail, instant messaging and text messaging. The airline has also been awarded six Customer Satisfaction awards by J.D. Power and Associates since 1996. Despite its global presence, Continental Airlines has maintained a personal relationship with its customers that is rivaled by many and surpassed by none. I would again like to congratulate Continental Airlines on 75 years of service and wish them many more years to come.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I was unavoidably delayed and missed the votes on: 1. H. Res. 593--Recognizing and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the entry of Hawaii into the Union as the 50th State 2. H.R. 1376--Waco Mammoth National Monument Establishment Act of 2009 3. H.R. 1121--Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009 I respectfully request the opportunity to record my position. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on these votes. At this time I would ask for unanimous consent that my position be entered into the Record following that vote or in the appropriate portion of the Record.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H. Res. 607, a resolution that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. This resolution honors Neil Armstrong, Edwin Eugene ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Michael Collins, and the countless number of individuals and organizations who helped the United States become the first Nation in the world to set foot on the Moon. I want to thank Congressman Ralph Hall for introducing this resolution, which celebrates the anniversary of one of our country's most important accomplishments. As a former Member of the House Science and Technology Committee, I am proud that this resolution recognizes the first human spaceflight along with those organizations, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Mission Control Center, located in Houston, Texas, whose efforts played an instrumental role in extending our country's reach to new frontiers. President John F. Kennedy set a goal to reach the Moon by the end of the 1960s. He expressed admiration for this goal during a speech he gave before a joint session of Congress on May 25, 1961. During that speech, President Kennedy said, ``I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.'' Nearly 8 years later, on July 16, 1969, the Eagle landed, making Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin the first people to ever walk on the Moon. This accomplishment launched the United States to the top of the science and space world. Armstrong and Aldrin represented not only themselves, but the entire Nation, as the United States became the first country to put men on the Moon. As we prepare for future space explorations, the Apollo spaceflight will continue to inspire us to push the limits of future missions, especially as we tackle some of our most pressing problems, like climate change. This resolution reminds us that we must once again reach for the stars. And, with the confirmation of General Charles Bolden, the first African American to head the agency, the United States is poised to reaffirm its prominence by boldly pushing the boundaries of space, aeronautics and exploration in the 21st century. Again, I would like to thank my good friend Congressman Hall for introducing this resolution and I encourage all my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I was unavoidably delayed and missed the vote on Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 3183--Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (H. Res. 645). Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on this vote. Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 538, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 135, a resolution which pays tribute to the contributions of African American slave laborers in the building of the United States Capitol. We owe a great debt to the enslaved African Americans who played an instrumental role in the construction of the United States Capitol. Their labor was responsible for erecting this massive building, a place where the hopes and dreams of this nation are represented, voiced, and debated each and every day. Thank you to my colleague, Congressman John Lewis, for introducing this resolution which directs the Architect of the Capitol to place a historical marker in the Capitol Visitors Center to acknowledge the toils of slaves who helped construct the U.S. Capitol. The history of this country and her most enduring symbol of democracy, the United States Capitol, cannot be told without fully and accurately reflecting the contributions of enslaved African-Americans. According to the History of Slave Laborers in the Construction of the United States Capitol report, there is documentation that slave labor was employed from 1795 to 1801 for the construction of this building. African American slaves participated in almost every aspect of construction of the U.S. Capitol, completing such tasks as removing tress, quarrying stone, painting, and roofing. Evidence of their work can be seen in the columns of Statuary Hall and the Old Senate Chamber. Their story is a story that must be told for it is our collective story, the great American story. After nearly 200 years, it is time for America to acknowledge these individuals who contributed to one of our nation's symbols of freedom while never having the opportunity to experience it themselves. Constructing a historical marker that includes the original stone used to build the Capitol is an outstanding tribute to African American slaves that will teach all who visit the Capitol of our nation's past as well as her future. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and recognizing the work of enslaved African Americans in the building of the U.S. Capitol by voting in support of this important resolution.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1016, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act. The men and women who have served our nation in combat deserve to be provided with the very best that we have to offer. One part of achieving that is getting these men and women the best health care that they can possibly have. In turn, it is critically important that the Veterans' Administration (VA) have assurances regarding their funding in a timely manner so that the VA can deliver health care in an efficient and timely manner. This important legislation authorizes Congress to approve VA medical care appropriations one year in advance of the start of each fiscal year. While we still have much further to go in terms of making sure that every hero returning home has all the care that they need, this bill will at least ensure that the VA will be able to plan ahead of time and get the most out of each health care dollar that they are allocated. Furthermore, because many VA budget cycles have, in recent years, started on continuing resolutions, some decisions may have been made on the basis rather than on the basis of the most effective treatment. We cannot jeopardize the health of our nation's finest because of what amounts to nothing more than a bureaucratic difficulty. I was proud to work with a number of colleagues to include a similar VA advanced appropriations provision in this year's congressional budget resolution, S. Con. Res. 13. Nevertheless, there is no reason why our veterans should need to count on Congress taking action every single year to keep this sensible policy in place. For this reason, it is imperative that we pass the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this important bill. I thank my good friend, the Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Congressman Filner for introducing it and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in support.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentlelady for her generous comments and her appeal to colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit for the Record a letter that has been signed by 16 organizations that are supporting this piece of legislation. June 12, 2009. Hon. Al Green, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Green: We are writing to express our overwhelming support for H.R. 403, the Homes for Heroes Act of 2009, legislation that would provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans. We urge the House of Representatives to pass this bill on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials recently reported on any given night, 131,000 veterans are homeless. Veterans are at a greater risk of becoming homeless due to health problems (post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse issues, mental health disorders), economic issues (extremely low or no livable income), and a shortage of affordable housing. While most currently homeless veterans served during prior conflicts or in peacetime, the newest generation of combat veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF-OIF), both men and women, are returning home and suffering from war related conditions that may put them at risk for homelessness. A growing trend in homelessness among these new veterans points to a need to develop a coordinated approach to reduce and ultimately eliminate homelessness among all veterans. Your bill, H.R. 403, the ``Homes for Heroes Act of 2009,'' will provide shelter for homeless veteran families and help prevent low-income families from falling into homelessness. The undersigned organizations are pleased the following legislative actions are contained in this bill: 1. Establish the position of Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 2. Establish permanent supportive housing and services for very low-income veterans and their families through a $200 million assistance program. 3. Authorize HUD to provide housing assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of permanent affordable housing. 4. Require HUD to coordinate with the VA to provide supportive services tailored to the needs of the very low- income veteran families occupying supportive housing. 5. Expand the highly successful HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, authorizing 20,000 vouchers annually and making the program permanent. 6. Place additional priority on veterans and require all local public housing agencies to develop plans to address the needs of homeless veterans. 7. Authorize $1 million in HUD grants to assist housing and service providers to execute their housing projects for very low-income veteran families. 8. Require HUD to submit a comprehensive annual report to Congress on the housing needs of homeless veterans. To meet the current and future needs of our Nation's most vulnerable veterans, we ask the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 403, the Homes for Heroes Act of 2009. Supporting this historic veteran homelessness prevention initiative will be a giant step forward towards ending veteran homelessness in America. Corporation for Supportive Housing Goodwill Industries International Local Initiatives Support Corporation Military Officers Association of America National Alliance to End Homelessness National Association for Black Veterans National Coalition for Homeless Veterans National Coalition for the Homeless National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty National Leased Housing Association National Low Income Housing Coalition National Policy and Advocacy Council on Homelessness Vietnam Veterans of America American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Services For the Aging National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders National Equity Fund Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. 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.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I close by urging my colleagues to support this piece of legislation and to please consider the fact that our veterans have been there for us; this is an opportunity for us to be there for them.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Representative Capito. She is an active member of the Financial Services Committee, and I thank her for managing today. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank Representative Michaud--also known as Michaud, depending on where you're from--for his outstanding work in helping with this bill. He is a cosponsor. I thank the ranking member, Spencer Bachus. Of course I thank the chairman of the Financial Services Committee, Mr. Barney Frank. I also would like to thank the Housing Subcommittee Chair who has worked closely with me on this project, Representative Maxine Waters. Mr. Speaker, the question may be posed in the mind of someone as to why we should pass the Homes for Heroes Act. I would like to answer this question. We need to pass this bill because, while many of us are sleeping in the sweets of life, too many of our veterans are sleeping in the streets of life. We need to pass it because, while many of us have homes and good jobs, too many of our veterans are homeless, with no jobs at all. We must pass this piece of legislation because America can't continue to be the home of the free and the land of the brave if too many of our brave veterans continue to be homeless. Mr. Speaker, the statistics are shocking; they literally shock the conscience. Veterans are 9 percent of the population and more than 25 percent of the homeless. On any given night, 131,000 veterans are homeless, and 300,000 veterans will experience homelessness at some point in the course of 1 year. One-half of the veterans who are homeless suffer from mental illness, two-thirds suffer from alcohol or substance abuse. About 47 percent of homeless veterans are Vietnam veterans. In Texas, there are about 16,000 homeless veterans. In my city of Houston, Texas, we have about 2,500 homeless veterans. Per the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 467,000 veterans spend more than 50 percent of their income on rent; 1.5 million veterans have incomes below the poverty line; and 643,000 veterans have incomes below 50 percent of the poverty line. Mr. Speaker, America needs to pass Homes for the Heroes because our veterans need homes. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 403 would establish a Special Assistant for Veteran Affairs within HUD. It would give this person the authority to coordinate services for homeless veterans. And this would be with the States, with local authorities, and with nonprofit organizations as well. This bill establishes a $200 million assistance program in HUD for veterans for supportive housing and services for low-income veterans. It expands the very popular and very successful HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program, authorizing 20,000 vouchers annually when funded. It authorizes $1 million in HUD grants to assist housing providers to help them provide the supportive services and the planning necessary to fulfill the needs of our veterans. This bill would require HUD to submit an annual comprehensive report to Congress on homelessness among the veteran population. And this bill will do what is necessary as a great first step to ending homelessness among our veterans population. This bill is supported by 12 anti- homelessness and veterans organizations. Mr. Speaker, if America is to continue to be the land of the free, America must provide homes for the brave. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume for a very brief closing. Mr. Speaker, the story of the WASP is, without question, among the stories that are rarely, if ever, told. In fact, I have contended and continue to contend it's among the greatest stories never told. But for this reason, we should accord this Congressional Gold Medal. I beg all of my friends to support it if a vote is called for. I shall not call for one.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank the gentlelady for the outstanding work that she has done on this piece of legislation. She has worked tirelessly to bring it to the floor; and I compliment the gentlelady, along with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, for the outstanding job that she has done as well. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and compliment the Member from Florida, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, and commend her on what she has done to get this piece of legislation to the floor. She has worked with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who has had this piece of legislation pass the Senate. She had 75 cosponsors; hence, the legislation is now before us in the House. Mr. Speaker, there should be a compendium of knowledge, if you will, styled ``The Greatest Stories Never Told.'' Perhaps therein would be the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, a story rarely told of how they had to fight their way into the military so they could fight for their country. Perhaps contained therein there would be the story of the Filipino soldiers who died in the struggle at the Bataan March. Such a collection would not be complete, however, without the story of the WASP. These are the first women to fly military aircraft. They are the women in the Air Force, the Women Airforce Service Pilots known as the WASP. It's a story of gender bias, Mr. Speaker, the notion that flying is a man's work. It's a story of culture bias, the belief that a woman's place is in the home. It's a story of injustice, the notion that women could apply but never qualify. It's a story of inequalities and inequities, the notion that women could have rank but not always have their rank respected. Mr. Speaker, it's a story of never say never, a story of persistence pays off, a story of success because of some, and a story of success in spite of others. It's a story of how a famous pilot, Jacqueline ``Jackie'' Cochran, became the first commander of the WFO in 1942. That's the Women's Flying Training Detachment. It's a story of how a test pilot, Nancy Love, became the commander of the WAF, the Women's Auxiliary Flying Ferrying Squadron in 1942. It's a story of how the WFO and the WAF merged in 1943 to become the WASP. The WASP would go on and fly 60 million miles. They would fly every type of aircraft. They would be stationed at 120 bases across the country. And on December 20, 1944, when victory was at hand, the WASP were quietly and unceremoniously disbanded. Thirty-eight lost their lives in the course of serving their country; however, families and friends had to pay for their burial expenses. Survivors had to pay their way back home because they were not considered a part of the military in an official capacity. Many of their records were sealed and unavailable to historians until the 1980s. They didn't get veteran status until 1977, and this was done without a White House ceremony, and it was done without the kind of fanfare that we would expect them to receive in this day and time. The story, Mr. Speaker, is one of few being honored, and their honors being accorded them too late, and not enough thank yous having been accorded them at all. The story of the WASP is one that is, in my opinion, the greatest story never told and one which we should acknowledge with this bill when it is passed today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 614) to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots ("WASP").