Al Green

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this Father's Day, I wish to honor and recognize the life, legacy and ministry of the Reverend Dr. Joe E. Dancy, Sr., who currently serves as the pastor of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Dr. Dancy was born on October 3, 1926 and is now 80 years old. Dr. Dancy has ten children, 56 grandchildren and over 100 great grandchildren and has been married for 63 years to Mrs. Vernia L. Dancy. On this Father's Day, I would like to salute him as the patriarch of the Dancy family, public servant to the people of Houston, and the presiding pastor at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Dancy has been preaching for 45 years and he has served the people of St. James for 41 years. In 1945, he began working for the City of Houston as a truck driver and he did not retire until 1978. During his 33 years with the City of Houston, he worked through the Civil Rights Movement, the Jim Crow era and the desegregation period. In addition, he worked as a community leader in Houston's Sunnyside community for over 60 years. Continuing his commitment to service, Dr. Dancy worked on community projects such as the Shutdown of the Sunnyside Incinerator, the community resistance movements against the expansions of numerous landfills that existed in Sunnyside, and most recently the fight against Southern Crushed Concrete. In a leadership capacity, he serves as a Chaplain for the Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Office, a member of the Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Houston Baptist Minister's Association. Madam Speaker, on this Father's Day, I ask my colleagues and people of Houston to honor the Reverend Dr. Joe E. Dancy, Sr. for his dedication to his family, the people of Houston, and St. James Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this Father's Day, I wish to celebrate the life and ministry of the Most Venerable Thich Ho Giac, who currently serves at the Phap Luan Buddhist Culture Center in Houston, Texas. He was born on January 14, 1928 and is now 80 years old. He does not have any biological children of his own, but he is still a father figure and mentor to many in the Buddhist faith. The Most Venerable Thich Ho Giac has committed his life to religion and service. He was admitted to monastery life when he was five years old. He was ordained as a bhikkhu in 1948. He came to the United States in 1982 and became a United States citizen in 1988. He has two leadership titles: Supreme patriarch of Buddhist Sangha and President of the Overseas Office of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam. Madam Speaker, on this Father's Day, I ask my colleagues and the people of Houston to honor the Most Venerable Thich Ho Giac for his seventy-five years of service and leadership in the Buddhist faith.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, democrats in Congress have pushed to extend unemployment benefits since the beginning of the year, as the economy weakened, but have faced continued resistance from the Bush Administration. Nobody can argue that our economy is struggling. For five consecutive months, the U.S. economy has lost jobs, totaling 324,000. Over the last year, the number of unemployed workers has grown by 1.6 million. The number of people looking for work climbed to 8.5 million in May. Nearly 1 in 5 jobless workers (1.6 million) is long- term unemployed (jobless for more than 26 weeks). There are 200,000 more long-term jobless Americans now than when President Bush signed the last extension of unemployment benefits into law in 2002. The airline industry has eliminated 22,000 jobs so far this year, more than in all of 2007, most recently at Continental (3,000 jobs) and United (up to 1,600 jobs), and the automobile industry continues to face job cuts, leading industries with announced layoffs in May with over 30,000. In May, we had the biggest one-month jump in the unemployment rate in two decades. The unemployment rate surged to 5.5 percent from 5.0 percent--the biggest one-month jump in more than two decades (since February 1986) and climbing to the highest level in nearly four years (October 2004). The unemployment rate is now a full percentage point higher than a year ago. Families can wait no longer, and neither will this Congress. Today, the House will take up H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act: To immediately provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every state to workers exhausting the 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. In states with higher levels of unemployment (six percent or higher), an additional 13 weeks would be available, for a total of 26 weeks of extended benefits. Relief would run through March 2009. The bill would provide much-needed relief to 3.8 million unemployed workers to assist them with rapidly rising gas and food costs, while they continue to struggle to find work in the slowing economy. Federal unemployment trust funds, which have more than enough reserves to cover the cost, will finance these benefits. In Texas, this bill would help 160,239 unemployed workers. Extending these benefits is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy because the money is spent quickly. According to the Congressional Budget Office, every $1 spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.64 in new economic demand. This bill costs $11 billion over 10 years, or 1.1 billion per year. That is approximately 3 days in Iraq. I commend my colleagues, Congressman McDermott and Congressman English for introducing this bill and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this Father's Day, I would like to honor a man who exemplifies what it means to be an excellent father--a man who is a community leader, an upstanding and moral man, and a positive role model for our youth. The Reverend Elbert R. Curvey, who lives in my congressional district, has done great things, and I am proud to express my congratulations to him for all he has done for our community. Reverend Curvey is a veritable fixture of the Sunny Side community of Houston. He has been the pastor of the Sunny Side Missionary Baptist Church since 1960 and has overseen strengthening of the congregation over the years. Reverend Curvey has made a point over his lifetime of improving the lives of our young people. He taught for years at Harper Junion High and Clinton Park Elementary, where he served as a tremendous role model for his students. He continued in the Houston Independent School District for decades, eventually becoming Assistant Superintendent. Reverend Curvey's work in helping our youth through avenues ranging from academic to religious is truly a shining example to behold. Reverend Curvey has long been a valued member of community, and rightly so. On this occasion of Father's Day, I would like to recognize Reverend Curvey for all of his accomplishments and urge people across America to look to leaders such as Reverend Curvey as role models for their work in inspiring and engaging our youth to live productive, positive lives.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this Father's Day, I would like to honor a man who exemplifies what it means to be an excellent father--a man who is a community leader, an upstanding and moral man, and a positive role model for our youth. The Reverend Robert Jefferson has done great things, and I am proud to express my congratulations to him for all he has done for our community. Reverend Jefferson has long devoted himself to improving our community, especially for our young people. Along with serving as the pastor of the Cullen Missionary Baptist Church, which I attend, he is the Founder/President of the Ministry Advisory Council, Special Projects Director to the Houston Ministers Against Crime, and the Founder/President of A Brand New City. He has played a critical role in creating the Teen Court, a program to be implemented with the Houston Independent School District that would allow students to be punished for infractions without developing a criminal record. I have personally observed Reverend Jefferson's work with children and other at-risk individuals and I can testify that he is an exemplary leader for our young people. Reverend Jefferson has long been a valued member of community, and rightly so. On this occasion of Father's Day, I would like to recognize Reverend Jefferson for all of his accomplishments and urge people across America to look to leaders such as Reverend Jefferson as role models for their work in inspiring and engaging our youth to live productive, positive lives.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this Father's Day, I would like to honor a man who exemplifies what it means to be an excellent father--a man who is a community leader, an upstanding and moral man, and a positive role model for our youth. The Reverend Fred McNack, who lives in my congressional district, has done great things, and I am proud to express my congratulations to him for all he has done for our community. Reverend McNack has served as the pastor of Houston's Unity in God Missionary Baptist Church for the last 38 years. He also served his community well as the Associate Pastor of Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church for 10 years. Not only has Reverend McNack shown admirable dedication to his faith, he also served our country in the United States Navy from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. It is safe to say that Reverend McNack has lived the kind of life that would serve as a good example to our young people of how to serve one's community and country. Reverend McNack has long been a valued member of community, and rightly so. On this occasion of Father's Day, I would like to recognize Reverend McNack for all of his accomplishments and urge people across America to look to leaders such as Reverend McNack as role models for their work in inspiring and engaging our youth to live productive, positive lives.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this Father's Day, I would like to honor a man who exemplifies what it means to be an excellent father--a man who is a community leader, an upstanding and moral man, and a positive role model for our youth. The Reverend Johnnie Jefferson Roberson, who lives in my congressional district, has done great things, and I am proud to express my congratulations to him for all he has done for our community. Earlier this year, Reverend Roberson marked the semi-centennial of the Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, of which he was a founder and organizer. Reverend Roberson has shown tremendous loyalty to his church, serving as the pastor of Mt. Hebron to this day. Under Reverend Roberson's leadership, Mt. Hebron has expanded and strengthened greatly and now has over 1,000 families as members. Along with his service to Mt. Hebron, Reverend Roberson also has served his country, serving in the United States Army during World War II. In commemoration of Reverend Roberson's great work, he received an NAACP Leadership Award in 2005, and I believe that he deserves recognition from all of us. Reverend Roberson has long been a valued member of community, and rightly so. On this occasion of Father's Day, I would like to recognize Reverend Roberson for all of his accomplishments and urge people across America to look to leaders such as Reverend Roberson as role models for their work in inspiring and engaging our youth to live productive, positive lives.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this Father's Day, I would like to honor a man who exemplifies what it means to be an excellent father--a man who is a community leader, an upstanding and moral man, and a positive role model for our youth. The Reverend Dr. William A. Lawson, who lives in my congressional district, has done great things, and I am proud to express my congratulations to him for all he has done for our community. Reverend Lawson is a tremendous father figure and fixture in our community. He has been married to his wife Audrey for over fifty years and admirably raised four children. He was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and continues to lead that congregation. Reverend Lawson has also been deeply involved in the community even outside of his church, having conceived and organized the United Way's Houston Homeless Initiative, which raised over $4 million in a four- year period. He also organized the Houston area's largest and most productive scouting program, leading to his receipt of the 1991 Silver Beaver Award in support of scouting. Clearly, Reverend Lawson has demonstrated the very kind of leadership that we need in our communities to help our youth develop into successful adults. Reverend Lawson has long been a valued member of the community, and rightly so. On this occasion of Father's Day, I would like to recognize Reverend Lawson for all of his accomplishments and urge people across America to look to leaders such as Reverend Lawson as role models for their work in inspiring and engaging our youth to live productive, positive lives.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, this Father's Day, I would like to honor a man who exemplifies what it means to be an excellent father--a man who is a community leader, an upstanding and moral man, and a positive role model for our youth. The Reverend Huan Ngoc Nguyen, who lives in my congressional district, has done great things, and I am proud to express my congratulations to him for all he has done for our community. Reverend Nguyen, a father of three sons and two daughters, has been married since 1945. He fled to Thailand from danger in Vietnam in 1979 and came here to the United States in 1980, where he quickly became an active and valued member of the community, eventually becoming an American citizen in 1986. Reverend Nguyen, who preaches at Houston's Vietnamese First Alliance Church, has taught Sunday school since 1985 and became a pastor in 2005. Reverend Nguyen has long been a valued member of the community, and rightly so. On this occasion of Father's Day, I would like to recognize Reverend Nguyen for all of his accomplishments and urge people across America to look to leaders such as Reverend Nguyen as role models for their work in inspiring and engaging our youth to live productive, positive lives.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, when you are born into poverty, you enjoy such delicacies as mayonnaise sandwiches without mayonnaise. When you're born into poverty, phrases like ``but for the grace of God, there go I'' have true meaning because you understand you have been there. This bill will not fuel rockets to Mars. It will, however, put fuel in gas tanks right here on Earth. It will not put a man on the Moon, but it will put food on the table of somebody's home. But for the grace of God, there go I. I will support the bill.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I was unavoidably delayed and missed the vote on Final Passage of H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (rollcall 400). H.R. 6003 passed by a vote of 311-104; Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 400. I would also like to offer my firm support for the Passenger Rail and Improvement Act, H.R. 6003. At a time when gas prices have reached a national average of $4.05 a gallon, this bipartisan legislation is both timely and necessary to provide travelers with alternative transportation. This bill would authorize nearly $15 billion in funding for the national passenger railroad over the next five years. It encourages the development of new and improved intercity passenger rail services by creating a new grant program for intercity passenger rail services. It also paves the way for a high-speed rail system between Washington and New York City. Today it is increasingly evident that the United States cannot rely solely upon further massive construction of highways and airports to meet its transportation needs. To handle the tremendous tide of travelers, auto, air and bus system must be supplemented by a swift and efficient rail passenger service. It is vital to restore an essential balance to the total transportation complex. For nearly 40 years, Amtrak has provided intercity passenger railroad service, operating approximately 44 routes and over 22,000 miles of track. A record of 25.8 million passengers took Amtrak in the last fiscal year. With the climbing costs of driving, Amtrak expects ridership to approach 28 million this fiscal year. The passage of this legislation allows Amtrak to meet the increased demand by bringing much needed improvements to its infrastructure. In an effort to address our energy problems, enhanced intercity railway provides a cost-efficient solution. I support this legislation as we seek to offer relief from high fuel costs and alternatives to the American people.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I was unavoidably delayed and missed the vote on Ordering the Previous Question (rollcall 391) and H. Res. 1253--Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 6003-- Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (rollcall 392). Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 391 and rollcall 392.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support H. Res. 1195 and express my heartfelt sympathy for the many victims of the recent earthquake in China's Sichuan province. My prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones and property in this unfortunate tragedy, and it is my sincere hope that the people of the region will be able to recover quickly from the humanitarian crisis that has developed. The devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 12, 2008 has already resulted in the loss of over 51,000 lives. More than 29,000 people remain missing, and nearly 300,000 others have been reported as injured. The earthquake also destroyed 80 percent of the buildings in the area, killing thousands of children who were trapped in collapsing schools. Roughly 5 million of the survivors are now homeless. When faced with such tragedy, we must never forget the ability of the human spirit to persevere. The inspirational stories of courage and survival that have come out of this disaster remind us to never lose faith, even in the most trying of times. I would like to especially commend all those who have come out in support of the victims. From international relief organizations to local community volunteers, people of all backgrounds have set their differences aside and come together to help those in need. In the past week alone, the regions of China most affected by the earthquake have received over $2 billion in donations. While some of this news is encouraging, it is clear that the people of the People's Republic of China have suffered greatly from this catastrophe. I truly wish them my heartfelt prayers as they work to rebuild their communities and move forward with their lives.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support H. Res. 1153, a resolution celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. As an Executive Board member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and as the Representative for a district that is 12 percent Asian American, I understand how important it is to recognize the Asian Pacific American (APA) community for their valuable contributions to our Nation's history and development. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was celebrated for the first time in May of 1990, and it became an annually observed event in 1992 under the 102nd Congress. Legislators chose the month of May in honor of some noteworthy historical events that happened during this time. May 7, 1843 was the date on which the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States. May 10, 1869 marks the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, an incredible undertaking that was made possible due to the hard work and sacrifices of thousands of Chinese immigrants. By celebrating APA Heritage Month, we recognize the Asian Pacific American community for all that they have accomplished and endured. This great Nation draws its strength from the diversity of cultures and ideas that it was built upon, and it could not be what it is today without their contributions.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Let me start by saying that the constituents that you have, Congresswoman Clarke, can be exceedingly proud of you because you've been here a short time, but you've made a very significant difference. And I trust that they will understand the totality of the impact that you're making on the lives of people in this country, people who need help. I was honored to go to Haiti with you and with my colleagues, and I will tell you that I was thunderstruck by what I saw. Probably the thing that stands out most in my mind is the notion that in the United States we have four seasons. In Haiti, there are five. There is a hunger season in Haiti, a time when it is prognosticated, it is predicted that people will go hungry, and they will need help that they probably will not receive. Haiti is a country in crisis and needs help immediately, if not sooner. Haiti has an unemployment rate of 70 percent. Eighty percent of the people live in poverty. Seventy-six percent of the people live off of $2 per day; 55 percent off of $1 per day. The highest HIV/AIDS rate in the western hemisphere; infant mortality rate 10 times higher than that of the United States of America: Haiti is a country in crisis. When you go there and you see the density of population, people living in structures that in this country we would not house our animals in. Haiti needs help. I'm not sure what the ultimate solution is, but I do know that if we do not act immediately, there will be a crisis right off of the coast of Florida comparable to what we have in Darfur. And we talk consistently and continually about the things that are happening in Africa, and there are things there that necessitate our attention. We must do more to help in Darfur. But we have, right off the coast of Florida, some few hundred miles, a country that can benefit from much of what we have to offer. It has been said that if you have the ability to do something and you cannot do enough, you have a duty to do all that you can do. The United States of America has a duty to do more in Haiti. I know that we have needs in this country, and we have to meet our needs. But we are the richest country in the world. And Haiti is a country that is our neighbor. It is an island. And people are trapped, they cannot leave. If they do leave and try to come here, we will return them. There must be a way for us to have an infusion of capital, an infusion of help such that the people who are trapped on this island can extricate themselves from this most saddening circumstance. There will be some who will say they should pull themselves up by their boot straps. They don't have any. There will be some who will say rising tides will lift all boats, and if we can find a way to do better here, they will do better there. This is not true. They don't have any boats to be a part of the rising tide. TPS is a part of the solution because if we allow those who are here to stay and to prosper, they will send money back to their relatives at home. We have not been able to pass TPS. I would invite any Member of the House to go to Haiti and come back and say you won't vote for TPS. I challenge any Member of the House to go there. I don't believe you will come back and say you won't vote for TPS. So probably one of the great things that any of us can do, if we want to adjust our hearts and become a part of the solution, is just go to Haiti and see the circumstances under which human beings are not living, but existing. It is an existence that we can change. So I challenge my colleagues and I beg my colleagues to please, if you can, go to Haiti and see for yourself. It will tug at your heart, it will cause you to understand that we have an obligation to our fellow human beings to help them out of this circumstance. That is my appeal. I thank you for the time. And I thank Congresswoman Lee for all that she has done through the years on this question of Haiti. This is not something new to her. For me, it is new in that this was my first visit, I'm a neophyte. But she has been doing this year in and year out and she knows of what we speak and she understands the challenges that are before us. So I thank you, Congresswoman Clarke, for the time. I thank you, Madam Speaker. And I beg that my colleagues will see for themselves the human crisis that exists right off the coast of Florida.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I support Jewish American Heritage Month during the month of May as an important opportunity to recognize Jewish contributions to American history and culture. Ever since the first Jews arrived in colonial America in 1654, Jewish Americans have strengthened and influenced all aspects of American society. Through education, science, popular culture, literature, government and military service, Jewish men and women have greatly contributed to American society. Jewish Americans and their contributions are celebrated and recognized throughout Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish American Heritage Month gives the people of our Nation the opportunity to thank and recognize those Jewish Americans who have contributed to the advancement of our country, while it also presents us with the wonderful opportunity to foster religious tolerance. In my home state of Texas, from the discovery and development of oil fields to the opening of cattle ranches, Jewish people have had an immense impact. Even in the most improbable of environments, Texas Jews built prosperous communities. They established businesses, hospitals, synagogues, cemeteries and religious schools. Today Jewish Americans are seen as a fundamental community in the ``melting pot'' of Texas. Jewish Americans were also among those who worked to establish the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. The Jewish community contributed greatly to the NAACP's founding and continued financing. Many Jewish Americans, such as NAACP co- founder Henry Moskowitz, put forth a lifetime of work in promoting inter-ethnic, inter-racial and inter-religious understanding between Jewish and African-Americans. The civil rights activism of many Jewish Americans in partnership with African-American civil rights leaders served to make the American Dream a reality for so many Americans. Jewish American Heritage Month is important to fostering and achieving the key human right of religious tolerance. Jewish American Heritage Month gives us all the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of Jewish Americans and to realize that our Nation is a wonderful combination of cultures. I join all Americans in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month and the many ways Jewish Americans have contributed to the greatness of the United States of America.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to honor our Nation's mothers this Mother's Day because they embody the definition of strength, courage and compassion. Mothers are the backbone of American values and vitality and I ask that my colleagues honor the mothers of our Nation on Sunday, May 11, 2008. The history of celebrating Mother's Day began when Anna Jarvis of West Virginia desired to honor the life of her deceased mother, Anna Reeves Jarvis. In 1908, Jarvis' church honored her mother as the first Mother's Day Celebration and then, in 1910, the governor of West Virginia, William Glasscock, wrote the first Mother's Day Proclamation, which encouraged families to celebrate Mother's Day. Anna Jarvis moved beyond her home State and urged the Federal Government to establish a national day to celebrate Mother's Day. Eventually the Sixty-Third Congress passed H.J. Res. 263. This resolution designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. The next day President Woodrow Wilson signed a Presidential Proclamation directing the Nation to display flags on government buildings and homes to show America's love and dedication for mothers. Mother's Day is a time for Americans nationwide to show affection and respect for the everyday heroines we call mothers, aunts, great aunts, grandmothers and great grandmothers--women of courage and strength that carry our country by raising children and uplifting our families. On May 11th, I urge my colleagues and fellow citizens to celebrate Mother's Day.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. I thank the chairman for the time, and I thank the chairman for his tireless efforts to bring this to the floor. I question this moral hazard argument. I question it because I have to ask myself, where was the moral hazard when we bailed out Penn Central? Penn Central got more than laissez faire. Penn Central got more than market forces. Penn Central got $7 billion in a bailout. Where was the moral hazard when we bailed out Lockheed Martin, $250 million? Franklin National Bank, $1.7 billion bailout. For the good of the country, we bailed out Chrysler at the tune of $1.5 billion; Continental Illinois, $4.5 billion; Farm Credit System, $4.5 billion; First Republic Bank, $1 billion. Major airlines got $5 billion, the steel companies got $7 billion. Where was the argument about Bear Stearns that was never brought to the floor? I have heard about a letter that has been circulated. Why didn't you bring the argument to the floor? Let's talk about the Bear facts, the Bear Stearns facts. Bear Stearns got $29 billion in a bailout and a $13 billion loan. So if you really talk about the Bear facts, the Bear Stearns facts, you are talking about $42 billion. We live in a world where it is not enough for things to be right, they must look right. It doesn't look right for this country to continually bail out major corporations. When the American people, little people as we sometimes call them here--they are big in my heart--but the little person needs some help, we don't find it within our hearts and our power to help them. We have the ability to make a difference in the lives of people today. This is why I am encouraging my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Thank you, Madam Chairman. I have to say this. I have to apologize to the gentleman, too, because for a moment, I thought I heard a disjointed syllogism because I couldn't make that connection. This bill is needed by this country. This bill is going to help neighborhoods maintain their integrity. And I have to ask one question: Where was the moral hazards argument when Penn Central got $7 billion? When Lockheed Martin was bailed out? When Franklin National Bank was bailed out? When Chrysler was bailed out? Continental Illinois? When Bear Stearns received its $29 billion plus a $13 billion loan? Where was the moral hazards argument? It seems that this argument surfaces whenever poor people or whenever people who are living in the streets of life, whenever people who have not found their way into the well-off, the well-heeled, and the well- to-do, it seems that it tends to surface. I think that it's time for us to do for others what we can do for these major corporations.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. I'd like to thank the chairman, Barney Frank, for this outstanding piece of legislation. Let me quickly say that Hope Now is good, which is what my friend referenced. Hope Now is good. However, help now is better. We didn't give Penn Central hope now. We gave Penn Central a $7 billion bailout. Lockheed Martin got a $250 million bailout. Franklin National Bank, $1.7 billion bailout. Chrysler, $1.5 billion bailout. Continental Illinois, $4.5 billion bailout. Farm Credit System, $4 billion bailout. First Republic, $1 billion bailout. Major airlines, $5 billion bailout. Steel companies, $7 billion bailout. And Bear Stearns, if we talk about the bare facts, $29 billion, plus a $13 billion loan through J.P. Morgan, which makes a total of $42 billion, if we talk about the bare facts. This is a good piece of legislation, Mr. Speaker. This piece of legislation is voluntary, as has been indicated. But more importantly, it is a guarantee, not a loan. It does allow FHA to guarantee loans, about $300 billion, and that's going to help a lot of families to stay in homes. But it will also help this economy. This economy is right now in a credit crisis. And in this credit crisis we've got to realize that there is interconnectivity. There's an interconnectedness, that we are living in a world wherein we are related to each another in a certain way. In this crisis, Mr. Speaker, when one home in a community has a for sale sign up, it impacts other homes in the community. It impacts the tax base of the community. It impacts the lives of children who are going to school in the community. So this piece of legislation will help us to keep people in their homes, but it will help to maintain the community. We sleep in houses and live in neighborhoods. This legislation helps neighborhoods. I would also add that flippers don't benefit because you have to be a resident of the property. The government maintains a lien on the property. And there's an amendment in this bill, the Watt-Velazquez- Green amendment, which will help those persons who are being evicted, who happen to be tenants. Many persons who have their rent paid, their rent is paid, but they're being evicted because the owner of the property was foreclosed on. This amendment will help them to stay in their homes. I ask that my colleagues please support this amendment, and please remember that we bailed out a lot of companies in this country. This is a hand up for a lot of people who are suffering and who may lose their homes, others who have their rent paid but who are about to be evicted.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am proud to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, the historic celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. On May 5th, 1862, Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin led 4,000 Mexican troops into battle against the French in the Battle of Puebla, just 100 miles from Mexico City. General Seguin led his brave troops to a spirited victory in spite of being badly outnumbered and lacking the modern weaponry possessed by the French. The Mexican effort in the Battle of Puebla epitomized courage, as the outmanned troops survived three bloody French assaults and finally achieved resounding success. Numerous Mexicans gave their lives not solely for their country, but also for the timeless values of freedom and justice. The tremendous fight put up by the Mexican troops at the Battle of Puebla also had a substantial impact on the United States' history, as the French defeat provided President Lincoln with crucial support as the Civil War descended into chaos. There can be no doubting the bravery, spirit or patriotism of the thousands of Mexican troops who fought and, all too frequently, gave their lives at the Battle of Puebla. In the spirit of remembering the sacrifices of those troops, Cinco de Mayo provides us with a perfect opportunity to recognize the sacrifice for sovereignty, the importance of courage and, above all, the universal yearning for freedom. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout Mexico and the United States with a joyous mixture of food, music and dancing. It has also taken on great significance in the United States as a day to celebrate broadly the culture and ancestry of Americans of Mexican heritage. The Mexican forces who won the Battle of Puebla should not and will not ever be forgotten, nor will the values for which they fought. I commend those forces for their spirit and courage and I wish all those celebrating the holiday across Mexico and the United States a happy Cinco de Mayo.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support H. Res. 1079, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month 2008. With the economy in its current state, and with the anticipation of more hardships to come, it has become increasingly important for all Americans to have a basic understanding of financial systems and resources. Many of the challenges that we face today could have been avoided if more Americans were financially literate and able to make informed decisions while protecting themselves from abusive financial practices. A recent 2008 Financial Literacy Survey prepared for the National Foundation on Credit Counseling and MSN Money highlights the growing need for quality financial literacy education. According to the report, over 50 million Americans have no money set aside for their own retirement, and roughly 76 million Americans have no savings outside of their retirement fund. Over 30 percent of Americans do not know their own credit score, and over 60 percent have not requested a free copy of their credit report in the past year. Approximately 40 million Americans make little or no effort to budget their finances or keep track of their own spending, and around 15 million Americans are being called by collectors and have seriously considered filing for bankruptcy. In the state of Texas, there were more than 184,000 prime and subprime mortgages in delinquency at the end of 2007, a situation that was closely linked to the lack of financial literacy among consumers. The problem is only worsened by the fact that one in four Americans say they would not consider buying a home at this time because they do not know enough to feet comfortable doing so. By designating April as Financial Literacy Month, we are recognizing the importance of financial literacy and making an active effort to encourage and support quality financial literacy education programs. The American Dream cannot be obtained by those who suffer from dangerous consumer habits, poorly managed finances, unsustainable levels of debt, and barriers to mainstream financial services and institutions. Financial Literacy Month is a reminder for all of us to continue working so that every individual will have the tools and knowledge they need to attain financial security and strengthen our Nation's economy.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Con. Res. 322, a resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel, which occurred on May 14, 1948. On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine and create a Jewish state. On May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the sovereign and independent State of Israel. That date marked the success of a continuous struggle for a homeland for the world's Jewish population and laid the foundation for a free and independent state and a symbol of joy and protection for a people that have been--for too long--on the receiving end of oppression, discrimination, and injustice. Since its independence, Israel has bravely defended itself from repeated attacks. Over the last 60 years, the modern State of Israel has built a nation, forged a new and dynamic democracy, and created a thriving economic, political, cultural and intellectual society. The people of Israel have established a pluralistic, democratic political system, including freedom of speech, association, and religion; a free press; free and open elections; the rule of law; and a fully independent judiciary. Their efforts and achievements have led the American people to feel a strong affinity for the Israeli people based on common values and shared cultural heritage. This week, Jewish people around the world are celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover. Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. It is traditional for a Jewish family to gather on the first night of Passover for a special dinner called a Seder. While many Jewish holidays revolve around the synagogue, the Seder is conducted in the family home. It is customary to invite guests, especially strangers and the needy to share with their fellow human beings the story of struggle, poverty, oppression, and survival. I had the pleasure of attending a Seder in Houston with Pastor Kirby John Caldwell and his wife Suzette. The story of Passover should have a special meaning this year to those who seek to support individuals around the world who suffer from poverty, slavery, and injustice. Let the celebration of the founding of Israel be a symbol to the world of how a people who have experienced oppression and violence can rise to be strong, free and independent. I am proud to support H. Con. Res. 322, a resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to acknowledge and honor the 10 year anniversary of Equal Pay Day, a national day of recognition instituted by President Clinton in 1998 to raise awareness about the wage disparity and discrimination between men and women. America has made some strides in narrowing this disparity in the workplace, but the fight for equal pay for equal work still remains prevalent and pertinent today. Thirty-five years ago, when President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women who worked full-time, year-round made 59 cents on average for every dollar earned by men. In 2006, women earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by men; the figures are even more unsettling for women of color. This data demonstrates that the wage gap has narrowed by less than half a cent per year. An 18 cent increase over 35 years indicates a significant wage disparity between working men and women that leaves a great deal of work for the employers and decision makers of today. In the state of Texas, between 2004 and 2006, the average annual salary of men with a college degree or more was $63,000, while their female counterparts only received an average annual salary of $45,000 with the same credentials. In comparison, during that same time frame, the national average annual salary for men with a college degree or more was $66,000, while their female counterparts received only $50,000. Therefore, the state of Texas is about 5 percent below the national average in narrowing the wage disparity between men and women. A great woman and former congresswoman from Texas, Barbara Jordan once said that, ``If the society of today allows wrongs to go unchallenged, the impression is created that those wrongs have the approval of the majority.'' To take the late Ms. Jordan's advice: we who live in today's society must not allow the wrongs created by wage discrimination continue to discount minorities and women. I ask my colleagues and employers nationwide to take up the fight of eliminating the wage disparity between men and women as we all honor the 10 year anniversary of Equal Pay Day.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, Senate Majority Leader Reid, Senate Republican Leader McConnell, House Republican Leader Boehner, Senator Hutchison, the Honorable Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey and Mrs. DeBakey: Please allow me to thank Senator Hutchison for her leadership; Representatives Burgess and Culberson for helping to acquire the 290 signatures needed to bring this bill to the floor; Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid, and the leadership for considering the legislation expeditiously; the President for signing it; and I especially want to thank God for the Honorable Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. On September 7th his life will measure 100 years. However, the most meaningful measure of life is not how long one lives, but rather what one does with the time God gives. Dr. DeBakey, your living has made it possible for others to have better lives. You have promulgated over 1,600 publications and operated on over 60,000 patients. You have either established or helped establish: the field of stroke surgery; the coronary bypass; the mobile army surgical hospital; the National Library of Medicine; the multiple transplantation procedure; and health care systems around the world You epitomize the truest measure of life. As Ruth Smeltzer proclaimed, ``Some measure their lives by days and years, others by heart throbs, passion and tears; But the surest measure under the sun, is what in your lifetime for others you have done.'' You have proven that one person can not only impact the world but that one person can change the world for the good of all. If we did not have a Congressional Gold Medal, we would have to create one just for you.