Al Green

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to honor the life of Staff Sergeant Jason M. Butkus 34, of New Jersey, who died in Bagdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on August 30, 2007. Staff Sergeant Butkus died of injuries sustained when his mounted patrol was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Staff Sergeant Butkus was assigned to A company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. He enlisted in the army in 1995 and completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Prior to enlisting in our Nation's armed forces, Staff Sergeant Butkus graduated from West Milford High School in West Milford, New Jersey, where he was a scholar-athlete and member of the wrestling and track teams. Staff Sergeant Butkus's 12-year military career took him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served with the 82nd Airborne Division, and to Alaska and South Korea. Among his many assignments over the years, Butkus served as an instructor at the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Additionally, Staff Sergeant Butkus was commended on two separate occasions for his leadership as a noncommissioned officer. Staff Sergeant Jason M. Butkus dedicated his life to protecting and ensuring our Nation's freedom. He served his country, his community, and his fellow soldiers with the determination, integrity, and courage that is exemplary of a true soldier. He demonstrated his courage on the battlefield while fighting for democracy abroad. His service is a shining example for future soldiers. Staff Sergeant Jason M. Butkus is survived by a loving mother, father, and a 9-year-old son, Connor. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Staff Sergeant Jason M. Butkus.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a wonderful man and the former president of Texas Southern University, Everett O. Bell. Mr. Bell passed away last Thursday after a lengthy illness and he will be deeply missed. Everett Bell was born on September 23, 1918 in Kosciusko, Mississippi to Ebb Owens Bell and Allie Glee, as one of ten children. He quickly showed his dedication to serving his community and his country, attaining the rank of Captain during his service in the United States Army during World War II. After leaving the service, Mr. Bell returned to the University of Kansas to attain his Bachelor of Arts degree. Mr. Bell first came to Texas Southern in 1948 as a registrar and assistant professor at my alma mater, Texas Southern's School of Law, later to become the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. This marked the beginning of 46 years of distinguished service to the university in various capacities. He served as director of personnel, acting dean of the School of Law, assistant to the president under seven different administrations, vice president for administrative affairs, and executive director for regent relations, among other positions. From 1979 to 1980, Mr. Bell served as Texas Southern's fifth president following the departure of President Granville Sawyer. He continued working at the school through 1994, when he retired after his extremely distinguished career. Mr. Bell served Texas Southern University and the rest of his community admirably throughout the course of his life. In 1983, Texas Southern recognized his tireless service by naming the Student Services Building in his honor as Everett O. Bell Hall. He also served admirably in the Episcopal Church, where he served on the Diocese of Texas' Executive Board and Race Relations Board. Mr. Bell also demonstrated his commitment to his community by serving on the Board of St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. I would like to express my condolences to Everett Bell's family, friends and all those who will miss him dearly. I would also like to express my admiration for his lifelong dedicated service to his community and his country.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to support House Resolution 34 and to honor the life and works of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an ardent advocate of civil rights for all. Archbishop Tutu became the Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg in 1975, becoming the first black African to hold that position. In 1978, he went on to become the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), an ecumenical organization working for social justice, where Archbishop Tutu was again the first black African to hold his position. In this capacity, Archbishop Tutu performed yeoman's work in crusading for racial justice and the end of apartheid. Indeed, under Archbishop Tutu's leadership, SACC's nonviolent leadership played a pivotal role in bringing about the disintegration of South Africa's apartheid government. In 1984, in recognition of this work, Archbishop Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a well-deserved honor given all of his efforts. This award, though, did not signify the end of Archbishop Tutu's efforts to create a more just world. In 1986, he was elected the Archbishop of Cape Town, making him the head of the Anglican Church in South Africa and giving him an appropriately prominent platform for his message in support of equality. After the downfall of South Africa's apartheid government, Archbishop Tutu continued to be an inspiration for us all. In 1996, President Nelson Mandela appointed him to chair South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a body designed to probe human rights violations under the apartheid government and to reconcile the country's black and white communities. This commission created a new model for countries looking to overcome violent, discriminatory histories in peaceful ways. Archbishop Tutu later became the founding trustee of the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre, an organization dedicated to spreading peace through South Africa and the world. Archbishop Desmond Tutu's life provides a shining example of compassion, dedication and unyielding work for justice. I congratulate Archbishop Tutu for reaching his 75th birthday and for all of his good works over the course of his life, and I commend my friend and colleague from the great state of Texas, Ms. Jackson-Lee, for introducing this resolution.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2831, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007, which will correct a gross injustice done in the recent Supreme Court decision in the case Ledbetter v. Goodyear. The Supreme Court's May 29, 2007, ruling in Ledbetter reversed decades of precedent that helped victims of pay discrimination to pursue claims against their employers. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employees illegally discriminated against in pay can file claims to recoup that pay within 180 days of being wrongfully denied pay. Unfortunately, the Ledbetter decision concluded that victims need to file claims within 180 days of a discriminatory decision being made, rather than within 180 days of receiving a discriminatory paycheck, as previous jurisprudence had mandated. It is wholly unreasonable to require individuals who are discriminated against to file suit within 180 days of the illegal action. Workplace norms mean that co-workers rarely ask each other about their pay. Moreover, one relatively small discriminatory decision can compound over time, meaning that decisions that are not immediately obvious can nevertheless have profound impacts over the course of an employee's career. Congress recognized 43 years ago with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that it is wrong to treat people differently on the basis of their gender, religion or the color of their skin. The decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear effectively eliminates the primary remedy for thousands of Americans who face illegal and immoral discrimination. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act provides a straightforward and efficient solution for the mistaken decision in Ledbetter. This bill simply clarifies that each discriminatory paycheck qualifies as a new violation that gives employees 180 days to file claims to recover pay. This policy has been the law of the land for the last 43 years, has worked well and should be reinstated. For over four decades, the United States Federal Government has made it clear that discrimination on the basis of one's race, gender, or religion will not be tolerated. It is our responsibility to do everything in our power to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and respectfully, and this bill is an important step forward in that direction. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation and I commend my colleague and friend, Mr. George Miller of California, for introducing the bill.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a wonderful man and longtime Houston television legend, Marvin Zindler. Mr. Zindler passed away yesterday after a battle with inoperable pancreatic cancer and he will be sorely missed. Marvin Zindler was born August 10, 1921, in Houston, where he went on to become an irreplaceable community figure. Marvin's father Abe, who openly opposed the Ku Klux Klan and was a card-carrying member of the NAACP, helped instill in Marvin the values that made him so valued in the community. As a newsman, Marvin became a pioneer in consumer reporting and a tireless advocate for those who, without his assistance, would be without a voice in having their needs addressed. Mr. Zindler initially came to prominence through a week long special on the ``Chicken Ranch,'' an illegal brothel just outside of La Grange, TX, that local authorities tolerated for decades. This special report quickly forced the closure of the brothel, which had been open since 1905. Subsequently, Mr. Zindler was known largely for his self- described ``Rat and Roach Report,'' in which he read reports on health department restaurant inspections on news broadcasts on ABC affiliate KTRK. These reports consistently aided consumers looking for information on the safety of the food at local restaurants. Mr. Zindler advocated aggressively for low-income individuals in desperate need of reconstructive surgery. Earlier this year, despite his illness, Mr. Zindler's advocacy played a major role in acquiring mechanical hands for seven Iraqi amputees. Because of his extensive advocacy, Mr. Zindler's Action 13 office received nearly 100,000 letters annually asking for assistance on issues ranging from Social Security benefits to housing discrimination to immigration. He took pride in ensuring that his office responded to every single request that they received. It is eminently clear that Marvin Zindler was no ordinary newsman. He used his influence to constantly stand up for the underprivileged who needed his assistance--and he made a difference. Mr. Zindler profoundly changed the city of Houston and the very concept of consumer reporting, and his contribution will never be forgotten. I would like to send my condolences to Mr. Zindler's family, friends, and all those who will miss him dearly. I hope that, even in this sad time, Mr. Zindler's courage and fights for justice can serve as an example for us all.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to commemorate the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's, SCLC, 50th Anniversary. Committed to obtaining and securing equal rights for African Americans and human rights for all people, the SCLC is a prominent body of influence. The organization, along with others including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), gave African Americans and other minorities a sense of pride when times seemed dismal and bleak. Beginning with the Montgomery Bus Boycott in December 1955, the then Southern Leadership Conference on Transportation and Nonviolent Integration was founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ralph David Abernathy. Although it was initially thought by some to be of an antagonist nature, in its early years the organization prided itself on education initiatives and voter registration campaigns to ensure that their young people had a voice in the political process. With the successful conclusion of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in February 1957, the group changed its name to the Southern Leadership Conference, widening their scale to reach a much larger audience. In August of the same year, the name was once again changed to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the name the organization bears today. The initiatives and beliefs of the group, along with those of several others, culminated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, where an estimated 250,000 demonstrators came to the Mall, making the march the largest political rally of its time. At this historic march, Dr. King delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech, inspiring the masses in attendance and those viewing at home. The march was later seen as an integral part to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the National Voting Rights Act of 1965. Committed to the philosophy of its founding president, Dr. Martin Luther King, the SCLC has always prided itself on nonviolent protests and rallies, allowing the message to overshadow the brutality they were often met with. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating this marvelous organization and wishing them great success in the next 50 years.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 121, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally apologize and accept historical responsibility for its Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women into sexual slavery during its occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the end of World War II. During this time period, the government of Japan created a system of forced military prostitution where young females were used as involuntary sexual servants or ``comfort women'' in one of the largest cases of human trafficking in the 20th century. Over 200,000 women are believed to have been coerced into these government sanctioned programs, and only an estimated 25 percent survived this horrible and painstaking ordeal. Although the government of Japan has made some efforts to address these past grievances, they have repeatedly undermined the sincerity of their own statements by engaging in questionable practices to disregard these unfortunate events. Some Japanese textbooks have attempted to downplay the existence of ``comfort women,'' and several officials have tried to dilute or retract previously expressed apologies. The nation of Japan has long been a valuable friend and ally of the United States, and I understand their desire to look forward to the future, but that should not come at the expense of ignoring the horrible events of the past. In light of its historical shortcomings, the Japanese government must be willing to publicly accept responsibility for its past sins and offer a sincere and formal apology if they wish to be forgiven by the international community. They should also discourage any efforts to refute the existence of ``comfort women.'' It is important for future generations to be aware of these events in order to ensure that these tragedies will not be repeated. There is no greater enemy than ignorance of the past. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the many women and families that were affected by these terrible crimes. Please join me in voting for H. Res. 121 so that we can ensure that this tragedy is properly addressed and acknowledged.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the people of Minnesota and, indeed, the people of this country have suffered a great tragedy. And I think this is one of the few times when I can say that I speak for all of the Members of the House when I say that our sympathies and our desire to be of assistance is with them. We want them to know that they are not alone in this moment of tragedy. I also want to say this, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the House voted 225- 204 to provide a health care safety net for the children in this country. This will help the children in the State of Texas, where I happen to represent the Ninth Congressional District, and we have the largest portion of uninsured children in the entire Nation. This is the safety net that children need. Children don't decide where they're born and to what families they come. Children need health care. This will help Texas to do what it should have done when it lost $830 million to other States because it didn't spend CHIP funds. Mr. Speaker, I'm grateful to the Members who voted to help children, 11 million in this country who are uninsured. I thank each of you. And our sympathies are with the people of Minnesota.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1, Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act, took an act of Congress, a Congress willing to act, and leadership that knew how to act. For this I thank Senator Lieberman, the leadership on the Senate side, Ranking Member King, the 9/11 families who were very much involved in this process, and I especially thank the chairman of the committee, Chairman Bennie Thompson. He has been thoughtful. He has been brilliant. He has been the glue that has maintained the stability and kept this committee moving forward. Without his leadership, the committee would not have been able to achieve the bipartisanship that has made the difference, such as this legislation that's being implemented. This legislation, in addition to the risk-based solutions, which are important, don't throw money at a problem, throw money at the solution that deals specifically with the problem, and the risk is where we are going to get the best bang for our buck. It also deals 100 percent with the cargo screening, and that's important, because it's being done abroad not here in our country, and 99\1/2\ won't do. Finally, I would like to mention that it deals with national transit security centers. I am honored to say that one will be coming to Houston, Texas, and to Texas Southern University. I am honored to have worked with the chairman to have Texas Southern University become involved in this process of finding solutions to security problems in our transportation system. I thank you for helping us to develop this most extensive and comprehensive piece of legislation that is going to help secure this entire country. I am honored to say that Texas Southern University will be a part of that process. God bless you.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this resolution honoring the life and courage of the late David Ray Ritcheson. David was a popular, friendly and cheerful student at Klein Collins High School in the Houston suburb of Spring, Texas. After a dispute at a party in Spring on April 23, 2006, two avowed white supremacists viciously attacked David because he was Mexican-American. David's attackers attempted to burn a swastika into his chest, poured bleach on his face and body, and used a jagged pipe to brutally assault him. One of his attackers was a skinhead with Nazi tattoos, and both of his attackers yelled ``White Power!'' during their assault on David. After this attack, David was left for dead, but, after being sent to the hospital the next morning, he fought bravely on. After 3\1/2\ months in an intensive care hospital bed, David was able to leave the hospital and attempt to return to a life of normalcy. David courageously decided to use his tragedy to create something positive and became an outspoken advocate of federal hate crimes legislation that would help ensure that local police departments would be able to prosecute cases like his as hate crimes in the future. This past April, David testified before a subcommittee of the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary in favor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. His passionate, moving and eloquent testimony helped spur this House to act on that important legislation, which passed this House in May. Unfortunately, David passed away on July 1, after fighting to overcome the physical and mental wounds left by his attackers for over a year. In this difficult time for David's family and friends, it is important to remember David's admirable courage, warmth and strength. I would like to give my condolences to all of David Ray Ritcheson's family, friends and loved ones. I also would like to recognize David's life and everything that he accomplished. I commend my friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Jackson-Lee, for introducing this resolution.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I believe the greatness of our country will not be measured by the number of tractors it produces. But rather, I believe the greatness of our country will be measured by the number of persons it feeds. I believe the greatness of our country will not be measured by the number of skyscrapers it builds. But rather, I believe the greatness of our country will be measured by the number of persons it shelters. Today, more than three quarters of a million people are homeless on any given night. There are as many as 189,000 homeless persons with disabilities. More than 98,452 families are homeless. If we are to end homelessness, rather than just reduce it, we must provide our Nation with right tools to fight homelessness. If we are to end homelessness within 10 years, rather than just reduce it, we must ensure that we support the programs that work well. That rests in our ability to fully fund them so that they achieve their true potential. That is why I am a proud co-sponsor of H. Res. 561, which recognizes the 20th anniversary of the passage of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The McKinney-Vento programs have successfully provided housing (e.g., shelter, transitional housing) and supportive services to tens of thousands of men, women and children experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is an important asset in our battle against homelessness. I commend my colleague, Mr. Shays, for introducing this important resolution.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, an important program that keeps alive the memory of the Underground Railroad and the spirit of freedom, justice and equality encompassed therein. The Underground Railroad stood as a beacon of hope during a time of slavery and oppression for millions of African-Americans. Tens of thousands of enslaved individuals used the network of clandestine routes, safe houses, meeting points and secret codes known as the Underground Railroad to escape to freedom during the first half of the 19th century. In 1998, Congress established the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This network of 300 affiliate sites across the United States has done an excellent job over the last decade in increasing public awareness of the Underground Railroad, the amazing individuals who made it possible, and its numerous accomplishments. However, this tremendous program has faced persistent underfunding since its inception and is projected to face a budgetary shortfall of nearly 80 percent by 2011 unless its funding is increased. The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthorization Act presents a sensible and important solution to this challenge. This bill will authorize $2.5 million annually for the operation of the Network to Freedom program, an increase from the $500,000 currently authorized. This modest increase will provide the program with sufficient funding to allow it to retain the staff and resources necessary to continue educating the American public about this shining example of truly American values. Mr. Speaker, I believe strongly in the values embodied by the Underground Railroad and the people who made it a reality. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthorization Act, which I believe is a crucial step in keeping alive the memory of the Underground Railroad. I commend my friend and colleague, Mr. Hastings of Florida, for introducing this important legislation.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, it is. My hope is that the gentleman and I would be able to work together to see if there is some means by which it can be accommodated.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment because it is a good amendment, and HUD's language is bad language. Mr. Chairman, since 1997, this program has assisted literally nearly 1 million families with down payment assistance. In my district alone, it has helped more than 600 families. This program is a privately funded down payment assistance program. I think that is important for us to highlight, a privately funded down payment assistance program. Yes, there is some concern with reference to the appraisals, but that can be amended and fixed by way of a program similar to what the VA has. The VA has a blind pool appraisal process. With a blind pool appraisal process, you can get the appraisals that are fair market value, and you will save the program that has helped so many families. This program is viable. It helps community development. It is meaningful. It helps needy buyers. It is workable. It can work through HUD, and it is achievable without this language. I suggest that my colleagues vote for it. Let's save this program. Let's vote for this amendment.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Obey, Subcommittee Chairman Olver, and Ranking Members Lewis and Knollenberg. I also would like to thank them especially for their leadership. Mr. Chairman, we understand that budgetary constraints are necessary and that budget challenges are a reality, just as invidious discrimination in housing is a reality. This is why Congress passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination not just on race, color and national origin, but also on religious, sexual status, disability and familial status. However, nearly 40 years after the passage of this act, 4 million fair housing violations occur annually, tens of thousands of complaints are filed, and most violations aren't investigated. Violations occur in the rental market when qualified renters are denied housing based upon invidious discrimination. Violations occur in the purchase market when qualified buyers are denied loans, pay more for loans, or are steered to the subprime market when they qualify for prime loans. This is why we need to fund the Fair Housing Initiative Program to the level authorized of $26 million. The Fair Housing Initiative Program allows for testing. This will allow us to have persons who are equally qualified, perhaps one is disabled and one is not, to go out and seek a loan or a rental property. If the disabled person is denied, and the person that follows who is not disabled receives the loan or the property, then we are gathering the empirical data necessary to show that the discrimination exists. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would add $5.82 million to the bill to bring it to the $26 million authorized level. Mr. Chairman, the need is there, the authorization exists, and the time to act is here. Let us keep the American dream alive for all persons who are qualified. Let's do our part on our watch to prevent invidious discrimination in housing. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. I thank the chairman, and I look forward to working with the chairman so that we may seek an accommodation in conference. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act. This legislation requires a responsible redeployment of U.S. troops beginning within 120 days of enactment and ending by April 1, 2008. Additionally, this bill requires the President to publicly justify the post-redeployment missions for the U.S. military in Iraq and the minimum number of troops necessary to carry out those missions. Madam Speaker, we have sacrificed the lives of more than 3,609 soldiers and 26,695 wounded Americans, many with injuries from which they will never recover. We have a moral obligation to start the process of bringing our troops home, on our watch. A troop reduction will set our country in the right direction. After more than 4 years of fighting, $442 billion spent, and thousands of American and Iraqi lives lost in this war, the war in Iraq has evolved into a conundrum of massive proportions. American money, in the amount of almost $330 million per day, is being spent on the war. Distinguished colleagues, this adds up to more than $10 billion per month. I believe history will regard the decision to go to war in Iraq as a tragic mistake, especially when we realize the cost of this war. The House of Representatives has authorized $39.8 billion for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008. The United States government will approximately spend that same amount in Iraq within a span of only 120 days. The Administration's decision to increase the number of troops in Iraq has added to the already tremendous strain on our military personnel and their families. Both President Bush and General David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, have repeatedly said that there is no military solution to Iraq and that the sectarian strife and the insurgency can be resolved only by the Iraqi government. Simultaneously, the personal lives of our troops have been devastated by unexpected early deployments or unexpected delays in their homecomings. Consequently, we have a moral obligation to get our troops out of Iraq with the same determination that got them into Iraq in the first place. While our Administration's attention has been on Iraq, 6 years after the Bush administration declared war on al Qaeda, the terrorist network is gaining strength and has established a safe haven in remote tribal areas of western Pakistan for training and planning attacks. The most recent National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) concludes that al Qaeda is growing stronger. The report states that al Qaeda may now be a stronger terrorist organization now than it was just a year ago, and may be back to its pre-9/11 strength and reach. Meanwhile, as Osama bin Laden operates freely along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the Administration wants to keep our troops in an open-ended Iraqi civil war. The same administration report concludes that the terrorist group has significantly rebuilt itself despite concerted U.S. attempts to smash the network. Interestingly, while the Administration has escalated our involvement in Iraq, al Qaeda has gained more training, more money, and enhanced their communications. In addition, according to the Bush Administration's own assessment, the Iraqi government achieved only eight of 18 political and security benchmarks, a mixed rating on two and an unsatisfactory rating on eight benchmarks in a White House report prepared for Congress. The Administration has borne witness to the fact that we cannot continue to support the Iraqi government while the Iraqi government fails to achieve even moderate success. Therefore, it is time for them to determine their own destiny. We can continue to extend the hand of friendship, but we have to handover the country to them. Iraqis must take control of their streets, their towns, and their country so we can bring our troops home. Mr. Speaker, it is now time to require the President and the Secretary of Defense to commence the reduction of the number of United States Armed Forces in Iraq to a limited presence and begin to bring our troops home. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was visiting veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center with members of the Texas Congressional delegation. I was unavoidably delayed and missed the votes on H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (rollcall 633), and H. Res. 547, the resolution providing for consideration of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations for FY 2008 (rollcall 634). Although H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (rollcall 633) passed by a vote of 314-97, and H. Res. 547, the resolution providing for consideration of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations for FY 2008 (rollcall 634) passed by a vote of 232-178, I respectfully request the opportunity to record my position. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcalls 633 and 634. I would particularly like to express my strong support for H.R. 980, a bill I am proud to have cosponsored. The bill would establish minimum standards for state collective bargaining laws for police officers, firefighters and other public safety officers, including the right to join a union; the right to have their union recognized by their employer; the right to bargain collectively over hours, wages and terms and conditions of employment; a mediation or arbitration process for resolving an impasse in negotiations; and enforcement of contracts through state courts. This legislation would not affect a majority of states because their laws already meet or exceed the minimum standards.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and outstanding works of Claudia Taylor ``Lady Bird'' Johnson, the former First Lady of the United States. Lady Bird Johnson was born on December 22, 1912, to Thomas Jefferson Taylor and Minnie Lee Patillo. As a child, Lady Bird was a tremendous student who expressed great love for classical literature before going on to earn degrees in art and journalism from the University of Texas in 1933 and 1934. She married Lyndon Baines Johnson on November 17, 1934. When Lyndon Johnson became the 36th President of the United States, Lady Bird showed groundbreaking leadership in developing new opportunities for our First Ladies. Lady Bird conceptualized and secured congressional support for the Highway Beautification Act, which President Johnson signed into law on October 22, 1965. This important piece of legislation ordered the removal of certain junkyards and overly intrusive advertising along our nation's highways. She also championed the creation and strengthening of the Head Start program, which has helped ensure that all children have access to vital early- childhood education, regardless of their parents' income. After her time as First Lady, Lady Bird continued to show leadership in the causes dear to her, especially the preservation of our wildlife. In 1970, she published her diaries of her time as First Lady, White House Diary, which detailed her pioneering accomplishments and inspired young women across the country. In 1982, Lady Bird founded the National Wildflower Research Center, which works to expand the sustainable use and conservation of wildflowers and plants. She also served as National Geographic Society trustee emeritus and Kennedy Center Honorary Chair. As a result of her numerous good works, Lady Bird Johnson earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1988. These honors were well deserved and serve as testament to the exemplary life of Lady Bird Johnson. Mrs. Johnson's passage yesterday is a tremendous loss for the Johnson family and for our country. It is with great sadness that I pass on my condolences to Lady Bird Johnson's family and friends, but with great pride that I honor her incredible life and accomplishments.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Chair, I believe I would retain the right to speak last and continue to reserve. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Chairman, allow me to first thank the chairperson of the Financial Services Committee, Chairperson Frank. He has done an outstanding job with his leadership. I also thank the Honorable Maxine Waters, the subcommittee chairperson, for her sound stewardship; and, of course, Ranking Member Bachus for his bipartisanship because it helped to synthesize this piece of legislation. And I also thank the cosponsorship of Congresswoman Biggert. She has been cogent with her cosponsorship. Madam Chairman, let me simply say that this is bipartisan legislation that we are talking about and the striking of the 100,000 vouchers over 5 years will put an end to what started as bipartisan legislation in the committee. This was passed overwhelmingly in the committee, and it was supported by the ranking member of the committee. This is not, as was indicated, a handout. It is really a hand up for the disabled. It is a hand up for the elderly. And it also benefits low-income to extremely low-income persons, many of whom are working and still not in a position to afford affordable housing. Many of them need the kind of help that this bill is providing. The truth is, and you shall know the truth, and it will set you free. So at this moment, I am going to take the ax of truth, slam it into the tree of circumstance, and let the chips fall wherever they may. The truth is one in seven households in this country spends more than 50 percent of their income on housing. Three-quarters of a million people are homeless on any given night in this country. Congress has not provided new section 8 vouchers since 2002. The truth is we can pay for one of these vouchers with 2 seconds of what we spend on the war in Iraq. We can pay for all of these vouchers with what we spend on 2\1/2\ days in Iraq. The truth is the need exists for these vouchers. The truth is it is time for Congress to act and to authorize these new section 8 vouchers. Madam Chairman, at this time I would like to yield 1 minute to my outstanding colleague Congressman Chris Murphy.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Chair, it is beyond my comprehension to conclude that because people are working and in need of housing assistance, they should be evicted from the very assistance they are paying for because they don't make enough money to move to a better home. I'm doing this not only for the people of my district, but I'm also doing this for the people in my colleague's district as well, because he has a deficit of 13,177 rental units for persons who are in need of this type of affordable housing. This is not housing for those who don't need it and who are not qualified. The elderly need it. The persons who are with low-income and very low-income need it, and those who are disabled. And for edification purposes, when we talk about persons with extremely low income, we are talking about persons who make at or below 30 percent of the area median income. And many of these persons are using 50 percent of what they earn on housing. So, Madam Chair, I am appreciative of what the gentleman has offered, but I'm going to ask persons to please vote against this amendment and vote for the disabled, vote for the elderly, vote so that persons with low income and extremely low income can have affordable housing. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?