Tulsi Gabbard

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It's been an honor to stand here on the floor today in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Indiana for managing this and her strong support and advocacy for this issue, which is symbolic of us taking action to honor our heroes, especially as we head into Memorial Day. You've heard from many Members why this is a good bill and why it should pass. It's been subject to scrutiny by all the stakeholders, and it has resulted in a bill that will be efficient and effective. One example of steps we have taken to make sure that this is an efficient bill is making sure that, as we provide training as a central requirement to make sure that consistency in all airports exists, the provision requiring employee training was modified to make it clear that only screening personnel who participate in these expedited services will be mandatory--required to be trained under this bill--as opposed to requiring every single employee of the TSA to be trained, even when their job has nothing to do with passenger screening responsibilities. This modification ensures that the department's limited resources are spent in the most efficient manner, while also ensuring the consistent policies and treatment that are our objectives of this legislation. I'd like to take a moment to highlight the support that this bill has gotten from veteran organizations. In addition to the Disabled American Veterans, I also have letters of support from the Wounded Warrior Project, the American Legion, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The Wounded Warrior Project sums it up perfectly, as they say: Wounded warriors should not have to sacrifice their privacy, encounter conflicting screening policies and procedures, or be subject to significant travel delays. We welcome the steps proposed in H.R. 1344 to foster expedited screening and to protect the privacy of our wounded warriors going through this process. We also commend the proposal to require the TSA to continue to consult with veterans' service organizations as they develop these improved screening processes. Mr. Speaker, before yielding back, I just want to take a moment to thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. McCaul, and the ranking member, Bennie Thompson, whose strong support for this bill allowed it to move very quickly and to be considered here on the floor here today. Subcommittee Chairman Mr. Hudson and Ranking Member Richmond, as well as Sheila Jackson Lee, along with my colleague, Mrs. Brooks from Indiana, have also been incredible champions and supporters. Last but not least, I would like to take a moment to recognize senior professional staff Brian Turbyfill, who has been invaluable in providing his assistance in guiding this bill through the process. Mr. Speaker, this is a commonsense measure that aligns with the intelligence-driven, risked-based approach to security that TSA is striving for. It addresses a clearly identified problem and provides a solution that will serve and honor the sacrifices of our Nation's selfless heroes and great servant leaders. I ask my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. Wounded Warrior Project, Washington, DC, April 8, 2013. Hon. Tulsi Gabbard, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congresswoman Gabbard: As an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is committed to assisting service members and veterans thrive within the community. For wounded veterans living with prosthetics or other service-connected conditions, airport screening is often a frustrating, degrading, and lengthy process. With that concern, we welcome the introduction of the Helping Heroes Fly Act, H.R. 1344, and the improvements it proposes to screen these men and women in a manner befitting their service. Wounded warriors should not have to sacrifice their privacy, encounter conflicting screening policies and procedures, or be subject to significant travel delays. We welcome the steps proposed in H.R. 1344 to foster expedited screening and to protect the privacy of warriors going through the screening process. We also commend the proposal to require the Transportation Security Administration to consult with veterans' service organizations in the development of improved screening. We look forward to working with you to advance this legislation and toward improving the airport screening process for those who have served. Sincerely, Charlie Abell, EVP for Government Affairs.

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

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. I would like to thank my colleague from Wisconsin for leading this effort and for his leadership in bringing together Members from all parts of the country that represent many diverse viewpoints. I know, for me, one thing that I often hear every time I go home is a sense of frustration from constituents, from people within my community, who ask: Why can't Congress get anything done? What are you doing to take action for the American people? Is there hope, is there any way to fix this mess that we seem to be in? I was talking with some of my Republican colleagues, new Members, and I found that the answer that we were giving people when they expressed their frustrations was the same. And that was, the hope that we see every day as we do our work here lies in the fact that, collectively, we recognize that we have a mandate from those in our communities to work together, to do the people's work and to remember every single day that the most important thing we share in common is that we serve at the pleasure of our constituents as Representatives, as voices for the people. To me, that's really what this Problem Solvers Caucus is all about. It's about Democrats and Republicans coming together, finding these practical, real solutions that will allow us to make true progress in the spirit of service. As my colleagues know, I often talk about how this is what we in Hawaii call the spirit of aloha: when you can have a conversation with someone with whom you may disagree on some issues but whom you can respect, whom you can listen to sincerely and have a true conversation with to come up with the best idea and the best solution on how we can serve the people. Earlier today, I had the opportunity to go with some of my colleagues, a bipartisan group of us new Members, to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We laid a wreath there at the tomb, as we head into Memorial Day, and we had an opportunity to reflect on the great sacrifices that have been made in the history of our country, and it personally gave me the opportunity to remember some of the sacrifices that my friends and battle buddies have made. It reminded me of what our responsibility is, which is to honor them, and it reminded me that there are no labels when you're in a foxhole, that there are no labels when you're walking on a patrol, and that, when these great heroes are out serving our country, there is no label identifying their party affiliations, their religious practices, the communities that they come from, because they understand it's about one team, one fight, serving one awesome Nation. That's our responsibility here--to serve in that same spirit and recognize we have many problems that need to be solved now, not next month or next year or after the next election cycle, but that we have to stand up, honor them and work together to find our common ground and pursue these commonsense solutions. If we do that, then we will truly honor them, and we will embrace the trust that has been placed with us.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, we have a growing epidemic in our military that requires our immediate action. I rise today to highlight a bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation that will stem the growing cancer of sexual assault on men and women in the military. This is absolutely unacceptable. In every branch of the military, from day one our servicemembers are instilled with the values of honor, respect, and integrity. It's what makes us proud to wear the uniform, and it's what makes our military strong. However, this epidemic completely undermines what these values and our servicemembers represent. This morning I joined a strong, committed group of legislators to introduce the Military Justice Improvement Act, which provides a uniform and fair process, ensuring that sexual predators are exposed and punished accordingly. We in Congress and leaders of the Department of Defense must keep the pressure on. Together, we must foster a respectful, productive environment for our military men and women. The success of our Armed Forces--and the security they provide our Nation--depends on it.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and women who serve in our police forces. Every day, police officers put their own lives in danger in order to keep our families safe. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This week, we celebrate our local heroes during National Police Week. In order to support the National Law Enforcement Memorial, my sister Davan, a deputy U.S. marshal, joined more than 1,800 officers last weekend in a 300-mile memorial bike ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. She honored the memory of three Hawaii officers killed in the line of duty last year: Eric Fontes, Chad Morimoto, and Garret Davis. They've been honored on the national memorial's wall; and in Hawaii, we're working to establish a local memorial, which will be the last State in the country to do so. Today, I honor these everyday heroes and their families for their unwavering dedication to the safety and service of others.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Hawaii for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, which authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha. On June 11 of every year, the State of Hawaii celebrates King Kamehameha Day. It's a beautiful State holiday, filled with parades and lei draping at the statues that exist in his honor. One of these statues stands proudly here in Washington, D.C., in the Capitol Visitor Center; and for the last 43 years, we have celebrated King Kamehameha's birthday in our Nation's capital. Kamehameha I, sometimes called Kamehameha the Great, was a skilled and fierce warrior and an intelligent leader. He established his dynasty and reputation by uniting the eight major islands of the Hawaiian chain under his rule in 1910. By uniting the Hawaiian Islands into a viable and recognized political entity, Kamehameha helped protect his people during a time of great cultural change. King Kamehameha I is known for his prowess in war, but he is also remembered for his humanity. We honor King Kamehameha on his birthday, and we welcome visitors both to Hawaii and here to our Nation's Capitol, and appreciate the opportunity to tell a little bit about one of our great heroes. His Kanawai Mamalahoe, or Law of the on in the Hawaii State Constitution and is a model for human rights policies on civilians and other non-combatants today. When attacked by fishermen trying to protect their land and family, rather than punishing them, King Kamehameha declared, ``Let every elderly person, woman and child lie by the roadside in safety.'' This decree lives on in Hawaii and is a living symbol of this ruler's concern for public safety. After uniting the islands, Kamehameha also focused on governing his kingdom. He appointed governors for each island, made laws for the protection of all, built houses and irrigation ditches, managed natural resources such as sandalwood, and traded shrewdly with foreigners. Otto Von Kotzebue, a Russian explorer, said, ``The king is a man of great wisdom and tries to give his people anything he considers useful. He wishes to increase the happiness and not the wants of his people.'' I ask my colleagues for their support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 10 so that we can honor one of Hawaii's great leaders.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize one of Hawaii's heroes, U.S. Air Force Captain Reid Nishizuka of Kailua, Hawaii. On April 27, 30-year-old Captain Nishizuka died as a result of an MC- 12 aircraft crash near Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. Captain Nishizuka put his life on the line in the service of our Nation, and he made the ultimate sacrifice. I am deeply saddened by this loss for his family, for Hawaii, and for our country. My thoughts and prayers are with the Nishizukas. Captain Nishizuka always knew he wanted to serve. He had been on track to join the Air Force since high school when he was a member of the Kailua JROTC and when he later went on to the Notre Dame ROTC, where he studied aeronautical engineering. As his family and friends have said, Captain Nishizuka always loved flying, brought joy to everyone around him, and even inspired his brother Chad to join the Air Force, too. As we do our work here in the people's House, let us always remember the selfless example set by Captain Nishizuka and by so many other heroes, and let us do our very best to honor their immeasurable sacrifice.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an issue that's very important to me, to my constituents in Hawaii, as well as to people all across the country. I've long been a supporter of requiring labeling for food containing genetically engineered, or GE, products. Food is a basic necessity in our everyday lives, and people have a right to know what's in the food we're eating. Today I'm joining a strong coalition, led by Senator Boxer and Congressman DeFazio, to introduce the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, which requires labeling of GE foods. The Food and Drug Administration already requires labeling of more than 3,000 ingredients, additives, and processes, but it has resisted labels for GE foods. Changing this outdated policy would simply add GE foods to that robust list, which would not be cost prohibitive for companies or consumers. More than 1.5 million Americans have filed comments with the FDA urging it to label GE foods, while surveys show more than 90 percent of people also support it. Our legislation puts consumers first and empowers them to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the recent developments and the growing instability on the Korean Peninsula. Today we are seeing an increasingly belligerent hostile stance by the North Korean regime toward its perceived enemies. For some, this may sound like a far-off annoyance, saber rattling coming from the East; however, nothing could be farther from the truth for families in my home State of Hawaii and in Guam who sit as named threats by the increasingly aggressive and unpredictable regime led by Kim Jong Un. He has demonstrated a pattern of belligerent threats and even unprovoked attacks on South Korea in recent years. This new leader has adopted many of the same destructive policies of the past in his pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities. He's revealed the willingness to sacrifice the safety and needs of the North Korean people in order to advance his hostile, unproductive agenda. Rather than caring for his people, Kim Jong Un remains singularly focused on making provocations and establishing a ``military first'' doctrine. Along with Guam and Alaska, Hawaii has been placed in the crosshairs of this intensifying threat. It's crucial for the United States, and Hawaii in particular, to take these threats from North Korea seriously. We cannot be complacent. We cannot afford a mistake that puts the lives of our families at risk. Intelligence and previous missile launches have shown that Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska are within range of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities. New intelligence suggests that North Korea may be planning multiple missile launches in the coming days beyond the two Musudan mobile missiles it has fueled, raised, and positioned along its east coast. Our Nation's focus and commitment to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region now faces a serious test. As we rebalance and realign our presence in the region, it's vitally important that we get it right in terms of the strategy, as well as resourcing. The United States has an important interest in maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region. We must stand together with our allies in the region ready to respond to any contingency, and we must take a forward-leaning approach to address this imminent threat to prevent further provocations and to protect our families and our national assets. The international community has clearly stated its opposition to his actions and threats, but we need to ask more of those influential nations that have remained quiet. China, in particular, should be playing a strong role as a deterrent of North Korea's military ambitions. We're also seeing a destabilizing effect outside of the region as a result of the dangerous partnership between the two isolated rogue states of Iran and North Korea as regimes working together to develop more powerful weapons, missile delivery systems, and nuclear capabilities. It would be safe to assume that by addressing the threat on our country by North Korea, we are also affecting Iran and their nuclear ambitions. I commend our military commanders for their firm and confident resolve that they've shown in response to the endless posturing and provocative behavior of North Korea; however, from a U.S. policy standpoint, it's time to make a serious change. Such a change must be comprehensive, carving a new path forward using diplomatic and military means in order to break the cycle of threats that has existed for far too long. The carrot-and-stick approach that we've taken in the past has not effectively deterred North Korea's nuclear ambitions. To the contrary, we continue to face escalated threats which now extend beyond the region. Considering the serious threats we face today and the fact that the threat of missile attack on the U.S. is likely to grow, I'm deeply concerned about the President's proposed cuts to the missile defense budget in fiscal year 2014. This is a portion of the budget that should be increased, not decreased, to ensure the safety and security of our people. In the coming days and months, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in pushing for action and resources to ensure that Hawaii and our country is protected and any potential attack is prevented.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, last week I had the chance to visit Afghanistan to get a firsthand perspective of the status of our withdrawal, as well as to visit some of our deployed Hawaii troops. Our servicemembers continue to serve with the highest level of professionalism, selflessness, and integrity. I'm grateful to them and their families for their unwavering coverage and sacrifice. Our military and civilian personnel in Afghanistan are committed to the ongoing transfer of responsibility for security to the Afghan National Security Forces. The Afghan forces are made up of warriors who are ready to fight and who are already leading a majority of the security operations, building confidence in their ability to withstand the Taliban and insurgency threats. The U.S. drawdown is crucial for our military and our resources to focus on addressing imminent and direct threats like North Korea. Along with Guam and Alaska, Hawaii's families have been placed in the crosshairs of this threat. We cannot be complacent. We must take action to ensure that our families and assets are protected and defended.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sonny Bhagowalia, Hawaii's State Chief Information Officer. Sonny recently received the prestigious ``Federal 100 Award'' from Federal Computer Week magazine. This award honors the top leaders in industry, academia and government who have had a significant impact on the government information systems community. This year, Hawaii is the only state government to be recognized for its proactive efforts to maximize the use of technology. Since 2011, Sonny has served as Hawaii's first CIO, planning and implementing the state's IT transformation, and overseeing its new Office of Information Management and Technology. He has repeatedly been honored for his contributions to IT advancement in Hawaii, including two previous Federal 100 Awards. Sonny's efforts to modernize and invest in Hawaii's technology infrastructure have laid the groundwork for more effective government service and business processes. I extend my congratulations to Sonny, his very talented team, and the State of Hawaii for this much-deserved honor.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the ``Helping Heroes Fly Act.'' I authored this legislation to authorize and improve the Transportation Security Administration's, TSA, Wounded Warrior/Military Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Program, which facilitates and expedites the passenger screening process for severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and veterans. Customer service at airport checkpoints is an issue that evokes passionate reactions from constituents across the Nation. As a representative from Hawaii, one of the country's foremost vacation destinations, I have a special interest in ensuring that the screening experience is as effective and smooth as possible. Unfortunately, too often, we hear stories from our constituents and visitors about time- consuming, inconvenient, and invasive TSA checkpoint searches. For wounded members of the Armed Forces and veterans, however, this ordeal can be a particularly difficult experience due to the nature of both their injuries and disabilities and TSA's strict screening requirements. Recognizing the need to improve customer service for all passengers, particularly those with a disability or hindering medical condition, TSA has, in recent years, established several alternative methods of screening, including TSA's Wounded Warrior Screening Program. Under the Wounded Warrior Screening Program, a severely injured or disabled service member, veteran, or family member contacts the program's Operation Center at TSA before a flight to arrange expedited screening. An officer at the Operations Center then notifies the appropriate personnel at the involved airports to ensure that screening is conducted in such a way as to make the screening experience as simple as possible. The establishment of the Wounded Warrior Screening Program is a positive step. However, through my work on the Committee on Homeland Security, I have spoken with advocates of members of the Armed Forces and veterans and have come to learn that the program could be improved. In particular, as implemented in the field, there is a lack of consistency that needs to be addressed. Some wounded warriors have reported a lack of sensitivity and respect for privacy during the screening experience. Certainly, active engagement with advocate organizations would improve the program and help ensure that it accomplishes its goal. To improve the program, the ``Helping Heroes Fly Act'' requires: TSA to develop a process to expedite screening for severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and veterans that protects the privacy of the individual being screened; requires TSA to consult with advocacy organizations to ensure that TSA is addressing the needs of wounded warriors to the best of their ability; mandates training of Transportation Security Officers on the expedited screening process protocols; requires TSA to maintain an operations center that severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and veterans can contact for assistance in advance of flying; and requires TSA to report to Congress on its progress in implementing the screening our Nation's wounded warriors and veterans deserve. Mr. Speaker, the ``Helping Heroes Fly Act'' is an important, bipartisan bill, crafted in consultation with advocacy organizations. It comes in response to documented grievances associated with airport checkpoints and represents an important step we can take in acknowledging the service of our Nation's heroes. Just this week, we got reports of the difficulty a Marine at Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport had during the screening process. The ``Helping Heroes Fly Act'' will ensure TSA establishes the policies that will allow them to do so. I urge my colleagues to support the ``Helping Heroes Fly Act'' so that we can ease the screening process for my fellow service members and show them the respect and honor they have earned. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of the nearly 5,000 coalition troops, including 28 of my brothers and sisters from Hawaii, soldiers like First Lieutenant Nainoa Hoe of Kailua or Sergeant Deyson Cariaga from Honolulu, whom I had the honor of serving with, who paid the ultimate price during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the American invasion of Iraq. And while this war has largely faded from the headlines, we must take every opportunity to learn from our experiences. There are many lessons we should learn, one of the most egregious being the serious waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars, waste that was apparent to those of us on the ground as well as to outside experts. An alarming report this month by the special inspector general for Iraqi reconstruction also determined at least $8 billion of our reconstruction funds have been wasted. In Congress today, we have an opportunity to learn from that lesson. We have to pursue commonsense ways to balance our budget without hurting our middle class families, endangering our national security, or shortchanging our veterans. We must focus on our mission to serve the people who sent us here and honor our servicemembers and their families who have made immeasurable sacrifices in the service of our country.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a very special member of my team, Laila Goring. Laila is a University of Hawai`i student and former soldier who has been serving in my office as an intern this spring. Friday was her final day on Capitol Hill. In her work, she has truly displayed the aloha spirit and a heart for servant leadership. She has set the bar high for our internship program, and I hope many more students like Laila will serve and learn in my office. A congressional internship should not be about grabbing coffee or making copies, but about learning and growing in an environment that encourages service. Our students have so much to offer, and we have the opportunity to cultivate the next generation of leaders by demonstrating firsthand the value of public service. Mahalo nui loa, thank you very much, Laila, and we wish you the best of luck as you continue to pursue your goals.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Madam Chair, I would like to give thanks to Representatives Don Young, Tom Cole, and Representative Noem for offering this very important amendment. The Hawaii Members have had a long relationship with Alaska on Native issues, and I look forward to that great relationship continuing. This amendment would require that each State provide exactly 1 percent of their total allotment for Native grants. As the bill stands, Native grants are capped at 1 percent, which could result in major funding reductions or no funding at all. With this amendment, we can ensure our native populations are guaranteed at least 1 percent. This is a critical provision to ensure that our native populations are not forgotten or left behind. In my home State of Hawaii, for example, ALU LIKE is able to take critical workforce investment funds and help Native Hawaiians as well as Alaska Natives and Native American Indians advance their academic or occupational skills and put them on a path to personal and economic self-sufficiency.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. I rise today to highlight some of the unique immigration challenges that we face. The good news is that Washington is finally focused on fixing this very complex issue. Comprehensive reform is crucial to our families, young people, and our economy. In Hawaii, for example, Filipino families often wait up to 24 years to reunite with their loved ones. We are a community of immigrants-- immigrants who came to Hawaii who were seeking greater opportunity, who toiled day in and day out working in our pineapple fields and on our sugar plantations; yet many are still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. This is unacceptable and unnecessary. It also hurts our economy when small businesses face unnecessary, draconian audits and automatic labeling as fraudulent businesses simply due to their sizes, stifling their ability to grow and create jobs. We must address these unique immigration issues in Hawaii, across the Pacific, and across the country as part of our national reform legislation in order to reunite families and grow our economy.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud to rise today to recognize a very special guest from Hawaii who is here visiting us in Washington this week. One of my constituents, Tracey Stott Kelly, contacted me recently to set up a United States Capitol tour for her mother's 80th birthday. This wasn't like most other requests that we receive. Her mother Mary Lou's birthday wish was to visit the Capitol to see the work of her great-great-grandfather, who was an assistant to Constantino Brumidi. Mr. Brumidi was best known for the murals he painted in the Capitol over a 25-year period, including ``The Apotheosis of Washington,'' the ``Frieze of American History,'' and the walls of the Brumidi Corridors. So this Friday, Mary Lou and her `ohana will receive a very unique tour with Dr. Barbara Wolanin, the curator for the Architect of the Capitol, to highlight the beautiful paintings by Brumidi and to bring Mary Lou closer to her very talented great-great-grandfather. Happy 80th birthday, Mary Lou. And thank you to Dr. Wolanin for helping to make this very special day a reality.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, the effects of the sequester are broad and far reaching. Up to 2,600 NOAA employees expect to be furloughed and 2,700 positions not filled, which will affect managing our natural resources and our ability to address climate change. Climate change is real. According to the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment, across the Pacific Islands region, the frequency and intensity of climate extremes are changing. Hawaii is usually thought of as a lush, green paradise, but droughts have been more frequent and prolonged. For example, earlier this month the Big Island of Hawaii was declared a natural disaster due to ongoing extreme drought conditions going back to July of 2008. This is causing havoc for our farmers and ranchers. Waikiki, a highly visited and well- known treasure around the world, would be wetlands with beaches gone by the end of the century. We must take action. We cannot afford to ignore this problem that is currently and will continue to wreak havoc across the globe for generations.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on February 4, 2013, through February 6, 2013 I was unable to record my votes for rollcall No.31-No.38. Had I been present I would have voted: Rollcall No. 31: Yes--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 225. Rollcall No. 32: Yes--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 297. Rollcall No. 33: No--Ordering the Previous Question. Rollcall No. 34: No--On Agreeing to the Resolution. Rollcall No. 35: Yes--On Agreeing to the Takano Amendment. Rollcall No. 36: Yes--On Agreeing to the Schrader Amendment. Rollcall No. 37: Yes--On Motion to Recommit with Instructions. Rollcall No. 38: Yes--On Passage.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the devastating sequestration cuts that are set to take effect unless we, Congress, act by March 1. If these arbitrary across-the-board cuts are allowed to occur, our military, our national security, and our communities will suffer. Hawaii is one of the top 10 States that will take the biggest hit. We've already seen these anticipated cuts playing out at the Pearl Harbor shipyard, where 133 apprentices will not be hired and 30 temporary workers will lose their jobs. This is affecting real people, their families, as well as our military's readiness. Times are tough and we must all share in the sacrifice, but we cannot do so at the expense of our military readiness or on the backs of our middle class families, seniors, and children.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, forty years ago this month, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a woman's constitutional right to choose in Roe v. Wade. This landmark decision ensures that women can make their own health decisions, and if they want to, consult with their doctor, family, and faith. Four decades later, even though abortion remains legal, women still face enormous barriers--barriers that wholly violate the spirit of the Roe v. Wade decision. I support efforts to increase access to affordable healthcare services which can contribute to fewer unplanned and teen pregnancies, a goal we should all support. This monumental Supreme Court ruling remains under attack, as the ability for women to be free to make what is often the most difficult decision in their lives, is constantly challenged. Now more than ever, we must remain steadfast in our defense of a woman's right to choose.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on January 22, 2013, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to record my vote for rollcall Nos. 24 and 25. Had I been present I would have voted: Rollcall No. 24: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 307 Rollcall No. 25: ``no''--On Motion to Adjourn