Mike Honda

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 and to express my dismay over one particular matter not addressed by today's conference agreement. Since its creation in 1997, the CHIP's flexibility, in combination with existing Medicaid programs, has proven highly effective in reducing the number of children who are uninsured in the United States. The bill before us today will invest $35 billion in the program over the next 5 years, ensuring that 6.6 million children currently enrolled will continue to have a health program and allowing for the growth in the program predicted over the next 10 years. I am glad that the bill will allow California and other innovative states to continue to cover families--the health of children is inextricably entwined with that of the family as a whole. I am especially pleased that this bill includes full dental coverage and mental health parity, recognizing that physical health care is only one part of effective health coverage. Despite the desperately needed reforms contained in this legislation, I am deeply disappointed that the conferees did not include language from the House-passed Children's Health and Medicare Protection, CHAMP, Act that would have given states the option of choosing to waive the five year waiting period for Medicaid and CHIP imposed on pregnant women and children who are legally present in the United States. It is unconscionable that Congress will make pregnant women and innocent children pawns in a raucous and frequently misleading immigration debate. I was proud that the House included language that would allow states to make their own decision on this matter and I am saddened that Congress bowed to reactionary anti-immigrant voices on this particular matter and excluded it from this conference agreement. Despite my concern, I support this legislation, as I believe that it is too important to allow to lapse. I hope that House leadership will take note of my and others' concerns about the denial of coverage to legally present, otherwise eligible, immigrant children and pregnant women and will work with us to bring this matter to resolution in as swift a manner as possible. I am glad that the Democratic and Republican leadership have been so active in ensuring that we get this bill to the President before the program expires on September 30th, 2007. With passage of this bill, the health of millions of American children will depend on the stroke of the President's pen. I am sure that I express the sentiments of millions of Americans when I say that I hope the President will make the morally correct choice not to veto healthcare for children when this agreement reaches his desk.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of First Lieutenant George Wesley Hofsess, who recently passed away at his Ventura, CA home on July 21, 2007. Lieutenant Hofsess dedicated his life to his family and his country. His courage and his commitment to excellence were exemplary both at home and on duty. Lieutenant Hofsess was born on August 5, 1915 in Partridge, Kansas where he grew up on a small farm. He attended Kansas State University where he met the love of his life, Frances Ann Esmond. They were happily married on June 8, 1940. Upon graduating from Kansas State University, Lieutenant Hofsess decided to dedicate his life to the service, enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Force on May 28, 1942. Lieutenant Hofsess was assigned to the 709th Bomb Squadron, 447th Bomb Group, as a pilot of a B-17 Bomber, Plane 1091. He was stationed in England during World War II and served valiantly there, flying 28 missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. For a time, Lieutenant Hofsess was reported missing in action over France. Eventually, Mrs. Hofsess was notified by the Washington Provost Marshall General that Second Lieutenant George W. Hofsess was a prisoner of war in Nuremburg concentration camp #4274. On December 28, 1944, Mrs. Hofsess received a letter from the War Department, stating that by direction of the President, the Air Medal and one Oak-leaf Cluster had been awarded to Second Lieutenant George W. Hofsess for ``exceptionally meritorious achievement'' and for displaying ``courage, coolness and skill.'' As these awards could not be formally presented to Lieutenant Hofsess, they were presented to Mrs. Hofsess. Lieutenant Hofsess earned his medals many times over. At the time his plane was shot down, he suffered burns to his face and hands while successfully evacuating his entire crew from the plane. During his imprisonment in the concentration camp, his older brother, Lieutenant Colonel Russell Hofsess, with the famous Seventh Army, began a tireless search for him. Finally, just before Germany surrendered, Lieutenant Hofsess was found. He walked out of the prison camp and into the arms of his older brother. First Lieutenant George W. Hofsess was Honorably Discharged from service on November 25, 1945. He lived the following years as a civilian, caring for his family and his friends. On July 21, 2007, First Lieutenant George Wesley Hofsess peacefully passed at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Frances Ann Hofsess; his daughter Anne Stamos and her husband Lucas of San Jose, CA; his daughter Julie Antal and her husband Tom of Minneapolis, MN; and his grandson, Grant Murray, of San Jose. Lieutenant Hofsess left a legacy of bravery and selflessness through his service to his country. Throughout his life, he fought to protect peace and freedom and was a loving husband and father. We are forever grateful for his service to this nation and the world. The contributions of First Lieutenant George W. Hofsess will not be forgotten and he will be sorely missed.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 2786, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007. I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation today. H.R. 2786 will provide housing assistance for those Native Americans who are impoverished and living in dire conditions. It reauthorizes block grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) on behalf of Indian tribes for carrying out affordable housing activities. Included in this important legislation is the authorization of the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and Loan Guarantee Program, which funds infrastructure development and homeownership assistance for Native Hawaiians. The loan guarantee program also helps eligible Native Hawaiian families obtain mortgages. I was proud to vote in favor of this stand alone legislation in July, which was sponsored by my good friend and colleague, Representative Neil Abercrombie, and I was happy to see it included into H.R. 2786 today. As a proponent of NAHASDA and the Native American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), I also sponsored report language in the FY2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill which expects HUD to continue to provide resources to the NAIHC, if authorized. The NAIHC is an excellent program which assists tribes and tribal housing entities to provide culturally relevant, safe, sanitary, and quality affordable housing for Native people in American Indian communities and Alaska Native villages. Its importance must not be underscored, as it is the only national housing organization working on behalf of tribes and tribal housing entities across the United States. With the passage of H.R. 2786 today, we have taken an important step towards the reauthorization of NAHASDA and NAIHC and to providing this community with the necessary federal assistance to help achieve the American dream of owning a home. Providing this assistance to Native Americans is in the best interest of our nation. I look forward to continuing to work to advance the cause of Native Americans, as well as the NAIHC.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today upon the introduction of H.R. 3235, the Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities (NANO) Act. The NANO Act is comprehensive bill to promote the development and responsible stewardship of nanotechnology in the United States. The legislation draws upon the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology, a panel of California nanotechnology experts with backgrounds in established industry, startup companies, consulting groups, non-profits, academia, government, medical research, and venture capital that I convened with then-California State Controller Steve Westly during 2005. Nanotechnology has the potential to create entirely new industries and radically transform the basis of competition in other fields, and I am proud of my work with former Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert on the Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 to foster research in this area. But one of the things policymakers have heard from experts is that while the United States is a leader in nanotechnology research, our foreign competitors are focusing more resources and effort on the commercialization of those research results than we are. In its report Thinking Big About Thinking Small, which can be found on my website, the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology made a series of recommendations for ways that the Nation can promote the development and commercialization of nanotechnology, a number of which are included in H.R. 3235. In addition, the bill addresses concerns that have been raised in recent months about whether the Federal Government is doing enough to address potential health and safety risks associated with nanotechnology. The NANO Act requires the development of a nanotechnology research strategy that establishes research priorities for the Federal Government and industry that will ensure the development and responsible stewardship of nanotechnology. This strategy will help to resolve the uncertainty that is one of the major obstacles to the commercialization of nanotechnology--uncertainty about what the risks might be and uncertainty about how the Federal Government might regulate nanotechnology in the future. H.R. 3235 includes a number of provisions to create partnerships, raise awareness, and implement strategic policies to resolve obstacles and promote nanotechnology. It will: create a public-private investment partnership to address the nanotechnology commercialization gap; establish a tax credit for investment in nanotechnology firms; authorize a grant program to support the establishment and development of nanotechnology incubators; establish a Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center for ``nano-CAD'' tools; establish grant programs for nanotechnology research to address specific challenges in the areas of energy, environment, homeland security, and health; establish a tax credit for nanotechnology education and training program expenses; establish a grant program to support the development of curriculum materials for interdisciplinary nanotechnology courses at higher education institutions; direct NSF to establish a program to encourage manufacturing companies to enter into partnerships with occupational training centers for the development of training to support nanotechnology manufacturing; and call for the development of a strategy for increasing interaction on nanotechnology interests between DOE national labs and the informal science education community. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Science and Technology Committee to incorporate these provisions as we work to reauthorize the Nation's nanotechnology research and development program.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my unconditional and heartfelt support for those euphemistically known to the world as ``comfort women.'' Let me at the outset thank Chairman Lantos; the vice chair of the subcommittee, Eni Faleomavaega; and the ranking member, Ileana Ros- Lehtinen. I really appreciate your support and your strong, clear statements. Today, the House will make history as we consider the passage of H. Res. 121, a resolution I introduced which seeks an official apology for what the ``comfort women'' endured under Japan's Imperial Armed Forces during World War II. On this day, I must recognize my good friend and mentor and former colleague, Representative Lane Evans, whose irreproachable character gave these women hope. The legacy of his spirit has remained with me throughout this incredible journey, during which it has been my personal honor to have carried this torch, and I know that his spirit is with me today too. If he is watching, I would like to thank him for his unparalleled courage and tireless efforts to bring justice and the restoration of dignity to the ``comfort women'' survivors. Lane, semper fi. I would also like to recognize Ms. Lee Yong-Soo, a survivor of the comfort stations who is here today with us. Ms. Lee has been a stalwart and passionate advocate for herself and her fellow survivors. On February 15 of this year, Ms. Lee was joined by Ms. Jan Ruff- O'Herne and Ms. Kim Koon-Ja as witnesses in a hearing before the Asia, the Pacific and Global Environment Subcommittee, chaired by my good friend Eni Faleomavaega. I would also like to thank him and Chairman Tom Lantos for their outspoken support for these women. The survivors' riveting and gut-wrenching testimony about the horrors they endured as former ``comfort women'' brought us all to tears and impacted me profoundly. Their courage and indomitable spirit will continue to inspire me every day. Mr. Speaker, today the House will send a message to the Government of Japan that it should deliver an official, unequivocal, unambiguous apology for the indignity the ``comfort women'' suffered. Too many times we've seen women victimized by war and conflict. The experience of these women is a vivid reminder that the human rights of women around the world are never fully secure. We know that rape, sexual abuse and sometimes murder of women and girls in war are still committed by armies in various countries. One thinks of Darfur, Bosnia, and East Timor. We must teach future generations that we cannot allow this to happen. Mr. Speaker, encouraging our good friend and ally, the Government of Japan, to officially and unequivocally apologize is, in my mind, my heart and the minds and hearts of all those concerned about protecting human rights, the right thing to do. I have always believed that reconciliation is the first step in the healing process, and I am proud to be here today on this truly historic occasion to continue to advocate with every fabric of my being for that principle. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of protecting and defending the human rights of ``comfort women'' by voting ``yes'' on H. Res. 121.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gay Brasher, an extraordinary person who has dedicated her career and life to educating our youth in public speaking through speech and debate. Her excellence in teaching is reflected in the numerous accolades she has received for developing one of the most successful and renowned speech and debate programs in the nation. Ms. Gay Brasher was raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. When she was young, she was certain she wanted to eventually coach public speaking and debate. Gay went on to the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she successfully debated in multiple state tournaments. After obtaining her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the university, she stayed in the Louisiana area to begin her teaching career. At the beginning of her career, Gay loudly voiced her belief in the importance of public speaking courses. She served on the Louisiana State Committee for textbook adoption, focusing on the need for speech education. At her first teaching assignment, she was named the Louisiana Speech Coach of the Year, and shortly after, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to continue her teaching. In the Silicon Valley, Gay bolstered San Jose High School's award- winning speech and debate program. Gay was a great influence on the community and was frequently recognized for her commitment to improving high school debate programs. In March of 1996, she was honored by the Tech Museum of Innovation as an Inspirational Teacher, and in 1999, she was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Good Neighbor Award for her contributions and voluntary service to the community. At one point in her career, she coached speech and debate at all six San Jose High Schools at the same time. She eventually settled at Leland High School, where she developed one of the best speech and debate programs in the nation. The Leland team consistently wins the sweepstakes award at several league and invitational tournaments; dozens of individual team members qualify yearly for the state and national championship tournament. Gay has now mentored several California State Champions, two Catholic Forensic League National Champions, and one National Forensic League National Champion. In 2007, Leland High School was chosen as one of only three schools from the hundreds of participants to be honored with the Excellence in Speech and Debate Award. Aside from coaching the Leland High School Speech and Debate Team, Gay also provides learning opportunities for other members of the Leland community. She hosts an annual speech tournament for English as a Second Language Students to help with their speaking skills. Gay also teaches public speaking at Burnett Junior High School and donates her earnings to the Leland Speech and Debate Program. In addition, she was the Area Chairperson for the California High School Speech Association (CHSSA) and was elected to the CHSSA Hall of Fame. Gay has been widely recognized by the community for her excellence. Besides being named as the Teacher of the Year for Leland High School in 1998, Gay was also chosen as the San Jose Unified School District's Teacher of the Year. In 2001, the National Forensics League (NFL) named Gay as the Speech Coach of the Year, and in 2006 she was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. Now in 2007, Gay received her Fifth Diamond from the NFL and continues to inspire the speech and debate community. The impact that Gay has made on her students is immeasurable. Gay regularly receives letters from former students and universities noting her influence and praising her support. Her passion for speech is inspiring to educators and students alike as we are reminded of the enormous importance of public speaking programs in our educational system. Her guidance has been vital in the lives of so many as she shaped not only an immensely successful speech and debate program but also the students within it. I offer my congratulations to Gay Brasher on her distinguished career as the coach of the Leland High School Speech and Debate Program. She has touched a generation of students, and her legacy will live on for many years to come.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, on Monday, July 23, and Tuesday, July 24, I was unavoidably detained due to family medical matters in California and was not present for a number of rollcall votes on those days. Had I been present I would have voted: ``Yea'' on rollcall 687, H.R. 404, the Federal Customer Service Enhancement Act. ``Yea'' on rollcall 688, H. Res. 553, Mourning the passing of former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson. ``Yea'' on rollcall 689, H. Res. 519, Honoring the life and accomplishments of renowned artist Tom Lea on the 100th anniversary of his birth. ``Yea'' on rollcall 690, a Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 558. ``Nay'' on rollcall 691, an amendment offered by Representative Mica to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 692, an amendment offered by Representative Bachmann to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 693, an amendment offered by Representative Flake to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 694, an amendment offered by Representative Flake to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 695, an amendment offered by Representative Chabot to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 696, an amendment offered by Representative Westmoreland to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 697, an amendment offered by Representative Sessions to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 698, an amendment offered by Representative Flake to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 699, an amendment offered by Representative Flake to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 700, an amendment offered by Representative Flake to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 701, an amendment offered by Representative Flake to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 702, an amendment offered by Representative Flake to H.R. 3074. ``Yea'' on rollcall 703, an amendment offered by Representative Hastings (Florida) to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 704, an amendment offered by Representative Frelinghuysen to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 705, an amendment offered by Representative Hensarling to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 706, an amendment offered by Representative Hensarling to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 707, an amendment offered by Representative Hunter to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 708, an amendment offered by Representative Jordan to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 709, an amendment offered by Representative Price (Georgia) to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 710, an amendment offered by Representative Musgrave to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 711, an amendment offered by Representative Price (Georgia) to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 712, an amendment offered by Representative King (Iowa) to H.R. 3074. ``Yea'' on rollcall 713, an amendment offered by Representative Frank to H.R. 3074. ``Nay'' on rollcall 714, a Motion to Recommit H.R. 3074. ``Yea'' on rollcall 715, H.R. 3074, the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation/HUD Appropriations Act.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3093. Mr. Chairman, this is my first year as a member of the CJS Subcommittee. It has been a great experience working under the leadership of Mr. Mollohan and Mr. Frelinghuysen, and I just want to indicate that it has been a good experience because it has been very bipartisan. I wanted to make a couple of comments about law enforcement. Between 2001 and 2006, the funding for State and local law enforcement grants was cut 43 percent during the time when State and local law enforcement agencies have been expected to take on increased homeland security responsibilities. As a result, last year the FBI reported that violent crime has had its biggest increase in over a decade. This bill reverses that trend, making its biggest investment in restoring the State and local grants and funding for the FBI. The bill includes funding to restart the COPS hiring program to put more than 2,800 police officers on the streets to fight crime, and in my district it is critical to be able to address the gang activities out there. I represent Silicon Valley, Mr. Chairman, and it's the home of technological innovation in America, so I'm keenly aware of how innovation is the driving force behind our Nation's economy, and that to keep our economic preeminence in the world, we need to stay on the cutting edge of science and technology. It's been mentioned before, our support for NSF and for NASA, and I support that, and I think that it's a good step in the right direction. And realigning how we budget NASA has made a critical difference, being that it's going from FTEs to mission-oriented budgeting. That's going to make a great big change. In the Department of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, we see a funding increase that restores program cuts that would have been eliminated by the President that included ATP and the Manufacturing Extension Program. These are critical programs to continue to fund if we're going to maintain our edge. NOAA has been funded just over $4 billion, and since climate change is such a big issue, NOAA has a big role in that, and we need to continue to support that group. I'd like to thank, again, the leadership and this opportunity to be part of the committee.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. As an educator and a classroom teacher and as a principal of a public school, working with youngsters who come from different language background, I find the amendment quite counterproductive and a barrier. Many parents feel embarrassed that they can't help their youngsters, and this would only enhance that. If in our system that we're looking to encourage children to go to school and pursue higher education, this would be but a barrier. And I'm sure that you don't want youngsters to be not going to public education system and applying for these kinds of assistance. I have a thought though. And we have Fortune 500 companies in this country. And I just bought a phone. And in the instruction manuals, the instructions are not only in English but it's also in Spanish, French and German. There must be a reason why Fortune 500s do this. It's about customer satisfaction. And if this government is about satisfying those who are here in this country, who are citizens, who are taxpayers then we should be also looking at this kind of mentality.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to address myself to the two gentlemen from New Jersey and from Georgia with a question: Have you ever administered and run a school, a title I school, that has an ESEA program? No. Mr. Chairman, it is really easy to criticize and throw darts at projects or even employment, if you will, when you have no idea of what you are talking about. I was a principal of two elementary schools. Both were title I schools. Both had ESEA funding. The Federal law at that time, it is probably still in existence, said that Federal funding cannot supplant local funding. So if you are saying that this is duplicative, it isn't. It is supplementary. It is to enhance the programs that are already existing. And the Federal Government has the responsibility to help programs and help youngsters in this country. It is common knowledge that the State has the primary responsibility of education in their States, but the Federal Government has responsibility also. And in their good judgment in the past when they established the ESEA programs, they saw the need to help States fulfill their responsibilities. Mr. Chairman, it is probably easy to poke holes into something you don't know anything about. It is probably even easier to criticize something when you have no experience and no one is going to challenge that. Mr. Chairman, I am here to challenge their premise, and would ask my colleagues not to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. I appreciate the three speakers here. I think we are all ex-Peace Corps volunteers. I think the other aspect of AmeriCorps is very much like Peace Corps in that we have invested in folks like ourselves, and the return on the investment has paid many, many times over a service to our country, a service to our community, and I think that the kind of investment that we are looking at in AmeriCorps is the same. And the kinds of monies that have been spent for us as Peace Corps volunteers was what we call subsistence allowance to allow us to be able to do the kind of work we do. Coming home, we have been able to share our experiences and fulfill the third mandate, and that was to return back home and give back to our communities. I suspect that this is the same thing that the young people in the AmeriCorps are experiencing. It's a great investment of tax dollars.

Mr. HONDA. Madam Chairman, it's interesting that folks would be making judgment about what I consider an educational facility. I am a science teacher and a good one. I was a student. I grew up in south Chicago where there were other facilities like the Museum of Science & Industry and the Museum of Natural History, without which, as a youngster, I might have gotten more in trouble if I weren't interested in those facilities. It provided me a place to learn in a very casual way, but it was imprinted in me for my life. The Exploratorium, I went there as a student when I was in grade school, and I remember all the experiences I had there. And as a science teacher, I took my classes there. $300,000 is a very small investment for a facility like this. And by the way, I thought that we were always supportive of public/ private ventures, and this is one of them. This Exploratorium is not a private facility either. It's open to the public for anyone who wishes to visit it and learn from it. Why, even people from Arizona can come and enjoy the kind of instruction that's in there. For me, it was life- long learning as a science teacher. It was a great facility to engage my students and expand their thinking. And so I think that this is a wonderful investment. And in the words of people from Silicon Valley, ``return on investment is what you get.'' Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HONDA. Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. HONDA. Madam Chairman, I'd like to thank the chairman and ranking member for this opportunity. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS, has proposed a national coverage decision memorandum for the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents, ESAs, in cancer and related neoplastic conditions. Recent concerns have been raised by both CMS and the Food and Drug Administration about the use of ESAs in treating anemia that results from chemotherapy. The FDA is currently conducting its own scientific review of the issues. These concerns may be valid for many patients treated with ESAs, but as the FDA noted, they do not apply to all individuals treated for chemotherapy-induced anemia or bone marrow failure diseases. I would ask the chairman to work with me during conference to preserve the Senate language requesting that CMS delay finalizing the proposed decision memo for ESAs for non-renal disease indications until after the FDA has completed its current scientific review.

Mr. HONDA. Thank you. I thank the chairman and ranking member. Madam Chairman, I yield back my time.

Mr. HONDA. Madam Chairman, I rise today to express my support for this bill and my deep appreciation for the leadership of Chairman Obey in the crafting of this bill, the work of the committee staff, and the spirit of bi-partisanship that has marked our subcommittee and full committee proceedings on this bill. Since being elected to Congress, I have worked hard to become a member of this committee and I find it especially gratifying to have had the opportunity to work on this bill. As Mr. Obey is fond of saying, this is the people's bill. It funds the programs which are critical to the health and welfare of millions of my fellow Americans and I feel honored to be a part of taking this country in a new direction. By rejecting the President's request that we cut critical labor, health, and education programs by $7.5 billion, and instead investing in targeted, carefully considered increases, this bill shows the American people Congress is serious about preserving and improving the social fabric of our nation. Although I am disappointed that we were unable to more significantly increase the federal commitment to IDEA, I am glad that the committee protected the program from the President's proposed $291 million cut. I am particularly proud of the increases the bill makes to Title I-- education for the disadvantaged, Title VII--health professions diversity programs, and CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis. The more than $4 billion increase in education funding contained in this bill is desperately needed if we are to continue to lead the world in the decades to come. Our students must have solid educational grounding to succeed in college but just as importantly, they must have the means to afford college. The $2 billion increase in Pell grants will go a long way toward making college a reality for many students. As many of my colleagues know, I have been deeply involved in the effort to bring awareness to the problem of healthcare disparities. Communities of color suffer disproportionately from disparities in healthcare coverage, quality, and outcomes. The investments being made by this bill in Title VII Health Professions programs, particularly the increase in the diversity programs, are vital to increasing the pipeline of minority health professionals in underserved communities. Finally, I would like to highlight the funding crisis that faces CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis. The budget for this Division has remained almost flat since fiscal year 2002 and this has resulted in a serious curtailment of the Division's programs. There are an estimated 30 million people in the United States affected by a liver or liver related disease. Asian Americans face a near epidemic, with 1 out of 10 Asian American and Pacific Islanders infected with chronic hepatitis B. Included in the bill's 7.8 percent increase to the Centers for Disease control, is a $1 million increase for the Division of Viral Hepatitis. This appropriation begins a long overdue reversal of the inadequate budgets given to this Division since fiscal year 2002 and I would like to thank Chairman Obey for acknowledging the need to rectify this situation. Again, I would like to thank Chairman Obey, Ranking Member Walsh, and all my other colleagues on the committee for their hard work and urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HONDA. Madam Chairman, I would like to engage in a colloquy with both the chairman and ranking member on a recent CMS proposed national coverage decision on ESAs.

Mr. HONDA. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, today I rise with the support of my colleague, Hon. Zoe Lofgren, to honor the life of Barbara Jean Campbell, who recently passed away. Barbara dedicated her life to public service and committed herself to expanding educational resources for the community around her. Her persistent efforts to improve the conditions of public libraries as well as the retirement benefits of former public employees have greatly benefited and enriched our community. Barbara Jean Campbell was born on March 3, 1929 in Oakland, California. She remained in the city of Berkeley for her education, attending local primary and secondary schools, and then obtaining her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in economics and library science respectively from the University of California, Berkeley. Barbara began her career in library management at the Berkeley Public Library. Subsequently, she managed a library for the Untied States Air Force in England for three years. After returning to the Berkeley Library, she was recruited by the Santa Clara County Library system, where she served for the remainder of her career. During her tenure at Santa Clara County, Barbara was among the first women to shatter the glass ceiling when she was appointed county librarian in 1973. She oversaw the opening of libraries in Morgan Hill, Campbell, Gilroy, Woodland, Saratoga, Alum Rock, and Milpitas. Furthermore, when Proposition 13 reduced library funds, Barbara played a vital role in keeping the libraries operating smoothly. By the time of her retirement in December 1984, she had left a legacy of eloquence and distinction in every task she undertook. While others may have viewed their retirement as an end to community service, Barbara only gave more of her time and energy to serve the public. She joined the California State Library Foundation's Board of Directors in 1992 and served as secretary of the Board. Although the board meetings were held in Sacramento, Barbara faithfully attended despite the long commute from the Santa Clara Valley. Her understanding of the inner workings of a library and her insight as a former professional library administrator provided skillful guidance for the organization while her enthusiastic personality brightened every meeting. In addition, Barbara devoted numerous hours to the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) of California in both the state and local chapters. In the Local Chapter 31, she served as president for two terms. At the state level, she served as secretary-treasurer from 1990 to 1996. In 1996, she was appointed as President of the State Association, where she oversaw approximately 35,000 members and promoted the mission of RPEA: to preserve, protect, and enhance the retirement benefits of former public employees. After her service as president, she continued to aid the association as Immediate Past President and a member of the RPEA Volunteer Committee. Besides her extensive work in the California State Library Foundation and RPEA, Barbara was also a 50-year member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) where she was an original member of the branch's evening bridge group. As education was a particular interest of hers, Barbara participated in the scholarship committee of various organizations, including Friends of the Campbell Library, California Association of Librarians and Trustees and Commissioners (CALTAC), and the Soroptimist Club. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed playing blackjack in Reno and bridge with AAUW. She was an avid San Francisco giants fan, loved to delve into mystery novels, and often shopped for kitchen appliances. Barbara Jean Campbell passed away on April 11, 2007 at the age of 78. She will be greatly missed by her many friends, including the Dean family, the Holt family, and her three godchildren Ralph Holt, Barbara Rosellini, and David Holt. She left a legacy of benevolence and exemplified the true meaning of service. Throughout her life, Barbara advocated for those that others overlooked. We are forever grateful for her commitment to enhance public resources, and her contributions are proof that one person can make a positive impact on a community.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of G. Gary Letson, who recently passed away in his Los Altos home on July 4, 2007. Gary dedicated his life to education and believed strongly in the power of teaching. His commitment to enriching science and math programs in our local schools has greatly raised the standard of education and inspired numerous students in our community. G. Gary Letson was born on December 27, 1936 in San Diego, California to Neil Elizabeth Buck and Allen George Letson. He attended Hoover High School and then San Diego State University where he was a member of the Sigma Pi organization. As soon as he graduated, Gary began his teaching career and continued to serve his students and his community for the rest of his life. Gary first taught high school science in the Grossmont School District in the San Diego area. He subsequently was named a Fulbright Scholar from 1964 to 1965 and traveled to Taegu University in South Korea, where he instructed biology teachers on more effective teaching methods. In 1967, he returned to the United States and settled in Santa Clara County, where he taught in numerous high schools over the next three decades. During his 30 year tenure at the Fremont Union High School District, Gary taught mathematics and science at Sunnyvale High School, where he mentored me through my first formative teaching experience. Gary provided me with the firm foundation not only to teach the subject math, but to teach the whole child. That meant challenging the school administration on many occasions. I know today while we deal with policy his counsel still echoes in my mind saying, ``Remember the whole child.'' Gary went on to teach at Fremont High School and Monta Vista High School. His passion for his science and math was contagious as he motivated countless students with his innovative teaching methods and enthusiastic pedagogy. Gary treated all his students with the utmost respect and believed strongly in the potential of every young person who walked into his classroom. His sincere concern for his students was apparent in their interactions as he strived not just to teach the material but also to stimulate his students and to create a genuine interest in the subject matter he covered. After retirement in 1996, Gary remained active in the Los Altos School District as a science aide at Almond Elementary School, a tutor at Mountain View High School and as a substitute teacher in the Mountain View and Los Altos High School Districts. Throughout his career, Gary was a strong proponent of outdoor science education programs and worked hard to introduce innovative curriculum to local high schools. His love for ecology and hands on learning reflected his focus on conservation and environmental awareness, a consciousness that he passed on to his students. Besides his extensive work in the local school districts, Gary also faithfully served the community at large since the late 1960s through the Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Sunnyvale. He played a major role in the Our Daily Bread program and also volunteered as a Vestry member and a Senior Warden. He actively assisted the Bible study and outreach programs and was a leader in overseeing church renovations. Gary diligently strove to become an ``international Christian'', ensuring that his every action was consistent with his beliefs. Furthermore, he was active in local community services including the League of Women Voters. After his retirement, he regularly volunteered as a poll worker in elections. G. Gary Letson passed away on July 4, 2007 at the age of 70. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Jan Letson, his son and daughter-in-law Brian and Amy Letson, and his daughter Mary Letson. Gary left a legacy of excellence in teaching and touched the lives of numerous youth. Throughout his life, he believed strongly in the capacity of youth to make a positive impact on the community and thus devoted his life to guiding future generations on the path to success. We are forever grateful for his commitment to education in the math and science departments, and his contributions will continue to benefit our community long into the future.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 426, recognizing 2007 as the Year of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Colombia, and offering support for efforts to ensure that the internally displaced people of Colombia receive the assistance and protection they need to rebuild their lives successfully. This resolution recognizes the UN High Commissioner for Refugees' finding that Colombia's estimated 2-3 million internally displaced persons (IDP) ranks only second to Sudan as the world's largest internally displaced population. As a close ally and strategic partner in Latin America, it is in the deep interest of the United States to assist Colombia's IDPs in rebuilding their lives in a dignified, safe, and sustainable manner. The violence and poor economic situation in the country has disproportionately affected the Afro-Colombian community. Between 1995 and 2005, an estimated 61 percent of Afro-Colombians who received land titles through ``Law 70'' were forcibly displaced from their homes in a deliberate strategy of war by armed groups, many of whom are paramilitaries. In April of this year, my colleagues and I sent a letter to Secretary Rice urging her to ensure that the needs of Afro- Colombians and IDPs are a prime focus of American policy and assistance. It remains our recommendation that initiatives that help develop the capacity of Afro-Colombian communities, including technology transfers, management expertise, global distribution, and economic growth opportunities, and foreign investment that respects the collective land rights of Afro-Colombian communities, would best stabilize the living condition for the impoverished communities. Furthermore, there must be a concerted effort to provide diplomatic and technical support to help secure the return of land to Afro- Colombians and indigenous communities internally displaced by violence, and to increase aid to protection programs. As a newly appointed member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am very pleased to report that the recent State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill for FY2008 includes important language in assisting Colombian IDPs through stronger economic aid. It is our hope that the leadership of the United States through the implementation of progressive programs will finally help heal this open wound on universal human rights. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 426 as we help internally displaced persons of our close ally Colombia rebuild their lives safely and swiftly.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the work of America's librarians and the service of America's libraries. Over the course of American history, libraries have established themselves as national treasures; and not just in the ways that may first come to mind. While it is true that every public library, whether small or large, is a valuable repository of books, periodicals, and electronic media, the greatest asset of all libraries is the people who work there. From local public libraries to the Library of Congress, America's libraries provide vast resources to people of all walks of life. Any individual can go into a public library and know that he or she will be treated with respect and care. Whether library patrons need help with sorting through an avalanche of information resulting from an Internet search, or ideas for a good book to read their child, or encouraging words as they struggle to write their resume or maybe even the next great American novel, librarians are there to provide quality, individualized service. With this in mind, we know that any public institution is only as good as its people. Thus, we are fortunate in the U.S. to have more than 100,000 public libraries serving our residents with experienced, highly skilled librarians. In the 21st century, librarians have established themselves as critical interlocutors between the knowledge we seek and the plethora of locations in which that information resides. It is important to recognize the American Library Association (ALA), which has preserved the functions of our libraries since 1876. The ALA's mission has been ``to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.'' Importantly, the ALA has provided professionals with Master's degree programs at nearly 60 universities all over the country. It is imperative that we recognize the service of our American libraries and their workforce. These institutions have made great contributions to the education and progression of our society. With our continued support, libraries will continue to serve as an important resource for centuries to come.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 50th birthday of Mr. Leo Y. Lee, and to honor his past, present, and future contributions to the Asian-American community. We celebrate his first 50 years, his energy, determination, and lifelong service to our diverse communities. Mr. Lee immigrated to the United States in 1975 from Hong Kong. Mr. Lee attended Vincennes University in Indiana in 1975 and Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art on full tuition scholarships. He became a licensed engineer with a master's degree in mechanical engineering. Mr. Lee was elected president of the Chinese American Association of the City of New York from 1994 through 1996. This group is a fraternal organization of 4,000 Chinese-American managerial and civil service employees for the city of New York. In June 1996, Mr. Lee was selected to participate in the Coro Partnership Leadership Enhancement and Networking Program for his demonstrated leadership, commitment, and community involvement. Since 1996, Mr. Lee has been a member of the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA--New York Chapter. OCA is a national organization that promotes equal opportunity and equal treatment of Asian Americans. Mr. Lee has served as president of the New York Chapter from 1999 through 2002, during which time he advocated for fair treatment and justice for Dr. Wen Ho Lee, mentored Chinatown youth initiatives, a fledgling leadership organization, and organized candidate forums to address the concerns of the Chinese immigrant community. He was elected to the OCA National Executive Council in October 2002 on which he served as the vice president of membership. In 2005, he was the recipient of OCA National Unsung Heroes Award. Today, Mr. Lee continues to serve on the board of directors of OCA's New York chapter. Earlier this year, Mr. Lee was selected to serve on the New York City Council's Discrimination and Harassment Task Force. Mr. Lee is also a loving father, engaged in his community as a parent. In 2006, Mr. Lee was elected a member-at-large of the Parents' Association of Stuyvesant High School. Finally, Mr. Lee has been elected co-president of the Parents' Association for the fall 2007-- spring 2008 school year. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Lee for his leadership and continued service to the community, and wish him a very happy birthday.